Sugar and Tooth Decay Continues to be a Major Health Concern

by | 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.

Oral Health for Pregnant Women

by | 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.

Good Oral Hygiene Starts Here

by | Sep 21, 2014 | Dental Clinic Blog, Oral Health, Roseman Dental - NV, Roseman Dental - UT

More than half of adult Americans claim they brush their teeth twice a day. While this is good news for the oral health of the population, the statistics do not show how many of these people are brushing properly.

The Right Toothbrush

Choosing the correct toothbrush is the first step toward good oral hygiene. The brush needs to fit comfortably in your mouth while the handle fits comfortably in your hand. Discomfort while brushing may indicate a poor fit. Whether the toothbrush is manual or electric is a matter of preference, but bristle softness is not. The American Dental Association recommends soft bristles so the brush can remove plaque gently without scraping the tender tissue of the gums or scratching the tooth enamel.

Brushing Technique

How a person brushes may be the most important factor in preventing oral issues such as plaque buildup and gum disease. Place the bristles against the upper part of the teeth at a 45-degree angle and brush in short, circular or vertical strokes for two to three minutes twice a day. Brushing more than three times per day may cause damage to enamel, while brushing only once a day could lead to the buildup of bacteria in the mouth.

It is important to brush the outer, inner, and chewing surface of each tooth, and some dentists recommend starting in a different place every time because by the end of the routine, some people may be less thorough than they are at the beginning of the routine. After brushing your teeth, don’t forget to brush your tongue as well to remove bacteria.

Toothbrush Maintenance

When the toothbrush removes the bacteria from the teeth and tongue, it remains on the toothbrush unless the brush is rinsed thoroughly under running water. After rinsing, it is just as important to shake out excess moisture and allow the toothbrush to air dry. If a cap is used, it should allow air in, since a moist toothbrush may breed even more bacteria. When bristles lose their flexibility and begin breaking apart, or if you have been using the same toothbrush for more than three months, it is time for a new brush.

Following these guidelines is the beginning of a good oral hygiene routine that protects teeth and gums from bacteria, cavities, and gum disease.