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