11 Ways to Keep Your Teeth Healthy

Take care of your teeth

Achieving healthy teeth takes a lifetime of care. Even if you’ve been told that you have nice teeth, it’s crucial to take the right steps every day to take care of them and prevent problems. This involves getting the right oral care products, as well as being mindful of your daily habits.

1. Don’t go to bed without brushing your teeth

It’s no secret that the general recommendation is to brush at least twice a day. Still, many of us continue to neglect brushing our teeth at night. But brushing before bed gets rid of the germs and plaque that accumulate throughout the day.

2. Brush properly

The way you brush is equally important — in fact, doing a poor job of brushing your teeth is almost as bad as not brushing at all. Take your time, moving the toothbrush in gentle, circular motions to remove plaque. Unremoved plaque can harden, leading to calculus buildup and gingivitis (early gum disease).

3. Don’t neglect your tongue

Plaque can also build up on your tongue. Not only can this lead to bad mouth odor, but it can lead to other oral health problems. Gently brush your tongue every time you brush your teeth.

4. Use a fluoride toothpaste

When it comes to toothpaste, there are more important elements to look for than whitening power and flavors. No matter which version you choose, make sure it contains fluoride.

While fluoride has come under scrutiny by those worried about how it impacts other areas of health, this substance remains a mainstay in oral health. This is because fluoride is a leading defense against tooth decay. It works by fighting germs that can lead to decay, as well as providing a protective barrier for your teeth.

5. Treat flossing as important as brushing

Many who brush regularly neglect to floss. Flossing is not just for getting little pieces of food or broccoli that may be getting stuck in between your teeth, as Jonathan Schwartz, DDS. points out. “It’s really a way to stimulate the gums, reduce plaque, and help lower inflammation in the area.”

Flossing once a day is usually enough to reap these benefits.

6. Don’t let flossing difficulties stop you

Flossing can be difficult, especially for young children and older adults with arthritis. Rather than give up, look for tools that can help you floss your teeth. Ready-to-use dental flossers from the drugstore can make a difference.

7. Consider mouthwash

Advertisements make mouthwash seem necessary for good oral health, but many people skip them because they don’t know how they work. Schwartz says mouthwash helps in three ways: It reduces the amount of acid in the mouth, cleans hard-to-brush areas in and around the gums, and re-mineralizes the teeth. “Mouthwashes are useful as an adjunct tool to help bring things into balance,” he explains. “I think in children and older people, where the ability to brush and floss may not be ideal, a mouthwash is particularly helpful.”

Ask your dentist for specific mouthwash recommendations. Certain brands are best for children, and those with sensitive teeth. Prescription mouthwash is also available.

8. Drink more water

Water continues to be the best beverage for your overall health — including oral health. Also, as a rule of thumb, Schwartz recommends drinking water after every meal. This can help wash out some of the negative effects of sticky and acidic foods and beverages in between brushes.

9. Eat crunchy fruits and vegetables

Ready-to-eat foods are convenient, but perhaps not so much when it comes to your teeth. Eating fresh, crunchy produce not only contains more healthy fiber, but it’s also the best choice for your teeth. “I tell parents to get their kids on harder-to-eat and chew foods at a younger age,” says Schwartz. “So try to avoid the overly mushy processed stuff, stop cutting things into tiny pieces, and get those jaws working!”

10. Limit sugary and acidic foods

Ultimately, sugar converts into acid in the mouth, which can then erode the enamel of your teeth. These acids are what lead to cavities. Acidic fruits, teas, and coffee can also wear down tooth enamel. While you don’t necessarily have to avoid such foods altogether, it doesn’t hurt to be mindful.

11. See your dentist at least twice a year

Your own everyday habits are crucial to your overall oral health. Still, even the most dutiful brushers and flossers need to see a dentist regularly. At minimum, you should see your dentist for cleanings and checkups twice a year. Not only can a dentist remove calculus and look for cavities, but they will also be able to spot potential issues and offer treatment solutions.

Some dental insurance companies even cover more frequent dental checkups. If this is the case for you, take advantage of it. Doing so is especially helpful if you have a history of dental issues, such as gingivitis or frequent cavities.

credit: https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/best-practices-for-healthy-teeth#10.-Limit-sugary-and-acidic-foods

Keeping teeth healthy during COVID-19

Your oral health during COVID-19

3 min read - Updated April 10, 2020

Todd Thierer, DDS, MPH | 2 articles

All of us are going through a lot of change right now. The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has disrupted our lives in many ways. While there are a lot of things we can’t do, we can still take care of our health.

With dental offices across the country postponing non-emergency dental treatment, it’s more important than ever to keep up with your dental homecare. We’re here to help with tips and answers.

How should I keep my teeth healthy during COVID-19?

With a lot of us working from home and adjusting to new routines, it’s easy to put aside our dental health. Here are a few tips to help:

• Wash your hands – aim for at least 20 seconds before and after any personal dental care
• Brush at least twice a day– be sure to get those hard-to-reach spots
• Floss once a day – this helps remove bacteria and plaque in places your brush can’t reach
• Eat a well-balanced diet – limit sticky, sugary snacks like cake and cookies
• Limit frequency of snacking – frequent snacking increases your risk of cavities
• Limit sugary drinks – soda and fruit juices can harm tooth surfaces
• Drink plenty of water – drink water with meals and between meals
• Avoid smoking – smoking limits blood flow to your mouth, making it easier for bacteria to grow

Difference in Oral-B Toothbrush models

Difference between the Oral-B Genius 9000, 9000s, 8000, & 8000s

Our Oral-B Genius 9000 is a UK model and as this is not available in the US, it's not listed on our American website. However, I'd be happy to still explain the differences for you.

The only difference between the 9000 and 8000 versions is the colour of the handle and the difference between the 9000 and 9000s is the toothbrush heads that are included in the box. We do not have a 8000s available.

The 9000 comes with a Cross Action, Floss Action, 3D White and Sensitive brush head. The 9000s comes with 2 Sensitive, a Cross Action and a 3D White brush head.

Dental Implants vs. Dentures

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Dental Implants or Dentures?

According to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, statistics show that nearly 70% of adults aged 35 to 44 years in the United States have at least one missing tooth due to an accident, tooth decay, gum disease, or dental fractures.

But there’s no need to go through life with missing teeth. These days, many good alternatives are available. Dental implants and dentures are the most common options. Dentures are false teeth, and although their quality has improved, they’re not ideal for everyone. If not secured with denture adhesive, dentures might slip out of place while eating or speaking, which could be embarrassing, and partial dentures might promote infection and decay in other teeth if they aren’t fitted properly, which may increase the risk that you would need a tooth filling on the abutment (adjoining) tooth. That said, dentures may be the best choice for people whose gums and jaw are weak or unhealthy.

Should I Get Dental Implants?

If you are missing teeth and your gums and jaw are healthy, you may benefit from dental implants, which are replacement teeth that are implanted surgically into the jawbone. With good oral hygiene, dental implants can last for 20 years or more without the need for replacement. Dental implants are often a popular choice for people who have only one or two teeth missing, but they can be an alternative to dentures if you have several missing teeth. As long as your gums and jaw are healthy, two or more implants can serve as a base of support for several replacement teeth.

The Benefits of Electric Toothbrush vs. Manual

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Benefits of an Electric Toothbrush

The world of electric toothbrushes can sound complicated. But if you're looking for the best-and easiest-way to take care of your teeth, it's worth researching. Why? Because-unlike a manual brush-an electric brush does the work for you.

What are the Benefits of An Electric Toothbrush?

Simply stated, rechargeable electric toothbrushes (or "power" toothbrushes) provide superior plaque removal to regular manual toothbrushes. And because they provide the brushing action for you, many people find using power toothbrushes easier than using regular manual ones. Additionally, with so many different types and features available, it's easy to find one that suits your specific oral health needs.

Superior Plaque Removal
According to a 2005 independent study, "Brushes that worked with a rotation oscillation action removed more plaque and reduced gingivitis more effectively than manual brushes in the short and long term... No other powered brush designs were consistently superior..." * Oral-B pioneered this oscillating, pulsating and cupping power technology in 1991 and has incorporated it into its premium power toothbrush range ever since.

Ease of Use
Whereas you have to move a regular manual toothbrush back and forth along your teeth, electric toothbrushes provide the cleaning action for you. That means you need only guide it along the surfaces of your teeth. Once they get the hang of it, many people find this method of brushing easier. Likewise, people with arthritis or other similar conditions may find using an electric toothbrush less painful. Electric toothbrushes may also help kids brush their teeth more effectively, but be sure to check the age recommendations on an electric toothbrush before letting your child use it.

Technology and Features
Generally rich in technology and features, some electric toothbrushes can even enable you to improve your brushing habits. And most come with convenient features like a brush head or toothbrush holder, bathroom counter storage units and travel toothbrush chargers. Hi-tech features may include:

• Numerous brushing modes specialized for sensitive teeth, whitening benefits or gum-massaging action
• Pressure sensors to signal when you’re brushing too hard
• Timers to help you keep track of how long you’re brushing each quadrant of your mouth
• Digital reminders to replace your brush head
• Oscillating/pulsating and cupping, oscillating/rotating or sonic technology
• Multiple brush head compatibility so you can choose which kind of bristle design you prefer

Dry Mouth: Causes, Remedies, and Treatment

Dry Mouth: Causes, Remedies, and Treatments

Dry Mouth Causes
Issues Related to Dry Mouth
Dry Mouth Symptoms
Do I Have Dry Mouth?
Dry Mouth Remedies and Treatments

Dry mouth is a daily problem that makes you feel uncomfortable while you swallow, eat or speak. It is a condition in which you do not produce enough saliva (spit) to keep your mouth feeling wet. Your physician or nurse do not always talk about dry mouth as a side effect when they give you a prescription for medicine, but dry mouth can be caused by the medicine you take. Whatever you do, don't stop taking your medicine but mention dry mouth to your nurse as soon as you can. Dry mouth can also be a sign of diseases and other conditions like diabetes - so make sure you tell your nurse or dental professional about dry mouth if it becomes a problem for you.

Dry Mouth Causes

Stress and anxiety can contribute to dry mouth, as can the medications you might take for them. It is important to communicate with your dental professional about issues concerning your overall health because anything that increases your risk for dry mouth also increases your risk for gum disease. Your dental professional may advise you to pay special attention to your daily oral care routine, and to schedule an additional dental cleaning during a time of increased risk, such as during pregnancy or before starting chemotherapy.

If you suddenly experience symptoms of dry mouth, it may be because you’ve started taking a certain type of medication. Medications are a major cause of dry mouth. In fact, medications cause approximately 90 percent of all cases of dry mouth, according to the Academy of General Dentistry. You may not be able to discontinue your medication, but you should keep your dentist informed when something in your overall health changes and you start taking medication. For example, antidepressants, antihistamines, anti-inflammatories and anti-hypertensive medications are just some of the many types of drugs that can contribute to a dry mouth. In addition, chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, kidney disease, or lupus and medical treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy, can also cause it.

If your dry mouth is persistent and severe, talk to your doctor about whether you can reduce the dose of the medication that is causing the problem, or possibly switch to a different medication. Everyone responds differently to medications, so switching to another drug that serves the same purpose may yield the same benefits with less dry mouth.

Medical Issues Related to Dry Mouth

Most of us don’t think about the moisture in our mouths until our mouths become dry. A variety of conditions can cause dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, including the following:

• Cancer treatments: If you have any type of cancer of the head or neck and you receive radiation therapy, dry mouth is a common side effect because the radiation damages the salivary glands in addition to destroying the cancer. Some medications used to treat cancer in any part of the body can also cause dry mouth.
• Prescription medications: Hundreds of common medications, including many antidepressants and medications for high blood pressure, can contribute to a dry mouth. If you take medications that seem to make your mouth feel dry, be especially vigilant about tooth brushing and proper flossing.
• Nerve damage: Some types of injuries to the head or neck can damage the specific nerves that tell the salivary glands to produce saliva.
• Chronic illness: Diabetes, HIV/AIDS, and Parkinson’s disease are among the diseases that can contribute to a chronic dry mouth. Some older people suffer from Sjogren’s Syndrome, an autoimmune disease characterized by extremely dry eyes and a dry mouth. Sjogren’s occurs in older adults and is more common in women than in men. The exact cause remains unclear, but if you or someone you know develops Sjogren’s, paying attention to dry mouth is extremely important. Even someone with a long life history of dental hygiene can develop tooth decay simply because of the excessive lack of saliva that accompanies this condition.
• Drug use: Methamphetamines have been associated with dry mouth.

Dry Mouth Symptoms

Does your mouth feel dry and sticky when you first wake up in the morning? Do you feel the urge to drink lots of water? Dry mouth can make it hard for you to swallow, chew your food or speak clearly. With a dry mouth your teeth can decay very quickly, and sometimes there are no warning signs for this condition. Untreated dry mouth can also contribute to bad breath, and sometimes others will notice the stale odor.

• Dry or sticky feeling in the mouth like your mouth is stuffed with cotton balls.
• Burning feeling in mouth or tongue and sometimes tongue feels like shoe leather.
• Difficulty or discomfort when chewing, swallowing or speaking.
• Dry lips and throat or mouth sores.

Do I Have Dry Mouth?

If you think you may have dry mouth but are unsure, ask yourself the following questions.

1. Are you taking one or more prescription drugs on a daily basis?
2. Does your mouth feel sticky and dry when you wake up in the morning?
3. Do you have difficulty swallowing or speaking?
4. Do you sip a lot of water to keep your mouth from feeling dry?
5. Does your throat feel dry and does your mouth sometimes burn?
6. Does your tongue burn or has it changed to a darker red color?
7. Does your tongue sometimes feel as dry as shoe leather?
8. Do you sometimes get mouth or tongue sores that will not go away?

If you responded “yes” to one or more questions, talk to your physician and visit your dental professional for information on what you can do to help alleviate the problem.

Dry Mouth Remedies and Treatments

• Sip room-temperature water throughout the day and night and carry a water bottle with you at all times.
• Avoid drinking lots of water at an extreme temperature (very hot or very cold).
• Only drink sugarless drinks and avoid carbonated beverages.
• Include a beverage like water during meals. Drink water before, during and after the meal.
• Chew sugarless gum or suck on sugarless candy to stimulate salivary flow.
• Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol. Both alcoholic beverages and smoking dry out the mouth and make you more susceptible to gum diseases and oral cancer. Select an alcohol-free mouth rinse if you’re in the habit of using a mouthwash. Read the label and make sure alcohol is not listed as an ingredient.
• Select an alcohol-free mouth rinse if you’re in the habit of using a mouthwash. Read the label and make sure alcohol is not listed as an ingredient.

Can Gummy Vitamins Harm Your Child's Teeth?

Can Gummy Vitamins Harm Your Child's Teeth?

Kids hate vitamins – we know. That’s why if you ask parents, gummy vitamins will rank as one of the best kid inventions of all time. Kids love ‘em! Kids want more of ‘em! Kids steal them and bring them to school! Wait. What? Yes. Gummy vitamins are a fantastic way to get your kids into the habit of healthy supplementation. Unfortunately, being sticky as all get-out (and enjoyably sweet), they come with a few side notes from us dental-folk. We’ve got a few suggestions that’ll help you administer these tasty health bombs so your kids reap the benefits while minimizing the negatives.|

Unfortunately, there isn’t a lot of info out there from reputable sources on gummy vitamins. Most articles you’ll find online will suggest they should be avoided, and many tend to mock the little guys. The truth, as with much in life lies in the middle. Your kids aren’t going to rot their teeth away just because they get their vitamins in the form of a chewy gummy bear. In fact, “no research" has been published evaluating whether gummy vitamins are any worse for the teeth than chalky chewables in healthy children. “

That said, there are a few things you can do to limit the sticky nature of your kids most favorite “good for them” treat.

1. Give vitamin during mealtime or even before eating so that the other food they eat can help scrape the teeth free from the sugar.
2. Don’t give gummy vitamin AFTER tooth brushing because, well … that sorta’ defeats the purpose of tooth brushing, doesn’t it? ;-)
3. Choose regular-flavored gummies over sour gummies – the added citric acid is definitely not an additive worth adding to your kids’ regimen.
4. Limit the other sticky foods your child eats. It’s not all about the gummy vitamin.
5. Visit the dentist regularly and practice good oral hygiene.
6. If your child eats a variety of fresh foods anyway, feel free to skip the vitamins.

Simple, right!? The bottom line is, everything else you do to keep your family healthy is 99% of the battle. So, keep doing that. And if the only way you can get your little ones to take their vitamins is to get it in the form of a gummy bear, don’t fret. Just be sure they’re not leaving that sticky stuff on their teeth all day!