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.

The post How Nutrition Affects Your Smile appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Liquids such as milk, juice, breastmilk, and formula contain natural sugars. While not harmful in and of themselves, your child’s oral bacteria will convert these sugars into acid which can attack tooth enamel and cause your child’s teeth to be more vulnerable to decay [1].

Your child is at risk for tooth decay as soon as their first teeth appear, which is generally by their first birthday. What can you do to prevent baby bottle tooth decay and protect your child’s smile?

Avoid Sharing Saliva

Your own oral bacteria can proliferate in your child’s mouth to cause tooth decay. So if you have any existing oral bacteria that can cause tooth decay, you can pass these onto your child.

This is why it’s important to avoid sharing saliva with your child whenever possible [2]. This means not sharing utensils and not cleaning their pacifier with your own mouth. By doing so, you can keep your child’s oral bacteria healthy and help prevent tooth decay.

Clean Your Child’s Mouth

Even if your child doesn’t yet have their first teeth in, you can still clean their smile to keep their oral cavity healthy and ready for those first teeth. Before your little one has their first tooth, you can simply wipe their gums clean with a clean cloth after each feeding. However, once your child has their first tooth, you can begin gently brushing their teeth with a tiny amount of fluoride toothpaste. And, once your child has two teeth that touch, you can start flossing!

Be Mindful of When Your Child Eats

To prevent baby bottle tooth decay, it’s essential to not let your child go to bed with a bottle, not even for a nap. This exposes your child’s teeth to sugars that can contribute to tooth decay for a longer period of time. You can also discourage your child from walking around with a bottle or sipping on it throughout the day, which can also overexpose the teeth to sugar.

Encourage Drinking From a Cup

As your child gets older, encourage them to drink from a cup. By the time your child reaches their first birthday, they should be able to drink from a cup and you can consider discontinuing the use of a bottle. However, if your child is still breastfeeding, be sure to gently clean their teeth after each feeding if possible.

Have Questions? Follow Up With Your Dentist

Baby bottle tooth decay isn’t always obvious, but it can be painful for your child when cavities develop [3]. Preventing baby bottle tooth decay is important to protecting your child’s teeth to set the stage for a healthy adult smile. Have questions about your child’s oral care? Don’t hesitate to reach out to your pediatric dentist!

Sources:
1. https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/family-resources-education/health-wellness-and-
2. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/b/baby-bottle-tooth-decay
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK535349/

The post Preventing Baby Bottle Tooth Decay appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

But what exactly happens during your appointment? Here’s what you need to know to be prepared for your regular teeth cleaning!

An Exam of Your Oral Cavity

First, if you need x-rays, your dentist may suggest to do these before your cleaning. Generally, x-rays are taken once a year for patients. X-rays are needed to identify any potential decay between your teeth, which dentists can’t spot with the naked eye.

Next, your dental hygienist will examine your smile, looking for signs of gum disease, tooth decay, or other problems in the oral cavity, such as a damaged dental restoration. Your dentist will do an oral cancer screening, which is a painless screening that involves checking the face and oral cavity for any abnormalities. Your dentist will also ask you a few questions about any symptoms you may be experiencing. Oral cancer screenings are typically done once a year [1].

Clearing Plaque

After checking your mouth for any potential problems, your dental hygienist will then use a tool to remove plaque and tartar from your oral cavity. While regular brushing and flossing at homes helps remove plaque before it has a chance to turn into tartar, it’s difficult to remove all the plaque from your mouth. Your dental hygienist will remove plaque or tartar from places you may have missed or places that are hard for you to reach.

Plaque and tartar not only increase your risk for gum disease, but can make it more difficult for you to properly clean your teeth [2]. This scraping process shouldn’t be painful and generally only takes a few minutes.

Cleaning Your Teeth

After scraping plaque and tartar away, your hygienist will then use a paste similar to a toothpaste, but a bit more abrasive, to polish your teeth. While not the same as a professional teeth whitening, this polishing process can remove surface stains to make your teeth look brighter [3].

Once your teeth are cleaned, your hygienist will floss your teeth. This may feel a bit different than the flossing you do at home—your hygienist will do a thorough job to ensure all plaque is removed from your gumline and in-between your teeth. Finally, your mouth will be rinsed out and you’ll be all set!

When Did You Last Get Your Teeth Cleaned?

While every patient is different, a general guideline to get a professional teeth cleaning is every six months. When was your last professional teeth cleaning? If it’s been longer than six months, it’s time to call your dentist!

Sources:
1. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/taking-care-your-teeth-and-mouth
2. https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/conditions/periodontal-disease.html
3. https://www.nature.com/articles/bdjteam2017175

The post What Is Done During Your Regular Teeth Cleaning? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

A dental emergency isn’t always the same for every person. However, there are certain situations in which you’re better off seeking help from a dentist as soon as you can. While you can go the emergency room if your dentist isn’t available, it’s always best to try and see a dentist for injuries or conditions specifically relating to the oral cavity.

So what exactly is considered a dental emergency? Here are a few conditions that you shouldn’t wait to seek help for.

Severe Pain, Swelling, or Bleeding

If you have sudden or severe pain, swelling, or bleeding, it’s time to call your dentist. Pain could be a symptom of a wide range of conditions, from knocked-out or cracked teeth to a life- threatening infection.

Any pain, swelling, or bleeding that’s uncontrollable needs to be evaluated by your oral healthcare professional as soon as possible. While some people who have dental health issues may not experience symptoms, others will.

For example, for some patients, a cracked tooth may not be a dental emergency if the crack is small, but for others, a major crack can be very painful and require immediate attention [1].

Always pay attention to your symptoms and listen to what your body needs!

Trauma to the Oral Cavity

Trauma to your oral cavity can take many forms. You may have been in a car accident and have a broken jaw, or sustained another type of injury that’s affected your facial bones or even your airway.

Any acute trauma to the oral cavity is generally considered a dental emergency [2]. Sports injuries, falls, car accidents, and many other types of situations could affect your jaw, teeth, or gums, leading to the need for immediate professional attention.

Post-Surgery Complications

If you’ve recently had a dental procedure—whether an extraction, wisdom tooth removal, or dental implant placement—and are experiencing adverse symptoms, you may need to see your dentist as soon as possible.

Symptoms of a post-surgery complication or infection that you should never ignore include:

• Swelling at the procedure site
•  Unexplained bleeding
• Loose or missing stitches
• A bad taste in your mouth
• Uncontrollable pain

These could all be signs that your mouth isn’t healing as it should be and may even have an infection [3]. If you’re not sure whether a symptom you’re experiencing is normal, never hesitate to reach out to your dentist to ask!

Broken Orthodontia

If you or your child has metal braces, any type of injury or accident involving your oral cavity could be dangerous. If metal braces are damaged or begin to come apart for any reason, the wire could puncture your soft tissues and require a prompt repair.

While some broken or damaged orthodontia can wait until the next available appointment, other cases are considered an emergency. Never wait to get your braces evaluated if you’re experiencing severe pain or bleeding!

Don’t Hesitate to Reach Out to Your Dentist!

Most dentists offer emergency care and will do their best to accommodate you in the event of a dental emergency. Always reach out to your dentist first before going to the emergency room to ask if they can see you or if you have any questions about a potential dental emergency!

Sources:

1. https://vitalrecord.tamhsc.edu/you-asked-what-qualifies-as-a-dental-emergency/
2. https://success.ada.org/~/media/CPS/Files/Open%20Files/ADA_COVID19_Dental_Emer
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1071467/

The post What Exactly Is Considered a Dental Emergency? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

What are the consequences of ignoring gum disease? The ramifications can affect more than your smile. Here’s what happens when gum disease is ignored and how it can affect your oral and bodily health!

Chronic Bad Breath

Gingivitis often begins with the noticeable symptom of chronic bad breath. You or your partner may notice that your breath is constantly off, and it may get worse as gum disease goes untreated. You may brush, floss, and use mouthwash, but the bad breath never completely goes away.

Bad breath is often the result of poor oral hygiene which can cause food and bacteria to
accumulate between teeth and cause gum inflammation [1]. Eventually, these bacteria will lead to pockets of infection around the gumline, which can not only cause bad breath, but contribute to a bad taste in the mouth as well.

Gum Recession

As gum disease progresses, you may begin to notice your gums receding. Receding gums can expose dentin—the softer layer of your tooth beneath the enamel—and even tooth roots.

You may notice that your teeth look longer, or begin to see discoloration near your gumline. When gums pull back from the teeth in this way, the result isn’t just longer-looking teeth, but sensitive teeth as well [2]. While gum recession has a few causes, including brushing too harshly, one of the most common is gum disease!

Loose Teeth

In its latter stages, periodontal disease can weaken the ligaments, or connective tissue, that help anchor teeth in place. The continuing infection will cause the pockets of bacteria to get larger, and teeth may begin to feel loose or feel as though they are shifting in your mouth.

Loose teeth can not only fit together differently, but also make it difficult or uncomfortable to chew. Gum disease is one of the leading causes of tooth loss, and without treatment, this devastating oral health problem could eventually cost you your smile.

Other Health Complications

Gum disease doesn’t just affect your teeth. Research has linked bacteria from gum disease to other inflammatory conditions in the body, including heart disease, diabetes, and even certain types of cancer [3]. Periodontal disease also poses particular risks for expecting mothers—active gum inflammation has been associated with an increased risk for delivering babies prematurely as well as babies with a low birth weight [4].

There Is Treatment for Gum Disease!

Preventable and treatable, periodontal disease isn’t a condition you have to live with. Your dentist can detect the early stages of gingivitis to help you reverse gum inflammation, and even for those with active periodontal disease, there is treatment. Get in touch with your dentist today to get a screening for gum disease!

Sources:
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1570844/
2. https://www.ada.org/~/media/ADA/Publications/Files/FTDP_Sept2013_2.pdf?la=en

3. https://www.perio.org/consumer/gum-disease-and-other-diseases
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3217279/

The post The High Risks of Ignoring Gum Disease appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

An uneven gum line could be the result of genetics, brushing your teeth too hard, and even misaligned teeth. Fortunately, in most cases, an irregular gum line can be corrected. Here’s what you need to know about treatment for your gum line based on the cause of its uneven appearance.

For Gum Disease: Gum Grafting

For some people, an inconsistent gum line is the result of gum disease, which can spread below the gum tissue can cause gums to pull away from the teeth in random places [1].

In some cases of mild to moderate gum disease, conventional therapy such as a deep cleaning, changing home care habits, and potentially antibiotics can help return your gum line back to normal. However, for cases of severe gum disease, you may also need a gum graft to restore the evenness of your gum line.

For Gummy Smile: Gum Contouring

People who have gummy smile can have a gum line that’s either too high or too low. In most cases, the gum line extends too far down on the teeth, which can not only give the teeth a shorter appearance, but can cause the gum line to appear asymmetrical in places.

If you have gummy smile, gum contouring may be able to help. Gum contouring is considered a cosmetic procedure in which the shape of your gum line is changed [2]. Your dentist can remove excess gum tissue or even restore missing gum tissue to improve your appearance.

For Other Issues: Laser Therapy

Even if your teeth are aligned correctly, an uneven gum line can make some teeth appear longer and others shorter. You may have the option of laser therapy, which is another way to contour gum tissue for a more symmetrical look [3].

Laser therapy is considered non-invasive and can help restore the appearance of your gums. Laser therapy could also be used to treat gum disease in certain cases, or can repair gum tissue that has been affected by gum disease.

Do You Have an Uneven Gum Line?

Typically, treatment for an uneven gum line is an outpatient procedure that can help restore your appearance and correct the underlying issue that’s causing your crooked gum line. There is treatment for this condition, so follow up with your dentist today to learn more about what can be done for your uneven gum line!

Sources:
1. https://www.perio.org/consumer/types-gum-disease.html
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4239760/
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5968693/

The post Can an Uneven Gum Line Be Corrected? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

This device consists of a machine with a tube and a mask that you attach to your face at night, and it circulates air in an effort to provide continuous pressure to keep your airway open, therefore preventing the airway collapse that comes with obstructive sleep apnea.

However, while CPAP therapy is effective when used properly, it’s also known for being too uncomfortable and noisy for many patients. For some, CPAP prevents the exact thing it’s designed to do—facilitate a good night’s rest and reduce sleep apnea symptoms.

Could your dentist help get you off your CPAP? Here’s how your oral healthcare professional might just be able to provide another way for sleep apnea relief!

Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT) for Sleep Apnea

An oral appliance is a device that’s similar to a retainer and is worn inside the mouth. This device prevents the collapsed airway and snoring that sleep apnea patients experience.

Oral appliances are custom-made for your unique jaw structure and come in different designs depending on what you need. Some of these devices shift the lower jaw forward, allowing the airway to remain open, and others prevent the tongue from blocking the airway during sleep [1].

Patients who use oral appliances for sleep apnea love the discreetness of the device, making not only sleeping but traveling easier. The device is simple, comfortable, and gives patients a new way to keep their airway open during sleep and stop the severe consequences associated with sleep apnea.

What Does Research Say About the Effectiveness of OAT?

Some patients might be hesitant to switch to an oral appliance from a CPAP machine. However, research shows that an oral appliance can be just as effective as CPAP, just without the discomfort!

Research shows that oral appliances can work as an effective alternative to CPAP for the majority of patients who suffer from sleep apnea [2]. Other studies show that patients who have mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea can benefit from oral appliances for their treatment [3].

Further research concluded that it was easier for patients to comply with OAT therapy as
opposed to CPAP, making it a viable option for long-term treatment [4]. Some people neglect to wear their CPAP mask nightly, as it can make sleeping uncomfortable and prevent patients from committing to the treatment long-term. However, treatment is essential to curb your sleep apnea symptoms, some of which can be life-threatening.

Tired of Your CPAP Machine?

If your doctor has prescribed a CPAP machine to manage your sleep apnea, it might be time to follow up with your dentist to determine if oral appliance therapy could work for you. For many patients, these devices provide a way to successfully manage sleep apnea without the need for a machine!

Sources:
1. https://www.aastweb.org/blog/benefits-of-sleep-apnea-dental-appliances-pros-and-
cons
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3738032/
3. https://academic.oup.com/sleep/article/36/9/1289/2453867
4. https://erj.ersjournals.com/content/50/suppl_61/PA4725

The post Can Your Dentist Get You Off Your CPAP? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

While the technology is still relatively new, it’s being used by more and more dentists who are becoming experienced in the use of lasers for a variety of applications. When can you expect laser technology to be used at your dentist office?

For Reshaping Gum Tissue

Laser dentistry is a common tool used for reshaping gum tissue. Gum tissue may need to be restructured for a variety of reasons: a person may have too much gum tissue covering their teeth such as in gummy smile, or a person may be unhappy with unevenness of their gum tissue.

Dentists have been using laser dentistry to contour the gums in cases such as for patients who suffer from gummy smile [1]. Lasers allow for less bleeding and discomfort following the procedure, making them ideal for patients who suffer from dental anxiety or have concerns about healing time.

For Surgery

Laser dentistry is also more commonly being used for oral surgery, such as to remove tissue for a biopsy for oral cancer. There are a few benefits to using laser technology when it comes to oral surgery.

Lasers can minimize postoperative swelling and pain, such as for procedures like a frenectomy, when the connective tissue in the mouth needs to be lengthened [2]. Lasers help minimize pain, bleeding, and the need for invasive procedures, which many patients can benefit from.

For Root Canals

Dentists have also been using laser technology in root canal therapy as well. In root canal therapy, the nerves in your tooth are removed due to decay or infection, and dentists need to remove all the bacteria and dead tissue inside your tooth during the procedure. Lasers allow dentists to eliminate bacteria in places where traditional tools can’t reach [3]. What this means is that dentists can remove more bacteria and allow for a cleaner root canal to seal and protect your tooth, enhancing the chances of success for your recovery.

Is Your Dentist Experienced with Laser Technology?

The use of lasers in oral applications is growing in popularity, and it’s likely they’ll become even more common in dentistry. Ask your dentist about their experience with laser dentistry and if they offer procedures with this technology at their practice. Laser dentistry can help patients experience less discomfort, a faster healing time, and more effective procedures when it comes to dental services!

Sources:
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3700144/
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4281997/
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4281974/

The post What Is Laser Dentistry, and When Is It Used? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

So how can you properly care for your infant’s teeth to ensure they have a healthy smile? Here’s what you can do throughout each stage of their teething process!

Before Teeth Emerge

Your baby won’t have teeth for about the first six months of his or her life. However, you can still clean your baby’s mouth after every feeding by wiping their gums with a clean cloth, or, alternatively, a piece of gauze.

Some parents choose to wait until the first tooth appears to begin cleaning their infant’s mouth [1]. However, cleaning your child’s oral cavity after feedings now will get you in the habit of taking care of their teeth later on!

Once Baby Teeth Emerge

Your child will get their first tooth around the age of six months, although every baby is different. Some children will get their first tooth as early as the age of two to four months, while others will get their first tooth later, around the age of one year.

Once your child’s first tooth appears, you should begin brushing it, using a very small amount of toothpaste, no bigger than a smear or a grain of rice [2]. Use a toothbrush with softer bristles and be gentle when brushing your baby’s tiny tooth!

When Your Baby Has Two Teeth That Touch

When that second tooth emerges and your child now has two teeth that touch together, you can begin flossing. The first teeth to emerge are usually the lower central incisors, which come in at the center of the front lower jaw.

Gently floss between your baby’s teeth forming floss into a “C” shape around each tooth, and be careful not to force floss in between the teeth at risk of hurting the gumline. Flossing will help remove plaque from between the teeth to prevent tooth decay and gum disease!

When Should Your Baby Have Their First Checkup?

Don’t wait until your child is older to take them to the dentist. When they get their first tooth, around the age of six months or one year old, you should schedule a dental appointment for your baby.

Some parents choose to wait a few months after the first tooth erupts [3]. As long as you get your child in to see the dentist around the age of one year, you can ensure your baby’s teeth are coming in properly and that they’re healthy.

Your child’s baby teeth are going to be important not just for their adult teeth, but also for their self-confidence as they grow up. By caring for your infant’s teeth now, you can help them have a healthy smile later on!

Sources:
1. https://www.aap.org/en-us/about-the-aap/aap-press-room/aap-press-room-media-
center/Pages/Baby-Tooth-Care.aspx
2. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/b/baby-teeth
3. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/10965-your-childs-first-dental-visit

The post How to Care for Your Infant’s Teeth appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Oral Piercings Can Chip Teeth

Oral piercings are typically made out of metal and have the potential to chip teeth. A tongue ring is the most likely to chip teeth as it’s located in the center of the mouth and is attached to your tongue, which is moving during eating and speaking. These movements can cause the jewelry to knock against your teeth, potentially causing chips and fractures that will require professional attention to fix.

Since tongue rings can be harsh on the teeth, they also have the potential to damage existing fillings, meaning they can cause fillings to age faster and even come out prematurely [1]. Without a filling to protect your tooth, you could see further decay and damage until you see your dentist.

Potential to Cause Gum Recession

Your teeth aren’t just at risk when it comes to piercings in the mouth—your gum tissue can be damaged as well. Lip rings and lip studs can rub against the gumline, causing gum recession that can lead to exposure of tooth roots and sensitive teeth.

Tongue rings can also cause gum recession since they can rest against the gumline on the backsides of teeth [2]. Gum recession can be difficult to reverse and may even require a gum graft, which is a surgical procedure, to restore the lost gum tissue.

Some Oral Piercings Can Lead to Sensitive Teeth

Since oral piercings have the potential to cause gum recession, they can lead to sensitive teeth. Gum tissue helps cover and protect our tooth’s roots, which contain nerves that can be very sensitive when exposed. Exposed tooth roots can lead to acute tooth sensitivity that’s painful.

Piercings such as tongue and lip rings can also wear away tooth enamel over time, which is the shiny protective layer on our teeth. Tooth enamel plays an essential role in protecting our teeth from bacteria and the temperature of hot or cold foods [3]. Without our enamel, teeth are more susceptible to not just sensitivity, but tooth discoloration and decay as well.

The Bottom Line

Oral piercings are a personal choice and a form of expression for many people. However, as with any body modification, it’s important to know the risks before engaging in a procedure that will have lasting effects on your body.

Oral piercings can certainly harm your smile through enamel damage, gum recession, and painful chips and fractures. If you have oral piercings or choose to get them, be sure to visit your dentist on a regular basis to check for damage and ensure your oral piercings aren’t causing irreversible damage to your teeth and gums!

Sources:
1. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/o/oral-piercings
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3926233/
3. https://jada.ada.org/article/S0002-8177(14)60601-2/fulltext

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