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Benefits of Chewing Gum

Recent research has shown that chewing gum can be good for your oral health and overall well-being. Improvement in memory, focus, alertness, concentration, stress management, weight management, oral health, and more can be achieved by simply chewing sugar-free gum. However, the surprising results have demonstrated no standard benefits for all gum chewers. Everyone will respond differently.

Chewing Gum for Improved Memory

Tests have shown that people who chewed gum throughout the testing produced superior scores to those participants who did not. Chewing gum appeared to improve memory and cognitive skills. The act of chewing continuously improves memory by stimulating activity in the portion of the brain (hippocampus) that manages memory. Some studies have discovered that insulin receptors located in the hippocampus may play a role in memory processes. Chewing gum raises glucose levels, the fuel for the body and mind. It can also increase the flow of blood to the brain. More blood means a higher heart rate and improved oxygen delivery up to the brain, which may enhance cognitive abilities.

Reduce Stress and Chew Bubble Gum

We have all grown up being told not to chew gum in the classroom, but due to new discoveries, the tide is turning. Instead of making students take the gum out of their mouths and stick it on their noses, teachers are encouraging gum chewing during tests. The modern belief is that chewing gum helps boost concentration and alertness, helps reduce tension, and, the rhythmic motion releases nervous tension and frustration.

Chew Sugar-free Gum to Maintain Your Weight

Some studies have proven that adults who chewed sugar-free gum or bubble gum ingested fewer calories than those who didn’t chew gum. It was found that both sugared and sugarless gum helped participants to eat less, but sugar-free gum has fewer calories and does not promote tooth decay.The act of chewing helps to reduce cravings for high-calorie snack foods. Chewing gum for about an hour will burn 11 calories.

Chewing GumGets the Digestive Juices Flowing

Chewing gum increases saliva flow which naturally promotes more swallowing. It also improves intestinal motility and prevents acid reflux from backing up into the throat.

Chewing Gum is Good for Your Oral Health

Finally, gum chewing is good for your teeth and overall oral health, because it stimulates saliva production. Saliva is the most important protector of your whole oral cavity. Saliva balances a harmful, bacteria-riddled environment with powerful anti-bacterial and mineral components. Stimulated saliva also helps flush away food particles, debris, sugars and other acids that lead to decay. There are numerous dental benefits to chewing sugar-free gum:

Doesn’t cause tooth decay
Re-mineralizes tooth enamel
Antimicrobial effect
Reduces sugary snack cravings
Freshens breath
Whitens teeth
Reduces and prevents staining
Reduces plaque

Want to improve your mental, physical, and oral health? Simply chew a piece of sugar-free gum!

Gum Disease: Symptoms and Treatments

If you have been diagnosed with some level of gum disease you are not alone. Most adults will develop gingivitis or some form of periodontal disease. Problems range from simple inflammation to severe damage to the teeth, supporting bone, and soft tissue. The worst cases of periodontal disease result in tooth loss. Gum disease is a serious health issue. Research has shown that poor dental health can affect more than just your mouth. Whether the progression of gum disease stops, slows down or worsens, all depends on your oral care habits from this point on.

What is Periodontal Disease?

Human mouths are riddled with bacteria. These harmful critters, along with other particles and debris, form a sticky plaque that adheres to teeth. Regular brushing and flossing help control plaque accumulation. If this substance is not removed, it will harden and become bacteria-rich tartar, which requires professional removal. If plaque and tartar are not removed, the gums will eventually become inflamed, swollen, and bleed easily. This condition is called gingivitis. This is an early stage of gum disease that can be easily reversed. The gingivitis cure is proper oral hygiene and professional cleanings. Without gingivitis treatment, this condition can worsen and advance to periodontitis. At this stage, pockets of infection form around teeth, causing the gum to pull away. Tissues and bone that hold teeth in place get broken down by bacteria. Teeth can become loose and need to be removed.

How Can Gum Disease Be Prevented?

There are some easy steps you can take every day to help prevent gingivitis and periodontal disease:

Brush your teeth at least two times a day with a good fluoride toothpaste
Floss at least once everyday
Keep up with regular routine dental cleanings and check-ups
Eat a well-balanced, healthy diet
Stay away from tobacco products

What are the Signs of Gum Disease?

You might not know you have gum disease until the problem has advanced. Common signs include:

Consistent bad breath
Red, bleeding or inflamed gums, that are tender to the touch
Pain or discomfort when chewing
Loose teeth
Teeth sensitivity

How is periodontal disease treated?

Periodontal disease treatment is designed to manage the infection. The level of gum disease will determine the type of and number of treatments needed. Regardless, proper oral hygiene habits will need to be practiced at home. In addition, certain behavior patterns will need to be adjusted, like quitting smoking. Deep cleaning through scaling or root planing may be required to remove excess plaque. Scaling involves scraping away tartar buildup above and below gums. Root planing smooths rough areas on the root of a tooth where bacteria gather and contributes to periodontal disease.

3 Reasons Why Brushing Your Tongue is Important

You brush your teeth at least two times every day and remember to floss once per day, so you are quite confident your whole mouth is clean, right? Not completely if you haven’t been regularly brushing your tongue.

Why Should You Brush Your Tongue?

You may wonder why it is necessary to brush your tongue if you are diligent about maintaining your oral hygiene. Brushing and flossing just around enough to rid your mouth of harmful bacteria and germs. While both steps are very important, and so is tongue cleaning.

How to Clean Your Tongue

The human tongue is a large organ that hosts most of the bacteria that reside inside of the mouth. Brushing your tongue is a crucial step that should not be skipped. To remove harmful, odor causing build-up, with a small amount of toothpaste, gently brush the tongue surface. Begin at the far back of the tongue and gradually work your way to the tip. Be sure to clean the entire upper surface and thoroughly rinse with water. For the most thorough cleaning, use a scraper for tongue cleaning. This dental device is typically made of a soft, flexible material that gently peels away the thin layer of debris atop the surface of the tongue. Always rinse the scraper with warm water after each use.

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Cleaning Your Tongue for Health

In addition, here are three more reasons to make tongue cleaning a part of your daily oral hygiene regime:

Remove the harmful plaque and bacteria that lead to gum disease and other illnesses that can spread throughout the body. It can help improve your overall health.
Eliminate odor-causing germs that accumulate on the tongue and cause bad breath.
It will help improve your quality of life, your food will have more flavor. By brushing your tongue and removing the build-up of plaque film that dulls taste buds, you will be able to enjoy your favorite meals with much greater intensity.

Brush your tongue at least twice per day, once when you clean your teeth in the morning and once again at night. If your mouth is dry or if you experience a sour taste during the day, clean your tongue and rinse with mouthwash to remedy the problem.

Common Causes of Toothaches

All over the world, the most common reason patients seek dental help is to relieve tooth pain. Most frequently the cause of the discomfort is tooth decay. However, there are many other reasons, and identifying them may help prevent future toothaches. Tooth decay Decay is the most common cause of tooth pain. Tiny cavities that form in the enamel (outer tooth coating) are usually painless, but when the damage permeates the dentin (inner layer) the tooth then becomes very sensitive. As the decay advances, deeper into the pulp, the pain intensifies. If an infection develops the pulp tissue will die and a pus-filled abscess will form below the root of the diseased tooth. An abscess may also be a sign of advanced gum disease. The inflammation and infection that comes with an abscess cause pulsating pain and throbbing. It can often be difficult to determine which tooth is in distress. Periodontitis Besides swollen, red and bleeding gums, a toothache can also be a sign of advanced gum disease. Infection leads to inflammation of the bone tissues and gum, loss of bone and dull aching pain. An abscess may form in the advanced stages that can be very painful. Accidents and falls Accidents and falls may lead to broken or fractured teeth. Although you may or may not notice the damage initially, it will cause severe pain once the fracture reaches the nerves in the pulp of the tooth. Even a shallow break can cause problems as bacteria and plaque accumulate in the opening and eventually cause decay. Tooth grinding Tooth grinding or bruxism can chip or wear down teeth. The act puts excessive force on supporting tissues and causes tooth, jaw and muscle pain. Poor oral hygiene Improper brushing and flossing can lead to plaque buildup, causing gums to recede or detach around the tooth, and the roots to be exposed. When this occurs, sensitivity to hot, cold and sour foods heightens, and acids cause further erosion since the roots are exposed. Additional problems include crooked or misaligned teeth, impacted wisdom teeth or pain caused by orthodontic treatments. But sometimes, tooth pain is caused by something unrelated to the jaw or a tooth. Certain conditions in the body cause pain that appears to occur in the mouth. For instance, a sinus infection may result in an ache in the upper back teeth. Although rare, jaw or tooth pain may signal a heart attack. When in doubt, always consult your dentist.

Mouth Myths: 4 Misconceptions About Dental Care

“I don’t need to see the dentist if my teeth look and feel fine.” Sound familiar? This is actually one of the most common dental mouth myths in existence. Myths such as these have prevented patients from providing their teeth with the care they need for years, and we want to help put an end to it! For that reason, we’ve compiled a list of misconceptions about dental care that we want to put to rest:

1. “Brushing your teeth harder cleans them better.”

This is a common myth we hear circulating around dentistry, and we don’t recommend it. By brushing your teeth harder, you’re actually causing more harm to your teeth than good. The act of brushing vigorously can wear down the outer layer of your teeth—the enamel. Over time, this can lead to extreme tooth sensitivity and even cause fractures or cracks! Instead of brushing harder, brush gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush.

2. “Sugar will rot your teeth.”

This isn’t exactly the case when it comes to tooth decay. Plaque is actually the reason patients get cavities; the reason sugar is commonly associated with tooth decay is because it attracts the plaque that causes this damage. When plaque eats and breaks down these sugars, they produce acids that wear down the outer layer of your teeth, which leads to decay.

3. “Everyone needs their wisdom teeth removed at some point.”

The dental problems associated with wisdom teeth is often why dentists recommend for patients to have them extracted. When wisdom teeth finally erupt, there are some cases in which they may grow in incorrectly, causing pain. Wisdom teeth are also more likely to develop cavities compared to other teeth because they are harder to reach and clean. However, as long as you’re not experiencing any of these problems, and you’re good about your dental hygiene, there’s no need to have them removed. In fact, there are quite a few patients that end up keeping all of their wisdom teeth for a lifetime without any trouble.

4. “If I have gum disease, that means I’ll lose teeth.”

Just because you are diagnosed with having gum disease, does not mean you are guaranteed to lose teeth. In fact, if gum disease is caught early enough, the dentist can create a special treatment plan that will help control the disease and keep it from advancing further. But, by practicing regular dental habits, such as brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing once a day, you can prevent gum disease from developing in the first place. In conclusion, there are a lot of dental mouth myths out there that may be preventing patients from properly caring for their teeth. We always recommend patients to visit our office at least twice a year, so we can examine their teeth and make sure they are being well cared for and are getting the treatment they need. If it’s almost time for your regular dental exam and cleaning, book an appointment with us today!

Reshaping Your Smile with Gingival Contouring

Gingival—or gum—contouring is a treatment often used in cosmetic dentistry. Gum contouring is the process of shaping the gums around your teeth using an advanced dental soft tissue laser. The laser allows dentists to safely and effectively reshape your gums with minimal discomfort, and even allows the healing process to go smoother!

Reasons for Gingival Contouring

This procedure is often performed for a variety of cosmetic as well as health reasons, including:

Gummy Smile – When a large amount of gum tissue has grown over your teeth, it can create the appearance of small or unusually shaped teeth. Gum contouring can help eliminate the excess gum tissue, revealing more of your natural smile.
Uneven Gingival Contours – If your gums appear asymmetrical or uneven, gum contouring can help shape the gum tissue to give it a more even appearance.
Loss of Gum Tissue – If you have lost gum tissue—or have a lack thereof—between your teeth, gum contouring can remove and reshape the gums around the teeth so that you regain that gum tissue in those areas.
Exposed Root Surfaces – In some cases, the gum tissue rests so low that the surfaces of the roots of your teeth are exposed. With gum contouring, we can reshape the gums in such a way that these areas are covered and protected.
Deep Gum Pockets – If you have deep pockets in your gums, you are actually at a greater risk for accumulating plaque and tartar, which can lead to gum disease. With gum contouring, you can reduce these pockets as well as your risk for gum disease.

Gingival contouring is a treatment that offers many benefits to patients who seek out and are eligible for this treatment. The procedure leaves long-lasting results, including a healthier, nicer looking smile!

Prevent Migraine Pain

If you have been suffering from a migraine, you know the pain and misery caused by it. Approximately 14% of Americans get migraine headaches. In the early stages, people tend to get confused between a migraine, sinus and a normal headache. But with time and advanced research, the experts have come up with a treatment which can help reduce the pain.

What is a Migraine?

A migraine is a severe, painful headache that can be preceded or accompanied by sensory warning signs such as flashes of light, blind spots, tingling in the arms and legs, nausea, vomiting and increased sensitivity to light and sound. The cause of a migraine is still unknown, however, there are a few causes which may lead to a migraine pain like any particular kind of food, oscillation in daily routine, lack of sleep and others. Each individual’s triggers may differ from one another. Past studies depict, there is no particular treatment to stop a migraine pain. But a stabilization splint can help you reduce close to 70% of the pain.

Treatment to Reduce Migraine Pain

A migraine headache is unbearable to handle. But there are a few preventive home remedies which can help you to reduce Migraine pain:

Lavender Oil, Peppermint Oil, Tea Tree Oil, Basil Oil are few oils which can prevent you from a severe migraine headache. These oils can be inhaled or can be applied topically.
One of the most useful control measures is diet control. Many people face a migraine headache due to irregular and inadequate diet. Certain foods have been shown to affect the frequency and severity of headaches and migraine pain, including dairy items, chocolate, peanut butter, and certain fruits like avocado, banana, and citrus. Other food items such as cottage cheese, onions, and meats with nitrates, such as bacon and hot dogs can also be the cause. Also, food containing tyramine, an amino acid found in red wine; and foods that are fermented or pickled.
Regular scalp massage is also a way to heal your migraine headache. Brazilian researchers have found out that massaging the greater occipital nerve – the area in the back of the head, at the base of the skull – reduces the pain.
Some headaches are also caused by inflammation, which can be reduced by consuming omega-3 fatty acids. And flaxseeds are a rich resource of omega-3 fatty acids. Even processed eggs with omega-3 fatty acids are a good source.

The above mentioned are a few DIY home remedies, but the effectiveness of each one depends on your case. Another medical treatment which can help you prevent a migraine headache is a Stabilization splint. Toothworks has experts who can diagnose the cause of your migraine and can help you heal the pain. Give us a call and see if a stabilization splint is the best treatment option for you.

3 Dental Habits You Should Break Today

Brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing once a day, seeing the dentist for regular exams and cleanings every 6 months—these are all good dental habits to have for better dental and oral health. But it’s important to remember that there are such thing as bad habits too, especially with dental health. Not sure if you have a bad dental habit? If you do one of the following, you should break the habit today:

1. Bite your nails.

Nail biting is one of the most common dental habits among patients. Known to be a “nervous habit,” nail biting may seem comforting in times of anxiety or stress, but can actually be detrimental to your dental health over time. When you bite your nails, you actually put your teeth through more stress than they need to be in, which can cause chips. In addition, when you bite your nails, your jaw ends up protruding—a position it would need to be in to have better access to your nails. As a result, you put extra pressure on your jaw as well, which can lead to jaw dysfunction. Ready to dump this dental habit? Try keeping your hands busy when you feel like you’re in a stressful situation, or using other methods to reduce anxiety!

2. Crew crushed ice.

While crushed ice may seem to be a refreshing treat, it’s actually bad for your dental health. The cold temperature and brittle nature of ice can cause small fractures in the surface of your teeth, which can eventually lead to larger cracks over time. Chewing on ice can be tempting, so to avoid it, only drink chilled drinks without ice, or use a straw.

3. Brush your teeth too hard.

Many patients believe that the harder you brush your teeth, the more plaque and surface stains you’re able to remove. However, brushing your teeth harder can actually cause more harm than help. By brushing too hard, you can damage your teeth by wearing down your enamel, and even irritate your gums. Instead, brush your teeth with a gentle pressure. Also, make sure you use a soft-bristled toothbrush to brush your teeth. Your teeth will thank you! By breaking these bad dental habits, you can instantly have better dental health because of it!

All About Cosmetic Dentistry

Cosmetic dentistry is a special field of dentistry that includes a number of treatments and procedures used to correct the minor imperfections in your teeth. These imperfections can range from minor chips, cracks, discoloration, gaps, crowding, and even missing teeth.

Treatments in Cosmetic Dentistry

There is a large range of treatments and procedures used in cosmetic dentistry to correct such imperfections. Some of the most popular treatments include:

Teeth Whitening – Teeth whitening, otherwise known as teeth bleaching, is a process used by our office to brighten the look of your smile. This is a common treatment for patients who are experiencing discolored teeth as a result of eating certain foods, smoking, or even natural wear.
Orthodontics – Orthodontic treatments are typically used to correct the bite of your teeth, or how your jaws align with each other. Certain orthodontic treatments, such as Invisalign, are used to straighten teeth that are misaligned, crowded, or have gaps.
Dental Implants – Dental implant restorations are a solution for replacing missing permanent teeth. Essentially, they are placed into the jawbone to replace the missing tooth’s root and are later fitted with a dental crown to replicate the look and feel of a natural tooth.
Porcelain Veneers – Porcelain veneers are thin, tooth-colored shells that are bonded to the front side of your natural teeth. Veneers can be used to hide small imperfections like discoloration, chips, or misalignment.
Gingival Contouring – Gingival contouring involves reshaping your smile by removing excess tissue in your gums. This is usually requested by patients who have a lot of gum exposure with their smile, or have uneven gingival contours.
Protein injections – Our office also offers eligible patients with cosmetic injections. Recently, these injections have become recognized as an effective treatment for TMJ symptoms that can cause migraines, earaches, shoulder and neck pain, or lockjaw. If you are looking for relief from TMJ symptoms, talk to a dentist to learn more about this injection therapy.

Keep in mind that the above list of cosmetic treatments is not the only ones available in dentistry. There are plenty of other treatments and procedures that can help perfect your smile, such as dental crowns and bridges. If you believe you may be in need of any of the above cosmetic treatments, schedule a consultation with our office today!

Taking Care of Your Teeth in the New Year

It’s almost time for the New Year, meaning that it’s time for a healthier smile! While you may already have New Years’ resolutions like exercising more and spending less, keep in mind these dental resolutions that will help you better take care of your teeth in the New Year:

Make a Commitment to Floss

While brushing your teeth may be something that’s hard to forget, flossing is certainly overlooked by many patients.This year, make a commitment to floss at least once a day. Flossing helps clean in-between your teeth, spaces and crevices that your toothbrush is unable to reach. By flossing, you’re actually cleaning nearly 40% of your tooth that would otherwise go unchecked and vulnerable to decay!

Eat a Mouth-Healthy Diet

In other words, cut back on sugar! A poor diet of sugary treats and junk food with heavy starches can attract a large amount of plaque that can cause decay. Instead, choose to include more fruits and vegetables. The nutrients in these foods actually benefit your teeth. Dairy products high in calcium are also healthy in maintaining h2 teeth. In addition, make an effort to drink more water. It’s not just good for your body; it’s really good for your teeth! Water contains fluoride, a natural mineral that aids in the repairing and protection of tooth enamel.

Visit the Dentist At least Twice

Finally, make sure you stop by our office at least twice this year, around every six months. At each regular visit, we will examine your teeth for any signs of dental or oral complications. We will also provide your teeth with a thorough cleaning by removing plaque and tartar that may have built up on your teeth since your previous visit. Visiting us multiple times in the year will ensure that we are able to give you the right preventative treatments to protect your teeth from decay and gum disease.