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The Dangers of Over-Whitening: Bleachorexia

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danger
Over the past several years, more and more people have chosen to whiten their teeth with over-the-counter whitening products. That probably comes as no surprise. After all, we are bombarded day after day with images of celebrities with picture-perfect smiles, and who wouldn’t want to have a movie star smile? But some people have become obsessive about bleaching their teeth, and when it comes to whitening products, too much of a good thing is really, really not good. In fact, over-whitening your teeth can put your oral health in danger. This problem has become so common that dentists have coined the term “bleachorexia” to describe it.

As is the case for most things in life, moderation is the key. Whitening your teeth in moderation is totally safe. If you follow the directions listed on the package with regard to how often to whiten, you shouldn’t have a problem. Unfortunately, many people ignore those directions altogether in favor of having extremely white teeth. While the ingredients in teeth whitening solutions are completely safe when used as directed on the packaging, over-using them can damage the enamel of the tooth surface and cause gums to recede. Ironically, people with damaged enamel actually end up with a more yellow tinge to their teeth since the tooth surface under the enamel is not nearly as white as the enamel itself. Once the enamel is gone, it can’t be replaced, and no whitening product will change the color of the yellow tooth surface underneath the enamel. So over-whitening your teeth can actually lead to more yellow teeth!

Whiten Your Teeth the Sensible Way

If you choose to whiten your teeth, you should know that over-the-counter whitening products don’t work nearly as well as whitening kits purchased from your dentist. There are two reasons for this: 1) your dentist will usually provide you with a custom-made tray to use with the whitening solution, which will allow the bleach to come into contact with more of the tooth surface; and 2) the whitening agent itself is typically much stronger than any OTC product. The fact that over-the-counter products don’t work as well might actually be the reason that so many people are over-whitening. To avoid this situation altogether, it’s best to purchase your whitening product from your dentist, and to follow his or her directions with regard to how often to use the product.

Most dentists offer their patients two varieties of whitening products: those that are administered in the dentist’s office, and take-home kits that the patients can use at their convenience at home. Usually, the most effective results are produced by first having your teeth whitened in the dentist’s office, then following up periodically by using a whitening kit at home.

For more information about whitening your teeth safely, talk to your dentist. Whatever you do, don’t fall into the “bleachorexia” category. If you do, you could harm your gums and ultimately end up with yellow teeth!

Treating Gum Disease Without Surgery

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gums
Recent studies indicate that over 64 million people in the U.S. have gum disease. That’s an alarming statistic considering the fact that gum disease is an entirely preventable and treatable condition. Gum disease (also known as periodontal disease) is a bacterial infection of the gum tissue, usually caused by a buildup of plaque under the gum line. Symptoms include bleeding gums, red and/or swollen gums, sore or tender gums, gums that start to pull away from teeth and/or recede, persistent bad breath, and – in the latter stages — loose teeth.

Even if you have a genetic predisposition toward forming gum disease, you can still avoid developing it by practicing good oral hygiene habits and visiting your dentist for regular professional exams and cleanings. But if you have already developed periodontal disease, you’ll have to have the condition treated before you can think about ways to prevent it from recurring in the future. In extreme cases, surgery may be required. But for most people with periodontal disease, there are nonsurgical methods that effectively treat and eliminate it.

  • Deep cleaning: If your gum disease is caught in the very early stages, it may only require a deep cleaning at your dental office along with a vigorous oral hygiene routine at home to resolve the issue. Deep cleaning begins with scaling, a process that involves removal of plaque on the surface of each tooth and below the gum line. After the scaling process, root planing smoothes the surfaces of the teeth roots and makes it harder for plaque to develop there in the future.
  • Antibiotics: If your periodontal disease has progressed, it may be hard for your dental provider to reach all the areas inside the mouth where bacteria has accumulated. In these instances, your dentist may prescribe an antibiotic paste or rinse to help get rid of the hard-to-reach bacteria. Typically, these antibiotic treatments are recommended only for a short period of time, after which the patient can return to a regular oral hygiene routine at home.

When it comes to periodontal disease, the best treatment is not to develop the condition in the first place. Preventing gum disease is really quite simple. Just brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss at least once a day. If you notice that your gums bleed when you floss or brush, you may want to floss more often than once a day, such as after each time you brush. You might also consider using an anti-gingivitis mouthwash. Talk to your dentist for more information about preventing gum disease.

How Diabetes and Oral Health Are Related

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diabetes
All of us should practice good oral hygiene habits in order to avoid cavities and gum disease. But if you have diabetes, you may have to pay even closer attention. Over the past several years, numerous studies have shown the link between periodontal disease and diabetes. Researchers have found that people with diabetes are 3 or 4 times more likely to develop gum disease. The reasons may not be immediately obvious, until you learn more about both ailments.

Diabetes Explained

People who suffer from diabetes are incapable of producing or properly using insulin, which is a hormone your body requires to convert foods to energy. In people without diabetes, insulin collects sugar from the person’s blood and transports it to the body’s cells, after which the body can use the sugar for energy. But people who have diabetes have difficulty producing and using insulin, which results in the body not getting the energy it needs and sugar staying in the bloodstream. That, in turn, leads to high blood sugar levels, which can result in a myriad of serious problems, such as heart disease, kidney disease, eye maladies, etc. Researchers estimate that about 20 million people in the U.S. have some form of diabetes – either type 1, type 2, gestational diabetes, or prediabetes. Of those, type 2 is the most common.

Periodontal Disease Explained

Periodontal disease (also known as gum disease) is a bacterial infection of the gum tissue. This infection is caused by a buildup of plaque under the gum line. Although there are several effective remedies and preventions for gum disease, if it goes untreated, it can lead to tooth loss. An estimated 65 million Americans suffer from gum disease.

The Connection

Gum disease can make it harder for the body to keep blood sugar levels under control, and that can result in an increase in blood sugar levels in these patients. This means that it is especially urgent for diabetic patients to rid themselves of gum disease – if they don’t, they will have a much more difficult time controlling their diabetes. These patients are often prescribed antibiotics in addition to other treatments they’ll undergo in order to eliminate periodontal disease.

If you are diabetic, be sure to let your dentist know and keep him or her informed about your disease and treatment. Likewise, you should tell your doctor if you are experiencing any stage of periodontal disease. If both of your medical providers are aware of the current state of your physical and oral health, they’ll be much more equipped to effectively treat both conditions.

Is it a Toothache or Just Sinus Pressure?

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sinusSometimes it’s hard to tell whether the pain you’re experiencing is a toothache or sinus pressure. This is especially true during cold and flu season, and during those times of year when allergies are most common. In fact, your sinuses and your teeth are connected, so sinus issues can be related to tooth pain and vice-versa. There are, however, some ways to distinguish between the two.

Sinus Pressure

Depending on the time of year, sinus pressure can be an all-too-common problem for many people. Sinus pressure is typically caused by allergies, a head cold, or a sinus infection. If you experience sinus pressure that goes away on its own within a few days, chances are it’s due to either allergies or a cold. A sinus infection, on the other hand, can last for several weeks and may need to be treated by your doctor. No matter what is causing sinus pressure, the symptoms are usually the same. Those include:

  • A headache, particularly around the nose, forehead and eyes, and sometimes spreading into the teeth or jaws
  • A sore throat caused from post-nasal drip
  • Coughing
  • Sinus discharge that is yellow-green in color

Toothaches

If you experience tooth pain without any of the symptoms associated with sinus pressure, it’s probably caused by some kind of oral issue. Any type of persistent toothache should be checked by your dentist. A dental X-ray can determine quickly if your toothache is due to a cavity or some other oral problem. Some toothaches can be severe and even spread into the jaw. A severe toothache could be an indication of tooth decay that has developed into an infection. And pain in the jaw may be related to the TMJ (temporomandibular joint). TMJ issues can also be treated by your dentist, so it’s best to see your dentist right away with any type of oral pain.

It’s also important to remember the connection between your sinuses and your teeth. If you have an infection in either your teeth or your sinuses, that can result in an infection in the other. A sinus infection, for example, can affect your oral health. And when tooth decay is left untreated, it can have a negative impact on your sinuses and your overall health. When in doubt, remember that any type of chronic pain should be discussed with your dentist or doctor, just to be on the safe side.

What’s Involved in Professional Dental Cleaning

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dental check upMost dentists would agree that one of the most important things you can do to maintain good oral health is to visit your dentist on a regular basis for professional dental cleanings. While brushing and flossing at home plays a vital role in good oral health, you’ll never be able to clean your own teeth as thoroughly as your dentist or a trained dental hygienist. When built-up tartar and plaque isn’t removed on a regular basis, it can lead to cavities and even gum disease. To help you prepare for your professional dental cleaning, we’ve put together a list of what you can expect during your visit.

  • X-rays: Although not required for every patient during every professional cleaning, your hygienist or dentist will take X-rays of your teeth and gums when necessary. Your dentist will review these X-rays to determine if any further dental work is required.
  • Visual examination: Your dentist will also perform a visual exam of your teeth and gums, checking for signs of tooth decay and gum disease. The condition of your existing dental work (fillings, crowns, etc.) will also be checked during the visual exam.
  • Oral cancer screening: Your dentist may perform an oral cancer screening during your visit. There are a variety of different cutting-edge tools that can be utilized for oral cancer screenings, and although it’s not usually required during every professional cleaning visit, your dentist will perform this screening whenever it’s necessary.
  • Measurement of gum pockets: When needed, your hygienist or dentist may measure the depth of gum pockets that form around your teeth. The depth of these pockets can be a good indication of whether or not gum disease is present or is in the early stage of development.
  • Cleaning and polishing: Using professional cleaning tools, your hygienist or dentist will thoroughly clean and polish your teeth. It is during this phase of your visit that built-up plaque and tartar – the material that you won’t be able to remove by regular brushing and flossing – is removed.

Dentists typically ask patients to come in twice a year for professional cleanings and oral exams. The visits are usually quite routine and most of the time are completed within an hour or so. Although the visits may be routine, they can mean the difference between good oral health and cavities and/or gum disease. So don’t put off your professional cleaning visit! Schedule yours today to ensure that you continue to enjoy healthy teeth and gums.

How a Beautiful Smile Can Improve Your Life

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beautiful smile
Taking steps to improve the appearance of your smile can have a much greater impact on your life than you know. In fact, several studies conducted over the past few years have shown that having an attractive smile actually boosts a person’s self-esteem and generally makes them happier and more confident about their place in the world. Good oral health also seems to encourage people to take better care of themselves, which leads to better overall health.

These studies have also shown that the opposite is true: people with unattractive smiles typically have much less self-confidence. In fact, people who are embarrassed or ashamed of their smiles often have a much higher level of stress and anxiety than people with nice smiles. But that’s only part of the story. Research has found that people with poor oral health are usually less healthy overall as well.

Smiling is Good Medicine

If you have a beautiful smile, you’ll be much more likely to share it with the world and to smile more often. As it turns out, that can be good medicine since the physical act of smiling actually releases endorphins that help to elevate your mood and boost your immune system. Even smiling when you don’t feel like smiling can make you feel happier and healthier!

The bad news is that people with less-than-attractive smiles have a tendency to smile much less. This means that they’re missing out on all those helpful endorphins.

Smiling Affects How Other People See You

Flashing a beautiful smile not only changes the way you feel about yourself, it also affects how other people see you. Studies show that people who smile a lot are perceived as being more trustworthy, more open and more approachable. People with beautiful smiles are often considered to be more honest and generally more appealing individuals than those who don’t.

How Regular Trips to the Dentist Can Help

If you’re avoiding going to the dentist on a regular basis for oral exams and professional cleanings, you’re much more likely to have oral health issues such as cavities and gum disease. Those problems negatively affect the appearance of your smile, and that in turn has a negative impact on your self-esteem, self-confidence, and overall level of happiness in life. It’s also important to remember that people with poor oral health are much more prone to experience more serious health issues, such as diabetes and heart disease, for example. So don’t deprive yourself of all the benefits a beautiful smile can bring to your life. Ask your dentist how you can improve your oral health and, quite possibly, your quality of life at the same time!

Eat Your Way to Good Oral Health: 5 Foods That Can Help

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healthy foodsMost of us know how important it is to brush and floss your teeth every day and to visit your dentist for regular oral exams and professional cleanings. But one of the most important things you can do to maintain good oral health is by making the right food choices each and every day. Here are five foods that are not only delicious, but can also promote you and your family’s good oral health.

  • Dairy products – We all need adequate amounts of calcium in order to maintain healthy teeth and bones. When it comes to good oral health, two dairy products are particularly beneficial: yogurt and cheese. Yogurt not only provides your body with calcium and protein; the probiotics contained in yogurt help to encourage the growth of good bacteria within your mouth while discouraging the growth of bad bacteria that can lead to tooth decay. Plain yogurt with no added sugar is the best choice. Cheese also contains calcium and protein, but the real benefit in eating cheese is that it raises the pH levels inside your mouth and that lowers your chance of developing cavities.
  • Apples – You’ve probably heard that “an apple a day keeps the doctor away.” We have a new version of this old adage: “An apple a day keeps cavities at bay.” Apples are not only deliciously sweet — which can help to satisfy your sweet tooth and keep you away from less healthy sugary foods – they also produce saliva in your mouth and that helps to wash away remaining food particles and bacteria. The action involved in eating fibrous apples also helps to massage your gum tissue.
  • Leafy greens – Most of us know that leafy greens are a healthy addition to our diets. Spinach, kale and other varieties of greens are high in B vitamins and folic acid, which provide numerous health benefits. But you might not know that leafy greens are also high in calcium, and that can help maintain strong enamel on the surface of your teeth.
  • Carrots – Similar to apples, crunchy carrots are another food that increases the production of saliva inside your mouth, and more saliva means less of a chance of developing cavities. Carrots also provide a healthy dose of vitamin A and fiber – something almost all of us could do with a little more of!
  • Almonds – Some people stay away from nuts because of their high calorie content. While it’s true that you need to monitor your intake of nuts in general, almonds are an excellent source of both calcium and protein. Enjoyed in moderation and in combination with a healthy diet overall, almonds can help you to maintain good oral health.

When it comes to healthy teeth and gums, it’s important to remember that the food choices you make each and every day can make all the difference in the world!

Bad teeth: are they genetic?

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bad breath
We all know someone who loves soda, doesn’t brush his teeth and still manages to get stellar reports from the dentist; there are others who are diligent about their diet and their care and still end up numb with novocaine a couple times each year. So just how much of my bad dental report can I blame on Mom and Dad? Researchers have shown that there are several reasons some people are more prone to tooth decay and gum disease:

  • The first and perhaps most obvious is tooth enamel. Some people are born with softer enamel, which doesn’t protect as well against chewing, gnawing and grinding.
  • Similarly, some of us are born with saliva that is more apt to metabolize helpful elements like potassium and calcium, which protect the teeth. Others are born with a tendency to dry mouth, which makes the teeth more vulnerable to plaque and germs.
  • Also, we are born with something called taste ability, which makes us prefer certain foods and flavor profiles. Those with a more complex taste ability are less likely to prefer sweets.
  • Scientists have linked gene variations to tooth decay and gum disease. The gene beta-defensin 1 plays a key role in the immune response to invading germs, and certain variations of this gene are connected to tooth decay. Similarly, elevated levels of the gene FAM5C are linked to gum disease.

But your genes can only dictate so much. Soon scientists may be able to predict which people are predisposed to tooth decay and gum disease and offer preventative care and treatments before these issues arise. In the meantime, there is plenty you can do:

  • You can also work with your genetics by avoiding foods and drinks that erode enamel.
  • If you are prone to dry mouth, you can reduce your intake of caffeine and alcohol and keep yourself properly hydrated.
  • Adolescents can benefit from sealants and fluoride treatments; adults may consider prescription toothpastes and mouth rinses.
  • Care for your gums, teeth, and oral cavity is one of the myriad reasons to quit using tobacco
  • Early detection and treatment of gum disease can reverse its advance and keep your teeth safe in the long term.
  • You can make dietary changes and develop a more complex taste ability through practice. Our taste preferences can change with our ha
    bits.

You never want to say that oral health just “isn’t in the cards”. Regardless of what sort of mouth you inherited from mom and dad, the pillars of oral health (brushing, flossing, regular cleaning, and bi-yearly check-ups) are still the best way to ensure that your teeth are as healthy as they can be.

What is life with Invisalign like?

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Invisalign
We’re not surprised that they chose to cast the titular character of Ugly Betty with braces. Two of the reasons why people opt to live with crooked teeth is because braces are uncomfortable and embarrassing.

Invisalign offers an alternative to this Ugly Betty persona.

The discreet, patient-friendly trays fit over the surface of your teeth and efficiently shape your smile over about 18 months. But if you choose Invisalign what can you expect? How will your daily life change?

The truth is, many people feel more confident during their Invisalign treatment than before. This probably can’t be said for many people with braces. You will still have to go through some adjustment and you’ll learn some new habits of daily care, but you will find that your daily life isn’t all that disrupted and you’ll soon feel more apt to laugh freely and talk and smile with more expression than before.

Adjusting to Invisalign

It takes some time to get used to the Invisalign trays. You may have a lisp when you speak, so you’ll want to practice talking with the trays in. There may also be some discomfort as the aligners straighten your teeth. Around every two weeks you replace your old aligner with a new one, each causing a minor adjustment. You can mitigate the discomfort of this adjustment by starting the new tray when you go to sleep. If you experience a sharp or jagged edge, you can use a nail file to smooth it out. You may also want to invest in an oral health travel kit and an Invisalign remover. As you get used to speaking with the trays and have a system for removing and rinsing them when you eat, you’ll find that it’s not all that disruptive.

Daily care

You’ll also have to adapt to a modified regimen of daily oral health care. Because the aligners cover the surface of your teeth, saliva cannot easily wash off plaque and particles that build on the surface of your teeth and your gums. You brush and floss like normal, but rinse your aligner each time you remove it. You’ll also want to get into the habit of soaking your aligner in lukewarm water or Invisalign cleaning crystals. You should also plan to schedule more frequent cleanings to combat the inevitable buildup of plaque and bacteria on your teeth.

What doesn’t change

Perhaps the most telling part of the Invisalign journey is what doesn’t change. You can eat what you want, spontaneously kiss your partner, and take pictures and smile confidently. If you play contact sports, you don’t have to remove the trays and you don’t have to worry about wire and metal brackets injuring your mouth. You can also play a wind instrument without discomfort and without removing your trays.

Soon, you will begin to express yourself more freely, talk with more expression, and smile with less reservation than before you began treatment.

Can Cold Medicine Affect Your Kids’ Teeth?

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cold
It’s an unfortunate fact that every parent needs to deal with: our kids are especially susceptible to colds and flu. So it may not be welcome news to find out that many over-the-counter cold medicines are loaded with sugar. That sugar can leave an unhealthy coating on your child’s teeth and can also cause dry mouth, both of which can increase the risk of tooth decay.

Fortunately, there are steps you can take to reduce the damage that can be caused by cold medicines. Have your child rinse right after taking the medicine, which will help to remove some of the sugary coating left behind on teeth. If your child is very young and unable to rinse or floss on his/her own, use a damp washcloth to wipe off your child’s teeth after administering the cold medicine. Also, make sure your child stays hydrated by providing plenty of fluids throughout each day.

Unfortunately, it’s not just over-the-counter cold medicines that can damage your child’s teeth. As parents, we might not give a second thought to giving our little ones a baby aspirin if they’re not feeling well. But you should remember that aspirin is acidic and can damage the enamel on your child’s teeth. If your child is old enough to simply swallow an aspirin with water, the acid isn’t usually a problem. But a chewable tablet can remain in your child’s mouth longer, which can release the acid in the aspirin. Encourage your child to swallow an aspirin with water, or make sure the child rinses with water after chewing an aspirin tablet.

If your pediatrician has prescribed an antibiotic for your child, you should know that some of these medicines can stain your kids’ teeth, turning them permanently yellow or even somewhat brown. This is especially common in very young children, under the age of six or seven. Antibiotics shown to stain children’s teeth include doxycycline, oxytetracylin, and tetracycline.

If your child is suffering from a stuffy nose, you should remember that like many other medications, antihistamines often cause a dry mouth. And a dry mouth can lead to an increased growth of bacteria, which can negatively impact your child’s gum tissue.

As parents, we all want to do what’s right for our children by keeping them healthy and feeling their best. During cold and flu season, many of these medicines can help your children overcome their symptoms, but remember to take extra precautions to help protect their teeth and gums as well.