by Roseman Dental | Nov 23, 2014 | Dental Clinic Blog, Oral Health, Roseman Dental - NV, Roseman Dental - UT
It may not seem like dental hygiene is a great health issue, but it is. While many acknowledge that sugar increases the risk of diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease, it is also a major factor in tooth decay. Because it has become such a concern, there has been a closer look into what types of food and drink are causing the most decay, and health advocates recommend limiting daily intake.
Plan to Improve Dental Health
Fluoride has been used and recommended by many dentists over the years to decrease the incidence of tooth decay, but it is not added to Utah water (like it is in other states), and therefore is not uniformly utilized in this area. Because decay results when oral bacteria and sugar combine, experts in dentistry have determined that sugar is a major concern in addition to fluoride, and are trying to educate patients about the importance of limiting sugar and implementing good oral hygiene.
Policy leaders in the United Kingdom are recommending that additional sugar should only supply five percent or less of total daily caloric intake, and the American Heart Association similarly recommends that added sugars account for less than 100 calories per day for women and 150 for men. The UK is also working on reducing the amount of sugar in drinks and processed foods, but since the same policies are not in place in the U.S. it’s important for consumers to monitor their own food intake and limit sugar accordingly.
What You Can Do
Obviously, cutting down on your sugar intake will help prevent cavities and tooth decay, but what exactly does that look like on a daily basis? Five percent is a very small amount when it comes down to it. For example, if you consume around 2,000 calories in a day, you would be limited to 100 calories of sugar. If you drink a glass of juice in the morning, you have already used up your sugar calorie allotment.
You may find it difficult to cut that much sugar out of your daily diet, but there are other things that you can do to help decrease sugar from mixing with the bacteria in your mouth. After eating or drinking something sweet, rinse your mouth out with water as quickly as possible to flush out the excess sugar. Also brush your teeth regularly, especially after consuming sweets.
Limiting sugar can have several health benefits for people, including reducing the risk of heart disease and diabetes, controlling weight, and also maintaining strong and healthy teeth.
by Roseman Dental | Nov 18, 2014 | Dental Clinic Blog, Oral Health, Roseman Dental - NV, Roseman Dental - UT
Many people suffer from periodontitis. This is an infection of the gums that damages the soft tissues and actually damages the bones supporting your teeth. As a result of this problem, people can lose teeth or have other problematic dental issues. Also, periodontitis is linked to several health problems including hearts disease and stroke. Is this problem common or uncommon?
Periodontitis Is Common
Periodontitis is actually pretty common. However, most people that have this problem could have prevented it with better oral hygiene habits. There are also certain factors that increase the risk of developing this condition:
- Heredity
- Tobacco use
- Old age
- Gingivitis
- Diabetes
- Decreased immunity
- Pregnancy
- Substance abuse
- Poor bite
Preventing Periodontitis
It is important to try to prevent this problem from happening – especially if you have an increased risk of developing the disease. In order to do so, you need to implement better oral hygiene habits. This entails brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, and some people that are highly at risk also brush after meals. In addition to daily brushing, flossing is important because it helps remove the plaque build up and minimize the bacteria in your mouth.
One of the best ways to prevent the problem is to visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and exams. During this time, your potential gum problems can also be treated before they develop into periodontitis.
Symptoms to Be Aware Of
Since periodontitis is common, it is important to recognize the symptoms of this problem. The following symptoms might indicate that you should seek the help of your dentist:
- Swollen gums
- Tenderness in the gums
- Red or purple gums
- Receding gums
- Pus between the gums and teeth
- Bad breath
- New space between your teeth
- Loose teeth
- Bite changes
- Weird taste in your mouth
Periodontitis has different levels of severity. If you think you have a problem, it is a good idea to work with your dentist to resolve it before it gets worse.
by Roseman Dental | Sep 21, 2014 | Dental Clinic Blog, Oral Health, Roseman Dental - NV, Roseman Dental - UT
More than half of adult Americans claim they brush their teeth twice a day. While this is good news for the oral health of the population, the statistics do not show how many of these people are brushing properly.
The Right Toothbrush
Choosing the correct toothbrush is the first step toward good oral hygiene. The brush needs to fit comfortably in your mouth while the handle fits comfortably in your hand. Discomfort while brushing may indicate a poor fit. Whether the toothbrush is manual or electric is a matter of preference, but bristle softness is not. The American Dental Association recommends soft bristles so the brush can remove plaque gently without scraping the tender tissue of the gums or scratching the tooth enamel.
Brushing Technique
How a person brushes may be the most important factor in preventing oral issues such as plaque buildup and gum disease. Place the bristles against the upper part of the teeth at a 45-degree angle and brush in short, circular or vertical strokes for two to three minutes twice a day. Brushing more than three times per day may cause damage to enamel, while brushing only once a day could lead to the buildup of bacteria in the mouth.
It is important to brush the outer, inner, and chewing surface of each tooth, and some dentists recommend starting in a different place every time because by the end of the routine, some people may be less thorough than they are at the beginning of the routine. After brushing your teeth, don’t forget to brush your tongue as well to remove bacteria.
Toothbrush Maintenance
When the toothbrush removes the bacteria from the teeth and tongue, it remains on the toothbrush unless the brush is rinsed thoroughly under running water. After rinsing, it is just as important to shake out excess moisture and allow the toothbrush to air dry. If a cap is used, it should allow air in, since a moist toothbrush may breed even more bacteria. When bristles lose their flexibility and begin breaking apart, or if you have been using the same toothbrush for more than three months, it is time for a new brush.
Following these guidelines is the beginning of a good oral hygiene routine that protects teeth and gums from bacteria, cavities, and gum disease.
by Roseman Dental | Sep 12, 2014 | Dental Clinic Blog, Oral Health, Roseman Dental - NV, Roseman Dental - UT
What Do You Know About Root Canals?
The American Association of Endodontists celebrated Root Canal Awareness Week on March 30 – April 5, 2014. Currently in its eight year, this week is a time for people to learn the facts about this valuable treatment and how it can help them. Endodontists and other dental professionals are setting aside time during RCAW to focus on patient education and empowerment through the sharing of reliable information.
Why is Root Canal Awareness Important?
Though many people have heard of root canals, not everyone actually understands what this procedure is, what condition it is meant to treat, or how it could benefit them as a dental patient. For instance, did you know that:
• Modern root canal treatments are virtually painless?
• Root canal treatments can preserve a natural tooth?
• Endodontists specialize in performing root canals?
• Endodontists perform an average of 25 root canal procedures each week?
• Root canal treatments can relieve the pain of infection deep inside a tooth?
Even though dental students are likely to recognize the value of root canal procedures, it is important to share this information with others who may not be aware of how these procedures could benefit them. When a patient’s natural tooth is preserved through a root canal procedure, they retain their natural sensation and bite and can enjoy more effective chewing. Treating a tooth infection could prevent discoloration and disease from spreading to adjacent teeth; this allows patients to retain their natural smile.
How You Can Get Involved
Dentists and dental students can get involved in Root Canal Awareness Week every year, but you don’t have to be a dental professional to be part of it. As a patient you can ask your dentist for more information about the procedure, even if you don’t need to have it done right now. Confronting misinformation with facts helps relieve patient anxiety and makes people less reluctant to seek this and other types of dental treatment. You can educate yourself about this procedure and other forms of endodontic treatment by visiting the website of the American Association of Endodontists.
