How Straws Both Help and Hurt Your Dental Health
Drinking your beverages through a straw may help prevent certain oral health issues, but don’t fall for the assumption that they are the answer to consuming unhealthy drinks. Using a straw the right way can be great for your oral health, but incorrect use can cause even more damage than drinking without a straw.
What HPV Can Do to Harm Your Oral Health
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most prevalent sexually transmitted disease in the US, with an estimated 14 million new cases every year. There are over 40 types of HPV, with most being cleared from the body by your immune system, without causing health issues. However, some types of HPV negatively affect the mouth and throat. Low-risk strains can cause warts in the mouth and throat, but high-risk strains have been linked to head and neck cancers, known as oropharyngeal cancers.
Reasons to Avoid Putting Products with Alcohol in Your Mouth
Alcohol in any form, when put in your mouth, can be detrimental to your oral health, especially if entering your mouth more than twice a day. For example, rinsing with mouthwash containing ethanol – a colorless alcohol – may put you at a higher risk of oral cancer. Many prefer mouthwash with ethanol over alcohol-free mouthwash because of its simultaneous cooling/burning effect in the mouth that makes it feel squeaky clean. This sensation is due to the drying effect of ethanol. In addition, mouthwashes with alcohol often contain chlorine, which kills bacteria, but can cause tooth staining. Long-term use of alcohol-containing mouthwash can also alter the functioning of your taste buds.
6 Signs that Your Gingivitis is Getting Worse
Gingivitis is a common disease that is completely reversible during its early stages. Unfortunately, if you fail to take the right steps, the condition could worsen and lead to periodontitis, which is not reversible. There are several signs that may indicate that your gingivitis has gotten worse and you are headed toward periodontitis, and if you experience them, it is important to visit us right away to discuss your options.
Choosing Dental Floss – What Kind Should I Use?
Flossing as a regular part of a dental care routine can be a significant defense against gum disease and dental cavities. The purpose of floss is to remove food and dental plaque from between teeth and under the gumline where toothbrushes are unable to reach. The American Dental Association states that up to 80% of plaque can be removed from teeth simply by flossing. It is recommended that a person floss at least once per day before or after brushing to help clean between the teeth and near the gumline.
Mouthwash That Contains Alcohol
Using a good mouthwash after you brush and floss is a great way to cap off your oral hygiene routine. Mouthwash gets in the crevices you may have missed with your toothbrush, and helps kill the bacteria that cause bad breath, plaque, and other issues.
Fun Toothpaste Flavors
When you brush your teeth, you likely reach for the tube of mint-flavored toothpaste and go at it. Some of you may even vary the flavor slightly and opt for cinnamon. These are great flavors when you want to freshen your breath. However, they can get a bit boring. Would you do a better job […]
Is Baking Soda Toothpaste the Right Kind for You?
Choosing the right toothpaste can be difficult these days. One option that has become popular over the past few years is toothpaste containing baking soda. Some people prefer a healthier natural alternative to toothpaste that contains fluoride. Fluoride toothpaste has been linked to strengthening enamel, but some people prefer to use toothpaste without it. There are toothpastes that contain baking soda and fluoride that can give you the whitening power as well as enamel protection.
Best Summer Fruits for A Healthy Smile
Not all fruits are considered great for your teeth due to the natural sugars they contain, but eaten as part of a healthy diet and followed up by a good oral hygiene routine, they can help your smile. During these summer months, many people want to be able to enjoy the seasonal fruits that come into our local markets a bit more. Here are some of the best fruits to include in your diet, or to put into your next fruit bowl for a party, that will still keep your teeth looking great.
Help For A White Tongue
Have you noticed your tongue looking whiter than usual? This is not an uncommon problem and is usually not something to be overly concerned about. Knowing what you are looking at and when you should be worried can be very helpful in situations like this. Of course, you can always come in for an appointment to be sure that is nothing you need to be concerned with, but here are a few things that you should know.