Like any topic, there is a lot of information out there (especially on the internet) and sometimes it’s hard to decipher if the information is true or not. Here we debunk some of the most infamous dental myths by dropping some truth bombs on these hotly debated dental topics. Here at Whistler Dental, we care about the oral health of our Whistler community so want to make sure that you have your facts straight when it comes to taking care of your teeth!
DENTAL MYTH # 1- ADULTS ARE TOO OLD TO HAVE BRACES
Not anymore! Although metal braces are not aesthetically appealing to most adults there are now modern solutions to fix crooked teeth and create stunning smiles (for people of all ages!). You are never too old to wear a smile you are confident about. Here at Whistler Dental, we use a fantastic braces alternative called Invisalign which slowly moves teeth into shape using clear and undetectable aligners. Adults can now achieve their ideal smile without having to sport a set of bulky metal braces.
DENTAL MYTH #2- DENTAL X-RAYS ARE DANGEROUS
Although we wouldn’t recommend having an x-ray just for the fun of it, there is a lot of over blown hype about the dangers of dental x-rays. The average person is exposed to 3,100µSv of radiation per year and the average full mouth dental x-ray contains a mere 34.9 to 170.7µSv; in fact, a dental x-ray contains about the same radiation as eating 50 bananas! The importance of having dental x-rays to identify and examine potential problems far outweighs the negligible radiation from x-rays.
DENTAL MYTH #3- SUGAR IS THE MAIN CULPRIT BEHIND CAVITIES
There is no denying that consuming sugar leads to dental decay and cavities in most people but there are often other more significant contributors that fly under the radar. The direct cause of tooth decay is more a genetic and environmental combination which causes a greater propensity towards cavities. Genetic and environmental factors affect tooth enamel, oral bacteria populations, and saliva composition. Sugar can cause the increase of bacteria in your mouth that causes cavities, but genetics and the environment are more likely to determine if this bacteria will cause cavities or not.
DENTAL MYTH #4- VANITY IS THE ONLY REASON FOR COSMETIC DENTISTRY
We regularly perform cosmetic dentistry at Whistler Dental and let us tell you, vanity is hardly the motivator for these treatments. Cosmetic dentistry is often an investment for overall health and wellbeing improvements and many treatments are recommended to enhance better overall oral health. Aligning a bite and replacing missing teeth with implants to maintain bone structure are examples of orthodontic and cosmetic procedures that provide a cosmetic solution to a problem and at the same time increase overall health and wellbeing.
DENTAL MYTH #5- YOU DON’T NEED TO BRUSH BABY TEETH
Just because baby teeth have a shorter lifespan than adult teeth doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be brushed! Not only does starting to brush a child’s teeth when young (from the occurrence of their first tooth) instill good habits, but it’s absolutely imperative to avoid painful dental implications, cavities, and gum problems in pre-school aged and young children. Children usually lose their last few teeth at the age of twelve. Brushing baby teeth is absolutely important and should never be deferred until children have their adult set.
Perhaps you're at a stage in life where you're ready to take preventative measures to keep your teeth strong and abrasion-free. While some mouth ailments are out of your control, choosing the right type of toothpaste is one positive oral health action that's up to you! You may think you know everything about your toothpaste - its flavor, how much fluoride it contains, and whether it helps whiten your teeth. But do you know how abrasive it is?
Brushing with an abrasive toothpaste removes dental plaque and stains from your teeth. But there are potential downsides to a toothpaste that is too abrasive for your specific mouth. Let's go over signs your toothpaste or oral care routine is harming your tooth's enamel, as well as how to find the right toothpaste perfect for your smile!
The Dangers of Tooth Enamel Abrasion
Enamel, the outermost layer of our teeth, is the toughest substance in the human body. Still, rigorous brushing, using a hard-bristled toothbrush, and abrasive toothpaste can wear your enamel down. Acid erosion from acidic foods or drinks, gastrointestinal disorders, and eating disorders can also wear the enamel away, leaving your teeth vulnerable to decay.
Although enamel is strong, like bone, it's unable to grow back. So it's essential to protect it as best you can and catch signs of enamel abrasion as early as possible. When your enamel wears, it can lead to sensitivity by exposing the thin dentin layer underneath. Have you ever winced from a burst of sharp pain after sipping something very hot or cold? That's probably due to a bit of enamel wear. Overbrushing and using a toothpaste that is too abrasive for your teeth are both habits you have the power to change. It's time to adjust your brushing habits or change your toothpaste if you notice the following signs:
Notches in your teeth where they meet the gum
Gum recession that exposes the tooth roots
Tooth or gum sensitivity
Pain when you brush or eat hot or cold foods
Yellow or gray teeth
Toothpaste Abrasiveness
Did you know that abrasives in toothpaste have been studied since 1907? According to a review in The Journal of Clinical Dentistry, understanding the limits of abrasivity is still an important area of study in dentistry. While using a toothpaste that is too abrasive is only one of the causes of enamel abrasion, it is one of the most preventable. So why not get to know the resources available to help you make the safest decision when choosing your next toothpaste?
The Relative Dentin Abrasivity (RDA) scale, developed by the American Dental Association, assesses toothpaste abrasiveness against a standard measurement. The higher the RDA score, the more abrasive the toothpaste. To receive the American Dental Association's Seal of Acceptance, a toothpaste's Relative Dentin Abrasivity (RDA) cannot exceed a score of 250. This cutoff aims to ensure that you can spend a lifetime brushing with this specific toothpaste, and it won't cause significant damage to your enamel. That's a pretty informative tool for an everyday product that might not cross your mind often!
How to Check the Abrasiveness of Toothpaste
The best way to avoid using an excessively abrasive toothpaste is to look for the American Dental Association's Seal of Acceptance on the package or tube. Numerous scientific studies that compare various toothpaste brands' abrasiveness are available, like this 2016 study published in BMC. Even if the RDA rating isn't noticeable on your toothpaste package, you can look it up online.
Common abrasive ingredients in toothpaste are derived from chalk and silica. The Dental Health Foundation also notes that toothpaste designed for smokers usually has strong abrasives, as yellow teeth are a common symptom of smoking. Even for non-smokers, toothpaste intended to whiten teeth or remove stains are more abrasive than non-whitening toothpaste.
We recommend brushing gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a toothpaste that carries the ADA's Seal of Acceptance. Suppose you already have weakened enamel or need a gentle toothpaste because of an injury or surgery. In that case, your dental professional can help you choose a low-abrasive toothpaste or even a non-abrasive toothpaste.
There's no doubt that a stain-free, pearly white smile is a confidence boost. And while your mouth may feel smooth and clean and your breath fresh after brushing, it's crucial to look into how abrasive your toothpaste is. There's no reason to end up with thin enamel and sensitive teeth when you work so hard to keep your smile healthy. Let that hard work pay off!
Did you know that unhealthy gums could be making you sick? Gums are often overlooked in favor of our teeth when it comes to dental hygiene, but poor gum health has been linked to many other diseases. The Academy of General Dentistry agrees, stating that “research shows a link between oral health and systemic conditions.” These conditions include diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke and even cancer. Improving your gum health will benefit the function and appearance of your smile, and your overall health and wellbeing. It could even help you live longer.
Healthy vs. Unhealthy Gums
Before we get into the ways that you can improve gum health, it’s important to recognize the difference between healthy and unhealthy gums. Healthy gums look firm and pink and sit tight to the teeth. Common signs of unhealthy gums include redness, swelling, bleeding when you brush them and receding away from the teeth. When left untreated, these symptoms can turn into gum disease which is known as periodontal disease/periodontitis and can cause irreparable damage. Tooth loss, jawbone deterioration and even changes to your facial structure may occur. Fortunately, there are many ways you can improve your gum health.
1.- Floss Daily
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services believes that interdental cleaners, like floss “are an essential part of taking care of your teeth and gums.” This is because flossing removes plaque and food debris that your toothbrush just can’t reach. Dentists recommend you floss at least once each day using traditional floss or an alternative like an interdental brush or water flosser.
2.- Brush Your Teeth Twice Each Day
Most people already know that they should brush their teeth at least twice each day. Nevertheless, it’s crucial not to cut corners. Dentists recommend you brush for at least two minutes each time, working your way methodically across the teeth. Don’t forget your tongue which can harbor bacteria and cause bad breath, too. Use fluoride toothpaste and a small toothbrush with soft bristles since firm bristles can actually damage your gums.
3.- Drink Plenty of Water
Water is the best thing that you can drink if you want to maintain a healthy mouth and fantastic smile. Drinking water can help flush away food debris that could otherwise cause plaque to form. Swap soft and caffeinated drinks for water where possible, and always have still water [not sparkling water] with your snacks and meals.
4.- Quit Smoking
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) state, “Smoking is an important cause of severe gum disease in the United States.” In fact, smokers have twice the risk for gum disease compared with a non-smoker. This is because smoking weakens your body’s immune system making it harder to fight off a gum infection. Smoking also inhibits blood flow which makes it harder for damaged gums to heal. If you smoke, it is recommended that you quit today to immediately start improving the long-term health of your gums.
5.- Get Regular Dental Cleanings
Regular dental cleanings give your dentist an opportunity to monitor the healthiness of your gum tissue. If you have signs of moderate gum disease such as receding gums, a deep cleaning will remove plaque, tartar and bacteria from the pockets that form between your gums and teeth. This will help your gums heal and reattach to your teeth. We recommend that you schedule a professional dental cleaning with us every 6 months to keep your gums as healthy as possible.
If you’ve ever been to the dentist, then you probably got asked whether or not you flossed. Dentists always recommend you do this at least once a day. It’s thought that flossing is the only way you can properly clean your teeth and gums. You use dental floss to dislodge food and clear bacteria away from the sides of teeth and your gum line. It reaches places that your toothbrush can’t, and leaves your mouth a lot cleaner.
However, there have been recent reports that doubt the effectiveness of flossing. These claim that there’s not enough scientific evidence to support dentists claims about flossing. If this is the case, then why do dentists implore you to floss your teeth? To find this out, let’s take a look at the history of flossing, and how it became an accepted dental practice.
Since the dawn of man, we’ve been using things to dislodge food from our teeth. But, interestingly, the concept of dental floss has only been around for two centuries. The first mention of it came in 1819, in a book called A Practical Guide to the Management of the Teeth. It was written by a man named Levi Spear Parmly. In this book, he talks about something he had invented a few years before the book was published.
When you read the book, you see that he wanted to find out why we get teeth disorders. In essence, why do our teeth rot and why do we get tooth decay? He attributed it to the ‘relics of what we eat’ getting stuck in our teeth and staying there. When this happens, they can accumulate, stagnate and create bacteria. He noted that this usually happens in the interstices of the teeth, or in the indentures on their surface. In simple terms, rotting food in your mouth can cause tooth decay.
He then went on to state that regular cleaning of the teeth and gums can stop tooth decay taking place. But, only brushing your teeth didn’t get rid of the food properly, and it was left to stagnate. So, he invented some new dentistry apparatus to help with it. He used waxed silken thread to pass through the interstices of the teeth. In doing so, it removed food and bacteria from places where a brush couldn’t get to. Furthermore, he claimed that using this regularly would keep your teeth and gums healthy. And thus, dental floss was born.
Fast forward to the 1900’s, and his idea was being used in dental surgeries up and down the country. During WWII, nylon was pioneered as a new material for floss by Charles C. Bass. And, to this day, it’s what dental floss is made out of.
The whole idea of flossing stemmed from a dentist looking to solve the issue of tooth decay. People read Parmly’s book, took note of what he said, and it got passed down from generation to generation. Everyone believed that there was enough written to prove that flossing helps keep your teeth and gums healthy. It’s something that dentists still believe to this day. With the reports that there’s a lack of scientific evidence, we can expect to see more studies on this matter to prove the effects of flossing.
Have you ever bitten or cut your tongue? If yes, then you might have been surprised to have found blood in your mouth. Your tongue is connected to a rich blood supply. Where does this blood come from? The blood supply of the tongue comes from a blood vessel known as the lingual artery. Read on to find out what the lingual artery is and why it's essential.
What Is the Lingual Artery?
The lingual artery supplies blood to the tongue as well as the floor of the mouth. It's a major branch of the external carotid artery (blood vessels that supply blood to the brain, neck, and face). As your lingual artery moves to the tip of your tongue, it branches out to supply blood to adjacent tissues. The four branches of the lingual artery are:
Suprahyoid artery. The first branch of the lingual artery courses alongside the hyoid bone (the U-shaped bone in the neck that supports the tongue), supplying blood to the muscles that support this bone.
Dorsal lingual artery. This is the next branch of the lingual artery, located at the back of the tongue. It supplies blood to the posterior portion of the tongue, palatoglossal arch, tonsils, soft palate, and epiglottis.
Sublingual artery. This branch passes forward through the tongue and supplies the sublingual gland (a major salivary gland in the floor of the mouth), the oral mucosa (the mucous membrane lining the inside of the mouth), the gums, the mylohyoid muscle (the muscle forming the floor of the oral cavity) and the mandible.
Deep lingual artery. This is the terminal branch of the lingual artery. This blood vessel is located under the tongue and supplies blood to the body and the tip of the tongue.
Can My Lingual Artery Be Affected during Medical Procedures?
Unfortunately, the answer is yes. Since this artery supplies blood to many tissues inside of the mouth, it can be affected during medical procedures like surgeries. Some of these procedures are:
Implant placement surgeries. The International Congress of Oral Implantologists notes that in rare cases, the proximity of the lingual artery to the lingual cortex can cause complications like severe hemorrhage and resulting hematomas during implant surgeries. In such cases, you should seek medical attention immediately.
Glossectomy. To treat tumors on the tongue, a surgery known as glossectomy is often required. It involves the removal of part or all of the tongue. The Canadian Cancer Society notes that sometimes only a small part of the tongue may be removed, while in other cases, a larger portion of the tongue is removed. Removal of part of the tongue can affect blood flow. Don't hesitate to talk to your surgeon about how blood flow to the tongue will be addressed.
The tongue is a vital organ, and it has a rich blood supply, all thanks to your lingual artery. If you're undergoing any procedure in the oral cavity, you might worry about the health of your lingual artery. But don't worry; all medical professionals know how to minimize any risk of complications and welcome any questions or concerns that you may have!
We often don't realize how important something is until it's gone. Like saliva: you're usually not aware that it's cleaning the mouth, neutralizing mouth acid or helping with digestion. But that could change if your saliva flow drops below normal: your health may soon suffer with your mouth taking the brunt.
In particular, reduced saliva flow increases your risk for tooth decay and periodontal (gum) disease. Both diseases are linked to oral bacteria. While many of the myriad strains in the mouth are beneficial, a few bacteria can infect and inflame gum tissues. Bacteria also produce acid, which can soften and erode enamel and make the teeth more susceptible to decay.
Saliva inhibits bacteria in a number of ways. It first clears the mouth of leftover food so not as much stays behind to form bacterial plaque, a thin film of food particles that builds up on teeth. You still need to brush and floss daily to remove plaque, but it's less effective without saliva's cleansing action. Saliva also contains antibodies that destroy disease-causing bacteria and other organisms, which keeps their populations in the mouth low.
One of saliva's most important functions, though, is buffering acid. The mouth's ideal pH level is neutral, but many foods we eat can cause it to become more acidic. Even a slight acidic rise after eating can soften the minerals in enamel. But saliva goes to work immediately and usually restores normal pH within a half hour to an hour. It also aids in re-mineralizing the enamel.
For these reasons, it's important for you to find out the cause of chronic dry mouth and treat it. If it's a side effect of your medication, talk to your doctor about an alternative, or drink more water before and after you take your dose. Certain products can also stimulate saliva flow, like chewing gum with xylitol, an alcohol-based sweetener that has dental health-protecting properties too.
Practicing proper oral hygiene should always be a priority. But that takes on a whole new level when you’re wearing braces.
You’re excited for the thought of having a straight smile when the braces come off. But if you don’t take extra care of it during the process, you could end up with ugly stains, white spots, or tooth decay when it’s all said and done.
To make sure you enjoy that smile in the end, let’s look at these oral hygiene tips to follow while wearing braces.
1. Regular Brushing Is Key
Regular brushing is not a new concept. But when you have braces, you need to crank your routine up a notch.
Food loves to hide in all the nooks and crannies of braces. And if your teeth aren’t brushed properly, it leaves them open to forming white spots, tooth decay, and gum disease. Everything you don’t want to deal with when the braces come off.
Aim for brushing your teeth after every meal, or at least three times a day. Since your toothbrush bristles are likely to wear out faster with braces, make sure to replace it often. In fact, an electric toothbrush is best for brushing braces.
2. Add a Different Kind of Brush
To be even more diligent, adding an interdental brush to your routine is a good idea. It’s a small brush that’s typically used to clean in-between teeth. But it’s also great for brushing around the wires and metal brackets of braces.
You can use an interdental brush to clean and loosen debris before you brush regularly. The small bristles are able to reach around the wires and brackets, getting into spaces your normal toothbrush can miss.
Use a mirror to make sure you get in-between each bracket and wire. Make sure to be gentle. You don’t want to be too aggressive and end up damaging your braces.
3. Don’t Forget to Floss
There’s no doubt that braces can make flossing a bit more difficult. Many people use this excuse to skip it altogether. But flossing is important to remove the plaque buildup that a toothbrush simply can’t reach.
To make this task more manageable, use an orthodontic flosser or floss threader. These are available in most drug stores.
Wax floss will also make it a little easier. It slides easier between your teeth, which lessens the chance of it getting snagged in your braces.
No matter what you use, make sure to floss at least once a day. Take it easy on your gums. Being too rough can irritate your gums and lead to infections.
4. Finish with a Rinse
Rinsing can become your new best friend when you’re caring for braces. That’s because it makes the cleaning process easier. Plus, it can protect your enamel and fight off gingivitis.
Giving your mouth a quick rinse with water before you brush helps loosen any food trapped in your braces.
After you’re done brushing, grab an antiseptic mouthwash. Swishing that around will reduce any biofilm and inflammation that can lead to gingivitis. It also gives you a fresh smelling breath, which is never a bad thing.
5. Watch What You Eat
Because your teeth can be harder to clean while wearing braces, it’s best to avoid foods that cause damage to your gums and tooth enamel.
Eating foods high in sugar and starch leads to plaque buildup around your metal brackets. This can cause cavities, staining of the teeth, and even gum disease.
You should also limit high-acid foods. Items such as soft drinks, pineapples, and tomatoes have acid that can erode away the enamel on your teeth. Once the enamel is gone, you can’t get it back.
Hard, crunchy foods pose a damage risk to the braces themselves. Biting into a crunchy apple or piece of ice may cause the wires to bend and the brackets to pop off.
Sticky foods are also known for pulling metal brackets out of place, which requires added visits to the orthodontist to repair.
6. Cut Out Chewing Habits and Protect Your Braces
Something that many people don’t think about are the unconscious habits that can cause damage to the braces.
Those who like to bite their fingernails or chew on the lid of a pen can pop brackets off or bend wires unintentionally. If you fall into that category, try to find other habits to keep your hands busy, such as playing with a fidget spinner.
Even the simple act of biting into food can cause damage or jam food into your braces. Using a knife and fork to eat with will help keep this issue at bay.
If you like to play sports, always wear a mouth guard. The last thing you want is to get hit in the mouth with something and end up back at the orthodontist for more repairs to your braces.
7. Attend All Dentist and Orthodontist Appointments
Having regular appointments with your dentist and orthodontist will ensure that your teeth are being well cared for.
They’ll be able to do professional cleanings and spot any warning signs that a problem may be brewing in your mouth. A professional can also teach you techniques to fix the issue before it gets out of hand.
It’s always important to keep an open line of communication with them and their staff. Even if you don’t have an appointment, calling with questions or concerns can head off any problems and keep you informed on the best care for your braces.
Taking Extra Care While Wearing Braces Is Worth It
There’s no doubt about it, maintaining proper oral care while wearing braces takes extra time and effort. But having that perfect smile to enjoy when the braces come off will make it all worth it in the end.
Having to visit the dentist every six months may not be the appointment that everyone looks forward to, but it is one of the most important ones to keep. If you have found yourself wondering what the point of having regular dental check-ups and cleanings really is, we’ve got something for you to think about.
If you are considering skipping a dental check-up because of cost or another factor like time or dental anxiety, make sure to consider all the risks. What you might end up paying in the long run for not visiting your dentist will likely be much higher, both for your wallet and your peace of mind. Here are some of the most important reasons why you should see your dentist regularly:
1. Oral Cancer Detection
Oral cancer is an extremely serious disease that manifests itself in various ways. Without knowing the signs of its early onset, oral cancer is often not diagnosed and can quickly progress and become life-threatening. But thankfully, an early stage oral cancer diagnosis is often easily treatable.
Your dentist is highly trained to recognize these signs and symptoms, and with regular dental checkups every six months, the likelihood of catching oral cancer in time is dramatically higher. Recognizing oral cancer in its early stages is key in treating it successfully, and while you may not notice oral abnormalities, your dentist will.
2. Plaque, Tartar, and Cavities
Even with the most diligent daily brushers and flossers, there are still small areas in the mouth that are missed by regular brushing and flossing. When plaque builds up it becomes more difficult to remove, solidifying and turning into tartar, which is extremely difficult to get rid of without professional help.
Regular dental cleanings prevent tartar from eroding teeth or creating holes in them, which is how cavities are created. Cavities rarely give any warning signs as they form, only resulting in a small ache once the tooth is already decayed. Once the damage has been done, you will have to go back to the dentist to have cavities and other tooth problems filled and fixed. This can all be avoided with regular cleanings that take care of plaque and tartar before it becomes destructive.
A cleaning appointment is also more affordable than getting a filling, so if money’s tight you should make sure not to miss the cleanings!
3. Gum Disease
Plaque and tartar build-up not only cause tooth decay but can also erode the mouth’s gum tissues. This happens when tartar build-up causes an infection where the gum is connected to the tooth, making the gum pull away from the tooth. This infection is known as gingivitis and as it progresses the tissue that attaches gums to the teeth breaks down.
Once it reaches this point it is officially gum disease, and only at this point will there likely be any swelling, bleeding, or soreness in the mouth. Along with the breakdown of gum tissue, gum disease also causes a breakdown of the bone that holds teeth in place. At this point, it is common to see teeth loosening or falling out altogether and drastic treatment methods will have to be taken by a dental specialist.
Not only do specialists require more appointments and likely a blow to your wallet, but the treatment of gum disease, depending on the severity, can include surgery, extremely deep cleaning, and medication. To avoid all of this, regular dental cleanings are essential in catching and addressing gingivitis before it gets out of hand.
4. Keeping Bad Habits in Check
There are many bad habits that can have a negative impact on your oral health, some of which you may not even realize are causing issues. Some of these habits include chewing ice, biting your nails, clenching your jaw, grinding your teeth, eating particularly sticky or hard sweets, brushing your teeth too hard, drinking coffee and red wine, and of course smoking.
When you go for regular dental check-ups, your dentist can check for any oral damage caused by these or other habits which you may otherwise not have noticed. Being informed about specific destructive habits allows you to change or alter your lifestyle choice to prevent further damage. Visiting the dentist allows you to fix the damage that has already been done, and help your oral health be the best it can be.
5. Find Problems Under the Surface With X-Rays
A crucial part of visiting your dentist every six months is getting your teeth and jaw bone x-rayed. X-ray images allow dental professionals to see what is happening beneath the surfaces of your mouth and can find and diagnose issues that may be invisible to the naked eye. Problems like this can include impacted teeth, which are growing teeth that are blocked from pushing through the gum line, as often seen in wisdom teeth.
Damage to the jawbone can also be pinpointed as well as any bone decay, swelling, cysts, or tumours, all of which are impossible to actually see without x-ray imaging. Finding these or any other major oral issues as soon as possible is critical in order to properly treat them.
Especially with destructive diseases that show little to no symptoms but progress quickly, up-to-date x-rays and bi-annual checkups are the best way to keep on top of your health.
6. Head, Neck, and Lymph Node Checks
In addition to checking your mouth, gums, and tongue for signs or oral cancer, your dentist will also check your neck, jaw, and lymph nodes, located just below your jawline, for any swelling, lumps, or other abnormalities. If an abnormality is found it could be a sign of a major health issue, and your dentist will alert you to it and refer you the appropriate medical professional.
Swollen lymph nodes are a particular area that do not necessarily hurt or seem out of the ordinary but when identified properly by a professional could be a sign of certain kinds of cancer or other diseases that require immediate attention. Not having regular dental check-ups drastically cuts down how often your neck and thyroid glands are checked. So while looking for abnormalities only takes your dentist a minute, it could mean an extremely serious disease is identified early enough to make a huge difference.
So, Are Dental Check-ups Worth the Effort?
Dentists and dental professionals are not only concerned with fixing teeth. They professionally clean your teeth, aim to ensure your teeth and gums are healthy and check for abnormalities that may otherwise go unnoticed and could be a sign of larger health issues. Dental professionals make sure that your bones are strong, and will help you correct any habits that may be sabotaging your oral health, among other things.
Skipping dental appointments may not seem like a big deal, but oral issues can develop and progress extremely quickly whether or not you notice it. By keeping on top of your dental cleanings and check-ups you’re doing yourself a big favor in the long run.
Brushing, interdental cleaning, and regular dental check-ups are essential oral care habits for preventing gum disease, but did you know there is more that you can do for your smile? Rinsing with a gingivitis mouth rinse can reduce bacteria in your mouth and keep your teeth and gums healthy. Gingivitis, the initial stage of gum disease, is very treatable. With stellar oral hygiene, you can turn back gum inflammation and stop the later stages of the disease from developing. Talk to your dental professional about supplementing your daily oral care routine with the right mouthwash for protecting your gums from germs.
What Makes a Good Gingivitis Mouthrinse?
Dental plaque (biofilm) is made up of bacteria from germs in the mouth and is the culprit of gingivitis. This sticky substance is always building up on your teeth and gums. Daily brushing and interdental cleaning can help remove plaque and stop it from harming your mouth. Otherwise, harmful bacteria can damage gum tissue, causing inflammation, tenderness, and even gums that bleed during brushing or flossing, the classic gingivitis symptoms. Using antiseptic mouth rinses that kill germs can also help to protect your mouth.
A good antiseptic mouth rinse for fighting gingivitis will have excellent antibacterial properties. Look for a mouth rinse that kills bacteria on contact and diminishes the amount of plaque in your mouth for multiple hours, effectively stopping germs from deteriorating your oral health. Also, keep your eye out for an antibacterial mouth rinse intended to fight plaque and gingivitis, and that has the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance. Keep in mind that a gingivitis mouth rinse may not contain fluoride. However, it would be best if you always brushed with fluoride toothpaste for daily cavity protection benefits.
Fighting Gum Disease
Gum disease can not only affect your smile, but it also can have an impact on your overall health. According to the American Dental Association, advanced gum disease can lead to a loss of gum tissue and bone. It may also be linked to serious health conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Fortunately, with oral care products that kill germs like an antibacterial mouth rinse, there are plenty of tools available to you to protect your mouth from gum disease. But first and foremost, you need to maintain a good oral care routine that includes twice-daily brushing and interdental cleaning once a day. See your dental professional at least every six months for a check-up and talk with them about using the best products available for fighting gingivitis.
The tongue has multiple functions. It helps you taste, chew, and swallow food. Your tongue even assists with speech. But did you know that your tongue can indicate dental issues? Specifically, the coating on your tongue. Read more to learn what different amounts of coating on your tongue could mean for your oral health.
Too Much
When was the last time you looked at your tongue? The appearance of your tongue can tell you a lot about your oral health. For instance, the appearance of a white film can be an indication of bad breath. When food particles, bacteria, and debris get trapped in the papillae (the tiny dots on the surface of the tongue), it causes a white coating and an unpleasant smell. Good oral hygiene is the best way to avoid and treat this. Take time to gently clean your tongue with a tongue scraper after brushing your teeth.
Thick white coating or patches of white on the tongue may be a sign of oral thrush, an infection caused by an overgrowth of the candida fungus. Leukoplakia is another condition marked by a white-coated tongue, which can be an early indicator of oral cancer. Be sure to speak with your dentist or medical professional if white spots on your mouth do not resolve on their own within two weeks. They can determine the cause of your white tongue and recommend the best treatment option.
Too Little
Xerostomia, or dry mouth, is a condition where the salivary glands in the mouth don't produce enough saliva to keep it moist. A dry tongue with a grooved texture and a change of taste are common symptoms of dry mouth. Home remedies and lifestyle changes can offer some relief. Stay hydrated by drinking water throughout the day, and chew sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva production. You could even add a humidifier to a room in your house to increase moisture. If your condition is severe, your dentist may prescribe mouthrinse or other medication to alleviate dryness.
Just Right
Saliva in the mouth and on the tongue helps you taste and chew food.
Your tongue should have a light coating of saliva that gives it a natural sheen. Here are some care tips to help you keep this part of your mouth healthy:
Drink water.
Brush your teeth and clean between the teeth with an interdental cleaning device.
Clean your tongue with a tongue scraper.
Include a mouthrinse in your oral hygiene routine.
Avoid consuming spicy, acidic, or hot food and beverages as they can irritate the tongue.
Your tongue might not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about your oral health. But it's something you should keep an eye on. We recommend examining your tongue when you brush your teeth, which is a good way to determine any issues. Maintaining good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups are essential for staying on top of any tongue issues.
