During the hot summer months, it’s extremely important to keep yourself hydrated. For some people, that means indulging in sports and energy drinks. While these beverages might be tempting, you should know that they have been directly associated with tooth decay and damaged enamel. In fact, recent studies have shown an alarming increase in dental issues linked to consumption of these beverages.

There are several reasons why sports and energy drinks are so bad for your teeth. The acid contained in these beverages erodes the enamel on your teeth, which is the outer protective layer. Once your enamel is gone, it can’t be replaced. When it begins to erode, you will notice an increased amount of sensitivity to hot and cold foods and drinks, and you will be more likely to develop cavities. Sports and energy drinks also contain high levels of sugar. Remember that sugar has many aliases, so if you see terms like “high-fructose corn syrup,” for example, that translates into sugar. When you consume too much sugar, the health of your teeth and gums will suffer.

Young adults and teenagers are the age groups most directly impacted by these tooth-damaging drinks. The labels sound appealing, promising increased levels of energy and hydration. But unfortunately, the price young people pay for indulging in these drinks is bad oral health. Soft drinks carry the same dangers to teeth and gums. This is especially true for those that contain sugar, but even sugar-free soft drinks still contain harmful acids that wreak havoc with teeth and gums.

A much better option to keep hydrated during the hot summer months is one that is readily available and absolutely free: water. Drinking more water is not only a healthy choice for your teeth and gums, but for your overall health as well. Water helps to wash away food particles left behind inside your mouth and keep your gums hydrated. Water also helps to flush out toxins from your system and keep your organs – kidneys in particular – healthy and functioning properly.

If you do indulge in an occasional sports or energy drink, you can minimize the damage caused by the sugar and acid by chewing a piece of sugar-free gum and/or rinsing your mouth out with water afterwards. Better still, the next time you reach for a refreshing summer beverage, skip the energy and sports drinks altogether and reach for water instead! Your teeth and gums – and your whole body, for that matter – will thank you!

If you suffer from allergies, you already know that they can impact you from spring right through fall. In fact, people who have allergies to dust and pet dander deal with their allergic symptoms all year long! Most of us are familiar with the signs of allergies, including sneezing, nasal congestion, sore throats, headaches, etc. But you may not know that allergies can affect your oral health – and not in a good way.

One of the most common allergy symptoms is sinus congestion, and if you can’t breathe through your nose, you breathe through your mouth. That results in dry mouth, and that can spell trouble for your oral health. People trying to alleviate sinus issues often use an over-the-counter antihistamine or decongestant. While these remedies may help to relieve congestion, they have one typical side effect: they cause dry mouth! So whether you take allergy medicine or not, dry mouth is likely to occur as a result of your allergies.

Dry mouth is more than just irritating; it can cause real damage to your teeth and gums. The saliva we produce performs several important functions. It helps to break down and digest food, it washes away leftover food inside your mouth, and it helps to neutralize acids that would otherwise cause plaque buildup and tooth decay. If you don’t produce enough saliva, not only are you more prone to develop cavities; you are also at a higher risk of forming gum disease.

Fortunately, there are several effective ways to treat chronic dry mouth. Drinking more water not only helps to alleviate dryness inside the mouth; it also helps to hydrate you during this hot time of year. You can also try chewing on sugar-free gum, which will not only help to produce more saliva but also help to actually clean the surface of your teeth while you chew. Sleeping with a humidifier can also help to alleviate the symptoms of dry mouth.

Another common symptom related to allergies is pain in the upper teeth. Because these teeth are situated very close to your sinus cavity, any type of inflammation or irritation that occurs in your sinuses can make your teeth hurt! Of course, any time you experience a toothache, you should contact your dentist to make sure that it is, in fact, related to your sinuses and not due to a dental issue.

If you suffer from allergies – whether they are seasonal plant allergies, or symptoms related to dust and pet dander – talk to your dentist. He or she can recommend effective ways to reduce the symptoms of dry mouth, and can also help to alleviate the dental pain associated with inflamed sinuses.

Grinding your teeth at night (also called “bruxism”), as well as clenching your jaw during the day, can do real damage to your teeth. It can wear down the protective enamel layer on your teeth, as well as make any existing dental issues much worse. You may be engaging in daily habits that can increase your risk of teeth grinding. Here are a few things to avoid in order to lessen your chances of developing bruxism.

• Try to stay away from certain substances that have been shown to make bruxism worse. These include alcohol, tobacco and caffeine.
• Alleviate stress as much as possible throughout the course of each day. Tension and anxiety often cause people to clench their jaws during the day and grind their teeth at night. Choose healthy stress-relievers, such as exercise, deep breathing, or yoga, for example.
• Try relaxing your jaw during the day by opening it wide and closing it. If you feel tightness in the jaw, try apply a warm, damp cloth on your cheeks to relax the jaw muscles.
• Be aware of stress-related activities you engage in during the day. Chewing on the end of a pen while you work, for example, is one of many indications that you might be feeling stressed out. Pen chewing, among other habits – many of which we may not even be aware of – can cause you to clench your jaw even tighter than you normally would.
• The position that you sleep in at night can make a difference. The best way to keep your jaw relaxed is to sleep on your back. Sleeping either on your side or on your stomach can make bruxism worse.
• Engage in relaxing rituals before going to bed. A warm bath, reading a book or meditating are all good options. Avoid using electronic devices for a few hours before bed. Developing a healthy, relaxing nighttime routine will help you sleep more soundly and will lessen the chances of teeth grinding overnight.

Bruxism causes a variety of uncomfortable symptoms, such as morning headaches and pain in and around the jaw area. But one of the most negative consequences of grinding your teeth at night is the damage it can do to your teeth. If you suffer from bruxism, and changing these daily habits doesn’t alleviate the condition, talk to your dentist. He or she can recommend any one of a variety of treatments that can help to resolve the issue and protect your teeth.

If you grind your teeth at night (also known as “bruxism”), you could be causing more damage than the early morning headaches you’re likely experiencing. In fact, you could be doing real damage to your teeth and worsening any existing dental issues you may have. That’s why it’s so important to take whatever steps are necessary to stop grinding your teeth. Here are a few effective treatments that will help you to stop this destructive habit.

Mouth Guards
One of the best ways to protect your teeth from the damage done by bruxism is a custom-made mouth guard that you can wear at night while you sleep. While the guard won’t necessarily prevent you from grinding your teeth, it will protect your teeth from the damage grinding can cause. There are several different options to choose from when it comes to mouth guards, but the best and most comfortable will be one that is custom made for you by your dentist.

Be Aware of Clenching Your Jaw during the Day
Teeth grinding at night, as well as clenching your jaw during the day, is often the result of stress and tension that you’re experiencing in your day-to-day life. Often, we don’t even realize it when we’re feeling tense, and you might be clenching your jaw throughout the day without knowing it. Stay aware of this fact, and make a conscious effort to keep your jaw relaxed. Opening your jaw wide can help to relax the muscles. And find healthy ways to alleviate the stress that may be causing you to clench you jaw and grind your teeth – activities such as yoga or meditation, for example.

Rid Yourself of Stress before Bed
Reducing your stress and anxiety before going to bed will help you to sleep better and can reduce your teeth grinding as well. A hot bath may work for you. Some people find that listening to soothing music or reading a book is helpful. And placing a warm, damp washcloth on your face before trying to go to sleep can help to relax your jaw muscles.

If you suffer from bruxism at night, it could be wearing down your teeth and making whatever existing dental issues you have much worse. Fortunately, there are several ways to alleviate the problem. We’ve touched on just a few in this article. For more information, talk to your dentist about how to effectively treat this condition.

The enamel is the very outer layer of the tooth surface. This material is remarkably strong. In fact, enamel is actually harder than bone! Knowing that, it may be surprising to learn that it’s very common for enamel to become eroded. We constantly expose our tooth enamel to whatever foods and drinks we consume, and that can often include sugar and acids, both of which damage enamel over time. Most concerning of all is the fact that once enamel is gone, it does not grow back!

What Causes Enamel Erosion?
We’ve already mentioned how acidic foods and drinks can damage enamel. The same holds true for carbonated beverages and drinks that contain caffeine. Certain medications can make you more prone to enamel erosion as well, as can teeth grinding (also known as bruxism).

Symptoms of Enamel Erosion
If your enamel is badly eroded, it will be obvious. Your teeth will become discolored – often turning a yellowish color. Once this happens, tooth-whitening products won’t work to restore your teeth to a more natural white hue, since whitening agents only work on the enamel layer of the tooth. Your teeth will also become more sensitive to hot and cold foods and drinks, since the enamel layer that protects the rest of the truth structure has been compromised. This can also mean that your teeth will become more prone to cracking or breaking. It’s easy to see why your enamel is so important to good oral health!

Treating Eroded Enamel
Now for the good news: if your enamel has minor damage, there are actually products available today than can help to repair tiny abrasions in the enamel, strengthening whatever enamel you have left. Using products that contain calcium and fluoride can help to remineralize the tooth surface and strengthen whatever enamel is remaining. Look for toothpastes that are specially designed to help remineralize teeth and reduce sensitivity.

Avoid foods and drinks that are acidic and can result in further damage to the enamel. This includes some fruits and fruit juices, as well as wine, coffee and tea. If and when you do indulge in these foods and drinks, rinse your mouth out with water immediately afterward to wash away acidic particles.

If you grind your teeth, your dentist can help you to address this issue as well. Mouth guards worn while you sleep can help to reduce the amount of damage done to your enamel if you grind your teeth at night. Ask your dentist what other steps you can take to save whatever enamel you have left on your teeth surface.

Have you ever wondered how celebrities get those picture-perfect, beautiful smiles? The answer is often dental veneers. This cosmetic dental procedure is painless, fast, and produces stunning results. But, as is often the case with almost any type of dental procedure, it may not be the right choice for everyone. What follows are some frequently asked questions about porcelain veneers that can help you decide whether or not you are a good candidate for this popular dental procedure.

Q: What exactly are dental veneers?
A: A veneer consists of a thin shell (usually made of dental porcelain or plastic) that is applied directly over the patient’s natural tooth and secured by a special dental adhesive.

Q: What are some reasons why people choose dental veneers?
A: Veneers are often a good choice for people with worn enamel (which can’t be whitened by tooth-whitening products), worn down teeth, misaligned teeth, or chipped teeth. Veneers can also repair other problems, such as teeth that are irregularly shaped or have large gaps in between them.

Q: What is the process involved in getting dental veneers?
A: The procedure begins with the dentist preparing the tooth surface by removing an extremely thin layer of enamel from the tooth surface, after which he or she will create an impression of your teeth. This mold will be used to create your custom veneers by an outside lab. Your dentist may supply you with temporary veneers while the permanent ones are being made. The final step involves your dentist fitting you with your new porcelain veneers using a specially designed bonding material to adhere each veneer to the tooth surface.

Q: How long do veneers last?
A: Porcelain veneers are extremely durable and stain-resistant. Typically, they last between 5 and 10 years before needing to be replaced.

It’s important to remember that veneers are considered to be cosmetic dentistry, which means that they are not covered by most dental insurance policies. Although they can be somewhat pricey, most patients consider them to be an excellent investment. Veneers require no special care – you simply brush and floss as you normally would. And it’s important, of course, to continue to visit your dentist on a regular basis for checkups and professional cleanings. To find out more about porcelain veneers, and to help decide whether or not they are the right choice for you, call your dentist to schedule a consultation visit.

Kids love playing games. But when it comes to brushing and flossing, most kids would skip it altogether if they could. If you’re having a hard time getting your little ones to brush and floss every day, turning that daily hygiene routine into a fun time can really help. Here are a few ideas to make dental hygiene fun for your kids.

• Start with the right supplies. There are plenty of kid-themed toothbrushes and toothpastes, so find your little one’s favorite animated characters to liven up their brushing and flossing routine. And make sure to find kid-friendly dental floss that is gentler on their sensitive gums.
• Combine dancing and brushing. Most kids – and most adults, for that matter – don’t brush their teeth for as long as they should. Kids should brush their teeth for two minutes, so why not help them make the time go faster? Play their favorite songs for two minutes, and encourage them to dance along with the tunes for two minutes. The time will fly by!
• Brush your teeth at the same time. You know the old saying that you have to lead by example? Brushing and flossing at the same time as your kids is a great example of just how true that is. Brushing together also gives you a chance to watch them as they brush and floss to make sure they’re doing it thoroughly and properly.
• Find fun books about oral hygiene for kids. There are plenty of great books available that are intended to teach your little ones all about oral health and how important it is to brush and floss each day. Sharing these books with your kids will help them to understand how important it is to take care of our teeth and gums, and that going to the dentist doesn’t have to be scary.
• Choose a dentist that advertises as a “family dentist” and/or one that specializes in pediatric dentistry. It’s hard for kids to feel comfortable going to the dentist, and dental professionals who are trained in working with kids and are accustomed to having little ones for patients are best equipped to make your kids’ trips to the dentist easier.

If you have a hard time getting your kids to brush and floss each day, maybe it’s time to take a different approach. Instead of nagging them to get it done, why not make it fun? That’s the best way to help your kids maintain good oral health and develop daily oral hygiene habits they can follow for a lifetime.

If you’re like most parents, summer is a busy time of year. Whether you’re juggling getting kids to summer school or other activities, or just trying to keep up with your family when your kids are around the house all day long each day, summertime can be a hectic time for parents. But just because it’s busy, don’t forget to keep your little ones on the straight and narrow when it comes to their teeth and gums. Here are a few reminders to help you maintain good oral health for your kids throughout the summertime months.

• Keep them away from sugar. We know – this sounds like a nearly impossible task. But believe it or not, there are plenty of healthy snacks that your kids will actually enjoy, and that will be good for their teeth and gums at the same time. Instead of letting them have baked goods and candy, give your little ones cheese and nuts at snack time. Celery and no-sugar peanut butter is another great choice.
• Give them plenty of water. Making sure your kids are hydrated during the hot months is not only good for their overall health – it’s essential for their oral health as well. Water is the best choice. In fact, sugary sodas have been shown to be one of the major contributors to cavities, so keep them away from soda except on rare occasions. Tap water is actually the best choice if you live in a community with fluoridated water since your kids’ teeth will benefit from the extra dose of fluoride.
• Make sure they stick with their daily oral hygiene routine. Just because school is out of session doesn’t mean brushing and flossing are over too! Remind your little ones to brush twice a day and floss at least once a day. If you need to – especially if they’re very young – watch them as they brush to make sure they’re being thorough. It helps to buy a kid-friendly toothbrush and toothpaste too.
• Keep their teeth protected. Summertime sports activities can be hazardous for your kids’ teeth. If they play sports – or even if they just stay active by playing outside – make sure they wear mouthguards to protect their teeth. You can ask your dentist to create a custom mouth guard for your little one, or you can just buy a one-size-fits-all style at a sporting goods store. The custom guards work better than the generic style, but any protection is better than none at all.

For kids, it can be tempting to not only take a break from school during the summer, it can also seem like a good time to take a break from other daily routines, like brushing and flossing. Keep your little ones on track this summer so they can enjoy good oral health all through the summertime months.

Good oral health is important for all of us. After all, your oral health is closely related to your overall health. In fact, unhealthy teeth and gums have been linked to much more serious issues, such as heart disease, diabetes, and even Alzheimer’s disease. The need to enjoy healthy teeth and gums is something we all share in common, which is why we’ve compiled a few of the most frequently asked questions regarding oral health.

How often should I visit the dentist? Most people should schedule an appointment to see their dentist twice a year for routine oral exams and cleanings. But some patients will need to visit more frequently, particularly those with gum disease or some other ongoing dental issue. Routine exams are the only way that your dentist can diagnose problems in their early stages, when they are much easier to treat and resolve. And professional cleanings by a trained hygienist are absolutely vital in maintaining healthy teeth and gums.

What causes cavities? Tooth decay is caused when bacteria builds up on teeth and produces an acid that destroys tooth enamel. A cavity itself can become painful if not treated promptly. But cavities can also lead to more serious issues if they are left untreated – issues such as infection or even loss of the tooth. Fortunately, there are easy ways to avoid cavities altogether, such as following a good at-home oral hygiene routine and visiting your dentist twice a year for professional cleanings.

What are some of the most common oral health problems? Tooth decay and gum disease are the most common dental health issues faced by people of all ages. The good news is that both of these conditions can be relatively easily treated if they’re caught early enough. And they can be avoid altogether if the patient is diligent about oral hygiene and visits to the dentist.

How often should I replace my toothbrush? In order to practice an effective oral hygiene routine, you need the right tools for the job. That includes a good toothbrush and dental floss. For most people, the right toothbrush is one that has soft bristles and is shaped in such a way that it fits comfortably inside your mouth and allows you to easily reach the surface of every tooth. Once the bristles of a toothbrush become worn or frayed, the brush should be replaced – which is typically every 3 months or so.

If you have more questions about oral health in general, or about a specific dental issue you are experiencing, call your dentist. He or she would be happy to provide more information and, if need be, schedule an appointment.

Everyone is different. That’s especially true when it comes to our teeth and gums. But according to the ADA (American Dental Association), there are a few oral health problems that are especially prevalent. What follows is a list of some of the most common issues people face related to their teeth and gums:

Gum Disease
One oral health problem that is becoming more and more common in dental patients throughout the U.S. is also one of the most preventable: gum disease. Also referred to as gingivitis, gum disease in its early stages is not only preventable but also relatively easy to resolve if treated soon enough. If gingivitis is not addressed right away, it can lead to a much more serious form of gum disease called periodontitis. You may have the very early stages of gum disease without even knowing it. Typically, dentists recommend that patients with gingivitis improve their at-home oral hygiene routine and visit the dentist twice a year for oral exams and professional cleanings. Your dentist might also recommend use of a water flossing device and an anti-bacterial mouthwash on a daily basis. Treatment options vary depending on how far the gum disease has progressed.

Sensitive Teeth
If you experience pain or discomfort when trying to enjoy hot or cold food or drinks, you’re not alone. Sensitive teeth is a common condition that affects countless people throughout the U.S. Although dental patients of any age may experience sensitivity from time to time, it’s more common in older adults. Sensitivity may be caused by tooth decay, worn-down fillings, cracked teeth, worn enamel, receding gums, an infection or gum disease, to name just a few. If your sensitivity is caused by a specific dental issue – such as a cavity or an infected tooth root – your dentist will no doubt recommend that the issue be resolved through the appropriate dental procedure. But if you have sensitive teeth due to some other cause – such as worn enamel or receding gums, for example – your dentist will probably recommend use of a desensitizing toothpaste. There are a variety of these products on the market today, and many of them work surprisingly fast to alleviate sensitivity.

Missing One or More Teeth
You may be surprised to learn that it’s quite common for adults in the U.S. to have one or more missing teeth. Fortunately, modern dental technology provides a variety of ways to resolve this problem. Some of those options include dental bridges, partial dentures, and dental implants. Whatever method you choose, it’s important to replace missing teeth – even if it’s just a single tooth. If you don’t, your other teeth will eventually shift in place to fill in the gap left behind by the missing teeth, and that can lead to a variety of other issues.

Whatever oral health challenges you may experience, you should know that many other people face the same issues! Luckily for us, an experienced and trained dental professional can resolve almost any problem you may experience with your teeth and gums, as long as the issue is caught early on. That’s why it’s so important to visit your dentist at least twice a year.