Certain Foods More Damaging to Your Teeth

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There’s a saying “you are what you eat,” that rings true all too often. What we put into our bodies eventually starts to shape what we look like—all other factors aside, nutritious foods will keep us looking healthy, and foods high in unwanted substances (sugars, saturated fats) will take a toll on our physical potential. The same holds all the more for teeth. Being the first contact food has with our bodies, teeth tend to bear the immediate brunt of the less-than-ideal snacks we eat. It’s important to remember that while all the calories work their way to your belly and thighs, the chemicals in foods can damage our teeth. Three causes were named as the most common offenders: simple sugars with acidic qualities, foods that are hard and difficult to break down, and liquids that parch the mouth.

Some of the most commonly consumed foods are among the most threatening to strong teeth. The most common, and likely upsetting to many, is bread—bread and its many forms from baguette to potato chip. The problem with bread is its high sugar content. As you break down bread, the complex and simple sugars get released into the saliva, and particles that linger will start to eat at enamel. Another sugary culprit is fruit, especially dried fruit which can break apart into sticky and stringy pieces that easily get left behind. Fruit will further dehydrate and leave highly concentrated sugar crystals in your mouth. Joseph Banker, DMD told the Huffington Post “any food that would stain a white t-shirt will also stain your teeth.” This is a good rule-of-thumb as many fruits, while contributing essential vitamins to the diet, leave visible sugar stains on your teeth. Staining is a superficial problem that represents a larger problem underneath.

For some of us, the next one is hard to accept, but alcoholic drinks negatively affect dental strength. Many alcoholic drinks, particularly cocktails, run high in sugar and also leave you will a dehydrated mouth. Dry mouths have more difficulty cleaning the crevices between teeth as saliva, the first aid in digestion, is not readily produced.

If it seems unfair for us to be burdened with such easily harmed teeth, there is good redeeming news. Water is sufficient to clean the mouth. A gargle and rinse, or a glass to sip on will comfortably wash the mouth of particles that were left behind, getting rid of abandoned sugars and undesirable chemicals.

For more on this article, check it out on the Huffington Post.

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Why Tongue Scraping Offers Distinct Health Benefits

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The teeth, gums, palate, and tongue all need to be kept clean to maintain good oral hygiene. However, studies show that one half of the causes of halitosis come from food particles, fungus, and bacteria specifically on the surface the tongue. Brushing your tongue with a standard toothbrush is always a good idea, and helps to remove surface bacteria, but for those who prefer a thorough, more lock-and-key method to removing all potential contaminants, cursory brushing can leave unsatisfying results. If you brush back and forth only to find white residue, or biofilm, still lingering behind, that is likely your culprit. The good news is there are more than a few options on the market for those wishing to rid themselves entirely of gloop for a sparkling clean tongue.

Tongue scraping is a practice that dates back over two thousand years, so it is odd to see only recently the surge of products inexpensive and commonly available today. You may have seen tongue scrapers of many kinds on the market, some with a toothbrush or thistles included, others with a blunted surface. All of these provide the care necessary for keeping the tongue clean. Many companies also offer an antibacterial toothpaste-like gel containing sorbitol and xylitol (tooth-friendly sugars) that lubricate the tongue for scraping, and leave a fresh taste. It is recommended that patients use the scraper at each instance of brushing. Tongue scraping is a practice that dates back over two thousand years, so it is odd to see only recently the surge of products inexpensive and commonly available today. You may have seen tongue scrapers of many kinds on the market, some with a toothbrush or thistles included, others with a blunted surface. All of these provide the care necessary for keeping the tongue clean. Many companies also offer an antibacterial toothpaste-like gel containing sorbitol and xylitol (tooth-friendly sugars) that lubricate the tongue for scraping, and leave a fresh taste. It is recommended that patients use the scraper at each instance of brushing.

While research explicitly showing the superiority of tongue scrapers to toothbrushes is wanting, there is no lack of additional advantages to adequately cleaning the tongue. One study done in Brazil showed a drastic 30% reduction in malodorous compounds after using a tongue scraper. (http://ift.tt/1MKCA7r) It may be wiser to keep your brush and scraper separated as both will collect ample bacteria on their own. Toothbrushes often take a lot of wear, and need to be replaced every few months as thistles lose their efficacy. A tongue scraper will bear some of that dental duty. Scraping has been shown to produce saliva which aids in the process of digestion; the main digestive enzyme in saliva is amylase which serves to break down sugars and starches aiding to keep the surface of teeth clean.
When scraping, be careful not to injure the soft tissue of the tongue. Fortunately, the tongue is the fastest healing organ in the body, and one night without cleaning will be enough to allow the tongue to return to its scrape-ready state. Happy scraping!

For more on this topic, check out the research here.

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5 Dentist Tricks to Reduce Tooth Sensitivity

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When you have tooth sensitivity, it becomes impossible to enjoy foods the way you wish you could. Hot foods, cold foods, sugary foods — the list of possible culprits that might set off your pain is limitless. Tooth sensitivity is a common affliction, but that doesn’t mean you need to suffer through those flashes of pain. With the right tactics, you can reduce the shooting pain and avoid wearing away at your tooth enamel.

Follow these steps to reduce your tooth sensitivity and get back to your normal routine:

Change Your Brushing Habits

Hard-bristled toothbrushes are notorious for increasing tooth sensitivity because tougher bristles expose the underlying dentin. These brushes are also dangerous because they can damage your gum tissue. Try brushing your teeth with less pressure and switch your brush out for a softer one for healthy teeth that won’t get shooting bursts of pain.

Avoid Acidic Foods

Acidic foods, like oranges and pickles, can constantly wear away at your tooth enamel in much the same way as sugary foods do. If you’re suffering from tooth sensitivity, consider taking sugary and acidic foods out of your diet to give your teeth a break.

Switch Your Toothpaste

Switching your toothpaste won’t tackle the underlying problems that might have caused your tooth sensitivity, but it will help reduce the pain. Dentists often suggest switching to a specially formulated toothpaste that includes potassium nitrate to give your teeth some much-needed protection.

Treat Your Gums

Gum health is much more important for tooth sensitivity than you might think. Advanced stages of gum disease can expose the sensitive dentin to hard and cold foods, which give you those shooting stabs of pain. Visit your dentist regularly to keep a close look on your gum health and risk of periodontal disease.

Stop Teeth Grinding

If you suffer from tooth grinding habits, then you might be unintentionally wearing away at your enamel while you sleep. Dentists typically suggest mouth guards or other subtle changes that can help limit the risks of teeth grinding. Ask to set up a consultation with your dentist so you can get personalized results that make sense for you.

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Top 5 Electronic Toothbrushes

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There is nothing more frustrating then walking into the local pharmacy to buy a new toothbrush, and being overwhelmed with the number of options to choose from. Fortunately, EzVid provided a list of the top electronic toothbrushes based on price, quality, and battery life.

5. Oral-B Professional Deep Sweep Triaction 1000

With a name so complex, this toothbrush seems as it would cost thousands, fortunately, the Oral-B Professional Deep Sweep Triaction 1000 will generally cost under $80 depending on where you are shopping. The Triaction offers many of the features you will find in our top 3 toothbrushes, but does not have a visible timer, pressure notification, and a whitening mode. If you are looking to shop conservatively, this is the brush for you.

 

4. Waterpik Sensonic Pro

Waterpik Sensonic Pro

To start the top 5, we have the Waterpik Sensonic Pro which is priced generally under the $100 range and provides many of the features you expect from any standard electronic toothbrush. Although the Sensonic Pro provides extra features and extensions, such as the interdental brush head which helps clean between, this is not to be confused with flossing, this feature is for extra protection against bad breath.

3. Oral-B Healthy Clean and ProWhite Precision

Oral-B cracks the list yet again, this brush offers great protection, while keeping your wallet intact. This Oral-B comes in three models, the 4000, 5000, and 7000 series. Each of which gets the job done, although the 7000 model does offer various extra features such as a mini LCD screen with a timer, and other additions. It also comes in a sleek black finish with a carrying case. For many though, the 4000 should get the job done, and is available at a reasonable price point.

2. Philips Sonicare HX6921/30 Flexcare Plus

This Philips Sonicare is considered one of the top Philips toothbrushes on the market according to the list. Many prefer it over the number one toothbrush on the list. It rests in the number two position though due to its price point. Eventhough it overs over 31,000 brush strokes per minute, massage mode to massage your gums, the cost is not favorable compared to many other toothbrushes.

1. Oral-B Professional Healthy Clean Floss Action Precision 5000

1Oral-B Professional Healthy Clean Floss Action Precision 5000

The Oral-B Professional Healthy Clean Floss Action Precision 5000 takes the top spot on this list. Having three of the top five, Oral-B seems to have figured out how to provide a great toothbrush, yet affordable to the masses. The 5000 model is a step under its counterpart, 7000 series mentioned above. The main difference between the two is a carrying case and tongue massager. So for many, settling with the 5000 is not a difficult choice. Overall, the value of the Oral-B Precision 5000 ranks number 1 on this list.

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Toothpastes, Which Do What?

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Ever go to the local CVS or Walgreens to grab a new tube of toothpaste and get so overwhelmed by the selection? There are so many kinds and each serve their own purpose. While they all clean your teeth, one will prevent tartar, while another will help build enamel, etc. Does it really matter which kind of toothpaste I grab? Should I just grab the cheapest one? The one thats on sale? Or Crest because it’s the biggest name in the category? Lets take a look at which toothpaste work best in each particular case.

For yellow (discolored) teeth:
Drink too much coffee? Just can’t figure out what it is that gives your teeth that faint yellow look? Look for toothpastes that contain modified silicone abrasives. Two tubes that can be found in stores that work are Rembrandt Deeply White and Ultra Brite Advanced Whitening.

For those who constantly are troubled with cavities:
Sick and tired of hearing the same bad news from the dentist every time you visit? For some it could be hard to prevent cavities based on their unwillingness to change their diet or from poor brushing technique. Try using a mineral fluoride. Another technique to use is to brush and spit, but not rinse. There is fluoride in toothpaste but rinsing after often defeats the purpose of the fluoride. Prescription cavity fighters work, try Colgate PreviDent.

For sensitive gums:
Brushing too roughly sometimes can cause sensitive gums. You may think you’re doing more good but brushing hard when in fact you’re not. Look for a toothpaste with a desensitizing ingredient like strontium chloride or potassium nitrate. A good toothpaste for sensitive gums is Sensodyne.
Tartar can be tough to get rid of. Once it hardens, your dentist can only remove it with their tools. The toothpastes that have “prevents tartar” prevent it from hardening. Look for toothpastes with ingredients like pyrophosphates or zinc citrate. A good option is Crest Tartar Protection.

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Tips on How to Get Rid of Bad Breath

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Many people across the world experience mouth odor (aka bad breath), which can hinder self-confidence and, in turn, limit one’s ability to reach their truest potential. Luckily, bad breath is easily treated and preventable; but first, you must understand what it’s causes are. Two main causes of mouth odor are decaying food particles and bacteria. The mouth is home to a plethora of hidden crevices and surfaces that we often forget about after we eat, places where food particles can stay for a while before we get to brushing our teeth. And truth be told, brushing your teeth is not enough, especially if you experience mouth odor often. Here are a few tips on how to overcome bad breath:

First, it’s important to actually clean your tongue, a place that a lot of leftover food and bacteria can hide. You can do this when you’re brushing your teeth by taking your toothbrush and scraping it against your tongue. Be sure you’re brushing at least twice a day, three times is recommended if your mouth odor is really bothersome (once after each meal).

Another way to help improve bad breath is to floss. Most people tend to skip this step when they are doing their morning and nightly “brushing” routine. But, flossing should be taken care of daily. It’s a good idea to form a habit of flossing right before you brush your teeth at night. Once you start flossing, you’ll see all the leftover food particles that will show up (the stuff that’s causing your mouth odor), and hopefully this will give you more of an incentive to floss on a daily basis. Besides helping with bad breath, flossing will keep your teeth looking whiter and more healthy throughout the years.

Next, make sure your mouth is moisturized throughout the day. A dry mouth is usually accompanied a not-so-pleasant smell, and indicates that you are dehydrated. This is the reason why your breath probably smells worse right after you wake up then any other time of day. Saliva is the main fighter of mouth odor; it has antiseptic and enzymes that kill bacteria along with it’s capabilities to flush away leftover food. Apart from drinking plenty of water (which you should be doing anyway), chewing gum can help bad breath because it stimulates the amount of saliva your mouth produces (and usually has a fresh minty scent). If you’re on any medications, especially antibiotics, be sure you drink plenty of fluids to keep yourself hydrated because these medicines tend to dry out your body.

On top of all of these mouth-odor saving tips, using mouthwash is another great way to kill bacteria and get those old food particles flushed out of your mouth. For more information on how to get rid of bad breath, read this article, and don’t forget, a clean mouth is one of the main indicators of being a healthy individual, so be sure to pay close attention to your mouth.

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How to Sustain Fresh Breath

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One thing people tend to be very insecure about is their breath. No one wants to be that person who you can’t hold a conversation with because of their foul breath. People try things like sprays and gum but those only solve the problem temporarily. Here are 11 solutions that can help you sustain fresh breath over time according to Fox News Health.

1. See Your Dentist: Its important you see your dentist because even though you know what you’re doing or eating 24/7, a dentist can pin point a problem easier than you from analyzing your mouth. Many people don’t, but it’s important to see your dentist every 6 months.

2. Brush: This comes as a no brainer but still worth mentioning. You should brush two times a day or after each meal. It’s important to constantly change your tooth brush to make sure your bristles are getting the job done.

3. Floss: For whatever reason, many people tend to neglect flossing. However it is vital you floss. The only way you can get below the gum line and in between teeth is by flossing.

4. Drink Water: It’s important to drink water, and often. If you don’t drink enough water, your salivary flow decreases thus letting your bad breath become more concentrated and potent.

5. Choose Mouthwash Wisely: Mouthwash is a great solution to help fight bad breath but it actually can be harmful to your initiatives if you don’t look closely. If you choose one too high in alcohol content, it can dry out your mouth and let bacteria grow. Try finding mouthwash that is alcohol-free.

6. Use a Tongue Scraper: While brushing your tongue can be beneficial, it does not get the job entirely done. You’ll need a tongue scraper to clean your tongue in its entirety.

7. Have a Glass of Wine: Studies show that having a glass of red wine decreases the chances of bacteria growing in your mouth. Just be sure to keep it in moderation and to rinse with water after to prevent staining.

8. Have Fruits and Veggies: Biting into a fruit like an apple or vegetable that requires a lot of chewing helps clean teeth. Vitamin C in these fruits and veggies also helps kill bacteria.

9. Chew Gum: Now don’t just go chewing any gum. Gum like Bubblicious can be harmful, but sugarless gum chewed throughout the day can help clear out food particles and keep the mouth moist.

10. Drink Tea: Green or black tea contains polyphenols which prevents the growth of bacteria.

11. Take Probiotics: A probiotic supplement may help prevent candida yeast that lives on your tongue.

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