Your smile is one of the first things that people notice about you. One way to make a lasting impression is to have a healthy-looking smile. Over the years, teeth whitening has become immensely popular. People turn to in-office whitening, over-the-counter whitening, and home-made whitening techniques. Did you know that there are ways to keep your smile white with just small changes to your daily routine? Read the tips below to keep your smile looking pearly white.
Brush and Floss
To keep your mouth clean, healthy, and stain-free, brush and
floss your teeth at least twice a day. Brush your teeth after drinking coffee,
tea, soda, or red wine to help fight discoloration.
Diet
Some of the food and drinks you are consuming may cause your
teeth to look dull or stained. Wine, coffee, tea, soft drinks, and berries all
contain substances that stain teeth. Chromogens are molecules found in all of
these items that stick to the enamel of your teeth causing a dull look.
Quit Smoking
Smoking is not only bad for your heart and lungs, it is also
bad for your mouth and teeth. Smoking causes tooth discoloration, increased
plaque buildup, gum disease and more.
Visit Your Dentist
Dental cleanings and exams are an important part in keeping
your teeth healthy and bright. You may need frequently follow up visits based
on your oral health care. Don’t forget to schedule an appointment twice a year.
Even if you do use in-office whitening or over-the-counter
products, your teeth need extra care to keep up with the initial results. By
flossing, lifestyle changes, and regular dental visits your teeth will be
looking bright.
A happy smile is a healthy smile! There are a number of steps you can take to keep your smile healthy by reducing your risk of developing tooth decay. Here are a few suggestions from our team.
Eat a Tooth Friendly Diet
Reduce the amount of sugars and
carbohydrates in your diet. Decay-causing bacteria in the mouth feed on these
substances.
We suggest you reduce grains, beans,
seeds, and nuts in your diet when possible. These foods can lead to
demineralization of your teeth and bones due to their acidic content. Consider adding
foods high in minerals and vitamins to your diet such as apples, leafy greens,
celery, or carrots.
Brush, Floss, Rinse, Repeat
Routine brushing at least twice a day
followed by flossing and a mouth rinse is the optimal at home dental care
routine. Brush for at least two minutes in the morning and at night. Use a soft
bristle toothbrush that is small enough to reach every tooth.
Dental Sealants
Children often get dental sealants to
protect the hard-to-reach teeth in the back of their mouths. However, dental
sealants can benefit adults and those who have a higher risk of decay. Dental
sealants are a layer of plastic-like material that coats the top surface of the
tooth. Sealants protect the crevices in the tooth where bacteria reside and
minimizes exposure of the tooth to harmful acids and sugars that wear down
enamel.
When left untreated, tooth decay can cause
discomfort and spread to other healthy teeth. You can combat tooth decay by
reducing sugars and acids in your diet and brushing and flossing regularly. For
some patients, dental sealants might be a solution.
Don’t forget to schedule your next visit to our office. Our team can provide a professional cleaning and check for signs of tooth decay.
There are over 12 million new cases of cancer diagnosed each year. There are a large variety of different kinds of cancer, some of which are more preventable than others. It might seem obvious that brushing and flossing each day as well as avoiding tobacco can help protect you from oral cancer. However, there are types of oral cancer and other cancers that can be prevented through optimal oral care as well.
Dental Care and Oral
Cancer
While it’s long been known that tobacco and heavy alcohol
use are the main causes of oral, head, and neck cancer, poor oral health has
recently been added to the list. A 2007 study published in American Journal of Epidemiology found that poor mouth health and
missing teeth were strongly linked to the development of oral cancer. Likewise,
patients with healthy smiles were found to be far less likely to develop oral
cancer. If you have been diagnosed with oral cancer, know that common oral
health problems such as gum disease and tooth decay could be making the
condition worse. Visiting our dental office regularly for professional
cleanings, examinations, and oral cancer screenings to help catch signs of oral
cancer early and make treatment easier and more effective.
Oral Health and Other
Cancers
Poor oral health has been shown to be tied to other types of
cancers outside of the mouth. For example, a recent study conducted by NYU
Langone Health’s Perlmutter Cancer Center found that certain types of bacteria
in patients with gum disease was tied to a higher risk of developing esophageal
cancer. While esophageal cancer only accounts for 1% of new cancer cases
diagnosed annually, over 90% of patients will die of the disease. Untreated gum
disease opens up the tissues around the teeth to bacterial infection, allowing these
harmful bacteria to enter the bloodstream and infect other parts of the
patient’s body. Maintaining optimal oral health can help protect you from this
threat.
Your oral health effects much more than just your mouth. If you’re not taking care of your teeth, tongue, and gums, you could significantly increase your risk of developing cancer without even realizing it. If you’d like to learn more about the connection between oral health and cancer, contact our dental team to schedule an examination and cleaning today!
Blood thinning medications are helpful in regulating your body to prevent heart attacks, strokes, and other serious issues. However, if you are scheduled for oral surgery, it is vital that our oral surgeon is aware of all medications you are using.
How Blood Thinners
Work
There are two types of blood thinners. The first type works
to prevent blood clotting. Medications ranging from aspirin to Plavix fit into
this category. The other type of blood thinners work to prevent blood from
coagulating; Coumadin or warfarin accomplish this.
What Our Oral Surgeon
Should Know
When you have your oral surgery consultation appointment, be
sure to share with us any medications you are taking. We need to have your
complete medical history to ensure your safety and proper treatment. Our
dentist might also ask you the purpose of each medication you are taking to
better understand any side-effects or other medical issues that could affect
your oral surgery.
Steps to Take Before Surgery
Never stop any medication without consulting your doctor.
Depending on your medical history, your doctor might suggest specific blood
tests before having oral surgery. Communication is key, both between you and
your primary physician, and between you and our office. If your treatment
requires additional medication to be taken, ask about potential drug
interactions.
Steps to Take to
Minimize Oral Bleeding
Bleeding resulting from oral surgery can occur, but each
patient will have different results. The most effective way to minimize oral
bleeding is to firmly apply pressure to the area for up to 30 minutes. Gauze is
recommended for applying gentle pressure to stop bleeding. Depending on the oral
surgery procedure, we may ask you to refrain from drinking hot liquids and
rinsing your mouth for the first day. We suggest avoiding rough or sharp foods
that might cut your mouth.
Prior to having any oral surgery, it is important that our
experienced surgical team has a thorough knowledge of your medical history.
This enables us to find the best possible solutions for your needs, while
ensuring your safety.
If you have any questions about medications and oral surgery, contact our office.
Men, dental examinations and treatment are important for you, too. Did you know according to the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), by age 72 men lose an average of 5 teeth? That number jumps to 12 if you are also a smoker. Here’s what you need to know about keeping your mouth healthy. Follow these tips and you can beat the odds stacked against men and their oral health.
The Basics
Men are more likely than women to suffer from periodontal,
or gum, disease. Men also have a higher risk of developing oral cancer and
throat cancer, and men tend to lose more teeth than women. A poll conducted by
the AGD found that 45% of men who responded felt there was no need for them to
visit the dentist. This is a troubling statistic for a group more prone to oral
health issues. A visit to our office can help us identify problems early.
Risk Factors
Certain medications can directly impact your teeth. Others
can cause side effects such as dry mouth, which decreases saliva. Saliva is
important in keeping your teeth’s enamel strong. Smoking or chewing tobacco,
including smoking electronic cigarettes, have been linked to increasing your
risk of developing oral cancer and other oral health issues. If you play
sports, especially football or hockey, get fitted with a mouth guard to protect
your teeth from extensive damage. You should avoid or limit energy drinks and
sports drinks, as these contain acids and sugars that can lead to decay.
Periodontal Disease
Men are at a higher risk for developing periodontal, or gum,
disease. Periodontal disease is caused by a buildup of hardened plaque on teeth
and gums. This buildup, known as tartar, can inflame your gums. Studies have
linked periodontal disease to increasing your risk for strokes, heart attacks,
diabetic complications, and more. If your gums are red, bloodied, or sore, you
should make an appointment to see us. Our experienced, professional dental team
will assess your gum health and work to find a treatment for you.
Take These Steps at
Home
A visit to our office will provide you with a complete
dental examination and cleaning, but you should also practice good oral hygiene
each day at home. This starts by brushing your teeth twice each day, for two
minutes each time. When you brush, use an appropriate toothpaste. Ask our team
if you are not sure what kind of toothpaste is best for you. Make sure you are
also using dental floss. Taking care of your teeth at home will make your next
visit to see us easier.
Men, your teeth are important so take good care of them.
Practice good brushing and flossing habits at home. Reduce your risk of
developing decay and oral disease by cutting back on sugary or acidic drinks,
avoiding tobacco and smoking, and keeping our office up to date on any
medications you are using. Get into the habit of coming to our office
regularly, your smile depends on it.
For more tips on keeping your mouth healthy or to schedule your next dental examination, please contact our office.
The
human body is a network of interconnected systems and organs. Unfortunately,
issues that impact one particular area of your body can also effect the health
and function of other areas. Recently, studies have highlighted evidence for
links between gum disease and heart disease.
While
the exact nature of the connection is still being researched, heart disease is
almost twice as likely to occur in people who have gum disease. Nearly half of
all Americans have undiagnosed gum disease. In the United States, heart disease
is the leading cause of death, making it pertinent that you maintain a healthy
heart. The first key to doing so might lie in keeping your gums healthy.
While
gum disease may be a contributing factor to heart disease, it is not the only
cause. It is essential that you maintain regular visits to your primary care
physician as well to measure your overall health. Other factors and lifestyle
choices can impact your heart health.
Diet
and exercise.
Maintain an active lifestyle with activities you enjoy, such as taking walks,
riding bikes, playing sports, or doing yoga. Avoid foods high in starches and
sugars, including carbonated soft drinks, as they can also damage your teeth.
Don’t
smoke.
Whether you’re smoking or vaping, nicotine has a detrimental effect on your
cardiovascular system and can damage teeth, gums, and lungs. Recent studies
have connected vaping to a rapid loss in healthy cells that line the top layer
of your mouth. These cells play an essential role in keeping your mouth
healthy.
Brush
your teeth.
The most basic part of oral hygiene is also the most effective. Make sure you
brush and floss at least twice a day.
By
keeping a balanced, exercising regularly, and taking care of your teeth, you’re
taking a holistic approach to your well-being and minimizing your risk of
developing heart disease.
As
with other diseases, preventing gum disease alone will not completely remove
the risk of developing heart disease. However, you can take a proactive
approach to keeping your body healthy, starting with your oral health.
Is anxiety or nervousness preventing you from visiting our
team? Dental treatments should not be a cause of stress. If you worry about
pain, embarrassment, or loss or control during a dental examination, we want
you to know two very important things: You are not alone and We can
help.
Dental Anxiety Is Common
Research has shown that most patients experience some degree of anxiety when visiting
the dentist. Between 10 and 20% of the general population encounters such a
high level of stress and nervousness that they ignore oral healthcare
altogether. This can increase the risk of developing severe oral health
complications, requiring additional care.
In many cases, dental anxiety has two main causes. First,
patients may have had a negative experience in the past, leaving them
apprehensive towards their next appointment. Second, is through influence. This
is particularly true for children. Children learn through imitation and are
influenced by their parents. If you dread going to the dentist, your child may
pick up on the behavior and develop similar fears.
Our Team Can Help
The first action you can take is to let our team know about your feelings of
nervousness and anxiety. We have a number of techniques to help you feel more
comfortable and relaxed. Our compassionate team is always open to discussing
your options with you.
We will consult you regarding what your visit will entail,
and work together to find a comfortable pace at which you feel comfortable.
If nervousness, stress, fear, or anxiety have caused you to
skip appointments or avoid dental care completely, please contact our team.
Dentistry is constantly evolving by offering new technology and treatment
methods with patient safety and comfort in mind. Talk to our team about your
fears or concerns and allow us to work with you. Ignoring your oral health can
have serious repercussions and lead to more necessary treatments.
It’s common knowledge that plenty of beverages are not good for
your health. The excessive amounts of sugar, caffeine, or alcohol found in a
lot of popular drinks have well-documented impacts on your body. However, you
may not be aware of the immediate impacts that these beverages can have on your
teeth. Below is a list of some common beverages and tips for enjoying them
responsibly.
Soda, Juice, and Energy Drinks
The high sugar content in these drinks can have a negative impact on your
physical health. Less obvious however is the effects that they can have on your
teeth. As with any sugary food, prolonged exposure can lead to the damage and
decay of your enamel, opening the door for cavities and other issues to occur.
Coffee
Many popular coffee drinks contain just as much sugar as sodas and juices.
However, even people who drink their coffee black run the risk of damaging
their smile. Excessive coffee consumption can stain your teeth, though the
amount of discoloration experienced varies from person to person.
Wine, Beer, and Liquor
Though it seems obvious that red wine can stain your teeth, all wines pose a
similar risk of damage. Likewise, darker beers can gradually stain your teeth
depending on the frequency of consumption. While hard liquors generally don’t
pose as much of a risk to your enamel on their own, the mixers they’re often
served with can.
How to Protect Your Teeth
After consuming one of these beverages, your first impulse might be to brush
your teeth as soon as possible. However, rushing to brush could actually be
doing more harm than good. All of the aforementioned beverages contain high
levels of acid. This acid has a softening effect on your enamel, and the
pressure applied during brushing can potentially further this softening.
Instead, it’s recommended that you follow sugary or acidic drinks with water
and wait 30 minutes to brush. It is also beneficial to swish the water around
as you drink it, as this will help gently rinse off all of your teeth and allow
the enamel to harden before you brush.
Watching your diet can benefit your teeth as much as it benefits the rest of your body. However, moderate consumption of any of these beverages won’t cause an issue provided you maintain a proper oral care routine that includes regular brushing and flossing, as well as professional cleanings at least twice a year. Contact our office today to schedule your next appointment!
“Tooth worms” are the cause of tooth decay. That was the headline of a Sumerian text from around 5,000
B.C.E. Fortunately, the dental industry has evolved since then and we know
“tooth worms” don’t exist. Here’s how dentistry has evolved into the
comfortable, safe, and beneficial science of today.
In the Beginning
Did you know that the
ancient Egyptians had designated doctors for teeth? Evidence has been uncovered
suggesting the Chinese used acupuncture to treat pain associated with tooth
decay as early as 2700 B.C.E.
Additionally, in 500
B.C.E., Hippocrates and Aristotle wrote of treating teeth and oral diseases by
using sterilization procedures and red-hot wires. They also spoke of using
these red-hot wires to stabilize jaw fractures and bind loose teeth.
The Visionary Thoughts of
the 1600s-1700s
According to the Academy of
General Dentistry, the 1600s and 1700s were a gold mine of innovation in the
dental world. In 1695, Charles Allen published the first ever English dental
textbook entitled The Operator of Teeth. In the book, he advises using a
homemade toothpaste from powdered coal, rose-water, and “dragon’s blood” to
keep teeth clean and white. Allen also suggests using dog’s teeth for
transplants and even references wisdom teeth in his book.
In the 18th century, Pierre
Fauchard was well ahead of his time in the medical practice when his master
work The Surgeon Dentist was published. For the first time, dentistry
was described as a modern profession. Some notable highlights in the book
include sugar being the cause of dental caries (cavities), braces being used to
correct teeth position, and the concept of a dentist’s chair light.
The Progressive 1800s
The discoveries and
inventions of the 1800s were significant. In 1816, Auguste Taveau developed the
first form of dental fillings made out of silver coins and mercury. In 1840,
Horace Wells demonstrated the use of nitrous oxide to sedate patients and Thomas
Morton employed the use of ether anesthesia for surgery.
That same year, Horace
Hayden and Chapin Harris boosted modern dentistry by opening the first dental
school, inventing the modern doctorate of dental surgery, and starting the
first dental society. By the end of the 1800’s, porcelain inlays, the first
mechanized dental drill, and the toothpaste tube had all been invented.
Scientific Advancement of
the 1900s
The scientific development
of the 1900s gave birth to some amazing advancements in the dental industry.
Electric drills became available due to the invention of electricity. In 1907,
precision case fillings made by a “lost wax” casting machine was invented to
fill cavities, and Novocain was introduced into US dental offices.
In 1955, Michael Buonocore
described the method of tooth bonding to repair cracked enamel on teeth. Years
later, the first fully-reclining dental chair is introduced to put patients and
dentists at ease. By the 1990s, “invisible” braces were introduced, along
with the first at-home tooth bleaching system.
What Will the Future of
Dentistry Hold?
Today, dental professionals
are investigating the links between oral health and overall health. The use of
gene-mediated therapeutics to alter the genetic structure of teeth to increase
resistance to tooth decay is receiving attention. Some researchers believe that
there may be a way to grow a new tooth structure around weakened enamel. Only
time will tell what the future of dentistry will bring, but our office is
dedicated to seeking the most effective modern technologies as they arise.
Schedule your visit to our office and experience what modern dentistry can do for you.
A canker sore can make eating, drinking,
and talking difficult and even painful. Maintaining your oral health by
brushing and flossing may also be difficult with a sore in your mouth, but
keeping up with your daily oral hygiene routine is an important step in the
healing process. We’ve put together a short guide to everything you need to
know about canker sores.
What do they look like?
Canker sores are usually small,
round reddish sores. You’ll find them on the soft tissues of your mouth, such
as your tongue, the sides of your mouth, and at the base of your gums. Occasionally,
a sore might have a yellow or white colored center.
What causes them?
Among the most common causes of
canker sores are injuries. This can happen from biting your lip or cheek, an
injury from sports, or even vigorous brushing. Certain people are sensitive to
toothpastes containing sodium lauryl sulfate, leading to sores. Foods may also
cause canker sores in certain people. Chocolate, eggs, nuts, and spicy foods
have been known to cause the sores. At times, a diet that is deficient in
vitamin B-12 or zinc is the culprit.
What can I do?
Your best defense is to keep your
mouth healthy. This means keeping up with your twice-daily brushing and daily
flossing. With a mouth sore, it may be tempting to avoid the area when brushing
your teeth. This can lead to a buildup of plaque and bacteria. Aid the healing
process by keeping your mouth clean and healthy. You may also try a mouthwash
formulated for mouth sores. When in doubt, or if pain persists, talk to our
team.
Brush thoroughly but gently around
sores. Most canker sores heal within a week. If you find you are regularly
getting sores, or they are taking longer than one week to heal, schedule a
visit to our office. We will assess your oral health and provide you with our
expert advice.
For more information about oral health or to schedule your next visit, please contact our office. We look forward to seeing you.
Gardner Family Dentistry ● 107 Marsheutz Avenue, Huntsville, AL 35801 (256) 533-1435 ● Hours: Monday - Thursday: 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM
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