Biting Your Nails Can Cause Tooth Enamel Damage

The main component of your fingernails is keratin, which is a type of protein that also constitutes your hair. This hard substance has the ability to cause teeth to shift, fracture, and even to wear away tooth enamel over time [1]. Your teeth may be more susceptible to these types of injury if they already have existing damage, such as a fracture, decay, or gum disease, which can cause loose teeth.

Nail Biting Affects Plaque and Oral Bacteria

Did you know that nail biting also affects the amount of plaque in your oral cavity, as well as the balance of bacteria [2]? Since your hands and fingers are exposed to a variety of germs throughout the day, compulsively biting your nails can expose your oral cavity to bacteria it would normally wouldn’t be exposed to.

People who bite their nails also have higher levels of plaque in their mouths, which is the sticky substance that coats teeth throughout the day in between brushing. Nail biting also exposes people to more bacteria that could cause both oral and systemic infections, including E. coli [2].

It May Even Increase Your Risk for TMJ Problems

Another consequence of nail biting for your smile is that it could increase your risk for problems with your jaw. Your temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which is located near your ear on either side of your head, allows your jaw to function properly. Overuse of this joint can cause discomfort and inflammation, which could lead to what are commonly referred to as TMJ disorders. Some evidence shows that chronic nail biting can increase your risk for TMJ disorders or aggravate an existing problem with your jaw[3].

Do You Bite Your Nails?

Nail biting is generally not considered to be a helpful or healthy habit, especially since it can damage teeth, expose you to dangerous bacteria, and overwork your jaw. Whether you’re an occasional nail biter or have had the habit for years, there are ways to stop. From keeping your nails short to identifying your triggers, consider curbing your nail biting habit to support your oral health and reduce your risk for getting sick!

Sources:
1. https://vitalrecord.tamhsc.edu/biting-nails/
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4456744/?report=classic
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5141299/pdf/CRID2016-5475462.pdf

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1. Drinking Seltzer Water

Many people consider seltzer water, sometimes referred to as sparkling water, as a healthier alternative to soda.

While sparkling water with no added sugar can be better than soda in some instances, it’s still infused with carbon dioxide to give it bubbles. However, this carbon dioxide turns into carbonic acid, which lowers the pH of the drink.

What this means is that whereas regular water typically has a pH of around 7, seltzer water has a pH of around 3-4 [1]. Some sodas have a pH of as low as 2, which is extremely acidic, but seltzer water isn’t as much of a healthier choice as people think.

2. Brushing Your Teeth Too Hard

Your tooth enamel is the hardest substance in your body, but it can still be damaged from acidic foods and drinks, bacteria, and yes, even brushing your teeth too hard!

Brushing aggressively isn’t necessary to remove plaque from your teeth. Take the time to brush each tooth and floss and harsh brushing won’t be necessary. And remember to choose a toothbrush with soft bristles to further minimize damage to your tooth enamel!

3. Mouth Breathing

Breathing through your mouth can be damaging to your tooth enamel, especially when done on a regular basis. In fact, mouth breathing can promote gum disease and tooth decay [2]! People may breathe through their mouths when snoring, exercising, or just out of habit. Regardless, take steps to curb this harmful habit, which can dry out your mouth and promote bacteria that cause oral disease.

4. Snacking

Constantly exposing your oral cavity to snacks throughout the day can damage your tooth enamel. Snacking is fine, but try to limit your snacks so that you aren’t consistently eating.

When we eat food, our mouths begin to break down the food through bacteria and saliva. But eating too frequently or eating the wrong kinds of foods can harm teeth. When you do snack, choose healthy options such as apples or carrots!

5. Not Addressing Acid Reflux

If you have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), otherwise known as acid reflux, it’s important to have this condition under control. Not only can acid reflux be harmful to your stomach and esophagus—it can be extremely damaging to teeth.

For some patients with acid reflux, harsh stomach acids can travel up the esophagus and end up in the oral cavity, where they can wreak havoc on teeth. These acids can wear away tooth enamel, leading to tooth sensitivity, discoloration, cavities, and even tooth loss [3].

Did you know any of these five things could hurt your teeth? Be mindful when taking care of your smile. By protecting your teeth and gums with regular healthy habits, you can smile bright for life!

Sources:
1. https://cspinet.org/tip/your-seltzer-habit-harming-your-teeth
2. https://www.health.harvard.edu/oral-health/does-breathing-through-my-mouth-affect-my-dental-health
3. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/e/tooth-erosion-and-acid-reflux

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Healthy gum tissue is essential to the health of our teeth, as it helps to both support the teeth and protect the roots of the teeth from exposure to hot and cold foods, which can cause painful sensitivity.

What could cause healthy gum tissue to suddenly become swollen and potentially lead to gum disease? Let’s take a closer look at why your gums could be unhappy and need professional treatment to get back to normal!

Bacteria and Plaque

Bacteria and plaque are the primary culprits in gum inflammation and disease. In fact, plaque is actually composed of bacteria and food debris left in the mouth. You know plaque as the sticky coating on your teeth if you haven’t brushed for a few hours.

Plaque can build up on teeth, particularly in areas we miss when brushing. When left unchecked, plaque can begin to irritate the gumline, which can lead to a potential infection. Plaque can eventually form in tartar, a hard substance that will need to be removed by your dentist [1].

Genetics Can Contribute

If your parents have a history of gum disease, it’s more likely that you’ll have gum inflammation or disease at some point in your life.

Why is this? Research shows that certain genes are linked to the development of gum disease [2]. By understanding your risk, you can take precautionary measures to prevent problems with your gums.

And remember, just because your family has a history of gum disease doesn’t mean you’ll get it—but it’s important to be aware of your risk!

Other Factors That Can Impact Your Risk

You’ll be more at risk for gum inflammation and disease if you smoke or use tobacco products. You may also be more at risk if you’re pregnant, as this can cause gums to swell due to different hormones and increased blood flow in the body. For this reason, those who take oral contraceptives may be at more risk as well.

Crooked teeth, which can be difficult to clean, and compromised immunity can all impact your risk for inflamed gum tissue. Even being under a lot of stress—which can impact your immune system—can increase your risk for certain problems with your gums [3].

How to Help Prevent Gum Problems

Fortunately, keeping your gums healthy is simpler than you think. By regularly cleaning your teeth—brushing twice daily and flossing once daily—you can help prevent gum disease.

Combine your home care habits with regular checkups with your dentist, and you can help stop gum disease before it even has a chance to start!

Sources:
1. https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/sites/default/files/2017-09/periodontal-disease_0.pdf
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5424192/
3. https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/conditions/periodontal-disease.html

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But how often do you need to change your electric toothbrush head? Here’s how often you
should replace this essential part of your electric toothbrush and why it’s so important.

Every Three to Four Months

Surprise! Just like a regular toothbrush, approximately every three months is still the standard
for it to be swapped out. The benefit of having an electric toothbrush is that only the head
needs to be replaced, not the entire toothbrush.

Dentists recommend to change your toothbrush head every three or four months with regular
use, although there are certain circumstances under which your toothbrush head will need to
be changed sooner.

When Should I Replace It Sooner?

Your electric toothbrush head will need to be replaced sooner if you have tooth decay or gum
disease and have received treatment for it.

For example, if you’ve recently had a cavity filled or received a deep cleaning for gum disease,
your dentist may advise you to swap out your toothbrush head. This is important because the
bacteria that caused your tooth decay and gum disease may still be present on your
toothbrush, so switching it out for a new head can provide you with a clean start.

You may also choose to replace your toothbrush head sooner if you’ve been sick in an effort to
not re-introduce bacteria back into your body. And, of course, you should always replace your
electric toothbrush head if someone else used your toothbrush in order to not exchange
bacteria!

Why You Need to Change Your Electric Toothbrush Head

Changing your electric toothbrush head is important for several reasons. With regular use, the
bristles can become frayed or worn out, which can actually damage gum tissue and cause
bleeding or infection. Even if you can’t see the wear on your toothbrush, it’s still a good idea to
change the head as recommended, as the wear can’t always be seen.

Another reason to change your toothbrush head is because of bacteria build up, especially if
you’re not properly storing your toothbrush. Keeping your toothbrush in a moist, enclosed
environment such as a case, a medicine cabinet, or an area with poor air circulation can keep
your toothbrush moist between uses and encourage bacteria growth.

Ideally, you want to keep your toothbrush in well ventilated area where it can dry out between
uses to prevent bacteria growth and keep your smile healthy. Regardless, changing the head
every few months helps eliminate the risk of bacterial contamination!

You can make swapping out your electric toothbrush head easy by keeping a spare head
nearby. Many electric toothbrush starter kits come with at least one replacement head to get
you started. By replacing your electric toothbrush head every three to four months, you can
keep your brush effective at doing its job to keep your smile clean and healthy!

The post When Should I Replace My Electric Toothbrush Head? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Skip the Case

Some toothbrushes may come with a travel case that fits the brush. It’s never a good idea to
store your toothbrush in these cases. Keeping your toothbrush enclosed in a space where it
can’t air out will keep your toothbrush moist between cleanings and allow bacteria to grow.
You should also never store your toothbrush in a medicine cabinet for the same reason. Ideally,
your toothbrush should be stored upright and allowed to air out completely before you use it
again. This will prevent bacteria from growing between uses!

Rinse After Using

It’s always a good idea to rinse your toothbrush once you’re finished using it to wash off any
food particles, toothpaste, and bacteria that may have accumulated on there during your
brushing. You don’t need to use special water for this, a simple rinse with tap water is fine.
Some patients try to sanitize their toothbrush using a dishwasher or toothbrush sanitizing
solutions found at the store. However, there is no evidence that these work any better than
simply letting your toothbrush air dry and replacing it as needed.

Replace When Necessary

Your toothbrush should ideally be replaced every three or four months. Do not wait until your toothbrush’s bristles are frayed or damaged to replace your brush. Whether or not your toothbrush looks like it needs to be replaced, it’s a good idea to start using a new one after approximately 90 days.

Replacing your toothbrush sooner may be necessary if the bristles are frayed, someone other
than you used your toothbrush, or you’ve recently gotten treatment for gum disease or had a
cavity filled. You don’t want to spread old bacteria to your healthy new smile!
Never Share

It’s never a good idea to share your toothbrush, even if it’s with a relative. Our mouths contain
billions of bacteria, some of which are responsible for causing tooth decay and gum disease.
Even worse, if the person you’re sharing your toothbrush with has gum disease, you may even
be exposing yourself to their blood.

Similarly, it’s a good idea to keep your toothbrush away from other toothbrushes. It’s okay to
have toothbrushes in the same holder, just be sure they don’t touch. Many holders contain
individual holes for you to put each toothbrush in separately to prevent bacteria from
spreading.

You can allow your toothbrush to continue being an effective tool in your oral care by storing it
properly after each use and replacing it when necessary. Keeping a spare toothbrush in your
bathroom can make it easy to begin using a new toothbrush as soon as you’re ready to toss
your old one!

The post Top Tips for Storing Your Toothbrush and Keeping It Clean appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

The Link Between Oral and Heart Health

The spread of bacteria and other germs is what makes poor oral health a contributing factor to heart problems. It is estimated that there are between 500 to 650 different bacterial species in the oral cavity. These bacteria are kept under control by the body’s natural defense system and good oral health. However, with a lack of proper oral care, they can potentially lead to oral infections, which can in turn spread to other parts of your body through your bloodstream.

A study published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) showed that poor oral health can result in infective endocarditis, which is an infection of the inner lining of the heart. This happens when germs and bacteria from the mouth spread through the bloodstream and attach themselves to damaged areas of the heart.

Additionally, a scientific statement from the American Heart Association (AHA) mentioned that the link between inflammations caused by oral bacteria and atherosclerosis or clogged arteries may lead to stroke. Here are some tips on maintaining oral health during your senior years.

Teeth Cleaning

It is recommended that you use a soft bristled toothbrush to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss to clean between your teeth at least once a day. This is really important because it helps prevent the formation of plaque.

Denture Cleaning

Denture wearers should clean their dentures daily using cleaning products specifically made for it. Dentures should also be taken out of the mouth for at least four hours every day to help maintain healthy gums.

Visit the Dentist

A regular dental checkup supports the daily cleaning efforts made at home. It also helps in recognizing early signs of gum disease and tooth decay early.

Diet and Lifestyle

Everything that comes into the mouth affect oral hygiene. A healthy diet including fruits and vegetables is recommended to help the teeth and gums stay in good shape. Smoking is generally not good for your health, and it is known to increase the risk of heart disease in seniors. As such, it is recommended that you quit the habit entirely.

A great smile does not only reflect the beauty and confidence of a person; it can also lower your risk of heart attack, stroke, and other diseases. Seniors should take extra measures to keep their oral health in good condition.

The post Keeping Your Smile and Heart Healthy in Your Golden Years appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Damage from Cracking

Biting your nails increases the risk of damage to your teeth from cracking or chipping. Our nails are made of a substance called keratin, which is a tough protein our body uses to also make our hair. When your nails grow, new cells push the old cells out, and these old cells can harden. This hard material isn’t meant to be chewed on, making the chances of damaging your teeth that much greater.

Wearing Down the Teeth

Our teeth are meant to chew food, not tough substances like fingernails! Since your teeth need to last you a lifetime, any excessive wearing of your teeth can cause problems. By biting your nails, you wear down your teeth faster, increasing the chances of enamel erosion, a misaligned bite, and other dental problems.

Increased Risk of Bruxism

With a habit like nail biting, the body gets used to using this outlet as a way to deal with stress and anxiety. Even if you stop biting your nails, you may grind your teeth instead. Teeth grinding is often an unconscious practice that happens during sleep or in times of stress. This puts enormous pressure on the teeth which can lead to headaches, jaw pain, enamel erosion, and eventually tooth loss.

Damaged Gum Tissue

When you chew on your nails, this often creates jagged, uneven edges. As you continue to put your fingers in your mouth and bite your nails, you risk gum damage. This is because your nails can come into contact with your gums and scrape or break the surface. This not only exposes your gums to bacteria from your nails, but it also makes your body work harder to heal the gum tissue.

Spreading Bacteria

Fingernails can carry significant amounts of bacteria, depending on how clean your hands are and how long your nails are. Whatever you touch or eat can remain on your fingers. If you’re not washing your hands often—this is particularly true for children— bacteria can accumulate. These bacteria often aren’t harmful, unless introduced in the right situation. This is exactly what can happen when you put your fingers in your mouth to chew on your nails. Bacteria are then introduced into the oral cavity that wouldn’t normally be, which could harm your smile by making your mouth more acidic or even your body by contracting infections like pinworm.

Nail biting isn’t worth the risk of damaging your teeth, and it’s a habit that you can kick. By looking into alternative stress coping mechanisms in addition to keeping your nails neatly trimmed, you can stop biting your nails and protect your smile for good!

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The following conditions are ones that will likely require antibiotic prophylaxis before your dental procedure to minimize risk of this condition!

Artificial Heart Valve

If you have an artificial heart valve, your dentist will likely ask you to take antibiotics before your procedure. This is because endocarditis can happen if your heart has abnormal valves where the bacteria can attach themselves and proliferate in the heart.

You may have an artificial heart valve if you’ve had mitral valve disease, in which the valves of the heart do not work properly to allow adequate blood flow. Always inform your dentist if you have an artificial valve before receiving any type of treatment to reduce your risk of endocarditis.

Heart Transplant

If you’ve had a heart transplant, especially one that was the result of the problem with your heart valves, you’ll likely need antibiotic prophylaxis before your cleaning or extraction. Be sure to tell your dentist if you’ve had a heart transplant or even if you’ve had infective endocarditis previously. He or she can recommend the course of action that will ensure your safety during the procedure. You may have had a heart transplant if you have a heart defect, advanced heart disease, or heart failure. Infective endocarditis isn’t worth the risk to your heart—talk to your dentist about your heart transplant.

Heart Defects

Certain heart defects like congenital heart disease may require the use of antibiotics before a dental procedure. It’s important to disclose this information to your dentist to see if you qualify. The more your dentist knows, the more he or she can help you take the best care of yourself. Tell your dentist if you have any type of heart condition before receiving treatment, even a cleaning!

Joint Surgery or Replacement

Patients who have had previous joint surgery like a replacement of the joint or hip may need to take antibiotics before going to the dentist. This is because they’re more at risk to develop an infection in the replaced joint after their dental cleaning or other procedure. While this won’t apply to every patient, if you have doubts about whether or not you need antibiotics, ask your dentist!

Your dentist does the best he or she can to ensure you have a safe and effective procedure. Whether you’re getting a simple teeth cleaning or getting treatment for gum disease or a tooth extraction, talk to your dentist about whether or not you should receive antibiotics before the procedure. If you have any of the above conditions, you likely will need to!

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Infected Tooth or Gums

As tooth decay progresses, it can destroy the layers of our teeth to reach the inner tooth pulp that helps keep our tooth alive. Once the pulp becomes infected, it can be extremely painful. Although your dentist may be able to save your tooth with a root canal, the infection could warrant a tooth removal if it’s advanced.

You could also have advanced gum disease, which may be creating an infection in your gums and in turn, making your teeth hurt. Gum disease can attack the ligaments that keep our teeth connected to our jaw, therefore leading to loose teeth and toothaches. If you’re experiencing a foul taste in your mouth along with pain, get yourself to a dentist as soon as possible!

Bruxism

Bruxism, also known as teeth grinding, is extremely damaging to teeth. It puts a huge amount of pressure on your pearly whites and cause injury to the teeth, such as cracks or chips. Bruxism is also a common reason that teeth ache or hurt, especially during times of stress or upon first waking in the morning.

If you believe you’re experiencing tooth grinding, schedule an appointment with your dentist. Although this isn’t a dental emergency, the sooner you can get yourself to the dentist, the less damage your teeth will accrue.

Injury

If you’ve received an injury to your mouth or face that’s resulted in a knocked-out or broken tooth, this is a dental emergency and you need to get to a dentist or the emergency room as soon as possible. If you’ve had an injury that’s not resulted in a direct impact to your teeth but is still resulting in a toothache, schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as you’re able. He or she can take x-rays to determine if there’s any damage to your jaw.

Decay

Tooth decay can get severe enough to cause an infection, but it doesn’t have to get to that point in order for it to cause pain. Even advanced cavities that have not yet reached the tooth pulp can still cause toothaches. The sooner you see a dentist, the better!

Dry Socket

If you’ve recently had a tooth extracted such as from wisdom tooth removal, you’re at risk to develop dry socket. This happens when the blood clot that has formed over the empty tooth socket to protect it and help it heal has been dislodged. Dry socket exposes your jaw bone to air, food, and bacteria. This can be extremely painful and should be seen by a dentist immediately. Fortunately, dry socket affects less than 10% of people who get a tooth removed.

Are you experiencing a toothache? Don’t let the pain go on for days or even weeks. Dentists are trained to quickly identify the problem and effectively treat your pain. Whether you have an injury, cavity, or infection, your dentist can help!

The post Is a Toothache Really That Serious? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Before the advent of antibiotics, dental infections were ranked as the number three cause of death. The infection “dissects” its way through what are called “potential spaces” between muscles, skin, tendons, and ligaments, and quickly reaches the brain, lungs, heart or a combination of these vital organs. When the cardiovascular system is attacked by infection, we say the patient is “septic”. As early as 1973, 96% of infections receiving hospital treatment with antibiotic therapy were susceptible to the Penicillin class of antibiotics. By the 1990’s 96% of hospital based infections were resistant to the penicillins, meaning that other antibiotics had to be used to treat infections. The resulting “suprainfections” occasionally are resistant to all known antibiotics. Every dental infection is life threatening. They can and do get out of control very quickly and should be attended to immediately.

Other symptoms of dental infection may include: sharp or dull pain in the gums, pressure and/or heat sensitivity with a tooth, swelling, exudate (pus), and bleeding in extreme cases.

Keep your immune system healthy, take antibiotics only when necessary, and seek dental or medical care early if you believe you have an infection.

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