Stress and Oral Health
April can be a stressful time as Tax Day quickly approaches. Studies show that stress not only harms your overall health, but it can harm your oral health as well. Reducing stress is important to maintaining a healthy smile and good oral health. Stress has been shown to contribute to the following oral health conditions: Bruxism (teeth grinding) Dry mouth Canker sores Tooth decay Gum disease Here are some good ways to help keep your whole mouth healthy, while you work to lower your stress levels. Talk to your dentist if you wake up with headaches or experience frequent jaw pain. You may clench or grind your teeth during your sleep. Your dentist may recommend the use of a night guard to help protect your teeth from breaking, chipping or being worn down. Stay on track with your oral health routine. Always brush two times each day for two minutes, […]
Fillings 101 – Everything You Need to Know
Fillings are a restorative dental procedure used to treat tooth decay and repair cracked or broken teeth as well as prevent further damage. According to the CDC National Center for Health Statistics, 91 percent of adults have experienced tooth decay.1 Many people have had a filling by the time they enter adulthood and are likely to continue to need or replace fillings throughout their lifetime. If you need a filling, there are many factors you should consider and discuss with your dentist. Types of Fillings When you receive a filling, the dentist first numbs the tooth and surrounding area before he or she removes the decayed part of the tooth. The dentist then fills the cavity with either an amalgam filling or a composite filling. An amalgam filling is silver in color and made from a combination of different metals including silver, mercury, tin and copper. Although amalgam contains mercury, […]
Oral Cancer: Symptoms, Risk Factors and Reducing Your Risk
What is oral cancer? Oral cancer refers to cancer that starts in the mouth and generally, includes oropharyngeal cancer, which is cancer that starts in the throat just behind the mouth. The overall lifetime risk of developing oral cancer is approximately 1 in 60 for men and 141 for women.1 The prognosis for these cancers is good if caught early. If cancer has spread before diagnosis, the survival rate significantly decreases. Dentists play an important role in this early detection as they are the first line of defense in noticing and spotting changes in your mouth that could potentially indicate disease. Although a majority of people who develop oral cancer are over 60 years of age, people under the age of 40 have also been diagnosed in recent years making it clear that regular mouth exams are key no matter age.2 Symptoms The signs and symptoms of oral cancer may […]
The Link Between Oral and Overall Health
You may want to think twice before postponing your next dental visit. During a dental check-up, your dentist does more than simply clean your teeth and check for cavities. During a routine dental exam, your dentist can spot specific signs and symptoms of more than 120 diseases that may suggest serious health issues. Below are health conditions with oral signs and symptoms that can be identified through a dental exam: Anemia: A mouth with pale gums may lead a dentist to believe a patient has anemia, a condition where the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells circulating throughout its system. Another indicator is a tongue that has lost its normal bumpy texture and now appears smooth. Anorexia nervosa and bulimia: According to the American Dental Association, dentists may be the first health professionals to notice signs and symptoms of eating disorders. Frequent vomiting and nutrient deficiencies associated […]
Don’t Take a Spring Break from Your Teeth
March is typically spring break time for kids in school and their families. Breaks from school can sometimes mean break from regular routines, like oral health routine. Oral bacteria doesn’t take a vacation, so help your child maintain good oral health during spring break with these tips. Reestablish oral health routines for the entire family Preventive dental care is the best way to prevent dental issues down the road, like cavities. Scheduling a dental appointment for your child before spring break can help remind them to take care of their teeth during the break. Make a list for your child to help them remember good habits when it comes to their teeth and include the following: Brush twice daily and floss once daily. Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Limit sugary drinks and stick to milk or water. Pack smart for spring break Always include the oral health essentials […]
