Coffee and Drinks for your Dental Health

The Fall weather has started to move in and more of us are focused on warm and cozy drinks and snacks.  This is indeed the time to lounge about with friends and family and indulge more with hot drinks in the morning and at night.  This is generally what my family looks forward to each and every year, but it is not always the best thing for us.  Many people talk about dental health when it comes to all the Halloween candy, but they never even glance or think about all the extra drinks we are consuming and what they may actually be doing to our mouths.  So today I want to go over some of the drinks we love and maybe some of the drinks we should work on drinking less of or cutting out altogether. 

 

Now the first drink that comes to mind in the fall is also a staple for many people in this country.  The morning cup of coffee or in reality the 2 or 3 that follow are a staple for the working American.  The average American drinks two cups a day and that is a massive amount of coffee.  Think about it covering your teeth every single day and the thing is that it is not good for your teeth.  Coffee is highly acidic and actually erodes the tooth enamel that you have.  This means that over time it softens your enamel and it does start to erode.  Not only does is take away your precious enamel but it also can stain them.

The fact is that when coffee eats away at your enamel is allows the dark color to stain your teeth as well.  This can go deep and be so bad as to not be able to be brushed away.  That is because it goes an extra layer into your teeth and it will take a professional cleaning or whitening to actually get rid of coffee stains.  That is definitely something to think about because we also drink a lot more coffee in the colder months due to it paring well with snacks and treats even at night.  The decaff coffee is still damaging even though it doesn't have caffeine in it, but it can still damage your teeth. 

 

So one thing to do is to cut back on your coffee intake.  That means drinking less of it.  This can be very challenging due to the fact that it is addicting.  The caffeine in the coffee can cause withdrawal if you stop drinking it and that can have severe headaches that follow.  This is why people start and never stop.  So substituting another caffeinated beverage is a good idea.  Many people chose a version of tea to substitute their morning cups of coffee with.  They may also decide to simply take caffeine pills and drink water instead.  That is probably the most healthy way to cut back on drinking coffee but it is the hardest habit to change it out for.

 

But even if you are going to drink those sugary drinks or coffee consistently it is always a good idea to drink some water right after.  Water can rinse your mouth and help produce more saliva. Salvia is your mouth's natural cleaner and is nice to always have lots of. So stay hydrated and stay safe this fall season.

Protect Your Dental Health

With the influx of the pandemic, a whole lot of focus has been put on your health this year.  The COVID-19 Pandemic has opened people's eyes to new subjects and topics in their health that had not thought of as much before.  The dental hygiene area is a huge area that has boomed this year.  I think the reason for this is pretty self-explanatory.  We all have to wear masks in almost all public locations in the United States and we are all smelling our own breath.  The reality is that many Americans are not keeping up with the correct dental routine and are currently experiencing the bad effects of those decisions now on a daily basis.  It is ok, the majority of people are in the same boat and are learning to up their dental care together.  So let's go over a few of the basic things that we all need to do to help our bad breath or halitosis or just regular dental routine.

 

The first thing that most people think about is brushing their teeth more.  That is a pretty good thing to start with and is really the staple of dental health in America.  What you should be looking at is the number of times you are brushing and what you are brushing with.  A large portion of dental issues can be attributed to a lack of brushing.  So how many times should you brush a day?  The ADA suggests that you brush your teeth at least twice a day.  They usually suggest using a hi in fluoride toothpaste if you are an adult to help protect your teeth. 

Personally, this year I have upped my brushing game because of the ease of brushing from home instead of work.  Now with me working at home, I am able to add in an extra brush for lunch which brings my total of brushing to three times a day.  I use a fluoride toothpaste for breakfast and lunch and a whitening toothpaste at night.

 

My toothpaste of choice at night has been a natural charcoal toothapste.  This allows me to brighten my teeth while I sleep and still get the protection I need against bad plaque and tartar building foods and drinks during the day.  I think this system has kept my own my healthier and brighter too.

 

Another area that is also many times forgotten about is the importance of flossing.  Now, I will admit that I hate flossing.  I think the whole floss string is really gross.  But there are other options that I found.  There are disposable floss sticks that you can buy in packs of 100 or more which allow you to flow without touching your mouth of floss string.  With this invention, I am able to floss and get all the extra particles of food stuck between my teeth that are damaging my teeth while I sleep.  To me, this addition in my dental routine has allowed my breath to get better because all the extra halitosis causing particles are no longer there at night.

 

So there are many things you can do to up your dental health care routine.  I suggest adding in some brushing and flossing.  But the main thing you can do is visit your local dentist.  It is important to have a profession let you know where your mouth is healthwise and also to give you the best plan to follow for you.

Diet considerations for your dental health

I love the warmer weather.  It is generally a hint for me to get my self on a vacation and fast.  THis is because it helps me and my mental and physical health.  It is a jump start to getting better.  This Summer many of us like to branch out and try new drinks and treats.  It is only natural in the United States to end up drinking and eating more at social gatherings.  It is a part of the countries tradition and many things come up during this time which can be harmful.  Not all drinks are bad and many of them are just fine in moderation, but knowing what to moderate is really important. The more you know and are able to apply to your life especialyl in health areas is always a win. 

Now with summer comes nice wine on summer nights.  Most of us know that wine is healthy in some way or another. The one problem is that wine is not the most healthy for your teeth.  I have found that not only does it stain your teeth, but it can be highly acidic.  The real issue for me is that the white wines are more acidic but stain your teeth less.  Overall they are worse for your dental health because they end up decaying your teeth faster.  I do say though that red wine is slightly better for the tooth enamel of your teeth.  The bad side effect is that red wine stains your teeth much more.  This means that neither is really great, and red wine is always a win for health for almost everyone.

So the other end of the spectrum is that some people flat out love beer in summer.  The fact is that a lot of studies are not giving a lot of information on beer.  But some are showing that hops that are in beer usually have beneficial aspects on teeth.  The truth is though that if the beer is acidic then you should not be indulging too much.  There are lots of people who drink 2 or 6 plus beers a day and that can be harming your teeth.  Keep and open mind and a wise one too.

Warm weather means that water is a big part of Summer and it is something that we should be drinking a whole lot more of.  The more the weather cools down the more people end up working out more.  Unfortunately, a lot so people drink lots of sugary drinks instead of water.  Water is very beneficial for your teeth.  The effects of water rise the sugar or acid off your teeth and also help you to create more saliva.  I think saliva is the body's natural tooth cleanser.  It is a fantastic way to not only rinse your teeth but replenish your body's natural mouth wash.  So try and drink as much as you can.  If you are also drinking lots of sweet drinks, make sure to follow these drinks up with some water to help clean the tooth-damaging things away. 

There are imposters in the water world. Even if the commercials are great for them, sparkling water can be very detrimental to your health.  The sparkling waters can have very acidic PH levels and can cause lots of harm.  The issue is that they are breaking down your teeth instead of cleaning them and hydrating your body.  So make sure to be very careful when you drink these sparkling deceivers.  The cost is a financial pain, so just avoid it.

How To Treat Orofacial Pain

Orofacial pain is a discomfort that involves the unpleasant sensation in the muscles, joints, or bones in the mouth and face. Symptoms of this pain include pain in or around the eyes, discomfort in the depth of the jaw, locking or clicking of your jaw, and headache when you eat, speak, or swallow.

You can have one, some, or all of these symptoms, and they can be a cause of concern. You may want to visit a dental professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.

What causes orofacial pain?

There can be various reasons for you to have orofacial pain. Some of these reasons are the following.

• Migraine
• Muscle spasms in the jaw, head, or neck area
• Surgery complications
• Uneven bite
• Missing teeth
• TMJ disorder
• Tooth decay or gum disease
• Bruxism (also known as grinding of teeth)
• Injury to the face or jaw

Dental conditions

Your dentist will determine the cause of dental pain based on the type and severity of the discomfort you experience. For instance, your dentist will suggest that you have tooth sensitivity if you feel pain when you eat or drink hot or cold foods. It usually occurs due to tooth decay or gum recession, which is a condition that can expose the unprotected part of your tooth. If you feel pain when you bite down on anything, you may have a cracked tooth or loose filling. According to the National Health Service, the severe tooth pain that radiates to the neck, jaw, or ear is a sign of tooth abscess. If you have a tooth abscess, you may be able to control the resultant pain by taking over-the-counter medicines. But, it is not a permanent solution. Make sure to have an appointment with your dentist as soon as you can.

Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD)

The joints and muscles that connect your lower jaw to the upper skull make a complex structure. Any malfunction in that area can cause severe pain and loss of jaw functionality. These joints are known as Temporomandibular joints (TMJ), and any problem with these joints is known as Temporomandibular joints, also known as TMD. This disorder may cause jaw pain, dental pain, earache, facial pain, and a sensation of swelling around the joint. Your dentist may run some physical tests and follow other diagnostic measures to determine the exact cause of the problem.

How to manage orofacial pain at home

Measures that you can take at home to manage orofacial pain will only address symptoms. You are going to have to contact your dentist for an immediate appointment to find permanent relief from the problem. At home, you can take over-the-counter medication to control symptoms until you reach the dental office.

Your dentist may also suggest some actions to control symptoms at home. For instance, he or she may recommend you to use a toothbrush with soft bristles and toothpaste for sensitive teeth to control hypersensitivity pain. If you are suffering from TMD, you may want to eat soft foods, reduce jaw motions, and apply ice to alleviate pain.

You will need to stay in touch with your dentist to discuss your condition. The dentist will guide you through the period until the day of the appointment comes.

Coffee Got Your Teeth Down? Or Should I say.. Brown?

If you’re anything like me, then you love coffee. I started drinking coffee early on in college. I’ve always been a fan of caffeine, but never got into coffee because soda and other caffeinated beverages always seemed better to me. However, I quickly became a fan of coffee once I really started drinking it. It first started as something I would drink in social environments at the cafe at my university from time to time with my friends. But the more I drank, the more accustomed my taste buds became to it’s bitter but delicious taste of chocolate and other flavors. I guess at some point I transitioned into becoming a full-time coffee drinker. I ended up buying a keurig, and this marked the beginning of my long standing love affair with coffee. 

The problem with coffee, however, is that it has a nasty habit of staining your teeth. I really value my dental hygiene and am insecure about my teeth getting stained or looking gross. Afterall, teeth are often what help to solidify a first impression you might have with someone. Whether we like it or not, our minds subconsciously make a lot of judgments about a person based on their teeth. Consequently, it’s super important for me to keep my teeth clean and somewhat stain free. To do this, there are several different ways that I have researched to whiten your teeth that do not involve going to the dentist. So if you’re looking for a few ways to keep those coffee stains off your teeth, read below!

First it’s important to note why teeth can begin to yellow or get stained. Certain foods can stain your enamel, which is the outermost layer of your teeth. Additionally, plaque buildup on your teeth can cause them to look yellow. This type of discoloration can usually be treated with regular cleaning and whitening remedies. However, sometimes teeth look yellow because the hard enamel has eroded, revealing the dentin underneath. Dentin is a naturally yellow, bony tissue that lies underneath the enamel. In this case, it may be a bit harder to whiten your teeth. But hopefully you can use a few of the tips below to help make your smile a little bit whiter!

One natural, at home remedy is to brush your teeth with baking soda. Baking soda actually has natural whitening properties due to it’s abrasivity when scrubbing into your teeth. In fact, it is true that many companies use baking soda as an ingredient in toothpaste. There were several studies done that show the effectiveness of baking soda and it’s whitening properties, making it a sure way to make your smile just a bit whiter. Baking soda is extremely cheap and affordable as well, making it perfect for anyone who wants to whiten on a budget! And let’s face it, anything is cheaper than the dentist. 

Another at home remedy is hydrogen peroxide, which is a natural teeth whitener as well. People have in fact been using hydrogen peroxide for years to kill bacteria in their mouths and to whiten teeth. This is also another ingredient used in everyday toothpastes from a lot of different commercial products. I hope this article is helpful to you in your teeth whitening adventures!

Dentist vs. orthopedic surgeon

Dentists and orthopedic surgeons both help people with their oral needs but in different ways. A dentist is a broad medical term that specifies teeth, gums, jaws, and nerves in the mouth. An orthopedic surgeon specializes in bite corrections, straightening teeth, and occultations. For some reason, any time I went to my orthopedic, they seemed more friendly than the dentist’s office I visit. It could be the profession or the people, who knows. An important thing to remember is all orthopedic surgeons are also licensed as dentists, but not all dentists are licensed as orthopedic surgeons. 

The main similarity between dentists and orthopedic surgeons is they both focus on oral health care. As mentioned, orthopedics are also licensed as dentists, so they can work in a dental office doing the same work as a dental surgeon. In this aspect, they are the same because they can provide the same kind of care. Both professions are described as doctors that deal with teeth and gums. However, when it comes to specifics, a dentist can not do any more than work on teeth, gums, and jaws. An orthopedic surgeon can do the same as a dentist but can also put on braces, correct bites, and cure occultations. 

There are more differences between these two professions than similarities. As mentioned, dentists can only work on teeth like cleaning, providing fills for cavities, and tooth extractions, where orthodontists can do a bit more than that. Becoming an orthopedic surgeon requires more dental schooling than its predecessor, much like a doctor wanting to progress further to become a surgeon. Another difference is that orthopedic surgeons can help patients realign their bite and straighten teeth by applying braces. Orthodontists mainly focus on making your mouth straight, while dentists make sure your mouth is healthy.

Both practices have a priority of ensuring that your mouth is healthy, but dentists mainly focus on that. To ensure your mouth is beneficial, dentists require a yearly check on your teeth. It is essential to go to these appointments as neglecting them can lead to disaster in your mouth. If a patient has an overbite or anything wrong with alignment wise the dentist will refer them to an orthodontist. I had this exact situation happen to me as I was going into my freshman year of high school. I was not interested in getting braces as I had friends with them and all they did was complain about the pain they had due to their braces. I needed to get braces to fix an overbite along with straightening my teeth. The monthly adjustments of the wire and bands were not fun, and it made me understand my friend’s complaints. Looking back on it today, I am glad I got them as I have much straighter teeth now compared to back before I had them. 

Dentists and orthopedic surgeons have a lot of differences, more than similarities. The good news is that both professions focus on the health of your mouth. If your dentist says that you need to go to the orthopedic, it is crucial to listen to them as there is something profound in your mouth that they can not deal with as it is not in their job description, so to speak. Trusting your smile to an orthopedic surgeon can generally better your balance of different required procedures.