Can Kissing Cause Cavities?

Kissing comes with risks. You might fall in love, catch a cold, or be grossed out by bad breath. But did you know that kissing someone with poor oral hygiene could increase your risk for cavities? At my dental office in The Woodlands, we want to explain how this frightening, yet very true, cavity swap can happen.

What Causes a Cavity?

Cavities are caused by the bacteria that naturally form around your teeth and on your gums. Regular cleanings and good oral hygiene keeps that bacteria in check. But when it’s allowed to build up, the bacteria keep multiplying. When this happens, they create acid that eats away at enamel and leads to a cavities. And just like any other virus or bacteria, the ones in your mouth don’t stay put. They can be transferred from one mouth to another. Yep. They are contagious.

It’s Not Just Kissing

Kissing isn’t the only way the bacteria that causes cavities can be transferred from one person to another. People with poor oral hygiene put others at risk doing other activities including:

• Sharing utensils or straws
• Using someone else’s toothbrush (gross!)
• Splitting food

We have heard of people who never had cavities in their lives, suddenly have several after beginning to date someone with gum disease or poor oral hygiene!

Lower Your Risk of Infecting Someone Else

While you can’t necessarily control your partner’s oral health, you can definitely control your own.

• Brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush twice a day
• Floss at least once every single day
• Don’t use tobacco
• Scrub your tongue
• Maintain regular visits with your Woodlands dentist

Follow these tips and you’re sure to please your partner not only because your kisses will be fresh, but also because you’re not infecting them with cavity-causing bacteria. Now that’s love!

If you keep up with your own oral hygiene, be careful about who you are “swapping spit” with. If you have become a little lax in your habits, show consideration for anyone you might want to share the love with by scheduling a professional cleaning at my dental office in The Woodlands now.

Welcoming new patients from The Woodlands, Spring, and Conroe.

Celebrate Heart Health Month: See Your Dentist in The Woodlands

Why in the world would a dentist be part of your Heart Health Month Celebration? Shouldn't you be seeing a cardiologist for that? Well, maybe. But seeing your dentist is much more important than you may think.

There have been lots of studies over the last few years that show a clear link between your gums and your heart, not only because these organs are part of the same body, but also because of the way inflammation and infection can affect your heart.

Why Gum Infections Can Give You a Heart Attack?

When there is a chronic infection in your body, even in something as seemingly small and insignificant as your gums, the bacteria don’t stay put. They enter the bloodstream and cause your body to produce more proteins such as C-reactive protein (CRP), one of the known indicators of cardiovascular disease. Study results published in The New England Journal of Medicine identified elevated CRP levels as an even more accurate predictor of heart attacks than elevated cholesterol levels!

What Exactly is C-Reactive Protein and What Does it Have to Do with Gums?

According to Dr. Thomas Boyden, Jr., the medical director of preventive cardiology at Spectrum Health Medical Group Cardiovascular Services, “Your gums are very vascular, meaning they're full of blood vessels. And your mouth is full of bacteria. If you disrupt the gum layer even a little bit, you're going to get bacteria in your bloodstream, which can go anywhere and trigger inflammation throughout the body. Inflammation is one of the main things that causes damage to blood vessels, including those of the heart."

That’s where C-reactive protein come in. This protein is produced by the liver and goes up in response to inflammation. When high levels of CRP are found in the body, doctors know that infection is present…and more often than not, that infection started in the mouth. In fact, more than 50% of Americans have some form of gum disease, and as a result, an increased risk for heart problems.

What Can You Do?

By following a healthy oral hygiene routine of brushing and flossing everyday, avoiding tobacco, and keeping regularly scheduled appointments with your dentist in The Woodlands, you can lower your risk of gum disease and additional whole-body concerns.

I simply do not want my patients to be part of that statistic. If you are due for a checkup and cleaning, please give my Woodlands dental office a call today!

Welcoming new patients from The Woodlands, Spring, and Conroe .

Eating Disorders and Oral Health

Affecting nearly 10 million Americans, eating disorders are dangerous diseases that can also lead to some serious health concerns. Whether anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating, every eating disorder increases the chance of heart failure, decreases bone density, and causes muscle loss. At my dental office in The Woodlands, we want to inform our neighbors of some of the oral health problems also associated with eating disorders.

Teeth and Eating Disorders

When someone has an eating disorder, they’re not getting all of the necessary nutrients the body needs to function properly. This includes your mouth. Oftentimes an eating disorder can cause salivary glands to produce less saliva, leading to dry mouth. Dry mouth is linked to bad breath, decay, and gum disease. A lack of crucial nutrients can also cause sores to develop. These often bleed easily and can be quite painful.

If vomiting is a symptom, a whole host of other concerns arise. The constant exposure to stomach acid can erode enamel and even cause teeth to change color or become translucent. In fact, according to the National Eating Disorders Association, 89% of bulimics experience enamel erosion caused by overexposure to stomach acid.  

Signs & Symptoms

Many times a dentist in The Woodlands may the first to suspect an eating disorder. This is because many signs first show in the mouth, including:

• Enlarged salivary glands
• Chronic dry mouth
• Tooth decay
• Sensitivity

What You Can Do to Protect Your Teeth

When battling a disease like an eating disorder, proper medical attention is always the first step. Trusted professionals can help both diagnose the problem and fix it. In the meantime, there are a few things you can do to keep your smile protected.

• Continue to brush and floss like normal, brushing twice a day and flossing once.
• If vomit is a factor, do not brush immediately after it happens. Instead, rinse with water.
• Continue to visit your dentist as often as recommended.

If you have an eating disorder, please seek medical attention as soon as possible. And while you’re working on beating the disease, give my The Woodlands dental office a call and schedule an appointment. We can help protect your mouth from the damaging effects of eating disorders and work with you throughout the healing process.

Serving new patients from The Woodlands, Spring, and Conroe.

Smile More, Stay Healthy

We all smile when we hear something funny, when we’re happy, and sometimes we even fake it when we meet someone new. But a smile is much more than an expression. It can actually help keep you healthy. At my dental office in The Woodlands, we want to talk about the powerful benefits of smiling and why you should do it more.

It’s All About the Endorphins

Endorphins are chemicals in your brain that, when released, create a feeling of happiness. This release is caused by movements in the facial muscles, like smiling. Not only do these powerful neurotransmitters cause us to feel happy, they’re also our bodies’ natural pain killer. This may be where the expression “laugh off the pain” comes from, because it really can work.

Smiling Kills Stress

Endorphins not only help the happy come out, they also squash stress and anxiety. When we’re stressed, our bodies produce more of the hormone cortisol. Cortisol makes us feel all the unpleasant emotions we experience when stress levels are high. Endorphins actually help lower cortisol levels, killing stress.

Boost Your Immune System

One of the biggest ways smiling works in keeping you healthy is by boosting your white blood cell count. Smiling helps our bodies create more white blood cells which then fight off germs and bacteria.

Go Ahead, Get Smiling

As we’ve learned, smiling is a pretty magical thing that can help in so many ways. If you’re not smiling enough throughout the day, try some of these tips to help you get all of the benefits a smile brings.

• Watch a funny movie. Laughing brings a simple smile to a whole other level and boosts the health benefits. Pop in your favorite chuckle-inducing classic and cackle away.
• Fake it till you make it. Your brain doesn’t know the difference between a fake smile and real one. And guess what? A fake one still provides health benefits. So turn the frown upside down and feel the happy.
• Be around people who make you happy. Spending time with those who make us laugh or bring us joy is bound to be smiling-inducing.

If you’re not smiling more because you’re embarrassed by your teeth, give my The Woodlands dental office a call. We can help get you a smile you’re confident about through several cosmetic dentistry options. We’ll talk about your ideal smile and how we can make it a reality so you can smile wide and enjoy the health benefits.

Welcoming new patients from The Woodlands, Spring, and Conroe.

Get Your Teeth as White as Winter’s Snow

There’s nothing more pristine and white than fresh winter snow. But it doesn’t take much, and before you know it, the snow looks dingy and dirty. The same can be said for your teeth! But don’t worry, the friendly team at my The Woodlands dental office is ready to help take your smile from drab to dazzling quicker than you can say blizzard. In the meantime, try these tips to help keep your smile bright!

Rethink Your Food and Drink

Now’s the time of year when we tend to enjoy delicious drinks and foods that can lead to not-so-pearly whites. Red wine, soda, berry juices, coffee, and black tea are all common beverage offenders. Sauces, gravies, and sweet treats will also leave a little something behind. To help your smile stay snowy white, try drinking through a straw. Swallow quick without allowing your beverages and foods to linger too long.

Brushing Up on the Basics

We can’t stress enough how important it is to remain vigilant about your daily brushing routine. Even if you still eat and drink stain-causing stuff, regular brushing and flossing will help keep your teeth white too. Do it twice a day, once in the morning and again at night, to keep stains to a minimum. If brushing isn’t enough and you’re still struggling with stains, stop by for a consultation.

Brighter is Always Better

When teeth whitening is what you’re after, there are a few alternatives to achieve perfection such as brushing with a whitening toothpaste or investing in porcelain veneers. Remember to

check with your The Woodlands dentist before beginning any whitening procedures. In terms of your toothpaste, look for the American Dental Association seal of approval on the label to ensure they’re safe and effective. If teeth are truly stained, consider talking with us about the possibility of porcelain veneers. These thin sheets of ceramic bond directly to the front surfaces of teeth for a healthy, white smile. They’re also highly resistant to pesky stains!

We’re always happy to see your smiling face in the office, so don’t forget to ask about whitening options the next time you visit my dental office in The Woodlands. Brighter is better when it comes to smiles!

Welcoming new patients from The Woodlands, Spring, and Conroe.

Kissing Under the Mistletoe – Prepare to Pucker Up

‘Tis the season for festive festivities and reminiscing with family and friends. Whether you’re standing under the mistletoe or possibly planting a smooch on a loved one’s lips, my dental office in The Woodlands wants to help ensure your kiss is fresh and clean this holiday season.

Brushing and Flossing

Be sure to spread holiday cheer not jeers this season by making sure to not skip your regular, daily brushing and flossing routine. Food and treats are usually pretty plentiful this time of year, so it’s important to make sure your teeth are consistently clean. Proper care helps wash away food debris while attacking plaque build-up head on to maintain fresh breath. Don’t forget to brush twice and floss once daily to keep bad breath at bay. If you do this correctly, your breath will be fresh and ready to share a kiss or a conversation.

Tongue Tied

While brushing and flossing help keep breath smelling great, don’t forget about your tongue.  This magnificent muscle helps us eat the foods we love and communicate with those we care about, so don’t forget to show it some TLC during your daily brushing routine. We always remind patients to do a thorough tongue brushing or scraping. This helps to remove dead cells and unwanted food particles causing bad breath. It’s a quick step to improve your breath and overall oral health. Questions or concerns? Contact my dental team in The Woodlands. We’re always happy to help and our tongues are never tied.

Stress Less

This time of year can wreak havoc on our calendars, our body and our oral health. Holiday parties, tons of travel, and an overall end-of-the-year burnout can lead to unwanted stress and bad breath. Remember to eat right, drink plenty of water, get adequate rest, and continue to exercise. A healthy body ensures your breath will be ready for every conversation and kiss that comes your way.

No matter what time of year – a healthy smile and fresh breath are always best. Give my The Woodlands dental office a call anytime to discuss your oral health. Together we can resolve any issues and discuss possible treatment options. Happy holidays from our family to yours! We look forward to seeing you and your healthy smile in 2016.

Welcoming patients from The Woodlands, Spring, and Conroe.

Alcohol Use and Oral Health

Nearly a quarter of all U.S. adults 18 and older have engaged in one or more nights of excessive drinking this past year. Excessive drinking is defined as five or more drinks for men, and four or more drinks for women. While some may only see this as a concern for your overall health, at my The Woodlands dental office, we’d like to explain how it can also be detrimental to your oral health.

Why Is Alcohol Dangerous?

Alcohol is naturally drying, and that’s bad news for your mouth. The mouth needs saliva to stay healthy. Without it, dangerous bacteria can linger around and cause problems. Alcohol is also acidic, and acid causes enamel to soften and makes them more susceptible to attacks.

What Could Happen

If someone abuses alcohol, it could result in several dental problems. While some are much more serious than others, they can all lead to extensive dental damage and even whole-body concerns. Some of these problems include:

• Tooth Decay

• Gum Disease
• Chronic Bad Breath
• Oral, Throat, and Esophagus Cancer

Reduce Your Risk

There are steps you can take to reduce your risk of alcohol-induced oral health problems. Follow these tips to help protect your smile.

• It’s All About Moderation. The best way to avoid oral health complications from excessive alcohol consumption is to limit the amount of alcohol you drink. Not only can drinking in moderation protect your mouth, it can protect your whole body.
• Brush & Floss. Brushing at least twice a day and flossing at least once will help fight off the damaging effects of alcohol. Additionally, brushing 20 minutes post-alcohol consumption may decrease the chance of alcohol-induced complications.
• Keep Your Dental Appointments. Regular visits to your dentist in The Woodlands aren’t just about getting a deep cleaning and checking for cavities. Appointments at least every six months can catch any problems early, and early detection is key. In fact, sometimes your dentist may be the first to suspect an alcohol addiction by what’s seen in your mouth.

At my dental office in The Woodlands, we care about our patients’ overall health, not just their oral health. If you suspect you may have an addiction to alcohol, we encourage you to seek counseling. And if it’s been awhile since you’ve seen a dentist, we’d love to see you.

Accepting patients from The Woodlands, Spring, and Conroe.