How Often Should You Replace Your Toothbrush and Tips for Sanitizing Your Toothbrush
What Is The Worst Food Or Drink For Your Teeth
Poor diet is not only a key contributor to oral health and disease, but it is now considered the leading cause of death in the United States, having overtaken the decades-long reign of tobacco as leader. What we eat and how we eat it are critical to our health, well-being, and risk of developing a myriad of diseases. The importance of a healthy diet and disease control has long been recognized as an essential component of oral health care. Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin, a French lawyer and politician, is credited with the common idiom, “you are what you eat,” derived from his 1825 text, Physiologie du Goût, in which he stated, “Tell me what you eat, and I will tell you what you are.” The dental office can serve as a meaningful contact point to help reinforce the importance of a healthy diet and provide counseling to help with dietary issues relating to chronic oral disease and overall systemic health. The evidence is clear that diet is important in the development of chronic oral health conditions, including caries, periodontal disease, and oral cancer. Improving the health of patients through diet modification is certainly not a new concept in the oral health care environment. We routinely ask about dietary issues associated with caries and have discussions with patients about adopting alternatives to a more healthful dietary pattern. If we are what we eat, then oral health care providers have a responsibility and opportunity to help patients customize their diets so that what they eat helps them achieve what we all want to be—healthy.
In many dental offices, digitized X-rays (think digital camera) are replacing traditional radiographs. Although digital X-rays have been on the market for several years, they have recently become more popular with dentists. Digital X-rays are faster and more efficient than traditional radiographs. First, an electronic sensor or phosphor plate (instead of film) is placed in the patient’s mouth to capture the image. The digital image is then relayed or scanned to a computer, where it's available for instant viewing. This procedure is much faster than processing conventional film. And because the sensor and phosphor plates are more sensitive to X-rays than film is, the radiation dose is significantly reduced. Digital X-rays have many uses besides finding cavities. They also help look at the bone below the teeth to determine if the bone level is good. Dentists can use the X-rays to check the placement of an implant -- a titanium screw-like device that is inserted into the jawbone so that an artificial tooth can be attached. Digital X-rays also help endodontists -- dentists who specialize in root canals -- to see if they have performed the procedure properly.
What you eat and how often you eat can affect your teeth. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth and, unless removed daily, this plaque builds up. Plaque bacteria use sugar from things you eat and drink to make acid that attacks tooth enamel. This “acid attack” can last up to 20 minutes even after you’ve finished eating or drinking. This is why snacking all day or sipping a sugary drink for a long periods of time can lead to tooth decay. Excess intake of added sugars leads not only to tooth decay but is also associated with other health problems, including obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Although you may not be adding that much sugar to your food, you can still be eating more sugar than you realize. This is because added sugars are often hidden. Learning about where sugar may be hiding and how to identify these added sugars can help you win this game of hide and seek.
According to available research, carbonated or “sparkling” water, although slightly more acidic than regular water, is generally fine for your teeth. While it is great to replace soda with carbonated water, it should not be used as a replacement for water with fluoride. However, not all carbonated waters are created equal. Citrus-flavored waters may have higher acid levels, increasing the risk of damage to tooth enamel. A good way to help protect your teeth is to drink these in one sitting or with meals. If you prefer drinking it without food, another option is to use a straw to help the water bypass your teeth. Remember, sparkling waters that have added sugar are sugar sweetened beverages which increase your risk of developing tooth decay and other chronic diseases.
An abscessed tooth can become very serious and even life-threatening if not treated promptly. It’s defined as a pus-filled pocket that develops infection over time. Some of the frequent signs of this disease include facial swelling, continuous toothache, a bulge or pimple on the gums. The only way to resolve such a problem is to seek professional help from your dentist, call us at (530) 246-7237 as soon as possible for an examination, because the infection can spread to your jaw and eventually to other areas of your body, an abscessed tooth is a dental emergency!
If you have chipped or broken a tooth due to a fall or other injury, rinse your mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress to the exterior of your face. You may also apply gum & toothache relief gel or take pain relief medication such as acetaminophen, can help to temporarily alleviate pain and discomfort. Swelling may occur and may be reduced by these applications. Remember to schedule an appointment with our dentist right away at (530) 246-7237 .
Sometimes an accidental fall or other injury can knock a tooth out of the socket. You should not be alarmed, as horrible as this may seem the tooth can and should be reinserted. Simply rinse the tooth by carefully picking it up by the crown or tip, when picking up or touching a tooth, take care not to touch the root. You can try to re-insert the tooth into the socket, if possible. If that isn’t possible, put the tooth in a little jar of milk to keep the tooth from drying out. Do not delay in contacting our dental office at (530) 246-7237 , as a knocked-out tooth can be easily reinserted.
Tooth and or mouth pain is never a good sign and it can signal a variety of problems, including dental decay. While some toothaches can be managed without medication, others may require antibiotic intervention. Using over-the-counter pain relievers like Aspirin or Motrin can be helpful, however do not apply directly to the painful area as this might cause tissue burns. You may also benefit from a cold compress to the outside of your cheek. Contact our dental office at (530) 246-7237 as soon as possible for an evaluation and treatment plan.
Each tooth is amazing, developed for eating and communicating. They’re not invincible. Without regular care, our teeth may deteriorate, develop gum disease, and lose their function. Brushing, flossing, and dental checkups are crucial here. “A smile is a universal welcome,” we are reminded of the universal language of kindness and compassion that a smile represents. Regardless of our cultural background, language, or nationality, a genuine smile can communicate a warm and positive message. Remember to keep up with regular dental cleanings and check- ups and keep flashing those amazing smiles.
Here at Lake Boulevard Family Dental we are excited about the new year. As we reflect and renew, our thoughts turn to you, our valued patients and friends. Thank you! Thanks for the trust you place in our practice. Our commitment to you throughout this new year is to continue to provide you with the very best service possible. Oh, and by the way…please remember not to open any celebratory bottles with your teeth! As much as we’d love to see you, we doubt that you want to spend New Year’s Day at Lake Boulevard Family Dental evaluating your chipped tooth!
