Tag: oral hygiene

Vaping to Quit? OK, just not for too long…

Dec, 6, 2019

November 21 was the Great American Smoke-Out! If you took the pledge and have successfully avoided smoking since then, you have made it two whole weeks! A BIG CONGRATULATIONS from all of us here at Meyer & Johns!

Follow the Vaper Trail?

Many people attempt to quit smoking with the help of nicotine replacement therapy, namely patches, gum, or lozenges. But these days many people turn to vaping or using e-cigarettes to wean themselves off nicotine. And there’s evidence to suggest that these new options are effective. A recent study reviewed by Harvard Health Publishing cited an 80% higher 1-year quit rate for people using vape products instead of nicotine gum or patches. However, 4 out of 5 of those successful quitters were still vaping, as opposed to less than 10 percent of people who were still using the other products.

And it stands to reason that vaping is a somewhat healthier option than traditional smoking. Aerosol-generated water vapor delivers the nicotine without the harmful tobacco tar and other chemicals that cause cancer, strokes, and cardiovascular disease in the majority of smokers.

A Viable Alternative?

But as we’ve all learned recently, vaping brings with it a host of other lung dangers. So it’s not a perfect substitute for your body, but is vaping better for your mouth? The short answer is “Not really.” Studies have shown that many of smoking’s cancer-related risks are associated with the nicotine itself, rather than the tobacco. And since we last explored vaping, the body of research has continued to grow. Besides promoting gum disease by reducing blood flow, it causes dry mouth and kills bacteria in your mouth, promoting faster tooth decay.

And we’re finding it leads to a host of other problems. New research now links vaping and Bruxism, as the stimulant nicotine has been shown to promote the jaw-clenching and tooth-grinding that can lead to mouth and jaw issues.

The take-aways? If you have used or are using vaping products to quit smoking cigarettes, STICK WITH IT! Quitting smoking is the single biggest thing you can do to reduce health risks and improve your quality of life. But make sure you set a “2nd Quit Date” to take the final step to put down the vape pen so you can go totally nicotine-free!

Dental Anxiety? Have no fear!

Feb, 22, 2019

We’ve told you about Bruxism (teeth-grinding) and the broader effects of TMJ, but there’s another type of anxiety that can have unwanted impacts on your mouth. Dental fear or phobia is a very real condition. Between 10 to 15 percent of Americans experience some level of dental anxiety, according to an article on Colgate.com. In another study, one-third of adults who didn’t regularly see a dentist were skipping due to fear.

Fear is usually an irrational reaction that can be managed. But in the case of dental anxiety the consequences can be serious. Even those who brush and floss regularly may miss the early formation of cavities, which can lead to root canals if left untreated. Many of the periodontal diseases we’ve told you about have early warning signs that only our trained dentists and hygienists can spot. While they can be serious, these conditions are often easily prevented – but only if you know you have one (or more!) of them.

Signs of Stress

Recognizing that you have dental anxiety is fairly simple. Answering the following questions can help identify an unwarranted fear.

Do you:

Feel uneasy, nervous, or sick to your stomach before your appointment?
Have trouble sleeping the night before?
Feel embarrassed to have someone looking closely at your teeth?
Worry what problems your dentist might discover?
Avoid seeing a dentist, maybe even for years between visits?

We Can Help

All of these situations are common for people who have some degree of dental anxiety. The first step is to talk to us about it. Whether on the phone, through a secure web message, or even in-person, we will do whatever it takes to make you confortable before you set an appointment. We have a variety of options for managing your fear, up to and including nitrous oxide and/or a mild sedative.

At Meyer & Johns Dental, we believe that your oral health is too important to ignore – whatever the reason. Connect with us today to start down the path of easing your dental anxiety, and getting back on track to a healthy mouth!

October is National Dental Hygiene Month!

Oct, 4, 2018

*For most, a consistent oral care routine & regular check-ups are all that’s needed for a healthy, beautiful smile.*

National Dental Hygiene Month is an annual observance designed to celebrate the work of dental hygienists, as well as raising awareness on the importance of good oral health.

The month-long education effort focuses on the Daily 4, a basic routine that will help you maintain a healthy smile: Brush, Floss, Rinse and Chew. The American Dental Association’s consumer website, MouthHealthy.org, recommends brushing with a soft-bristled brush. Your brush size and shape should fit your mouth to allow you easy access to all areas of your teeth and gums.

The Daily 4

1. BRUSH

MouthHealthy.org promotes a five-point technique to ensure proper brushing and adequate cleaning;

Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gums.
Gently move the brush back and forth in short (tooth-wide) strokes.
Brush the outer surfaces, the inner surfaces and the chewing surfaces of the teeth.
To clean the inside front surfaces, tilt the brush vertically and make several up-and-down strokes.
Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and keep your breath fresh.

2. FLOSS

Cleaning between your teeth is also an essential component of healthy teeth and gums. The ADA recommends cleaning between teeth at least once a day to remove food particles and plaque that brushing may not catch.

3. RINSE

Because your actual teeth comprise less than half of your mouth, rinsing helps eliminate bacteria and bio-film. Along with brushing and flossing, frequent rinsing can reduce the chance of dental decay or infection. However, you should avoid alcohol-based rinses due to unwanted side-effects in your mouth.

4. CHEW

Clinical studies show that 20 minutes of chewing sugarless gum after a meal helps prevent tooth decay. Gum-chewing increases the flow of saliva, which helps wash away any remaining food or other debris, as well as neutralizing bacteria-born acids in the mouth and promoting disease-fighting substances throughout the mouth.

If your next appointment is during October, remember to high-five our outstanding team of dental hygienists and wish them a Happy Dental Hygiene Month!

The Desert Within: Xerostomia Causes & Solutions

Aug, 13, 2018

Xerostomia Dry Mouth — *Dry Mouth? Xerostomia is usually the symptom of an underlying problem.*

Did you know?

In order to taste what we’re eating, the food molecules must first dissolve in our saliva
Unique proteins in saliva help wounds in the mouth heal faster than anywhere else on the body
Humans can potentially produce more than 150 gallons of saliva in a year – approximately enough to fill two bathtubs

But what if your salivary glands just don’t give a spit? Dry Mouth is a very real issue for many people and one that shouldn’t be ignored.

What Xerostomia Is

Dry mouth (also known as xerostomia), is abnormal dryness of the mucous membranes in the mouth caused by a reduction of the flow of saliva or a change in its composition. It is a potential symptom of several underlying disorders or can occur as a side effect of certain medications. Though it’s not a serious medical problem by itself, if left untreated dry mouth can contribute to poor nutrition, psychological discomfort, increased likelihood of mouth infections and tooth decay.

What Causes It

According to the American Dental Association, there are several main causes of dry mouth:

Drugs

Medication is the most frequent cause of Xerostomia, with over 400 potential dry mouth-causing medicines available by prescription and over-the-counter. Some of the most common ones include antihistamines, decongestants, antidepressants, and drugs for hypertension.

Disease

Autoimmune conditions are the most common dry mouth culprit, with Sjörgen Disease being the most-often associated. Other conditions that contribute to dry mouth include Cystic Fibrosis, Hepatitis C, and Lymphoma, as well as uncontrolled diabetes and hypertension.

Cancer Therapy

Patients undergoing radiation or chemotherapy for head and neck cancers often experience Xerostomia symptoms, which typically resolve after the treatment ends. However, chronic dry mouth may occur when the toxicity of chemo drugs or radiation damages the salivary glands.

What You Can Do About It

The most pressing dental concern for patients is the effect of dry mouth on teeth. As we’ve discussed, saliva plays an important part in keeping your tooth enamel intact and healthy, so if left untreated, prolonged Xerostomia can lead to increased bacteria, plaque, and tooth decay.

However, the good news is that it is a very treatable condition. The top strategies are also easy to implement, including:

Adequate hydration to help keep the mouth moist
Use sugar-free gum, candy, or mints to stimulate saliva production
Leave a room vaporizer on at night to add moisture to the air
Use an over-the-counter artificial saliva substitute

If a dry mouth is bothering you, ask us at your next appointment and we’ll recommend a solution to help you keep your mouth and teeth healthy.