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Risk Factors of Gum Disease

Gum disease is inflammatory and affects tissues surrounding and supporting your teeth. It is also one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults. You may not have experienced gum disease as of yet, but here are some factors that put you at risk.

1. Smoking/using tobacco products. This “hobby” is one of the most significant factors that lead to the development of gum disease. According to the CDC, smokers have twice the risk of developing gum disease compared to non-smokers. The more you smoke and the longer you smoke, the greater that risk becomes. This isn’t just for cigarette smokers; this also applies to users of pipes and smokeless tobacco.

2. Those with diabetes are at a high risk of developing infections for many diseases, including gum disease.

3. Hormonal changes. In females, hormonal changes can make gums more sensitive and more prone to develop gum disease. Various other illnesses and treatments. Illnesses such as AIDS, including its treatment forms, can negatively impact the health of your gums, so can cancer treatments.

4. Certain medications. There are many prescription and over-the-counter meds that can reduce the flow of saliva, which helps protect the mouth. With a reduced amount of saliva, the mouth can easily fall victim to infections, including gum disease. Certain meds can also create an abnormal overgrowth of gum tissue, which makes cleaning teeth and gums more difficult than usual.

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Warning Signs of Gum Disease

Periodontal disease is inflammatory and affects tissues surrounding and supporting your teeth. Gum disease is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults. How does it form? When food becomes trapped in the space between our teeth and gums, bacteria builds up as plaque due to failing at brushing and flossing as we should.

The plaque advances harden, and turns into tartar. When plaque extends below the gum line, the gums become infected. This is known as gingivitis; if left untreated, it will turn into periodontitis, which is where gums pull away from the teeth, forming pockets that become infected. Plaque spreads below the gum line as your body fights the bacteria. Bone and connective tissues that hold teeth in place are likely to be broken down with bacteria, causing teeth to become loose or fall out.

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Four Ways Drinking Water Helps Improve a Smile

There are so many benefits to drinking water. Maintaining hydration helps our bodies distribute nutrients, removes waste, keeps our muscles moving, and helps provide a healthy glow for our skin. Our teeth also see many benefits from water consumption. Here are four ways drinking water helps improve that beautiful smile on your face.

1. Water makes our teeth stronger. Fluoride, when used in drinking water, helps prevent tooth decay. Fluoride is also found in tap water.

2. Water helps clean our mouth. Drinking water helps wash away food particles and residue left behind after each meal or snack. Bacteria that reside in your mouth love to consume sugar and produce acid, which can wear away at tooth enamel. Water helps dilute these acids, while juice, soda, and sports drinks can leave unwanted sugar behind to help feed the bacteria.

3. Water prevents dry mouth. Saliva is 99% water; when you’re low on saliva, you experience dry mouth. This condition makes it difficult to swallow and chew. Saliva is also your mouth’s top defense against tooth decay. Like water, it washes away food particles while providing calcium, phosphate, and fluoride to your teeth. When you’re low on saliva, you’re at a higher risk of tooth decay, so it’s important to stay hydrated with water.

4. Water is zero calories. The more sugary drinks you consume, the more you’re at risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Water has zero sugar and zero calories, so it’s safe to say it is the healthiest drink for your teeth.

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Five Easy Ways to Prevent Cavities

The second most common disease in America is tooth decay. One in four adults has cavities and unfortunately doesn’t treat this issue. As for teens, more than half of the population has had cavities. Needless to say, it’s important to brush and floss your teeth every day to maintain healthy teeth and gums. Here are five easy ways to prevent cavities.

1. Find out your risk level. The best way to determine your risk of developing cavities is by having a comprehensive dental exam. Your dentist will be able to tell you your chances of developing cavities and which treatments will be best for you. They can also suggest changes in oral hygiene and in your diet that will help decrease the risk. Dental exams are quite beneficial, as they will also determine how often you will need to visit.

2. Brush, brush, brush. It’s no secret that brushing your teeth is beneficial to good oral hygiene. Tooth decay is caused by the microbes in our mouths feeding on sugars in the food and drinks we consume and leaving waste behind in the form of dental plaque. The plaque permits the bacteria to stay in your teeth longer than usual. Acids have then created that wear down tooth enamel and create cavities. Brush after meals and before you go to bed and don’t be afraid to use an antimicrobial mouthwash after each brushing.

3. Drink more water. Your risk of cavities increases with the excessive consumption of coffee, tea, and soda. Coffee especially, since most of us add sugar, milk, and syrups to make the drink even sweeter. Drink water in between sugary drinks to prevent saliva from becoming overly sugary and damaging your teeth. It is also better to drink sugary drinks through a straw to help keep the liquids off of your teeth and out of your saliva. Water with fluoride is a great drink to consume to help prevent cavities. Staying hydrated is important; it helps our body create nutrients, get rid of waste, provide a healthy glow for our skin, and assist muscles in moving.

4. Don’t forget to floss. Many overlook this step, deeming it as unnecessary when cleaning your teeth. The fact of the matter is our teeth have five sides; brushing only cleans three sides, so you’re missing about half of your teeth by not flossing. Flossing is simple and takes very little time to complete. It is recommended to do this after a meal and before bed, but you can do this while on-the-go as well.

5. Say goodbye to tobacco products. Smoking can stain your teeth and can also lead to gum disease, tooth loss, and oral cancer.

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Bad Dental Habits You Should Change

When you hear the words “bad dental habits,” what do you think of? We all are capable of committing them, even those of us who brush twice a day, floss on a regular basis, and maintain appointments with our dentist. It is these bad habits mentioned below that can overshadow all of the good habits we practice when it comes to our dental health.

1. Crunching on hard foods. While some of us may enjoy eating ice, this can cause hard to spot fractures in the surface of the teeth’s enamel, which can lead to issues that are much worse if the problem goes unresolved. We aren’t saying you have to quit eating ice, but try to get crushed ice if possible since the pieces are smaller. Popcorn kernels also cause fractures, as well as fruit pits. Aim for healthier snacks to crunch on, such as celery or carrots.

2. Slurping on soda. It is common knowledge that sugar-filled sodas are not good for our teeth, as the sugar and acid cause tooth decay. If you drink soda, try to sip through a straw so there is a reduced amount of soda coming into contact with your teeth. Position the straw toward the back of your mouth; do not rest it against your teeth.

3. Using your teeth to open things. Are you one of those people who use their teeth to open chip bags, rip off clothing tags, etc.? This can cause your teeth to chip and/or fracture. Use the tools made to open items, such as scissors.

4. Teeth grinding. Some of us grind our teeth due to stress and/or anxiety, but this is mainly caused by an abnormal bite or from missing or crooked teeth. Teeth grinding causes your teeth to wear down, so talk to your dentist about wearing a mouth guard. These can be purchased over-the-counter or your dentist can make you a custom piece. In addition to the mouth guard, you can also cut back on food and drinks containing caffeine and cut back on alcohol. Refrain from chewing on items that aren’t food, such as pencils or pens. If the mouth guard isn’t an option for you, you can try to position the tip of your tongue between your teeth during the day. At nighttime, wet a cloth in warm water and press it against your cheek in front of your earlobe. These two methods help train your jaw muscles to relax.

5. Using the wrong toothbrush. Some believe that a hard bristled toothbrush is better for cleaning our teeth. This is false, especially for those older in age. As we grow older, our gums push back and the roots of our teeth become exposed. This increases our level of sensitivity. Tooth roots are covered with cementum and this wears away easier than enamel. Hard bristled brushes irritate the gums, leading to sensitive teeth.

6. Not having a regular cleaning routine. Brush twice a day, replacing your brush every three or four months. Floss every day and use antiseptic rinses (these help prevent gum disease, bad breath, and tooth decay) once or twice a day.

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How to Have a Happy, Cavity-Free Halloween

For many, especially children, Halloween is the most wonderful time of the year. Costumes, Jack-o-lanterns, scary movies… Did we mention candy? So much candy, in fact! While it’s tempting to indulge in all this month’s treats have to offer, don’t overdo it and trick yourself into getting cavities! Here are some ways to have a better Halloween without depriving yourself completely.

1. Choose wisely. When it comes to picking out candy, select the options that are the least harmful to the teeth. Refrain from caramels, hard candies, and items that are acidic and chewy. Chocolate is the better choice here, as this type of candy can be swallowed easily and doesn’t stick to our teeth.

2. Limit your sugar intake. This applies not only at Halloween, but also all year round. Mini candy bars are okay, as they don’t contain as much sugar as their larger counterparts. Try to stay away from hard or sticky candies, such as fruit snacks, caramels, and lollipops. These increase the amount of time the teeth is exposed to sugar. Eat a small amount, followed by a glass of water and then brush your teeth after. Don’t graze; this only increases the amount of time your teeth come in contact with sugar. Eat and enjoy in moderation.

3. Go out on a full stomach. If you’re going to a Halloween party or if you’re taking your child and/or family member trick-or-treating, go on a full stomach. This will help you resist the urge to binge on sweets.

4. Don’t forget the fluoride. Fluoride toothpaste can significantly reduce the damage caused by tooth decay. Brush twice a day for at least two minutes with a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste; you can also follow up with a fluoride rinse.

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Tips to Consider When Traveling

If you’re planning to go out of town on a business trip or if you’re taking that vacation of a lifetime, we’re sure you have a lengthy checklist of things to accomplish before jet-setting out of town. Here are some tips to consider in regards to your teeth.

1. Schedule a checkup before leaving. If it has been a while since you’ve had a cleaning, now is the time to make an appointment. A thorough examination will let you know if any issues are present; if so, they can be taken care of immediately and your trip will be free of that burden.

2. Keep your dentist’s contact info with you. Keep their card in your wallet or their number in your phone. Anything can happen while you’re away, including a dental emergency. If you’re traveling outside of the US and an emergency occurs, as the local consulate or US embassy for a recommendation as to who is best in that particular country.

3. Be prepared if you forget your toothbrush. While you can always buy a new one once you’ve arrived at your location, you can also rinse vigorously with water. This will wash away the bacteria that create cavities. You can also use your finger or a washcloth as a fill-in toothbrush, applying a small amount of toothpaste and cleaning just as you would at home.

4. Store your toothbrush properly. It’s easy to let your toothbrush air dry at home, but that may not be an option when traveling. Pack some re-sealable plastic bags with you to store your toothbrush. This will keep your toothbrush clean and free from contacting other things in your suitcase. Once you’ve arrived at your destination, open the bag and let your toothbrush air dry.

5. If flying, take a pack of gum with you. Sugarless gum is great for relieving ear pressure that occurs during flights while fighting your chances of developing cavities. Chewing gum causes saliva to flow, which washes away the bacteria that cause cavities. Look for the American Dental Association (ADA) seal on the pack.

6. Use bottled water in dangerous areas. If you know the area you’re in has a compromised supply of water or if you’re camping and don’t want to risk using stream water, use bottled water to complete the job. If you get the possibly contaminated water onto your toothbrush, buy a new one or rinse it thoroughly with bottled water so you aren’t at risk of developing an illness.

7. When you return, go back to your regular routine. Often while traveling, we indulge in things that we may not do so often at home. Whether it’s trying an abundance of desserts or different foods or simply not brushing enough or flossing, it happens to all of us. What’s important is that you return to your routine once you come home.

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Helpful Tips to Remember

1. Strive for healthy, not perfect. When it comes to your teeth, it’s always best to keep health as the top priority. Everyone’s smile is unique, but not everyone’s teeth are healthy.

2. Self-care at home is extremely important. It’s recommended to visit your dentist every six months for a checkup/cleaning. The rest is left up to you! While it’s possible for cavities or other issues to arise, it’s up to you to maintain your teeth. Create a hygiene routine that works for you and stick to it, preferably one that includes brushing for two to three minutes twice a day after meals and flossing at least once a day.

3. Alignment is more important than having straight teeth. If you’re experiencing difficulty in chewing if you’ve frequently bitten your lips or cheeks if there is crowding or too much space between your teeth if you’re clenching or grinding if your teeth are protruding… All of these are signs that your teeth aren’t properly aligned. While braces and other forms of orthodontic treatment can give you straight, evenly spaced teeth, they are most often used to help with alignment.

4. Don’t feel insecure about your gap. Pay no attention to what’s “fashionable” or how society feels in regards to the gap in your teeth. As long as your teeth are properly aligned, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t be proud of the smile you have been given. After all, it makes you the beautiful person that you are.

5. It’s part of our job to check your gums. When attending your cleaning/checkup, you may not always feel comfortable with us thoroughly inspecting your gums. Tenderness and bleeding can both occur in some patients. We promise we aren’t trying to make your visit terrible! We are making sure all is as it should be and that you leave our office in a healthy manner. Why you ask? Because gum disease affects almost half of adults over age 30 in America and it’s our job to make sure you aren’t one of them.

6. Don’t over-whiten your smile. It’s tempting to obtain that “Hollywood-esque” smile by using whitening toothpaste, whitening mouthwash, whitening strips, etc. Don’t go overboard in seeking bright and shiny teeth. If used too frequently, you can endanger your teeth by making them extra sensitive, irritating the gums, and/or exposing them to chemical burns. Whitening excessively can also wear down tooth enamel, causing decay.

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Easy Self-Care Tips for Your Teeth

Keeping up with your dentist appointments is important for maintaining a beautiful smile, but did you know there are steps you can take at home as well? Here some tips to follow to keep that smile of yours sparkling like new.

1. Clean twice a day. Yes, it’s true – brushing your teeth at least twice a day is important! This should occur after meals. Toothbrushes with smaller heads allow you to easily access the back teeth; ones with soft bristles are even better, as these are gentle on gums.

2. Clean with fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride is great protection and cleaning agent, as it hardens tooth enamel and helps prevent decay.

3. Don’t rush while cleaning. An effective cleaning takes between two to three minutes.

4. Don’t forget to floss. Whether you prefer floss sticks or actual floss string, take your time with this, cleaning in a gentle sawing motion.

5. Be cautious with acidic drinks. This includes sodas, alcoholic beverages, and juices. These have a tendency to soften teeth and dissolve the minerals found in tooth enamel, creating cavities.

6. Be careful with sweets. If you consume a lot of sugary foods, you may be at risk of cavities. The bacteria found in dental plaque changes sugars into acids, which eat away at the tooth’s enamel.

7. If you play sports, protect your teeth. Always use a mouth-guard or a full-face helmet.

8. Use your teeth to chew food ONLY. Don’t try to crack nuts, remove bottle caps or tops, or try to break open packaging seals with your teeth. These can easily cause your teeth to chip or break.

9. Visit your dentist as scheduled. Did we mention it’s important to keep all appointments? Stay on track with your cleanings and call us if you’re experiencing any issues.

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