More Snacking=More Risk of Tooth Decay

When your kitchen is just a few steps away, it’s easy to snack throughout the day. Frequent grazing, especially on sugary or carb-heavy foods, keeps your teeth constantly exposed to acids that can erode your tooth enamel. When you don’t have structured meal times, continuous snacking doesn’t give your saliva enough time to neutralize these harmful acids and can increase your risk of cavities.

Skipping Your Regular Routine

Without the structure of getting ready for a day away at the office, you may fall out of the habit of maintaining consistent hygiene. Sleeping in, jumping straight into work, or working late into the evening can lead to missed brushing or flossing sessions. Over time, these small lapses in hygiene can contribute to small issues like bad breath, as well as more significant concerns like plaque buildup and gum inflammation.

Stress-Related Grinding and Clenching

While it’s often beneficial, remote work can also blur the line between your professional and personal life, which can, in turn, increase your stress levels. Many people unconsciously cope with stress by grinding or clenching their teeth (a condition known as bruxism). This can lead to worn enamel, tooth sensitivity, jaw pain, and, in severe cases, cracked or fractured teeth.

Dehydration and Dry Mouth

For some people, working at home may mean drinking more coffee and drinking less water. Staying hydrated is essential for your dental health, as dehydration reduces saliva production, which plays a crucial role in protecting your teeth. Saliva helps wash away food particles and neutralizes harmful bacteria. On the other hand, a dry mouth creates an environment where bacteria can thrive, increasing your risk for tooth decay and gum disease.

Don’t Forget to See Your Dentist

The good news is that working from home can mean that it’s easier for you to schedule and keep your regular dental appointments. The other good news is that small adjustments to your work-from-home routine can make a big difference in your oral health. Stick to regular meal times, stay hydrated, and maintain a consistent brushing and flossing routine to help protect your smile for years to come.

The post Surprising Ways Remote Work Can Affect Your Dental Health appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

The Connection Between Stress and Tension in Your Jaw

When you’re feeling stressed, your body naturally responds by tightening its muscles, including the ones in your face, jaw, and neck. Chronic stress causes constant tension, which, over time, can strain the temporomandibular joints, which connect your jaw to your skull. Tight facial muscles may lead to stiffness, soreness, and even limited jaw movement, all common symptoms associated with TMJ disorders.

Clenching, Grinding, and Bruxism

Stress is one of the leading causes of teeth clenching and grinding (also known as bruxism). Many people clench their jaws during the day without realizing it, while others grind their teeth at night while they sleep. This repeated pressure places excessive strain on the jaw joints and surrounding muscles. Over time, bruxism can wear down your tooth enamel, cause tooth sensitivity and cracks, and significantly aggravate TMJ symptoms.

How Stress Worsens TMJ Symptoms

If you already have TMJ issues, stress can intensify your discomfort. Increased muscle tension and frequent clenching can lead to inflammation around the joint, making symptoms like jaw pain, clicking or popping sounds, earaches, and headaches more pronounced. In some cases, stress can even contribute to flare-ups that make everyday activities, such as eating or speaking, uncomfortable.

Managing Stress to Protect Your Jaw

Reducing stress is an important step in managing TMJ symptoms. Techniques such as mindfulness, regular exercise, stretching, and adequate sleep can help relax your facial muscles and reduce clenching. If your TMJ symptoms persist, talk to your dentist. They may recommend solutions such as a custom nightguard, physical therapy, or other therapies to relieve pressure on your jaw and help you achieve long-term relief.

The post How Stress Can Cause (or Worsen) TMJ appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Leaving a gap after a tooth extraction can have more significant impacts than many people think. Here’s how not addressing that gap in your smile after tooth extraction can affect oral health, functionality, and aesthetics.

Shifting of Adjacent Teeth

One of the primary consequences of not addressing a gap in your smile is the shifting of adjacent teeth [1]. Our teeth are designed to fit together and support one another. When a tooth is removed, the neighboring teeth start to drift into the empty space. This movement can lead to misalignment and even tooth crowding or unusual spacing, which can complicate chewing, aesthetics, and overall oral health.

Bone Loss

The jawbone relies on the presence of teeth to maintain its form and density. When a tooth is extracted and not replaced, the underlying bone tends to lose mass—a condition known as bone resorption. 50% of alveolar bone width is lost within the first year after a tooth extraction [2]. This bone loss can lead to a sunken appearance in the face and compromise future dental restoration options.

Increased Risk of Dental Complications

Leaving a gap can raise the risk of various dental problems. The absence of a tooth might lead to gum issues, as the empty space can trap food particles and bacteria, increasing the likelihood of infection. If teeth shift and become misaligned or crowded, they are more difficult to clean, which can lead to an increased risk of cavities and gum disease.

Difficulty in Chewing and Speaking

Beyond aesthetic concerns, not addressing a gap can disrupt your day-to-day functions. Chewing can become uneven and uncomfortable, leading to potential digestive issues if food is not properly processed [3]. Speech can also be affected—without the proper alignment of teeth, certain sounds become challenging to articulate, which may lead to self-consciousness and impact both your personal and professional life.

Aesthetic Concerns

Your smile can significantly impact confidence and self-esteem. An unfilled gap can cause people to feel embarrassed about their appearance, affecting social interactions and personal relationships. Many people are hesitant to smile or laugh openly, which can lead to increased feelings of isolation or anxiety.

Treatment Options After Tooth Extraction

Fortunately, there are several options available for addressing a gap in your smile after a tooth extraction. These include:

• Dental implants. These are titanium posts surgically implanted into the jawbone, providing a permanent solution that mimics the appearance and function of natural teeth.

• Bridges. A dental bridge involves placing crowns on the adjacent teeth to support a prosthetic tooth, effectively filling the gap.
• Partial dentures. These removable options are ideal for those looking for a less invasive solution and are customizable for comfort and aesthetics.

Taking action to fill the gap will not only restore your smile but will also prevent further complications.

Don’t Wait to Replace Your Missing Tooth

If you’ve recently undergone a tooth extraction or have been living with a missing tooth, it’s crucial to discuss your options with your dentist. Whether you’re worried about shifting teeth, chewing, or your oral health and appearance, it’s time to take the first step towards a healthier smile—contact your dentist today!

Sources:

1. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6787091/
2. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6926561/
3. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3636836/ 

The post What Are the Longer-Term Impacts of Not Addressing a Gap in Your Smile After a Tooth Extraction? 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.

How Does Decay Happen Under Fillings?

When a filling is placed, it’s bonded to your tooth in such a way that a seal is made to keep out bacteria and food particles that can cause decay and infection. If the seal between the filling material and your tooth wasn’t properly made during the bonding process—or begins to break down over time and isn’t repaired—tooth decay can begin to develop underneath the actual filling material.

Signs of decay underneath a filling are similar to those of normal tooth decay, including:

• Toothache
• Tooth sensitivity
• Pain
• Bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth
• Black or brown staining on the tooth

You may not experience symptoms until the cavity has significantly progressed, which it’s why it’s important to get regular checkups with your dentist. He or she can evaluate your fillings to ensure there are no problems such as decay forming underneath a damaged dental restoration!

Treatment for Tooth Decay Under an Existing Filling

If you do have tooth decay under an existing filling, how will your dentist treat the problem?

First, your dentist will take x-rays, which can help determine whether or not there’s developing tooth decay underneath the filling [1]. While your dentist will conduct an oral exam as well, x-rays can help see between teeth and underneath the surface of your teeth to identify decay that can’t be seen with the naked eye.

In the event that there is decay under your filling, your treatment will all depend on how advanced the decay is. In some cases, the old filling can be removed and a new filling can be placed. In others, you may not be able to get a new filling and instead, you’ll need a dental crown or root canal therapy to correct the problem [2].

Your dentist can let you know what to expect during your appointment based on their findings!

Don’t Ignore Symptoms of Tooth Decay!

If you’re having symptoms of tooth decay, even if there’s a filling there, don’t hesitate to reach out to your dentist for assistance. There may be a problem with the filling that needs to be corrected, or you may have tooth decay underneath the restoration. Your dentist can identify the issue and recommend the proper treatment to get you back to normal!

Sources:
1. http://www.ada.org/~/media/ADA/Publications/Files/patient_52.ashx
2. https://www.medicinenet.com/problems_with_dental_fillings/article.htm#deterioratin
g_fillings

The post How Do Dentists Treat Decay Under Fillings? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

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

The post What Causes Gum Inflammation and Disease? 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.

Fortunately, there are many brilliant dentists out there who offer services for the entire family
to receive their dental care in just one location. Here’s how you can begin the process of
choosing the right dentist for you and your family.

Ask About Insurance and Payment Plans

An important first step is determining if practice accepts your dental insurance. If they do
accept your insurance, this is great. If not, you’ll need to evaluate whether or not you want to
pursue this dentist or find one who does accept your insurance.

In the event that you don’t have dental insurance, ask your potential family dentist if they’ll
accept payment plans or whether or not they accept a dental discount plan or credit from a
third party such as CareCredit. Having flexibility in the event that your insurance carrier changes
is helpful even if they initially accept your insurance.

Consider Their Location and Hours

Before you consider the dentist and the practice, you’ll want to consider location and hours
first. This is because both the location and their hours of operation will tell you how likely you
are to be able to make appointments.

For example, do they offer weekend hours and time after traditional business hours to
accommodate your busy schedule? Are they located nearby, and not in an area where traffic
would be an issue?

When you take into account the practice’s convenience based on your schedule, you’re better
able to evaluate the likelihood that you’ll be able to keep appointments.

Talk to the Dentist and the Staff

Once you’re able to verify that a location and hours of operation will work for you as well as
whether or not they take your insurance, it’s time to actually visit the practice. You can even
bring along the kids to see how comfortable everyone is there when talking to the dentists as
well as the staff members.

You want to choose a dentist that you feel comfortable talking to, asking questions, and calling
when you need advice. Your family should feel good about communicating with them too, so
don’t hesitate to make an appointment to simply visit and see what everyone thinks!

Don’t Forget Emergencies

Emergencies are unfortunately a part of life. Ask the dentist about their emergency policy—will
they come in after hours to treat you or your child, will they have the flexibility to get you in for
an emergency, or if they can’t, do they provide a referral to another dentist or just advise you
to go to the emergency room?

You may also consider their memberships to professional organizations, what type of
continuing education they do and how often, and their experience with up-and-coming dental
tools such as laser dentistry. Don’t be afraid to ask questions during your visit!

When it comes to finding the right dentist, don’t underestimate the importance of having a
great fit for the entire family, even if you need to visit a few dentists before you find the one
that feels right. You can have the best dental care and convenience with your dentist of choice!

The post How to Choose the Right Dentist for You and Your Family appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Even if your orthodontist has prepared you for your child’s appointment, the following tips will
help you to create an even smoother transition for your child to adapt to life with braces after
their appointment!

Preparing for Discomfort

Your child should be informed that there will be some pain associated with getting braces.
While teeth are shifting, especially during the first few days after getting braces, your child’s
teeth will be very sore and your child may be more irritable because of this discomfort.

In order to help alleviate your child’s pain, you should have the following on hand before your
child gets their braces:

Orthodontic Wax. This dental wax will help your child’s gum tissue adjust to the braces
by softening edges that may, at least in the beginning, rub painfully on your child’s
gums.

Cold Foods or Ice. Keeping cold foods such as ice cream, popsicles, and even frozen
yogurt on hand can help reduce discomfort while providing a soft, easy-to-eat snack.
Some children may also want to suck on ice, just be sure they don’t chew it as ice can
actually fracture teeth.

OTC Pain Medication.

Your orthodontist can recommend an anti-inflammatory medication such as Ibuprofen to help manage your child’s pain.

Not every child will experience the same level of pain when getting braces, but by keeping
these items on hand and preparing your child for the discomfort to come, you both can be
better prepared for adjusting to life with braces.

At Your Appointment

During your child’s appointment to get their braces on, you should expect to be there for
approximately one to two hours. Appointment time will vary by the type of braces your child is
getting, but typically, at least one hour is to be expected. Plan to be at the office for this
amount of time and don’t fret—your child’s orthodontist is doing his or her best to ensure the
application goes smoothly.

Stock the Fridge and Pantry

Be sure to stock plenty of soft foods for your child to eat in those first few days after they get
braces. Due to the level of discomfort children can experience with their new orthodontia, soft
foods are a must during those first tender days. Some good meal options and snacks include:

 Soup
 Smoothies
 Mashed Potatoes
 Yogurt
 Ice Cream
 Pudding
 Scrambled eggs
 Applesauce
 Bread products such as muffins or pancakes
 Pasta
 Soft fruits such as bananas, watermelon, or ripe peaches
 Tofu

Keeping some of your child’s favorite soft foods on hand can help them better cope with the
discomfort of their new braces and keep them nourished during this time of transition.
Within a few days, your child’s teeth should begin to feel better. Most children adjust to their
braces after just a few weeks, so be patient while also being encouraging and prepared.

Is your child getting braces today? By being prepared with the necessary items including food,
orthodontic wax, and anti-inflammatory OTC medication, you can help your child adjust to their
new orthodontia and look forward to that straight smile when the braces finally come off!

The post Is Your Child Getting Braces Today? Here’s How to Prepare appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.