Dental Hygiene

Read more about the article Pros and Cons of Mouthwash

Pros and Cons of Mouthwash

Many people use a mouthwash or mouth rinse to freshen their breath and help control tooth decay or plaque. Although most mouthwashes are available over the counter without a prescription, there are still safety concerns when using them. Although many dentists believe that mouthwash is not crucial to your oral health, there are benefits to using it.

Most mouthwashes have basic ingredients, such as water, alcohol, cleaning agents, flavoring, and coloring. There are four types of active ingredients commonly found in a mouth rinse, depending on what their use. Antimicrobials help control bad breath and kill bacteria in the mouth that lead to plaque, gingivitis and halitosis. Fluoride reduces tooth decay and makes your teeth more resistant to decay. Astringent salts are temporary deodorizers to mask bad breath, and odor neutralizers counteract odor-causing compounds.

Pros of using mouthwash

• Fresh breath – It is one of the most obvious benefits of using mouthwash is the minty fresh breath that comes with a swig of it. Many people love the cool, fresh feeling that using mouthwash brings.
• Cut down on cavities – It is absolutely true that rinsing with a fluoride mouthwash can help reduce cavities. There are countless studies on the benefits of fluoride in reducing demineralization and cavities of the teeth.
• Fight gum disease – With periodontal disease (such as gingivitis), gums and tooth sockets can get inflamed or infected because of plaque from bacteria and food that lingers on teeth. An antibacterial mouthwash, like one with alcohol or chlorhexidine, may help prevent periodontal disease.
• Soothe canker sores – Mouthwash can ease a canker sore by detoxing the area, reducing the amount of bacteria that can irritate the site.

Mouthwash cons

Mouthwash is by no means a cure-all. In fact, mouthwash gets bad marks because it:

• Irritates canker sores – If the alcohol content of your mouth rinse is too high, it may actually end up irritating the canker sore more than helping it.
• Masks bad breath – Mouthwash can lead to fresher breath, but it may be short-lived. If a patient has poor oral hygiene and doesn’t brush effectively, there is no amount of mouthwash that can mask the effects of poor health.
• Linked to oral cancer – The debate over whether alcohol-containing mouthwashes are linked to oral cancer continues – it’s an issue that has been discussed since the 1970s with no definitive answers. As of now, some mouth rinses containing alcohol have been accepted widely, after reviewing their effectiveness and safety.

If you have questions about mouthwash and whether or not you should be using it as part of your teeth cleaning routine, talk to your dentist about the best options for you. Remember, mouthwash is not a substitution for brushing and flossing, but may have specific benefits to your particular needs. Non-alcoholic mouthwash is a healthy addition to any oral health care routine.

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Read more about the article Effects of Sports Drinks on Athletes’ Oral Health

Effects of Sports Drinks on Athletes’ Oral Health

Keeping your body healthy is crucial as an athlete. Successful performance demands dedication to training, eating well, and staying hydrated. Although it seems obvious that athletes must consistently care for their bodies, many overlook a crucial part of their health – their teeth.

Maintaining Oral health is as important as strengthening the body for athletic performance. Rising rates of dental problems in active people – from as young as preschool to older adults have caused concern for dental professionals. Sports drinks can cause 3 times more damage to teeth than soda. Even though consuming sports drinks can help improve your performance, it’s important to weigh the risks you are taking to your oral health, too. Here are some crucial facts about the sports drinks:

The most commonly reported dental problems among athletes were tooth decay, gum disease, enamel erosion, and infected wisdom teeth.

Tooth decay – The sugar found in sports drinks adhere to the teeth more than saliva and promote acid production for the oral bacteria, putting you at a higher risk for decay. The enamel and dentine of teeth are weakened and broken down by acids of a pH lower than 5.5. Many sports drinks and intra-workout supplements contain citric acid or malic acid with a pH between 2.4 – 4.5. Instead of gulping down a quick sports drink, athletes often take frequent sips during their workouts, exposing their teeth to harmful levels of acidity and sugar. Because dehydration is a common issue among athletes, having a dry mouth and a decreased salivary flow makes them more vulnerable to tooth decay.

Advice for athletes

Dentists urge athletes to use sports drinks in the following fashion:

• Use sports drinks in moderation, also use fruit juices or soft drinks in moderation because they have the same potential to erode teeth. Water is the best drink for light workouts in which less body fluids are lost.
• Dilute sports drinks with water.
• If possible, use a straw to reduce contact between the drink and teeth. Do not hold the drink in your mouth or swish it around.
• Do not brush your teeth immediately after consuming a sports drink. The acid in sports drinks makes teeth softer and brushing can cause protective enamel to be lost.
• Talk to your dentist about preventative care for your oral health. Find out a healthy hydration regimen for your work out.

You can protect yourself by skipping energy drinks and instead drink water and replenish your electrolytes naturally through foods, such as bananas, peanut butter, seaweed, leafy greens, melons, milk, beans, and whole grains. Contact Expressions Dental to learn more.

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Read more about the article Ways to Prevent Tooth Plaque

Ways to Prevent Tooth Plaque

Plaque is one of the most common complaints that often makes people take a trip to the dentists. Plaque forms when decay-causing bacteria attach to the surface of tooth enamel, forming a sticky film. This can build up and harden around tooth and gum margins. The bacteria living in the plaque release acids that weaken tooth enamel and increase the risk of tooth decay. The bacteria and their acids also raise the risk of gum inflammation.

Bacteria feed on sugary and high carbohydrate foods. Low-sugar diets, containing a balance of complex carbohydrate, proteins and oils, are linked to lower levels of dental plaque. Here’s the list of the best plaque-busters that can help keep your mouth cavity-free.

• Toothpaste – Choose a toothpaste containing ingredients designed to prevent plaque. An anti-bacterial substance called triclosan in toothpastes claims to reduces plaque. Some others contain a plaque-dissolving formula that breaks the bonds attaching plaque to the tooth surface.

• Polyphenols – Green tea, red wine and cranberry juice contain substances called polyphenols that reduce plaque-formation and stop cavity-causing bacteria from sticking to teeth. Polyphenols can also help prevent oral bacteria from producing acids that dissolve tooth enamel.

• Olive oil – Limit plaque-formation and strengthen teeth by adding olive oil to salads and cooking. Olive oil contains oleuropein, an anti-bacterial compound that stops ‘gram negative’ bacteria – the type that cause gum disease and bone loss – from attaching to teeth. Olive oil also covers the teeth with a film of fat molecules that prevents plaque from forming. Other dietary fats and oils also help to neutralize acids produced by bacterial plaque.

• Plaque-busting gum – Chew on gums containing Xylitol or Sorbitol, sugar substitutes that have a plaque-reducing effect. Xylitol cannot be utilized by oral bacteria and they starve. As the bacteria die off, there is a reduction in decay.

• Cleaning tongue – Daily brushing routine should be inclusive of tongue also, apart from the teeth and gums. This is because your tongue has many tiny crevices, where plaque and bacteria can get accumulated easily, causing even bad breath. So, make sure to clean your tongue every time you brush your teeth. You will be rewarded will better oral hygiene, which includes fresher breath.

• Drink lots of water – Water can help you avoid plaque buildup, by washing out the bacteria from your mouth. So, make sure that you drink plenty of water after a meal or a snack, even taking care to swish it around a bit in your mouth.

• Professional help – While plaque-reducing toothpastes, gums and drinks can slow the rate of plaque formation, they are unlikely to eliminate it completely. At home, experts recommend regular flossing to clean out food from between teeth. An electric toothbrush will dislodge plaque more effectively than a regular one. However, if it builds up beneath the gums, it raises the risk of gum disease significantly. And the best way to prevent that is by seeing the dentist or dental hygienist who can remove the deposits with special equipment.

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Read more about the article Oral Health Tips for Fighting Gingivitis

Oral Health Tips for Fighting Gingivitis

Those who faithfully brush their teeth each morning and night might feel as though they’re doing enough to achieve a healthy smile. However, even people with good oral care habits may hear from their dentist or dental hygienist that they have signs of gingivitis, an early form of gum disease. Arming yourself with a better understanding of gingivitis and tools to help fight it can help improve the health of your mouth and make your next dental visit a more positive experience.

How to fight gingivitis:

Gingivitis is a very common early form of gum disease that causes gums to become red, swollen and bleed easily during brushing or flossing. If left untreated, gingivitis can lead to a more serious form of gum disease known as periodontitis, which affects the tissues that surround and support the teeth and represents a major cause of tooth loss in adults.

Fortunately, there are several ways you can protect yourself from gingivitis. Try these techniques between dental visits:

  • Rinse, rinse, rinse! Using a mouth rinse is an important part of your overall oral care routine. Look for a rinse that protects against plaque and gingivitis.
  • Give your mouth the time it deserves. Spending a little more time on your oral health is an easy way to help keep your smile in shape. Make sure to spend at least two minutes brushing, which should include 30 seconds of brushing each section of your mouth (upper right, upper left, lower right and lower left), both morning and night.
  • Get in touch with your toothpaste. Not all toothpastes work the same, so choose one that protects against gingivitis.
  • Check your gums regularly. Look for the warning signs of gingivitis and report them to your dentist right away.
  • See your dentist for regular dental exams, and schedule a professional cleaning to remove stains and built-up tartar.
  • Eat healthy foods for your oral health as well as your overall health. Eating excess sugar is one of the primary causes of dental problems. With the proper nutrients that come from healthy eating and proper oral hygiene, you can fight cavities and gingivitis.
  • Don’t smoke. Smoking is a major contributor to dental problems and may cause oral cancer.

Provided you look after them, your teeth and gums should be healthy. Brush twice daily, floss once a day and see your dentist regularly for optimum oral health.

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Read more about the article Uses and Effects of Fluoride

Uses and Effects of Fluoride

Fluoride is an abundant element on earth’s crust. It is found naturally in soil, water, foods and several minerals.

Fluoride is said to protect the teeth in two ways:

• When bacteria in the mouth combine with sugars they produce acid. This acid can erode tooth enamel and damage our teeth. Fluoride can protect teeth from demineralization that is caused by the acid.
• If there is already some damage to teeth caused by acid, fluoride accumulates in the demineralized areas and begins strengthening the enamel, a process called remineralization.

Fluoride is extremely useful in preventing cavities and making teeth stronger. However, it is much less effective if a cavity has already formed. Several people, especially those at higher risk of tooth decay, benefit from fluoride treatment. Individuals who might benefit from fluoride treatment are the ones with snacking habits, poor dental hygiene, having diets with high sugars or carbohydrates, having history of tooth decay, cavities etc.

Problems with excess fluoride
But, if there is excess fluoride, it could lead to problems. Excessive exposure to high concentrations of fluoride during tooth development (during childhood) can result in tiny white streaks or specks in the enamel of the tooth in mild cases of dental fluorosis. In severe cases of dental fluorosis, the tooth has more evident discoloration and brown markings. The enamel may be rough and pitted, and difficult to clean.

Skeletal fluorosis is a bone disease caused by too much fluoride. In severe cases, there is damage to bones and joints, as well as pain. High fluorine concentrations in the body lead to hardened and less elastic bones, which increases the risk of fractures.

In some cases, the thyroid gland may be damaged, resulting in hyperparathyroidism. In hyperparathyroidism the secretion of parathyroid hormones goes out of control, resulting in depletion of calcium in bone structures and higher-than-normal concentrations of calcium in the blood.

In a nutshell, it is safe to conclude that high doses of fluoride could be harmful, but low doses are beneficial to our health.

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Read more about the article How Diet Helps Your Smile?

How Diet Helps Your Smile?

We have heard several times that we should stay away from sugar and soda for oral health. We tend to focus on the foods we should avoid rather than the foods we should incorporate into our diet. In fact, some of the foods we should eat to keep our teeth healthy and strong. Specifically, we need a few different vitamins to keep our smile healthy.

Deficiency of vitamin B in your diet leads to canker sores and trouble swallowing. Similarly, without vitamin C you’ll have difficulty fighting off infection. Foods like carrots, peppers, strawberries, and kiwi are all good sources of vitamin C. You’ll also need vitamin D to keep your teeth and bones strong and healthy. To get vitamin D, try dairy products. Furthermore, drinking milk will actually help you fight against tooth decay.

However, there are others foods and drinks you should include in your diet. For instance, if you eat apples you’ll increase your saliva flow, which will keep bad bacteria out of your mouth. Similarly, sugar-free gum, celery, and crisp vegetables can increase saliva flow. Unsweetened tea can also fight off bacteria, though sugar can negate the benefit. Finally, remember to drink enough water. Water will wash bacteria from your mouth and keep your smile clean between brushing. Fish and flaxseed are both rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which prevent inflammation and may help protect against gum disease.

As a general rule, you should:

• Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables
• Be sure you eat sufficient calcium from a variety of sources
• Avoid highly acidic foods, which can erode your enamel
• Avoid sugary foods and sodas
• Avoid sticky foods that cling to your teeth
If you are interested in learning more about how your diet can affect your smile, please feel free to contact Expressions Dental. Our team look forward to hearing from you.

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Read more about the article Effect of Acidic Drinks on Kids’ Teeth

Effect of Acidic Drinks on Kids’ Teeth

Fizzy drinks make fuzzy teeth! Keeping teeth healthy for a lifetime means preventing tooth decay and erosion. Though fluoride in community drinking water dramatically reduces the amount of decay in all age groups, tooth erosion is a newer phenomenon and one that is preventable.

What is erosion?
Erosion is the chemical loss of enamel due to acid. Acid is found primarily in soft drinks, sports drinks, juices and acidic foods. Acid reflux, vomiting and other illnesses that produce stomach acid in the mouth can also erode tooth enamel.

How do fizzy drinks make fuzzy teeth?
When acid continuously attacks teeth, they cannot repair themselves and will gradually begin to turn fuzzy and dissolve. Dentists consider every sip of a low pH drink an acid attack. Even one bottle of soda or a single sports drink, if sipped over hours, can do extensive, irreversible damage to tooth enamel. If high acidity drinks are consumed, it is not simply a matter of having a child clean their teeth an hour or 30 minutes later and hoping they’ll be okay – the damage is already done. Normally, there’s a balance between acids and protective mechanisms in a healthy mouth. But, once that balance is shifted in favor of the acids, regardless of the type of acid, teeth become damaged.

Often, children and adolescents grind their teeth at night, and they can have undiagnosed reflux, which brings with it acidity from the stomach. Combined with drinks high in acidity, this creates a triple threat to young people’s teeth which can cause long-term damage.

What can I do to prevent fuzzy teeth?
STOP the continuous acid and sugar attack on your teeth by limiting the quantity of soft drinks and sports drinks and instead choosing healthy drinks such as milk and water. Reduce the size of the drink and use a straw to draw the damaging liquid away from your teeth. Food consumed with acidic drinks can often help counteract acid attacks. Most important is to brush your teeth with fluoridated toothpaste before bed to reduce bacteria and to help harden your enamel. Wait at least one hour after drinking an acidic drink to brush your teeth to allow your saliva to begin the repair process. Drinking and swishing with water can also help.

Those with orthodontic appliances need to brush as soon as possible to remove food particles and plaque. They are at the greatest risk of decalcification and should limit soft drinks and sports drinks.

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Read more about the article Embarrassed To Show Teeth When Smiling?

Embarrassed To Show Teeth When Smiling?

Are you embarrassed to show your smile due to crooked, stained teeth, gum disease or bad breath?

Think about the following options:

1. Teeth whitening – It is a way to remove stains, bringing your teeth to a whiter color. Many dentists use in office whitening such as zoom, but there are also take home options available

2. Braces – Many people did not get orthodontic care growing up due to various factors. Now that they are adults, they may want to correct crooked teeth. Traditional braces or Invisalign are options available

3. Treatment for bad breath – No one wants to admit they have bad breath and sometimes we don’t even realize we do. The causes of bad breath can be from a variety of reasons, whether it be gum disease, tooth decay, sickness or personal habits. Each of these can be treated; if you come in for an appointment we can diagnose the best course of action, whether it be gum disease treatment, filling, root canal treatment, diet management or even to be referred to a specialist. Bad breath shouldn’t stop you from smiling anymore.

4. Veneers – Sometimes we don’t want to have to go through the whole process of braces just to close a gap and so an option to achieve a closed gap is to use porcelain veneers. Veneers can be used not only for closing a gap between teeth, but can also whiten stained or dis·col·or teeth or cover cracks, chips or serrations.

5. Regular dentist visits and teeth cleaning – The general perception of a dental visit is that the experience is painful and ends up being expensive. The thing is, the longer we leave an appointment the worse our dental hygiene becomes; meaning a higher likelihood of decay, gum disease, bad breath etc. The more regularly we visit a dentist the higher the likelihood of identifying problems early or potential problems

As can be seen, many of the things that keep us from smiling can be easily avoided or fixed. You don’t have to live in pain or discomfit as there are many options available to make you smile again. Not everybody is eligible for zoom, Invisalign, or veneers. For more information regarding your dental health, contact Expressions Dental.

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Read more about the article Connection between Oral and Overall Health

Connection between Oral and Overall Health

Although seeing a dentist is no substitute for a visit to a physician, regular dental checkups can reveal much about your overall health. If a dentist finds a potential health issue, he or she can refer you to a physician for follow-up.

Studies have shown that people with moderate or advanced gum (periodontal) disease are more likely to have cardiovascular disease (CVD) or heart disease than those with healthy gums. Although gum disease seems to be associated with heart disease, more studies are needed. But we do know that regular dental checkups, professional cleanings and good oral hygiene practices can improve oral health and that good oral health contributes to good overall health.

Studies show that people with diabetes are more susceptible to tooth loss and the development of gum (periodontal) disease and other oral health problems. Diabetes can slow the healing process and lower resistance to infections, including oral infections. Maintenance of good oral health through regular dental visits and appropriate treatment of gum problems is critical for people with diabetes.

Dentists also screen for oral cancer and other cancers of the head and neck, including skin cancer, cancer of the jaw bone and thyroid cancer, during routine checkups. Survival rates greatly increase if oral cancer is discovered earlier and treated. During your dental visit, you can ask your dentist to do an oral cancer screening. Also, periodic self-examinations can increase your chances of detecting oral cancer, so be sure to examine your face, cheeks, jaw and neck regularly for any changes or lumps.

Several studies have shown an association between periodontal disease and an adverse outcomes in pregnancy such as premature deliveries, fetal growth restrictions, and other complications.

The oral cavity may serve as a source for early detection for other medical concerns. For example, lesions in the mouth may be the first indication of HIV infection and may be used to determine the staging and progression of AIDS.

Visiting a dentist regularly can help you maintain your oral health. A dentist’s exam may detect poor nutrition and hygiene and oral cancer, as well as provide clues to your overall health and well-being. Also, brush and floss every day.

It is important for you and your family to provide your dentist with complete medical and dental histories and to inform your dentist of any recent health developments, including the use of over-the-counter medications and diet supplements, even if they seem unrelated to oral health. Why? Because some health conditions can even affect how dental care is provided.

References:

  • Stewart R, West M. Increasing Evidence for an Association between Periodontitis and Cardiovascular Disease. Circulation 2016.
  • Luo H, Pan W, Sloan F, Feinglos M, Wu B. Forty-Year trends in Tooth Loss Among American Adults with and without Diabetes Mellitus: An Age-Period Cohort Analysis. Prev Chronic Dis 2015;12:150309
  • Paquette D. Periodontal Disease and the Risk for Adverse pregnancy outcomes. Grand Rounds in Oral-Sys Med 2006; 4:14-24.
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Read more about the article Which Toothbrush is Better, Electric or Manual?

Which Toothbrush is Better, Electric or Manual?

With correct brushing technique optimal results can be achieved with both electric and manual toothbrushes. If someone is doing really well with a manual brush and not having any problems with plaque or brushing too hard, there is little to gain from switching to an electric toothbrush.

When electric brush may be better?

An electric toothbrush can be a great alternative to a manual toothbrush, especially if you have arthritis or other conditions that make it difficult to brush well. An electric toothbrush designed especially for children with colorful pictures and music can make it easier to get kids brushing their teeth. Its bristle movement might even help you remove more plaque from your teeth and improve your gum health.

If you choose to use an electric toothbrush, make sure the toothbrush is comfortable to hold and easy to use. Your dentist might suggest a model with a rotating-oscillating head or a head that uses ultrasonic pulses to move the bristles. Other features, such as adjustable power levels, timers and rechargeable batteries, are optional. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions about when to replace the head to ensure the toothbrush continues working effectively.

Whether you choose an electric toothbrush or a manual toothbrush, remember that what’s most important is daily brushing and flossing. Move around the teeth gradually in a systematic fashion. Don’t just brush randomly in all sorts of places, start in one area and work your way around. Do it in a systematic fashion so you know you are going to be thorough.

No matter which toothbrush you choose, the rules for maintaining oral hygiene are the same and brushing technique will always be of the utmost importance.

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