Can you believe the school year is half over?

As you and your child stock up on those school supplies, you’ll also want to keep dental health and hygiene top of mind. 

Here are simple ways to keep your child’s smile at its best while school is in session:

• Put a small toothbrush and toothpaste in your child’s backpack to use after lunch
• Fill the lunch box with nutritious, dental-friendly foods like apples, celery, yogurt and milk
• Pack a water bottle instead of juice to limit sugar intake and oral bacteria growth
• Have a mouthguard ready to protect your child’s smile during sports and gym activities

It may also be easier to get your child’s dental check-up completed before your busy summer starts. If it’s been some time since your child’s last visit, schedule an appointment today by calling. For additional information on our pediatric dental services, visit our website

Dry Mouth (Xerostomia)

If you suffer from dry mouth, you are not alone. Millions of Americans suffer from xerostomia, or the subjective perception of dry mouth.

 

Causes include medications (including those used to treat depression, anxiety, allergies, high blood pressure, asthma, muscle relaxants, sedatives), systemic diseases (Sjogren's, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, scleroderma), radiation therapy, dehydration, mouth-breathing habits, smoking, and chewing tobacco.

Symptoms of xerostomia include the obvious dry, sticky feeling in the mouth and throat, but can also include difficulty eating and swallowing or wearing dentures, as well as changes in taste or burning/tingling sensations in the mouth.  People suffering from dry mouth often have sores in the mouth, a dry tongue, and cracks on the corners of the mouth.  There is an increased risk of susceptibility to oral candida, as well as decalcification of enamel, acid erosion, and gingival inflammation. 

So what can you do if you suffer from dry mouth?

Because xerostomia can cause substantial oral problems, it is best to talk with your dentist or hygienist as soon as you notice symptoms of a dry mouth.  Early recognition allows us to personalize a treatment protocol for you.  A dry mouth increases the risk for tooth decay, periodontal disease, and candida (yeast) infections.  For this reason, we must make an extra effort to protect the teeth and oral tissues.  We may prescribe oral rinses, fluoride trays, or saliva-stimulating medications.  We can instruct on the proper tools and techniques for home care.  Patients with dry mouth will want to avoid alcohol, caffeine, acidic beverages, or products that may irritate oral tissues (including whitening products).  A humidifier at home can often help, and in some cases, the physician can prescribe an alternative medication with less drying side-effects.

If you have questions about xerostomia or believe you are suffering from it and would like to speak with a dentist, please visit our website www.kalamazoodds.com and use the "Contact Us" page to schedule an appointment.

Have You Been Naughty or Nice to Your Teeth?

If you've seen the holiday TV special Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, then you know Hermey the Elf is very excited about becoming a dentist. Now, Hermey and the ADA have joined forces to come up with ways to keep your mouth and teeth healthy during the holidays. 

It’s not easy to stay healthy during the holidays. Sweets seem to appear everywhere you go, and with all of the present-wrapping and card-writing, there’s not much time to devote to you and your family’s health and well-being. Luckily, Hermey the Elf, best known for his adventures with Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, joined forces with the American Dental Association (ADA) to come up with tips for keeping your mouth and teeth healthy during the holidays.

In the classic holiday movie, Hermey dreamed of becoming a dentist and helping people keep their teeth healthy. In 2014, the ADA awarded Hermey with a Dental Do Gooder (DDG) for his passion for dentistry. This year, Hermey and the ADA came up with a set of tips to help families keep their smiles in tip-top shape. 

Click here to see those tips. 

(image and article from http://www.mouthhealthykids.org)

Pregnancy can do a number on your mouth

Do you know someone that is pregnant? If so, you know that there are many things that you have to think about. Your mouth should be one of them. All the hormonal changes can make oral problems worse. Making sure that you are brushing two times a day and flossing once daily will help maintain a healthy mouth.

You should also be having regular cleanings and if you are experiencing any oral problems you should contact your dental office. If experiencing morning sickness and are vomiting, do not brush immediately after vomiting. The stomach acids that are on your teeth can eventually cause tooth enamel erosion. Instead rinse your mouth with 1 teaspoon of baking soda and water.

For more information see:

http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/pregnancy

www.simplestepsdental.com

“Do I floss before or after brushing?”

It is often asked, “Do I floss before or after brushing?”

  

The American Dental Association recommends flossing daily. It doesn’t matter before or after brushing, just that it is being done!  Flossing reduces plaque in between the teeth that the toothbrush can’t reach and also helps fight against tooth decay and gum disease.  Don’t leave the floss out! Brush twice daily and floss once daily.  

For proper floss instruction you can refer to www.mouthhealthy .org

"Are Whitening toothpastes a Bright Idea?"

This day and age everyone wants brighter and whiter teeth!  It wasn't that long ago that we were all walking around with natural colored teeth.  Now with all the whitening products and Hollywood actors are new "normal" is a shade of white that isn't even on the natural tooth shade guide.  Whitening tray's and strips work by using bleach to slowly whiten the teeth internally.  

Many toothpaste brands are marketing whiter teeth with just the use of an inexpensive OTC paste, BUT does this come at a cost??

Here's the scoop, any whitening agent that is in the toothpaste is washed off the tooth before it could stand a chance, AND whitening toothpastes are only removing some surface stain.  Along with surface stain they actually can be removing layers of the outer white enamel, which can actually expose the inner layer called dentin which is yellow and over time make the teeth appear more yellow.  Not to mention sensitive.  

Pay attention to the RDA (abrasive scale index) and make sure to always try and get a toothpaste under 70 RDA as to not have permanent damage. 

For more information, check out these articles or talk to us at your next cleaning.

http://articles.latimes.com/2011/jul/04/health/la-he-skeptic-whitening-toothpaste-20110704

http://www.dentalassistant.net/blog/is-your-toothpaste-too-abrasive/

Do You Have Smokers Teeth? 

Fact: Cigarettes are addictive and cigarette smoke contains about 7,000 chemicals, such as methanol. Methanol is also found in antifreeze.

Fact: Smokeless tobacco is addictive and greatly increases your risk of oral cancer. 

Myth: The effects of tobacco use won't be noticed in your mouth via bone loss, dry mouth, and recession. 

Myth: Your hygienist will not be able to smell your tobacco breath through her mask.

Now is the perfect time to quit using tobacco and make your next appointment with your hygienist! 
For more information and facts on tobacco and how to quit visit thetruth.com or smokefree.gov