Stop Stressing, Protect your Mouth

As the hustle and bustle of the holiday season approaches, we’re faced with the stress of going here and there, buying presents, cooking food, visiting family, and the seemingly never-ending whirlwind that happens every year around this time. While we all know stress isn’t good for overall health, my dental practice in The Woodlands, wants to let you know how it can also affect your mouth.

Clenching & Grinding

Whenever stress is a factor in someone’s life, they’re at increased risk for clenching and grinding. Both habits can cause some serious tooth problems including chipped, cracked, or fractured teeth. They have also been linked to TMJ disorder, which brings its own host of problems. If you notice any signs of clenching or grinding like worn-down teeth or jaw pain, give your dentist in The Woodlands a call.

Gum Disease

Research shows a link between stress and the development of gum disease. Gum disease is a serious condition that not only affects your mouth, but your whole body as well. If left untreated, gum disease can cause tooth loss, heart disease, and pregnancy complications, along with a host of other health problems.

Keep Calm for a Healthy Life

If you find your blood pressure rising during talks of Aunt Millie coming in for the holidays, or stressing about how in the world you’re going to make it to all those parties, you owe it to yourself, and your smile, to try to relax. These tricks can help:

• Take a deep breath… or several. Practicing deep breathing techniques has been proven to lower blood pressure and reduce overall anxiety levels. When you find yourself spinning in stress, find a quiet place, close your eyes, and just breathe.
• Sweat it out. Physical exercise releases endorphins -- those magical chemicals in your brain that give you the feeling of happiness. Set aside some time for a walk, join a gym, or break out that yoga mat and strike a warrior pose. Namaste.
• Catch some Zzzz’s. With a crazy schedule it can be hard to get enough sleep. You deserve some you time -- with nothing but your pillow and a comfy blanket. When your mind is in a constant state of stress, getting enough sleep is crucial to keeping you healthy so you can actually enjoy the holidays.

Don’t forget, it’s also important to never neglect your oral health routine. When you’re rushing around to parties and stores, it’s easy to forget to brush and floss everyday. Take the advice from the team at my dental office in The Woodlands and keep up with your oral health. Your smile will thank you.

Welcoming patients from The Woodlands, Spring, and Conroe.

Chew Gum for Better Dental Health

By now, you have probably heard about Xylitol gum, but you aren't sure why it is such a big deal. Isn't it just another artificial sweetener? Not at all!

While Xylitol looks and tastes much like sugar, it will not raise blood sugar levels the way sugar does. And since it’s found in many fruits and vegetables, Xylitol is considered natural. You even produce a little of it in your metabolism process!

But here is where the team at my dental office in The Woodlands gets really excited about Xylitol: Xylitol has powerful benefits for your oral health!

Chewing a piece of Xylitol gum instead of choosing sugary snacks can:

• Prevent tooth decay
• Starve bacteria
• Prevent oral inflammation
• Reduce your risk for gum disease

It's true! How does it work? Well, one of the most common causes of oral health problems is a bacteria called Streptococcus mutans -- the bacteria mostly responsible for plaque. Sugar and other carbohydrates feed this bacteria. Or, in other words, this bacteria ingests the sugar we eat. It also ingests the Xylitol, but instead of being nourished by it, they are starved and die. Yep, you got it -- oral bacteria levels drop, sometimes by up to 75%!

And that's not all.

• Chewing Xylitol gum increases saliva production which protects your teeth and remineralizes them with naturally occurring calcium and phosphate.
• Acidity in your mouth can lead to enamel erosion. Xylitol in gum or mints can reduce the acidity of your saliva.
• Xylitol can help your body better absorb calcium which we all know can strengthen your teeth.

To learn more about how chewing Xylitol can benefit your oral health, or for suggestions about which Xylitol products to choose give my dental office in The Woodlands a call.

Accepting patients from The Woodlands, Spring, and Conroe.

Alternative Uses for Dental Floss

Dental floss. If you’re a patient at my The Woodlands dental practice, we know for sure that you have it in your medicine cabinet for use during routine, at-home dental hygiene. But did you know that it might be a good idea to keep some rolls in other rooms of the house as well? You might even want to keep it in your glove compartment!

Why? Because floss has to be strong and flexible enough to fit in between your teeth without breaking, and it’s strong and flexible enough to perform all kinds of other tasks that string or thread might not be capable of handling.

Of course we have our own favorite uses for dental floss, but we have also scoured the internet for creative and handy tips for even more uses. Here are a few of our favorites:

• Protect your walls: Use it instead of wire to hang pictures. Dental floss will not scratch or scrape paint the way wire does.
• Support delicate plants: Floss is strong and slightly stretchy, making it the ideal way to tie your plants and vines to a supportive wooden dowel.
• Use it as an emergency shoelace: Again because of its flexibility and strength, dental floss can handily replace a broken shoelace
• Reattach a button: Another great emergency use of floss when no thread is available.
• Make a camping clothesline: It’s actually strong enough to hold several bathing suits and t-shirts!
• Lift cookies from a tray: Many spatulas are too thick to get under a stuck cookie without crumbing it. Dental floss is thin and flexible and easily slides under cookie to loosen them. Try lifting a whole row!

We'd love to hear other uses you might have for this amazing string. Tell us at your next appointment! Speaking of which: Is it time to schedule a hygiene appointment at my dental practice in The Woodlands? You know we'll supply you with a new roll of handy floss!

Welcoming patients from The Woodlands, Spring, and Conroe.

Can Mouthwash Replace Brushing?

Most of us have done it -- we’re running late, don’t have time to brush our teeth, and reach for the mouthwash instead of the toothbrush for a quick swish and spit. But can a habit of using mouthwash instead of brushing affect your oral health? My dental office in The Woodlands has the answer.

Not Brushing is… Pretty Gross

Your mouth is exposed to a lot of food, acid, and bacteria throughout the day. If you bypass a brushing, all of it is left there to eat away at tooth enamel. And if it’s left to fester overnight, it can be even worse. Brushing twice and flossing once a day, every day, is the only recommended way to remove the dangerous debris and protect your mouth against decay, cavities, and even gum disease.

What Does Bad Breath Mean?

While there are times when it’s normal to experience bad breath, like following a garlic-packed dinner, eating a dish filled with onions, or after your morning coffee, you should not have bad breath all the time. Persistent bad breath is a clue that something in your mouth isn’t right. Quite often, bad breath indicates gum disease, which is serious and could lead to tooth loss and other whole-body problems including increased risk for heart attack, stroke, and complications with diabetes.  

Mouthwash Is a Short-Term Fix

When mouthwash is used as an attempt to temporarily freshen breath, there is no problem. But brush as soon after as you can. And if breath isn’t fresh after a good brushing, it typically means it’s packed full of bacteria.  Mouthwash doesn’t remove the sticky plaque and bacteria that only a good brushing and flossing can.

The More You Use It, The Worse It Is

Many mouthwashes contain at least some level of alcohol. Alcohol naturally dries your mouth and slows saliva production. Without saliva, bacteria isn’t rinsed away and the mouth becomes a place where it can thrive and eat away at enamel. If you need to use mouthwash as a replacement to brushing -- even though we highly recommend you don’t -- choose one that’s alcohol free and use it sparingly

If you notice chronically bad breath, don’t be embarrassed. My The Woodlands dental office is here to help. We’ll never judge you or lecture you. We will work with you determine the cause of your problem and discuss the best way to resolve it. Don’t put the health of your teeth, or your body, at risk. Give us a call today.

Accepting patients from The Woodlands, Spring, and Conroe.

What To Know If You Want To Go Vegetarian

A lot of our patients don’t eat meat. There are dozens of completely noble and sound reasons to skip the animal-based proteins, and health benefits, too, like a reduced chance for high blood pressure and cancer! Some people eat vegetarian diets to control their weight.  

But since vegetarians may be at a higher risk for gum disease, if you’re a vegetarian or you’re thinking about it, check in with your The Woodlands dentist about how to protect your oral health next time you’re here.

For the vegetarian newbies, some definitions are in order.

• There are the vegetarians who only eat fish. These are called pescetarians--people who avoid all meat-based proteins except for fish.

• Lacto-ovo vegetarians are the most common sort, these vegetarians consume animal products like cheese, eggs, and yogurt.
• Vegans are vegetarians who also avoid all animal-derived food sources including dairy and eggs, gelatin, etc. Some vegans even avoid honey!

For all types of vegetarians, but vegans especially, it can be difficult to get enough calcium and vitamin D in the diet.

That’s why we recommend taking a few of the following steps:

1. If you or someone you care for is going vegetarian, it would be a good idea to consult with a professional dietician.
2. Eat a diet rich in broccoli and dark leafy greens like kale, spinach, and collards to get enough calcium. Some products, like orange juice, tofu, soy milk, and cereal are calcium-enriched.
3. Be sure to get enough vitamin D. Vitamin D is especially tricky for vegetarians because it naturally occurs primarily in fish. However, many of the products listed above that are fortified with calcium are also fortified with vitamin D.
4. Consider a vitamin D supplement if you don’t have access to fortified groceries like soy milk, certain cereals, and orange juice.

Still Have Questions?

No problem. Come see us next time you’re near by and talk to us about how to protect your oral health if you’re a vegetarian. And remember, while web research is an important starting place, it’s best to work in concert with your health professionals including your The Woodlands dentist, your general practitioner, and any specialists you see to ensure a balanced vegetarian diet.

Welcoming patients from The Woodlands, Spring, and Conroe.

Most Common Oral Hygiene Mistakes Revealed

A proper oral hygiene routine seems pretty straight forward. You brush twice a day, floss at least once a day, and your teeth thank you for it. It’s as easy as that, right? Not necessarily. At my dental office in The Woodlands, we want to provide you with a little insight to some of the top oral hygiene mistakes.

Brushing Too Hard

Brushing your teeth doesn’t have to be vigorous, and it’s actually better for you if it’s not. A habit of intense brushing may cause gum irritation and could even result in receding gums. It can also damage enamel. Scrubbing too hard tends to wear away the protective layer of enamel and makes your teeth more susceptible to decay. Instead of firm pressure, try brushing in gentle circles with the bristles aimed at a 45 degree angle.

Forgetting the Tongue

Our tongues collect and hold a lot of bacteria in all the little bumps and grooves. If left alone, the bacteria may transfer onto teeth and lead to decay. To avoid this, give your tongue a gentle rub with your toothbrush each and every time your brush.

Not Rinsing

We would love it if our patients brushed and flossed after breakfast, lunch, and dinner, but sometimes it’s just not possible. If you’re sans toothbrush or in a place where you can’t brush, there is another thing you can try to remove some of the bacteria, food particles, and neutralize acid. A simple swish and spit with some water can work wonders in keeping your mouth healthy between brushings.

Brushing Too Soon

Heading to the sink armed with your toothbrush and toothpaste immediately following a meal may seem like a great idea, but in reality may cause damage. If your lunch was full of acidic foods, there’s a good chance your enamel is weakened for a little while following chowing down. Instead of risking scratching and losing the enamel, wait at least a half an hour after eating before brushing.

It’s not only important to brush and floss, it’s crucial to do it correctly and follow basic rules. If you catch yourself making any of the above mistakes, try to get out of the habit as soon as possible. Additionally, make sure you keep up with appointments at my dental office in The Woodlands. A great at-home routine paired with regular visits is a great way to keep your mouth healthy and happy.

Welcoming patients from The Woodlands, Spring, and Conroe .

Too-White Teeth? Is That Possible?

We all dream of having that streamlined, pearly white smile that lights up a room. But many things from coffee and wine to aging and smoking can cause our grins to take on a dingy appearance. It’s normal. When this happens, we usually reach for the whitening gel. At my dental office in The Woodlands, we’re all for getting a white smile. But is it possible to overdo it and get a too-white smile?

How White is Just Right?

In recent years, tooth whitening has gained in popularity, which is a great thing. However, it’s also led to a bit of and over-whitening craze. Like most things, whitening is best done in moderation. Your dentist can walk you through samples of shades of white to find your best fit and determine the best plan. If whitening is overdone, it can actually have the opposite effect and cause teeth to look almost blue or chalky and see-through.

How Often can I Whiten?

Whitening is safe, but there are some recommendations to keep your mouth healthy before, during, and after whitening. With that said, it’s extremely important not to overdo it. Constant whitening can erode tooth enamel and make teeth more susceptible to decay and cavities, increase sensitivity, and leave them looking really white and healthy when in fact, they’re not healthy at all.

Whitening Tips & Tricks

1. Before you decide to whiten your teeth, talk to your The Woodlands dentist. A discussion can help you determine which whitening product is best for you, what your ultimate shade of white should be, and to establish realistic expectations.
2. Beware of the one-size-fits-all trays and strips. Each mouth is different, and the trays or strips you use to whiten should be too. Sometimes, if the whitening ingredients touch your gums for too long, it could cause irritation or pain. If you’re nervous, it’s best to seek professional whitening.
3. If you do choose an over-the-counter whitening, make sure to read the directions carefully and don’t leave the strips on longer than recommended. This could also result in irritation and sensitivity.

If you’d like to kick your smile whiteness up a notch, give my dental office in The Woodlands a call. We’ll be happy to discuss your options and work with you to determine the best solution for you.

Welcoming patients from The Woodlands, Spring, and Conroe .