Category: Prevention

bad dental habits farmers branch dfw tx

How to Handle Self-Destructive Dental Habits?

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Various Damaging Oral Habits

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Keeping your teeth looking great will only happen if you develop some good habits to keep them that way. While most people know this or have at least heard it, there are some habits you may be guilty of that are damaging your teeth. In fact, some of those bad habits may actually help to destroy your beautiful white teeth. 

 

Habits That Are Hurting Your Teeth

Some harmful habits that you may be doing without thinking about them are hurting your teeth. In some cases, the damage being done to your teeth may be irreversible – unless you have expensive cosmetic dentistry. Some habits you want to avoid include: 

 

  1. Consuming Too Much Sugar

Sugar is the natural enemy of your teeth. Yes, sweet foods and drinks taste really great, but most likely they are harming your teeth. The bacterium that is responsible for cavities feeds on sugar and every time it does it produces acid. The acid is what erodes the enamel on your teeth. In fact, every bite or swig you take of a sugary drink enables the bacteria to produce acid for the next 20 minutes. 

If you drink sugary drinks – specialty coffees, fruit juices, or sodas – all day long, you will definitely see many cavities as a result. Rinsing the sugar out afterward with water will help. Sodas also have their own acid in them, which will help to erode the enamel faster. 

 

  1. Grinding and Clenching Teeth

Grinding your teeth or clenching them is going to damage them. This is often an unconscious habit and some people do it in their sleep. It can lead to shorter teeth and cracked or chipped teeth. Even worse, teeth grinding may result in problems with your jaw joint that can be very painful. This bad habit is often aggravated by increased stress. Learning to relax more can help reduce it. Getting into a regular exercise program can also help to reduce stress.

When adults or children grind or clench their teeth, it may be a symptom of sleep apnea. The dentist can provide you with special mouth guards to help protect your teeth – and they can help with sleep apnea, too.

 

  1. Eating Hard Foods

Chewing on hard candy and ice are hard foods that many people enjoy. Unfortunately, these hard items can also damage the enamel on your teeth. It can chip them, or crack them. When chewing on ice, it lowers the temperature of the tooth, making it easier to crack. If the crack is deep enough, the tooth may need to be replaced. 

 

  1. Biting Your Nails

This habit is bad for your jaw because you must extend it to bite your nails. Keeping your jaw in an extended position for long periods can lead to jaw pain in the joints of your jaw. The habit can also lead to a wearing down of your front teeth, and it may crack or chip them, too. You can start breaking the habit by reducing your stress, or by using a nail polish that tastes bitter. 

 

  1. Brushing Too Hard

In order to remove plaque from your teeth, it is not necessary to be heavy-handed. Plaque is rather easily removed. By putting a lot of pressure on your toothbrush, you are wearing away your gums. This can lead to cavities on the roots of your teeth as your gums recede. You also should use a toothbrush with soft bristles rather than hard ones. 

You also want to wait after eating for about 30 minutes before brushing. The enamel on your teeth is softer after eating for about 20 minutes. Brushing your teeth right after eating will remove some of the enamel from your teeth – which does not grow back. 

 

  1. Not Drinking Enough Water

Drinking plain water is a great way to help your teeth last longer. Water aids in the production of saliva, which naturally helps to wash away the bacteria, acid, and sugar from your teeth. Dry mouth can be caused by alcohol, coffee, medications, and more. When your mouth is dry, the bacteria that produce acid multiplies, and it also stays on your teeth longer. Staying hydrated with water through the day helps protect your teeth and your saliva helps to supply the minerals your teeth need to stay strong. 

 

  1. Smoking

Smoking, or using tobacco of any kind, is one of the worst things you can do if you want to keep your teeth looking good. Besides staining your teeth quickly, it also leads to a reduced immune system in your gums. This enables the bacteria to multiply fast and cause gum disease. Periodontitis is responsible for most adult tooth loss today. You can work to quit smoking by reducing stress, exercising regularly, and chewing gum. Your dentist can also recommend quit smoking programs.

 

Even if you have been practicing some common bad habits for some time, breaking bad habits and adopting habits of good oral hygiene can help spare your teeth and gums. In addition to good habits, keeping regular dental appointments will help keep your teeth in top shape and last a long time.

oil pulling for oral health, champion dental specialist, texas

Does Oil Pulling for Oral Health Actually Work?

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It May Not Be as Beneficial as You Might Think

oil pulling for oral health, champion dental specialist, texas

Everyone loves nice-looking teeth and no one wants gum disease that knows anything about it. Shortcuts are always being sought, and people will quickly flock to products or methods that sound like it will work to obtain these goals. Of course, new methods such as oil pulling are sought because you can do it at home and – let’s face it – dentists are not cheap!

 

The Coconut Oil Pulling Procedure

Coconut oil for teeth has been on the scene for a while now and using it for oil pulling is a continuing craze. People have been using this technique for centuries. It comes from an old Indian (Ayurvedic) folk remedy and it is claimed that it will pull out some of the toxins in your body, as well as destroy some of the bacteria in your mouth. 

Oil pulling is a technique that involves putting a tablespoon of coconut oil (or sesame oil) in your mouth and then swishing it around for about 20 minutes. Because 20 minutes is usually too long to start with, go for just five minutes and then add a couple of minutes each time after that. After swishing it around, spit it out in the trash can because it will solidify in your pipes and can clog them. It has a melting point of 75 degrees F, which is about room temperature. Afterwards, you will want to rinse your mouth out two or three times with water, then brush your teeth.

 

The Claims of Oil Pulling

As you read over the claimed coconut oil pulling benefits, you will discover that there are many. They will vary from site to site, but you may find the following claims:

  • It helps with teeth whitening
  • It will reduce inflammation
  • It is good for treating gum disease
  • It helps prevent tooth decay
  • It strengthens your gums and jaw. 

 

The Reality of Oil Pulling

In spite of the many claims of oil pulling, often given by famous people, there really is not any proof that it works. The primary reason is that very little research has actually been done on it. This means that there is no proof that it will actually help prevent cavities, whiten your teeth, or detoxify your mouth or body. 

Because there is no official proof of its ability to improve your oral health, the American Dental Association does not recommend it for this purpose. Of course, if you wish to try it for yourself, you are free to do so, but it is advised that you do not try and use it as a substitute for brushing and flossing. 

The bacterium that is in your mouth is there to stay. There are more than 500 different types of bacteria, and there are some that are considered harmful. In most people – except for those who have a weak immune system, or those who smoke or drink a lot – the bacteria is normally kept in balance in a healthy mouth. It is also unlikely that you will exterminate the potentially harmful bacteria without also destroying some of the good ones. 

 

The Best Way to Improve Oral Health

When you want to improve your dental health, you do not want to leave out the traditional methods of brushing and flossing. Since plaque is constantly forming on your teeth, you want to be sure to brush your teeth at least twice a day. The best practice is to spend a full two minutes each time you brush to ensure a good job. You also want to floss each day, too. 

Brushing and flossing are necessary because it enables you to remove the food particles, bacteria, and the acid they produce from the surfaces of your teeth. Without flossing, these three ingredients are left between your teeth, and together they make a good recipe for sensitive teeth and cavities.

 

Visit the Dentist Regularly

There really is no substitute for going to a dentist on a regular basis. The main reason is to ensure that your teeth and smile continue to look as good as possible. When a dental problem gets started, that is the best time to let the dentist fix it. If you wait, it is only going to cost more.

Dentists spot problems early, and this is important particularly in the areas of gum disease and oral cancer. Both can be treated from the start, and this also enables the potential damage to be minimized. 

While you may want to try oil pulling for your own purposes to see if it will help you in any way, remember to take care of your teeth the traditional way to ensure that they last a long time. Your dentist can also provide you with many tips to help your oral health that are proven. 

 

If you want proven methods for better oral health, Champion Dental Clinic, Farmers Branch , Texas  can provide it. We provide a wide range of dental care services for all ages and accepts most dental health plans. For a consultation or dental checkup, you can contact our office today at 214-747-0763

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Baby Teeth Cavity – Should It Be Filled or Not?

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Can an Untreated Cavity Affect New Teeth?

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Although it may surprise some people, baby teeth are just as susceptible to getting cavities as regular teeth. This means that daily care of baby teeth is as much needed as the permanent teeth will require later. When there is a baby teeth cavity, it is often important to fill it rather than to ignore it. 

 

The Source of Cavities

When it comes to tooth decay, there is one basic cause – bacteria. Some of the more than 500 different types of bacteria in the human mouth produce acid whenever they come in contact with sugar. By leaving the bacteria on the teeth (plaque) for prolonged periods of time, it gives the acid opportunity to slowly erode the enamel on the teeth. This soon leads to cavities in many people – and young children.

 

The Cause of Cavities in Kids

Baby teeth (also called milk teeth) have several ways that they can develop cavities. It is important to know that some toddler’s teeth are not as resilient to cavities as other children. Some children can take care of their teeth and develop cavities, and other children may eat lots of sugar and have poor oral care and not develop cavities. While it may run in families, it is not always the case. 

 

  • Baby Bottle Tooth Decay – Leaving a baby with a bottle of milk or juice to fall asleep with is something that many parents do. Unfortunately, it only promotes the growth of the bacteria and acid that causes cavities. Water is a much better and healthier option. 
  • Juice Is Acidic – While juice without added sugar is generally healthy, it needs to be remembered that it is acidic. This adds to the acids created by the bacteria in the mouth and will speed up decay. Drinking water afterward will help remove the sugar and acid. 
  • Too Much Sugar – Kids naturally love sugar, but parents often give them too much. Some kids are eating as much sugar as is recommended for adults, which should not surprise anyone that it leads to tooth decay. The sugar promotes the growth of the bacteria that produces the acid that destroys tooth enamel.
  • A Lack of Fluoride – Fluoride is a mineral that helps strengthen the teeth against cavities. It helps the teeth to regain minerals lost daily to acid. Even when children do drink water, if there is no fluoride in it, they are missing out on this important ingredient for teeth protection. While children under two years old do not need additional fluoride, those older than this do, but too much is also harmful. 

Fluoride treatments can be given at the dentist’s office. The application of fluoride will help prevent cavities. It is especially important in children who may be more susceptible to cavities. It is applied as a foam, a gel, or a varnish. It can actually help eliminate a cavity if the cavity is in the very early stages. 

 

Reasons to Have Baby Teeth Filled

Although baby teeth are only temporary, they are important. One of the reasons why they should be filled is because they help ensure that there will be sufficient space for the new tooth to come in. When a tooth is lost, teeth tend to naturally shift to fill in that space. This can cause problems for the new tooth. 

Another reason why the milk tooth with a cavity should be repaired is that losing it can cause misalignment of the teeth. This may result in needing braces later on to correct the problem. 

One more reason the tooth or teeth should be repaired is that it can affect ordinary activities. It could impair the child’s ability to speak clearly, which may mean he or she will need speech therapy later on. Front teeth are essential for proper speech. 

 

Symptoms of Baby Tooth Decay

A tooth cavity is the result of the bacteria in the mouth. Although it is a common belief that some people have “soft teeth,” it is not true. The cause is bacteria and some people have higher levels of it than others. Dentists say that as many as 80 percent of all cavities occur in just 25 percent of children. 

There may be several symptoms that your child has a cavity. They include white spots on the teeth, sensitivity to sweets, hot or cold, brown spots that may eventually turn black. Gums may also be inflamed. 

 

Preventing Toddler Cavities

Parents can help prevent cavities in children by taking a few steps and working with their children. The first thing is to reduce their sugar intake. Limit the amount of juice and sugary foods the child gets, and give the child water in a sippy cup and in a bottle when they go to sleep.

You can also brush your teeth with the child to encourage them, and apply floss when two or more teeth are side by side. Apply a little fluoride toothpaste to the toothbrush after your child reaches two years old. 

 

If your young children have a baby teeth cavity and need cavity treatment, contact Champion dental clinic for the best and affordable dental treatment

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Your Mouthwash May Cause Cancer

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Chemical in mouthwashes is tied to colon cancer risk

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A recent study on the antimicrobial product called triclosan has researchers questioning the safety of it. Although some studies were performed before, this was the first one to use the product with about the same level of exposure that an ordinary person would receive. As a result of the study, the researchers believe that products such as triclosan mouthwash may increase the risk of getting colon cancer. 

 

The Experiment

The experiment was conducted by researchers from the United States and China. They conducted it at the University of Massachusetts, and mice were used as the subjects.  

The experiment used mice that were predisposed to generate cancer cells. Other mice were selected because they had no gut bacteria at all, and some were given colitis (inflammatory bowel disease) beforehand. Each mouse was exposed to the same level a human would get through using triclosan in everyday products. 

The results of the experiment were rather surprising. The mice that had cancer developed tumors faster and bigger than normal. The mice with the colitis developed inflammation which made it worse and led to colon cancer that was colitis associated. The mice that had no gut bacteria showed no changes or effects at all. One thing that was especially noted was that the mice were only associated with triclosan for a short period. Some of the mice also had shortened lifespans.  

The research also revealed that triclosan caused other health problems in the mice. After a mere 20 minutes of exposure to it, the mice experienced 25 percent reductions in their heart performance. Their ability to grip was reduced by 18 percent. 

 

About Triclosan

An ingredient in toothpaste and mouthwashes has recently been discovered that helps to produce colon cancer. The ingredient, triclosan, is used already in more than 2,000 products because of its powerful antibacterial properties. Besides mouthwashes and toothpaste, some of the other products include soap, detergents, bedding, carpeting, kitchenware, socks, and even toys. 

Triclosan was first patented in 1964 and has been used in an increasingly growing number of products – more than 2,000 of them. In May 2017, the FDA banned triclosan, along with 24 other similar compounds from use in hand sanitizers and soaps. The FDA now considers it to be in a category called “not generally recognized as safe” because it believes that not enough research has been conducted on it. 

 

The Spread of Triclosan

A major problem with triclosan is that it is being found everywhere. Not only is it widely distributed throughout the water supply of the United States, but it is also found in our bodies. It is found in breast milk, blood plasma, and as many as 75 percent of urine samples contained it, the CDC says. 

 

The Effect on Humans

Triclosan has not yet been tested extensively on humans. Since it is now not considered to be safe, future experiments may be minimal. So far, though, there are several problems. Being that it appears to cause colitis to develop faster; this could be a serious problem because about three million Americans have ulcerative colitis. In America right now, cancer of the colon and rectum is the second leading cause of cancer deaths. 

There is also a good possibility that triclosan will cause problems with weakening of the immune system. A study conducted in 2010 revealed that children exposed to higher levels were more likely to have hay fever. It may also cause birth defects and produce problems in your endocrine system. 

 

The Concern

Although triclosan will pass through the body rather quickly, it has been found that there may be some accumulation – especially with larger doses. It can be absorbed into the body through the mouth, the gastrointestinal tract, and through your skin. When applied as a deodorant, increasing amounts have been found in breast milk. It may also be a risk factor for the development of breast and ovarian cancer. 

Triclosan was initially accepted by the FDA because it had value as an antiseptic. It is now being used as an antimicrobial mouthwash and toothpaste in some products. There are only a few of this type of product that contains it now, but it is still permitted because it can reduce plaque and gingivitis. Because of the recent findings, you may want to avoid triclosan by choosing products without it.

 

Products with Triclosan

Triclosan is currently used in the following mouthwashes and toothpastes: the Colgate Total®; Breeze™ Triclosan Mouthwash; the Reach® Antibacterial Toothbrush, and in the Janina Diamond Whitening Toothpaste. It may also be used by different brand names, including Microban® Additive B, Biofresh®, Irgasan® (DP 300 or PG 60), Lexol-300, Ster-Zac or Cloxifenolum. A similar product is called triclocarban. 

 

Daily Care of Teeth is Important

If you are concerned about gingivitis, it can usually be controlled by brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing. You may also use an antibacterial mouthwash that does not contain triclosan. When it has progressed to periodontitis, you should see a dentist for an examination and possible treatment. 

If you live in the Farmers Branch, TX  you can get dental checkups and gum disease treatment from Champion Dental Clinic. To set up an appointment, you can call our office today at 214-747-0763

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Everyday Ways to Improve Dental Health

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Protect Your Teeth While You Still Have Them

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Unless you have a lot of extra money to spend, it is a good idea to protect your teeth so that you can keep them for as long as possible. As many as 30 percent of people in America over 65 do not have any natural teeth left. By taking care to improve dental health now, you may be able to keep your natural teeth much longer than that. 

 

Start with Good Oral Hygiene

There are many kinds of bacteria in your mouth – about 500 different kinds. They are constantly forming plaque on your teeth after each meal. By practicing good oral hygiene, you can help protect your teeth from premature and unnecessary cavities. You want to be sure to brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes each time and then floss between your teeth every night before you go to bed. 

The bad bacteria multiply and convert sugar and food into an acid. This acid attacks and corrodes the enamel on your teeth – leading to cavities and gum disease. With good oral hygiene, you can minimize the effect of the acid.

 

Be Aware of Gum Disease

If you have not taken good care of your teeth up until this time, you need to watch for symptoms of gum disease. The key symptoms include bleeding of your gums and red or inflamed gums. If you have these symptoms, it is the early stages of gum disease. It is an indication that you need better oral care. Practicing brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing daily will usually help you eliminate gum disease. 

Gum disease is a more serious problem than many people realize. It can lead to significant health problems that could even shorten your life. In recent years, researchers have discovered that the bacteria that cause gum disease are responsible for at least other 50 diseases. The primary factor is inflammation, which this bacteria causes. The diseases include cardiovascular disease, heart attacks, stroke, diabetes, infertility, rheumatoid arthritis, aging, dementia, many forms of cancer, and many more. 

 

Periodontitis

As gum disease progressively gets worse in the absence of good oral health, it becomes periodontitis. The CDC claims that almost 50 percent of adults over 30 have some form of periodontitis. 

At this stage, pockets are formed along the gum line, and the bad bacteria produce colonies – out of reach of your toothbrush. The acid that the bacteria produce now starts attacking not only your gums, but also the structures that keep your teeth in place, and your jaw bone. If periodontitis is allowed to continue, your teeth will become loose and start to fall out. It is because of this disease – which is preventable – that so many seniors do not have their natural teeth. 

 

Eating Right

What you eat also greatly affects the condition of your gums and teeth. The bacteria produce acid every time you eat or drink something sugary – especially soda. The acid takes the minerals out of your enamel which weakens it. Eating healthy foods helps to remineralize the enamel, making them strong. It is an ongoing process. 

The right kind of foods will also strengthen your immune system, enabling it to fight gum disease. This will also make it stronger to be able to help fight against oral cancer. 

Soda and other sugary drinks are also a serious problem for your teeth and gums. You can do much to improve dental health by greatly reducing the sodas and sugary foods you drink and eat. Sodas contain strong acids, too, as well as up to nine teaspoons of sugar per can. 

 

Quit Smoking

Two-third of all cases of oral cancer is caused by smoking and other forms of tobacco. The nicotine in e-cigs is also a carcinogen. Tobacco hurts your oral health because it weakens your immune system by reducing the flow of blood in your mouth and gums. 

 

Keep the Saliva Flowing

Another important key to having a healthy mouth is to ensure that you constantly have a good supply of saliva. It also helps to keep the bad bacteria under control. A dry mouth can be caused by diuretics such as coffee, tea, and other sugary foods. Medications can also cause it, as well as some diseases – such as diabetes. If medications are causing it, talk to your doctor about changing your prescription, because it can impact the health of your gums and teeth. 

 

Get Regular Dental Check-Ups

Getting regular dental check-ups can also help you to have better oral health. A dentist can correct problems before they become severe – and costly. 

If you live in the Farmers branch TX area, you can start to improve dental health by making a dentist visit at the Champion dental office. We perform many dental services and can help you get on the right track with teeth cleaning to avoid gum disease. For more information, or to set up an appointment, you can call (214) 747-0763.

 

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The Power of Peppermint Oil for the Gums

Posted on | by mel | Leave a Comment on The Power of Peppermint Oil for the Gums

The Power of Peppermint Oil for the Gums

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Peppermint has been in use for centuries as a powerful health aide. Even today, many people grab for peppermint candy, gum, or sprays to freshen their breath before entering a social situation. What many do not realize is that peppermint, in its natural form, can actually be a potential complementary adjunct in the fight against gum disease. While peppermint will not solve anyone’s oral health issues, natural peppermint oil has been shown to be very effective at keeping the teeth and gum line clean from bacteria.

Again, peppermint is not an end-all and be-all for gum disease prevention. Brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits are necessary for maintaining the integrity of the gums. Here are some of the ways peppermint oil and gum disease are linked:

 

  • Antibacterial. The fight against gum disease is really the fight against bacteria, as bacteria thrive in an unhealthy mouth and increase inflammatory conditions along the gum line. Peppermint oil has natural antibacterial compounds that may be helpful for reducing the number of bacteria in the gums. Patients should always use any type of oil or natural approach in combination with the advice of their dentist.
  • Anti-inflammatory. Most natural plants and essential oils contain anti-inflammatory properties. Mint is no different. Peppermint oil is highly anti-inflammatory and may reduce inflammatory conditions in the mouth and in the rest of the body. Often, peppermint oil is diluted and rubbed against inflamed areas to reduce this pain and swelling. Again, always do this with professional guidance.
  • Antioxidant. Peppermint contains antioxidant compounds that may protect the gums from bacteria, inflammation, and other factors that attack the gums. Drinking peppermint tea or using peppermint oil with the advice of a professional physician may be helpful for providing the body antioxidants essential for protecting against gum disease.

 

Our My Champion Dental specialists look forward to seeing you to help restore a Lifetime of Healthy Smiles! To schedule appointment, visit our website

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Are Powered Toothbrushes As Good As They Sound?

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Does the Toothbrush Type Really Make a Difference?

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Before buying your next toothbrush, you might want to know whether an electric toothbrush is really the best toothbrush you can buy. There certainly are many choices available today, and they all have a new and improved design. The only thing that really matters, though, is how good of a job it does in cleaning your teeth.

 

Many Kinds of Electric Toothbrushes

When you go to the store to buy a good electric toothbrush, you may be surprised to find so many different kinds. Not only are there some top name brands, but you can also choose between rechargeable toothbrushes, sonic, battery operated toothbrush, and a travel electric toothbrush. Then you must also consider the options they come with, such as a timer, an electric toothbrush with pressure sensor, variable brushing modes, etc. 

 

Advertising

Another element that needs to be considered is the advertising. There is plenty of it, and as might be expected, they all claim to be the best – but are they really? 

 

Types of Powered Toothbrushes

Many electric toothbrushes use the word “power” to describe them. They all use electric power of one sort or another, whether battery operated or plug-in, so this term really does not differentiate them. 

 

Battery Operated Toothbrushes

This type of toothbrush operates using an AA battery, which can be easily replaced. The power vibrates the head, giving it a little more cleaning power. 

 

Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush

This toothbrush needs to be plugged in when it runs low on power. They often have heads that need replacing about every three months, and they will either have oscillating heads, rotating heads, or possibly sonic capabilities. This kind will usually come with a number of features, too. 

 

Sonic Toothbrushes

These toothbrushes take brushing teeth to the next level. The heads on them vibrate at very high speeds – between 30,000 and 40,000 vibrations per minute. The advertisement also claims that it can clean places where an ordinary toothbrush cannot reach. It can do this by swishing the water, toothpaste, or saliva into the crevices between teeth, enabling it to clean where other toothbrushes cannot reach. 

This toothbrush, many claim, gets their teeth cleaner and they are also more confident that it is doing a good job. Of course, the vibrating speed seems to have influenced some to think it is doing a better job.

 

The Top Electric Toothbrush

When you consider which model is the top electric toothbrush, it is also worthwhile to think about what makes any toothbrush a good one. When it comes right down to it, it is not the variety of options a toothbrush has that makes it valuable, it is the user. 

Whether a user takes a minute with a good toothbrush, or a minute with a high-powered one, the difference depends on how careful the user is to brush all the surfaces of his or her teeth. If he or she is careless, or in a hurry, surfaces will be missed, and it will provide a place for plaque to start building up. 

 

Flossing Still Necessary

No matter what kind of toothbrush you use, it cannot take the place of flossing. A toothbrush cannot get all the plaque and food particles from in between your teeth. While a sonic one may get a little more than other ones, you still need to floss and do a thorough job in order to get the best protection for your teeth. 

Despite the advertising claims, a high-tech toothbrush cannot do any better than a standard non-electric version, if you rush brushing your teeth or do not floss. 

 

Which Is Better?

Over 30 studies have been conducted to investigate the issue of which is better – a manual or an electric toothbrush. The conclusion is that one is not necessarily better than the other because it all depends on the user. A rotating toothbrush, however, did seem to rate a little better. 

Consumer Reports indicates that the best toothbrush may be an electric toothbrush.  A particular type was not indicated. Care needs to be given, though, when it comes to how much pressure you use, and how often you use it.

 

Are They for You?

A high powered toothbrush is not for everyone. If you are the kind of person who can still take the time to ensure you hit all the surfaces of your teeth – and floss regularly, you are the one who can benefit most from it. On the other hand, if it will make you lazy or careless, or if you might come to think that it is all you need for clean teeth, you may want to avoid it. 

It is also important to understand that a toothbrush, no matter how fancy, is still not a substitute for going to the dentist. A dentist still needs to check for cavities so that they can be stopped before they get worse. Checking for gum disease is another issue, as well as for the possible start of oral cancer. 

Letting an experienced dentist help you with dental care, in spite of having the best toothbrush, is a good idea. If you live in the Farmers branch Texas area, you can let Champion Dental Clinic, meet you and your family’s dental needs. For a consultation or treatment on how to get better oral health, you can contact our office at today at (214) 747-0764.

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What Can Your Dentist Do To Prevent Sports Injury to Your Teeth?

Posted on | by mel | 3 Comments on What Can Your Dentist Do To Prevent Sports Injury to Your Teeth?

How to Stop the Damage to Teeth in Sports

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Playing sports and getting a tooth injury is rather common. Sports can get rough, and accidents can happen that can cause injuries to the mouth, jaw, and teeth. Sports injuries can occur to people of any age, which is why seeing your dentist to help get protection for you or your child’s teeth is important to their future smile. 

 

Frequency of Dental Injuries

Wearing protection while playing sports has saved many young people from potentially serious injuries to the face and mouth. Prior to the time when face and mouth protection became required, says MedicineNet, as many as 50 percent of all injuries occurred to the face and mouth. Most tooth trauma also occurs to the front upper teeth. 

 

Sports Injury Prevention

Preventing your child from getting a serious injury to the mouth, jaw, or teeth, can be aided by your dentist. A dental mouth guard can be specially prepared by the dentist to fit your young person’s teeth to give them the extra protection needed. 

 

Mouth Guard

A mouth guard is probably the most important piece of equipment your child needs to protect his or her teeth. It will reduce the likelihood of damage to the teeth, which can be very costly to repair or replace if one is knocked out. 

Mouth guards made by a dentist are custom-fitting, which provides a better fit and makes them more comfortable to wear. The perfect fit also ensures that they will stay in place and not slip off when needed most. 

 

Mouth Guards for Braces

Orthodontics is designed to help your child’s teeth look beautiful. Sports injuries can damage braces, which can then poke into the gums or inner mouth or tongue. Naturally, you want to protect those teeth that you have already invested in. A special custom made orthodontic mouthguard can help protect the braces and teeth from sports accidents. 

 

Mouth Guards and Insurance

Some insurance plans that teams or leagues have will only provide payment when a custom-made sports mouth guard is made by a dentist. It is also possible that teeth guards may need to be worn on the top and bottom teeth, depending on the sport. In wrestling, for instance, a wrestling mouthguard is required.  

 

Why Custom Mouth Guards Are Better

Standardized mouth guards can be purchased at the store. Another type, boil-and-bite, can also be purchased which are apt to fit a little better – but not perfectly. Both of these options are certainly the less expensive way to go. 

A custom-made mouth guard, even though more expensive, will provide better protection for the teeth. Being that they fit better, they will also be more comfortable. 

 

Get Healthy Teeth

Tooth trauma is less likely to occur if your teeth and gums are in good health. When they are not, it will be much easier to knock a loose tooth out than it would be a healthy one. A broken tooth may also occur more easily if the enamel on the teeth has been weakened by eating or drinking a lot of acidic foods, including soda in particular. Using smokeless tobacco, or illegal drugs, will also enable a more serious dental injury to take place that might otherwise be avoided.

 

When Teeth Get Injured

When there is a tooth knocked out – either out of place or completely out of the mouth, it is very important to see a dentist as soon as possible. If at all possible, you should see a dentist within 30-minutes. Do not try to re-implant the tooth. 

When picking up the tooth that has been knocked out, be sure not to pick it up by the root. Instead, pick it up by the crown, and rinse off any dirt that may be on it, but do not scrub it off. If possible, placing the tooth in cold milk is best – even if you cannot get to a dentist within a day. Saline water or plain water is good, too. 

A chipped tooth may also be repaired if you get to a dentist rather quickly. In some cases, it can be cemented in place, or a bonding compound can repair it. A cracked tooth or fractured tooth needs to be looked at to determine whether or not it can be repaired. Sometimes a new crown may need to be added, which most likely also means a root canal. 

If there is injury to the jaw, or a knocked out tooth, a dentist will also take a quick look at your neighboring teeth to determine if they have been damaged. 

 

Advantages of Dental Mouth Guards

When your child or teen is involved in sports, there is an increased danger to the teeth. Injuries will happen, but a kids mouth guard or a youth football mouth guard will certainly help to reduce any sudden force applied to their jaw. Even better, though, is that it will help them retain their teeth and great smile, and it will save you a lot of money if teeth are lost without it. 

If you live in and around Farmers Branch, Texas, you can obtain a custom-fitted dental mouth guard for your child from Champion Dental Clinic. For more information about sports mouth guards, or to set up an appointment, call our office today at (214) 747-0763.

Red wine and teeth

How Safe Is Red Wine for Your Teeth?

Posted on | by mel | 6 Comments on How Safe Is Red Wine for Your Teeth?

Wine Causes More Damage than Just Stained Teeth

Many people enjoy a glass of red wine with their meal. It is considered a staple by some people and they would miss it if not served with their meal. It is also well-known to be capable of producing strong stains, and many people have stained teeth because of it. Besides the red wine teeth, red wine is also capable of producing tooth enamel erosion. 

 

Tooth Discoloration

Red wine, along with tea and coffee contains tannins. This substance can stain your teeth. It can do this because the enamel on your teeth consists of ridges and pits – even though it may look smooth to the eye. When you drink or eat, food particles and the dyes in the wine get caught on the ridges and leave your teeth stained. 

White wine is actually no better for you when it comes to having stained teeth. Although it is not red, it still contains the tannins that are responsible for the staining power of wine. 

 

Acidic Drinks

Being that red wine contains alcohol, it clearly falls into the category of acidic foods. It has a strong pH level of somewhere between 2.9 and 3.5, and this means that it can damage the enamel on your teeth. Drinking wine often can definitely cause acid erosion, and leave you with wine stained teeth. 

The acid literally starts to dissolve the enamel. Over time, it becomes thin. This leads to a changing of the color of your teeth because of the color of the under layer, which is a darker yellow. You may also experience pain because the nerves in your teeth become exposed. This is a problem because enamel does not grow back. 

 

Alcohol and Dehydration

Alcohol is also bad for your teeth because it will dry out your mouth. It is a diuretic, which means it helps you eliminate water from your mouth and body. 

Having a dry mouth is bad for teeth because your saliva helps keep the bad bacteria in your mouth under control. Saliva also helps to strengthen your teeth.

 

Mixing Red Wine with Soda

People who enjoy mixing their red wine with soda are actually causing worse dental damage. Soda has its own acids in them, and a lot of sugar, with Coke having about nine teaspoons per can. The sugar in the soda will cause the bad bacteria in your mouth to grow. When it does, they produce acid, too. The combined acids mean that the erosion process takes place even faster.

 

Cancer Risk

While the health benefits of drinking red wine are often touted loud and clear, some recent studies have found a connection between alcohol and mouth cancer. A look at mouth cancer patients discovered that 75 to 80 percent of them admitted to drinking alcohol often. Cancer is even more likely to develop when combined with smoking. 

 

How to Remove Stains from Teeth

If your teeth are stained from red wine, there are several ways to remedy the problem and get beautiful white teeth again. One way would be to buy a teeth whitening kit at your local store. They work slowly, taking about two weeks to whiten your teeth. It will, however, only get your teeth between one or two shades brighter. 

A faster way is to go to your dentist and ask about teeth whitening options. A dentist can provide you with much whiter teeth faster. Because they supervise the process, they can use stronger chemicals that will get your teeth 1about six shades brighter in just one session. A dentist can also provide you with teeth whitening chemicals to use at home, but they will not be as strong as you can get in the office. 

 

Dental Veneers

Probably the best way to get really white teeth is to get dental veneers. These are porcelain caps that are placed on the front of your teeth. Because they cover your teeth, they are often used to cover up a wide variety of problems. They can be used to hide problems such as chips, wine stained teeth, short teeth, teeth that are slightly misaligned and even gaps between your teeth. After they are applied, they will give you a Hollywood smile. 

Being that veneers are made of porcelain, they reflect light like your natural teeth. They can also be tinted to match the color of your existing teeth. Veneers have the added advantage that when they are taken care of properly, they can last between 15 to 20 years. 

 

Dental Caps

If you have individual teeth that are badly stained, a dental cap can give you a white smile again. Dental caps are also made of porcelain and will look natural. This process removes the top part of your tooth and replaces it with a ceramic crown. A crown can last the rest of your life. 

If you want to know more about how to remove stains from teeth as a result from drinking red wine, you can get help from our expert dental team at Champion dental, Farmers Branch , and regain that beautiful smile. Contact our office today at (214) 747-0763 for more information or to set up a consultation.

bad habits harming teeth

Stop This! – Make Your Teeth Live Longer?

Posted on | by mel | 4 Comments on Stop This! – Make Your Teeth Live Longer?

Do You Have These 8 Bad Dental Habits?

bad dental habit dfw tx
bad dental habit dfw tx

Most people do not pay a lot of attention to their teeth – until there is a problem. The problem may become evident through bleeding gums, a toothache, a chipped tooth, or discoloration. The problems that can cause the dental issues are often preventable, like bad habits. Some habits that you want to avoid for better dental health include the following.

 

Eating Ice

A common habit that many people engage in is chewing ice. This is bad for your teeth because ice is hard and it can lead to cracked teeth. 

 

Nail Biting

Nails are also hard, and biting your nails can lead to cracked teeth. The American Dental Association says that it can also lead to some jaw dysfunction because when biting your nails, it keeps your jaw in an extended position. 

 

Playing Sports Without a Mouth Guard

Sports can be rough enough even when you are wearing a mouth guard. Not wearing one in a sport where hard objects, such as a baseball, football, hockey puck, etc., are flying in the air is a good way to lose a tooth, a filling, or chip one. Of course, getting tackled can also inflict dental pain. Mouth guards are easily purchased and can protect your teeth from a lot of problems, or your dentist can make one to custom fit your mouth and teeth. 

 

Pierced Tongues

This popular trend can lead to a number of oral health problems. In addition to accidently biting down on it and cracking a tooth, you can also develop an infection. Your gums may also be damaged by it, which could lead to the loss of teeth.

 

Drinking Soda

As far as taking care of your teeth is concerned, drinking soda is one of the worst things you can do. Sodas are heavily laden with sugar, some containing as much as nine teaspoons in a single can. 

The sugar in soda is bad for teeth because they cause the bad bacteria in your mouth to multiply. When they do, they will produce acids which will cause tooth enamel erosion and promote tooth decay. 

Sodas are acidic beverages that contain two acids that will harm your teeth’s enamel – phosphoric and citric acid. A diet soft drink may not contain the sugar, but the acids in it are stronger than what is found in a regular soda. 

Lemons and other citric fruits also contain a lot of acids. Although there are valuable vitamins in them, you should limit how much you drink. Constantly keeping acid in your mouth is very harmful to your teeth. 

 

Eating Junk Food Snacks

Eating snacks that are laden with sugar is going to lead to cavities. Eating them throughout the day is even worse, because this means that there is a constant stream of sugar in your mouth promoting bacterial growth. This will lead to bad breath – as well as bad teeth. 

Substituting junk food snacks for healthy ones is a better option that can help to promote strong teeth and better health. Eating a Mediterranean diet has been found to promote good dental health, besides having many other good health benefits. It basically consists of eating more fruits and vegetables, along with nuts, fish, and less red meat. 

 

Smoking & Alcohol

Using tobacco in any form is also bad for your teeth – and for almost everything else in your body, too. It can give you problems such as bleeding gums, a sore throat and gums, stained teeth, and may even lead to oral cancer. Treating dental problems is made more difficult, because healing takes longer. 

Alcohol can cause a number of dental problems that will damage your teeth. Whether it is beer or wine, etc., alcohol is acidic and can increase the damage caused by the bacteria in your mouth. Research has shown that as many as 70 percent of people with oral cancer drank alcohol heavily. When you also smoke, it increases the likelihood of getting this disease. Alcoholic beverages, like tea and coffee, will stain your teeth.

 

Ignoring Brushing and Flossing

The best thing you can do for your teeth, besides ignoring bad habits that may hurt them, is to brush and floss daily. It will help you keep your smile beautiful, and will be much cheaper than having to replace teeth at the dentist’s office. 

Teeth should be brushed at least twice a day, and flossed one a day. This will help to remove food particles where bacteria can hide and grow – and produce enamel-destroying acids. 

Drinking water shortly after eating or drinking sweet drinks or foods will help reduce the sugar and acids in your mouth. Doing so will also keep the bacteria levels down. It will also help to cut down the likelihood of developing stained teeth.

If you want to enable your teeth to stay healthy and live longer, it is necessary to stop harmful habits. If your teeth are already damaged and less than beautiful, you can have them repaired and restored to look beautiful again