Are candy canes good or bad for the teeth? Candy canes are one of the most iconic holiday foods–as soon as December begins, the familiar red and white striped candy starts filling stores and kitchens alike. But tasty as they may be, are the peppermint sticks good […]
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For families with school-aged children in particular, December is important for one key reason: winter break. The holiday season is a popular time to travel, whether it’s for a winter vacation or to visit family. Regardless of how fun the reason for traveling may be, though, it can be a busy process–making sure that everything is in place can be very stressful.
As a result of these worries, though, it can be easy to forget about things that seem less important. Unfortunately, dental care is one of these things–it’s very easy to forget to brush and floss when it seems like there are so many other details to worry about. To make your travel process less stressful and to make sure you oral health doesn’t take a hit, Dr. Carl Medgaus from Medgaus Dental Care in Monroeville and Pittsburgh, PA has some travel advice.
First of all, it’s important to keep the essential oral hygiene items–your toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss–on hand in case of emergency situations (like if your luggage is accidentally lost). To make this easier, having travel-sized packs is crucial–you can easily find small tubes of toothpaste and fold-up toothbrushes at a local supermarket.
Always carrying a toothbrush and toothpaste has an additional benefit: you never know when you might want to brush your teeth, so you’ll never lack supplies if you do. For example, you might want to take a few minutes to brush your teeth at a restaurant if you’re on a long road trip or at the airport during a layover–it’s never a bad idea to keep your teeth clean.
For more tips about caring for your teeth while traveling, be sure to contact Dr. Carl Medgaus, the dentist at Medgaus Dental Care in Monroeville and Pittsburgh, PA–he’s always happy to offer whatever advice you may need. Just call (412) 563-6333 or visit our website to set up an appointment today!
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Everything You Need to Know About Flossing According to the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), flossing is one of your best defenses against plaque. Floss is proven effective in removing food particles and plaque that can stick to the teeth and gums between teeth. By flossing on a daily basis, you reduce the chances of gum disease and increase your chances of keeping your teeth for a lifetime. Choosing Your Dental Floss Floss comes in waxed and unwaxed versions, and it is also available in a variety of flavors. Wide and regular size are your other choices, and any of these […]
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Causes of Bad Breath: And How To Get Rid Of It Halitosis, or bad breath, is something almost everyone will suffer from at some point. In order to avoid it, you need to know what causes it and what you can do about it. Bad breath is caused by bacterial waste in the mouth. It can be from the decay of food particles, poor oral hygiene, or lack of saliva production. The combination of debris and decay can form a sulfur compound that emits an unpleasant odor. Halitosis can also be the result of a medical infection, kidney failure, liver problems, or diabetes. This is why it is important to see your dentist in Anchorage if the condition is persistent. Getting Rid Of Bad Breath Infected gums are one of the more common and obvious causes of bad breath. To eliminate the problem, brush often with a soft-bristled brush, and floss on a regular basis. You may also want to make an appointment with Mint Dental Alaska in Anchorage. Been awhile since you brushed your teeth? Dirty teeth are another common cause of bad breath. Your mouth is a breeding ground for bacteria, and regular brushing is needed to keep it under control. You should be brushing more than just your teeth and gums. Your tongue also needs a regular brushing. Removing bacteria from the back area of the tongue can be very helpful in preventing bad breath. Has it been a long time since you had something to eat? Missing meals […]
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Dental Health for the Athlete If you are an athlete in any sport looking to step up your game, good oral health is a must. Here are some timely tips to keep your teeth strong and healthy from Dana Keith DDS in Silver Spring, MD....
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Foods and Drinks That Can Damage Your Teeth Love those pearly white teeth of yours? Want to keep them? Here are some foods and drinks you are better off avoiding. Hard candy Not only does hard candy contain sugar, which is proven to be harmful to your […]
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About 17 million people in the United States suffer from one form or another of allergies. Allergies are your immune system’s way of reacting to a number of things in your environment that may not bother a majority of people. Some of the substances that can trigger an allergic reaction are:
Your immune system normally fights germs, but in most allergic reactions, it is responding to what is basically a false alarm. Other contributing factors to allergic reactions are genetics and the specific environment you are in.
So, what are the symptoms of an allergic reaction? A runny nose, sneezing, and difficulty breathing are all strong symptoms. Some people may experience rashes or swelling of the face. These allergic reactions can be relatively minor, or they can be so severe that they are life threatening. A very serious allergic reaction, anaphylaxis, also called anaphylaxis shock, can be life threatening, and is most often caused by a reaction to foods, most often peanuts. It can also be caused by medications and insect stings.
If you or someone you know suffers from allergies, you need a reliable, ear, nose, and throat specialist who can perform allergy tests to find out what you’re allergic to, and provide advice on how to cope with your symptoms, which may include a prescription for medications to help you live a more normal life.
Modern testing techniques and treatment allow those who suffer from allergies to take part in activities they would normally shy away from for the fear of having an allergic reaction during the activity. If you need testing to determine the source of allergic reaction, contact Ear, Sinus & Allergy Center, PA in Valdese, NC today.
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Regardless of what holidays you might celebrate, December means one sure thing: holiday food. Elaborate family dinners are a staple of almost every celebration, and these meals are often designed with one thing in mind: taste. As Dr. Erica Bronitsky from Bronitsky Family Dentistry in Aloha, OR, warns, though, taste shouldn’t be the only thing you consider when you plan your family’s next meal. Considering the oral health implications of various foods is important as well. Here are some general guidelines you could follow to keep your family’s teeth clean and healthy through the holidays.
As you probably know already, sweet and sticky foods are some of the most problematic foods for your oral health. This is because cavity-causing bacteria happen to be attracted to foods with high amounts of sugars and that stick to your teeth. Thus, desserts in general can be a feast not only for your children, but also for the bacteria that may linger in their teeth.
It’s hard to keep any child away from the cookies and cakes for long though, which is why instead of completely blacklisting sweet foods, you could default to a much simpler technique — encourage everyone to brush their teeth after dessert. Brushing and flossing are incredibly effective ways to get rid of the harmful bacteria in the mouth, and it will leave you and your family’s teeth clean and healthy.
Finally, the best way to ensure that you and your family maintain your oral health despite holiday foods is to visit the dentist. Dentists like Dr. Erica Bronitsky can perform thorough dental checkups that identify any oral health issues that might have developed and take the appropriate actions to repair the damage. Thus, as soon as your holiday season is over, contact Dr. Erica Bronitsky. Just call (503) 563-7434!
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For many people, visits to the dentist are merely a routine step in their lives. Twice a year, they undergo a thorough dental checkup and cleaning, and leave with brighter and cleaner teeth. But, did you know that your dentist can do much more than maintain the state of your teeth?
Dr. Patrick Morrissey from Boones Ferry Dental in Lake Oswego explains 2 dental services you could be taking advantage of.
Your toothpaste probably claims to have teeth-whitening properties, but no over-the-counter paste or mouthwash can ever whiten the teeth more effectively than your dentist’s professional techniques. This is important to keep in mind because tooth discoloration is a problem that can affect everyone. It’s possible for even the most ardent advocates of oral hygiene to become affected by stains over time.
Most dentists perform professional whitening services of some sort, and Dr. Morrissey is certainly no exception. Dr. Morrissey has the expertise and experience necessary to handle the solutions used to brighten teeth. So the next time you visit the office for an appointment, be sure to ask whether a professional teeth whitening treatment would be right for you!
Teeth whitening isn’t the only cosmetic treatment to explore. Porcelain veneers are extremely effective treatments as well. Porcelain veneers are thin sheets of porcelain composite material that can be attached to the visible surfaces of the tooth. Not only does the result cover up any imperfections in the tooth, it offers an extra layer of protection to strengthen the tooth.
Dentists use veneers for a variety of cases because the technique can fix anything from extreme tooth discoloration to cracks and chips in a tooth to minor malocclusions (misalignments) in the teeth.
If you have experienced one of these problems, veneers might be right for you. Just call (503) 699-6699 to set up a diagnostic appointment with Dr. Morrissey today!
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4 Tips to Keep Your Teeth Healthy This Holiday Season The holidays are here, and we’re all excited to taste our favorite dishes once again! However, many of us forget about our teeth when we eat during the holidays. While we only celebrate the holidays once a year, this doesn’t mean we can neglect proper […]
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This new year, do you want to keep your teeth and gums the way they currently are, or are you looking for a solution to improve your overall oral health? At the Smile Institute, we welcome all new patients to come and visit us for regular dental cleaning and consultations. We believe that patients and dental professionals need to communicate closely in order to achieve the highest quality of oral health possible.
We emphasize on these five major elements of proper oral care to teach our patients how to keep their teeth and gums in top shape:
When brushing the teeth, there are three main things to remember: 1) duration, 2) stroke, and 3) frequency. You should take around 2 minutes in brushing your teeth to ensure that every single tooth is cleaned properly. The strokes should be all around — vertical, horizontal, and diagonal — for the best coverage. The recommendation for brushing frequency is twice a day, but three times is also a good habit if you eat a lot of tooth-damaging foods.
Many people don’t floss regularly, and some of the ones who do aren’t even doing it the right way. To maximize the benefits of flossing, you should follow this guide that gives the step-by-step flossing procedure.
Water is a great oral care solution because it neutralizes acid in the mouth and helps with the remineralization process. It can also strengthen the teeth, especially if you are drinking fluoridated water.
The food you eat has a very big impact on your oral health, as well as your overall health. If you eat a lot of sweets, you can expect to develop cavities later on. If you eat a lot of fruits and vegetables, you can help reverse the effects of sweets on teeth and minimize the occurrence of cavities.
We at the Smile Institute recommend regular dental visits to all patients, especially children. Getting professional dental care at an early age ensures that children will have better oral health later on in life. However, adults are also encouraged to visit our dental office at least twice a year for the best professional dental care possible.
If you would like to set an appointment with us, please send us a message using our online contact form. You may also visit our office directly for any queries regarding our services and payment solutions. Our friendly dental team is just one phone call away!
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4 Ways Our Teeth React to Certain Foods How eager are you to keep your teeth and gums healthy? Sure, there are now advanced solutions for the worst cases of tooth problems, but are you willing to wait for those problems to take place before paying attention […]
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Use Your Flex Account for a Shreveport Dentist If you have a Flexible Spending Account as part of your workplace insurance account, some of your dental expenses might qualify for reimbursement. If you have not touched the funds, or have not used all of them, be sure to […]
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What is an FSA? Does the medical insurance offered through your workplace include a Flexible Spending Account (or FSA)? If you have one, now is the time to check in on your savings! If you are not aware, a Flexible Spending Account is a special arrangement where, […]
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Smart Snacking-3 Quick After-School Snacks for Healthy Teeth All kids love sugary snacks, it’s no wonder after a long day at school many reach for sugary, high-fat treats. Food loaded with sugar and carbohydrates causes tooth decay, so it’s best to avoid this kind of diet or […]
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Age, lifestyle and bodily changes can lead to discoloration of your teeth. However, the good news is that you can get back your brighter and whiter teeth either through in-office teeth whitening procedures, or by using some effective teeth whitening products at home.
Your dentist will examine your overall oral health, then will recommend at-home or in-office teeth-whitening products and procedures. Below are some options for whitening your teeth in the contentment of your home. Remember, even the take-home teeth whitening products require your dentist’s recommendation, so make sure to discuss your case with your dentist prior to using any products.
When it comes to teeth whitening, it depends on your definition of whiter teeth and brighter smile, your goal, and the time and money you can invest to get your pearls back. I recommend using products from popular and respected brands if you want to whiten your teeth effectively and efficiently. So, here are the at-home teeth whitening options:
Teeth whitening toothpastes are effective and can get rid of the stains that have accumulated on your teeth. Dentists consider these toothpastes harmless and reasonably effective, so can expect your dentist to recommend popular teeth-whitening toothpaste as the first step to get whiter teeth. There are also chances that you will receive a teeth whitening toothpaste after an in-office bleaching procedure to keep the stains from coming back.
Teeth whitening strips contain hydrogen peroxide, and when you leave them on your teeth, they lift the stains. Dentists consider whitening strips as one of the most effective ways to give you brighter and whiter teeth. When using strips, it is safe to assume that your teeth may get around five shades whiter.
Your dentist may give you at-home trays to whiten your teeth. Your dentist will create a mold of your teeth, so that the trays can be customized to fit your mouth. You will also get a powerful bleaching product, usually a gel, for at-home use. You should steer clear of over-the-counter bleaching products because they can cause irritation.
If your teeth have lost their shine, you are not alone. Every year millions of people undergo teeth whitening procedures to get their whiter teeth back. If you want your teeth examined to help you decide which teeth whitening options are best for you, click here to contact the experts now.
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Despite taking the best care of your teeth, you still tend to end up making an appointment with your dentist to get your latest dental problem treated. This article will address the most common dental issues that people often face and how you can take measures to avoid them. Also remember, you can get in touch with us at Mint Dental if you need help related to dental issues. Bad Breath Also known as halitosis, bad breath is perhaps the most common problem that people face. Even though there can be various reasons for having a bad breath, it is largely due to an underlying dental condition. According to studies 80% of bad breaths come from a medical problems like gum disease, cavities and dry mouth. Thus, to rule out the possibility of any of the aforementioned diseases, it is important that you get yourself thoroughly checked by a dentist. To prevent from getting a bad breath, you need to take your hygiene seriously. Brushing after every meal, scraping your tongue daily and gargling with a medicated mouthwash are some of the ways you can avoid bad breath. There are also some natural ways to ensure you have fresh breath you can read about here. Tooth Decay Tooth decay, popularly known as cavities is another dental condition that most people have. It occurs when plaque mixes with remnants of leftover food (sugar and starch food particularly) on our teeth and dissolves the tooth enamel. The combination of plaque and leftover […]
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