Everyone knows you need to brush and floss your teeth if you want a white smile and fresh breath. It’s easy, as well, to see the link between a vibrant smile and self-esteem. Often, though, people don’t realize that your oral health affects your overall wellbeing. Developing good oral care habits not only keeps your mouth in tip-top shape, but it also protects your total body health.

On a daily basis, we are constantly exposed to bacteria. These microscopic organisms can be found on common surfaces and in the air. Usually, our skin serves as a good barrier, and our bodies fight off bacterial infections. However, our mouths are a different story.

The inside of our mouths contain millions of bacteria, which contribute to the development of plaque, a sticky, colorless substance that forms on teeth. If you don’t take good care of your teeth and gums, excessive plaque can develop, which can lead to gum inflammation and even periodontal disease. Another term for gum disease, periodontal disease can not only cause serious damage to your dental wellness, but also your overall health.

When your gums are healthy, the bacteria in your mouth stay put. Gum disease can give bacteria an entry way into your blood stream, allowing these germs to wreak havoc on your whole system. Current research has linked periodontal disease to serious health concerns such as osteoporosis, heart disease, risk of stroke, and diabetes complications. In addition, women who develop gum disease during pregnancy have an increased risk for premature birth or low-birth weight babies.

Schedule your appointment at our Weymouth dental office

Modern dentistry allows people to keep their teeth healthy and strong. In fact, dentistry has evolved from folk practices to a medical discipline that follows scientific findings. Some common misconceptions still exist, including:

Myth: If I can’t see a problem with my teeth, they are fine, so I don’t need to visit the dentist.

Truth: Regular checkups are important even if you can’t see anything wrong. Sometimes, problems like decay and gum disease don’t present any signs until the condition progresses. Visiting the dentist for a routine exam twice a year allows the doctor to more effectively monitor your oral health.

Myth: Toothbrushes with hard bristles do a better job cleaning teeth.

Truth: Actually, most dentists recommend soft-bristled brushes because the hard bristles can remove tooth enamel, which makes your teeth more sensitive to hot and cold.

Myth: Root canal procedures cause pain.

Truth: When a tooth is severely damaged by trauma or deep decay, the soft nerve center called the pulp dies and pressure builds inside the tooth. Any discomfort you feel comes from the inflammation and infection. Most people actually feel better after a root canal, a procedure where the doctor removes the damaged tissue and seals the tooth to prevent further problems.

Myth: Teeth whitening will harm my teeth.

Truth: Both in-office and take-home teeth whitening options have evolved over the years. With a dentist’s supervision, you can safely and effectively brighten your smile.

Myth: Chewing sugar-free gum means I don’t have to brush my teeth.

Truth: Although sugar-free gum after meals may freshen breath and reduce plaque build up, you can’t use it as a substitute for brushing twice a day. Only regular brushing and flossing can get rid of the plaque already on teeth and remove food particles from between teeth.

Schedule a dental cleaning appointment today at our Weymouth dentists office.

Though not considered life threatening, bad breath, or halitosis, can certainly have a dramatic impact on your life. Some people develop occasional bad breath when they eat foods like onions and garlic, or because of a head cold. In these cases, the problem usually resolves itself in a short time period. Unfortunately, bad breath can also be a chronic condition.

Usually, bad breath is caused by the food trapped in our mouths, which forms the perfect breeding ground for bacteria. These anaerobic bacteria give off waste products known as volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs), the actual cause of the offending odors. The tongue is the most common location for the bacteria, although they can reside anywhere in the mouth.

Certain conditions, as well as lifestyle choices, can increase the odds of developing bad breath. Excessive smoking and drinking can produce halitosis. Allergies, dry mouth, diabetes, and dentures can also lead to bad breath issues. Another big contributor to halitosis is poor oral health, which includes problems such as gum disease, abscessed teeth, and decay.

Treating chronic halitosis involves addressing the root problem, not covering it up with mouthwash or mints. In fact, these solutions can actually exacerbate the problem by drying out your mouth. Follow these tips to help control bad breath:

• Avoid odor causing foods
• Brush and floss regularly to eliminate plaque
• Chew sugarless gum, which increases saliva
• Drink plenty of water
• Make sure to brush your tongue
• Reduce alcohol consumption
• Schedule regular checkups and cleanings

Schedule a dental cleaning appointment today at our Weymouth dentists office.

Do you wince when you take a bite of something hot, cold, or sweet? If so, you may be one of the millions of Americans experiencing sensitive teeth. This issue can impact your quality of life, causing you to limit the foods and beverages you enjoy.

Sensitivity in teeth occurs when dentin, the middle layer, is exposed. Usually, your gums cover the dentin, which contain tiny tubules that house the nerve branches leading to the nerve center of the tooth. If the dentin is uncovered, your tooth, or teeth, becomes sensitive.

Several factors can bring about tooth sensitivity, including:

• A worn out filling
• Cavities that need treatment
• Grinding your teeth
• Improper brushing that can wear down the enamel
• Poor oral home care, which allows tartar build up
• Receding gums
• Whitening your teeth

Sometimes, people experience pulpal sensitivity, which generally affects a single tooth and occurs because of damage to the pulp, or nerve center. Because the symptoms can be similar to general tooth sensitivity, your dentist will need to examine your teeth and possibly get an X-ray to determine if you have any decay.

For general sensitivity, you can take several steps at home, including gently brushing teeth, using a soft brush, selecting fluoride toothpaste, and getting treatment for teeth grinding. Your dentist may also recommend toothpaste specifically designed to lessen sensitivity in teeth. Treatment for pulpal sensitivity usually involves removal of decay and/or root canal therapy.

Schedule a dental cleaning appointment today at our Weymouth dental office.

Everyone knows that what you eat matters for your health. Your diet impacts your heart, weight, and other areas, including your oral health. Eating a balanced diet will keep your teeth and gums strong, which protects your smile.

These tips will help you make your diet count:

• Choose foods high in calcium. Low-fat milk, yogurt, and cheese offer you great sources of calcium, a mineral that helps your teeth and bones in good shape. Green, leafy vegetables such as broccoli and spinach also provide calcium.

• Limit sugar intake. Though a cookie or the occasional piece of chocolate won’t hurt your smile, eating too many sweets can contribute to cavities. It also important to watch your carbohydrates, like breads, pastas, and potatoes, because these foods may also increase the chance of tooth decay.

• Say no to sodas. Carbonated beverages contain phosphorous and carbonation, acidic substances that can cause enamel erosion. Because sports drinks have a high sugar content, you should limit those as well.

• Go for fruits and vegetables. Apples, carrots, and celery are good options because they are high in nutrients and won’t stick to your teeth.

• Cut back on snacks. When you eat between meals, the food stays on your teeth and can boost your risk for cavities.

• Drink plenty of water. Not only does water have fluoride to strengthen your teeth, but it also helps wash away food and plaque from your teeth.

• Chew sugarless gum. Studies have proven that chewing sugarless gum increases saliva production. Saliva naturally reduces plaque build up and rinses away food particles that encourage the development of tooth decay.

Everyone knows that what you eat matters for your health. Your diet impacts your heart, weight, and other areas, including your oral health. Eating a balanced diet will keep your teeth and gums strong, which protects your smile.

These tips will help you make your diet count:

• Choose foods high in calcium. Low-fat milk, yogurt, and cheese offer you great sources of calcium, a mineral that helps your teeth and bones in good shape. Green, leafy vegetables such as broccoli and spinach also provide calcium.

• Limit sugar intake. Though a cookie or the occasional piece of chocolate won’t hurt your smile, eating too many sweets can contribute to cavities. It also important to watch your carbohydrates, like breads, pastas, and potatoes, because these foods may also increase the chance of tooth decay.

• Say no to sodas. Carbonated beverages contain phosphorous and carbonation, acidic substances that can cause enamel erosion. Because sports drinks have a high sugar content, you should limit those as well.

• Go for fruits and vegetables. Apples, carrots, and celery are good options because they are high in nutrients and won’t stick to your teeth.

• Cut back on snacks. When you eat between meals, the food stays on your teeth and can boost your risk for cavities.

• Drink plenty of water. Not only does water have fluoride to strengthen your teeth, but it also helps wash away food and plaque from your teeth.

• Chew sugarless gum. Studies have proven that chewing sugarless gum increases saliva production. Saliva naturally reduces plaque build up and rinses away food particles that encourage the development of tooth decay.

At Brown, Reynolds & Snow Dentistry we care about your smile and your oral health. Richmond, VA Cosmetic Dentist

We look forward to seeing you in our Weymouth dental office

It’s easy to remember the basics about dental health. Most people know that they need to brush twice a day, floss often, and schedule checkups every six months. The following questions and answers offer important information about your oral health.

How does the dentist find a cavity?
Although some practices now have technology to aid in cavity detection, many dentists check the old-fashioned way. During your exam, the dentist uses a metal instrument to touch the surface of your teeth. If the tooth feels soft, that may indicate the presence of tooth decay.

What’s the difference between amalgam and composite fillings?
For years, metal filling were the choice for repairing teeth damaged by cavities. Over time, amalgam fillings can darken as well as change shape, which can cause them to leak. Now, composite fillings are often used instead. These tooth-colored restorations keep your smile looking good, and they allow for more conservative therapy.

Does teeth whitening work?
If you want a stunning smile, professional teeth whitening can give you beautiful results in many cases. For certain types of discolorations, like tetracycline staining, teeth bleaching may not work, but you could consider other options like porcelain veneers.

Can an adults straighten their teeth?
Absolutely. There is no age limit on a vibrant smile and about 25 percent of orthodontic patients are over 18 years of age. Modern treatment options such as Invisalign clear aligners allow adults to straighten teeth without the embarrassment or discomfort of metal braces.

Is an electronic toothbrush better than a manual toothbrush?
Most dentists agree that the best toothbrush is the one that encourages you to brush. Electronic brushes have benefits including ease of use and more thorough coverage. With manual brushes, they are inexpensive and can be easily replaced/

Our dental office is located in Weymouth

Also called onychophagia, nail biting is a common habit for lots of people, usually children, teens, and young adults. Often, nail biting is caused by stress and seems to wane as people get older. Though some would argue that it’s not as bad as smoking or other less desirable habits, there are several reasons to stop nail biting:

It’s unsanitary. Did you know that your mouth and your hands/nails are two of the germiest areas on your body? If you have any open sores on your fingertips and you bite your nails, the germs from your mouth spread to that area. Pretty gross if you think about it.

It’s unattractive. Nobody really wants to watch someone bite their nails. As well, it doesn’t make your nails look very nice either.

It hurts your teeth. When you bite your nails, it strains front teeth and can weaken them, which may contribute to misalignment or crookedness. Nail biting also keeps your teeth in constant chewing motion and may wear them down faster than if you didn’t bite your nails.

It can cost you money. The Academy of General Dentistry estimates that nail biting may add $4000 to dental bills over a lifetime.

Stopping any habit can be difficult. To curtail your nail biting, try to:

1. Think about it. Sometimes, just be conscious of this habit can help you stop.
2. Make your nails look nice. You won’t want to mess them up if they are neatly manicured.
3. Create a deterrent. Check at the drug store for colorless, odorless solutions you apply to the
   nails. These topicals taste awful, which should make it easier to quit.

We look forward to seeing you in our Weymouth dental office