Do you Practice Good Oral Hygiene Habits?

Good oral hygiene habits begin with brushing twice and flossing once each day, but in order to keep your teeth and gums healthy, you need to do a few other things to keep you cavity and gum disease free.

The American Dental Association explains that bacteria are alive and well and living in your mouth, however, not all bacteria is good bacteria. Plaque causing bacteria, will cause cavities and gum disease. If you want to keep your mouth healthy and clean, good oral hygiene habits are a must.

Just what is plaque?

Plaque contains bacteria and is that sticky layer of film that will accumulate on your teeth, especially where your toothbrush can’t reach. Even if you brush twice and floss once each day, you will still produce bacteria as certain foods can cause bacteria buildup.

Your dentist recommends that you avoid sugary and starchy food, which can cause high levels of acidic bacteria to form. Plaque irritates your gums and will make them sensitive and red causing them to bleed. If this is happening to you, it could be gingivitis, which is usually reversible, however, if gum disease isn’t prevented and advances to the more serious periodontal disease, which leaves pockets in-between your teeth and gums that fill with bacteria, the bone that surrounds your teeth could be destroyed eventually causing tooth loss.  

Plaque Removal

The best and most efficient way to get rid of plaque is to brush and floss everyday as brushing will remove the bacteria. Use fluoride antimicrobial toothpaste that will help prevent tooth decay. Use dental floss to remove dangerous plaque in between your teeth as your toothbrush cannot reach the cracks and crevices and don’t forget to schedule regular professional teeth cleaning appointments with your dentist.

Following a good healthy diet that is full of fruits, vegetables and dairy products, dairy actually helps strengthen the enamel on your teeth, will help keep your mouth healthy as well as regular checkups with your dentist.

Don’t let plaque get the better of you. Call or click and schedule a dental checkup with your dentist today.

The Mouth and Body Connection

Your teeth and gums are just as important as the rest of your body, and if you are slack with your oral hygiene habits, you could be asking for trouble.

The American Dental Association explains that brushing twice and flossing once each day should be part of your oral health routine. You should also follow a good diet with plenty of fruits and veggies. Include dairy products as well for strong bones and teeth. Of course, regular dental checkups, twice a year or more so if you are susceptible to tooth decay or gum disease, should also be added to the mix.

The health of your mouth is a reflection of your entire body as your mouth really is the gateway to the rest of your body.

Regular checkups can tell your dentist quite a bit about the rest of your body, including whether or not you could be at risk when it comes to chronic disease.

Poor Oral Health Can Affect your Overall Health

Recent studies have suggested that your mouth mirrors the rest of your body as a whole. In other words if your mouth, teeth and gums are healthy, your overall health is probably good as well. On the other hand, poor oral health could indicate other health issues.

The Academy of General Dentistry explains that there is a relationship between stroke and heart disease and periodontitis. Perodontitis is the more serious form of gum disease and can cause other health implications as well. Studies also show that pregnant women who have gum disease are more likely to give birth prematurely.

Other research is showing that over 90 percent of all systemic diseases have oral manifestations including dry mouth, mouth ulcers, and gum problems. 

Some of the diseases include: 

• Diabetes
• Oral Cancer
• Leukemia
• Kidney Disease
• Heart Disease 

If you have regular checkups with your dentist, he or she may be able to spot or even diagnose a health problem in the early stages.

Keeping your mouth healthy should be a priority, and if you can’t remember the last time you saw your dentist, call or click and schedule an appointment today.

Bad Oral Health Habits

You may think you are doing the right thing when it comes to your teeth and gums, but according to the American Dental Association, some of your oral habits may not be as healthy as you think.

Ice

Chewing on ice is a bad habit, and one that makes your dentist cringe. You may be saying it’s only water, but once it freezes, you could be setting yourself up for chips, cracks or even a broken tooth. Chewing on ice can also cause gum damage. Your blender has a special blade just for ice. You can only imagine what ice does to your teeth. Keep the ice in your glass and your dentist will be happy.

The Wrong Toothbrush

If you use a brush that is too hard it will cause gum recession and abrasion to the roots of your teeth. Your dentist recommends that you use a multi-tufted soft bristled toothbrush to avoid gum damage.

Brushing with Too Much Force or Too Frequently

Even if you are using a multi-tufted soft bristled toothbrush, you could still damage your teeth and irritate your gums if you use too much force. A gentle whisking action is really all you need to break up the plaque on the surface of your teeth. Brushing too often could also be damaging your teeth. Morning and night is sufficient as too much brushing, especially right after you eat, could cause enamel erosion.

Nail and Pencil Biting

Chewing on anything other than food will cause damage to your teeth and gums. Nail and pencil biting are nervous habits that could cause chips or breaks.

Grinding and Clenching

Known as bruxism, tooth clenching and grinding exerts excessive pressure on your teeth causing them to wear over time. Most people brux at night while sleeping, but clenching and grinding can occur during the day because of stress. If you are a clencher or grinder, call and schedule an appointment with your dentist for a custom fitted mouthguard that may help you stop bruxing.

If you would like more information regarding healthy habits for teeth and gums, call or click and schedule an appointment with your dentist today. 

Schedule a Checkup This Spring

The Easter bunny is well on his way, and if you have kids, or like to indulge yourself, make sure that you schedule an appointment with your dentist before or after Easter to make sure that your teeth and gums have not been affected.

Your dentist explains that regular checkups can prevent tooth decay and determine if you and your kids are brushing the right way.

The American Dental Association explains that you should have your teeth and gums examined every six to twelve months, even more so if you or a member of your family has a history of gum disease. Gingivitis and periodontal disease can easily reoccur if it is not kept in check.

During your dental checkup, your dentist will start by cleaning your teeth while checking for gum disease and dental caries. If either is detected your dentist will explain what needs to be done to fill the cavities or take care of your gingivitis or periodontal disease. Your dentist will also take digital images and possible x-rays along with additional diagnostic procedures.

One of the most important parts of your dental examination is an oral cancer screening. In the United States alone, oral cancer is the most dangerous form or cancer killing more people than cervical or skin cancer combined every year.

During your oral cancer screening, your dentist will visually inspect your tongue, the inside of your cheeks and your gums to make sure there are no signs of lumps, bumps, or lesions. Your dentist will also perform a manual palpation along with utilizing the latest in oral cancer detection that could include advanced oral cancer screening systems that actually visualize any abnormalities in the tissues of your upper throat, mouth, tongue, and lips. To make sure that you are as healthy as possible be sure and request an oral cancer screening during your next dental checkup.   

After your oral cancer screening and dental checkup is complete, your dentist will discuss your oral hygiene habits including your diet. If needed, proper brushing and flossing techniques may also be demonstrated. Your dentist will also talk about other lifestyle factors that may affect your overall oral health.

This spring take care of your teeth and gums and schedule a comprehensive dental checkup with your dentist as the Easter Bunny may well bring more than a basket of sweets. Call or click now.