Category: Oral Health

While you may already know that smoking is bad for your teeth, you might wonder if vaping is safe. The answer is yes.  While some people switch from smoking to vaping because they may think vaping is a safer alternative to smoking, studies show that it is just bad for your teeth and gums. Vaping has the same adverse effects on your oral health as smoking and your dentist WILL be able to tell.

Sadly, many teens are also vaping and putting their mouths at risk. A recent survey shows up to 37% of high school seniors and over 17% of middle schoolers vaped in the previous year.  That’s why knowing the risks of vaping is so important.

Here are some reasons vaping can harm your oral health:

Nicotine Can Stain & Harm Teeth & Gums:

Although vaping does not contain tobacco, it does contain nicotine.  Because one cartridge of an e-cigarette is equal to smoking 2-3 packs of regular cigarettes, understanding the effects of nicotine on the mouth is important.

Nicotine is dangerous because mixed with your saliva creates yellow and/or brown tainted stains on your teeth which is bad for both dental aesthetics and health. As you continue to vape more and more, the stains will become more prevalent and harder to get rid of.

Studies have shown that nicotine has negative effects on the gums. Research suggests that nicotine acts as a vasoconstrictor that affects blood flow to gum tissue.  Poor circulation because of nicotine is compounded by affects on immune cells that increase the user’s chance of developing gum disease. That means that nicotine use is associated with increased periodontal pockets, bone loss, and tooth loss.

Vaping Causes Dry Mouth:

While nicotine also reduces the saliva flow in your mouth, so does the chemical, Propylene Glycol, which is an ingredient in vaping oils. This chemical absorbs moisture in your mouth causing dry mouth (xerostomia). The effect of less saliva in your mouth is a cause for concern since saliva plays a crucial role in maintaining oral health by helping to rinse away food particles, bacteria, and acids that can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. A dry mouth can increase the risk of these dental issues.

Tooth Staining & Cavities:

 Propylene glycol also breaks down into acids that damage enamel, which makes teeth more vulnerable to cavities.  Not only that, but the vegetable glycerin and other flavorings in the oils help bacteria stick teeth that are already damaged.  Those flavoring additives are known to decrease enamel hardness by 27%!

Mouth Burns:

While rare, vaping can cause mouth burns because they are generated by lithium batteries that can overheat or even explode.  

Palate Stomatitis:  

Vaping can damage the cell lining of the mouth, especially the tissue on the roof of your mouth. Becoming inflamed, which can lead to painful sores and lesions.

Oral Lesions:

There have been reports of vapers developing oral lesions, including canker sores and other mouth ulcers. While the exact cause is not fully understood, the chemicals in e-cigarettes may contribute to these lesions.

Tooth Damage:

Because nicotine is a stimulant, it can act as a muscle stimulant that can cause you to grind or clench your teeth, which is called Bruxism.  Bruxism can cause broken & damaged teeth, jaw pain, headaches, and is a risk factor for bone loss around your teeth.

Is vaping better or worse for your teeth than smoking?

It’s challenging to definitively say whether vaping is worse for your teeth than smoking, as both habits can have detrimental effects on oral health, and the long-term impacts of vaping are still being studied. However, it is important to recognize that while vaping is often marketed as a safer alternative to smoking, it is not without risks, and these risks can include negative effects on dental health such as: tooth staining, gum disease, tooth loss, tooth decay, and even oral cancer.

The effects of smoking and vaping can take a toll on your teeth, gums, and oral tissues, so it’s important to have regular oral cancer screenings if you regularly use these products.

The Bottom Line

Even though e-cigarettes don’t have tobacco, their oils still have nicotine, which causes mouth problems like smoking.  The other ingredients in vaping oils can cause damage to your teeth too.  

The misconception is that e-cigarettes are healthier than smoking, or that vaping isn’t bad for your teeth. So, if you vape or smoke, just know that the habit can cause some serious problems for your teeth & gums.

If you vape, stay on top of your oral health, and always keep regular dental checkups at your local dentist. And if you want to quit, talk to your dentist for cessation options and to learn about how to best protect your teeth and gums from the effects of nicotine on your oral health.

The goal of our team is to provide comprehensive and compassionate dental care to the Carlisle, PA community while ensuring your safety during the current coronavirus pandemic. During these new and uncertain times, we are still providing regular dental checkups to cleanings, advanced dental care, and restorative procedures. Our team is very experienced and prepared to help you every step of the way, whatever your dental needs may require in a safe and secure environment.

Maintaining Your Oral Health

We are all experiencing a lot of change right now due to COVID-19, and we need to stick together and practice adequate health practices. Because of the high spread of coronavirus, it is crucial to maintain good oral health practices as much as we can. Oral health is more important now than ever as the mouth is the primary entry point to pathogens.

How to Maintain Good Oral Hygiene During Corona Virus

With the many changes going on in the world right now it can be hard to focus on our oral hygiene more than usual. With working from home and or online learning, a focus on dental health is easy to forget, but that’s why it is all the more important. If you are someone who has pre-existing medical conditions that leave you immunocompromised, and or is elderly, you are at a much higher risk to coronavirus than some and should be even more careful. Most of us know that wearing a mask is one of the most important things you can do to prevent the spread, along with sanitization. According to the Mayo Clinic on the recommended N95 masks, “it can filter out both large and small particles when the wearer inhales. As the name indicates, the mask is designed to block 95% of very small particles… (that may contain germs)”. Along with mask-wearing you should also take additional steps to prevent infection, and have the best oral hygiene you can to combat any contagions that do come in contact with orally.

This may include but is not limited to:

• Washing your hands before contact if your eyes nose or mouth.
• Brushing your teeth for longer and or more frequently.
• Flossing your teeth more to prevent gum disease and a higher infection rate.
• Have a well-balanced diet set in place to avoid cavities caused by excessively sugary foods and or drinks.
• Avoid smoking, as this increases your chance of inhaling airborne pathogens as making it easier for bacteria to enter into your body.

Taking some of these easy steps to prevent the spread and contraction of coronavirus will put both your mind and body at ease. You are helping out your peers and yourself by maintaining good oral hygiene and health procedures.

As a community we all know that times are hard right now in this continually changing environment of COVID-19. With such changes remember the dental community is doing the best we can to adapt and improve with you. Along with your help at home improving your oral hygiene, we will continue to evolve with federal and state guidelines to ensure a safe and secure environment for our patients and community alike.

When you think about going to the dentist, do you usually think of visiting every six months for teeth cleaning and check-up? While regular dental visits twice a year are common, did you know that your personal need for an exam & cleaning may be different than twice a year?

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that you not only visit your dentist regularly but also that you allow your dentist to determine the cleaning interval that best meets your need to optimal oral health.  Their recommendation is based on a 2013 study in the Journal of Dental Research that researched patient risk status and frequency of preventive visits on tooth loss.  The ADA says that patients should consider their frequency of dental cleaning & exam be based on their dentist’s assessment of their individual oral health condition, health history, and oral disease risk.

The Research Study

The study, which was from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry, researched patients to analyze the link between tooth loss and the frequency of preventative dental visits such as dental cleanings.  For this study, researchers used patients who had oral-systemic link risk factors such as smokers and patients with diabetes and other inflammatory diseases.  

The conclusion of the study suggested that by considering risk factors individually, dentists could recommend individual visit frequencies that could help to prevent periodontal disease, which is a gum infection that can not only lead to tooth loss, but also negatively affect your overall health..  Therefore, patients at higher risk could benefit by having more frequent dental visits while patients at low risk can maintain health with the usual bi-annual visits.  

Conclusions suggested that more frequent preventative visits may reduce dental costs over a long period when reducing costs of treating oral diseases such as periodontal disease and tooth decay.

Personalized Dental Care

Individualized care is a team approach to dental care that involves you as part of the team, which is necessary for your best oral health!  

Discussing your risk factors with your dentist is the first step to determining your own dental care needs.  This team approach also encourages you to work closely with your dentists and hygienist to identify any potential risk factors that would determine the need for and frequency of preventative visits to enhance the outcomes of your dental health.

Frequency of Visits

Because a dental cleaning removes harmful bacteria from your teeth and gums, having those cleanings at proper intervals can prevent damage to your oral tissues.

The goal of determining the how often you should have a cleaning is to be able to ward off bigger and more costly problems.  Tooth decay and periodontal (gum) disease can both lead to pain and even tooth loss.  They are also more costly than adding a few additional dental cleanings per year.

Typically, patients at low risk for oral disease can maintain good oral health by visiting their dental office every six months.  Patients who are at higher risk can prevent or reduce risk of oral diseases by having their cleanings increased to 3-4 times per year.  

How Does a 3-4 Month Cleaning Help?

Three or four cleanings a year can help reduce harmful bacteria that forms under your gums.  Although plaque bacteria build in our mouths daily, it takes about 3-4 months for the bacteria to become strong enough to start the infection that causes destruction of your dental tissues.  Therefore, having your teeth cleaned frequently does not give the bacteria the chance to cause create those serious dental problems.  

More Frequent Visits Monitor Oral & Overall Health

While more frequent dental visits are targeting prevention of oral disease and stabilization of periodontal disease, it is also important to know that your dental professionals are also monitoring your mouth for signs of more than just gum disease.  

A 2014 study found that people who had periodontal disease and other health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis spent 41% less money on medical appointments related to their diseases if their periodontal disease was maintained.  

In addition to the possibility that more frequent dental visits can assist in maintaining better overall health, monitoring your mouth can also lead to discoveries of medical conditions and a referral to your physician.  For example, pale gums can sometimes be a sign of anemia.  Dry gums can indicate immuno-deficiency issues such as Sjogren’s syndrome or lupus.  And unusual changes in your gums such as more bleeding and inflammation can be signs of diabetes. 

With more frequent visits, your dentist can serve as an important link between you and your doctor in helping to maintain your overall health.

Your Carlisle Dentist is Here for You!

We are here to help you decide how often you should visit our office.  Rest assured that we are committed to personalized treatment that meets your needs for your best oral health!

Finding a new Dentist can be an understandably difficult task, whether it be that you just moved to the Carlisle area or simply that you are looking for a change in local dentists, it is important to consider the many options you have available to you. Keep in mind that dentists are here for you and want the best for your oral health. This article will guide you on how to find a dentist in Carlisle that is best suited for you and allow you to begin your journey to a brighter and healthier smile.

1. Ask Around

This may be the simplest yet most effective step in beginning your search for a new dentist and it is, well, ask around! Your easiest resource for finding a new dentist is all around you. Ask your friends, family, co-workers, because chances are high that they have a dentist that they regularly see. By asking around for referrals and advice you will soon gather a list of potential dentists that you then could do further research on.

2. Research

After you have a list of a few potential dentists now is your opportunity to research them and their practices. There is a very good chance that their practice has a website readily available with the necessary information that can be found by a quick internet search of their name. On their website there will likely be a list of their credentials and formal education. Your research on the dentist’s name, in general, may also bring up reviews on both their practice and of their experience as a whole, this could help greatly in understanding how previous and or current patients viewed their care.

3. Cost

As you start to narrow down your search you need to make sure you take into account cost. It is crucial that you ask one of the most important questions such as, do they take your dental insurance? By asking this and or finding this information on their site you will ensure there are not any unwanted surprises when you get too far into your search.

4. Hygiene

This might sound a little absurd, as you may think that dentists, doctors and any medical practice would automatically have some of the most hygienic locations. The truth is, that not all medical practices take the highest precautions against preventative spread of sickness at their locations. This is especially important with the current Corona Virus Pandemic, you want to make sure you find a dentist and practice that has put out a message to their patients that they are doing the utmost in regards to hygienic practices to keep you safe.

5. Scheduling

Once you find a dentist that you feel comfortable and well acquainted with now is the time to make an appointment. Before you call, keep in mind your schedule and potential availabilities so you can easily find an appointment date that works best for you. You should then be able to find their offices phone number on their website and make an appointment.

If all goes well after your first appointment with your new dentist then you will have a service relationship that will last for years to come! If by chance that dentist isn’t best suited for you, remember you have many more to choose from. Use this time to feel comfortable in your decision and you’ll be sure to find the dentist that is right for you!

Although body piercings are a form of self-expression, oral piercings such as those of the tongue, lip, and cheek can harm your teeth and gums.  Complications from piercings should be considered before considering getting piercings or continuing to keep an oral piercing. 

While you might already know some of the risks, you may be surprised by others.  Oral piercing complications can arise during the oral-piercing procedure, immediately after its completion, or over a longer period. 

Under guidance from the American Dental Association (ADA), your dental professionals want you to know the risks of oral piercings.

What are the Complications?

Complications that result from oral piercings include:

• Pain & Swelling – Because piercing involves puncturing through healthy tissue, the affected area reacts with pain and swelling.  While the pain & swelling may subside, while it is active, patients may be unable to thoroughly clean their teeth & gums.  Swelling may interfere with eating & speaking.
• Bad breath – Because piercing jewelry covers oral tissue, proper brushing is more difficult.  Without proper brushing, plaque bacteria & food debris can accumulate around piercings causing bad breath.
• Infection – An overaccumulation of bacteria can lead to infection around the piercing.  Signs of infection can be redness, swelling, pain, and a foul odor.  Without treatment, oral infections can lead to serious health issues.
• Changes in saliva flow – Oral piercings can increase saliva flow. Typically, healthy saliva flow is a good thing because it helps to prevent tooth decay.  However, too much saliva flow can sometimes cause more buildup of calculus (tartar), which is calcified plaque that hardens on teeth and under gums.  Calculus can only be removed with professional dental cleanings.
• Dental appointment challenges – Not only can oral piercings cause challenges for your dental professional during cleanings & fillings, they can also interfere with diagnostic tools such as x-rays.
• Gum recession – Because the metal of the piercing can rub against gums when speaking, chewing, or moving the piercing out of habit, it can cause gum tissue to recede.  Gum recession sometimes requires gum surgery to correct.
• Gum disease – Because harmful bacteria can accumulate in a mouth with oral piercings, periodontal disease (gum disease) can result.  Periodontal disease is an infection that can lead to the need for surgery.  Left untreated, it can cause tooth loss and affect your overall health.
• Tissue trauma – The ADA has reported instances of the jewelry becoming embedded in surrounding oral tissues, requiring surgical removal.
• Damage to teeth & dental work – Because oral piercings are a foreign metal material that can shift and move within the mouth, they can chip teeth and crack or damage existing dental work. 
• Changes in speaking & chewing – Oral piercings act as an obstacle that can impede one’s normal chewing ability.  Speaking can also change, especially for those with tongue piercings.
• Formation of scar tissue & keloid formation – Because of the puncture trauma of a piercing procedure, scarring can form.  A more noticeable and raised kind of scar called a keloid can also form which can grow quite large and may need to be surgically removed.
• Obstructed airway – Swelling from infection can cause breathing problems.  In addition, if a piercing dislodges while sleeping, speaking, or chewing, it may get lodged in the back of the throat and cause airway obstruction or choking danger.

Are the Complications Common?

These complications are more common than you may think, according to a review by the American Dental Association (ADA).  They report that in a recent study, close to 50% of individuals with lip or tongue piercings had gum recession.  In addition, in those with tongue piercings, 26% showed some level of tooth damage. 

One alarming and cautionary tale that the ADA reported involved a 25-year old patient who developed Ludwig’s angina, a rare skin infection of the floor of the mouth.  This infection spread throughout her mouth just days after a tongue piercing.  Swelling from the infection was so severe that the patient required hospitalization and intubation to open her airway.  Although she was given antibiotics, they did not resolve the infection.  The only way to decompress the swelling was to surgically remove the barbell-shaped tongue piercing.  

While not every patient has complications, understanding the risks is important for anyone considering an oral piercing.  And for anyone who already has oral piercings, being able to recognize risks is important for prevention of a potentially serious condition.

Can Risks Be Reduced?

If you decide to have your mouth pierced or you choose to keep an existing oral piercing, be aware that you must pay more attention to your mouth than you would otherwise. Talk to your dental professionals about whether you should schedule more frequent dental visits. You may need to visit the dentist three or four times a year to make sure you do not develop permanent damage to your teeth & gums.

Proper oral hygiene is necessary to rid the area of harmful bacteria that could cause an infection. Be sure to remove food and debris around the piercing site after every meal. Good oral hygiene habits such as brushing and flossing daily are essential to reduce your risks.  Avoid playing with your piercing against your teeth or gums because that may cause gum recession or tooth fracture.

Contact your dentist immediately if you show any signs of infection such as pain, swelling, redness, or unusual odor or discharge. Your dental professionals are here to answer questions so that you can make the best decision for your oral health!

Tooth sensitivity is one of the most common complaints that dental professionals hear from their patients. According to studies, tooth sensitivity affects over 12% of adults and over 33% of adults have untreated decay.  Although enamel erosion and untreated decay can be a common reason for sensitivity, many other reasons for tooth pain & sensitivity also exist.

While sometimes, sensitivity requires professional dental treatment in the office, some types of sensitivity can be reduced with some simple homecare modifications.  

The first step in reducing your tooth sensitivity is understanding its causes and symptoms so you can begin to find relief for your sensitivity.

So, let’s talk about sensitive teeth, shall we?

What Causes Sensitivity?

Tooth and gum sensitivity can be caused by the following reasons:

• Enamel erosion: Also called dentin hypersensitivity happens when the enamel is exposed to wear and tear by acids or mechanical forces, which can thin enamel and expose the next & more sensitive tooth layer called dentin.
• Tooth decay: Commonly referred to as cavities, tooth decay is a softening of the tooth enamel that leads to holes in the tooth in which bacteria can infect.
• Infected tooth nerve: If decay is left untreated, bacteria can infect the dental pulp, which is the nerve of the tooth.  The nerve becomes infected and can cause pain that must be treated with a root canal.

• Tooth or filling crack: Even small unseen cracks in teeth or fillings can cause sensitivity.
• Recent dental procedures: Having recent dental procedures can temporarily stimulate the tooth nerve, which can cause sensitivity for a few weeks following the procedure.
• Tooth whitening: Ingredients in common tooth whitening products can cause temporary tooth sensitivity.
• Gum recession: If gums recede, they are unable to protect the roots of the teeth, which can result in root sensitivity.  Also, if gums recede, bacteria that cause gum infection can rest at the gum line and cause gum sensitivity.
• Gum infection: Gum infections such as gingivitis and periodontal disease can be the source of gum sensitivity.
• Bite Issues – Grinding or clenching: Forces that are created by grinding, clenching, or an unbalanced way that our teeth align can cause stresses to your teeth and oral tissues that lead to tooth and gum sensitivity.
• Sinus infection: Because the roots of upper teeth are close to our sinuses, when sinuses are infected, they can become inflamed and put pressure on tooth roots, which can cause teeth to feel achy or painful.

What are the Symptoms of Tooth & Gum Sensitivity?

When you feel sensitivity in your mouth, the first thing to determine is if your sensitivity is coming from your tooth or gums.

Tooth Sensitivity

If your sensitivity is coming from a tooth, the next step is to determine if your tooth is sensitive to hot, cold, or sweets because each time of sensitivity can have a different meaning.  Are you sensitive to?

• Hot?
• Cold?
• Sweets?
• Intermittent Dull Ache?
• Sharp or Throbbing Pain?

The type of sensitivity that you have can indicate different problems.   For example, hot sensitivity can indicate problems with the nerve of your tooth.  Cold sensitivity can indicate exposed root surfaces, worn enamel, or even a cracked filling or tooth.  Sweet sensitivity can indicate that you have tooth decay (a cavity).  

 A dull ache and sharp or throbbing pain may indicate an infection within the tooth or possibly a sinus infection.

Although these symptoms and problems are common, they are not always the same and may need different treatment for relief.

Gum Sensitivity

Gum disease affects half of American adults!

If your gums are the culprit of your sensitivity, try to check the area.  Do you see or feel?

• Bleeding?
• Redness?
• Swelling?
• Gums Pulled Away from Teeth?
• Intermittent Gum Ache?

If gums appear pulling away from your teeth, that can indicate gum recession that may require professional treatment.

Gum sensitivity & the above symptoms can be signs of an early gum irritation or even a more severe gum infection.  Failure to identify and treat gum infections can lead to infections of the jawbone that can become painful, cause harm to your overall health, and cause tooth loss.

Can Tooth Sensitivity Be Treated at Home?

Sometimes, tooth sensitivity, particularly cold sensitivity that is caused by enamel erosion or gum recession can be alleviated at home. Mild gum irritations can often be treated at home with simple homecare modifications.  Some common home remedies include:

• Sensitivity Toothpaste: Over-the-counter toothpaste for sensitivity block the tubules that send sensations to the tooth nerve.  If sensitivity is caused by enamel erosion, these kinds of toothpaste may be effective
• Homecare Modifications: Modifications such as using only a soft toothbrush may reduce dentin hypersensitivity.  Increased homecare such as flossing, water flossers, or antibacterial mouth rinses may reduce bacteria that cause mild gingivitis.
• Dietary Modifications: Avoiding highly acidic foods can help to reduce tooth sensitivity.

When Should I Call My Dentist?

While having sensitive teeth is not usually considered a dental emergency, teeth that are causing you prolonged sensitivity should be examined by a dentist to diagnose the causes or rule out some of the more serious causes mentioned here and offer treatment and advice.

If at-home remedies do not alleviate sensitivity or sensitivity increases, you should call your dentist for an appointment to evaluate the problem.   Your dentist can examine your mouth to determine if you have a tooth or gum infection and provide appropriate treatment.

Keep in mind that sensitivity is not the same as pain.  If you experience dental pain for longer than 48 hours, you should contact your dentist immediately as it may be the sign of a serious infection that could affect your overall health.

As your dental professionals, we are here to answer your questions and help you find the best ways to alleviate your dental sensitivity!

Smoking can wreak havoc on your oral health. Smoking impacts your teeth and gums in several ways. These impacts can be quickly identified by your dentist. So, yes, your dentist will know if you smoke. Among the telltale signs include yellow teeth, plaque, receding gums, and more. Keep reading to learn how smoking affects your oral ecosystem.

Yellow Teeth (Nicotine Stains)

Similar to your skin, your teeth have pores. These pores absorb the things you eat, drink, or in this case, smoke. Nicotine and tar in tobacco have qualities that allow it to stain materials very easily. Mixed with your saliva, smoking or tobacco use will cause yellow or brown stains to develop quickly. The stains caused by smoking seep deeper into the enamel, making them more difficult to remove. These stains are often too visceral to be removed through drugstore whitening products, and regular professional whitening is needed.

Plaque and Tartar Buildup 

The chemicals in tobacco products affect the way saliva flows through your mouth. One of saliva’s main functions is to protect tooth enamel and prevent decay. When the natural flow is disrupted, the beneficial proteins and minerals in the saliva are unable to do their job, leading to plaque buildup. In excess, this plaque becomes tartar, a calcified form of plaque. 

Other Impacts

Smoking can be harmful in other ways. For one, it can cause cancer of the mouth, throat, or lips. About 90% of people who were diagnosed with one of these forms of cancer used tobacco products. The chemicals in cigarettes will also give you bad breath. Smokers also tend to have gum lines that recede more than normal.

Bottom Line

Smoking, tobacco, and even vape use all have a plethora of negative effects on your health, but your dentist isn’t here to judge your lifestyle habits. Instead, they’ll be happy to offer solutions and helpful advice to assist you in quitting and restoring better oral health! Your dentist knowing you smoke is no reason to skip your cleaning or appointment! More than anything, they’re going to be thankful to see you and happy to help!

Chewing gum has been around forever. In ancient times, people used to make it from tree sap. Today, there’s essentially an infinite selection of gums that cover all the fruity, cinnamon, or minty options you could imagine. 

Although it’s typically found in the candy aisle at the grocery store, chewing gum can actually have surprising health benefits you’ll wish you knew earlier. 

Reduce Stress

In a recent study, participants who chewed gum twice a day for two weeks rated their anxiety levels significantly less than their non-chewing counterparts. The reasoning behind this is that the physical act of chewing a piece of gum is calming for most people. As a result, levels of the stress hormone cortisol are reduced, and overall feelings of stress and anxiety decline as well.

Increase Alertness and Memory 

Brain activity happens in a part of your brain called the hippocampus. When you’re chewing gum, the activity is sparked in the hippocampus and delivery of oxygen to the brain can increase 25-40%. The result is more alertness, less fatigue, and an increase in memory. 

Lose Weight

Right off the bat it’s important to note that whether or not chewing a piece of gum is going to lead to long term weight loss. However, certain studies have shown that chewing gum can help you lose a few pounds. You will burn additional calories through the act of chewing gum. The biggest effect in regards to weight loss is the decreased snacking! Snacking for entertainment or taste is something that we all do, but sitting at your desk with a bag of chips everyday can be harmful to your waistline. Swapping the salty snack with a stick of your favorite gum is going to eliminate weight gain from excess snacking. 

Protect Your Teeth

Chewing gum can protect your teeth in a myriad of ways. First, you’ll want to opt for sugar-free options, preferably with xylitol. While sugary gum can actually aid tooth decay, xylitol is the most effective way to protect your teeth with gum. Xylitol prevents the growth of bacteria that causes tooth decay. Chewing gum after a meal has even more benefits. It increases saliva flow which will help wash away harmful sugars and food debris. After a meal, it’ll help neutralize and wash away the acid. The combined effects of chewing sugarfree gum will protect your teeth from plaque buildup and decay.

Bottomline

Opt for a pack of sugar-free gum with the ADA Seal (preferably with xylitol) and you’ll start reaping the benefits of chewing gum beyond fresher breath. While chewing gum won’t drastically change your life, it will help reduce stress and snacking while increasing alertness and tooth protection.

Thumb sucking is a prominent habit that many children have that usually diminishes as they grow older. Some may have concerns over the potential issues that could arise from their overly ambitious thumb-sucker. We’re here to give you information on when you might need to worry along with some tips to help get your child to stop if they reach that point. 

Why do Children Suck Their Thumbs?

So, why do we suck our thumbs when we’re young? The main reason is it provides a sense of comfort and security. It is a totally normal instinct that humans have before they are even born that makes us feel happy. So, there is no reason to panic over the habit. Most children stop sucking their thumb by the time they are 4 years old. 

Dangers Thumb Sucking Can Have on Teeth

Once at the point of developing adult teeth thumb sucking can become a problem. Various problems that can occur mainly stem from alignment issues. Once permanent teeth start coming in if your child continues to suck their thumb problems with alignment of the teeth could start to appear, especially if the sucking is aggressive. This is caused by the pressure applied on the gums by the child’s finger or pacifier. 

Bite Issues- One alignment issue that can occur is development of an open bite. This is when a child bites together and their teeth don’t overlap. The teeth begin to slant outward so they don’t touch when their mouth is shut. This as well as other bite problems can arise from thumb sucking. 

Speech Issues- Issues related to the child’s speaking pattern can grow serious if not addressed once adult teeth start coming in. Speech impediments and lips could possibly develop. 

Jaw misalignment – Thumb sucking and the use of pacifiers for prolonged time periods can cause an unnatural development of the jaw which can affect the alignment and present other problems.

Mouth roof narrowing – Because the roof of a child’s mouth is softer and more pliable during younger childhood, prolonged thumb sucking can actually cause the roof to narrow (almost as if it were forming around the thumb) and later problems with developing and crowding teeth.

Slanting Teeth – Teeth that are developing while a child is excessively turning to thumb sucking or the use of a pacifier can cause them to protrude or grow slanted leading to a lessened esthetic appearance, discomfort or other issues affecting their bite.

Ways to Help Your Child To Stop Sucking Their Thumb

Getting your child to regular dental visits early on can help any problems that may take place be recognized in a swift manner. Even if adult teeth don’t usually come in until a little later in adolescence the precedent can be set by forming issues within the mouth that don’t resolve themselves by that time. Here are some tips to try which can help stop the problem. 

• Ask your child’s dentist for help- If the information on this page hasn’t given you what you were looking for, consult your dentist. Our team at Noll Family Dentistry would be happy to help you if you don’t have one. 

Conclusion

In most cases thumb sucking will not be an issue and is actually a natural and healthy habit for children to have. The information provided is to help show you what signs to look out for that might possibly be harmful and to show you the steps to greatly reduce the chances of any problem occuring. 

If the above information doesn’t seem to quell your child’s thumb sucking, you can always ask their pediatric dentist for more information and guidance on what you can do to help break the habit. The most important thing to remember is that breaking a habit takes time and patience on the parent’s part and encouraging your child in a positive and helpful manner will make this process much easier on them and you!

Getting your child to brush their teeth can be a seemingly never-ending struggle filled with crying and tantrums. Implementing dental care into their life is usually not as simple as just telling them their teeth will turn yellow if they don’t brush. Here are some simple things you can do to help make the experience more fun and less unnerving for all involved!

Make it Their Own Experience 

• Make the brushing something your child is able to have a sense of special independence with. Let them brush themselves early on so they aren’t dependent on you to do it for them.
• Instead of a plain boring toothbrush, let them pick out a colorful brush or one that shows off their favorite tv show or video game characters. You could even get them a plain brush and let them trick it out with stickers.

Add Some Flavor to Their Toothpaste

• Not all children are in love with the mint flavor that is common with adults’ toothpaste. Luckily, companies know this and as a result children’s toothpaste can come in a great variety of flavors. They also can sport their favorite characters on the tube which can help persuade your child to use it more.

Make Brushing like a Concert

• Let your child pick their favorite song to jam to while they brush their teeth. Watch them hit some moves and help make brushing a fun experience by dancing along with them.

Game Time!

• Turn brushing into a game to play with your child. Have them try to brush their teeth clean in a race to get as much as they can done during a certain time. Or race against them yourself to see who can get more clean in time.
• You can hype them up and cheer for them as they brush like it’s a sporting event. Showing them positive encouragement will help motivate them to want to do it again.
• There are also plenty of apps you can look into that can help motivate them as well.

Get Creative with a Story

• Make up a story for your child to participate in. Have them pretend they are a superhero fighting off “bad guy germs” by brushing as rigorous as they can.

Giving a Reward

• If all else fails you can resort to giving your child a reward so they are able to trudge through the task of brushing with the promise of light at the end of the tunnel.
• You can use a sticker reward system with little prizes guaranteed with a certain amount of brushes.

Implementing this advice as early as possible is the best way to help develop your child’s brushing into something they can look forward to. Lead them to a lifestyle of healthy dental care habits and save them from future hardship.

Remember to regularly schedule dental check-ups for your children to see how their teeth are progressing. Our team at Noll Family Dentistry would be happy to help you and your children set up an appointment.