Taking care of our teeth and gums seems pretty straightforward. Brush your teeth twice per day and floss when you think of it. Be sure to see your dentist twice per year and you're golden. However, there is more to it.
There are some healthy practices you may be doing right now that are not so healthy for your teeth. From drinking fresh juice to brushing your teeth too often, you may be making some serious mistakes for your oral health.
Juicing
I have always assumed that those bloggers who share their fresh juice on Instagram every day are the picture of health. While that colorful drink may be doing wonders for their gut health, it's not doing their oral health any favors.
"Hot trends like juicing and the emphasis on eating a 'colorful' plate mean we're also eating heavily pigmented food, which can cause staining of the teeth. So when patients ask me about keeping their teeth healthy and how they can extend the effectiveness of things like whitening, bonding, and post-bleaching color, I recommend using a straw for heavily pigmented foods and liquids like coffee and juices," Asia Richardson, general dentist and owner of five DentalWorks practices, told me. "You always want to minimize the amount of pigments you're exposing your teeth to, so when you do eat or drink those things that have the potential to stain your teeth, don't be afraid to use a straw when you can!"
If you're a water drinker like me, don't think you're off the hook. Lemon water can also harm your teeth. "Many people are drinking lemon water in the morning to help increase their metabolism, and unfortunately lemon water creates a very acidic environment in your mouth, which can cause enamel erosion," Cosmetic Dentist Daniel Rubinshtein told me.
Occasionally skipping brushing your teeth at night
We've all been there. You get home late from a night out with friends and have to get up early in the morning. You're exhausted and just fall into bed without brushing your teeth. If this routine starts becoming more common for you, your oral health will suffer.
"If you skip your nightly routine of brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash to keep your smile healthy, you will be creating a very bad habit. People find it easier to find the time in the morning to brush their teeth, because they are more likely to want to feel and look their best for the day ahead," Chief Dental Officer of DentalCorp Dr. Gary Glassman told me. "Most often people who find brushing their teeth before bed to be pointless just forget to do it. Skipping brushing your teeth before bed can have very bad consequences." According to Dr. Glassman, when you go to bed without brushing your teeth, your mouth will become more acidic, which leads to plaque and bacteria building up.
"If you forget to brush before bed once in awhile, this likely won't have a huge impact on your smile," explained Dr. Glassman. "The important thing is to not make a habit of it. If you're going to bed a few nights a week without brushing, you're putting your beautiful smile at risk for enamel erosion, cavities, gum disease, and plaque buildup. A two-minute brush before bed can prevent this from happening!"
I tend to replace my toothbrush every six months, because I always receive a new one when I go to the dentist for my teeth cleaning. However, even that is not often enough to keep my toothbrush clean and protect my oral health.
"You should change your toothbrush every three months and any time you have been sick," Dr. Glassman told me. "If you have an electric or power toothbrush, you can use the ultraviolet system, which is good to do fresh out of package when replacing heads. You can also soak your toothbrush head for 20 minutes in mouthwash."
These are the safest ways to clean your toothbrush. Never put your toothbrush in the dishwasher or microwave to clean, because the plastic could melt.
Putting off your appointment
I get it. I really do. You're busy. In between work, family obligations, and the occasional night out with friends, you're stretched pretty thin, and going to the dentist can fall to the bottom of the priority list. However, putting off your appointment will only cause more oral health issues down the road. "Don't skip your check-ups," Dr. Glassman told me. "It's all about prevention prevention prevention."
If you choose to only visit the dentist when there is already an issue, it may be too late to treat it. "Going to see the dentist or dental hygienist when something hurts may be much more costly and possibly too late," Certified Dental Hygienist and educator Jo-Anne Jones told me. "Many disease processes in the mouth, including early decay, cancer, or pre-cancer and periodontal (gum) disease, are often silent until they are in the advanced stages. Your dental professional knows the early warning signs. Regular oral exams, both professionally and also performing a regular oral self-exam, provide you with the best possible outcome to maintain oral and overall health."
Drinking sports drinks
Athletes and gym-goers rely on sports drinks for a nice pick-me-up after working out, but they're not all good. Because these drinks can be so sugary, when it comes to oral health you might as well just pop a few candy bars after your barre class.
"People think sports drinks are healthy, as they have plenty of electrolytes for those with an active lifestyle. However, they can sometimes be worse than soft drinks," Katie Polley, DMD of Summerville Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics told me. "They are filled with sugar, and since many people don't limit themselves on sports drinks like they do sodas, their sugar intake is increased, which causes cavities."
If you're used to relying on a sports drink after your workout, talk with your dentist or hygienist about better options.
Snacking throughout the day
I'm a grazer. I rarely eat one full meal, but rather prefer to lightly graze throughout the day. This keeps me feeling full and light while I'm working. However, my little habit is actually harming my oral health.
"Frequency of sugar consumption is more important than quantity," explained Dr. Polley. "It is more damaging to your teeth to snack on or sip sugary food and drink throughout the day versus having it all in one sitting. Your teeth will be constantly coated in a sugary film eating away at your teeth."
So if you're craving something sweet, it's better to sit down and enjoy that brownie to the fullest, instead of mindlessly grabbing little candies all day long.
Drinking wine
This one stings. While we don't always taste it, wine is actually full of sugar, which means it's putting you at an increased risk for cavities, the most common oral health issue.
"Many people know not to eat foods that contain too much sugar in them like sweets, but most people do not pay attention to the amount of sugar in their beverages," Julia Faigel, DDS of Dr. Dental told me. "There is a lot of hidden sugar in your drink that you may not notice. For example, one glass of Chardonnay contains about 1.4 grams of sugar. All this sugar can stick to your teeth when you take a drink."
Brushing too hard
Has your toothbrush ever snapped in half during brushing? Mine has, and that was my first clue that I brush way too hard. "Brushing too hard or too aggressively is a common oral health mistake that many of my patients make," Regional Dental Director for Jefferson Dental Clinics Leslie Renee Townsend, DDS told me. "In fact, patients who use electric or spinning-head brushes tend to overuse these devices and can damage their tooth enamel and gum tissue."
Not sure if you're being too aggressive in your brushing habits? "Tell-tale signs that a patient has been brushing too forcefully include receding gums, teeth sensitivity, irritation of the gum line, and thin or worn enamel," explained Dr. Townsend. "You may notice that your toothbrush looks frayed or the bristles look bent; these are signs that you might be brushing too hard."
To fix this problem, simply use less pressure when brushing. "Ease off of your toothbrush. Time and consistency are more important to get a good clean than vigorous motions," said Dr. Townsend. "Keep in mind that daily brushing is important, but professional dental cleanings are the best way to remove built up plaque and tartar."
Trying over-the-counter whitening products
We all want whiter teeth, but having them professionally whitened at the dentist tends to feel like overkill. There are so many options on the pharmacy shelves, so it seems like the logical move to start there. However, these over-the-counter whitening kits could be harming your teeth.
"Buyer beware! Whitening products sold outside of the dental professional environment are not regulated. Many are ineffective or injurious to the tooth structure," warned Jones. "Overuse can create sensitivity and permanent tooth structure modification. It is always best to obtain an oral assessment prior to commencing any whitening treatment. There are many professional whitening options available to meet consumer needs today from a simple whitening 'pen' to an in-office light-activated system." When it comes to whitening, leave it to the professionals.
Skipping flossing
I never used to be a flosser. It always seemed like such an unnecessary step in the oral health routine and I usually forgot. However, being shamed by the dentist worked, and now I can't go back to my pre-flossing days. "Not removing debris that lingers in between your teeth can wreak havoc on plaque build-up," explained Dr. Glassman. "Removing this sticky buildup daily helps to prevent cavities and gum disease. Plaque contains bacteria that feeds off of the food left in between your teeth in those hard to reach places your toothbrush can't reach."
Jones echoed Dr. Glassman. "Floss or die may sound a little over dramatic, but bacterial build-up in between the teeth can lead to chronic inflammation throughout the entire body," she said. "Chronic inflammation is one of the hottest topics of medical research today, as it is the one commonality between so many of our systemic illnesses, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and Alzheimer's. Daily removal of bacteria and food build up between the teeth is a critical component to oral and overall health."
One excuse for not flossing is because it could cause bleeding of the gums, but that just shows how much you need it. "Well, they probably bleed because you don't floss," Premier Dental Director of Clinical Affairs Dr. Jason H Goodchild told me. "If you practice good hygiene, including good interdental care, then the bleeding will stop."
It can be painful and inconvenient when you have any kind of oral health problem but advanced gum disease is particularly common. The last thing you want to be dealing with is the symptoms of gum disease on any given day.
The good news is, gum disease is treatable and preventable. So, what are the signs of gum disease and what can you do about it?
What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease is also known as periodontal disease. Advanced gum disease can develop after the initial stages of gingivitis which causes inflamed gums. Periodontal disease can spread to your oral bones and lead to tooth decay and tooth loss.
Many people with advanced gum disease have lost teeth far earlier than they should have because they didn’t seek dental care at the right time. The leading cause of periodontitis is bacteria in the mouth.
When the mouth isn’t properly cleaned on a regular basis, it can lead to plaque forming on the teeth. After a while, this plaque turns to tartar and becomes far harder to remove.
Tartar can lead to gum infections, inflammation and eventually, periodontal disease.
What are the Main Signs of Advanced Gum Disease?
Three of the main signs that can signal advanced gum disease include:
a bad taste in your mouth
bad breath
inflamed gums
You can recognize inflamed gums by their redness. They may also feel tender, swollen and bleed while you brush your teeth or eat.
In addition, two further signs of gum disease include:
pain when chewing
sensitive teeth
Your gums may also start to recede away from your teeth. Your teeth may begin to feel loose or start to break away. If you wear dentures, they could start to feel like they don’t fit properly anymore.
What Increases Your Risk of Periodontal Disease?
Your risk of developing gingivitis and advanced gum disease is increased if you are a smoker or have diabetes. High-stress levels can also lead to gum disease, along with any medications that cause a dry mouth.
Oral problems like defective fillings, crooked teeth and poorly fitted bridges can also have an affect on whether you easily develop gum disease.
Genetics and immune system debilitating diseases like AIDS will also dictate how easily you develop gum disease and how quickly you can treat it.
Preventing Gum Disease
Luckily, gum disease is preventable. There are certain measures you can take to make sure you don’t reach a point where gum disease becomes advanced. The most important thing you can do is look after your oral health by brushing and flossing your teeth on a daily basis.
You may also like to floss your teeth and check your mouth after each meal to ensure plaque doesn’t build up throughout the day. It’s also extremely important that you book in with your dentist for regular check-ups. Your dentist will be able to advise on how often you should do that.
Similarly, you should always visit your dentist whenever you identify any of the above warning signs for gum disease. It’s important that your dentist knows if you have any of the risk factors listed above too.
You can also protect yourself from gum disease by living a healthy and balanced lifestyle. For example, did you know that eating an apple can help to brush away plaque and exercising for an hour a day can promote a healthy blood supply to your gums?
Treating Advanced Gum Disease
Once you have developed advanced gum disease, it isn’t as easy to treat as gingivitis. Gingivitis just requires an amendment to how to look after your oral health every day. However, advanced gum disease may need more complex treatment plans.
One of the most common treatments for gum disease is scaling and root planing. This involves scraping plaque and tartar from the teeth and root surfaces. This often requires several visits to your dentist.
You may also be offered a pocket reduction procedure. This is where your gums are no longer close to your teeth and form pockets that can collect bacteria. The procedure reattaches the gum to the bone.
A gum graft might be used if you have exposed roots. Your dentist will take gum tissue from your upper palate and graft it to form a cover which can reduce sensitivity in your mouth.
Many patients are now opting for laser therapy to treat gum disease. It can treat a range of problems, is less invasive than other procedures and you won’t be recovering as long.
If your gum disease is so advanced that your bones have been badly effected, your dentist may need to use a different treatment plan. Regenerative treatments or bone grafts are often used in this instance.
What Should I Do About Advanced Gum Disease?
If you suspect you have advanced gum disease after reading about the symptoms, the first thing you can do is alter your oral health routine. Be sure to brush and floss your teeth twice daily and use mouthwash afterwards.
However, it’s most important to schedule a visit with your dentist to ensure any problems are spotted before they become serious. Prevention is always much easier than treatment when it comes to gum disease, so taking the advice of your dentist is important.
With the right care, there’s no reason why your natural teeth can’t last a lifetime. It all comes down to consistent maintenance, never missing a routine appointment, and eating a balanced diet that’s not too sugar-heavy. If you’ve lost a tooth, or had complications with your oral health, read on to find out how you can avoid losing further teeth, and maintain your existing teeth in the future.
If you’re missing a tooth, replace it
Replacing even a single missing tooth straight away is beneficial for your whole mouth. Losing one tooth has a knock-on effect on how your other teeth behave, as they’re forced to pick up the slack the vacant space has left behind.
If you’ve lost a back tooth such as a molar which is indispensable for breaking down food, your other teeth will need to compensate, and this can cause tooth wear overtime.
Moreover, missing teeth leave your gum line exposed and more prone to decay, which can impact upon the lifetime of adjacent teeth. Dental implants at without a doubt the best way of replacing a single missing tooth, and are virtually indistinguishable to a real tooth in terms of function and aesthetic.
Don’t avoid the dentist
The simple action of coming along to the dentist can save you a tooth extraction, gum disease, decay, root canals, and a whole host of other avoidable problem and procedures.
When you think about your teeth, consider prevention over cure. As teeth have no way of regenerating and repairing themselves, it’s vital to take precautions to keep them in great shape, and one such precaution is attending dentist appointments with us here in Northampton. Your dentist will be able to see problems that are symptomless in your mouth, that you might not have spotted in the mirror at home. They’ll also examine the tissues and supporting structures in your mouth to check for signs of lesions that could potentially be cancerous. From this perspective a trip to the dentist could save your life.
Never skip the hygienist
Hygienists are often overlooked in favour of the dentist, when in actual fact, they’re vital alongside your trips to the dentist.
A third of people in the U.K have admitted to never having been to a hygienist, which could help to explain why gum disease remains the top reason why adults lose their teeth. As hygienists focus on the health of your gums, seeing one regularly is essential if you wish to avoid gum disease and ensuing tooth loss.
Hygienists perform routine scale and polish treatment, which removes harmful plaque from your gum line. In removing this plaque, your chance of gum disease reduces dramatically, as your gums are not inflamed due to its presence. Whilst dentists deal with the general health of your teeth (think of them as a GP for your teeth), hygienists play a preventive role in keeping your gums healthy.
Here at Cliftonville Dental, we have state-of-the-art equipment to treat advanced cases of gum disease, including the Florida Probe which uses specialist software to create digitised diagnoses quicly and efficiently.
Re-think your diet
Cutting down the sugar in your diet (or cutting it out altogether!) will do wonders for your oral health. When sugar is left on your teeth, it causes acids to eat through your tooth enamel, and penetrate deeper into the layers of your teeth, causing cavities, which will require a filling.
Avoiding sugar will help to preserve your tooth enamel (the protective coating on your teeth which protects them from erosion) from breaking down. Drinking plenty of water after eating sugary foods will also help the harmful bacteria to wash away instead of remaining in the mouth to cause havoc with your teeth and gums.
Address chips and cracks straight away
Small chips and crack may seem like they’re of no consequence, but if left untreated they weaken your teeth and make them more prone to the risk of damage. Small fractures can also leave your tooth open to the possibility of infection, which can spread and cause an abscess, which could lead to a root canal that could have been avoided.
Treatment like crowns and composite bonding here in Northampton are highly effective for repairing chips, cracks and fractures. Not only do they make your tooth stronger, they restore its aesthetic.
Stop smoking
If you are going to choose just one thing to implement into your oral health care routine from this list of advice, this is it. Stopping smoking constricts blood flow, and as your teeth and gums have rich blood supplies, it makes it harder for them to receive the oxygen supply they need to heal and replenish cells.
It’s for this reason that teeth and gums become more vulnerable to decay and disease, as well as mouth cancer. If you’re struggling to stop smoking, remember that you’re not on your own. We can help you seek out professional advice that will get you on the road to quitting, healthier teeth and gums, and healthier lungs.
Learn good brushing and flossing technique
It’s all well and good to brush and for the recommended time, but if your technique is off, it will be of no benefit to your oral health.
Learning how to correctly use an electric tooth brush and floss or interdental brushes will dramatically improve your oral health and hygiene. You hygienist in Northampton can show you how to do this if you’re struggling, and will be able to identify where you are going wrong. Remember, we’re never here to judge, only to help, so don’t feel embarrassed or disheartened if you’ve not quite been using the right technique in the past.
Practicing good oral hygiene basics is essential for keeping beautiful, strong teeth and gums as well as staying healthy throughout the entire body. Here are four of the most common ways to ensure excellent oral health and hygiene.
Standard oral hygiene practices
1. Brushing and flossing regularly
Dentists recommend that everyone brush their teeth at least two times per day for two minutes each session. Brushing removes food particles left behind after eating and removes plaque, a sticky substance that can accumulate, harden, and lead to gum disease if not taken care of promptly. Manual or electric toothbrushes with soft bristles are the ideal tools for brushing, along with toothpaste containing fluoride. Proper brushing techniques include:
Holding the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gums
Moving the brush back and forth in gentle, fluid strokes
Brushing the outer surface of the teeth while applying mild pressure and then going back to do the same for the backsides of the teeth
People should floss once per day, slowly and carefully as not to agitate the gums. Flossing gets rid of food and plaque between the teeth in places people cannot reach by brushing. Floss comes in varying textures and thicknesses, so find the one that works well for you.
2. Hydrating
Practicing good oral hygiene can be as simple as drinking enough water throughout the day. Water not only washes away food particles left behind from snacks and meals but promotes the production of saliva. The presence of saliva in the mouth helps protect the teeth from issues such as cavities and infections. People should try to drink eight, 8-ounce glasses of water each day for good oral and overall health. While generally not as beneficial as water, drinking hot or iced herbal teas can be similarly helpful for oral health.
3. Visiting the dentist regularly
The excellent preventative practice of oral hygiene is to visit the dentist every six months for a checkup and cleaning. A dental exam includes checking for cavities, gum disease, and other oral problems before they turn into something more serious. Everyone should also get x-rays of their teeth every two to three years, even if their teeth are otherwise healthy, to identify any possible issues that cannot be seen on the surface of the teeth. If desired, someone can choose to have their teeth whitened at the dentist for purely cosmetic reasons.
4. Reducing intake of acidic and sugary foods
Sugar helps feed the bacteria that live in your mouth and contributes to plaque forming on the surfaces of the teeth. Reducing sugar intake helps maintain a healthy oral environment. Acidic foods and drinks can eventually lead to erosion of the enamel of the teeth when consumed in large amounts over time. Drinking water and brushing can reduce some of the adverse effects of sugar and acid, but it is advisable to avoid these substances in the first place.
Eating foods like corn on the cob, popcorn, and poppy seeds can land you with a piece of food stuck in your teeth. While your first instinct may be to reach for a toothpick, Parkcrest Dental believes there is a safer method to remove food than using toothpicks.
Why shouldn’t I use a toothpick?
While toothpicks are okay to use if you have no other options available, they shouldn’t be used regularly. When using a toothpick, it’s possible the toothpick can break and lodge bits and pieces of wood into your gum tissue. Some of them may not even be visible to the naked eye. When the gum is pierced or torn, bacteria can make its way into the open wound and infect the area. If you’re an avid toothpick user, your dentist can probably point out extra damage to your gums.
What should I use instead of toothpicks?
The ideal way to remove food from your teeth is with a type of dental floss. Flossing once a day can remove harmful plaque hiding in the hard to reach places in your mouth. Along with brushing, flossing is great at helping prevent tooth decay, gum disease and bad breath. If using regular nylon floss is difficult for you to use, there are many other different types of floss available to make flossing easy for you.
As the provider of the type of family dental care Beaverton has come to rely on for a great looking smile, Drs. Williams and Truszkowski want their patients to have the tools needed to protect the long-term health of their teeth and gums.
After all, our teeth do far more for us than simply help us to eat, drink, and smile. Our teeth act like a barometer that signals the current state of our underlying health. When patients develop oral health issues like tooth decay, gum disease, and tooth loss, they have a far greater risk for developing a range of chronic health issues that include heart disease, stroke, diabetes, dementia, and even cancer.
Despite the important role of our teeth play in helping to signal the state of our overall health and in eating, tooth decay and gum disease rates continue to rise. In the U.S., over 47 percent of adults over the age of 30 deal with either mild, moderate, or severe gum disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That number jumps to over 70 of seniors 65 and older.
Another study published by the CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics found that up to 91 percent of U.S. adults between the ages of 20 to 64 had some degree of tooth decay in their teeth. That number increases to 96 percent for adults 65 and older.
So, why do so many Americans deal with poor oral health despite the overall importance of strong teeth and gums? It could have to do with the way we brush.
Despite brushing and flossing for most of our lifetimes, most people have developed poor brushing habits that can actually harm their oral health. Even if you think you’ve master the art of brushing, odds seems likely there are a few things you can do to improve this highly important hygiene habit.
Let’s take a look at a few of the mistakes patients makes when brushing their teeth.
Brushing with Too Much Force
Brushing works to remove oral bacteria and food particles from the surface of our teeth and along the gum line. When bacteria, commonly referred to as plaque, remains on our teeth, it produces harmful substances that slowly erode away tooth enamel. Given time, this erosion leads to the development of cavities and gum disease that can destroy the health of our smiles.
Just because we need to scrub our teeth clean doesn’t mean we need to throw in a little extra elbow grease to get the job done. Cleaning our teeth isn’t like scrubbing the kitchen counter or bathtub. By brushing with too much force, we can actually harm the health of our teeth.
The correct way of brushing includes holding the brush at a 45-degree angle between the gum line and the tooth, and then moving the brush back and forth in a short, concise motion that covers the surface of each tooth.
If you want an easy solution to overbrushing, trying using an electric toothbrush. They are designed to use the right amount of pressure to remove plaque while keeping enamel safe.
Not Brushing Enough
When you receive the type of family dental care Beaverton patients require to enjoy a great-looking smile, your visit usually involves a cleaning where our hygienists remove tartar deposits from the surface of your teeth. Tartar develops when plaque is allowed to harden on our teeth. This usually occurs because patients fail to brush frequently enough.
While brushing at night before bed may seem adequate, practicing the habit once a day doesn’t provide your teeth with the protection they require.
When we sleep, the amount of saliva our mouths produce decreases significantly. Saliva acts as our body’s natural defense mechanism against plaque buildup. Plaque develops naturally in the mouth. So even after brushing away all of the plaque at night before bed, more will develop over the course of the night.
In the morning, after 6 to 8 hours of sleep, plaque has had the opportunity to accumulate without the interference of significant saliva flow. This means there is more plaque in your mouth in the morning than at any other time of the day. If you wait a full 14 to 16 hours later before brushing after waking, you expose the enamel of your teeth to a significant amount of plaque, thereby increasing your risk for cavities.
Brush in the morning and again before bed. That’s the best way to keep your smile looking its best.
Not Brushing for Long Enough
By far the most common problem when it comes to patients brushing at home, most people simply fail to brush for long enough.
If you had to guess what the American Dental Association would recommend for the length of time you need to spend brushing, what would come up with? Thirty seconds? A minute? The ADA actually recommends spending two minutes brushing each time you brush. Since you need to brush twice a day, you should be spending at least four minutes a day brushing.
No problem? Great. Except that studies have found that the majority of adults spend 30 seconds brushing, not two minutes, for a total of one minute a day.
That’s just a quarter of the amount of time recommended for cleaning our teeth. Imagine if you only spent a minute shaving, applying makeup, or showering. What kind of results would you expect? Probably a little uneven and somewhat smelly, right? Same thing happens when we spend so little time brushing. We miss significant areas of the mouth were plaque is then free to grow.
Don’t ruin your smile by not brushing enough. Make an effort to time yourself the next time you brush and see just how big a difference two minutes can make.
There are many keys to good oral health. Maintaining good oral health habits and going to the dentist regularly are two of the ways to keep a healthy smile. Another key is spotting problems early.
Early detection can help you fix a problem before it causes more trouble. It also offers the most options for treatment. The question people ask is how they can spot problems early.
When to Do It
The number one excuse people give for not looking for signs of a problem with their oral health is that they do not have the time. It is actually easier to do than people may think. If they have good oral health habits, they are already brushing their teeth twice a day and flossing every day. This is the best time to check the teeth for signs of any problems. It is the time when your teeth are the cleanest and the time when some problems are more obvious.
Knowing What to Look For
It is not enough to look at your teeth and gums after brushing. You also need to know what the signs of early problems with your teeth and gums are. Like many other things some are obvious, and some are not. Some will happen as you brush your teeth and you may notice other after brushing.
Pain or sensitivity – If you feel pain or pressure while brushing or flossing, it may mean that a cavity is forming.
White spots – There are many reasons for white spots to appear, but it is often a sign that enamel is wearing down.
Bleeding gums – Bleeding gums are not always a sign of trouble. They may result from harsh brushing. They may also come from possible problems with your teeth and gums.
Fillings – Holes, dark spots and loose fillings are something to watch for after brushing.
It does not take much time to scan your teeth for problems after brushing. Taking the time can save you time later on and can stop any problems from getting worse.Contact our office to schedule an appointment today to learn more about how to take care of your teeth.
Routine visits with your dental hygienist help keep your gums and teeth healthy. During cleaning appointments, one of the things your hygienist does is remove tartar buildup from your teeth. But can you dissolve tartar? And what would your dental hygienist think?
As you read on, we'll look into what tartar is, what role dential hygienists play, what tools dental professionals use to handle tartar, as well as the answer to the questions: can you dissolve tartar? And what will your hygienist think?
What is Tartar?
Tartar (aka dental calculus) is plaque that's not removed regularly that then hardens. But first, what is plaque? Plaque is a sticky, colorless film that forms on your teeth. Plaque houses bacteria and secretes acids, which can cause tooth decay and irritate gum tissue.
Tartar gradually builds on the teeth between dental visits as minerals in your saliva harden and calcify soft bacterial plaque. The most prevalent areas where tartar builds are where the major salivary glands are located in the mouth: the lower front teeth and inside the upper molars' cheeks.
Hygienists: Your Tartar Experts
A dental hygienist's role in dentistry is diverse and can vary from state to state. However, one universal part of that role is removing hard and soft deposits on the teeth. This involves loosening tartar on teeth and removing it. The detection and removal of tartar is critical for maintaining optimum periodontal (gum) health and preventing gum disease. And so, a hygienist's role is essential in your overall oral health care.
Tools of the Trade
Tartar is challenging to remove. So how do the professionals do it? Great question. Here are some tools of the trade that help them keep your teeth healthy and tartar free:
Hand instruments: You've probably seen your dental hygienist scrape off tartar with fine-tipped metal tools using a technique known as scaling. These tools are classic and effective.
Ultrasonic instruments: This technology uses a high-powered oscillating tip to remove buildup with micro-vibrations.
Perioscopy: This extremely tiny scope can probe into small areas between gums and teeth to examine calculus buildup on teeth' roots.
A friendly watch out for you: your dental hygienist has spent years training to remove tartar and perform other procedures. Attempting to use sharp tools in your own mouth can result in injuries to your teeth and gums. So always look to a professional for this type of care.
It's a Wash for Anti-Tartar Rinses
It would be nice to be able to wash tartar away, wouldn't it? The truth is the jury is still out on the effectiveness of tartar removal rinses. One study compared chlorhexidine's use — an antimicrobial mouth rinse widely used in dentistry — and a commercial anti-calculus mouth rinse. The study found that there was 47 % more new calculus and 10% more new plaque formed when using the antimicrobial mouth rinse versus the anti-calculus rinse.
Another study tested an anti-tartar rinse's effectiveness by soaking calculus samples in vitro or in the laboratory setting. A percentage of the mineral content of the tartar was dissolved in the rinse. But only after it had been soaking for 4.5 and 16 hours. This study was not conducted on a human mouth, and of course, no one wants to swish mouthwash for that long!
So, what would your hygienist think about dissolving your tartar? Well, as dental professionals do, they'll go with the research. If a mouth wash arises that research shows as a great option for dissolving tartar, they'll be all for it.
Until then, if you're wondering how to reduce the amount of tartar that forms on your teeth, the best thing you can do is to reduce plaque and calculus buildup in the first place. You can do this with proper home care and visiting the dentist regularly for check-ups and professional cleanings. Brushing at least twice a day and flossing daily will go far in reducing the need to look for ways to remove tartar.
Plaque control directly relates to tartar prevention and is known to prevent cavities, gingivitis, and gum disease. That's why one of the things every hygienist does is to help you remove it. Remember that your dental hygienist is trained to use tools to help you remove your tartar and that trying to use sharp instruments in your mouth is dangerous. What about a rinse that that can dissolve tartar? It may be a useful addition in the future, but more research is needed before you'll find one on your drugstore shelves that your hygienist will approve. Good oral hygiene and regular dental visits are and will continue to be the best treatment. If tartar is something on your radar, see your hygienist and get proactive in taking care of it right away.
Dental caries or cavities are caused by the erosion of teeth due to bacterial breakdown of the hard teeth enamel. Many different types of bacteria normally live in the human mouth. But dental erosion is caused by specific types of bacteria. They produce acid that destroys the tooth’s enamel and the layer under it, the dentin. Tooth decay is a major oral health problem across the world. Without a proper oral care, anyone could have dental cavities, but some people are more prone to others: Here are top ten reasons:
1. Diet
Unless immediately cleaned with a toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste, sugary or refined diet leftovers in the teeth and gum line activate decaying bacteria. They destroy the protective layer of teeth which leads to cavities. People with eating disorders (imbalanced diet) and those with more acidic food intake are more prone to the caries. Since the acid attacks the enamel, which is the t is most resistant to cavities,
2. Bad hygiene
If you do not brush and floss after every meals, you are naturally prone to bacterial damage in your mouth. If you had cavites in the past, you must add a good mouthwash as well in your oral care routine.
3. Oral bacteria
Some damaging bacteria are more active in some people’s mouth than others. To combat aggressive oral bacteria, couple your regular brushing and flossing routine with an oral rinse that fights cavities by enhancing the tooth’s natural protection.
4. Dry mouth
Saliva is a natural combatant of cavities, therefore, if you suffer from dry mouth, you are naturally more prone to cavities than other. Many factors can cause dry mouth including medication side effects, chemotherapy treatments, and sickness. To combat dry mouth and protect your teeth from cavities, rinse daily with an enamel enhancing mouth wash to protect teeth and drink plenty of water to replenish natural moisture in your mouth. And consult your healthcare professional for additional treatment for dry mouth symptoms.
5. Gum Recession
If your gums recede far enough, the roots of the teeth are exposed, which means that the base of the tooth is vulnerable and any bacteria that would naturally build could cause decay much easier. Brushing with fluoridated toothpaste and a very soft brush away from the gums is important to avoid further recession. You should consult with your periodontist for timely treatment for gum recession.
6. Tooth shape
Deep grooves in your teeth catch more food particles, sugars, and destructive bacteria. These grooves pose challenge in proper cleaning regularly and are closer to the root of the tooth so any erosion that does happen is more likely to have more destructive results because of its proximity to the vulnerable part of the tooth. Ask your dental professional if your teeth are such shaped.
If you have a poor quality filling or crown in your mouth, this may lead to get a cavity by allowing plaque to hang out where you can’t reach it with routine brushing and flossing.
7. Long nursing
If you weren’t weaned from the breast or bottle until you were a toddler, this could have put you at a higher risk for getting cavities. Most research points to the bottle, but there are conflicting reports regarding prolonged breastfeeding as well.
8. Family history
There could be genetics at play if despite regular oral care you develop caries. This could be related to lack of oral hygiene being taught in the home, genetic abnormalities in the teeth, or high numbers of the damaging bacteria in your mouth.
9. Enamel defect
If you have a defect in your enamel, it could make you more susceptible to cavities. Some examples might be enamel that didn’t form correctly, congenital defects like amelogenesis imperfecta, or a defect in enamel formation that can happen to a permanent tooth when its corresponding baby tooth gets knocked out.
10. Irregular Dental Care
By not going to the dentist regularly, you avoid learning about the condition of your mouth. The dentist can point out small problems before they turn into cavities. By avoiding your checkups, you lose out on the opportunity to take care of small problems before they become big.
The link between dental health and mental health will be clear once you read what the expert has to share here!
Remember the last time you felt embarrassed about your dental hygiene and how it triggered social anxiety in you? That clearly indicates a deep relationship between your dental health and mental health.Poor oral health decreases the quality of life and exacerbates existing mental health issues. It can also hurt your self-esteem and lead to an increase in some of your mental health symptoms. On the contrary, good oral health boosts one’s confidence and improves social, emotional, and mental well-being.
The connection between oral health and mental health
The health of your teeth – be it the colour of your teeth or state of cavities – can reveal many things about your overall health. It can explain your stress level, anxiety, mood, and chronic eating problems.
A recent study spanning several years revealed that people with severe mental health disorders were 2.8 times more likely to have lost their teeth than others. This is generally due to untreated health conditions or difficulty accessing dental care.
Moreover, it also affects your physical health, as self-soothing behaviours, such as smoking, drinking, and eating processed foods, can impact your health, including your oral hygiene.
How to manage your dental health and mental health?
As mental health and dental health are intertwined, you can do multiple things to manage one, and that will take care of the other. Start with making small changes in your daily life. These changes, over time, will have a lasting impact and ensure you keep your mental and dental health in check. Here is a list of things you could do:
1. Eat a balanced diet
Eating a healthy, balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and other minerals- and vitamins-packed food items is essential. Remember, what you eat impacts your mood and, ultimately, your oral health. Therefore, ensure to add a large variety of nutritious foods to your diet, as it will help protect your teeth and gums and boost your mental health.
2. Look for signs and symptoms of poor dental health
You must actively look for signs and symptoms to ensure proper dental hygiene. For example, gum bleeding during brushing or flossing, jaw ache, teeth pain, black spot, and sensitivity to hot and cold foods might indicate poor oral hygiene. Over and above that, consult a doctor if you are experiencing other symptoms, such as a dry mouth. These symptoms could be due to side effects of certain antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications and mood stabilizers.
3. Try stress and anxiety reduction activities
Reducing stress is important. Practice stress and anxiety reduction activities such as deep breathing, mindfulness, yoga, and visualization to reduce the impact of poor mental health on your dental hygiene. In addition, inculcate physical relaxation techniques in your daily life as it will add another layer of relaxation for physical and psychological stress relief when added to breathing exercises.
4. Visit a dentist
Make a list of questions before you visit your dentist, who can help you find treatment so that you can take care of your mental and dental health. Also, don’t be embarrassed if you have teeth, gums, or mouth issues. Instead, visit a doctor and share with them if some mental health issues are coming your way.
Remember, you and your dentist can together tackle the mental health issues you have and protect your oral health and overall health.
