Oral Hygiene – it’s best to follow a routine
Back-to-school time brings routines and order to a more relaxed summer household. As you establish new routines for the day, don’t forget your or your child’s oral health! The importance of establishing an oral hygiene routine Work, school, activities, and family time are often part of busy lives. Some days, you may feel you have no time to spare, but your smile and your overall health depend on simple dental care habits, such as brushing and flossing.1 Developing a good oral health routine and sticking to it daily will prevent dental problems, such as tooth decay. In fact, cavities are one of the most prevalent diseases among children. But even adults benefit when they are mindful of their daily oral hygiene. Start a routine and stick to it – First thing in the morning and last thing at night works well for most. There are no hard and fast rules […]
The Importance of Protecting Your Lips in the Sun
You probably know that it’s important to wear sunscreen on your face and body to protect your skin from the sun. Were you aware that the delicate skin on your lips make them particularly vulnerable to the sun? In fact, your lower lip is 12 times more likely to be affected by burning from the sun and skin cancer than the top lip.1 Protect your lips with the daily use of a lip balm or lipstick that offers a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 30 or greater. Because you eat, drink and may lick your lips, you’ll need to reapply often. A good rule to follow is to reapply every hour. While ultraviolet rays are most intense during the summer months, the use of an SPF lip balm protects your lips year-round and can help keep them moist during cooler weather. Prevent sunburn by seeking the shade, especially between 10 […]
Tips to Keep Your Smile Healthy During Summer
Warm summer weather brings outdoor activities and family and friends gathering to have fun in the sun or enjoy a pleasant evening outside. Eating an abundance of fresh vegetables and fruits that are available now is a great way to eat well, give you energy and keep your teeth healthy, too! For other summer activities, here are some tips to protect your healthy and strong smile. To beat the heat, water is your best option for staying hydrated. Sugary drinks such as soda, energy drinks, juice and sports drinks can cause tooth decay. Eliminating or reducing them by substituting water, sparkling water, diluted juice or unsweetened beverages will benefit your teeth and health. And, don’t chew ice cubes because you risk cracking a tooth or a filling. Protect your mouth and teeth while participating in sports and other activities by wearing a mouthguard even in non-contact activities such as skateboarding. […]
Oral Health Care During a Woman’s Life
Caring for oral health is similar for both men and women. However, a woman’s oral health can be affected by hormonal changes throughout her lifetime, especially during pregnancy. Understanding these changes can help you or a woman in your life get the proper preventive dental care to avoid serious oral health issues. Know the steps to take for women to keep their smile healthy. Hormones Blood flow to gum tissues is increased by female hormones which raises the gum sensitivity to plaque and bacteria. This can cause gums to swell or bleed. While hormonal changes do not cause gum disease, they can worsen oral health issues leading to inflammation, cold sores, dry mouth and changes in taste. These changes often occur as the body produces more of the estrogen hormone at certain points in a women’s menstrual cycle. Oral health is also affected by oral contraceptives. An example is dry […]
A visit to the dentist could save your life
In 2019, it’s estimated that 53,000 people will get oral cancer and 10,860 people will die of these cancers in the United States.1 April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month – a time to focus on how to prevent cancer that can develop in the mouth and back of the throat. TruAssure encourages regular dental visits to help detect symptoms early. Any part of your mouth can be affected by oral cancer. The largest risk factors include: Tobacco – both smoking and smokeless tobacco products can cause cancers anywhere in the mouth or throat2 Alcohol – drinking and smoking together raises the risk of oral cancer even more than drinking or smoking alone3 Sun exposure – excessive and unprotected exposure to the sun is linked with cancer in the lip area4 Human papillomavirus (HPV) – it’s estimated that HPV causes 70 percent of oropharyngeal cancers, or cancers affecting the back of […]
