Teeth

3 Habits That You Must Completely Stop to Keep Your Teeth Healthy

Oral diseases affect nearly 3.5 billion people throughout the world. While the prevalence of oral diseases continues to rise in low-income countries, bad teeth are also common across America.

There are a number of factors that can contribute to oral diseases. Without realizing it, you might even have an unhealthy habit that’s causing unhealthy teeth.

Kick the habit! Keep reading to discover the three habits you need to avoid to limit tooth damage. By limiting these bad habits, you can protect your teeth before it’s too late.

Make a positive change by avoiding these three habits that contribute to bad teeth. 

1. Your Diet

When trying to determine what causes bad teeth, first take a look at your diet.

Even the fruit you eat can lead to unhealthy teeth. Fruit has a high sugar content which could lead to bacteria development. Bacteria can lead to tooth decay and dental disease.

In addition to fruit, you could also minimize sodas and sports drinks. Both are highly acidic, which can cause your teeth to erode.

Make sure to visit your dentist every six months. Only 64% of adults have visited the dentist in the past year. Your dentist can help you determine which factors are contributing to your bad teeth. 

In the meantime, try to avoid foods with simple sugars, such as candy and desserts, to limit the amount of acid in your mouth.

2. Your Nails

An unhealthy habit that many people struggle with, nail-biting is bad for your nails and teeth.

Nail-biting will expose your teeth to the bacteria on your fingers. That bacteria can then lead to infection and tooth decay. It can also break down the enamel protecting your teeth.

When enamel breaks down, it makes your teeth weaker. As a result, the position of your teeth will start to shift. 

As your teeth shift, you might experience discomfort. You might want to discuss wisdom teeth removal with your dentist to relieve crowding.

In addition to biting your nails, biting other stuff can have a negative impact on your teeth, too. Avoid biting stubborn bottle caps or letters open. Try to stop biting pens and pencils, too. 

Using your teeth to open certain items can cause tooth damage and breaks.

You could expose your teeth to chips by exerting too much force on them. 

3. Your Toothbrush

The longer you keep your toothbrush, the less effective it will become at protecting your teeth. Make sure to replace your toothbrush at least every six months. If you get sick, replace your brush the moment you’re feeling better.

Otherwise, you could expose your mouth to germs that will make you sick again.

Keeping your toothbrush too long can lead to unhealthy teeth. Make sure to replace your brush as it deteriorates to keep your teeth clean and healthy.

Bite Down on Better Habits to Avoid Bad Teeth

It’s time to kick these bad habits that are causing bad teeth. By replacing these habits with positive ones, you can protect your teeth.

Improve your oral health by avoiding these bad oral habits today.

Searching for more healthy tips? Explore the Health and Fitness section of the blog today!

How to Stop Sensitive Teeth Pain Immediately

Did you know that oral diseases are the most common noncommunicable diseases?

Are you looking to find out how to stop sensitive teeth pain immediately? Not to worry! In this guide, we’ll go over the causes and how to lessen teeth pain.

Want to learn more? Keep reading to find out.

What Causes Tooth Sensitivity?

Enamel protects the layer of dentin on healthy teeth while gums protect tooth roots. If the gum line recedes or the enamel wears down, the dentin will become exposed. Dentin’s connected to the nerve that can trigger pain in sensitive teeth.

If you use a hard-bristled toothbrush, throw it out. You can wear down your enamel by using that type of brush or brushing in a rough manner. If you have periodontal disease, your gums can recede and expose the dentin.

Are you a teeth grinder? Grinding or clenching your jaw can wear down the enamel as well.

Some people who use certain mouthwashes can damage their dentin. There are acids in over-the-counter mouthwashes that will make tooth sensitivity worse. Try a neutral fluoride mouthwash and avoid acidic foods.

Whitening treatments can contain harsh chemicals that remove stains. These treatments could also remove the enamel leading to further tooth sensitivity.

You might have sensitive teeth after dental treatment. The recent work on your teeth might have inflamed the pulp in your teeth. This can cause temporary pain.

Wait up to four weeks. If the pain worsens or remains, book an appointment with your dentist.

Try These Methods at Home

If you have teeth sensitivity, you can change up your oral hygiene routine and lessen the pain. Try desensitizing toothpaste.

Ask your dentist what brand they recommend. You could also try out a few different brands until you find the one you prefer.

Make sure you switch to a soft-bristled toothbrush and use fluoridated mouthwash. Pick up a mouth guard if you think you’re grinding your teeth at night.

To reduce inflammation, try a salt water rinse. Gargle with salt water twice every day. Stir together half a teaspoon of salt and a cup of lukewarm water. Swish this solution for up to thirty seconds and spit it out.

Potential Routes Dentists Will Take

Dentists might recommend crowns or inlays to fix decay or a tooth flaw causing the pain. You could also undergo a surgical gum graft. This procedure can help protect the root. In turn, this will reduce sensitivity if the gum tissue has eroded.

A last-resort treatment is a root canal. You might undergo this treatment if you have persistent and severe tooth sensitivity. Talk it over with a dental professional to find out more. BlueWave Dentistry can review your case.

How to Stop Sensitive Teeth Pain Immediately

We hope you found this guide on sensitive teeth helpful. Talk to a dentist to learn more about how to stop sensitive teeth pain immediately.

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Clean Teeth, Happy Family: How to Find the Best Family Dentist

Your family needs clean, healthy teeth—but no one likes going to the dentist.

Finding the right family dentist can be challenging. You need someone who understands how to treat teeth from the young to the old. 

You might not look forward to taking your kids to the dentist, but it’s critical to take good care of your youngster’s teeth. In kids aged 6–19 years, dental cavities (tooth decay) is the most common chronic disease. This can lead to infection and pain. 

An excellent dentist makes it more enjoyable to schedule visits. How do you find the best family dentist? Here’s your guide. 

Check Your Insurance

Start with dentists in your network. You can ask friends for referrals (and you should!). However, if your insurance doesn’t cover a highly-recommended dentist, you’ll find teeth cleanings, and other dental work gets expensive. 

Most dental insurance plans don’t function in the same way as your health insurance. Many dentists have more flexibility in how they work with dental insurance providers. 

If your current dentist is no longer in your network, or you find a dentist that seems perfect but isn’t in your network, talk with them. They might offer payment plans or comparable rates to being an in-network dentist. 

But, if it’s not an option to stay with your first choice of dentist, as them for recommendations. Dentists understand that treatments are expensive, or that different dentists can help with different needs. They’re often connected enough to know another great dentist that works for your insurance or budget. 

Ask Your Friends

You can do this before you check your insurance (see above). However, it’s often more budget-friendly to find your top choices from within your dental insurance network first.

Once you have a few options, ask your friends if they know those dentists, how they work, and if they’re suitable for the whole family.

Friends and family understand the importance of a dentist who handles both kids and adults well. Your circle of friends will give honest input about a dentist and what they like or don’t like about a dentist on your list. 

Check the Location

A top-rated dentist can be tough to find. An excellent dentist that’s close to your kid’s school, your home, or your work is even more challenging to find. 

With at least two visits to the dentist per year for each member of your family, make sure your dentist is convenient. You’ll take kids out of school and take time away from work to care for your family’s teeth.

Unless you have unique circumstances or truly prefer one specific dentist across town, don’t compile a list of recommended dentists that are too far away. For instance, if you’re in the Toledo area, find a dentist in the area. 

Going to the dentist can feel like an inconvenience. Don’t make it a bigger hassle by choosing a dentist that is outside of your day-to-day area. 

Visit the Office

When you’ve done your research to narrow your dentist search, visit the office. 

• Is it comfortable? 
• Is it kid-friendly? 
• Is it in a reputable location?
• Is it clean?
• Is the staff friendly and competent?

Ask about their treatment procedures. How do they treat pain when filling cavities? What products do they use for teeth cleanings? Make sure you’re comfortable with how they handle your mouth and your family’s mouths. 

Talk with the dentists and the staff. Most adults can adapt to a new dental hygienist and procedures easier than children. Make sure the staff and the office environment works well for your children. You don’t want your kids to dread going to the dentist twice a year. 

Verify Credentials

There are good dentists with training and experience. Then there are “budget” dentists who probably cost less but who might not be the best choice to handle your family’s dental needs. 

The American Dental Association (ADA) is one of the most well-known associations to help you find a reputable dentist. But not all excellent dentists register with the ADA. 

It’s not necessary to restrict your dentist search to only ADA-registered dentists. The American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, the American Academy for Oral Systemic Health, and the Academy of General Dentistry are a few other reputable organizations that support quality dentists. 

No matter your potential dentist’s organization affiliation, be sure they are fully qualified Doctors of Dentistry. Without that licensing, a dentist lacks the experience and knowledge to care for your teeth. 

After-Hours Care

Sometimes tooth emergencies happen on the weekend. When that happens, you don’t want to wait until Monday for relief from pain. 

What is your dentist’s after-hours policy? They don’t have to offer after-hours, emergency help in their office. But it’s critical that they can connect you to a local partner dentist who can help your family with an oral issue after office hours. 

Finding the Best Family Dentist Improves Smiles!

Turn your family’s frowns upside down. Finding the best family dentist for your family helps improve their smiles—in more ways than one!

Most dental practices have come a long way from a cold, intimidating environment. Many dentist offices have screens for kids (and adults) to watch movies while the hygienist works on your teeth. 

Going to the dentist doesn’t have to be something your family hates to do! Find the right environment for your family and a payment plan or in-network dentist that helps your budget. 

If you found this article helpful, be sure to check out some of our other articles to help your family stay healthy!