Does smoking hurt my teeth?

Smoking has a serious effect on your teeth, gums, and mouth. “Cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, and other forms of tobacco cause...
Smoking has a serious effect on your teeth, gums, and mouth. “Cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, and other forms of tobacco cause oral cancer, gum disease, and other oral health problems.” (CDC, 2020). Here are some fast facts about tobacco use from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, 2020): Over 40% of adults aged 20 to 64 who currently smoke cigarettes have untreated tooth decay. Adults aged 65 or older who smoke cigarettes are twice as likely to have untreated...
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Why it is Important to Limit Sugar During the Holidays

During the winter holidays there are numerous sweet treats. Many people indulge in sweet beverages, pies, treats, and candies, but...
During the winter holidays there are numerous sweet treats. Many people indulge in sweet beverages, pies, treats, and candies, but it is important to know how to prevent dental cavities with an increased consumption of sugar. How do sweet foods and beverages cause cavities? When you eat sugary foods and drinks, bacteria in the mouth feed on the available sugars and produce acid, which breaks down the outer layer, the enamel, of the tooth. Cavities often develop between the teeth...
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Your Mouth and Body are Connected Studies Show

Your mouth is a window into your body. The mouth can show signs of general infection, side effects to medications,...
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! Here are some examples of where research has identified a correlation between oral and general health. Heart Disease Diabetes Pneumonia Arthritis Preterm birth / low birth weight Cancer Neurodegenerative diseases Obesity Osteoporosis Periodontitis...
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Is there a Correlation Between Diabetes and Gum Dise...

Let’s look at an example of how the mouth and body are related. There is a direct correlation between periodontitis...
Let’s look at an example of how the mouth and body are related. There is a direct correlation between periodontitis and diabetes. Among the US population 11.3% (37.3 million people) have diabetes, with approximately 1 in 4 not aware of having the disease. The total US population with pre-diabetes is 38% (96 million people aged 18 years or older). Did you know November is American Diabetes Month to raise awareness of diabetes symptoms, promote healthy living, and ensure people are...
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What does a dental hygienist do?

During your appointment with a dental hygienist, you will have the following: Review your medical history Vital sign evaluation Periodontal...
During your appointment with a dental hygienist, you will have the following: Review your medical history Vital sign evaluation Periodontal Risk Assessment (includes all supporting tissue around the teeth) Oral Cancer Screening Radiographs (x-rays) Salivary Flow Detection Caries (cavity) Examination Oral Hygiene Instruction Nutritional Counseling Preventive Therapy to remove plaque and tartar from teeth When visiting your dental professional, it is much more than a teeth cleaning. Your mouth and body are connected. Cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, pneumonia, arthritis, preterm birth/...
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Common oral conditions for older adults

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), by 2060 the number of US adults aged 65 years...
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), by 2060 the number of US adults aged 65 years or older is expected to reach 98 million, 24% of the overall population. This is a growing demographic in the United States. Being disabled, homebound, or institutionalized (e.g., seniors who live in nursing homes) increases the risk of poor oral health. The ability to access routine professional oral health services, have proper oral health education, and daily oral hygiene are...
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Oral Care Needs As We Age

May is Older Americans Month, established in 1963 to acknowledge the contributions of past and current older persons. The theme...
May is Older Americans Month, established in 1963 to acknowledge the contributions of past and current older persons. The theme for 2023 is ‘Aging Unbound’, exploring diverse aging experiences and discussing how communities can combat stereotypes as we expand our thinking about aging—and how all benefit when older adults remain engaged, independent, and included.   Plaque retention in the aging population is exacerbated by the presence of dental restorations (e.g., crowns, bridges), missing teeth, and gingival recession. The aging population...
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3 Reasons to keep your teeth healthy for life

Teeth are an incredible part of the human body, and they do much more than providing you a smile. By...
Teeth are an incredible part of the human body, and they do much more than providing you a smile. By maintaining excellent oral health, we hope you enjoy your teeth for life. There are 32 permanent teeth that serve different functions in the mouth. Incisors: 8 teeth located in the front of your mouth for cutting food. Canines: 4 teeth located at the corners of the mouth for tearing and breaking food apart. Premolars: 8 teeth behind the canines that...
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Guide to Oral Cancer Self-Exam

The good news is, if oral cancer is caught early, the long-term survival rate increases. Early detection is key! Your...
The good news is, if oral cancer is caught early, the long-term survival rate increases. Early detection is key! Your dental professional will provide you with an oral cancer screening when you go in for your continuing care appointment, but you should also complete them on yourself at home. Perform this 7-step oral cancer self-exam once a month. At each step you are looking for anything unusual, especially any lumps, red or white patches, changes in color/texture or lingering ulcers....
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Oral Cancer Awareness Month

When we hear the word cancer it might seem like a distance term, or you may have a very personal...
When we hear the word cancer it might seem like a distance term, or you may have a very personal experience. “1 in 2 men and 1 in 3 women will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime” (cancer.org). Cancer impacts many people.    April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, which raises awareness about oral cancer and the importance of completing self-exams. Oral Cancer starts in the oral cavity (mouth) and the oropharynx (neck and throat). This year there will...
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The holiday stress and oral health

Many people often experience holiday stress. Stress is a coping mechanism to everyday challenges, but when the stress response is...
Many people often experience holiday stress. 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? Stress and Oral Health When prolonged stress occurs, your immune system can become compromised. The...
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Teeth Grinding

Bruxism is also a name for teeth grinding, and it is often accompanied with clenching. It often happens as you...
Bruxism is also a name for teeth grinding, and it is often accompanied with clenching. It often happens as you sleep, but it can also be associated with stress, anxiety, an abnormal bite, or missing teeth. People who drink alcohol and smokers are approximately twice as likely to grind their teeth (ADA, 2022). The symptoms of teeth grinding include: Dull headaches Jaw soreness Teeth that are painful or loose Fractured teeth Your dentist will evaluate the source. You can get...
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