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Bad Habits That Can Damage Our Oral Health

Bad habits can hurt our overall health. They can even affect our oral health. Listed below are some of the bad habits that can damage our oral health. * Nail Biting Nail biting is a common bad habit that sometimes starts in childhood and can continue well into adulthood. The habit can cause damage to the nails themselves and the soft tissue of the fingers. It can also result in tooth damage, such as chips or fractures, if the teeth come into contact with the fingernails while biting down on them. If you bite your nails, try to kick the habit by placing bitter-tasting nail polish on the nails or by wearing gloves when you aren’t feeling the urge to bite your nails. You can also practice relaxation techniques to keep yourself from biting them. * Smoking Smoking is another common habit that can damage your health in many ways, including your oral health. Smoking increases your risk of tooth loss due to gum disease and makes it more difficult to heal after oral surgery. It also affects your body’s ability to fight infections. Smoking is found to be a major risk factor for many oral diseases, including oral cancer, gum disease, periodontitis, tooth loss, and tooth decay. Tobacco use is also linked to a number of health problems, such as heart disease, lung cancer, stroke, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Additionally, tobacco stains the teeth and makes your breath smell bad. It can make you more susceptible to tooth decay and lead to bad breath. People who smoke are also more likely to experience delayed healing after dental treatments and procedures. Studies show that people who smoke are twice as likely to develop cancer of the tongue and throat than people who do not smoke. If you have any questions about quitting smoking or need help, contact us! We’re always happy to help our patients enjoy healthier life. * Brushing Teeth Aggressively Aggressive tooth brushing can lead to enamel loss and receding gums, along with an increased risk of periodontal disease and cavities. When you brush too hard or use the wrong technique, you can damage the soft tissues of your gums and cause them to recede. Plaque buildup and tartar not only allow decay to set in more easily but can also cause discoloration of the teeth. Over time, it can even cause the loosening of your teeth. Experts suggest using a soft-bristled toothbrush and only brushing the teeth along the gum line at a forty-five-degree angle. When applying toothpaste, use a pea-sized amount and gently brush in small circular motions.  * Teeth Grinding Many people aren’t even aware that they grind their teeth! However, it’s a habit that can damage your oral health and create headaches and other unpleasant symptoms. This habit is typically associated with people who are stressed or anxious. If you are clenching your jaw and gritting your teeth together, your mouth is stimulating the temporomandibular joint, which connects the jawbone to the skull. This can lead to TMJ disorder over time. Any kind of tooth-grinding can damage the tooth enamel and even wear the teeth down. Cosmetic procedures like veneers are effective ways to repair the damage and get your smile back into shape. Your dentist can also recommend a nightguard for patients who grind their teeth at night. It will protect the teeth and ease tension in the muscles of the jaw as well. * Using Teeth As Tools Did you know that using your teeth as tools can cause chipping and fractures? If you tend to use your teeth to open packages or bottles, you’re putting yourself at risk for developing tooth damage. The same goes for using your teeth to tear open a bag to eat a snack. Consider finding a different tool to help you with these tasks.  * Not Visiting The Dentist Regularly Many people avoid their dentist because of anxiety or some other reasons. But going to the dentist twice a year for preventive care can help protect your smile from developing cavities or becoming infected. Dentists are able to detect signs of disease in their earliest stages during a simple oral exam and cleaning. If you notice that your teeth are becoming sensitive or your gums are bleeding when you brush and floss, you should schedule an appointment with your dentist right away. By scheduling these preventive appointments, you can prevent the need for more invasive dental treatments. It’s always easier to take care of your dental health when diseases are detected earlier rather than later. Scheduling regular visits to the dentist are important so that any issues with your oral health can be addressed before they cause you discomfort and pain. Wish to learn more oral care habits? Call our dental office and schedule an appointment with us.

Everything You Should Know About Dental Cleaning Procedures

Dental cleanings sometimes get a bad reputation as being invasive and uncomfortable. The truth is that, for most people, the procedure is painless and straightforward. Most times, the reason behind this misunderstanding is the fact that people aren’t aware of what happens during a dental cleaning procedure.  We provide various cosmetic, restorative, and general dental treatments for her patients. In this blog, we’re getting into dental cleanings and their benefits to help you understand the process better. DENTAL CLEANING - STEPS There are six steps involved in a dental cleaning procedure, as follows: * The first step involves a complete dental examination. Our dentist will use a small circular mirror to assess all the nooks and crannies of your mouth and check for potential concerns. * The second step involves the dentist using a scaling device to remove all the tartar and plaque from the surface of your teeth. The duration of this step will depend on how much tartar buildup you have. * In the third step, the dentist will use a special electric toothbrush to give your teeth a deep cleaning. For this step, the doctor will also use a strong toothpaste that tastes similar to off-the-shelf alternatives and scrapes any foreign deposits off the teeth. * For the fourth step, your teeth will be thoroughly flossed to remove deposits in any hard-to-reach areas. The process helps clean out any remaining plaque and toothpaste debris. * Next, you will be asked to rinse your mouth with liquid fluoride to clean any leftover plaque. * Lastly, the dentist will place a mouthpiece with foamy or gel-like fluoride onto your teeth to help protect your teeth from cavities for months. * Opting for a dental cleaning twice a year will keep your teeth healthy and your smile radiant. Book an appointment and get in touch with us today.

Six Worst Foods And Beverages For Oral Health

Oral health plays an important role in your overall health. A poor diet can negatively impact your teeth and gums. Here are some foods you should avoid to maintain good oral health: Hard Candy Hard candies are the worst type of candy for your dental health because they are not just sticky but are also very hard on your teeth. The sugar in hard candy acts as fuel for bacteria in the mouth, which itself creates cavities by feeding on the food you eat after you consume the candy. These candies also tend to stick to the teeth for long periods of time, which increases the amount of time the sugar is in contact with your teeth. The longer the sugar stays in contact with your teeth, the more chance it has to damage your enamel. In addition to causing damage to the teeth and gums, the hard texture of these types of candies can also chip or crack teeth, making them even weaker and prone to cavities. Once your teeth become chipped or cracked, bacteria can get into the damaged area and cause more problems. Soft Drinks Sugary drinks like soda and sports beverages are some of the worst for oral health because they contain a lot of sugar which feeds the bacteria in the mouth and causes tooth decay. Drinking water is one of the best things you can do for your health overall. Water helps to prevent dry mouth, maintain healthy saliva levels and promote good overall health. Soda and other sugary drinks should be avoided as much as possible. If you do drink them, try to limit your intake to once a day or only occasionally. You should also rinse your mouth with water after drinking them to help wash away the sugars. Look for sugar-free alternatives whenever possible. Coffee and Tea Do you know that coffee and tea can wreak havoc on your teeth? Aside from staining them, drinking coffee can also cause tooth sensitivity or even enamel erosion over time. This is mostly due to the acidity of coffee, which isn’t great for your oral health. This type of acidic beverage can also lead to tooth decay and cavities over time as well. If you just can’t give up your morning cup(s) of joe, consider drinking it through a straw to avoid contact with your teeth. Using a straw can also reduce the amount of sugar that’s in your coffee as well, so if you’re concerned about calories or sugar consumption, this may be a good option for you. The acidity in tea can also make your smile less attractive over time as well. Try rinsing your mouth out with water after consuming an acidic drink, especially one like tea or coffee, to help reduce the acid’s contact with your teeth. Wine Alcoholic beverages can cause dry mouth, which can lead to periodontal disease. A dry mouth allows plaque to build faster, leading to cavities. The acidity in wine can also erode enamel, causing yellow teeth, bad breath, and other dental problems. Limit your consumption of alcohol to no more than two drinks daily for men and one drink per day for women. Drinking water in between alcoholic beverages can also help combat dry mouth. Remember to brush and floss your teeth twice a day for minimal oral health issues. Sports Drinks Sports drinks contain harmful acids that can erode the protective enamel covering your teeth. Some sports drinks are sweetened with sugar, which can increase your chances of developing cavities or tooth decay. Always choose sugar-free options for the best oral health care benefits. Water is always the best choice for hydrating before, during, and after physical activities. Citrus Fruits and Juices Citrus fruits and juices are high in acid content and can be harmful to tooth enamel if consumed regularly – especially in large quantities or after brushing the teeth. The acidity in citrus fruits can be responsible for eroding the protective layer on the teeth, leaving the sensitive and vulnerable area exposed. The high acidity of lemons can weaken your enamel and make your teeth more susceptible to stains and yellowing. Although lemons and other citruses contain Vitamin C, which is beneficial for your health, too much acidity can cause damage to your teeth and gums. We suggest drinking a glass of lemon water in the morning as part of a healthy morning routine but staying away from other citrus fruits and juices throughout the day. If you do consume them, be sure to rinse your mouth out with water immediately after to prevent damage that could occur from the high acidity levels. Wish to learn more about maintaining good oral health? Call our dental office and schedule an appointment with us.

Tooth Extraction Recovery: What You Should Know

Tooth extraction is a routine procedure performed by dental health professionals. It is necessary when you have wisdom teeth that put pressure on adjacent teeth, crowded teeth, excessive tooth decay, or a tooth infection.  You may have heard or read about the procedure plenty of times. But, do you know what the recovery process entails? We perform dozens of dental extractions each year. In this blog, he wants to give you an insight into the recovery process to help prepare you for the procedure. STAGES OF RECOVERY AFTER TOOTH EXTRACTION You need to pay close attention to your recovery process to ensure you are healing well. Here are the stages of recovery you should know about: * You are likely to experience some swelling, bleeding, or blood clots forming in the first 24 hours after the tooth extraction. Slight pain and discomfort are common occurrences during this period. However, don’t be alarmed. Our dentist will provide all the required instructions and medication to help you feel well. * After about 24 hours, you need to take extra care to ensure you don’t dislodge the clot as this can lead to complications. Avoid brushing on the side where the extraction was performed. * Within the first week, your gum will start to heal around the extraction site, and within the first ten days, the site will heal completely. After two weeks, you should no longer experience tenderness in your gums. DO’S AND DON'TS AFTER TOOTH EXTRACTION Here are a few do and don’ts you should be aware of to help with the tooth extraction recovery process: * Apply an ice pack after the procedure to reduce swelling and minimize any pain you might feel. Continue this multiple times for 10-minute intervals until you feel comfortable. * Bite down on the gauze your dentist places to prevent bleeding. * Take medication only as directed by the dentist. * Don’t use straws as you may disturb the extraction site. * Don’t rush into your routine the next day. Rest for at least 24 hours. * Consume soft foods like yogurt and pudding, and stay away from crunchy foods for a few days. * If you feel unbearable pain or serious bleeding, get in touch with us immediately.  For more information on tooth extraction and the healing process, get in touch with us today.