Lake Oconee Dentistry Blog

HOW MUCH SUGAR ARE YOU CONSUMING EACH DAY? Do you know? In many countries, the average can be well over 20 teaspoons per day! Sugar can be a major contributor to tooth decay. Here at our practice, we’re interested in talking about every topic that affects both your oral and overall health.

It’s Not JUST About Avoiding “Sweets”

Here are 5 easy ways to get a better handle on your sugar intake:

1. Read Labels

There’s added sugar lurking in places you would have never guessed. “Healthy” cereals, ketchup, chips, and even spaghetti sauces can have tons of sugar. Be sure to watch the video below to learn how to equate grams of sugar into teaspoons. Also, watch for words like dextrose, sucrose, malted barley extract, and corn syrup when reading the ingredients list.

2. Beware Of Pseudo-Healthy Traps

You may assume that you’re eating healthier with that energy bar, smoothie, or yogurt. That may not be true. Take a careful look at the nutritional facts and sugar content before you make such things a routine staple.

The Info In This Video Is Great

This video from the community partnership, Smile Kentucky!, is somewhat directed toward kids—but the information is important for everyone! Enjoy and learn!

3. Watch What You’re Drinking

Half of your sugar intake may be in the things you drink. A major offender is soda pop, but be careful of fruit juices too.

4. Find Easy Alternatives

Everyone’s tastes and lifestyles are so different, so experiment until you find YOUR OWN solution. Sweet tooth in the evening? For you, it may work best to satisfy the craving with a tiny piece of dark chocolate (eaten without guilt), and then promise yourself to brush your teeth immediately afterwards and not eat anything else before bedtime. Afternoon munchies? Cut up a bunch of easy-to-eat raw vegetables at the beginning of the week and keep them handy in the fridge for snacking. Also, drink more water! Sometimes (believe it or not) you think you’re hungry—but in reality, you’re thirsty. A tall glass of water can get you past a craving.

5. Cut Back On Starches, Snack Foods And Bread

Both sugar and starch are carbohydrates. They both break down into sugars, and they both can promote tooth decay.

We hope you find these ideas helpful!

Remember that by cutting back on sugar, you can better stave off obesity, diabetes, and of course, cavities! What’s good for your body is good for your teeth too!

Do you have any tips of your own for minimizing sugar? We’d love to hear them. Share them below in the comments section or on our Facebook page. Thank you for being our valued patient!

DID YOU KNOW THAT WOMEN HAVE special challenges when it comes to their oral health? Hormonal cycles can affect the way women’s bodies react to bacteria and plaque inside their mouths. If you’re a woman—or if you’d like to pass this information along to a woman who could benefit from it—our team encourages you to learn more about these important dental facts.

Hormonal Cycles Can Affect Gums

Puberty, pregnancy, and menstruation cause increased progesterone and estrogen levels which can lead to increased gum sensitivity. There’s also a condition known as menstruation gingivitis, which can cause some women to experience increased bleeding and swollen gums right before menstruation. This condition is typically not serious and clears up quickly. Gingivitis during pregnancy can be more severe, and may even cause non-cancerous oral tumors. That’s another reason why it’s important for women to keep their regular checkup appointments during pregnancy.

Oral contraceptives also increase hormonal levels in women’s bodies which can cause increased sensitivity and vulnerability to gum disease. During menopause, hormonal fluctuations can also create oral health problems including dry mouth syndrome, which can significantly add to a woman’s tooth decay risk.

Other Oral Health Problems That Are More Likely To Affect Women

• Women are almost twice as likely as men to be diagnosed with TMD (Temporomandibular Disorders). TMD causes strain on one’s jaw joint and potential damage to teeth, often as a result of clenching and/or teeth grinding.
• HPV is becoming more common, and research is increasingly suggesting a link between HPV and oral cancer. Regular oral cancer screenings are important whether or not a woman has high risk factors.
• As you know, women are much more susceptible to osteoporosis than men which can cause jaw bone loss and associated periodontal disease problems.

The Great News? Women Take Better Care Of Their Oral Health!

As you might expect, a helpful remedy in many instances is to simply maintain good dental health habits! Fortunately, women are better at this than men! A recent study of over 800 young men and women shows:

• Women are more consistent when it comes to regular checkups
• Women exhibit better attitudes toward dentistry in general
• Women have better personal dental habits

OK… Here’s Just A Fun Little Aside From “The View”

Questions?

If you have any questions about your oral health or any of the special challenges we’ve talked about above, be sure to ask us! There are lots of easy ways to connect with us—and we promise to be very responsive! You can make a comment below, or even connect with us on our Facebook page.

YOU are a valued part of our dental practice. Thanks for being our patient!

YOU’VE PROBABLY NEVER THOUGHT ABOUT IT, but did you know that when you’re stressed out, our team might be able to tell by the signs in your mouth? Stress can have a huge effect on your oral health.

1. Your Mouth Can Reflect How You Feel: Stress can manifest itself in physical irritations that include canker sores, dry mouth, or burning mouth.
2. When Stressed, Your Defenses Are Down: Stress can compromise your immune system, which could make it easier for decay-causing bacteria in your mouth to wreak havoc.
3. Stress Contributes To Teeth Grinding: Many people grind their teeth and don’t even realize it. The tension you feel during the day can manifest itself through grinding at night—severely damaging your teeth.
4. Your Sound Oral Health Routines May Slip: While people’s minds are consumed with all their other important “stuff”, some put their oral health on the back burner. That could end up becoming a double whammy when compromised oral health creates even more stress in their lives.

A Remedy That Can Help

Here’s the irony—stress makes you less apt to smile, when in fact smiling can actually help you diminish stress! A study by psychologists at the University of Kansas showed that even a forced smile in stressful situations can lower heart rates. And a genuine smile? Even more powerful. Smiles also release serotonin and endorphins, which are major mood-boosters and stress-busters.

Don’t Let Oral Health Problems Add To Your Stress

Here at our practice, we try to help minimize your stress. If you experience anxiety over regular dental visits, a postponed treatment, or perhaps a toothache that you’re worried about having us look at, ask us about ways we can help you. We’re here to help keep the power of your smile in full force! Remember that a clean, healthy mouth can contribute to your total body health. And a healthy body helps you deal with the trials that life throws at each of us.

Thoughts on this subject? You can leave a comment below or post a comment or direct message on our Facebook wall. We’ll get back to you about it right away.

Thanks for being our valued friend and patient!

SHAKESPEARE WROTE, “Parting is such sweet sorrow…”. But from everyone here at our practice, we can assure you that the sorrow part ends the second you start brushing with a new toothbrush.

Take A Look At Your Toothbrush

Are the bristles starting to look bent, worn, or frayed? Or, are the bristles starting to look like they’re parallel to your teeth instead of perpendicular? If so, it’s time for a new toothbrush. Has somebody else used your toothbrush (gross)? If so, they’ve contaminated it with the bacteria in their mouth—and if you use it, you’ll expose yourself to any disease or sickness they may have. Again, it’s time for a new toothbrush.

The American Dental Association recommends that you replace your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months. Old toothbrushes lose their structural ability to thoroughly clean, and fraying bristles don’t clean well between your teeth. Fraying bristles can also be hard on your gums and can even cause damage to your gums.

Are You Storing Your Toothbrush Correctly?

• Store it upright, and keep it out of contact with the bathroom counter.
• Keep it out of contact with other people’s toothbrushes.
• Keep it far away from the toilet splash zone (gross, again).
• Make sure it dries between uses. Toothbrush covers are handy for travel, but at home your toothbrush needs to air dry.

When you get a new toothbrush, keep these tips in mind:

• Get the size that fits in your mouth comfortably and reaches everywhere.
• Hard bristles can wear enamel unnecessarily. Soft bristles are usually better.
• The brand is not as important as your commitment to brushing correctly and regularly. If you have questions about how to do that, visit with our team.

What Can You Do With That Old Toothbrush!?

Well, you could just throw it away. But that’s boring! There are all kinds of uses for old toothbrushes—like cleaning, painting, and yes, bracelet making!Here are two videos that show you how to make a cool bracelet out of your old toothbrush (by the way, the second video doesn’t have any sound). If you don’t want to do this yourself, do you have a child, niece, nephew, grandson, granddaughter, or neighbor that would have fun doing it?Share the idea, or invite them over and try it together!

Keep Up Your Great Oral Hygiene Habits!

It’s absolutely worth it! And don’t miss your regular checkups. If you ever have any questions about toothbrushes or any other oral health topic, ask us, leave a comment below and we’ll quickly respond, or send us a message on our Facebook page!

Thanks, as always, for your continued trust and friendship.

IS LOVE RISKY? You’ll have to answer that question on your own! But there’s one component—kissing—that our practice would like to briefly address below (along with some advice from the Academy of General Dentistry).

Bacteria Can Lead To Increased Plaque Which Can Lead To Tooth Decay

We know it’s not pleasant to think about, but it’s true—your mouth is full of bacteria. Some of it’s good and some of it isn’t. For the most part, your body (and your mouth, specifically) does a pretty good job of keeping bacteria, germs, and viruses that make their way into your mouth in check. But increased bacteria can also lead to increased plaque. Maintaining great oral hygiene habits is the very best way you can help your mouth do its job.

Kissing Introduces Your Mouth To Someone Else’s Bacteria And Viruses

Now there’s no need to make this a huge cause for worry. Our team just wants to be sure that you know about the most common viruses and diseases that you could be sharing with a smooch:

• Cold Sores – Cold sores are a manifestation of a herpes virus. Even when there are no signs, it can be contagious.
• Colds And Flus – Lots of viruses are included under the blanket “common cold” term. Colds happen, but you can decrease the spread by avoiding kissing while you’re sick.
• Mononucleosis – Also known as mono, glandular fever, or the kissing disease. It’s caused by a virus infection that’s easily spread by saliva, and can knock you out for weeks.

Yes, There Are Lots Of Kissing Positives Too

We’re not condemning kissing! Think about the benefits! Kissing increases saliva flow, which is great for your teeth and oral health. And of course, an affectionate peck can make you happier and strengthen relationships, which leads to better overall health and wellbeing. So don’t put the brakes on a great relationship just because you’re worried about germs! Just be smart, make sure that you maintain great oral hygiene, and that you always know who’s on the other end of that kiss.

It’s NOT Valentine’s Day, But We Couldn’t Help Having A Little Fun With This

Any Questions About All This?

We love answering your questions about ANY dental or oral-health related matter. It gives us a chance to know you better. You can also read the full article from the Academy of General Dentistry if you’d like. Give us a call, leave a comment below, or send us a direct message on our Facebook page. We’re always happy to discuss things with you!

Thanks again for the trust you place in us! We value your friendship!

ACCORDING TO THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS, TOOTH DECAY is one of our most common, modern-day chronic diseases. In fact, by the time children begin kindergarten, 40 percent have some kind of tooth decay! Remember, just because your children, grandchildren, nieces or nephews aren’t complaining about tooth pain (and their teeth “look” OK), it doesn’t necessarily mean their teeth are OK.

Fall is a great time to assess your health goals and get back on track after a leisurely summer. Let our practice help. Be sure dental checkups are part of your back-to-school checklist.

Typically Included In A Regular Checkup Or Back-To-School Exam:

Here are some of the services we typically take care of during regular checkups and back-to-school exams:

1. Thorough Cleaning: Professional cleanings help prevent gum disease—keeping your teeth healthier, longer.
2. Checking For Cavities: Take care of cavities before they become bigger problems, leading to pain and tooth loss.
3. Checking Existing Dental Work: We check fillings, crowns, sealants, etc.
4. Examining Oral Tissue & Jaw Function: Early detection helps prevent oral cancer and related problems.
5. Fluoride Application: For cavity prevention.

Important Things You Can Do

1. Have your children brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste. Remind them to brush gently and pay special attention to their gum line.
2. Teach the good habit of flossing each day.
3. Give kids healthier snack foods such as fresh fruits and veggies.
4. Limit sugary snacks & high-carb foods. The bacteria that cause tooth decay love simple sugars—especially those in treats.
5. If the children in your life like to chew gum, offer sugar-free options.
6. Always talk with our team if you notice any unusual oral health changes.

A big part of our role is helping parents, grandparents, uncles and aunts better monitor children’s oral (and overall) health. Preventative dental care is one of the most important things you can do for yourself and for your family! So be sure to contact us if it’s time for your regular appointments.

Thanks for being our valued patient! Send us a note below, or a direct message on Facebook if you have any questions or concerns.

We look forward to seeing you at your next visit!

WE KNOW YOU HEAR A LOT FROM OUR TEAM about the importance of brushing and flossing for great oral health. But there are other things (we tend to talk less about) that can really assist you, your family members and friends in maintaining a beautiful smile. Healthy eating is one of them.

Eating Right Helps Fend Off Plaque, Gingivitis, And Periodontal Disease

Your tooth enamel is your smile’s first defense against decay. When your enamel becomes damaged (or erodes) you become more prone to tooth sensitivity and cavities. Your diet can have a lot to do with replenishing those things in your body that help strengthen tooth enamel. Calcium is one of those things. Also, foods rich in vitamin D (like salmon) allow you to better absorb the calcium that healthy teeth need.

“Super-Smile” Foods That May Surprise You

1. Broccoli – Broccoli has been shown to create an acid-resistant teeth “shield”.
2. Onions – Onions have properties that fight bacteria in your mouth.
3. Kiwi (Vitamin C) – The little fuzzy guys are packed with more Vitamin C than any other fruit. A lack of Vitamin C can break down the collagen network in your gums, making them tender and more susceptible to bacteria and gum disease.
4. Celery – Celery is like an edible tooth-scrubber. Because of its fibrous material, it massages gums, cleans teeth, and encourages saliva production (a major plus).
5. Other Crunchy Veggies – Other crunchy vegetables and fruits like apples or carrots are also great for your smile.
6. Quinoa (pronounced “KEEN-wah”) – This little grain is loaded with minerals and vitamins that support and reinforce your teeth.
7. Shiitaki Mushrooms – These yummy mushrooms contain a sugar called Lentinan that helps prevent mouth bacteria from growing.
8. Sesame Seeds – Sesame seeds help your teeth in two ways. First, they act as little scrubbers, clearing up plaque on your teeth. Second, they supply lots of calcium.

Awesome, Downloadable Recipe eBook

Wondering how you’re going to work teeth-friendly foods into your daily routine and family meals? Here’s a fantastic resource. The downloadable eBook below combines know-how from a gourmet cook, a nutritionist, and a cosmetic dentist to feature gourmet recipes using the super-smile foods listed above (and many others). Enjoy!

Stay tuned to our blog for more great ideas to help keep your mouth healthy. We always love hearing from you too. Contact us any time you have questions—regardless of the subject. We’ll get back to you right away. You can also always comment below, or send us a direct message from our Facebook page. By the way, you can click on the image below to watch a video from Colgate that contains additional information about the relationship between eating a balanced diet, and your oral health:

Happy food prep (and eating)!

And as always, thanks for being our friends and a valued part of our practice.

NO, YOU’RE NOT THE ONLY ONE who enjoys sneaking a late-night snack. We know how it is. Some things just taste better after midnight, right? But did you know that late-night snacking can actually have a negative impact on your teeth?

A 2010 Denmark study found correlations between late-night snacking and tooth loss. From a research group of over 2,000 adults, 8% were classified as “nocturnal eaters”. Over a six-year period, members of this group were found to have a greatly increased risk of tooth loss.

Ever Wonder Why We Brush Before Bedtime?

Traditionally, before bed is a good time to take care of your oral health and beauty regimes. There’s good reason for that. During the night, saliva production slows down. Saliva is pivotal in keeping your mouth clean—washing away leftover food and reinforcing tooth enamel. It’s like your mouth’s police force. Your mouth minus saliva’s full effects—combined with teeth that aren’t clean—leaves bacteria and plaque to better wreak havoc throughout the night.There’s another reason too. When you have midnight snacks, what do they typically consist of? Carrot and celery sticks? Probably not. They usually end up being something like leftover birthday cake or cold pizza! Sugars and starches are some of the worst culprits when it comes to tooth decay causes.

What To Do About It

Here’s advice from our practice for facing late-night eating temptation:

• If you have a snack, rinse or brush your teeth afterward.
• Try not to eat or drink anything but water during the hour prior to going to bed.
• When snacking fever strikes, opt for healthier foods.

And if you think you have habits that are putting your oral health at risk, contact us and we’ll visit. You can also send us a direct message on Facebook, or comment below if you have thoughts or questions.

As always, thanks. Thank you for being our valued patients and friends.

PREGNANT? KNOW SOMEONE WHO’S PREGNANT? There’s plenty to think about during this time! But while you’re picking out baby clothes and reading up on childcare philosophies, our team reminds you to remember the importance of your oral health.

Gum Disease Risk

Pregnancy brings a heightened level of hormonal activity, which can lead to gum sensitivity and increased gum disease risk. And some studies have shown that gum disease could be linked to pre-term labor and other associated risks. The good news is that pregnancy doesn’t cause gum disease—plaque does. So keeping up your great oral habits helps keep you safe. Brush regularly, floss every day, and don’t miss your regular dental checkups. If you’re pregnant, an ideal time to request your check-up appointment is during your second trimester—your pregnancy is stable, but not far enough along to risk any stress-induced problems.

Regular Checkups During Pregnancy

During regular checkups, we clean your teeth and gums more thoroughly than you can through brushing and flossing yourself. This is a major step in preventing periodontal disease. In the past, women were sometimes anxious about dental procedures during pregnancy. Typically, there’s never an issue, but be sure to let our practice know you’re expecting so any appropriate adjustments can be made in your care.

An Informative Video From Crest Pro-Health:

Other Special Concerns

• 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.
• Dental Procedures That Can’t Wait: If you need to have a more involved procedure performed while you’re pregnant, be sure to (1) let us know you’re pregnant; and (2) talk it over beforehand with your OB. We want to make sure there aren’t any special details we should know about.

Did You Know?

Congratulations on your pregnancy! We’re excited for you!

For more information about taking care of your oral health during pregnancy, check out these links from the ADA and Columbia University. And if you have questions, just ask us! You can also comment below, or send us a direct message on our Facebook page.

DOES YOUR BREATH STINK? Do you know if your breath stinks? What causes it? What can be done about it? Here at our practice we get lots of questions about bad breath. Sometimes the questions come from a long-suffering friend or family member of somebody else with bad breath.

Causes Of Bad Breath (often called “halitosis”)

Halitosis can be caused by a number of things—some more serious than others. Here are the most common causes:

1. Things You Eat, Like Garlic And Onions

Foods like garlic and onions contain oils that transfer through your bloodstream into your lungs, causing odor to be emitted each time you exhale.

2. Things You Don’t Eat, And A Dry Mouth

Dieting can trigger different chemical processes that can make you more susceptible to bad breath. Also, not eating slows down saliva production, decreasing your mouth’s ability to clean away bacterial build-up. That’s why “morning breath” is unpleasant. Also, certain prescription medications can cause dry mouth.

3. The Way You Feel

Sometimes a cold or sore throat can be the culprit with odors coming directly from the bacteria or mucus trapped in your mouth or sinus area. Typically, these problems won’t go away until the symptoms causing them are gone.

4. Things That May Be More Serious

More serious causes include things like gum disease, kidney problems, diabetes, oral cancer, anorexia/bulimia and others. That’s why it’s so important to contact us about chronic bad breath problems that you just can’t seem to solve.

Things You Can Do That Help

Remember, chronic or extreme bad breath is not normal. If you have any questions about causes, symptoms, or remedies talk with our team.

1. Practice good oral hygiene! You know—brush and floss!
2. Gently brush your tongue.
3. Use an antibacterial mouthwash regularly.
4. Eat healthy, drink enough water, and don’t smoke.
5. Occasionally chew sugarless gum or suck on a sugarless mint.
6. If you wear any oral appliance, or have dentures, clean them thoroughly.
7. Don’t miss or postpone regular dental checkups.

A Little Fun With “a new sense of daintiness…”

Contrary to the popular legend that Listerine coined the term “halitosis”, it actually dates back to the 1870’s. However, Listerine made the term commonplace by using it in many of their ad campaigns. Halitosis combines the Latin “halitus”, meaning “breath”, with the Greek suffix “osis” used to describe a medical condition.

Thanks, As Always, For Being Our Valued Patient

We sincerely appreciate the trust you place in us. And thanks for your kind referrals of friends, family members, and coworkers. Leave us a comment below or send us a direct message on our Facebook page!