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.

Prolonged exposure to sugar causes baby bottle tooth decay, meaning that when your child consumes sugar over a period of time or frequently consumes sugar, tooth decay can happen.

Unfortunately, your child is at risk for tooth decay as soon as they have teeth, and baby bottle tooth decay is common. So how can you prevent tooth decay from affecting your little one’s smile? Here are your top tips for preventing baby bottle tooth decay!

Don’t Give Your Baby a Bottle Filled With Sugary Drinks

Filling a bottle with a sweet liquid such as juice can encourage your child to continue to drink until all the liquid is gone. This overexposes their teeth to sugar, leading to enamel damage that can cause tooth decay.

If using a bottle for your baby, be sure to only use breastmilk, formula, or milk in the bottle. Your child should be able to drink from a cup by their first birthday, so continue to encourage this practice as your child gets older.

Bottles should never be given in place of a pacifier. If giving your baby a pacifier, don’t dip it in a sugary substance such as honey, as this can also contribute to tooth decay. It’s also important to never put your baby to bed with a bottle or any kind of food, as it can encourage cavity formation due to reduced saliva production while sleeping [1].

Clean Your Child’s Mouth

You may think you don’t need to clean your child’s mouth if their baby teeth haven’t come in yet. But the truth is that you should clean your child’s mouth at least once a day even if they don’t have teeth.

Take a clean cloth or piece of gauze and gently wipe their mouth after each feeding. Even though you can’t see them, your child’s teeth are forming underneath their gums and will soon make their way in. Keeping your child’s mouth clean is not only a good habit, but can help prevent the buildup of bacteria when their teeth emerge.

As soon as your child has teeth you can begin to gently brush them, and as soon as they have two teeth that touch together, you can begin flossing [2]!

Refrain From Sharing Utensils With Your Child

Did you know that the bacteria in your mouth can spread to your baby’s mouth through shared utensils [3]? Whether or not you have tooth decay or gum disease, it’s a good idea to limit sharing utensils or straws with your child as their teeth are coming in.

Bacteria that exist in your oral cavity can spread to your baby’s mouth and influence their risk for tooth decay. Get a clean spoon for feedings instead of sharing, and refrain from “cleaning” their pacifier by putting it in your own mouth before giving it to your child.

Remember to Schedule a Dental Exam for Your Child

While it may seem like your child doesn’t need to see the dentist, current guidelines suggest scheduling a visit for your baby around the time of their first birthday. This is when their first teeth should begin to emerge, and your dentist can help ensure the teeth are healthy and developing properly for a bright smile!

Sources:

1. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/teething-tooth-
2. https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/family-resources-education/health-wellness-and-
3. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/b/baby-bottle-tooth-decay

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

The following are a few of the most common mouth sores people experience and their causes, as well as when you should seek professional treatment!

Canker Sores

Canker sores can have a variety of causes, from hormones to food sensitivities to stress. Presenting as small sores with a whitish center and red edges, canker sores can happen anywhere on the soft tissues of the oral cavity.

Most canker sores will go away within 10 days and are nothing to be concerned about. However, you should seek help if your canker sore isn’t gone within two weeks, is extremely painful, or you have a fever along with the sore [1].

Cold Sores

Occurring outside the mouth on the lips or around the lips, cold sores are caused by herpes simplex viruses (most commonly type 1). While painful and uncomfortable, the sores generally only last a week.

You should seek treatment for cold sores if you have several sores, sores spreading to other parts of your body (such as near your eyes or on your hands), or your sores don’t go away after two weeks [2]. People who have a weakened immune system or get cold sores frequently should also seek treatment.

Oral Cancer

Mouth sores caused by oral cancer can develop anywhere on the soft tissues in your mouth and may present as a red or white lesions that don’t go away [3]. The sore may also be a lump that could be small and painless, but if it’s oral cancer, it will continue to grow.

Your dentist can identify oral cancer during your regular checkup, which makes keeping your bi-annual exams all the more important. While people who use tobacco are at the highest risk for oral cancer, anyone can develop the disease. Any lesions that don’t go away within two weeks—whether or not they’re painful—should be evaluated by your dentist.

Oral Thrush

A small amount of a yeast called candida normally exists in your mouth. Oral bacteria and your immune system help keep this yeast from overgrowing and causing problems. However, for some people, candida will overgrow and cause a condition called oral thrush.

Oral thrush can cause white sores in the mouth and on the tongue that can be uncomfortable [4]. People who have compromised immune systems, diabetes, or are taking steroid medications are more at risk to develop oral thrush. You should seek treatment if you’re having symptoms, including pain when swallowing, bad breath, a white tongue, or abnormal taste.

Experiencing Mouth Sores?

If you frequently suffer from mouth sores or have persistent mouth sores that don’t go away, it’s time to follow up with your dentist. Your oral healthcare professional can identify your mouth sore and discuss potential causes and treatment options with you to help you feel your best!

Sources:
1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/canker-sore/symptoms-causes/syc-
2. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/cold-sores-treatment
3. https://oralcancerfoundation.org/dental/oral-cancer-images/
4. https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/diseases-conditions/thrush-children-and-

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Bacteria in Your Oral Cavity Have Been Linked to Heart Problems

The oral cavity is full of different types of bacteria. Some of these bacteria are helpful while others are harmful. Bacteria in your mouth that have negative effects have been linked to problems such as:

• Heart disease
• Endocarditis
• Damage to blood vessels
• Blood clots

Oral bacteria could also lead to an increased risk of heart attack or stroke [1]. While more research is needed to fully understand the link between oral health and heart health, having good oral hygiene is still important!

Gum Inflammation Can Affect Bodily Inflammation

Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, causes inflammation in the oral cavity that can influence inflammation throughout the rest of the body. The bacteria involved in gum disease create an inflammatory response in your mouth that may influence your risk for vascular damage that affects the heart and the brain [2].

Again, while a direct connection hasn’t been established, there is substantial research to support the link between poor oral health and systemic conditions such as heart disease and chronic inflammatory conditions.

The Link Between Oral Health and Mental Health

Did you know your dental health can affect your state of mind as well? Some psychiatric disorders have been associated with tooth decay and gum disease [3]. While the link isn’t clear, experts suggest reviewing the oral health of patients experiencing severe mental illness, as poor oral health can significantly impact the quality of life of patients and could potentially play a role in the outcome of treatment.

Tooth Infections Can Be Life-Threatening

If left untreated, tooth decay can lead to a painful infection that has the potential to be life threatening [4]. Although rare, tooth abscesses can cause harmful oral bacteria to get into the bloodstream, which can then affect the brain and the heart. Early tooth decay is often asymptomatic, which makes getting regular exams with your dentist all the more important!

Take Care of Your Smile!

Taking care of your smile affects more than your appearance. Your oral health can affect your entire body and may even play a role in your mental health. As more research comes to light, medical professionals become ever more aware of the effect that the health of your teeth and gums has on your body!

Sources:
1. https://www.health.harvard.edu/press_releases/heart-disease-oral-health
2. https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/gum-disease-and-the-connection-to-heart-disease
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4841282/
4. https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/hidden-dental-dangers-that-may-threaten-your-whole-body

The post How Does Your Dental Health Affect You? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

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

The post Top Tips to Fight Sugar Cravings 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.

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

The post Is a Waterpik Better Than Dental Floss? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

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-

The post Avoiding Regular Teeth Cleanings Could Be Causing Long Term Damage appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

How is bruxism treated? Here are the top tips to curb your teeth grinding habit before it’s too late!

Consider Quitting Alcohol and Tobacco

People who use tobacco and drink alcohol are twice as likely to grind their teeth as people who don’t [1]. If you grind your teeth, consider quitting tobacco and reducing or eliminating your alcohol consumption to better manage the habit. How exactly these substances influence your risk for teeth grinding isn’t known, but managing your behaviors when it comes to tobacco and alcohol use may help reduce bruxism.

There is even some evidence that suggests caffeine consumption can influence teeth grinding. If you clench or grind your teeth while asleep, eliminating caffeine in the hours before sleep may be helpful in stopping bruxism!

Evaluate Your Stress Levels

Stress is a major factor when it comes to teeth grinding, so better managing your stress may help improve the condition. People who suffer from chronic stress and anxiety are more likely to grind their teeth, so trying different relaxing techniques—whether it’s doing something you enjoy, taking on less at work, or finding additional support in your life—could help reduce or curb your bruxism habit [2].

Get Your Misaligned Teeth Fixed

For some patients, an abnormal bite or misaligned teeth can influence their risk of teeth grinding. When the jaw doesn’t close comfortably, it can place stress on the temporomandibular joints, which could affect bruxism.

While not everyone will need orthodontic treatment to fix these issues, others will. Your dentist can let you know during your consultation whether or not your bite could be affecting your bruxism, as well as what you can do about it.

Talk to Your Dentist About a Custom Mouthguard

While many cases of teeth grinding can be managed by identifying underlying factors that are influencing the condition, it’s important to protect your teeth while you’re getting your bruxism under control. Getting a custom mouthguard is one way to treat your bruxism and prevent damage to your teeth that may be irreversible in the long run [3]. Most dentist practices offer custom mouthguards for patients which are designed to be comfortable for nightly use to protect your smile!

Don’t Ignore Teeth Grinding!

Ignoring teeth grinding won’t make the problem go away. If you suspect you suffer from teeth grinding, or your dentist finds evidence of bruxism during your dental examination, don’t hesitate to begin treating the problem. Your dentist can help you uncover the cause and put a treatment plan in place for your bruxism!

Sources:
1. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/t/teeth-grinding
2. https://www.ada.org/~/media/ADA/Publications/Files/patient_49.ashx
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482466/

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While the frequency of your in-office teeth cleanings will vary based on your unique oral health, teeth cleanings are important for adults and children alike [1]. What can you expect during a professional teeth cleaning? Here’s everything you need to know when it comes to your next appointment!

An Exam of Your Oral Cavity

Before doing any cleaning, your dental hygienist will carefully examine your oral cavity for signs of any issues. The hygienist will be looking for any indicators that gum disease, tooth decay, or oral cancer are present. If you haven’t been to the dentist in a while, your dentist will likely recommend that you get x-rays to check for tooth decay and other issues that can’t be seen with an exam alone.

Cleaning and Polishing Your Teeth

Once the exam is complete, your hygienist will remove any plaque and tartar from your teeth before polishing them. Your hygienist will even floss your teeth to be sure they get all the plaque out from tight spaces you may have missed when cleaning your teeth at home [2].

If you have any tartar on your teeth—which is the hardened form of plaque—it will need to be scraped off with a special tool. While the sound can be alarming, this process is painless, so there’s no need to worry.

The cleaning process will include the use of a mildly abrasive paste and a small instrument which is a lot like a toothbrush to polish the teeth. This thorough cleaning and polishing method helps remove surface stains that may have accumulated from foods, drinks, and plaque to give you a truly clean smile!

A Potential Fluoride Application

Most patients, including children, will receive an application of fluoride at the end of their teeth cleaning. Dentists use a professional-grade fluoride solution that helps strengthen the teeth and prevent tooth decay [3]. Not every patient will need this, so you and your dentist can discuss if he or she recommends it before your cleaning begins. The fluoride application is painless, quick, and can give your teeth the boost they need to resist tooth decay until your next visit!

Is It Time for a Teeth Cleaning?

Teeth cleanings are simple processes that have numerous advantages—not only do they help keep your smile clean and strong to resist tooth decay and gum disease, but they also remove surface stains to help keep your teeth bright. Regular teeth cleanings also help spot oral health issues early, giving you the opportunity to correct them with minimal intervention before they get worse! Is it time to schedule a teeth cleaning? Make an appointment with your dentist today!

Sources:
1. https://www.ada.org/en/press-room/news-releases/2013-archive/june/american-
2. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001957.htm
3. http://www.ada.org/~/media/ADA/Member%20Center/FIles/patient_72.ashx

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