We know and love our toothbrushes as the tools that kick plaque to the curb, help keep cavities at bay (with the help of fluoride toothpaste, of course) and freshen our breath. But what else can we learn about them? Read on for some toothbrush facts. When selecting your toothbrush, look for the ADA Seal. The ADA Seal of Acceptance is the gold standard for toothbrush quality. It’s how you’ll know an independent body of scientific experts, the ADA Council on Scientific Affairs, evaluated your toothbrush to make sure bristles won’t fall out with normal use, the handle will stay strong and the toothbrush will help reduce your risk for cavities and gum disease. The toothbrush is 5,000 years old. In various forms, that is. Ancient …
End Bad Breath with a Tongue Scraper
You brush and floss everyday, but is there another way to get your mouth even cleaner? It could be possible with tongue scraping. You’ve probably seen tongue scraping taking over the pages of all your favorite influencers. Is it safe? Is it just a fad? Can it really be helpful? We’re here to dive into your questions and tell you just how this could become your favorite part of your dental routine. Why? Because it can help with a number of things including: preventing bad breath, improving taste, increasing health, and more. What is Tongue Scraping? Tongue scraping is a way to remove debris from the tongue. Over time, bacteria and more can make their home on your tongue. When this adds up, it can cause bad breath and other oral health …
Thumb Sucking & Your Child’s Teeth
Does thumb sucking damage teeth? Not all thumb sucking results in damage to the teeth or mouth. For example, passively holding the thumb in the mouth doesn’t typically cause damage. However, active thumb sucking with a lot of motion can cause damage to primary (baby) teeth, though this usually corrects itself as the permanent teeth come in. Persistent, vigorous thumb sucking can sometimes cause misalignment of your child’s permanent teeth and affect the jaw or the shape and roof of the mouth. Thumb sucking may also expose your child to dirt, bacteria, and viruses. Studies have found that children who suck their thumbs were less likely to experience allergic reactions to substances such as pollen and dust mites later on in life. So, …
Celebrate Children’s Dental Health Month with these Oral Health Care Tips
During the month of February, the American Dental Association celebrates National Children’s Dental Health Month. This month-long national health observance reinforces the importance of oral health in children as well as helping parents with tips to keep their child’s smile on track! At Lowcountry Family Dentistry, our dentists and staff are taking this opportunity to share oral health tips and raise awareness of the importance of pediatric dental care at an early age. First Tooth, First Birthday, First Dental Visit. New parents often ask, “When should my child first see a dentist?” It’s never too early to start focusing on your child’s oral health! The American Association of Pediatric Dentists recommends that parents establish a dental …
How to Stop Teeth Grinding at Night?
Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is when a person clenches their jaw and the upper and lower teeth scrape and grind against each other. Most people who grind their teeth do so while sleeping, but some also grind their teeth during the day as a subconscious habit. What Causes Teeth Grinding? There is no one known cause of bruxism, but it is believed that a combination of physical, psychological and genetic factors may be to blame. While teeth grinding during the day may be caused by emotions like anxiety or stress, teeth grinding at night may be caused by a number of different reasons: Sleep disorder Sleep-related chewing motions in between dream states An abnormal bite – your upper and lower teeth may overlap or otherwise …
Teething Symptoms & How to Help
New parents sometimes anticipate their baby's first tooth with a mixture of excitement and worry. While reaching a new developmental milestone is always a cause for celebration, this particular one can come with considerable discomfort. However, teething is different for each baby, and need not be painful at all; plus, there are steps you can take to make the process easier for your baby — and yourself. Teething refers to the process by which primary (baby) teeth emerge through the gums and become visible in the mouth. This usually begins between six and nine months of age, though it may start as early as three months or as late as one year. Usually, the lower front teeth erupt first, followed by the ones directly above. Most children …
What Causes Tooth Sensitivity?
Have you ever felt pain or discomfort after a bite of ice cream or a spoonful of hot soup? If so, you’re not alone. While pain caused by hot or cold foods could be a sign of a cavity, it’s also common in people who have sensitive teeth. Tooth sensitivity, or “dentin hypersensitivity,” is exactly what it sounds like: pain or discomfort in the teeth as a response to certain stimuli, such as hot or cold temperatures. It may be temporary or a chronic problem, and it can affect one tooth, several teeth, or all the teeth in a single individual. It can have a number of different causes, but most cases of sensitive teeth are easily treated with a change in your oral hygiene regimen. Symptoms of sensitive teeth People with sensitive …
Why Are Dental Sealants So Important?
Brushing and flossing are the best ways to help prevent cavities, but it’s not always easy to clean every nook and cranny of your teeth – especially those back teeth you use to chew (called molars). Molars are rough, uneven and a favorite place for leftover food and cavity-causing bacteria to hide. Still, there’s another safety net to help keep those teeth clean. It’s called a dental sealant, and it is a thin, protective coating (made from plastic or other dental materials) that adheres to the chewing surface of your back teeth. They’re no substitute for brushing and flossing, but they can keep cavities from forming and may even stop early stages of decay from becoming a full-blown cavity. In fact, sealants have been shown to reduce …
How a Root Canal Can Save Your Tooth
If you have a severely damaged, decaying tooth or a serious tooth infection (abscess), your dentist may recommend a root canal treatment. Root canals are used to repair and save your tooth instead of removing it. What’s Involved in Root Canal Repair? The pulp is soft tissue inside your tooth that contains nerves, blood vessels and provides nourishment for your tooth. It can become infected if you have: A deep cavity Repeated dental procedures that disturb this tissue A cracked or fractured tooth Injury to the tooth (even if there’s not a visible crack or chip) If untreated, the tissues around the root of your tooth can become infected. When this happens, you will often feel pain and swelling and an abscess may form inside …
What’s the Difference Between Scaling & Root Planing?
Your dentist may recommend that you get your teeth scaled. This procedure is generally conducted along with root planning. In more common terms, these procedures are known as a “deep cleaning.” Teeth scaling and root planning helps to treat chronic periodontal disease (otherwise known as gum disease). They are more in-depth than a typical teeth cleaning. Teeth scaling and root planning often take more than one dental visit and could require a local anesthetic based on the severity of your chronic periodontal disease and if you have receding gums. Recovery from this outpatient procedure usually only takes a few days but may take longer. What is the Difference Between Scaling & Root Planing? Root planning is the process in which …