Did you know that 29.1 million people living in the United States have diabetes? That’s 9.3% of the population. Approximately 1.7 million new cases are diagnosed each year—and 8.1 million people living with diabetes don’t even know they have it. Diabetes affects your body’s ability to process sugar. All food you eat is turned to sugar and used for energy. In Type I diabetes, the body doesn’t make enough insulin, a hormone that carries sugar from your blood to the cells that need it for energy. In Type II diabetes, the body stops responding to insulin. Both cases result in high blood sugar levels, which can cause problems with your eyes, nerves, kidneys, heart and other parts of your body. So what does this have to do with that smile …
Brushing and flossing daily are just the start to learning about oral hygiene care, facts, and methods. Here you can learn so much more.
How Tooth Decay Causes Cavities
Tooth decay is the destruction of your tooth enamel, the hard, outer layer of your teeth. It can be a problem for children, teens and adults. Plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, constantly forms on your teeth. When you eat or drink foods containing sugars, the bacteria in plaque produce acids that attack tooth enamel. The stickiness of the plaque keeps these acids in contact with your teeth and over time the enamel can break down. This is when cavities can form. Cavities are more common among children, but changes that occur with aging make cavities an adult problem, too. Recession of the gums away from the teeth, combined with an increased incidence of gum disease, can expose tooth roots to plaque. Tooth roots are covered with cementum, …
Cold and Flu: 5 Ways to Care for Your Mouth When You’re Sick
When she’s feeling under the weather, Beaufort dentist Dr. Ashley Covington says one thing always helps her feel a little more like herself. “Brushing my teeth when I’m sick actually makes me feel better,” she says. “My mouth feels clean, and in a way, I feel like my health is starting to improve.” When you have a cold or the flu, taking care of your body is your top priority—and that includes your mouth. “It’s important to take care of your dental health all year round, but especially when you’re sick,” Dr. Covington says. Here are some simple ways to care for your dental health when you’re not feeling well: Practice Good Hygiene When you’re sick, you know to cover your mouth when you cough and sneeze. Don’t forget to keep up your …
Does Sugarless Gum Prevent Cavities?
When it comes to chewing gum, it's the type of gum you chew that makes a difference in whether it's helpful or harmful to your teeth. While chewing gum containing sugar may actually increase your chances of developing a cavity, there is clinical evidence that demonstrates just the opposite for sugar-free gum. And there's even better news when it comes to chewing sugar-free gum that is sweetened with xylitol. Sugar-free gum helps to clean teeth Studies have shown that chewing sugar-free gum after meals and snacks can help rinse off and neutralize the acids released by the bacteria in plaque, which are harmful to tooth enamel. Both the act of chewing and the flavor of the artificial sweeteners in the gum stimulate ten times the normal rate …
Cavities
Cavities are permanently damaged areas in the hard surface of your teeth that develop into tiny openings or holes. Cavities, also called tooth decay or caries, are caused by a combination of factors, including bacteria in your mouth, frequent snacking, sipping sugary drinks and not cleaning your teeth well. Cavities and tooth decay are among the world's most common health problems. They're especially common in children, teenagers and older adults. But anyone who has teeth can get cavities, including infants. If cavities aren't treated, they get larger and affect deeper layers of your teeth. They can lead to a severe toothache, infection and tooth loss. Regular dental visits and good brushing and flossing habits are your best …
Canker Sores & Treatment
A canker sore is a small, painful sore that develops inside the mouth. Also known as aphthous ulcers, these shallow sores can be found on or under the tongue, inside your cheek or lip, at the base of the gums or on the soft palate. Canker sores can appear on their own or in groups and are recurrent. Although canker sores can be painful, they will usually clear on their own within one to two weeks. Although often confused, canker sores are not like cold sores, which are caused by the herpes virus. Unlike a cold sore, canker sores do not appear on the lips and are not contagious. What causes canker sores? Although the exact cause of this type of mouth ulcer is unknown, hereditary factors, stress or tissue injury are the likely causes …
Bleeding Gums & Gingivitis
Do your gums bleed when you brush and floss? Did you know that bleeding gums may be a sign of gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease? Bleeding, as well as redness and swelling are classic symptoms. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress into the later stages of gum disease. Noticing these warning signs is not a reason to worry, but rather an indication that it is time to take control of your dental health. Recognizing the Signs If not removed by regular care, plaque builds up on your teeth, which produces toxins that can irritate your gums and lead to the symptoms of gingivitis. Look out for gums that bleed during brushing, as well as inflammation and tenderness. Bad breath, especially if you experience it regularly, can be …
What Causes Bad Breath?
Bad breath happens. If you’ve ever gotten that not-so-fresh feeling on a date, at a job interview or just talking with friends, you’re not alone. Studies show that 50 percent of adults have had bad breath, or halitosis, at some point in their lives. What Causes Bad Breath? There are a number of reasons you might have dragon breath. While many causes are harmless, bad breath can sometimes be a sign of something more serious. Bacteria Bad breath can happen anytime thanks to the hundreds of types of bad breath-causing bacteria that naturally lives in your mouth. Your mouth also acts like a natural hothouse that allows these bacteria to grow. When you eat, bacteria feed on the food left in your mouth and leaves a foul-smelling waste …
What’s in Your Toothpaste?
Did you realize that you typically spend about 24 hours every year brushing your teeth. In all that time have you ever wondered what was in your toothpaste? The answer varies from brand to brand but here are 5 ingredients that are the most common. Fluoride This mineral is key to fighting tooth decay. Fluoride makes the enamel of your teeth harder and more resistant to acid wear. To make sure your toothpaste contains fluoride, check the list of active ingredients for sodium fluoride, sodium monofluorophosphate or stannous fluoride. Only these three forms of fluoride are recognized by the Food and Drug Administration for cavity prevention. And a little fluoride goes a long way: Most toothpastes contain only 0.15% fluoride ion, or 1500 …
How to Brush Your Teeth
You would be surprised at how many patients that ask "What is the proper way to brush my teeth". Here are some facts that explains the proper way to brush your teeth. Brushing your teeth is an important part of your dental care routine. For a healthy mouth and smile the ADA recommends you: Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled brush. The size and shape of your brush should fit your mouth allowing you to reach all areas easily. Replace your toothbrush every three or four months, or sooner if the bristles are frayed. A worn toothbrush won’t do a good job of cleaning your teeth. Make sure to use an ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste. The proper brushing technique is to: Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree …