5 Habits To a Healthy Smile

Healthy dental habits are not established by accident. They take dedication and practice. By engaging in these 5 dental habits you can have a healthy smile that lasts a lifetime.

1.     Brush 2x a day with a favorite toothpaste that has fluoride in it. Fluoride can help to strengthen the enamel in your teeth. This can protect them from chipping, breaking and dental decay.

2.     Floss regularly. There is no other single action that removes food from between the gums and protects against gum disease.

3.     Eating healthy foods. Eight servings of fruits and vegetables can prevent your mouth from drying out. Eating foods with reduced sugar can help to decrease the risk of decay.

4.     When brushing your teeth, use gentle round circles instead of vigorous brushing strokes. It can cause your gums to recede if you brush too hard.

5.     Visit the periodontist and have the pockets of your gums measured. Gum disease needs to be taken care of as soon as problems arise. By visiting the periodontist on a regular basis it will let you know if there are problems.

For more information on healthy dental habits, contact Dr. Rice and her team.

3 Reasons Why You Should Brush Your Tongue

Your tongue holds bacteria from the foods you consume throughout the day. If you are not taking the time to brush your tongue, the bacteria can cause gingivitis that can eventually lead to periodontal disease. If you are not brushing your tongue while brushing and flossing, you may be doing your mouth a disservice. Here are 3 reasons why you should brush your tongue.

 

1.     There are crevices on your tongue where bacteria can get stuck unless you take the time to brush. Bacteria will sit in these areas causing build up. The more bacteria that is on your tongue the greater risk you are to having dental problems.

2.     The buildup that resides on your tongue is called, “biofilm.” As this biofilm builds up, if you are using mouthwash, it simply kills the outside but not the inside of the cell. You may think rinsing and brushing your teeth allow you to have fresh breath and a healthy smile, but the problem is the cells that reside beneath the biofilm, sits throughout the day and then more buildup occurs as you consume your favorite foods.

3.     Not brushing your tongue can cause bad breath. Employers say one of the first things they judge is a smile. If you are interviewing for that job of a lifetime the last thing you want is to be impacted by bad breath.

For more information on brushing your tongue and other ways to avoid buildup contact Dr. Rice and her team today.

Do You Experience Teeth Sensitivity When Brushing?

"Tooth sensitivity is unfortunate and can be a nuisance", states Periodontist Dr. Denine Rice. When you want to go and enjoy an ice tea with a friend or drink coffee on a Saturday you may think twice before reaching for that drink due to the fear of sensitivity. Here are some things you can do to help:

Ask your DDS for a recommendation for toothpaste. There are specially designed toothpastes for individuals who have sensitivity. You’ll want to check with your dentist first if you are unsure which type to use, as there are multiple brands with different flavors. You’ll want to find toothpaste that is going to work specifically for you. 

See your dentist regularly for cleanings - many times that's the cause.  If you have not had a cleaning in awhile it is important to get this taken care of. As decay builds up on the enamel of the teeth, or when periodontal disease gets worse, your teeth become even more sensitive.

If you have recently whitened your teeth, try using fluoride after your whitening session. There are two layers on your teeth. One is enamel, the hard outer shell, and the other is dentin. "Dentin is softer and can become exposed when you whiten your teeth," Dr. Rice. After you initially whiten you are more susceptible. Make sure to follow the directions on when to eat and drink after whitening. If you wait to consume something it can lesson the impact of the sensitivity.