Your toothbrush is a simple object, and you likely do not think about it much. However, the humble toothbrush is the first line of defense against tooth decay and gum disease. It is a tool that you should use twice a day to safeguard your oral health between dental visits and keep your teeth strong and attractive. Here are some basic tips surrounding your toothbrush and how to get the most out of it.
It Doesn’t Need to be Fancy
There is certainly nothing wrong with choosing an electric toothbrush or one with plenty of features. However, you can get a great toothbrush for only a few dollars. Any basic toothbrush will do the job. Just remember a few rules.
First, unless you have been told otherwise by your dentist, choose a toothbrush with soft bristles. Why? Because soft bristles will slide beneath your gums more easily, cleaning out debris and bacteria. Also, soft bristles are less likely than hard bristles to damage your gums.
Next, replace your toothbrush at least every 90 days. Do not hesitate to buy a new toothbrush even sooner if yours shows signs of wear such as frayed bristles. Some toothbrushes come with indicators on the bristles that will let you know when it’s time to exchange it for a new one.
Store it Properly
The best way to store your toothbrush is simple. Just store it upright in an area with good airflow. There is no need to store your toothbrush in mouthwash or another antiseptic solution. Rather, stand it upright so that it can dry and make sure it is not in an enclosed space like a medicine cabinet or cupboard. Also, for sanitation, make certain you keep your toothbrush at least one meter away from the toilet.
Use it the Right Way
Gentle and thoroughly are the correct ways to use your toothbrush. Rough, vigorous brushing will not get your teeth any cleaner and can actually harm your gums. The purpose of toothbrushing is to remove food particles and harmful bacteria. You can achieve these goals by brushing in a gentle, circular motion over every surface of your teeth. Also, try to angle your brush along your gumline to clean beneath your gums. Make sure you brush for at least two minutes each time.
If you have questions about toothbrushing or want advice on choosing a toothbrush, turn to Holistic Dentistry in Durango, CO. They are always ready to help with professional guidance.
Almost everyone has encountered gum bleeding at one time or another. However, this phenomenon is usually quite rare for those who keep their mouths healthy through diligent daily care and regular visits to their dentist. A spot of red or pink on the toothbrush or dental floss can be a shock – especially if you notice copious amounts of blood. Here is information on what causes bleeding gums, if the problem is serious, and what you can do about it.
Damage to Living Tissue
Your gums, also known as gingiva, are living tissue. They are also very vascular, meaning there is plenty of blood flowing through your gums. Healthy gums appear as a rosy pink colour. However, gums that are diseased may appear pale, dark red, or even purplish.
Your gums are also soft tissue. They are sensitive to damage and can be harmed through accidents or even overly-aggressive dental care. You might see some bleeding if you accidentally poke your gums with a dental pick or brush too hard. Bleeding resulting from minor injuries like these is usually no cause for concern and should resolve in a day or two. Of course, contact your dentist if you have concerns or if the bleeding persists.
Bacteria are another common cause of bleeding gums. When harmful bacteria infect and inflame your gums, bleeding is often a consequence. Gum bleeding of this nature may go on for many days or even weeks, and it should always be brought to the attention of your dentist. Along with bleeding, you may also notice gum soreness, bad breath, abscesses, or ulcers.
When gum bleeding is the result of bacterial action, it may require professional dental care to resolve. Your dentist may do a “deep cleaning,” also called a scaling and root planing, prescribe antibiotics or a clinical-strength mouthwash, or even recommend a visit to a specialist. The sooner you let your dentist know about persistent bleeding gums, the better your outcome is likely to be.
Prevention
The best way to prevent gum bleeding is simply through consistent at-home oral care. Floss daily, brush twice daily, and use an antiseptic mouthwash. You should always be gentle when brushing. Choose a toothbrush with soft bristles. This type of toothbrush is able to clean between your teeth and around your gums better than a stiff-bristled brush. Furthermore, a soft-bristled brush is less likely to abrade your gums and cause bleeding.
Essential services that top dental services must provide!
A dental clinic is one of the most visited places by people of all age groups. Whether you are an adult, an aged person, or a teen, everyone requires dental care to maintain a healthy set of teeth. Today, dental services have become so common and available that there are clinics at every corner of your neighborhood as well as online consultation. Thus, the availability of dental services in the market has improved greatly.
Is a regular dental check-up important?
A regular dental check-up is considered important and safer so as to keep your teeth and gums healthier. The health professionals suggest that one must have a dental check-up at least once every 6 weeks.
A regular dental check-up will help you avoid problems because the dentist will be checking for your oral health. Any problem found will be treated. In a regular dental check-up, one can avail of the services like removal of plaque, tartar build-up, and polishing of teeth.
Plaque, if deposited for longer periods of time can lead to severe oral problems like gingivitis and could result in loss of tooth also. Apart from the tooth, the other parts of the mouth like tongue, throat, and neck will be checked. Therefore, regular dental checkup is helpful.
What to expect during a general dental visit?
If you are visiting the dental clinic for the first time, then the process would be long. The dentist would take down your medical history for future references. So, when you are visiting the dental clinic, the following are the things you can expect.
Thorough cleaning:
The dental clinic will provide the services of oral cleaning and polishing of teeth. Oral cleaning mainly refers to the removal of plaque and tartar from the tooth cavities and the gums. Plaque and tartar build-up in tooth and gum can lead to halitosis and other tooth-related problems.
Scanning:
Scanning of your mouthparts, usually an X-ray scan, will be performed by the dentist. The X-ray is performed to identify unnoticed problems like tumor formation in the mouth, cysts formation in the mouth, damage to jawbones, or abscess formation or decay between the teeth. A successful X-ray scan will help in identifying problems like these.
Examination:
The dentist will perform an examination of all the parts in your mouth like the tongue, teeth, gums, cavities, etc. Usually, it is done to identify if there’s any disease progression or to identify the presence of any disease.
The above mentioned are the services or things one can expect during a general dental check-up.
What are the essential services that top dental clinics must provide?
The services provided by the dental clinics differ from one another, though the basic services remain the same. Here comes the list of essential services that the top dental clinics must provide:
Dental cleaning:
Dental cleaning, as the name itself suggests, is the cleaning of the tooth and oral cavity. It is a simple process and painless to the patient.
In dental cleaning, the first process that is done is the removal of tartar and plaque from the gums and the teeth. Tartar and plaque formation in the mouth can be prevented by regular brushing and flossing.
Then, the dentist cleans up your tooth with a gritty toothpaste once your oral cavity is made free from tartar and plaque. An electric brush will be used to clean your tooth and the paste has a very gritty consistency with a large and high number of particles.
Next comes the flossing process which aims to remove the left out tartar or plaque. Also, bleeding gums can be identified during flossing.
Rinsing is carried out with a rinsing liquid to remove the debris from the mouth.
Fluoride treatment is given as a protective measure. It protects the tooth against several microorganisms. This treatment works for almost 6 months.
Dental Polishing:
The other essential service that a top dental clinic must provide is the dental polishing. Dental polishing is done for both cosmetic purposes and health purposes. Under cosmetic purpose, it is done to give a white smile and under health grounds, it is done to remove the micro debris from the oral cavity and also removes unwanted biofilm from the surface of gums and tooth.
Cosmetic dentistry services:
This service usually includes the treatment that is used to enhance the person’s overall appearance and to beautify the person’s smile. Different kinds of cosmetic dentistry services include enhancement of the appearance of the tooth, replacement of missing tooth, proper alignment in case of the misaligned tooth, and aesthetics. General procedures used here include veneers, crowns, implants, fixed bridge, dentures, and gum lifts. One can easily find a cosmetic dentistry clinic anywhere like cosmetic dentistry.
Orthodontic services:
Orthodontic services include the treatment using braces and some special oral hygiene therapy. It is usually done to make the teeth straight in a single line. Conditions like overbite, underbite, overlapping, crowded teeth, the excessive spacing between teeth, etc. will fall under the category of orthodontic services.
Prosthodontics services:
Prosthodontics is a special branch under dentistry. Subspecialties of prosthodontics services include Fixed, Removal, Maxillofacial, and Implant prosthodontics. The objective of Prosthodontics services is to replace the missing teeth, align the bridges of mouth and jaw structures using dentures and prostheses.
Sedation dentistry:
Sedation dentistry is for those who fear dental procedures. The person is treated with sedatives to induce calmness and relaxation and this sedation lasts for a short period of time. The person will come back to normal consciousness later. The types of sedatives include using nitrous oxide (NO), oral sedatives, and intravenous sedatives. Sedation dentistry is far better than general anesthesia dentistry because the latter is known to show greater side effects compared to the former.
Supply of oral medicines by the clinic:
Oral medicine includes non-surgical treatment i.e. treatment via medicines. Oral medicine is given for conditions like ulcers, dry mouth, mouth infections, enlarged gums, canker sores, burning mouth, oral cancer, color changes, and bumps, etc.
Oral and maxillofacial surgery:
Services like teeth extraction, jaw reconstruction, removal of tumors, jaw surgery, soft tissue grafting, bone grafting, cleft lip and palate surgery, salivary gland surgery, etc. are provided. Some of the top clinics only do have this service like theHolistic Dentistry Durango, CO.
While 85% of Americans believe oral health is important, 42% of American adults don’t visit their dentist enough. Without regular dentist visits, you risk developing periodontitis, tooth decay, oral cancer, and may even lose a few of your pearly whites.
Regular dentist visits are designed to provide your pearly whites with a thorough cleaning to eliminate plaque and tartar, preventing you from gum and mouth disease. Avoiding regular dental checkups could lead to severe (and painful) oral problems later on.
Learn more about what happens during a dental checkup and why it’s essential to keep up with regular appointments.
What Happens at Regular Dentist Visits?
While you may dread your regularly scheduled dental cleaning, it’s an important measure to take if you want a healthy mouth.
First things first, a dental hygienist will perform a physical exam on your pearly whites. He or she will use small mirrors to check for tooth decay and gum disease. If the dental hygienist sees something alarming, your dentist will perform a more in-depth evaluation.
Next, the hygienist will use a scaler to remove tartar and plaque from around your gum line and teeth. After, he or she will brush your pearly whites using a high-powered electric brush to ensure your teeth receive a deep and thorough cleaning.
To finish, the hygienist will provide an expert flossing session. You’ll need to rinse your mouth to remove any blood or particles. Once your mouth is clean, your hygienist will apply a fluoride treatment to protect your teeth from cavities.
After the hygienist is through, your dentist will check in to give the final sign off on your teeth. If you’re due for teeth x-rays, your dentist or hygienist may perform those to check for underlying issues and oral cancer.
Reasons to See Your Dentist Regularly
Regular dental visits ensure your teeth are in tip-top shape. Without them, you risk developing harmful diseases that lead to tooth decay and loss later.
1. Clean Plaque From Your Teeth
Plaque carries harmful bacteria that damage your tooth enamel. If it’s not removed, plaque can lead to cavities and gum disease. Hardened plaque is called tartar.
Dentists and their hygienists remove hard plaque and tartar that develops on your pearly whites over time. While you may brush regularly, sometimes even a toothbrush can’t clear these particles from your mouth. It takes high-quality dental tools to scrape your teeth clean.
2. Inspect Your Gums
During a routine dental checkup, your dentist will evaluate the health of your gums. He or she will look for inflammation and bleeding that could signify gingivitis or periodontitis.
Signs of gum disease include:
Sensitive teeth
Red or swollen gums
Pain while chewing
Loose teeth
Bleeding gums
Consistently bad breath
A dentist can use a tiny ruler (called a probe) to measure pockets surrounding your teeth. Healthy pockets are between one to three millimeters deep. Anything above or below could be a sign of gum troubles.
If gum disease goes undiagnosed, you risk severe harm to your oral hygiene and overall health.
3. Check for Teeth Problems
While you’re in the dentist chair, your provider will inspect your mouth for cavities, tooth decay, damaged teeth, and loose teeth.
Cavities are best treated as soon as they form. Once a cavity reaches its root, it requires a root canal. Root canals can be very painful, so it’s best to treat cavities as soon as they form.
Other tooth problems should be handled immediately by a professional dentist. The faster you receive dental care, the less harm to your mouth and the less chance you’ll permanently damage (or lose) your teeth.
4. Receive Dental X-Rays
Radiographs, also known as dental x-rays, are in-depth photographs of your teeth. Dentists use them to evaluate your teeth and identify any problems. They emit low levels of radiation and are not harmful.
Your dentist determines when and if you should receive an x-ray based on your:
Age
Current oral health
Gum disease history
If you’re experiencing problems or symptoms of an oral disease
Your dental hygienist will guide you through the x-ray process. You’ll be instructed to hold still and may have spacers inserted for the dentist to capture the appropriate angle. With high-quality technology, it only takes a few minutes to get all of the photos taken.
Dental x-rays are a preventative measure to help keep your mouth in excellent condition. Without them, concerning diseases can develop without you realizing.
5. Check Your Bite
While you’re at the dentist, you may be asked to bite down. This is how your dentist evaluates how well your upper and lower teeth fit together.
Ideally, your upper teeth should fit slightly over your lower ones and the points of your molars should fit the grooves of your opposite molars. Dentists consider this a healthy bite.
A normal bite is important for chewing, speaking, breathing, and preventing teeth grinding. If your dentist suspects something abnormal, he or she may recommend braces, tooth removal or repair, or surgery. While your bite may seem normal, it could slowly become irregular and cause problems later down the road.
6. Check for Oral Cancer
Oral cancer includes cancer in your lips, tongue, cheeks, the floor of your mouth, palate, sinuses, and throat. When left undiagnosed and untreated, oral cancer is life-threatening.
Symptoms of oral cancer include:
Ear pain
Mouth pain
Loose teeth
Lumps or growths within your mouth
White patches inside your mouth
Mouth sores that won’t heal
Difficulty swallowing
Tobacco use, heavy alcohol consumption, excessive sun exposure, and a weakened immune system raise your risk of oral cancer.
Regular dental visits include an oral cancer check. During your checkup, your dentist will inspect your mouth and check for signs of oral cancer. Regular dental visits are the best way to catch cancer early and receive fast treatment.
Schedule Your Next Dental Trip
Stay up-to-date with your dental checkups to ensure your mouth remains healthy. Regular dentist visits check for cavities, cancer, gum disease, and give your teeth a much-needed cleaning, so they can keep shining as bright as a diamond.
Is it time to schedule your next trip to the dentist? Contact Holistic Dentist in Durango, COto schedule your next cleaning and it will keep your smile shining brighter than ever.
It has become a common practice to consider cosmetic dentistry procedures as a way to improve the appearance of your smile. But while most people relate cosmetic dentistry with smile makeovers that will boost your confidence, it is essential to educate yourself about the pros and cons associated with each procedure.
Teeth Whitening
One of the most economical types of cosmetic dentistry, teeth whitening involves bleaching your teeth to several shades lighter and enjoying a whiter and brighter smile. Teeth whitening can be done professionally in the dental office or at home with the help of over-the-counter products.
Pros:
Relatively inexpensive compared to other variations of cosmetic dentistry. Professional teeth whitening is usually costlier than over-the-counter products.
Non-invasive
One of the quickest forms of cosmetic dentistry. Teeth whitening is done in the dental clinic usually only takes about an hour.
Cons:
Some patients may experience tooth sensitivity.
It is not permanent. The whitening effects last only about six months before the procedure needs to be done again.
Some amount of stain-causing foods like wine, sauces, excessive tea, and coffee, etc. need to be avoided.
May not work on extreme discoloration or some severe stains.
Dental Bonding
Dental bonding is a procedure done on teeth with minor gaps, chips, cracks, etc. A tooth-colored composite resin is molded onto these imperfections and activated with a curing light. This hardens the resin into a tooth-like structure and corrects the minor defects. Composite resin is also used for filling dental cavities.
Pros:
Relatively inexpensive.
Teeth can be fixed in a single appointment.
Minimally invasive.
Cons:
It does not last very long. Most composite resin restorations last about 5-7 years.
It can be used to fix only minor defects and imperfections.
Staining due to various reasons may occur over time.
Veneers
Dental veneers are thin shells made of porcelain or composite resin that can be bonded onto the front surface of the anterior teeth. They are capable of completely transforming the appearance of crooked, malformed, discolored, or unevenly spaced teeth. The widely popular ‘Hollywood Smile’ makeover can be achieved with dental veneers.
Pros:
A quick approach to fixing most cosmetic dental problems.
Completely transforms dental appearance into a perfect smile.
Relatively long-lasting.
Cons:
They are usually quite expensive.
Patients with habits like clenching or grinding may damage the veneers. They made need to wear night-guards while sleeping.
Dental Crowns
Also known as ‘caps,’ crowns are like veneers but cover the entire tooth instead of just the front surface. Dental crowns are also made of porcelain, but newer varieties are made of materials like zirconia. They are usually placed on decayed or damaged teeth, and after root canal treatments to lend structural integrity to the tooth.
Pros:
Lend support to extensively damaged teeth and may save it from the need for extraction.
It can serve multiple purposes.
Long-lasting if fabricated well.
Cons:
Tooth requires extensive preparation.
May lead to gum recession or tooth sensitivity.
The shade of the crown may not match the rest of the teeth after a given period of time.
It can be expensive if needed on multiple teeth.
Dental Implants
Implants are biocompatible screws drilled into the jawbone and topped with dental crowns to replace missing teeth. Because of their impressive qualities and advantages compared to traditional means of tooth replacement, dental implants have risen immensely in popularity. The dental implant procedure involves a surgical step for the installation of the implant screw into the bone. After a waiting period of 4-6 months to allow for osseointegration, the dental crown is placed onto the implant.
Pros:
Long-lasting. Do not require replacements if the procedure is done well.
Improves appearance by preventing the bone loss that may be caused as a result of missing teeth.
Improves the quality of life by eliminating the need to replace and maintain dentures and bridges.
Cons:
Can be very expensive
The healing phase after surgery can last very long, which, in turn, increases the duration of treatment.
The risk of infection is prominent and requires care and maintenance during the postoperative period.
Braces
Orthodontic treatments, commonly referred to as getting braces, are common among teenagers and adolescents. However, adults can qualify for orthodontic treatments as well, depending on the type of correction required with their teeth. Braces are metal or ceramic brackets placed on the teeth and connected by wires. They can be used to correct dental problems like gaps, crooked, or misaligned teeth.
Pros:
The effects of a correctly done orthodontic treatment usually last a lifetime. It can help in correcting most kinds of defects with the alignment of the teeth.
Cons:
Orthodontic treatment can be expensive.
The complete treatment usually takes at least a year. In some cases, the treatment may take even several years.
Aesthetically, traditional braces can make an individual conscious of their appearance.
If you are unsatisfied with the appearance of your teeth, cosmetic dentistry can assist in giving you a bright and more youthful smile in a relatively short span of time. The right kind of treatment for you will depend on your dental health and requirements, your budget, and your dental insurance coverage.
Holistic Dentistry in Durango, CO take a unique approach, choosing holistic techniques and conservative dental treatments, which take into account your overall health.
Difference Between Root Canal Treatment and Dental Implant
Our teeth form the basic structure of our face as well as our smile. By taking the right care, this smile can last a lifetime. But problems like decaying, disease or cavity can ruin smiles.
All thanks to technological advancement in treatments that many teeth can be saved. The most popular two ways are :
Root Canal Treatment
Dental Implants.
Procedure :
A Root Canal is done to save the tooth by removing the infected pulp and refilling it with a replacement material.
Whereas, Dental implant is the process that requires removing of the original tooth and surgically inserting a metal post in the jawbone topping it off with a crown placed into the implant.
Pain Prevalence :
In Root Canal Treatment, the pain is generally bearable during the ongoing procedure, and the patient is advised for over-the-counter medications afterwards.
On the other hand, in Dental implant, the patient is given anaesthesia during the procedure, making it painless but once it wears off the discomfort starts to appear which generally stays for a period of time.
Cost Index :
One of the major deciding factors that a patient has to keep on mind while choosing the best option for himself is the cost of the treatment. For Root Canal, it generally depends upon the position of the tooth and how difficult is the situation.
Though, for a dental implant, the cost is on the higher side. It is so because the metal post which is surgically inserted is generally of titanium – a metal which is free from general side effects. Titanium tooth has a life of about 15 to 25 years if taken proper care making it long-lasting, permanent and durable.
Time Factor:
Root Canal Treatment generally takes 30 –60 min in one sitting as it takes time to carve out nerves and get the gums disinfected.
But in Dental implant, the time consumed generally depends on the number of teeth to be removed completely. It is a process constituting of three phases which vary from person to person. On average, it takes about 5 to 8 months for the entire process to be completed.
Problems faced :
Like in every teeth treatment procedure here also the patient may face few problems. Though different in both cases.
Common dental implant problems :
Loosened Implant :
The most common type of problem faced by a patient with a dental implant is that they become loose and fall out. One of the reason being incorrect positioning of the metal piece and also failed placement of the crown.
Damaged Tissue:
In this case, problems arise due to damaged tissues or nerves. Symptoms include signs of bleeding and persistent pain.
Implant infection :
This problem generally occurs to patients who have poor oral health and also because they do not take proper care of the artificial tooth.
Implant failure :
With time, the implant may become damaged even though the patient takes proper care because of situations that one cannot avoid anyhow.
Common root canal problems :
Infection :
Although it is of least possibility to get an infection after root canal treatment, we cannot totally ignore it. This results from bacteria entering the tooth and soft tissue during the treatment and generally treated by over-the-counter antibiotic medications.
Tooth breakage :
After the decay that required the need of a root canal is done, it is important to fix the crown on the tooth to keep it strong. If misplaced, it may lead to tooth breakage and even requiring additional dental treatments or in the worst case, complete removal of the tooth.
Root fracture :
This is the result of pre-existing cracks that are too tiny to be seen.
Numbness:
The material that is used to refill the root canal may move outside the designated area of its intended placement, causing inflammation in nearby nerves, eventually leading to numbness.
Both the ways have their own set of problems that a patient may have to deal with if he goes for anyone of them. Like in every other treatment, dental treatments also need utmost care.
Neglecting issues related to teeth may lead to severe problems that would eventually lead to loss of tooth and more grave problems like that.
Recovery :
In a successful root canal treatment, the patient may face a mild pain for a few days, which should be temporary and get better with time if one follows proper oral care. Although if the pain persists then the patient should get in touch with the doctor at the earliest.
Whereas in dental implant it is the call of the doctor if he wants the implant to fuse with the jawbone, before fitting in permanent replacement tooth. This generally takes a time period of six weeks to six months, depending on how the patient is healing after the completion of the entire procedure.
Both the procedures have their own way of recovering from the treatments. It also depends on the patient on how much care is he taking after the treatment is completed. It is always advisable to take good care of oral health from a small age so that problems like this do not happen in the first place.
And also, it is the patient who needs the treatment so he should be able to differentiate between the two and do a detailed analysis of the above-stated points in order to understand the basic difference. Both the ways cater to two different problem areas and provide solutions on the basis of it.
The patient should always consult the Holistic Dentist in Durango, CO to discuss the problems he is facing and also to know what are the treatments that are available according to his problem. Because in the end, they are the experts in this regard and will always provide with the best solution for the problems.
Did you know your mouth is believed to be home to more than 300 types of bacteria? Sounds like a lot, doesn’t it? Actually, though, this is perfectly normal, with only a small percentage of that bacteria able to cause gum disease or tooth decay.
But even a modest amount of bacteria can still be enough to irritate your gums when allowed to build-up and form into plaque. What’s more, if left unchecked, it can lead to a range of problems – from bleeding gums or swollen gums due to gingivitis, to more serious issues like periodontitis and even tooth loss.
HOW PLAQUE BACTERIA CAUSES GUM DISEASE
PLAQUE BACTERIA AND GUM DISEASE
Plaque bacteria is one of the most common causes of gum disease. The bacteria uses the sugars and carbohydrates in food to produce acids that can irritate your gums and over time can dissolve tooth enamel, eventually resulting in cavities. The toxins bacteria releases may also inflame and damage the surrounding gum tissue, prompting your body to send more blood to the affected area. This, in turn, can cause your gums to bleed when you brush.
If not removed by daily brushing and flossing, plaque bacteria may also eventually harden into tartar. This is a crusty substance that collects around the gum line and clings tightly to your teeth, making it more difficult to keep them clean.
Meanwhile, the presence of bacteria may cause your gums to start coming away from your teeth, leaving small spaces or ‘pockets’ where even more plaque can build up. Over time, these pockets may deepen, eventually weakening the bones and tissues that support and protect your teeth.
HOW CORSODYL TOOTHPASTE CAN HELP REMOVE PLAQUE BACTERIA
Used twice daily, Toothpaste is 4x more effective* than a regular toothpaste at removing the build-up of plaque bacteria, helping to keep gums healthy and teeth strong. It contains refined sodium bicarbonate particles that penetrate the plaque layer to loosen its grip on your teeth and send bacteria swilling away down the plughole.
OTHER WAYS TO PREVENT THE BUILD-UP OF PLAQUE BACTERIA
It is important to attend regular dental check-ups to help check the amount of plaque bacteria in your mouth and treat any problems before they get worse. You should also talk to your Holistic Dentist in Durango, CO as soon as possible if you experience any signs of gum disease, such as seeing blood when brushing or flossing.
Alongside regular brushing, there are some other simple steps you can take in your own oral care routine to help limit the amount of plaque bacteria that accumulates around your teeth and gums – and help put the brakes on your journey of gum disease.
Floss or use interdental brushes to get rid of plaque stuck in hard to reach areas, like in between your teeth.
Use a small-headed manual or electric toothbrush with soft round bristles, and don’t forget to clean around the gum line.
Rinse with a mouthwash which inhibits the formation of dental plaque.
Dental hygiene tends to miss out on the New Year’s resolution health-wave that comes at the beginning of every new tour around the sun, and the dentists at Holistic Dentistry Durango, CO think that ought to change.
Whether it’s your own dental health or your child’s, your San Juan family dentist knows what dental habits you should keep and which need to change. This 2020, make good dental hygiene a priority by dropping some bad habits that can harm your teeth and gums — and, by extension, your health over all!
1. Nail Biting
Nail-biting is one of the secret menaces to dental health. This habit is harmful not only to your nails themselves but also to your teeth and jaw. Nail-biting can lead to chipped teeth and can place your jaw in a protruding position for quite some time, ultimately leading to conditions associated with jaw dysfunction.
If you are a habitual nail biter, there are steps you can take to cut back. Bitter tasting nail polish and stress reduction can help you kick the habit by making it less appealing and less necessary, respectively.
2. Teeth Grinding and Clenching
Teeth grinding and clenching are both common habits that can lead to dental damage. Your teeth can crack, chip, and weaken due to this behavior. It can also lead to muscle tenderness and joint pain, making simple tasks like opening your mouth and chewing painful and tiring.
Stress relief and relaxation can help you drop this habit. In fact, just being more aware of the habit is a good first step. If you struggle with nighttime teeth grinding, consider talking to your dentist about using a mouthguard. A nice bonus of this last option is that it can also help you get better sleep!
3. Chewing Ice Cubes
According to the Mayo Clinic, ice chewing can be a sign of nutritional deficiencies or mental health issues like anxiety. Pica is a disorder in which sufferers will chew on or eat substances without any nutritional value; this can include relatively common habits like ice chewing but also covers eating or chewing on clay, paper, soil, etc.
While chewing ice may not cause as much harm to your body as eating clay, which can be toxic, it can seriously damage your teeth. Chewing ice can cause your tooth or filling to break, which can be costly to repair.
If this is a habit you struggle with, consider drinking cold beverages without ice or with a straw to remove the temptation. Chewing ice may feel satisfying, but you’re risking lasting and expensive damage to your teeth.
4. Constant Snacking and Bad Diets
While we generally separate the way we think about eating during the day into meals like breakfast, lunch, and dinner, some people prefer to graze throughout the day. Sadly, this second approach can increase the likelihood of developing cavities, especially if you’re eating sugary or starchy foods.
Food residue left over on your teeth can feed bacteria that produce cavity-causing acid. Eating balanced meals and low-fat and low-sugar snacks can help combat this risk. If you do eat some sugary treats, which most of us do, be sure to drink plenty of water afterward to wash any leftover sugary residue out of your mouth.
5. Not Drinking Enough Water
Another risk to your dental health lies in not drinking enough water. Hydration is important to every part of your physical health, and your mouth is no different. Dehydration and dry mouth make your teeth, gums, and tongue the perfect environment for bacteria growth.
Gingivitis–and its more dangerous counterpart, periodontal disease–both involve excess bacteria growth on and in between the gaps of your gums and teeth, which is made worse by a dry mouth. This plaque can also lead to tooth decay due to an excess of the acid eating away at the enamel. It also causes bad breath, which can affect many aspects of your health and social life.
Eight 8-ounce glasses of water are the number most doctors agree on, but certain medications can change the amount of water you need. If drinking enough water doesn’t help, consider chewing sugar-free gum, or talk to your doctor about synthetic saliva.
6. Using Your Teeth as Tools
Using your teeth as tools can be extremely risky. While you may think tearing things, holding things, or pulling things using your teeth may be no big deal, these habits can lead to chips, cracks, and even damage to your jaw.
You also put yourself at risk of swallowing an object unintentionally. Using your teeth as a tool may seem convenient, but your teeth aren’t meant to be used in this way and simply aren’t strong enough to withstand the damage.
If you find yourself frequently using your teeth as a tool, consider carrying a pocket knife with utility tools included so that you have an alternative on hand.
7. Skipping Out on Flossing
Flossing is an essential part of overall dental hygiene. You don’t need to floss after every meal; flossing once a day is enough to make sure you don’t have any food particles left in your teeth.
Skipping this step is another bad habit that makes you more at risk of developing gingivitis and periodontal disease, both of which have large implications for your overall health.
Getting in the habit of flossing can have a massive positive effect on your oral health, so making sure your kids get in the habit when they are young is very important.
8. Skipping Dental Visits
We know that going to the dentist can be a stressful thing for many people. A learned fear of dentists is one of the byproducts of skipping dental visits when we are young. Helping your child get used to the dentist and their tools when they’re young can have a large impact on their oral health later in life.
Regular checkups are also extremely important in their own right. The deep cleaning your dentist provides can help them spot any potential issues before they become serious problems. In essence, going to your regular dental checkups can save a lot of hassle, pain, and dental expenses in the long run.
9. Smoking and Vaping
Smoking and vaping are dangerous habits for a lot of reasons. The first thing we normally think of in terms of consequences derived from smoking or vaping is cancer, followed by various forms of cardiovascular and respiratory complications. However, using tobacco can also lead to bleeding gums and tooth discoloration, and this includes vaping.
In fact, vape juices can contain much higher levels of nicotine than cigarettes, making it even more likely that your teeth will be discolored. If you are struggling with a tobacco habit, talk to your doctor about the best ways to quit. In the meantime, drink plenty of water to combat dry mouth.
10. Harsh Brushing Habits
It may seem counterintuitive, but there are some brushing habits that can hurt your teeth, even if you’re brushing twice a day. Below you’ll find a list of risky brushing behaviors and how to correct them:
Keeping an old toothbrush – Using an old toothbrush can expose your teeth to bacteria. We recommend replacing your toothbrush every three months.
Not brushing long enough – Most people spend around 45 seconds brushing their teeth, but a full two minutes twice a day is the recommended standard in order to ensure your teeth are, and stay, clean. If you’re brushing too quickly, try setting a timer.
Brushing too hard – Brushing harder may seem like the best way to get off more food and bacteria, but brushing too much or too rough can damage your gums and enamel.
Brushing right after eating – Brushing right after eating may seem like the best way to keep your teeth clean, but brushing right after eating acidic foods can damage your teeth.
Improperly storing your toothbrush – Germs and bacteria can grow on toothbrushes that are stored improperly. Keep your toothbrush upright, and let it dry in the open air.
Using a brush with hard bristles – Being gentle with your teeth is important to keep them healthy. Consider switching to soft bristles to keep your teeth safe and undamaged.
Improper technique – Be sure to brush every part of your teeth, gums, and tongue. First, brush your gums gently, then the outer surfaces of your teeth and the inner surfaces. Next, spend time on the top/chewing surfaces of your teeth, and finally clean the inside of your front teeth by tilting your brush vertically and move the brush up and down several times.
4 Things You Need to Know to Prep for Teeth Whitening
For most, a bright smile is a powerful source of confidence. When your teeth are lackluster, you may not feel your best. Luckily, teeth whitening treatments are quick and convenient solutions to get your pearly whites – and your confidence – in shape.
While teeth whitening procedures and treatments are common, there is some preparation involved to maximize results. Whether you’re whitening your teeth in your dentist’s office, or at home, there are a few things you should know and do to prepare your teeth for a revitalization.
Schedule a Dental Checkup
If you’re scheduled for a routine dental visit right before your whitening session, take advantage of the appointment. Even if you’re not scheduled, seeing your dentist before whitening is your best bet for a successful treatment. Your dentist will take your dental health and unique needs into consideration before recommending a whitening treatment.
Because some stains cannot be removed or treated with whitening, you’ll want an expert opinion before moving forward.
Your dentist will be able to determine if you are an ideal candidate. Even professional bleaching gel is no match for internal stains caused by trauma, decay, or long-term exposure to antibiotics. Whitening treatments are suitable only for external stains caused by eating, drinking, and even smoking. You have several options for whitening, whether in your dentist’s office or at home, so you’ll want to know which method will suit your needs best.
Opt for Pre-Treatment Teeth Cleaning
Whatever treatment you decide to go with, make sure to get your teeth cleaned to greatly improve the results of your whitening treatment. When plaque or tartar is present on your teeth, the bleaching products used may not catch correctly and thus not have a maximum effect.
A dental cleaning will remove tartar and other sediments that you can’t remove at home. Maintaining a good dental care routine in the weeks leading up to your treatment is also desirable. Brush and floss daily to avoid issues that may delay or botch your teeth whitening procedure.
Desensitize Sensitive Teeth
A fairly common side effect of teeth whitening procedures is gum and teeth sensitivity. If you’re prone to sensitivity outside of dental treatments, you’ll want to invest in a desensitizing toothpaste prior to your teeth whitening procedure.
You can use the toothpaste for at least two weeks before your scheduled procedure. A desensitizing toothpaste contains strontium chloride and potassium nitrate, ingredients that help block the transmission of pain signals from the tooth to the nerve. Some people feel sensitivity because the heat and chemicals used during dental treatments penetrate the pores in their teeth.
Incorporating a desensitizing toothpaste into your dental care routine can help reduce any discomfort before and after your whitening treatment. If you feel your teeth are extremely sensitive and you will feel discomfort after the treatment, discuss the option of taking an over-the-counter pain reliever with your doctor.
Use a Shade Guide
When it comes to teeth whitening, winging it is probably not a good idea. You should consider consulting with your dentist first, getting a teeth cleaning, using a desensitizing toothpaste if you have sensitivity, and finding out your goal shade. Check out a shade guide to compare the shades to your current shade.
Find the shade that most closely matches your shade so you have a base shade and a goal shade. You can use a shade guide to compare your teeth after a whitening treatment and see if you achieved your desired results. Your Holistic Dentist in Durango, CO can help you determine how much lighter you should go for a natural and bright smile.
We have some tips for you to help prevent your child’s tooth decay:
From birth to 12 months. Keep your baby’s mouth clean by gently wiping a clean baby cloth over his gums. Once you see the first teeth, gently brush with water and a soft baby toothbrush. Talk to your child’s doctor or dentist about using fluoride. Use a small amount of fluoride toothpaste about the size of a grain of rice.
12 to 36 months. Brush your child’s teeth twice a day. If your child’s doctor or dentist recommends using fluoride toothpaste, use just a little bit for children younger than 2 years (about the size of a grain of rice). The best times to brush your teeth are after breakfast and before bed. Fluoride toothpaste is designed to be rinsed and not consumed, keep an eye on your child while brushing. When she is old enough, have her spit out the residue from the toothpaste after brushing.
3 to 6 years. Brush your child’s teeth twice a day. Use a small amount of pea-sized fluoride toothpaste.
Never put your child to bed with a bottle or food. This not only exposes your child’s teeth to sugars but also puts him at risk of ear infections and choking.
Give your child a bottle only during meals. Do not use a bottle or a baby glass as a pacifier, pacifier, or suck. Also, do not allow your child to walk with or drink from these items for long periods of time.
Check if the water in your home has fluoride. If your home’s tap water comes from a well, your child’s doctor or dentist may want to test a water sample to check for natural fluoride content. If your home’s tap water doesn’t contain enough fluoride, your child’s doctor or dentist will prescribe an appropriate fluoride supplement if your child is at high risk for tooth decay.
Teach your child to drink from a regular glass as soon as possible, preferably between 12 and 15 months. By drinking from a glass, you are less likely to get liquid around your teeth. Also, you can’t bring a glass to bed.
If your child needs to have a bottle or a baby glass for long periods, fill it only with water. During car trips, if your child is thirsty, offer only water.
Do not allow your child to eat sweet or sticky foods, such as candy or sweets, jelly beans, cookies, or roll-ups. Foods like water biscuits and potato chips also contain sugar. These are especially bad if your child eats them often as snacks. They should only be eaten at mealtime. Teach your child to use the tongue to immediately remove food debris from the teeth.
Serve juice only during meals and limit it to 4 to 6 ounces a day. Also, the juice is not recommended for babies younger than 6 months.
Make an appointment with the best Dentists in Durango, CO for your child before one year of age if you have concerns, see any problems, or need more information.
Anthony Alfonso 