Lake Oconee Dentistry Blog

WE BELIEVE IN PREVENTIVE DENTISTRY and yes, much of that depends on you! Cleaning your teeth after you eat is important, but the effects of good habits also have a lot to do with what you eat.

Keep Your Smile Healthy By Packing Great Lunches

Eating on-the-go can be problematic. In the morning, grabbing a donut is much easier than making an omelette! But taking the time to think through what you’re eating for lunch is really important for both your oral and overall health. Whether you’re planning your own lunch or you’re making lunch for your kids to take to school, keep these three smile-friendly lunch tips in mind.

1. Switch Out The Troublemakers

Chewy, sweet foods like gummies or dried fruits like Craisins can be really bad for your teeth because they stick! For a sweet treat, choose fresh fruit or even a little bit of chocolate.

Processed, starchy crackers or chips are trouble-makers. They stick to teeth and turn into sugars very quickly. Opt for whole grains instead—or even better, some healthy nuts or seeds.

2. Reconsider What You Drink

Soda and sports drinks are bad news for your teeth. Some fruit juices are loaded with sugar and acid as well. Consider milk or water instead. Chocolate milk may be a good option too. It offers protein and almost half of your daily calcium.

If you just can’t kick the soda habit, drink water after you finish lunch to help clean and rebalance your mouth.

3. Use Natural Scrubbers

There are certain foods that actually help your teeth. For example, yogurt and cheese can cut acidity making something like fruit juice less harmful. And then there are great fruits and vegetables that scrub your teeth when you eat them and get rid of built-up sugars and starches from your lunch. These include celery, apples, carrots, cucumbers, and pears.

This Video Is Specific To School Lunches, But The Tips Are Great For Everyone!

The ideas in this video are great. Start using some of them today!

Do You Have Any Tips To Add?

Do you have any ideas of your own to add? Comment below, we’d love to hear from you!

Thanks for your trust in our practice. We appreciate wonderful patients like you.

WE’VE ALL BEEN THROUGH IT, RIGHT? Can you remember when your baby teeth were falling out? Did one of your parents yank them out for you? Or, were you one of those do-it-yourself-ers?

Our Advice? No Viral Video Attempts Pulling Teeth In Crazy Ways

Have you seen some of the online videos out there where parents subject their children to absurd tooth-yanking antics? Videos like that raise the question (or should raise the question) of motive. But that’s another discussion for another time… This post is about whether you should let them fall out naturally, let the child pull them out, or pull them out yourself. Here’s some information to help you make that decision. Don’t have children? Share the information below with someone who does. They’ll appreciate it!

Five Things To Consider

1. Most dentists today say NOT to pull a child’s tooth. Letting the child wiggle the tooth out with their own fingers or tongue may be the better idea. Why? Because only he or she knows for sure how loose (or attached) the tooth really is and how much discomfort it is causing.
2. If the child has waited long enough to pull it, there shouldn’t be much bleeding. Pack a small piece of wet gauze and hold pressure there for a few minutes. The bleeding should stop fairly quickly.
3. Sometimes permanent teeth push the new tooth in an unusual direction which can affect the gums. If this happens, you may want to give us a call.
4. Although not typical, a tooth can come out while eating and may be swallowed. Don’t worry! It’s very unlikely the child will choke on it. The tooth fairy may be a little disappointed, but a swallowed tooth is not harmful.
5. Some parents offer their child a fresh, crisp, delicious apple! If the tooth is loose enough, it will likely come out.

A Little One You Know Will Enjoy Watching This Video

Take this opportunity to visit with your child, grandchild, or someone you know about the importance of caring for baby teeth before they fall out. They’re important in the development of a healthy adult smile.

Adults With Loose Teeth

For adults, it’s not normal or healthy for a tooth to be loose. If you have a loose tooth, contact us right away so we can determine the cause and recommend a solution.

Thank you for trusting us with your oral health.

YOUR SMILE IS AMONG YOUR MOST influential assets! But, that doesn’t mean your smile has to be a perfect, “movie star” smile for you to harness its power.

Step 1: Practice, Practice, Practice

Life’s too short to skip the simple things that make you happy. Smile more. Smile and laugh, proudly. Abundantly. Invite people to share in the things that make you smile. Your smiles will foster gratitude. Smiling can become a habit. Seek the opportunity.

Step 2: Be Aware Of The Smile/Emotion Connection

Author and poet, Thích Nhất Hạnh once said, “Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy.” We often only think about the way positive emotions trigger smiles, but it works the other way too. Smiles trigger positive emotions. They can even help us better deal with stress or pain.
 

Step 3: Eliminate The “Courtesy” Smile

Make a conscious decision to replace every half-hearted smile given in politeness with a genuine smile. You can do it!

Step 4: Remember How Attractive Your Smile Makes You

A recent study of 5,000+ singles found that both men (58%) and women (71%) judge the opposite sex MOST (and FIRST) on the appearance of their teeth. Smiles invite and strengthen relationships.

Step 5: Keep Your Smile Healthy

Treat your smile with the love it deserves. Brush and floss daily, and schedule regular checkups.

We Love Your Smiles

Some estimates say that 30% of the general population is unhappy with their smiles to a point where they avoid smiling. That’s sad. If you feel that way, let’s visit. Sometimes it just helps to talk about it. Whether you’re ready for a big change or just a tiny, subtle improvement, we can help you harness the power of YOUR smile. Thanks for being our valued patients and friends.

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.