8 Ways to Celebrate National Smile Month
Smiling is a natural pick-me-up. Really! When you smile, endorphins are released that boost your mood and reduce your stress. Here’s a list of tips to keep your oral health on track during National Smile Month this June. Brush up on the facts. Brushing your teeth twice a day may seem like a no-brainer, but do you know why it’s so important? Plaque can build up on your teeth throughout the day and during the night, causing damage and decay if not properly removed. Counteract this buildup with a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste as you brush in the morning and before bed. Find your favorite way to floss. Food particles can get caught between teeth and cause gum inflammation and tooth decay. Do your part to maintain a healthy smile and use dental floss or a water flosser to help keep your mouth free of plaque. Send bad breath […]
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. […]
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 […]
Frequently Asked Questions about Children’s Oral Health
Helping your child develop good oral health habits not only benefits their smile, but is also vital to their overall well-being. Cavities are one of the most prevalent diseases among children. If a cavity, or other oral health issue, remains untreated, it can cause discomfort and affect common tasks like eating, speaking and even learning in school. Teaching your child how to properly care for their teeth as well as visiting the dentist regularly ensures that your child keeps their teeth healthy for a lifetime. We’ve put together a list of ten common questions asked about children’s oral health. 1. When should I start brushing my child’s teeth? You can start good oral health habits from birth. Gently wipe your baby’s gums with a wet washcloth or gauze after feedings. Once teeth emerge, you can use an infant tooth brush and a tiny amount (a smear the size of […]
