Your smile is your best asset. And we think keeping those pearly whites in healthy condition is a fact that deserves celebration. Throughout October, as we celebrate National Dental Hygiene Month, we recognize the valuable work of dental hygienists in providing preventative oral care. And with all those hard candies getting handed out for Halloween, it’s the perfect time to promote the positive benefits of good oral hygiene. 

What Is Good Dental Hygiene?

Dental hygiene is all the practices that clean your mouth and keep it free of disease. That includes daily at-home actions such as flossing and brushing daily, alongside more advanced care from your dentist or dental hygienist. Any activities that maintain healthy teeth fall are all part of good dental hygiene. 

Oral hygiene is crucial because it limits several mouth health problems. Tooth decay, gum disease, cavities, and halitosis are all linked to improper dental care. Oral infections such as gingivitis and periodontitis can also contribute to other conditions such as cardiovascular disease and endocarditis. Taking care of your teeth is necessary for your overall well-being. 

Stay Healthy With Preventative Care

While you can take care of your flossing and rinsing with mouthwash, a registered dental hygienist performs several additional services that help you keep your teeth healthy: 

• Routine cleanings: Have an expert give a deep clean to your teeth, removing plaque buildup and tartar.
  
• Examinations: A dental hygienist will use their trained eye and expertise to examine your teeth, helping catch possible issues before they become a significant problem. 
• Sealants: If you have pits in your teeth that can lead to cavities, a hygienist applies sealants to cover and protect the crevices. 
• Fluoride treatments: Fluoride is a concentrated foam or rinse that supports the strength of your tooth enamel, improving the outer protective layer of your teeth. 
• Periodontal care: Dental hygienists monitor the quality of your teeth and the natural set of the gums, looking for signs of periodontitis. Advanced tools such as dental lasers can help remove bacteria related to gum diseases. 
• X-rays: Receive accurate diagnosis with x-ray screening services that inspect bone loss, cysts, and other abscesses. 
• Oral cancer screenings: A dental hygienist will perform a series of tests to check for possible oral cancer and other abnormalities you might not notice. 

How You Can Observe National Dental Hygiene Month

The best way to celebrate is to take care of your teeth. Enjoy the clean feeling after a fresh floss and brush! And if you haven’t scheduled an annual visit with a dentist, set up an appointment at Cakmes Dental Studios. We would happily look after your oral health during National Dental Hygiene Month.

Take the proper steps to protect your dental health; schedule an appointment with Cakmes Dental Studio today! 

Properly brushing your teeth at least twice a day is the foundation for good dental hygiene. But, what’s the best way to do so, and what are the proper techniques? Should you invest in an electric toothbrush or continue brushing with a manual one? Let’s take a look. 

Electric Toothbrushes

In the past decade or so, electric toothbrushes have grown significantly in popularity. More people realize the importance of proper oral hygiene and recognize that an electric toothbrush can make that easier. 

Electric toothbrushes have been proven to decrease the amount of plaque in your mouth and the chances of gingivitis. They’re also ‘easier’ to use, as the brush, itself, does most of the work for you. Furthermore, electric toothbrushes have timers for two minutes so that you know that you’ve spent enough time working on those pearly whites. Many electric toothbrushes today also vibrate every 30 seconds, allowing you to move from one-quarter of your mouth to another, and so on, until your two minutes are finished. 

It’s no secret that kids don’t like to brush their teeth. Electric toothbrushes make it fun for them and encourage healthier oral habits. Many children’s toothbrushes even play a song or tune for two minutes, making it seem more like a fun playtime activity than a healthy chore, as many children see it. 

While there are many benefits to electric toothbrushes, the main negative attribute is the cost. Electric toothbrushes range in price but are oftentimes much more expensive than manual toothbrushes. On top of the base price, you also have to pay for brush heads, which you should replace every three months. 

Manual Toothbrushes

We are all familiar with manual toothbrushes; it’s what we grew up with and many people still use them today. Manual toothbrushes are inexpensive, can be found anywhere, and can be used anywhere. They even come in travel sizes, to keep in your purse, work bag, or desk – you never know when you might need a quick brush. 

When done correctly, manual toothbrushes are quite effective at removing plaque. The proper technique for manual brushing is simple, although many people tend to apply more pressure and brush harder when using a manual toothbrush, oftentimes resulting in damaged teeth or gums. If you are committed to your manual toothbrush, first make sure you are using the right-sized brush for your mouth. Also, ensure that you use a soft-bristled brush, as hard bristles can irritate your gums.

Manual toothbrushes do not come with a timer, causing many people to brush for less than the recommended two minutes. Setting a timer on your phone, however, can counteract this. 

While electric toothbrushes can be ‘fun’ for kids, starting them with a manual toothbrush may be better. When babies get their first teeth, there is no need to use an electric toothbrush; a gentle, manual toothbrush meant for young children is preferable. This continues for the next few years. After that, whatever they are most comfortable with is the best option. Some children may find the vibrations strange, which could turn them off even more from brushing their teeth. To find out what’s best for your child, talk to them! They’ll let you know which they prefer and you can help them from there. 

The Bottom Line

Depending on your lifestyle choices, age, and price point, there are pros and cons to electric and manual toothbrushes. While electric toothbrushes are easier to use and help your teeth receive a better clean, they are not for everyone.

At Cakmes Dental Studio, we treat each patient with the individual care and attention that they deserve. We are always happy to help our patients in their oral care journey, so give us a call if you have any questions or want to know if an electric toothbrush or manual toothbrush is right for you.

The best time to start new habits? The beginning of a new year! It’s easy to lose focus at the end of the year, whether that’s with your diet, fitness goals, or even flossing. So, with the new year before us, use this time to set your resolutions and find the motivation to stick with them. We suggest adding better dental hygiene to your list.

There are many ways to benefit your mind, body, and soul, and proper dental hygiene plays a role in most of them. Poor dental hygiene can cause cavities or gum disease, but it can also cause heart disease and diabetes. So what does proper dental hygiene involve, exactly? Let’s take a look.

Brushing. We all know that you should brush your teeth in the morning and the evening. When you wake up in the morning, brushing your teeth removes microbes from your teeth and gums, which contributes to that icky morning breath. Brushing at night helps remove the plaque, bacteria, and food particles you’ve ingested throughout the day. If you brush your teeth more than twice daily, ensure that you use a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid damaging your teeth, enamel, or gums. 

Flossing. Floss reaches areas that your toothbrush can’t. This helps remove plaque and bacteria, leading to cavities and gum disease. You should floss (at least) once a day; if you floss only once, you should do so at the end of the day, after dinner (and dessert), to ensure you get the most out of it. If you prefer to floss after each meal, make sure that you use a gentle technique and are extremely careful to avoid irritating your gums. 

Mouthwash. Much like floss, mouthwash can reach places that your toothbrush can’t. The ingredients in mouthwash work together to kill lingering bacteria in your mouth, strengthen teeth, and prevent gum disease. The great taste is just an added benefit. 

Visit your dentist. At Cakmes Dental Studio, we have the best patients! We’d love to see you all of the time, but we hope to see you twice a year for preventative maintenance. This includes x-rays (once each year), plaque removal, a thorough cleaning, and extra attention to anywhere that needs it or that you have questions about. When you routinely visit the dentist, we can help you take care of your teeth and gums and stop any problems before they become too serious. 

Watch what you eat. Sugary foods and drinks increase the risk of cavities and bacteria and can even cause your enamel to erode. Caffeine and alcohol can cause dry mouth, leading to bacteria and even oral cancer. Try to limit these whenever possible to help keep your mouth as healthy as possible. 

We have some of the best patients, and we know you do everything in your power to keep your teeth, gums, and mouth healthy. So here is your annual reminder to brush, floss, and use mouthwash. Then, give us a call and schedule your next appointment. We hope this year is your best yet! 

It’s hard to believe, but there are just a few weeks of the year left! With that comes last-minute gift shopping, spending time with family, and making sure that you’ve used your medical, dental, and vision benefits.

Most people know, but many forget that you pay for your dental insurance whether you use it or not – so you might as well use it! Dental health is a big factor in overall health, and it can even play a role in your mental health and social life. 

Depending on your insurance, you’ll see varying levels of coverage, but most plans will allow for at least two cleanings and one x-ray exam each year. If you need or want work beyond that, many dental insurance benefits cover a large majority of the cost of preventative dental care treatments, if not the entire cost. 

Preventative care treatments typically include:

• Routine cleanings
• Examinations
• Sealants
• Fluoride treatments
• Periodontal care
• X-rays
• Oral cancer screenings
• Mouthguards
• Patient education

When it comes to general dental care, insurance typically covers around 50 to 80% of the cost of treatment. 

General dental care treatments typically include: 

• Tooth-colored fillings
• Porcelain inlays onlays
• Porcelain crowns and bridges 
• Dental implants 
• Removable partials
• Dentures
• Root canals 
• Minor tooth extractions
• Cerec restoration 

Regardless of the type of treatment you need, it is important to remember that although you pay for dental insurance that does not mean that your insurance benefits roll over from year to year. If you don’t use your benefits before the year ends, you will likely miss out on the services your insurance can help cover. 

At Cakmes Dental Studio we provide all of the services listed above and more, and would love nothing more than to help you take care of your dental needs and help you end every year feeling confident in your smile! 

The end of one year and the beginning of a new one are always the perfect time to evaluate your progress; whether that be your progress at work, your physical health, your mental health, or even the relationships you’ve built, evaluating what you have done in the past year and what you hope to achieve in the future are healthy ways to establish goals and keep yourself accountable. 

Take care of yourself, focus on your goals, and take advantage of your dental benefits before the year ends! Book an appointment at Cakmes Dental Studio by calling us at (865) 584-6163 or by filling out this form! There’s still time to end the year on the right note, with a healthy and beautiful smile at the center of it all. 

Do you find yourself constantly reaching for mints or gum throughout the day? As a dental studio, we are well versed in how embarrassing, uncomfortable, and difficult bad breath can be. Luckily, at Cakmes Dental Studio, we also know the cures for it. 

Good Oral Hygiene

Pretty much everything comes back to having good oral hygiene, so much so that we’ve detailed it in previous blogs! As a refresher, you should brush your teeth at least twice a day (don’t forget your tongue!) and floss at least once for the healthiest mouth. If you’re finding that this isn’t enough to fight off that halitosis, try brushing your teeth after every meal or strong drink, such as coffee; try to limit the amount of coffee, alcohol, and soft drinks you consume.

Also, ensure that you drink plenty of water throughout the day, as this can help prevent bacteria build-up. Water is the number one stimulator of saliva, which also helps to fight off bacteria. You may notice that your breath smells and tastes worse when your mouth is dry, and these are the reasons why! 

Home Remedies

If these daily routines still aren’t cutting it, there are more things that you can do at home to help reduce your halitosis. The first is to get a new (and possibly better) toothbrush. In 2021, we recommend using an electric toothbrush and tossing the manual brush to the side. The electric toothbrush helps reach more places than a manual toothbrush; it can remove more plaque buildup from your teeth and gums and ensures that you brush for a full two minutes each time. 

Ensure that you replace your toothbrush head every three to four months; new brushes remove more plaque than a heavily used one and firm bristles are more effective against preventing bacterial growth. Using an older toothbrush or toothbrush head could easily contribute to your bad breath, as you are essentially brushing your teeth with extra bacteria and fungal particles. 

Visit Your Dentist

You should schedule routine cleanings twice a year to ensure that your teeth and gums are in the best health possible. If all of the above remedies don’t work, let your dentist know! Our tools can provide a deeper cleaning and more plaque and bacterial removal. In addition, we know other tricks of the trade for fighting bad breath, such as discontinuing the use of specific medicines (as mentioned in a recent Ted Lasso episode!).

No one wants bad breath, and luckily, there are many ways to fight against it. If you or someone you know is suffering from halitosis, give these at-home remedies a shot! If you’re still not happy, head to our Knoxville, TN studio for a deeper look and a more personalized diagnosis. We’re here to help your oral hygiene be the best it can be, and minty fresh breath goes right along with that. Give us a call to schedule your next appointment or ask any questions you may have about fighting halitosis or any other ailments your mouth may present to you.

Each October, dentists, dental hygienists, and orthodontists observe National Dental Hygiene Month. As dental professionals, we promote the importance of good oral hygiene every single day of the year, but this month gives us an excuse to focus on it even more.

Why is dental hygiene so important?

You may be thinking, “they’re just teeth – what do they have to do with my overall health?” The truth is, there is a very strong link between your oral health and your overall health. Not only can poor dental health provide clues to a larger issue going on in your body, but it can also be the root cause of many conditions, such as cardiovascular disease and pneumonia. 

To put it simply, the mouth is full of mostly harmless bacteria; however, if you fail to practice proper dental hygiene, this bacteria can lead to infections like tooth decay and gum disease.

What issues are linked to poor oral health?

Aside from obvious issues like gum disease, poor dental health has been linked to heart issues like endocarditis and cardiovascular disease. This is because oral bacteria can enter your bloodstream and make its way to your heart, resulting in infection and inflammation.

Poor dental hygiene is also linked with complications in pregnancy and birth. Periodontitis (a severe gum infection) in expectant mothers can cause premature birth and a low birth rate.

People with diabetes, HIV/AIDS, osteoporosis, or Alzheimer’s disease are generally more susceptible to oral health issues, so it’s even more crucial to practice exemplary dental hygiene.

How can I practice better dental hygiene?

There are several small habits you can adopt in your everyday routine to improve your oral health. First, you need to brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes each time with a fluoride toothpaste. 

For all the coffee drinkers out there, make sure to brush your teeth in the morning before you have your first cup. The acidity in coffee can make your teeth weaker, and brushing them while they are in a weaker state can lead to damage to your enamel.

Yes, you know this one is coming: you need to be flossing daily! It’s a small but very impactful habit to start. If you really think about it, flossing only takes about a minute of your day. If you make an effort to start working it into your nighttime routine, it’ll become a habit that you won’t think twice about.

Take your morning or night routine a step further with mouthwash! Mouthwash helps to remove particles that stick around after brushing and flossing. Plus, it takes less than a minute!

Celebrate National Dental Hygiene Month with us!

In addition to being more intentional about practicing good dental hygiene daily, we want to see you in our studio every six months! If it’s been a while since you’ve been in our chair, or if you’re looking for a new dentist in Knoxville, TN, take this as your sign to schedule an appointment. Investing in your dental health is an investment in your overall health and the future. 

When thinking about everything that contributes to a healthy smile, many may think that brushing and flossing are sufficient. The truth, though, is that gum care is just as important as dental care. Periodontal care, also called gum care, is an essential part of maintaining good oral health. 

Healthy gums contribute to strong teeth and a healthy mouth, overall. If left untreated, gum issues can cause severe damage. When bacteria and plaque build up below or along the gum line, it can lead to inflammation, which may result in gum disease, gingivitis, or periodontitis. Bacterial infections can also attack bone tissue which can cause teeth to become loosened from the gums. 

Many people who have gum disease in the early stages don’t realize it or are unaware of the signs. Inflamed or swollen gums, loose teeth, tenderness around the teeth along the gum line, and bleeding gums are often the first signs and symptoms of gum disease. According to the American Academy of Periodontology, there are links between periodontal disease (gum disease) and several systemic diseases. The diseases include, but are not limited to, diabetes, osteoporosis, cancer, Alzheimer’s, respiratory diseases, and cardiovascular disease. Gum disease has also been linked to preterm childbirth. When handled in the early stages, gum disease is easily treated and has an excellent prognosis. 

Before brushing your teeth, always be sure to floss in between each tooth. This allows you to reach areas that your toothbrush can not, which helps remove any remaining food in the teeth and can help prevent bacterial growth. Regular dental cleanings are also important in the overall health of your gums. Your dentist will be able to examine your gums to check for any irregularities or signs of infection.

If you have any gum concerns or are in need of a regular cleaning, Cakmes Dental Studio is here to provide you with the best dental care available so that you can be confident in your healthy and beautiful smile. Our office offers a variety of periodontal care services to ensure that your gums stay in great shape. A few of the services we offer include periodontitis treatment, gingivitis treatment, bacterial infection treatment, and inflammation care. Contact our office at (865) 584-6163 or visit our website to schedule an appointment.   

Every October, dentists, dental hygienists, and orthodontists come together to celebrate Dental Hygiene Month. This month is dedicated to promoting healthy mouths and celebrating all those devoted to keeping your teeth clean and sparkling. Here’s some history of dental hygiene in the United States and beyond.

In 1913, Fones School of Dental Hygiene opened as the first dental hygiene school in the country. A few decades later, in 1948, China was the first to bring bristle toothbrushes to the market and change society and dental hygiene forever. In 2009, National Dental Hygiene Month was born thanks to the American Dental Hygienists Association (ADHA) and Wrigley. One of the most famous dentists in American history is Doc Holliday, most famous for his gunfight at the O.K. Corral. Although he isn’t remembered for his dental practices, ultimately his day job was that of a dentist, and it is worth noting during National Dental Hygiene Month.

This month is a great time to really commit yourself to some dental habits you may not have started yet. A great habit is to floss every day. Flossing is immensely important because it cleans places your ordinary toothbrush can’t get to. It is vital for gum health as well as good hygiene, in general. 

Another important habit is to make sure you brush your teeth at least twice a day for a full two minutes. Not only does brushing your teeth twice a day help you eliminate morning breath, but it also helps prevent gum disease. A great way to make sure you get a full two minutes in is to purchase an electric toothbrush that times your brushing for you. 

One more habit that you should start this month is gargling mouthwash. Many people think mouthwash is optional, but dental hygienists are here to tell you it’s not! The antimicrobial rinse will keep your mouth clean, prevent cavities and gum disease, as well as make your breath minty fresh.

At Cakmes Dental Studio, we are so excited to celebrate National Dental Hygiene Month with all of our incredible patients. Make sure to drop in this month for that teeth cleaning you’ve been putting off. Visit our website for more information!

Soda. It’s a popular beverage among so many men and women of all ages, but do you know the real effect it has on your teeth? Of course, we have all heard “it’s bad” and causes cavities, but what else is there to it that makes soda so detrimental to your dental health? Let’s take a deeper look to find out. 

Many people believe that the acid on the ingredients list on a soda bottle is the only acid that dental professionals warn about when discussing acid-induced decay from drinking too much soda. However, there is actually much more to that. When soda reaches your mouth, it reacts to certain chemicals and bacteria that reside there and actually produce acid that harms your teeth even more. So, not only are your teeth being harmed by the acids already in the soda, but they are also being harmed by acid created in this chemical reaction right inside your mouth. It’s a double whammy. 

The two main concerns with drinking soda and maintaining dental health are cavities and erosion. Cavities are much more likely to be prevalent in people who consume a lot of soda because the sugars and acids in soda break down dentin in your teeth which is essentially what protects your teeth from cavities and other issues. However, soft drink damage always starts at the enamel, and this is where erosion begins. Once your enamel is broken down too significantly from the acids and sugars in soda, it is very difficult to rebuild it, and your teeth will be much more susceptible to future problematic dental issues like decay.

The evident solution here is to not drink soda, but we understand that sometimes a pizza, burger and fries, or popcorn just isn’t the same without your favorite soda. Our advice to you is to consume soda in a moderate manner if you are going to drink it. Being careful and drinking soda in moderation won’t be detrimental to your dental health. So, here are some tips to help preserve your pearly whites if you have to have a soda every now and then.

1. 1. Rinse your mouth with water after you drink a soda to wash away excess sugars and acids that are sitting on your teeth.
   2. Don’t drink soda before going to sleep, but if you do, be sure to brush your teeth after.
   3. Drink soda through a straw to eliminate a lot of the contact it has with your teeth. 

Whether you are a soda drinker or not, you need to have your teeth cleaned regularly! If it has been a while, contact Cakmes Dental Studio today to get your appointment set up. We look forward to seeing you.