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Maintaining good oral health is not just about a sparkling smile; it’s essential for your overall well-being. A healthy dental routine can prevent various dental problems and contribute to your overall health. 

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore 5 simple tips to revamp your dental routine and help you achieve that perfect, confident smile.

1. Brush Like a Pro

While most people know the importance of brushing, there are advanced techniques that can take your dental routine to the next level:

1. Brush with an Electric Toothbrush: Consider investing in an electric toothbrush with oscillating or sonic technology. These toothbrushes provide more thorough cleaning, and their built-in timers ensure you brush for the recommended two minutes.
2. The Two-Minute Rule: Speaking of two minutes, make sure you brush your teeth for this duration to remove plaque effectively. You might even consider using a timer to ensure you don’t cut it short.
3. Don’t Rinse Right Away: After brushing, don’t rinse your mouth immediately. Instead, spit out the toothpaste and let the remaining fluoride sit on your teeth. This can strengthen your enamel.

2. Mastering Flossing

Flossing is more than just a simple up-and-down motion. Here are some advanced flossing techniques:

1. Use Dental Tape: Dental tape is wider and flatter than traditional floss. It’s excellent for people with wider gaps between their teeth. Slide it gently between your teeth and follow the ‘C’ shape technique.
2. Water Flossers: Consider investing in a water flosser, also known as an oral irrigator. These devices use a stream of water to remove plaque and food particles. They’re especially useful if you have braces.
3. Interdental Brushes: Interdental brushes are small, cone-shaped brushes designed to fit between teeth. They’re great for cleaning hard-to-reach spaces.

3. Harness the Power of Fluoride Mouthwash

Fluoride mouthwash can be a game-changer in your dental routine. Here’s how to make the most of it:

1. Choose a High-Quality Fluoride Mouthwash: Opt for a fluoride mouthwash that carries the endorsement of dental associations. Fluoride is a mineral that fortifies your tooth enamel and plays a pivotal role in thwarting tooth decay. Look for a brand that contains fluoride as a primary ingredient.
2. Swish and Gargle with Precision: Pour a small amount of fluoride mouthwash into a cup, following the dosage instructions on the label. Swish it around in your mouth for about 30 seconds. Make sure to reach all the nooks and crannies in your mouth, including the spaces between your teeth. Gargle for an additional 30 seconds, ensuring that the mouthwash coats your throat and the back of your mouth.
3. No Eating or Drinking After Use: To reap the full benefits, avoid eating or drinking for at least 30 minutes after using fluoride mouthwash. This time frame allows the fluoride to interact with your teeth effectively, reinforcing their defenses.

Incorporating fluoride mouthwash into your daily dental regimen can significantly contribute to maintaining robust dental health and protecting your precious smile.

4. Overcome Teeth Grinding

Many people grind their teeth, often during sleep, which can lead to dental problems. Here’s how to combat this issue:

1. Night Guards: Consider getting a custom-fitted night guard from your dentist. It acts as a barrier between your upper and lower teeth, preventing damage from grinding.
2. Stress Management: Teeth grinding is often associated with stress. Practicing relaxation techniques and managing stress can reduce the frequency of teeth grinding.

5. Focus on Tongue Cleaning

While many people overlook tongue cleaning, it’s essential for maintaining fresh breath and oral health:

1. Use a Tongue Scraper: Invest in a tongue scraper to remove the buildup of bacteria and debris on your tongue. Start from the back and gently move forward.
2. Don’t Forget the Back: The back of your tongue is where most of the bacteria accumulate. Pay extra attention to this area during cleaning.

Conclusion

Your dental routine is crucial for your overall health and well-being. By implementing these advanced tips, you can take your oral care to a higher level and enjoy a bright, healthy smile. Remember, consistency and the right techniques are key when it comes to oral health. 

Make these advanced tips a part of your daily routine to achieve and maintain that perfect, confident smile you’ve always wanted.

For personalized dental care and expert guidance, call Dr. Fred Blum & Associates at 585-461-1670 to schedule an appointment. Our experienced team is here to help you achieve the best oral health and the radiant smile you deserve.

As we journey through life, our bodies undergo various changes, and oral health is no exception. Seniors, in particular, often face unique challenges when it comes to maintaining optimal oral health. While aging is a natural process, taking care of your teeth and gums remains essential for a comfortable and enjoyable life.

In this article, we’ll delve into valuable dental care tips tailored to seniors, addressing specific concerns and considerations that arise with age.

Introduction

Aging is a beautiful journey marked by wisdom and experiences, but it’s also a phase that demands extra attention to certain aspects of our health. Oral health is not to be overlooked, as it significantly contributes to our overall well-being. In the following sections, we will explore the changes that occur in oral health as we age and provide actionable tips to ensure that seniors can maintain vibrant smiles and comfortable lives.

Understanding Oral Health Changes with Age

As the years pass, our bodies undergo transformations, and oral health is no exception. Seniors may experience a range of oral health changes, including:

• Tooth Sensitivity: Receding gums can lead to increased tooth sensitivity, making hot or cold foods and beverages uncomfortable.
• Gum Disease: Older adults are at a higher risk of gum disease, which can lead to serious health issues if left untreated.
• Dry Mouth: Reduced saliva production can result in dry mouth, increasing the risk of cavities and discomfort.

Daily Dental Care Routine for Seniors

Maintaining a consistent daily dental care routine is paramount for seniors. Here are some steps to follow:

• Brush Gently: Use a soft-bristle toothbrush to brush your teeth and gums gently. Aim for at least two minutes of brushing twice a day.
• Floss Regularly: Flossing helps remove food particles and plaque between teeth, preventing cavities and gum disease.
• Stay Hydrated: Sip water throughout the day to combat dry mouth and promote saliva production.
• Choose Tooth-Friendly Foods: Opt for a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and dairy products for strong teeth and gums.

Importance of Regular Dental Check-ups

Routine dental check-ups are crucial for seniors. Regular visits to the dentist can:

• Detect Issues Early: Dentists can identify and address dental problems before they escalate.
• Professional Cleaning: Dental cleanings remove plaque and tartar buildup that regular brushing might miss.
• Oral Cancer Screening: Dentists can perform oral cancer screenings, increasing the chances of early detection.

Addressing Common Senior Dental Issues

5.1 Gum Disease and Its Prevention

Gum disease is a prevalent concern among seniors. To prevent gum disease:

• Brush and Floss: Maintain a consistent oral hygiene routine to keep plaque at bay.
• Use Antiseptic Mouthwash: An antiseptic mouthwash can help reduce bacteria in the mouth.
• Regular Dental Visits: Schedule frequent dental check-ups to monitor gum health.

5.2 Tooth Sensitivity and Management

Dealing with tooth sensitivity? Try these tips:

• Desensitizing Toothpaste: Use toothpaste specially designed for sensitive teeth.
• Avoid Acidic Foods: Minimize consumption of acidic foods and beverages.
• Soft Toothbrush: Opt for a soft toothbrush to prevent enamel wear.

5.3 Dry Mouth: Causes and Remedies

Combat dry mouth with these remedies:

• Stay Hydrated: Drink water regularly to keep your mouth moist.
• Chewing Sugar-Free Gum: Sugar-free gum can stimulate saliva production.
• Humidifier Use: Use a humidifier in your room to add moisture to the air.

Nutrition for Healthy Teeth and Gums

A balanced diet contributes to oral health:

• Calcium-Rich Foods: Dairy products, leafy greens, and almonds strengthen teeth.
• Vitamin C: Citrus fruits and bell peppers boost gum health.
• Water-Rich Foods: Water-rich foods like cucumbers and celery help clean teeth.

Dental Care for Seniors with Dentures

Proper care for dentures is vital:

• Daily Cleaning: Clean dentures daily to prevent stains and bacterial buildup.
• Remove at Night: Give your gums a rest by removing dentures at night.
• Regular Check-ups: Dentists can ensure that dentures fit well and address any issues.

Maintaining Good Oral Hygiene Habits

Consistency is key:

• Stay Disciplined: Stick to your daily oral hygiene routine.
• Replace Toothbrush: Change your toothbrush or toothbrush head every three to four months.
• Limit Sugary Snacks: Minimize sugary snacks that can lead to tooth decay.

The Connection Between Oral Health and Overall Wellbeing

Oral health and overall health are interconnected:

• Heart Health: Gum disease has been linked to heart problems.
• Diabetes Impact: Diabetes can affect gum health, and vice versa.
• Respiratory Concerns: Poor oral health can contribute to respiratory issues.

Practical Tips for Overcoming Dental Anxiety

Dental anxiety is common:

• Communicate: Talk to your dentist about your fears and concerns.
• Relaxation Techniques: Practice deep breathing or meditation before appointments.
• Bring Support: Take a friend or family member with you for moral support.

Incorporating Technology for Oral Health Management

Technology can aid in oral care:

• Electric Toothbrushes: These can be more effective in removing plaque.
• Water Flossers: Water flossers help clean between teeth and along the gumline.
• Dental Apps: Apps can remind you to brush, floss, and even schedule dental visits.

Promoting Healthy Aging Through Dental Self-Care

Prioritize your oral health:

• Lifestyle Choices: Avoid smoking and limit alcohol consumption.
• Stay Informed: Educate yourself about senior oral health and stay proactive in seeking information and updates.
• Mind Your Medications: Some medications can affect oral health. Discuss potential side effects with your healthcare provider.
• Stay Social: Engage in social activities to reduce stress, which can impact oral health.

Conclusion

Aging is a journey that brings with it a wealth of experiences and wisdom. Just as we care for our bodies and minds, nurturing our oral health is an essential component of healthy aging. By following these dental care tips and embracing good oral hygiene habits, seniors can enjoy vibrant smiles, comfortable lives, and overall well-being. Remember, a healthy mouth contributes to a healthy life, so make dental care a priority on your journey toward graceful aging.

FAQs About Senior Dental Care

13.1 Can poor oral health affect the overall health of seniors?

Yes, poor oral health has been linked to various health conditions in seniors, including heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory issues. Taking care of your oral health can positively impact your overall well-being.

13.2 What can seniors do to prevent gum disease?

Seniors can prevent gum disease by maintaining good oral hygiene practices, such as regular brushing, flossing, and using an antiseptic mouthwash. Regular dental check-ups are also essential for monitoring gum health.

13.3 How often should seniors visit the dentist?

Seniors should aim for dental check-ups every six months or as recommended by their dentist. Regular visits allow for early detection and treatment of any oral health issues.

13.4 Are there special considerations for brushing dentures?

Yes, denture wearers should brush their dentures daily to prevent stains and bacterial buildup. It’s also important to remove dentures at night to give your gums a rest and ensure proper oral hygiene.

13.5 Is it normal for seniors to experience dry mouth?

Yes, dry mouth is a common issue among seniors and can be caused by various factors, including medication side effects. Drinking water regularly, chewing sugar-free gum, and using a humidifier can help alleviate dry mouth symptoms.

In conclusion, maintaining optimal oral health is crucial for seniors as they navigate the path of aging. By implementing these dental care tips and fostering good oral hygiene practices, seniors can enjoy the benefits of a healthy smile and enhanced overall well-being. Remember, age is just a number, and with the right care, your smile can continue to radiate positivity and confidence throughout your golden years.

It is common knowledge that sugar causes tooth decay. Sugar on its own is not the enemy, but it is what happens in our mouth after we consume too much sugar?

What Happens When We Consume Sugar?

Your mouth alone is a home to 700 different species of bacteria. Some are beneficial to your oral health, while others are harmful.

The harmful bacteria produces acid when they encounter and digest sugar. This acid will strip minerals from your tooth enamel.

Weakened tooth enamel will cause tooth sensitivity, discoloration, cavities, and will make your teeth more prone to chips and breaks. 

Sugar also lowers your mouth’s pH, making it more acidic. When the pH in your mouth drops below 5.5 the acidity begins to dissolve the beneficial minerals and destroy the tooth’s enamel. 

This causes small holes or erosions in your teeth, which over time will lead to cavities. 

Your Mouth is a Natural Defense System Against Sugar

Your saliva plays a crucial role in the natural remineralization process which helps to restore and strengthen your teeth. It contains essential minerals like phosphates and calcium, which continuously help to protect your teeth.

Fluoride also helps to repair damaged and weak tooth enamel. 

The bad news is that if you’re eating a lot of starches and sweets every day, there’s only so much the remineralization process can do to prevent the effect sugar has on your teeth. 

It’s crucial that you do your part by limiting how much sugar you consume, so your mouth can do its natural job of repairing the damage and maintaining healthy teeth. 

Don’t Let the Hidden Sugar Fool You

Sugar is sugar no matter what name the food manufacturers use on the label. 

Limit the consumption of natural sugars such as:

• Honey 
• Maple Syrup
• Molasses

While also avoiding the hidden offenders:

• Corn syrup
• Fructose
• Carob powder
• Evaporated cane juice
• Maltose
• Dextrose
• High-fructose corn syrup

No matter what form sugar comes in, too much of it will cause cavities. The best thing you can do for your health is to learn why too much sugar is bad for your teeth, and make healthy choices that prioritize both your oral health, and your overall health. 

What is Tooth Enamel

Tooth enamel is the thin, outer layer of your tooth. Its main purpose is to protect your teeth against tooth decay. Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in your body (even stronger than bone)

Despite its strength, foods and drink as well as plaque and bacteria in your mouth can discolor, weaken and destroy tooth enamel. And once your enamel is gone, it is gone for good. 

What Causes Damage to Tooth Enamel

The main causes of tooth enamel damage are acids found in the acidic foods and liquids you consume:

• Sugary and sticky foods, such as ice cream, candy, and caramel
• Highly acidic foods, such as citrus fruits and berries
• Juices and fruit drinks
• Sodas
• Starchy foods, such as white breads

Aside from acidic foods and drinks, there are also other contributing factors to tooth enamel damage:

• Teeth grinding
• Chronic acid reflux
• Regular use of certain medications, especially antihistamines and aspirin
• Eating disorders like bulimia, which disrupts the digestive system and exposes teeth to stomach acid

What Are the Symptoms of Tooth Enamel Loss?

Tooth enamel damage often shows up as hollows in the teeth and a general wearing away of the tooth surface resulting in the exposure of the dentine underneath. If your teeth start losing enamel, you might notice:

• Pain, especially when eating hot, cold, or sweet foods or drinks
• Rough or uneven edges on the teeth, making them more prone to cracking and breakage
• Yellowing of the teeth

How Can You Protect Your Tooth Enamel?

Once your tooth enamel is damaged, it can’t be replaced. Good dental care is the best way to keep your mouth healthy. Follow these steps to prevent your tooth enamel:

• Floss regularly to remove plaque from the areas between your teeth where your toothbrush can’t reach
• Use fluoride rinse regularly
• Drink acidic beverages through a straw to help push the liquid to the back of your mouth, and away from your teeth.
• Drink water to rinse away dietary acids
• Wait at least 30 minutes to brush your teeth after acidic foods or drinks. They soften the enamel and make it more prone to damage from your toothbrush
• Brush your teeth with a soft-bristle toothbrush to reduce enamel wear

Partner with Your Dentist to Prevent Tooth Enamel Loss

One of the best ways to ensure that you protect your teeth’s enamel is to partner with your dentist. Your dentist can detect any enamel erosion and offer advice on how to prevent it. 

Additionally to using a fluoride toothpaste, your dentist may suggest you use a fluoride mouthwash. 

If an affected tooth does need treatment, your dentist might suggest bonding a filling onto the tooth. In more severe cases you might need a crown. 

If you haven’t seen your dentist for a while, book an appointment today.

Do you grind your teeth or clench your jaw at night? If so you might need a Night Guard. Many patients who suffer from a condition called Sleep Bruxism benefit from wearing a Night Guard.

Bruxism is defined as the involuntary clenching and grinding of the teeth. This can happen due to stress, anxiety, frustration or tension. It can also be a coping strategy or a habit during deep concentration.

Sleep bruxism, (forceful grinding of teeth) happens while a person is asleep. Although sleep bruxism is most common in children, adolescents, and young adults, it can affect people of any age.

Can a Night Guard Help with Teeth Grinding

Most cases of Bruxism can easily be treated by wearing a night guard while you sleep. Night guards are also known as dental guards or mouth guards.

A night guard puts a soft barrier between your teeth. When you clench your jaw, or grind your teeth, the night guard helps to lighten the tension and give cushion to the muscles in the jaw. 

Night guards not only help to prevent face and jaw pain, but also protect the enamel of your teeth. 

Should You See your Dentist About Teeth Grinding?

If you experience pain in your jaw or neck from grinding your teeth, chronic headaches or you suffer from TMJ (temperomandibular joint disorder), your dentist might be able to help. 

A dentist can identify if your teeth grinding occurs alongside other conditions, such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which may require further testing or treatment.

Although there is no cure to completely stop teeth grinding, a mouth guard can significantly decrease the impact on your teeth, as well as help to relieve the symptoms of bruxism. 

If you experience any of the symptoms associated with sleep bruxism, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with Dr.Blum. 

One in Eight Adults Have Sensitive Teeth

According to the Academy of General Dentistry, that’s 40 million adults in the United States suffering from sensitive teeth. Tooth sensitivity is painful, like a stabbing sensation from the tooth into the gums and jaw, and is usually associated with cold foods or drinks, but some also feel pain from hot, acidic, or sweet foods and drinks.  

What is Causing Your Teeth Sensitivity?

If you are experiencing teeth sensitivity, it could come from one or a mix of many factors. These include:

• Inflamed and/or receding gums from periodontal disease, gingivitis, and damage from smoking.
• Repeated exposure to acidic substances, like acidic drinks and overuse of mouthwash.  
• Structural damage to the teeth caused by scraping and grinding.  
• Worn-down enamel from brushing too hard and/or using a toothbrush with stiff, hard, or sharp bristles.  

Anatomy of a Tooth

Tooth sensitivity is caused mainly by the deterioration of tooth enamel. Let’s take a look at the different parts of a tooth to understand why.

1. Enamel is the outermost layer that protects the rest of the tooth, made of hard calcium phosphate.
2. Dentin lies just under the enamel and is a firm tissue full of tiny passageways, like a stiff sponge. When the enamel is weakened, sensations like heat and cold can penetrate the tooth, and if the damage is bad enough, substances in the mouth can enter the dentin too.
3. Pulp is the heart of the tooth and is soft tissue full of blood vessels and nerves. We probably don’t have to tell you that it is extremely painful when compromised.  
4. Cementum is a thin layer of connective tissue that “cements” the tooth to the root.
5. The tooth’s root is the portion of bone that juts up from your jaw into the tooth and forms the base for the rest of the tooth. 

Home Remedies for Sensitive Teeth

If you suffer from sensitive teeth, the first thing you need to do is let your dentist know. Tell us about your habits and come in so that we can look at your mouth. While you’re at home, there are some things you can use to decrease sensitivity on the daily.  

• Desensitizing toothpaste.
• If you clench your jaw or grind your teeth while sleeping, try wearing a mouthguard to bed.
• There are dental treatments, such as enamel coatings, that cover and protect the tooth.  
• Saltwater or hydrogen peroxide rinses help cleanse your mouth and reduce irritation.
• Topically applied clove oil or capsaicin can reduce pain.
• Foods like garlic and turmeric have anti-inflammatory properties—and are delicious, even if garlic makes your breath a bit pungent.  

Preventing Teeth Sensitivity 

The old adage that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure holds true when it comes to sensitive teeth. Our recommendations:

• Brush your teeth and gums gently, and only use a soft-bristled brush. 
• Use fluoride mouthwash once or twice a day to protect your enamel.  
• Avoid too many sugary or acidic foods and drinks and clean your teeth afterward.  
• See your dentist regularly.  

We can identify problems before they become disasters, and problems that cause tooth sensitivity need to be addressed before they get worse. Protecting the structural integrity of your teeth and gums is essential for good oral health, which influences your overall physical health and quality of life.  

If you are experiencing food sensitivity, schedule an appointment with Dr. Blum so we can properly diagnose the root cause, and discuss treatment. There are many different treatment options available to ease your discomfort, and help you feel your best.

At Dr. Blum’s & Associates, we are here for you and your family! If you are staying closer to home and not venturing out quite yet, there are some simple things you can do to maintain your dental health until you’re ready to make your next appointment. 

With so many of us working from home today our normal routine ends up on the back burner. We put appointments off that we know we should schedule. One thing gets piled on top of another and it all just seems like too much!

Here’s the good news…There are simple things you can do to ensure that you are taking care of your teeth until you can get to your dentist. 

• Brush your teeth at least twice a day using fluoride toothpaste. If you indulge in something sugary or gooey, brush after. Always choose a soft toothbrush and be gentle, don’t scrub. Remember to brush your tongue too. 
• Change your toothbrush at least every 3 months. If you’ve been sick, change it once you begin to feel better.   
• Floss at least once a day, twice is better! Remember that flossing is not only to remove any food from between your teeth but more importantly to polish those surfaces. Plaque and tartar don’t like a smooth, slick surface.
• Try to limit your consumption of sugary drinks like soda and juice. Sugar and acid can wear away at your tooth enamel. 
• Eat a balanced diet with lots of fruits and vegetables. Healthy snacks are best, try to set an example for your kids. 
• Remember to hydrate. Water is important for your entire body and also cleanses the surfaces of your teeth. 
• Don’t smoke or try to smoke less. Smoking reduces your blood flow. It stains your teeth, inflames your gums, and causes cancer. 

Here’s something to think about…in the world, we’re living in today, where we feel like we don’t have control over much of anything, isn’t it nice to know that YOU CAN control your oral health?

Habits that Harm Your Teeth & How to Break Them in the New Year

Bad Oral Habits = Bad Oral Health

We all have bad habits.  Maybe you’re not good at texting people back, or you crack your knuckles, or watch too much reality TV.  We get it, but bad oral habits are dangerous. It’s easy to forget to make good oral habits, but we’re here to help.  Even if you don’t think you have bad habits that are harmful to your teeth, keep reading.

Once you’ve grown your adult teeth, that’s the only set you get, and we’d like to help you keep those teeth in good shape forever.  Today, we’d like to show you three habits you should break now for a healthier 2020 and beyond.   

Cut the Carbs and Sugar

Sugar is the enemy of healthy teeth.  When it comes to sugar affecting your teeth, you might immediately think of soda, but it’s not the only thing that contains sugar.  Carbohydrates in food get broken down into sugar, even the carbs found in fruits and vegetables. Don’t stop eating your fruits and vegetables, just watch out for sugars that linger on your teeth.  

Sugars and artificial sweeteners, especially in drinks, are often accompanied by citric and phosphoric acids.  These eat away at your teeth, making them weaker.  

• Drink water during and after meals to rinse sugars and acids off your teeth.  
• Do the same when consuming sugary or acidic drinks like soda (including diet soda), coffee, and wine.  
• To strengthen your teeth against acid, use a fluoride rinse daily.  

DON’T Grind Your Teeth or Your Gears

Bruxism (clenching or grinding your teeth) is a destructive habit that many of us don’t realize we have.  To be fair, it often happens in our sleep when we can’t help it.  

Clenching your teeth, especially the edges of your incisors and canines, damages the structural integrity of your teeth and can cause pain in the mouth, jaw, face, and head.  

Your teeth should touch as little as possible.  Here are a few tips:

• Try a mouth guard for nighttime to protect your teeth, jawbones, and facial muscles.
• Don’t use your teeth as tools!  Don’t use them to break, open, or scrape things.  Not only does it weaken, chip, or even break your teeth, but it introduces bacteria.
• Don’t be hard on your teeth while eating.  Be careful if you like to chew ice, and don’t chomp down on bones.  

Make Friends with Dental Floss

We talk a lot about flossing because it’s so overlooked and underappreciated.  Brushing gets all the attention, but flossing is even more important than brushing.  Not flossing is a major cause of decay and bone loss, and it’s a bad habit harmful to your teeth.  

The spaces between teeth and all-around your gumlines are where oral biofilm (plaque) collects, and plaque is what damages your teeth.  Brushing helps, but it doesn’t do enough.  

• You need to use dental floss to remove the biofilm by cleaning the sides of your teeth thoroughly and gently removing what has collected between your teeth and gums.  
• It might not look like you have anything between your teeth, and that’s part of the problem.  Plaque is all too often a hidden enemy.  
• We wash our bodies even when we don’t have any visible dirt, and we should do the same to our teeth and gums.  

And remember to schedule your routine teeth cleaning at least twice a year, or as often as your dentist recommends. 

Show Us Your Smile!

Make one of your New Year’s resolutions to break those bad habits that harm your teeth.  Call Dr. Blum and Associates today to make an appointment and learn how to put good oral health habits in place.  Clean, healthy teeth and gums are truly the gift that keeps on giving.

How to Keep Your Teeth Healthy During the Holidays

Healthy Teeth: The Gift That Keeps Giving

We love the holidays at Dr. Blum and Associates.  But what we don’t love is tooth decay or tooth pain!  When it’s beginning to look a lot like Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any holiday you celebrate, it often begins to look a lot like some holiday feasting is about to take place.  We have some tips for how to keep your teeth healthy during the holidays.  

Don’t Be on the Naughty List

We don’t mean you have to carry a toothbrush and toothpaste around in your pocket to have healthy teeth during the holidays.  You can enjoy everything the season has to offer without sacrificing your oral health. Here are a few foods and drinks to be aware of so that your smile can be both merry and healthy.  

These are some foods and drinks that affect your dental health during the holidays:

• Sugar!  While it is a good idea to watch your sugar intake in general, it is especially important for your teeth.  Bacteria love the sugar in pies, cakes, cookies, and all manner of treats. Don’t forget, the starches in foods like potatoes and bread contain sugar as well. Use a straw when it is available.
• Acidic drinks like coffee and wine, and acidic foods like cranberry sauce.  Acid wears down your enamel over time, weakening your teeth and making it easier for decay to set in.  A glass of tap water has fluoride to help your teeth. 
• Food that gets stuck between your teeth easily, like turkey.  Bacteria love to gather between our teeth and gums and feed on the food stuck there.  This contributes to many problems, like bad breath and painful gum inflammation. Flossing and rinsing with water after eating will alleviate this.
• Hard foods.  Don’t crack nuts with your teeth, and be careful of hard candies and brittles.  When it comes to tooth health, don’t give them a break.  You don’t want to have a dental emergency on your hands during the holidays.

Healthy Habits for Your Holiday Smile

You can still enjoy holiday treats by practicing a little preventive maintenance.  Here are some good strategies to protect your teeth and healthy smile:

• Frequently rinse your mouth with water.  Drinking plenty of water is good for you in general, and it’s a great way to keep your teeth healthy.  Water reduces the amount of sugar, acid, and other harmful substances coating your teeth, and aids in saliva production.
• Floss!  Meat, nuts, and sticky foods like caramel clog up the places between your teeth and around your gums.  Use floss to remove food debris and plaque from between the teeth, and carefully clean between the teeth and gums using a J-shaped motion.  
• Brush your tongue.  The tongue is often neglected during oral care, but bacteria collect there just as much as on our teeth and gums.  Gently brushing the tongue reduces bacteria, helps prevent disease, and freshens breath.  
• Be prepared.  Lots of people travel during the holidays, so make sure to bring a spare toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss in your travel bag. 

Good Oral Care: Always on the Nice List

In these winter holidays, maintain clean, strong teeth so that those you love can see your healthy smile.  As always, don’t forget to get your regular checkups and cleanings at Dr. Blum and Associates. Schedule yours in advance, whether you’re preparing for the holidays or cleaning up after them.  

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How to Keep Your Teeth Healthy

As grown-ups, we realize that our teeth require consistent care. Starting proper dental habits when children are very young translates into better oral health for life. Truth be told, the disregard of a kid’s teeth and general oral wellbeing can have genuine results that could last well into adulthood.

Here is a tip to make sure your kids are brushing correctly and taking care of their teeth as they grow. The American Dental Association’s recommendation is to stand behind your young children and have them look up at you in the mirror as brushing time daily. This causes the mouth to hang open more for better reach and allows them to emulate you to learn to brush properly.

It is also important to educate your children that certain kinds of foods and beverages can cause discoloring or decay. The ADA Healthline.com website suggests being careful and educated with the following:

Sour Candies

It’s not surprising that candy is bad for your mouth. But sour candy contains more and different kinds of acids that are tougher on your teeth. Plus, because they’re chewy, they stick to your teeth for a longer time, so they’re more likely to cause decay. If you’re craving sweets, grab a square of chocolate instead, which you can chew quickly and wash away easily.

Bread

Think twice as you walk down the supermarket bread aisle. When you chew bread, your saliva breaks down the starches into sugar. Now transformed into a gummy paste-like substance, the bread sticks to the crevices between teeth. And that can cause cavities. When you’re craving some carbs, aim for less-refined varieties like whole wheat. These contain less added sugars and aren’t as easily broken down.

Carbonated Drinks

We all know that little, if any, good comes from soda or pop, even if it’s got the word “diet” on the can. A recent study even found that drinking large quantities of carbonated soda could be as damaging to your teeth as using methamphetamine and crack cocaine. Carbonated sodas enable plaque to produce more acid to attack tooth enamel. So if you sip soda all day, you’re essentially coating your teeth in acid. Plus it dries out your mouth, meaning you have less saliva. And last but not least, dark-colored sodas can discolor or stain your teeth. A note: don’t brush your teeth immediately after drinking a soda; this could actually hasten decay.

Coffee

In their natural form, coffee and tea can be healthy beverage choices. Unfortunately, too many people can’t resist adding sugar. Caffeinated coffee and tea can also dry out your mouth. Frequent drinks of coffee and tea may also stain your teeth. If you do consume, make sure to drink plenty of water and try to keep the add-ons to a minimum.

Citrus

Oranges, grapefruits, and lemons are tasty as both fruits and juices and are packed with vitamin C. But their acid content can erode enamel, making teeth more vulnerable to decay. Even squeezing a lemon or lime into water adds acid to a drink. Plus, acid from citrus can be bothersome to mouth sores. If you want to get a dose of their antioxidants and vitamins, eat and drink them in moderation at mealtime and rinse with water afterwards.

Potato Chips

The crunch of a potato chip is eternally satisfying to many of us. Unfortunately, they’re loaded with starch, which becomes sugar that can get trapped in and between the teeth and feed the bacteria in the plaque. Since we rarely have just one, the acid production from the chips lingers and lasts awhile. After you’ve gorged on a bag, floss to remove the trapped particles.

Dried Fruits

You likely assume that dried fruits are a healthy snack. That may be true, but many dried fruits — apricots, prunes, figs, and raisins, to name a few — are sticky. They get stuck and cling in the teeth and their crevices, leaving behind lots of sugar. If you do like to eat dried fruits, make sure you rinse your mouth with water, and then brush and floss after. And because they’re less concentrated with sugar, it is a better choice to eat the fresh versions instead!

Sports Drinks

There’s no doubt a cold sports drink is refreshing after a good workout. But these drinks are usually high in sugar. Like soda or candy, sugary sports drinks create an acid attack on the enamel of your teeth. Drinking them frequently can lead to decay. A better way to for your kids to stay hydrated after sports or play is to chug sugar-free, calorie-free water.

Source: ADA Healthline.com and WebMD.com

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