Every May, dental professionals and oral health advocates unite to celebrate National Dental Care Month. This observance serves as a pivotal moment to highlight the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene and to encourage habits that prevent dental diseases. The inception of National Dental Care Month traces back to dental communities that aimed to increase awareness about oral health and its impact on overall well-being.

The History of National Dental Care Month

National Dental Care Month was established to address the widespread lack of awareness regarding oral health and its significance. It originally started as an initiative by dental associations to educate the public about the importance of regular dental check-ups, proper brushing habits and flossing techniques. Over the years, this month has grown into a nationwide campaign supported by dental professionals, healthcare providers and various organizations dedicated to improving public health.

Celebrating National Dental Care Month

There are many ways to participate in and celebrate National Dental Care Month. Here are a few suggestions:

• Schedule a Dental Check-Up: One of the most direct ways to celebrate is by making an appointment for a dental check-up especially if it has been a while since you have visited our dentist. Regular dental visits are crucial for early detection and management of potentially developing oral health issues.
• Educational Workshops and Seminars: Many dental practices and community health centers host free workshops and seminars during May to educate the public about oral health care. Participating in these events can be incredibly enlightening.
• Promotions and Offers: Dental clinics often offer special promotions during National Dental Care Month. Look out for discounts on services like cleanings, dental X-rays and whitening treatments.
• Social Media Campaigns: Join the nationwide conversation about dental care by participating in social media campaigns. Share your dental care tips, success stories and the importance of regular dental visits using designated hashtags like #NationalDentalCareMonth.

The Importance of Oral Health

Caring for your oral health is more than just avoiding cavities; it is essential for maintaining your overall health. Did you know that poor oral hygiene can lead to dental and medical problems including gum disease, infection, heart disease, stroke and even diabetes? Here’s why maintaining good oral health should be a priority:

• Prevents Disease: Regular brushing, flossing and dental check-ups can prevent gum disease and tooth decay, which are the leading causes of tooth loss.
• Enhances Self-Esteem and Wellbeing: A healthy smile can boost confidence, improve appearance and positively enhance social interactions.
• Lowers Risk of Chronic Conditions: There is a well-documented link between oral health and systemic health. For instance, gum disease has been linked to heart disease, stroke and diabetes management.

Every Small Step Counts

As we observe National Dental Care Month in May 2024, it is an excellent opportunity for everyone to recommit to better oral health practices. Whether by booking a dental appointment, participating in a local event, or simply committing to improving your daily oral hygiene habits; every small step counts. Let us use this month to foster habits that will ensure healthier smiles for ourselves and our families. We invite you to celebrate National Dental Care Month by making oral health a priority in your life and the lives of those around you. As always, if you have any dental questions or concerns, our team is ready to help!

With the blossoming of spring, while we welcome the vibrant blooms and greener landscapes, many of us also brace for the onset of seasonal allergies. This period, characterized by the widespread dispersal of pollen, can lead to the familiar symptoms of sneezing, congestion and itchy eyes. However, what’s less widely recognized is the impact of these allergies on oral health. In fact, seasonal allergies can have a significant effect on your mouth’s well-being, presenting challenges that go beyond the discomfort of the allergies themselves.

Allergies Can Cause Dry Mouth

One common repercussion of allergies is dry mouth. Allergies often lead to nasal congestion, compelling you to breathe through your mouth. This shift can reduce saliva flow, which is crucial for neutralizing acids and washing away food particles and bacteria. A lack of saliva makes the mouth more susceptible to cavities, gum disease and even bad breath. Furthermore, allergies can cause a sore throat due to postnasal drip, where mucus accumulates and irritates the throat’s lining. This condition, while uncomfortable on its own, can also deter you from maintaining your regular oral hygiene routines due to the discomfort experienced while brushing or flossing.

The increased risk of cavities and gum disease during allergy season is a serious concern. Mouth breathing, induced by blocked nasal passages, can dry out the protective layer of saliva over your teeth and gums. This dryness can facilitate the growth of harmful bacteria, increasing your risk of oral health issues. Chronic dry mouth makes chewing, swallowing and even speaking challenging while increasing the risk of tooth decay or oral fungal infections as saliva normally keeps those harmful germs in check.

Managing Symptoms and Protecting Oral Health

To mitigate the impact of allergies on your oral health, please consider the following recommendations:

• Stay Hydrated: Increasing water intake can help counteract the effects of dry mouth, ensuring your mouth remains moist and better able to fight off harmful oral bacteria.
• Maintain Oral Hygiene: Even if you are experiencing discomfort, do not be tempted to skip brushing and flossing. Opt for a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle flossing materials if your mouth or throat is sensitive during this time.
• Use Saline Rinses: These can effectively help clear your nasal passages and alleviate the need for mouth breathing.
• Seek Allergy Treatments: Over-the-counter or prescription allergy medications can reduce symptoms and lessen the impact on your oral health. Consider consulting with a healthcare provider for personalized advice tailored to your situation as needed.

Earth Day: Consider Sustainable Oral Care

April is also Earth Day, the perfect time to remember the importance of sustainable practices in every aspect of our lives, including dental care. Making your oral care routine more eco-friendly is a step towards a healthier planet. Consider switching to biodegradable toothbrushes made from bamboo or other sustainable materials instead of plastic ones, as they can leach harmful chemicals into the environment, and using natural toothpaste options that come in recyclable packaging or even tablets. It is also a good idea to be conscious of water use while brushing your teeth. Over time, turning off the tap while brushing can save a significant amount of water. As spring emerges, you can manage your seasonal allergies and adopt eco-friendly practices to protect the well-being of the planet while taking care of your day-to-day oral health!

March holds a special place in the hearts of dental professionals and patients alike, as it marks Dental Assistants Recognition Week. This week is dedicated to celebrating the invaluable contributions your dental assistant makes to the dental practice, ensuring its smooth operation and enhancing your care and treatment. In essence, hard-working dental assistants are the backbone of every dental office, performing a variety of duties that facilitate more efficient dental procedures and provide a better patient experience for you!

First Point of Contact

A dental assistant is often the first point of contact for patients, setting the tone for a welcoming and comforting environment. They possess a unique blend of skills that range from administrative tasks, such as scheduling appointments and managing patient records, to providing direct patient care, including assisting with dental procedures, taking X-rays, and educating patients on oral hygiene practices. Their role is crucial in making dental visits more efficient and less stressful for you, as the patient.

Creating Quality Care

Your dental assistant is also versatile, and that extends to preparing examinations and surgical rooms by sterilizing instruments and ensuring that all necessary equipment is ready for our dentist’s use. This meticulous preparation helps minimize wait times for you and allows our dentist to focus more on treatment, thereby enhancing the quality of care consistently provided.

Providing Patient Education

Moreover, your dental assistant plays a significant role in educating you about post-treatment care and oral health maintenance, empowering you with the knowledge to prevent future dental issues. They are the unsung heroes who work behind the scenes to support your dentist and ensure that patients leave with a positive dental experience.

National Nutrition Month

March is also National Nutrition Month and presents an opportune moment to spotlight the integral connection between what you eat and your oral health. This relationship is profound, as your dietary choices directly impact the strength, resilience and overall well-being of your teeth and gums. By making informed dietary decisions, you can significantly contribute to the longevity and vitality of your smile.

Foods That Benefit Oral Health

• Dairy Products: Unless you are allergic to dairy, it is an excellent source of calcium and phosphates. Milk, cheese and yogurt help remineralize your teeth, a process critical for repairing enamel damaged by decay. Cheese, in particular, stimulates saliva production, which helps protect your teeth from harmful acids.
• Crunchy Fruits and Vegetables: Apples, carrots and celery are not just nutritious; their crunchy texture acts as a natural toothbrush by gently scrubbing the surfaces of your teeth, removing plaque and food particles while also stimulating optimal saliva flow.
• Leafy Greens: Spinach, kale and other leafy greens are packed with vitamins and minerals, particularly calcium, which builds your teeth’s enamel.
• Almonds, Brazil Nuts and Other Nuts: These are great sources of calcium, phosphorus and protein while being low in sugar to support your tooth enamel.
• Water: As the ultimate drink for overall health, water supports oral health by helping to wash away food particles and keeping your mouth hydrated.

Healthier Smile, Healthier Life

Spring into action this March by acknowledging and appreciating your hard-working, dedicated and compassionate dental assistant the next time you come in. Daylight Savings is also a good time to refresh your oral health after a winter of indulging by incorporating more nutritious foods that support your teeth and gums. Your smile will thank you!

As we dive into February, the month of love and American Heart Month, it’s fitting to explore the intricate connection between your oral health and the wellness of your heart. While it is tempting to compartmentalize different aspects of your health, emerging research continues to underscore the interaction between seemingly unrelated areas. One such revelation that has gained significant attention in recent years is the undeniable link between oral health and cardiovascular wellness.

Brushing Your Teeth Protects Your Heart

Picture this: your morning routine starts with brushing your teeth, a seemingly mundane task. But did you know that this simple act is also pivotal in safeguarding your heart? Studies have highlighted an undeniable association between gum disease, also known as periodontitis and heart disease. This correlation isn’t merely coincidental; rather, it’s rooted in the intricate network of your body’s systems.

Your Mouth Is a Gateway

The mouth serves as a gateway to your overall health. Within its confines reside millions of bacteria, some beneficial and others harmful, causing cavities and disease. When plaque accumulates along the gum line due to inadequate oral hygiene practices, it sets the stage for gum disease. Left unchecked, this condition can lead to inflammation and infection, which, in turn, may trigger systemic inflammation—a key component of cardiovascular issues.

Gum Disease Raises Risk of Hypertension

Recent research has provided compelling insights into the relationship between gum disease and heart disease. One study published in the Journal of Hypertension found that individuals with gum disease were at a significantly higher risk of developing hypertension, a major risk factor for heart disease. Furthermore, the bacteria responsible for gum disease have been detected in the plaque buildup within the coronary arteries, further implicating oral health in cardiovascular complications.

Heart Healthy Oral Habits

So, where does this leave you? The answer lies in cultivating robust oral hygiene habits that extend beyond mere cosmetic concerns. By prioritizing the health of your gums and teeth, you inherently bolster the well-being of your heart. Here are some heart-healthy oral health habits to incorporate into your daily routine:

1-Brush and Floss Regularly:

The cornerstone of good oral hygiene, brushing twice daily and flossing at least once a day helps remove plaque and bacteria, reducing your risk of gum disease.

2-Schedule Regular Dental Check-ups:

Don’t skip those essential dental appointments! Regular cleanings and exams allow our dentist to identify and address oral health issues early on, minimizing their potential impact on your heart.

3-Mind Your Diet:

Opt for heart-healthy foods rich in vitamins and minerals, including leafy greens, whole grains and fatty fish, while limiting sugary snacks and beverages. A balanced diet not only supports your oral health but also promotes cardiovascular wellness.

4-Quit Smoking:

Smoking not only stains your teeth but also increases the risk of gum disease and heart disease. Seek support to kick this harmful habit for the sake of your smile and your overall health.

5-Manage Stress:

Chronic stress can take a toll on both oral and cardiovascular health. Incorporate stress-relief techniques such as mindfulness, yoga or your favorite exercise (swimming, dancing, cycling) to maintain a heart-healthy balance.

Healthy Smile Healthy Heart

As we navigate American Heart Month and beyond, let’s remember that our oral health is intricately intertwined with the well-being of our hearts. By adopting heart-healthy habits and prioritizing our oral hygiene, we empower ourselves to safeguard not only our smiles but also the beating center of our being—our hearts. So, let’s show ourselves some love and brush, floss and smile our way to a healthier heart!

As the calendar turns to a new year, it’s an opportune moment to pause, reflect and embark on a journey towards better health and happiness. While resolutions often center around fitness and nutrition, the significance of oral health should not be overlooked. As you consider your dental resolutions for the coming year, why not set the stage for a brighter, healthier smile in 2024?

Understanding the Significance of Dental Resolutions

Beyond the aesthetics of a dazzling smile, oral health is a fundamental pillar of overall well-being. Neglecting dental care can lead to various issues, including gum disease, cavities and even broader health concerns such as heart disease and diabetes. By committing to healthy dental resolutions, you make a promise to prioritize your smile, a decision that can positively impact your holistic health and wellness.

Practical Tips for Upholding Top-Notch Oral Hygiene

• Routine Brushing and Flossing: Lay the groundwork for a healthy smile by clearing away food particles and bacterial plaque by brushing, at least twice a day, and flossing once daily. Consider elevating your toothpaste effectiveness by opting for one containing fluoride that helps fortify tooth enamel and thwart cavities.
• Regular Dental Check-ups: Prioritize your oral health by scheduling and attending biannual dental check-ups. These routine visits with our dedicated dental team are crucial for detecting developing issues early and preventing more severe complications.
• Revamp Your Oral Care Regimen: Consider upgrading to an electric toothbrush for more effective plaque removal. Incorporate an antimicrobial mouthwash into your daily routine to combat bacteria and promote better gum health.
• Timely Replacement of Toothbrush: Aim to replace your toothbrush every three to four months (or sooner if the bristles show signs of fraying and losing their shape). A fresh toothbrush ensures the most effective day-to-day cleaning.
• Kick the Habit, Quit Smoking: If you’re a smoker, why not make quitting a top priority this year? Smoking not only stains your teeth but also escalates the risk of gum disease and oral cancer, both of which are often preventable.

Understanding the Wider Health Implications

The well-being of your entire body is closely linked to the condition of your oral health. Comprehensive studies have established connections between inadequate oral health and a range of systemic conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, respiratory infections and diabetes. Emphasizing the importance of oral health goes beyond achieving an attractive smile; it represents an investment in the wellness of your entire body.

Nourish Your Smile with a Balanced Diet

In addition to consistent oral hygiene practices, maintaining a balanced diet is instrumental in nurturing a healthy smile. Foods rich in vitamins and minerals, such as fruits and vegetables, contribute to robust teeth and gums. Calcium-rich choices like dairy products and leafy greens also bolster enamel strength.
To mitigate the risk of tooth decay and enamel erosion, limit your intake of sugary and acidic foods. Opt for water as your primary beverage to rinse away oral debris like food particles and bacteria and maintain optimal hydration for a healthy oral environment

Concluding Thoughts

As we enter 2024, let’s not underestimate the power of a radiant smile in fostering overall well-being. Dental resolutions are a small yet impactful commitment on your journey towards better health and a healthier, happier you. We welcome you to call our team to support you on your journey to a new year and a new smile!

As the days get shorter and the temperature steadily drops, we instinctively seek to warm up by donning extra layers to stay warm. While we take great care to protect our bodies from the chilly temperatures, we might not give much thought to how winter can affect our oral health. In fact, cold weather can pose unique challenges to our teeth and gums, requiring a bit of extra attention to keep our pearly whites in tip-top shape.

Tooth Sensitivity

One common condition during wintertime is tooth sensitivity. The combination of cold air and hot drinks can be a recipe for discomfort, especially if you already struggle with sensitive teeth. To combat this, consider using a toothpaste specially designed for sensitive teeth. These toothpaste formulas often contain ingredients that help desensitize the nerves in your teeth, providing relief from the sharp pain that cold air or hot beverages can trigger.

Holiday Habits

Winter is also a season of indulgence, with holiday treats and festive goodies tempting us at every turn. While it’s perfectly fine to enjoy these delights in moderation, it’s essential to maintain a consistent oral care routine to combat the effects. Frosted cookies, holiday pies, wassail, hot chocolate and other hot drinks contribute to tooth decay and cavities, so be sure to brush your teeth after indulging and floss regularly to remove any lingering food particles. If you can’t brush after eating, opt for sugar-free gum if you’re craving something sweet but want to avoid the potential impact on your smile.

Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!

Hydration is crucial all year round, but it becomes even more critical during wintertime. Cold weather is dehydrating, and a dry mouth can contribute to various oral health issues, including bad breath and amping up your risk of cavities. Make a conscious effort to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of plain water throughout the day. If you find it challenging to consume cold water during winter, try sipping on warm herbal teas or infusing your water with a splash of natural flavors, like a slice of lemon or cucumber.

Protecting Those Pearly Whites

Safeguarding your mouth during sports is always imperative, whether you are surrounded by winter weather or you are traveling to your favorite winter destination. The biting cold, coupled with high speeds and gusty winds, can pose a threat to your oral health. Wearing a protective mouth guard acts as a shield against the elements and minimizes lacerated or bruised lips and cheeks, and other injuries to your teeth and gums. Whether skiing down snow-covered slopes or gliding across icy rinks, this simple precaution ensures a safe and enjoyable winter sports experience, preserving your oral health.

Protect Your Lips

Whether you are indoors with the heater running or outside braving the elements, your lips can become chapped. Constantly licking them exacerbates the problem as the skin is delicate, and the enzymes in the saliva break down the skin’s protective barrier, leading to more dryness. Keep your lips moisturized with a good-quality lip balm, preferably one with added SPF protection to shield them from the sun. Remember, UV rays are higher at higher altitudes and snow can magnify the strength of UV rays.

See Your Dentist

Maintaining your oral health during the wintertime is worth the effort! Simple adjustments, like using sensitive toothpaste, staying hydrated, wearing a protective mouth guard and being mindful of your winter snacking habits, all go a long way in preserving your pearly whites while you enjoy this festive time of year. Don’t hesitate to reach out to our dedicated dental team if you have any concerns or issues with your smile!

This November (National Diabetes Month), we are looking at how diabetes impacts your oral health. It’s essential to recognize the interconnectedness of your overall health with your dental health in general and explore how making healthy choices can significantly benefit both areas of your health and well-being.

The Diabetes-Oral Health Connection

Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how your body processes sugar (glucose). High blood sugar levels can lead to various health complications, including issues with your mouth. Here are a few key connections between diabetes and your oral well-being:

• Gum Disease (Periodontitis): People with diabetes are at an increased risk of developing gum disease. This condition, also known as periodontitis, can cause inflammation and damage to the soft and hard tissues supporting your teeth. It can lead to gum recession, tooth loss and even chronic bad breath (halitosis).
• Dental Cavities: Diabetes can affect the flow of saliva in your mouth, which is essential for maintaining good oral health. Reduced saliva production can lead to a dry mouth, making it more prone to dental cavities and infections.
• Delayed Healing: Diabetes can slow down the body’s natural ability to heal itself. This means that if you have oral surgery, tooth extractions, or other dental procedures, you may take longer to recover and may also be at a higher risk of complications.
• Thrush: Thrush, a fungal infection in the mouth, is more common in people with diabetes. High sugar levels in the mouth provide an ideal environment for the fungus to thrive.

Healthy Choices for Both Diabetes and Oral Health

The good news is that many lifestyle choices that help manage diabetes also promote better oral health. Here are some ways to make healthy choices that benefit both:

• Control Blood Sugar Levels: Properly managing elevated blood sugar is the cornerstone of diabetes care. By doing so, you reduce your risk of developing oral health issues. Regular monitoring, medication management and lifestyle adjustments are key.
• Stick to a Balanced Diet: A nutrient-rich diet comprised of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains benefits both diabetes management and your oral health. Avoid excessive sugar and limit starchy foods that can contribute to dental problems.
• Daily Oral Hygiene: Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss daily. This simple system helps remove plaque and prevent gum disease from invading your smile. Be sure to use a toothbrush with soft bristles, as aggressive brushing can harm your gums.
• Regular Dental Checkups: Consistent dental checkups are crucial. Our dentist can monitor your oral health, spot issues early, and offer guidance on proper oral care.
• Quit Smoking: Just as smoking is harmful to your oral health, it can also exacerbate the complications of diabetes. If you currently smoke, seek support to help you quit.
• Stay Hydrated: Drinking lots of water throughout your day helps combat dry mouth, reducing your risk of dental cavities from tooth decay.
• Manage Stress Levels: Stress can seriously affect blood sugar levels and your oral health. Look for healthy ways to manage your stress levels by incorporating exercise, mindfulness, or hobbies you enjoy during your week.

Book Your Reservation

National Diabetes Month is a reminder of the importance of taking good care of your body. Making healthy choices benefits both diabetes and your oral health, boosting your quality of life overall. This November, prioritize your oral health for a brighter and healthier future. If it is time for you to see our dentist for a checkup and cleaning, we invite you to give us a call to book a reservation. Your smile and body will thank you!

March is a busy month in the dental community. With National Dentist’s Day on March 6 and Dental Assistants Recognition Week from March 5th to March 11th, we would like to give a huge shoutout to our team and thank them for all their hard work every day! Our dental family loves helping your family’s smiles thrive, and it gives us great joy to be part of your ongoing dental experience.

National Dentist’s Day

Dentists provide the expertise needed to prevent, diagnose and treat oral diseases. They observe the growth of your teeth and jaws and perform surgical treatments like tooth extractions and root canals to keep your mouth and body as healthy as possible. This also means you can smile with confidence!

Dental Assistants Recognition Week

Just like dentists, our dental assistants also keep your smile and body healthier. Recognized by the American Dental Assistants Association, dental assistants are considered multi-talented members of any dental team for providing essential supportive dental care:

• Comforting and listening to our patients
• Providing an extra set of eyes, ears and hands where needed
• Keeping everything running smoothly
• Supporting the rest of our dental team
• Performing infection control tasks

Our dental team depends on the work of our dentist and assistants so you get the high-quality dental care you and your family need.

National Nutrition Month

March is also National Nutrition Month, and eating better helps you create and maintain healthy teeth and gums for a healthier mouth and body. Did you know calcium, some fatty acids, vitamins C and D, and proteins can help your jaw and teeth function better? Protein fixes tissue and builds bone so you have a healthier bone density. Getting enough protein by eating healthy, whole foods with vital nutrients for optimal oral health can help keep your smile strong.

Build Better Oral Health With Your Food

Eating foods that are good for your teeth are also typically good for your whole body. Think calcium-rich low-fat cheese, fat-free or low-fat milk, plain yogurt, and leafy greens. High-protein foods like eggs, fish, meat and poultry actually protect tooth enamel while boosting bone density. Then there are high water content and fibrous foods like fruits and vegetables that increase saliva production, which effectively rinses away food particles, neutralizes acids and prevents tooth decay.

Fun Fact: Tooth Enamel is one of the strongest and hardest materials in your body! But it can also be weakened, eroded, or destroyed by oral acids and sugars from the foods and beverages you consume. Anything you can do to protect tooth enamel with the foods and drinks you ingest can make a huge difference in your health.

Food and Beverage Tips:

• Drink green or black teas to neutralize bad oral bacteria.
• Chew sugar-free gum to boost saliva levels.
• Eat high-fiber fruits and veggies.
• Protect enamel with tooth-strengthening foods or drinks (grapes, apples, strawberries, bananas, peaches, watermelon, cherries, spinach, potatoes, shrimp, crab legs, black tea and coffee).
• Consume vitamin C and other antioxidants (grapefruit, oranges, strawberries, cranberries, kiwis and apples).
• Eggs, lean meat, nuts, beans, green leafy vegetables, carrots and fish are all good choices as well.

Tend to Your Smile

We hope you enjoy March by focusing on your oral health goals. No matter the dental care (whether you need a routine dental cleaning and exam, better oral hygiene care tips, or cosmetic or dental restoration), our dentist, dental assistants, and our staff are here for you and ready to support your smile! Give us a call today!

February isn’t just the month when we celebrate all things love; it’s also Gum Disease Awareness Month. Why not show your gums some love? Because your gum health is vital for a healthy smile (and body). Gum disease is linked to Alzheimer’s, cardiovascular disease, pneumonia, coronary artery disease, diabetes, liver cancer and rheumatoid arthritis.

Our goal this month is to promote good gum health and help you feel more motivated to take the best care possible of your gums. Did you know that harmful oral bacteria and germs can attack the supportive bone, leading to tooth loss? Your gums provide a barrier preventing harmful elements from getting through and attacking your teeth. Without healthy gums, you can actually lose your pearly whites!

Gum Disease Progression

Stage One: Gum Disease

Gum disease, when it invades your mouth, starts with a milder form (gingivitis), which crops up when bad bacteria make their way under the gums, leading to irritation. At this stage, you’ll often notice bleeding, irritated and swollen gums. Timely intervention can often reverse gum disease by taking good daily care of your treated gums as recommended by our dentist. If you ignore your gums at this early stage, they will continue to deteriorate.

Stage Two: Early Periodontitis

The beginnings of bone loss anchoring your teeth start to happen, even though you might not notice serious symptoms. The good news is this gum deterioration can be detected during your regular dental checkups, which is one of the main reasons why these visits are so important to keeping healthy teeth and gums.

Stage Three: Moderate Periodontitis

If periodontitis is left untreated, essential jaw bone and gum tissue are continually whittled away until you feel that your teeth are beginning to feel loose. Dental intervention needs to happen to manage the disease.

Stage Four: Advanced Periodontitis

This is the most severe stage of gum disease. You may notice your teeth feeling even looser, interfering with proper biting and chewing and making eating painful. Not only have the bad bacteria lingering below the gums spread into the soft tissues and jawbone material, but now they have traveled throughout your body via the bloodstream. It wears down your immune system, leaving you vulnerable to the illnesses we mentioned above.

Proactive Gum Care

Now that you are aware of the problems caused by gum disease, show your smile some love to ensure your smile looks, feels, and functions as healthy as possible!

• Brush your pearly whites at least twice a day for two minutes each session. Go the extra mile if you can by investing in an electric toothbrush that does a thorough job of removing dental plaque. Use soft bristles that are gentle on your gum tissue and around the gumline, and brush small circles on the front, back and crevices.
• Floss between teeth to get rid of food particles and bacteria between teeth under the gum line to prevent plaque and tartar buildup. It’s vital that you swipe the floss up and around the gum line of every tooth to catch any oral debris left behind after brushing.
• Schedule routine dental visits. Along with consistent daily oral hygiene maintenance, routine dental cleanings and exams are your main defense against gum disease. Deep cleanings maintain tooth and gum health and spot developing problems early.

This Gum Disease Awareness Month, why not show your smile the love it deserves for healthy teeth and gums? Now is a good time to schedule your next dental cleaning and exam. Our dedicated dental team loves helping patients get healthy, beautiful smiles!

January 1st is the beginning of healthy resolutions for many people. And while ringing in the new year with alcohol is often traditional, it’s also no surprise that it is commonly referred to as National Hangover Day after all those New Year’s Eve toasts. While alcohol consumption can make an occasion more festive and enjoyable, much like sugar, it should also be limited.

New Year’s Resolutions

For a healthy body and smile, we recommend the following New Year’s goals to promote better health overall.

• Freely indulge in all the fruits and vegetables your heart desires. These will boost your immune system and help protect you from poor oral health like periodontal (gum) disease.
• Make this the year you quit using tobacco. Did you know that smokers are nearly twice as likely to lose their pearly whites as those who don’t smoke? This resolution can boost your oral health immeasurably!
• Brush (at least) twice daily and floss once per day. While your toothbrush cleans the teeth, flossing will reach between the teeth and under the gumline, ensuring that all tooth surfaces receive the care they need to prevent plaque buildup.
• Visit your dental team routinely as recommended by your dentist. Coming in at least twice a year allows our team to spot developing dental issues before they advance.

Why Alcohol Is Bad for Teeth

Did you know that sugar is the primary food for the harmful bacteria in your mouth? Quickly turning into dental plaque, this multiplying oral bacteria film infects your gums and releases enamel-eroding acid that causes gum disease and tooth decay. Since alcohol is often mixed with sodas and energy drinks high in sugar and acids, it can seriously hurt your teeth and gums. While drinking occasionally (just like eating sweets on occasion) won’t damage teeth if you clean well afterward, drinking too much definitely can, as it attacks tooth enamel. And while normal healthy saliva levels will neutralize oral acid, it can’t do that if you are downing multiple drinks after another and exposing your pearly whites to corrosive acid attacks.

Of course, most kinds of alcohol are highly acidic on their own, making them harmful to your enamel and even more so if you forget to brush your teeth before bed after indulging in a night of drinking. Speaking of saliva, alcohol actively dehydrates your mouth and body, diminishing saliva levels, which means insufficient saliva in your mouth. Low levels of saliva leave you vulnerable to tooth sensitivity, increased risk of decay and even oral infection.

How Alcohol Impacts Your Gums

If you consume alcohol frequently, you are exposing yourself to a greater risk of experiencing gum disease. You will also experience more dental plaque that builds up around your gums so they become irritated and diseased. And that’s not all. If you are already battling gum disease, frequent drinking can actually worsen your condition as it prevents your gum tissue from healing properly.

You’ll also be at greater risk of cancer if you are a chronic drinker. In fact, chronic drinking is the second biggest risk factor for oral cancer! Chronic alcohol consumption leads to oral cancer of the lips, cheeks, tongue, and sinuses. While cancer spotted in the early stages can often be successfully treated and pushed into remission, but once it has progressed, it is often life-threatening. The good news is routine dental checkups permit our dentist to perform an oral cancer screening that allows us to spot this insidious disease in its early stages.

Healthy Resolutions

When it comes to your oral and general health, taking good care of yourself can make all the difference to your quality of life. As this new year starts, limiting your alcohol intake to special occasions makes good sense. We applaud your efforts to be mindful of alcohol consumption to protect your smile. Give us a call to schedule your next dental visit!