It is widely known that smoking can have a great number of adverse effects on the health of the smoker. Due to the nature by which the action of smoking is performed, it is only natural that oral health would be one of the areas most negatively affected by the act. It is very important that a smoker take extra care of his/her mouth and teeth. Smoking can cause many serious problems for teeth and oral structures of the mouth. The problem can be increased when proper health care is not followed. Among the most common oral problems, smokers are…
Author: Dr. Jacqueline Butler Mitchell, DDS
From the time we’re young, we are taught that using a toothbrush regularly is one of the best ways to keep your teeth and gums healthy. A toothbrush performs the same basic function….it cleans your teeth and gums by removing plaque and food particles. In the late 1930’s when toothbrushes with nylon bristles were first invented, consumers didn’t have options like we do today. Most stores that sell toothbrushes have an extensive collection of different types of toothbrushes on their shelves including manual and electric varieties. But which toothbrush is best? The importance of Toothbrush Head Size One of the…
When we get thirsty, many look for a soda to quench their thirst. It’s no secret that soda is bad for your teeth, but some are a lot worse than others. One of the most popular sodas for a social gathering is Mountain Dew. Its flavor has been a favorite of so many people that’s why its sales are so high. Mountain Dew may be delightful to drink but it can also be bad for your teeth. Sodas that are citrus flavored like Mountain Dew can have more teeth rotting power than other sodas. A combination of sugars, carbonation, and…
It’s no secret there exists a strong link between soda consumption and tooth decay. Heavy soda consumption can also cause other health complications including diabetes and obesity. Sodas have emerged as one of the most significant dietary sources of tooth decay, affecting people of all ages. What Makes Sodas Bad for your Teeth? Most sodas contain carbonated water, a sweetener, high-fructose corn syrup, or some other sugar substitute. The carbonated water is what gives soda it’s refreshing, bubbly taste. Dissolved carbonic acid is what makes the drink carbonated, but many sodas contain other acids, which means soda is an extremely…
Most parents and children understand the need for wearing a protective helmet when playing a contact sport, but unfortunately, another very important piece of equipment for safety when playing sports never crosses their minds. Mouth guards protect more than just the teeth, tongue, and cheeks, they also can reduce the severity of concussions. Everyone should wear a mouth guard while participating in contact sports and other recreational activities. There has been a rise in the youth participating in competitive sports. As a result of the growth in participation levels, incidence on injury has also increased. It has been reported that…
More than half of American adults over the age of 35 get periodontal “gum” disease. There are 2 types of gum disease: Gingivitis and Periodontitis. Most people who do have gum disease have the less severe form we call “gingivitis.” Around 5-15% of people have a much more serious type of gum disease known as “periodontitis.” Because most people have what is known as Gingivitis, let’s find out exactly what this is and some of the signs of it. What is Gingivits? When you brush or floss your teeth, do you ever see pink in the sink? If so, it…
I’m sure you practice good dental care, but you are probably engaging in one or more bad habits that can still undermine the good habits. Here are 5 bad dental habits, why they’re harmful, and what you can do to stop them. • Turning Your Teeth into Tools. The Habit: Your teeth were made for eating, not to be used as scissors, nor to open things. When you do this, you run the risk of cracking a tooth or multiple teeth. The Solution: Stop and find something or someone to give you a hand. Your teeth and mouth will thank…
An Extraction is a term used when you have a tooth or teeth removed from the bone, better known as having a tooth “Pulled.” Your natural teeth are ideal for chewing, biting, helping to maintain your facial contour, and help with speech and phonetics which is why dentist try to save teeth by restoring when possible instead of just “pulling it”. Unfortunately, all teeth can’t be saved due to various reasons. When you have permanent teeth extracted, one should think about tooth replacements to prevent other teeth from shifting. Reasons Why Teeth are Extracted: • Extensive decay where the…
It’s no secret there exists a strong link between soda consumption and tooth decay. Heavy soda consumption can also cause other health complications including diabetes and obesity. Sodas have emerged as one of the most significant dietary sources of tooth decay, affecting people of all ages. What Makes Sodas Bad for your Teeth? Most sodas contain carbonated water, a sweetener, high-fructose corn syrup, or some other sugar substitute. The carbonated water is what gives soda it’s refreshing, bubbly taste. Dissolved carbonic acid is what makes the drink carbonated, but many sodas contain other acids, which means soda is an extremely…
Ever had a fuzzy and rough feeling on the surface of your teeth? If so, that’s “Plaque.” Plaque is a sticky, clear film that forms on teeth, in between teeth, above, and below the gum line and it contains millions of bacteria. Everyone develops plaque because bacteria are constantly growing in our mouths. Plaque that is not removed from around the gum line can cause inflammation and irritation to the gums around your teeth. If you do not remove the plaque daily when brushing and flossing your teeth, it can finally harden into tartar. When you eat foods high in…