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Oral health requires more than brushing and flossing and is more than a reflection of a bright, beautiful smile. Various factors go into good oral health, as poor oral hygiene can impact gum health, leading to decay, deterioration, and disease. Emergent research has proven that oral health is linked to whole-body health, worsening symptoms of heart disease, diabetes, and sinus infections when oral hygiene is poor.

Overall, health is multifaceted, but your mouth is the gateway to other parts of your internal body. Good oral health is closely connected to whole-body health and can enhance mental well-being. It’s a dynamic interrelationship, and we explain the link between oral and whole-body health in this blog.

Read on!

Inflammation and Infection: The Role of Gum Disease

Periodontal disease is one of the most common oral inflammatory conditions, affecting the strength and overall health of teeth, gums, and underlying bones. When left untreated, gum disease can worsen significantly, sending bacteria into your bloodstream and worsening health conditions like COPD and swollen joints. Once the bacteria enter your bloodstream, the disease is more difficult to treat but not impossible, so seeking healthcare help at the first sign of bleeding or inflamed gums is essential.

Heart Health: The Mouth-Body Link to Cardiovascular Disease

What goes in your mouth spreads through your body, and bacteria can make a cross anywhere. Gum disease and heart disease have been linked numerous times because the buildup of plaque on your teeth can flow and stick to your arteries. This causes blockages, increasing the likelihood of heart attacks or severe strokes. In other words, good oral hygiene is crucial for heart health!

Oral Health and Mental Health: The Psychological Effects

The link between oral health and mental health can be a vicious cycle because some mental disorders lead to a lack of self-care, leading to embarrassment and more anxiety, leading to even poorer oral hygiene. The state of your mouth, teeth, and gums can sometimes show on the outside, especially when you smile, causing embarrassment or depression when oral care hasn’t been the best. Improving oral hygiene can positively affect mental health, promoting self-confidence and high self-esteem.

Strengthening Your Body’s Defenses with Good Oral Hygiene

Brushing, flossing, and routine mouthwash are good oral hygiene basics. Preventing infections of your teeth and gums prevents infections throughout your body, promoting overall health and bolstering your natural immunities and defenses. With good oral care, you can make yourself less susceptible to diseases and illnesses. Common colds and flu can be reduced because fewer bacteria enter your body through your oral cavity.

Eating for a Healthy Mouth and Body

The best diet is rich in vitamins and nutrients, supporting the overall health of your mouth, body, and mind. Wholesome, nutritious foods like calcium and vitamin D support strong teeth and bones, while antioxidants flow into gums, preventing periodontal disease.

Sugar-laden snacks are okay in moderation, but too many will affect oral health. Soda, candy, chocolate, and junk foods are bad for teeth, promoting cavity formation and decreasing enamel strength. Avoiding sugary, acidic foods encourages a healthier dynamic between oral and bodily health. Additionally, sugar can deteriorate teeth from the inside out, so brushing and flossing aren’t as effective for someone with a sugar addiction.

How to Maintain Oral and Overall Health: An Overview and Conclusion

Maintaining oral and overall health may seem overwhelming, but practicing good oral hygiene, eating nutritious foods, and avoiding too much sugar is simpler than you think. Easy-peasy.

Are you interested in a dental consultation and examination? Call Foutz Family Dentistry now!

While chemical bleaching methods exist and were popular a few decades ago, all-natural teeth whitening methods are trending for their practical, eco-friendly, enamel-friendly capabilities. The quest for a dazzling smile can feel endless if you don’t know the best teeth-whitening solutions that are safe and effective.

Read on for what works and what doesn’t with all-natural teeth whitening methods for a brighter, more brilliant grin.

The Appeal of Natural Teeth Whitening vs. Chemical Teeth Whitening

Natural and chemical teeth-whitening methods are similar in one way—they usually get the job done, although chemical methods can be a bit more temporary. However, natural methods use gentler ingredients, reducing the risk of sensitivities and gum inflammation. Chemical agents may contain aggressive bleaching substances that damage enamel, while all-natural methods are designed to decrease damage to teeth and gums.

Most people want instant gratification using teeth-whitening methods, which they get with most chemical whiteners. However, chemical treatments are more intense and often irritating, whereas natural methods have a gradual teeth-whitening process for subtle, natural improvements over time. Additionally, all-natural methods are typically environmentally friendly with less reliance on chemical waste, while chemical products leave a bigger carbon footprint.

Effective Natural Teeth Whitening Methods

• Baking Soda: A Proven Whitening Agent

Natural and usually a household product, baking soda is a proven whitener with mild components to remove stains from the surface of teeth. Form a paste with a teaspoon of baking soda and water, then brush and rinse normally.

• Hydrogen Peroxide: Nature’s Bleaching Element

You can swish this bleaching agent as a mouthwash by diluting it with water (be careful not to swallow any) or mix it with baking soda to create an all-natural teeth-whitening paste.

• Activated Charcoal: A Trend with Benefits

Charcoal is a newer teeth-whitening method. It absorbs stains and eliminates toxins for cleaner, brighter teeth and fresher breath. Dip your brush in activated charcoal and brush your teeth as you would typically, rinsing afterward.

• Coconut Oil Pulling: Traditional and Effective

This all-natural teeth-whitening method has been around for centuries. It involves swishing coconut oil in your mouth for up to 15 minutes and then spitting it out. It reduces harmful bacteria and encourages better oral health.

Ineffective or Harmful Natural Whitening Methods

• Lemon Juice: Much Too Acidic

Lemons may freshen breath and temporarily whiten teeth, but the juice is too acidic. It can cause enamel breakdown, resulting in gum erosion and cavities.

• Strawberries, Apples, and Other Fruits: Misleading Myths

You may have heard that certain fruits are natural scrubbers for teeth. However, this myth is unfounded and often a way for parents to encourage kids to eat more nutritious foods.

• Turmeric: The Yellow Option

There’s a rumor that turmeric is a natural teeth whitener, but the spice can stain your teeth instead.

Protecting Your Enamel and Gums

Enamel is a thin layer of protective, natural coating over each tooth. Excessive use of chemical teeth whiteners can erode enamel and push back gums, making it harder to maintain good dental hygiene. Prioritize oral health with all-natural teeth-whitening methods, lessening the risk of periodontal disease or damaged teeth.

Side note: Whitening your teeth is an occasional measure for a brighter smile. For overall oral health, use fluoride toothpaste daily. It strengthens enamel and prevents deterioration.

Combining Natural Teeth Whitening Methods with Professional Care

Before using teeth-whitening methods, chemical or all-natural, consult a dentist. Your teeth and gums must be strong and healthy to ensure safety and efficiency when utilizing any paste or substance on your enamel.

Want to dazzle at your job interview? Have a big event coming up? What about a reunion? Achieve your brightest smile with all-natural teeth-whitening methods in place of harsh chemicals. Contact Foutz Family Dentistry to schedule a professional cleaning and examination!

Experiencing sudden tooth pain can be both alarming and intensely uncomfortable. Whether it strikes sharp and fast or builds gradually into a throbbing agony, understanding what might be causing this unexpected discomfort is the first step towards finding relief. At Foutz Family Dentistry, we know how distressing sudden dental pain can be. That’s why we’re here to shed light on some of the common culprits behind this common dental issue. Recognizing the potential causes can not only help in alleviating your immediate pain but also in preventing further dental health complications. With the right knowledge and timely dental care, you can keep your smile healthy and pain-free.

Now, let’s dive into the common causes of sudden tooth pain, helping you understand why you might be experiencing this discomfort and how Foutz Family Dentistry can assist in treating it.

Common Causes of Sudden Tooth Pain

Tooth Decay

One of the most frequent causes of sudden tooth pain is tooth decay. Cavities, the result of decay, start small but can quickly penetrate deeper into the tooth, reaching the sensitive nerve fibers within the dentin and pulp. This penetration can lead to a sudden, sharp pain, especially when eating sweet, hot, or cold foods. Tooth decay is a progressive issue; without treatment, the pain can become more persistent and severe, signaling the need for immediate dental attention.

Gum Disease

Gum disease, or periodontitis, begins as inflammation of the gums caused by plaque buildup. In its early stages, known as gingivitis, you might notice some discomfort or bleeding during brushing. However, as the condition worsens, the gums can recede, and the roots of the teeth can become exposed, leading to sudden and severe pain. Gum disease can also cause pain due to the formation of abscesses in the spaces between the teeth and gums.

Cracked Tooth

A cracked tooth can be the result of many factors, including biting down on something hard, an injury, or even just the natural aging process. Sometimes, the crack might be too small to see, but it can expose the inner pulp of the tooth to bacteria, leading to inflammation and sudden pain. This type of pain is often felt when biting down or when the tooth is exposed to very hot or cold temperatures.

Abscessed Tooth

An abscessed tooth is a severe and potentially life-threatening condition where a pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection forms in different parts of the tooth. This can lead to sharp, throbbing, or shooting pain that may spread to the jawbone, neck, or ear. Other symptoms might include fever, swelling, and a bad taste in the mouth. An abscess requires urgent dental care to prevent the spread of infection.

When to See a Dentist

If you’re experiencing sudden tooth pain, it’s crucial not to ignore it. Pain is your body’s way of signaling that something is wrong, and in the case of dental issues, what might start as a minor problem can quickly escalate into something more serious if left untreated. At Foutz Family Dentistry, we recommend scheduling an appointment as soon as you notice discomfort. Our team is equipped to diagnose and treat the root cause of your pain, providing relief and preventing further complications.

Preventive Measures

Preventing sudden tooth pain involves a few simple yet effective practices that can significantly impact your oral health. Here are some essential tips:

• Maintain Good Oral Hygiene:

• • Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
  • Floss daily to remove plaque and food particles between teeth.

• Regular Dental Check-ups:

• • Visit Foutz Family Dentistry every six months for a routine examination and cleaning. These visits are crucial for catching potential issues early and keeping your teeth and gums healthy.

• Protect Your Teeth:

• • Wear a mouthguard during sports or recreational activities to prevent injury.
  • Avoid chewing on hard objects, such as ice, popcorn kernels, and hard candy, which can crack or chip your teeth.

• Healthy Diet:

• • Limit sugary and acidic foods and beverages that can erode tooth enamel and lead to decay.
  • Drink plenty of water and eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and dairy products to support dental health.

By following these tips, you can reduce your risk of experiencing sudden tooth pain and maintain a healthy, beautiful smile. Remember, preventive care is key to avoiding dental emergencies and ensuring long-term oral health.

Conclusion

While sudden tooth pain can be unsettling, understanding its potential causes is the first step toward finding relief. Remember, prompt treatment is key to preventing further dental health issues. If you’re experiencing sudden tooth pain, don’t hesitate to reach out to Foutz Family Dentistry. Our experienced team is ready to provide the care you need to smile comfortably once again.

For appointments or consultations, visit our website or contact us directly. We’re here to help you maintain a healthy, pain-free smile.

No one wants to deal with bad breath. Knowing your breath smells unpleasant can hurt your confidence but can also be a sign of underlying issues. If you’re dealing with chronic bad breath, it’s crucial to determine what’s causing it so you can address the problem and improve the scent.

What Causes Bad Breath?

Bad breath, or halitosis, is a widespread issue, with nearly 32 percent of people around the world dealing with it on a chronic basis. But why does it happen? The most common cause of bad breath is simply poor oral hygiene. Oral hygiene refers to brushing, flossing, and routine dental cleanings. Without following the recommended hygiene routines, your mouth will have harmful bacteria growing. This bacteria growth leads to cavities, gum disease, and bad breath.

While poor oral hygiene is the leading cause of bad breath, some less common reasons can be related to medical conditions. If you have concerns over chronic bad breath, it’s essential to see your dentist and physician to rule out the following causes:

• Dry mouth
• Oral cancers
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Tonsil stones
• Gum disease
• Infections in the nose, throat, or lungs
• Diabetes
• Liver disease
• Kidney disease
• Sjögren’s syndrome

How to Treat Bad Breath

The treatment of bad breath depends on the cause. If the reasonfor your bad breath is poor oral hygiene, it’s important to improve your brushing and flossing at home and have regular dental cleanings. Sometimes, your dentist may prescribe special mouth rinses that work to combat specific bacteria that lead to bad breath.

If an underlying health condition causes your bad breath, your dentist or physician will be able to help you with the treatment. If halitosis is a side effect of something else, treating the health condition is essential for more permanent results.

How to Prevent Bad Breath

While knowing how to treat bad breath is good, it’s better to prevent it before it becomes an issue. To maintain healthy, minty-fresh breath, follow these tips:

• Brush your teeth twice daily, for at least two minutes each time. Floss your teeth once a day. Don’t forget to clean your tongue with either your toothbrush or most effectively, a tongue scraper.
• Use an alcohol-free antibacterial mouthwash twice a day.
• See your dentist at least every six months for routine dental cleanings. If your dentist suggests more frequent visits due to your oral health, follow their guidance.
• Drink water to prevent dry mouth.
• Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and tobacco products. These products can cause dry mouth, leading to bad breath.
• Chew sugar-free gum or suck on sugar-free mints to increase your saliva production.

Let Foutz Family Dentistry Help

Whether you’re battling bad breath or simply want to prevent it, make regular visits to Foutz Family Dentistry part of your routine. Contact us today to schedule your six-month cleaning. If you have concerns over your breath, we can perform an exam to see the cause. We’re here to help you maintain your minty-fresh breath.

Choosing the right toothbrush is a vital part of proper oral hygiene. It’s easy to get overwhelmed with the brushes on the market today, but this guide will help you pick the best brush for your mouth.

Manual vs. Electric

The first decision people make when deciding on a toothbrush is whether they want an electric toothbrush or a manual one. Both choices offer benefits depending on your personal preference and needs.

Some people simply choose the toothbrush style they like best. If you’re using the toothbrush properly and it has the ADA seal of approval, it’s a good option. Other than personal preference, the following features cause people to choose electric over manual:

• Many electric toothbrushes have pressure sensors, which can help if you brush too hard.
• Some electric toothbrushes have different brush settings, letting the bristles and head rotate in many directions or using pulsing motion in addition to the rotation.
• Most new electric toothbrushes have built-in timers that help you know how long to brush. This can be a great benefit if you struggle to brush for the full two minutes.

Bristles

Toothbrush bristles come in soft, medium, and hard. You can also choose between round and unrounded bristles. Many believe that hard bristles clean their teeth better, but they can be too rough on your enamel and cause you to brush too aggressively. Overly hard bristles can lead to gum recession when combined with hard brushing. Most people will have the best results with soft, rounded bristles.

Size and Shape

You should choose a toothbrush that is comfortable to hold and fits in your mouth correctly. If your toothbrush is too big, it won’t easily fit into the back of your mouth, making it hard to brush your molars. Most people like a brush head about an inch long and half an inch wide. However, you can also choose rounded brush heads if you prefer a smaller surface.

Proper Toothbrush Care

No matter what toothbrush you choose, you must care for it properly. To maintain proper oral hygiene, make sure you follow these care instructions for your brush:

• Store your toothbrush upright and out in the open to let the bristles airdry and prevent bacteria from growing between bristles.
• Rinse your toothbrush with warm water each time you brush your teeth to clear any bacteria between the bristles.
• Replace your toothbrush (or the head if it’s electric) every three to four months. This helps maintain proper bristle condition and keeps your teeth clean. If you’re sick or have an oral disease, replace it once you recover.

Final Thoughts

Choosing your toothbrush is a personal decision, which is why so many options exist. Make sure your toothbrush is cleaning your teeth properly without being too hard on them. If your brush is approved by the ADA and it’s comfortable to use, it’s a good option. If you have any questions about the right toothbrush, contact us, and our dental team will help you find the best brush for you.

We’ve all heard of fluoride, but what do you really know about this mineral? Although itis naturally occurring in several foods and water, fluoride is also added to oral health products and promoted as a protector against tooth decay. Read on to learn some fascinating (and useful) insights on fluoride and what it can do for your health.

Fluoride 101

Fluoride naturally occurs in water supplies, as the trace element fluorine leeches in from soil and rocks in the groundwater. However, it’s not found in high enough concentrations to be helpful, so most municipal water supplies include additional fluoride that’s added specifically to support oral health.

If you have well water or a non-public water supply, there may not be enough fluoride in it to provide this additional health support. Dentists usually recommend that these people add a fluoride rinse or other supplement to make up the difference.

To dispel some of the most common myths you’ll find online:

• Fluoride is not dangerous to your health in the amounts which it is needed for proper oral health support.
• Fluoride does not increase the risk of cancer or autism.
• Fluoridation is not unnatural or unhealthy – remember, this is a naturally-occurring mineral, and adding it to the water supply promotes better prevention against tooth decay.

Finally, fluoride is included in toothpaste, but the amount is not enough to provide adequate protection. With the additional fluoridated water supply, optimal protection is provided for people in many developed regions, including the U.S. and Europe.

Skip the Bottled Water

Another important topic to discuss is bottled water. With the influx of its popularity, some kids and adultsonly drink prepackaged bottled water. Unfortunately, most of these products do not contain additional fluoride athelpful levels. It’s far better to filter your tap water if you’re going to go this route.

On that note, you’ll want to choose a filtration system carefully, too. Charcoal and carbon filter systems don’t impact fluoride levels, but distillation and reverse osmosis systems can reduce the amount of fluoride in your water. Let your kids drink tap water for optimal oral health.

Otherwise, your dentist may recommend adding a fluoride rinse or another supplement to enhance the health and protection of your teeth.

There are Two Types of Fluoride Treatments

Topical fluoride treatments, such as toothpaste, mouthwash, or a professional treatment from your dentist, are one type of fluoride. These act directly on the surface of the existing enamel that’s in place, so they may not be as effective as the other option.

Systemic fluoride is the kind found in water and dietary supplements. It’s ingested, instead of applied directly, and works to strengthen the teeth as they grow and develop from the inside. Supplements are only available via prescription, in the form of drops, lozenges, or tablets.

Want to know more? Ask your dentist about fluoride and your oral health, and find out how you can take better care of your teeth with simple changes.

For most people, a trip to the dentist might involve filling a cavity. These erosions in teeth are often painful and sometimes unsightly. But what are cavities? How do they form? What can you do to prevent them? Here are nine things you should know about cavities.

What Are They Called?

Cavities, caries, erosions – they all amount to the same thing – a hole in your teeth that may become painful and will grow larger if left untreated.

Are They Caused by Worms?

Many ancient cultures believed cavities were caused by worms that drank the “blood” of your teeth and ate the roots. While inaccurate, that’s not too far from the truth. Instead of a worm, bacteria cause cavities.

The 1-2-3 Combo

The bacteria that live in your mouth need a couple of things to thrive and cause cavities – a lack of frequent brushing, a diet rich in sugar and/or processed foods, and saliva.

More Veggies, Please

Bacteria love highly processed foods but cannot process whole foods (think broccoli, cauliflower, etc.). A diet rich in whole foods, particularly vegetables, can help you prevent cavities.

It’s All About the Acid

Bacteria don’t cause cavities directly. Instead, the acid produced when these microorganisms eat is responsible for eroding your tooth enamel. It’s a natural byproduct of consuming food debris in your mouth.

Remineralization Can Happen

If you give your teeth enough time and prevent bacteria from permanently colonizing the area, they’re capable of re-mineralizing damaged areas (before the damage becomes too severe). That’s what brushing and flossing do – they remove bacteria so that your teeth have time to heal.

Multiple Types

Did you know there was more than one type of cavity? The three most common are pit and fissure cavities, which tend to form on the tops of molars, smooth surface cavities, which form on the sides of teeth, and root cavities, which form just below the gum line.

Many Stages of Development

A cavity continues to grow the longer it’s left untreated. They begin as enamel cavities. Here, the hole only affects the enamel of the tooth – the outermost layer. Next, they progress to dentin cavities, where the hole erodes into the softer second layer of dentin.

Pulpitis is the next stage, where the cavity reaches the tooth pulp. This is the most painful stage and can lead to infection. Finally, the cavity results in periodontitis, which can result in bone infection and can usually only be treated by oral surgery.

How to Treat Cavities

In most cases, cavities are treated the same way. Your dentist will drill out the decayed part of the tooth and then replace the hole with a filling. In the past, fillings were often made from silver or gold, but porcelain and amalgam are more commonly used today.

Here’s to Your Oral Health

Cavities affect most people in the US at some point in their lives, but they’re not unavoidable. Regular brushing and flossing will help keep bacteria from building up and destroying your enamel. Regular visits to your dentist will also help keep your teeth clean and free of damage.

Dental pain is some of the most intense you’ll ever experience. And when it appears suddenly, it can be very alarming. What might be causing your agony? Here are a few likely suspects.

Heat or Cold

Perhaps the most common reason for sudden tooth pain is worn tooth enamel and exposure to heat or cold. Did the pain appear shortly after eating or drinking something hot or cold? Was it a sharp flash of pain? Temperature sensitivity is a sign that you should make an appointment with your dentist to check for erosion.

Increased Sensitivity

Have you noticed that your teeth have become more sensitive? If that’s the case, you may have receding gums. Gum tissue surrounds and protects the roots of your teeth, and when it recedes, it exposes parts of the roots to the air, as well as to foods and liquids. Eventually, that can lead to infections and gum disease.

Cracked Tooth

It’s easy to spot cracked teeth most of the time, but sometimes hairline cracks form that are all but invisible. They can still lead to considerable dental pain, though. The good news is that your dentist has solutions for cracked teeth, including veneers and crowns.

Gum Infection

Almost half of all American adults suffer from some degree of gum disease. As gum disease escalates, it can make your teeth and gums more sensitive, particularly to hot or cold temperatures. That can include not just foods and beverages, but also outside air if you’re breathing through your mouth, such as while jogging or during other forms of exercise.

Your Toothpaste

Activated charcoal is everywhere today, including in many different toothpaste formulations. While charcoal can certainly help address mild staining, it also causes tooth sensitivity when used too frequently. If you’re fixed on using charcoal toothpaste, don’t overuse it.

Bleaching Products

Bleaching products are very popular today and can help you whiten your teeth by several shades right in your own home. However, they are not particularly gentle and can cause sudden sensitivity. If you stop using the whitening product, the sensitivity should go away.

Grinding Your Teeth or Clenching Your Jaws

Do you ever have to force yourself to relax your jaw and stop clenching your teeth? Does your dentist suspect that you grind your teeth at night? Both actions wear away at your enamel and can cause sensitivity. Wearing a mouthguard at night can help prevent grinding and clenching. You’ll find over-the-counter mouthguards, but your dentist may also be able to custom-make one to fit your mouth.

Lost Filling

One of the most common causes of sudden tooth pain is the loss of a filling. While fillings can last indefinitely, they can fall out, leaving the hole in your tooth open and exposing the interior of your tooth to temperature extremes that may cause sudden pain.

Experiencing unexplained sudden tooth pain? Your dentist can help. Make an appointment to have your teeth inspected as soon as possible to prevent additional damage.

Cavities (dental erosion) are the most common oral health disease in the US. Most children will have at least one cavity and up to 30% of adults in the country have untreated cavities. Without proper care, cavities can grow and destroy teeth, as well as cause more serious issues, like bone infections. It’s important to have cavities treated as soon as possible, but how do you tell if you have one?

Temperature Sensitivity

One of the most common signs that you’ve got a cavity is sudden sensitivity to heat and cold in your mouth. If you take a gulp of cold water and experience a stabbing pain in your mouth, chances are good you have a cavity. The problem here is that when a cavity exposes the dentin layer of your teeth, the microscopic tunnels in the dentin make perfect channels for food and drink to stimulate the nerve inside the tooth.

Sugar Sensitivity

While temperature sensitivity is a common sign you might have a cavity, so is sensitivity to sugar in foods and drinks. In most cases, this will be a lingering discomfort that lasts for several minutes after eating or drinking something sugary and is caused by exposure of the dentin layer within a growing cavity.

Tooth Pain

There are few things as hard to deal with as a toothache, particularly when the pain becomes severe. Toothaches are prime signs that you’re dealing with an oral health problem, which is most likely a cavity. However, other issues can cause toothaches, so you must visit a dentist as soon as possible to have the situation diagnosed. Note that toothaches can be sudden, or they can grow slowly and continually. You may also experience pressure in the area when biting or chewing.

White Spots

In many cases, cavities begin as white spots on your teeth. Over time, they can darken, eventually becoming brown or even black. If you notice telltale staining, it’s important to visit your dentist to have the growing cavity treated.

A Visible Hole

If left untreated, a cavity will eventually form a visible hole or pit in your tooth. You may be able to see this when you look in a mirror and/or feel it with your tongue. However, not all cavities can be seen or felt. That’s particularly true if they form under the gumline or between teeth, which is why it’s so important to visit your dentist every six months.

Prevent Cavities with Good Oral Care and Regular Dentist Visits

While cavities can be painful and lead to major oral health problems, the good news is that they’re preventable. Brushing after meals and flossing every night can help prevent plaque build-up that leads to cavities.

Avoid sugary drinks and foods, and make sure to drink plenty of water to dilute the acid that causes cavities in the first place. Combine that with regular dentist visits and you have a good chance of not experiencing another cavity.

Dental treatments and options for taking care of your oral health have evolved a great deal over the years. One of the best new tools is a water flosser, or an oral irrigator. These are handheld devices that look similar to electric toothbrushes. They are meant to be used in addition to a toothbrush and regular flossing as a very effective way of removing bacteria, plaque, food particles, and gum-disease-causing elements.

Water flossers use—you guessed it—water to get all those pesky germs out of the crevices of your teeth and from beneath the gum line. They concentrate on the areas of your mouth that brushing just can’t get to.

There are many types of water flossers, each with benefits that work well for different lifestyles.

• Countertop water flossers – These can be a bit bulky and heavy, but they’re easy to use in most bathrooms as they only need an electrical outlet. The irrigation tank gets filled with water and you refill it as needed.
• Battery-operated water flossers – These are great for traveling or for those with limited counter space. They’re slim and portable; however, they aren’t as powerful as the countertop variety.
• Shower flossers – These attach to your showerhead so you can floss in the shower! They’re a bit more difficult to maneuver, and you’ll need space in your shower to mount it, but they’re great for people who would rather keep all the “mess” in one place.
• Faucet flossers – These are similar to shower flossers but they use a cord that connects to the sink faucet instead of the shower head. They’re also a bit more cumbersome.

Most types of water flossers, no matter the design, have different modes that make them easy on sensitive gums and effective for people who want more pressure. They’re also easy to use for people with braces, bridges, and implants.

Water flossers are a more fool-proof way of getting all the bacteria and build-up from between teeth and underneath the gumlines. Even for those that floss the traditional way each day, most don’t do it properly. There’s less “technique” involved with water flossers, which means that you’re more likely to keep your gums healthy and happy. 

Oral irrigators are especially beneficial for people with the following issues:

• Bleeding gums – This is an early sign of gum disease that needs attention right away.
• Braces – Food and plaque often get stuck behind and between brackets.
• Dry mouth – Saliva is a natural mouth cleaner, so those with dry mouth usually have more buildup and are at higher risk for cavities.
• Crooked teeth – If your teeth aren’t perfectly straight, it’s more likely that food will get stuck in them. Plus, it’s harder to floss them well!

Oral irrigation devices should be combined with a regular flossing routine to ensure that your mouth remains as clean and healthy as possible. Especially if you already have signs of periodontal disease, such as bleeding gums, or if you have braces, dry mouth, or crooked teeth, then a water flosser is a smart addition to other elements of a dental hygiene routine.