Don't Forget to Brush Your Teeth!

Would you think of crawling into bed and tucking in under the covers with muddy feet? Ewww! Probably not, right? The truth is that would not be as detrimental to your health as going to bed without brushing your teeth and yet millions of Americans have done just that. Although it is most likely an occasional occurrence, such as falling asleep with a good book or dozing off in front of the TV, it's nonetheless a bad move that wreaks havoc with your dental health.

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!

3 Most Common Dental Problems for Seniors

With age comes wisdom, as the saying goes, but it also comes with a few less-than-appealing characteristics. As we grow older, our bodies generally become weaker and therefore more susceptible to health and physiological problems, including dental health issues. In this post, we'll go over a few of the most common dental health problems for senior citizens and tips for reducing the risk of developing them.

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!

Benefits of Using Mouthwash

What's that? Rinsing with a mouthwash is not part of your daily dental routine? Think that's just for those faced with bad breath? If you are like many individuals, mouthwashes are purchased and used sporadically. Oftentimes, when the product runs out, restocking it is not a priority until the next perceived "bad breath" emergency. Along with a good toothbrush, toothpaste and floss, mouthwash is an essential part of an effective dental hygiene kit. Here are a few reasons why:

• The American Dental Association supports the regular use of a mouthwash
• Rinsing with a solution specifically for dental health improves the effects of brushing and flossing.
• In addition to improving the breath, mouthwashes help decrease bacteria and plaque.
• Mouthwashes or dental rinses that contain fluoride help reduce and prevent tooth decay.
• Because of its liquid state, a mouthwash is effective for getting to hard to reach spots, such as the back of the mouth, cheeks, and between gums.
• It helps fights gum disease.

If these benefits have your wheels turning, perhaps you're ready for a little more information?

What are the different types of mouthwashes?

There are two basic types-one is considered "cosmetic" and the other "therapeutic".

Cosmetic rinses only serve to freshen the breath. They do not contain any of the bacteria or cavity fighting ingredients necessary to promote better dental health. Therapeutic mouthwashes on the other hand are loaded with several ingredients such as fluoride and other anti-microbial agents that fight cavities, eliminate bacteria, plaque, and the germs that lead to gum disease, gingivitis, and bad breath.

When is the best time to use a dental rinse - before or after brushing or flossing?

In regard to this question, the jury still seems to be out! Those health care professionals that support the "before" school of thought say that using a mouthwash will help loosen particles and make brushing more effective.

Those on the other side of the fence who believe using a mouthwash "after" brushing note that doing so handles any particles or areas that were missed by brushing and flossing. Using a rinse last also leaves a bit of the product in the mouth, on the teeth and gums, so it likely continues to work longer.

Before choosing a mouthwash or dental rinse...

Please discuss with Dr. Simon Melcher and his staff which products will be most beneficial to you. Know that using mouthwashes or fluoridated dental rinses is never a substitute for brushing and flossing! Be aware that alcohol is often an ingredient and therefore any mouthwash containing it should not be used by children 6 and under. There is always a danger they may swallow it.

Get more tips on good dental hygiene and dental health here on our blog or directly from Dr. Simon Melcher at Implant and General Dentistry in Raleigh.  Call us today to schedule a consultation! 919-782-0548

What Causes Bad Breath And What Can I Do About It?

Having bad breath is like having a bad hair day - it’s something that will eventually happen to everyone. It’s when friends and family tell you that your breath is persistently bad that it becomes a problem. Although mouth washes, mints, and gums may be seem to be a solution, in reality they are only masking the root of the cause.

Cases of bad breath are brought on by a variety of factors. We can address some of those. However, some of the causes may need the attention of your family doctor or specialists such as an ENT or Gastroenterologist. That’s because sinus drainage, and difficulties with respiration and digestion can also result in offensive breath.

If it is considered to be a case of poor oral hygiene, your dentist and hygienist can assist you with other ways to combat the issue. They can show you proper brushing and flossing techniques. Many patients do not realize they should also gently brush the inside of their cheeks, roof of their mouth, and tongue. Believe it or not, food particles and plaque can build up in these spots as well and result in the growth of foul smelling bacteria. Using a tongue scraper and tying a knot in your dental floss to boost its ability to clean between teeth that may be food trappers are other ways to fight bad breath.

Since having bad breath can greatly affect your confidence and self-esteem, it is an excellent idea to include Dr. Melcher in the battle to banish it!

If you're having persistent bad breath, contact Dr. Simon Melcher of Implant & General Dentistry in Raleigh, NC at 919-782-0548.