Worst Beverages for Your Teeth

Everyone is wary of the kind of tooth damage that is immediately evident. People whose teeth are chipped or cracked usually seek immediate care from a dentist. However, most people do not realize that no matter how well they take care of their teeth, minor damage and weaknesses will gradually accumulate. No one notices their teeth yellowing from day to day, but it is obvious in photos spanning several years that changes have taken place. One way to keep one’s teeth white and strong is to eliminate beverages that weaken or stain tooth enamel.

Coffee is the biggest offender when it comes to staining teeth. Most adults consume coffee on a fairly regular basis, with many of them drinking at least one full cup every single morning. Giving up caffeine cold turkey is not something that is possible for a lot of people. To mitigate the damage, one could start drinking her coffee through a straw. As silly as this would look, drinking through a straw would send the coffee straight to the back of her mouth, preventing her teeth from being constantly exposed to it. Adding a little bit of milk or cream to plain black coffee would be helpful as well. The calcium in milk fortifies the teeth, and dairy in general acts as a buffer against acidic substances.

Coffee drinkers should consider replacing one of their daily cups of coffee with a cup of white or green tea. Tea has a decent amount of caffeine and freshens the whole mouth. Black tea stains teeth, though not as badly as coffee does, so it is not a good substitute for coffee.

Orange juice is extremely acidic. It slowly dissolves the top layers of tooth enamel, wearing away the shiny top layers. The rough, underlying layers of the teeth are especially susceptible to staining. All citrus fruits have this effect on teeth. If one must drink fruit juice in the morning, she should not brush her teeth immediately after breakfast. Brushing right after the teeth have been weakened by fruit acid sweeps away more enamel.

Soda is another acidic beverage that settles into the teeth and damages the enamel. The chemicals that create carbonation cause this damage. The dark coloring in colas stains teeth very easily. Women who drink diet colas regularly are at risk for both weakened enamel and dark surface stains.

White wine is a surprising source of tooth damage. Like other acidic beverages, it softens and erodes enamel. Red wine does not cause this kind of damage, so wine drinkers could make the switch without too much trouble.

Anyone who is worried about tooth damage should visit a dentist. Whitening treatments could easily remove stains, and teeth could be strengthened with fluoride. While lost enamel cannot be replaced, there are ways to repair existing damage and prevent more damage from occurring in the future.

A Family Dental Care Center

2030 West Main St.

Jeffersonville, PA 19403

Bad Breath: The Causes and How you can Solve the Problem

A smile with straight, white teeth is always attractive, but even the most beautiful smile becomes a turn off when bad breath is involved. Bad breath, which is medically referred to as halitosis, is a very embarrassing condition that affects millions each year. Dealing with bad breath is truly frustrating and can lead to embarrassment. Simply brushing your teeth, despite popular belief, is not enough to rid yourself of bad breath.

What are the Causes of Bad Breath?

Bad breath is triggered by odor-producing bacteria. People who don’t brush or floss their teeth on a regular basis accumulate more bacteria that makes them prone to halitosis. To avoid this problem, you need to be strict with your dental hygiene. Brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing after meals and using mouthwash will ensure maximum dental health. However, lack of dental hygiene isn’t the only cause of bad breath. Ingesting foods with foul odor like onions, garlic and pickles can also cause your breath to stink. In order to avoid bad breath, it’s best to avoid foods that have pungent oils that can trigger foul odor. 

A person can tell a lot about their health by the condition of their mouth. Halitosis is usually a symptom of a more severe problem. Gum disease, which is an inflammatory disease, and tooth decay, which is caused by bacteria, can provoke or worsen bad breath. If you notice red, inflamed gums, bad odor or rotting teeth, it is best to visit a dentist to have that checked out. Other common causes of halitosis include the following examples: diabetes, digestive problems, sinusitis, respiratory track problems and infections.

How to Treat Bad Breath

Bad breath can be a troublesome and embarrassing problem. If you have this condition, you don’t have to worry because there are several ways you can address the problem. The first thing that you need to do is regularly brush and floss your teeth because doing so will reduce the amount of odor-causing bacteria in your mouth. When you brush your teeth, don’t forget to scrub your tongue because a lot of bacteria accumulates there.

A great way to improve your breath is to regularly chew on breath mints or gum. However, you shouldn’t rely solely on breath mints or gum; you also need to use mouthwash and floss. Another thing you need to do if you want to rid yourself of bad breath is quit smoking. In addition to causing heart disease and lung cancer, the nicotine and chemicals in cigarettes contribute to a smelly mouth. Cigarettes are also one of the main causes of oral and gum infections, not to mention the leading cause of oral cancer.

Lastly, if your bad breath doesn’t seem to go away no matter what you do, your best bet is to visit a dentist. They can do a thorough examination of your mouth and pinpoint the cause of your halitosis. You can also get a deep cleaning from your dentist that can eliminate unwanted odor.

A Family Dental Care Center: Dr. Seth Rosen

2030 West Main St.

Jeffersonville, PA 19403

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Whiter Teeth May Bring More Employment Opportunities

If you are looking for a job in your area, you may be surprised to learn that having a brilliant smile can greatly factor into an employer’s decision to hire you. The condition of your teeth can tell a prospective employer a lot about you, and you may be surprised to learn what stained teeth can give away.

Tall-Tale Sign of Smoking

Any dentist will tell you that smoking is terrible for your teeth. The nicotine and tar will dull the enamel, and the smoke can dry out your gums. This dryness can also lead to tooth decay. If a potential employer sees that you smoke, you may be passed over in favor of a non-smoking applicant. The cost of healthcare for smokers is higher, making many employers leery of hiring them. Whitening your teeth can erase the signs of smoking, which can give you an advantage with employers who may be put off by your tobacco use.

Coffee Addiction

While considered less-dangerous than a cigarette habit, some employers may be disgusted by teeth stained by coffee. This is especially true among companies that maintain an image of natural living and healthy diets, such as supplement companies or businesses that deal in organics. Health spas and retreats that tout relaxation and herbal remedies may also not be forgiving about a coffee addiction. Don’t let your java habit keep you from landing the job of your dreams! Have your teeth whitened and avoid judgement about your choice of beverages.

Concerns About Hygiene

Some workplaces have had to deal with employees who were not fastidious about hygiene in the past. This can lead hiring managers to note the condition of your teeth, fingernails and hair cut to assess how well you maintain your body. While many people have stained teeth despite good habits, you may find yourself losing job career opportunities based on the assumption that your hygiene isn’t meticulous.

Lack of Confidence

Even if a hiring manager isn’t looking at your teeth consciously, he or she may assume you aren’t confident if your teeth are dull or stained. A brilliant white smile exudes good health and confidence, which can make an unconscious impression on everyone you meet. When you are trying to land a job, these qualities are important.

Prospective employers notice every detail about potential employees. At ties, these judgments can form negative impressions that can outshine your stellar qualifications. If you are concerned that stained, dull teeth may be holding you back from getting a dream job, talk to your dentist. He or she may have a solution that will give you a confident, dazzling smile to wear for your interviews.

A Family Dental Care Center: Dr. Seth Rosen

2030 West Main St.

Jeffersonville, PA 19403

Tip of the Week: Mouthwash the Forgotten Dental Fighter

Are you thinking about adding mouthwash to your daily dental routine? These days, Americans are focused on a white smile, and use chemicals to keep their teeth sparkling. However, mouthwash should be on the list of dental priorities as well. With a little bit of insight from a dentist, you will see why dentists all seem to unanimously agree on this unique product.

The world’s oldest mouthwash

Pliny the Elder, who lived during the time shortly after Jesus Christ died, regularly recommended Romans to use a mouthwash made from salt and water. Today, we are learning that this ancient technique is one of the most effective methods that you can use without buying a bottled mouthwash product. In addition to helping to keep your mouth clean, a saltwater rinse can also have a positive effect on your gums. A saline rinse is also highly recommended after oral surgery.

There is more to your mouth than teeth

It is easy to get swept away with the idea that the only thing you should protect in your mouth is your teeth. Nevertheless, the things that hold your teeth in place are just as vital. In other words, if you do not have gums, you cannot have teeth that feel comfortable enough to eat with. Having bad gums is called periodontal disease, and poor dental hygiene is one of the primary causes. Although avoiding smoking and regular brushing are keys, another way to keep gums healthy is with mouthwash.

Using mouthwash as a dental mouthpiece cleaner

Do you have dentures or another type of plastic dental mouthpiece? Whether you are using dental devices to make your teeth straight or keep them from getting knocked out during a football game, you will need to make sure they stay hygienic. One of the simplest ways to do this is by submerging a mouth guard or invisible braces in mouthwash overnight.

Rinsing away Alzheimer’s disease?

Research has shown that mouthwash does more than fight dental problems. For instance, poor dental hygiene has a significant impact on promoting non-oral issues such as Alzheimer’s disease. Mouthwash is not directly linked to preventing Alzheimer’s, but having a clean mouth is. Interestingly, there have also been moves toward making a mouthwash that can prevent Alzheimer’s.

Regardless, mouthwash has few scientific claims to greatness other than reducing bad breath, killing bacteria and getting the grit out of your teeth. With these benefits alone, it is clear that including mouthwash in your daily routine is going to do more good than harm.

A Family Dental Care Center: Dr. Seth Rosen

2030 West Main St.

Jeffersonville, PA 19403

Clean Teeth Can Prevent Serious Illness

Many people make the mistake of not caring for their teeth properly; this mistake can lead to a lot more than bad breath. Skipping visits to the dentist can lead to serious health problems. Even if you brush your teeth on a regular basis, it is still important to regularly schedule visits to your dentist.

Dangerous bacteria grow in your mouth; these bacteria can only be removed when you receive a professional cleaning. If left to multiply, the bacteria can lead to a variety of health problems:

Heart Problems

If you suffer from gingivitis or from periodontitis, then you are almost twice as likely to have problems with coronary artery disease. Researchers speculate that this occurs when the harmful bacteria from your mouth enters your bloodstream; once in your bloodstream, the bacteria attaches itself to fatty deposits in your heart. When the bacteria attaches itself, it causes inflammation and raises your risk of having a heart attack.

Memory Problems

Visiting your dentist can help your memory. Studies have been done that show a definitive link between people who have poor oral health and those who experience dementia.

The bad bacteria in your mouth can travel through cranial nerves that are connected to your jaw; once the bacteria infects your nerves, then it travels directly to your brain. Just like it does in your arteries, the bacteria cause plaque in your brain; this can lead to memory loss and Alzheimer’s.

Blood Sugar

Research shows that people with diabetes are more likely to suffer from periodontal disease. This research shows that people who don’t take care of their teeth properly have a hard time regulating their blood sugar.

If you visit your dentist regularly, you help your body regulate blood sugar; you also may help stave off diabetes. A simple visit to your dentist can help your body maintain homeostasis; in the long-run this will help you maintain a healthy weight and will keep you healthy.

Skipping Dentist Visits Can Hurt Fertility

Many studies have been done on women who are trying to give birth to a child. These studies seem to show that women who are trying to get pregnant take an average of seven months longer if they do not take care of their teeth. In these studies, it was found that gum disease has negative effects on the bodies of women who are trying to give birth.

These studies also showed that women with gum disease were much more likely to suffer from a miscarriage. It seems that the nasty bacteria in your mouth can travel through your bloodstream and affect your fertility.

It can be tempting to skip a visit to your dentist. Unfortunately, skipping an appointment can be a lot worse for you than most people realize. If you are diligent about your dental visits, then you help your body fight off nasty bacteria and germs that can lead to health problems down the road. When it comes to oral care, a little preventative maintenance can go a long way.

A Family Dental Care Center: Dr. Seth Rosen

2030 West Main St.

Jeffersonville, PA 19403

Flossing – Taking Care of Your Teeth!

Flossing is an essential oral health practice. When you brush your teeth correctly and consistently, a lot of dental plaque is removed. However, there are some areas that your toothbrush is not able to reach no matter how hard you try – e.g. in-between your teeth. Therefore, you need to apply floss on such areas to get rid of plaque properly.

Flossing does more than getting rid of plaque from the areas of your teeth where the toothbrush cannot reach. It also helps to put bad breath under control, polish the surfaces of your tooth, and gets rid of debris that stick to the teeth and gum.

Achieving Effective Flossing

For flossing teeth to be effective, it is recommended that you do it daily, at least once every day. Also, it should last for about 2 – 3 minutes each time. Also, you must floss correctly.

Choosing Your Floss

Your choice of floss should be one that you are very comfortable using. The type of floss you use does not matter, the most important thing is for you to floss and achieve the oral benefits of flossing. One of the best ways to fight plaque and the oral issues that come with it is regular and consistent flossing.

The varieties of dental floss to choose from include;

• Flavored

• unflavored

• waxed

• unwaxed

• wide and regular Flossing Techniques for Adults

Usually, a dentist would demonstrate flossing methods for you to follow. There are various flossing methods, and any of the under-listed methods can be used by an adult;

• The Loop Technique: This flossing technique is also referred to as the circle method. To begin, take a piece of floss about 18 inches, then knot it in a circle securely. Subsequently, place your entire fingers within the loop, with the exception of your thumb. Next, direct the floss through your lower teeth using the index finger, while directing the floss through your upper teeth with the thumbs; ensure that you exceed the gumline, until a ‘C’ shape is formed on the tooth’s sides.

• The Spool Technique; another name for the spool method is the finger-wrap method. To start flossing with this technique, get a piece of floss ready, the same length used in the loop method (18 inches). Taking hold of the floss, wrap each side lightly around your middle fingers several times.

Subsequently, manipulate the floss in-between your teeth tactfully while your index fingers and thumbs assume an upward and downward motion. Ensure that the motion is not side-to-side. The most excellent way is to make the floss go up and down, going beyond the gumline, and eventually assuming a ‘C’ shape on each tooth’s side.

More Flossing Tips or how to floss teeth

If you are just starting out to floss, flossing tools like the floss holder or a prethreaded flosser could be quite helpful; this is also the case with someone trying to floss a child or disabled person’s teeth. Again, those suffering limited dexterity either on their hands or arms will find dental floss tools (e.g. floss holder) quite useful.

Bear in mind that flossing and tooth brushing cannot be substituted with irrigating devices like toothpicks. Irrigating devices could possibly work well around braces that keep back food particles, or sections of the teeth that cannot be reached with a toothbrush. However, the fact remains that they are not able to get rid of plaque, and therefore cannot substitute flossing and brushing.

Additional Information

As part of dental hygiene routine, flossing is a practice of using a piece of dental floss – about 18-20 inches long to get rid of food remains or particles between the teeth. Flossing should accompany tooth brushing to help get rid of plaque that the toothbrush alone could not remove completely. Flossing cannot substitute tooth brushing; so ensure that you brush your teeth daily and also floss at least once every day.

If you are not flossing regularly and consistently, you are endangering your oral health. Food particles and plaque hiding out between your teeth and below your gumline can cause tooth decay or gum disease over time if not removed.

Therefore, flossing is not optional as many people erroneously believe, it is a necessary aspect of oral hygiene that should be adhered to properly.

Your oral health must be at optimum always; therefore floss and brush your teeth always, and visit your dentist regularly.

A Family Dental Care Center: Dr. Seth Rosen

2030 West Main St.

Jeffersonville, PA 19403

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