Dental Facts & Fiction

In anticipation of the new year, we’ve compiled a list of dental facts you may not know about and dental myths you should stop believing!
FACT: Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the human body.
FACT: The plaque found on your teeth is home to more than 300 different species of bacteria.
FICTION: Placing a cap on your toothbrush is helpful. — It is actually MORE detrimental since bacteria favor the moist environment for reproduction.
FACT: At least 3 out of 4 Americans suffer from some form of periodontal gum disease.
FACT: A snail’s mouth is no larger than the head of a pin but it can contain over 25,000 teeth!
FICTION: Dentistry is a recent discovery. — Actually, mummies have been found in Egypt with fillings made up of resin & malachite.
FICTION: Toothpicks are better than floss. — Sadly, the most often chocked on item by Americans is a toothpick – just floss!
FACT: Like fingerprints, everyone has a unique set of teeth. Even identical twins!
FACT: The cotton candy making machine was co-invented by a dentist! Before it got the name cotton candy, it was called “fairy floss.”

Before changing your health routines, come in to speak with a dentist about any of your dental concerns. We have three locations, in Austin, for your convenience. 

 "Dental Facts & Fiction | ToothZone Dentistry - Fort Collins." ToothZone Dentistry Dental Facts Fiction Comments. 15 Dec. 2014. Web. 17 Dec. 2014. <http://toothzonenetwork.com/dental-facts-fiction/>.

5 Holiday Treats For Your Teeth

Halloween through New Years is an exciting and often delicious time of year, but it can also be a dangerous time of year for your teeth! Keep these five tips in mind to keep your pearly whites healthy throughout the holiday season:  

1. Stay away from chewy candy

We know that it is nearly impossible to stay away from the delicious holiday candy that shows up this time of year, but did you know those sticky candies are terrible for your teeth? The chewy substances stick to your teeth’s enamel which stimulates tooth decay and can even rip out fillings! Try your best to serve delicious, healthy alternatives and only have a few of these tasty treats this holiday season!

2. Use a nut cracker

Nuts are a great source of protein but remember: do not use your teeth to crunch down on this healthy snack! The hard nature of the shell of a nut can cause severe tooth and gum damage and can even crack your teeth. Use a nut cracker to remove the shell and you’re all set to enjoy!

3. Your teeth are not box cutters

Using your teeth to open presents or packages may require a future root canal or repairing of an existing crown. Do your teeth a favor and take the extra second to use scissors or a box cutter to rip open your presents this holiday season! 

4. Don’t chew on hard candy

While we’ve already warned you to stay away from the chewy treats, you should also avoid chomping on the hard stuff this year! By biting down on hard candy, you run the risk of cracking or chipping your teeth if you crunch on hard candy or even ice cubes. Instead of biting down, let the candy dissolve in your mouth as to reduce the stress on your teeth!

5. Drink water

To keep your smile bright this holiday season, avoid drinking coffee, black tea, soda, or red wine that can stain your teeth. Try replacing these beverages with water that can wash away food particles and bacteria. Water also keeps your mouth quenched to avoid a dry mouth which can cause bad breath. 

Give your teeth the present of avoiding any dental emergencies over the holidays by following these  five simple tips. If you just can’t stay away from the yummy candy and need to come in for an appointment, call your Omni Dental Group nearest you, sooner than later! Happy Holidays!

 

"5 Holiday Treats For Your Teeth | ToothZone - Fort Collins." ToothZone Dentistry 5 Holiday Treats For Your Teeth Comments. Toothzone, 5 Nov. 2014. Web. 16 Dec. 2014. <http://toothzonenetwork.com/5-tips-healthy-teeth-throughout-holidays/>.

       The Best and Worst Foods for Your Teeth

If you are what you eat, that's particularly true for your teeth and gums. When you drink and munch starchy or sugary foods, you're not only feeding yourself, you're feeding the plaque that can cause havoc in your mouth.
Plaque is a thin, invisible film of sticky bacteria and other materials that covers all the surfaces of all your teeth. When sugars or starches in your mouth come in contact with plaque, the acids that result can attack teeth for 20 minutes or more after you finish eating. Repeated attacks can break down the hard enamel on the surface of teeth, leading to tooth decay. Plaque also produces toxins that attack the gums and bone supporting the teeth.
Although some foods invite tooth decay, others help combat plaque buildup. Here are some foods to seek out and some to avoid.

The good guys

• Fiber-rich fruits and vegetables. Foods with fiber have a detergent effect in your mouth, says the American Dental Association (ADA). They also stimulate saliva flow, which, next to good home dental care, is your best natural defense against cavities and gum disease. About 20 minutes after you eat something containing sugars or starches, your saliva begins to neutralize the acids and enzymes attacking your teeth. Because saliva contains traces of calcium and phosphate, it also restores minerals to areas of teeth that have lost them from the bacterial acids.
  
• Cheese, milk, plain yogurt, and other dairy products. Cheese is another saliva generator. The calcium in cheese, and the calcium and phosphates in milk and other dairy products, help put back minerals your teeth might have lost due to other foods.
  
• Green and black teas. Both contain polyphenols that interact with plaque bacteria. These substances either kill or suppress bacteria, preventing them from growing or producing tooth-attacking acid. Depending on the type of water you use to brew your tea, a cup of tea can also be a source of fluoride.
  
• Sugarless chewing gum. This is another great saliva generator that removes food particles from your mouth.
  
• Foods with fluoride. Fluoridated drinking water, or any product you make with fluoridated water, helps your teeth. This includes powdered juices (as long as they don't contain a lot of sugar) and dehydrated soups. Commercially prepared foods, such as poultry products, seafood, and powdered cereals, also can provide fluoride.
  

The bad guys

• Sticky candies and sweets. If you eat sweets, go for those that clear out of your mouth quickly. So thumbs down for lollipops, caramels, and cough drops that contain refined sugar. Note: Effects of chocolate on preventing cavities have been widely touted (largely by studies funded by the candy industry), but not conclusively proven. Cacao (70 percent) does have some health benefits. Some studies have shown chocolate to be not as bad as other sugary treats.
  
• Starchy foods that can get stuck in your mouth. Soft breads and potato chips, for instance, can get trapped between your teeth.
  
• Carbonated soft drinks. These drinks are the leading source of added sugar among kids and teens. Besides being laden with sugar, most soft drinks contain phosphoric and citric acids that erode tooth enamel.
  
• Substances that dry out your mouth. These include alcohol and many medicines. If medications are the cause, consider talking to your health care provider about getting a fluoride rinse, or a fluoride gel with which to brush your teeth.
  

Eat for a healthy mouth

The ADA offers these tips to help reduce tooth-decay risk from the foods you eat:

• Consume sugary foods with meals. Your mouth produces more saliva during meals, and this helps neutralize acid production and rinse food particles from the mouth.
  
• Limit between-meal snacks. If you crave a snack, choose something nutritious. Consider chewing sugarless gum afterward to increase saliva flow and wash out food and acid.
  
• Drink more water. Fluoridated water can help prevent tooth decay. If you choose bottled water, check the label for the fluoride content.
  
• Brush your teeth twice and floss once a day.
  

Medical Reviewers:

• Eakle, Stephan W., DDS
• Freeborn, Donna, PhD, CNM, FNP 

Eakle, Stephan W, D.D.S. "University of Rochester Medical Center." University of Rochester Medical Center. Web. 15 Dec. 2014. <http://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?ContentTypeID=1&ContentID=4062>.

Traveling and Oral Health: Tooth Tips for the Holidays

We don’t have to tell you: the winter holidays mark one of the busiest seasons of the year. With shopping, parties and vacations jam-packed on the calendar, it’s no wonder that many people take shortcuts when it comes to oral health maintenance during this time. If you are traveling during the holiday season and you want to avoid a January surprise cavity (or worse), here are some simple tooth travel tips to help you keep your smile intact.

1.  Don’t leave home with a toothache! If you suspect you have any lurking problems in your mouth, schedule an appointment prior to your travel date so that you don’t end up with a tooth emergency while out of town. Research emergency dental clinics in your destination city and have those numbers handy to ensure that your time off is as relaxing as possible.
2. No one ever regrets buying travel-sized gear. Keeping a travel toothbrush, floss and toothpaste on hand in addition to trial sizes of your favorite toiletries reduces your packing time, and not just during the holidays.
3. Splurge on probiotics! Diseases and germs run rampant in buses, airports and other communal places that you might encounter during your trip. Researchers believe that probiotics are not only good for the gut; they may help maintain optimal oral health too!
4. Toothbrushes don’t last forever! Generally, dentists recommend that you buy a new toothbrush every two to three months when at home. However if you are traveling, your toothbrush is exposed to even more bacteria. It’s best to toss it when you return home and swap it for a fresh brush, even if it hasn’t hit the three-month mark yet.
5. Chewing gum is a limitless oral-health-on-the-go tip! Bringing sugar-free gum with you has multiple benefits; not only does it taste good and make your breath smell fresh, but the gum can help remove food that may be stuck in your teeth as well, acting as a secondary toothbrush.

Always consult a dentist before changing your dental habits, schedule your appointment today. We have three Austin locations for your convenience.

Posted by Dr. Kronenwett on Nov 5th, 2014 8:18 am  
 
Dr. Kronenwett. "Traveling and Oral Health: Tooth Tips for the Holidays." Traveling and Oral Health: Tooth Tips for the Holidays. 5 Nov. 2014. Web. 12 Dec. 2014. <http://www.actondental.com/blog/traveling-and-oral-health-tooth-tips-for-the-holidays/>.

5 Tips for Healthy Holiday Smiles

A season of holiday cheer doesn’t mean a holiday from your family’s dental health.  In fact, the change in your schedule and diet means that it is even more essential to be vigilant in maintaining your beautiful smile.  Here are five pointers for a healthy mouth during the holidays:

Get up to date on your dental visits before the year is out.

Don’t put off needed visits until you return from visiting family.  It’s always a good idea to plan ahead, get an appointment early and take care of your teeth before the rush and hustle of celebrating.  Staying up to date will help prevent dental issues from ruining your time away from home by detecting any underlying issues that need to be treated before your leave.  Holidays and vacation times are also very busy time in dental offices, so you want to make sure your appointments are scheduled and taken care of sooner rather than later.  And don’t forget flex benefits! Many flex pay health care plans require you to spend any accumulated funds before year end.

Make a dental travel kit.

Nearly everything comes in a travel size and we’ve found that the activity of putting together a dental travel kit will encourage great habits while you are away from home.  Don’t forget to pack travel sized mouthwash, floss and a toothbrush for everyone in the family. We’re excited about new convenient options as well, such as quick disposable toothbrushes that can be carried for “in-between” brushing on the go.  Your kids will love their own dental kit.  Help them to pick out a special brush and mini-toothpaste just for their time away.

Protect your toothbrush.

If you’re leaving town for the holidays, you want to make sure that your toothbrush stays covered.  Extra handling, luggage and hotel bathrooms provide bacteria extra opportunity to find its way onto your bristles and into your mouth.  Several options are available, including covers that are anti-bacterial.  A closed cover gives a warm, damp place for bacteria to thrive, so remember to let your toothbrush dry before covering it up.

Watch what you eat.

We are all more likely to indulge in sugary drinks, snacks and desserts during the holidays.  We’re also more likely to allow our children to indulge for special occasions. Why not make a conscious decision to eat a bit healthier this year?  Instead of just planning your days and family activities around food, look for opportunities for more active fun.  You might also decide to pack healthy snacks so that you won’t be tempted to grab a quick treat on the road that may not be good for your teeth.

Keep your routine.

Whatever you decide to eat, don’t forget your regular dental habits.  It may be tempting to just go to bed after a long day of family fun, but forgetting your routine could mean no-so-fun dental problems later on.  Make brushing and flossing an activity that your family does together.  It can be a great opportunity to “de-brief” and discuss the activities of the day or plan for the next.
We wish everyone a great season of love, joy, happiness and healthy smiles!

 "5 Tips for Healthy Holiday Smiles." East Valley Pediatric Dentistry. 4 Dec. 2014. Web. 11 Dec. 2014. <http://kidstoothdr.com/blog/holiday-teeth/>.

 

This Holiday Season, Eat, Drink, and Be Very Good to Your Teeth While we all know that the holiday season can be tough on your wallet and your waistline, did you also know it can pose some danger to your gumline? Holiday events and traditions, such as family and work parties, are often a big part of the end of the year. However, according to the Massachusetts Dental Society (MDS), some aspects of this holiday season may not bring comfort and joy to your mouth and can actually cause injury to your teeth. Enamel is the top layer of the tooth and is the hardest substance found in the body. The enamel is what protects the inner part of your tooth from injury. When enamel is weakened, your tooth can become more susceptible to problems, including cracking and breaking. Therefore, you may not want to take a “crack” at putting certain items in your mouth. Accidentally biting down on small, hard objects—such as candy canes, chocolate gelt coins, ice cubes, or food decorations—can cause a cracked tooth. Cracked teeth can also occur from bruxism (teeth grinding), which can often be a result of holiday stress. The force of the grinding usually occurs while sleeping, not making for a silent night. Physical symptoms can manifest themselves through sore facial muscles or jaw joints. The grinding can eventually lead to a cracked tooth if the force is great enough. While many of us enjoy consuming seasonal holiday foods and drinks, use caution when being home for the holidays and eating or drinking anything overly acidic, sugary, or sticky. Acidic foods and drinks, such as citrus fruits and juices, wine, soft drinks, and sweetened mixed drinks, can actually cause enamel erosion over time. It is better to sip beverages through a straw to minimize exposure of the acids to the tooth enamel. Also, try to avoid sticky toffees and candy, as they can loosen or even remove fillings and crowns. If you experience sensitivity to cold and/or sweetness, there are steps you can take to relieve the discomfort. Rinse your mouth with a mouthrinse containing fluoride, and brush and floss your teeth.  If the sensitivity continues, try a toothpaste designed to limit sensitivity. Lastly, while giving and receiving holiday gifts can be enjoyable, they can also pose problems for your oral health. Many people use their teeth to cut through strings and tape, open packages, and remove tags from new clothing. The Masschusetts Dental Society warns that these practices can cause your teeth to chip, crack, or even break. So always use a pair of scissors to open your child’s new toy or remove that tag from a new sweater—never use your teeth. By following some simple guidelines, you can enjoy the most wonderful time of the year—with a bright, healthy smile. Check with one of our skilled dentist before ever changing your dental routine. Schedule your appointment today. "Holiday Oral Health Tips - Massachusetts Dental Society." Holiday Oral Health Tips - Massachusetts Dental Society. Web. 10 Dec. 2014. <http://www.massdental.org/content.aspx?id=8540>.

Holiday sweets can be tough on teeth

The winter holidays are known for sweet treats and tempting goodies, but that doesn't mean that you have to end up at the dentist with cavities in January.

How do sweet foods and drinks cause cavities?

When you eat sugary foods or drinks, naturally occurring bacteria in the mouth feed on the sugar and create acids as a by-product. These acids then wear down the tooth enamel, making it weaker and more susceptible to tooth decay as well as a host of other problems, including gingivitis.
Snacking on sweets throughout the day or during an extended period of time (such as at a holiday party) is especially harmful, since damaging acids form in the mouth every time you eat a sugary snack and continue to affect the teeth for at least 20 minutes afterwards.
"Snacking on sweets and sugary beverages throughout the day can increase the chance of tooth decay and gum disease," says Ken Sutherland, DDS, a senior Delta Dental dentist consultant. "Brushing and flossing after snacks definitely reduces bacteria."

Simple steps for holiday oral care

The best way to avoid cavities while still enjoying your holiday indulgences is to practice good oral hygiene. Here are some tips to help:

• Eating sugary or carbohydrate-rich foods as part of a balanced meal is better than eating them alone. The body produces more saliva to help digest larger meals, which washes away more food and helps neutralize harmful acids before they can attack teeth.
• Foods that take a long time to chew can damage teeth. That's because sticky foods, including nutritious choices like raisins, dates and dried fruit, hold acid against teeth longer than do other foods. Try to limit your consumption of these foods.
• After consuming high-acid food (fruits) or drinks (wine), rinse with water before brushing your teeth to prevent tooth erosion from the acids.
• Keep a toothbrush and travel-size toothpaste handy (for example, in your pocket or purse or store these in the glove compartment of your car) so that you can brush right after eating at holiday parties. An added benefit is that you are less likely to eat after you brush your teeth, so you may end up eating less at parties.
• If you're unable to brush your teeth after eating, rinsing your mouth thoroughly with water or chewing sugar-free gum will help to wash away food particles, produce more saliva and neutralize acids in your mouth

"Brush up" on your technique

Use your holiday vacations to spend more time brushing your teeth. If you're relaxed or have more free time during the day or with your morning or nightly routine, you can use the time to brush more thoroughly and develop better oral care habits.
It isn't necessary to brush vigorously to get your teeth clean. What's important when brushing your teeth is not how hard you scrub, but that you use the proper technique and that you do a thorough job. And that takes time. Dentists recommend that you brush your teeth for two to three minutes to get the most thorough cleaning.
If you get into the habit of brushing for two to three minutes every morning, every night and after every meal during the holidays, you may keep those good habits when your regular routine resumes.

 

Last updated: December 2009

The oral health information on this web site is intended for educational purposes only. You should always consult a licensed dentist or other qualified health care professional for any questions concerning your oral health.

"Holiday Sweets Can Be Tough on Teeth." - Delta Dental. 1 Dec. 2009. Web. 8 Dec. 2014. <https://www.deltadentalins.com/oral_health/holiday-sweets.html>.