Wednesday, December 10, 2014

Have You Been Naughty or Nice to Your Teeth?

Hermey, D.D.G.
If you've seen the holiday TV special, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, then you know that Hermey the Elf is very excited about becoming a dentist. Now, Hermey has been designated a DDG, or Dental Do Gooder, by Dr. Maxine Feinberg, ADA president, for promoting good dental health to his friend Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and everyone in the North Pole. He loves teeth and he thinks everyone should know how to take care of them.

Here is a Healthy Teeth Checklist that Hermey uses so he can remember how to keep his mouth healthy. Moms and Dads, you can print out this checklist to help your kids remember to take care of their teeth too!

Brush your teeth two times a day for two minutes. Even the boss elf brushes his teeth for two minutes, two times a day!

Eat healthy snacks. Like fruits and vegetables. It’s not good for your teeth when you eat sticky candy or sugary cookies.

Avoid drinking sodas, juices and sports drinks with a lot of sugar. Rudolph and Santa’s Sleigh Team always drink lots of water with fluoride in it. That’s why they have such strong, healthy teeth.

Protect your teeth by wearing a mouthguard whenever you play any sports. Rudolph and the reindeer never play games without wearing their mouthguard!

Visit your dentist. Just like Hermey, your dentist wants to help you take care of your teeth. Going to the dentist and getting your teeth cleaned is very important. Why? Because yucky plaque can stick to your teeth and make a hole in your tooth. This is called a cavity. Hermey doesn’t want you to have a cavity because it can make your tooth hurt.

Remember it’s never too late to be nice to your teeth. A healthy mouth is good for your whole body. Now that’s the kind of joy that makes Santa Ho-Ho-Ho!

This article first appeared on MouthHealthy.org, an A.D.A. website. Here is the link.

Tuesday, December 2, 2014

Holiday sweets can be tough on teeth

The winter holidays are known for sweet treats and tempting goodies, but that doesn't mean that you have to end up at the dentist with cavities in January.

How do sweet foods and drinks cause cavities?

When you eat sugary foods or drinks, naturally occurring bacteria in the mouth feed on the sugar and create acids as a by-product. These acids then wear down the tooth enamel, making it weaker and more susceptible to tooth decay as well as a host of other problems, including gingivitis.
Snacking on sweets throughout the day or during an extended period of time (such as at a holiday party) is especially harmful, since damaging acids form in the mouth every time you eat a sugary snack and continue to affect the teeth for at least 20 minutes afterwards.
"Snacking on sweets and sugary beverages throughout the day can increase the chance of tooth decay and gum disease," says Ken Sutherland, DDS, a senior Delta Dental dentist consultant. "Brushing and flossing after snacks definitely reduces bacteria."

Simple steps for holiday oral care

The best way to avoid cavities while still enjoying your holiday indulgences is to practice good oral hygiene. Here are some tips to help:
  • Eating sugary or carbohydrate-rich foods as part of a balanced meal is better than eating them alone. The body produces more saliva to help digest larger meals, which washes away more food and helps neutralize harmful acids before they can attack teeth.
  • Foods that take a long time to chew can damage teeth. That's because sticky foods, including nutritious choices like raisins, dates and dried fruit, hold acid against teeth longer than do other foods. Try to limit your consumption of these foods.
  • After consuming high-acid food (fruits) or drinks (wine), rinse with water before brushing your teeth to prevent tooth erosion from the acids.
  • Keep a toothbrush and travel-size toothpaste handy (for example, in your pocket or purse or store these in the glove compartment of your car) so that you can brush right after eating at holiday parties. An added benefit is that you are less likely to eat after you brush your teeth, so you may end up eating less at parties.
  • If you're unable to brush your teeth after eating, rinsing your mouth thoroughly with water or chewing sugar-free gum will help to wash away food particles, produce more saliva and neutralize acids in your mouth

"Brush up" on your technique


Use your holiday vacations to spend more time brushing your teeth. If you're relaxed or have more free time during the day or with your morning or nightly routine, you can use the time to brush more thoroughly and develop better oral care habits.
It isn't necessary to brush vigorously to get your teeth clean. What's important when brushing your teeth is not how hard you scrub, but that you use the proper technique and that you do a thorough job. And that takes time. Dentists recommend that you brush your teeth for two to three minutes to get the most thorough cleaning.
If you get into the habit of brushing for two to three minutes every morning, every night and after every meal during the holidays, you may keep those good habits when your regular routine resumes.
Article provided by Delta Dental Insurance.

Monday, November 10, 2014

Chemotherapy and Your Mouth

Are You Being Treated With Chemotherapy for Cancer? 

If so, this booklet can help you. While chemotherapy helps treat cancer, it can also cause other things to happen in your body called side effects. Some of these problems affect the mouth and could cause you to delay or stop treatment. 

This booklet will tell you ways to help prevent mouth problems so you’ll get the most from your cancer treatment. 

To help prevent serious problems, see a dentist ideally 1 month before starting chemotherapy.


How Does Chemotherapy Affect the Mouth?

Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to treat cancer. These drugs kill cancer cells, but they may also harm normal cells, including cells in the mouth. Side effects include problems with your teeth and gums; the soft, moist lining of your mouth; and the glands that make saliva (spit). 

It’s important to know that side effects in the mouth can be serious. 


  • The side effects can hurt and make it hard to eat, talk, and swallow. 
  • You are more likely to get an infection, which can be dangerous when you are receiving cancer treatment. 
  • If the side effects are bad, you may not be able to keep up with your cancer treatment. Your doctor may need to cut back on your cancer treatment or may even stop it. 

What Mouth Problems Does Chemotherapy Cause? 


You may have certain side effects in your mouth from chemotherapy. Another person may have different problems. The problems depend on the chemotherapy drugs and how your body reacts to them. You may have these problems only during treatment or for a short time after treatment ends. 

  • Painful mouth and gums. 
  • Dry mouth. 
  • Burning, peeling, or swelling tongue. 
  • Infection. 
  • Change in taste. 

Why Should I See a Dentist?


You may be surprised that your dentist is important in your cancer treatment. If you go to the dentist before chemotherapy begins, you can help prevent serious mouth problems. Side effects often happen because a person’s mouth is not healthy before chemotherapy starts. Not all mouth problems can be avoided but the fewer side effects you have, the more likely you will stay on your cancer treatment schedule. 

It’s important for your dentist and cancer doctor to talk to each other about your cancer treatment. Be sure to give your dentist your cancer doctor’s phone number. 

When should I see a dentist? 

You need to see the dentist 1 month, if possible, before chemotherapy begins. If you have already started chemotherapy and didn't go to a dentist, see one as soon as possible. 


What Will the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Do? 


  • Check and clean your teeth. 
  • Take x-rays. 
  • Take care of mouth problems. 
  • Show you how to take care of your mouth to prevent side effects. 

What Can I Do To Keep My Mouth Healthy? 


You can do a lot to keep your mouth healthy during chemotherapy. The first step is to see a dentist before you start cancer treatment. Once your treatment starts, it’s important to look in your mouth every day for sores or other changes. These tips can help prevent and treat a sore mouth:

Keep your mouth moist. 

  • Drink a lot of water. 
  • Suck ice chips. 
  • Use sugarless gum or sugar-free hard candy. 
  • Use a saliva substitute to help moisten your mouth. 
Clean your mouth, tongue, and gums. 
  • Brush your teeth, gums, and tongue with an extra-soft toothbrush after every meal and at bedtime. If brushing hurts, soften the bristles in warm water. 
  • Use a fluoride toothpaste. 
  • Don’t use mouthwashes with alcohol in them.
  • Floss your teeth gently every day. If your gums bleed and hurt, avoid the areas that are bleeding or sore, but keep flossing your other teeth. 
  • Rinse your mouth several times a day with a solution of ¼ teaspoon each of baking soda and salt in one quart of warm water. Follow with a plain water rinse. 
  • Dentures that don’t fit well can cause problems. Talk to your cancer doctor or dentist about your dentures. 
If your mouth is sore, watch what you eat and drink. 
  • Choose foods that are good for you and easy to chew and swallow. 
  • Take small bites of food, chew slowly, and sip liquids with your meals. 
  • Eat soft, moist foods such as cooked cereals, mashed potatoes, and scrambled eggs. 
  • If you have trouble swallowing, soften your food with gravy, sauces, broth, yogurt, or other liquids. 
Call your doctor or nurse when your mouth hurts. 
  • Work with them to find medicines to help control the pain. 
  • If the pain continues, talk to your cancer doctor about stronger medicines. 
Remember to stay away from 
  • Sharp, crunchy foods, like taco chips, that could scrape or cut your mouth. 
  • Foods that are hot, spicy, or high in acid, like citrus fruits and juices, which can irritate your mouth. 
  • Sugary foods, like candy or soda, that could cause cavities. 
  • Toothpicks, because they can cut your mouth. 
  • All tobacco products. 
  • Alcoholic drinks. 

Do Children Get Mouth Problems Too? 

Chemotherapy causes other side effects in children, depending on the child’s age. 

Problems with teeth are the most common. Permanent teeth may be slow to come in and may look different from normal teeth. Teeth may fall out. The dentist will check your child’s jaws for any growth problems. 

Before chemotherapy begins, take your child to a dentist. The dentist will check your child’s mouth carefully and pull loose teeth or those that may become loose during treatment. Ask the dentist or hygienist what you can do to help your child with mouth care. 

Remember: 

  • Visit your dentist before your cancer treatment starts. 
  • Take good care of your mouth during treatment. 
  • Talk regularly with your cancer doctor and dentist about any mouth problems you have. 
Acknowledgments 
The individuals listed here provided assistance in developing and reviewing all of the publications in this series. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research and its partners would like to thank them for their contributions. 

Article originally appeared on the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research website. Link.

Monday, November 3, 2014

What to Expect for Your Oral Health Now That You’re Pregnant

Being pregnant comes with many responsibilities—and oral hygiene is no exception. Talk to your dentist about what types of oral care products will be most effective for you. In addition to your brushing and flossing routine, you may want to rinse every night with an over-the-counter and fluoridated mouthrinse. Look for the ADA Seal on fluoride toothpastes, toothbrushes, floss, mouth rinses and other oral hygiene products. The ADA Seal lets you know the product has met ADA criteria for safety and effectiveness.

Talk to Your Dentist

For most women, routine dental visits are safe during pregnancy, but be sure to let your dental office know what stage of pregnancy you are in when you make your appointment. Tell your dentist of any change in the medications you take or if you have received any special advice from your physician. If you have a high-risk pregnancy or you have some other medical condition, your dentist and your physician may recommend that treatment be postponed.

Changes in Your Mouth

During pregnancy some women may find they are prone to pregnancy gingivitis—a mild form of gum disease that causes gums to be red, tender and sore. You can prevent gingivitis by keeping your teeth clean. Your dentist may recommend more frequent cleanings to help control gingivitis. If you notice any changes in your mouth during pregnancy, see your dentist. If gingivitis is not treated, it can lead to more serious gum disease.

Your Diet Matters

Did you know that your baby’s teeth will begin to develop between the third and sixth months? That’s why you need a sufficient quantityof nutrients—especially vitamins A, C, and D, protein, calcium and phosphorous. While it’s normal for pregnant woman to have the desire to eat more, frequent snacking can be an invitation to tooth decay. When you do snack, choose foods that are low in sugar and nutritious for you and your baby such as raw fruits and vegetables, yogurt, or cheese, and make sure to follow your physician’s advice regarding diet.

X-rays Are Safe

Dental X-rays are sometimes necessary if you suffer a dental emergency or need a dental problem diagnosed. Your dentist or hygienist will cover you with a leaded apron that minimizes exposure to the abdomen. Your dental office will also whenever possible cover your throat with a leaded thyroid collar to protect the thyroid from radiation.

Dealing with Morning Sickness

Feeling queasy? If you have morning sickness and are vomiting frequently, try rinsing with a teaspoon of baking soda mixed with water to stop stomach acid from attacking your teeth.

After Your Baby is Born

Continue taking care of your mouth and your baby’s mouth, too. Although newborns usually have no visible teeth, most baby teeth begin to appear generally about six months after birth. Begin cleaning your baby’s mouth during the first few days after birth by wiping the gums with a clean, moist gauze pad or washcloth. As soon as teeth appear, decay can occur.



Article originally appeared on MouthHealthy.org, which is brought you by the American Dental Association. Link