Thursday, September 24, 2015

Which Mouthwash or Rinse?

woman using mouthwash
If you’d like to add a mouthwash or rinse to your oral care routine, it’s important to be aware of just what a mouthwash or rinse does. Some freshen breath, others provide an anti-cavity benefit from fluoride, while others contain germ-killing ingredients to help prevent plaque buildup.
You have many options, and the right mouthwash or rinse for you is the one that meets your dental hygiene needs for the health of your teeth and gums, and taste preference.
To help choose the right rinse, keep these points in mind:
  • Alcohol—yes or no? Alcohol is a component of many mouthwashes and rinses, which can problematic if a large quantity is deliberately swallowed.   If you want to buy one type of mouthwash or rinse for the whole family, and your household includes school-aged children or teens, you may want to choose from among the alcohol-free mouthwash products that are available. Also, some recovering alcoholics avoid mouthwash with alcohol because of the potential for abuse.
  • Sensitivity. Some people find the ingredients in mouthwash irritating, especially people who have sensitive gums. Also, people who don’t usually complain of sensitive gums may find that their mouths are more sensitive for a short time if they are recovering from a dental procedure. If you have a sensitive mouth, consider an alcohol-free or natural mouthwash. Natural mouthwashes often contain ingredients such as aloe vera and chamomile for a soothing effect.
  • Plaque control. If you want a mouthwash that not only helps control bad breath but also helps to prevent plaque buildup on the teeth, look for a dental rinse that contains anti-plaque ingredients.
If you’re uncertain about which mouthwash or rinse would best meet your oral health needs, ask your dentist or dental hygienist for suggestions

Monday, September 14, 2015

Foods That Help Prevent Tooth Decay

boy drinking milk

 Food Choices That Prevent Tooth Decay

It's no fun passing up sugary treats like cookies and candies. But when it comes to tooth decay, food choices play an important role. Some foods can harm your teeth, while others contain essential nutrients to keep them healthy and strong. To help prevent tooth decay, keep the following food choices in mind.

Calcium

Calcium is a prime ingredient for preventing tooth decay, especially for growing children. Dairy is a great source, with choices such as milk, yogurt and cheese. And calcium isn't hiding in the fat, so skim milk and low-fat yogurt are just as good. Other options are leafy greens such as broccoli and bok choy, canned fish with bones, almonds, Brazil nuts and dried beans.

Fruit, Fiber and Veggies

Eating high-fiber foods keeps saliva flowing, which helps create mineral defenses against tooth decay. Good sources of fiber are dried fruits such as dates, raisins and figs, and fresh fruits, like bananas, apples and oranges. Other options include veggies, such as beans, Brussels sprouts and peas, along with peanuts, almonds and bran.

Whole Grains

Whole grains provide B vitamins and iron, which help keep gums healthy. Whole grains also have magnesium-an important ingredient for bones and teeth. In addition, whole grains are high in fiber. Look for foods such as bran, brown rice, and whole-grain cereals and pasta to be good sources of whole grains.

Sugar Snacks

When you get the munchies, focus on choosing healthy foods, like the ones we mentioned earlier. Try to steer clear of sweets, because sugar partners with plaque to weaken enamel, leaving you vulnerable to tooth decay. In fact, each time you eat a sugary snack, your teeth are under siege for the next 20 minutes.

Tuesday, September 8, 2015

Beware Bleeding Gums From Blood Thinners

white pills

Preventing Bleeding Gums

There are many reasons for bleeding gums, but one to keep in mind is that gums can bleed due to a person's use of blood thinners. An obvious way to cure bleeding gums would be to stop the medication, but blood thinners are necessary for many people, since they are designed to prevent blood clots. Some blood thinners are meant to be taken long-term, while others are prescribed for a few weeks only.
Be sure to tell your dentist that you are taking a blood thinner before you schedule a dental procedure. You may need to stop taking the medication for a few days prior to the procedure and undergo a blood test. But don't stop taking medication without consulting your doctor. Communication is the key to successfully managing a dental procedure and maintaining good oral hygiene while taking blood thinners.
People who take blood thinners must be especially careful in all aspects of personal hygiene, including shaving, tooth brushing, and flossing. Use a toothbrush with very soft bristles, and a soft floss, such as Oral-B's Satin Floss, to reduce any discomfort associated with oral care and to reduce your risk for bleeding gums. Brush and floss gently; don't apply too much pressure. Also, be sure to wear a mouth guard if you participate in a contact sport, because the blood thinners will make you more susceptible to bleeding in the event of a mouth injury.