Five Ways to Have a Smile-Friendly Summer
For many of us, summertime means enjoying the weather, swimming, cookouts, vacations, less hectic schedules and much more. While you’re hopefully relaxing a bit and enjoying the summer, remember to prioritize oral health this summer. Here are five ways to keep your summer smile-friendly: Use lip balm with SPF. Even if you generously apply sunscreen and reapply every few hours, you are not protecting your skin as well as you should from the sun’s damaging UV rays. Lips are the top area of the body people often overlook and exposing them to the sun may increase your risk for oral cancer. Apply an SPF 30 lip balm or lip sunscreen alone or under lip gloss and remember to reapply every couple of hours for full protection from the sun. Plus, it will help protect your lips from chapping. Wear a mouthguard when playing sports or during other high-impact summer […]
Pregnancy and Oral Health
Most pregnant women recognize how important their own health is for their baby’s health, but many ignore a critical component – their oral health. Just like the rest of the body, a woman’s mouth experiences changes during her pregnancy that require the guidance of an oral health professional. Dentists can help keep a woman and her baby healthy. A dental check-up in the first trimester of pregnancy is an important chance for an oral health professional to clean and examine an expectant mother’s mouth, and identify any concerns that need to be addressed related to their health or the health of their baby. During pregnancy, women may experience the following conditions that directly impact oral health. Morning sickness. Around 80 percent of pregnant women experience morning sickness. This can affect an expectant mother’s oral health as stomach acid erodes tooth enamel and can lead to tooth decay. Gingivitis. Hormonal changes […]
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, […]
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 […]
