HARMFUL ORAL BACTERIA reproduces very quickly, which is why it matters so much that we brush twice a day and floss daily. A clean, healthy mouth will contain between a thousand to a hundred thousand bacteria on the surface of each tooth. Without diligent brushing and flossing, those numbers can quickly explode into the millions and even billions.

Our Oral Bacteria

The average person has between 34 and 72 different strains of oral bacteria in their mouths. Once a new one is introduced, it’s usually there to stay. Each person has different bacteria, which is how kissing or even something as simple as sharing drinks can introduce new strains of bacteria.

Kids’ Immune Systems

This is a bigger problem for kids than adults. Little kids’ immune systems aren’t used to dealing with adult levels of oral bacteria. Too many kisses from adult relatives (or simply letting them have sips from adult relatives’ drinks) could leave them more vulnerable to cavities.

Protecting Kids From Oral Bacteria

Fortunately, it’s easy to avoid sharing bacteria with a child; keep those kisses to their cheek and give them their own drinks and utensils. (This is a good idea even for adults who always brush twice a day for the full two minutes and floss daily.) Also, only clean a dropped pacifier in the sink.

Keep Your Oral Bacteria Under Control

No matter your age or who you kiss, it’s essential to maintain good oral health habits. Bacteria isn’t going to take a day off from multiplying if you skip brushing and flossing. In addition to twice-daily brushing and daily flossing, professional cleanings every six months will help you keep your teeth and gums healthy.

We love our patients of all ages!

The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.

MEN AND WOMEN don’t always face the same dental health challenges, nor do they have the same dental health advantages. The bad news for women is that hormone changes during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause can all contribute to oral health issues. It increases the risk of gingivitis and gum inflammation, making brushing and flossing even more crucial. Menopause is also associated with dry mouth and bone loss in the jaw.

Conditions That Affect Women More

Women receive 90% of TMD diagnoses. Some of that could be because they’re more likely to seek a diagnosis, but it can’t account for the entire gap. Women are also more vulnerable to Sjörgen’s syndrome, which causes dry mouth.

Eating disorders are incredibly harmful to oral health, weakening oral tissues through malnutrition and (when purging is involved) directly damaging tooth enamel through acid erosion. These disorders affect teenage girls at twice the rate of teenage boys.

The Big Advantage

The best advantage women have in spite of all these increased risks is that women are more diligent at caring for their teeth and gums. They are more likely to keep up with their daily oral hygiene habits and schedule regular dental visits, and they’re quicker to see the dentist when experiencing symptoms. By contrast, men have a bad habit of trying to tough it out.

Prioritize Your Oral Health

Do everything you can to give your oral health an advantage, even in the face of risk factors. Maintain diligent oral hygiene habits by brushing twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush and a fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, and limiting sugary drinks and snacks to mealtimes. Don’t forget those regular dental appointments to stay ahead of any emerging problems!

The dentist is here to help!

The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.

CHILDREN DON’T HAVE to deal with a lot of the health problems that affect adults, but they aren’t exempt from the risk of gum disease. The harmful bacteria that cause gingivitis don’t care how old someone is.

Gum Disease Causes

The biggest cause of gum disease in childhood is poor oral hygiene. When plaque is allowed to build up at the gumlines and harden into tartar, it leaves the gums more prone to irritation and inflammation. When a child reaches their teens, hormones become a factor too, increasing blood flow to the gums, which makes them more sensitive. Over 50% of teens have some form of gum disease.

Parents, Be on the Lookout

A child won’t always recognize a problem with their gums because they have very little frame of reference. As a result, they might not report symptoms to their parents unprompted, so keep an eye out for signs like swollen or red gums, bleeding during brushing or flossing, and bad breath that doesn’t go away with brushing and flossing.

Oral Hygiene Is Key

Maintaining good gum health is an endless battle, and good oral hygiene is critical. Parents should set a good example by brushing twice a day and flossing daily. Remember that it’s easier to prevent a dental problem than to treat one, and the best forms of prevention are daily oral hygiene routines and regular dental exams.

The Dentist Is Here to Help!

If your child is showing signs of gum disease, they may be overdue for a dental appointment! Schedule one as soon as possible so that we can help get them back on track for a lifetime of strong teeth and healthy smiles.

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The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.

EVERY TUBE OF TOOTHPASTE with the ADA’s Seal of Acceptance has the same two things in common: it is sugar-free and it contains fluoride. Fluoride is a key building block in our tooth enamel. The sugary or acidic things we eat and drink pull minerals out of our enamel, and we can build it back up by brushing with fluoride toothpaste. This is also why trace amounts of fluoride are added to our drinking water.

Naturally-Occurring Fluoridation

Water fluoridation started in Colorado Springs, where the water naturally contains a lot of it. At these high levels of fluoride, local dentists started noticing that many people had brown stains on their teeth despite having no tooth decay. They called it “Colorado brown stain,” and today we call it fluorosis.

The Right Level of Fluoride

Dentists wondered if there was an amount of fluoride that would offer the same benefits of preventing decay without causing stains. They first tested it in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and found that childhood tooth decay dropped by a shocking 60% with only a few mild cases of fluorosis and no other adverse effects. It was such a success that water fluoridation took off across the country, and it is still regarded as one of the ten greatest public health achievements of the 20th century.

Bring Us Your Fluoride Questions!

If you have questions about how fluoride helps keep teeth strong, we’d be happy to answer them! Much more important than fluoridated water is brushing with toothpaste that has the ADA Seal of Acceptance.

Make sure you’re using the right tools to protect your teeth!

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AS ADULTS, TOOTHACHES can quickly ruin an otherwise lovely day, but how much worse is it for a little kid who doesn’t know what’s happening? Toothaches have a variety of causes, and most of them are worth visiting the dentist, especially if they persist for days. But what if the toothache comes after hours or during the holidays? What can parents do?

Toothache Causes

The cause of a child’s toothache could be as simple as teething, which is a normal part of development. If it isn’t teething, it’s most likely tooth decay, gum disease, an abscess, inflamed pulp, or a cracked tooth. An impacted tooth can also be uncomfortable, as can tooth sensitivity.

Managing Discomfort

A child’s toothache is usually worth a visit to the dentist, but if that isn’t possible at first, here are a few tips for managing their discomfort in the meantime:

1. Have them swish and spit warm salt water to reduce inflammation.
2. Apply a cold compress to their cheek near the sore area.
3. Give them over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication for children.
4. Brush and floss daily and schedule regular dental visits to prevent future toothaches!

The Dentist Is Here to Help!

Any oral health symptom that has you worried as a parent could be worth a visit to the dentist. If it’s not a serious problem, we can put your mind at ease, and if it is, we can treat it and encourage good habits and precautions going forward.

We love our patients!

The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.

THE BEST WAY to get the best possible outcome in any kind of emergency is to have an action plan ready beforehand, so here are some tips to keep in mind for different types of dental emergencies:

1. A Knocked-Out Baby Tooth

These usually aren’t emergencies, especially if the damage is only to the tooth, but it’s a good idea to at least call the dentist for advice on how to proceed.

2. A Knocked-Out Adult Tooth

There is a limited window in which the dentist may be able to replant an intact knocked-out tooth. Get it to the dentist as quickly as possible, storing it either in the socket or in a glass of milk. Do NOT touch the root, do NOT let it dry out, and do NOT scrub it clean with soap, alcohol, or peroxide, because it will kill the root!

3. A Broken Tooth

Find the pieces and bring them to the dentist in a glass of cold milk. Don’t ignore cracked teeth, no matter how small the cracks! The damage could lead to infection, abscess, bone loss, and even life-threatening spread of infection.

Do You Know Where Your Emergency Dentist Is?

Aside from knowing what to do before getting to the dentist, it’s crucial to know where to go! Be familiar with the location of an emergency dentist, and keep their phone number handy.

We’re here to help you have the best outcome in an emergency!

The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.

THE REASON SUGAR is so dangerous for our oral health is that harmful oral bacteria love eating it as much as we do, and then they excrete acid onto our teeth. Tooth enamel might be the strongest substance in the human body, but even weak acids can erode it, which is why dentists encourage us to avoid sour, sticky, and hard Halloween candy.

Candy Don’ts

Hard candy is like a slow-release sugar delivery system for all that bacteria, keeping them active for a long period of time. Sticky candy is a problem because it puts the sugar directly against our teeth and gums. Sour candy contains plenty of its own acid, so that’s like cutting out the middleman!

Candy Dos (Yes, They Exist!)

What Halloween treats are left? Chocolate is a pretty good option! It contains compounds that slow tooth decay, limit oral bacteria, and fight bad breath. However, these polyphenols and flavonoids don’t outweigh the effects of sugar, which is why dentists are bigger fans of dark chocolate than milk chocolate.

Any candy sweetened by xylitol instead of sugar is definitely better for teeth. Xylitol actually hurts oral bacteria. These candies aren’t super common in 2024, but hopefully that will change!

Look After Your Teeth With a Dental Visit

Whatever candy you end up enjoying on Halloween and the first few days of November, it’s always a great idea to schedule a professional dental cleaning. Check to see if we have appointments available for you, because they might fill up quickly as 2024 comes to a close!

The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.

ELDERLY PEOPLE ARE not the only people at risk of gum recession, even though that idea is where the expression “long in the tooth” originated. Some people are unlucky enough to be genetically prone to gum recession, but there are several avoidable factors that contribute to gum recession (in kids as well as adults!).

#1: Overbrushing

Anyone brushing hard enough to leave their toothbrush bristles bent outward is probably overdoing it. When we’re brushing our teeth, we’re cleaning living tissue, not floor tiles! We need to be gentle. Use soft-bristled brushes and don’t use excessive pressure. Likewise, don’t snap the floss directly onto the gums! Gently work it down the side of one tooth instead.

#2: Gum disease

As it progresses, gum disease can wreak havoc on the supporting structures around the teeth, making it a major cause of gum recession. The best defenses are limiting sugar intake and keeping up with oral hygiene habits, along with regular dental appointments.

#3: Bruxism

A grinding habit puts a lot of pressure on the teeth and gums and can cause damage over time. Lifestyle changes, cognitive behavioral therapy, and meditation can help break the habit.

The Dentist Is Your Best Ally

If it’s been a while since your last dental appointment, a great way to get to the bottom of any gum recession you’ve been experiencing would be by scheduling a dental exam. We can take a look at your gums and recommend strategies for improving their health and stopping gum recession in its tracks.

The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.

THERE ARE MANY things parents can do to put their kids’ smiles on the right track for a lifetime of good oral health. Here are a few of them:

#1: Find them a toothbrush they like using.

A child’s toothbrush should be the right size for their hands and mouth and it should have polished, soft bristles. It should also be one they like, whether that means that it’s their favorite color or it has their favorite character on it. (And don’t forget to replace it when the bristles fray.)

#2: Protect against cavities with sealants.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends sealants, especially for kids who’ve already had tooth decay. Sealants protect the pits and grooves of molars, greatly reducing the risk of cavities.

#3: Offer them teeth-friendly snacks.

All snacks are not created equal! Whole and sliced fruit are great options (the fibers scrub the teeth clean and the natural sugars aren’t as harmful as added sugars in processed food), as is cheese (it stimulates saliva production and provides a source of calcium).

#4: Manage whitening toothpaste expectations.

Every teen wants the perfect smile, but they need to keep a realistic idea of what whitening toothpaste can do. It can help with surface stains, but it won’t fix white spots from braces or deeper stains.

Take Advantage of the Dentist!

Parents don’t have to do everything alone; dental health experts are here to help! We’re happy to help you with giving your child good oral health education and demonstrations of good brushing and flossing techniques. Make sure to schedule regular appointments!

The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.

IN THE PHARMACY section of every grocery store, one side of an entire aisle is often dedicated to dozens of toothpaste options. We want to help our patients find the right things to look for to help narrow that selection down.

Whitening Toothpaste

Whitening toothpastes are great, but remember that they can’t eliminate deeper stains or change a tooth’s natural color. The abrasive ingredients in whitening toothpaste can polish the teeth and the peroxide in them can break down some surface-level stains. Using it twice daily can lead to visible results after several weeks, but always look for the ADA Seal of Acceptance when choosing one!

Any braces-wearers should make sure to avoid whitening products, toothpaste included, to keep from ending up with discolored patches in the spots where the brackets were.

Tooth Sensitivity

For tooth sensitivity, over-the-counter sensitivity toothpaste can help. It helps to rebuild and strengthen the enamel and reduce discomfort. The dentist can prescribe a stronger toothpaste if the over-the-counter options aren’t strong enough.

What About Charcoal?

There’s been a lot of buzz around ingredients like activated charcoal and aloe vera despite there being little evidence to support the benefits they supposedly provide. Charcoal is very abrasive and might actually do more harm than good to the enamel. Toothpaste with these ingredients also tends to skip fluoride, which is essential for rebuilding tooth enamel.

Ask Us for a Recommendation!

If you’re still not sure which toothpaste to choose, ask us for a recommendation at your next appointment! We can help you find the best option for your particular oral health circumstances.

Keep up the great brushing routine!

The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.