oral hygiene Archives - Champion Dental

Why You Should Avoid Sugar Before Bed to Keep Teeth Healthy

Posted on May 30, 2023 | by mel | Leave a Comment

Eating Before Sleeping Without Brushing Your Teeth Is Bad

When it comes to your teeth, there is no doubt that sugar is one of the worst substances for your dental health. Although everyone loves its sweet taste and often find it difficult to get enough of it in candy, sodas, and desserts, it can easily damage your teeth and gums. If you want healthy teeth, you will want to avoid eating sugar if you are going to bed and not brushing your teeth.

Sweets and Your Teeth

Many people enjoy eating comfort foods before going to bed. Besides the effects of sugar giving you an extra burst of energy when you are trying to go to sleep, leaving it on your teeth overnight will lead to tooth decay and faster cavities.

When you eat a snack before going to bed and do not brush your teeth, it will lead to damaged enamel on your teeth. This will lead to problems because you cannot regrow tooth enamel. You will need to go to a dentist to repair it.

The Problem with Sugar

There are more than 500 types of bacteria that are naturally found in your mouth. When your mouth is healthy, the bacteria – good and bad – are normally kept in balance.

When the bad bacteria consume sugar, it will produce acid as a result. It is this acid that causes cavities and gum disease. It erodes the enamel from your teeth, causing the enamel to grow thinner, leading first to sensitive teeth, then to cavities.

Brushing your teeth at least twice a day helps to reduce the amount of acid that stays on your teeth, protecting them for a while. Of course, the layer of bacteria that is always forming on your teeth – called plaque – will slowly rebuild through the day and night.

Your saliva naturally helps to control the bacteria and acid, too, and it helps to wash it away from your teeth. It does not wash it all away. If you have dry mouth, which can be caused by medications, alcohol, and some diseases, you need to ensure that you stay hydrated. When you have insufficient amounts of saliva and do not stay hydrated, you will develop cavities much faster as the bacteria multiply more than usual and produce more acid. You will also be very likely to develop gum disease and it will also progress faster than usual. You naturally produce less saliva at night.

Not Brushing Your Teeth

If you eat something with sugar in it, or carbs, before going to bed and do not brush your teeth, you already have a considerable amount of plaque on your teeth from the day. Now that you have given the bacteria and acid a head start, they will now continue to produce even more – causing even more dental erosion.

The same bacteria can also cause gum disease. This is because the acid irritates the gums. The more bacteria and acid there is, the more irritation there will be. Soon, an autoimmune reaction will start, and you have gum disease. Maintaining good oral hygiene can help keep these bacteria under control and it will reduce its effects on your teeth.

Tips for Keeping Sugar Off Your Teeth

Sugar comes in many forms and you may not even be aware of some of them. Even the smallest amounts of sugar can give some bacteria enough to produce acid on your teeth. Another thing you must know is that every time that this bacterium consumes sugar it will produce acid for the next 20 minutes.

This is also true for every sip of a sugary drink, such as soda, specialty coffees or tea, or fruit juice. If you are going to be sipping on a sweet drink all day long, you are exposing your teeth to acid all day long. Besides the acid that the bacteria produce, there is going to be additional acid in some of these drinks. Coffee, tea, wine, fruit juice, and others have their own acid your teeth will have to contend with. Diet sodas, even though they may not have sugar in them, they have acid – as do most sodas.

Limit Sugary Drinks to Meals – Because of the acid and sugar in many drinks, it is a good idea to limit yourself to drinking it at a meal. Once the meal is complete, be sure to rinse your mouth out with water, and brush your teeth later. During the day, when you need a drink, drink water.
Avoid Sticky Foods – Foods that will stick between your teeth, such as potato chips, soft candy, breads, etc., will get stuck between your teeth. This enables the bacteria to multiply and produce acid longer – on your teeth.
Brush Twice a Day and Floss – While you want to brush after meals, you should wait about 20 minutes or more before brushing. The enamel on your teeth is softened from your meal, which can cause you to lose some microscopic pieces of your enamel if you brush too soon.

You can enjoy your smile longer if you reduce sugar to help maintain healthy teeth. Eating right will also strengthen your teeth and gums. If you suffer from tooth decay or gum disease, give a call to 214-747-0763, Champion Dental Clinic, Farmers Branch, Texas for the best affordable treatment

What Can a Dentist Learn About Your Non-Dental Health?

Posted on April 10, 2023 | by mel | Leave a Comment

Your Mouth Is Telling on You

It is common to think that your mouth and body are two separate entities. In reality, they are two parts of the same body. This means that what affects the body will, in some way, affect the mouth, too. Your oral health and overall health are connected. The opposite is also true. This is why a dentist can look in your mouth and detect signs of some diseases that you may not even know that you have.

Non-dental Problems the Dentist May Find

As the dentist looks into your mouth, they may discover several health problems. These problems may include:

Diabetes

One of the most common non-dental problems that will be evident in your mouth is diabetes. This health problem is widespread and as many as 7.2 million people have it but do not yet know it. When diabetes is present there could be several symptoms that can affect your dental health. They include:

Gum disease
Dry mouth
Oral thrush.

Gum disease needs to be controlled at the same time as diabetes. They interact with each other, but controlling gum disease will reduce the symptoms of diabetes. Uncontrolled diabetes may also cause frequent gum abscesses, a lot of bone loss, and swelling rather quickly.

GERD

If your teeth are eroded and pitted, it means that you have GERD or acid reflux. When you sleep, the acid enters your mouth and can sit behind your lower front teeth for long periods. This erodes the enamel on those teeth and the dentist will easily notice it.

Osteoporosis

This health condition makes the bones get thinner and typically affects women after menopause. The usual symptoms are a stooped posture and back pain because of a collapsed vertebra. This medical problem can be detected by dentists because of loose teeth that are not caused by periodontal disease and if the individual maintains good oral health.

Oral Cancer

Oral cancer is a serious problem that may be detected in your mouth by the dentist during an oral exam. Oral cancer cases are increasing due to the spread of the human papillomavirus – HPV. It can lie dormant for decades. When oral cancer does appear, treatment is needed quickly because it can spread fast. More than 53,000 people will be diagnosed with it this year and about 10,000 will die from it.

Kidney Disease

When your kidneys are working correctly, they will help your body remove waste products. If not, there will be a buildup of toxins in your body and in your mouth. The buildup may also affect your breath, which could give it a sweet smell or make it smell like urine. It can also cause you to have dry mouth – which could lead to gum disease.

How Poor Oral Health Affects the Rest of Your Body

When you do not take good care of your teeth, there will be a buildup of bacteria on your teeth called plaque. The plaque will soon form tartar if it is not removed often. As tartar is formed, the bacteria that can cause gum disease hides in it. Since tartar forms above and below the gum line, the bacteria will easily get access to your gums; and once there, it has access to your bloodstream. The bacteria produce acid and toxins that will irritate the gums, which will lead to gum disease.

In recent years it has been discovered that there is a strong connection between having gum disease and other severe health problems. Once in the bloodstream, it will result in buildups of bacteria and inflammation throughout your body and organs.

This can lead to many serious health conditions. It includes such problems as cardiovascular disease, heart attacks, stroke, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, dementia, early births, and many more. It is known that many patients (91 percent) that have heart disease also have periodontitis.

If you are wondering what a difference it makes to keep your teeth clean and free of gum disease, there are some statistics you should consider. People with periodontitis have a:

65 percent higher risk of developing dementia
53 percent greater risk of having a heart attack.

Periodontal Treatment

If you already have periodontal disease, it is best to see a dentist right away. It is not going to go away by itself. The CDC says that about 50 percent of adults over 30 have it. The dentist, or periodontist, will need to provide you with some treatments to remove it. In addition to medications, you will likely be given a non-surgical treatment called scaling and root planing. With the right treatment, periodontal disease can be eliminated, but some repair work may also need to be done.

If you have been avoiding the dentist for some time, it may be a good idea for a visit. This will enable you to get your teeth cleaned, checked for gum disease, and get a check on your overall health. You can get a dental checkup to ensure you have good dental health and non-dental health from Champion Dental Clinic, Dallas Fort Worth, Texas. We provide a wide variety of dental services and most dental insurance plans are accepted. To set up a consultation or to get more information about maintaining good oral hygiene for better health, you can contact us at (214) 747-0763.

Everyday Ways to Improve Dental Health

Posted on February 28, 2023 | by mel | Leave a Comment

Protect Your Teeth While You Still Have Them

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.

Dental Health for Young Adults

Posted on November 7, 2022 | by mel | 6 Comments

Why young adults need ongoing dental care

People of every age have certain dental needs and each group requires some unique dental care. The nature of the oral cavity changes over the years. For young adults between the ages of 19 to 24, who has just left home to live on their own, or are in a college dorm or military barracks, you should know that if your teeth are going to stay healthy, you need to be aware of those changes and the dental care needed to meet them.

Dental care for young adults

Developing Good Oral Hygiene Habits

Failing to take care of your teeth properly can ruin your smile quickly. Not only will it lead to cavities, but it will also lead to gum disease – which can be costly to repair. A lack of good oral hygiene is the main cause of the development of gum disease. You can help prevent dental problems by developing a habit of brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time and flossing – preferably before you go to sleep.

After you eat sweets or anything with sugar or acid in it, you should rinse your mouth out with water afterward. Avoid brushing your teeth after consuming these foods for at least 20 minutes because the acid softens your enamel and brushing them too soon can cause tiny pieces of enamel to break off.

Cavities

Cavities are caused by the acid that is naturally found in your mouth. While still small, getting a cavity filled is a simple task – and inexpensive. If not treated, it will lead to a sensitive tooth, and then it may require a dental crown or you may need a tooth extraction. If it is extracted, it will require a dental implant and a dental crown, or a dental bridge, replace it – very expensive.

You have several choices of materials when you get dental fillings. White fillings are very popular today because they help your teeth to look healthy and no one will know you needed one. They will last between five to seven years. Amalgam fillings are cheaper but they will last a long time.

Wisdom Teeth

You can expect your wisdom teeth to come in between the ages of 17 and 25. They may or may not be a problem, but having a dentist check your wisdom teeth and their position is a good idea. An x-ray will need to be taken and the dentist will be able to tell if they can be left alone or if one or more should be removed. Wisdom teeth can come in sideways, be impacted (buried in bone), and cause other problems such as developing an infection or gum disease. It is best, and safer, to have a wisdom tooth extraction before age 25 because it becomes more complicated as you get older.

Gum Disease

Gum disease is a problem that starts small but can quickly become a very big and expensive dental problem. The first symptoms of gum disease are gums that are inflamed and bleed when you brush or floss them. With regular daily brushing and flossing, you can eliminate it at this stage.

If your oral hygiene does not improve, it will become periodontitis – a much more serious problem. Gum disease is caused by bacteria in your mouth that get out of control. It gets into your gums through the tartar (hardened plaque) on your teeth. The acid irritates the gums and starts an immune reaction that will not stop until treated by a dentist.

The symptoms of periodontitis include receding gums, spaces developing between your teeth, pus at the gum line, pain when you bite, loose teeth, and your teeth may even fall out. These symptoms occur because your immune system attacks your gums, the support structures for your teeth, and the jawbone.

Eating for Healthy Teeth

It can be easy to live off of fast food between these ages. If you are in college, you naturally want something easy to fix or obtain because time is always an issue. The problem with this is that your teeth need healthy foods to be able to fight off gum disease and cavities.

Several types of food will ruin your teeth quickly. If you eat a lot of foods that are high in sugar, it will promote the growth of the bacteria in your mouth that cause cavities and gum disease. Since the bacteria feed on sugar, drinking sodas and specialized coffees all day will quickly make the matter worse.

In addition to sugar, sodas and fruit juices also contain acid. Along with the acid from the bacteria, it will erode the enamel faster and cause cavities sooner. The acid also demineralizes some of the minerals out of the enamel. Eating a healthy diet helps to remineralize your teeth with the needed minerals and keeps them strong. If you have spots on your teeth that are chalky white, your teeth are demineralizing faster than they are remineralizing. which means tooth decay has started.

Smoking

Lighting up that cigarette is going to do more than stain your teeth. Nicotine also reduces the flow of blood in your gums, which also reduces the effectiveness of your gum’s immune system to fight off gum disease and oral cancer. Many people who smoke or use tobacco products have gum disease and they have it worse than people who do not smoke.

Smoking and Teeth

Alcohol

Alcohol will also hurt your teeth. Red wine will stain them, and alcohol, in general, will dry out your mouth. Your saliva will normally help to reduce the acid and bacteria on your teeth, but a dry mouth enables more bacteria and acid to develop above normal levels in your mouth.

Women’s Issues

When young women are going through their period or are pregnant, there are changes taking place in the hormone levels that will affect their teeth and gums. You may develop gum disease during these occasions and dental visits are recommended (especially when pregnant) to keep it under control.

dental surgeon for young adults

Tag: oral hygiene