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 A whiter smile is on the wish list of many of our patients this summer. We would love to share some tips to make sure that you get the smile you want!

Use A Whitening Toothpaste:

Our first tip would be to start out by switching over to a whitening toothpaste. Besides keeping your mouth clean, whitening toothpaste focuses on removing stains from your teeth. In order for this to be effective, you must consistently use it, so we suggest switching to a whitener today!

Drinking Lots Of Water:

Water is not only beneficial to your overall health, but can also be helpful to keeping your teeth white. By drinking water, you ensure that you are constantly rinsing out bacteria and food debris, which are both leading causes of cavities and gum disease. The minerals and fluoride found in water help to restore and strengthen your enamel as well. This will help you keep your teeth healthy and have a shiny white smile all summer long!

Flossing Daily:

One of the leading causes of stained teeth is from plaque buildup and the formation of tartar. The main way to make sure you don't start to get tartar or plaque buildup is to have a constant flossing schedule. This may sound tedious, but we suggest that you floss at least once a day to make sure that there is no food debris stuck in your teeth. it doesn't matter what time of the day you floss; you can do it whenever you prefer.

Go To The Dentist For A Teeth Cleaning:

We would suggest going in for an appointment every six months if possible. This gives our team a chance to help keep your smile white, as well as check in to make sure everything is going well!

We hope that you found these tips helpful and useful, but good home routines may not be enough to get the smile you're looking for. For faster and more intense results, schedule an appointment and ask us about our teeth whitening options. We'll work to find an option that meets your individual needs!

What you drink and how you drink it can have a huge impact on your oral health. Here are some of the best and worst drinks for your teeth.

The Best

You don't have to completely cut out sugary drinks from your diet, but replacing some of them with these drinks can help keep your mouth healthy.

• Milk - Milk is full of proteins, vitamins, and proteins that are great for your health. Calcium and phosphorus help strengthen and repair tooth enamel, and vitamin D helps fight against gum disease by decreasing inflammation in your gums. Milk also contains the protein casein, which protects your enamel and fights tooth decay. If you're lactose intolerant, you can substitute almond milk with added calcium for similar benefits.
• Green or White Tea - All tea has antioxidants which help fight cavity-causing bacteria and reduce gum inflammation, but black tea can stain your teeth over time. Green and white tea provide these benefits without the threat of stains, and white tea is even a great source of additional natural fluoride. That said, you should be careful of how much sugar or honey your tea contains, because the harmful effects of sugar will counteract its other benefits.
• Water - Water flushes out food debris and dilutes the acid produced by the bacteria in your mouth. This helps prevent cavities by keeping your mouth cleaner. Most tap water also contains fluoride, which strengthens your enamel.

The Worst

Most people are aware by now that coffee stains your teeth, but there are plenty more surprising drinks that are bad for your teeth. Try to limit your consumption of these beverages, and when you do, take steps to limit their effects on your oral health. For example: rinse with water as you drink, brush your teeth afterwards, drink quickly to reduce time of exposure, and drink through a straw to reduce the amount of liquid that touches your teeth.

• Soda - Soda is incredibly acidic and high in sugar, which means it erodes your enamel and feeds the bacteria in your mouth. This makes your teeth vulnerable to decay. Dark sodas may also stain your teeth over time.
• Alcohol - Alcohol causes dehydration and dry mouth. Drinking excessively leads to reduced saliva flow, which can cause tooth decay and other oral infections. Additionally, wine is acidic and has a negative effect on your enamel.
• Fruit Juice - This one may be surprising, because 100% juice can be seen as a healthy option with all its natural vitamins and antioxidants. However, juice also tends to be very acidic and sugary (natural sugars are still sugars). To reduce negative effects on your teeth, drink juice in moderation or water it down. Better yet, eat the fruits themselves; this will give you all the health benefits of the fruit without damaging your teeth.
• Sports Drinks - These drinks are advertised as a healthy option to rehydrate and replenish water after a workout. However, they are also very high in sugar and acidity, eroding your enamel and contributing to tooth decay. It's advisable to skip sports drinks and rehydrate with water as much as possible.
• Carbonated Water - Though this soda alternative contains much less sugar, the remaining carbonation means this drink is still highly acidic. In addition to the acidity causing erosion of enamel, carbonation also often leads to dry mouth. Reduced saliva protection further contributes to enamel damage.
• Coffee - Coffee is a leading cause of teeth stains, dry mouth, and enamel erosion because it is a huge part of daily routines for most Americans. In addition to the tips above, it is also recommended that you dilute the acidity of coffee by adding milk and avoid or reduce the use of sugar or sugary creamers.

Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, can occur both while you sleep and subconsciously while you're awake. However, it most often happens at night, which means that many people who grind their teeth aren't even aware of it. So how do you know if you grind your teeth at night?

Here are some common symptoms:

• Pain in the jaw, face, and ears
• Damage to teeth - loosened, flattened, chipped, or worn down
• Breakage of fillings and crowns
• Increased sensitivity in teeth when exposed to hot or cold
• Headache
• Difficulty sleeping
• Stiff shoulders

If you suspect you might be grinding your teeth, you should see your dentist. They can examine your teeth for wear and suggest a method of treatment. This often means wearing a mouth guard at night, but can also be treatment of underlying conditions such as stress, anxiety, or depression. It is important to seek treatment as soon as you become aware that you might be grinding your teeth, because teeth grinding can cause long-term issues such as temporomandibular disease (TMJ), worsening of existing gum inflammation, and reduced jaw mobility if left untreated.

We all know that good dental hygiene can help prevent cavities, tooth decay, and gingivitis but new studies have found that brushing your teeth 3 or more times a day significantly reduces the risk of atrial fibrillation and heart failure.  Many studies (including this recent one by  Dr. Tae-Jin Song of Ewha Womans University) have been done about the linking between oral health and cardiovascular health.  Some studies have found oral bacteria in those people receiving treatment for stroke.  Additionally, there has been a link discovered between those with severe gum disease and hypertension.  The findings of Dr.Tae-Jin Song  (mentioned above) concluded that, "Poor oral hygiene can provoke transient bacteremia and systemic inflammation, a mediator of atrial fibrillation and heart failure."  The long term study also found that "Brushing the teeth three times or more a day was linked with a 10% lower chance of developing A-fib and a 12% lower risk of heart failure.”

There are currently more studies being done to find out what else oral gum diseases effect.  They have found some links between oral health and poorly controlled diabetes.  An infection in your gums can cause insulin resistance which results in difficult-to-control blood sugars.  Scientists have also found a link with oral health and preterm births.  The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research estimates that as much as 18% of preterm/low birth weight babies born in the United States each year may be attributed to oral infections. 

These studies help to increase the emphasis on good oral health.  Not only does good oral health improve the health of your mouth, teeth, and gums but has long term effects on your overall health. 

It has long been considered a dental taboo to chew gum but recent studies have shown that sugarless gum may actually be helpful instead of harmful.  In fact, these studies have determined that chewing sugarless gum for 20 minutes after each meal can indeed help prevent tooth decay.  The primary reason that the gum is useful in dental health is that it increases the flow of saliva.  Having additional saliva in your mouth is beneficial in that it assists in washing away debris and food.  Increased saliva also brings with it more calcium and phosphate, both of which helps strengthen tooth enamel. 

Not all types of gum fall into the category of being dentally beneficial.  You will want to look for gum packs that have the ADA Seal on the front, indicating that it is sugar free.  These gums are instead sweetened with asparteme, sorbitol, or xylitol all of which are non-cavity causing sweeteners.  Chewing gum does not replace your daily brushing (twice a day) and flossing.  It serves as an additional and fun way to help reduce tooth decay!

What exactly is dental amalgam?

It is a material mixture of metals (including silver, tin, & copper) and 50% of the mixture is mercury which allows for the reaction and binding of all other materials. This mixture is used as a dental filling for cavities caused by tooth decay and has been used for 150+ years.

What is a dental amalgam called?

The term dental amalgam is more commonly referred to as "silver fillings" due to their silver coloring.

What are people concerned about with "silver fillings"?

There has been a growing amount of concern about the mercury that makes up half of all fillings. Over-exposure to mercury can have adverse effects on the kidneys and brain. There are people that are worried about bioaccumulation of mercury.

What is bioaccumulation?

Bioaccumulation refers to the continual and consistent build up of a chemical in organs or tissue. This is the idea behind the over-exposure to mercury by eating certain types of fish on a regular basis.

Is the mercury concerns the same between mercury in fish and mercury in the dental amalgams?

In a short answer, No. There are several different chemical forms of mercury (learn more here). In addition, they would be absorbed in a different way (dental amalgams would be mercury vapor and absorbed by lungs whereas mercury in fish is processed and absorbed in the digestive tract). The body has different levels of tolerance for each type of method, makeup, and strength.

Is there any danger with my dental amalgams?

NO! After a great deal of study and tests the FDA has found that "Dental amalgam is one of the safest and most affordable and durable materials available." The materials used in the amalgam is one of the longest lasting filling materials and poses no threat to the body. "The weight of credible scientific evidence reviewed by FDA does not establish an association between dental amalgam use and adverse health effects in the general population. Clinical studies in adults and children ages 6 and above have found no link between dental amalgam fillings and health problems."

To learn more about the FDA findings click here.

Haha!!

Kambucha~ While we can’t really say it’s a new trend seeing as how it has been around for literally thousands of years, it has definitely had a resurgence lately.  For those of you unfamiliar with Kambucha, it is according to Wikipedia, “a fermented, slightly alcoholic, lightly effervescent, sweetened black or green tea drink commonly intended as a functional beverage for its supposed health benefits. Sometimes the beverage is called kombucha tea to distinguish the name from the kombucha culture of bacteria and yeast”.  I have had many friends jump head-first into the Kambucha craze with rave reviews and endless pro’s such as antioxidants, natural probiotics, and more!  

Unfortunately, due to my dental background, I have to come and be a debbie downer to my Kambucha fanatic friends.  While I have no medical or factual opinions about the health benefits, specifically gut health that Kambucha lovers tout, I do have some dental opinions.  It is important to point out that Kambucha is fermented with sugar (although you can now find some brands that ferment with sugar substitutes). In fact, most bottles contain about 25 grams of sugar which is similar to most sodas.   Drinking anything with a lot of sugar is hazardous to your teeth.  In addition to the sugar, Kambucha is a strong acid.  When dealing with strong acids there are 2 main issues that can arise: 1.) acid erosion 2.) cavities.  These are due to the erosion of the enamel caused by repeated and prolonged exposure to the tea.  The enamel will become thinner and thinner over time & if not corrected or stopped will eventually expose the dentin core structure of the tooth.  This is understandably terrible on your teeth but it can also affect your existing dental work by breaking down edges and seals of fillings and crowns.  

I am not saying that you must forsake your love of the fermented tea but there are some tips that could help you maintain your oral health in the process:

• Drink it fast.  The biggest thing I tell my Kambucha drinkers is to never ever sip Kambucha all day.  The less time it is exposed to your teeth the better. 
• Rinse your mouth.  Once you have drank the tea your teeth would greatly benefit from a quick rinse to get all of those acids and sugars off (you could even add a bit of baking soda to your rinse water to assist in neutralizing your mouth) 
• Don’t brush right after.  While rinsing and swishing your mouth out immediately after is suggested, you will want to wait at least 30 min before brushing to allow your saliva to help stabilize your enamel first. 
• Skip the homemade Kambucha… there is no regulation on ingredients, acidity, sugars added, etc. 
• If you are very susceptible to cavities you may want to avoid Kambucha all together.   

If you’ve seen any toothpaste commercials or advertisements you’ve undoubtedly witnessed a toothbrush with a large (carefully coiffed) dollop of toothpaste on top.  What we need to remember is that these images come from people who are trying to sell toothpaste and a lot of it.  In actuality, the amount of toothpaste needed is drastically less than these advertisers would have you believe.  In fact, the practice of over applying toothpaste can have harmful effects in children and potentially adults.  

A CDC study was recently done with children ages 3-6 that found 40% were using more toothpaste than the recommended amount.  The CDC and ADA (American Dental Association) agree that children aged 3-6 should be using only a pea sized amount of toothpaste while children under 3 should be using only a “smear” (the size of a grain of rice) amount of toothpaste.  (Some dentists now are even suggesting using just water on your toothbrush) 

So what’s the harm?  Well in addition to being wasteful and having to purchase more toothpaste there are some health concerns for children using too much toothpaste.  A large amount of toothpastes on the market today contain fluoride, which does help strengthen and protect teeth.  The problems arise if the child is swallowing too much of the fluoride toothpaste while their teeth are still developing.  Doing this can damage the enamel causing dental fluorosis which results in  white marks and discoloration in the teeth.  

Is there harm in adults using too much toothpaste?  While the issues that arise from adults applying too much toothpaste isn’t discussed as much there are definitely still some concerns.  Most toothpastes contain an abrasive element to assist in scrubbing teeth clean.  When using too much toothpaste there is an excess of abrasives in your mouth which can lead to tooth structure loss and gum recession.  The sad irony is that many adults brush especially hard and use a large amount of toothpaste (especially the whitening kind) in an effort to brighten and whiten their smile.  It unfortunately has the opposite outcome because scrubbing away the enamel is actually making the dentine level of the tooth closer to the surface which results in a darker overall appearance.  

If you suffer from canker sores your overuse of toothpaste may be to blame.  The foam producing compound used in many toothpastes (sodium lauryl sulfate) has been linked to causing canker sores.  Your best bet would be to find a toothpaste that does not contain this ingredient but in the meantime using less toothpaste would be a good start to reducing canker sores.  

The lesson here is less is more for both children and adults.  Challenge yourself and your family to use a pea sized (or less) amount of toothpaste.  Not only will it improve your overall dental health but it will save you money (check your yearly toothpaste cost with this handy toothpaste calculator )

I would never ask my patients to do something that I myself would not be willing to do myself.  That is exactly why when it comes to teeth stains from coffee my answer will never be, “Stop drinking coffee.”  Enjoying a cupe of coffee, whether morning or anytime of day, is perfectly fine but here are some tips that I’d like to share with you to help prevent those unsightly coffee stained teeth.  

• Drink through a straw.  The coffee can’t stain the teeth that it doesn’t touch!
• Take sips of water in between gulps of coffee.  Rinsing your teeth helps to prevent the coffee from sitting on your teeth for a prolonged time.  (Rinse well once completely done with your coffee)
• Add milk to your coffee.  There is a protein in milk (casein) that latches onto the particles in coffee responsible for the staining.  The only catch, it has to be high fat animal milk, soy milk won’t do it.
• Drink your coffee quickly.  The least amount of time teeth are exposed to coffee the less time it has to stain them.  
• Brush your teeth after your coffee.  This may be hard to do or awkward at work but it is one of the most effective ways to keep your teeth pearly white.