Did you know that taking proper care of your gums is equally important as taking care of your teeth?

While the health of your teeth is a significant component of achieving optimal oral health, it’s not the only area that needs attention. The health of your gums is equally important. Not properly caring for your gums will eventually lead to complications, like gingivitis.

Gingivitis is a moderate level of gum disease that causes inflammation, redness, and irritation of the gums. If left untreated, it can lead to more severe periodontitis or even tooth loss.

Luckily, parents can set their kids up for healthy gums by following several easy guidelines. Let’s examine these steps to follow:

4 Pediatric Tips for Healthy Gums

Yes, Flossing is Key

Since most parents have a hard enough time instilling proper brushing into their child’s routine, flossing often gets pushed off to the side. It is crucial to teach the importance of flossing to your children at an early age.

If your child is young, try to make flossing a fun game or even a family activity. You can also give your kids a sense of control by letting them choose to floss in the morning or night (since they only need to do it once a day). It is also a good idea to educate your kids on why we all need to floss, so they are more likely to appreciate the purpose behind it.

Brush Gently and at a 45-Degree Angle

Do you ever tell your kids it’s time to brush their teeth, only to find a blur of tiny toothbrushes vigorously brushing as quickly as possible? While they are “brushing” you’re going to want to make sure they are not using too much pressure. When kids bear down on their gums with a toothbrush, it can cause them to bleed and even start to recede. A good rule of thumb is to use a 45-degree angle and to brush in slow, circular motions.

Tell Your Kids About Tooth-Friendly Foods

Fruit, vegetables, cheese, lean meat, and nuts are what we like to call “Tooth-Friendly Foods.” Cookies, candy, and chips are okay occasionally but are not suitable for healthy gums. While we know it can be difficult to explain that to a young child, we have some fun tips for allowing them to make their own healthier choices:

Include your child in purchasing items from the grocery list. Let them locate and bag the fruits and veggies themselves.
Start a family garden. It’s a beautiful way to teach your kids how things grow while also encouraging family time.
Food prepping snacks before they are hungry goes a long way to preventing meltdowns. We suggest filling a dozen cupcake tin trays each morning with parent-approved snacks. Then let kids graze throughout the day. You’ll be surprised at how quickly it goes!
Try a family meal approach where you put all the items for dinner on the table. By allowing the kids to serve themselves, they’ll feel more in control of what they are eating.

Twice a Year Dental Check-Ups

If your child is brushing, flossing, and eating well, they are well on their way to maintaining a healthy, happy mouth. It is important to keep in mind that twice a year, pediatric dental cleanings are required to eliminate plaque build-up and to allow your dental provider with an opportunity to spot any possible areas of concern.

Contact Our Office

While we understand that children are not in love with the idea of having to brush and floss their teeth and gums every day, it does have a tremendously positive impact on their overall health. We can’t encourage you enough to stay consistent with continually improving your children’s dental-related habits as they learn and grow.

If you have any questions about your child’s gum health, give us a call. We’re here for you!

Self-quarantine, sequestering, and social distancing are all concepts that have new meaning to us, now that we are living through a severe global pandemic with COVID-19. The world has shut down, and as of right now, no one knows when we can return to our regular activities.

While most of these habits can apply to patients of all ages, we want to be sure that our young patients are particularly staying healthy and safe during these uncertain times. With our dental team not being able to see individuals for regular check-ups, it is important that we keep our patients staying healthy overall, so we can help keep their oral health in check as well.

Here are four healthy habits your kids need to adopt during these uncertain times:

Washing Those Little Hands

Washing our hands is probably one of the most critical habits our patients need to be doing right now on a consistent basis. Every day we touch hundreds of surfaces, then without even knowing, proceed to eat a chip, touch our face, or rub our eyes. To prevent these surfaces from transferring germs to our kid’s bodies, we need to be diligent in having them wash their hands at crucial times throughout the day; including when they come into the house, before they eat, after going to the bathroom, after they cough or sneeze, and in between as needed. This simple act can help prevent diarrhea, respiratory infections, as well as viruses.

Do Not Touch Your Face

This suggestion will be harder than it sounds, as we all tend to touch our faces throughout the day, often without even knowing it. While the touching of our faces inside our homes may be one thing, this habit becomes essential when we are out in public touching surfaces that may be contaminated. It is a good idea to create awareness by making it a game. Everyone starts with five points. Then you lose a point every time someone catches you touching your face. It can be clever to set up fun incentives for those that touch their face the least. The idea is to make sure everyone understands that the ultimate goal is to make each family member more aware of when and how often they touch their face. That way, we can all be winners in preventing germs from spreading.

Cover Your Sneezes and Coughs

This habit is for the safety of other family members and those around you. Learning to cover our coughs and sneezes is extremely important in curbing the spread of viruses and harmful bacteria. We recommend that kids sneeze or cough into their elbow if they are not near soap and water. If they are able to wash their hands right away, we suggest sneezing or coughing into their hands, followed immediately by washing.

The 6-Foot Rule

With young active children, staying inside 100% of the time is just not realistic. Of course, we all need the benefits of exercise and Vitamin D to keep us healthy and happy. However, be sure your kids know about the 6-foot rule and how that helps stop the spread of viruses. It is important to inform children that we need to do our part to protect those individuals that are older or immune-compromised and not as able to fight the germs.

We hope you found these healthy habits to be helpful, as we want to ensure that all of our wonderful patients and their families are staying healthy and safe! We cannot wait to see all of those adorable smiling faces in our office once again soon. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact our office.

Is Flossing Your Teeth Really Important?

Despite a rogue news report a few years ago, the benefits of regular flossing and brushing have generally been widely accepted. So, why do only 30% of Americans report flossing daily and even more (32%) admit to never flossing at all?

Most likely it’s because while the obvious benefits of regular flossing are worthwhile – gum health and fresh breath – they’re also relatively intangible. Let’s be honest. Possessing healthy pink gums doesn’t exactly give you bragging rights just yet, but if more people understood the true ramifications of poor oral health it definitely would.

Oral health is much more than pearly whites or fresh breath and lack of good oral hygiene, which includes flossing, can lead to health issues that go beyond your gumline. The human body is well-connected and there’s a strong link between oral health and your overall health. But where does flossing come in? When food particles build up between teeth, they attract bacteria which forms plaque. Plaque leads to tooth decay and gum disease, causing inflammation in the body. Inflammation is definitely not your friend. If you thought dental fillings and bleeding gums were the only inconveniences at stake, then hold on because flossing is about to take a very serious turn.

Regular flossing can help to prevent:

Cavities and tooth loss: We all have mouths full of bacteria which, while unsettling, generally isn’t of concern, as most are benign. However, two strands of bacteria that are likely to create issues include streptococcus and porphyromonas gingivalis. Both of these types of bacteria lead to tooth decay and loss. Streptococcusfeeds on sugars and starches in the mouth, producing acid that erodes tooth enamel and increases the risk of tooth decay.Porphyromonas gingivalisis associated with periodontitis, a painful, progressive gum disease that leads to tooth loss.
Weight gain: Studies have shown a potential link between gum disease and obesity. The culprit isn’t calories, but inflammation, which puts stress on the body and deregulates how fat is stored. When fat cells are inflamed, their ability to control insulin is impacted and glucose gets stored as fat instead of being used for energy.
Heart disease: Not only does inflammation increase the risk of obesity, it also increases your chances for developing clots and blockages that lead to heart attacks. In fact, people with gum disease are twice as likely to deal with coronary artery disease. One theory is that periodontal disease may cause inflammation in arteries and brain tissue, generating greater amounts of clotting compounds. A couple of extra minutes added to your nighttime routine doesn’t sound so bad now, huh?
Dementia: A study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease found that the brains of patients with Alzheimer’s had more of the bacteria associated with gum disease than did those belonging to their cognitively healthy peers. It’s thought that the bacteria associated with poor dental hygiene may spread to the brain through the cranial nerve, which connects to the jaw through the bloodstream.
Pneumonia: When there’s an overgrowth of harmful bacteria, it can be inhaled into the lungs creating respiratory problems such as pneumonia.
Joint pain: Regular flossing can also help to ward off those achy joints. In a study of people with gum disease and arthritis, researchers found the same bacteria in subjects’ mouths and joints, leading experts to believe that bacteria in inflamed gums can enter the bloodstream and find their way into joint fluid.

We get it! At the end of the day the last thing you want to do is thread floss through your teeth, but this one is a non-negotiable. Check out the American Dental Association’s video to ensure you’re flossing correctly. If focusing on what daily flossing promotes isn’t enough to motivate you, think of everything it helps prevent. Please feel free to contact our office with any questions.

It’s everywhere right now—aisles and aisles of Halloween candy in every variety, shape, and size.

Kids (and many adults!) will consume about three cups of sugar on average this Halloween. However, it isn’t just the day of Halloween you have to worry about. For a month leading up to and the days following, those dishes of Halloween candy are everywhere.

Besides being problematic from a health standpoint, large amounts of sugar can have seriously detrimental effects on your teeth. Lucky for you, we have a guide to the best and worst Halloween candies and how you can minimize the amount of sugar your teeth are chomping into this Halloween season.

1. Don’t Buy Candy Until the Night Before

Many people stock up on candy the moment it comes out in stores in preparation for the parade of little ghouls who will arrive at their door Halloween night. The problem is that most stores line their shelves with Halloween candy at least a month ahead of time. Unless you use some serious restraint, you’ll definitely dig into that stash well before the night arrives.

Once that bag is open, all bets are off. You’ll likely finish it off and return to buy more for the “trick or treaters”. Don’t buy candy until a day or two before Halloween, and you won’t have it available to munch on when those sugar cravings hit.

2. Don’t Keep a Candy Jar Close to You

Plates of cookies and jars of candy make their appearance at work and other public stores around the Holidays, starting at Halloween. Don’t be the person who has that jar sitting on your desk. The close proximity means you’ll likely be consuming it, along with others. If you must have a candy jar close to you, fill it with candy you don’t like so you won’t be tempted to dig your hand into it!

3. Pick Your Poison

Remember when you were a kid, and you’d return from your mad dash through the neighborhood to empty your pillowcase and sort your collection of treats?

It’s a good idea to sort through the candy you have available to you and make a pile of the treats you love, the treats you like, and the treats you don’t like. By only eating candy you love instead of mindlessly consuming it all, you’ll save yourself a ton of added sugar.

4. Practice Mindfulness

It’s easy to lose track of how many candy bars you’ve consumed. In order to keep track of exactly how much you’re eating, it is a good idea to keep the candy wrappers in front of you. When you’re faced with the evidence of exactly how many pieces of candy you’ve consumed, you’ll be more hesitant before picking up another one.

It is also wise to not eat candy while doing other tasks. It makes it too easy to mindlessly consume more sugar than you’re aware of. You might try selecting a few pieces of candy and savor them as you eat them, noting the texture and taste of each. When you take a moment to savor the treat, it often helps you feel satisfied with less.

Finally, think about what you’re eating before you consume it. Instead of grabbing a piece of candy the moment you think about it, wait a few minutes and decide whether you really want or need it. There is a higher probability that you may decide to move on.

5. Don’t Skip Meals to Save Calories

It is common for people to skip a meal in order to make up for the calories they’ve consumed in candy. However, this is the worst possible thing you can do to avoid further binges. If you’re hungry and lacking the necessary carbs you need to keep running, you’re more likely to dive back into the candy dish to consume that quick dose of sugar your body is craving.

It is important to keep your meals scheduled and nutritious, with plenty of healthy carbs, to avoid the sugary foods that can run a diet completely off track.

6. Keep Your Mouth Busy

If your mouth is already busy, it won’t have time to consume more M&Ms! Keep sugar-free gum handy and pop a stick in when the sugar cravings strike. You’ll fool your body into thinking it’s receiving a sweet treat while saving yourself the excess sugar calories.

7. Make the Healthiest Choices Possible

It’s almost impossible to not indulge in at least one or two sweet treats through the Halloween season, so knowing the best and worst candies can help save you from the worst of it. Where your teeth are concerned, there is definitely certain candy that is much worse than others.

The Best and Worst Halloween Candy

If you’re going to go on a candy consumption binge, minimize the damage by choosing options that aren’t as harmful to your teeth. Here’s a list of a few types of candy that will make your dentist cringe.

Chewy Candies

Candies like taffy, caramels, and gummies tend to linger in your teeth, extending the time the sugar is on them. Sugar is the most prominent cause of tooth enamel decay, so choosing candy options that don’t stay on teeth can help reduce the damage. These are also the worst offenders for pulling out fillings and braces!

Sour Candies

Sour candies don’t just contain sugar; they are also acidic, doubling the tooth decaying factor. It is important to stay away from sour and citrus-base candies to avoid this sugar/acid combination.

Hard Candies

In addition to containing high doses of sugar, hard candies also have another danger lurking behind their sweet facades. Hard candies, including suckers and jawbreaker style treats, are capable of actually breaking teeth! They also remain in your mouth longer, as you suck them, meaning your teeth are exposed to sugar for extended periods of time.

If you feel the need to munch on some Halloween treats, your best bet is eating chocolate-based candies. Chocolate candy is quickly broken down by saliva, doesn’t linger in the mouth, and some dark varieties can even have health benefits!

Protect Your Teeth This Halloween

Halloween doesn’t have to mean a sugar binge. It is a good idea to follow these tips to keep the amount of sugar you’re putting in your mouth to a minimum, and be sure to make healthier choices for your teeth if you have a craving for Halloween candy.

If necessary, feel free to contact us today to help repair the damage that sugar leaves behind and keep your smile bright and happy!

Are you curious about what you could be doing for your tongue today? We utilize our tongues every day to speak, eat, and even breathe. It’s important to factor in the health of your tongue when developing your oral hygiene routine.

It’s possible to contract some common oral ailments that can lead to tongue problems. Therefore, it is critical to understand what you can do to maximize your oral health and prevent these problems from arising.

In this post, we examine common tongue issues and prevention measures.

1. Tongue Discoloration

A discolored tongue is one of the most common tongue problems out there, and it can occur for a variety of reasons.

A White Tongue

It’s possible to develop a tongue with whitish patches or spots. If you do notice white patches on your tongue, it’s important to consult a doctor immediately. This is because a white tongue can indicate a yeast infection called oral thrush. A white tongue is also linked to leukoplakia, which may be a precursor to cancer and oral lichen planus.

While all of these conditions are not dangerous in themselves, they often lead to compromised oral health down the road. Leukoplakia and oral thrush may also require medication as treatment. The best way to prevent any of these conditions from occurring is to practice good oral hygiene. In particular, you can prevent a white tongue by not using any tobacco products. It’s also essential to choose foods that aren’t likely to irritate your mouth. You should consume a diet that is plant-based and mild. You may also wish to consult a nutritionist to ask about foods that can ensure your mouth carries the right bacteria at all times.

A Red Tongue

Your tongue is naturally a pink color. It can become red or carry red patches due to a variety of factors. If your tongue turns a bright pink color, this is an indication of vitamin deficiency. Individuals who are allergic to gluten may experience a vivid pink tongue if they consume gluten. Supplement your diet with the following vitamins to prevent discoloration: Vitamin B-12, folic acid, and iron.

You can also develop a red tongue due to scarlet fever or benign migratory glossitis, a condition that creates a red and white pattern on your tongue’s surface. Consult a doctor if you believe you have scarlet fever. Miigratory glossitis is benign. However, you may wish to consult a physician for medication, in the case that it becomes painful. You can prevent glossitis by practicing proper oral hygiene. This includes brushing your teeth vigorously twice a day, maintaining a flossing regime, and avoiding sugary foods and tobacco.

2. A Sore Tongue

When it comes to common tongue problems, most people will cite a sore tongue. Your tongue can become sore quite easily, despite being one of the strongest muscles in your body. Tongue pain can certainly arise if you accidentally bite your tongue. Biting your tongue can actually lead to a minor infection, which can be quite painful. People commonly acquire canker sores, which appear as white or yellow sores near or on the tongue. These can be painful and often surface for unknown reasons. However, you can typically prevent canker sores by regularly cleaning your mouth of bacteria. You may wish to use a dentist-recommended mouthwash regularly, for example. Lastly, smoking and acidic substances (like coffee) can lead to all kinds of tongue pain.

It is important to make sure that your toothbrush isn’t too abrasive and that you use sensitive toothpaste, in order to prevent cutting or damaging your tongue during brushing. You should also avoid smoking and consuming excessive amounts of acidic liquids. If you do develop an oral infection due to accidentally biting your tongue, seek medical attention right away.

3. Enlarged or Malfunctioning Taste Buds

Many tongue problems involve inflamed, enlarged, or otherwise malfunctioning taste buds on the tongue itself. You can inflame your taste buds simply by irritating them through aggressive or accidental chewing. It’s also possible to irritate taste buds by smoking or consuming tobacco products. You may experience enlarged taste buds if you have anemia or diabetes. Consult your doctor if you are noticing this particular symptom or if you have one of these conditions.

If you lose areas of taste on your tongue itself, this could indicate many different things. You may have a throat, sinus, or salivary gland infection. You could also have a gum infection, such as gingivitis. Similarly, individuals with nerve disorders of any kind may experience loss of taste in their mouth due to impaired nerve transmissions.

It’s difficult to prevent a nerve disorder, and sometimes a throat or sinus infection. However, it is possible to take steps to prevent gum or salivary gland infections. To prevent gum infections, make sure you are targeting the gums when you brush your teeth.. You should hold your brush at a forty-five-degree angle when brushing, so as to remove particles from the gap between gum and tooth. You should definitely avoid smoking or consumption of other tobacco products. You may also wish to consult your dentist about choosing a toothpaste and mouthwash for preventing gingivitis. Salt water rinses are a good option for alleviating and preventing salivary gland infections. Avoid smoking at all costs!

4. Other Tongue Problems

It’s also possible to experience a burning sensation in your tongue itself. Frequently, this is something that women undergoing menopause encounter.However, it could also signal the onset of other diseases or infections.If you have a swollen tongue, this could indicate trauma of some kind (such as accidental biting). It could also point to more serious conditions such as cancer and thyroid issues.If you experience a burning or swollen tongue, consult your physician right away.

You and Your Tongue Health

When caring for your teeth and mouth, it is important not to neglect your tongue. Your ability to maintain a healthy tongue can go a long way towards preventing problems with our oral health down the road.

Learn how to recognize these common problems and know what to do to actively prevent them. In general, practicing good oral hygiene can help you steer clear of a discolored, painful, or swollen tongue.

If your children are struggling with their oral hygiene, we can help! Contact our office and let us assist you with maintaining good oral health.

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