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 […]
COVID-19 Stress Causing Cracked Teeth, Other Oral Health Issues
It remains a stressful time during the COVID-19 pandemic. Studies show stress not only harms overall health but 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 a variety of oral health conditions. For example, the American Dental Association recently shared a survey regarding dentists and endodontists currently seeing more patients with cracked teeth, with a direct correlation to these injuries coming from stress and anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic. From this survey, dentists have seen more cases of teeth grinding (59.4%), chipped and cracked teeth (53.4%) and more. Other oral health conditions that can be caused by stress include: Dry mouth Canker sores Tooth decay Gum disease Here are ways to help keep your entire mouth healthy while trying to lessen stress. Stay on track with your oral health routine. Always […]
How can gum disease be linked to heart disease?
February is American Heart Month and because heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in the United States, we hear a lot about it. But did you know that evidence shows there is a relationship between gum disease and heart disease? Gum disease, also referred to as periodontal disease, is an infection and inflammation of the gum tissues and bone that hold your teeth in place. In its early stage, it’s called gingivitis and can cause inflamed, red gums that bleed. Without proper daily oral care, gingivitis may worsen and become periodontitis. Periodontitis is a form of gum disease that causes the gum tissue to pull away from the tooth allowing for further tooth decay, loss of bone, and eventually tooth loss. Oral bacteria may be the link to heart disease The main cause of gum disease is harmful oral bacteria found in tooth plaque and tartar. […]
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 […]
How Diabetes Impacts Your Smile
Diabetes not only affects your overall health, it can impact your oral health. In the United States, more than 30 million people have been diagnosed with diabetes, and about one-third of diabetics have a severe form of periodontal (gum) disease.1 Good oral health habits can help manage and control diabetes. Maintaining oral health is important Diabetics are more likely to experience gum disease at an earlier age then people who do not have the disease. Periodontal disease can change blood glucose levels, possibly increasing the time a body functions with a high blood sugar level. This impacts diabetics by putting them at an increased risk for diabetic complications.2 What you should know about diabetes Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in the U.S. If not managed properly, the disease can lead to serious complications such as heart disease, blindness, amputations, nerve damage and kidney failure.1 Diabetics who receive […]
