4 Tips for Improving Oral Health

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Most Americans are aware that brushing and flossing on a routine basis each day is an optimal way of improving oral health. However, there are many other steps a person can take to enhance the care he or she provides for their teeth, gums and mouth. Those who wish to take a better approach towards oral health care may benefit from exploring the following suggestions:

Tip #1 Choose the Right Brush

Although many individuals may learn the best way to brush and that regular tooth brushing is imperative to optimal oral health, few ascertain which product works best for them. While there are a variety of high-powered dental gadgets on the market, it is important for all individuals to also consider the basics when assessing what brush works the best. For example, individuals may want to invest in a brush that offers medium or soft bristles—depending on a person’s dental sensitivity. Hard bristles, on the other hand, can prove too rough and damage teeth.

Tip #2 Find a Good Mouthwash

Mouthwash is one of the best ways to clean and treat hard-to-reach areas of the mouth and is a great option for killing germs that can harm the oral cavity. However, consumers may want to think twice before choosing a mouthwash that contains alcohol. Alcohol-based mouthwashes are known to dry out the mouth, which can prove somewhat harmful to oral health, as saliva is an important component for healing and sustained dental care.

Tip #3 Do Not Opt Out of Regular Dental Visits

Many individuals who believe they practice an appropriate amount of dental hygiene often feel that they should only visit a dentist when pain or oral emergency occurs. However, it is essential that individuals have their teeth professionally cleaned and inspected every six months to maintain a high level oral health. Taking this precaution can keep teeth in good shape and help identify oral health problems before they turn into dental emergencies.

Tip #4. Eat A Dental-Friendly Diet

Most people understand that acidic sodas and sugary drinks can lead to the decay of teeth; however, few are aware of what foods can help strengthen one’s oral health. For instance, nuts, meats and dairy products can help fortify the enamel, helping one protect against dental impairment. In addition, dental patients may want to consider adding more essential vitamins to their daily dietary intake, especially those found in the vitamin B-complex family, as these nutrients can help protect against tooth decay and oral disease.

Protect Your Teeth from Decay

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Our mouths are home to many bacteria, most of which are harmless. Some bacteria, however, are responsible for causing cavities. Known as dental caries in the medical community, cavities are caused by acid-producing bacteria that destroy tooth enamel and dentin. According to Nashville dentist Warren Melamed, the most common locations for cavities to form include:

• Cracks, pits or grooves in the back teeth
• Between teeth
• Around dental fillings or bridgework
• Near the gum line

These sites are common cavity spots because they enable plaque to form easily. Plaque is a soft film that forms on teeth, sticking to them like jam sticks to a spoon. Plaque is a type of biofilm that is similar to the slime that forms in standing water. Just like other types of biofilm, plaque is not something you want to have a lot of in your mouth.

Plaque contains bits of food, saliva and closely-packed bacteria in large numbers. It starts to form right after a tooth is cleaned. Within an hour of cleaning, there is a measurable amount of plaque buildup. Plaque thickens as time passes. Within two to six hours, the plaque is full of bacteria that can cause cavities and gum disease.

If left long enough, plaque absorbs minerals from our saliva which then harden into calculus. Plaque continues to grow on top of these hardened spots, creating a new layer which may harden further. Plaque is easily removable with a toothbrush; calculus is not. This discrepancy is why it is so important to brush your teeth on a regular basis.

All of these processes contribute to the formation of cavities. Here’s how cavities form:

When a person eats sugary or starchy foods, the particles that remain in the mouth become food for bacteria.
These bacteria produce acids. The acids dissolve the mineral crystals in the teeth. The more times you eat in a day, the more your teeth are exposed to an acid attack. These attacks wear down enamel and create weak spots and even holes in teeth. White spots may appear on tooth enamel to signify a weak spot. At this stage, fluoride can still reverse the demineralization process.If bacteria have eaten away the tooth to form a cavity, the decay will need to be cleared and the hole filled by a dental professional.

One of the best tools at our disposal for preventing cavities occurs naturally in the mouth. Your mouth and teeth are constantly bathed in saliva, a natural liquid which keeps everything moist. Saliva washes away bits of food that would otherwise feed acid-producing bacteria. Saliva contains minerals that strengthen the teeth and buffering agents that reduce the acid levels in the mouth.

By reducing your saliva amounts, chronic dry mouth conditions can increase your risk for cavities. Other risk factors include:

• A history of cavities or tooth decay
• A lack of fluoride exposure through toothpaste, community drinking water or supplemental fluoride treatments
• Parents or siblings with high rates of dental decay
• Poor oral hygiene
• How often you consume particular foods, especially sugars and fermentable carbohydrates

While you can never completely remove bacteria from your mouth, you can control oral bacteria levels. Brushing daily, flossing and using mouthwash will reduce bacteria in your mouth and remove plaque. Dental pro Warren Melamed notes that visiting your dentist regularly can enable the identification of tooth decay before it necessitates to a filling or root canal.

Tips for Diagnosing and Treating Tooth Pain

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Toothaches can be extraordinarily painful. Sometimes the pain is all you can think about. There are many causes of tooth pain, the most obvious of which is a problem with the tooth or jaw. The dental causes of tooth pain fall into three categories:

Damage: Trauma, including chips and breakage, can cause damage to teeth. This breakage can cause tooth pain.

Decay: Tooth decay has several degrees of severity. Cavities are holes that penetrate the enamel and the underlying dentin and cause pain. Abscesses are more severe. When an abscess occurs, the dental nerves and pulp become infected.

Disease: Redness and swelling of the gums indicate gum disease or gingivitis. Gum disease can cause gum and tooth pain. Other diseases, including oral cancer, may also contribute to tooth pain.

If you have tooth pain that persists for longer than one or two days, make a dentist appointment immediately. Unless it is an emergency, says dentist Warren Melamed, it is likely that you will have to wait a few days for your appointment.

If you have a toothache and cannot see a dentist right away, here are some things you can do to relieve pain while you wait:

• Avoid foods and beverages that are very cold or very hot. The decay or damage may have exposed the dentin layer of the tooth. Extreme temperatures may cause additional pain.
• Use over-the-counter pain relief medicine that is designed to reduce inflammation. Never put pain relief medication directly on the tooth or gum tissue as this application could damage these areas.
• Gently floss between the painful teeth. Removing the food particles and plaque may help to reduce the pain from the toothache.
• Use clove oil, or eugenol, for pain relief. Clove oil has both antiseptic and anesthetic properties. Soak a small piece of cotton in the oil anduse a pair of tweezers to hold the cotton on the tooth for 10 seconds. Make sure that you do not swallow any of the oil.
• Rinse with warm salt water.Salt water works as an antiseptic, removing bacteria from the infected or vulnerable area. Rinsing may provide additional pain relief.

There are some causes of tooth pain that are not directly related to your dental health. If none of the three general categories of pain are causing the problem, consider the following conditions:

• Sinus Infection: Sinuses that are infected can become swollen, putting pressure on certain teeth.
• Cluster Headache: Cluster headaches cause pressure that may contribute to tooth pain. Their exact cause remains unknown.
• Heart Attack: Pain from a heart attack may radiate into the lower jaw.
• Diabetes: Uncontrolled blood sugar can increase your risk of tooth decay. Frequent cavities may be an indication of a more serious problem.
• Viral Infections: Viral infections such as shingles can cause tooth pain.
• Nerve Diseases: Trigeminal neuralgia is an example of a nerve disease that is associated with sharp pain on one side of the face. 

Toothaches are preventable in most cases, especially when the pain is caused by decay. Follow good oral hygiene practices, making sure to brush and floss twice a day. Sealants and fluoride applications can also defend your teeth from bacteria. Consult with your dentist for more information on how to protect your teeth.

How often should I brush and floss?

Brushing and flossing help control the plaque and bacteria that cause dental disease.

Plaque is a film of food debris, bacteria, and saliva that sticks to the teeth and gums. The bacteria in plaque convert certain food particles into acids that cause tooth decay. Also, if plaque is not removed, it turns into calculus (tartar). If plaque and calculus are not removed, they begin to destroy the gums and bone, causing periodontal (gum) disease.

Plaque formation and growth is continuous and can only be controlled by regular brushing, flossing, and the use of other dental aids.

Tooth brushing – Brush your teeth at least twice a day (especially before going to bed at night) with an ADA approved soft bristle brush and toothpaste.

• Brush at a 45 degree angle to the gums, gently using a small, circular motion, ensuring that you always feel the bristles on the gums.
• Brush the outer, inner, and biting surfaces of each tooth.
• Use the tip of the brush head to clean the inside front teeth.
• Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath.

Electric toothbrushes are also recommended. They are easy to use and can remove plaque efficiently. Simply place the bristles of the electric brush on your gums and teeth and allow the brush to do its job, several teeth at a time.

Flossing – Daily flossing is the best way to clean between the teeth and under the gum line. Flossing not only helps clean these spaces, it disrupts plaque colonies from building up, preventing damage to the gums, teeth, and bone.

• Take 12-16 inches (30-40cm) of dental floss and wrap it around your middle fingers, leaving about 2 inches (5cm) of floss between the hands.
• Using your thumbs and forefingers to guide the floss, gently insert the floss between teeth using a sawing motion.
• Curve the floss into a “C” shape around each tooth and under the gum line. Gently move the floss up and down, cleaning the side of each tooth.

Floss holders are recommended if you have difficulty using conventional floss.

Rinsing – It is important to rinse your mouth with water after brushing, and also after meals if you are unable to brush. If you are using an over-the-counter product for rinsing, it’s a good idea to consult with your dentist or dental hygienist on its appropriateness for you.

What can I do about stained or discolored teeth?

Since teeth whitening has now become the number one aesthetic concern of many patients, there are many products and methods available to achieve a brighter smile.

Professional teeth whitening (or bleaching) is a simple, non-invasive dental treatment used to change the color of natural tooth enamel, and is an ideal way to enhance the beauty of your smile. Over-the-counter products are also available, but they are much less effective than professional treatments and may not be approved by the American Dental Association (ADA).

As we age, the outer layer of tooth enamel wears away, eventually revealing a darker or yellow shade. The color of our teeth also comes from the inside of the tooth, which may become darker over time. Smoking, drinking coffee, tea, and wine may also contribute to tooth discoloration, making our teeth yellow and dull. Sometimes, teeth can become discolored from taking certain medications as a child, such as tetracycline. Excessive fluoridation (fluorosis) during tooth development can also cause teeth to become discolored.

It’s important to have your teeth evaluated by your dentist to determine if you’re a good candidate for bleaching. Occasionally, tetracycline and fluorosis stains are difficult to bleach and your dentist may offer other options, such as veneers or crowns to cover up such stains. Since teeth whitening only works on natural tooth enamel, it is also important to evaluate replacement of any old fillings, crowns, etc. before bleaching begins. Once the bleaching is done, your dentist can match the new restorations to the shade of the newly whitened teeth.

Since teeth whitening is not permanent, a touch-up may be needed every several years to keep your smile looking bright.

The most widely used professional teeth whitening systems:

Home teeth whitening systems: At-home products usually come in a gel form that is placed in a custom-fitted mouthguard (tray), created from a mold of your teeth. The trays are worn either twice a day for approximately 30 minutes, or overnight while you sleep. It usually takes several weeks to achieve the desired results depending on the degree of staining and the desired level of whitening.

In office teeth whitening: This treatment is done in the dental office and you will see results immediately. It may require more than one visit, with each visit lasting 30 to 60 minutes. While your gums are protected, a bleaching solution is applied to the teeth. A special light may be used to enhance the action of the agent while the teeth are whitened.

Some patients may experience tooth sensitivity after having their teeth whitened. This sensation is temporary and subsides shortly after you complete the bleaching process, usually within a few days to one week.

Teeth whitening can be very effective and can give you a brighter, whiter, more confident smile!

How can I tell if I have gingivitis or periodontitis (gum disease)?

Four out of five people have periodontal disease and don’t know it! Most people are not aware of it because the disease is usually painless in the early stages. Unlike tooth decay, which often causes discomfort, it is possible to have periodontal disease without noticeable symptoms. Having regular dental check-ups and periodontal examinations are very important and will help detect if periodontal problems exist.

Periodontal disease begins when plaque, a sticky, colorless, film of bacteria, food debris, and saliva, is left on the teeth and gums. The bacteria produce toxins (acids) that inflame the gums and slowly destroy the bone. Brushing and flossing regularly and properly will ensure that plaque is not left behind to do its damage.

Other than poor oral hygiene, there are several other factors that may increase the risk of developing periodontal disease:

• Smoking or chewing tobacco – Tobacco users are more likely than nonusers to form plaque and tartar on their teeth.
• Certain tooth or appliance conditions – Bridges that no longer fit properly, crowded teeth, or defective fillings that may trap plaque and bacteria.
• Many medications – Steroids, cancer therapy drugs, blood pressure meds, oral contraceptives. Some medications have side affects that reduce saliva, making the mouth dry and plaque easier to adhere to the teeth and gums.
• Pregnancy, oral contraceptives, and puberty – Can cause changes in hormone levels, causing gum tissue to become more sensitive to bacteria toxins.
• Systemic diseases – Diabetes, blood cell disorders, HIV / AIDS, etc.
• Genetics may play role – Some patients may be predisposed to a more aggressive type of periodontitis. Patients with a family history of tooth loss should pay particular attention to their gums.

Signs and Symptoms of Periodontal Disease

• Red and puffy gums – Gums should never be red or swollen.
• Bleeding gums – Gums should never bleed, even when you brush vigorously or use dental floss.
• Persistent bad breath – Caused by bacteria in the mouth.
• New spacing between teeth – Caused by bone loss.
• Loose teeth – Also caused by bone loss or weakened periodontal fibers (fibers that support the tooth to the bone).
• Pus around the teeth and gums – Sign that there is an infection present.
• Receding gums – Loss of gum around a tooth.
• Tenderness or Discomfort – Plaque, calculus, and bacteria irritate the gums and teeth.

Good oral hygiene, a balanced diet, and regular dental visits can help reduce your risk of developing periodontal disease.

Why is it important to use dental floss?

Brushing our teeth removes food particles, plaque, and bacteria from all tooth surfaces, except in between the teeth. Unfortunately, our toothbrush can’t reach these areas that are highly susceptible to decay and periodontal (gum) disease.

Daily flossing is the best way to clean between the teeth and under the gumline. Flossing not only helps clean these spaces, it disrupts plaque colonies from building up, preventing damage to the gums, teeth, and bone.

Plaque is a sticky, almost invisible film that forms on the teeth. It is a growing colony of living bacteria, food debris, and saliva. The bacteria produce toxins (acids) that cause cavities and irritate and inflame the gums. Also, when plaque is not removed above and below the gumline, it hardens and turns into calculus (tartar). This will further irritate and inflame the gums and also slowly destroy the bone. This is the beginning of periodontal disease.

How to floss properly:

• Take 12-16 inches (30-40cm) of dental floss and wrap it around your middle fingers, leaving about 2 inches (5cm) of floss between the hands.
• Using your thumbs and forefingers to guide the floss, gently insert the floss between teeth using a sawing motion.
• Curve the floss into a “C” shape around each tooth and under the gumline. Gently move the floss up and down, cleaning the side of each tooth.

Floss holders are recommended if you have difficulty using conventional floss.

Daily flossing will help you keep a healthy, beautiful smile for life!

How often should I have a dental exam and cleaning?

You should have your teeth checked and cleaned at least twice a year, though your dentist or dental hygienist may recommend more frequent visits.

Regular dental exams and cleaning visits are essential in preventing dental problems and maintaining the health of your teeth and gums. At these visits, your teeth are cleaned and checked for cavities. Additionally, there are many other things that are checked and monitored to help detect, prevent, and maintain your dental health. These include:

• Medical history review: Knowing the status of any current medical conditions, new medications, and illnesses, gives us insight to your overall health and also your dental health.
• Examination of diagnostic x-rays (radiographs): Essential for detection of decay, tumors, cysts, and bone loss. X-rays also help determine tooth and root positions.
• Oral cancer screening: Check the face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, tissues, and gums for any signs of oral cancer.
• Gum disease evaluation: Check the gums and bone around the teeth for any signs of periodontal disease.
• Examination of tooth decay: All tooth surfaces will be checked for decay with special dental instruments.
• Examination of existing restorations: Check current fillings, crowns, etc.
• Removal of calculus (tartar): Calculus is hardened plaque that has been left on the tooth for sometime and is now firmly attached to the tooth surface. Calculus forms above and below the gum line, and can only be removed with special dental instruments.
• Removal of plaque: Plaque is a sticky, almost invisible film that forms on the teeth. It is a growing colony of living bacteria, food debris, and saliva. The bacteria produce toxins (poisons) that inflame the gums. This inflammation is the start of periodontal disease!
• Teeth polishing: Removes stain and plaque that is not otherwise removed during toothbrushing and scaling.
• Oral hygiene recommendations: Review and recommend oral hygiene aids as needed (electric dental toothbrushes, special cleaning aids, fluorides, rinses, etc.).
• Review dietary habits: Your eating habits play a very important role in your dental health.

As you can see, a good dental exam and cleaning involves quite a lot more than just checking for cavities and polishing your teeth. We are committed to providing you with the best possible care, and to do so will require regular check-ups and cleanings.

FAQs about Bad Breath

What should I do if I have bad breath?

Bad breath (halitosis) can be an unpleasant and embarrassing condition. Many of us may not realize that we have bad breath, but everyone has it from time to time, especially in the morning.

There are various reasons one may have bad breath, but in healthy people, the major reason is due to microbial deposits on the tongue, especially the back of the tongue. Some studies have shown that simply brushing the tongue reduced bad breath by as much as 70 percent.

What may cause bad breath?

• Morning time – Saliva flow almost stops during sleep and its reduced cleansing action allows bacteria to grow, causing bad breath.
• Certain foods – Garlic, onions, etc. Foods containing odor-causing compounds enter the blood stream; they are transferred to the lungs, where they are exhaled.
• Poor oral hygiene habits – Food particles remaining in the mouth promote bacterial growth.
• Periodontal (gum) disease – Colonies of bacteria and food debris residing under inflamed gums.
• Dental cavities and improperly fitted dental appliances – May also contribute to bad breath.
• Dry mouth (Xerostomia) – May be caused by certain medications, salivary gland problems, or continuous mouth breathing.
• Tobacco products – Dry the mouth, causing bad breath.
• Dieting – Certain chemicals called ketones are released in the breath as the body burns fat.
• Dehydration, hunger, and missed meals – Drinking water and chewing food increases saliva flow and washes bacteria away.
• Certain medical conditions and illnesses – Diabetes, liver and kidney problems, chronic sinus infections, bronchitis, and pneumonia are several conditions that may contribute to bad breath.

Keeping a record of what you eat may help identify the cause of bad breath. Also, review your current medications, recent surgeries, or illnesses with you dentist.

What can I do to prevent bad breath?

• Practice good oral hygiene – Brush at least twice a day with an ADA approved fluoride toothpaste and toothbrush. Floss daily to remove food debris and plaque from in between the teeth and under the gumline. Brush or use a tongue scraper to clean the tongue and reach the back areas. Replace your toothbrush every 2 to 3 months. If you wear dentures or removable bridges, clean them thoroughly and place them back in your mouth in the morning.
• See your dentist regularly – Get a check-up and cleaning at least twice a year. If you have or have had periodontal disease, your dentist will recommend more frequent visits.
• Stop smoking/chewing tobacco – Ask your dentist what they recommend to help break the habit.
• Drink water frequently – Water will help keep your mouth moist and wash away bacteria.
• Use mouthwash/rinses – Some over-the-counter products only provide a temporary solution to mask unpleasant mouth odor. Ask your dentist about antiseptic rinses that not only alleviate bad breath, but also kill the germs that cause the problem.

In most cases, your dentist can treat the cause of bad breath. If it is determined that your mouth is healthy, but bad breath is persistent, your dentist may refer you to your physician to determine the cause of the odor and an appropriate treatment plan.