Enamel is the name given to the shiny outer surface of a tooth. The purpose of enamel is to help protect the tooth from decay. Over time, some natural wearing away of this coating will occur, but there’s much you can do to help keep your tooth enamel strong. Here are nine simple steps to take to keep your enamel strong. 1. Beware of Sugar Bacteria in your mouth love sugar. They feed on it and make acids that soften…
Parents are often unsure about when a child’s first dental visit should take place. Should you wait until they have all of their baby teeth or maybe not make that appointment unless there is a problem? The experts say neither. That first visit should happen much sooner, and it can accomplish some important things for your child. The Timing of Your Child’s First Dental Visit According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Dental Association, a child’s…
Scare away Halloween candy cavities this year by following healthy tips. If you go trick or treating, you will most likely come home with lots of treats that may not be the best for your teeth. There are some tips you can follow to minimize the cavity-risk to your child’s teeth. Here are 8 simple tips that will make a big impact: 1. Encourage Moderation. If your child eats candy in small portions, for example, a fun-sized candy bar rather…
If you are consuming large amounts of sugar in your daily diet you may be jeopardizing your oral health. Sugar feeds bacteria which leads to plaque build-up, tooth decay, and gum disease. Most Americans consume more sugar than is recommended for a balanced and healthy diet. Sugary eating habits include consuming sugary drinks, sweet snacks or desserts, rather than meals, and are the common reasons why Americans consume too much sugar. In the United States added sugars make up to…
If your dentist or periodontist has recently told you that you need to have a soft tissue graft to restore your delicate gum tissue, do not panic. The gum graft may be necessary to protect your teeth from the damaging effects of gum recession. Gum recession is when the tissue that surrounds the teeth pulls away from the tooth, exposing the tooth and the tooth’s root. A soft tissue graft is done by taking gum tissue from one part of the…
The good news is that American adults are living longer. The average age in the United States is increasing, so it is important to maintain good oral health habits for teeth to continue to function properly. Older Americans need to maintain a healthy diet and have regular check-ups with their dentist. The elderly often take a variety of medications (on average 9 to 13 prescriptions per month) which may have side effects that can impact your oral health. Chronic health…
There are so many myths and so much misinformation about how best to take care of our teeth and gums, that it’s sometimes hard to know what is true about oral health care. Misconceptions persist about dentistry which may affect your overall oral health. See how well you answer the following questions and identify some common myths. How often should I brush my teeth? People often think they should brush their teeth after every main meal. Dentists recommend that you…
The most important first step once you have a tooth extraction is to take it easy for the rest of the day. Avoid eating hot food or drinks until the anesthetic wears off so that you do not burn or scald your mouth since you will not have the ability to feel pain until then. Do not consume alcohol for at least 24 hours, since it may cause additional bleeding or delay the healing process. Should I rinse my mouth…
Do you have problems with white spots, weakening of teeth or more frequent cavities? The reason for these issues may be the demineralizing of your tooth enamel. Here is a guide to help you understand what demineralization is and what you can do to protect your teeth. What is the process of demineralization? Demineralization happens when the mineral content on your teeth begins to wear away. It is the first sign of tooth decay and may be caused by a…
Keeping yourself healthy during pregnancy is important for both you and your baby. Make sure to maintain a good oral hygiene routine to keep your teeth and gums healthy and to help your baby stay healthy. Should I have regular visits to the dentist while pregnant? Regular visits to the dentist will help you keep up a good oral hygiene routine and help your dentist deal with any issues before they become serious concerns. You will experience hormonal changes…
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