Spring finally arrived, and we did our spring cleaning. The flu and cold season is behind us, and we look forward to summer. Remember to clean out your dental hygiene supply and:
- Replace old or worn toothbrushes every three months. Worn bristles can’t reach into small crevices. Bacteria and viruses can live within the bristles, and reinfect you. Toss your toothbrush after an illness.
- Check the expiration date on your mouthwash. Using mouthwash past the expiration date can affect not only its taste but also its effectiveness.
- Replenish your floss supply.
- Regular preventative visits to the dentist should be a part of your schedule. If you’ve been skipping them, or a new problem has popped up, call for an appointment. Seeing your dentist regularly is a good way to detect and stop problems before they become bigger, pricier and painful. Regular visits can do more than keep your smile attractive – they can also tell dentists a lot about your overall health, including whether or not you might be at risk for chronic disease. Research suggests that the health of your mouth mirrors the condition of your body as a whole. For example, when your mouth is healthy, chances are your overall health is good, too. On the other hand, if you have poor oral health, you may have other health problems. And good oral health may actually prevent certain diseases from occurring. Don’t let a bad tooth spoil your summer fun.
A Healthy Smile, A Healthy You.
Following a healthy, active lifestyle may also benefit your oral wellness. Adults, who are sedentary and eat poorly, are significantly more prone to develop periodontal disease than those who engage in high levels of physical activity and choose a healthy diet. Older adults who remain physically active are more likely to have a greater number of remaining teeth. Other oral health risks include alcohol and tobacco use, which can increase your risk of tooth decay, gum disease and oral cancer.
For healthy teeth:
- Stay Hydrated; Drink water. Keep your mouth moist by drinking water throughout the day. This helps wash away plaque-bacteria and can improve your breath.
- Choose tap water. Fluoridated tap water strengthens your enamel, making your teeth more resistant to decay.
- Avoid the bubbles. The acid in carbonated drinks can erode your enamel. Avoid soda pop and sports drinks after activity because these beverages can do more harm than good. Not only are many loaded with sugar, they’re also highly acidic, which can weaken tooth enamel. Choose water to hydrate without damaging your teeth
- Use a straw if you do drink acidic soda pop or sports drinks, to reduce their contact with your teeth, and finish the drink quickly, instead of sipping over a long period of time. It’s the long term contact that causes irreversible damage to enamel. Alternate drinks with water or low-fat milk to change the oral PH and remineralize the enamel.
- Drink tea which contains compounds that suppress bacteria, slowing down tooth decay and gum disease. But don’t add sugar!
Active in sports?
- Wear a mouthguard.
If you play baseball, basketball, softball, football, soccer, lacrosse or rugby, or if you participate in wrestling, martial arts, or recreational sports like skateboarding, bicycling or in-line skating, you should wear a mouthguard during games and practices! In a single athletic season, you have a 1 in 10 chance of suffering a facial or dental injury. 15 million Americans suffer dental injuries, and 5 million teeth are lost in sports-related injuries each year. Mouthguards can help prevent serious injuries such as concussions, brain hemorrhages, unconscious incidents, jaw fractures and neck injuries by lessening the impact of the lower jaw against the upper jaw. The appliances help to prevent cutting and bruising of the lips and cheeks, especially for those who wear braces. A custom-made mouthguard made by your dentist, offers the best protection, fit and comfort because it is made from a cast of your teeth.
- ..Stay hydrated with water.
Have a fun, healthy, and safe summer!
Experience total health dentistry…
…in a spa-like atmosphere.
• Ask us about our “Whitening for Life” program
• Up-to-date education and empowerment about your total health
• Day and evening appt’s available
• Amalgam (mercury)-free
• Tranquil, relaxing atmosphere
• We cater to patient comfort
