Hormonal Changes in Teens

Adolescence is a time of rapid growth and development, often accompanied by significant hormonal changes. These changes can especially affect the gums and teeth, leading teenagers to have suboptimal oral health.

Specifically, hormonal changes in teens can increase blood flow to the gums, making them more susceptible to swelling and tenderness [1]. Beyond the hormonal shifts, teens often have inconsistent oral hygiene habits, which can compound these issues. Dietary changes during adolescence—such as increased consumption of sugary drinks and snacks—can raise the risk of cavities and further compromise oral health.

Pregnancy and Oral Health

Pregnancy is another phase where hormonal changes significantly affect oral health. The increase in hormones like estrogen and progesterone can influence gum tissues and overall oral health, resulting in: 

• Pregnancy gingivitis. Many pregnant women experience swollen, tender gums, often referred to as pregnancy gingivitis [2]. This condition can lead to more serious gum diseases and even impact the health of the baby if not managed properly—research links gum disease to premature birth and low birth weight in infants [3].

• Increased risk of tooth decay. Between experiencing morning sickness and hormonal changes that affect saliva production, pregnant people are more at risk of tooth decay during their pregnancy. Harsh stomach acids can erode tooth enamel, and lack of saliva means less of a buffer between teeth and acids, bacteria, and plaque.

It’s crucial for expectant mothers to maintain their regular oral hygiene practices and visit their dentist for cleanings and exams.

Menopause and Oral Health

Menopause and perimenopause mark another significant shift in hormonal balance, and they can have multiple effects on oral health. The decline in estrogen levels can lead to several dental issues, making regular dental visits especially important.

Menopause can lead to dry mouth, which can increase the risk of tooth decay and gum disease, as well as bone loss due to lower estrogen levels [4]. Bone loss can reduce bone density, including in the jawbone, leading to tooth loss and affecting the stability of dental work like implants or dentures.

See Your Dentist Regularly for a Healthy Smile

Understanding these connections between hormonal changes and oral health can guide you in taking the necessary steps to protect your teeth and gums. You don’t have to wait for issues to happen to see your dentist. Schedule a check-up and consultation to ensure your oral health is monitored and managed appropriately at every stage of life!

Sources:

1. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12131131/
2. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4385665/
3. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3270055/
4. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3793432/ 

The post How Hormonal Changes Can Affect Oral Health appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Dental Fluorosis

Dental fluorosis occurs when teeth are exposed to excessive fluoride while they are still forming and commonly happens in childhood when teeth are still developing. While fluoride plays a vital role in preventing cavities, overexposure can interfere with the development of tooth enamel, resulting in white spots or streaks on the teeth [1]. Fluorosis is primarily a cosmetic issue and does not affect the health or function of the teeth.

Enamel Hypoplasia

Enamel hypoplasia is a developmental condition where the enamel doesn’t develop properly and there is not enough of it to adequately protect the teeth [2]. This defect, which happens during critical stages in tooth enamel formation, can leave people susceptible to decay and might cause noticeable white spots on teeth. Enamel hypoplasia can result from nutritional deficiencies, high fevers during tooth development stages, or certain medications.

Poor Oral Hygiene or Diet

Many people don’t realize that white spots on the teeth can actually be an early sign of tooth decay. Whether from poor oral hygiene, diet, or enamel erosion, bright white spots can be areas where the enamel has worn away and the underlying dentin is showing through, which can leave teeth vulnerable to cavities [3].

Addressing White Spots on Teeth

If you have white spots on your teeth, several treatment options are available. These include:

• Professional teeth whitening. This procedure can lighten the entire tooth, reducing the appearance of white spots.
• Microabrasion. This minimally invasive treatment involves the removal of a microscopic layer of enamel, improving the overall tooth appearance.
• Fluoride treatments. Topical fluoride can help remineralize the teeth and reduce the appearance of white spots, especially if caused by minor demineralization.
• Veneers or bonding. For severe cases, cosmetic options like dental veneers or bonding can cover up the spots and restore a natural look.

Worried About White Spots? Contact Your Dentist

If you’re concerned about white spots on your teeth, don’t hesitate to contact your dentist for a comprehensive examination and personalized care plan. There are many treatment options available to help make your smile a more uniform color to increase your confidence and potentially even your oral health!

Sources:

1. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/fluorosis
2. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/enamel-hypoplasia
3. https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/tooth-decay/more-info/tooth-decay-process#how-does-a-cavity-develop 

The post What Causes White Spots on My Teeth? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Inflammation May Be the Link

Inflammation plays a pivotal role in both diabetes and gum disease. People who have diabetes are more likely to have gum disease and to have more advanced cases of the disorder [1].

Diabetes also lowers your immunity, meaning you’re more susceptible to infection, such as that seen in gum disease. When the body is unable to fight off the oral bacteria involved in infections, gum disease can result and become worse over time.

Periodontal Disease May Affect Insulin Resistance

Insulin resistance happens when the body isn’t able to handle excess glucose in the blood, which means blood sugar may become uncontrolled, and one can develop diabetes. Periodontal disease can increase insulin resistance, which can make it more difficult to get diabetes under control, especially without knowing you have gum disease and seeking treatment for it [2].

Uncontrolled Diabetes Could Lead to Gum Disease

While gum disease can be worse in people with diabetes, unmanaged diabetes can actually lead to gum disease [3]. How does this happen? Not only does gum disease affect your circulation, which can increase the risk of infection, but the high blood sugar levels seen in people with diabetes can encourage the growth of harmful oral bacteria, which can lead to gum disease.

This is why it’s so important to not only manage your diabetes, but to treat gum disease as well.

Dry Mouth May Also Play a Role

Diabetes increases the chances that you’d have dry mouth, which can have consequences for your oral cavity. Not having enough saliva in your mouth can increase plaque and oral bacteria, two factors that can contribute to gum disease [4]. Fortunately, managing your diabetes can help combat this symptom and lower your risk of gum disease, but regular checkups with your dentist are still important!

How to Take the Best Care of Your Smile With Diabetes

If you have diabetes, talk to your dentist about your risk for gum disease. Keeping your dental appointments to ensure your smile is healthy is crucial, but so is properly managing your diabetes to ensure high blood sugar doesn’t contribute to oral bacteria and disease. Do you live with diabetes? Ask your dentist how you can best support your smile!

Sources:
1. https://www.ada.org/~/media/ADA/Member%20Center/FIles/Perio_diabetes.pdf?la=en
2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16881798/
3. https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx contenttypeid=85&conte ntid=P00349
4. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/preventing problems/gum-disease-dental-problems

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

Early Stages of Tooth Decay May Be Able to Be Reversed

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

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

Your Diet Helps Support Strong Tooth Enamel

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

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

Chewing Sugarless Gum May Help

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

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

Work With Your Dentist to Address Tooth Decay

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

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

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Many common medications can lead to dental health issues you should be aware of to help you take the best care of your smile. Here are some OTC medications that may affect the health of your teeth and gums!

Decongestants and Cough Syrup

Decongestants are meant to help the body expel mucus associated with colds and reduce inflammation. While decongestants can certainly help provide relief for colds and mucus buildup, they’re also known for causing dry mouth.

Saliva helps balance bacteria and protect your teeth from acids that can cause tooth decay. With less saliva in your mouth, your teeth are more susceptible to damage.

Cough syrup is also a culprit in dental health problems. While cough syrup doesn’t necessarily lead to dry mouth, these syrups usually have a considerable amount of sugar and are sticky in nature, which can be acidic on teeth and cause tooth enamel damage [1].

Antacids

Acidic foods can be harmful to your teeth and also harsh on your stomach [2]. For some people who enjoy acidic foods such as citrus fruits and tomatoes, antacids are helpful in reducing stomach discomfort. However, antacids can also cause dry mouth, and many of these liquids or tablets contain sugar, which has an additional harmful effect on teeth.

Allergy Medications

Antihistamines, or allergy medications, are known for causing dry mouth. As we’ve seen, dry mouth can affect your tooth enamel and bacteria in your oral cavity. Dry mouth can not only cause sensitive teeth, but increase your risk of tooth decay and gum disease, so being aware of allergy medications’ impact on your dental health is important [3].

Aspirin

Aspirin is a very acidic over the counter medication that can affect your smile. If you take aspirin or dissolve aspirin in your mouth, be sure to drink water. In addition, your dentist should also know if you’re taking aspirin prior to any dental procedures as it could cause you to bleed more, although generally people on low doses of aspirin are at lower risk [4].

What Can You Do?

For medications that dry out the oral cavity, drinking enough water can help. If you need to take cough syrup, make sure to rinse your mouth afterward and wait about one hour before brushing your teeth to prevent tooth enamel damage.

If you do choose to eat acidic foods or take antacids, drinking water can help reduce the impact of both acids and antacids on teeth. Water is a great help when it comes to OTC medications that can affect teeth and gums!

Are you taking any of these medications? If so, always follow up with your dentist to keep your smile healthy and discuss how your OTC medication could be impacting your dental health!

Sources:
1. https://www.ada.org/~/media/ADA/Publications/Files/patient_51.pdf?la=en
2. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/e/dietary-acids-and-your-teeth
3. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/10902-dry-mouth-treatments
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3722997/

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

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

If You’re Hungry, Eat

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

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

Get Active

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

Reach for Fruit

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

• Apples
• Oranges
• Bananas
• Grapes
• Berries

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

Manage Your Stress

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

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

Have a Plan

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

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

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

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

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

Consider the Material

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

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

Go With a One-Piece Pacifier

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

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

Look for an Orthodontic Pacifier

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

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

Best Practices for Using a Pacifier for Your Little One

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

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

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

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

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Although dental veneers—thin yet strong pieces of ceramic designed to look like your natural teeth—are placed over your teeth, they don’t completely protect your natural teeth underneath from tooth decay. You can get a cavity under a dental veneer—and it can negatively affect your smile.

Tooth Decay Can Cause Veneers to Fail

While dental veneers have a low failure rate (less than five percent of patients have their veneers fail within the first five years), tooth decay is among the reasons a dental veneer can be unsuccessful in the long run [1].

Since dental veneers only cover the outer surface of your teeth, the rest of your tooth is still susceptible to decay, although the veneer itself cannot get a cavity. Poor oral hygiene, dry mouth, a history of tooth decay, or improperly placed veneers are all reasons you could get a cavity under a dental veneer.

Other reasons dental veneers can fail include issues with your gums, tooth fractures, and problems with the original placement. Taking care of your veneers to prevent tooth decay and gum disease is going to be instrumental in the health and appearance of your smile!

Keeping Your Veneers Strong Is Important

Although strong and more resistant to staining and damage than your normal teeth, dental veneers are not immune to harm. They can still stain, crack, and chip with abuse, which makes taking care of them all the more important [2].

Keeping up with the health of your natural teeth will support the health of your veneers. You can prevent damage to your teeth as well as your new veneers by doing all the things you would normally do for your teeth and gums: brushing twice daily, flossing, visiting your dentist, and eating healthy. Your dentist can recommend a schedule specific to your unique oral health needs to determine how often you should come in for checkups and cleanings.

Considering Dental Veneers?

While dental veneers can do wonders for the appearance of your smile, it’s important to remember that these dental restorations don’t prevent you from getting cavities. You still need to put the necessary work in to take care of your smile to protect your veneers and keep your teeth and gums healthy. With daily oral care and regular dental visits, you can prevent tooth decay and extend the life of your beautiful new smile!

Sources:
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3652364/
2. https://www.dentalhealth.org/veneers

The post Can You Get a Cavity Under a Dental Veneer? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Since oral health can affect your body, poor dental health can actually impact your athletic performance. Whether you love to exercise at home or are an avid competitor, here’s what you need to know about your dental health when it comes to your physical performance!

Pain Can Affect Your Ability to Train

Having poor oral health—including increased plaque, tooth decay, or gum disease—can cause pain and discomfort in your mouth. Pain can affect your ability to fully participate in trainings and competitions, and can even affect eating [1]. All of these have the ability to impact your athletic ability.

Pain can make it difficult not only to concentrate, but to give a sport or competition your absolute best effort. Keeping your smile healthy can help you avoid discomfort and give your full attention and effort to your athletic performance!

Poor Dental Health Impacts Your Overall Wellbeing

Research indicates that poor oral health can affect your entire wellbeing [2]. Tooth decay and gum disease can both cause and maintain inflammation in the body, which can not only make it more difficult to reach your maximum physical performance, but also hinder your recovery time from trainings.

Poor dental health can also impact your quality of life, which can, in turn, affect your physical ability. A healthy smile is an integral part of a healthy body—so maintaining your oral health can help maintain bodily health as well!

Strong Teeth Keep You in the Game

Did you know that athletes are at an increased risk for oral disease and trauma? This is because exercise can cause dehydration, which can lead to dry mouth. Dry mouth carries an increased risk for cavities and gum disease. In addition, physical stress can lead to teeth grinding, and sports snacks and drinks tend to contain a lot of added sugar.

Athletes that have existing oral health problems such as tooth decay have a higher chance of sustaining an injury to their smile during their sport or competition. Teeth that are weakened by tooth decay or gum disease are more susceptible to cracks, chips, and even to be knocked out by an impact.

Are You an Athlete?

Whether you play sports or just enjoy the occasional jog, keeping up with your oral health is essential to your performance. If you play a contact sport, it’s always a good idea to invest in a custom mouthguard from your dentist to prevent an injury that could permanently alter your smile. And by keeping up with your regular oral care habits at home and visiting your dentist, you can ensure a strong smile to support your highest physical performance!

Sources:
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29938820
2. https://www.fdiworlddental.org/news/20190529/poor-oral-hygiene-severely-impacts-training-and-athletic-performance

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Drinks that contain alcohol have been associated with certain oral health problems, and the more frequently you drink or the more alcohol you consume, your risk for these problems increases. Is alcohol bad for your dental health? We’ll let you decide after reading about its effects!

Alcohol Can Damage Tooth Enamel

Most types of alcohol are very acidic, and as such, are corrosive to tooth enamel [2]. What this means is that alcohol can wear away tooth enamel over time, especially if you neglect to brush your teeth before bed after a night of drinking.

Alcohol also dehydrates the body, which leads to less saliva in your oral cavity. Less saliva means less protection for your tooth enamel, which can lead to damage that can cause tooth sensitivity, an increased risk for tooth decay, and oral infections. Between its dehydrating effects and its acidity, alcohol can hurt your tooth enamel!

Drinking Aggravates Your Gum Tissue

People who drink alcohol frequently are at an increased risk to develop periodontal (gum) disease [3]. Because drinkers tend to have worse oral health habits than those who don’t drink, they’re more likely to develop gum disease at some point in their lives.

Drinkers also tend to have more plaque in their oral cavities, which can accumulate around the gums to cause the irritation and infection characteristic of gum disease. In people who have existing gum disease, drinking can make the condition worse!

Increased Risk for Oral Cancer

Frequent or heavy alcohol consumption has been linked to an increased risk of numerous types of cancer, including oral cancer. In fact, alcohol abuse is the second largest risk factor for developing oral cancer [4]. Oral cancer includes cancers of the soft tissues of the mouth and throat, including the lips, cheeks, tongue, and sinuses

If caught early, treatment for oral cancer has a relatively high success rate, but if not caught early, the disease can be life-threatening. Fortunately, your dentist can conduct an oral cancer screening whenever you visit for checkups as part of your exam!

So is alcohol bad for your dental health? Between its effect on tooth enamel, gum tissue, and the fact that it increases your risk for oral cancer, we would say so! If you do choose to drink, always drink in moderation and sip water with your drink to minimize alcohol’s effects on your teeth.

The best thing you can do besides live a healthy lifestyle is visit your dentist regularly to ensure that if there are any problems with your smile, they’re caught early to give you plenty of time and treatment options to fix them!

Sources:
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3307043/
2. https://humanhealthproject.org/alcohol-and-your-mouth/
3. https://www.perio.org/consumer/alcohol-negative-effect-on-gum-health
4. https://oralcancerfoundation.org/understanding/alcohol-connection/

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