Dental Hygiene Month - Chew!

Can Chewing Gum Really Help Prevent Cavities?

Chewing gum can be fun, but did you know that it can also help you with your oral care? Studies have shown that chewing sugarless gum for twenty minutes after eating can reduce the risk of tooth decay. 

How Does It Work? 

Bacteria form on your teeth, and the longer they are there the more likely they are to secrete an acid. This acid is what causes cavities and tooth decay. Brushing and flossing is one way to rid these bacteria from your mouth, but there is another way too — saliva. 

Saliva is capable of washing away food remnants and other debris that are in your mouth, thereby neutralizing acids to help prevent erosion of tooth enamel and getting rid of bacteria that cause tooth decay. Your saliva also contains nutrients such as calcium, fluoride and phosphates; these nutrients work together to strengthen tooth enamel. 

The best way to increase the flow of saliva in your mouth is by chewing, which is where the gum comes in. With each bite your mouth will produce more saliva, and the more saliva there is the more debris and bacteria that will get pushed out of your mouth. 

Look For the ADA Seal 

Don't reach for your nearest packet of bubble gum thinking it will keep cavities at bay. You want to make sure the gum you pick is sugar free. Sugar is one of the leading causes of tooth decay, so chewing sugary gum would be counterproductive.

The easiest way to pick a gum that's not going to end up causing you more problems than it solves is to look for the American Dental Association seal on the package. The ADA tests gum to make sure that it is good for gums and prevents plaque acids from building up. The organization only approves gums that contain Xylitol, a natural sweetener, rather than sugar.

Gums that don't have the ADA seal aren't as effective. Be sure to ask your family dentist if you are unsure about a gum's quality. Most dentists have a few brands of their own that they know work well for oral hygiene.

Keep Brushing

Remember that gum isn't a substitute for brushing and flossing. There are some bacteria that gum can't take out, especially when it settles in between the teeth. It is important to continue brushing twice per day with fluoride toothpaste and to use floss and mouthwash for those hard to reach areas. Use gum along with your daily routine to keep your mouth clean and acid free.

If you have any questions about your hygiene then consult your dentist. It's good to take an active role in your oral hygiene to prevent long term problems. 

Dental Hygiene Month - Flossing!

For National Hygiene Month, this week we are going to highlight one of the most encouraged hygiene advice by dental hygienists but perhaps the least followed of the hygiene practices: flossing! 

Flossing for Optimal Dental Health

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends flossing at least once daily for optimal dental health. That is the minimum. The best practice is to floss every time right before brushing teeth.

Who should floss?

With the help of a parent, every child over the age of 2 years old should floss. Everyone else should floss, too. Flossing removes food particles stuck between teeth, but more important, it removes plaque. Plaque develops on the surface of the teeth in places where a toothbrush cannot reach. Removal of plaque is the main reason for flossing.

What is plaque?

Plaque is a substance that sticks to teeth, creating an environment where bacteria love to grow. At first it is soft, but in about two days, it begins to harden. By 10 days, it turns into a very tough substance called tartar. Tartar is difficult to remove and provides the perfect breeding area for bacteria. Tartar is best removed by a professional dental cleaning.

Plaque + Tartar = Gum Disease and More Cavities

Bacteria between the teeth and under the gum line can lead to gingivitis, or gum disease. Bacteria are what cause caries, also known as cavities. When bacteria invade a healthy tooth, they attack the inner, softer part, making a hole (a cavity) in the tooth. Left untreated, the bacteria continue to eat away at the inner part of the tooth all the way down to the root and beyond until the tooth is essentially destroyed. When the root becomes infected, this is very painful.

How to floss?

Pull 18 to 24 inches of dental floss from the floss dispenser. Wrap the ends of the floss around your middle fingers wrapping the majority of the floss on your left hand finger. Hold the floss tightly around each tooth in a C shape; move the floss back and forth in a push-pull motion and up and down against the side of each tooth. Unwrap the floss from your left finger onto your right finger so there is a new, clean area of floss for the next tooth.



When is the best time to floss?

Many people floss three times per day. They will have the best results. Daily flossing is essential. Studies by the ADA show that elementary-school-age children who had a professional flossing — the kind a parent could also do — once each day, at school, had a 40 percent reduction in cavities. This is an amazing difference — close to half of cavities prevented!

Tips:

• Keep some extra floss or floss picks in your purse or at your desk in your office to use after lunch.
• Set an alert on your phone to remind you to floss.
• Pair flossing with another activity. For example, some people brush their teeth in the shower. Put your floss in there too!
• If flossing just seems too hard, get floss picks. They are at almost every grocery store and pharmacy. They are easy to use and handy to keep in your purse or wallet.
• See your progress! Floss regularly for a while and you will be able to see how healthy your gums get. This should be motivation enough to keep up the habit!

If you have any questions, or would like extra advice, give us a call at 281-646-8888 or schedule an appointment with your hygienist!

Happy Flossing!

Dental Hygiene Month - Brushing!

Happy National Dental Hygiene Month!

This week, we are going to focus on proper brushing techniques.

The ADA recommends brushing your teeth twice a day, for two minutes, with a soft-bristled brush. The size and shape of the brush should fit the mouth allowing you to reach all areas easily.

The proper brushing technique is to:

1. Place your toothbrush at a 45 degree angle to the gums.
2. Gently move the brush in a circular motion in short (tooth wide) strokes.
3. Brush the outer surfaces, the inner surfaces, and the chewing surfaces of the teeth
4. To clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth, tilt the brush vertically and brush with up and down strokes.
5. Don't forget to brush your tongue to remove bacteria and keep your breath fresh!

We recommend a electric toothbrush for optimal results. Not only does it make your job easier by doing most of the work for you, most brands turn off when you press too hard. Pressing too hard can cause gum recession and lead to tooth sensitivity and expensive gum treatments.

Tips:

• Set a timer and make sure you use a full 2 minutes to clean your teeth thoroughly.
• Keep a spare toothbrush and travel toothpaste in your bag or briefcase just in case you forget to brush or end up taking an impromptu trip! (the free toothbrush and toothpaste you get at your dental cleaning would be perfect!)
• Don't neglect your gums! Plaque tends to build up between the tooth and the gums and if left there can cause tooth decay and gum disease.
• Invest in an electric toothbrush! Many people find that is worth it. You can find quality electric toothbrushes for as little as $20 to $120 depending on the features you desire. They come with their own timer, some connect to blue-tooth to map your progress on your phone, and some even light up when you are pressing too hard.

Ask your hygienist to give you feedback on your specific needs at your next dental cleaning. If you do not have a routine cleaning and exam on your calendar, give us a call at (281)646-8888!

Check back next week for flossing strategies and tips!