In the arena of the mouth, we can also be abusive by trying something too much.  In fact, in 2005, I was involved with a story about over-bleaching called Bleacharexics Risk Much for White Smile. This patient had ignored the advice of the dentist and the product instructions on their quest for brighter teeth.  In the process, they destroyed their gums.

Here are the top 7 reasons people destroy their mouths:

1. Brushing too hard.  People may think that the harder they brush, the cleaner their mouth gets.  This is not true.  Brushing too hard can cause permanent gum tissue loss and wear down one’s teeth.

2. Brush with abrasive toothpaste.  Some toothpastes are abrasive to your teeth and gums.  Be aware of uncomfortable feelings while brushing.  If you start to feel discomfort or pain, talk with your dentist about better alternatives for your specific mouth conditions.

3. Rinsing too often.  Sometimes people think that if they rinse 38 times per day it could be beneficial.  Not true.  It is only necessary to rinse after every drink, meal or snack.

4. Forcing a small brush between teeth.  Most people can use dental floss effectively.  Sometimes, people use a small inter-dental brush to clean between teeth.  Warning – if there is not enough space for the brush, don’t force it.  Forcing the brush can cause permanent gum loss or tooth breakage.

5. Flossing too hard.  Flossing should be a gentle way to clean between teeth.  Using floss with excessive pressures can lead to cutting the gums and forming a cleft.  The cleft can accumulate harmful germs and food.

6. Placing acidic products in their mouth.  Placing a lozenge, candy or medication in the cheeks can lead to permanent acid damage to teeth, gums and bone.  Even a small baby aspirin can cause acid damage to teeth!

7. Sucking on lemons.  The low pH can lead to destroying teeth.  Teeth may require crowns, fillings or root canals.  Beware of acid damage from fruits and vegetables.

In your quest for a healthier mouth, remember to follow prevention and treatment recommendations from your dentist.  If you have any questions, feel free to ask!

We all like our pearly whites to look beautiful.  But sometimes white can be too white. The perfect example being those unnaturally bright spots that sometimes develop on your teeth.

And to the question: what causes these? We can tell you that the answer is in chemistry.

The outer layer of teeth is called enamel.  The enamel is the protective coating on healthy teeth. Enamel can be weakened by several different methods.

There are two types of white spots on teeth:

1. White spots from altered tooth eruption.  These spots are formed due to weakened enamel during tooth development.  Maybe you rolled over and hit your jaw and clenched your teeth together hard.  This form of micro-trauma may be enough to distort your tooth development and form white spots.
 

2. White spots from cavities. When you ingest food and drink, the pH (level of acidity) can drop below 5.5.  This is the critical threshold for disease to start – what we commonly hear referred to as cavities. In essence, this type of white spot is a precursor to a cavity.

If you are able to observe white spots, consult with your dentist to determine the cause(s). Some white spots can be removed and some cannot.

Consult with your dentist about the best options for you. You may also want to revisit your home care and nutrition practices.

Bill Harris owns his own funeral home and acts as the Funeral Director while his four children help him maintain the business.

The family shows great care and concern, bringing the Harris Family’s personal flare to the funeral procession of each individual that they help souls walk through their doorway and onto the afterlife. Among the various, unparalleled differences between a Harris Family Funeral include a personalized step team to walk the casket down the aisle, a loving family to help the deceased’s loved ones get through such a hard planning process, and a meticulous process of caring for the body post-mortem.

In the show Bill Harris talks in depth about the time and care and effort he puts into making these individuals look as life-like and attractive as they did when blood was still coursing through their veins. No task is left forgotten – from choosing the right colored clothing, to tediously applying the makeup, to assuring that the nails of the deceased look polished and neat in appearance.

But we had a few questions when watching the show, such as: why don’t our teeth decay after death? We know that once our bodies go into the ground, our natural form decays and only our bones and teeth are left behind.

So what happens to the teeth that keep them around when the soul has left the building and the rest of the body slowly dissipates?

In natural body decomposition, bacteria breaks down the flesh in about seven days, but the teeth are left unaffected by decay. Why is this?

The short answer is that in order for teeth to decay, pH levels need to be below 5.5. When our bodies are in the ground, our teeth are actually safer from acidic tooth decay – what can be caused by foods like lemons, tomatoes and other highly acidic produce.

Therefore, since the teeth are not repeatedly soaked in acids, they are actually, ironically enough shielded from acidic decay, keeping them intact.

Have you ever wondered some strange stuff about what happens post-mortem? Ask us at Discovery Fit & Health!

Be sure to tune in to the premiere of Funeral Boss on Thursday 3/14 @ 10/9c!

However, according to the Center for Disease Control, cavities are still the number one chronic disease in children.  Brushing your children’s teeth twice a day is NOT enough.  Eating healthier snacks between meals is NOT enough.  Since it only takes seven minutes for cavities to start, it is important to realize this.  It is important to teach your children about the Seven Minute Window.

According to the US Surgeon General’s Report from the year 2000, millions of hours of school are missed annually due to dental problems in children.  It is difficult for children to concentrate when they are suffering with pain or swelling.

I find that school teachers are well intentioned when it comes to our children’s well being.  However, there are snacks given out in class daily used to reward positive behaviors.  These snacks contain acids that promote cavities quickly.  I should know for one of my children had over 10 cavities this past year from school snacks.  Teachers and children do not realize that it only takes seven minutes them to start getting cavities.

Here Are 5 Smile Tips For Improved Dental Health for Your Elementary-Aged Child:

1. Teach your children about the Seven Minute Window.  Repeat the lesson for 21 days.  After 21 days, have them teach you daily about the Seven Minute Window for another 21 days.

2. Bring a dental health kit to school that includes:

• Toothbrus
• Toothpaste
• Floss
• Mouthwash
• Water

3. Your child should brush and rinse after ever snack in school.  If they cannot brush, the next most practical action is to rinse with water for seven seconds.

4. Have your child insist that they be able to properly clean their mouth after EVERY snack.  If not, they may easily get new cavities.

5. Hold a discussion with your child’s teachers to let them know about the Seven Minute Window and the importance of mouth brushing after EVERY snack while in school daily.

Here’s to a healthy 2013 for all of our children!

I see many patients daily and try to provide the following tips to help them prevent the flu:

1. Each member of your family should use their own tube of toothpaste.  Sharing the same tube spreads the virus as it can reside on the outside edge of the tube.  Germs can sit on the outside surface of the toothpaste container and thereby spread to your toothbrush as well.
2. Wash your hands before brushing your mouth.  The hands can carry germs that infect your mouth and spread throughout your body.
3. If you do get sick, replace your toothbrush immediately.  It is likely to host the flu virus.  We find it useful to keep spare toothbrushes to supply to you and your family as needed.
4. Do not keep family toothbrushes together in a cup.  The flu virus can spread to the other toothbrushes transferring the infection from one person to another.
5. Rinse with a mouthwash after brushing.  Brushing your mouth only removes some of the bad germs.  Rinsing with mouthwash has been shown to reduce bacterial and virus counts on the oral cavity.
6. Refrain from kissing others.  As soon as you, your family, spouse, or friend can detect the flu, do not kiss them or allow them to kiss others.  The flu virus is contagious and can easily spread through mouth to mouth contact.
7. Do not share food or drink.  Just as kissing is contagious, so is sharing food and drink.
8. Eat foods from the garden.  Fruits and vegetables can boost your immune system naturally.  There are nutrients in garden foods that help in resisting the flu virus.

Here’s to a healthier 2013!

Is it just too good to be true?

The answer is yes.  Red wine can darken the value of teeth.

The outside layer of healthy teeth is called enamel.  The enamel has many layers of color and translucency built into the tooth structure.  The various layers all contribute to tooth color.

Now, for some color terms.  The color of teeth is called hue. Chroma is the intensity of a color.  The degree of brightness of teeth is called value.

When you drink red wine or white wine there are acids present that increase the porosity of teeth.  As the pores of teeth open more, chemical stains can occur and make your teeth darker.  The tannins in wine interact with the enamel surface of healthy teeth.  This interaction causes the value of teeth to decrease.  In other words, red wine causes the surface of teeth to darken.  As the value of tooth enamel gets darker, the tooth color changes and the chroma intensifies.  This can cause your teeth to appear dirty.

Red wine contains chemicals that are called tannins.  Tannins are responsible for color and flavor in wine.  The skin, seeds and stems of grapes impart the color and texture to wine.  Red wine has more tannins that white wine.

When the pH (level of acidity) in the mouth drops below 5.5, the acids from wine can start to erode and damage your teeth.  Wines can cause cavities.  The damage from cavities may make spots that are white, red, yellow, orange, gray, black or brown in color. 

Here are 5 tips to prevent red wines from staining your teeth:

1. Rinse with neutral to alkaline water.

Some water supplies have an acidic nature, which contributes to more stains on teeth.  Research the pH of the water supply you use such as tap water, filtered water, or bottled water.

Prepare a glass of water prior to wine consumption.  This serves as a reminder to rinse your mouth with water.  Rinsing with water serves two purposes -- it rinses the acids from the mouth and rinses the staining potential from your teeth.

2. Rinse with a fluoride mouthwash.

Fluoride will strengthen the outer layer of enamel.

3. Brush and floss following the principles of Dirty Mouth.

Think before you eat and drink, especially with red wine. Clean, rinse and maintain for optimal oral health and bright teeth. 

Follow the 7 Minute Window.

4. Drink through a straw.

It allows you to bypass the outer layers of the front teeth, where stains are more visible.

5. Ask your dentist about brightening teeth.

Your dentist may have all the latest methods of products used to safely brighten your teeth.  If your teeth have already been stained, you may need a professional hygiene visit to remove stains, tartar, calculus, and cavities.  Beware of untested over the counter products.

Enjoy your glass of Merlot…

“My teeth hurt really badly early in the morning as I walk from my house to my car”

• Cold sensitivity could be caused by several factors:
• Clenching or grinding teeth
• Gum shrinkage
• Cracked teeth
• Cavities
• Thin enamel
• Weakened enamel
• Tooth bruising from trauma or eating

If the sensitivity lasts longer than three days, I suggest you make an appointment to visit your dentist.  There are also 10 ways to try to remedy cold sensitivity at home:

1. Pay attention to what causes cold sensitivity and try to track it

2. Find the cause of gum shrinkage and treat it appropriately

3. Follow the “7 Minute Window”

4. Rinse with a fluoride mouthwash two to three times per day.  This will assist in sealing the cold-sensitive teeth.

5. Rinse with sodium bicarbonate and water to bathe and soothe the mouth.

6. Avoid alcohol-containing rinses

7. Wear a bite guard to reduce pressures on your teeth

8. Care for cracked teeth and cavities as soon as you catch them

Halloween is traditionally celebrated by marching from house to house asking for candy.  Candy causes cavities.  And it only takes seven minutes…and that’s why cavities are the number one chronic disease in children.

Here are some tips to keep the kids healthy from a dental perspective during Halloween:

1. Delay eating the candy until you get home.

2. Avoid sticky candies that can get stuck into the grooves of back teeth.  Sticky candy can start to promote acid damage to teeth.

3. Restrict eating candy to only with meals. This way your kids ingest less and the saliva will help to reduce cavities.

4. Keep the candy in reserve and only bring out for the kids after meals.

5. Have the kids get their toothbrush out and apply toothpaste, floss and mouthwash too, before eating the candy.  This reinforces good cleaning / prevention habits.

6. Look inside your child’s mouth after brushing, if there are visible signs of candy stuck in the grooves of back teeth, brush again.  Then, look again to determine if all the candy has been removed.

7. Have chewing gum available that contains xylitol.  Xylitol helps to prevent cavities caused by eating Halloween candy.  Chewing gum when away from the toothbrush can assist in cleansing the candy particles away from their teeth.

8. Rinse with a fluoride mouthwash after eating the candy.  Fluoride helps to prevent cavities and strengthen teeth.

9. Floss to remove candy stuck between teeth.

10. Alternatively, encourage your kids to eat healthier foods.

11. If your kid’s teeth are sensitive to hot, cold, or sweets – visit with your dentist as soon as possible, for they may have a cavity.

For More Dental Wisdom:

Dental Disease Overview

5 Common Dental Myths

DIY Dental Tools

In other words…

Healthy mind = healthy mouth

Here are some simple tips for mothers to keep their kid’s mouths healthy:

1. Become knowledgeable about the 7-Minute Window

2. Teach your children and their social network about the 7-Minute Window and the principles of Dirty Mouth. Your children’s social network may include siblings, other parents, friends, school teachers, sport coaches, and mentors. It is important to educate all people who have nutritional contact with your children around meals and snacks. For example, in school the teacher may reward positive behavior with a piece of fruit. However, they need to know that it only takes 7 minutes for tooth decay to begin. They need to know to instruct the student to either brush their mouth or rinse with water.

3. Before your child has a snack or meal, instruct them to either get their toothbrush and toothpaste prepared for mouth cleansing or get a glass of water ready to rinse within seven minutes:

• At home
• At school
• At sports activities
• At work
• Over friend’s houses
• During travel
• Any other location where there is food or drink to be consumed.

I find it important to set your environments up for a healthy mouth lifestyle. It takes knowledge of what to do, practice of how to do it, and development of healthy habits for a lifetime.

I wish you all the best in oral health!

More on Dental Health:

5 Dental Tools to Use at Home

Cavities and Fillings 101

Stress Related Dental Problems

  Here are four ways to save money going to the dentist:

1. Brushing your mouth 6-8 times per day – remember to brush after every snack, drink or meal (other than water).  Brushing twice a day is not good enough.  Harmful bacteria grow rapidly -- at a rate of 20 billion per hour.  Also, remember to brush your entire mouth, not just your teeth.
2. Rinse with a fluoride mouthwash to prevent disease.  Brushing alone does not get rid of all harmful bacteria and acids that cause dental diseases.  Rinsing with mouthwash gets into all the small crevices to keep your mouth healthier.
3. Floss between all teeth 2 -3 times per day.  The most advantageous times to floss are after breakfast and after your last meal.  Removing food debris and plaque can help to prevent cavities and periodontal disease.
4. Rinse with water for seven seconds.  When it is not practical to brush your mouth, whether you're in a class or meeting or commuting – it may be practical to rinse your mouth with water.  Rinsing helps to stop harmful acids from damaging your teeth, gums and bones.  Rinse for seven seconds.

The prevention of oral diseases such as cavities and gum disease (periodontal disease) are within your grasp.  Patients that have followed these suggestions have less chance of cavities and gum disease.  This prevention helps to avoid the need for expensive dental procedures such as: fillings, veneers, crowns, fixed bridges, extractions, removable dentures or dental implants.  And…it can reduce the pain to your mouth, and your wallet! I hope you find this information useful in keeping your mouth healthier. All the best in health!

More on Dental Health

5 Common Dental Myths

Clean Teeth Basics

How to Deal with Dental Problems