Did you know that there are about as many bacteria in your mouth as there are people on earth? That’s 7.8 billion different bacteria! The incredible thing is that they all work together to keep your mouth (and body) healthy. That is,if you do your part to keep your mouth healthy.
Good oral hygiene habits are essential to a healthy mouth and body. While brushing your teeth twice a day is important, it’s not the only thing you should be doing to keep the bacteria in your mouth balanced. Neglecting your mouth can lead to an imbalance of good and bad bacteria. If the bad bacteria gain traction, they can cause a lot of oral health problems, including:
Cavities
Bad breath
Gum disease
Tooth loss
We recommend brushing your teeth twice a day, but here are three more things you should be doing to improve your oral health:
1. Floss daily.
According to a report by USNews.com, 67 percent of adults skip flossing their teeth every day. If you’re one of the 67 percent, you’re missing out on the many benefits of flossing.
Brushing only cleans 60 percent of the surface of your teeth—the front and back, but the sides of your teeth are the areas where plaque and food particles hide. This leaves your mouth much more susceptible to tartar build-up that leads to gum disease.
Flossing your teeth once a day can reduce your risk of these oral and overall health issues:
Bad breath
Gingivitis
Respiratory disease
Heart disease
Here’s how to properly floss your teeth:
Step 1: Break off about 18 inches of dental floss and wind it around both of your middle fingers until you have one inch between the two. As you move between each tooth, one of your fingers will unwind the clean floss and the other will take the used floss.
Step 2: Hold the unwound part of the floss between your thumbs and pointer fingers.
Step 3: Move the floss up one side of your tooth. At the gum line, be sure to curve the floss against the side of one tooth and move away from the gum.
Step 4: Repeat this process until you’ve cleaned each tooth.
2. Use an antibacterial mouthwash.
Also referred to as an antiseptic mouthwash, antibacterial mouthwashes are an added defense against the accumulation of disease-causing bacteria in your mouth.
Brushing and flossing do a great job of cleaning your teeth, but mouthwash helps to prevent infection, heal irritated gums, and freshen breath!
You can use mouthwash before or after brushing. Be sure to choose a mouthwash with the ADA Seal of Acceptance and follow the directions on the back of the bottle.
3. Eat properly.
It’s no secret that soda and candy are awful for your teeth. These and other substances can wear down the enamel on your teeth, get stuck between your teeth, and cause tooth decay.
We don’t expect you to completely avoid these foods, but there are many other options that actually improve your oral health!
Maintain a diet with dense nutrients to achieve optimal oral health (and better overall health):
Calcium. This is found in yogurt, cheese, almonds, leafy vegetables, andsalmon.
Phosphorous. You can find this in fish, eggs, dairy, beans, nuts, and lean meat.
Vitamin C. Citrus fruits, peppers, broccoli, tomatoes, spinach, and potatoes all contain this beneficial vitamin.
By simply replacing your snacks with these healthier options, you can do a lot to improve the health of your mouth!
Visit Your Dentist
Of course, one of the best things you can do for your oral health is visit your dentist every six months for a dental cleaning and exam. At these appointments, your dentist or dental hygienist will remove any lingering plaque or tartar from your teeth and ensure that your teeth and gums are in great shape.
While a loose baby tooth is cause for celebration, a loose adult tooth is worrisome. But don’t panic! Here is a helpful guide on what causes a loose adult tooth, how we can treat it, and how to prevent any other adult teeth from loosening.
WHAT CAUSES A LOOSE ADULT TOOTH?
There are a variety of reasons that can cause an adult tooth to become loose, which occurs when a looth loses support and slowly detaches from the bone and gums. A loose adult tooth could be the result of:
Gum disease
Vitamin deficiency
Oral injury or accident
Grinding your teeth (known as bruxism)
Signs and symptoms include:
Bleeding gums
Gum recession
Unusually red gums
Swollen & puffy gums
Difficulty eating, depending on how loose the tooth
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I NOTICE A LOOSE TOOTH?
A loose adult tooth doesn’t necessarily mean you’re going to lose the tooth, but it’s important that you contact our office ASAP when you notice that the tooth is loose so we can quickly find the best treatment option for you. If you’re afraid to contact us because you fear this means you’ll need extensive (and expensive) dental work, that’s not always the case. Moreover, the sooner you resolve the problem by getting treatment, the better likelihood that we’ll be able to save your tooth!
WHAT ARE TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR MY LOOSE TOOTH?
There are a number of treatments that can fix a loose tooth, and which one you’ll need depends on the cause for your loose tooth:
Deep Cleaning
If you have gum disease, we’ll need to do a deep clean to eliminate pockets of bacteria that are causing the infection between your gums and your tooth. Once we’ve cleaned away the hardened plaque and your gums are healthy again, your tooth should tighten up.
Tooth Splinting
Tooth splinting may be appropriate if your tooth has yet to detach from your gums. In tooth splinting, we’ll bond a splint to the enamel surface of the affected tooth to an adjacent tooth that is healthy and stable. This gives the loose tooth extra support and keeps it from loosening further.
Nighttime Mouthguard
If you grind your teeth at night, we recommend a custom-made mouthguard. A mouthguard acts as a protective barrier between your lower and upper teeth so the grinding doesn’t wear away at your tooth’s enamel while you sleep. You might also need a bite adjustment, which is when we reshape the bite surface of your tooth by removing a small amount of enamel to reduce pressure on the tooth.
HOW DO I PREVENT LOOSE ADULT TEETH?
The best way to prevent loose adult teeth due to gum disease is to practice excellent oral hygiene. You should brush your teeth with a fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day for two minutes each time, brush your tongue daily, and floss at least once a day.
Eat a healthy diet with all essential vitamins and minerals and drink plenty of water.
Wear a custom-fitted nightguard if you grind your teeth while you sleep.
If you play contact sports, ask us about our custom-made athletic mouthguards to protect your teeth.
Apexification is a procedure done by dentists to close an open tooth root, which may happen if the tooth root has not formed completely, for example. This is mainly due to childhood trauma or tooth decay , which then forms a pulp necrosis (pulpitis). This procedure is called apexification because it refers to the part of the tooth known as the apex, which is the base of a tooth root. The tooth root is what contains blood vessels and nerve fibres which keeps the tooth alive.
You might think that as soon as an adult tooth completely erupts from the gums, the tooth is fully formed. After all, the entirety of the visible tooth seems complete and ready for a lifetime of use. But, in actuality, there’s more going on beneath the surface.
Beneath the gum line, the tooth root is still forming. This root, which makes up about two-thirds of the tooth, holds it in place. But it takes time for your tooth to build that stable foundation. In fact, the tooth root can take as long as three years to fully form after the tooth breaks through the gums.
Why some people need apexification
While the tooth root isn’t fully formed, it creates a passageway through which bacteria can enter the tooth. This can lead to significant damage and decay. Fortunately, with a root canal, Dr. Nance can remove the damaged pulp — the tooth’s interior — and seal the tooth, so it can continue to function pain-free for you through the years.
But if the tooth root hasn’t formed completely, a root canal isn’t possible yet. If Dr. Nance tried to fill the tooth, there would be no bottom to contain it. It would be a little like pouring water into a cup with a hole in it.
So that you can get the root canal you need to preserve your tooth, Dr. Nance performs apexification. During this procedure, he uses a chemical solution to seal off the end of your root canal. He first drills into your tooth and removes the damaged pulp, then he completes the apexification on your tooth root. As the chemical solution he applies to the end of your root canal dries, it creates a calcific barrier.
What to expect after apexification
After your procedure, Dr. Nance talks with you so that you know how to care for the tooth in the coming weeks. Over the next six months, you’ll visit his office every few weeks or so to give Dr. Nance the opportunity to confirm that your tooth root is sealing the way it should and that you can still feel temperature and pressure with the tooth.
Once your tooth is sealed, Dr. Nance performs your root canal and seals the tooth with a filling or protects it with a crown. With proper care, that tooth should serve you the rest of your life, problem-free.
(04/20/2022) by Robert Scott Nance, D.D.S., M.S., P.A.
Flossing should be an everyday part of your oral care routine. Even though the American Dental Association recommends flossing daily to thwart issues with plaque, decay, and gingivitis, many people neglect to floss or even when they do it, they neglect to do it right. Take a look at some mistakes you may be making when you floss your teeth.
1.- Mistake: Not flossing on both sides of every tooth.
It’s easy to skip a few spots when you are flossing in a hurry and trying to get finished. However, you should never stop flossing until you have gotten both sides of every tooth. Not getting both sides of every tooth leaves food particles and debris stuck in between the space and it can encourage tooth decay.
2.- Mistake: Assuming you should stop flossing if you see blood.
It is actually far more normal than most people realize to see a little blood when you floss your teeth. As the floss rubs against the soft tissue of the gums, it can cause a bit of blood, and that is perfectly OK. It is never safe to assume that you should stop flossing altogether because your floss is getting tinged pink with bloody saliva. If the bleeding is severe, make sure you speak to a dentist about the issue, but do not stop flossing.
3.- Mistake: Flossing so fast that you miss food particles.
Flossing your teeth should take you about two minutes once you get in the habit of doing so. With the availability of flossing picks, the time can even be reduced. However, make sure you are allowing a sufficient amount of time with every tooth as you floss. If you are simply running the floss between your teeth rapidly just to get through, you may not be getting all the debris or food particles.
Flossing is an important part of your everyday oral health routine, and it makes a huge difference between professional dental hygiene appointments.
While it's a tricky term to pronounce, to stay the least, Condensing Osteitis is quite simple when identified to diagnose and treat. Instead of making the bone smaller — condensing osteitis actually produces more bone density, specifically at the base of a tooth's root. This usually crops up due to an infection and chronic inflammation in the dental pulp, or the interior part of your tooth. It’s quite possible that you won’t feel or see any symptoms, but you should still make sure your dentist keeps an eye on it should treatment be necessary.
How Condensing Osteitis develops
Your commons sense would tell you that inflammation from an infected or dead nerve in your tooth would make it smaller. However, condensing osteitis actually spurs bone growth in your jawbone. It doesn't destroy it but instead increases bone density while decreases space for bone marrow — typically affecting your lower back molars. According to a study from Brazilian Oral Research, the age range for condensing osteitis is quite broad, spanning from 30-70 years of age. Fortunately, most people diagnosed with it don't experience any pain or symptoms.
How To diagnosis Condensing Osteitis
It's slightly peculiar, but since condensing osteitis symptoms are often not present, most diagnoses aren't made until you see your dentist. It's there during a regular dental checkup while receiving a routine X-ray, the pulp of your tooth is examined. The bone growth looks opaque under your root within the X-ray — whereas bone destruction would appear transparent, accompanied by pain and discomfort. Condensing osteitis is relatively uncommon. It consists of only 2% of conditions diagnosed during a routine X-ray exam, according to a study published in Dentomaxillofacial Radiology. The use of diagnostic x-ray equipment allows your dental professional to assess the bony area without a biopsy properly. All this makes it all the more important to maintain your regular dental exams and X-rays so your dentist and dental hygienist can identify any potential issues.
What's the treatment for Condensing Osteitis?
Once your dentist has diagnosed you with condensing osteitis, there are a few solutions when it comes to treatment options—some more invasive than others.
Monitor the increased bone density while there are no current symptoms
Treat the affected tooth with either endodontics, a different restoration, or tooth extraction.
Have your dentist perform a root canal procedure to treat the infected tooth
See an endodontist, a root canal specialist, to perform the procedure
Work with your dentist or endodontist post-procedure on keeping your tooth healthy in the future
There are some incidents with oral health, like condensing osteitis, that happens, and there's nothing you can do. However, what you can do is brush, floss, and get dental checkups with X-rays regularly. If you do that, your dentist, thankfully, can diagnose and treat any potential dental issues you may have.
Toothaches are typically caused by tooth decay that has been neglected to the point that it causes considerable physical pain. But there are other reasons for tooth pain. Anything from excessive teeth grinding or clenching to gum disease, infection, trauma or an erupting tooth can cause a toothache.
Here is a closer look at the different reasons why teeth ache.
Damage to the tooth
A tooth that has suffered physical trauma is likely to hurt. If the trauma is from a powerful force like a hockey puck, racquetball racket, baseball, football or something similar, the pain will be substantial. But even something as simple as a damaged or broken filling, dental implant or crown can also cause tooth pain.
Gum disease
Teeth might ache as a result of gum disease. Swollen and red gums are symptoms of gum disease and will amplify tooth pain. It is also possible that teeth can hurt from gingivitis, which allows plaque to accumulate to the point that it impacts the gums. If gingivitis is neglected, it will lead to periodontitis, which causes the inner portion of the gums to recede from the teeth, creating pockets that allow for food particles and bacteria to gather.
Sinus pain infection
Even sinus infections can spur pain in the teeth and other portions of the mouth. If pressure from sinuses filled with fluid causes pain along the upper rear portions of your mouth, there will also be significant pain in your teeth. A dental visit is required for advice regarding the use of decongestants and/or additional medications to minimize pain.
Tooth decay
Tooth decay is one of the leading causes of oral pain. There are different levels of severity. Cavities will form holes within teeth, through the enamel and into the sensitive dentin beneath. Cavities that reach this level of decay will cause noticeable pain. If the tooth's nerve and pulp are infected, an abscess can form and spur even more serious tooth aching.
Additional causes of toothaches
Anything from tension along the facial muscles to TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint Disorder), an ear infection or a sinus infection can cause tooth pain. In many instances, such health issues occur in unison with a headache. If there is an indication that your toothache is due to a medical illness, your dentist might refer you to a doctor. Yet, there still could be myriad additional reasons for your toothache. Do not hesitate to visit with your dentist to get to the bottom of this mystery and find out what is really causing your tooth pain.
At first glance, it may seem that a patient has a gummy smile because of small teeth, but this normally is not the case. Most gummy smiles are a result of gums covering up too much of the upper tooth. Smiles that have a disproportionate balance between teeth and gums can detract from a person’s appearance or make someone feel embarrassed to show their teeth. Fortunately, there are multiple procedures for eliminating that extra gum tissue.
Causes of a gummy smile
In a regular dental checkup, a dentist can identify the specific reason for a patient’s gummy smile. From there, the dentist can offer treatments that will work well for that patient. The ability to receive gum treatment may depend on oral health, including the stability of teeth in the mouth and the structure of the jawbone.
Overgrown gums
Gums that are overgrown are the most common cause of a gummy smile. Excessive gums can grow lower than the normal gumline on crowns, creating the false impression of small teeth. Several medications can cause gum tissue to grow more, but often people suffer from too much gum tissue because of genetics. In some cases, the gums may be inflamed, which indicates the onset of gum disease. Since this disease can be disastrous to oral health over time, a dentist may recommend gum treatment to eliminate hidden plaque causing the problem.
Lip muscles
Occasionally, the problem is not in the gums but in the lip muscles. When these muscles are hyperactive, they can pull the lips up too far when a person smiles. This reveals an unusual amount of gum tissue to create that unwanted smile. Treatments for this focus on controlling the lip muscles rather than doing anything to the gums.
Dental misalignments
If any bones or muscles relating to the mouth are misaligned, the impacts may show in the smile. Gums may be more visible if someone suffers from an extreme overbite, in which the teeth naturally protrude and pull the lips back during a grin or laugh.
Treatments
Understanding how each treatment works to fix individual problems can help patients make informed decisions on the right one. Not all treatments benefit each problem, and some patients may require more than one treatment to ensure the desired result.
Gum reshaping and crown lengthening
By scraping away the excess gum on each tooth, a dentist can remove the gummy part of a smile and form an entirely new gumline that is even and balanced. This also reveals more of each crown, making them appear longer.
Lip modifications
Injections into the lip muscles can help relax and control them to prevent an overly-large smile. Muscles may continue to be injected until they only reveal the proper amount of teeth and gums.
Braces
If a jutting jawbone is the problem, braces can work to rework a person’s bite. This straightens misaligned teeth, corrects overbites or underbites, and removes the look of excess gums.
Conclusion
Consulting with a dentist is a good way to discover options for any problems leading to a problem smile. From there, patients can decide what treatment route to take.
You unwrap your favorite ice cream bar and can already taste that creamy vanilla ice cream with the hard chocolate coating. You take that first bite, mouth watering, and…OUCH!
An intense, throbbing pain shoots through your molar—and throughout your entire body. Maybe you just banged your tooth. Maybe it's something worse.
Occasional mouth pain may just indicate a sensitivity to hot or cold, which can become increasingly common as you get older. But different types of toothaches—and other symptoms associated with this pain—can be indicators that you're developing one of several serious health conditions that need immediate treatment.
Don't just pop an ibuprofen and assume it'll go away. Read on to learn about 20 signs that indicate you need to take your tooth pain seriously. Read on, and to ensure your health and the health of others, don't miss these Symptoms Everyone Needs to Know About During This Pandemic.
It Hurts When You Chew
If your tooth sends a sharp, shooting pain when you take a bite of something, it may be cracked or damaged. If you don't remember some kind of trauma—getting hit in the mouth, biting down on a Gobstopper—this crack may have occurred from grinding your teeth at night or clenching your jaw too intensely. Exposed nerves from a cracked tooth produce this pain and if left untreated, can cause the spread of bacteria and lead to an infection.
It might also hurt to chew because your tooth enamel has worn down. Tooth enamel protects your teeth's nerves from outside factors that can cause pain. If the enamel wears down, you'll notice increased sensitivity to hot or cold foods, which can cause that instant zing of pain when you chew. Depending on the pattern of your enamel disappearance, it may also be related to chronic acid reflux or a poor diet. According to a study published in the International Journal of Dentistry, dentists may be the first to diagnose gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) because they can spot these tooth erosion patterns.
The Rx: A cracked tooth must be addressed immediately to prevent infection or decay. Visit your dentist so he or she can fix it. If you're experiencing a loss of tooth enamel, you'll need to examine your dietary habits and gastrointestinal health. There's no way to get tooth enamel back once it's gone, so the sooner you make healthy lifestyle changes, the less likely you are to experience pain when chewing in the future.
Your Gums Bleed When You Floss
Bloody gums while flossing may be a sign of gum disease, a buildup of plaque and bacteria on the gums that causes your gums to recede from your teeth. According to the U.S. Department of Health And Human Services, most adults in the U.S. have some form of this disease but it's more likely to occur in adults who are 30 to 40 years of age. In the most mild cases, it results in bloody and slightly receding gums. In severe cases, it can lead to tooth loss and decay.
The Rx: Regularly brushing at least twice a day and flossing once a day (don't lie to your dentist! She knows when you do!) can generally prevent gum disease. A professional deep clean once every six months can also keep this disease at bay. If your tooth pain is associated with bloody gums, visit your dentist. He or she may suggest additional oral health care, such as a daily mouthwash, or a procedure to save your teeth in severe cases.
You Feel an Intense Throbbing Pain
An intense, throbbing pain in your tooth that isn't associated with eating may indicate you're dealing with a tooth infection. A tooth infection occurs when bacteria invades the tooth's pulp, which is the inner part of the tooth, where the connective tissue, nerves, and blood vessels are located. Infections are serious because they can spread to other parts of your body if left untreated. According to the Mayo Clinic, poor dental hygiene, dry mouth, or a diet that's high in sugar can cause a tooth infection.
The Rx: If you're feeling an intense, throbbing pain in your tooth, make an emergency dentist appointment as soon as you can. Your dentist needs to treat the infection so it doesn't spread, which may mean draining the abscess and prescribing antibiotics.
You Feel Pressure
If your tooth pain is associated with pressure, it may indicate that your wisdom teeth are giving you trouble. According to a study by Dr. Jay W. Friedman, DDS, MPH, 10 million wisdom teeth are extracted every year in the United States. Your wisdom teeth do most of their growing and changing when you're 16 to 23 years of age.
If they seemed to grow normally throughout these years, your dentist at the time may have opted to let them stay in. However, when you get older, they can still begin to crowd your other teeth. If your wisdom teeth grew in at an angle, they're more susceptible to infections or tooth decay, which can cause other problems in your mouth if they aren't taken out.
The Rx: Go see your dentist so he or she can take x-rays of your mouth and see what's going on with your wisdom teeth. If they're starting to crowd your other teeth or don't look healthy, you may need to get them removed for your tooth pain and pressure to finally go away.
Your Jaw or Neck Are Swollen
If you recently underwent dental surgery, your jaw may swell a bit as you heal. However, if you haven't had any work done recently and you notice a swelling of your jaw or neck in addition to your tooth pain, it can be a sign that you have a tooth abscess. Your tooth is infected and has caused a buildup of pus and bacteria, which has spread to your jaw or neck. The infection can also spread to other teeth, surrounding bones, and in severe cases, your ears or brain.
The Rx: If your tooth pain is accompanied by jaw or neck swelling, you need to seek emergency dental treatment. An abscess never goes away on its own. Your dentist must provide treatment, which may involve a root canal or tooth extraction, and you may need to take antibiotics to stop the infection from spreading.
Your Tooth Feels Loose
If you have tooth pain and the tooth itself feels loose, it's a sign of advanced gum disease, also called periodontal disease. We already know how bad this disease is for your mouth and the trouble it can cause when it spreads, so it's important to get it taken care of right away. A loose tooth can also occur if you have a cavity or tooth decay that you haven't had treated.
The Rx: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 1 in every 5 adults who are aged 65 or older have lost all of their teeth. Don't become a statistic! Visit your dentist so he or she can figure out if you have periodontal disease or cavities. The sooner you get treatment for the problem, the more likely it is your tooth can be saved.
The Pain Is Dull and Consistent
A constant and persistent toothache is not only annoying, it can also be a sign of something more serious. If your consistent pain is centralized to one area and accompanied by swollen or inflamed gums, it could indicate you have a foreign substance stuck in your gums. Try to floss thoroughly and see if you feel better.
If your dull pain is generalized throughout your entire mouth, it may mean you're grinding your teeth at night. This can be dangerous because it can lead to chipped or broken teeth or the onset of TMJ.
The Rx: Try to record when and where you feel this dull, consistent toothache. Visit your dentist so he or she can investigate further and provide you with the right treatment. Your dentist might find an infection or abscess that needs to be treated. If teeth grinding is to blame, he or she or may recommend wearing a nightguard.
A pulpotomy is a common endodontic procedure in which the pulp of the tooth is removed. This procedure is most commonly done on primary teeth (baby teeth). A pulpotomy can also be performed on an adult tooth where a root canal procedure is not needed.
When a tooth is injured, decay is present, or there is a crack in the tooth, the nerve (dental pulp) can become irritated, which causes the toothache people most often feel. If the tooth was bumped or hit with a foreign object, which happens often with children, the tooth will either begin to feel better or the nerve in the tooth will begin to die. When the nerve begins to die, the tooth will most often be sore and the tooth will begin to darken. To relieve the toothache and prevent infection, the pulp of the tooth is removed.
If the decay in the tooth is too close to the nerve or into the nerve, the decay is then removed and a pulpotomy is performed. When decay is too close to the nerve or touching the nerve, the nerve is constantly irritated, which leads to a toothache, and eventually, infection will occur in the tooth. The infection is known as an abscess. In order to prevent infection, relieve the toothache, and to save the tooth from having to be extracted, the decay is removed and a pulpotomy is performed.
The pulpotomy procedure
When a tooth is showing signs that a pulpotomy is needed, an x-ray is taken and the tooth is evaluated to determine if the tooth can be treated or if it needs to be extracted.
The area is then numbed. If decay is present in the tooth, the decay is removed. After the decay has been removed, the pulp of the tooth is then removed. Only the top section of the pulp is removed, not the pulp within the roots of the tooth.
After the pulp has been removed, a cotton pellet damp with formocresol is placed in the tooth. The formocresol will sterilize the inside of the tooth as well as “mummify” the remaining pulp. Formocresol is the most common method used, but some dentists may choose to use a laser, Ferric Oxide, electro surgery, or MTA.
The cotton pellet remains on the tooth for a few minutes, then it is removed. Once the cotton pellet is removed, the opening is sealed with a Zinc Oxide and Eugenal material. The most common material is IRM, which is a putty-like material that can be molded to the inside of the tooth and will harden after a few minutes.
Once the material has hardened, a permanent or temporary restoration can be placed on the tooth. For many children, a stainless steel crown is used to protect a primary tooth. Stainless steel crowns are often used because they provide enough protection for the tooth until the tooth will naturally loosen and fall out. A stainless steel crown is also less expensive than a more permanent porcelain crown. If the tooth is a permanent tooth, a porcelain crown may be recommended.A pulpotomy procedure offers a very good alternative to extracting a tooth, especially a primary tooth. Primary teeth not only help with a child’s ability to chew food and pronounce words, they also serve as space holders for when the adult teeth erupt. If a child begins to loose their baby teeth too early, due to decay, accidents, or disease, other procedures need to be performed to preserve space for the adult teeth. A pulpotomy is one procedure in which the tooth can be saved and still be functional until the tooth naturally falls out. The success rate of a pulpotomy is quite high and the procedure can be completed within one to two visits.
Do you find yourself standing in your local store staring down an aisle with shelves stacked on top of shelves of colorful toothpaste options?
If so, don’t worry. It’s normal.
Finding the right toothpaste for you can cause more confusion than clarity. We’re here to brush away your stress and leave you a clear plan of how to choose the best toothpaste for you.
First, choosing the right toothpaste means knowing what’s best for you or your family.
Do you have sensitive teeth?
Are you hoping to whiten your teeth?
Do you need tartar protection?
Do you have gingivitis or other gums disease?
Are you looking for a toothpaste that’s safe but also tastes yummy for the kids?
These are all reasonable questions to ask when entering the daunting toothpaste aisle.
Here’s a checklist for your next shopping trip:
Check the label.
Make sure the toothpaste contains fluoride.
Find the ADA Seal of Acceptance.
Look for abrasive ingredients.
Pick the best brand for you.
How to choose your toothpaste
Choosing the best toothpaste can leave you dazed and confused with the plethora of options on the market. Use our handy guide to make the safe and eff
Check the Label
What is fluoride, and why do I need it?
Since choosing the right toothpaste depends on individual needs, it’s essential to know what you want before checking the label. Ask your family dentist for help identifying your requirements.
One ingredient everyone needs is fluoride. This natural mineral found in the earth fights cavities and protects y our tooth’s outer layer (enamel).
According to the American Dental Association, “Fluoride strengthens teeth to help prevent tooth decay and remineralizes tooth enamel in the early stages of tooth decay.” Believe it or not, before a baby’s teeth crack the surface and they start whaling, fluoride introduced through food and water begins to form their teeth’ protective layer. As we get older, we brush with a toothpaste containing fluoride to strengthen weakened teeth and prevent unwanted tooth problems.
Some organic, all-natural toothpaste avoid fluoride, claiming that too much fluoride can be harmful to the body. Numerous studies claim an ADA approved dose of fluoride is essential for optimal dental health.
What if I have sensitive teeth or sensitive gums?
When searching for a toothpaste that prevents the shattering pins and needles effect, look for the ingredients potassium nitrate or strontium chloride.
According to WebMD, a five percent dose of potassium nitrate or strontium chloride in toothpaste helps block nerve pathways through the teeth. These nerves inside the teeth cause that crippling pain when cold or hot water hits the teeth.
Sensitive teeth can discourage us from wanting to brush our teeth the recommended twice daily. Finding a toothpaste that makes this process more enjoyable can save your dental health!
Sensitive teeth are no fun, but sensitive gums can make you cry. And no one wants pain when cleaning those pearly whites we share with the world. Fighting gum disease with at-home remedies is an easy way to prevent and manage side effects.
We recommend using baking soda.
Yes, you heard us correctly, baking soda. Since 1911, dentists suggest baking soda to reduce plaque buildup and help prevent gum disease. Furthermore, having healthy gum helps with sensitivity. So if you don’t have time to go buy a new toothpaste with baking soda, grab it from your kitchen, add a half teaspoon to a glass of water, dip your dampened toothbrush, and brush away!
If you make it to the store, remember, take the time to check the label, find the potassium nitrate, strontium chloride, or baking soda content in the toothpaste you choose. And when you start to use toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth, brush, spit and do not rinse. It is best to leave a coating on your teeth, creating a shield for sensitive teeth and gums.
Furthermore, here are extra tips Healthline suggests for treating and preventing gum sensitivity :
Brush twice daily and floss at least once a day
Use antiseptic mouthwash
Get enough vitamin C
Drink more water
Quit smoking
Practice stress management
Use over-the-counter medication
For more information regarding affordable do-it-yourself dental solutions, contact your local dentist, and see what they have to offer.
How do I whiten my teeth with toothpaste?
Grandma and Grandpa have the secret– “Honey, add baking soda to your toothpaste!” We’ve heard this for years! Guess what? It’s true.
Finding toothpaste with baking soda helps whiten your teeth. Baking soda acts as an abrasive agent binding to stains and fighting plaque, leaving you with white, healthy teeth.
One tip our dentist recommends is not to brush too aggressively when using baking soda. The pressure or force you apply will not speed up the results. Instead, regularly use baking soda, brush twice daily, and save yourself and your family a lot of money with this do-it-yourself remedy.
Teeth Whitening Claims
Despite the marketing claims, most regular toothpaste will not whiten your teeth.
When checking the label, you can also look for calcium peroxide and carbamide peroxide (Caution: Be mindful of these compounds if you have sensitive teeth or gums). These abrasive chemical compounds bind with stains on your teeth and help pull them off as you brush and rinse.
On your next visit to the store, find an ADA approved toothpaste that contains abrasive agents (or baking soda) to help fight those coffee and tea stains!
What should I avoid in toothpaste?
The ADA Seal of Acceptance ensures a toothpaste is safe and effective. But there are still ingredients you should avoid when striving for a healthy mouth.
In tartar control toothpaste, be wary of Triclosan, an antibiotic that kills bacteria in the mouth, which is needed to start the breakdown process of food.
WebMD references the ADA recommendation to avoid toothpaste made in China. Non-ADA approved toothpaste (imposters) can contain a high chemical content DANGEROUS for dental health.
Again, check the label, find the ADA seal, avoid Triclosan and toothpaste made in China, and you’re on your way to a healthy, happy mouth.
I hate to admit it, but I have stinky breath– Is there a toothpaste that can help?
Don’t be ashamed. If your bad breath is due to poor dental hygiene, you can treat and cure your problem.
Some toothpaste can help, but there are other do-it-yourself remedies as well!
First, make sure you are taking care of your gut and digestive system, eating healthy, drinking enough water, and avoiding processed sugar to fight the underlying causes of bad breath.
Plaque buildup on teeth or bacteria on the tongue leads to unwanted smells. Finding a toothpaste and rinse that attacks this buildup is essential to oral health. Also, brushing the back of your tongue helps remove bacteria that can cause bad breath.
After finding the ADA Seal of Acceptance, look for a toothpaste with Tartar control. These kinds of toothpaste are designed to fight plaque buildup. Check out what the MayoClinic suggest as at-home remedies to bad breath:
Brush your teeth after you eat.
Floss at least once a day.
Brush your tongue.
Clean dentures and den tal appliances.
Avoid dry mouth.
Adjust your diet.
Regularly get a new toothbrush.
Schedule regular dental checkups.
Let’s do a walkthrough to find the right toothpaste for you!
Before going to the store, make sure you have checked with your dentist and identified your personal needs.
Finding the right toothpaste is based on the principle of individual differences. What works for me, may not work for you.
Once you know what you need, you can march into your local store with confidence.
Pick a brand that looks trustworthy and interesting.
Check the label.
Find the ADA Seal of Acceptance.
Avoid unwanted ingredients such as Triclosan.
Throw the box in your cart, and keep moving with a smile.
See, that’s not so hard!
Taking the right action steps to find the right toothpaste for you can improve your oral and dental health, encourage you to smile, and, ultimately, help you feel better about yourself.
