Healthy news and information from Exquisite Smiles / 2020 May Issue
Looking for ways to keep your mouth healthy? Here are some simple habits to embrace.
1. Know what constitutes a dental emergency. Typically, any dental issue requiring immediate treatment to stop bleeding, alleviate acute pain, or save your tooth qualifies as an emergency.
2. Limit sour candy. Because sour candy is typically high in citric acid and sugar, it can play havoc with the enamel on your teeth.
3. Two for two. Always brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time.
4. Spit, don’t rinse. After brushing, spit out the excess toothpaste in your mouth instead of rinsing with water — rinsing can wash away helpful fluoride.
While not a substitute for a regular professional cleaning and exam, these suggestions can a long way towards keeping your teeth healthy.
If you’re expecting a child, or if children are in your future, you’re well aware that there’s more to consider than just picking out a name and decorating a nursery.
As you’ll probably be reading up on how to keep your baby as healthy as possible, there are steps you can take to ensure proper oral health while they’re still in the womb.
Give your baby a head start when it comes to healthy teeth and gums by getting the recommended daily amount of calcium while you’re pregnant. Even though it will take months after they’re born before their teeth begin to poke through, calcium is crucial in helping them form properly.
To lower the risk of a child being born with a cleft pallet, consider folic acid supplements. This simple, cost-effective measure can have a significant impact on the health of the mother and child.
We understand that our “normal” routines have been drastically changed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. But there’s one routine we hope you’re sticking to – brushing your teeth each morning and night.
What you might not have considered are other things that can affect your oral health — here are a few:
1. Snoring. Aside from just preventing you and your partner from sleeping well, snoring can make your teeth more susceptible to decay as it can drastically dry out your mouth.
2. Chewing ice. For some, it’s a habit that’s hard to break. The next time you catch yourself chewing on ice after finishing a beverage, make a mental note and stop. Before long you’ll have a new, healthier habit.
3. Mouth piercings. Though some may find tongue or inner lip piercings trendy, if they aren’t cleaned properly each day, increased chance of bacteria development can lead to a serious oral infection.
