What Are Dental Sealants?

Dental sealants are thin, protective coatings of resin or glass ionomer applied to the chewing surfaces of your child’s back teeth (primarily their molars and premolars). These teeth in particular have deep grooves and pits that easily trap food particles and hide bacteria, making them more vulnerable to decay. Sealants act as a shield, preventing plaque and damaging acids from settling into these hard-to-clean areas. They are typically recommended for children as soon as their permanent molars come in, helping protect their teeth during cavity-prone years.

How Do Dental Sealants Work?

Sealants work by “sealing off” the grooves of the teeth, creating a smooth surface that is easier to keep clean with regular brushing. Applying dental sealants is a quick, painless process. Your child’s dentist will clean and dry the tooth, apply a gel to help the sealant bond, and then paint the liquid sealant onto the surface. A curing light is used to harden the sealant material, creating a durable barrier over the tooth enamel. Once applied, sealants can last for several years with proper care.

How Sealants Help Prevent Cavities

Even with good brushing habits, children often struggle to thoroughly clean their back teeth. Sealants provide an extra layer of defense by blocking bacteria and food debris that lead to cavities from settling into the grooves of the teeth. Studies show that sealants can significantly reduce the risk of decay in molars, making them one of the most effective preventive treatments in pediatric dentistry. They are especially beneficial for children who may be at a higher risk of cavities.

Support Your Child’s Long-Term Oral Health With Dental Sealants

While dental sealants are not a substitute for consistent brushing, flossing, and regular dental checkups, they are an excellent way to boost the effectiveness of a good oral hygiene routine. By protecting vulnerable, hard-to-reach areas of your child’s teeth, sealants help preserve their smile and reduce the likelihood of future dental problems. Talk to your child’s dentist during their next visit about preventive dental care, like sealants, to lay the foundation for a lifetime of healthy habits and confident smiles.

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Foods That Can Harm Your Teeth

Sugary Snacks and Beverages

It’s no surprise that candy, cookies, and sweetened drinks can damage your teeth. Sugar feeds harmful oral bacteria, and these bacteria produce acids that weaken your tooth enamel and increase your risk of cavities. Sticky sweets like caramel or gummy candies are especially problematic because they cling to your teeth longer.

Acidic Drinks

Soda, sports drinks, citrus juices, and even flavored sparkling waters are highly acidic, which can erode enamel over time. Once the enamel thins, your teeth become more sensitive and more vulnerable to decay.

Refined Carbohydrates

Highly processed carbohydrates, such as white bread, chips, and crackers, quickly break down into sugars in your mouth. When these foods get lodged between your teeth, it gives sugar-loving bacteria more time to produce enamel-damaging acids.

Smile-Friendly Alternatives

Crunchy Fruits and Vegetables

Crunchy snacks like apples, carrots, and celery work to naturally stimulate saliva production, which in turn helps rinse away food debris and cavity-causing bacteria. These snack choices also provide essential vitamins that support your gum health.

Water

Plain water, especially when fluoridated, helps wash away food particles and supports strong tooth enamel. Swapping sugary beverages for water is one of the simplest ways to protect your smile.

Nuts and Lean Proteins

Almonds, walnuts, chicken, and fish provide essential nutrients that help promote healthy teeth without feeding harmful bacteria.

Keep Your Smile Bright and Healthy

Small nutritional changes can significantly impact your oral health. Pairing smart food choices with daily brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits will keep your smile healthy, strong, and bright for years to come.

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Types of Dental Fillings

There are several types of materials used for dental fillings, and the kind you receive will affect how soon you can eat afterward [1]. Here’s a quick overview:

• Composite fillings. Made from a tooth-colored resin, these fillings are hardened using a special light, and you can generally resume eating immediately after the procedure is completed. However, your dentist may recommend waiting at least an hour before eating to ensure the filling has fully set.

• Amalgam fillings. Made from a mixture of metals including silver, mercury, and copper, amalgam fillings take longer to fully harden, typically requiring about 24 hours, so you might need to wait a bit longer before biting into hard or chewy foods.

• Ceramic fillings. These are made from porcelain and are often fully set by the time you leave the dentist’s office, allowing for immediate consumption of food, though a short waiting period is advised.

• Gold fillings. Known for their long-lasting durability, gold fillings also require more time to set. It’s typically recommended to avoid chewing on the affected side for at least 24 hours after placement.

Immediate Post-Filling Care

Immediately after the filling, dentists usually recommend waiting until the local anesthesia wears off before eating [2]. This ensures you don’t accidentally bite your cheek, tongue, or lip while your mouth is still numb. For most people, this can take about one to three hours.

Here are a few additional tips to follow immediately after getting a filling:

• Choose soft foods. Stick to a diet of soft foods like yogurt, soup, smoothies, and mashed potatoes initially. These are easier to chew and often require minimal effort from your teeth.

• Avoid sticky and hard foods. Foods like gum, candy, nuts, and raw vegetables can disturb the filling and should be avoided within the first day, especially with amalgam and gold fillings.

• Maintain oral hygiene. Continue with regular brushing and flossing, but be gentle around the newly restored tooth to avoid any irritation.

Your dentist will provide specific instructions tailored to your dental needs and the type of filling you received. Be sure to discuss any concerns or questions you have during your appointment. Following your dentist’s instructions will ensure a successful recovery and maintain the longevity and effectiveness of the filling [3].

Take the Best Care of Your Filling

By following your dentist’s post-care instructions, you can ensure a smooth recovery process after getting a filling. If you have any questions or need to schedule a follow-up appointment, don’t hesitate to contact your dentist. They are the best resource for ensuring that your fillings and overall dental health are well taken care of!

Sources:

1. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/dental-filling-options
2. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/17002-dental-fillings
3. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/cavity-filling#aftercare 

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Many people with an overbite wonder if this condition can lead to jaw pain or other health issues. What are some of the most common problems people can experience with an untreated overbite? Here’s how an overbite can affect your jaw and overall health.

An Overbite Can Increase Your Risk of Gum Disease

Research shows that people who have overbites may be more at risk of developing gum disease [1]. The reason for this isn’t clear, although studies have found that people with overbites have deeper periodontal pockets, which are associated with gum disease, and more bone loss, which is also associated with gum disease.

The Link Between Overbites and Jaw Pain

If you have an overbite and experience jaw pain, you’re likely wondering if the overbite is the cause. However, research shows that overbites are generally not risk factors for developing temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, meaning if you experience clicking or popping noises in your jaw or muscle tension, an overbite may not be the primary cause [2].

However, an overbite can lead to uneven tooth wear and even soft tissue trauma in the mouth [3]. When the teeth don’t fit together properly, people can experience unusual enamel wear, which can lead to tooth sensitivity, discoloration, and even an increased risk for cavities.

Other Health Issues Linked to Overbites

Aside from jaw pain, an overbite can be associated with other health concerns, including:

• Breathing problems. There is some evidence that malocclusions such as overbite can lead to sleep-disordered breathing, including disorders like sleep apnea [4].

• Digestive issues. It’s also possible that severe overbites can lead to digestive problems because people can’t chew as well and may swallow larger food particles that can be difficult to digest [5].

As you can see, an untreated overbite has the potential to lead to more than cosmetic concerns in some patients.

Do You Have an Overbite?

Treatment is available for overbites, and they are one of the simpler bite problems to fix. If you’re experiencing jaw pain, tooth sensitivity, or even digestive issues that you believe may be linked to your overbite, don’t hesitate to contact your dentist. They can provide a thorough evaluation and personalized treatment options to help you achieve a healthier smile and relieve any associated health concerns.

Sources:

1. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8117363/
2. https://files.jofph.com/files/article/20231222-633/pdf/jop_19_3_Hirsch_5.pdf
3. https://www.nature.com/articles/sj.bdj.2014.953
4. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7954063/
5. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9160782/

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Without treatment, tooth decay can progress to the point that your tooth’s root is affected, leading to the need for root canal therapy or an extraction. But can you reverse tooth decay once it’s actually started?

Early Stages of Tooth Decay May Be Able to Be Reversed

There are different stages of tooth decay. The first stage, in which the enamel is weakened, can cause an unusually white spot on your tooth that may or may not be noticeable—this is where enamel has worn away. Once tooth decay progresses, a dark spot or an actual hole can form [2].

In the beginning stages of tooth decay—when there’s a white spot or even a dark stain but not yet a hole—it may be possible for your dentist to reverse your tooth decay. At these stages, the tooth enamel has lost minerals in a process known as demineralization, which may be able to be reversed with fluoride [3].

Your Diet Helps Support Strong Tooth Enamel

Because the early stages of tooth decay include enamel demineralization, eating nutrient-rich foods can help support your smile and may be able to help reverse cavities in the process of forming. This includes avoiding added sugar as much as possible and focusing on vegetables, fruits, foods with calcium, and vitamin K, which has been shown to support strong teeth and bones [4].

Also, drinking plenty of water can help flush bacteria and food particles away and keep you hydrated, which means you have plenty of saliva to help nourish your teeth and minimize the chances of bacteria and acids weakening your tooth enamel.

Chewing Sugarless Gum May Help

While gum that contains sugar can contribute to tooth decay, sugarless gum—specifically kinds that contain xylitol—may help reverse early cavities. Not only does sugarless gum increase saliva flow and prevent dry mouth, but it can encourage the production of saliva that contains more minerals, which can help remineralize tooth enamel [5].

Try chewing sugarless gum with xylitol for about 20 minutes after eating to protect your pearly whites and potentially even reverse early tooth decay!

Work With Your Dentist to Address Tooth Decay

While the idea of reversing cavities is certainly appealing, it’s important to understand that not all cavities can be reversed. Once your cavity has progressed to an actual hole in your tooth, you’ll likely need a filling to treat your tooth decay. Your dentist can help you determine if your tooth decay can be reversed!

Sources:
1. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/d/decay
2. https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/tooth-decay/more-info
3. https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/tooth-decay/more-info/tooth-decay-process
4. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25636605/
5. https://www.ada.org/en/member-center/oral-health-topics/chewing-gum

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But decreasing the amount of added sugar in your diet isn’t easy for many people. Sugar has been shown to be as addictive as drugs such as cocaine [1]. To help you fight those pesky sugar cravings, here are some tricks that can keep you away from sugar and keep your teeth healthy!

Drink Water

The body can misinterpret thirst for hunger, which can lead you to think you’re hungry when really you’re thirsty [2]. When you’re having a craving for sugar, try drinking a glass of water and waiting your craving out for a few minutes. If the craving still doesn’t go away, decide whether it’s time to have a healthy meal or snack in place of a sugary one!

Manage Your Temptations

Managing your temptations can be an instrumental part of fighting your sugar cravings. When grocery shopping, choose healthy foods and snacks, and do your best to keep added sugar out of your cart. Added sugar is present in many foods, from sweetened yogurts to barbeque sauce to salad dressings. But by not keeping sugary snacks or sodas in your home or office, you make it easier to make the right choice when a craving hits.

Eat Enough Fiber

When you feel hungry, it’s easy to want to reach for foods that are immediately rewarding to the brain such as sugar. If you’re reducing your consumption of added sugar, consider adding more fiber to your diet if you need it. Fiber can help you feel full for longer, which may help reduce cravings and help you better manage your hunger [3].

Don’t Avoid Fruit

Fruit is beneficial to your health in ways that sugar isn’t—it provides vitamins, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds, whereas added sugar is just empty calories [4]. Whole fruit is naturally sweet, although if you’re purchasing dried or canned fruit, be sure to check the label for any sugar added to the product. Fruit can be an excellent addition to your diet to help satisfy your craving for sugar and keep your teeth and gums healthy!

Impress Your Dentist During Your Next Visit!

You can reduce your added sugar consumption and keep your teeth and gums healthy to impress your dentist during your next checkup. If you do choose to indulge in sugar occasionally, be sure to drink water to help reduce sugar’s harsh effect on your teeth, and wait a minimum of 30 minutes before brushing your teeth after eating.

Visiting your dentist can help support a healthy smile and keep your teeth and gums healthy whether you don’t consume added sugar at all, indulge in sugar sometimes, or are still trying to kick a daily sugar habit. Try fighting your sugar cravings with these tips!

Sources:
1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23719144/
2. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322947#drinking-water
3. https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/metabolic-and-bariatric-surgery-
4. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22797986/

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It makes sense that people want to reduce their added sugar intake, especially since a diet with too much sugar has also been linked to an increased risk for diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure [1].

But how can you fight sugar cravings as you minimize the amount of added sugar you consume? These top tips will help you kick your need for sugar!

If You’re Hungry, Eat

If you’re craving sugar, there’s a chance that you’re hungry and should take this opportunity to nourish your body. Instead of eating sugar, eat a healthy meal that includes fiber and protein to help keep you full.

It’s also important to drink plenty of water. Often, the body signals that you’re hungry when really, you’re thirsty [2]. Drink a glass of water before eating and be sure to stay hydrated throughout the day to help curb your sugar cravings!

Get Active

When having a craving, it can help to have a change of environment, especially if you’re in a situation where you’re being tempted by sweets. Go for a short walk or consider exercising regularly to help you stay active and encourage yourself to eat healthy. However, watch out for energy bars and sports drinks, as they often contain added sugar!

Reach for Fruit

Whole fruits contain vitamins, nutrients, water, and fiber to nourish your body. They’re naturally sweet without having the negative side effects of added sugar. If you’re craving sugar, consider having a piece of fruit instead. Excellent fruits that are easy to eat and have on hand include:

• Apples
• Oranges
• Bananas
• Grapes
• Berries

However, remember that fruit juices and pureed fruits aren’t quite the same as eating a piece of whole fruit, so don’t make these your go-to options when avoiding added sugar [3].

Manage Your Stress

Stress can negatively affect your body’s hormones, which can influence hunger regulation. Stress management can help you better balance your cravings and support your body’s health.

Sleep is a crucial element of stress management—when you don’t get enough sleep, your body isn’t able to properly regulate your hunger, which can lead to cravings for sweet, high-calorie foods [4]. Get enough sleep, manage your daily stressors, and do your best to take care of yourself lower stress can help you kick those sugar cravings!

Have a Plan

Sugar cravings can sneak up on you, so it’s important to have a plan and be prepared. Some ways you can do this include:

1. Have healthy snacks on hand. Keep fresh fruits available so that you can enjoy them when a craving strikes!
2. Chew sugarless gum. Sugarless gum has been shown to help prevent tooth decay and may help alleviate your urge for something sweet.
3. Distract yourself. Have a list of a few things you can do instead of eating something sweet, whether it’s journaling, calling a friend, or having a warm beverage.

Reducing your daily intake of added sugar can have numerous health benefits for your body and your smile, but you don’t have to do it alone. Keep these top tips in mind when it comes to tackling those pesky sugar cravings!

Sources:
1. https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/the-sweet-danger-of-sugar
2. https://pkdcure.org/hunger-vs-thirst/
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19110020
4. https://www.nature.com/articles/ncomms3259

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There are several factors to take into account when choosing a product. Are some pacifiers better than others for a child’s oral health? Here’s your guide to choosing the right pacifier for your baby!

Consider the Material

If you choose a plastic pacifier, consider a BPA-free version. Bisphenol A is a chemical used in plastics that has been linked to endocrine disorders in the body. If you’re looking for a plastic pacifier, check the label to see if it says “BPA-free”.

Medical-grade silicone and natural rubber are two excellent materials to consider for your child’s pacifier [1]. However, natural rubber or latex materials need to be replaced more often, and you should consider avoiding them if you have a family history of latex allergies.

Go With a One-Piece Pacifier

The more joints or crevices a pacifier has, the more places bacteria can accumulate. Look for a pacifier that’s a single unit rather than one that has detachable parts, which invariably create spaces for dirt and germs to hide.

In addition, avoid pacifiers that have a string attached such as a lanyard. These attachments could create a choking risk for your baby. Instead, choose a pacifier that has an attached handle for increased safety and easy cleaning [2].

Look for an Orthodontic Pacifier

An orthodontic pacifier is a pacifier that mimics the natural shape of a nipple. As such, it helps to support proper jaw and teeth development for your child [3]. Orthodontic pacifiers are also considered to be more comfortable for your baby as they support a more natural fit.

Although orthodontic pacifiers will be labeled as such, you can tell the difference in the shape: while a traditional pacifier has a more bulbous and rounded tip, an orthodontic pacifier tends to be smaller, with a flat bottom and a rounded top.

Best Practices for Using a Pacifier for Your Little One

If you choose to use a pacifier for your baby, here are a few best practices to support your child’s health and wellbeing:

• Never introduce a pacifier until your child has an established feeding routine, with the exception of premature babies in the hospital [4].
• Don’t offer a pacifier as the only form of comfort for your baby and don’t use one in place of feeding.
• Clean the pacifier with hot water and soap after each use, rinsing thoroughly and allowing it to cool fully before giving it to your child.
• Dispose of a pacifier that has cracks, tears, or is otherwise damaged.
• Do not dip the pacifier in a sweet substance such as sugar or honey, as these sweets can encourage tooth decay.
• Only give the pacifier when necessary, and consider discontinuing use after one year of age.

If you have any questions about pacifier use and your child’s oral health, follow up with your child-friendly dentist. Your little one should have their first dental visit around their first birthday, and this is an excellent opportunity to discuss pacifier use and any other questions you have with your oral healthcare professional!

Sources:
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3562927/
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2791559/
3. https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspxcontenttypeid=1&contentid=981
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2791560/

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Water Pik uses a pressurized yet gentle stream of water to “floss” and remove debris from between teeth. But are water flossers such as Waterpik better than regular dental floss?

Here’s what you need to know!

Research Has Found Water Flossers to Be as Effective as Regular Floss

Water flossers have been around for decades, and have been evaluated scientifically for their effectiveness at removing plaque from teeth to aid in the prevention of oral disease. Studies conclude that water flossers such as Waterpik are just as effective as regular dental floss, and can be an important addition to your oral care routine [1]. However, while Waterpik can replace regular dental floss, it shouldn’t replace brushing, eating healthy, or regular dental visits!

Water Pik May Be Easier to Use for Some People

While some people prefer traditional dental floss, Waterpik is easier for some people to use. For example, people who have teeth that are very tightly spaced and difficult to floss, or people who have braces or dental crowns. Others who may have challenging or limited mobility often find Waterpik easier to use. Research has found this device to be more effective than traditional floss when it comes to removing plaque from tooth surfaces, especially for people who have unique oral care requirements such as braces [2].

Which One Should You Use?

If flossing is challenging for you to fit into your oral care routine, it’s important to choose the type of floss that motivates you to use it every day. Whether that’s regular dental floss, a Waterpik, or interdental cleaners, choose the floss that will encourage you to commit to flossing for your oral health. Of course, if you have orthodontia, mobility challenges, or restorative work that’s challenging to clean, a water flosser could be a helpful investment into your smile and make flossing easier!

Make Sure Your Product is ADA-Accepted

Whatever type of floss you choose, it’s important that your water flosser or regular floss has the American Dental Association (ADA) seal of acceptance [3]. Water Pik is ADA-accepted, meaning it’s been evaluated by the ADA for effectiveness and safety, to provide you with peace of mind that you’re choosing a good product for your smile!

Happy Flossing!

To experience the benefits of flossing—which include a reduced risk for tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath—be sure to floss your teeth once a day at whatever time is convenient for you. Regular flossing goes a long way towards keeping your smile healthy, whether you choose Waterpik or string floss!

Sources:
1. https://www.adha.org/resources-docs/7123_Waterpik_Irrigation.pdf
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24282867
3. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/w/water-flossers

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While home care habits are vital to proper oral health, your dentist also plays a crucial role in keeping your smile healthy, beautiful, and free of problems that could cause long-term damage.

What harm could avoiding those regular teeth cleanings be causing?

Buildup of Unseen Plaque and Tartar

While regular brushing and flossing do remove plaque from your teeth—which can harden into tartar if not removed—your toothbrush and floss won’t be able to remove every trace of plaque from your mouth.

Whether you’re missing some areas on your teeth when brushing and not realizing it or can’t quite work floss into those tight spaces between your teeth, plaque doesn’t take long to build up in the oral cavity.

Even with daily brushing and flossing, plaque can accumulate, and professional teeth cleanings remove this unseen plaque [1]. If left unchecked, plaque can not only harden into tartar, but lead to tooth enamel damage and gum inflammation that can influence the onset of tooth decay and gum disease.

Development of Oral Health Problems

From gum disease to oral cancer, problems in the oral cavity can go undetected until spotted by a professional. One of the reasons regular teeth cleanings are so important is because they don’t just clean your teeth—they give your dentist a chance to examine your smile and ensure there are no problems that need to be addressed.

Routine teeth cleanings help prevent cavities and gum disease, problems that, as they progress, become more serious and more expensive to fix down the line [2]. Your dentist can also conduct an oral cancer screening during your regular appointments, a quick and painless exam of your oral cavity to ensure there are no abnormalities to be concerned about.

How Often Do You Need to Get Your Teeth Cleaned?

While most oral healthcare professionals give a guideline of every six months to get your teeth cleaned, your dentist can let you know how often you need to come in to protect your smile.Everyone is different, and your unique oral health will determine whether you need to come in every six months or more or less often to maintain your oral health [3].

If it’s been a while since you’ve gotten a professional teeth cleaning or you have questions about your oral health, it’s time to get in touch with your dentist. Teeth cleanings take less time than you think, and are a painless way to have a beautiful, bright smile for life!

Sources:
1. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001957.htm
2. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16914-oral-hygiene
3. https://www.ada.org/en/press-room/news-releases/2013-archive/june/american-

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