The Importance of Dental Care for People with Braces

Braces wearers are more prone to common dental issues like gingivitis, tartar, and demineralization because the hardware in their mouths makes it more difficult to get their teeth completely clean.  This increased vulnerability to dental problems means anyone wearing braces, especially teens, needs to be extra vigilant in their oral hygiene routines.

The Importance of Oral Health for Seniors

No different than for all other individuals, daily brushing and flossing for seniors is crucial for good oral health. Unfortunately, age-related health conditions like arthritis can make it difficult to brush or floss. Also, with advanced age comes a lack of desire for individuals to maintain daily hygiene habits, like brushing their teeth.

Got braces? Here's how you should be cleaning your teeth!

Having braces can be a pain - both figuratively and literally! But they're often a necessity for a healthy, attractive smile. Unfortunately, braces can make simple things like brushing and flossing a little more difficult.

Here are a few tips to help keep your teeth healthy while you're undergoing orthodontic treatment.

What Actually Causes Bad Breath?

An estimated 65 percent of the American population suffers from halitosis, or bad breath, according to research from the Washtenaw District Dental Society. That's more than half of the country! With so many people afflicted with this unfortunate condition, it makes you wonder just how bad breath comes to be, and why - even when you think you've eliminated the problem - it can easily come back.

According to dental hygiene experts, halitosis is caused by bacterial activity in the mouth.

"Bacteria in your mouth feed off mucus, food remnants and dead tissue cells," says professor Mel Rosenberg in a TED-Ed video. "In order to absorb nutrients through their cell membranes they must break down the organic matter into much smaller molecules. For example, they'll break proteins into their component amino acids and then break those down even further into various compounds. Some of the foul-smelling byproducts of these reactions, such as hydrogen sulfide and cadaverine, escape into the air."

Pretty disgusting, huh?

To avoid this bacterial activity, practice good oral hygiene and practice it often! That means brushing your teeth after each meal, flossing at least once a day, and making regular trips to see your dentist for professional cleanings.

Spring Clean Your Dental Hygiene Routine!

With gorgeous spring weather already here and summer on it's way, there is plenty to smile about! Of course it is also that time of year when our minds turn to spring cleaning and new beginnings. Why not start by improving one of your most precious assets?

Your Aging Smile!

The term "Baby Boomer" is one that you may not have given much serious thought. However, if you are one of the 76 million "babies" who were born between 1945 and 1964, don't forget that your teeth are aging too!

The Benefits of Adding a Fluoride Rinse to Your Regular Routine

If you are not already using a fluoride mouth rinse, then you may want to consider adding one to your dental health regimen. The American Dental Association supports the practice of using a fluoridated rinse in addition to brushing twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and flossing. It is especially recommended for those who appear to be prone to cavities.

The Healthiest Home for your Toothbrush

Your toothbrush has an important job to do each day; are you giving it the healthiest place to hang out between brushings? Follow this advice from the American Dental Association to ensure you’re getting the best from your brush.

Rinse it well

Give your toothbrush a thorough rinsing before and after each use. Use hot water and run your thumb over the bristles to make sure there’s no food debris or toothpaste left on the brush, which can harbor bacteria.

The Best Brush for You - Old School or High Tech?

We’ve come a long way since the Middle Ages, when keeping your teeth clean meant gnawing on a twig of sweet wood.  There’s such a wide range of toothbrush styles available today, you may have questions about which ones are right for you or your children.

How Often Should You Visit the Dentist?

Life is an awesome journey, and our teeth want to be with us each step of the way. From birth to old age, a good relationship with our dentist is a crucial component to keeping our choppers healthy and happy. Our dental health needs change through the decades, so it might not always be clear just how often we should be seeing the dentist as the years go by. Here’s some advice for having a healthy relationship with your dentist during each decade of your life.

3 reasons to brush your teeth that have nothing to do with dental health

We all know that brushing your teeth twice a day, every day is the best way to promote dental health at home. However, did you know that brushing your teeth may have additional health benefits - that have nothing to do with your teeth?

According to different studies, experts and scientists have found possible links between regular teeth brushing and a wide array of other health benefits. These benefits can range from anywhere between respiratory health to a better sex life!

Although the benefits of regular brushing are far-reaching, here are 3 big reasons to keep brushing, other than to maintain a healthy smile.

Is it ok to skip brushing your teeth once in a while?

I don't really have to brush my teeth twice a day, every day....do I?

Well, we certainly can't control how often our patients actually brush and floss their teeth; however, we can definitely tell them that skipping these tasks (even for a day or two) can have some pretty disgusting results!

Tips on Remembering to Floss Your Teeth

Believe it or not, your dentist isn't trying to annoy you when he or she gets on your case about not flossing your teeth. Flossing is one of the best, easiest and cheapest things they can do to maintain their oral health, yet it's one of those things that very few people actually do on a habitual basis.

Pregnancy and Dental Care

A recent article from The Huffington Post reported that certain groups of pregnant women in the U.S. are not receiving appropriate dental care. This is alarming to say the least, since dental care is especially important during pregnancy. Furthermore, since we generally tend to presume that the United States has one of the best dental care establishments in the world, it's confusing as to why this particular demographic isn't getting the care they need.

According to the study, which pulled data from the 1999-2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys, more pregnant women over age 35 (86 percent) said their teeth were in good condition, compared to just 57 percent of pregnant women younger than 24. Researchers also found that young pregnant women were less likely than their peers who were not pregnant to report going to the dentist over the past year.

Oil Pulling - Is it really good for your dental health?

If you've been paying attention to popular media, you'll probably recall the oil pulling craze that everyone was talking about earlier this year. As with most social media topics, oil pulling was in the forefront of people's news feeds and even the subject of debate among some health professionals, but the hype has already died down quite a bit. Still, there are those who swear by it and continue to claim that this ancient holistic method works wonders, aiding in everything from teeth whitening to allergy relief.

But is oil pulling really all it's cracked up to be? While we can't necessarily discount the potential benefits of oil pulling, as dental professionals we can say that this practice is NOT a substitute for the traditional dental hygiene methods recommended by the American Dental Association (ADA). These methods include daily brushing and flossing as well as regular yearly dental cleanings, oral cancer screenings and using ADA-accepted products.

Dental Hygeine Tips for Candy Season

With the passing of summer, the fall season brings cooler weather, shorter days and an abundance of CANDY! You might have noticed the stores are already pushing their supplies of Halloween treats to the forefront of the aisles and people are sharing their fall-inspired dessert recipes left and right. From caramel apples to pumpkin spice lattes, to chocolate candy and all the other sugar-laden goodies we're bombarded with this season, it's important to remember a few simple but critical things about taking care of our dental health.

In this post, we'll go over a few tips for everyone with a sweet tooth. Whether you're concerned about your child's teeth or your own, these reminders should help you maintain your healthy and beautiful smile!

Back to School Already? Give Your Kids Something to Smile About!

As another summer comes to a close, give your kids a reason to smile. Along with making a shopping list for supplies, new backpacks, lunch boxes and school clothes, include a dental checklist as well. With a new school year ahead, give your youngster the tools for a successful and healthy start. Just as establishing an organized routine goes hand in hand with doing well in school, the same holds true for achieving excellent dental health.  

Just follow this simple checklist that will help create positive dental health practices:

• Schedule routine dental checkups for your children. Use a calendar to stay on top of everyone's appointments. Regular cleanings help dental professionals detect any problems early before they get out of control. Annual checkups are the best way to monitor the growth and overall condition of a young person's teeth and gums. In addition to cleaning and polishing the teeth, dental visits are necessary to ensure that all is well with the jaw, tongue, and oral tissue.

• Oftentimes, attention to dental care details slacks off during the lazy days of summer. Reinforce the importance of brushing after meals and sugary snacks. Also, make sure that your kids know how to floss properly.

• Want your youngsters to get an A+ after their next visit to the dentist? Set them up for success by providing them with an arsenal of tools to fight tooth decay and maintain a dazzling, healthy smile. Choose products they will be enthusiastic about using such as toothpaste flavors they like, a new toothbrush, colorful floss pics, and their own bottle of anti-cavity rinse. Do not assume that just because you like spearmint gum and floss that it is your child's first choice. They will be more likely to reach for products they enjoy using.

• Clarify that it can only be enjoyed after school and then buy some gum. Yes! That's correct-numerous clinical studies have revealed that chewing sugarless gum for 20 minutes following a meal is effective in preventing tooth decay. Purchase the sugarless brands that have received the ADA's Seal of Approval. Non-cavity causing sweeteners such as aspartame, xylitol, sorbitol or mannitol sweeten them. Using chewing gum can be an added bonus to your family's dental health regime because when sugarless gum is chewed, the flow of saliva increases which in turn helps wash away food particles. Extra saliva also neutralizes acids made by the mouth's naturally occurring bacteria which creates disease-fighting ingredients in the mouth.

• Explain that correct and frequent brushing is vital to prevent cavities, healthy gums, plaque buildup and bad breath. Make things fun with several packets of "disclosing tablets." They are made from harmless vegetable dye and detect spots that children missed when brushing. They are a great way for kids to see what happens when they forget to brush the right way!

• Since the ADA recommends brushing for a full 2-minute period, find a fun to use timer to help the little ones keep from rushing the process of brushing their teeth.

• Stock up on healthy snack and lunch box options. Fresh fruits, whole grain crackers and cookies, popcorn, nuts, and cheeses are the way to go. Invest in a few BPA-free water bottles and promote water as the beverage of choice.

Remember, just like good study habits, practice makes perfect when it comes to achieving excellent dental health! If you have any questions, you can reach us at 919-782-0548 or visit our website at http://www.theraleighdentists.com/.

Think Dental Hygiene is Just for Kids?

Many adults regard the practice of brushing and flossing as kids' stuff when, in fact, our teeth can last a lifetime with proper care. As we age, our teeth and gums change and can be affected by a variety of factors, including medications, diet, illness, and injury. Please consider that no matter what your age, daily brushing and flossing is a must. Combine those habits with a healthy diet that's low in sugar, artificial ingredients, and processed foods, and you will have plenty to smile about!

Here are a few reasons why we should always pay proper attention to our dental health:

• Plaque has a tendency to build up more quickly on the teeth of older adults. Left unchecked, it can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.
• Always use a fluoride toothpaste and floss daily because cavities and decay that form on the surface of the teeth are more common as we age.
• Many adults have receding gums, which makes brushing and flossing sometimes painful. When anti-sensitivity toothpastes don't work, it's time to come see us. Sensitivity may be an indication of a more serious condition, such as a cavity or a cracked or fractured tooth.
• Certain medications or medical conditions can cause individuals to have a lack of saliva, which leads to a condition known as dry mouth. If not treated, this lack of moisture can actually damage the teeth. A visit to Dr. Simon Melcher can help patients discover various methods to restore moisture in the mouth, as well as appropriate treatments or medications to help prevent the problems associated with dry mouth.
• Several serious disorders can affect one's dental health. Please contact our office if you are facing illnesses such as arthritis, cancer, diabetes, or heart disease, because they can each impact your dental well-being.
• If you have dentures or bridgework, schedule regular check-ups with your dentist to ensure they are doing their job and being maintained correctly.
• Did you know that anyone over the age of 40 is more at risk for gum disease? Rule it out of your life completely by brushing and flossing regularly, avoiding stress, not smoking, eating healthy foods, and monitoring other serious conditions such as diabetes, cancer, and heart disease. Sticking to those practices can prevent it and even reverse gum disease when it is detected in the early stages.
• Fun toothbrushes and colorful bottles of cavity fighting dental rinses are not just for kids! Treat yourself to a new toothbrush, minty-waxed floss, and even some sugarless gum to liven up your routine and brighten those pearly whites!

We hope these  reasons for maintaining excellent dental health help motivate you to take good care of your teeth.  Please call Dr. Simon Melcher at Implant & General Dentistry to schedule an appointment today: (919) 782-0548

Why Daily Flossing is So Important

Dr. Melcher and his staff of dental hygienists have heard all of the excuses as to why patients don't floss. They range from, "I forget" to "It's a pain" to "I brush really well!"

Regardless of the reason, not flossing is inexcusable, because it is a vital part of maintaining the best dental health possible. The American Dental Association suggests that we floss at least once a day in order to keep teeth and gums healthy and bacteria free. If you think brushing alone is enough think again:

• Simply brushing, even combined with swishing with a dental rinse just can not remove all of the food particles and plaque that collects between the teeth.
• Flossing reaches the nooks and crannies that a toothbrush can not.
• Patients who fail to floss run the risk of allowing plaque to harden into even tougher to remove tartar, which then promotes tooth decay.
• Flossing prevents gum disease and cavities. It also helps condition the gums and keep them healthy and strong.
• Some people have teeth that are "food trappers". When flossing is not routine, food particles remain lodged between the teeth and cause the growth of bacteria and bad breath!

To make flossing a part of your daily routine, experiment with several different types of floss and flossers. There are flavored, waxed, and easy glide nylon dental flosses available. Disposable, plastic flossers are handy to keep in a purse, briefcase, or gym bag. Another product that some patients like is a wooden plaque remover, also known as an interdental cleaner. For teeth that are difficult to get in between, it may be necessary to use "threaders," that allow one to loop the floss and access tight spaces.

If flossing hurts, or your gums bleed, do not be concerned right away. Sometimes it takes a week or two for your gums to toughen up. If pain or discomfort persists beyond two weeks, schedule an appointment with Dr. Melcher.

Just like anything that becomes part of our routine, we may take shortcuts from time to time. However, with flossing, there are tried and true ways to receive the most benefits. That's why even if you have been flossing for years, it is a great idea to have one of our hygienists demonstrate the most effective flossing techniques.

Need more convincing? See our earlier post about The Importance of Flossing.

Remember that flossing is not just for adults. Young children need to learn the importance of flossing as well. A good rule of thumb is to discuss flossing and show them how when youngsters have two teeth that touch. Plastic flossers are usually easier for small children to use and these days come in enticing shapes and colors!

If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please call our Raleigh office at 919-782-0548.

Resolutions for a Healthier Mouth

Are you amazed sometimes by the dazzling white, A-lister worthy perfection of the smiles of those around you? Don't write it off to good genes or good luck, chances are those friends, co-workers, family members, and neighbors work hard to look their best. In addition to maintaining healthy gums and a glistening smile, routine self-care is the key to establishing excellent mouth health.

If you resolved to do better this year in regard to your overall dental care, and have had trouble getting started, here is a quick and easy action plan just for you!

• Start the new year by scheduling your first routine checkup and cleaning. That way, you will know if there are any issues your dental professionals need to address with you, such as sensitivity, cracked teeth, or damaged fillings. Make the most of your visit and get a refresher on the proper ways to brush and floss.  Contact our office to schedule an appointment: 919-782-0548.
• In the spirit of new beginnings, treat yourself to a new dental "tool" kit. Having the best tools will ensure that the job is done right. Ask your dentist about new electric toothbrushes and other ADA approved items including: fluoride toothpaste, an egg timer, waxed floss, a tongue scraper, dental rinse, sugarless gum and lip balm.
• Resolve to brush 2 X daily for 2 minutes.* This is when your egg timer will come in handy! Brushing twice daily is a step in the right direction for a brighter smile and fewer dental problems.
• Floss your teeth and scrape your each night before bedtime.* That way, particles that cause cavities and bacteria that can lead to decay and bad breath will be banished!
• Reach for a stick of sugarless gum 20 minutes after a meal. Recent advancements have made chewing sugarless gum a good thing because many brands now contain ingredients that can protect the teeth. Look for the ADA seal of approval before you buy that pack of spearmint or favorite fruit flavored gum.
• Pay attention to your diet. That means eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Whenever possible, consume raw carrots, apples, and celery. These healthy snacks are great for crunching away other food particles that can cause decay. Also, avoid sugary snacks and beverages, processed foods, and drink plenty of fluoridated water.

*(or even better - after every meal)

Need more motivation? Dr. Melcher and his team of dental professionals in Raleigh, NC would be happy to see you soon! Just give us a call at: (919) 782-0548.