Helpful Articles.
Insight & Advice
for Your Oral Health
How Long After Fluoride Treatment Can I Eat?
In this post, find out how long after fluoride treatment you can eat, what foods to avoid, and why waiting is a good idea.
Are Electric Brushes Better for My Oral Health?
Electric toothbrushes are high-tech and, of course, more expensive than manual toothbrushes. But does that make them necessarily better? Here’s what you should know about electric toothbrushes.
So What Exactly is An Electric Toothbrush?
Electric toothbrushes are battery-operated or rechargeable toothbrushes that move in rapid circles on their own to deliver a powerful but easy brushing experience. Some are even similar to the tools your dental hygienist uses to polish your teeth! They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and functionalities, depending on your needs and budget. Most have timers that let you know how long to brush for. Some coach you on the amount of pressure to apply on your gums to keep them safe and healthy. Others remind you to brush in those hard-to-reach areas. Dentists highly recommend patients use electric toothbrushes because they are simple to use and effective at maintaining outstanding oral health.
Who Can Benefit from An Electric Toothbrush?
As any dentist will tell you, it doesn’t matter how often you brush if your technique isn’t correct. When using a manual soft-bristled toothbrush, you may not be brushing your teeth using gentle, tiny circles to lift away the plaque for two minutes each time every time you brush; you may be brushing too vigorously and eroding your enamel! An electric toothbrush will ensure you are actually brushing the way Dr. Moore instructs you to do with very little effort on your part. They are also fantastic for young and elderly patients!
The Price of Electric Toothbrushes
Electric toothbrushes can be expensive, but think about how much money you might have to spend in the future on costly cosmetic or restorative procedures if your oral hygiene suffers with improper technique sticking with a manual toothbrush now! Electric brushes may be clunky to travel with, but some come with sleek chargers to make it easier for frequent travelers. You can also carry a manual toothbrush when you travel and leave your electric one at home.
Ask us for recommendations!
If you’re ready to switch to an electric toothbrush, our team at Springs Village Dentistry can help you choose the right one for your budget and needs. Contact us to schedule a checkup today to get started!
4 Dangerous Dental Trends to Avoid
You’ve probably come across all sorts of ways that claim to improve your oral health and whiten your teeth outside of regular brushing and flossing. But are they effective? Below are a few dental fads that have been gaining rapid popularity over the years, but may actually have a negative impact on your oral health.
Lemon juice and baking soda have both been said to have whitening properties, but you really shouldn’t try to brush your teeth with them. Lemon juice is very acidic, and exposure to acid can actually wear down the enamel of your teeth and make them more susceptible to stains. Baking soda can be abrasive and also have the same effect.
The ancient practice of oil pulling has seen a surge in popularity recently, with health writers touting about its breath freshening, whitening, and bacteria-fighting capabilities. All you have to do is swish coconut, sesame, or sunflower oil around your mouth for 20 minutes at a time. Although oil pulling may freshen your breath, it should never replace actual brushing and flossing because it cannot remove bacteria as well as those methods can.
Brushing teeth with activated charcoal has become a frighteningly popular DIY whitening method. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), activated charcoal has not been proven as a safe and effective method of whitening teeth. Charcoal can be abrasive on your teeth and actually make them more yellow by wearing down your enamel, which exposes the underlying yellow dentin.
Hydrogen peroxide is a main ingredient in many whitening products and procedures, but you shouldn’t be using it as a rinse at home. While many people advocate for rinsing with it to whiten teeth faster, you should know that hydrogen peroxide is particularly damaging to gums and repeat exposure will cause more problems in the future.
We Can Help You Safely Get a Whiter Smile!
You don’t need to go to extreme measures to gain cleaner, whiter, and healthier teeth. Springs Village Dentistry offers a full range of cosmetic and dental health services that are completely safe for your teeth. Get in touch with us today and find out more. We look forward to hearing from you!
5 Ways to Make Brushing Your Teeth Fun!
No matter how old you are, brushing your teeth can be a fun and exciting activity! Follow these 5 tips to freshen up your oral health care routine.
- Try a New Toothbrush
Tired of using the same old toothbrush? Take advantage of the fact that you should change your toothbrush every 3 months to prevent bacteria growth and try something new! Pick toothbrushes that are different colors, or even experiment with electric toothbrushes, which dentists believe deliver a better clean than manual toothbrushes do. If your kids are tired of their brushing routine, give them the opportunity to choose their own toothbrush to make the process more fun. Just be sure to choose a toothbrush with soft bristles because medium and firm bristles can damage your enamel.
- Switch Your Toothpaste Flavor
If you’ve been using the same toothpaste for as long as you can remember, it may feel less exciting to brush your teeth. Experiment with different flavors and brands to keep your dental routine interesting.
- Incorporate Flavored Floss
People often forget to floss because they don’t think it’s an important thing to do. The tight spaces in between your teeth are quite hard to clean and floss is the best tool to get the job done. Use a flavored floss to make it more exciting to break out the floss after brushing your teeth.
- Listen to Music
You brush your teeth early in the morning and right before bed, so why not listen to uplifting music to get ready for the day and relaxing music at night to unwind while you brush your teeth?
- Reward Yourself for Good Health
Start a “No Cavities Club” for your household! For every time you or your kids get a clean bill of health from the dentist, treat yourselves to a fun activity. It will motivate all of you to keep a consistent brushing routine!
Come Visit Us!
Aside from a solid oral care routine, visit your dentist twice a year for regular examinations to keep your teeth in tip top shape. Visit us at Springs Village Dentistry and enjoy luxurious amenities like warm blankets and your favorite show on TV without having to break the bank (check out our Dental Wellness Club for more information!). Contact us to schedule your next appointment today.
Is Gum Healthy for My Teeth?
It’s easy to reach for a piece of refreshingly minty gum if you’re experiencing bad breath or just want to quickly relieve stress by chewing, but have you ever stopped to wonder if you’re actually doing more harm to your oral health by chewing gum? Here’s how to pick a gum that’s both tasty and good for your teeth.
How Sugar Affects Teeth
Gum wouldn’t be as good if it wasn’t sweet, but sugar can be harmful to your teeth. When sugar comes into contact with bacteria and plaque on the surface of your teeth, the bacteria release acid that in turn can eat away at your enamel, or the protective outer layer of your teeth. Chewing gum that contains sugar is especially damaging to your teeth because gum constantly lingers around and sticks to your teeth, maximizing your mouth’s exposure to sugar.
Sugar-Free Gum
Gum lovers don’t need to stop chewing the sticky stuff altogether just to save their teeth. Sugar-free gum contains a sugar replacement called xylitol, which is actually beneficial for your teeth because it helps neutralize harmful acids in your mouth and can even minimize the amount of cavity-causing bacteria!
Check ingredient labels to see if the gum you’re buying contains xylitol and also check to see if the package has an ADA (American Dental Association) seal. If it does, that means it’s dentist-approved and safe for your teeth!
When Not to Chew Gum
Chewing sugar-free gum is safe and healthy for your teeth, but there are some instances when chewing gum is probably not the best idea. If you have jaw issues or disorders like temporomandibular joint dysfunction, it is best not to put your jaw through that extra chewing.
Sugar-Free Gum Shouldn’t Replace Oral Hygiene
Sugar-free gum is a quick and easy way to freshen your breath and an added layer of protection against harmful bacteria on your teeth, but it should never replace regular brushing and flossing! Be sure to visit your dentist twice a year for cleanings and examinations to ensure that your oral health is in good shape.
If you have any questions or concerns about your oral health, let us take care of you! Springs Village Dentistry offers comprehensive dental care services using state-of-the-art technology. Contact us to schedule an appointment!
How Does Smoking Hurt My Teeth?
Smoking has plenty of negative side effects, not the least of which includes lung cancer. When it comes to your dental health, frequent smoking can not only damage the look of your teeth, but it can lead to long-lasting damage to your gums too. Here’s how smoking directly impacts your oral health:
Smoking & Cosmetic Issues
Smoking leads to yellow teeth because cigarettes contain chemicals that erode the enamel, or the top layer of your teeth that protects them from staining and damage. Once the enamel is worn down, your teeth are more susceptible to decay, damage, and even tooth loss. Yellowed or missing teeth can be embarrassing and make it difficult to talk, eat, and smile. If smoking has affected the appearance of your teeth, you may want to consider professional teeth whitening or different tooth replacement options.
Smoking & Gum Disease
Your immune system is easily compromised when you’re a smoker. This means that your body cannot fight off bacteria and viruses as easily as it should, and normally controllable plaque and bacteria on your teeth can become more harmful to your health. If too much plaque builds up under your gum line, you can develop gingivitis. When that is left untreated, it can develop into advanced gum disease known as periodontitis, which can lead to tooth loss.
Gum Disease Treatment
Quitting smoking, although difficult, can be monumental when it comes to your oral health, and it can help you regain immunity strength. Early stage gum disease may just require a deep cleaning to remove all of the plaque and bacteria that is stuck under the gum line. If your gum disease has progressed, see your dentist right away so that they can assess the state of your oral health and suggest the right treatments for you.
Besides giving up the habit, brushing and flossing twice a day is the best way to prevent gum disease and keep your teeth healthy. If you have any questions about how to best maintain your oral health, our team at Springs Village Dentistry is happy to see you and develop a personal oral plan to best suit your needs. Contact us to schedule an appointment today!
Sugar vs. Oral Health
Your parents may have told you to stop eating candy because it will “rot your teeth.” They weren’t just trying to scare you! Sugar actually does have a major impact on your oral health, but it’s important to understand why that is.
How Sugar Affects Your Teeth
Sugar itself isn’t necessarily bad for your teeth, but when bacteria in your mouth feed off of the sugar, they create acids that can damage your tooth enamel. Enamel is the outermost layer of your teeth and protects your teeth from cavities, decay, and staining. Eating too much sugar without properly protecting your teeth can also result in bad breath.
Foods to Avoid
Candy (especially sticky, long-lasting candies like lollipops and caramels), dessert, and soda are the obvious foods and drinks to avoid, but remember even seemingly healthy snacks like dried fruit can contribute to cavities! Acidic foods like citrus, coffee, and alcohol can also contribute to enamel erosion, so be sure to limit your intake of them as well.
Healthy Alternatives to Sugar
Crunchy vegetables, dairy products like yogurt and cheese, and fresh fruit are great alternatives to sugary snacks. Best of all, these snacks are actually good for your teeth and can help keep them healthy and strong!
Keeping Your Teeth Safe From Sugar
The best way to get rid of plaque is to brush and floss your teeth at least twice per day, and use a toothpaste with fluoride for extra protection against cavities. Visit your dentist twice a year to make sure that your teeth are in good shape.
Avoiding sugar isn’t just good for your waistline, it’s good for your teeth too! If you’re experiencing any tooth pain, sensitivity, or see holes in your teeth, it’s time to see a dentist right away—you may have a cavity! Whether you need preventative or restorative care for your teeth, the team at Springs Village Dentistry is here to help you have your healthiest smile. Contact us to schedule an appointment today!
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