Lake Oconee Dentistry Blog

LOOKING INSIDE SOMEONE’S MOUTH, members of a dental team can learn a lot! We can get clues about your diet, how sound you sleep, and perhaps whether or not you struggle with acid reflux.

Acid Reflux Disease Is Very Common Today

Acid reflux disease is quite common in adults over the age of 20. This is a condition where stomach acid leaks up into the esophagus creating heartburn or regurgitation. Often, the symptoms are not severe so it can go unnoticed or ignored.

Most People Don’t Realize The Potential Effects On Teeth

If you suffer from acid reflux it’s possible that there’s more damage going on than you realize. Frequent and/or severe reflux can cause those powerful acids to reach your mouth—and your teeth, which can lead to enamel erosion. Although the following symptoms can be caused by a number of conditions, acid reflux is certainly one of them. Are you experiencing…

• sensitivity to certain foods?
• unexplained pain or irritation in your mouth?
• noticeable thinning or shortening of teeth?
• darkening of your teeth?

5 Things You Can Do To Help Protect Your Smile

If you struggle with acid reflux, here are five things you can do to protect your smile:

1. Treat your acid reflux disease!

Take this condition seriously. If you’re not yet being treated, see your doctor for recommendations and/or medications that help keep your acid reflux under control.

2. Make simple dietary changes.

Limit acidic foods and drinks like sodas, citrus fruits and juices, tomato products, milk, caffeine, chocolate, spicy & fried foods, fatty meats or anything acidic in nature.

3. Rinse your mouth with water after reflux episodes.

Don’t let the acids sit on your teeth. Rinsing will wash away acids and help prevent further damage.

4. Wait an hour after reflux episodes to brush your teeth.

Exposure to acid can temporarily weaken enamel. Brushing immediately after reflux episodes can be harsh on your teeth and may hurt your enamel more.

5. Keep your mouth moist and fresh.

Chew sugarless gums, lozenges, or candies. If you use antacids, look for sugar-free ones and rinse after consuming.

On The Lighter Side…

Life’s too short, right? Sometimes we have to lighten things up—even when talking about serious subjects!

Talk With Us About Your Acid Reflux

We understand how frustrating it can be to live with chronic acid reflux disease. Give us a call if you have concerns. We always enjoy and appreciate visiting with you about your oral health and whole-body health.

As always… Thanks for being our valued patient and friend.

WE’RE BOMBARDED today by food choices and differing opinions about those choices. Trans-fats? Gluten? Vegan? What can we learn from our ancestors?

7,500 Years Ago People May Have Had Healthier Teeth

Does that seem odd? Ancient people didn’t have modern dental care or fluoride toothpastes, but they did have a different diet.Researchers studied DNA from preserved tartar of ancient humans and concluded that these ancient mouths may have been healthier than ours today. The “basic” foods people ate allowed for more diverse bacteria to develop with none monopolizing the others.

The Industrial Revolution Introduced Processed Sugar And Many Flour-Based Foods

Our ancestors’ lifestyles eventually changed from nomadic to agricultural. Farming drastically changed their diets and may have started the decline in oral health. But big changes came about during the Industrial Revolution when processed sugar and flour became commonly consumed. This change allowed for new cavity-causing bacteria to begin dominating modern mouths.

Be Smart, Eat Healthy, & Understand These Relationships

Eating is such a big part of life—physically, emotionally, and socially. In the end, of course, how we eat is an individual choice. We just want you to be healthy, and your oral health is a huge component of your overall health. So remember that consistently eating foods made from processed flour and lots of sugar can absolutely lead to a less healthy and more disease-prone mouth.

No need adopt all of our ancestor’s habits–like eating tons of meat, or drawing on cave walls. But consider the things they were doing RIGHT, like eating more natural foods.

Thanks for reading, and for your wonderful support for our practice. We value you as our patient!

MEDICATIONS OFTEN HAVE frustrating side effects such as nausea or headaches. But did you know that dry mouth is also a common side effect of prescription drugs?

Saliva Helps Keep Your Mouth Healthy

There are over 400 medications that can affect your salivary glands. These medications include those used to treat depression, anxiety, pain, allergies, diarrhea, urinary incontinence, Parkinson’s disease, and many other conditions.

Our salivary glands are extremely important because they produce saliva. Saliva keeps our mouths moist and breaks down the foods we eat. It also helps keep the bacteria in our mouths under control.

Dry mouth may result in:

• A higher risk of gum disease
• An increase in cavities
• Discomfort and difficulty eating, swallowing and talking

7 Simple Solutions To Help Fight Dry Mouth

If you or someone you know is taking medications that may be causing dry mouth, there are plenty of things you can do to help keep your mouth moist and healthy.

1. Drink more water! Sip on it throughout the day. Mineral, Carbonated water and Club Soda work really well to stimulate your saliva, too.
2. Chewing sugar-free gum helps keep your mouth moist and salivary glands active. Just make sure the gum is sugarless. Sucking on Sugarless Mints is also very effective.
3. Try eating frozen fruits. Frozen fruits may be soothing and satisfying to your dry and uncomfortable mouth.
4. Consider limiting your caffeine and alcoholic intake. It’s easier for your body to become dehydrated when consuming alcohol or caffeine.
5. Possibly use a humidifier while sleeping. This can help keep your skin and mouth hydrated.
6. Keep up with your daily oral care habits. Brushing and flossing help save your teeth from decay and other damaging problems caused by dry mouth.
7. Keep your regularly scheduled appointments. We’ll help you prevent serious problems that can result from dry mouth.
8. Use Saliva replacement products, such as the Biotene group of products, are also effective.

Medications Aren’t The Only Cause

Does Your Dry Mouth Problem Seem Severe? Let’s Talk

If you are having a lot of trouble with dry mouth, contact us. You may also want to consult your general physician about trying different medications or adjusting your dosages.

Thanks for reading our post! Please share it with others who could benefit! Our goal is to help your smile stay beautiful and healthy.

WHAT IF YOUR TOOTHBRUSH could be a force for good in the world?Pretty high expectations, right? But that’s exactly what the developers of Bogobrush are trying to do.

It’s Like The Tom’s Shoes Concept

The makers of the Bogobrush re-imagined the toothbrush while adding the philanthropic component. To be clear… We’re not affiliated with Bogobrush. We just like the concept of helping others.

1. BOGO stands for Buy One, Give One. For each brush you buy, another is given to someone in need! Millions of people lack access to dental care. This project takes a small step toward remedying that problem.
2. Environmentally friendly, without compromising dental health. The biodegradable design means less plastic toothbrushes in landfills.
3. Now, brushing is more than just a chore… It’s keeping you AND someone else healthy!

Founded By A Brother/Sister Team

Want To Learn More?

The makers of Bogobrush are working hard to launch the product. You can learn more about Bogobrush from their website. There is also an additional video about their progress that you can watch. And, we’re interested in your opinions about this idea.

Thanks for being our valued patient.

ARE YOU PREGNANT OR THINKING ABOUT becoming pregnant? Do you know someone who is pregnant? While you’re picking out tiny clothes and reading childcare books, remember the importance of your oral health!

Pregnancy brings so many physical changes. You crave different things. Your hair feels different. In fact, just about everything feels different. And, your mouth is different, too. Not sure why it’s important to know that? Don’t worry… We’re here to help.

Increased Gum Disease Risk

Pregnancy brings heightened hormone activity which can lead to increased gum disease risk and gum sensitivity. Just remember that pregnancy doesn’t cause gum disease—plaque does. Keep up your great oral care habits.

Are You Experiencing…?

Beginning around your second month, and often continuing through your eighth month you may be experiencing:

• Bleeding gums
• A potential increase in cavities
• Granulomas (small, tumor-like growths inside your mouth)

Here Are A Few Simple Recommendations:

1. Brush and floss regularly.
2. Keep your regular checkup appointment during your pregnancy and let us know that you’re pregnant.
3. Lay low on the sweets.

Routine Checkups During Pregnancy

An ideal time for your check-up appointment is during your second trimester when your pregnancy is stable, but not far enough along to risk stress-induced issues. In the old days, women were anxious about dental checkups during pregnancy. Typically there’s never an issue. Just be sure to let us know you’re expecting.

Morning Sickness

DON’T brush your teeth right after being sick. Stomach acid makes your teeth softer and brushing can wear them down. Rinse out your mouth, and then wait a while before brushing.

Congratulations on your pregnancy! If you have questions, please ask! You can also comment below, or send us a direct message on our Facebook page!

We appreciate having you as our valued patient!

DURING MEDIEVAL TIMES, people believed they could cure a toothache by driving a nail into an oak tree. Silly, right?

Today’s Misconceptions Are Different

There are still some crazy ideas out there about teeth—ideas that have very little to do with the facts.

Have you ever fallen for one or more of these modern misconceptions? Most people have.

Misconception #1 – Cavities Are Only Caused By Sweets

Technically, cavities are caused by carbohydrates interacting with bacteria on your teeth to create acid byproducts. Carbs include sugars, but cavities can just as easily be caused by crackers, potato chips, and bread!

Misconception #2 – Children Are More Prone To Cavities Than Adults

Kids are NOT inherently more prone to decay… They’re just not as good at brushing! Teach your child thorough brushing techniques—helping them out until they’re dextrous enough to do a good solo job.

Misconception #3 – My Teeth Are Fine If I Have No Pain

Decay can eat clear through your enamel and dentin before some people feel it at all! Catching tooth decay early typically allows more of the tooth to be saved, and can spare you added discomfort and expense.

Misconception #4 – If My Gums Bleed I Should Stop Flossing

Actually, that’s a really bad idea. Bleeding gums are often the first sign of gum disease. This happens when bacterial infections inflame your gums due to a lack of efficient cleaning! Sure, floss gently if your gums are sensitive. But be thorough and extra diligent!

Misconception #5 – After Dental Work Is Done On A Tooth It’s Stronger Than Ever

Not always the case. One of the biggest risk factors for decay is having had it before. Dental crowns and fillings are awesome but not perfect. They have nooks and crannies where bacteria can hide—especially as the restorations age. The lesson to be learned? Have your teeth checked regularly to make sure all is going well.

Misconception #6 – There Are No “Best Techniques” For Flossing

Not true. There are. If you’re not sure how, take a minute to watch this video:

Remember, our greatest weapon against tooth decay is knowledge. Let us know if you have any questions about any of the ideas above, or any of your own that we haven’t covered yet.

Thanks for sharing our practice with you extended family, neighbors, friends and coworkers. We appreciate the trust you place in us!

IT MAY BE TEMPTING TO SKIP A DENTAL checkup now and then. But remember that regular checkups and professional cleanings can actually save you time and money. Even more importantly, they can save your teeth and your health.

Here are four really good reasons to keep up with your regular dental checkups:

#1: Save Your Smile

Catching tooth decay early can save your teeth. And speaking of saving teeth, did you know the greatest cause of tooth loss in adults is gum disease? About half of adults over age 30 have some degree of gum disease. Regular dental appointments help prevent gum disease, and assist you in managing any oral health issues you may be having.

#2: Look And Feel Better

During professional cleanings, built-up tartar and calculus is removed that simply can’t be reached or removed by brushing alone. When you’re finished your smile feels truly fresh and clean. And by the way, regular cleanings can also help prevent embarrassing bad breath!

#3: Protect Your Overall Health

As many as 120 systemic diseases can be visible in your mouth. Regular checkups can reveal the signs of diseases before even you know about them.

Great dental care can also contribute to great overall health. In a study conducted at the University of California, Berkley, it was found that women who get regular dental care cut their risk of heart disease by a third. And in another study by Aetna, researchers learned that people who had regular dental care had lower healthcare cost burdens—thanks to prevention and early detection.

#4: Perhaps, Even Save Your Life

One of the most important parts of each dental visit is your oral cancer check, where your mouth is surveyed for early signs of one of the very deadliest cancers.

Questions? Always Feel Free To Ask!

If you ever have any questions about recommendations for your regular dental appointments, please ask!

Thanks for being a valued part of our practice!

BRUSHING: IT’S THE FOUNDATION for keeping your mouth clean and healthy. In fact, it’s so basic that most people don’t think about it very much… They just do it.

If you’re brushing twice a day that’s wonderful! It makes our job (helping keep your smile beautiful and healthy) a lot easier! But all of us can be more effective with our brushing. Ask yourself these three questions:

1. Are you using the proper brush?

Your toothbrush should be small enough to reach every small corner inside your mouth, and it should have soft bristles.

2. Are you using the right techniques?

Brush with the bristles against your teeth and gum line at a 45 degree angle. Brush in small, circular strokes, imagining plaque being swept away from the gum line.

NEVER brush too hard. Think about holding your toothbrush like a paintbrush! When it comes to brushing, elbow grease won’t get you anywhere—it just flattens the bristles against your teeth where they can’t do any good. And, it can wear down your enamel more quickly.

3. Are you thorough?

It takes two full minutes to do a thorough brushing job… 30 seconds per quadrant. And, don’t forget these frequently ignored spots:

• inner side of your front teeth
• your tongue
• inner side of back molars, next to your tongue

Watch This Helpful Video & View These Guidelines

The American Dental Hygienists’ Association has produced a quick-reference guide.

Ready To Take It To The Next Level?

If you feel like you have the basics covered, try these tips:

• Brush without toothpaste. It makes you more aware of where you do and do not brush.
• Try a plaque-disclosing tablet or rinse. Usually made for kids, these products color the plaque on your teeth so you can really see your progress.
• Most people follow the exact same pattern each time they brush. Try starting in a new place every day.
• Don’t forget to floss!

Thanks for reading, and happy brushing!

IMAGINE YOU’RE AT AN IMPORTANT BUSINESS DINNER, or perhaps on a first date. We can’t help you with the small talk, or deciding what to wear. However, we can help you avoid some dental faux pas.

Awkward Dental Moment #1: Something Stuck In Teeth

How do you know if something is stuck in your teeth? The back of a spoon or your cell phone camera make good emergency mirrors.

Plan A: Swish some water around in your mouth or chew a piece of sugarless gum to loosen it.
Plan B: If it’s really stuck, you may want to excuse yourself to go to the restroom. Floss works best—but if you don’t have floss with you, use your fingers. You can also try folding up a paper towel and using the corner.

DON’T EVER use potentially dangerous tools in your mouth like wires, pens, tweezers, keys, etc. that can damage teeth and gums!

But what if someone else has something in their teeth?

Here’s a tip:

Awkward Dental Moment #2: Bad Breath

Plan A: Drink some water or chew some sugarless gum. Keep sugarless breath mints in your pocket or purse.
Plan B: Most bad-breath bacteria hangs out on your tongue. In a pinch, you can use a spoon as a tongue-scraper. (Discreetly, of course.)
Plan C: If you’re at a restaurant, you may be able to chew on your garnish (like parsley). Other good foods are celery, apples, or yogurt.

Awkward Dental Moment #3: Tooth Pain Or Sensitivity

Sudden stabs of pain from your teeth can be distracting. What’s more, it may be a sign of something more serious.

Plan A: Avoid hot and cold foods. If your jaw hurts, hold a cold drink against it.
Plan B: If the problem persists, please give us a call.

Remember, you can avoid many of the worst dental dilemmas by keeping your regular cleaning and checkup appointments. Catch problems before they become emergencies.

Thanks for your trust in our practice!

THERE’S A BIG DIFFERENCE between a real smile and a fake smile. And while a polite smile can help smooth over some social situations, a sincere, honest, from-the-heart smile can completely turn the day around.

What Is “The Duchenne Smile?”

The Duchenne Smile was named after 17th century French researcher Duchenne de Bologne. He believed that the key to a real smile (a genuine expression of happiness) was found in the eyes, and although the muscles around your mouth are easy to shape into a smile, the muscles around your eyes (the Orbicularis Orbiti) are only triggered by true happiness.

Can You Spot Fake Smiles? Take This Quiz!

This is really a lot of fun! Take the quiz yourself!

Do You Know How To Smize?

Smize means “smile with your eyes”. Despite Duchenne’s long-standing theory, recent research (and Tyra Banks) suggests that anyone can fake a “genuine” smile. What do you think?

One Key To Spotting A Genuine Smile Is Imitation

Smiles are literally contagious. When we see a smile we have a subconscious urge to reflect it back. And when we imitate a smile, we can FEEL whether or not it’s real.In a 2013 study subjects held a pencil in their mouth while scrolling through photos of people smiling. The pencil kept participants from reflecting the expressions they saw, handicapping their ability to read the emotions behind those smiles. Interesting!

Let Us Help Keep YOUR Smile Healthy And Confident

Smiles are powerful. Genuine smiles are even more powerful. When you’re confident about your smile, it can truly change your life. Visit with us if you’re hiding your smile! Keep your smile beautiful and healthy!

Thanks for the trust you place in our practice and for being our valued patient!