Healthy Tips for a New Year

It’s time for a new year, new habits and new resolutions. January is the perfect time to create new habits that are healthy and that your teeth will thank you for in the future.

1. Brush Enough: How long are we supposed to brush our teeth? The ADA recommends brushing for at least two minutes, twice daily. Need help discovering how long is 2 minutes? Try listening to short song, cue up a two-minute timer on your phone to give yourself the time you need to thoroughly clean your teeth.

2. Change Your Toothbrush: An easily avoidable habit we can change is to switch out our toothbrush every 3-4 months.

3. Floss! Floss! Floss! Flossing is obviously a huge health benefit most people overlook. Like brushing, flossing must be done properly so that, when you reach between teeth, you actually get to the germs that are stuck there. Keep in mind the floss should rub against the teeth in a motion that creates a forward or backward 'C' shape, wrapping the floss around each tooth.

4. Stop Snacking: Ideally, you want to avoid snacking. If snacking is a big issue, be sure to brush your teeth after  because it can allow food particles and sugar to remain on your teeth for too long, providing fuel for bacteria that feeds on it.

Smile Bright in 2019

At Lubbock Periodontics, we want to ensure you have plenty of healthy reasons to smile. We believe a smile is a universal language and that your smile affects your self-image, and can greatly influence the quality of your interactions with others. Many people hold back from laughing or smiling because they are uncomfortable about their appearance when they do.

Take a Smile Analysis and determine how you want to smile in the new year. The Smile Analysis will ask you to answer questions such as:

• Do any of your teeth appear too small, short, large or long?
• Do you have any gaps or spaces between your teeth?
• Do you have any crowns or bridges that appear dark at edge of gums?
• Are the edges of any teeth worn down, chipped or uneven?

https://www.lubbockperiodontics.com/smile-analysis.php

2 Types of Mouthwash for Healthier Gums

Bad breath can result from the foods we eat, forgetting to brush our teeth or more often, a sign of periodontal disease. If bad breath persist, you may definitely want to set up an appointment to check on your gums and oral health. Seeing a periodontist is the best way for your smile to remain healthy and/or prevent any diseases.

There are different types of mouthwash that one can buy, each with a different function that can help keep your smile healthy. Here are 2 types of mouthwash for healthier gums.

1. Fluoride Mouthwash:
You’ve heard how fluoride helps your teeth. Well fluoride in mouthwashes, does just that and helps protect your teeth from cavities and tooth decay. Healthy teeth affects your gums and roots, which help prevent periodontal disease.

2. Antiseptic Mouthwash:
The most common type of mouthwash is antiseptic mouthwash, found in most households. You may probably have some in your bathroom cabinet. This type of mouthwash contains alcohol and used to eliminate bad breath and fight infections in your mouth. Along with brushing your teeth and flossing, all three work together to fight bad breath and bacteria, keeping your smile healthy.

Halloween Reminders

Halloween means fun times for every one at any age, dressing up and an endless amount of free candy. With all the free sugary treats at work or at home, your taste buds will surely love the sugar, your teeth and gums – not so much.

Halloween can be a fantastic opportunity to remind your kids or grandkids of essential oral health routines. Be sure not to skip out on these essential routines:

• Brush Your Teeth Together: Make brushing your teeth a routine every morning and every night. Stick to the routine and ensure that you and your family keep a specific time for brushing your teeth; this will build a great daily habit. 

• Flossing is Key: Flossing every day is even more important when you have braces. If you’re having trouble flossing, just use a floss threader with regular floss, or buy special stiff-tipped floss made for braces wearers. 

• Use Mouthwash: Using mouthwash is so important to fight bacteria in the mouth. Mouthwash can easily remove food debris from areas that are difficult to reach with a toothbrush or floss. After brushing and flossing, you can swish it around your mouth for a minimum of 30 seconds. This will remove any lingering bacteria and will even help with inflammation of the gums.

Oral Cancer Exam: Wentz Periodontics

According to research conducted by the American Cancer society, more than 30,000 cases of oral cancer are diagnosed each year. More than 7,000 of these cases result in the death of the patient. The good news is that oral cancer can easily be diagnosed with an annual oral cancer exam, and effectively treated when caught in its earliest stages.

Oral cancer is a pathologic process which begins with an asymptomatic stage during which the usual cancer signs may not be readily noticeable. This makes the oral cancer examinations performed by the dentist critically important.

This oral cancer type usually originates in lip and mouth tissues.

There are many different places in the oral cavity and maxillofacial region in which oral cancers commonly occur, including:

• Lips
• Mouth
• Tongue
• Salivary Glands
• Oropharyngeal Region (throat)
• Gums
• Face

It is important to note that around 75 percent of oral cancers are linked with modifiable behaviors such as smoking, tobacco use and excessive alcohol consumption. 

When oral cancer is diagnosed in its earliest stages, treatment is generally very effective. Any noticeable abnormalities in the tongue, gums, mouth or surrounding area should be evaluated by a health professional as quickly as possible.

The following signs will be investigated during a routine oral cancer exam: 

Red patches and sores – Red patches on the floor of the mouth, the front and sides of the tongue, white or pink patches which fail to heal and slow healing sores that bleed easily can be indicative of pathologic (cancerous) changes. 

Leukoplakia – This is a hardened white or gray, slightly raised lesion that can appear anywhere inside the mouth. Leukoplakia can be cancerous, or may become cancerous if treatment is not sought. 

Lumps – Soreness, lumps or the general thickening of tissue anywhere in the throat or mouth can signal pathological problems.

Learn more about Oral Cancer and its treatments. 

Gum Recession: Wentz Periodontics

Gingival recession (receding gums) refers to the progressive loss of gum tissue, which can eventually result in tooth root exposure if left untreated. Gum recession is most common in adults over the age of 40, but the process can begin in the teenage years.

Gum recession can be difficult to self-diagnose in its earlier stages because the changes often occur asymptomatically and gradually. Regular dental check-ups will help to prevent gum recession and assess risk factors.

The following symptoms may be indicative of gum recession:

Every case of gum recession is slightly different, and therefore many treatments are available. The nature of the problem which caused the recession to begin with needs to be addressed first.

If you have any questions or concerns about periodontal disease, periodontal treatments, or gum recession, please ask your dentist or contact us for a scheduled appointment. 

When to see a Periodontist

Gum disease (or periodontal disease) affects millions of people every year, it’s the leading cause of tooth loss among adults. Seeing a periodontist and recognizing the symptoms of gum disease can help your smile healthy.

Gum disease begins when bacteria gather along the gum line and between teeth, where it’s easy for them to hide. As these bacteria multiply, they emit toxins that cause the gums to pull away, or recede, from teeth, leaving more of the tooth exposed to plaque and tartar. Once the bacteria move below the gum line to the tooth root area, they can’t be removed with brushing and flossing alone. This is the advanced stage of gum disease when tooth loss can occur.

Seeing a periodontist is the best way for your smile to remain healthy and/or prevent any diseases. As a practice, we are true believers that preventive care and education are the keys to optimal dental health. That's why we focus on thorough exams – checking the overall health of your teeth and gums, performing oral cancer exams, and taking x-rays when necessary.