Exploring Dental Tool Improvements

Hi, it's Mia Armonde here to talk to you about family dentistry. As my small family grew into a large one, I found myself at the dental office on a regular basis. Every six months, the kids would go into the dentist for a cleaning or repairs to their teeth. During that time, I took an interest in the various ways the dental tools were evolving. Tools used in the dental industry have grown in leaps and bounds in the last few decades. For example, my kids went from hearing the dental drill to wearing headphones that completely canceled out the sound. Each time we go back into the dentist, I take a close look at the improvements that have arisen since the last visit. The results are astounding. I will cover my findings on this site, so you can also enjoy the improvements to dental tools and techniques.

Simple Changes You Can Make That Help Prevent Tooth Decay

Dentist Blog

When you eat, the bacteria in your mouth combine with the sugar that's in your food to create a tooth-attacking acid that can cause tooth decay over time. While brushing your teeth, flossing, and using mouthwash a few times per day helps prevent your teeth from decaying, it doesn't guarantee that you won't get a cavity. The good news is that you can decrease your chances of getting tooth decay by making a few small changes in your oral hygiene routine.

Chew Sugar-Free Gum That Contains Xylitol

Xylitol, a sugar substitute that is often used in sugar-free gum, helps prevent tooth decay. It doesn't metabolize like sugar does, so the bacteria in your mouth can't use it to create acid that eats away at your teeth. So, try chewing a piece of sugar-free gum that contains xylitol after you eat to help prevent acid from forming in your mouth. If you don't like chewing gum, you can purchase sugar-free mints, lollipops, and hard candy that is made with xylitol. Keep in mind, not all sugar-free gums, mints, and candies are sweetened with xylitol. It's important to read the label of ingredients on the package.

Brush Your Teeth Before Breakfast

It's common for people to brush their teeth in the morning, but many people wait until after they've eaten breakfast. While brushing after breakfast helps remove excess food particles from your teeth, it might not be the best option. Overnight, bacteria builds up in your mouth and turns into plaque—a sticky layer of film that coats your teeth. Once you eat or drink something, the bacteria that's been sitting on your teeth overnight starts producing cavity-causing acid. By brushing your teeth before you eat, you're removing the bacteria and plaque from your teeth and tongue so that it can't produce acid. Brushing your teeth also ramps up saliva production, which decreases as you sleep, replenishing the natural bacteria-fighting minerals in your mouth that help to fight tooth decay.

Increase Your Water Intake

Drinking water helps flush food particles, acid, and bacteria from your mouth. It also helps naturally increase saliva production. Drinking water (or using it to rinse your mouth after you eat), after you drink acidic or sugary drinks, before bed, and when you wake up, helps rid your mouth of bacteria when you need it to do so the most.

Bacteria will always live in your mouth. You can't completely get rid of it. However, you can make small changes in your oral hygiene habits to help naturally prevent tooth decay. For more information, consider contacting a dentist like Scott W. Murphy, D.M.D., P.A.

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6 May 2016