Cavity Prevention – Page 4 – Latest News from Children's Dental Specialties

5 Crazy Things We Do to Our Teeth!

Posted on March 20, 2014March 18, 2021

Kids and adults do some crazy things to their teeth! Avoiding our list of the top five is a great way to save yourself from future tooth trouble.

1. Using your teeth as tools.

Your teeth are not bottle openers, package rippers, string cutters or any of the number of other crazy tools they get used for. Broken teeth can result in repairs that never end up being as strong as the original tooth. Grabbing a bottle opener, pliers or pair of scissors may be less convenient than using your teeth, but the effort saved isn’t worth an emergency trip to the dentist.

2. Chewing on ice.

Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the human body. Its job is to protect the softer tissues below the surface of your teeth. But as tough as your enamel is, it’s still no match for the abuse of chewing ice. Microscopic fractures, gum damage and even broken teeth are all the hazards of chewing ice. The next time you or your child wants something crunchy to chew on, try an apple instead.

3. Drinking tons of soft drinks.

Where does most of the sugar from a typical 2 year old child’s diet come from? Soft drinks. In fact, the average toddler gets more total sugar in his or her diet from soft drinks than with cookies, candy and ice cream combined! Sugar feeds the bacteria that eat away at the surface of our teeth making them more susceptible to cavities. What’s the best choice for your home? Fluoridated tap water.

4. Smoking.

One of the craziest things people do to their teeth is smoking tobacco products. Smoking can cause discolored teeth, bad breath, an increase in plaque and tartar, increased risk of gum disease, delayed healing following dental surgery, inflamed salivary glands, oral cancer…and the list goes on. Plus, teenaged children of smokers are 15 times more likely to smoke themselves.

5. Never flossing.

According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, only 7% of children floss daily. That shouldn’t be surprising considering that 10% of adults in a recent survey admit to never flossing. This is in spite of the fact that flossing is one of the primary means of fighting tooth decay. Most cavities begin between the teeth, where a toothbrush simply cannot go. To ignore flossing is…well, crazy!

Are “Soft Teeth” a Myth?

Posted on February 20, 2014March 18, 2021

We often hear patients talk about how they or their children have “soft teeth”. We especially hear comments related to how “soft teeth” have been inherited from their parents or have been passed down to their children.

But is there really a condition that causes some people’s teeth to be more susceptible to cavities than others?

Yes…and no.

Most people who suffer from frequent dental caries (cavities) actually have perfectly normal teeth. Their enamel is just as developed and strong as the average person. Poor dental habits are usually the cause of most cavities and with very few exceptions nearly all cavities are 100% preventable. The actual number of people who would have what could actually be called “soft teeth” is quite low.

A condition called Amelogenesis Imperfecta can result in thin, improperly formed enamel. This enamel is often pitted, uneven and brown. Inner layers of teeth can become exposed to damaging acids from food and saliva which leaves these true “soft teeth” more open to cavities.

Babies and young children often develop cavities as a result of bacteria transferred through the sharing of eating utensils or parents cleaning off pacifiers in their own mouths. It’s important to avoid transferring bacteria from one mouth to another and to begin dental care early. A soft washcloth can be used on a baby’s toothless gums, for example, and the American Dental Association has long recommended a small “smear” of fluoridated toothpaste for children under two years of age.

Even though the condition is extremely rare, we can’t rule out “soft teeth” without an exam. But most cavities can be avoided by regular flossing and brushing for two minutes at least twice every day!

Can Chocolate Actually be Good for Your Teeth?

Posted on February 6, 2014March 18, 2021

Whether we are giving chocolate to the ones we love or whether we just love chocolate, we also care about our teeth. And while candy generally doesn’t mix well with keeping teeth healthy, dark chocolate (the kind with at least 70% cocoa) can actually be a cavity fighter. That’s obviously good news for chocolate lovers. Crest’s new line of toothpaste has seized on the connection between chocolate and oral health by even including a chocolate flavor! Here are four reasons why chocolate is good for your teeth:

1. Chocolate is high in antioxidants.

Antioxidants are a group of molecules that keep your body healthy on a cellular level and chocolate contains a lot of them. In fact, dark chocolate can contain up to four times the level found in green tea. High amounts of antioxidants in saliva have been shown to fight periodontal disease.

2. Chocolate contains a high level of tannins.

Tannins are plant compounds that are found in many of the foods we eat. They’re also what give dark chocolate its slightly bitter taste and dark color. Tannins have been shown to help stop bacteria from sticking to teeth because their molecules bind to bacteria before plaque has time to form.

3. Chocolate is a good source of polyphenols.

Polyphenols are a class of naturally occurring chemicals that can limit oral bacteria. They are also able to neutralize the microorganisms that cause bad breath and prevent bacteria from turning sugar and starches into acid. Polyphenols have great promise for their apparent anticancer and anti-inflammatory effects as well as their ability to reduce hypertension and stroke.

4.Chocolate contains a flavonoid compound called epicatechin.

Flavonoids, a group of plant-based antioxidants, have been shown to slow tooth decay. Further, a recent study by researchers at the University of California showed that a particular falvonoid called epicatechin displays a remarkable ability to reduce cholesterol, blood clots and clogged arteries.

Remember, chocolate should be at least 70% cocoa for most of these benefits to your teeth and body. However, any food should be eaten in moderation, regardless of its health promises. And of course a chocolate bar is no excuse to skip brushing for at least two minutes twice a day.

Brushing Right After Eating May Harm Your Teeth

Posted on November 28, 2013March 18, 2021

One of the most surprising facts of caring for your teeth is that you should actually wait at least an hour after eating before brushing. In fact, brushing right after a meal may actually do more damage than good.

Here’s why you shouldn’t brush your teeth immediately after eating.

Your tooth enamel, the hardest substance in your body, works to protect your teeth. But acids created by food can wear away that protective enamel. During meals, that acid level gets elevated and your teeth are at their weakest state.

Your body has a natural way to correct the high acid levels in your mouth and return it to a proper pH level. It’s the work of saliva to naturally wash away food particles and give your enamel the balance it needs to continue its protective work.

Brushing right after meals can mean that you are actually attacking your teeth! Even soft-bristled toothbrushes can be highly abrasive when enamel is already weakened by high acid levels. It’s best to let saliva do its job after you eat. You can help the process along by rinsing your mouth with water or chewing sugarless gum which will help to increase the amount of saliva in your mouth even more.

But don’t forget to brush!

Wait at least an hour for your mouth to recover from the acid assault. And don’t forget to brush at least two times a day and for two minutes each time.

The Good, the Bad, the Ugly: A Look at the Best and Worst Candy for Your Teeth

Posted on October 31, 2013March 18, 2021

Not all candy is created equal in terms of its potential damage to your teeth. The sugar in candy feeds the bacteria that cause plaque. So the amount of sugar a candy contains along with the length of time it sits on teeth often determines how destructive it is. This infographic looks at several options, from the best to the worst.

Help For Those Finding it Difficult to Floss

Posted on October 17, 2013March 18, 2021

According to the American Dental Association, nearly 20% of Americans never floss. Many people invariably view flossing as optional which causes it to become one of the most frequently neglected parts of any oral care routine. But as much of a plaque fighter that your toothbrush is, it simply cannot reach all the tight spots between your teeth. Only floss is adept at getting to all the areas where bacteria hide. Here are a few ideas for those of us who find it difficult to floss:

Learn how to floss.

Flossing can be confusing for those who don’t do it regularly. The good news is that it’s not hard to learn. The American Dental Association’s website has very good instructions on how to floss and has even put together a one page .pdf to teach you how! You can download it here.

If you find flossing difficult, try floss holders.

Whether from large fingers or a lack of dexterity, some people simply have difficulty with the mechanics of flossing even after learning to do it the right way. Floss holders have become increasingly popular and are a great alternative for anyone who might find flossing difficult. Plus, holders made specifically for smaller mouths are great for children or adults helping with their child’s daily oral care.

Consider waxed floss.

Occasionally floss can become frayed, shredded or broken. This is often caused by teeth that are very close together. You might consider using waxed floss or floss made from polytetrafluoroethylene, a substance that is extremely slick. Shredded floss can also be caused by teeth that are broken or have cavities. If this is the case, don’t put off your next appointment!

Make flossing a priority.

Instead of making flossing a “once-in-a-while” task, consider establishing a routine of flossing. This will help you get in the habit of truly taking care of your teeth and gums.

It’s important to understand that flossing is just as important as brushing, that it isn’t optional and that it’s not too late to develop a healthy habit.

Ideas For A Candy Free Halloween

Posted on October 3, 2013March 18, 2021

What if you want to hand out tooth friendly Halloween treats but don’t want to get on the “trick” list? We believe that a candy free Halloween can be even more fun than one coated in sugar. Here are 5 ideas to help you be the most popular house on the street while saving tiny teeth from cavities one trick-or-treater at a time.

Give a “prize” instead of a treat.

Retailers that sell party favors and supplies are a great place to find prizes that you can hand out to kids. These small trinkets last long after the candy has been eaten and will be remembered much longer as well.

Help kids get creative with clay!

Multi-packs of mini play dough containers are available to purchase or you can even make your own. You could put small batches of homemade play dough in plastic baggies with a quick note explaining that the dough is for play and not food.

Keep kids safe with glow sticks!

Glow sticks are available at really low prices at craft and discount stores. Kids love glow sticks (and so do we!)

Give fun Halloween stickers.

Who doesn’t love a cool sticker? If you have a variety, you can let kids choose their own design that they can then save for later or wear while trick-or-treating.

Get awesome ideas on Pinterest.

A quick search on Pinterest reveals a TON of ideas for a candy free Halloween. You can find craft ideas, inexpensive gifts and handouts that will make every child who comes to your door smile. While your at it, check out our Pinterest boards for even more dental health ideas!

Have more ideas? We would love to hear from you. Leave us a comment below!

Why Do Pirates Have Bad Teeth?

Posted on September 19, 2013March 18, 2021

Have you ever noticed that pirates all seem to have bad teeth? Have you ever wondered why? Probably not, but in honor of “International Speak Like a Pirate Day” we thought we would share why pirates have such a poor reputation for terrible chompers! And the answers might also give us some helpful ideas for taking care of our own oral health.

Scurvy was a serious problem.

Scurvy is more than just a pirate insult. It’s a disease caused by a lack of vitamin C and it can cause severely weakened and receding gums. Pirates were often the victims of scurvy because they spent months at a time on the open seas with no access to fresh fruits and vegetables. It wasn’t uncommon for pirates to have missing teeth due to poor gums. What does this mean for us? Eating a healthy diet with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables can help us avoid looking like scurvy pirates!

They didn’t brush their teeth.

It wasn’t until 1938 that the modern toothbrush was invented. Until then, if pirates cleaned their teeth at all it would have been with a “chew stick” which was less than effective at keeping teeth clean and plaque at bay. Thankfully, today we have a lot of tooth-brushing options, the best being soft bristled and made to fit the size of your particular mouth. Brushing for at least two minutes, twice a day can help you keep your teeth ship-shape.

Cavities were left untreated.

It’s hard to make oral care a priority when you’re sailing the ocean and looking for innocent ships to plunder! Modern technology has made a tremendous difference in early cavity detection, but pirates would have had to rely on pain as an indicator that something was wrong with their teeth. By the time a cavity is severely hurting, however, it means that tooth decay has grown so severe that enamel and dentin have been worn away exposing sensitive nerves located in the pulp of your tooth. While we may not be able to enjoy the thrills of the open sea, we’re pretty thankful that regular dental visits can keep bacterial invaders at bay.

There were no real dentists!

In times past, dental services were practiced by people who had many trades. A pirate “dentist” may very well have also served as the ship’s cook, boatswain or master gunner. And while they may have tried their best at helping with dental care, being good with a cutlass doesn’t necessarily mean a pirate would make a good dentist! We love what we do, and we’re focused on proving the best dental care possible in a caring and relaxed environment. Pirates may not have had access to professional dental care, but you do, and we hope to see you soon, matey!

Yogurt and Your Teeth.

Posted on July 18, 2013March 18, 2021

Yogurt is a dental super food. Yogurt is more popular than ever as a healthy choice for those seeking to supplement their diet with a food that will help their overall health. Several respected studies over the last few years have continuously shown that yogurt has benefits far beyond digestive health. Here are a few of the exciting ways that yogurt can help keep you smiling:

Yogurt helps gums.

A Japanese study of 1,000 adults revealed that the healthiest gums were found in those that ate the most yogurt. Probiotics, the “good bacteria” found in yogurt are the possible reason as these active cultures may help to slow the growth of cavity causing bacteria. Healthy gums are essential to your overall health because gum disease can put you at an increased risk for a wide range of complications including heart disease.

Yogurt strengthens teeth.

Yogurt is high in calcium which helps to keep your teeth strong. Calcium works by maintaining the density of your skeletal bones through years of deposit while your body is growing the most. For this reason, children especially benefit from the calcium found in yogurt. Once permanent teeth appear, calcium continues to help prevent tooth decay by keeping enamel strong.

Yogurt fights bad breath.

Researchers have discovered that eating six ounces of yogurt each day greatly reduces the bad breath causing compounds like hydrogen sulfide. It turns out that the probiotics found in yogurt help to keep “smelly” bacteria in check.

Yogurt makes your mouth less acidic.

Cavity-causing bacteria love an acidic mouth. Yogurt counters this by balancing your mouth’s PH levels and creating a less hospitable place for bacteria to thrive.

The best yogurt for your dental health is plain and sugar free. Greek yogurts are an even better option because they often contain the highest amount of probiotics. If you or your children crave a sweet addition to your yogurt, you might sparingly choose a small amount of fresh fruit or a natural sweetener

Soda vs. Teeth

Posted on June 6, 2013March 18, 2021

Good news for teeth: Soda consumption in the U.S. is falling. For the eighth-straight year soda consumption has decreased to its lowest level since 1987. Many school districts have banned sugary carbonated beverages from their cafeterias. Well-known politicians have attempted to limit access to large quantities of soda, and even the national “Let’s Move” campaign is urging kids to drink water instead of soda.

But there’s still a lot of soda being consumed, especially by kids. Estimates have shown that one in five children consumes as many as four servings of soda every day. Many teens drink as many as twelve soft drinks a day!

Soda is not only bad for your body, being a major contributor to obesity, but it’s incredibly damaging to your teeth because its war on them hits in two major fronts: acidity and sugar. You may have seen the popular science experiment where an egg is placed in soda and left overnight. Not only will the egg be permanently stained, but if left long enough the acid in the soda will completely dissolve the shell. Just like in the experiment, every time you drink soda it bathes your teeth in acid that eats away the hard enamel protecting your teeth.

This is where the second attack occurs. Soda is extremely high in sugar, containing more than 4 tablespoons in a 20 ounce bottle. Sugar feeds the bacteria that cause cavities. Teeth that are already softened by a constant washing of highly acidic soda are further damaged by this increase in bacteria.

The good news is that it’s never too late to make healthier choices. Replacing soda with water is not only better for your teeth, but also better for your overall health. You can also help reduce the effects of the occasional soda by rinsing with water after consumption and using fluoride toothpaste. Don’t forget to brush two minutes, two times each day and make sure that you are up to date on your dental appointments!