The Pros & Cons of Kissing from Your Dentist in The Woodlands

During the month of February, there’s a lot of talk about love and hearts, roses and candy, kisses and hugs. And while you probably already know our stance on those little candy hearts and boxes of chocolate (easy on the sweets!), you may be surprised to learn that at The Woodlands dental office of Dr. Shirley Cagle, we also have some thoughts on how kissing can affect your oral health.

That’s right, a lesson on the pros and cons of kissing from your dentist in The Woodlands. When you think about it, it makes a lot of sense to take kissing advice from a dentist. After all, we know all about your mouth.

Let’s start with a positive of puckering up. Kissing is, in fact, good for your teeth. The act of kissing increases saliva production, and saliva helps to remove plaque and wash it away. So next time you’re smooching, remember that it can be beneficial not only for showing your love, but also for your teeth!

While an increase in saliva production is good for your mouth, there are a bunch of other reasons kissing may not be so good for the health of your smile. We all know that kissing can spread colds, but did you know that kissing can also spread gum disease? Research has shown that when you lock lips, it’s just as easy to catch gum disease as it is to catch a cold. If your loved one has active gum disease, you should be aware that it is possible to transfer this major dental danger.

The main lesson in kissing? It can be good for you and your health, but it’s very important to maintain your regular cleanings and checkups to make sure your mouth is in tip-top kissing shape and to avoid passing gum disease to others. Overdue on your professional cleaning or dental checkup in The Woodlands? Give Dr. Shirley Cagle a call today!

National Toothache Day: Celebrate Being Toothache Free in The Woodlands

Every year on February 9th, we commemorate National Toothache Day. And while having a toothache is no holiday, being toothache free is something we can definitely celebrate.  The Woodlands dental office of Dr. Shirley Cagle likes to use National Toothache Day to remind all of our patients how to stay toothache free and why keeping up with your dental care is so important.

In fact, avoiding toothaches isn’t all that difficult, and it starts with a good dental hygiene protocol at home. By making sure to brush your teeth at least twice a day for a minimum of two minutes each time, and by flossing at least once a day, you’re already taking the first steps to being toothache free. Flossing and brushing away the day’s bacteria aids in keeping your pearly whites clean and germ free. And if your teeth are clean, there’s less chance for plaque and bacteria to get comfortable and start causing problems.

In addition to your at-home hygiene routine, keeping up with professional cleanings and checkups with Dr. Shirley Cagle in The Woodlands is just as important for a toothache free mouth. Professional hygiene visits take your teeth to a whole new level of clean, and our hygienists work deep below the gum line to remove anything you may have missed. Your regular checkups are also a great time for Dr. Cagle to catch any potential problems before they turn into major issues.

If you are experiencing a toothache in The Woodlands, don’t wait for the pain to pass. A toothache is your body’s way of telling you that something’s not quite right, and you should listen. Don’t live with the discomfort of a toothache. Give Dr. Shirley Cagle a call and we’ll work together to determine the cause of the pain and get you back to being toothache free and smiling.