Fluoride Helps Strengthen Your Tooth Enamel

Your tooth enamel is mostly made up of calcium and is the strongest substance in the human body. However, when regularly exposed to the acids and bacteria of what we eat and drink, tooth enamel becomes damaged, and cavities can happen.

Fluoride works with the calcium in your tooth enamel to strengthen calcium ions and prevent tooth enamel from being worn down or damaged [1]. Essentially, fluoride makes your teeth more resistant to decay than they would normally be on their own!

Fluoride Reverses Early Tooth Decay

Fluoride works so well to strengthen tooth enamel that it can actually help reverse early tooth decay [2]. This means that you might not need to get any treatment outside of a fluoride application through your dentist to help strengthen your teeth and reverse the decay.

Tooth decay progresses in stages, so if the decay hasn’t gone through your tooth enamel to the next layer of your teeth, called dentin, it’s possible that a fluoride application may be able to reverse the cavity and heal the decay.

Fluoride Can Work Through Your Saliva to Protect Teeth

When you use fluoride in your toothpaste, it naturally becomes part of your saliva and can strengthen and nourish teeth from decay even after brushing [3]. Your saliva is constantly washing over your teeth, providing them with nutrients to stay strong and protecting them from decay.

This is why when you have dry mouth, bad breath quickly ensues because there’s not enough saliva to balance your oral bacteria. Lack of saliva can also increase your risk for cavities, which is why treating chronic dry mouth is important.

How to Be Sure You’re Getting Enough Fluoride

If you live in a community that has fluoridated water, this means your drinking water has fluoride in it, so simply by drinking water, you can protect your smile. You can also use dental products that have fluoride in them, especially toothpaste.

Most people won’t need a fluoridated mouth rinse or additional fluoride applications, but those who live in areas without fluoridated drinking water should tell their dentist. Your dentist can help you ensure that you’re getting enough fluoride in your oral care products and in your drinking water for a healthy smile!

Sources:
1. https://www.nature.com/articles/news040119-8
2. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/fluoride-superhero
3. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/f/fluoride

The post How Does Fluoride Improve Your Smile? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Infants and people who are immunocompromised are more at risk for the condition, but anyone can get oral thrush. What are the symptoms of oral thrush you should know about, and how can you prevent the condition?

Physical Signs of Oral Thrush

The most obvious physical sign of oral thrush is white lesions, which can occur on the soft tissues of your mouth, such as your gum tissue, tongue, cheeks, and sometimes on the roof of the mouth [1]. These lesions may have a creamy white appearance, and they may bleed when touched or irritated.

Other physical signs of oral thrush can include redness in the oral cavity, as well as cracked corners of the mouth. All of these are signs of oral thrush that need treatment to go away!

Symptoms You May Experience

In addition to physical signs of oral thrush, you may also experience symptoms. Symptoms of oral thrush that you may experience include:

• A burning sensation in the oral cavity
• Difficult swallowing
• Loss of taste
• Soreness in the oral cavity [2]

Any of these symptoms in conjunction with the physical signs of oral thrush can be indicative that an active infection is present.

How Can You Prevent Oral Thrush?

Although certain people are more at risk for oral thrush, you can take steps to prevent the condition. Keeping your teeth and gums clean through brushing and flossing, in addition to regular dental visits, can help prevent oral thrush, as can quitting smoking if you currently smoke.

Addressing underlying health conditions that may impact your immune system and increase your risk for oral thrush, such as diabetes or HIV, can help prevent oral thrush. If you wear dentures, it’s essential to remove them for cleaning once a day, as buildup of bacteria could increase your risk for oral thrush.

There’s also evidence that people who use an inhaler with corticosteroids, such as to treat asthma, may also be more at risk for oral thrush [3]. To reduce your risk for oral thrush, you can rinse your mouth out after using your inhaler, and consider using a spacer, which can help prevent direct touching of the inhaler to your mouth.

Talk to Your Dentist About Oral Thrush

You can talk to your dentist about your risk for oral thrush and steps you can take to prevent the condition. If you have oral thrush, you will need antibiotic therapy for the condition to go away, which is typically given as a mouth rinse. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms of oral thrush, don’t ignore them—follow up with your dentist today!

Sources:
1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/oral-thrush/symptoms-causes/syc-
2. https://www.cdc.gov/fungal/diseases/candidiasis/thrush/index.html
3. https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/oral-

The post What Are the Symptoms of Oral Thrush, and How Can You Prevent It? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Here’s what you need to know about dental fluorosis, including the causes, treatment options, and prognosis for people living with the condition!

Causes of Dental Fluorosis

Dental fluorosis typically happens before the age of eight, or before the permanent teeth have a chance to erupt through the gum tissue [1]. Although baby teeth can have dental fluorosis, the condition is generally more common on adult teeth, which means the discoloration will be permanent.

The condition happens when too much fluoride is present in a child’s diet or oral care products. Although fluoride is important for preventing tooth decay, there is such a thing as too much fluoride. Getting too much fluoride from tap water, oral care products, and swallowing toothpaste as a child can increase the risk for dental fluorosis.

Treatment Options

There are several treatment options for people who are self-conscious about the appearance of their teeth with dental fluorosis [2]. For some people, the fluorosis will be very subtle, but for others, it can be more noticeable. Depending on your unique smile, you may be able to choose from treatments such as:

• Teeth whitening. Teeth whitening can reduce the appearance of dental fluorosis in
  some cases, and help even out the appearance of your smile.
• Dental bonding. Dental bonding uses a tooth-colored composite resin to help repair
  minor damage to teeth, including helping to improve the overall evenness of your tooth
  color.
• Microabrasion. This dental procedure involves removing a tiny amount of tooth enamel
  to help even out the appearance of your tooth color.
• Veneers. If your dental fluorosis is severe and doesn’t respond to other treatment
  options, you may have the option of getting dental veneers on the affected teeth.
• Dental crowns. Some patients may qualify for dental crowns to cover teeth that have
  been severely affected by dental fluorosis.

You and your dentist can discuss what treatment options are available to you during your consultation!

Prognosis and Prevention

Although the appearance of dental fluorosis can be frustrating, it doesn’t affect your oral health, and having dental fluorosis doesn’t mean you should avoid fluoride. People with dental fluorosis can have healthy teeth for life!

Asking your dentist about your child’s fluoride exposure is an essential part of ensuring your child is getting the right amount of fluoride [3]. Children under the age of six generally shouldn’t use mouth rinses that contain fluoride, and your dentist can advise you on the right type of toothpaste for your child to avoid both cavities and dental fluorosis.

Do You Have Dental Fluorosis?

If you have dental fluorosis that’s impacting how you feel about your smile, follow up with your dentist to learn more about your cosmetic options for your teeth. You can help reduce the appearance of fluorosis so you can be confident about your smile!

Sources:
1. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/f/fluorosis
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2883808/
3. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/oral-health/Pages/FAQ-

The post What Are Those White Spots on My Teeth? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

What are some of the most common reasons that adults lose their natural teeth?

Gum Disease

Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is considered to be the most common cause of tooth loss in older adults [2]. Why is this?

In gum disease, an infection can damage the roots of the tooth that are partially protected and kept in place by healthy gum tissue. When gum tissue is infected, it can cause tooth roots to become loose, which can lead to loose teeth. When left untreated, eventually the teeth can fall out. Gum disease is very common among adults, so catching the condition early might just help save your teeth!

Tooth Decay

Adults are more at risk for tooth decay the older they get [3]. This is due to a few factors, among them decreased saliva production, as saliva helps protect teeth from harmful bacteria.

Tooth decay is another of the top causes of tooth loss in adults. Early tooth decay generally causes very few or no symptoms at all. As the cavity progresses, it can affect the entire tooth to the point that it needs to be extracted, or will eventually fall out.

In most cases, tooth decay is entirely preventable, especially when you seek regular care with your dentist!

Injury

A tooth injury doesn’t have to be major, such as a knocked-out tooth, to lead to tooth loss. It can be a minor injury that gets worse over time, such as a crack or even a chip in the tooth [4].

When a tooth injury goes untreated, it can eventually worsen and affect the interior of the tooth, where the nerve tissue keeps the tooth alive. At this point, an infection may occur and require root canal therapy or an extraction.

Smoking

Smoking dramatically increases your risk for tooth loss—smokers are over three times more likely to lose their teeth than people who don’t smoke [5]. This is because smoking can lead to other problems in the oral cavity, such as tooth decay and gum disease, which can lead to an increased risk of tooth loss.

As smoking can inhibit the symptoms of gum disease, including gum bleeding, people who smoke may not realize there’s a problem with their teeth or gums until the condition has progressed significantly.

You Can Prevent Tooth Loss!

The good news is that, in most cases, tooth loss can be prevented and potentially even reversed during its early stages. Your dentist is your partner in helping you take the best possible care of your teeth to prevent disease and keep your smile healthy!

Sources:
1. https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/fast-facts/tooth-loss/index.html
2. https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/research/data-statistics/periodontal-disease
3. https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/basics/adult-oral-health/index.html
4. https://www.aae.org/patients/dental-symptoms/traumatic-dental-injuries/
5. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/09/150914102806.htm

The post The Most Common Reasons for Tooth Loss in Adults appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

The Cavity Will Progress

Cavities almost always progress into a larger problem. Since the tooth enamel is already damaged in this area, it allows bacteria and acids to continue to chip away at the tooth. This continued damage can lead to further decay that can eventually affect the interior of your tooth, which contains nerves and blood vessels.

There are different stages of cavities. Tooth decay typically begins with a white spot on the tooth, which can indicate early enamel damage, and then it can progress to a brown spot, which will eventually become a hole in your tooth—this is permanent damage that needs a filling to fix [1].

You Could See an Infection

Once the cavity has progressed past the point of your dentin, which is the softer layer of tissue beneath your tooth enamel, it can affect the core of your tooth. Generally, tooth decay that reaches the center of the tooth has been going on for some time, and once it reaches this inner chamber, and infection can happen [2].

If you ignore a cavity for long enough and experience an infection, your tooth may also begin to change color and appear brown or gray from the outside, which is indicative that your nerve tissue has been infected or damaged by decay or trauma.

The Tooth Will Eventually Require Extraction

Once the cavity reaches the center of your tooth, you’ll either need root canal therapy or an extraction to fix the problem. Your dentist can let you know whether or not your tooth can be saved, although it generally depends on how large the cavity is, your oral health, and other factors.

Cavities are one of the most common reasons for a tooth extraction, however, they are entirely preventable and treatable [3]. If you suspect you have a cavity or your dentist tells you that you have one, don’t hesitate in getting it filled—it can save your tooth!

Don’t Ignore a Cavity!

If you have cavity, schedule an appointment with your dentist to treat the problem—don’t let tooth decay ruin your smile! Cavities are generally painless to fix and don’t require much time at your dentist’s office, so take the time now to fix your cavity while you still can!

Sources:
1. https://medlineplus.gov/toothdecay.html
2. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/dental-care-concerns/how-do-we-prevent-cavities
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7178127/

The post What Happens When You Ignore a Cavity? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

For those who have occasional bad breath, or if this is something new that you’re dealing with, here are quick tricks to stop bad breath in its tracks so you can get on with your day!

Floss

Flossing is an integral part of your oral care routine because it helps remove food particles, bacteria, and plaque from between your teeth and at your gumline. These are places where your toothbrush can’t fully reach. Without flossing, food particles and bacteria can build up between teeth and at the gumline, which can result in bad breath [1].

The good news is that by flossing regularly, you can remove these things that cause bad breath, and you can also keep your teeth and gums healthier! If you’re flossing for the first time in a while, don’t be alarmed if you see a bit of blood or if flossing is uncomfortable.

The more regularly you floss, the more comfortable it’ll be!

Use Mouthwash

If you have bad breath from eating garlic or another pungent food, mouthwash can help freshen your breath in a pinch. You can use mouthwash after brushing and flossing your teeth for the best effect, but you can also use it during the day to help improve your bad breath. Mouthwash has been shown to help reduce bad breath—choose a flavor such as peppermint for ultimate freshening power [2]!

Chew Gum

Sugarless gum has few important benefits for your oral cavity. It stimulates saliva production, which helps fight dry mouth, a potential cause of bad breath. However, it also increases saliva that can help strengthen teeth with nutrients such as calcium and phosphorus, which can potentially help prevent tooth decay.

It’s important to note that chewing gum won’t cure chronic bad breath, but it can help improve temporary bad breath. Choose sugarless gum with xylitol—an ingredient that’s been shown to reduce bacteria in the oral cavity—for the most benefits [3]!

Drink Water

Since dry mouth is often a cause of bad breath, drinking water can help replenish your saliva and reestablish balance among your oral bacteria. If you have bad breath and your mouth feels dry and sticky, it’s time to drink some water!

Drinking water helps clean your oral cavity by flushing away food particles and bacteria that can cause bad breath [4]. If you’re on certain medications that can cause dry mouth, follow up with your dentist to see what you can do to protect your smile from the effects of chronic dry mouth.

Bad Breath Is a Sign of Gum Disease!

If you have occasional bad breath, this is likely nothing to worry about. However, if your bad breath is persistent, it’s important to check in with your dentist, as bad breath can be a sign of gum disease. In the meantime, try some of the above tricks to freshen your breath!

Sources:
1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bad-breath/diagnosis-treatment/drc-
20350925
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3894100/
3. https://vitalrecord.tamhsc.edu/does-gum-cure-bad-breath/
4. https://middlesexhealth.org/learning-center/health-tips/bad-breath-drink-more-water

The post Quick Tricks to Fix Bad Breath appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Poor Sleep Can Show Up in the Oral Cavity

Dentists are often the first professionals to notice a potential sleep problem by seeing signs of poor sleep in the oral cavity, such as a poor bite, significant plaque, dry mouth, excessive saliva, and open mouth posture [1].

All of these signs could point to a potential sleep disorder. Sleep disorders such as sleep apnea are often associated with open-mouth breathing during sleep, which can dry out the oral cavity and lead to plaque overgrowth. More plaque means increased risk for tooth decay and gum disease, and dry mouth can increase acidity of the oral cavity, which can cause enamel damage. Your dentist may refer you to a sleep specialist if they suspect you suffer from a sleep disorder that could be impacting your oral health as well as your daily life.

You May Have Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a sleep disorder that is associated with mouth breathing and can lead to dry mouth [2]. OSA is also associated with symptoms that can dramatically impact your health and quality of life, such as extreme daytime fatigue, high blood pressure, and even heart disease.

OSA also prevents you from getting a good night’s sleep, as patients with OSA consistently stop breathing and wake themselves up during the night with OSA. Without proper sleep, you’re more prone to inflammation, which can increase your risk for gum disease.

Teeth Grinding Is Also Associated With Poor Sleep

Teeth grinding, or bruxism, has also been associated with poor sleep [3]. The relationship between sleep disorders and bruxism is complex, but they can influence each other. Poor sleep can lead to increased anxiety and stress, which can increase your risk for bruxism. Meanwhile, bruxism can also cause other issues in the body, such as headaches, which can disrupt sleep.

People who have bruxism also commonly have a sleep disorder. Patients with OSA are more likely to grind their teeth [4]. Addressing bruxism is essential to protecting your smile, as it can lead to gum inflammation and teeth fractures.

Your Dentist Can Help

Sleep is imperative for your body and your dental health, meaning poor sleep quality, including lack of sleep, can impact your oral health. Fortunately, your dentist can help. If your dentist notices signs that you may not be sleeping like you should, they can help you seek treatment and restore your quality of life!

Sources:
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6546276/
2. https://www.health.harvard.edu/oral-health/does-breathing-through-my-mouth-affect-
my-dental-health
3. https://www.sleepfoundation.org/bruxism
4. https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-apnea/link-between-sleep-apnea-and-teeth-
grinding

The post A Good Night’s Sleep: Your Smile Needs It! appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

What could be making your teeth appear darker, more yellow, or just less white than they used to be? Here are the top reasons your teeth could be stained!

You Love Coffee or Wine

While many different foods and drinks can stain teeth—including fruit juice, soy sauce, and even berries—coffee and wine are two of the worst offenders. Regular consumption of either or both coffee and wine can cause your teeth to darken over time. Red wine has the most noticeable effect when it comes to stained teeth, but any type of alcohol has the potential to stain teeth. Coffee and wine can even cause tooth staining after having your teeth professionally whitened, making it important to keep up with your regular dental cleanings [1]!

Your Tooth Enamel Isn’t What It Used to Be

Tooth enamel protects your teeth and gives them their translucent appearance. However, if your tooth enamel is thinner than it used to be due to damage, your teeth can actually discolor easier, causing teeth to appear more yellow [2]. The reason for this is because dentin, the softer layer beneath your tooth enamel, is naturally more yellow, and when dentin begins to show through, your teeth may appear more dull and less white.

You Had Tetracycline as a Child

If you were exposed to the antibiotic tetracycline, either in utero or you took it as a child before age 8, your teeth may be discolored and have a grayish appearance. Tetracycline can affect tooth mineralization and therefore permanently discolor the adult teeth before they erupt through the gum tissue [3]. Although teeth that are stained due to tetracycline exposure are more challenging to whiten, you do have options to improve the color of your teeth with your dentist!

You Have Poor Oral Hygiene

Skip brushing and flossing on occasion? This bad habit could contribute to stained teeth [4]. Daily brushing and flossing help remove plaque that can not only cause tooth decay and gum disease, but stain your teeth over time. The result could be a buildup of surface stains or deep, set-in stains that are difficult to correct.

You Smoke or Chew Tobacco

If you use tobacco, whether you smoke cigarettes, cigars, or chew tobacco, your teeth will be more stained than someone who doesn’t use tobacco. Tobacco can cause teeth to be yellow, brown, or even black in appearance, and the more you use tobacco or the longer you use it, the worse your staining will be [5].

You Can Have a Bright Smile!

It’s possible to have a bright smile for life by taking care of your teeth, both with regular at- home brushing and flossing and visiting your dentist for regular cleanings and checkups.

Unhappy with the shade of your teeth? Your dentist can talk with you about potential whitening options during your appointment!

Sources:
1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23421870/
2. https://now.tufts.edu/articles/what-causes-discolored-teeth-and-there-any-way-cure-
or-prevent-staining
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2741196/#
4. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10958-tooth-discoloration
5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1079878/#

The post Reasons You May Have Stained Teeth appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Fortunately, a root canal can prevent the need for an extraction and save your natural tooth. Root canal therapy is generally only used as a last resort to save the tooth, so when might it be necessary?

When a Tooth Has Extensive Decay

Teeth that have experienced extensive decay may need a root canal [1]. Early decay often doesn’t have any symptoms, and so a cavity can form without you realizing it. Cavities progress in stages, and while many of the stages can be remedied with a simple filling, once the decay has progressed to the point that it affects the inner tissue of your tooth, a root canal may be necessary.

For some people, extensive decay will cause an infection inside their tooth, but for others, they may experience minimal or no symptoms of an infection. This is why visiting your dentist is so important to avoid extensive decay that can compromise your tooth!

Your Tooth Has Been Badly Injured

Teeth that have sustained an injury may also need root canal therapy [2]. You may have a chip or a crack that has allowed bacteria to enter your tooth’s pulp and cause an infection, but the pulp can be affected even if your tooth doesn’t show any signs of damage on the outside. Some people may experience discoloration on a tooth that’s been injured but doesn’t otherwise show signs of exterior damage.

In cases such as these, the tooth may appear more gray or even a blackish color. This could mean the nerve tissue inside has died and your tooth may need a root canal to help restore its color. Teeth that have sustained an impact may be discolored and need root canal therapy.

You’ve Had Repeated Procedures to One Tooth

If you have a tooth that has had numerous dental procedures, it may be more susceptible to damage that could lead to a root canal [3]. This includes teeth that have reoccurring cavities or new damage to a tooth that has already been damaged and repaired. This is because numerous procedures can weaken the tooth and eventually compromise the internal tissue of the tooth.

The best way to avoid the need for a root canal is to take good care of your teeth at home and regularly visit your dentist, but accidents can happen that are out of your control that can weaken your tooth and compromise the inner tissue.

Remember That Dental Problems Don’t Always Cause Symptoms

Dental problems that can lead to the need for a root canal don’t always cause symptoms. While most people will experience some type of pain, sensitivity, or discomfort, not everyone will. However, your dentist can typically catch these oral health problems early which may help you avoid a root canal or at least an extraction, so don’t miss your next regular checkup!

Sources:
1. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007275.htm
2. https://www.aae.org/patients/dental-symptoms/traumatic-dental-injuries/
3. https://www.aae.org/patients/root-canal-treatment/what-is-a-root-canal/root-canal-

The post When Might a Root Canal Be Necessary? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Gum disease starts as mild gum inflammation—called gingivitis—and can worsen over time to become full-blown periodontal disease. If you notice signs of gum disease, such as bleeding gums, bad breath, or red gum tissue, and ignore them, you could need one or more of the treatments below.

Laser Surgery

While your dentist will conduct a deep cleaning to help resolve your gum disease, additional treatment measures may be needed. One of these treatments is laser gum surgery, in which your dentist or periodontist (a gum specialist) uses a laser to help remove affected gum tissue [1]. Laser gum surgery can help your dentist better see and remove the plaque and bacteria that have built up around your gumline and are affecting your gums. Laser gum surgery can help remove bacteria that are causing the infection in your gum tissue, and often cause less discomfort and swelling than traditional oral surgery procedures.

Gum Graft

If your gum disease is severe enough that your gums have receded and exposed your tooth roots, you may need a gum graft to help restore your smile. A gum graft is an oral surgery where your dentist uses tissue taken from another part of your oral cavity and attaches it to the affected area where gum tissue is missing due to periodontal disease [2]. There are different types of gum grafts your dentist or oral surgeon may use to help regenerate healthy gum tissue and protect your tooth roots from decay and sensitivity.

Antibiotic Therapy

While antibiotics alone won’t make gum disease go away, they are often used in conjunction with other therapies to help treat the active infection seen in periodontal disease [3]. These may include both oral antibiotics as well as topical antibiotics your dentist or periodontist may apply during your appointment. Your dentist can talk with you about whether your gum disease treatment will require antibiotic therapy during your appointment.

Continued Maintenance

Gum disease becomes more difficult to treat as it advances, which makes continuing maintenance essential for protecting your smile. Regular cleanings with your dentist can help keep gum disease away once your smile is restored, and daily brushing and flossing at home are essential.

Treatment for gum disease can become expensive and involved if left to progress, which is why you should never ignore one of the first signs of gum disease—bleeding gums. If it’s been a while since you’ve seen the dentist or you see blood when brushing, even occasionally, it’s time to schedule an appointment with your oral healthcare professional for an exam to see if gum disease could be the culprit!

Sources:
1. https://www.perio.org/consumer/gum-disease-laser-therapy
2. https://now.tufts.edu/news-releases/new-treatment-receding-gums-no-pain-lots-gain
3. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/232248454_Antibiotics_in_the_managemen
t_of_aggressive_periodontitis

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