Category: General Dentistry

Acid Reflux: Hard on Your Teeth, Too

Sep, 30, 2016

Acid Reflux is a condition that occurs when intestinal fluids escape your stomach into your esophagus and even your mouth. It can cause heartburn, bad breath, sinus infections, and difficulty swallowing. Fatty foods, or foods high in acid such as tomatoes or citrus fruits, can trigger reflux, as can caffeine and alcohol.

What many people may not realize is that reflux can negatively impact your dental health as well.

What Does This Have to Do with Teeth?

Increased acidity in your mouth can weaken and erode tooth enamel, particularly rear molars. In fact, your dentist may be the first to notice reflux concerns, as heartburn isn’t a symptom for everyone.
If you do experience reflux, avoid brushing your teeth immediately after an episode, as brushing could further damage teeth weakened by stomach acid. Instead, rinse your mouth well with water, or (even better) with a baking soda solution to reduce the acidity in your mouth. Chewing some sugar-free gum can help too, if rinsing for some reason isn’t immediately practical.

Experiencing Reflux?

Over-the-counter medications can ease reflux symptoms, but if you have concerns about acid reflux, you should speak to your physician.

You should also be sure to keep twice-yearly dental appointments to help identify dental and other health warning signs. We can also provide recommendations for mitigating enamel erosion and other dental issues—Meyer & Johns is always here to help.

Brush Your Teeth

Sep, 12, 2016

Yes, you’ve been told before. But the truth is, it is likely the most important thing you can do for good dental health. Brushing is your best defense against plaque, the starting place for tartar, cavities, and gum disease.

As the keystone of good dental health, knowing how to brush effectively can significantly reduce your risk of dental problems. Remember that regular maintenance is key—be sure to brush and floss two times a day.

Make an Orderly Habit

First, floss before you brush.

Brush the outside surface of your top teeth first, then the outside of your bottoms. Brush back and forth, making sure that you contact both your teeth and your gums, holding your toothbrush at a 45 degree angle to your teeth.

Pay extra attention to your molars at the back, and remember that you’re likely to brush the teeth on the left side of your mouth better than the right side if you’re right-handed. (And vice-versa.)

Switch to brushing up & down, focusing on each individual tooth, as you move to brush the insides of your top teeth, and then the insides of the bottom.

Finally, go back to long, back and forth strokes to brush the chewing surfaces of your teeth, first for the top, and then the bottom.

It’s a Marathon, Not a Sprint

Two. Whole. Minutes.

That’s how long you should brush for. Yes, that’s quite a while, but this is the mark to shoot for. Set a timer to get used to how long two minutes really is—many people overestimate the amount of time they spend brushing.

Toothbrushes Aren’t Just for Teeth

Your tongue needs regular cleaning, too, and your toothbrush works well for the task. To keep your breath fresh, be sure to brush your tongue when you brush your teeth. This helps to eliminate the bacteria that cause bad breath.

Change Your Toothbrush

When your toothbrush starts to show signs of wear, it’s time for a new one. Even if it’s still looking new, change it out after three months. As toothbrushes can harbor germs, it’s also a good idea to replace your toothbrush as you recover from a cold or other illness to prevent re-infection. Use a toothbrush with soft bristles. Other than that, choose what you’re most comfortable with.

Choose Your Toothpaste

There is a wide variety of toothpaste available, many intended to address specific dental needs. From whitening to tartar control to extra fluoride to sensitive teeth, there is sure to be a toothpaste right for you. Take a moment to speak with your dentist or hygienist at your next appointment to be sure you’re using a type that best supports your individual dental needs.

Periodontal Disease: Dentistry Isn’t Just About Teeth

Aug, 26, 2016

Your gums are a critical component of oral health, and deserve some discussion of their own.

Healthy gums support and cushion your teeth and help to protect them from decay. Taking care of your gums is taking care of your teeth.

Gum disease is most often caused by plaque build up due to poor dental hygiene, but other factors such as genetic predisposition, illnesses that affect the immune system, and smoking can increase the risk significantly. There are two major types of gum disease: gingivitis and periodontitis.

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is caused by a buildup of bacteria that live in plaque. This causes the gums to become red and inflamed, which can cause bleeding and pain during brushing. Although the gum tissue is irritated, no damage occurs to the teeth or jaw at this point. However, if allowed to progress, Gingivitis can (but doesn’t always) lead to a more serious condition, periodontitis.

Periodontitis

Periodontitis, or infection of the gums, is a serious disease that can damage gums, cause tooth loss, and even damage the jawbone. It occurs when the gum tissue and bone pull away from teeth, forming small pockets that can become infected. Toxins collect in these spaces, and slowly erode the bone and tissue that surround teeth. This erosion loosens teeth, eventually causing them to fall out, and can eat away at bone in the jaw.

Prevention

The great news is that gum disease can usually be prevented—and often reversed, if identified early—by good oral hygiene. Brush and floss daily, and have your teeth cleaned twice a year.

If regular brushing hurts your gums, or if you notice them bleeding, you can always come in for an exam to be sure everything is okay. We’re always here to help.

Take the Bad Out of Breath

May, 18, 2016

Halitosis is the medical term for bad breath. There are a number of causes of bad breath as well as some simple solutions.

First, bad breath is a nuisance, embarrassing and can limit or inhibit your interaction with others. However, bad breath can also be a sign of health problems. So, chronic bad breath is not to be ignored.

The most common cause of bad breath is poor oral hygiene. Failure to brush regularly causes bacteria to grow inside the mouth. This not only causes bad breath, but also leads to cavities and other dental problems. Brush and floss at least twice a day, and don’t forget to brush your tongue. Keep a toothbrush at work or school so it’s handy to brush after lunch. After brushing, rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash is another good way to freshen breath and keep your mouth healthy.

Because bad breath can be a warning sign of other health issues, regular dental checkups and cleanings are extremely important. During the exam and routine cleaning, your dentist can check for gum disease, plaque build up and other potential problems.

Certain health conditions or bad habits can also cause bad breath. For example, smoking and chewing tobacco are both extremely dangerous habits—contributing to not only bad breath, but also serious health issues such as heart attack, stroke and cancer.

Other health conditions such as acid reflux, sinus infections and dry mouth are common causes of bad breath.

If you’re suffering from halitosis, and want to do something about the bad in your breath, start with making an appointment for a check up, today.