When you have a cold, we all know to cover your mouth before you sneeze and not to drink out of the same glass. We do this because we know that a cold is contagious. Now we know that, chances are, so is tooth decay. Recent research suggests that the germs responsible for cavities may be "catchy." Likewise, scientists suspect that bacteria associated with gum disease may be transferable from husband to wife, or mother to child. Infants get the bacteria that come to [...]
One of the simplest preventive hygiene exercises you can do for yourself is something you've heard of before. It bears repeating: floss. Every 24 hours, bacteria contribute to a new batch of plaque. Brushing, no matter how well or how long, won’t get all the “bugs,” especially between teeth and where your teeth meet gum tissue. Flossing before or after brushing should be a part of everyone’s home care program. The kind of floss—waxed, unwaxed or tape—doesn't matter. Just choose what you’re comfortable with [...]
Should you brush your teeth before or after breakfast? It's essential to brush your teeth at least twice a day. At night, you probably know that you should brush right before you go to bed. However, you may be wondering whether you should brush your teeth right when you wake up in the morning or after you eat breakfast. The answer is: You should brush your teeth first thing in the morning as soon as you wake up. The reason is that saliva production [...]
Tongue brushing for better breath and better oral health. You might think tongue brushing is a waste of time. Or perhaps you just never thought of incorporating it into your routine. After all, you can't get cavities or tooth decay on your tongue, so what's the point? Well, actually, tongue brushing can improve your breath and help protect your oral health. Let us discover the ways. Just like your teeth and all surfaces of the mouth, your tongue is a warm wet environment. Furthermore, [...]
Should I switch to an electric toothbrush? Or is my old toothbrush doing the job? For many people, making any change is a big decision. Maybe you make a list of pros and cons, carefully weighing benefits and potential drawbacks. Especially for significant changes that will affect your long-held daily habits, we understand that change may be hard. But sometimes it can be especially beneficial! One simple decision that can make a big impact toward improving your oral health is switching to an electric [...]
What Are Periodontal Pockets? Measuring periodontal pockets — depths and implications. Healthy gum tissue fits tightly and firmly against teeth. However, with age and/or declining oral health, this tissue can loosen and sag, forming periodontal pockets around the teeth. When this occurs, it can often become an ever-increasing problem, as it becomes easier and easier for food debris and bacteria to become trapped in the gums. In turn, this leads to even more gum disease, inflammation, and increased pocket depth. Thankfully, our gum tissue [...]
Which Bacteria Causes Cavities? Looking Inside Your Mouth You probably know that bacteria in your mouth cause cavities, plaque, and tooth decay. And you also probably know that proper at-home care such as brushing and flossing is the best way to prevent cavities and more serious problems. (Combine with regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings for best results!) However, most species of bacteria are relatively harmless to our oral health; just one or two strains cause cavities and tooth decay. They are called Streptococcus [...]
Tongue, Brushing, Scraping, Etc. Cleaning Your tongue to prevent bad breath & improve oral health. One of the best ways to make sure your breath is fresh and clean is to make sure that your tongue is healthy and clean as well. The tongue may seem like a smooth surface, but nothing could be further from the truth. Upon closer examination, you'll see the tongue has many tiny bumps and divots. This textured surface is perfect for bacteria to grow and thrive. That's why [...]
Sterilization Limits Exposure to Germs and Bacteria During regular day to day life, germs and bacteria typically get a bad rap. When sterilization gets taken too far, we're missing out on the benefits of a healthy and tested immune system. However, when it comes to dentistry and any medical facility, nothing could be further from the truth. One of the chief concerns is preventing disease and infection from spreading from patient to patient. When we're working with teeth and gums, it's at the top [...]
When thinking about bacteria, a good analogy is bugs in your garden. The bad ones eat your cherished plants and can carry diseases, but good bugs like bees and ladybugs exist as well. They help to undo the damage done by the bad bugs. With bacteria, it is much the same. The harmful bacteria spreads disease and discomfort—but the good type provides many benefits, especially in your digestive tract. Your mouth is the important starting point for digestion. As you chew, saliva adds enzymes [...]
