Feb 15, 2016
February is American Heart Month. Sadly, heart disease is the number one killer of women. Did you know that there are some studies that suggest a link between oral health and heart disease? While the studies aren’t conclusive yet, many have shown that gum disease, in particular, can be associated with heart disease. The American Academy of Periodontology, for example, found that those with periodontal disease are almost twice as likely to have coronary artery disease.
Some of our hygienists recently attended a course on this possible link between heart disease and oral health in Boston. One possible reason for this connection is that bacteria from the mouth can enter into the bloodstream through the gums, the same bacteria found clumped in artery plaques. Of course, it’s too early to say that avid tooth brushing and flossing can prevent heart disease. But it certainly can’t hurt.
Check out this video from the American Heart Association, “10 Years of Fighting Heart Disease in Women”
Jan 13, 2016
Are you the type of person who flosses just once a week? Do you sometimes head to bed without brushing your teeth since you’ll be brushing them again in the morning? Do you swish with mouthwash? Having a good dental hygiene routine is the best way to ensure that your trips to the dentist don’t consist of anything more than a casual checkup. Brushing your teeth is, of course, the best way to keep your teeth clean during the day and overnight. However, many people brush too hard, use a brush with bristles too hard for their gums, or don’t change their toothbrush regularly. A good rule of thumb is to change your toothbrush every three months or so, to ensure that the bristles are in good enough shape to do their job. Brushing softly twice a day over each surface of your teeth and tongue will keep your gums healthy and keep plaque buildup down.
Flossing is one of the most skipped activities in a good dental hygiene routine, but it is very important. Flossing gets those hard-to-reach areas between teeth, where a toothbrush may or may not clean. Adding flossing to your daily routine will strengthen your gums and help prevent cavities. Finally, after brushing and flossing, swishing with mouthwash each day for 30-45 seconds is the best way to round out your routine. It may seem silly to reiterate these tips that everyone knows, but you’d be surprised at how quickly these activities fall out of dental hygiene routines after a visit to the dentist! Keeping up with a regular schedule is the best way to avoid cavities, yellowing teeth, or more serious issues. If it’s been a while, give us a call at 207-781-5900 to schedule an appointment today.
Jan 13, 2016
When we think of dental tools, the first things that come to mind are molds, drills, and scrapers. But the often-overlooked dental X-ray is one of the most important tools in the dentist’s arsenal for maintaining oral health. Since dental X-rays are used to diagnose problems, they are often the first line of defense for dentists to assess what ailments a new patient may have. But dental X-rays are not just for new patients.
Adults with healthy teeth should be getting X-rays of their teeth every 2 to 3 years. Children, however, should have X-rays taken every year since their teeth are constantly growing, which causes rapid changes. As with most everything else, the sooner a problem is detected the easier, and cheaper, it will be to correct and dental X-rays play a huge part in fixing oral health problems. When is the last time you had X-rays of your teeth taken? Call our office today at 207-781-5900 to make your appointment.
dental x-rays
Nov 11, 2015
Colonial America was a tough time for teeth. Dentistry hadn’t yet formed into a medical discipline and the causes of tooth decay were still a mystery. Many Puritans began losing teeth at a young age. Fortunately for the self-conscious, smiling wasn’t exactly encouraged among our somber forefathers.
On the other hand, Puritans ate a fairly teeth-friendly diet. Here is a list of some of the oral health-promoting foods served at the First Thanksgiving.
Turkey
Yes, turkey was there at the original Thanksgiving table, but it wasn’t the bird we are used to. Instead, Puritans and Native Americans feasted upon wild turkey—a slenderer bird with tougher, gamier meat. Turkeys weren’t the only birds on the table either. Historians believe they also served geese, ducks, swans, and plenty of the now-extinct passenger pigeon.
Poultry is good for your teeth. It contains Vitamins B2, B3, and B12, all of which contribute to good oral health. Turkey is also high in phosphorous, which is important for tooth development.
Lobster, Shellfish, and Clams
While seafood may not be a traditional addition to the modern Thanksgiving table, it made up a significant portion of the Puritans’ diet. Plymouth Bay yielded an abundance of fresh seafood that provided much needed minerals. Squanto, a Patuxet Native American, didn’t just teach Puritans how to cultivate corn. He also taught them to catch and consume eels and other seafood. If you haven’t added seafood to your Thanksgiving menu, you may want to consider it. Seafood is rich in Omega 3s, a powerful anti-inflammatory that can ward off gum disease and boost brainpower.
Nuts
The Wampanoag ate a steady diet of chestnuts, walnuts, and beechnuts. These nuts provided healthy fats and calories, which were greatly needed to survive New England’s harsh winter. Nuts make a great appetizer for hungry Thanksgiving guests. They are also packed with inflammation-busting fatty acids that will keep your gums healthy and your teeth strong.
Pumpkins
While pumpkin pie is stuffed with unhealthy sugars, baked or roasted pumpkin makes a delicious side dish with plenty of zinc for your teeth. A lack of zinc in the diet can cause a variety of serious health conditions, including memory problems, hair loss, and bone loss. It can also weaken your teeth, which need zinc to stay strong. In addition, pumpkin has magnesium, which also supports your teeth, bones, and hair.
Oct 28, 2015
What’s scarier than having a child who needs braces? If you think the orthodontist’s bill will be scarier than a Stephen King novel, think again. Most orthodontists will work with you to create a manageable payment plan. It’s actually much more expensive to forgo braces when your child needs them.
Braces correct serious problems. Crooked teeth, overbites, underbites, and other issues corrected with orthodontia can have massive implications for your child’s dental health if left untreated. Often, malocclusions (misalignments) worsen over time. Your child could be facing a lifetime of increased risk of tooth decay, jaw pain, and gum disease. Not to mention that misshapen teeth can be a serious blow to self-esteem.
Therefore, if a dentist recommends you take your child to the orthodontist it’s best to do so. While your child may not be happy with the situation at first, once their braces are removed, they will be pleased with their great new smile.
Oct 28, 2015
1. Chewy Candies
Examples: Now & Laters, Mary Janes, Bit’O’Honeys
Chewy candies are number one on this list for a reason. Serious bite pressure is needed to break up chewy candies into manageable bites. That itself can damage your teeth. Once in your mouth, chewy candies adhere to the crevices between your teeth. The sugary stuff is likely to get stuck in between your teeth—right where you are most vulnerable to cavities. If you do choose a chewy treat, make sure to floss after.
2. Sour Sweets
Examples: Warheads, Sour Patch Kids, Sour Skittles
Q: How do they make that lip-puckering sensation?
A: With lots and lots of acid. Sour candies are highly acidic. Most also contain a substantial amount of sugar. This means a double whammy for your tooth enamel. The acid weakens enamel while abrasive sugar rubs it away, leading to tooth decay and possibly even tooth loss.
3. Lollipops
Examples: Dum-Dums, Tootsie Pops, Blow Pops
Lollipops aren’t significantly sweeter than other candies, but the way they are typically consumed lands them on this list. Lollipops take longer to eat than most candies. The longer sugar sits on your teeth the worse it is for your enamel.
