Prioritize your oral health in 2021
If you made a New Year’s resolution to prioritize your oral health in 2021, there are a variety of things you can do to achieve this goal. Cutting back on harmful habits – limiting sugar intake, cutting back on alcohol and quitting smoking – all will greatly help in this effort. Another main thing to do is schedule a dentist appointment. The reasons below help outline the importance of making a dentist appointment a priority in the New Year: Life could get busy after New Year’s, and like many tasks, scheduling a dentist appointment may slip farther and farther down your to-do list. Even if you think that your oral health is in good standing, preventive care is an important way to maintain it. If you wait too long, you may delay treatment on unknown cavities or other oral health problems which will require more complicated and costly treatment in […]
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 during winter
It’s cold outside. Are you someone that enjoys the cold weather and enjoys winter outdoor activities? Or would you rather be inside where it’s warm? Whether you’re going outside for a quick minute or spending an extended period of time, the cold weather during the winter months can have an impact on your oral health. Here are some healthy mouth tips to keep you smiling all winter long. Chapped lips can occur year-long, but exposing your lips to the wind and cold can quickly dry them out. Inside heat can also remove moisture from the air. Wear a moisturizing lip balm (with SPF) daily to protect your lips. Reapply it often. Already have chapped lips? Petroleum jelly locks in moisture and is an inexpensive way to keep your lips hydrated. Dry Mouth can occur in the winter months as a result of the dry air too. Keep your body well-hydrated […]
Oral health and heart disease
You might be surprised to learn that the health of your teeth and gums can affect the rest of your body and vice versa. Such a connection has long been speculated between oral health and heart disease. While research in this area is ongoing, studies suggests a link between the health of our mouths and the health of our hearts. A review published in the Journal of Periodontology found that gum disease is a risk factor for coronary heart disease and that people with gum disease and fewer teeth have a higher risk of stroke.1 Another study reported by the American Heart Association found that people with healthier gums respond better to blood pressure treatment.2 The link between gum disease and heart disease is largely due to the existence of plaque in both conditions, but it’s hard to say if plaque on teeth causes plaque in arteries or if it’s […]
