5 Resolute Resolutions
Where did the end of 2017 go! Life in the office during November and December paralleled that of the holiday season: hustle and bustle. The end of the year is our busiest time of year. Patients were out of school, home from college, using up their left over vacation days, visiting from out of town and trying to get in those last insurance benefits. Don't forget our beloved snowbirds completing their checklists for their annual migration down south and out west. Of course, there were also plenty of broken teeth from holiday caramels, candies, nuts etc. Speaking of those holiday treats, grazie mille (thank you a thousand times) to everyone who brought something in for our staff. It shocks me every year how many patients remember our office during the holidays with cards and goodies. We loved every cookie, chocolate, pecan, cashew, poinsettia, ham, bagel, pastry, sandwich and everything in between. Yes, we had to exercise a little more and yes we brushed and flossed our teeth after lunches. We are grateful for the outpouring of holiday spirit you shared with us.
Naturally, the end of the year not only brings a sense of gratitude, but also reflection and forecasting. We reflect on the previous year's accomplishments, failures, gains, losses, adventures and events that forever changed ourselves, our communities, and our country. We forecast what 2018 can bring. For many, it's a new start and resolutions reign supreme. We tend to gravitate toward things that focus on our health and wellness. Gyms are packed, churches are full, and cleanses are...cleansing.
Here are 5 Resolute Resolutions for your Oral Health
1) Get Back to the Brushing Basics!
It's so easy to give in to bad habits with our oral health. Trust me, I feel like a broken record sometimes giving oral hygiene instructions. Make sure you are brushing at least TWICE a day for TWO MINUTES. You're not alone if you are only brushing in the morning. Everyone wants that fresh feeling to start their day. However, before bed is the most important time of the day to brush. Salivary flow and buffer levels are low, creating an ideal environment for bacteria. Don't allow these tooth termites to reign your oral kingdom! Furthermore, I'm a big fan of electronic toothbrushes. Personally, I use Sonicare and an Oral-B when traveling. Many quality brushes run for $50 or less. Check out Amazon or whole sale clubs for the best price.
2) Gingivitis be Gone
I always say you would never build a house on mud. Same goes for your teeth! Your gum tissues and underlying bone are the foundation for your teeth. Poor hygiene can lead to experiencing bleeding during brushing and flossing. This can be a condition called gingivitis- inflamed gums. Gingivitis can lead to gum disease- when bacteria in your gum pockets cause PERMANENT bone loss around your teeth. To combat gingivitis, FLOSS IS BOSS. If you're not one for traditional flossing measures, try floss picks or a water pick. I'm a visual guy, so I have my floss picks in a glass by my toothbrush. If it's in the drawer I won't do it. Weird, but it works for me. A lot of our patient's keep a bag of floss picks in their car to use during their commutes. Find what works for you! Flossing not only combats gingivitis, but also removes food and plaque in between your teeth (where your tooth brush can't reach), reducing risk for cavities and bad breath.
3) Protect against Enamel Erosion (SODA/DIET SODA/JUICE/LEMON-WATER/SPARKLING WATER DRINKERS!!!)
"What do you drink throughout the day?" Most common answer: water. However, there are many types of water with varying degrees of acidity. pH is the measure of a substances acidity or alkalinity. The scale ranges from 0-14, with 7 being a neutral pH. Unflavored, "sugar-free" carbonated waters, such as LaCroix and Perrier, are much less harmful to enamel in comparison to regular and diet pop, energy drinks and juices. Unflavored carbonated waters contain carbonic acid, a weak acid. In contrast, FLAVORed carbonated water (specifically citrus flavors) contain citric acid, a more potent acid, on top of carbonic acid. Sipping these types of highly acidic drinks can be very harmful to your enamel in the long term. Lowering the frequency of acid exposure to teeth will lessen the risk of enamel erosion. Try drinking a can with a meal, versus sipping throughout the day. Moderation always and if you must sip, stick to fluoridated tap water.
4) Diet
For dentists what you eat matters, but also how often you eat! Multiple snacks throughout the day greatly increases your risk for cavities. Snacking not only includes fruits, nuts, carbohydrates, candy, non-sugarfree gum/mints, but also the aforementioned drinks being sipped throughout the day. Try to minimize snacking, or at the very least, brush 20-30 minutes after your lunch and dinner. Chewing ice is a death sentence for teeth. Cracks and tooth fractures are inevitable for ice chewers. Whole almonds and other hard nuts can do the same. Kick the ice habit. Switch over to halved almonds. Finally, avoid sticky foods, empty carbohydrates, and complex sugars. Bacteria love these kinds of fuel and they make cleaning your teeth difficult. With these changes, you'll find your teeth won't be the only things that are feeling healthier.
5) Regular Well Checks and Cleanings
Most cavities, tooth cracks, and gum issues can't be felt. Early detection is vital to managing and treating oral diseases and preventing more invasive procedures such as scaling and root planing, root canals, crowns, and extractions. If a tooth is sensitive or hurting, get it checked by your dentist immediately. Furthermore, we are seeing a tremendous influx of patient who never had a cavity, stopped seeing a dentist at 18, and are now returning in their mid 20's and 30's with generalized cavities and gum disease! College life is hard on your teeth. If it has been awhile since you've seen a dentist, college or not, please do not hesitate to schedule an appointment. Your dental home is a judge free zone. Do not feel embarrassed. Our goal as dental professionals is and has always been to serve your oral health needs with a welcoming, positive, and comfortable experience.
Tackle these resolutions with resolve and you will find they will lead to a happier, healthy you. Happy New Year from our family to yours!
Naturally, the end of the year not only brings a sense of gratitude, but also reflection and forecasting. We reflect on the previous year's accomplishments, failures, gains, losses, adventures and events that forever changed ourselves, our communities, and our country. We forecast what 2018 can bring. For many, it's a new start and resolutions reign supreme. We tend to gravitate toward things that focus on our health and wellness. Gyms are packed, churches are full, and cleanses are...cleansing.
Here are 5 Resolute Resolutions for your Oral Health
1) Get Back to the Brushing Basics!
It's so easy to give in to bad habits with our oral health. Trust me, I feel like a broken record sometimes giving oral hygiene instructions. Make sure you are brushing at least TWICE a day for TWO MINUTES. You're not alone if you are only brushing in the morning. Everyone wants that fresh feeling to start their day. However, before bed is the most important time of the day to brush. Salivary flow and buffer levels are low, creating an ideal environment for bacteria. Don't allow these tooth termites to reign your oral kingdom! Furthermore, I'm a big fan of electronic toothbrushes. Personally, I use Sonicare and an Oral-B when traveling. Many quality brushes run for $50 or less. Check out Amazon or whole sale clubs for the best price.2) Gingivitis be Gone
I always say you would never build a house on mud. Same goes for your teeth! Your gum tissues and underlying bone are the foundation for your teeth. Poor hygiene can lead to experiencing bleeding during brushing and flossing. This can be a condition called gingivitis- inflamed gums. Gingivitis can lead to gum disease- when bacteria in your gum pockets cause PERMANENT bone loss around your teeth. To combat gingivitis, FLOSS IS BOSS. If you're not one for traditional flossing measures, try floss picks or a water pick. I'm a visual guy, so I have my floss picks in a glass by my toothbrush. If it's in the drawer I won't do it. Weird, but it works for me. A lot of our patient's keep a bag of floss picks in their car to use during their commutes. Find what works for you! Flossing not only combats gingivitis, but also removes food and plaque in between your teeth (where your tooth brush can't reach), reducing risk for cavities and bad breath.3) Protect against Enamel Erosion (SODA/DIET SODA/JUICE/LEMON-WATER/SPARKLING WATER DRINKERS!!!)
"What do you drink throughout the day?" Most common answer: water. However, there are many types of water with varying degrees of acidity. pH is the measure of a substances acidity or alkalinity. The scale ranges from 0-14, with 7 being a neutral pH. Unflavored, "sugar-free" carbonated waters, such as LaCroix and Perrier, are much less harmful to enamel in comparison to regular and diet pop, energy drinks and juices. Unflavored carbonated waters contain carbonic acid, a weak acid. In contrast, FLAVORed carbonated water (specifically citrus flavors) contain citric acid, a more potent acid, on top of carbonic acid. Sipping these types of highly acidic drinks can be very harmful to your enamel in the long term. Lowering the frequency of acid exposure to teeth will lessen the risk of enamel erosion. Try drinking a can with a meal, versus sipping throughout the day. Moderation always and if you must sip, stick to fluoridated tap water.
4) Diet
For dentists what you eat matters, but also how often you eat! Multiple snacks throughout the day greatly increases your risk for cavities. Snacking not only includes fruits, nuts, carbohydrates, candy, non-sugarfree gum/mints, but also the aforementioned drinks being sipped throughout the day. Try to minimize snacking, or at the very least, brush 20-30 minutes after your lunch and dinner. Chewing ice is a death sentence for teeth. Cracks and tooth fractures are inevitable for ice chewers. Whole almonds and other hard nuts can do the same. Kick the ice habit. Switch over to halved almonds. Finally, avoid sticky foods, empty carbohydrates, and complex sugars. Bacteria love these kinds of fuel and they make cleaning your teeth difficult. With these changes, you'll find your teeth won't be the only things that are feeling healthier.
5) Regular Well Checks and Cleanings
Most cavities, tooth cracks, and gum issues can't be felt. Early detection is vital to managing and treating oral diseases and preventing more invasive procedures such as scaling and root planing, root canals, crowns, and extractions. If a tooth is sensitive or hurting, get it checked by your dentist immediately. Furthermore, we are seeing a tremendous influx of patient who never had a cavity, stopped seeing a dentist at 18, and are now returning in their mid 20's and 30's with generalized cavities and gum disease! College life is hard on your teeth. If it has been awhile since you've seen a dentist, college or not, please do not hesitate to schedule an appointment. Your dental home is a judge free zone. Do not feel embarrassed. Our goal as dental professionals is and has always been to serve your oral health needs with a welcoming, positive, and comfortable experience.Tackle these resolutions with resolve and you will find they will lead to a happier, healthy you. Happy New Year from our family to yours!
Dr. George R. Williams is a general dentist at Williams Family Dental Group in Canton, Ohio. He is a graduate of The Ohio State University College of Dentistry and Canton Mercy Medical Center General Practice Residency. For questions or suggestions for blog posts, please feel free to contact him at drgrw@williamsdentalgroup.com
Visit us at williamsdentalgroup.com or our Facebook page!
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