The key to maintaining your pearly whites is prevention. The majority of teeth and gum problems can be linked to the sticky lay of bacteria which is commonly known as plaque. Plaque attracts particles of food and other bacteria to remain on your teeth which can cause serious infections. To prevent this we know that to brush and floss. But do you do it correctly?

Proper Brushing
Our parents taught us how to do things as we were growing up. We did the best we could as children, but often have changed, modified, or adapted the ways we do things as we became adults and discovered better ways. Unfortunately, the majority of us still brush our teeth the same way we did as a child. The following are some recommended guidelines for optimal health in your teeth and gums.

When and How to Brush
Brush lightly at least twice a day, for two minutes, but no more than three times in a day. The ideal times for brushing are after breakfast in the morning, and before bed at night to remove bacteria. Avoid more than three times in a day as that can start to destroy the protective enamel on your teeth and may damage your gums. It helps to develop some kind of routine, or order, to ensure you get all parts of every tooth with each cleaning.

What Type of Toothbrush to Use
The most important thing to look for when purchasing a new toothbrush is that it has the seal of approval from the American Dental Association. Remember to purchase a new toothbrush at least every three months. You will want to select a brush with a rating of soft or extra soft to prevent damage to your gums.

Toothpaste
There is a large selection of toothpastes available. They have created toothpastes for sensitive teeth, or to help whiten them, and special formulas for plaque and tartar control. The majority of toothpastes have fluoride to prevent cavities and early decay. If you do not feel your teeth require special toothpaste simply pick the one which tastes best to you.

Proper Flossing
Brushing cleans the large surfaces of your teeth, but it is equally as important to remove the food and bacteria from BETWEEN them as well. Dentists recommend flossing a minimum of once a day. For the best results select a time when you won’t be rushed so you can do a thorough cleaning. Make sure to clean between each tooth and repeat if necessary. It is recommended to not use the same piece of floss again as it may transfer bacteria from one tooth to another. When it comes to floss you have plenty of options including flavored, unflavored, waxed, and unwaxed. ]]> http://www.lakelineranchdental.com/general/the-art-of-taking-care-of-your-teeth/feed/ 0 http://www.lakelineranchdental.com/general/dental-care-for-adults/ http://www.lakelineranchdental.com/general/dental-care-for-adults/#comments Fri, 15 Apr 2011 23:14:32 +0000 http://www.lakelineranchdental.com/?p=965 Perhaps it was annoying, being pestered by your parents to brush as a child, but very often the most obnoxious advice is the best. Few things are as valuable as your teeth, and as you get older, the chance increase of damaging or even completely losing this precious gift.

The most obvious point is that teeth are valuable for chewing. Without a full set of choppers, the food selection available to you becomes fairly limited. Raw vegetables must be boiled and steam, and some of the best foods, such as steak, become impossible. Even if you do not loose all your teeth, tooth decay may contribute to sensitivity, and even a few lost teeth can make chewing problematic. Either you must chew with a single side of your jaws, or you must pick out bits later.

Less obvious but equally important, teeth are important for speech, particularly the front teeth. Miss a few front teeth, and loose the ability to enunciate certain letters. Missing teeth also carries a negative stereotype, suggesting poverty and a crude existence. At the very least, denture replacements can be annoying to put up with, and without your teeth, your face seems older and less full.

The secret of caring for teeth begins with knowing what not to do. Eating too many sugary foods erodes teeth, because residual sugar is quickly decomposed by bacteria, which releases acid as a consequence, and that acid strips minerals from the tooth enamel. Wheat products are just as bad, because simple carbs are as easily digested, and bread tends to stick to the teeth. It is an important reason to brush after every meal. Beyond the dinner table, take care of what you do with your teeth. Avoid hazardous situations that might knock out teeth, and do not drink too many sugary drinks and snacks.

Properly brushing is important, but so is flossing. Many people forget to floss regularly, but it is between the teeth that food particles stick most tightly. Bacteria colonies may develop between the teeth, and eventually wear through the enamel because they are never removed. A large percentage of cavities begins between the teeth, and may have been prevented by proper flossing.

Just as important to tooth health is not to smoke, and to drink infrequently. These and other drugs can damage the gums, and unhealthy gums invites infection and tooth decay. Drinking may spur acid reflux, which erodes both the esophagus and teeth.

And, of course, routinely visit your dentist.

Teeth are also essential for communication. Many sounds depend on the teeth, and whistling is nearly impossible without them. Many people are familiar with how toothless individual sound, and then how normally they speak when given full dentures. Any person who has been deprived of their teeth due to injury, disease, or surgery can testify how basic teeth are, and how even normal conversation is impaired when they are gone.

It may seem less important, but teeth also play an important role in the structure of the face. A person not missing any teeth has a healthy and useful jaw line, while missing teeth cause the lips to depress, creating a shriveled and old appearance. There is no need for a young man, or anyone for that matter, to appear old and unattractive. Take care of your teeth, and enjoy youth in a sense for a lifetime.

Given all these reasons to take care of teeth, it is a shame so many people defy common sense with improper diet, inconsistent brushing, and doing general things to damage teeth such as smoking and fist fighting. Diet is on of the trickier practices, but is important. Just because a person brushes every day, does not mean their teeth is protected. Sugars are eaten by bacteria immediately, and the bacteria secrete an acid as waste, and that acid extracts the minerals from the teeth, weakening the enamel. Grain products quickly break down into sugars, and bacteria consume them as quickly. Vegetables, on the other hand, are both good for you and tend to kill bacteria by their own biological properties.

Brushing several times a day provides the best protection, and it is better to brush in the evening than in the morning. The sooner you brush, the less time bacteria have to dine on particles. As a final word, if fighting for a sport, be sure to wear a mouth guard. Try not to fight violently at all. Don’t forget to visit the dentist.

A recent new study has determined that gum disease is one of the major contributing causes of stroke. This study was presented in detail at the 89th International Association for Dental Research in San Diego, California.

The study has proven that gum disease is as much of a contributing factor to stroke as diabetes and high blood pressure. Along with alcohol abuse, smoking , and obesity which have been considered high risk factors of stroke for years.

How Does Gum Disease Contribute To Stroke?

There are several ways in which Gum Disease and poor dental hygiene can contribute to the risk of having a stroke. It has been discovered that chronic gum infection can sometimes cause a reduced blood flow to the brain, which in turn can cause a stroke.

Another way that gum disease can contribute to risk of having a stroke is by root canal infections. When a person has a root canal infection the bone surrounding the teeth becomes infected and allows bacteria into the blood supply. The bacteria causes plaque to build on arteries and that causes a stroke.

Even chewing when a person has gum infections can allow bacteria to enter into the blood stream, which in the end can cause a stroke. The recent study has proven that people who have gum disease or infection are two times more likely to have a stroke than a person who doesn’t have gum disease or infection.

People have known for years the other major causes of stroke and have worked to prevent stroke by eating better and taking better care of there bodies. Lets hope that this study will be the beginning of better dental health care for everyone.

One of the most prevalent health problems affecting young children, particularly those in low-income households, is the incidence of dental caries in their primary teeth, as well as a lack of awareness of critical oral care habits and practices. With a$700,000 grant from Sam’s Club, Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit organization behind Sesame Street, is developing a multimedia initiative that will engage children, ages two to five years old, and their caregivers to help develop awareness of the importance of good oral hygiene. The funding provided by Sam’s Club will help develop the first phase, of what is expected to be a national initiative, which will include formative research, production of a series of video vignettes featuring the Sesame Street Muppets and content development and creation of a family booklet on oral health.

Alliance for a Healthier Generation

Alliance for a Healthier Generation, founded by the American Heart Association and the William J. Clinton Foundation, is focused on reducing childhood obesity, currently one of the nation’s leading public health issues. By providing direct support to schools through its Healthy Schools Program, the Alliance is able to help more than 11,000 schools encourage physical activity and provide healthier food options to their students. The program provides technical assistance at the school and district levels and provides the most extensive support to areas of the country most affected by the obesity epidemic. With the $694,806 from Sam’s Club, the Alliance will support field staff in their work helping make local schools healthier places for kids to learn and staff to work.

The OASIS Institute

Chronic disease affects older adults more than any other age group in the United States. Sedentary lifestyles, poor nutrition and reluctance to seek out information about health conditions are all contributing factors. The OASIS Institute is a national organization with community chapters throughout the country, all dedicated to enriching the lives of adults age 50 and up. The OASIS Institute will use the Sam’s Club grant of $350,000 to increase enrollment in health and wellness programs in various communities across the country. With centers in urban shopping centers and rural and suburban communities, senior adults can take advantage of classes that help them learn to manage chronic conditions, make better health choices, begin exercise programs and educate them about resources of information that can improve their health as well as their overall lives.

FREE HEALTH SCREENINGS FOR THE COMMUNITY

In addition to financial support for deserving organizations, Sam’s Club demonstrates a commitment to health and wellness issues in many other ways.

On Saturday, April 9 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., in more than 500 Sam’s Club locations, the company will provide free health screenings in the pharmacy areas. These events are open to the public and those who choose to participate will be measured for body mass index (BMI), blood pressure and lung capacity. The YMCA, Alliance for a Healthier Generation and the Oasis Institute will also participate at select clubs in a ceremonial check presentation. For more information, times and locations of health screenings of participating Sam’s Club locations, visit SamsClub.com/HealthyLiving.

Deep pockets along with bleeding gums are a sign that there is active disease in the tissues supporting or keeping your teeth in place. If left untreated over time it can lead to infection, pain, tooth movement and loss of surrounding bone and teeth. Gum Disease is also liked with Heart Disease, Diabetes and PreTerm Birth, which means that if the disease is left untreated you may not just experience loss of teeth, your overall health can be affected.

I am missing a tooth, I was told that an implant is an option for me. What are the different types of implants, and which are the best?

An implant is the closest restoration to a natural tooth with the highest long term success rate. It replaces the missing tooth without having to prepare or “drill down” healthy neighboring teeth. It will not get more cavities and it can be maintained easier because you can floss it like other teeth without having to thread under something to get through.

I think I might have a cracked tooth, what should I do?

You should avoid chewing hard foods on that tooth until you can have it examined by a dentist. Depending on the severity of the fracture you may want to avoid chewing on it all together. Avoid extreme temperatures. Have it examined and treated if necessary, as soon as possible so that the crack does not get larger or potentially propagate until it splits the tooth in half.

I finally have my oral health up to date. What do I need to do to prevent decay and gum disease?

Congratulations! Careful brushing that removes plaque at the gumline at least twice a day and daily flossing will help you maintain your oral health in between dental visits. If you are one of those people that no matter how much you brush or floss you still get cavities, don’t get discouraged, there are additional therapies that might be beneficial in maintaining what you have achieved. There are multiple reasons why people continue to have problems with their teeth. Genetics, anatomy or shape of the teeth, acidity in the mouth, diet, excessive forces, chewing on ice can all contribute to recurring problems. Identifying what factors ate affecting you can help. A night guard can slow down wear and tear if you clench or grind your teeth at night. A prescription grade fluoride toothpaste may be appropriate if you have a high risk of getting more cavities. Remineralization therapy with MI Paste may be appropriate if you have many “soft spots” or demineralized whitish patches on the teeth.
Visit your dentist every 6mo for a regular check up and professional cleaning and keep up the good work!

For more information visit Lakeline Ranch Dental Austin

The Zoom bleaching system, and tray bleaching systems used in our office and under the care of our talented dentists are safe, much more effective than the store-bought systems.  After your initial treatments, annual maintenance usually costs about $20 to $30 a year. Why wait? Enjoy that bright smile now and for the rest of your life.

If you would like to find out more about Austin Teeth Whitening, visit Lakeline Ranch Dental

Lakeline Ranch Dental, Austin TX, Provides Excellent Dental Care!

Lakeline Team

Your smile is one of the first things people notice.  If you want a beautiful healthy smile and exceptional dental health, visit Lakeline Ranch Dental where our caring team strives to provide patients in Austin the highest quality, most comfortable dental care in a relaxing, state-of-the-art environment.

Keep your smile healthy for years to come.

It’s a fact: fewer people than ever before are wearing dentures. We are happy to contribute to this statistic by providing comfortable care that will make you feel good about going to the dentist, and that helps you keep your teeth healthy and beautiful.  We focus on catching problems early on, before they cause pain or much damage to your smile, with thorough oral examinations. Then, we can help protect your teeth and gums with fluoride treatments, protective sealants, and  gentle cleanings.

Cosmetic smile enhancement.

You’ll be surprised how easy and affordable it is to hide chipped or cracked teeth, close gaps between teeth, or replace old silver fillings with tooth-colored ones. You can even whiten your teeth with an easy, in office, or at-home procedure.

Dedicated to your comfort.
Whatever is needed to make your visit with us more pleasant, you’ll find it here. Our extra-gentle care helps even the most nervous patients relax. And to make your visit more enjoyable, TV and stereo headphones are available in every treatment room.

Dentistry that’s just for you.
During your first exam, we’ll talk with you, get to know you, and find out exactly what you’re looking for. Then we’ll create the dental work that’s perfect for your smile.

Every person is unique, and so is every smile. That’s why, no matter what dental care you need, you can rest assured that we’ll provide you with care that’s precisely right for your smile.

Your safety comes first.

We use advanced sterilization techniques to give you the safest dental care possible. Our office uses the very latest autoclave system to sterilize instruments, and disposable materials are used whenever possible.  Simply put, your safety is our utmost concern.

Sophisticated care can be affordable.

We’ll work with you to provide the quality care you deserve – within your budget. We welcome most insurance and credit cards, and outside financing is also available.
Experience the difference that optimum dental care can make

Get ready to Zoom!

Could Zoom be Right for You?

Lakeline Ranch Dental is proud to offer the Zoom! teeth whitening system.  The Zoom! Whitening procedure is simple and painless and can be done right here in Austin Texas. The process begins with a short preparation to isolate your lips and gums.  The Zoom! clinician then applies the proprietary Zoom! Whitening Gel, which is activated by a specially designed light.  In a single 1 hour treatment, teeth typically become at least six to ten shades whiter, sometimes more.  A five-minute fluoride treatment competes the procedure.  The results are nothing short of amazing.   In most cases, teeth get even whiter the first few days after the procedure, than when you walk out of the office.

How Zoom! Works!

The Zoom! light activated gel was developed after years of research by Discus Dental, the leaders in professional take-home tooth whitening.  The gel is a scientifically formulated, pH balanced Hydrogen Peroxide that, when activated by the Zoom! light, gently penetrates the teeth to remove eep stains and discoloration.  In clinical studies the combination of Zoom! light with the gel offers significant whitening improvement over trays alone, or at home treatment.  After a clinical Zoom!  treatment, with proper care and an occasional touch-up at home, your whiter smile will sparkle for years.

Learn more in our Zoom! frequently asked questions area!