Keeping your mouth healthy for a lifetime
Oral health is important no matter what your age. Taking proper care of your teeth and gums can help keep the rest of your body healthy by maintaining the balance of good oral bacteria and keeping infections at bay. Following these tips coupled with regular dental visits will help keep your mouth healthy for a lifetime. Infants and Toddlers Baby teeth are important. They help children speak and chew properly and hold space for the permanent teeth growing below the gums.1 Read more. Prior to teeth erupting, wipe baby’s gums with a wet washcloth daily. Once the first baby tooth has erupted, begin brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste the size of a grain of rice. Children should visit the dentist within six months of the first tooth or by age 1. To prevent “baby bottle” tooth decay, do not put a child to sleep with a bottle full […]
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 […]
