Nobody likes cavities; they are painful and can ruin your day in just one instant. The sensation of biting down on something and suddenly feeling a sharp jolt of pain that seems almost electric, shooting down from your tooth and into your jaw is not only awful but disconcerting, and it leaves you wondering, what was that? What do I do now? Unfortunately, by the time you notice something is amiss, it is usually too late, and your dentist has to get involved. The sounds of drills follow and you find yourself wondering why you didn’t take better care of your teeth and what you could have done to prevent this situation.
Proper Oral Hygiene
There are, however, ways to prevent this moment of pain from ever taking place. The first thing you should do to avoid cavities is to make sure you floss your teeth at least every time you eat something. It would be best if you also brushed your teeth twice a day using a soft-bristle toothbrush and proper toothpaste. Finally, you should always follow this brushing by rinsing using mouthwash.
Visit Your Dentist
It is essential to visit your dentist regularly. When you visit your dentist, you get constant care and attention to your teeth. It would be best if you aimed to have at least two dentist cleanings per year; this will help prevent plaque from building up and turning into tartar. Tartar and plaque are known agents of decay and are known to cause cavities as well as other oral concerns. By keeping the tartar and plaque at bay, you actively prevent cavities from forming.
Lifestyle Changes
Two words that are often dreaded but that can positively impact your life in general and certainly on your oral health; lifestyle changes.
There are things you know are bad for your teeth.
Smoking, for one, causes bacteria to proliferate in your mouth, it also causes bad breath as well as many other health concerns in the rest of your body.
We all love getting caffeinated in the morning, but that coffee may be staining your teeth. Perhaps cutting down or at least brushing after coffee would be a good idea.
Cutting down sugar is a tough one because sugar seems to be added to just about everything (even bread has sugar). The more sugar you cut from your diet, the better off your teeth will be. Other health benefits do arise from lower sugar consumption, but we won’t get into that.
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If you need a dentist near Frisco, there is no better choice than Dr. David H. Wilhite.
Dr. Wilhite is a master of his practice and is one of the most experienced and highly qualified dentists in the Frisco area. Through his expertise and professionalism, you can rest assured knowing that your smile will be in good hands.
When you’re ready to make your teeth shine, call us at 972-964-3774 or visit our contact page.
Many different things can cause halitosis or bad breath, but when the bad breath is persistent, it tends to be caused by bacteria.
Bacteria can live on the surface of your throat as well as your tongue. Bacteria tend to break down proteins quickly, making sulphur compounds that are then released. These sulphur compounds are what gives off that strong unpleasant smell. If you have gum disease, which is also caused by bacteria, or you have plaque chances are your breath will be unpleasant.
The word plaque is often misunderstood. Plaque is basically a thin layer of sticky bacteria that is constantly forming around teeth, and these bacteria release acids whenever you eat or drink anything. These acids can break down your teeth’s enamel and are usually the cause of cavities or diseases like gingivitis. Plaque hardens if left untreated and can become incredibly difficult to remove, requiring the intervention of a dental professional. If you have plaque, be sure to visit your Dentist in Plano, Tx.
The way to prevent this bacteria from eating away at your teeth and give you awful breath is simple, brushing and flossing your teeth every time you eat. You should also make sure you do not miss your dentist appointments and keep a watchful eye on tartar control. Always observe proper oral hygiene.
Other Reasons For Bad Breath
There are other reasons why you may have bad breath, however, like having a dry mouth.
Saliva is working all the time — washing your mouth, tongue and throat. If there is a shortage of saliva, your mouth is not getting the same level of cleaning, resulting in bad breath.
Certain foods like onion, garlic, etc., will give you a strong breath, but these are generally short-lived and can quickly be remedied by brushing your teeth and rinsing with mouthwash.
Another common cause is smoking; the smoke itself has an unpleasant smell and starves your mouth of oxygen, making it a breeding ground for bacteria.
Your diet will also impact your breath, and whether you have any stomach problems will also be reflected in your breath.
In some extreme cases, such as cancers or liver failure, the breath can turn sour as well. Keep in mind that other diseases like diabetes may also cause bad breath. If you have persistent bad breath, make sure to visit your dentist as halitosis could be the symptom of a bigger problem.
As you can see, there can be many different causes, but more often than not, bacteria is the culprit. Fortunately, this is a problem that a good dentist should be able to address.
Give Dr. David H. Wilhite When You Need The Best Dentist in Plano, TX
Dr. David H. Wilhite is renowned for his expertise in general and cosmetic dentistry. With his experience, you can rest assured knowing that your smile will be in in the good hands of the best dentist in Plano, TX.
Dr. Wilhite’s commitment to aesthetics and his understanding of the bite allow him to create beautiful smiles.
Ready to bring out the best in your smile? Call us at 972-964-3774 or visit our contact page.
Your mouth can be a window into how your body is doing. Many maladies are reflected in your oral health; as such, you should keep a watchful eye and do all you can to keep your teeth and gums in top shape.
By understanding the relationship between your oral health and the rest of your body, you may see early warnings of health problems in the making. Having that early warning may be all you need to put a stop to it before it develops into a bigger problem.
Here are a few of the health concerns that can be reflected in your oral health.
Cardiovascular Disease
Research indicates that cardiovascular-related problems like strokes, heart attacks and clogged arteries may be somehow linked to the inflammation that oral bacteria may cause. The link between oral health and cardiovascular disease is not yet fully understood, but we know that one reflects the other. Even endocarditis, an infection of the inside lining of the heart’s chambers and valves, usually takes place when germs and bacteria from places like your mouth spread through the blood and to the heart.
Other Risks
Many other diseases have a link to your gums and teeth. Periodontitis, for example, is linked to low birth weights and even premature births. We know that bacteria from the mouth can reach the lungs and cause respiratory problems and even pneumonia. Alzheimer’s disease is also linked to poor oral health; the cause for this correlation is not understood, however.
On the flip side of that coin, other diseases may cause complications in the oral department. Diabetes is known to lower one’s resistance to infection, putting your gums at higher risk. The severity of gum disease tends to be higher with diabetes patients.
HIV can cause lesions in the mucosal area as well as other problems. Osteoporosis can also wreak havoc on your teeth and bone, causing bone and sometimes tooth loss.
Happy Mouth, Healthy Body
Will keeping your mouth in excellent health prevent these diseases? Any Plano dentist will tell you that It will undoubtedly help.
You should make sure to practice oral hygiene every day. You should brush your teeth a couple of times a day using a soft-bristle toothbrush. Floss daily and finish your oral hygiene routine by rinsing with mouthwash after brushing and flossing.
What you eat is almost as crucial as your hygiene. Some foods can hurt your teeth while others help them. You should avoid or limit your sugar intake as this is a known cause for decay. Make sure to visit your dentist regularly and remember that your oral health can act as an early warning system and that by investing in its care, you are investing in your overall health.
Call Today For an Appointment With Dr. David H. Wilhite, The Premier Plano Dentist
Your oral health should not be trusted to just anyone, so make sure you choose wisely.
Dr. Wilhite is highly educated and has a mastership in the academy of general dentistry; fewer than 1% of all dentists can make this claim. With Dr. Wilhite, you are in the best possible hands.
Dentist appointments are important at every time of the year, all through your life. For kids, it’s important that we establish good dental habits.
During the holiday season though, your kid’s dental health will be put to the test. Snack trays, sweets, pastries and sugary temptations will be everywhere. Well-meaning grownups and grandparents will be more than happy to fill them up with treats.
We want to make sure your children stay healthy during the holidays and don’t head into their next appointment with new cavities.
In order to help, we’re going to share some holiday dental tips for kids provided by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Read the tips below to keep your kids healthy.
Healthy Habits to keep your kids smiling through the holidays and into the new year.
The holiday season is always a busy time, especially for families. With kids out of school, a steady stream of festivities and a new year to plan for, the rhythm of everyday life gets put on hold. And sometimes that means good oral health routines and habits go out the window too.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) wants to remind parents and caregivers that the holiday break is a great time to help your kids establish and maintain healthy dental habits. This includes good brushing, flossing and eating habits that are essential for healthy teeth.
The AAPDS recommends that a child’s first visit to a pediatric dentist should be by the AGE OF ONE or when the FIRST TOOTH APPEARS. Regular check-ups should occur every SIX MONTHS.
Parents should help their children brush their teeth TWICE DAILY – after breakfast and before bedtime are ideal. It’s recommended that parents/caregivers supervise the brushing for school-age children until they are 7 to 8 years of age.
The BEST TOOTHBRUSHES for children have soft, round-ended (polished) bristles that clean while being gentle on the gums. The handle should be proportionate to the size of the child’s hand.
Parents can begin FLOSSING for their children when two teeth are touching. Children can begin flossing on their own around age 7.
Look for FLOURIDE TOOTHPASTE with the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance.
Sugary candy, food, and drinks are part of the holidays. With this, the risk of cavities and poor dental health also increases. Parents should try to moderate sugar intake, and WATCH OUT FOR CARBONATED DRINKS, which actually erode teeth more than sweetened drinks.
Keep an eye on on snacking – ideally, children should have NO MORE THAN THREE SNACK TIMES a day.
COOKED STARCHES CAN LEAD TO CAVITIES just as sugars can. In fact, cooked starches such as bread, crackers, pasta, pretzels and potato chips frequently take longer to clear the mouth than sugars.
LIMIT SUGAR INTAKE by checking labels and buying sugar-free varieties of food options, if available.
CHEESES such as aged cheddar, Swiss, mozzarella and Monterey Jack are great as a snack or to eat after a meal because they clear the mouth of food and neutralize the acids that attack teeth.
This story originally appeared on The Mouth Monsters
We hope that you will take these recommendations into consideration for your own children during the holiday season. We want to help parents establish good dental health habits for children so they get a good foundation for health as adults.
A canker sore is a mouth ulcer or sore that is open. They are commonly found on the inside of lips or cheeks. They are also found on the gums and under the tongue. Canker sores are usually white or yellowish oval shaped sores and surrounded by red, irritated tissue. Canker sores are most common during adolescence and young adulthood and become less common as we age. About 1 in 5 children develop a canker sore. Though often confused for cold sores, they are not related. In addition, canker sores are not contagious.
Canker Sore Causes
Researchers are not sure what is the exact cause of a canker sore, however they believe a combination of factors may contribute.
Potential contributing factors include:
accidental cheek bite
anxiety
food sensitivities
vitamin deficiencies
allergic response to bacteria in your mouth
stress
hormone changes
toothpastes containing sodium lauryl sulfate
Cankers sores may occur because of diseases such as:
celiac disease
Chrohn’s disease
ulcerative colitis
Behcet’s disease
HIV/AIDS
immune system issues
Treatment
Canker sores usually heal on their own within a few weeks, with pain diminishing in about a week. If your canker sore has not healed in three weeks, you may need to seek medical care. Several over the counter remedies exist, including pastes, gels, or mouth rinses with ingredients to minimize canker sore pain. A doctor may prescribe oral medication for severe canker sores.
To help healing at home you can use a salt-water rinse. In addition, it is advisable to avoid spicy or acidic foods, which can exacerbate the sore. You may also find relief in allowing ice chips to dissolve over the sore. Lastly, it’s important to brush your teeth gently (including with a gentle toothpaste) to avoid irritating the sore further.
If you can identify what triggers canker sores in your mouth, it is best to avoid it. Pay attention to potential food allergies. Eat healthfully to prevent nutritional deficiencies. Always practice good oral health and brush daily and floss and use mouthwash regularly.
If you are a mouth breather, it can have negative impacts on your dental health such as risk of decay and periodontal disease, the pathological inflammation of the gum and bone support surrounding the teeth. Mouth breathing leads to dry mouth and decreases the production of saliva. Saliva is important to regulate your mouth bacteria and neutralize acids.
In 2016, a study showed that individuals who are a mouth breather while they sleep experience higher acidity levels than those who do not.
This study measured ten healthy volunteers who slept with a nose clip to force them to breathe through their mouths. They slept with a device that measured the pH and temperature of their mouth. The volunteers wore this device to sleep for two sets of 48 hours. In addition, they wore the nose clip on two nights and without it for two nights to prevent any natural bias from affecting the study.
Mouth Breathing & Teeth: The Results
PH measures acidity, with pH 7 being neutral, under 7 is acidic, and above 7 is basic. An acidity level of pH 5.5 is the threshold in which tooth enamel begins to break down.
The results showed that a daytime mouth pH was 7.3 and during sleep it was 7.0. The mean pH during sleep with mouth breathing was 6.6. At some points during the night, mouth-breathing individuals had mouth pH levels of 3.6, which is far below the level in which tooth enamel breaks down.
The significance of the results shows that breathing through your mouth is detrimental to your overall oral health, but specifically tooth enamel through acid breakdown.
Happy Mouth, Healthy Body
