It’s Oral Health Month, and we’re here to tell you why a healthy mouth is essential to your overall health and how to stay proactive on all fronts. Of course, you should brush, floss, and visit your dentist every six months for a healthy mouth, but did you know that’s only the start? Many factors play a role in your oral health. Let’s look at the main ones affecting most of the population. 

Everything you eat or drink enters your mouth and goes through your esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine. This means that the food you eat directly affects all of these organs. So, not only is it crucial to transfer nutrients through healthy foods to keep these organs functioning efficiently and effectively, but it’s also essential you set your body up for success through proper oral health practices. Without good oral hygiene, the built-up bacteria can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, and issues in your digestive and respiratory tracts. Starting with healthy food and hygienic practices will go a long way in ensuring the health of your mouth, teeth, gums, and many of your organs. 

In addition, saliva helps wash away food and acid produced by bacteria in your mouth, decreasing your chances of many diseases and oral health issues. Unfortunately, some medications, such as decongestants, antihistamines, diuretics, antidepressants, and painkillers, reduce saliva flow and cause dry mouth. When your body produces little saliva, it’s harder to wash away the bacteria, and you become more susceptible to diseases like periodontitis. 

There are a few ways to counteract the feeling of dry mouth, but the most effective is to sip water throughout the day. In addition, you should limit your caffeine intake, never smoke or chew tobacco, discontinue the use of mouthwash with alcohol and opt for an alcohol-free wash, and chew sugar-free gum – this stimulates saliva flow. While dry mouth isn’t technically a symptom of poor oral health techniques, it adversely affects your oral health. 

Poor oral health can lead to other health issues, such as endocarditis, cardiovascular disease, pneumonia, and pregnancy or birth complications. 

This June (and every month after), ensure that a healthy mouth is your priority. Brush for at least two minutes twice daily, floss, use mouthwash, visit your dentist regularly, and watch what you eat; sugary food and drinks can significantly impact your oral and overall health. If you’re due for a cleaning, schedule an appointment at Cakmes Dental Studio. We’re happy to get you on the right track and ensure your oral health is helping your overall health.

Good oral hygiene starts with keeping your teeth and gums healthy by practicing good dental habits. Taking a little time each day to follow some of these healthy habits is key in preventing problems down the line, such as gum disease, cavities, and more. Maintaining good oral hygiene is also the first step in ensuring that you’re in good health overall. Following these healthy dental habit tips daily and having regular checkups with your dentist are two of the best practices to keep your smile healthy and happy.

Brush Twice a Day

For most people, it’s a given that brushing your teeth is the key to good dental health. However, there are many factors involved when it comes to proper brushing techniques. First, be sure to have the correct toothbrush. Always choose toothbrushes that have been certified by the American Dental Association (ADA) and try to replace your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months. When brushing, do so twice a day for at least two minutes each time. Use circular motions and remember to brush all sides of your teeth, as well as your tongue and inside of your mouth.

Floss Each Time You Brush

Flossing should be done every time you brush your teeth. It helps to remove any plaque or bacteria, especially in areas where your toothbrush may not reach. Flossing also reduces inflammation at the gum line and can help prevent gum disease. 

Drink Plenty of Water and Follow a Healthy Diet

What you eat and drink has a big impact on your oral and dental health. Limit the number of sugary foods and drinks you consume, as these can lead to cavities and are harmful to the enamel of your teeth. Drinking plenty of water can help rinse some of the acids from these sugary foods and drinks out of your mouth as well. 

Check-In with Your Dentist Regularly

Regular dental checkups and cleanings are necessary even for those who take the best care of their teeth. Dentists can perform thorough cleanings of your teeth to remove all possible plaque. They’ll also be able to check for any potential problems such as cavities or gum disease. Most insurance companies cover two dental checkups per year, so be sure to take advantage of this and schedule your dental appointment accordingly. 

At Cakmes Dental Studio, our number one goal is keeping patients feeling confident by ensuring that they are maintaining the best oral health possible. If you have any concerns about your teeth or gums, give our office a call to set up an appointment. In between dental checkups, be sure to follow these daily habits to promote a lifetime of good dental health!

Maintaining proper dental hygiene is essential for keeping your teeth, gums, and mouth in great condition and free from disease. Oftentimes, we may underestimate how much of a role our oral health plays in contributing to our body’s overall health. One of the best ways to promote good dental hygiene is through daily brushing and flossing. These two relatively quick tasks can make a lifetime of difference in keeping your oral health in the best possible shape.

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that all adults brush their teeth twice a day for at least two minutes each time. The first step to correct brushing is using the right toothbrush and being sure to replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months or when the bristles become frayed. Brushing your teeth removes plaque from your teeth which, if not removed, can quickly lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Proper brushing also prevents any cavities from forming which can cause significant damage if ignored. From a more social perspective, failing to brush your teeth will lead to bad breath in no time, making you less confident interacting and talking with others.

While flossing plays just as important of a role in maintaining proper dental hygiene as brushing, the ADA estimates that only 32% of adults floss every day. Working the floss in between each of your teeth allows you to reach areas where food is more likely to get stuck and areas where your toothbrush cannot reach. Flossing helps prevent bacteria growth, especially at the gum line where there is a greater possibility for infection and irritation. 

Preventative dental hygiene is the best way to keep your teeth, gums, and mouth healthy. Not to mention, it also saves time, money, and any pain that you may experience as a result of putting off those key daily healthy oral habits, like brushing and flossing. 

In conjunction with daily brushing and flossing, routine dental checkups help keep your oral health on the right track. Cakmes Dental Studio is here for all of your dental needs and can catch any potential issues before they become too serious. Call our office today to schedule an appointment or visit our website to learn more about the services we offer!

Flossing daily is vital to your dental health. Brushing simply does not get all of the food out of your teeth, and neglecting to floss can significantly increase your chance for cavities and tooth decay. Some people who have dental conditions that make flossing more challenging think that taking this extra step in their dental hygiene doesn’t apply to them. This is not the case whatsoever. There are ways for everyone, no matter your dental condition, to floss each and every day. 

But what if I have braces?

There are actually multiple ways to floss while braces are on your teeth. You can weave the tip of the floss underneath the wire between two teeth, and floss normally. If you struggle to thread the floss under the wire, you can purchase floss with a stiff end to make this process easier. Yes, it will be more time consuming to floss with braces, but that is no reason to neglect such a vital part of your dental hygiene. You can also try a water flosser. Water flossers are powered by electricity and produce a forceful thin stream of water to remove the food build up between your teeth.

But what if I have sensitive gums?

Frankly, your gums bleed and become irritated when you do not floss often enough. If you begin flossing after you haven’t for an extended period of time, you will likely experience some minor pain and bleeding. However, the more you floss the stronger and healthier your gums become, so you should not experience any of these symptoms if you floss on a daily basis. If you consistently experience bleeding and pain when flossing regularly, you should contact your dentist for a professional opinion. In the meantime, consider switching to a softer and thinner floss to prevent as much trauma to your gums as possible.

But my child will lose his/her baby teeth anyway…

Children very frequently get cavities in their baby teeth, and it is often linked to a lack of flossing. No parent wants to undergo the stress and financial set back of a cavity when it can be prevented from the start. Plus, encouraging regular flossing can help children make it a habit for the rest of their life. It is generally said that children should start flossing between the ages of 5 and 7 years old.

At Cakmes Dental Studio, we understand the importance of flossing every single day, and we encourage you and every member of your family to make daily flossing a habit. However, if you skipped flossing too much and you are experiencing tooth pain or think you have a cavity, schedule your appointment with us now. We want to help you keep smiling and live your best life without the stress of dental problems.

Dental Hygiene & Your Health

Did you know October is recognized as Dental Hygiene Month? We all know that skipping brushing and flossing can lead to cavities, gingivitis, and tooth loss, but studies have shown that poor oral hygiene can affect your whole body. From heart disease to low birth rate, forgetting to take good care of your mouth can take a toll on your body.

Here are a few diseases that poor oral hygiene can play a part in:

• Cardiovascular disease
  Some studies show that bacterial infection in the mouth and gums can move into the bloodstream, attach to fatty plaques and cause inflammation in the blood vessels, increasing the risk of clots.
• Dementia 
  Some studies suggest there is a correlation between periodontal disease and increased risk of dementia. The bacteria from gingivitis may enter the brain through the nervous system or the bloodstream leading to Alzheimer’s disease.
• Diabetic complications
  Gum disease is more frequent and severe among people who have diabetes. Periodontal disease can make it harder to control blood sugar and worsen diabetic symptoms.
• Pregnancy and Birth
  A study found in the NCBI confirms that mothers with Periodontal disease tend to produce relatively low birth weights as a result of poor dental hygiene.

Now that we know what poor hygiene and periodontal disease can cause, how do we prevent it?

• Find the right toothbrush
  Brush with a soft or extra soft toothbrush because medium and hard bristles can damage enamel.
• Floss Daily
  Brushing only cleans 70% of tooth surface area leaving a whopping 30% to be reached only through flossing.
• Schedule regular dental check-ups and cleanings
  Tartar buildup cannot be cleaned with just regular brushing and flossing, dentists need to remove tartar buildup to prevent oral disease. They also check for oral and throat cancer.
• Brush at least twice a day for two whole minutes
  Studies show that brushing for two minutes reduces plaque considerably compared to one minute of brushing. Brush a minimum of twice daily for two minutes each for optimal oral hygiene.
• Brush more than just your teeth
  Gums, tongue, and top of your mouth also harbor bacteria so make sure to give them a good brush too.

If you think you may be experiencing periodontal disease, Cakmes Dental Studio in Knoxville is here to help. We are currently accepting new patients. Call (865) 584-6163 to schedule an appointment today!

Resources:

• https://abcnews.go.com/Health/Dental/ways-poor-dental-care-makes-sick/
• https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/dental/