Even with a busy summer planned, how can you keep your smile bright and healthy? Here are a few essential tips to maintain your oral health on the go!

Drink Plenty of Water

Staying hydrated isn’t just beneficial for your body—it’s excellent for your smile too! Drinking water helps flush food particles out of your mouth and prevent them from sticking to your teeth, which can lead to plaque formation and tooth enamel damage.

Drinking water also supports hydration, which prevents dry mouth. Your saliva plays a crucial role in protecting your teeth from bacteria, so preventing dry mouth goes a long way towards keeping your breath fresh, your teeth clean, and your smile healthy [1]!

Use Sugarless Gum

If you’re traveling this summer and aren’t in your regular routine or forget to brush your teeth, sugarless gum is immensely helpful. Chewing sugar-free gum increases saliva production, and saliva acts as a buffer between your teeth and harmful bacteria. Chewing sugarless gum can actually help prevent cavities while keeping your breath fresh [2].

Excellent for after meals or those rushed mornings when you forget to brush your teeth, keeping sugarless gum handy is a great way to support your oral health on the go!

Pack Healthy Snacks

What you eat can influence your oral health just as much as your brushing and flossing routine.

By skipping sugary foods and drinks, you can help keep your teeth healthy this summer. When going on a trip or even for your snack at work, pack healthy choices such as apples, carrots, and celery. These crunchy foods have a high water content and can help hydrate you while reducing plaque formation on your teeth throughout the day [3].

Healthy summer treats to enjoy this season include melon such as cantaloupe and watermelon, blueberries, homemade frozen yogurt, blackberries, and apricots!

Don’t Neglect Your Brushing and Flossing!

Although each of these activities is excellent for your smile, they should never replace your home care habits for your teeth and gums. You should still brush twice a day and floss once a day, and continue to keep your regular checkups with your dentist.

What do you have planned for this summer? Whether you’re going on a vacation or staying put for a staycation, keep your smile healthy during this busy time of year with the above tips!

Sources:
1. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/nutrition/food-tips/water-best-beverage
2. https://www.ada.org/en/member-center/oral-health-topics/chewing-gum
3. http://apjcn.nhri.org.tw/server/info/books-

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You know that plaque is harmful to your smile, but do you know exactly how this substance works to damage your oral health? Here are three ways that plaque can lead to long-term consequences for your teeth and gums!

Plaque Buildup Can Increase Your Risk for Periodontal Disease

Brushing and flossing your teeth go a long way towards removing plaque. However, even the most thorough brushing and flossing routines are bound to miss some plaque. The plaque that gets left behind from where your toothbrush or floss don’t reach can turn into tartar, a hard substance that can only be removed by your dentist.

Both plaque and tartar can build up around the gumline and increase your risk for periodontal disease, also called gum disease [1]. When not removed regularly, the bacteria in plaque can irritate the gum tissue and lead to red, swollen, or infected gums.

Cavities and Sensitive Teeth Can Happen Due to Plaque

Plaque sticks to your teeth and coats your tooth enamel. Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the human body, and it coats each and every one of your teeth, protecting the softer tissues underneath and helping your smile stay bright.

The bacteria in plaque can produce harsh acids, which can attack your tooth enamel, causing it to wear away [2]. Unfortunately, once tooth enamel is gone, it can’t regrow. With the enamel gone, the tooth is unprotected and cavities can begin to form. When tooth enamel wears away in this way, it can also cause you to have sensitive teeth.

Without your enamel, temperatures can reach the inner nerves of your teeth, causing painful sensitivity to hot, cold, and even sweet and spicy foods.

Plaque Can Cause Discolored Teeth and Bad Breath

Plaque buildup can cause discolored teeth as a result of tooth enamel damage. The layer beneath your tooth enamel, called dentin, is a softer tissue and naturally has a more yellowish hue.

When tooth enamel gets worn away due to plaque, dentin can begin to show through, leading to discolored teeth that may appear more yellow and stain easier.

Plaque buildup can also lead to chronic bad breath [3]. While not harmful in and of itself, chronic bad breath is usually a sign that another condition is present, such as periodontal disease, which can also result from plaque.

Is Plaque Affecting Your Smile?

Even with regular brushing and flossing, plaque can still affect your smile. If you’re suffering from sensitive teeth, inflamed gum tissue, or chronic bad breath, plaque could be impacting your oral health. An exam and cleaning with your dentist can remove harmful plaque, helping you maintain a strong and bright smile for life!

Sources:
1. https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2010/07/mind-your-mouth
2. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/taking-care-your-teeth-and-mouth#tooth-decay

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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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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

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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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However, there are some risk factors that you can control when it comes to oral cancer, and they are some of the most influential ones in whether or not you develop the disease. Here are the top three causes of oral cancer you should know about!

1. Tobacco Use

Tobacco use is the number one cause of oral cancers worldwide. In fact, 85 percent of oral cancers are linked to tobacco use [1]. Tobacco includes chewing tobacco, smoking cigarettes, and smoking natural tobacco and cigars.

What about e-cigarettes? Although not technically considered tobacco use, vaping can also cause DNA mutations similar to those seen in cigarette smokers, and could increase your risk of oral cancer [2]. In addition, research on marijuana use also tentatively indicates a higher risk of oral cancer, so when it comes to smoking, it’s best to avoid all forms!

2. Alcohol

Alcohol is the second biggest risk factor for oral cancer and has been linked to several types of cancers, not just oral cancer. Drinking and smoking combined is particularly harmful, and increases your risk of oral cancer even more [3].

Although heavy drinkers have the highest risk, research shows that even moderate consumption (one drink per day) can affect your oral cancer risk as well as your risk for breast, colon, and liver cancer [4]. The safest thing you can do for your smile is to not consume alcohol at all, but if you choose to drink, go for moderation!

3. Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

HPV is a type of sexually transmitted infection that can, like the other risk factors on this list, increase your risk for several types of cancer. HPV is unfortunately common but is also preventable [5]. It’s also one of the leading causes of oral cancers including those of the tonsils and the back of the tongue.

There are different strains of HPV, and while women can get tested, there is no HPV test that exists for men. There is also a vaccine against HPV that you may qualify for; you can talk to your doctor for more information!

Get an Oral Cancer Screening With Your Dentist

Getting an oral cancer screening is painless, doesn’t take long, an can help catch oral cancer early. Your dentist can conduct an oral cancer screening during your regular checkup, and can talk more with you about your risk for the disease. Talk to your dentist about oral cancer today!

Sources:
1. https://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/oral-and-oropharyngeal-cancer/risk-factors-and-
2. https://news.usc.edu/154348/e-cigs-may-not-be-as-benign-as-many-believe/
3. https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/hpv/basic_info/hpv_oropharyngeal.htm
4. https://www.fdiworlddental.org/news/20181011/lancet-report-ties-alcohol-use-to-oral-
5. https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/hpv/basic_info/hpv_oropharyngeal.htm

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Research shows that plant-based diets can be beneficial for your overall health, even reducing the risk of heart disease, depression, and certain types of cancers [1]. But what does research have to say about plant-based diets for your dental health?

A Plant-Based Diet Could Help Prevent Oral Cancer

Oral cancer includes cancers of the mouth, tongue, cheeks, and throat, and affects tens of thousands of Americans every year. If diagnosed early, oral cancer has a fairly high successful treatment rate, making those checkups with your dentist that include oral cancer screenings all the more important.

Current evidence shows that a diet high in plant-based foods including fruits and vegetables may help prevent oral cancer [2]. Of course, avoiding tobacco products and reducing your consumption of alcohol are important factors in avoiding oral cancer as well!

Veggies Are an Essential Part of a Healthy Diet for Teeth

Vegetables are part of a healthy diet for oral health, and provide essential nutrients that your smile needs to stay healthy [3]. All types of veggies and fruits can support your oral health! Protein is an important component of dental health as well, as it supports strong and healthy teeth and gum tissue.

Protein is able to be consumed in the form of plants, and it’s certainly possible to get all the protein you need from plant-based sources, but you may also choose to supplement with animal products. Excellent protein sources from plants include beans, nuts, soy, quinoa, seeds, oats, and rice.

Eating Mostly Plant-Based Could Improve Gum Health

In one study, vegetarians had less inflammation and gum damage than non-vegetarians [4]. In this same study, vegetarians also had better oral hygiene, fewer missing teeth, and stronger teeth.

While this evidence shows that vegetarians may have better oral health, it doesn’t mean you have to stop eating meat or other animal products completely—just that you can focus more on plants to reap the benefits for your smile!

So What’s the Verdict?

Your body needs a well-balanced diet to support not just your oral health but your overall health as well. Choosing a plant-based diet can positively impact your health, but it doesn’t mean you have to completely get rid of animal products. Try to aim for smaller and fewer servings of animal products, or have them only a few days a week instead of every day.

And, of course, always brush and floss your teeth daily, and schedule regular visits with your dentist every six months or as recommend by your oral healthcare professional. Diet plays a critical role in your oral health, but so do your oral care habits—so do your best to pay attention to both!

Sources:
1. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/what-is-a-plant-based-diet-and-why-should-you-
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21282682
3. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/d/diet-and-dental-health
4. https://www.nature.com/articles/ejcn2013101

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There are a few different types of root canal treatments that can be done depending on your individual case. All have a similar goal in mind—to save your tooth and keep decay and bacteria from further affecting it. Here are a few different types of root canal therapy to know about!

Nonsurgical Root Canal Treatment

This form of root canal treatment is your typical root canal which removes the inner nerve tissue of the tooth and seals the inner chamber. You might need nonsurgical root canal therapy if your tooth has experienced extensive decay that can’t be fixed with a filling, or if you have an infection that’s compromised the nerves of your tooth. Either way, a root canal could be a viable form of treatment!

Apicoectomy

An apicoectomy is a procedure used for when a primary root canal—the nonsurgical root canal treatment we just discussed—is unsuccessful. In this case, the infection or inflammation may still be present in your tooth or in your alveolar bone, which is the bone that constitutes your jaw.

In an apicoectomy, only local anesthesia used, and this form of treatment is considered a microsurgical procedure [1]. The very tip of your tooth’s root is removed, and a filling material is used to seal the canal.

In the following months, the bone in your jaw heals the tooth’s root where the affected material was removed. However, you won’t be in recovery for quite that long—most patients can return to their usual activities the next day!

Pulpotomy and Pulpectomy

Pulpotomies and pulpectomies are typically procedures done on baby teeth—essentially, root canals for children. Both of these procedures help save your child’s natural tooth, but they have one difference.

In a pulpotomy, the affected pulp of the tooth’s chamber is removed, and the healthy pulp is left in your child’s tooth roots. A pulpotomy only works if only part of your child’s tooth’s inner nerve tissue is affected.

In a pulpectomy, all of the pulp is removed and replaced with a filler material [2]. This procedure is generally done for teeth that can’t be saved with just a pulpotomy due to the extensiveness of the infection or decay.

Root canals are a great way to save teeth that would otherwise have been lost due to infection or decay. Your professional dentist or endodontist—a specialist at saving teeth—can let you know more about what to expect during your consultation for root canal therapy!

Sources:
1. https://www.aae.org/patients/root-canal-treatment/endodontic-treatment-
2. https://www.aapd.org/media/Policies_Guidelines/BP_PulpTherapy.pdf

The post Are There Different Types of Root Canal Treatments? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Avoiding the dentist can cost you more money and cause more harm than you think years down the line. Here’s why it’s never a good idea to skip those regular visits with your oral healthcare professional.

Neglecting Your Oral Care Can Cost More in the Long Run

One of the major reasons patients report not visiting the dentist is finances [1]. However, neglecting to see your dentist at least once a year—ideally every six months—can majorly impact your finances in the long run.

Think about it. Your natural teeth haven’t cost you anything, but getting a cavity filled, attempting to reverse gum disease, or even replacing a missing tooth can get expensive, especially if you don’t have dental insurance. Taking care of your oral health now can prevent all of these issues, saving you money and your oral health!

People Who Avoid the Dentist Have Poorer Oral Health

People who avoid the dentist as the result of dental phobia have poorer oral health and an increased risk for cavities and missing teeth [2]. Having dental anxiety or dental phobia is treatable, and many dentists today are offering sedation dentistry options to help make their patients even more comfortable during their appointment.

In addition, most conditions that result from lack of proper oral care require numerous treatments to fix—think gum disease or replacing missing teeth. These numerous visits can not only increase anxiety, but result in more time and money spent.

It’s Possible You Have Tooth Decay or Gum Disease Already

Skipping the dentist means you don’t have anyone checking in on your smile every few months to ensure everything’s fine. Life gets in the way, and next thing you know, you have several cavities. Statistics show that 18 percent of children have untreated cavities, as well as 26 percent of adults [3].

It’s also estimated that over 47 percent of adults in the United States have untreated gum disease, so chances are your smile could be suffering and you’re not aware of it. Having a professional check your smile could catch these issues before it’s too late!

Get in Touch with Your Dentist

Every smile is different and your dentist can advise you how often you need to come in for checkups. If you have a history of tooth decay and gum disease, you may need to come in more often, whereas some patients can go six to twelve months without needing to be seen.

Isn’t it time you invested in your beautiful smile to prevent problems (and costly reparations) down the line? Contact your local dentist today to set up an appointment and take care of your teeth and gums!

Sources:
1.https://www.ada.org/~/media/ADA/Science%20and%20Research/HPI/Files/HPIBrief_111
2. https://www.nature.com/articles/sj.bdj.2017.361
3. https://www.ada.org/en/science-research/health-policy-institute/dental-statistics/patients

The post Avoiding the Dentist Is Costly to Your Smile and Wallet appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Salmon and Other Fish

Salmon and other types of fish including tuna and sardines are high in vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to help reduce inflammation. Omega-3s have also been shown to help heal gum tissue in patients with periodontal (gum) disease [1].

Vitamin D supports the body with many functions, among them being keeping your teeth and alveolar bone strong, which is the bone in your jaw that supports the teeth [2]. For the highest nutrient content and benefits, choose wild-caught fish!

Spinach

All dark green leafy vegetables are excellent for oral health, and spinach is no exception. Filled with vitamin C, iron, calcium, and potassium, these nutrients are all beneficial for our smiles as well as our bodies [3]. Calcium can help strengthen tooth enamel, and vitamin C is essential for gum health! Iron helps support your body’s natural response to infections, and potassium, as we’ll soon see, is another key player in bone health!

Herbs and Spices

Herbs and spices that we add to our foods such as garlic, clove, turmeric, and ginger are anti inflammatory. For example, the active component in turmeric, called curcumin, has the potential to treat oral diseases such as gum disease and even oral cancer [4].

However, while they do have their benefits, keep in mind that these spices are pungent and some, such as turmeric, can stain teeth. Water is a great buffer when consuming foods with these healthy spices, and of course, getting regular dental cleanings can keep your teeth white!

Sweet Potatoes

The perfect fall food, sweet potatoes are loaded with vitamin A, which supports a healthy saliva production. Saliva plays an essential role in the oral cavity, and helps to balance not only oral bacteria, but the pH of the mouth as well, therefore preventing tooth decay and supporting gum health [5].

Avocados

Did you know that avocadoes have more potassium than a banana? In fact, eating a whole avocado gives you more than 20 percent of your daily potassium requirements [6].

The high potassium content of avocados makes them beneficial for oral health, as potassium works with calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D to keep your bones and teeth strong.

Avocados may even play a potential role in preventing oral cancer—plus they’re loaded with healthy fats, which can help fight the inflammation present in most diseases [7].

Do you enjoy any of these healthy foods? Adding these foods to your diet might just support systemic as well as oral health, which are, of course, connected! Next time you’re at the store, consider adding these fresh foods and helpful spices to your cart for healthy teeth and gums!

Sources:
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3320731/
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21748977
3. https://medlineplus.gov/definitions/mineralsdefinitions.html
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3633300/
5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6099579/
6. https://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/fruits-and-fruit-juices/1843/2
7. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/09/070904114442.htm

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