Just as candy, sweets and sports drinks can increase your risk for tooth decay, so too can liquid medications. There are a variety of ingredients commonly found in cough drops and syrup medications that can leave you more susceptible to tooth decay and cavities, especially when the medicine is taken consistently over long periods of time.

To create a better taste, many medicines contain high fructose corn syrup and sucrose. These sugars can contribute to decay when bacteria in your mouth feed on the sugars and attack the enamel of your teeth. The citric acid in these syrups can also break down the enamel on the teeth. The alcohol found in the syrups can also have a drying effect on the mouth. With less saliva to rinse the sugar and acids away, the more increased risk for decay.

With a few simple steps you can ensure that the cough and cold medicines that you are taking do more harm than good. There are several precautions you can take to ensure the sugars and acids of liquid medications don’t affect your teeth.

• Avoid taking liquid medicines before bedtime. Since there is a decrease saliva flow at night, the residue won’t wash away as quickly.

• After taking medication brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste.

• Rinse your mouth well with water or chew sugar-free gum if you are not able to brush your teeth after taking liquid medicines.

• Calcium supplements and topical fluoride can help to preserve the health of your teeth.

• Take medicines with meals to help wash away the sugars and acids left behind from the syrup.

• Pill form medication is less harmful to your teeth than the liquid varieties.

With proper oral care and precautions, you can keep cavities, as well as colds away this winter.

Tis’ the season for New Year’s resolutions. Make a vow to improve your oral hygiene and keep your smile bright and healthy. Not to mention that proper dental care can impact your overall health and appearance. Here are a few resolutions to improving your oral hygiene.

Brush Appropriately
One of the most simple way to improve your oral health is to brush your teeth properly and for a full 2 minutes.

Floss Daily
While we know we are supposed to floss daily, many of us neglect to do so on a regular basis. Flossing daily can help to reduce your risk of developing tooth decay and gum disease, as well as make for fresher breath.

Snack Less
Limiting snacks can be beneficial for your oral health and waistline. Snacking between meals increases the amount of bacteria present in your mouth which will leave to the development of plaque. Limiting your snacking will reduce the bacteria in your mouth and help improve your waistline.

Limit Acidic Foods
Acidic foods, like soft drinks and sports drinks can be highly damaging to your mouth and wear away the enamel on your teeth. Limit your consumption of acidic food and drinks and drink plenty of water to help rinse away the acid and bacteria.

Smoking
Not only is smoking bad for your health, but it can be harmful to your oral hygiene. Smoking and smokeless tobacco products can increase your risk for gum disease and tooth loss. It can be a challenge to stop smoking, but the decision can impact your overall health.

Visit the Dentist
Visiting the dentist twice a year can help to keep your teeth and gums at their healthiest. It can also ensure any problems that arise are detected and treated properly before the condition worsens.

Let our Ooltewah dentist office help you make a resolution to keep your teeth at their whitest, brightest and healthiest. After all, there is no time like the present to start improving your oral health.

The holiday season is filled with an abundance of sweets and treats. While these Christmas candies can be delicious, they can also pose a number of risks to your oral health. Cookies, candy canes and other desserts don’t have to lead to cavities.

The naturally occurring bacteria in your mouth feed on the sugar, leaving behind acids. Over time, these acids wear down tooth enamel which leads to weaker teeth that are more susceptible to tooth decay and gingivitis.

Snacking on sweets throughout the day can be particularly harmful to your teeth. The acid produced from these sugar packed snacks can effect teeth for up to 20 minutes after they are consumed. Brushing after snacking can help to reduce bacteria and your risks for cavities and gingivitis.

Here are our top tips for staying cavity free this holiday season:

Find a Balance
When you eat sugary snacks try to do so with a meal to reduce the impact they have on your teeth.

Avoid Sticky Sweets
Sticky sweets cling to your teeth keeping contact with your enamel. Additionally, these candies can loosen or remove fillings and crowns. Opt for items that dissolve quickly.

Keep Supplies Handy
Keeping a travel toothbrush, toothpaste and floss in your bag, desk or car can help to keep your teeth at their best even when you are on the go.

Rinse Frequently
Rinsing your mouth with water after eating or drinking can help to remove food particles and bacteria when brushing isn’t an option.

Brush Away
Your best defense against bacteria is frequent brushing. Brush your teeth after eating and drinking. When consuming foods that are high in acid, wait at least 30 minutes before brushing to protect the enamel.

Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you. With new over the counter products and cosmetic dental procedures, bright white smiles are attainable on almost every budget. While the risks associated with at home whitening products are minimal, there are a few things to keep in mind before starting the whitening process.

Before starting any at home whitening, schedule a trip to the dentist for an exam and cleaning. It is important to have your teeth and gums assessed before you begin. Your dentist will also be able to recommend the proper product for your needs.

Many at home teeth whitening kits contain carbamide peroxide. When selecting a product, choose one with a peroxide in the 15% range. You want to ensure that the product will not irritate your mouth. It is also important to follow the directions exactly as stated, never leaving the gels or strips on for longer than specified. Leaving the product on for too long can result in sore gums and other potential problems. After whitening your teeth, avoid acidic and sugary drinks for several hours.

Whitening your teeth can cause them to be sensitive, but it usually only lasts for a short period of time. If the sensitivity and discomfort persist then stop treatment immediately. Do not bleach your teeth more often than necessary as repeated exposure can be harmful to your teeth. Follow the product instructions for best result and when you have reached your desired result, limit the whitening to a few times a year.

Our toothbrushes help to keep our mouths squeaky clean, but how clean is your toothbrush? Follow these tips to keep your toothbrush clean and your mouth healthy and sparkling.

• Don’t store your toothbrush in a closed, dark, moist space. These conditions are a breeding ground for bacteria.

• Change your toothbrush every 3 months or when it begins to show signs of wear. Regularly replacing your toothbrush will ensure better brushing and help reduce the buildup of bacteria.

• Sharing toothbrushes leaves you susceptible to transferring bacteria that can lead to more serious dental issues like tooth decay and gum disease.

• Rinse your toothbrush after each use to remove any debris in the bristles. Soaking the toothbrush in mouth wash is a good way to deep clean it.

• Keep your toothbrush at least 6 feet from the toilet. Flushing disperses particles through the air that can contaminate your toothbrush and make you sick.

• Allow your toothbrush to dry upright. This will help it to dry completely and prevent the development of mold.

Keeping your toothbrush clean can help improve your overall health. Follow these tips for a squeaky clean toothbrush and mouth.

Good oral health habits start when children are young. Our Ooltewah dentist understands that it can be a challenge to get your children to brush their teeth. Here are a few helpful tips to make teeth brushing a little more fun:

• Try brushing your teeth with your children. Children mimic the behavior of their parents, so why not teach them better brushing techniques. Brush your teeth for 2 minutes alongside your child and then follow up with those flossing skills.

• Use a sand or kitchen timer to help ensure that your children are brushing their teeth for the recommended 2 minutes. Allow your child to start the timer themselves then start brushing.

• Let your child select the toothbrush and toothpaste of their choice. There are a variety of toothbrushes specially designed for children complete with bright colors or their favorite characters. Also let them choose toothpaste in a fun, fruity flavor they will enjoy.

• Story books and short videos may be another valuable tool when it comes to teaching children the importance of good oral hygiene. Stories and videos can help to make oral care more fun and something that they are able to relate to.

• Making a chart complete with star stickers can be an effective reward system. Give your children a star to put on the chart every time they brush their teeth. This will help to reinforce the importance of brushing twice a day.

• Regular visits for the dentist are another component of good oral health. Reward your children after a successful trip to the dentist with a special treat like a healthy snack or trip to the park.

Bad breath, tooth discoloration, plaque buildup, gum disease, tooth loss and oral cancer are all side effects of smoking. The damages caused by smoking can impact your oral health, just as it does your overall health. Statistics have found that 50% of smoking adults have gum disease and are approximately twice as likely to lose their teeth or need a root canal.

When it comes to tobacco products there isn’t one product that is any safer than another. Both cause damages that extend beyond the mouth. Smoking and smokeless tobacco products both affect the soft tissue and bone attachment. Tobacco use also leaves smokers more susceptible to infections and gum disease.

The chemicals found in these products also increase the risk oral, throat and esophageal cancers. Smokeless tobacco irritates the gums and as a result, the gums begin to separate from the teeth. This separation can increase the risk of tooth decay and increase sensitivity, making eating and drinking difficult.

The American Cancer Society reports that 90% of people with mouth, lip, throat and tongue cancer are tobacco users. Their research also concluded that smokers are six times more likely to develop these cancers. The easiest way of preventing these issues is to stop smoking or reduce your habit. Studies have shown that reducing your intake can lower your risk of developing these conditions all together. Your doctor and dentist can both help you to calm your cravings and stop smoking with a variety of medications.

Q: Energy drinks don’t cause cavities?
A: Energy drinks are filled with sugar, which can be damaging to your teeth. Bacteria and plaque on your teeth use sugar as a means of growth. The sugar also acts like a glue and can cause the bacteria to stick to the teeth and can ultimately lead to tooth decay. To combat the problem, limit the number of sugary drinks you consume. After drinking something sweet, rinse your mouth with water and remember to brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste.

Q: Tobacco isn’t bad for your mouth, teeth and gums?
A: All types of tobacco are harmful to your health. Bad breath, tooth discoloration, plaque buildup, gum disease, tooth loss and oral cancer are all side effects of smoking. The easiest way to prevent these conditions is to stop smoking.

Q: Mouth protection is necessary when playing sports?
A: Mouth guards should be worn when playing any sport, especially contact sports. These devices will protect your teeth from being broken or knocked out upon impact.

Q: Whitening is harmful to your teeth?
A: While you should wait until age 14 to whiten your teeth to reduce sensitivity, whitening isn’t harmful to your teeth. If you wear braces, you should wait until they have been removed before using any teeth whitening products.

Q: Mouth jewelry and piercings can be dangerous?
A: Oral piercings can be dangerous, leading to infection and pain. The piercing can cause the tongue to become infected and lead to more serious problems. The jewelry can also come loose and cause you to choke or can chip and crack teeth.

There are numerous myths when it comes to dental health. Know your facts and follow the basic steps for good oral health. Brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, floss regularly, eat a balanced diet and visit your dentist every 6 months. Let our Ooltewah dentist office keep your smile healthy and white.

With a variety of toothbrushes on the market, it can be difficult to select the one best suited to your needs. From soft to hard bristles to electric options, deciding on the perfect style can be a challenge. Here are a few tips from our Ooltewah dentist to help you select the perfect brush:

·         Soft bristled brushes are the best for removing plaque and debris. These brushes are also good for brushing hard to reach areas.
·         Don’t purchase those cheap, no name brushes. A brush made of quality materials will help to give you the best clean possible.
·         As for the handle grip or bristle shape, it is a matter of personal preference. Select an option that is comfortable and allows you to easily reach your teeth.
·         If you have limited dexterity or problems brushing, an electric toothbrush may be a good fit.
·         Toothbrushes come in a variety of sizes based on ages. Select the appropriate style for infants, toddlers, children and adults.
·         Replace your brush every three months or sooner if bristles show signs of wear.
·         After brushing your teeth, thoroughly rinse the brush and store upright to dry.

The best toothbrush for you is one that you will use. Make sure that the handle is easy to grip, that the head is comfortable in your mouth and you are able to reach all the surfaces of your teeth and gums. Happy brushing!

From the cold unusual objects to unfamiliar surroundings, children and adults alike share fears of the dentist. No matter the fears, visits to the dentist will keep teeth healthy and promote good oral health habits. Here are a few tips to keeping the fears at bay and their smile pearly white.

The Earlier the Better
The younger a child is when they start visiting a dentist, the more likely they will become comfortable with the surroundings and the dentist. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, your child’s first trip to the dentist should be at age one or when their first tooth is visible. Early prevention will increase the overall health of your mouth.

According to several studies, more preschool students have cavities than ever before. The national study states that, “more than 1 in 4 children in the United states has had at least one cavity by the age of 4. Many kids get cavities as early as age 2.”

Don’t Over Share
Try not to share too many details before dental appointments. Too much explaining can result in more questions as well is scare many children. Keep a positive attitude and let the dentist and hygienists explain the procedures. Also, refrain from taking your children to your dentist appointment. Even though you may not realize it, you may be anxious. Telling about past or current procedures can instill more fear, especially if those procedures are not necessary.

Play Pretend
Grab a toothbrush and let your child practice being both the dentist and the patient. Brushing and counting teeth will help to prepare them for the actual office visit. You want your child to become familiar with the routine in hopes that they will be more comfortable with the procedures. Additionally, there are a variety of children’s books with illustrations that are design to educate and relieve fears of the dentist.

Fussing is Normal
Pediatric dentists are used to children and tantrums. It is normal that a child will cry, whine or fuss during an appointment. Allow the staff to guide and direct you. Many will ask that you hold your child’s hand to help comfort them during the visit. If your little one has a favorite toy or stuffed animal, bring that as a comfort and distraction.

Encouraging the importance of good dental health is important. Explain that the dentist helps to keep their smile pretty, and that regular visits are necessary. Follow these tips are your child is sure to overcome their fears.

Our Ooltewah pediatric denistry office can help calm your child's fears of the dentist as well as keep their teeth pearly white.

Written by Tiffany Hutton