Dental Health Tips: Using your teeth as Tools

Here is one of the best dental health tips. Your teeth are meant to chew food, and that is it. Nothing will damage a smile faster than using them for things they were not meant to be used for. Putting stress on your teeth with materials like metal and plastic, can cause teeth to crack and break. If you have braces, you can kiss them goodbye, as this is the most common way they break. Don’t let your teeth replace your toolbelt. Your teeth will thank you. 

Going to Bed Without Brushing 

When you are tired, it can be hard to get the energy to do anything. However, not taking that extra two minutes to brush your teeth before bed can really damage your smile. The important part of your routine for your teeth is maintaining that routine. Going to bed without brushing your teeth, allows for a build up of bacteria that can cause tooth decay. 

Dental Health Tips: Forgetting to Floss 

Dental floss has many uses, and we love a good DIY, but do not forget to use your dental floss for the purpose it was made for. Dental floss removed bacteria build up from between teeth and lowers the likelihood of chipped teeth and cavities. Avoid bad breath, and do your teeth a favor and remember to brush your teeth. 

Chewing on Hard Candy and Ice 

As tempting as they are, hard candies and sticky candies can really do a number on your teeth. Letting hard candies melt in your mouth can cause sugar to sit on your teeth and cause cavities. Toffee and other sticky candies can get stuck on your teeth and cause stress damage to your crowns. It is also a good idea to avoid chewing on ice, as tempting as this might be. 

Not Wearing a Mouth Guard 

When  preparing for a game a mouth guard should be on your priority list. You should be wearing a mouth guard even if it is a friendly pick up game. Even for non contact sport, many professional athletes that have neglected this vital piece of sports equipment, now have permanent dental damage. 

Have more Questions

If you have any more questions about dental health tips, or are looking to receive quality dental care, do not hesitate to call the dental experts at Tim Loughran Dentistry today! Contact us today!

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The Benefits of Flossing Daily

Lower Chance of Gum Disease: Those who floss daily have a lower chance of developing gum disease than those who do not floss regularly. 

Less Harmful Effects from Gum Disease: Individuals who currently suffer from gum disease can help to prevent tooth decay and tooth loss by flossing. If they decide to skip flossing, that’s when the chances of tooth decay and tooth loss will increase. 

Plaque Control: When you use dental floss daily, you are removing plaque from between the teeth. 

Common Excuses to Avoid Flossing

There are a few excuses that are very commonly cited as the reason that someone does not floss. 

Time: Many individuals say that they do not have the time to floss, but this should not be an excuse.

Teeth Too Close Together: Many individuals say that their teeth are too close together to floss, but there are solutions to this problem. Other types of dental floss besides unwaxed floss exist. You can get waxed floss or floss coated in polytetrafluoroethylene that will slip easier between tight spaces. 

What About Flossing Alternatives?

Many people wonder if flossing alternatives are an adequate replacement for flossing. The answer is no. While water pics and toothpicks seem like a convenient alternative, in reality, they are not quite as effective as traditional dental floss.

Dental Care at Tim Loughran Dentistry

The team at Tim Loughran Dentistry hopes that this article on flossing was informative and helpful. For more information about dental hygiene, check out other articles on our blog. Or, contact us to request an appointment today!

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Tobacco’s Harmful Effects

Tobacco has some harmful effects on your teeth. Smoking cigarettes decreases your body’s ability to fight off infection, which allows plaque and bacteria to take control. This increased amount of plaque and bacteria leads to other issues:

Discoloration

The use of tobacco eventually leads to discolored and stained teeth. The chemicals in tobacco cling to your teeth, causing your teeth to yellow and become discolored. While using teeth whitening treatments can slow this process down, it can’t stop it if you continue to smoke. 

Bad Breath

Smoking causes both short-term and long-term effects when it comes to bad breath. In the short term, cigarette particles remain in the mouth and cause bad breath. In the long term, the increased amount of bacteria in the mouth of a smoker also leads to bad breath. Unfortunately, simply brushing your teeth, using mouthwash, and other forms of at-home dental care won’t help this bad breath. To get rid of it, the solution is to quit smoking. 

Gum Disease

Smokers are much more prone to gum disease than nonsmokers, and the risk increases with every cigarette smoked. And, in addition, gum disease treatments are not as effective on smokers as they are on smokers. This is because of the increased amount of bacteria that builds up in a smoker’s mouth. Letting the bacteria build up and not treating it leads to the gums pulling away from the teeth and weakens the existing bone structure. 

Oral Cancer

Oral cancer is the most serious and severe of the dental issues that smoking leads to. Starting out as a white or red patch in the mouth that is combined with difficulty chewing, trouble swallowing, or jaw numbness, oral cancer is something that smokers should be on the lookout for. For anyone experiencing these symptoms for longer than two weeks, it would be best practice to see a doctor. 

Solving Smoking-Related Dental Issues

Dentists can help create a plan to mitigate smoking-related issues, but there is only one way to make them completely go away. To completely get rid of smoking-related dental issues, one should stop smoking. 

Dental Care at Tim Loughran Dentistry

If you or a loved one have smoking-related dental issues that need medical attention, make an appointment with Tim Loughran Dentistry. Contact us today to learn more. 

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How Does Sugar Contribute to Tooth Decay?

Nowadays, many drinks that are marketed to consumers as “healthy” are lining the shelves of our supermarkets. But, in reality, these drinks are full of sugar. However, while sugar is a part of the issue where tooth decay is concerned, a big factor that contributes to the damage of the enamel is acid. 

The acid that contributes to the breakdown of tooth enamel is formed when a child’s mouth begins to use sugar as a source of food to turn into energy. Bacteria in the mouth is what starts the breakdown of the food and releases acids. These acids then, in turn, start to harm the enamel and even remove minerals from the teeth. What happens next is no fun- tooth decay, cavities, toothaches, rot, and more!

How Can I Help Prevent My Toddler from Experiencing Tooth Decay?

One of the most common answers that you will get from a pediatric dentist is to avoid giving your toddler sugary drinks. This does not mean that an occasional soda or juice is bad, but it is best to choose options that are low in sugar for everyday consumption. 

Water is a highly recommended option because it helps to wash away bacteria in the mouth. And, in addition, water also hydrates the tongue, assisting in the production of saliva. If your toddler does not like plain water, try adding fruit! This is a simple, healthy way to give water a delicious flavor while avoiding the harmful sugars found in soda or juice.

Another beverage with great health benefits for children is milk. Milk is rich in calcium and vitamin D, which contribute to building healthier, stronger bones and teeth. However, it is important to try and avoid milk with added sugars and flavors such as chocolate milk. 

What Should I Do After My Toddler Has Consumed A Sugary Beverage?

Brushing your child’s teeth after they drink soda or juice is a great step to take in order to prevent harmful tooth decay. Brushing their teeth helps to get rid of the bacteria that leads to the acids that break down the enamel. However, it is important that certain steps are followed when brushing teeth after drinking a sugary beverage. It is important to wait 30-60 minutes after consumption to brush your teeth because of the sensitive state that teeth are in immediately after sugar is consumed. Instead of brushing immediately after and spreading bacteria around, rinse your mouth out with water. Then, brush your teeth once the 30-60 minutes are over. 

Tips from a Pediatric Dentist for Avoiding Tooth Decay for Your Toddler

There are other ways to prevent sugary drink-related tooth decay in your toddler. Encouraging good dental hygiene practices or avoiding sugary drinks are the top ways, but there are other options. 

• Moderation: A soda or juice every once in a while is ok, but no more than one sugary beverage per day should be consumed
• Dilution: Dilute sugary juice drinks with water to reduce the amount of sugar
• Straws: Have your toddler drink through a straw. This reduces the amount of contact that sugars and acids will have with the teeth.
• Bedtime: Avoid giving soda or juice to your toddler before bedtime.
• Dental Cleanings: Schedule regular dental appointments with your child’s pediatric dentist 

Tim Loughran Dentistry

Tim Loughran Dentistry in Herrin, Illinois loves our pediatric patients. Schedule your child’s appointment today, or contact us with questions or for more information.

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Strategies to Prevent Dental Issues

Brush your teeth daily: This is a super simple way to keep your teeth healthy and keep away harmful bacteria that lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Using a toothbrush that has soft bristles, you should brush for 2 minutes twice a day, once in the morning and once at night.

Floss: Flossing is an often forgotten or skipped step of daily dental routines. However, it is an important part of preventing dental issues. Flossing helps to get food and buildup out of the hard to reach places between the teeth.

Watch Your Diet: Believe it or not, your diet actually affects the health of your teeth, despite daily brushing and flossing. Tooth decay and breakdown of the enamel is a side effect of the consumption of sugary beverages and candies. The high sugar content of soda contributes to the enamel beginning to weaken and break down. Sticky candies such as gummies should also be avoided or eaten in moderation. Any candy that takes a while to be consumed puts your teeth at a higher risk of damage from the sugar.

Brushing Too Often/Too Long: Did you know that it is possible to brush too much? While it may not seem like a big deal, brushing your teeth too often can wear down your enamel and eventually lead to other problems. It is recommended that you do not brush your teeth more than 4 times a day or for longer than 4 minutes at a time in order to prevent over-brushing. 

Tim Loughran Dentistry

Searching for a dentist in Southern Illinois? Look no further than Tim Loughran Dentistry in Herrin, Illinois. Contact us today and schedule an appointment or learn more.

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Did you know using floss with toothbrushing is more effective than just brushing your teeth alone can reduce plaque and gingivitis? Plaque and gingivitis sound scary just saying it, so reducing any health risk is reason enough to start adding flossing into your daily routine.

Just because you floss sparingly or daily doesn’t mean you’re necessarily doing it right either. The most common mistake when it comes to flossing is sawing back and forth. This is a big NO. If you continue to floss with this technique you can eventually damage your tooth seriously. The best way to floss correctly is at the top of the tooth, in the gum line, and bring it down. Do this and you’re on the road to dental success!

Now comes to the most important question. When should it be done, in the morning or the evening? People who do floss on a regular basis are more likely to floss before bedtime so their mouth is clean while sleeping according to the American Dental Association. However, flossing in the morning because you might be meeting with someone is a good too. The answer is if you’re flossing once a day as recommended it shouldn’t matter when it is done. Not only does it make for healthier teeth and gums, but for a happier dentist. Do this, and Dr. Loughran will surely be impressed at your next visit. 

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