Gum Health 101
When we think of oral health, we tend to only think of our teeth. But that’s not the whole story. Your gums are the foundation of a healthy smile and they protect your teeth (and their nerves and roots) and the bones of your jaw. Gum health is a critical part of your oral health and can even play a significant role in your overall health as chronic gum inflammation is thought to be linked with other diseases, including respiratory disease, diabetes, coronary artery disease, and stroke.
Practicing good oral hygiene is the most important thing you can do to prevent and treat issues with your gums. If you aren’t brushing or flossing enough, plaque can build up on your teeth and cause gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease. Signs and symptoms of gingivitis include:
- Swollen or puffy gums, usually dark red in color
- Gums that bleed easily when you brush or floss
- Bad breath
- Receding gums
- Tender gums
Food and Drinks That Cause Teeth Erosion
When most people think of foods that are bad for their teeth, they think of sugar. Our childhoods were filled with warnings about what eating too much candy could do to our teeth. But sweets, unfortunately, aren’t the only culprit. Many foods and beverages, especially ones that are highly acidic, can wear down the enamel that protects your teeth, a process known as tooth erosion. When the enamel wears away, it exposes an underlying material called dentin and leaves your teeth vulnerable to plaque and bacteria, which cause decay.
To better protect your enamel, try to avoid or limit the foods below.
Sticky candies and sweets.
We’ll start with the obvious. Even though sugar itself does not contain high levels of acidity, it promotes the growth of acid-creating bacteria in your mouth. And sticky treats can get stuck on your teeth for longer and cause even more decay. Also, keep in mind that sour candies are even worse for your teeth due to their high acidity level.
3 Ways to Stop Grinding Your Teeth
With upwards of 40 million Americans having issues with grinding their teeth, it’s no wonder teeth grinding (also known as bruxism) is such a big issue…and most people don’t even realize they have it. If you wake up with headaches or a sore jaw, chances are you’ve been grinding your teeth in your sleep, wearing away at your enamel. Here are 3 ways to stop grinding your teeth and save your natural smile.
Get Moving
Bruxism and stress go hand in hand. Exercise offers a stress relief, giving you the chance to deplete your stress at the gym instead of taking it out on your teeth.
Relax Before Bed
Giving yourself the time to relax before heading to sleep is a great way to decrease teeth grinding. A few ways to relax:
- Avoid screen time at least 60 minutes before bed
- Take a warm bath, which helps relax your jaw muscle
- Apply a heating pad to your jaw while you read
- Sip on an herbal tea (caffeine-free) to warm up your mouth and your jaw muscles
Which Toothbrush is Better: Electric or Manual?
Brushing your teeth is the foundation of good oral care. According to the American Dental Association, both electric and manual toothbrushes are effective at removing oral plaque that can cause tooth decay and disease. But is one better than the other? Read below for more information about each option to help you decide which might be best for you.
Perks of Electric Toothbrushes
More effective at cleaning
Several studies show, in general, electric toothbrushes are more effective at decreasing plaque levels and the risk of gingivitis than manual toothbrushes.
Easier for people with mobility issues
For those with arthritis, carpal tunnel, or any condition that may reduce mobility in the hands and arms, electric toothbrushes are an easier option because they do most of the hard work for you and require less grip and overall movement.
How Often Should You Change Your Toothbrush?
If you’re up on your oral hygiene, then you’re flossing, using a mouthwash, and putting your toothbrush to work twice a day for two minutes. All of that use can build up bacteria, begging the question: How often should you change your toothbrush? We’ve got the answer and more for you!
Why Should I Change My Toothbrush?
Over time, your toothbrush bristles fray, losing their ability to properly clean. If you’re like most people, you only change out your toothbrush when you visit the dentist twice a year. But the truth is you should be swapping out your toothbrush much more often.
How Often is Often Enough?
The most common recommendation for changing out your toothbrush is every two to four months. If you’re uncertain of whether it’s time to change, keep this phrase in mind: When in doubt, change it out.
If you have a travel-only toothbrush, you don’t have to swipe it out as often. But you should still change it out! And be sure to completely dry it out before storing it. Moisture left on the bristles combined with a dark storage area creates an environment ripe for bacteria growth.
How To Manage Dentist Anxiety in Children
Monsters under the bed, a dark bedroom, clowns…and the dentist? Believe it or not, dentist fear and anxiety is a common problem, with almost 20% of school age children suffering from it. In many instances, these challenges can prevent children from getting the dental care they need to maintain clean, healthy, and beautiful smiles. But fear not! We have a few suggestions to make those early dental visits easier for you and your child.
What Can Parents and their Dentist Do to Help?
Parents play an important role in making their child's first dental office visit a positive experience. Here are a few tips for parents to help the dental visit go more smoothly:
Before the Visit:
- Tell your child in advance that they have a dental visit. Children need predictability in their life in order to better handle unfamiliar situations.
- Answer their questions with straightforward, simple responses. Try to limit the amount of details given and remind them they can ask the dentist questions, too.
- Communicate and educate. Talk to them about the importance of maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Explain that the dentist is a friendly doctor who helps keep their mouth safe and healthy.
- Tell your dentist beforehand. Making your dentist aware of your child’s dental anxiety ahead of time will help them be prepared for the visit, too.
Does Chewing Gum Really Clean Your Mouth?
For many people, chewing gum is a classic past time. From blowing bubbles to keeping your breath minty fresh, gum can be both fun and socially helpful. But does chewing gum really clean your mouth?
The answer: it depends.
If you choose sugary gum, you can actually be harming your teeth. The sugar also increases your likelihood of cavities, which come with a whole new level of damage and treatment plans. If you want to chew gum that really cleans your mouth, you’ll want to start by avoiding sugary gum.
Sugar-Free Gum Helps Clean Teeth
If you love chewing gum, we’ve got great news: Studies have shown that chewing sugar-free gum after meals and snacks can help rinse off and neutralize the acids released by the bacteria in plaque. Chewing gum creates additional saliva, which can help strengthen your tooth enamel and in turn reduce your risk of cavities. In fact, chewing gum helps generate 10x the normal rate of saliva through both the act of chewing and the flavor of the artificial sweeteners in the gum. Not only does the increased saliva flow neutralize the acids in your mouth, it also washes away food particles, helping keep your teeth clean.
Verify that your gum choice is good for your mouth by buying gum with the ADA (American Dental Association) seal. It’s your assurance that you sugar-free chewing gum meets or exceeds the ADA criteria for safety and effectiveness.
Get Your Mouth Truly Clean
Sugar-free chewing gum can help clean your mouth, but there’s only one way to get that just-from-the-dentist clean feeling. Make an appointment today with Dr. Michael Fernandez Family Dentistry and experience what a truly clean mouth feels like.
Do I Need a Night Guard?
Do you ever wake up from a night's sleep with a sore jaw? Or do you suffer from chronic headaches or earaches? Are you noticing a few broken or cracked teeth in your smile? If you answered “yes’ to any of these questions, you might be grinding your teeth.
Teeth grinding is exactly what it sounds like: you either clench, grate, or grind your teeth together—often at night without being aware that you’re doing it. The medical term for teeth grinding is bruxism, and over time it can lead to an array of dental and medical issues including premature loss of enamel, fractured teeth, receding gums, jaw pain, and migraine headaches.
Because most people are unaware they’re grinding their teeth and clenching their jaw at night, the safest and most effective way to ensure teeth are protected is to wear a night guard while you sleep. If you’re wondering if a night guard might be right for you, let’s talk about the reasons for using them, the different types, and their benefits.
Who Needs Night Guards
Because you could be unaware of bruxism until obvious complications develop, it's important to know the signs and symptoms and to seek regular dental care. Signs and symptoms of bruxism may include:
3 Reasons to Get Your Dental Work Done Before You Retire
For those of us nearing retirement age, there’s a lot to think about. What new hobbies will you pick up? Where do you want to travel? And how do you make the most of your employer’s dental insurance before you retire?
Systemic Health
The link between oral health and general health is a scientific fact not to be ignored. In fact, poor oral health has been linked to stroke, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and slumps in nutrition. As you get older, your body has a more difficult time recovery from ailments. It’s best to focus on your systematic health today so you give yourself a leg up tomorrow.
Insurance Benefits
Your insurance is there for you to use. Now that you’re on the path to retirement, there’s never been a better time to use it! Take advantage of your insurance benefits before they’re gone.
Treatment Today Means Less Treatment Later
Be proactive with your oral health by getting preventative work done while you’re still under your employer’s insurance policy. Completing simple procedures now can prevent the need for more complicated procedures later. At Dr. Michael Fernandez Family Dentistry, we pride ourselves on conservative care, which means choosing the best options for care while preserving the most of your natural teeth as possible.
Schedule an Appointment Today
Are you ready to make the most of your insurance before you retire? If so, make an appointment with us today. We’re glad to send you on your way to retirement with a happy, healthy smile.
Are Dental X-Rays Safe?
Dental X-rays are a common diagnostic procedure that’s considered extremely safe. Producing just a fraction of the radiation you are exposed to in other imaging procedures and roughly the same amount you’d experience on a two-hour flight, digital dental X-rays produce very low doses of radiation. To better understand why dental X-rays are performed, when to use special precautions, and how they’re best handled, let’s take a deeper look into the process.
Who Needs Dental X-Rays
If you have a history of cavities or excessive decay or other dental problems, you’ll likely need more X-rays than other people. But if you have a healthy mouth and aren’t at high risk for dental decay, you do not necessarily need X-rays every year. However, keep in mind it’s important to discuss your specific needs with your dentist.
5 Bad Foods for Your Teeth
A long-term happy and healthy smile takes more than regular brushing, flossing, and trips to the dentist. It also requires limiting foods that can be damaging to your teeth. Here are 5 bad foods for your teeth you should consider consuming in small quantities.
Pickles
Sorry to break it to you, pickle lovers: The vinegar in your favorite crunchy snack can pose a serious risk to your teeth. Without proper hygiene, the acid in pickles can cause enamel erosion.
Carbonated Drinks
Both sugary and diet versions of carbonated drinks can be tough on your teeth. That’s because carbonated sodas enable plaque to produce more acid, which attacks tooth enamel—with carbonated drinks, you’re essentially coating your teeth in acid.