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…

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…

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…

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…