by Roseman Dental | Nov 23, 2014 | Dental Clinic Blog, Oral Health, Roseman Dental - NV, Roseman Dental - UT
It may not seem like dental hygiene is a great health issue, but it is. While many acknowledge that sugar increases the risk of diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease, it is also a major factor in tooth decay. Because it has become such a concern, there has been a closer look into what types of food and drink are causing the most decay, and health advocates recommend limiting daily intake.
Plan to Improve Dental Health
Fluoride has been used and recommended by many dentists over the years to decrease the incidence of tooth decay, but it is not added to Utah water (like it is in other states), and therefore is not uniformly utilized in this area. Because decay results when oral bacteria and sugar combine, experts in dentistry have determined that sugar is a major concern in addition to fluoride, and are trying to educate patients about the importance of limiting sugar and implementing good oral hygiene.
Policy leaders in the United Kingdom are recommending that additional sugar should only supply five percent or less of total daily caloric intake, and the American Heart Association similarly recommends that added sugars account for less than 100 calories per day for women and 150 for men. The UK is also working on reducing the amount of sugar in drinks and processed foods, but since the same policies are not in place in the U.S. it’s important for consumers to monitor their own food intake and limit sugar accordingly.
What You Can Do
Obviously, cutting down on your sugar intake will help prevent cavities and tooth decay, but what exactly does that look like on a daily basis? Five percent is a very small amount when it comes down to it. For example, if you consume around 2,000 calories in a day, you would be limited to 100 calories of sugar. If you drink a glass of juice in the morning, you have already used up your sugar calorie allotment.
You may find it difficult to cut that much sugar out of your daily diet, but there are other things that you can do to help decrease sugar from mixing with the bacteria in your mouth. After eating or drinking something sweet, rinse your mouth out with water as quickly as possible to flush out the excess sugar. Also brush your teeth regularly, especially after consuming sweets.
Limiting sugar can have several health benefits for people, including reducing the risk of heart disease and diabetes, controlling weight, and also maintaining strong and healthy teeth.
by Roseman Dental | Nov 18, 2014 | Dental Clinic Blog, Oral Health, Roseman Dental - NV, Roseman Dental - UT
Many people suffer from periodontitis. This is an infection of the gums that damages the soft tissues and actually damages the bones supporting your teeth. As a result of this problem, people can lose teeth or have other problematic dental issues. Also, periodontitis is linked to several health problems including hearts disease and stroke. Is this problem common or uncommon?
Periodontitis Is Common
Periodontitis is actually pretty common. However, most people that have this problem could have prevented it with better oral hygiene habits. There are also certain factors that increase the risk of developing this condition:
- Heredity
- Tobacco use
- Old age
- Gingivitis
- Diabetes
- Decreased immunity
- Pregnancy
- Substance abuse
- Poor bite
Preventing Periodontitis
It is important to try to prevent this problem from happening – especially if you have an increased risk of developing the disease. In order to do so, you need to implement better oral hygiene habits. This entails brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, and some people that are highly at risk also brush after meals. In addition to daily brushing, flossing is important because it helps remove the plaque build up and minimize the bacteria in your mouth.
One of the best ways to prevent the problem is to visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and exams. During this time, your potential gum problems can also be treated before they develop into periodontitis.
Symptoms to Be Aware Of
Since periodontitis is common, it is important to recognize the symptoms of this problem. The following symptoms might indicate that you should seek the help of your dentist:
- Swollen gums
- Tenderness in the gums
- Red or purple gums
- Receding gums
- Pus between the gums and teeth
- Bad breath
- New space between your teeth
- Loose teeth
- Bite changes
- Weird taste in your mouth
Periodontitis has different levels of severity. If you think you have a problem, it is a good idea to work with your dentist to resolve it before it gets worse.
by Roseman Dental | Oct 21, 2014 | Dental Clinic Blog, Oral Health, Roseman Dental - NV, Roseman Dental - UT
Pregnancy causes a lot of changes to a woman’s body. One area to be concerned about during this exciting time is your oral health. Your baby will need nutrients, such as calcium, from your diet. It is also common from plaque to build up along the gums and teeth as a result of the hormonal changes in your body. This is often referred to as “pregnancy gingivitis.” Since your health is as important as the baby, the following suggestions are recommended during pregnancy.
Prevention
Pregnant women should make an effort to keep their teeth clean to prevent problems. This is particularly important around the gums. You can do this by brushing twice each day with fluoride toothpaste, and even brushing after each meal if you are experiencing symptoms of gum disease. Flossing is also important each day to prevent plaque build up. In addition, make sure to visit the dentist during this time. This is one of the best things you can do for your oral health while you are pregnant and after you have the baby.
Your Oral Health and the Baby’s Health
Research indicates that there is a possible connection between low birth weight, pre-term babies and gum disease. The bacteria in your mouth can enter the bloodstream and get into the uterus. This might cause the creation of prostaglandins, which are known to cause premature labor.
What to Avoid at the Dentist
Although it is important to see your dentist for your regular checkups and if you have a problem, you might want to avoid the dentist for elective procedures such as teeth whitening, crowns or veneers. These are better to have done after the baby is born. However, if you do have a dental emergency, it is fine to see your dentist at anytime during your pregnancy.
If you are planning to get pregnant it might be wise to schedule an appointment with your dentist. This will provide you with a better understanding of your oral health and how to prevent problems during the pregnancy.
by Roseman Dental | Oct 16, 2014 | Dental Clinic Blog
When you’re happy, you want to smile, and studies have revealed that smiling has many benefits beyond just letting others know that you are excited. Smiling can help build trust when you meet new people, reduce stress in difficult situations, make you feel better when you are down, and even help you make more money and live longer.
But what if you’re not very confident about your smile because you’re worried about oral hygiene or crooked teeth? For many people that is enough to make them not want to smile, and it can make life a lot more difficult. A 2012 study published in the Deseret News highlighted some of the social stigma that comes with crooked or missing teeth. Studies show that bad teeth prevent people from getting jobs, promotions, and higher pay, and may impact overall health as well.
Here are five ways that you can improve your smile so you will want to show off those pearly whites whenever you feel happy.
See a Dentist Regularly
Dental care is one of the most critical components for healthy mouth and teeth. Most people should see a dentist twice a year (every six months) for a cleaning and checkup. If you have pain, swelling, infection, or other problems in your mouth, don’t go to the emergency room—go see a dentist immediately. Often they will be able to treat the problem and prevent future complications with immediate care, rather than waiting until a small problem becomes more expensive and more detrimental to your health.
Unfortunately many people in the U.S. don’t go and see a dentist regularly because they don’t have dental insurance and can’t afford the high cost to pay for it out of pocket. If you don’t have a dentist and haven’t been to a dental office because you have difficulty affording it, The Dental Clinic at Roseman University offers affordable dental care with rates significantly discounted from what you would pay at a traditional dental office so you can get high quality care at a great price.
Brush and Floss Your Teeth
One of the best ways to maintain a healthy smile is by regularly brushing and flossing teeth. Brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, and floss at least once a day to keep teeth and gums healthy, remove plaque, and eliminate bad breath.
Avoid Sugary Food and Drinks
Sugar breaks down quickly and feeds the harmful bacteria in your mouth, so the more sugar you consume, the more bad bacteria grow. This leads to tooth decay, sensitivity, gum disease, and other problems in your mouth. Your teeth can also turn sugar into a glue-like substance that attracts bacteria to your teeth (in the form of plaque), making it harder to wash away naturally with your saliva. If you do eat sugar, follow up by brushing your teeth or chewing sugar-free gum, and make sure to drink plenty of water to boost saliva that will wash the sugar off your teeth.
Consider Cosmetic Procedures
If you have crooked, dirty, or decaying teeth, consider the benefits of a cosmetic procedure, such as a crown, bridge, implant, or even teeth whitening. Studies show that these small adjustments can make a big difference in the first impression you create with your smile. These procedures are also good for more than just cosmetic reasons—having healthy, strong teeth allows you to breathe, swallow, chew and speak properly, contributing to better nutrition and making you more comfortable at job interviews or in social situations.
Don’t Smoke or Chew Tobacco
Quitting smoking and chewing tobacco is good for many reasons, one of which is to improve the health of your teeth and gums. Tobacco and cigarettes cause tooth decay, receding gums, and gum disease, and are the main contributing factors to mouth and throat cancers. They can also make it difficult to heal following dental or orthodontic work, negating the money and time you spend trying to fix your smile. The best thing you can do to improve your oral health and your smile is to quit smoking or using tobacco.
The ability to smile is an important part of your life—to be happy, you need to be able to smile and laugh as much as possible. Don’t let poor oral health keep you from enjoying all the benefits that smiling can offer.
