Lake Oconee Dentistry Blog

YOU ALREADY KNOW THAT NEGLECTING TO FLOSS can lead to all kinds of oral health problems—including tooth decay and periodontal disease. But what most people don’t know (or don’t think about) are the correct and incorrect techniques associated with flossing. They’re not complicated and they’re important to know. We hope this helps!

Yes, Ned Is Finally Flossing… But Don’t Be Like Ned

Nice job, Ned! You’ve gone from never flossing to flossing more often! But there are still a few very important things that you’re not doing correctly. Now it’s time to tighten up those flossing skills!

Don’t Do These Things That Ned Does:

• Don’t skip a day now and then. Floss daily to remove harmful bacteria.
• Don’t “saw back and forth” which could cut into your gums. Slide the floss up and down against the tooth’s surface.
• Don’t floss too aggressively. Snapping the floss into your gums can cut them and damage the tissue.
• Don’t forget to floss under your gum line to remove hard-to-reach plaque.
• Don’t forget to floss the back side of those very, very back teeth (even though they’re not up against another tooth).

Important Flossing Tips:

• Start with about 18 inches of floss. Wind most around one finger and the rest around the same finger on the opposite hand.
• Be gentle! Slide the floss between your teeth and below the gums and then use a soft up-and-down rubbing motion.
• Use a new section of your floss for each tooth to avoid spreading bacteria from tooth to tooth.
• Flossing in front of a mirror can help you be more thorough.
• You can floss in the morning or at night, before or after you brush.

Have Questions About Flossing?

Flossing is an important part of your daily oral health routine. However, maximizing the benefit comes from doing it correctly. If you have additional questions about flossing or any other aspect of your oral hygiene, please contact us. We’d love to hear from you! And you can always post questions directly on our Facebook page.

Thanks for being our awesome patient!

WHEN THE COLD AND FLU SEASON STRIKES your teeth are probably the last thing you’re thinking about as you reach for another tissue! But there ARE some things related to that cold or flu that can affect your oral health. Be conscious of these three things:

Tip 1: Avoid Dry Mouth By Staying Hydrated

Dry mouth increases cavity risk. Most colds come with a giant side order of stuffy nose. We respond by breathing through our mouths! Doing so, combined with decreased saliva production during sleep, makes our mouths more vulnerable to harmful bacteria.

Tip 2: Keep The Bad Stuff Off Your Teeth

• Are you sucking on cough drops all day? Most are loaded with sugar. Opt for sugar-free cough drops if possible.
• Cough syrup is loaded with sugar too. If you take cough syrup, rinse your mouth out before going back to bed.
• Stomach acid is hard on teeth. Sorry to bring this up, but if you’re throwing up, keep your teeth rinsed and clean.

Tip 3: No Matter How Tired…

We know it’s tough when you’re sick, but don’t skip your normal brushing/flossing routine just because you’re feeling really tired. Your oral health is too important to neglect. (By the way, did you notice the kitty in the photo above? We think she’s smelling his breath because he hasn’t brushed in days.)

A Few More Practical Tips For Staying Healthy

Stay healthy this flu season! Remember to sneeze into your elbow and wash your hands often to keep viruses from spreading.

And This One Is Just For Fun…

If you’re sick, get feeling better soon! And thanks for your trust in our practice.

WE USE IT DAILY TO CLEAN OUR TEETH and freshen our breath, but did you know there are many other everyday uses for toothpaste? Here are a few:

Cleaning, Polishing, And Removing Stains

A little toothpaste can help remove stains from clothes and carpet, crayon from walls, scuffs from shoes, and soap scum from the shower. You can polish chrome faucet fixtures, jewelry, and even your finger and toenails!

Deodorizing

Have a plastic bottle that smells like sour milk? Are your hands smelly after handling onions or fish? Scrubbing with toothpaste can help get rid of unpleasant smells.

Restoring Car Headlights

Itch And Pain Relief

Want to soothe the pain or itching caused by a bug bite or simple burn? It has also been said that toothpaste can help reduce the size and discomfort of cold sores and zits.

Defogging Mirrors And Goggles

Rubbing a little toothpaste on a mirror, glasses or goggles and then rinsing the surface clean can help prevent fogging. Eureka!

Filling Nail Holes In Walls

Don’t have drywall paste on hand or time to run to the hardware store? No problem. Fill in the holes with toothpaste and let it dry. You can even paint over it.

A Little Toothpaste History

Before You Go Crazy With The Toothpaste…

There are LOTS of accounts out there of people using toothpaste for the purposes above AND others. But, we haven’t tried them all ourselves! So here’s our little “disclaimer”!

If you’re going to try any of these ideas use white, non-gel toothpaste AND be sure to do your own research first! Just Google your idea before you start—there are tons of step-by-step instructions and testimonials out there!

Do you have another use for toothpaste that you’ve tried? Share it with us below!

We hope this was fun for you (and informative). Thanks for being our awesome patients!

NEARLY ALL OF US EXPERIENCE bleeding gums at some point in our lives. But don’t assume it’s no big deal. Gum disease can have serious consequences including pain, chronic bleeding and tooth loss. It has also been linked to a number of total body health conditions including Alzheimer’s.

Skipping The Floss Can Increase Dementia Risk

A recent study of over 5000 retirement community members found that NOT brushing daily could increase the risk of developing dementia up to 65%. Other research supports the correlation between tooth loss and Alzheimer’s. Some researchers theorize that because tooth loss and sensitivity may contribute to poor eating habits, that also affects brain health. And, Alzheimer’s patients are more likely to neglect their personal dental care. However, even with these other variables removed, there seems to be a strong link.

Miles Of Floss

How Oral Bacteria Hurts Your Brain

When you experience gum irritation and bleeding you essentially have an open wound and bacteria from your mouth can enter the rest of the body through your bloodstream. In one British study, traces of P. gingivalis were found in brain tissue of those afflicted with Alzheimer’s. It may be that the bacteria creates brain inflammation, causing dementia. It could also be that it triggers an immune response which attacks healthy brain cells.

Take Care Of Your Body By Taking Care Of Your Gums

Taking care of your gum health is an important part of overall health. Follow these steps for a healthy mouth and a healthy brain:

1. Brush every day.
2. Floss every day.
3. Don’t postpone your regular cleanings.

Do you have someone you care about who could benefit from this information? Share the message and remind them to floss!

Thanks for your trust in our practice. We appreciate you!

YES, SNACKS AND DESSERTS ARE BOTH TEMPTING AND TASTY! But they can wreak havoc on your teeth. For your smile’s health, when it comes to sweets, consider what and when you eat.

One Option… Don’t Save Dessert For Last!

When you finish off a meal with something sweet, the starch and sugar may end up camping out on your teeth longer while your saliva works to wash it away. Eating other kinds of foods last—such as fruits, vegetables, cheese—speeds up the cleansing process and reduces the amount of time your smile is exposed to potentially harmful substances.

Start Making The Shift To More Smile-Friendly Desserts And Snacks

We understand… Eliminating all sweets isn’t easy! The good news is that it probably isn’t necessary either. However, you can better avoid their negative effects by eating less of them. Try eating snacks that both you AND your smile will like, including:

• dairy products like cheese and yogurt
• hard-boiled eggs, raw peanuts, almonds
• fresh fruits and vegetables
• pumpkin and sunflower seeds
• sugar-free gum

Whether they’re increasing saliva flow, providing smile-friendly vitamins and minerals, or neutralizing acid produced by plaque, the foods above can help prevent tooth decay. And they’re delicious too!

Easy Action Items:

Mom was right…

1. Limit the amount of sweets you eat.
2. When you DO eat something sugary, eat it before or with something else.
3. Clean your teeth after snacks and meals.
4. Keep up routine checkups.

Again, thank you for the continued trust you place in our practice. We appreciate you!

THE EXACT CAUSE of canker sores is unknown. What we do know is that canker sores can be extremely bothersome! By better understanding some of the possible causes—and some treatment options—we hope to reduce the irritation canker sores may cause you.

Possible Canker Sore Causes

These non-contagious lesions that appear on your gums, lips, cheeks, and the roof of your mouth may be caused by:

• irritation (from harsh brushing, braces, biting the inside of your mouth, etc.)
• high stress levels
• bacterial infections
• improper nutrition and/or vitamin deficiencies
• immune system issues
• food allergies

Tips For Reducing Canker Sore Pain And Duration

There’s no cure-all solution for canker sores. But, there are a few things you can do to reduce their painful impact and possibly reduce your susceptibility.

• A baking soda or salt water rinse can soothe pain.
• A daily dose of Vitamin B12 can reduce sore frequency and duration.
• Certain over-the-counter products can help with pain and healing.
• Do your best to reduce stress! Exercise may help!
• Watch what you eat… Notice if certain foods trigger your canker sores.
• Regularly using an antiseptic rinse may help with prevention.
• Avoid hot or spicy foods that may further irritate sores.
• Check your toothpaste. Some research shows that SLS (an ingredient found in many toothpastes) may aggravate canker sores.

An Important Note

Canker sores usually heal themselves in a week or two. If yours don’t, please call us to set up an appointment! Lingering sores may be an early sign of a more serious condition. Your health and comfort is our number one priority!

Thanks for being a valued part of our practice. We appreciate you!

WELCOME TO THE FOURTH and finalchapter in our “Healthy Smile Timeline” series. Let’s talk about a few special concerns that may crop up once your smile is a little more seasoned—as well as some cosmetic options you may want to consider. If YOU don’t fall into this particular age category, perhaps you care for someone who does. Be sure to share this post with friends and/or loved ones who could benefit from these ideas.

Today, Modern Dentistry Helps People Keep Their Smiles For Life!

During generations past, lost teeth were considered an inevitable consequence of aging. Now we know how to better care for our smiles as they age. With modern advances, you can have a comfortable, healthy smile for life!

Must-Do’s, Ages 65+:

• For the most part, losing your teeth during your golden years has little to do with getting old and almost everything to do with gum disease. It’s common as we age because our immune systems can’t fight off inflammation as easily. Regular checkups and cleanings greatly help protect you from this problem.
• Many medications precipitate dry mouth, a side effect which can hurt your oral health. Keep us up to date on your medications and any medical issues you’re having.

Should-Do’s, Ages 65+:

• Today’s dental implants look, feel, and function like natural teeth! If you’re missing one or more teeth, advanced restorative implants may be the solution.
• If limited mobility is impairing your home care routine, ask us about special tools that can help. We might recommend an electric toothbrush, or even little tweaks to your usual tools—like extending your toothbrush, or attaching a little ball to the bottom to make it easier to grip.
• Boost YOUR self confidence! A recent study indicates that nearly 90% of dental implant patients who previously wore dentures say confidence is up, and the procedure was worth repeating.

Could-Do’s, Ages 65+:

• When it comes to cosmetic and restorative dentistry, it isn’t complicated and there’s very little discomfort. More and more seasoned citizens are keeping their teeth AND beautifying their smiles with cosmetic veneers. You can too.

Be An Example Of Great Oral Health

You’re part of an amazing new generation of people proving that we can all keep great oral health well into our golden years! While our ancestors were subsisting on soup by age 50, we’ll still be eating all our favorite crunchy foods for as long as we want. Show everyone what it means to have a lifetime of great dental health!

Let us know if you have any questions or concerns regarding the tips and recommendations above. Our team is always here to help.

Thank you for reading and sharing this series! We love working with fantastic patients like you.

IT’S TIME TO TALK ABOUT 40–60 YEAR OLD SMILES in our Healthy Smile Timeline Series! And again, don’t forget that if YOU don’t fall into this category share this post with someone who does—a family member, coworker, parent or friend. Great oral health is important for everyone.

Must-Do’s, Ages 40–60:

• It’s estimated that up to 3/4 of adults over age 35 have some degree of gum disease. This can usually be prevented with flossing and brushing, but if it’s already progressed you may need extra care from our team. Talk to us if you’re experiencing bleeding gums.
• Some research shows that bad oral health may be linked to systemic problems like heart disease, dementia, diabetes, and stroke. Keep your whole body healthy by keeping your mouth healthy.

Should-Do’s, Ages 40–60:

• Restorative treatments (such as crowns and dental fillings) are more convenient, comfortable and affordable than ever before. Do you have old, badly worn dental work? It may be time to replace those old fillings or crowns before they crack and cause discomfort.

Could-Do’s, Ages 40–60:

• Studies show that people look younger when they smile. And the AACD (American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry) recently reported that most Americans 50 and over believe that a smile overcomes the effects of aging more effectively than any other physical attribute.
• Nothing makes you feel younger than a healthy, vibrant smile. Talk to us about cosmetic dentistry options.

Take Care Of Your Smile And It Will Take Care Of You!

You’re in the prime of life. Stay the course, stick to your great oral health habits, and don’t neglect your regular check-ups. Through preventative care you really can keep your healthy smile for life. Take good care of your smile now to prevent problems down the road.

If you have any questions about tips mentioned in this post, don’t hesitate to ask us about it. Comment below, or give us a call.

As always, thanks for your continued trust in our practice! We appreciate having you as our valued patient.

THIS WEEK (as part of our Healthy Smile Timeline Series) let’s address some age-specific dental topics for patients ages 20–40.

Remember, even if YOU don’t fall into this particular age range you certainly know and/or care about someone who does. Pass this post along to extended family members, coworkers and friends! They’ll appreciate it.

We don’t want to overwhelm you… So, to help you prioritize, we’ve divided the information into must-do’s, should-do’s and could-do’s.

Must Do’s, Ages 20–40:

• Never allow regular check-ups to slide just because you’re away from your mom’s gentle (or not-so-gentle) reminders about appointments! You may not see the adverse effects of neglect right away—but it’s SO important to catch early signs of gingivitis, micro fractures, and cavities.
• You may think oral cancer only affects smokers or the elderly, but 20–40 year olds are the fastest growing demographic for oral cancer. Learn more about oral cancer signs and risk factors, and make sure you’re regularly screened.

Should Do’s, Ages 20–40:

• Are your wisdom teeth adversely affecting your bite? Will they be a problem in the future, or a risk factor for infections? Most people have their wisdom teeth removed during their late teens or early 20’s. If you haven’t had them removed, be sure to have them checked.
• Every woman should know that during pregnancy hormonal changes can inflame gums and increase the odds for gingivitis. Gum disease can put women at greater risk for pre-term labor.

Could Do’s, Ages 20–40:

• Your smile is a MAJOR asset as you pursue your career and social life. As you move through this important phase of your independent life, it’s SO important to be confident! Small changes can make a big difference—so if you’re feeling self-conscious about your smile, please talk to us about it.

Take Charge Of Your Youthful, Healthy Smile!

NOW is the time to take charge of your own dental care! Be proactive in caring for your healthy smile. Thoughtful care now can prevent major problems down the road.

Please watch for the future posts about each age group! And if you have any follow-up questions, let us know! Comment below, message us on our Facebook page, or give us a call.

As always, thanks for your trust and confidence in our practice.

OVER THE NEXT FOUR WEEKS, we’re going to trace a timeline for your lifelong, healthy smile! And to help make it useful and actionable for you, we’re breaking the content into four age categories. This also gives us a chance to share some “age-specific” concerns and tips.

Even if YOU don’t fall into the age range of today’s blog post, you certainly know and/or care for someone who does. So pass this great oral health timeline along by sharing this post with your extended family members, neighbors, friends, and coworkers. They’ll thank you.

The first age group we want to address is 1–20 year olds, which includes both children and teens. To help you prioritize, we’ve divided the information into must-do’s, should-do’s and could-do’s.

Must Do’s, Ages 1–20:

• Establish a dental home for children early, and stick to regular checkups. When children are comfortable with their dental team, it sets a pattern for a lifetime of great oral health.
• Set up an at-home oral hygiene routine. Remember, everyone should brush for 2 minutes, twice a day.
• ALL CHILD ATHLETES should wear a mouthguard during sports! Skaters, wrestlers, ballers, etc. That means you!

Should Do’s, Ages 1–20:

• Orthodontic evaluations should happen at about age 7 in case there’s a need for early intervention treatment.
• Dental sealants can provide a shield against tooth decay that will last throughout childhood.
• Healthy-teeth eating habits start now! That means minimal sugar, soda, and snacking—and, lots of vegetables.

Could Do’s, Ages 1–20:

• For teens, increasingly conscious of their appearance, teeth whitening can be a great boost.
• Exciting characters, colors, and flavors on toothbrushes and toothpaste can make brushing and flossing more fun for kids.

Use These Ideas As A Launchpad…

The musts, shoulds, and coulds above are by no means a comprehensive list of every dental factor to consider between the ages of 1 and 20! But we hope it gives you some good reminders and a starting point for building your own oral health goals.

Remember to watch for the future posts about each age group! And if you have any follow-up questions, let us know! Comment below, message us on our Facebook page, or give us a call.

Thanks for your trust in our practice. We appreciate you!