Lately, there has been a lot of talk about flossing and if it is good or not! Kind of reminds me of coffee, some studies say is good for you and others say it isn't.
Our dental office believes that flossing is beneficial to a person's general oral health. Our staff is trained to address the issues of proper flossing to our patients on an individual need basis. We promote many different tools used to effectively and safely clean between the teeth.
If you are concerned with the recent news reports, please give our office a call to schedule an appointment. We will be happy to review your concerns and make sure you are properly caring for your teeth.
Tooth enamel is very hard but...
That doesn't mean you can't break it.
Our office recommends to avoid eating "hard foods" such as popcorn. Don't crack nut shells with your teeth or chew on ice. Opening packages with your teeth can also damage the enamel.
It's not just the sugar - it's also the acid
Sugar and acids are your teeth's worst enemies. What are we talking about? Soft drinks, energy drinks, fruit juices, and candy.
Because of the acid content, Mountain Dew seems to be the worst of the worst. There is even a name for the damage it does and it is called "Dew Mouth."
These erode the tooth enamel, making it highly susceptible to decay. Parents, watch your kid's consumption of these because young children's enamle hasn't developed fully. This makes these drinks even more damaging for kids.
As well as eliminating the above (or at least reducing their consumption), it is recommended to always brush and floss after every meal. If you can't, use a sugar-free xylitol chewing gum after a meal. Also rinse your mouth with a high quality dental mouthwash.
Ivan K. Salmons, DDS
1855 Indian Hills Drive
Sioux City, IA 51104
(712) 239-5900
SiouxCityDentist.com
A cracked or broken tooth can happen for a variety of reasons- brittle teeth, teeth grinding, injury. The crack may be invisible to the naked eye and even X-ray, but they can be incredibly painful and create bigger problems if left untreated. If you experience pain when chewing see your dentist. They can diagnose the cause and develop a plan for treatment.Above article from: MouthHealthy.org
Ivan K. Salmons, DDS 1855 Indian Hills Drive Sioux City, IA 51104 (712) 239-5900 SiouxCityDentist.com
Plaque is that soft, sticky stuff that builds up on your teeth over time. It contains legions of bacteria. Left untreated it will eventually lead to gum disease, bad breath and tooth loss.
Frequent brushing and flossing are required to keep plaque at bay. But it's virtually impossible to remove all plaque without the skills of your professional dental hygienist. In other words, you're going to need some help.
Call our office today to schedule your next routine teeth cleaning to receive help with your plaque removal!
Wine tasters may be at high risk for enamel stain and erosion.
Why? Sipping wine many times a day -- and swishing it in the mouth -- increases the enamel's exposure to damaging acids.
That is why it's better to drink a glass of wine, soda, or sweet tea with a meal instead of sipping it over several hours.Above article from: Webmd.com/oral-health
Ivan K. Salmons, DDS 1855 Indian Hills Drive Sioux City, IA 51104 (712) 239-5900 SiouxCityDentist.com
It’s never too early to get children in the habit of good oral care. Of course, it’s up to parents to take the “first steps.” Finding new ways to model good dental habits and practice them with your kids is key. The sooner kids begin to take charge of their own teeth, the happier and healthier they (and you) will be. And the payoffs over a lifetime are immeasurable.
Don’t Worry-You’re Not Alone
If you think it’s a challenge to teach your kids good oral care, you’re in good company. Tooth decay is one of the most common childhood diseases. And studies show that almost 50% of kids between six and eight have had at least one cavity.1 These are just a couple of reasons why it’s so important to help kids understand right from the start that proper dental habits are a smart idea.
To read the entire article visit OralB.com.
Ivan K. Salmons, DDS
1855 Indian Hills Drive
Sioux City, IA 51104
(712) 239-5900
SiouxCityDentist.com
Your mother was right: Never open bottles, packages, or other containers with your teeth. You might permanently chip or crack the enamel.Gnawing on anything else -- like pens or fingernails -- or chomping down on seeds, popcorn kernels, or ice could have the same result.Above article from: Webmd.com/oral-health
Ivan K. Salmons, DDS 1855 Indian Hills Drive Sioux City, IA 51104 (712) 239-5900 SiouxCityDentist.com
Below is an excerpt from an article found on Colgate.com that was written by Donna Pleis
You already know the value of regular tooth brushing and flossing to the prevention of tooth decay and gum disease, but what you eat can help too. Here are a few tips for healthy teeth involving simple foods that may be more helpful to your dental health than you thought they were.
An Element of Strength
The mineral, fluoride, plays an important role in building strong teeth and bones, and ultimately protecting your teeth against tooth decay. This is why fluoride has been included in toothpastes like Colgate Cavity Protection and many community water supplies. But did you know it's also found naturally in many foods? Any fluoride you ingest is absorbed and distributed throughout the body, according to the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), though most of it deposited into your bones and teeth.
So, to give you and your family's teeth an extra bit of strength now and then, serve up foods with naturally high concentrations of fluoride. Most seafood is a good source of this because oceans are full of natural sodium fluoride. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), tea and gelatin contain fluoride as well. Carrots, beets, canned pork and beans also have significant amounts (who would've thought?), as well as infant formula, juices, canned tomato products and cheeses. And if you like baked potatoes, don't peel off the skin; that's where most of the fluoride is found. You can identify more fluoride-rich foods at the USDA National Nutrient Database.
To read the entire article visit Colgate.com.
The remainder of the article details the following:
- 'Moo're Dairy Please
- Swish and Swallow
- Candy and Chewing Gum
- Nature's Toothbrush
Although tea has a reputation as a healthy beverage, it may not be the best choice when it comes to keeping your teeth white. Dentists say tea -- especially the basic black variety -- can cause more stains than coffee. However, recent studies have found that even herbal teas and white teas have the potential to erode enamel and cause tooth staining.
Above article from: Webmd.com/oral-health
Ivan K. Salmons, DDS 1855 Indian Hills Drive Sioux City, IA 51104 (712) 239-5900 SiouxCityDentist.com
Below is an excerpt from an article found on MouthHealthy.org
When he’s feeling under the weather, ADA dentist Dr. Gene Romo says one thing always helps him feel a little more like himself. “Brushing my teeth when I’m sick actually makes me feel better,” he says. “My mouth feels clean, and in a way, I feel like my health is starting to improve.”
When you have a cold or the flu, taking care of your body is your top priority-and that includes your mouth. “It’s important to take care of your dental health all year round, but especially when you’re sick,” Dr. Romo says.
Here are some simple ways to care for your dental health when you’re not feeling well:
Practice Good Hygiene
When you’re sick, you know to cover your mouth when you cough and sneeze. Don’t forget to keep up your dental and toothbrush hygiene as well.
According to the CDC, the flu virus can live on moist surfaces for 72 hours. “The number one rule is not to share your toothbrush anytime, but especially when you are sick,” Dr. Romo says.
You also probably don’t need to replace your toothbrush after you’ve been sick. Unless your immune system is severely compromised, the chances of reinfecting yourself are very low. “But if you’re still in doubt, throw it out,” says Dr. Romo. “Especially if you’ve had your toothbrush for 3-4 months, when it’s time to replace it anyway.”
Choose Sugar-Free Cough Drops
Read the label before you pick up a bag at the drug store with an eye to avoid ingredients like fructose or corn syrup. “Many cough drops contain sugar, and it is like sucking on candy,” says Dr. Romo. “Sugar is a culprit when it comes to cavities.” The longer you keep a sugary cough drop in your mouth, the more time cavity-causing bacteria has to feast on that sugar, which produces the acid that can leave holes in your teeth.
To read the entire article visit MouthHealthy.org.
The remainder of the article details the following:
- Swish and Spit After Vomiting
- Stay Hydrated to Avoid Dry Mouth
- Choose the Right Fluids
The Importance of Hygiene Visits
The attention of a professional hygienist is your best defense in the struggle against gum disease. Regularly scheduled cleanings remove plaque accumulation before it forms a more challenging concern. Plaque often remains in the difficult-to-reach places of your mouth. Even with systematic brushing, some of it will remain in the grooves and pockets of your teeth and gums. Plaque hardens into tartar, which is beyond the scope of your standard toothbrush and floss to eliminate. Tartar accumulates below your gum line as well as on the enamel of your teeth, inviting decay and even gum disease to take up residence in your mouth. Recent research shows a clear link between untreated gum disease and other life-threatening illnesses such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Which means having your teeth cleaned is one of the most beneficial reasons to visit your dentist!
Ivan K. Salmons, DDS
1855 Indian Hills Drive
Sioux City, IA 51104
(712) 454-7214
SiouxCityDentist.com
We Care About Kids!
Dr. Salmons endeavors to make children of all ages feel relaxed and enjoy their treatment, so bring your whole family! You can be confident that your child will receive the most up-to-date advancements in children’s dentistry, conveyed with caring, thoughtfulness, and empathy. We encourage correct dental care routines for children and relish coaching them how to preserve healthy teeth for a lifetime. We look forward to meeting them for their initial dental visit and watching them grow year after year.
One of our primary objectives is to ensure that this and future generations of children grow up without a dread of the dental office. According to our many ecstatic parents, we are accomplishing just that! Our office is a fun and cheerful place that children love to visit. Whether you have an energetic six-year-old or a timid three-year-old, we are here to assist you.
Ivan K. Salmons, DDS
1855 Indian Hills Drive
Sioux City, IA 51104
(712) 454-7214
SiouxCityDentist.com
Lately, there has been a lot of talk about flossing and if it is good or not! Kind of reminds me of coffee, some studies say is good for you and others say it isn't.
