Although dietary specialists often recommend eating smaller meals throughout the day, there are instances when this may have a negative impact upon your overall oral health. Why should you be careful in regards to your eating habits in order to prevent issues such as cavities and gum disease?

• A constant intake of sugars can increase your risk of cavities.
• The same holds true in regards to complex carbohydrates.
• The acids produced within the mouth can slowly erode the enamel of your teeth.

“Grazing may not be so healthy for your teeth depending on what you eat.”

Discover additional threats to oral health below:

Your smile shows your star power.  How cool are these toothsome gems?

When the dentist finally removes your braces, you will be thrilled to see your beautifully straight teeth and smile. However, this is only the end of one phase and the beginning of another. Although your teeth are now perfectly aligned, they need follow-up care to keep them in top condition. 

Certain steps will now need to be taken:

• The dentist will have to fit a retainer to keep the teeth in place

• Rinsing with a fluoride-based solution is necessary to remove any bacteria build-up and strengthen the enamel

• Tooth whitening should be considered to further beautify your smile

Tooth whitening is optional but it’s only natural you would want white teeth to enhance your new smile.

Further information about the removal of adult braces can be found at https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/cosmetic-dentistry/adult-orthodontics/adult-braces-before-and-after-what-to-expect-when-they-come-off-0714

Cleaning the tongue helps play an important role in oral health, as well as your overall health. The tongue if not cleaned can host bacteria which affects your digestive tract when swallowed with food.

Key takeaways:

• A biofilm forms on the tongue if it is not cleaned, which creates the environment for bacteria to thrive.
• You can use a tongue cleaner tool or a metal spoon, bowl facing down, to clean the tongue.
• Use a gentle pressure when scraping the tongue clean, rinsing off the tool you use between each scraping.

“When the tongue isn’t cleaned regularly, it creates a low-oxygen environment where bacteria like Klebsiella can thrive. In fact, the majority of the microbes in our mouths live on our tongue.”

Read the full story here

Porcelain and acrylic false teeth are similar in price and have different pros and cons:

– Acrylic dentures are quieter when chewing, look slightly more natural than porcelain dentures, and are more suitable for those with bone loss; however, they will wear out more quickly.

– Acrylic dentures will need soaking overnight to remove bacteria; porcelain dentures are more delicate and need careful handling during cleaning to avoid chips.

– Your dentist will be happy to discuss which option is best for you.

Selection of the most appropriate material for your needs involves careful consideration of wear, durability and maintenance.

Read the full story here: https://www.livestrong.com/article/291153-porcelain-vs-acrylic-teeth/

As well as new uniforms, stationery and booster shots, a regular dental check-up should be part of back to school preparations:

– Many children are suffering from untreated tooth decay; dental pain can affect eating, playing, learning and lead to missed school.

– Regular checkups at the dentist can diagnose any problems early and they can provide mouthguards for your child if they play contact sports.

– Make sure brushing their teeth with fluoride toothpaste is part of their daily routine.

“Parents and teachers may not realize there’s a dental problem, so regular checkups are important.”

Read the full story here:

Brushing the teeth twice daily is the recommended norm by most dental professionals but the quality of brushing is equally, if not more, important. Many people tend to hurry the procedure, fail to brush correctly or use the wrong toothbrush. 

A dentist can advise you as to which toothbrush is best and how to clean the teeth properly but the basic guidelines are:

• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush

• Use small circular motions not back and forth

• Never brush too aggressively

Proper brushing should take “between two and three minutes” and toothbrushes should be replaced every three months or when worn or frayed. More tips on proper dental care can be found at https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324708.php.

Dummies (pacifiers) can have both positive and negative effects on baby’s oral health:

– Dummies provide comfort to baby and can actually reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome.

– Unfortunately, dummies can affect baby’s jaw development and the shape of the roof of the mouth if used too much.

– The dentist will advise you to only use them at nap and sleep time, and to wean baby off their dummy by the age of two.

“Your child’s teeth may slant forward or protrude from the mouth and the teeth may not come in properly.”

Read the full story here:

https://yourdentalhealthresource.com/how-does-a-pacifier-impact-your-childs-oral-health/

The modern dentist has a range of filling types to choose from but composite fillings are fast becoming the most popular choice for patients. This is because composite fillings, unlike silver or amalgam, are mixed to match a patient’s existing tooth colour. 

Benefits of composite fillings:

• Unnoticeable

• Give a natural look to teeth

• Provide a great smile

Although composite fillings are more expensive than amalgam they are ideal for patients who “prefer that fillings look more natural” and are suitable for small fillings in the front and back teeth.

Read more at https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/c/composite-fillings.