The human mouth contains tons of microbes. Many various sorts dwelled the human’s tooth, gums, tongue, and different spots inside the mouths. A few microorganisms are useful while others are fatal.
How to have healthier teeth?
REALLY FOCUSING ON YOUR TEETH.
Brush your teeth completely last thing around evening time and in any event during the day using 1450ppm fluoride toothpowder. It is an excellent method to forestall dental cavities.
REDUCE SUGAR AND CARBS.
You need to consume sweet nourishment and beverages less frequently. In this way, you will avoid any potential damage to your teeth.
VISITING YOUR DENTAL SPECIALIST
Visiting your dental specialist as frequently as they suggest can assist you with dealing with your oral wellbeing, including how to forestall tooth decay.
This is on the grounds that your dental group can spot tooth rot in the beginning phases and treat the condition before it gets an opportunity to deteriorate. Without this mediation, a cavity will require a filling, or in more serious cases, the tooth eliminated.
FLUORIDE
Fluoride is an element that can be normally found in numerous food sources and in all drinking water—the measure of fluoride in water shifts from territory to region.
EAT NUTRITIOUS AND ADJUSTED SUPPERS AND CUTOFF SNACKS.
Keep away from starches as they may remain inside your mouth for a long time. Additionally, it is advisable to immediately brush your teeth, if ever you consume these tacky nourishments.
CONCLUSION
As you may deduce, it is vital to take care of your teeth, if you want to avoid any potential decay or cavity in the future. It is highly recommendable to regularly visit your dental specialist since the symptoms of a tooth cavity do not appear immediately. If you wish to avoid losing teeth or expensive treatment, then do consider visiting your dentist frequently.
Dental health is an important aspect of our health that we should pay attention to regardless of our age, however, it is common to see young adults ignoring it or not putting it as a priority.
Oral health can have a huge impact on your overall health, and the sooner you take care of it, the fewer complications you will have in the future.
Young people that are experiencing bad teeth can improve their oral health by following some simple tips.
Of course, if your condition is making you uncomfortable, you are feeling pain, or you worry about your teeth, the best recommendation is to visit your dentist.
In Dental Solutions, we offer modern treatments and procedures while saving you up to 80% in costs!
What causes poor dental health?
Oral health problems can be caused by not having proper dental care, deficient oral hygiene, and consuming a lot of sugar.
It can also be affected by genetic conditions, having crooked teeth, or suffering from dentophobia.
Overall, most dental problems, like periodontal disease or similar gum disease, tooth loss, plaque, tooth decay, and bad breath can be prevented by having good dental hygiene and visiting the dentists regularly since these two things can help you to remove plaque and bacteria.
If you are in your early twenties you can take steps to improve your oral health and take care of your permanent teeth.
Tips to take care of your teeth in your 20s
The next tips will help you to take care of your smile, prevent future dental issues, and maintain your permanent teeth as long as possible.
Good oral hygiene
Nowadays there is good oral health education online and you can get advice from professionals on how to take care of your teeth. It is important to start by creating a good habit of dental hygiene that considers your teeth, gums, and tongue.
Brush your teeth at least twice a day. Follow up with dental floss and mouthwash to rinse. You can also get an interdental brush which will help you improve your gum health by removing more plaque and help you prevent periodontitis.
A good tip is to use fluoridated toothpaste and mouthwash since fluoride helps to strengthen your tooth enamel and prevent tooth decay.
You can also drink fluoridated water to up your consumption, which you can find as bottled water or tap water.
Visit your dentist regularly
Avoiding or postponing the dentist appointment is common in young adults, but this decision can have a high price when they are older.
Taking care of your teeth in your early twenties will prevent future tooth decay and tooth loss, which will also save you tons of money.
A dental professional can assess your condition and recommend appropriate treatments for your teeth and gums. Also, they can perform a deep cleaning to remove all plaque and bacteria. This cleaning can only be done by dentists and it can drastically improve your dental health.
Another benefit of visiting the dentist when you are younger is that the dental professional can determine if you need orthodontic treatment to improve your bite and oral health.
These are the ages when young people get their wisdom teeth, and these can push and move the rest of your teeth. It is possible that it is needed surgery or orthodontic treatment.
Ask questions to the dentist
Along with the previous tip, it is also recommended to make questions to the dentists before our appointment.
New patients can feel overwhelmed or afraid of the experience, especially if they have not visited the dentist before. It is common to have fear of uncertainty, anxiety due to lack of control, and the expectation of pain. But this is mostly caused by uncomfortable past experiences or misinformation.
This fear can lead you to avoid seeking help, and your smile can suffer it. Instead, you can express your concerns to the doctor and ask all the questions that you need. Having information about your treatment and procedure can help you to feel at ease.
Before your appointment, let the staff or the doctor knows your concern and your fears, and you can ask all the questions. A good dental professional will understand and try to explain everything in detail so you feel more comfortable with the entire process.
Diets low in sugar
Sugar is the main cause of tooth decay because sugar becomes acid in our mouth, and this acid damages your tooth enamel. If sugar breaks down your enamel, you can get cavities that later turn into an infection or it can even lead to tooth loss.
Consuming overall less sugar, sugary drinks and juices can make a big difference. Lower your consumption of candies, cookies, bread, chocolate, gum, cake, soda, and other sugary foods.
Either way, if you still want to consume those, try to brush your teeth right after or at least rinse your mouth with water if you cannot brush right away. This will help to remove the sugar and prevent tooth decay.
If you crave something sweet you can try gum that contains xylitol since this help to reduce the bacteria in your mouth, which can help fight decay, bad breath, and gum disease. It is a healthy option for your teeth and it can improve your smile.
Avoid colorants
Another great tip is to avoid artificial colorants in food to avoid stains in your teeth.
Also, red wine and coffee are drinks that can stain your teeth making them look yellow, so it is best to lower their consumption.
Avoid smoking
Smoking not only can stain your teeth quickly and make them look yellow or brown but keeping this habit for a long period of time can cause serious oral health problems.
Cigarettes can enhance your chance of suffering gingivitis, having bad breath, suffering tooth decay and tooth loss, can affect teeth roots, lowers your chances of successful dental surgery and recovery, and can even lead to mouth cancer. The best recommendation is to quit this habit as soon as possible to maintain your smile and permanent teeth.
Wine with dinner. Beer on game day. Friday night cocktail with friends. You can do that if you want. After all, you’re over 21 and drink responsibly. What you can’t handle is that alcohol breath smell. It’s a social thing and the last thing you want while being social is to have smelly breath. Why does imbibing even a little make your breath stink? How can you get rid of alcohol breath immediately? Here’s what we can tell you.
How Alcohol Affects Your Breath
Alcohol, even though it’s a liquid, causes dehydration and less saliva production. This causes you to have a dry mouth. When your mouth is dry, bacteria grow. That makes your breath smell bad.
How to Get Rid of the Smell of Alcohol
Ideally, you should have a travel oral care kit (toothbrush, toothpaste, floss). Good oral care is the optimal way to keep your breath clean and fresh. However, it’s not always feasible to take care of your teeth when you’re out and about. That said, sugar-free mints and gums are excellent go-to’s for freshening up alcohol breath.
Also, did you know that only drinking more water can help alleviate bad breath? It’s true. That’s because having a dry mouth creates a haven for bacteria, which causes odor. There’s no saliva to wash it away. Alcohol has a diuretic effect. Drinking water while drinking alcohol can help you stay hydrated.
Additionally, water washes away left behind particles. Increase your water intake. It’s good for your breath and your overall health too.
It’s important to remember that covering up or masking the smell of alcohol does not cover up the effect alcohol can have on your brain and body. You may have minty breath, but your minty breath won’t make you drive well or pass a sobriety test. Only time can get the alcohol out of your system. Please drink responsibly.
You may notice you have bad breath after drinking alcohol. Having bad breath can put a damper on your social gathering. Having an oral care kit or sugar-free mints or gum on hand can help. Drinking water is a must. Drinking alcohol responsibly is as well.
The way to improve your oral health is pretty simple and straightforward: brush, floss, eat healthily, do regular visits to your dentist
It doesn’t end there. Here are some tips weird dental tips for you.
They may sound crazy enough to leave you scratching your head at first, but we assure you – they do work! So, here it goes…
1.- Don’t Brush Your Teeth After Eating
Contrary to what you always hear when you were a little kid, it is actually not advisable to brush your teeth right after meals.
Instead, you must wait for at least 30 minutes, or longer if you’ve just eaten acidic food and drinks.
The acids can dissolve or erode the tooth enamel, and brushing can actually wear it away much faster.
2.- Use Banana Peel to Whiten Teeth
Done eating that banana? Don’t throw the peel yet.
You can still use it for whitening your teeth. Do so by rubbing the inside surface of the peel on your teeth for at least two minutes.
The peel contains magnesium, potassium, and other minerals which can penetrate your teeth to make them whiter. And unlike commercial whiteners, these minerals whiten the teeth without making your teeth sensitive.
3.- Use Coconut Oil as Mouthwash
This newest health craze is more popularly known as “oil pulling”.
A detoxification procedure derived from Ayurvedic medicine, it involves putting a tablespoon of slightly hardened coconut oil in your mouth, allowing it to slowly liquefy, then swishing or gargling it for about 10 to 20 minutes before spitting it out.
Coconut oil has been proven to have numerous health benefits, one of which is its antimicrobial properties.
It can kill the decay-causing bacteria, as well as the bacteria that cause gum disease and oral infections.
If you don’t have coconut oil, olive oil or sesame oil will do.
Those who have tried oil pulling claim that their teeth become cleaner and whiter, and their breath fresher.
Whether or not such claims are true, there is no harm in trying this method as it won’t produce any negative effects on your health.
However, this may not be suitable in those with the sensitive gag reflex.
4.- Rub Ice on Your Hand to Relieve A toothache
You’ve probably heard that rubbing ice on a sore muscle or joint provides relief, but using it on your teeth?
While it may sound unbelievable, there is actually a study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal that supports it.
According to such study, massaging ice on the area between the thumb and index finger relieves pain on the same side of the face by up to 50%.
It works because the cold temperature helps prevent pain signals from reaching the brain.
5.- Eat Cheese to Prevent Tooth Decay
Your favorite dairy has been found to reduce the risk of dental caries.
Its gooey consistency works like a sticky tape that traps bacteria and food residues from the surface of the teeth.
More importantly, munching on a large wedge of cheese will help clean in-between your teeth as well.
(12/26/2023) by Irresistible Smiles Cosmetic And Family Dentistry
Maintaining good dental hygiene is essential for healthy teeth and a confident smile. We all know the drill - brush twice daily, floss, and limit sugar intake. However, preventing tooth decay involves more than just these basic recommendations. Here are some valuable tips to keep your teeth in optimal condition.
Floss, then brush:
Flossing once a day helps remove food particles and plaque between your teeth and the gumline. It's essential for maintaining healthy gums. It takes only a minute or two to floss your entire mouth, and it should be done before brushing.
Brush up on your brushing:
Brush your teeth at least twice daily with fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride works by replacing lost minerals in teeth, which can occur due to the acidic environment created by bacteria in the mouth. When bacteria in the mouth break down sugars and carbohydrates, they produce acid that can erode the enamel on teeth, leading to cavities and decay. Fluoride helps to counteract this process by strengthening the enamel and making it more resistant to acid erosion.
In addition to preventing tooth decay, fluoride can also cause teeth to be stronger overall, which can help to reduce the risk of other dental problems such as chipping or cracking. Make sure to brush for at least two minutes to remove plaque and prevent the growth of acid-producing bacteria. When you do not have time to brush, try to chew sugar-free gum. It will help remove food particles from your teeth by stimulating saliva production, which helps neutralise acids and promote remineralization.
Spit, don’t rinse:
Don't rinse your mouth immediately after brushing, as it'll wash away the concentrated fluoride in the remaining toothpaste. Instead, spit out any excess toothpaste. This ensures that the fluoride in the toothpaste has enough time to interact with your tooth enamel and provides maximum protection against tooth decay.
Fix your diet:
Eat a balanced diet low in sugary snacks and beverages. Sugar contributes to tooth decay, so choosing healthy snacks can help protect your teeth. Avoid excessive consumption of sugary beverages like sodas, sports drinks, and fruit juices, as they can erode enamel and lead to cavities. Drinking water helps wash away food particles and maintains saliva production, essential for neutralising acids and preventing cavities.
Certain foods can contribute to stronger teeth by providing essential nutrients. Calcium is crucial for strong teeth and bones. It can be obtained from dairy products like milk, cheese, yogurt, and leafy green vegetables. Enamel-friendly vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin D, phosphorus, and potassium, also play a role in maintaining strong teeth. These can be found in fatty fish, eggs, nuts, and bananas. Limit acidic foods like citrus fruits as they can weaken enamel over time. Consume them in moderation and rinse your mouth afterward.
Be proactive with probiotics:
Research suggests that certain probiotics can promote remineralisation of teeth. Probiotics such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium may help maintain a healthy balance of bacteria in the mouth and support remineralisation. Probiotics can also help with better breath, decrease gingivitis symptoms, reduce inflammation, and reduce the risk of developing oral cancer. Talk to your dentist about probiotic options that may benefit your oral health.
Keep it white and bright:
To maintain white teeth, it's essential to avoid certain habits and substances that can cause staining. Limit your intake of staining foods and drinks such as coffee, tea, red wine, and dark berries. Also, avoid smoking and tobacco products, which can cause severe tooth discoloration. Quitting is beneficial for your overall oral and general health. While baking soda can help remove surface stains, it's essential to use it sparingly as it can be abrasive and damage the enamel if used excessively. Consult your dentist for professional teeth whitening options to achieve the best results and a brighter smile.
The dentist will see you now:
Schedule regular dental cleanings and annual exams with your dentist. This can help catch any issues, such as cavities or gingivitis, early and ensure your oral health is on track. Dental problems can also be prevented by paying attention to certain symptoms and signs. Differentiating between craze lines (harmless, superficial cracks in the tooth enamel) and cracked teeth (more serious damage that requires treatment) is crucial. If you experience persistent pain or sensitivity or notice substantial cracks, consult your dentist for appropriate care.
You can maintain healthy teeth and promote optimal oral health by following these helpful tips. Remember to brush and floss regularly, schedule annual dental visits, spit rather than rinse, and avoid staining substances. Incorporating probiotics and tooth-strengthening foods into your diet can further support your dental health.
Whitening strips have become a popular choice for those looking to enhance the brightness of their smiles. They offer a convenient and relatively affordable way to achieve a whiter, more dazzling set of teeth. However, if you’re new to using whitening strips, you might be wondering about post-application care, specifically whether you should brush your teeth immediately afterward. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the intricacies of dental care after using whitening strips. We’ll provide you with practical insights to ensure you get the most out of your whitening efforts while safeguarding your oral health.
The Basics of Whitening Strips
Whitening strips are thin, flexible strips coated with a peroxide-based whitening gel. When applied to the teeth, they work diligently to break down and lift stains from the surface of the enamel. The process is relatively straightforward, and it typically involves wearing these strips for around 30 minutes a day, depending on the specific brand and product.
The active ingredient, peroxide, penetrates the enamel and targets discolorations, revealing a whiter, more dazzling smile over time. This approach offers a convenient and relatively affordable option for individuals looking to enhance the aesthetics of their teeth without the need for extensive dental procedures. However, it’s essential to understand the nuances of post-whitening care to ensure the best results while safeguarding your oral health.
Immediate Post-Whitening Care
After you’ve completed a whitening strip session, it’s essential to consider your immediate post-whitening care routine. Here’s what you should keep in mind:
Rinse and Examine
After removing the whitening strips, it’s crucial to rinse your mouth thoroughly to remove any residual gel. Take a moment to examine your teeth in the mirror, appreciating the initial results. It’s common to notice an immediate improvement in the shade of your teeth, which can be quite satisfying.
Avoid Staining Foods and Drinks
In the hours following your whitening session, it’s advisable to steer clear of foods and beverages that are known to stain teeth. This includes coffee, tea, red wine, dark berries, and colorful sauces. By avoiding these items, you minimize the risk of new stains forming on your newly whitened teeth.
Wait Before Brushing
Here’s where the brushing dilemma comes into play. It’s generally recommended to wait at least 30 minutes before brushing your teeth after using whitening strips. This waiting period allows your tooth enamel to recover from the peroxide exposure, as it can temporarily soften the enamel. Brushing too soon may lead to enamel erosion or damage. However, you can rinse your mouth with water during this time to help remove any residual gel.
Use a Desensitizing Gel (Optional)
If you experience tooth sensitivity after whitening, some whitening strip kits include a desensitizing gel. You can apply this gel to your teeth to help reduce sensitivity and strengthen your enamel. Follow the instructions provided with your whitening kit for the best results.
Admire Your Brighter Smile
Take a moment to admire your brighter smile in the mirror. While the immediate results are impressive, keep in mind that the full effects of whitening strips may take a few days to become fully evident. So, don’t be surprised if your smile continues to improve in the days following your whitening session.
To Brush or Not to Brush?
Now, the million-dollar question: should you brush your teeth after using whitening strips? The answer is “yes,” but with some caveats.
Do’s
Wait for 30 Minutes: As mentioned earlier, wait at least 30 minutes after removing the whitening strips before brushing your teeth. This waiting period allows your enamel to reharden and reduces the risk of enamel damage.
Use a Soft-Bristle Toothbrush: Opt for a soft-bristle toothbrush when brushing after whitening. Soft bristles are gentler on your teeth and gums, minimizing the risk of enamel abrasion or gum irritation.
Choose a Whitening Toothpaste: Consider using a toothpaste specially formulated for whitening, as it can help maintain and enhance the results of your whitening strips. These toothpaste varieties typically contain mild abrasives and polishing agents to remove surface stains gently.
Don’ts
Don’t Brush Immediately: Avoid brushing your teeth immediately after using whitening strips. Brushing right away can lead to enamel erosion and heightened tooth sensitivity, as the enamel is in a softened state post-whitening.
Don’t Use a Hard-Bristle Toothbrush: Using a hard-bristle toothbrush can be abrasive to your enamel, especially after whitening. Stick with a soft-bristle brush to protect your tooth structure.
Don’t Overdo It: While maintaining good oral hygiene is essential, overbrushing can be harmful. Stick to brushing twice a day for two minutes each time, and avoid aggressive brushing techniques.
Using whitening strips can effectively brighten your smile, but proper post-whitening care is crucial. Remember to wait 30 minutes before brushing, opt for a soft-bristle toothbrush, and consider using a whitening toothpaste to maintain your results. Following the guidelines from a dentist in Naperville lets you enjoy a whiter smile without compromising your oral health.
Teeth whitening from Santo Dental Group is a simple, fast, and affordable way to brighten your smile and enhance your self-confidence. Unfortunately, some patients find that in-office and take-home whitening treatments can make their teeth quite sensitive.
While this is only a temporary issue, it can be uncomfortable. So if you’re experiencing whitening-induced teeth sensitivity, here are a few simple tips and strategies you can use to enhance your comfort after teeth whitening.
1. KEEP BRUSHING YOUR TEETH REGULARLY
Make sure you brush your teeth at least twice a day with a toothpaste that contains fluoride. Brush for two minutes and make sure you clean every surface of your teeth.
This is important because the fluoride in toothpaste helps strengthen your enamel, which is weakened slightly by the teeth whitening process. As your teeth attract minerals and become stronger, the effects of whitening-induced sensitivity will be reduced.
2. CONSIDER SENSODYNE OR A SIMILAR ANTI-SENSITIVITY TOOTHPASTE
Anti-sensitivity toothpaste like Sensodyne uses special chemicals that have been shown to help reduce sensitivity over time. Consistently using anti-sensitivity toothpaste throughout your whitening treatment and after it’s complete will help you reduce overall levels of pain and sensitivity.
Just make sure you choose a product that contains fluoride and has the ADA seal of acceptance. This is the best way to make sure you’re choosing a toothpaste that’s safe for your teeth.
3. AVOID EXTREMELY HOT OR COLD FOODS AND DRINKS
Drinking boiling hot coffee or eating ice-cold ice cream should be avoided when your teeth are sensitive, for obvious reasons. Teeth sensitivity is made worse by really hot and cold foods and drinks, so they should be avoided.
You may also want to avoid really crunchy or tough foods such as popcorn or beef jerky for a little bit. These foods could also make your sensitivity worse, since they require a lot of chewing force.
4. TAKE OVER-THE-COUNTER PAINKILLERS LIKE IBUPROFEN
Over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen, acetaminophen, naproxen, and aspirin are quite effective at managing teeth sensitivity, particularly when paired with the other recommendations on this list. Consult the label and make sure you take the proper dosage of these medications.
A topical treatment like Orajel is also an option, but this is usually not necessarily for minor tooth sensitivity, and these topical pain relievers are quite expensive. Still, this is an option if other treatment methods aren’t working for you.
5. TALK TO YOUR DENTIST BEFORE YOUR TREATMENT
If your teeth are naturally sensitive, we recommend talking with your dentist at Santo Dental Group and discussing the issue before your whitening treatment begins. They may recommend that you whiten your teeth more gradually.
That may mean less time whitening each day with take-home whitening, or scheduling multiple, shorter in-office appointments. Reducing the intensity of teeth whitening usually also helps reduce whitening-induced sensitivity.
Temporary tooth fillings are not uncommon, and are often required before a permanent filling or crown can be placed.
What is a Temporary Tooth Filling?
A temporary filling is used to seal a tooth for a specified amount of time, usually several weeks but could also be several months. If you have a broken tooth, a cavity, or an area that has succumbed to decay, your dentist may choose to fill it with a soft material until filing it permanently in the future.
When Temporary Fillings are Needed
There are a number of reasons why you may need a temporary filling. The most common time a temporary filling is placed on a tooth is after a root canal, prior to a permanent filling as the area heals. Other reasons include:
Immediate sensitivity relief
Dental emergency in case of a chip, crack, or severe toothache
Extensive or deep cavities in the instance that more time will be required to remove all of the decayed material
For some, temporary fillings are usually more affordable than permanent ones so they may opt for a momentary filling until either insurance is provided or payment can be made.
When Caring for Your Temporary Filling
Since it’s only a temporary measure to help protect your tooth from further decay or infection, there are several things you should be wary of to help keep the seal in place:
Be careful where and what you chew: Try to avoid chewing on the side of your mouth that contains the temporary filling. Of course, it’s easy to forget about your filling, so be mindful of not chewing anything that’s hard, crunchy, or chewy like nuts, gum, and toffee.
Brush and floss with care: Be sure to brush and floss gently, especially around the filling. Rather than pulling up when you floss, floss from side to side to avoid accidentally snagging the filling.
If you take proper care of your filling and practice a good oral hygiene routine, your temporary tooth filling should stay in place. However, if it starts to loosen or is completely removed prior to your next dental visit, call your dental professional right away to avoid infection.
Everyone has felt parched and experienced a fleeting moment of a cotton mouth, and that’s perfectly normal. However, if the condition persists, you’re likely experiencing dry mouth, also known as xerostomia. Your trusted team at Kraklow Quality Dentistry is here to help manage your symptoms to prevent damage to your teeth and gums. You can count on us for outstanding care and service!
What Is Dry Mouth and What Are Its Complications?
Dry mouth is a condition where the salivary glands don’t produce enough saliva to keep the mouth moist. That can be problematic because saliva helps prevent tooth decay and periodontal (gum) disease by neutralizing the acids oral bacteria produce. Patients with dry mouth are at a higher risk of plaque accumulation, cavities, fungal infections (thrush), mouth sores, cracked lips, and bad breath (halitosis).
Saliva enhances the ability to taste different flavors and helps digestion by softening food and adding enzymes. Lack of saliva can result in difficulty chewing and swallowing, often leading to poor nutrition.
What Are the Causes of Dry Mouth?
Dry mouth is often a side effect of certain medications. It can also result from dehydration, the natural aging process, cancer therapy, nerve damage, tobacco use, alcohol consumption, snoring, and mouth breathing. Dry mouth is often caused by health conditions such as diabetes, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, or autoimmune diseases, such as Sjögren’s syndrome or HIV/AIDS.
What Are the Symptoms of Dry Mouth?
Symptoms of dry mouth include a sticky sensation in the mouth, bad breath, a dry or grooved tongue, cracked lips, changes in the sense of taste, a dry or sore throat, a hoarse voice, and thick and stringy saliva. Patients also report trouble speaking, chewing, and swallowing and difficulty wearing dentures.
How Is Dry Mouth Managed and Treated?
There are some things you can do to stimulate saliva production and keep your mouth hydrated. These include sipping on water throughout the day, sucking on sugar-free candy, chewing sugarless gum, and rinsing with mouthwash containing xylitol. It also helps to limit your caffeine and alcohol intake and refrain from smoking and tobacco use.
If your dry mouth persists, contact your trusted team at Kraklow Quality Dentistry for a consultation. We will evaluate your unique concerns and recommend treatment options to help with your dry mouth and prevent associated problems. These include medicated gel or artificial saliva to keep your mouth moist, fluoride treatment to strengthen your teeth and prevent cavities, and medicated mouth rinse to combat dry mouth and prevent tooth decay.
If we suspect that a medical condition or your medications are the cause of your dry mouth, we may refer you to your healthcare provider for an evaluation. The goal is to address the underlying causes of your condition to provide real, lasting relief.
Thanks to years of education from parents, teachers, dental hygienists, and dentists, most of us are aware that eating candy and drinking sugary drinks can contribute to tooth decay. For those who enjoy the taste of sugar, satisfying their sweet tooth can lead not only to cavities, but also to feelings of guilt every time they indulge.
By following a few common sense practices, however, those who consume more sugar than average can maintain healthy teeth. Here are a few tips that can help prevent cavities for sugar lovers.
Brush Often
While this might seem elementary, a busy schedule often prevents you from brushing as often as you should. To keep your teeth clean, you should:
Carry a portable or disposable toothbrush with you at all times. Portable toothbrushes can be godsends for busy adults, such as sales representatives and insurance agents, who are on the road during the day. They allow you to quickly visit the restroom after eating a sugary dessert or snack and remove any food or sugar on the teeth. Many such toothbrushes are disposable and some even come with built-in toothpaste.
Change your toothbrush at home. If you consume a lot of sweets, chances are you're at risk for more plaque buildup than the average person, since plaque thrives in a carbohydrate-rich environment. Toothbrushes with triple-action bristles and diamond-shaped heads are designed to be better at cleaning hard-to-reach nooks and crannies. Powered toothbrushes can also make brushing more comfortable and enjoyable.
Other Tips
For those without the means or willingness to carry a toothbrush around, here are some other things to consider:
Use a mouthrinse to remove as much sugar and sticky residue as possible. While mouthrinses that contain fluoride are ideal, even swishing plain water around your mouth can help when no other option is available.
Chew a sugar-free gum after eating sweets to help clean your teeth. The gum will increase the production of saliva, aiding in removing any sugar coating the teeth.
Choose less sugary snacks. Obviously, fruits are a healthy way to satisfy a craving for sweets, but for those who don't want to substitute a banana for a donut, there are still some choices you can make to lessen the risk of cavities. For example, a slice of pound cake will not coat the mouth in sticky sugar for quite as long as a chocolate fudge brownie or piece of gooey taffy.
The key to prevent cavities after eating sugary foods is simply to prevent the mouth from remaining coated in the acid-forming sugars and other carbohydrates found in sweets after eating.
