Oral and General Health Connection Your mouth is a window into your body. The mouth can show signs of general infection, side effects to medications, nutritional deficiencies, signs of systemic diseases, and more. By having good oral hygiene and visiting your dental professional regularly you are taking care of your entire body! What is gum disease? Have you ever noticed bleeding when brushing or cleaning between your teeth? Swollen and bleeding gums are early signs that your gums are inflamed...

Many people often experience holiday stress, and this year there can be the added stress of the pandemic. Stress is a coping mechanism to everyday challenges, but when the stress response is continuous it can have a negative impact on overall health. You may feel your heart rate and breathing increase, as well as increased muscle tension. Stress can have physical and psychological consequences. Did you know it can also have an impact on your oral health?   Impact on Oral...

Have you ever noticed bleeding when brushing or cleaning between your teeth? Swollen and bleeding gums are early signs that your gums are inflamed and presence of infection. If you wash your hands and notice bleeding, you would probably be concerned. So, what’s the difference? Well, there is no difference, because periodontal disease is having a big wound in your mouth. The good news is—periodontal disease is preventable! How does the disease start? A sticky film called dental plaque constantly...

November is National Diabetes Month to raise awareness of diabetes symptoms, promote healthy living and ensure people are aware of risk factors. Among the US population 10.5% (34.2 million people!) have diabetes, with approximately 1 in 4 not aware of having the disease. What is Diabetes? When we eat or drink carbohydrates, they are broken down to glucose and released into our blood. For the glucose to be able to enter our cells and fuel our bodies, a hormone called...

Dental professionals often get asked many questions about cleaning between the teeth. One of the most common includes, “Should I use an interdental brush or floss to clean between my teeth?” Both methods disrupt plaque, but the recommendation depends on your specific circumstance, so it is best to ask your dental professional during your next check-up. Below are some reasons why you may choose an interdental brush: Easier to use, especially for people with limited hand and finger dexterity More...

Do you think it is normal for your gums to bleed? After you are done brushing your teeth and you spit into the sink, have you noticed any blood? Do you notice bleeding when you clean between your teeth? Bleeding is not normal. Often people assume they did something wrong, like pressing too hard, poking the gum tissue or using the wrong technique. Although this may occur, many times it is not the reason. Bleeding gums are often related to...

It is important to take care of yourself and your developing baby during your pregnancy. Many pregnant women have gingivitis, also called gum disease. Pregnant women with this condition are at risk of premature labor, pre-eclampsia and low-birth-weight babies. Like I said in my last blog post, if you are experiencing a bad gag reflex during your pregnancy the TePe universal care specialty toothbrush is a great option. The contra-angle of the toothbrush handle allows the toothbrush to stay away...

Anna Nilvéus Olofsson DDS, Specialist Paediatric DentistryManager Odontology and Scientific Affairs, TePe   Take care of your baby’s teeth – and your own Caring for your baby’s teeth starts even before birth. It starts with caring for your own oral health. Having a healthy smile as an expectant mother makes it more likely that your child will have a healthy smile, too.Scientific studies have shown that mothers with poor oral health and high levels of bacteria that may cause caries...