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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.

Cleaning Your Tongue for Health

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

1. 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.
2. Eliminate odor-causing germs that accumulate on the tongue and cause bad breath.
3. 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.

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.

“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!

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.

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!

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.

Different types of foods supply our bodies with different nutrients, minerals, and vitamins that help us function normally and keep us healthy. However, the foods you eat doesn’t just affect your health, it also affects your teeth! Just like certain types of foods can be bad for our overall health, there are foods that can be bad for our teeth, too. In order to maintain happy, healthy teeth, keep in mind these foods that are good for your dental health:

Dairy Products

Dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yogurt are high in calcium, a natural mineral that helps promote h2 bone health. This can benefit your jaw bone, the bone responsible for holding your teeth in place.

Meats

Foods that are rich in protein, such as a variety of meats like fish and poultry, are a great source of phosphorus. Both protein and phosphorus are important minerals that help protect and rebuild tooth enamel or the outer protective layer of your teeth.

Fruits and Vegetables

Both fruits and vegetables are high in water and fiber. The water in fruits help balance the large amount of natural sugars that can also be found in fruits; vegetables high in fiber help clean the teeth. In addition, fruits and vegetables help your mouth by stimulating saliva production, which is your mouth’s natural way of cleaning itself of debris and food particles. And if those benefits aren’t enough, many fruits and vegetables contain vitamin C, which is an important vitamin for healthy gums, and vitamin A, which is a key nutrient that promotes the building of tooth enamel.

Water

Water is the most beneficial drink for your teeth. Not only does it help cleanse your mouth of food particles, it also promotes healthy enamel. Water contains fluoride, a natural mineral that helps strengthen your tooth enamel.