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“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.

A cavity, otherwise known as tooth decay, is a small hole that forms in your tooth over time due to acid-producing bacteria invading and breaking down the outer layer, or tooth enamel, that protects it.

What causes cavities?

Foods that contain sugars—such as candy, carbonated drinks, etc.—results in plaque, or a film of bacteria. The bacteria thrive off of the sugar residue, and the byproduct is acid. When left on your teeth untreated, the acid eventually starts to wear on your tooth enamel, leading to a fully developed cavity.

How do dentists repair cavities?

There are multiple ways a dentist may repair a cavity, depending on the severity of the problem.

• Fillings: After cleaning the infected area, dentists use a substance that “fills” in the cavity-affected tooth, sealing off the hole that has been created. The filling will also prevent any bacteria from infecting the inside of the affected tooth further.
• Crowns: If a tooth has decayed to the point that it will be unable to support a filling, your dentist may suggest a crown. A dental crown is like a “cap” that is placed over the affected tooth. Crowns can cover a filled tooth to further support the filling and tooth, and it can also restore a tooth if it has already been broken.
• Root Canal: Left untreated long enough, and a cavity can go as far as infecting the pulp, or innermost part of the tooth. For this, your dentist may recommend a root canal, which is a process that involves removing the infected pulp. Afterwards, your dentist will cover the affected area with a crown or filling after it has been cleaned properly. They may decide to wait until the remaining pulp has healed before this step, however.

How do I prevent cavities?

There are many ways you can help prevent the development of cavities in your teeth.

• For one, practicing good hygienic dental habits is important. Brush your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste for a full two minutes twice a day.
• Make sure you also floss at least once a day or after meals. Floss can reach and clean the spots in-between your teeth that your toothbrush can’t get to.
• Drink plenty of water: the fluoride found in water can strengthen your teeth.
• Avoid sugary foods and drinks if you can help it. If you have to indulge, make sure to brush your teeth or rinse your mouth immediately after consumption.
• Finally, visit your Toothworks dentist regularly for professional cleanings; at least twice a year!

Whether you want to believe it or not, your toothbrush is actually a significant part of your everyday life, and just like you, it needs the right care and maintenance to remain healthy. Because of this, it’s important to practice proper toothbrush care to not only make your toothbrush last longer, but to make sure it continues to be effective in maintaining good dental care.

Toothbrush Storing

While using a toothbrush cover may seem like an effective way to protect your toothbrush from any environmental debris or contaminants, it can actually promote the growth of microorganisms compared to not using a cover. Using a toothbrush cover on your toothbrush immediately after use provides a moist environment that bacteria can easily grow in. Instead of using a toothbrush cover, store your toothbrush in an upright position so it has the ability to dry. Afterwards, if you need to cover your toothbrush because you’re travelling or otherwise, you can. Also make sure that whenever you store your toothbrush, it remains separate from any other toothbrushes. This will ensure that there is no cross-contamination between brushes.

Toothbrush Cleaning

After you have brushed your teeth, make sure you rinse your toothbrush thoroughly with tap water to get rid of any excess toothpaste or debris. You also have the option of swishing your toothbrush around in mouthwash if you want to give it a deeper cleaning.

Toothbrush Replacement

It is important to replace your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months regularly. If you start to notice the bristles fraying after use sooner, you can replace it then as frayed toothbrushes do not clean your teeth as effectively over time.You should also replace your toothbrush after you’ve had a cold, the flu, or any other bacterial or viral infection. This will prevent you from becoming infected again after you’ve recovered. Replacing your toothbrush will also prevent an excessive buildup of bacteria, even if you’re not sick.