I want to start by saying dental professionals are like snowflakes; no two are the same.
We come from various backgrounds, have different beliefs, different skill sets, sought more advanced training since graduation, and have been exposed to different technologies that others may not have.
We were all taught the same thing if we brush with fluoride toothpaste, floss, and visit your dentist two times a year, we can prevent dental disease. As a kid growing up, I was taught that you needed to do to have a healthy mouth, even before I went to hygiene school. The health of your mouth is connected to the health of your body, and it is about more than just brushing, flossing, fluoride, and visiting your dentist regularly.
Do those things, and you will have a healthy mouth. If that were true and all we needed to do, why are cavities the # 1 preventable childhood disease? Why do 64 million Americans have gum disease? I have been in the dental field for over 30 years, and we still have so much disease. Why?
Now more than ever, knowing the health of your mouth is important. Your mouth is a window into your body, and it serves as an early warning system that something may be wrong or out of balance in your body.
A healthy mouth is more than just straight white teeth like most people desire.
We have established research that the health of your mouth is directly linked to your general overall health. We talk a lot about preventing cavities and having a healthy mouth. You need to keep in mind it does not mean your mouth is healthy if you don’t have any cavities.
You could not have the bacteria that cause cavities. Yet you have the bacteria that cause gum disease that can contribute to heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, low both rate, preterm delivery, and more.
Dental Disease is a silent disease. Mask Mouth is now a thing.
An evaluation of your mouth to establish a baseline is important, so YOU know your mouth’s condition, including teeth, alignment, gums, tongue, saliva, jawbone, and throat. Knowing the health of your mouth allows you to make informed decisions. Rather than just hoping and guessing or assuming they are healthy because you have no pain.
Things your dental professions may discuss with brushing, flossing, fluoride, cavities, gum diseases, bridges, implants, root canals, dentures, partials, crown, and consistent regular visits.
Things your dentist may not talk about or may not know about that are an integral part of mouth and health besides brushing and flossing is mouth chemistry, pH testing, Saliva testing, oral cancer screenings, tongue resting posture, tongue color and health, tonsils, airway, breathing, Xylitol, diet and your overall health in general.
Dental professionals teach you about your mouth based on their training and experience. It is not their fault. You do what you were taught as a child based on your knowledge and experience from what your parents were taught.
If you are confused about the mouth, care you are not alone. There are so many tools, products, and opinions.
How do you know who to trust and what to believe?
Many people with cavities believe they have soft teeth, inherited their problems from a family member, did not get enough fluoride, got too much fluoride, do not floss enough, or have not been consistent in-home care regular visits to the dentist. While these are all contributing factors, dental problems can almost always be traced back to consistent home care, acid, reduced saliva flow, breathing, and bacteria that promote inflammation and infection.
You need to stop blaming yourself and your genetics for your dental problems and take action. While it starts with you at home and genetics, do play a role. The truth is a dental disease is a disease you can control or eliminate with intention, good habits, and diet.
I want to help you have rewarding and happy dental experiences, enjoy your teeth, and create the ultimate dental health for you and your family. Imagine being excited to visit the dentist! With a simple system, you can take the worry, fear, and emotion out of your dental visits.
Too many adults support the belief that cavities, sensitivity, and bleeding gums are inevitable and part of growing up and/or the aging process. It has been hammered into our brain; sugar causes cavities, and unfortunately, some, no matter how diligent with brushing, flossing, and regular visits, will still experience dental disease. Where is the damage coming from? Until you find the cause or source of the issue, your mouth problems will continue to happen repeatedly, getting more complicated and more expensive each time you visit the dentist.
Dentists have known for years that damaged enamel can be repaired back to health with a simple repair process that occurs naturally in the mouth under certain conditions with products and minerals from the saliva. Suppose discovered early enough, with x-rays (these spots are not visible to the naked eye). They can be reversed or halted. Many dentists recommend xylitol and explain the healing process to their patients; the tooth has to be natural, not previously filled or broken.
When a tooth requires a filling is of great debate and depends on the dentist’s training, judgment, and experience. Some dentists do not believe in the natural repair process because they have not seen it or are not knowledgeable in the process, or they don’t think the patient will comply with the home repair process at home, and it will worsen. Many people find this idea exciting! But it requires early intervention, x-rays, digital imaging, and consistent dental visits, and intension is what you do at home.
Once you are empowered with the knowledge, you can make informed decisions about your treatment, begin a preventive program at home, and choose a simple, convenient, enjoyable daily routine that puts you on a path of avoiding cavities and annoying dental problems.
Dentists will always be necessary; there will always be broken teeth and patients that do not view teeth as a priority or are not onboard with early intervention and prevention. There will always be patients that wait until they are in pain to see a dentist. No judgment, just the truth!
When I worked in a mobile setting and saw so many kids with cavities, it made my heartbreak knowing it is 100% preventable. More than 51 million school hours and 164 million work hours are lost each year due to dental disease. Why is there so much dental disease? Why have we not been able to get a handle on it? How can you be part of the solution?
I know we are not going to eliminate cavities. For me, the thought of a world where cavities are not the #1 preventable disease in our kids is exciting. Baby teeth are important kids with cavities, and tongue issues are at a greater risk for dental infections and illnesses as adults.
I believe these problems exist because of a lack of knowledge about how much the mouth is related to our overall health and wellness. Most people feel baby teeth will fall out, so it does not matter; they assume cavities are a normal part of growing up, and they don’t know how to protect their teeth or create a system that will keep their teeth strong and healthy.
Tooth decay begins with bacteria called streptococcus mutans; this bacteria feeds on the sugar and causes an acid that weakens the enamel. Babies are born without these bacteria and are infected by their Moms or other family members even before the first tooth erupts. It happens when a Mom transfers saliva from her mouth to her baby’s mouth by kissing, sharing food on the same spoon, sharing a straw in a beverage, binkies, or letting your toddler brush their teeth with your toothbrush.
If someone has frequent cavities or dental disease, you can pass the germs to others. It has been proven that bacteria are familial. Meaning families share the same type of bacteria. You do not give another member of your family cavities or gum disease, but you share the same types of bacteria. Dental disease happens if the environment is right for that bacteria to grow and multiply from lack of oral hygiene or your choice of diet.
Once a child gets the strep mutans, they will be more susceptible to cavities. This is why it is a good idea for a woman to know what bacteria are in your mouth and treat it before you even get pregnant. Studies have shown children of parents with healthy mouths are 70-80% less likely to develop cavities. So why not be sure you have and keep a healthy mouth from the start.
It is an old wives’ tale that soft teeth run in the family. It is not that you have soft teeth, but rather the bacteria and habits you have passed along that cause the disease. Such as cavities and gingivitis. If you have problems with your teeth, you need to get a handle on it and change your habits; our kids do what we do. So that makes it our responsibility as parents to create good oral health habits for our child’s dental health. You need to be just as vigilant as if you thought you were passing a virus or a cancer gene.
If preventing the passing of harmful bacteria from generation to generation is a promising method of preventing dental disease, why are we not hearing more about it?.
There are 700 different types of bacteria in our mouth. You can have a saliva test that will tell you which bacterias are present in your family’s mouths to customize treatment accordingly. You are going to see more and more specific treatments in the future to treat and prevent disease. It all starts in the mouth.
My patients are very interested in the advice to improve their mouth condition with suggestions that fit into a busy lifestyle. I was shocked that many people are unaware the dental disease is like any other infection caused by bacteria and can spread from person to person.
Once you realize it, you can take the step necessary to control the spread between family members. Today we have become more aware of the delicate balance between bacteria that help and protect us and the bacteria that cause infection.
According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dental Association, you should take your child to see a dentist by their 1st birthday. I say first st tooth first visit, but many Dentists will not see a child that young. They probably won’t do much, but they can ease your child into being comfortable at the dentist. 28% of children will have cavities by the age of 5.
You will see more pediatricians looking in for your child’s mouth and evaluating oral health mostly because many kids do not get their first check-up until it is required to enroll in school. So Dr.s are now looking for early warning signs in our kids’ mouths.
If you or your family have a history of cavities or gum disease, you will need a plan of action for your kid’s health. More people than ever before are experiencing stress, allergies, acid reflux. Weak enamel, sensitive teeth, dry mouth, difficulty breathing through their nose mouth breathing thumb sucking, and nail-biting.
Mouth chemistry is affected by breathing, diet, saliva, pH, medications, hormones, habit, environment, and so much more. Most people believe sugar is the main cause of cavities! The sugar itself does not cause cavities. The harmful interaction between sugar, plaque, and bacteria causes a chain reaction and creates an acid. It is that acid. It is that acid that damages the teeth. Crackers are just as bad as candy and pop because they stick to the surface of the teeth.
When you or a loved one have cavities, getting the acid in the mouth under control can protect the teeth. In a healthy mouth, eating and chewing produce saliva that helps to neutralize acids and aid digestion.
Digestion actually starts in your mouth; your saliva enzymes help break down the food even before swallowing. How you swallow and your tongue position is important as well.
So when you see a dentist, most people want to know if you have any cavities.
When you see a dentist, you should ask questions so you know your mouth’s health now if there is anything you can do at home to make it healthier.
Download: Questions You Should Ask Your Dentist and take it with you to your appointment if you need to. You need to be your own health care advocate, and you should trust the Dentist you are seeing.
If you are told you have a cavity, and your gut is not buying it, you may want a second opinion. Trust is the # the reason people do not see a dentist. Fear is a close second.
Some say money is the reason they wait, and the dentist is expensive. Everything is expensive these days. We find the time and money for the important things.
Teeth are the only part of our skeleton we actually clean and the only part of our skeleton that does not heal itself.
Waiting only makes it more expensive and possibly painful. I have waited, so I know first hand. This is one of the reasons I am writing these blogs. I am a single Mom, and I understand the choices we need to make. We put ourselves last.
Learn from my mistakes, make different choices. Follow me
Join my Healthy Mouth Challenge
Join The Healthy Mouth Movement @
https://www.facebook.com/dh411
https://youtube.com/channel/UCQ6ysJFv0pTuoHK0jxWlKTw
https://www.instagram.com/dental_hygiene_411/
I want to start by saying dental professionals are like snowflakes; no two are the same.
We come from various backgrounds, have different beliefs, different skill sets, sought more advanced training since graduation, and have been exposed to different technologies that others may not have.
We were all taught the same thing if we brush with fluoride toothpaste, floss, and visit your dentist two times a year, we can prevent dental disease. As a kid growing up, I was taught that you needed to do to have a healthy mouth, even before I went to hygiene school. The health of your mouth is connected to the health of your body, and it is about more than just brushing, flossing, fluoride, and visiting your dentist regularly.
Do those things, and you will have a healthy mouth. If that were true and all we needed to do, why are cavities the # 1 preventable childhood disease? Why do 64 million Americans have gum disease? I have been in the dental field for over 30 years, and we still have so much disease. Why?
Now more than ever, knowing the health of your mouth is important. Your mouth is a window into your body, and it serves as an early warning system that something may be wrong or out of balance in your body.
A healthy mouth is more than just straight white teeth like most people desire.
We have established research that the health of your mouth is directly linked to your general overall health. We talk a lot about preventing cavities and having a healthy mouth. You need to keep in mind it does not mean your mouth is healthy if you don’t have any cavities.
You could not have the bacteria that cause cavities. Yet you have the bacteria that cause gum disease that can contribute to heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, low both rate, preterm delivery, and more.
Dental Disease is a silent disease. Mask Mouth is now a thing.
An evaluation of your mouth to establish a baseline is important, so YOU know your mouth’s condition, including teeth, alignment, gums, tongue, saliva, jawbone, and throat. Knowing the health of your mouth allows you to make informed decisions. Rather than just hoping and guessing or assuming they are healthy because you have no pain.
Things your dental professions may discuss with brushing, flossing, fluoride, cavities, gum diseases, bridges, implants, root canals, dentures, partials, crown, and consistent regular visits.
Things your dentist may not talk about or may not know about that are an integral part of mouth and health besides brushing and flossing is mouth chemistry, pH testing, Saliva testing, oral cancer screenings, tongue resting posture, tongue color and health, tonsils, airway, breathing, Xylitol, diet and your overall health in general.
Dental professionals teach you about your mouth based on their training and experience. It is not their fault. You do what you were taught as a child based on your knowledge and experience from what your parents were taught.
If you are confused about the mouth, care you are not alone. There are so many tools, products, and opinions.
How do you know who to trust and what to believe?
Many people with cavities believe they have soft teeth, inherited their problems from a family member, did not get enough fluoride, got too much fluoride, do not floss enough, or have not been consistent in-home care regular visits to the dentist. While these are all contributing factors, dental problems can almost always be traced back to consistent home care, acid, reduced saliva flow, breathing, and bacteria that promote inflammation and infection.
You need to stop blaming yourself and your genetics for your dental problems and take action. While it starts with you at home and genetics, do play a role. The truth is a dental disease is a disease you can control or eliminate with intention, good habits, and diet.
I want to help you have rewarding and happy dental experiences, enjoy your teeth, and create the ultimate dental health for you and your family. Imagine being excited to visit the dentist! With a simple system, you can take the worry, fear, and emotion out of your dental visits.
Too many adults support the belief that cavities, sensitivity, and bleeding gums are inevitable and part of growing up and/or the aging process. It has been hammered into our brain; sugar causes cavities, and unfortunately, some, no matter how diligent with brushing, flossing, and regular visits, will still experience dental disease. Where is the damage coming from? Until you find the cause or source of the issue, your mouth problems will continue to happen repeatedly, getting more complicated and more expensive each time you visit the dentist.
Dentists have known for years that damaged enamel can be repaired back to health with a simple repair process that occurs naturally in the mouth under certain conditions with products and minerals from the saliva. Suppose discovered early enough, with x-rays (these spots are not visible to the naked eye). They can be reversed or halted. Many dentists recommend xylitol and explain the healing process to their patients; the tooth has to be natural, not previously filled or broken.
When a tooth requires a filling is of great debate and depends on the dentist’s training, judgment, and experience. Some dentists do not believe in the natural repair process because they have not seen it or are not knowledgeable in the process, or they don’t think the patient will comply with the home repair process at home, and it will worsen. Many people find this idea exciting! But it requires early intervention, x-rays, digital imaging, and consistent dental visits, and intension is what you do at home.
Once you are empowered with the knowledge, you can make informed decisions about your treatment, begin a preventive program at home, and choose a simple, convenient, enjoyable daily routine that puts you on a path of avoiding cavities and annoying dental problems.
Dentists will always be necessary; there will always be broken teeth and patients that do not view teeth as a priority or are not onboard with early intervention and prevention. There will always be patients that wait until they are in pain to see a dentist. No judgment, just the truth!
When I worked in a mobile setting and saw so many kids with cavities, it made my heartbreak knowing it is 100% preventable. More than 51 million school hours and 164 million work hours are lost each year due to dental disease. Why is there so much dental disease? Why have we not been able to get a handle on it? How can you be part of the solution?
I know we are not going to eliminate cavities. For me, the thought of a world where cavities are not the #1 preventable disease in our kids is exciting. Baby teeth are important kids with cavities, and tongue issues are at a greater risk for dental infections and illnesses as adults.
I believe these problems exist because of a lack of knowledge about how much the mouth is related to our overall health and wellness. Most people feel baby teeth will fall out, so it does not matter; they assume cavities are a normal part of growing up, and they don’t know how to protect their teeth or create a system that will keep their teeth strong and healthy.
Tooth decay begins with bacteria called streptococcus mutans; this bacteria feeds on the sugar and causes an acid that weakens the enamel. Babies are born without these bacteria and are infected by their Moms or other family members even before the first tooth erupts. It happens when a Mom transfers saliva from her mouth to her baby’s mouth by kissing, sharing food on the same spoon, sharing a straw in a beverage, binkies, or letting your toddler brush their teeth with your toothbrush.
If someone has frequent cavities or dental disease, you can pass the germs to others. It has been proven that bacteria are familial. Meaning families share the same type of bacteria. You do not give another member of your family cavities or gum disease, but you share the same types of bacteria. Dental disease happens if the environment is right for that bacteria to grow and multiply from lack of oral hygiene or your choice of diet.
Once a child gets the strep mutans, they will be more susceptible to cavities. This is why it is a good idea for a woman to know what bacteria are in your mouth and treat it before you even get pregnant. Studies have shown children of parents with healthy mouths are 70-80% less likely to develop cavities. So why not be sure you have and keep a healthy mouth from the start.
It is an old wives’ tale that soft teeth run in the family. It is not that you have soft teeth, but rather the bacteria and habits you have passed along that cause the disease. Such as cavities and gingivitis. If you have problems with your teeth, you need to get a handle on it and change your habits; our kids do what we do. So that makes it our responsibility as parents to create good oral health habits for our child’s dental health. You need to be just as vigilant as if you thought you were passing a virus or a cancer gene.
If preventing the passing of harmful bacteria from generation to generation is a promising method of preventing dental disease, why are we not hearing more about it?.
There are 700 different types of bacteria in our mouth. You can have a saliva test that will tell you which bacterias are present in your family’s mouths to customize treatment accordingly. You are going to see more and more specific treatments in the future to treat and prevent disease. It all starts in the mouth.
My patients are very interested in the advice to improve their mouth condition with suggestions that fit into a busy lifestyle. I was shocked that many people are unaware the dental disease is like any other infection caused by bacteria and can spread from person to person.
Once you realize it, you can take the step necessary to control the spread between family members. Today we have become more aware of the delicate balance between bacteria that help and protect us and the bacteria that cause infection.
According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dental Association, you should take your child to see a dentist by their 1st birthday. I say first st tooth first visit, but many Dentists will not see a child that young. They probably won’t do much, but they can ease your child into being comfortable at the dentist. 28% of children will have cavities by the age of 5.
You will see more pediatricians looking in for your child’s mouth and evaluating oral health mostly because many kids do not get their first check-up until it is required to enroll in school. So Dr.s are now looking for early warning signs in our kids’ mouths.
If you or your family have a history of cavities or gum disease, you will need a plan of action for your kid’s health. More people than ever before are experiencing stress, allergies, acid reflux. Weak enamel, sensitive teeth, dry mouth, difficulty breathing through their nose mouth breathing thumb sucking, and nail-biting.
Mouth chemistry is affected by breathing, diet, saliva, pH, medications, hormones, habit, environment, and so much more. Most people believe sugar is the main cause of cavities! The sugar itself does not cause cavities. The harmful interaction between sugar, plaque, and bacteria causes a chain reaction and creates an acid. It is that acid. It is that acid that damages the teeth. Crackers are just as bad as candy and pop because they stick to the surface of the teeth.
When you or a loved one have cavities, getting the acid in the mouth under control can protect the teeth. In a healthy mouth, eating and chewing produce saliva that helps to neutralize acids and aid digestion.
Digestion actually starts in your mouth; your saliva enzymes help break down the food even before swallowing. How you swallow and your tongue position is important as well.
So when you see a dentist, most people want to know if you have any cavities.
When you see a dentist, you should ask questions so you know your mouth’s health now if there is anything you can do at home to make it healthier.
Download: Questions You Should Ask Your Dentist and take it with you to your appointment if you need to. You need to be your own health care advocate, and you should trust the Dentist you are seeing.
If you are told you have a cavity, and your gut is not buying it, you may want a second opinion. Trust is the # the reason people do not see a dentist. Fear is a close second.
Some say money is the reason they wait, and the dentist is expensive. Everything is expensive these days. We find the time and money for the important things.
Teeth are the only part of our skeleton we actually clean and the only part of our skeleton that does not heal itself.
Waiting only makes it more expensive and possibly painful. I have waited, so I know first hand. This is one of the reasons I am writing these blogs. I am a single Mom, and I understand the choices we need to make. We put ourselves last.
Learn from my mistakes, make different choices. Follow me
Join my Healthy Mouth Challenge
Join The Healthy Mouth Movement @
https://www.facebook.com/dh411
https://youtube.com/channel/UCQ6ysJFv0pTuoHK0jxWlKTw
https://www.instagram.com/dental_hygiene_411/
I want to start by saying dental professionals are like snowflakes; no two are the same.
We come from various backgrounds, have different beliefs, different skill sets, sought more advanced training since graduation, and have been exposed to different technologies that others may not have.
We were all taught the same thing if we brush with fluoride toothpaste, floss, and visit your dentist two times a year, we can prevent dental disease. As a kid growing up, I was taught that you needed to do to have a healthy mouth, even before I went to hygiene school. The health of your mouth is connected to the health of your body, and it is about more than just brushing, flossing, fluoride, and visiting your dentist regularly.
Do those things, and you will have a healthy mouth. If that were true and all we needed to do, why are cavities the # 1 preventable childhood disease? Why do 64 million Americans have gum disease? I have been in the dental field for over 30 years, and we still have so much disease. Why?
Now more than ever, knowing the health of your mouth is important. Your mouth is a window into your body, and it serves as an early warning system that something may be wrong or out of balance in your body.
A healthy mouth is more than just straight white teeth like most people desire.
We have established research that the health of your mouth is directly linked to your general overall health. We talk a lot about preventing cavities and having a healthy mouth. You need to keep in mind it does not mean your mouth is healthy if you don’t have any cavities.
You could not have the bacteria that cause cavities. Yet you have the bacteria that cause gum disease that can contribute to heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, low both rate, preterm delivery, and more.
Dental Disease is a silent disease. Mask Mouth is now a thing.
An evaluation of your mouth to establish a baseline is important, so YOU know your mouth’s condition, including teeth, alignment, gums, tongue, saliva, jawbone, and throat. Knowing the health of your mouth allows you to make informed decisions. Rather than just hoping and guessing or assuming they are healthy because you have no pain.
Things your dental professions may discuss with brushing, flossing, fluoride, cavities, gum diseases, bridges, implants, root canals, dentures, partials, crown, and consistent regular visits.
Things your dentist may not talk about or may not know about that are an integral part of mouth and health besides brushing and flossing is mouth chemistry, pH testing, Saliva testing, oral cancer screenings, tongue resting posture, tongue color and health, tonsils, airway, breathing, Xylitol, diet and your overall health in general.
Dental professionals teach you about your mouth based on their training and experience. It is not their fault. You do what you were taught as a child based on your knowledge and experience from what your parents were taught.
If you are confused about the mouth, care you are not alone. There are so many tools, products, and opinions.
How do you know who to trust and what to believe?
Many people with cavities believe they have soft teeth, inherited their problems from a family member, did not get enough fluoride, got too much fluoride, do not floss enough, or have not been consistent in-home care regular visits to the dentist. While these are all contributing factors, dental problems can almost always be traced back to consistent home care, acid, reduced saliva flow, breathing, and bacteria that promote inflammation and infection.
You need to stop blaming yourself and your genetics for your dental problems and take action. While it starts with you at home and genetics, do play a role. The truth is a dental disease is a disease you can control or eliminate with intention, good habits, and diet.
I want to help you have rewarding and happy dental experiences, enjoy your teeth, and create the ultimate dental health for you and your family. Imagine being excited to visit the dentist! With a simple system, you can take the worry, fear, and emotion out of your dental visits.
Too many adults support the belief that cavities, sensitivity, and bleeding gums are inevitable and part of growing up and/or the aging process. It has been hammered into our brain; sugar causes cavities, and unfortunately, some, no matter how diligent with brushing, flossing, and regular visits, will still experience dental disease. Where is the damage coming from? Until you find the cause or source of the issue, your mouth problems will continue to happen repeatedly, getting more complicated and more expensive each time you visit the dentist.
Dentists have known for years that damaged enamel can be repaired back to health with a simple repair process that occurs naturally in the mouth under certain conditions with products and minerals from the saliva. Suppose discovered early enough, with x-rays (these spots are not visible to the naked eye). They can be reversed or halted. Many dentists recommend xylitol and explain the healing process to their patients; the tooth has to be natural, not previously filled or broken.
When a tooth requires a filling is of great debate and depends on the dentist’s training, judgment, and experience. Some dentists do not believe in the natural repair process because they have not seen it or are not knowledgeable in the process, or they don’t think the patient will comply with the home repair process at home, and it will worsen. Many people find this idea exciting! But it requires early intervention, x-rays, digital imaging, and consistent dental visits, and intension is what you do at home.
Once you are empowered with the knowledge, you can make informed decisions about your treatment, begin a preventive program at home, and choose a simple, convenient, enjoyable daily routine that puts you on a path of avoiding cavities and annoying dental problems.
Dentists will always be necessary; there will always be broken teeth and patients that do not view teeth as a priority or are not onboard with early intervention and prevention. There will always be patients that wait until they are in pain to see a dentist. No judgment, just the truth!
When I worked in a mobile setting and saw so many kids with cavities, it made my heartbreak knowing it is 100% preventable. More than 51 million school hours and 164 million work hours are lost each year due to dental disease. Why is there so much dental disease? Why have we not been able to get a handle on it? How can you be part of the solution?
I know we are not going to eliminate cavities. For me, the thought of a world where cavities are not the #1 preventable disease in our kids is exciting. Baby teeth are important kids with cavities, and tongue issues are at a greater risk for dental infections and illnesses as adults.
I believe these problems exist because of a lack of knowledge about how much the mouth is related to our overall health and wellness. Most people feel baby teeth will fall out, so it does not matter; they assume cavities are a normal part of growing up, and they don’t know how to protect their teeth or create a system that will keep their teeth strong and healthy.
Tooth decay begins with bacteria called streptococcus mutans; this bacteria feeds on the sugar and causes an acid that weakens the enamel. Babies are born without these bacteria and are infected by their Moms or other family members even before the first tooth erupts. It happens when a Mom transfers saliva from her mouth to her baby’s mouth by kissing, sharing food on the same spoon, sharing a straw in a beverage, binkies, or letting your toddler brush their teeth with your toothbrush.
If someone has frequent cavities or dental disease, you can pass the germs to others. It has been proven that bacteria are familial. Meaning families share the same type of bacteria. You do not give another member of your family cavities or gum disease, but you share the same types of bacteria. Dental disease happens if the environment is right for that bacteria to grow and multiply from lack of oral hygiene or your choice of diet.
Once a child gets the strep mutans, they will be more susceptible to cavities. This is why it is a good idea for a woman to know what bacteria are in your mouth and treat it before you even get pregnant. Studies have shown children of parents with healthy mouths are 70-80% less likely to develop cavities. So why not be sure you have and keep a healthy mouth from the start.
It is an old wives’ tale that soft teeth run in the family. It is not that you have soft teeth, but rather the bacteria and habits you have passed along that cause the disease. Such as cavities and gingivitis. If you have problems with your teeth, you need to get a handle on it and change your habits; our kids do what we do. So that makes it our responsibility as parents to create good oral health habits for our child’s dental health. You need to be just as vigilant as if you thought you were passing a virus or a cancer gene.
If preventing the passing of harmful bacteria from generation to generation is a promising method of preventing dental disease, why are we not hearing more about it?.
There are 700 different types of bacteria in our mouth. You can have a saliva test that will tell you which bacterias are present in your family’s mouths to customize treatment accordingly. You are going to see more and more specific treatments in the future to treat and prevent disease. It all starts in the mouth.
My patients are very interested in the advice to improve their mouth condition with suggestions that fit into a busy lifestyle. I was shocked that many people are unaware the dental disease is like any other infection caused by bacteria and can spread from person to person.
Once you realize it, you can take the step necessary to control the spread between family members. Today we have become more aware of the delicate balance between bacteria that help and protect us and the bacteria that cause infection.
According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dental Association, you should take your child to see a dentist by their 1st birthday. I say first st tooth first visit, but many Dentists will not see a child that young. They probably won’t do much, but they can ease your child into being comfortable at the dentist. 28% of children will have cavities by the age of 5.
You will see more pediatricians looking in for your child’s mouth and evaluating oral health mostly because many kids do not get their first check-up until it is required to enroll in school. So Dr.s are now looking for early warning signs in our kids’ mouths.
If you or your family have a history of cavities or gum disease, you will need a plan of action for your kid’s health. More people than ever before are experiencing stress, allergies, acid reflux. Weak enamel, sensitive teeth, dry mouth, difficulty breathing through their nose mouth breathing thumb sucking, and nail-biting.
Mouth chemistry is affected by breathing, diet, saliva, pH, medications, hormones, habit, environment, and so much more. Most people believe sugar is the main cause of cavities! The sugar itself does not cause cavities. The harmful interaction between sugar, plaque, and bacteria causes a chain reaction and creates an acid. It is that acid. It is that acid that damages the teeth. Crackers are just as bad as candy and pop because they stick to the surface of the teeth.
When you or a loved one have cavities, getting the acid in the mouth under control can protect the teeth. In a healthy mouth, eating and chewing produce saliva that helps to neutralize acids and aid digestion.
Digestion actually starts in your mouth; your saliva enzymes help break down the food even before swallowing. How you swallow and your tongue position is important as well.
So when you see a dentist, most people want to know if you have any cavities.
When you see a dentist, you should ask questions so you know your mouth’s health now if there is anything you can do at home to make it healthier.
Download: Questions You Should Ask Your Dentist and take it with you to your appointment if you need to. You need to be your own health care advocate, and you should trust the Dentist you are seeing.
If you are told you have a cavity, and your gut is not buying it, you may want a second opinion. Trust is the # the reason people do not see a dentist. Fear is a close second.
Some say money is the reason they wait, and the dentist is expensive. Everything is expensive these days. We find the time and money for the important things.
Teeth are the only part of our skeleton we actually clean and the only part of our skeleton that does not heal itself.
Waiting only makes it more expensive and possibly painful. I have waited, so I know first hand. This is one of the reasons I am writing these blogs. I am a single Mom, and I understand the choices we need to make. We put ourselves last.
Learn from my mistakes, make different choices. Follow me
Join my Healthy Mouth Challenge
Join The Healthy Mouth Movement @
https://www.facebook.com/dh411
https://youtube.com/channel/UCQ6ysJFv0pTuoHK0jxWlKTw
https://www.instagram.com/dental_hygiene_411/
I want to start by saying dental professionals are like snowflakes; no two are the same.
We come from various backgrounds, have different beliefs, different skill sets, sought more advanced training since graduation, and have been exposed to different technologies that others may not have.
We were all taught the same thing if we brush with fluoride toothpaste, floss, and visit your dentist two times a year, we can prevent dental disease. As a kid growing up, I was taught that you needed to do to have a healthy mouth, even before I went to hygiene school. The health of your mouth is connected to the health of your body, and it is about more than just brushing, flossing, fluoride, and visiting your dentist regularly.
Do those things, and you will have a healthy mouth. If that were true and all we needed to do, why are cavities the # 1 preventable childhood disease? Why do 64 million Americans have gum disease? I have been in the dental field for over 30 years, and we still have so much disease. Why?
Now more than ever, knowing the health of your mouth is important. Your mouth is a window into your body, and it serves as an early warning system that something may be wrong or out of balance in your body.
A healthy mouth is more than just straight white teeth like most people desire.
We have established research that the health of your mouth is directly linked to your general overall health. We talk a lot about preventing cavities and having a healthy mouth. You need to keep in mind it does not mean your mouth is healthy if you don’t have any cavities.
You could not have the bacteria that cause cavities. Yet you have the bacteria that cause gum disease that can contribute to heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, low both rate, preterm delivery, and more.
Dental Disease is a silent disease. Mask Mouth is now a thing.
An evaluation of your mouth to establish a baseline is important, so YOU know your mouth’s condition, including teeth, alignment, gums, tongue, saliva, jawbone, and throat. Knowing the health of your mouth allows you to make informed decisions. Rather than just hoping and guessing or assuming they are healthy because you have no pain.
Things your dental professions may discuss with brushing, flossing, fluoride, cavities, gum diseases, bridges, implants, root canals, dentures, partials, crown, and consistent regular visits.
Things your dentist may not talk about or may not know about that are an integral part of mouth and health besides brushing and flossing is mouth chemistry, pH testing, Saliva testing, oral cancer screenings, tongue resting posture, tongue color and health, tonsils, airway, breathing, Xylitol, diet and your overall health in general.
Dental professionals teach you about your mouth based on their training and experience. It is not their fault. You do what you were taught as a child based on your knowledge and experience from what your parents were taught.
If you are confused about the mouth, care you are not alone. There are so many tools, products, and opinions.
How do you know who to trust and what to believe?
Many people with cavities believe they have soft teeth, inherited their problems from a family member, did not get enough fluoride, got too much fluoride, do not floss enough, or have not been consistent in-home care regular visits to the dentist. While these are all contributing factors, dental problems can almost always be traced back to consistent home care, acid, reduced saliva flow, breathing, and bacteria that promote inflammation and infection.
You need to stop blaming yourself and your genetics for your dental problems and take action. While it starts with you at home and genetics, do play a role. The truth is a dental disease is a disease you can control or eliminate with intention, good habits, and diet.
I want to help you have rewarding and happy dental experiences, enjoy your teeth, and create the ultimate dental health for you and your family. Imagine being excited to visit the dentist! With a simple system, you can take the worry, fear, and emotion out of your dental visits.
Too many adults support the belief that cavities, sensitivity, and bleeding gums are inevitable and part of growing up and/or the aging process. It has been hammered into our brain; sugar causes cavities, and unfortunately, some, no matter how diligent with brushing, flossing, and regular visits, will still experience dental disease. Where is the damage coming from? Until you find the cause or source of the issue, your mouth problems will continue to happen repeatedly, getting more complicated and more expensive each time you visit the dentist.
Dentists have known for years that damaged enamel can be repaired back to health with a simple repair process that occurs naturally in the mouth under certain conditions with products and minerals from the saliva. Suppose discovered early enough, with x-rays (these spots are not visible to the naked eye). They can be reversed or halted. Many dentists recommend xylitol and explain the healing process to their patients; the tooth has to be natural, not previously filled or broken.
When a tooth requires a filling is of great debate and depends on the dentist’s training, judgment, and experience. Some dentists do not believe in the natural repair process because they have not seen it or are not knowledgeable in the process, or they don’t think the patient will comply with the home repair process at home, and it will worsen. Many people find this idea exciting! But it requires early intervention, x-rays, digital imaging, and consistent dental visits, and intension is what you do at home.
Once you are empowered with the knowledge, you can make informed decisions about your treatment, begin a preventive program at home, and choose a simple, convenient, enjoyable daily routine that puts you on a path of avoiding cavities and annoying dental problems.
Dentists will always be necessary; there will always be broken teeth and patients that do not view teeth as a priority or are not onboard with early intervention and prevention. There will always be patients that wait until they are in pain to see a dentist. No judgment, just the truth!
When I worked in a mobile setting and saw so many kids with cavities, it made my heartbreak knowing it is 100% preventable. More than 51 million school hours and 164 million work hours are lost each year due to dental disease. Why is there so much dental disease? Why have we not been able to get a handle on it? How can you be part of the solution?
I know we are not going to eliminate cavities. For me, the thought of a world where cavities are not the #1 preventable disease in our kids is exciting. Baby teeth are important kids with cavities, and tongue issues are at a greater risk for dental infections and illnesses as adults.
I believe these problems exist because of a lack of knowledge about how much the mouth is related to our overall health and wellness. Most people feel baby teeth will fall out, so it does not matter; they assume cavities are a normal part of growing up, and they don’t know how to protect their teeth or create a system that will keep their teeth strong and healthy.
Tooth decay begins with bacteria called streptococcus mutans; this bacteria feeds on the sugar and causes an acid that weakens the enamel. Babies are born without these bacteria and are infected by their Moms or other family members even before the first tooth erupts. It happens when a Mom transfers saliva from her mouth to her baby’s mouth by kissing, sharing food on the same spoon, sharing a straw in a beverage, binkies, or letting your toddler brush their teeth with your toothbrush.
If someone has frequent cavities or dental disease, you can pass the germs to others. It has been proven that bacteria are familial. Meaning families share the same type of bacteria. You do not give another member of your family cavities or gum disease, but you share the same types of bacteria. Dental disease happens if the environment is right for that bacteria to grow and multiply from lack of oral hygiene or your choice of diet.
Once a child gets the strep mutans, they will be more susceptible to cavities. This is why it is a good idea for a woman to know what bacteria are in your mouth and treat it before you even get pregnant. Studies have shown children of parents with healthy mouths are 70-80% less likely to develop cavities. So why not be sure you have and keep a healthy mouth from the start.
It is an old wives’ tale that soft teeth run in the family. It is not that you have soft teeth, but rather the bacteria and habits you have passed along that cause the disease. Such as cavities and gingivitis. If you have problems with your teeth, you need to get a handle on it and change your habits; our kids do what we do. So that makes it our responsibility as parents to create good oral health habits for our child’s dental health. You need to be just as vigilant as if you thought you were passing a virus or a cancer gene.
If preventing the passing of harmful bacteria from generation to generation is a promising method of preventing dental disease, why are we not hearing more about it?.
There are 700 different types of bacteria in our mouth. You can have a saliva test that will tell you which bacterias are present in your family’s mouths to customize treatment accordingly. You are going to see more and more specific treatments in the future to treat and prevent disease. It all starts in the mouth.
My patients are very interested in the advice to improve their mouth condition with suggestions that fit into a busy lifestyle. I was shocked that many people are unaware the dental disease is like any other infection caused by bacteria and can spread from person to person.
Once you realize it, you can take the step necessary to control the spread between family members. Today we have become more aware of the delicate balance between bacteria that help and protect us and the bacteria that cause infection.
According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dental Association, you should take your child to see a dentist by their 1st birthday. I say first st tooth first visit, but many Dentists will not see a child that young. They probably won’t do much, but they can ease your child into being comfortable at the dentist. 28% of children will have cavities by the age of 5.
You will see more pediatricians looking in for your child’s mouth and evaluating oral health mostly because many kids do not get their first check-up until it is required to enroll in school. So Dr.s are now looking for early warning signs in our kids’ mouths.
If you or your family have a history of cavities or gum disease, you will need a plan of action for your kid’s health. More people than ever before are experiencing stress, allergies, acid reflux. Weak enamel, sensitive teeth, dry mouth, difficulty breathing through their nose mouth breathing thumb sucking, and nail-biting.
Mouth chemistry is affected by breathing, diet, saliva, pH, medications, hormones, habit, environment, and so much more. Most people believe sugar is the main cause of cavities! The sugar itself does not cause cavities. The harmful interaction between sugar, plaque, and bacteria causes a chain reaction and creates an acid. It is that acid. It is that acid that damages the teeth. Crackers are just as bad as candy and pop because they stick to the surface of the teeth.
When you or a loved one have cavities, getting the acid in the mouth under control can protect the teeth. In a healthy mouth, eating and chewing produce saliva that helps to neutralize acids and aid digestion.
Digestion actually starts in your mouth; your saliva enzymes help break down the food even before swallowing. How you swallow and your tongue position is important as well.
So when you see a dentist, most people want to know if you have any cavities.
When you see a dentist, you should ask questions so you know your mouth’s health now if there is anything you can do at home to make it healthier.
Download: Questions You Should Ask Your Dentist and take it with you to your appointment if you need to. You need to be your own health care advocate, and you should trust the Dentist you are seeing.
If you are told you have a cavity, and your gut is not buying it, you may want a second opinion. Trust is the # the reason people do not see a dentist. Fear is a close second.
Some say money is the reason they wait, and the dentist is expensive. Everything is expensive these days. We find the time and money for the important things.
Teeth are the only part of our skeleton we actually clean and the only part of our skeleton that does not heal itself.
Waiting only makes it more expensive and possibly painful. I have waited, so I know first hand. This is one of the reasons I am writing these blogs. I am a single Mom, and I understand the choices we need to make. We put ourselves last.
Learn from my mistakes, make different choices. Follow me
Join my Healthy Mouth Challenge
Join The Healthy Mouth Movement @
https://www.facebook.com/dh411
https://youtube.com/channel/UCQ6ysJFv0pTuoHK0jxWlKTw
https://www.instagram.com/dental_hygiene_411/
I want to start by saying dental professionals are like snowflakes; no two are the same.
We come from various backgrounds, have different beliefs, different skill sets, sought more advanced training since graduation, and have been exposed to different technologies that others may not have.
We were all taught the same thing if we brush with fluoride toothpaste, floss, and visit your dentist two times a year, we can prevent dental disease. As a kid growing up, I was taught that you needed to do to have a healthy mouth, even before I went to hygiene school. The health of your mouth is connected to the health of your body, and it is about more than just brushing, flossing, fluoride, and visiting your dentist regularly.
Do those things, and you will have a healthy mouth. If that were true and all we needed to do, why are cavities the # 1 preventable childhood disease? Why do 64 million Americans have gum disease? I have been in the dental field for over 30 years, and we still have so much disease. Why?
Now more than ever, knowing the health of your mouth is important. Your mouth is a window into your body, and it serves as an early warning system that something may be wrong or out of balance in your body.
A healthy mouth is more than just straight white teeth like most people desire.
We have established research that the health of your mouth is directly linked to your general overall health. We talk a lot about preventing cavities and having a healthy mouth. You need to keep in mind it does not mean your mouth is healthy if you don’t have any cavities.
You could not have the bacteria that cause cavities. Yet you have the bacteria that cause gum disease that can contribute to heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, low both rate, preterm delivery, and more.
Dental Disease is a silent disease. Mask Mouth is now a thing.
An evaluation of your mouth to establish a baseline is important, so YOU know your mouth’s condition, including teeth, alignment, gums, tongue, saliva, jawbone, and throat. Knowing the health of your mouth allows you to make informed decisions. Rather than just hoping and guessing or assuming they are healthy because you have no pain.
Things your dental professions may discuss with brushing, flossing, fluoride, cavities, gum diseases, bridges, implants, root canals, dentures, partials, crown, and consistent regular visits.
Things your dentist may not talk about or may not know about that are an integral part of mouth and health besides brushing and flossing is mouth chemistry, pH testing, Saliva testing, oral cancer screenings, tongue resting posture, tongue color and health, tonsils, airway, breathing, Xylitol, diet and your overall health in general.
Dental professionals teach you about your mouth based on their training and experience. It is not their fault. You do what you were taught as a child based on your knowledge and experience from what your parents were taught.
If you are confused about the mouth, care you are not alone. There are so many tools, products, and opinions.
How do you know who to trust and what to believe?
Many people with cavities believe they have soft teeth, inherited their problems from a family member, did not get enough fluoride, got too much fluoride, do not floss enough, or have not been consistent in-home care regular visits to the dentist. While these are all contributing factors, dental problems can almost always be traced back to consistent home care, acid, reduced saliva flow, breathing, and bacteria that promote inflammation and infection.
You need to stop blaming yourself and your genetics for your dental problems and take action. While it starts with you at home and genetics, do play a role. The truth is a dental disease is a disease you can control or eliminate with intention, good habits, and diet.
I want to help you have rewarding and happy dental experiences, enjoy your teeth, and create the ultimate dental health for you and your family. Imagine being excited to visit the dentist! With a simple system, you can take the worry, fear, and emotion out of your dental visits.
Too many adults support the belief that cavities, sensitivity, and bleeding gums are inevitable and part of growing up and/or the aging process. It has been hammered into our brain; sugar causes cavities, and unfortunately, some, no matter how diligent with brushing, flossing, and regular visits, will still experience dental disease. Where is the damage coming from? Until you find the cause or source of the issue, your mouth problems will continue to happen repeatedly, getting more complicated and more expensive each time you visit the dentist.
Dentists have known for years that damaged enamel can be repaired back to health with a simple repair process that occurs naturally in the mouth under certain conditions with products and minerals from the saliva. Suppose discovered early enough, with x-rays (these spots are not visible to the naked eye). They can be reversed or halted. Many dentists recommend xylitol and explain the healing process to their patients; the tooth has to be natural, not previously filled or broken.
When a tooth requires a filling is of great debate and depends on the dentist’s training, judgment, and experience. Some dentists do not believe in the natural repair process because they have not seen it or are not knowledgeable in the process, or they don’t think the patient will comply with the home repair process at home, and it will worsen. Many people find this idea exciting! But it requires early intervention, x-rays, digital imaging, and consistent dental visits, and intension is what you do at home.
Once you are empowered with the knowledge, you can make informed decisions about your treatment, begin a preventive program at home, and choose a simple, convenient, enjoyable daily routine that puts you on a path of avoiding cavities and annoying dental problems.
Dentists will always be necessary; there will always be broken teeth and patients that do not view teeth as a priority or are not onboard with early intervention and prevention. There will always be patients that wait until they are in pain to see a dentist. No judgment, just the truth!
When I worked in a mobile setting and saw so many kids with cavities, it made my heartbreak knowing it is 100% preventable. More than 51 million school hours and 164 million work hours are lost each year due to dental disease. Why is there so much dental disease? Why have we not been able to get a handle on it? How can you be part of the solution?
I know we are not going to eliminate cavities. For me, the thought of a world where cavities are not the #1 preventable disease in our kids is exciting. Baby teeth are important kids with cavities, and tongue issues are at a greater risk for dental infections and illnesses as adults.
I believe these problems exist because of a lack of knowledge about how much the mouth is related to our overall health and wellness. Most people feel baby teeth will fall out, so it does not matter; they assume cavities are a normal part of growing up, and they don’t know how to protect their teeth or create a system that will keep their teeth strong and healthy.
Tooth decay begins with bacteria called streptococcus mutans; this bacteria feeds on the sugar and causes an acid that weakens the enamel. Babies are born without these bacteria and are infected by their Moms or other family members even before the first tooth erupts. It happens when a Mom transfers saliva from her mouth to her baby’s mouth by kissing, sharing food on the same spoon, sharing a straw in a beverage, binkies, or letting your toddler brush their teeth with your toothbrush.
If someone has frequent cavities or dental disease, you can pass the germs to others. It has been proven that bacteria are familial. Meaning families share the same type of bacteria. You do not give another member of your family cavities or gum disease, but you share the same types of bacteria. Dental disease happens if the environment is right for that bacteria to grow and multiply from lack of oral hygiene or your choice of diet.
Once a child gets the strep mutans, they will be more susceptible to cavities. This is why it is a good idea for a woman to know what bacteria are in your mouth and treat it before you even get pregnant. Studies have shown children of parents with healthy mouths are 70-80% less likely to develop cavities. So why not be sure you have and keep a healthy mouth from the start.
It is an old wives’ tale that soft teeth run in the family. It is not that you have soft teeth, but rather the bacteria and habits you have passed along that cause the disease. Such as cavities and gingivitis. If you have problems with your teeth, you need to get a handle on it and change your habits; our kids do what we do. So that makes it our responsibility as parents to create good oral health habits for our child’s dental health. You need to be just as vigilant as if you thought you were passing a virus or a cancer gene.
If preventing the passing of harmful bacteria from generation to generation is a promising method of preventing dental disease, why are we not hearing more about it?.
There are 700 different types of bacteria in our mouth. You can have a saliva test that will tell you which bacterias are present in your family’s mouths to customize treatment accordingly. You are going to see more and more specific treatments in the future to treat and prevent disease. It all starts in the mouth.
My patients are very interested in the advice to improve their mouth condition with suggestions that fit into a busy lifestyle. I was shocked that many people are unaware the dental disease is like any other infection caused by bacteria and can spread from person to person.
Once you realize it, you can take the step necessary to control the spread between family members. Today we have become more aware of the delicate balance between bacteria that help and protect us and the bacteria that cause infection.
According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dental Association, you should take your child to see a dentist by their 1st birthday. I say first st tooth first visit, but many Dentists will not see a child that young. They probably won’t do much, but they can ease your child into being comfortable at the dentist. 28% of children will have cavities by the age of 5.
You will see more pediatricians looking in for your child’s mouth and evaluating oral health mostly because many kids do not get their first check-up until it is required to enroll in school. So Dr.s are now looking for early warning signs in our kids’ mouths.
If you or your family have a history of cavities or gum disease, you will need a plan of action for your kid’s health. More people than ever before are experiencing stress, allergies, acid reflux. Weak enamel, sensitive teeth, dry mouth, difficulty breathing through their nose mouth breathing thumb sucking, and nail-biting.
Mouth chemistry is affected by breathing, diet, saliva, pH, medications, hormones, habit, environment, and so much more. Most people believe sugar is the main cause of cavities! The sugar itself does not cause cavities. The harmful interaction between sugar, plaque, and bacteria causes a chain reaction and creates an acid. It is that acid. It is that acid that damages the teeth. Crackers are just as bad as candy and pop because they stick to the surface of the teeth.
When you or a loved one have cavities, getting the acid in the mouth under control can protect the teeth. In a healthy mouth, eating and chewing produce saliva that helps to neutralize acids and aid digestion.
Digestion actually starts in your mouth; your saliva enzymes help break down the food even before swallowing. How you swallow and your tongue position is important as well.
So when you see a dentist, most people want to know if you have any cavities.
When you see a dentist, you should ask questions so you know your mouth’s health now if there is anything you can do at home to make it healthier.
Download: Questions You Should Ask Your Dentist and take it with you to your appointment if you need to. You need to be your own health care advocate, and you should trust the Dentist you are seeing.
If you are told you have a cavity, and your gut is not buying it, you may want a second opinion. Trust is the # the reason people do not see a dentist. Fear is a close second.
Some say money is the reason they wait, and the dentist is expensive. Everything is expensive these days. We find the time and money for the important things.
Teeth are the only part of our skeleton we actually clean and the only part of our skeleton that does not heal itself.
Waiting only makes it more expensive and possibly painful. I have waited, so I know first hand. This is one of the reasons I am writing these blogs. I am a single Mom, and I understand the choices we need to make. We put ourselves last.
Learn from my mistakes, make different choices. Follow me
Join my Healthy Mouth Challenge
Join The Healthy Mouth Movement @
https://www.facebook.com/dh411
https://youtube.com/channel/UCQ6ysJFv0pTuoHK0jxWlKTw
https://www.instagram.com/dental_hygiene_411/
I want to start by saying dental professionals are like snowflakes; no two are the same.
We come from various backgrounds, have different beliefs, different skill sets, sought more advanced training since graduation, and have been exposed to different technologies that others may not have.
We were all taught the same thing if we brush with fluoride toothpaste, floss, and visit your dentist two times a year, we can prevent dental disease. As a kid growing up, I was taught that you needed to do to have a healthy mouth, even before I went to hygiene school. The health of your mouth is connected to the health of your body, and it is about more than just brushing, flossing, fluoride, and visiting your dentist regularly.
Do those things, and you will have a healthy mouth. If that were true and all we needed to do, why are cavities the # 1 preventable childhood disease? Why do 64 million Americans have gum disease? I have been in the dental field for over 30 years, and we still have so much disease. Why?
Now more than ever, knowing the health of your mouth is important. Your mouth is a window into your body, and it serves as an early warning system that something may be wrong or out of balance in your body.
A healthy mouth is more than just straight white teeth like most people desire.
We have established research that the health of your mouth is directly linked to your general overall health. We talk a lot about preventing cavities and having a healthy mouth. You need to keep in mind it does not mean your mouth is healthy if you don’t have any cavities.
You could not have the bacteria that cause cavities. Yet you have the bacteria that cause gum disease that can contribute to heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, low both rate, preterm delivery, and more.
Dental Disease is a silent disease. Mask Mouth is now a thing.
An evaluation of your mouth to establish a baseline is important, so YOU know your mouth’s condition, including teeth, alignment, gums, tongue, saliva, jawbone, and throat. Knowing the health of your mouth allows you to make informed decisions. Rather than just hoping and guessing or assuming they are healthy because you have no pain.
Things your dental professions may discuss with brushing, flossing, fluoride, cavities, gum diseases, bridges, implants, root canals, dentures, partials, crown, and consistent regular visits.
Things your dentist may not talk about or may not know about that are an integral part of mouth and health besides brushing and flossing is mouth chemistry, pH testing, Saliva testing, oral cancer screenings, tongue resting posture, tongue color and health, tonsils, airway, breathing, Xylitol, diet and your overall health in general.
Dental professionals teach you about your mouth based on their training and experience. It is not their fault. You do what you were taught as a child based on your knowledge and experience from what your parents were taught.
If you are confused about the mouth, care you are not alone. There are so many tools, products, and opinions.
How do you know who to trust and what to believe?
Many people with cavities believe they have soft teeth, inherited their problems from a family member, did not get enough fluoride, got too much fluoride, do not floss enough, or have not been consistent in-home care regular visits to the dentist. While these are all contributing factors, dental problems can almost always be traced back to consistent home care, acid, reduced saliva flow, breathing, and bacteria that promote inflammation and infection.
You need to stop blaming yourself and your genetics for your dental problems and take action. While it starts with you at home and genetics, do play a role. The truth is a dental disease is a disease you can control or eliminate with intention, good habits, and diet.
I want to help you have rewarding and happy dental experiences, enjoy your teeth, and create the ultimate dental health for you and your family. Imagine being excited to visit the dentist! With a simple system, you can take the worry, fear, and emotion out of your dental visits.
Too many adults support the belief that cavities, sensitivity, and bleeding gums are inevitable and part of growing up and/or the aging process. It has been hammered into our brain; sugar causes cavities, and unfortunately, some, no matter how diligent with brushing, flossing, and regular visits, will still experience dental disease. Where is the damage coming from? Until you find the cause or source of the issue, your mouth problems will continue to happen repeatedly, getting more complicated and more expensive each time you visit the dentist.
Dentists have known for years that damaged enamel can be repaired back to health with a simple repair process that occurs naturally in the mouth under certain conditions with products and minerals from the saliva. Suppose discovered early enough, with x-rays (these spots are not visible to the naked eye). They can be reversed or halted. Many dentists recommend xylitol and explain the healing process to their patients; the tooth has to be natural, not previously filled or broken.
When a tooth requires a filling is of great debate and depends on the dentist’s training, judgment, and experience. Some dentists do not believe in the natural repair process because they have not seen it or are not knowledgeable in the process, or they don’t think the patient will comply with the home repair process at home, and it will worsen. Many people find this idea exciting! But it requires early intervention, x-rays, digital imaging, and consistent dental visits, and intension is what you do at home.
Once you are empowered with the knowledge, you can make informed decisions about your treatment, begin a preventive program at home, and choose a simple, convenient, enjoyable daily routine that puts you on a path of avoiding cavities and annoying dental problems.
Dentists will always be necessary; there will always be broken teeth and patients that do not view teeth as a priority or are not onboard with early intervention and prevention. There will always be patients that wait until they are in pain to see a dentist. No judgment, just the truth!
When I worked in a mobile setting and saw so many kids with cavities, it made my heartbreak knowing it is 100% preventable. More than 51 million school hours and 164 million work hours are lost each year due to dental disease. Why is there so much dental disease? Why have we not been able to get a handle on it? How can you be part of the solution?
I know we are not going to eliminate cavities. For me, the thought of a world where cavities are not the #1 preventable disease in our kids is exciting. Baby teeth are important kids with cavities, and tongue issues are at a greater risk for dental infections and illnesses as adults.
I believe these problems exist because of a lack of knowledge about how much the mouth is related to our overall health and wellness. Most people feel baby teeth will fall out, so it does not matter; they assume cavities are a normal part of growing up, and they don’t know how to protect their teeth or create a system that will keep their teeth strong and healthy.
Tooth decay begins with bacteria called streptococcus mutans; this bacteria feeds on the sugar and causes an acid that weakens the enamel. Babies are born without these bacteria and are infected by their Moms or other family members even before the first tooth erupts. It happens when a Mom transfers saliva from her mouth to her baby’s mouth by kissing, sharing food on the same spoon, sharing a straw in a beverage, binkies, or letting your toddler brush their teeth with your toothbrush.
If someone has frequent cavities or dental disease, you can pass the germs to others. It has been proven that bacteria are familial. Meaning families share the same type of bacteria. You do not give another member of your family cavities or gum disease, but you share the same types of bacteria. Dental disease happens if the environment is right for that bacteria to grow and multiply from lack of oral hygiene or your choice of diet.
Once a child gets the strep mutans, they will be more susceptible to cavities. This is why it is a good idea for a woman to know what bacteria are in your mouth and treat it before you even get pregnant. Studies have shown children of parents with healthy mouths are 70-80% less likely to develop cavities. So why not be sure you have and keep a healthy mouth from the start.
It is an old wives’ tale that soft teeth run in the family. It is not that you have soft teeth, but rather the bacteria and habits you have passed along that cause the disease. Such as cavities and gingivitis. If you have problems with your teeth, you need to get a handle on it and change your habits; our kids do what we do. So that makes it our responsibility as parents to create good oral health habits for our child’s dental health. You need to be just as vigilant as if you thought you were passing a virus or a cancer gene.
If preventing the passing of harmful bacteria from generation to generation is a promising method of preventing dental disease, why are we not hearing more about it?.
There are 700 different types of bacteria in our mouth. You can have a saliva test that will tell you which bacterias are present in your family’s mouths to customize treatment accordingly. You are going to see more and more specific treatments in the future to treat and prevent disease. It all starts in the mouth.
My patients are very interested in the advice to improve their mouth condition with suggestions that fit into a busy lifestyle. I was shocked that many people are unaware the dental disease is like any other infection caused by bacteria and can spread from person to person.
Once you realize it, you can take the step necessary to control the spread between family members. Today we have become more aware of the delicate balance between bacteria that help and protect us and the bacteria that cause infection.
According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dental Association, you should take your child to see a dentist by their 1st birthday. I say first st tooth first visit, but many Dentists will not see a child that young. They probably won’t do much, but they can ease your child into being comfortable at the dentist. 28% of children will have cavities by the age of 5.
You will see more pediatricians looking in for your child’s mouth and evaluating oral health mostly because many kids do not get their first check-up until it is required to enroll in school. So Dr.s are now looking for early warning signs in our kids’ mouths.
If you or your family have a history of cavities or gum disease, you will need a plan of action for your kid’s health. More people than ever before are experiencing stress, allergies, acid reflux. Weak enamel, sensitive teeth, dry mouth, difficulty breathing through their nose mouth breathing thumb sucking, and nail-biting.
Mouth chemistry is affected by breathing, diet, saliva, pH, medications, hormones, habit, environment, and so much more. Most people believe sugar is the main cause of cavities! The sugar itself does not cause cavities. The harmful interaction between sugar, plaque, and bacteria causes a chain reaction and creates an acid. It is that acid. It is that acid that damages the teeth. Crackers are just as bad as candy and pop because they stick to the surface of the teeth.
When you or a loved one have cavities, getting the acid in the mouth under control can protect the teeth. In a healthy mouth, eating and chewing produce saliva that helps to neutralize acids and aid digestion.
Digestion actually starts in your mouth; your saliva enzymes help break down the food even before swallowing. How you swallow and your tongue position is important as well.
So when you see a dentist, most people want to know if you have any cavities.
When you see a dentist, you should ask questions so you know your mouth’s health now if there is anything you can do at home to make it healthier.
Download: Questions You Should Ask Your Dentist and take it with you to your appointment if you need to. You need to be your own health care advocate, and you should trust the Dentist you are seeing.
If you are told you have a cavity, and your gut is not buying it, you may want a second opinion. Trust is the # the reason people do not see a dentist. Fear is a close second.
Some say money is the reason they wait, and the dentist is expensive. Everything is expensive these days. We find the time and money for the important things.
Teeth are the only part of our skeleton we actually clean and the only part of our skeleton that does not heal itself.
Waiting only makes it more expensive and possibly painful. I have waited, so I know first hand. This is one of the reasons I am writing these blogs. I am a single Mom, and I understand the choices we need to make. We put ourselves last.
Learn from my mistakes, make different choices. Follow me
Join my Healthy Mouth Challenge
Join The Healthy Mouth Movement @
https://www.facebook.com/dh411
https://youtube.com/channel/UCQ6ysJFv0pTuoHK0jxWlKTw
https://www.instagram.com/dental_hygiene_411/
I want to start by saying dental professionals are like snowflakes; no two are the same.
We come from various backgrounds, have different beliefs, different skill sets, sought more advanced training since graduation, and have been exposed to different technologies that others may not have.
We were all taught the same thing if we brush with fluoride toothpaste, floss, and visit your dentist two times a year, we can prevent dental disease. As a kid growing up, I was taught that you needed to do to have a healthy mouth, even before I went to hygiene school. The health of your mouth is connected to the health of your body, and it is about more than just brushing, flossing, fluoride, and visiting your dentist regularly.
Do those things, and you will have a healthy mouth. If that were true and all we needed to do, why are cavities the # 1 preventable childhood disease? Why do 64 million Americans have gum disease? I have been in the dental field for over 30 years, and we still have so much disease. Why?
Now more than ever, knowing the health of your mouth is important. Your mouth is a window into your body, and it serves as an early warning system that something may be wrong or out of balance in your body.
A healthy mouth is more than just straight white teeth like most people desire.
We have established research that the health of your mouth is directly linked to your general overall health. We talk a lot about preventing cavities and having a healthy mouth. You need to keep in mind it does not mean your mouth is healthy if you don’t have any cavities.
You could not have the bacteria that cause cavities. Yet you have the bacteria that cause gum disease that can contribute to heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, low both rate, preterm delivery, and more.
Dental Disease is a silent disease. Mask Mouth is now a thing.
An evaluation of your mouth to establish a baseline is important, so YOU know your mouth’s condition, including teeth, alignment, gums, tongue, saliva, jawbone, and throat. Knowing the health of your mouth allows you to make informed decisions. Rather than just hoping and guessing or assuming they are healthy because you have no pain.
Things your dental professions may discuss with brushing, flossing, fluoride, cavities, gum diseases, bridges, implants, root canals, dentures, partials, crown, and consistent regular visits.
Things your dentist may not talk about or may not know about that are an integral part of mouth and health besides brushing and flossing is mouth chemistry, pH testing, Saliva testing, oral cancer screenings, tongue resting posture, tongue color and health, tonsils, airway, breathing, Xylitol, diet and your overall health in general.
Dental professionals teach you about your mouth based on their training and experience. It is not their fault. You do what you were taught as a child based on your knowledge and experience from what your parents were taught.
If you are confused about the mouth, care you are not alone. There are so many tools, products, and opinions.
How do you know who to trust and what to believe?
Many people with cavities believe they have soft teeth, inherited their problems from a family member, did not get enough fluoride, got too much fluoride, do not floss enough, or have not been consistent in-home care regular visits to the dentist. While these are all contributing factors, dental problems can almost always be traced back to consistent home care, acid, reduced saliva flow, breathing, and bacteria that promote inflammation and infection.
You need to stop blaming yourself and your genetics for your dental problems and take action. While it starts with you at home and genetics, do play a role. The truth is a dental disease is a disease you can control or eliminate with intention, good habits, and diet.
I want to help you have rewarding and happy dental experiences, enjoy your teeth, and create the ultimate dental health for you and your family. Imagine being excited to visit the dentist! With a simple system, you can take the worry, fear, and emotion out of your dental visits.
Too many adults support the belief that cavities, sensitivity, and bleeding gums are inevitable and part of growing up and/or the aging process. It has been hammered into our brain; sugar causes cavities, and unfortunately, some, no matter how diligent with brushing, flossing, and regular visits, will still experience dental disease. Where is the damage coming from? Until you find the cause or source of the issue, your mouth problems will continue to happen repeatedly, getting more complicated and more expensive each time you visit the dentist.
Dentists have known for years that damaged enamel can be repaired back to health with a simple repair process that occurs naturally in the mouth under certain conditions with products and minerals from the saliva. Suppose discovered early enough, with x-rays (these spots are not visible to the naked eye). They can be reversed or halted. Many dentists recommend xylitol and explain the healing process to their patients; the tooth has to be natural, not previously filled or broken.
When a tooth requires a filling is of great debate and depends on the dentist’s training, judgment, and experience. Some dentists do not believe in the natural repair process because they have not seen it or are not knowledgeable in the process, or they don’t think the patient will comply with the home repair process at home, and it will worsen. Many people find this idea exciting! But it requires early intervention, x-rays, digital imaging, and consistent dental visits, and intension is what you do at home.
Once you are empowered with the knowledge, you can make informed decisions about your treatment, begin a preventive program at home, and choose a simple, convenient, enjoyable daily routine that puts you on a path of avoiding cavities and annoying dental problems.
Dentists will always be necessary; there will always be broken teeth and patients that do not view teeth as a priority or are not onboard with early intervention and prevention. There will always be patients that wait until they are in pain to see a dentist. No judgment, just the truth!
When I worked in a mobile setting and saw so many kids with cavities, it made my heartbreak knowing it is 100% preventable. More than 51 million school hours and 164 million work hours are lost each year due to dental disease. Why is there so much dental disease? Why have we not been able to get a handle on it? How can you be part of the solution?
I know we are not going to eliminate cavities. For me, the thought of a world where cavities are not the #1 preventable disease in our kids is exciting. Baby teeth are important kids with cavities, and tongue issues are at a greater risk for dental infections and illnesses as adults.
I believe these problems exist because of a lack of knowledge about how much the mouth is related to our overall health and wellness. Most people feel baby teeth will fall out, so it does not matter; they assume cavities are a normal part of growing up, and they don’t know how to protect their teeth or create a system that will keep their teeth strong and healthy.
Tooth decay begins with bacteria called streptococcus mutans; this bacteria feeds on the sugar and causes an acid that weakens the enamel. Babies are born without these bacteria and are infected by their Moms or other family members even before the first tooth erupts. It happens when a Mom transfers saliva from her mouth to her baby’s mouth by kissing, sharing food on the same spoon, sharing a straw in a beverage, binkies, or letting your toddler brush their teeth with your toothbrush.
If someone has frequent cavities or dental disease, you can pass the germs to others. It has been proven that bacteria are familial. Meaning families share the same type of bacteria. You do not give another member of your family cavities or gum disease, but you share the same types of bacteria. Dental disease happens if the environment is right for that bacteria to grow and multiply from lack of oral hygiene or your choice of diet.
Once a child gets the strep mutans, they will be more susceptible to cavities. This is why it is a good idea for a woman to know what bacteria are in your mouth and treat it before you even get pregnant. Studies have shown children of parents with healthy mouths are 70-80% less likely to develop cavities. So why not be sure you have and keep a healthy mouth from the start.
It is an old wives’ tale that soft teeth run in the family. It is not that you have soft teeth, but rather the bacteria and habits you have passed along that cause the disease. Such as cavities and gingivitis. If you have problems with your teeth, you need to get a handle on it and change your habits; our kids do what we do. So that makes it our responsibility as parents to create good oral health habits for our child’s dental health. You need to be just as vigilant as if you thought you were passing a virus or a cancer gene.
If preventing the passing of harmful bacteria from generation to generation is a promising method of preventing dental disease, why are we not hearing more about it?.
There are 700 different types of bacteria in our mouth. You can have a saliva test that will tell you which bacterias are present in your family’s mouths to customize treatment accordingly. You are going to see more and more specific treatments in the future to treat and prevent disease. It all starts in the mouth.
My patients are very interested in the advice to improve their mouth condition with suggestions that fit into a busy lifestyle. I was shocked that many people are unaware the dental disease is like any other infection caused by bacteria and can spread from person to person.
Once you realize it, you can take the step necessary to control the spread between family members. Today we have become more aware of the delicate balance between bacteria that help and protect us and the bacteria that cause infection.
According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dental Association, you should take your child to see a dentist by their 1st birthday. I say first st tooth first visit, but many Dentists will not see a child that young. They probably won’t do much, but they can ease your child into being comfortable at the dentist. 28% of children will have cavities by the age of 5.
You will see more pediatricians looking in for your child’s mouth and evaluating oral health mostly because many kids do not get their first check-up until it is required to enroll in school. So Dr.s are now looking for early warning signs in our kids’ mouths.
If you or your family have a history of cavities or gum disease, you will need a plan of action for your kid’s health. More people than ever before are experiencing stress, allergies, acid reflux. Weak enamel, sensitive teeth, dry mouth, difficulty breathing through their nose mouth breathing thumb sucking, and nail-biting.
Mouth chemistry is affected by breathing, diet, saliva, pH, medications, hormones, habit, environment, and so much more. Most people believe sugar is the main cause of cavities! The sugar itself does not cause cavities. The harmful interaction between sugar, plaque, and bacteria causes a chain reaction and creates an acid. It is that acid. It is that acid that damages the teeth. Crackers are just as bad as candy and pop because they stick to the surface of the teeth.
When you or a loved one have cavities, getting the acid in the mouth under control can protect the teeth. In a healthy mouth, eating and chewing produce saliva that helps to neutralize acids and aid digestion.
Digestion actually starts in your mouth; your saliva enzymes help break down the food even before swallowing. How you swallow and your tongue position is important as well.
So when you see a dentist, most people want to know if you have any cavities.
When you see a dentist, you should ask questions so you know your mouth’s health now if there is anything you can do at home to make it healthier.
Download: Questions You Should Ask Your Dentist and take it with you to your appointment if you need to. You need to be your own health care advocate, and you should trust the Dentist you are seeing.
If you are told you have a cavity, and your gut is not buying it, you may want a second opinion. Trust is the # the reason people do not see a dentist. Fear is a close second.
Some say money is the reason they wait, and the dentist is expensive. Everything is expensive these days. We find the time and money for the important things.
Teeth are the only part of our skeleton we actually clean and the only part of our skeleton that does not heal itself.
Waiting only makes it more expensive and possibly painful. I have waited, so I know first hand. This is one of the reasons I am writing these blogs. I am a single Mom, and I understand the choices we need to make. We put ourselves last.
Learn from my mistakes, make different choices. Follow me
Join my Healthy Mouth Challenge
Join The Healthy Mouth Movement @
https://www.facebook.com/dh411
https://youtube.com/channel/UCQ6ysJFv0pTuoHK0jxWlKTw
https://www.instagram.com/dental_hygiene_411/
I want to start by saying dental professionals are like snowflakes; no two are the same.
We come from various backgrounds, have different beliefs, different skill sets, sought more advanced training since graduation, and have been exposed to different technologies that others may not have.
We were all taught the same thing if we brush with fluoride toothpaste, floss, and visit your dentist two times a year, we can prevent dental disease. As a kid growing up, I was taught that you needed to do to have a healthy mouth, even before I went to hygiene school. The health of your mouth is connected to the health of your body, and it is about more than just brushing, flossing, fluoride, and visiting your dentist regularly.
Do those things, and you will have a healthy mouth. If that were true and all we needed to do, why are cavities the # 1 preventable childhood disease? Why do 64 million Americans have gum disease? I have been in the dental field for over 30 years, and we still have so much disease. Why?
Now more than ever, knowing the health of your mouth is important. Your mouth is a window into your body, and it serves as an early warning system that something may be wrong or out of balance in your body.
A healthy mouth is more than just straight white teeth like most people desire.
We have established research that the health of your mouth is directly linked to your general overall health. We talk a lot about preventing cavities and having a healthy mouth. You need to keep in mind it does not mean your mouth is healthy if you don’t have any cavities.
You could not have the bacteria that cause cavities. Yet you have the bacteria that cause gum disease that can contribute to heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, low both rate, preterm delivery, and more.
Dental Disease is a silent disease. Mask Mouth is now a thing.
An evaluation of your mouth to establish a baseline is important, so YOU know your mouth’s condition, including teeth, alignment, gums, tongue, saliva, jawbone, and throat. Knowing the health of your mouth allows you to make informed decisions. Rather than just hoping and guessing or assuming they are healthy because you have no pain.
Things your dental professions may discuss with brushing, flossing, fluoride, cavities, gum diseases, bridges, implants, root canals, dentures, partials, crown, and consistent regular visits.
Things your dentist may not talk about or may not know about that are an integral part of mouth and health besides brushing and flossing is mouth chemistry, pH testing, Saliva testing, oral cancer screenings, tongue resting posture, tongue color and health, tonsils, airway, breathing, Xylitol, diet and your overall health in general.
Dental professionals teach you about your mouth based on their training and experience. It is not their fault. You do what you were taught as a child based on your knowledge and experience from what your parents were taught.
If you are confused about the mouth, care you are not alone. There are so many tools, products, and opinions.
How do you know who to trust and what to believe?
Many people with cavities believe they have soft teeth, inherited their problems from a family member, did not get enough fluoride, got too much fluoride, do not floss enough, or have not been consistent in-home care regular visits to the dentist. While these are all contributing factors, dental problems can almost always be traced back to consistent home care, acid, reduced saliva flow, breathing, and bacteria that promote inflammation and infection.
You need to stop blaming yourself and your genetics for your dental problems and take action. While it starts with you at home and genetics, do play a role. The truth is a dental disease is a disease you can control or eliminate with intention, good habits, and diet.
I want to help you have rewarding and happy dental experiences, enjoy your teeth, and create the ultimate dental health for you and your family. Imagine being excited to visit the dentist! With a simple system, you can take the worry, fear, and emotion out of your dental visits.
Too many adults support the belief that cavities, sensitivity, and bleeding gums are inevitable and part of growing up and/or the aging process. It has been hammered into our brain; sugar causes cavities, and unfortunately, some, no matter how diligent with brushing, flossing, and regular visits, will still experience dental disease. Where is the damage coming from? Until you find the cause or source of the issue, your mouth problems will continue to happen repeatedly, getting more complicated and more expensive each time you visit the dentist.
Dentists have known for years that damaged enamel can be repaired back to health with a simple repair process that occurs naturally in the mouth under certain conditions with products and minerals from the saliva. Suppose discovered early enough, with x-rays (these spots are not visible to the naked eye). They can be reversed or halted. Many dentists recommend xylitol and explain the healing process to their patients; the tooth has to be natural, not previously filled or broken.
When a tooth requires a filling is of great debate and depends on the dentist’s training, judgment, and experience. Some dentists do not believe in the natural repair process because they have not seen it or are not knowledgeable in the process, or they don’t think the patient will comply with the home repair process at home, and it will worsen. Many people find this idea exciting! But it requires early intervention, x-rays, digital imaging, and consistent dental visits, and intension is what you do at home.
Once you are empowered with the knowledge, you can make informed decisions about your treatment, begin a preventive program at home, and choose a simple, convenient, enjoyable daily routine that puts you on a path of avoiding cavities and annoying dental problems.
Dentists will always be necessary; there will always be broken teeth and patients that do not view teeth as a priority or are not onboard with early intervention and prevention. There will always be patients that wait until they are in pain to see a dentist. No judgment, just the truth!
When I worked in a mobile setting and saw so many kids with cavities, it made my heartbreak knowing it is 100% preventable. More than 51 million school hours and 164 million work hours are lost each year due to dental disease. Why is there so much dental disease? Why have we not been able to get a handle on it? How can you be part of the solution?
I know we are not going to eliminate cavities. For me, the thought of a world where cavities are not the #1 preventable disease in our kids is exciting. Baby teeth are important kids with cavities, and tongue issues are at a greater risk for dental infections and illnesses as adults.
I believe these problems exist because of a lack of knowledge about how much the mouth is related to our overall health and wellness. Most people feel baby teeth will fall out, so it does not matter; they assume cavities are a normal part of growing up, and they don’t know how to protect their teeth or create a system that will keep their teeth strong and healthy.
Tooth decay begins with bacteria called streptococcus mutans; this bacteria feeds on the sugar and causes an acid that weakens the enamel. Babies are born without these bacteria and are infected by their Moms or other family members even before the first tooth erupts. It happens when a Mom transfers saliva from her mouth to her baby’s mouth by kissing, sharing food on the same spoon, sharing a straw in a beverage, binkies, or letting your toddler brush their teeth with your toothbrush.
If someone has frequent cavities or dental disease, you can pass the germs to others. It has been proven that bacteria are familial. Meaning families share the same type of bacteria. You do not give another member of your family cavities or gum disease, but you share the same types of bacteria. Dental disease happens if the environment is right for that bacteria to grow and multiply from lack of oral hygiene or your choice of diet.
Once a child gets the strep mutans, they will be more susceptible to cavities. This is why it is a good idea for a woman to know what bacteria are in your mouth and treat it before you even get pregnant. Studies have shown children of parents with healthy mouths are 70-80% less likely to develop cavities. So why not be sure you have and keep a healthy mouth from the start.
It is an old wives’ tale that soft teeth run in the family. It is not that you have soft teeth, but rather the bacteria and habits you have passed along that cause the disease. Such as cavities and gingivitis. If you have problems with your teeth, you need to get a handle on it and change your habits; our kids do what we do. So that makes it our responsibility as parents to create good oral health habits for our child’s dental health. You need to be just as vigilant as if you thought you were passing a virus or a cancer gene.
If preventing the passing of harmful bacteria from generation to generation is a promising method of preventing dental disease, why are we not hearing more about it?.
There are 700 different types of bacteria in our mouth. You can have a saliva test that will tell you which bacterias are present in your family’s mouths to customize treatment accordingly. You are going to see more and more specific treatments in the future to treat and prevent disease. It all starts in the mouth.
My patients are very interested in the advice to improve their mouth condition with suggestions that fit into a busy lifestyle. I was shocked that many people are unaware the dental disease is like any other infection caused by bacteria and can spread from person to person.
Once you realize it, you can take the step necessary to control the spread between family members. Today we have become more aware of the delicate balance between bacteria that help and protect us and the bacteria that cause infection.
According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dental Association, you should take your child to see a dentist by their 1st birthday. I say first st tooth first visit, but many Dentists will not see a child that young. They probably won’t do much, but they can ease your child into being comfortable at the dentist. 28% of children will have cavities by the age of 5.
You will see more pediatricians looking in for your child’s mouth and evaluating oral health mostly because many kids do not get their first check-up until it is required to enroll in school. So Dr.s are now looking for early warning signs in our kids’ mouths.
If you or your family have a history of cavities or gum disease, you will need a plan of action for your kid’s health. More people than ever before are experiencing stress, allergies, acid reflux. Weak enamel, sensitive teeth, dry mouth, difficulty breathing through their nose mouth breathing thumb sucking, and nail-biting.
Mouth chemistry is affected by breathing, diet, saliva, pH, medications, hormones, habit, environment, and so much more. Most people believe sugar is the main cause of cavities! The sugar itself does not cause cavities. The harmful interaction between sugar, plaque, and bacteria causes a chain reaction and creates an acid. It is that acid. It is that acid that damages the teeth. Crackers are just as bad as candy and pop because they stick to the surface of the teeth.
When you or a loved one have cavities, getting the acid in the mouth under control can protect the teeth. In a healthy mouth, eating and chewing produce saliva that helps to neutralize acids and aid digestion.
Digestion actually starts in your mouth; your saliva enzymes help break down the food even before swallowing. How you swallow and your tongue position is important as well.
So when you see a dentist, most people want to know if you have any cavities.
When you see a dentist, you should ask questions so you know your mouth’s health now if there is anything you can do at home to make it healthier.
Download: Questions You Should Ask Your Dentist and take it with you to your appointment if you need to. You need to be your own health care advocate, and you should trust the Dentist you are seeing.
If you are told you have a cavity, and your gut is not buying it, you may want a second opinion. Trust is the # the reason people do not see a dentist. Fear is a close second.
Some say money is the reason they wait, and the dentist is expensive. Everything is expensive these days. We find the time and money for the important things.
Teeth are the only part of our skeleton we actually clean and the only part of our skeleton that does not heal itself.
Waiting only makes it more expensive and possibly painful. I have waited, so I know first hand. This is one of the reasons I am writing these blogs. I am a single Mom, and I understand the choices we need to make. We put ourselves last.
Learn from my mistakes, make different choices. Follow me
Join my Healthy Mouth Challenge
Join The Healthy Mouth Movement @
https://www.facebook.com/dh411
https://youtube.com/channel/UCQ6ysJFv0pTuoHK0jxWlKTw
https://www.instagram.com/dental_hygiene_411/
I want to start by saying dental professionals are like snowflakes; no two are the same.
We come from various backgrounds, have different beliefs, different skill sets, sought more advanced training since graduation, and have been exposed to different technologies that others may not have.
We were all taught the same thing if we brush with fluoride toothpaste, floss, and visit your dentist two times a year, we can prevent dental disease. As a kid growing up, I was taught that you needed to do to have a healthy mouth, even before I went to hygiene school. The health of your mouth is connected to the health of your body, and it is about more than just brushing, flossing, fluoride, and visiting your dentist regularly.
Do those things, and you will have a healthy mouth. If that were true and all we needed to do, why are cavities the # 1 preventable childhood disease? Why do 64 million Americans have gum disease? I have been in the dental field for over 30 years, and we still have so much disease. Why?
Now more than ever, knowing the health of your mouth is important. Your mouth is a window into your body, and it serves as an early warning system that something may be wrong or out of balance in your body.
A healthy mouth is more than just straight white teeth like most people desire.
We have established research that the health of your mouth is directly linked to your general overall health. We talk a lot about preventing cavities and having a healthy mouth. You need to keep in mind it does not mean your mouth is healthy if you don’t have any cavities.
You could not have the bacteria that cause cavities. Yet you have the bacteria that cause gum disease that can contribute to heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, low both rate, preterm delivery, and more.
Dental Disease is a silent disease. Mask Mouth is now a thing.
An evaluation of your mouth to establish a baseline is important, so YOU know your mouth’s condition, including teeth, alignment, gums, tongue, saliva, jawbone, and throat. Knowing the health of your mouth allows you to make informed decisions. Rather than just hoping and guessing or assuming they are healthy because you have no pain.
Things your dental professions may discuss with brushing, flossing, fluoride, cavities, gum diseases, bridges, implants, root canals, dentures, partials, crown, and consistent regular visits.
Things your dentist may not talk about or may not know about that are an integral part of mouth and health besides brushing and flossing is mouth chemistry, pH testing, Saliva testing, oral cancer screenings, tongue resting posture, tongue color and health, tonsils, airway, breathing, Xylitol, diet and your overall health in general.
Dental professionals teach you about your mouth based on their training and experience. It is not their fault. You do what you were taught as a child based on your knowledge and experience from what your parents were taught.
If you are confused about the mouth, care you are not alone. There are so many tools, products, and opinions.
How do you know who to trust and what to believe?
Many people with cavities believe they have soft teeth, inherited their problems from a family member, did not get enough fluoride, got too much fluoride, do not floss enough, or have not been consistent in-home care regular visits to the dentist. While these are all contributing factors, dental problems can almost always be traced back to consistent home care, acid, reduced saliva flow, breathing, and bacteria that promote inflammation and infection.
You need to stop blaming yourself and your genetics for your dental problems and take action. While it starts with you at home and genetics, do play a role. The truth is a dental disease is a disease you can control or eliminate with intention, good habits, and diet.
I want to help you have rewarding and happy dental experiences, enjoy your teeth, and create the ultimate dental health for you and your family. Imagine being excited to visit the dentist! With a simple system, you can take the worry, fear, and emotion out of your dental visits.
Too many adults support the belief that cavities, sensitivity, and bleeding gums are inevitable and part of growing up and/or the aging process. It has been hammered into our brain; sugar causes cavities, and unfortunately, some, no matter how diligent with brushing, flossing, and regular visits, will still experience dental disease. Where is the damage coming from? Until you find the cause or source of the issue, your mouth problems will continue to happen repeatedly, getting more complicated and more expensive each time you visit the dentist.
Dentists have known for years that damaged enamel can be repaired back to health with a simple repair process that occurs naturally in the mouth under certain conditions with products and minerals from the saliva. Suppose discovered early enough, with x-rays (these spots are not visible to the naked eye). They can be reversed or halted. Many dentists recommend xylitol and explain the healing process to their patients; the tooth has to be natural, not previously filled or broken.
When a tooth requires a filling is of great debate and depends on the dentist’s training, judgment, and experience. Some dentists do not believe in the natural repair process because they have not seen it or are not knowledgeable in the process, or they don’t think the patient will comply with the home repair process at home, and it will worsen. Many people find this idea exciting! But it requires early intervention, x-rays, digital imaging, and consistent dental visits, and intension is what you do at home.
Once you are empowered with the knowledge, you can make informed decisions about your treatment, begin a preventive program at home, and choose a simple, convenient, enjoyable daily routine that puts you on a path of avoiding cavities and annoying dental problems.
Dentists will always be necessary; there will always be broken teeth and patients that do not view teeth as a priority or are not onboard with early intervention and prevention. There will always be patients that wait until they are in pain to see a dentist. No judgment, just the truth!
When I worked in a mobile setting and saw so many kids with cavities, it made my heartbreak knowing it is 100% preventable. More than 51 million school hours and 164 million work hours are lost each year due to dental disease. Why is there so much dental disease? Why have we not been able to get a handle on it? How can you be part of the solution?
I know we are not going to eliminate cavities. For me, the thought of a world where cavities are not the #1 preventable disease in our kids is exciting. Baby teeth are important kids with cavities, and tongue issues are at a greater risk for dental infections and illnesses as adults.
I believe these problems exist because of a lack of knowledge about how much the mouth is related to our overall health and wellness. Most people feel baby teeth will fall out, so it does not matter; they assume cavities are a normal part of growing up, and they don’t know how to protect their teeth or create a system that will keep their teeth strong and healthy.
Tooth decay begins with bacteria called streptococcus mutans; this bacteria feeds on the sugar and causes an acid that weakens the enamel. Babies are born without these bacteria and are infected by their Moms or other family members even before the first tooth erupts. It happens when a Mom transfers saliva from her mouth to her baby’s mouth by kissing, sharing food on the same spoon, sharing a straw in a beverage, binkies, or letting your toddler brush their teeth with your toothbrush.
If someone has frequent cavities or dental disease, you can pass the germs to others. It has been proven that bacteria are familial. Meaning families share the same type of bacteria. You do not give another member of your family cavities or gum disease, but you share the same types of bacteria. Dental disease happens if the environment is right for that bacteria to grow and multiply from lack of oral hygiene or your choice of diet.
Once a child gets the strep mutans, they will be more susceptible to cavities. This is why it is a good idea for a woman to know what bacteria are in your mouth and treat it before you even get pregnant. Studies have shown children of parents with healthy mouths are 70-80% less likely to develop cavities. So why not be sure you have and keep a healthy mouth from the start.
It is an old wives’ tale that soft teeth run in the family. It is not that you have soft teeth, but rather the bacteria and habits you have passed along that cause the disease. Such as cavities and gingivitis. If you have problems with your teeth, you need to get a handle on it and change your habits; our kids do what we do. So that makes it our responsibility as parents to create good oral health habits for our child’s dental health. You need to be just as vigilant as if you thought you were passing a virus or a cancer gene.
If preventing the passing of harmful bacteria from generation to generation is a promising method of preventing dental disease, why are we not hearing more about it?.
There are 700 different types of bacteria in our mouth. You can have a saliva test that will tell you which bacterias are present in your family’s mouths to customize treatment accordingly. You are going to see more and more specific treatments in the future to treat and prevent disease. It all starts in the mouth.
My patients are very interested in the advice to improve their mouth condition with suggestions that fit into a busy lifestyle. I was shocked that many people are unaware the dental disease is like any other infection caused by bacteria and can spread from person to person.
Once you realize it, you can take the step necessary to control the spread between family members. Today we have become more aware of the delicate balance between bacteria that help and protect us and the bacteria that cause infection.
According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dental Association, you should take your child to see a dentist by their 1st birthday. I say first st tooth first visit, but many Dentists will not see a child that young. They probably won’t do much, but they can ease your child into being comfortable at the dentist. 28% of children will have cavities by the age of 5.
You will see more pediatricians looking in for your child’s mouth and evaluating oral health mostly because many kids do not get their first check-up until it is required to enroll in school. So Dr.s are now looking for early warning signs in our kids’ mouths.
If you or your family have a history of cavities or gum disease, you will need a plan of action for your kid’s health. More people than ever before are experiencing stress, allergies, acid reflux. Weak enamel, sensitive teeth, dry mouth, difficulty breathing through their nose mouth breathing thumb sucking, and nail-biting.
Mouth chemistry is affected by breathing, diet, saliva, pH, medications, hormones, habit, environment, and so much more. Most people believe sugar is the main cause of cavities! The sugar itself does not cause cavities. The harmful interaction between sugar, plaque, and bacteria causes a chain reaction and creates an acid. It is that acid. It is that acid that damages the teeth. Crackers are just as bad as candy and pop because they stick to the surface of the teeth.
When you or a loved one have cavities, getting the acid in the mouth under control can protect the teeth. In a healthy mouth, eating and chewing produce saliva that helps to neutralize acids and aid digestion.
Digestion actually starts in your mouth; your saliva enzymes help break down the food even before swallowing. How you swallow and your tongue position is important as well.
So when you see a dentist, most people want to know if you have any cavities.
When you see a dentist, you should ask questions so you know your mouth’s health now if there is anything you can do at home to make it healthier.
Download: Questions You Should Ask Your Dentist and take it with you to your appointment if you need to. You need to be your own health care advocate, and you should trust the Dentist you are seeing.
If you are told you have a cavity, and your gut is not buying it, you may want a second opinion. Trust is the # the reason people do not see a dentist. Fear is a close second.
Some say money is the reason they wait, and the dentist is expensive. Everything is expensive these days. We find the time and money for the important things.
Teeth are the only part of our skeleton we actually clean and the only part of our skeleton that does not heal itself.
Waiting only makes it more expensive and possibly painful. I have waited, so I know first hand. This is one of the reasons I am writing these blogs. I am a single Mom, and I understand the choices we need to make. We put ourselves last.
Learn from my mistakes, make different choices. Follow me
Join my Healthy Mouth Challenge
Join The Healthy Mouth Movement @
https://www.facebook.com/dh411
https://youtube.com/channel/UCQ6ysJFv0pTuoHK0jxWlKTw
https://www.instagram.com/dental_hygiene_411/
I want to start by saying dental professionals are like snowflakes; no two are the same.
We come from various backgrounds, have different beliefs, different skill sets, sought more advanced training since graduation, and have been exposed to different technologies that others may not have.
We were all taught the same thing if we brush with fluoride toothpaste, floss, and visit your dentist two times a year, we can prevent dental disease. As a kid growing up, I was taught that you needed to do to have a healthy mouth, even before I went to hygiene school. The health of your mouth is connected to the health of your body, and it is about more than just brushing, flossing, fluoride, and visiting your dentist regularly.
Do those things, and you will have a healthy mouth. If that were true and all we needed to do, why are cavities the # 1 preventable childhood disease? Why do 64 million Americans have gum disease? I have been in the dental field for over 30 years, and we still have so much disease. Why?
Now more than ever, knowing the health of your mouth is important. Your mouth is a window into your body, and it serves as an early warning system that something may be wrong or out of balance in your body.
A healthy mouth is more than just straight white teeth like most people desire.
We have established research that the health of your mouth is directly linked to your general overall health. We talk a lot about preventing cavities and having a healthy mouth. You need to keep in mind it does not mean your mouth is healthy if you don’t have any cavities.
You could not have the bacteria that cause cavities. Yet you have the bacteria that cause gum disease that can contribute to heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, low both rate, preterm delivery, and more.
Dental Disease is a silent disease. Mask Mouth is now a thing.
An evaluation of your mouth to establish a baseline is important, so YOU know your mouth’s condition, including teeth, alignment, gums, tongue, saliva, jawbone, and throat. Knowing the health of your mouth allows you to make informed decisions. Rather than just hoping and guessing or assuming they are healthy because you have no pain.
Things your dental professions may discuss with brushing, flossing, fluoride, cavities, gum diseases, bridges, implants, root canals, dentures, partials, crown, and consistent regular visits.
Things your dentist may not talk about or may not know about that are an integral part of mouth and health besides brushing and flossing is mouth chemistry, pH testing, Saliva testing, oral cancer screenings, tongue resting posture, tongue color and health, tonsils, airway, breathing, Xylitol, diet and your overall health in general.
Dental professionals teach you about your mouth based on their training and experience. It is not their fault. You do what you were taught as a child based on your knowledge and experience from what your parents were taught.
If you are confused about the mouth, care you are not alone. There are so many tools, products, and opinions.
How do you know who to trust and what to believe?
Many people with cavities believe they have soft teeth, inherited their problems from a family member, did not get enough fluoride, got too much fluoride, do not floss enough, or have not been consistent in-home care regular visits to the dentist. While these are all contributing factors, dental problems can almost always be traced back to consistent home care, acid, reduced saliva flow, breathing, and bacteria that promote inflammation and infection.
You need to stop blaming yourself and your genetics for your dental problems and take action. While it starts with you at home and genetics, do play a role. The truth is a dental disease is a disease you can control or eliminate with intention, good habits, and diet.
I want to help you have rewarding and happy dental experiences, enjoy your teeth, and create the ultimate dental health for you and your family. Imagine being excited to visit the dentist! With a simple system, you can take the worry, fear, and emotion out of your dental visits.
Too many adults support the belief that cavities, sensitivity, and bleeding gums are inevitable and part of growing up and/or the aging process. It has been hammered into our brain; sugar causes cavities, and unfortunately, some, no matter how diligent with brushing, flossing, and regular visits, will still experience dental disease. Where is the damage coming from? Until you find the cause or source of the issue, your mouth problems will continue to happen repeatedly, getting more complicated and more expensive each time you visit the dentist.
Dentists have known for years that damaged enamel can be repaired back to health with a simple repair process that occurs naturally in the mouth under certain conditions with products and minerals from the saliva. Suppose discovered early enough, with x-rays (these spots are not visible to the naked eye). They can be reversed or halted. Many dentists recommend xylitol and explain the healing process to their patients; the tooth has to be natural, not previously filled or broken.
When a tooth requires a filling is of great debate and depends on the dentist’s training, judgment, and experience. Some dentists do not believe in the natural repair process because they have not seen it or are not knowledgeable in the process, or they don’t think the patient will comply with the home repair process at home, and it will worsen. Many people find this idea exciting! But it requires early intervention, x-rays, digital imaging, and consistent dental visits, and intension is what you do at home.
Once you are empowered with the knowledge, you can make informed decisions about your treatment, begin a preventive program at home, and choose a simple, convenient, enjoyable daily routine that puts you on a path of avoiding cavities and annoying dental problems.
Dentists will always be necessary; there will always be broken teeth and patients that do not view teeth as a priority or are not onboard with early intervention and prevention. There will always be patients that wait until they are in pain to see a dentist. No judgment, just the truth!
When I worked in a mobile setting and saw so many kids with cavities, it made my heartbreak knowing it is 100% preventable. More than 51 million school hours and 164 million work hours are lost each year due to dental disease. Why is there so much dental disease? Why have we not been able to get a handle on it? How can you be part of the solution?
I know we are not going to eliminate cavities. For me, the thought of a world where cavities are not the #1 preventable disease in our kids is exciting. Baby teeth are important kids with cavities, and tongue issues are at a greater risk for dental infections and illnesses as adults.
I believe these problems exist because of a lack of knowledge about how much the mouth is related to our overall health and wellness. Most people feel baby teeth will fall out, so it does not matter; they assume cavities are a normal part of growing up, and they don’t know how to protect their teeth or create a system that will keep their teeth strong and healthy.
Tooth decay begins with bacteria called streptococcus mutans; this bacteria feeds on the sugar and causes an acid that weakens the enamel. Babies are born without these bacteria and are infected by their Moms or other family members even before the first tooth erupts. It happens when a Mom transfers saliva from her mouth to her baby’s mouth by kissing, sharing food on the same spoon, sharing a straw in a beverage, binkies, or letting your toddler brush their teeth with your toothbrush.
If someone has frequent cavities or dental disease, you can pass the germs to others. It has been proven that bacteria are familial. Meaning families share the same type of bacteria. You do not give another member of your family cavities or gum disease, but you share the same types of bacteria. Dental disease happens if the environment is right for that bacteria to grow and multiply from lack of oral hygiene or your choice of diet.
Once a child gets the strep mutans, they will be more susceptible to cavities. This is why it is a good idea for a woman to know what bacteria are in your mouth and treat it before you even get pregnant. Studies have shown children of parents with healthy mouths are 70-80% less likely to develop cavities. So why not be sure you have and keep a healthy mouth from the start.
It is an old wives’ tale that soft teeth run in the family. It is not that you have soft teeth, but rather the bacteria and habits you have passed along that cause the disease. Such as cavities and gingivitis. If you have problems with your teeth, you need to get a handle on it and change your habits; our kids do what we do. So that makes it our responsibility as parents to create good oral health habits for our child’s dental health. You need to be just as vigilant as if you thought you were passing a virus or a cancer gene.
If preventing the passing of harmful bacteria from generation to generation is a promising method of preventing dental disease, why are we not hearing more about it?.
There are 700 different types of bacteria in our mouth. You can have a saliva test that will tell you which bacterias are present in your family’s mouths to customize treatment accordingly. You are going to see more and more specific treatments in the future to treat and prevent disease. It all starts in the mouth.
My patients are very interested in the advice to improve their mouth condition with suggestions that fit into a busy lifestyle. I was shocked that many people are unaware the dental disease is like any other infection caused by bacteria and can spread from person to person.
Once you realize it, you can take the step necessary to control the spread between family members. Today we have become more aware of the delicate balance between bacteria that help and protect us and the bacteria that cause infection.
According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dental Association, you should take your child to see a dentist by their 1st birthday. I say first st tooth first visit, but many Dentists will not see a child that young. They probably won’t do much, but they can ease your child into being comfortable at the dentist. 28% of children will have cavities by the age of 5.
You will see more pediatricians looking in for your child’s mouth and evaluating oral health mostly because many kids do not get their first check-up until it is required to enroll in school. So Dr.s are now looking for early warning signs in our kids’ mouths.
If you or your family have a history of cavities or gum disease, you will need a plan of action for your kid’s health. More people than ever before are experiencing stress, allergies, acid reflux. Weak enamel, sensitive teeth, dry mouth, difficulty breathing through their nose mouth breathing thumb sucking, and nail-biting.
Mouth chemistry is affected by breathing, diet, saliva, pH, medications, hormones, habit, environment, and so much more. Most people believe sugar is the main cause of cavities! The sugar itself does not cause cavities. The harmful interaction between sugar, plaque, and bacteria causes a chain reaction and creates an acid. It is that acid. It is that acid that damages the teeth. Crackers are just as bad as candy and pop because they stick to the surface of the teeth.
When you or a loved one have cavities, getting the acid in the mouth under control can protect the teeth. In a healthy mouth, eating and chewing produce saliva that helps to neutralize acids and aid digestion.
Digestion actually starts in your mouth; your saliva enzymes help break down the food even before swallowing. How you swallow and your tongue position is important as well.
So when you see a dentist, most people want to know if you have any cavities.
When you see a dentist, you should ask questions so you know your mouth’s health now if there is anything you can do at home to make it healthier.
Download: Questions You Should Ask Your Dentist and take it with you to your appointment if you need to. You need to be your own health care advocate, and you should trust the Dentist you are seeing.
If you are told you have a cavity, and your gut is not buying it, you may want a second opinion. Trust is the # the reason people do not see a dentist. Fear is a close second.
Some say money is the reason they wait, and the dentist is expensive. Everything is expensive these days. We find the time and money for the important things.
Teeth are the only part of our skeleton we actually clean and the only part of our skeleton that does not heal itself.
Waiting only makes it more expensive and possibly painful. I have waited, so I know first hand. This is one of the reasons I am writing these blogs. I am a single Mom, and I understand the choices we need to make. We put ourselves last.
Learn from my mistakes, make different choices. Follow me
Join my Healthy Mouth Challenge
Join The Healthy Mouth Movement @
https://www.facebook.com/dh411
https://youtube.com/channel/UCQ6ysJFv0pTuoHK0jxWlKTw
https://www.instagram.com/dental_hygiene_411/
I want to start by saying dental professionals are like snowflakes; no two are the same.
We come from various backgrounds, have different beliefs, different skill sets, sought more advanced training since graduation, and have been exposed to different technologies that others may not have.
We were all taught the same thing if we brush with fluoride toothpaste, floss, and visit your dentist two times a year, we can prevent dental disease. As a kid growing up, I was taught that you needed to do to have a healthy mouth, even before I went to hygiene school. The health of your mouth is connected to the health of your body, and it is about more than just brushing, flossing, fluoride, and visiting your dentist regularly.
Do those things, and you will have a healthy mouth. If that were true and all we needed to do, why are cavities the # 1 preventable childhood disease? Why do 64 million Americans have gum disease? I have been in the dental field for over 30 years, and we still have so much disease. Why?
Now more than ever, knowing the health of your mouth is important. Your mouth is a window into your body, and it serves as an early warning system that something may be wrong or out of balance in your body.
A healthy mouth is more than just straight white teeth like most people desire.
We have established research that the health of your mouth is directly linked to your general overall health. We talk a lot about preventing cavities and having a healthy mouth. You need to keep in mind it does not mean your mouth is healthy if you don’t have any cavities.
You could not have the bacteria that cause cavities. Yet you have the bacteria that cause gum disease that can contribute to heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, low both rate, preterm delivery, and more.
Dental Disease is a silent disease. Mask Mouth is now a thing.
An evaluation of your mouth to establish a baseline is important, so YOU know your mouth’s condition, including teeth, alignment, gums, tongue, saliva, jawbone, and throat. Knowing the health of your mouth allows you to make informed decisions. Rather than just hoping and guessing or assuming they are healthy because you have no pain.
Things your dental professions may discuss with brushing, flossing, fluoride, cavities, gum diseases, bridges, implants, root canals, dentures, partials, crown, and consistent regular visits.
Things your dentist may not talk about or may not know about that are an integral part of mouth and health besides brushing and flossing is mouth chemistry, pH testing, Saliva testing, oral cancer screenings, tongue resting posture, tongue color and health, tonsils, airway, breathing, Xylitol, diet and your overall health in general.
Dental professionals teach you about your mouth based on their training and experience. It is not their fault. You do what you were taught as a child based on your knowledge and experience from what your parents were taught.
If you are confused about the mouth, care you are not alone. There are so many tools, products, and opinions.
How do you know who to trust and what to believe?
Many people with cavities believe they have soft teeth, inherited their problems from a family member, did not get enough fluoride, got too much fluoride, do not floss enough, or have not been consistent in-home care regular visits to the dentist. While these are all contributing factors, dental problems can almost always be traced back to consistent home care, acid, reduced saliva flow, breathing, and bacteria that promote inflammation and infection.
You need to stop blaming yourself and your genetics for your dental problems and take action. While it starts with you at home and genetics, do play a role. The truth is a dental disease is a disease you can control or eliminate with intention, good habits, and diet.
I want to help you have rewarding and happy dental experiences, enjoy your teeth, and create the ultimate dental health for you and your family. Imagine being excited to visit the dentist! With a simple system, you can take the worry, fear, and emotion out of your dental visits.
Too many adults support the belief that cavities, sensitivity, and bleeding gums are inevitable and part of growing up and/or the aging process. It has been hammered into our brain; sugar causes cavities, and unfortunately, some, no matter how diligent with brushing, flossing, and regular visits, will still experience dental disease. Where is the damage coming from? Until you find the cause or source of the issue, your mouth problems will continue to happen repeatedly, getting more complicated and more expensive each time you visit the dentist.
Dentists have known for years that damaged enamel can be repaired back to health with a simple repair process that occurs naturally in the mouth under certain conditions with products and minerals from the saliva. Suppose discovered early enough, with x-rays (these spots are not visible to the naked eye). They can be reversed or halted. Many dentists recommend xylitol and explain the healing process to their patients; the tooth has to be natural, not previously filled or broken.
When a tooth requires a filling is of great debate and depends on the dentist’s training, judgment, and experience. Some dentists do not believe in the natural repair process because they have not seen it or are not knowledgeable in the process, or they don’t think the patient will comply with the home repair process at home, and it will worsen. Many people find this idea exciting! But it requires early intervention, x-rays, digital imaging, and consistent dental visits, and intension is what you do at home.
Once you are empowered with the knowledge, you can make informed decisions about your treatment, begin a preventive program at home, and choose a simple, convenient, enjoyable daily routine that puts you on a path of avoiding cavities and annoying dental problems.
Dentists will always be necessary; there will always be broken teeth and patients that do not view teeth as a priority or are not onboard with early intervention and prevention. There will always be patients that wait until they are in pain to see a dentist. No judgment, just the truth!
When I worked in a mobile setting and saw so many kids with cavities, it made my heartbreak knowing it is 100% preventable. More than 51 million school hours and 164 million work hours are lost each year due to dental disease. Why is there so much dental disease? Why have we not been able to get a handle on it? How can you be part of the solution?
I know we are not going to eliminate cavities. For me, the thought of a world where cavities are not the #1 preventable disease in our kids is exciting. Baby teeth are important kids with cavities, and tongue issues are at a greater risk for dental infections and illnesses as adults.
I believe these problems exist because of a lack of knowledge about how much the mouth is related to our overall health and wellness. Most people feel baby teeth will fall out, so it does not matter; they assume cavities are a normal part of growing up, and they don’t know how to protect their teeth or create a system that will keep their teeth strong and healthy.
Tooth decay begins with bacteria called streptococcus mutans; this bacteria feeds on the sugar and causes an acid that weakens the enamel. Babies are born without these bacteria and are infected by their Moms or other family members even before the first tooth erupts. It happens when a Mom transfers saliva from her mouth to her baby’s mouth by kissing, sharing food on the same spoon, sharing a straw in a beverage, binkies, or letting your toddler brush their teeth with your toothbrush.
If someone has frequent cavities or dental disease, you can pass the germs to others. It has been proven that bacteria are familial. Meaning families share the same type of bacteria. You do not give another member of your family cavities or gum disease, but you share the same types of bacteria. Dental disease happens if the environment is right for that bacteria to grow and multiply from lack of oral hygiene or your choice of diet.
Once a child gets the strep mutans, they will be more susceptible to cavities. This is why it is a good idea for a woman to know what bacteria are in your mouth and treat it before you even get pregnant. Studies have shown children of parents with healthy mouths are 70-80% less likely to develop cavities. So why not be sure you have and keep a healthy mouth from the start.
It is an old wives’ tale that soft teeth run in the family. It is not that you have soft teeth, but rather the bacteria and habits you have passed along that cause the disease. Such as cavities and gingivitis. If you have problems with your teeth, you need to get a handle on it and change your habits; our kids do what we do. So that makes it our responsibility as parents to create good oral health habits for our child’s dental health. You need to be just as vigilant as if you thought you were passing a virus or a cancer gene.
If preventing the passing of harmful bacteria from generation to generation is a promising method of preventing dental disease, why are we not hearing more about it?.
There are 700 different types of bacteria in our mouth. You can have a saliva test that will tell you which bacterias are present in your family’s mouths to customize treatment accordingly. You are going to see more and more specific treatments in the future to treat and prevent disease. It all starts in the mouth.
My patients are very interested in the advice to improve their mouth condition with suggestions that fit into a busy lifestyle. I was shocked that many people are unaware the dental disease is like any other infection caused by bacteria and can spread from person to person.
Once you realize it, you can take the step necessary to control the spread between family members. Today we have become more aware of the delicate balance between bacteria that help and protect us and the bacteria that cause infection.
According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dental Association, you should take your child to see a dentist by their 1st birthday. I say first st tooth first visit, but many Dentists will not see a child that young. They probably won’t do much, but they can ease your child into being comfortable at the dentist. 28% of children will have cavities by the age of 5.
You will see more pediatricians looking in for your child’s mouth and evaluating oral health mostly because many kids do not get their first check-up until it is required to enroll in school. So Dr.s are now looking for early warning signs in our kids’ mouths.
If you or your family have a history of cavities or gum disease, you will need a plan of action for your kid’s health. More people than ever before are experiencing stress, allergies, acid reflux. Weak enamel, sensitive teeth, dry mouth, difficulty breathing through their nose mouth breathing thumb sucking, and nail-biting.
Mouth chemistry is affected by breathing, diet, saliva, pH, medications, hormones, habit, environment, and so much more. Most people believe sugar is the main cause of cavities! The sugar itself does not cause cavities. The harmful interaction between sugar, plaque, and bacteria causes a chain reaction and creates an acid. It is that acid. It is that acid that damages the teeth. Crackers are just as bad as candy and pop because they stick to the surface of the teeth.
When you or a loved one have cavities, getting the acid in the mouth under control can protect the teeth. In a healthy mouth, eating and chewing produce saliva that helps to neutralize acids and aid digestion.
Digestion actually starts in your mouth; your saliva enzymes help break down the food even before swallowing. How you swallow and your tongue position is important as well.
So when you see a dentist, most people want to know if you have any cavities.
When you see a dentist, you should ask questions so you know your mouth’s health now if there is anything you can do at home to make it healthier.
Download: Questions You Should Ask Your Dentist and take it with you to your appointment if you need to. You need to be your own health care advocate, and you should trust the Dentist you are seeing.
If you are told you have a cavity, and your gut is not buying it, you may want a second opinion. Trust is the # the reason people do not see a dentist. Fear is a close second.
Some say money is the reason they wait, and the dentist is expensive. Everything is expensive these days. We find the time and money for the important things.
Teeth are the only part of our skeleton we actually clean and the only part of our skeleton that does not heal itself.
Waiting only makes it more expensive and possibly painful. I have waited, so I know first hand. This is one of the reasons I am writing these blogs. I am a single Mom, and I understand the choices we need to make. We put ourselves last.
Learn from my mistakes, make different choices. Follow me
Join my Healthy Mouth Challenge
Join The Healthy Mouth Movement @
https://www.facebook.com/dh411
https://youtube.com/channel/UCQ6ysJFv0pTuoHK0jxWlKTw
https://www.instagram.com/dental_hygiene_411/
I want to start by saying dental professionals are like snowflakes; no two are the same.
We come from various backgrounds, have different beliefs, different skill sets, sought more advanced training since graduation, and have been exposed to different technologies that others may not have.
We were all taught the same thing if we brush with fluoride toothpaste, floss, and visit your dentist two times a year, we can prevent dental disease. As a kid growing up, I was taught that you needed to do to have a healthy mouth, even before I went to hygiene school. The health of your mouth is connected to the health of your body, and it is about more than just brushing, flossing, fluoride, and visiting your dentist regularly.
Do those things, and you will have a healthy mouth. If that were true and all we needed to do, why are cavities the # 1 preventable childhood disease? Why do 64 million Americans have gum disease? I have been in the dental field for over 30 years, and we still have so much disease. Why?
Now more than ever, knowing the health of your mouth is important. Your mouth is a window into your body, and it serves as an early warning system that something may be wrong or out of balance in your body.
A healthy mouth is more than just straight white teeth like most people desire.
We have established research that the health of your mouth is directly linked to your general overall health. We talk a lot about preventing cavities and having a healthy mouth. You need to keep in mind it does not mean your mouth is healthy if you don’t have any cavities.
You could not have the bacteria that cause cavities. Yet you have the bacteria that cause gum disease that can contribute to heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, low both rate, preterm delivery, and more.
Dental Disease is a silent disease. Mask Mouth is now a thing.
An evaluation of your mouth to establish a baseline is important, so YOU know your mouth’s condition, including teeth, alignment, gums, tongue, saliva, jawbone, and throat. Knowing the health of your mouth allows you to make informed decisions. Rather than just hoping and guessing or assuming they are healthy because you have no pain.
Things your dental professions may discuss with brushing, flossing, fluoride, cavities, gum diseases, bridges, implants, root canals, dentures, partials, crown, and consistent regular visits.
Things your dentist may not talk about or may not know about that are an integral part of mouth and health besides brushing and flossing is mouth chemistry, pH testing, Saliva testing, oral cancer screenings, tongue resting posture, tongue color and health, tonsils, airway, breathing, Xylitol, diet and your overall health in general.
Dental professionals teach you about your mouth based on their training and experience. It is not their fault. You do what you were taught as a child based on your knowledge and experience from what your parents were taught.
If you are confused about the mouth, care you are not alone. There are so many tools, products, and opinions.
How do you know who to trust and what to believe?
Many people with cavities believe they have soft teeth, inherited their problems from a family member, did not get enough fluoride, got too much fluoride, do not floss enough, or have not been consistent in-home care regular visits to the dentist. While these are all contributing factors, dental problems can almost always be traced back to consistent home care, acid, reduced saliva flow, breathing, and bacteria that promote inflammation and infection.
You need to stop blaming yourself and your genetics for your dental problems and take action. While it starts with you at home and genetics, do play a role. The truth is a dental disease is a disease you can control or eliminate with intention, good habits, and diet.
I want to help you have rewarding and happy dental experiences, enjoy your teeth, and create the ultimate dental health for you and your family. Imagine being excited to visit the dentist! With a simple system, you can take the worry, fear, and emotion out of your dental visits.
Too many adults support the belief that cavities, sensitivity, and bleeding gums are inevitable and part of growing up and/or the aging process. It has been hammered into our brain; sugar causes cavities, and unfortunately, some, no matter how diligent with brushing, flossing, and regular visits, will still experience dental disease. Where is the damage coming from? Until you find the cause or source of the issue, your mouth problems will continue to happen repeatedly, getting more complicated and more expensive each time you visit the dentist.
Dentists have known for years that damaged enamel can be repaired back to health with a simple repair process that occurs naturally in the mouth under certain conditions with products and minerals from the saliva. Suppose discovered early enough, with x-rays (these spots are not visible to the naked eye). They can be reversed or halted. Many dentists recommend xylitol and explain the healing process to their patients; the tooth has to be natural, not previously filled or broken.
When a tooth requires a filling is of great debate and depends on the dentist’s training, judgment, and experience. Some dentists do not believe in the natural repair process because they have not seen it or are not knowledgeable in the process, or they don’t think the patient will comply with the home repair process at home, and it will worsen. Many people find this idea exciting! But it requires early intervention, x-rays, digital imaging, and consistent dental visits, and intension is what you do at home.
Once you are empowered with the knowledge, you can make informed decisions about your treatment, begin a preventive program at home, and choose a simple, convenient, enjoyable daily routine that puts you on a path of avoiding cavities and annoying dental problems.
Dentists will always be necessary; there will always be broken teeth and patients that do not view teeth as a priority or are not onboard with early intervention and prevention. There will always be patients that wait until they are in pain to see a dentist. No judgment, just the truth!
When I worked in a mobile setting and saw so many kids with cavities, it made my heartbreak knowing it is 100% preventable. More than 51 million school hours and 164 million work hours are lost each year due to dental disease. Why is there so much dental disease? Why have we not been able to get a handle on it? How can you be part of the solution?
I know we are not going to eliminate cavities. For me, the thought of a world where cavities are not the #1 preventable disease in our kids is exciting. Baby teeth are important kids with cavities, and tongue issues are at a greater risk for dental infections and illnesses as adults.
I believe these problems exist because of a lack of knowledge about how much the mouth is related to our overall health and wellness. Most people feel baby teeth will fall out, so it does not matter; they assume cavities are a normal part of growing up, and they don’t know how to protect their teeth or create a system that will keep their teeth strong and healthy.
Tooth decay begins with bacteria called streptococcus mutans; this bacteria feeds on the sugar and causes an acid that weakens the enamel. Babies are born without these bacteria and are infected by their Moms or other family members even before the first tooth erupts. It happens when a Mom transfers saliva from her mouth to her baby’s mouth by kissing, sharing food on the same spoon, sharing a straw in a beverage, binkies, or letting your toddler brush their teeth with your toothbrush.
If someone has frequent cavities or dental disease, you can pass the germs to others. It has been proven that bacteria are familial. Meaning families share the same type of bacteria. You do not give another member of your family cavities or gum disease, but you share the same types of bacteria. Dental disease happens if the environment is right for that bacteria to grow and multiply from lack of oral hygiene or your choice of diet.
Once a child gets the strep mutans, they will be more susceptible to cavities. This is why it is a good idea for a woman to know what bacteria are in your mouth and treat it before you even get pregnant. Studies have shown children of parents with healthy mouths are 70-80% less likely to develop cavities. So why not be sure you have and keep a healthy mouth from the start.
It is an old wives’ tale that soft teeth run in the family. It is not that you have soft teeth, but rather the bacteria and habits you have passed along that cause the disease. Such as cavities and gingivitis. If you have problems with your teeth, you need to get a handle on it and change your habits; our kids do what we do. So that makes it our responsibility as parents to create good oral health habits for our child’s dental health. You need to be just as vigilant as if you thought you were passing a virus or a cancer gene.
If preventing the passing of harmful bacteria from generation to generation is a promising method of preventing dental disease, why are we not hearing more about it?.
There are 700 different types of bacteria in our mouth. You can have a saliva test that will tell you which bacterias are present in your family’s mouths to customize treatment accordingly. You are going to see more and more specific treatments in the future to treat and prevent disease. It all starts in the mouth.
My patients are very interested in the advice to improve their mouth condition with suggestions that fit into a busy lifestyle. I was shocked that many people are unaware the dental disease is like any other infection caused by bacteria and can spread from person to person.
Once you realize it, you can take the step necessary to control the spread between family members. Today we have become more aware of the delicate balance between bacteria that help and protect us and the bacteria that cause infection.
According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dental Association, you should take your child to see a dentist by their 1st birthday. I say first st tooth first visit, but many Dentists will not see a child that young. They probably won’t do much, but they can ease your child into being comfortable at the dentist. 28% of children will have cavities by the age of 5.
You will see more pediatricians looking in for your child’s mouth and evaluating oral health mostly because many kids do not get their first check-up until it is required to enroll in school. So Dr.s are now looking for early warning signs in our kids’ mouths.
If you or your family have a history of cavities or gum disease, you will need a plan of action for your kid’s health. More people than ever before are experiencing stress, allergies, acid reflux. Weak enamel, sensitive teeth, dry mouth, difficulty breathing through their nose mouth breathing thumb sucking, and nail-biting.
Mouth chemistry is affected by breathing, diet, saliva, pH, medications, hormones, habit, environment, and so much more. Most people believe sugar is the main cause of cavities! The sugar itself does not cause cavities. The harmful interaction between sugar, plaque, and bacteria causes a chain reaction and creates an acid. It is that acid. It is that acid that damages the teeth. Crackers are just as bad as candy and pop because they stick to the surface of the teeth.
When you or a loved one have cavities, getting the acid in the mouth under control can protect the teeth. In a healthy mouth, eating and chewing produce saliva that helps to neutralize acids and aid digestion.
Digestion actually starts in your mouth; your saliva enzymes help break down the food even before swallowing. How you swallow and your tongue position is important as well.
So when you see a dentist, most people want to know if you have any cavities.
When you see a dentist, you should ask questions so you know your mouth’s health now if there is anything you can do at home to make it healthier.
Download: Questions You Should Ask Your Dentist and take it with you to your appointment if you need to. You need to be your own health care advocate, and you should trust the Dentist you are seeing.
If you are told you have a cavity, and your gut is not buying it, you may want a second opinion. Trust is the # the reason people do not see a dentist. Fear is a close second.
Some say money is the reason they wait, and the dentist is expensive. Everything is expensive these days. We find the time and money for the important things.
Teeth are the only part of our skeleton we actually clean and the only part of our skeleton that does not heal itself.
Waiting only makes it more expensive and possibly painful. I have waited, so I know first hand. This is one of the reasons I am writing these blogs. I am a single Mom, and I understand the choices we need to make. We put ourselves last.
Learn from my mistakes, make different choices. Follow me
Join my Healthy Mouth Challenge
Join The Healthy Mouth Movement @
https://www.facebook.com/dh411
https://youtube.com/channel/UCQ6ysJFv0pTuoHK0jxWlKTw
https://www.instagram.com/dental_hygiene_411/
I want to start by saying dental professionals are like snowflakes; no two are the same.
We come from various backgrounds, have different beliefs, different skill sets, sought more advanced training since graduation, and have been exposed to different technologies that others may not have.
We were all taught the same thing if we brush with fluoride toothpaste, floss, and visit your dentist two times a year, we can prevent dental disease. As a kid growing up, I was taught that you needed to do to have a healthy mouth, even before I went to hygiene school. The health of your mouth is connected to the health of your body, and it is about more than just brushing, flossing, fluoride, and visiting your dentist regularly.
Do those things, and you will have a healthy mouth. If that were true and all we needed to do, why are cavities the # 1 preventable childhood disease? Why do 64 million Americans have gum disease? I have been in the dental field for over 30 years, and we still have so much disease. Why?
Now more than ever, knowing the health of your mouth is important. Your mouth is a window into your body, and it serves as an early warning system that something may be wrong or out of balance in your body.
A healthy mouth is more than just straight white teeth like most people desire.
We have established research that the health of your mouth is directly linked to your general overall health. We talk a lot about preventing cavities and having a healthy mouth. You need to keep in mind it does not mean your mouth is healthy if you don’t have any cavities.
You could not have the bacteria that cause cavities. Yet you have the bacteria that cause gum disease that can contribute to heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, low both rate, preterm delivery, and more.
Dental Disease is a silent disease. Mask Mouth is now a thing.
An evaluation of your mouth to establish a baseline is important, so YOU know your mouth’s condition, including teeth, alignment, gums, tongue, saliva, jawbone, and throat. Knowing the health of your mouth allows you to make informed decisions. Rather than just hoping and guessing or assuming they are healthy because you have no pain.
Things your dental professions may discuss with brushing, flossing, fluoride, cavities, gum diseases, bridges, implants, root canals, dentures, partials, crown, and consistent regular visits.
Things your dentist may not talk about or may not know about that are an integral part of mouth and health besides brushing and flossing is mouth chemistry, pH testing, Saliva testing, oral cancer screenings, tongue resting posture, tongue color and health, tonsils, airway, breathing, Xylitol, diet and your overall health in general.
Dental professionals teach you about your mouth based on their training and experience. It is not their fault. You do what you were taught as a child based on your knowledge and experience from what your parents were taught.
If you are confused about the mouth, care you are not alone. There are so many tools, products, and opinions.
How do you know who to trust and what to believe?
Many people with cavities believe they have soft teeth, inherited their problems from a family member, did not get enough fluoride, got too much fluoride, do not floss enough, or have not been consistent in-home care regular visits to the dentist. While these are all contributing factors, dental problems can almost always be traced back to consistent home care, acid, reduced saliva flow, breathing, and bacteria that promote inflammation and infection.
You need to stop blaming yourself and your genetics for your dental problems and take action. While it starts with you at home and genetics, do play a role. The truth is a dental disease is a disease you can control or eliminate with intention, good habits, and diet.
I want to help you have rewarding and happy dental experiences, enjoy your teeth, and create the ultimate dental health for you and your family. Imagine being excited to visit the dentist! With a simple system, you can take the worry, fear, and emotion out of your dental visits.
Too many adults support the belief that cavities, sensitivity, and bleeding gums are inevitable and part of growing up and/or the aging process. It has been hammered into our brain; sugar causes cavities, and unfortunately, some, no matter how diligent with brushing, flossing, and regular visits, will still experience dental disease. Where is the damage coming from? Until you find the cause or source of the issue, your mouth problems will continue to happen repeatedly, getting more complicated and more expensive each time you visit the dentist.
Dentists have known for years that damaged enamel can be repaired back to health with a simple repair process that occurs naturally in the mouth under certain conditions with products and minerals from the saliva. Suppose discovered early enough, with x-rays (these spots are not visible to the naked eye). They can be reversed or halted. Many dentists recommend xylitol and explain the healing process to their patients; the tooth has to be natural, not previously filled or broken.
When a tooth requires a filling is of great debate and depends on the dentist’s training, judgment, and experience. Some dentists do not believe in the natural repair process because they have not seen it or are not knowledgeable in the process, or they don’t think the patient will comply with the home repair process at home, and it will worsen. Many people find this idea exciting! But it requires early intervention, x-rays, digital imaging, and consistent dental visits, and intension is what you do at home.
Once you are empowered with the knowledge, you can make informed decisions about your treatment, begin a preventive program at home, and choose a simple, convenient, enjoyable daily routine that puts you on a path of avoiding cavities and annoying dental problems.
Dentists will always be necessary; there will always be broken teeth and patients that do not view teeth as a priority or are not onboard with early intervention and prevention. There will always be patients that wait until they are in pain to see a dentist. No judgment, just the truth!
When I worked in a mobile setting and saw so many kids with cavities, it made my heartbreak knowing it is 100% preventable. More than 51 million school hours and 164 million work hours are lost each year due to dental disease. Why is there so much dental disease? Why have we not been able to get a handle on it? How can you be part of the solution?
I know we are not going to eliminate cavities. For me, the thought of a world where cavities are not the #1 preventable disease in our kids is exciting. Baby teeth are important kids with cavities, and tongue issues are at a greater risk for dental infections and illnesses as adults.
I believe these problems exist because of a lack of knowledge about how much the mouth is related to our overall health and wellness. Most people feel baby teeth will fall out, so it does not matter; they assume cavities are a normal part of growing up, and they don’t know how to protect their teeth or create a system that will keep their teeth strong and healthy.
Tooth decay begins with bacteria called streptococcus mutans; this bacteria feeds on the sugar and causes an acid that weakens the enamel. Babies are born without these bacteria and are infected by their Moms or other family members even before the first tooth erupts. It happens when a Mom transfers saliva from her mouth to her baby’s mouth by kissing, sharing food on the same spoon, sharing a straw in a beverage, binkies, or letting your toddler brush their teeth with your toothbrush.
If someone has frequent cavities or dental disease, you can pass the germs to others. It has been proven that bacteria are familial. Meaning families share the same type of bacteria. You do not give another member of your family cavities or gum disease, but you share the same types of bacteria. Dental disease happens if the environment is right for that bacteria to grow and multiply from lack of oral hygiene or your choice of diet.
Once a child gets the strep mutans, they will be more susceptible to cavities. This is why it is a good idea for a woman to know what bacteria are in your mouth and treat it before you even get pregnant. Studies have shown children of parents with healthy mouths are 70-80% less likely to develop cavities. So why not be sure you have and keep a healthy mouth from the start.
It is an old wives’ tale that soft teeth run in the family. It is not that you have soft teeth, but rather the bacteria and habits you have passed along that cause the disease. Such as cavities and gingivitis. If you have problems with your teeth, you need to get a handle on it and change your habits; our kids do what we do. So that makes it our responsibility as parents to create good oral health habits for our child’s dental health. You need to be just as vigilant as if you thought you were passing a virus or a cancer gene.
If preventing the passing of harmful bacteria from generation to generation is a promising method of preventing dental disease, why are we not hearing more about it?.
There are 700 different types of bacteria in our mouth. You can have a saliva test that will tell you which bacterias are present in your family’s mouths to customize treatment accordingly. You are going to see more and more specific treatments in the future to treat and prevent disease. It all starts in the mouth.
My patients are very interested in the advice to improve their mouth condition with suggestions that fit into a busy lifestyle. I was shocked that many people are unaware the dental disease is like any other infection caused by bacteria and can spread from person to person.
Once you realize it, you can take the step necessary to control the spread between family members. Today we have become more aware of the delicate balance between bacteria that help and protect us and the bacteria that cause infection.
According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dental Association, you should take your child to see a dentist by their 1st birthday. I say first st tooth first visit, but many Dentists will not see a child that young. They probably won’t do much, but they can ease your child into being comfortable at the dentist. 28% of children will have cavities by the age of 5.
You will see more pediatricians looking in for your child’s mouth and evaluating oral health mostly because many kids do not get their first check-up until it is required to enroll in school. So Dr.s are now looking for early warning signs in our kids’ mouths.
If you or your family have a history of cavities or gum disease, you will need a plan of action for your kid’s health. More people than ever before are experiencing stress, allergies, acid reflux. Weak enamel, sensitive teeth, dry mouth, difficulty breathing through their nose mouth breathing thumb sucking, and nail-biting.
Mouth chemistry is affected by breathing, diet, saliva, pH, medications, hormones, habit, environment, and so much more. Most people believe sugar is the main cause of cavities! The sugar itself does not cause cavities. The harmful interaction between sugar, plaque, and bacteria causes a chain reaction and creates an acid. It is that acid. It is that acid that damages the teeth. Crackers are just as bad as candy and pop because they stick to the surface of the teeth.
When you or a loved one have cavities, getting the acid in the mouth under control can protect the teeth. In a healthy mouth, eating and chewing produce saliva that helps to neutralize acids and aid digestion.
Digestion actually starts in your mouth; your saliva enzymes help break down the food even before swallowing. How you swallow and your tongue position is important as well.
So when you see a dentist, most people want to know if you have any cavities.
When you see a dentist, you should ask questions so you know your mouth’s health now if there is anything you can do at home to make it healthier.
Download: Questions You Should Ask Your Dentist and take it with you to your appointment if you need to. You need to be your own health care advocate, and you should trust the Dentist you are seeing.
If you are told you have a cavity, and your gut is not buying it, you may want a second opinion. Trust is the # the reason people do not see a dentist. Fear is a close second.
Some say money is the reason they wait, and the dentist is expensive. Everything is expensive these days. We find the time and money for the important things.
Teeth are the only part of our skeleton we actually clean and the only part of our skeleton that does not heal itself.
Waiting only makes it more expensive and possibly painful. I have waited, so I know first hand. This is one of the reasons I am writing these blogs. I am a single Mom, and I understand the choices we need to make. We put ourselves last.
Learn from my mistakes, make different choices. Follow me
Join my Healthy Mouth Challenge
Join The Healthy Mouth Movement @
https://www.facebook.com/dh411
https://youtube.com/channel/UCQ6ysJFv0pTuoHK0jxWlKTw
https://www.instagram.com/dental_hygiene_411/
I want to start by saying dental professionals are like snowflakes; no two are the same.
We come from various backgrounds, have different beliefs, different skill sets, sought more advanced training since graduation, and have been exposed to different technologies that others may not have.
We were all taught the same thing if we brush with fluoride toothpaste, floss, and visit your dentist two times a year, we can prevent dental disease. As a kid growing up, I was taught that you needed to do to have a healthy mouth, even before I went to hygiene school. The health of your mouth is connected to the health of your body, and it is about more than just brushing, flossing, fluoride, and visiting your dentist regularly.
Do those things, and you will have a healthy mouth. If that were true and all we needed to do, why are cavities the # 1 preventable childhood disease? Why do 64 million Americans have gum disease? I have been in the dental field for over 30 years, and we still have so much disease. Why?
Now more than ever, knowing the health of your mouth is important. Your mouth is a window into your body, and it serves as an early warning system that something may be wrong or out of balance in your body.
A healthy mouth is more than just straight white teeth like most people desire.
We have established research that the health of your mouth is directly linked to your general overall health. We talk a lot about preventing cavities and having a healthy mouth. You need to keep in mind it does not mean your mouth is healthy if you don’t have any cavities.
You could not have the bacteria that cause cavities. Yet you have the bacteria that cause gum disease that can contribute to heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, low both rate, preterm delivery, and more.
Dental Disease is a silent disease. Mask Mouth is now a thing.
An evaluation of your mouth to establish a baseline is important, so YOU know your mouth’s condition, including teeth, alignment, gums, tongue, saliva, jawbone, and throat. Knowing the health of your mouth allows you to make informed decisions. Rather than just hoping and guessing or assuming they are healthy because you have no pain.
Things your dental professions may discuss with brushing, flossing, fluoride, cavities, gum diseases, bridges, implants, root canals, dentures, partials, crown, and consistent regular visits.
Things your dentist may not talk about or may not know about that are an integral part of mouth and health besides brushing and flossing is mouth chemistry, pH testing, Saliva testing, oral cancer screenings, tongue resting posture, tongue color and health, tonsils, airway, breathing, Xylitol, diet and your overall health in general.
Dental professionals teach you about your mouth based on their training and experience. It is not their fault. You do what you were taught as a child based on your knowledge and experience from what your parents were taught.
If you are confused about the mouth, care you are not alone. There are so many tools, products, and opinions.
How do you know who to trust and what to believe?
Many people with cavities believe they have soft teeth, inherited their problems from a family member, did not get enough fluoride, got too much fluoride, do not floss enough, or have not been consistent in-home care regular visits to the dentist. While these are all contributing factors, dental problems can almost always be traced back to consistent home care, acid, reduced saliva flow, breathing, and bacteria that promote inflammation and infection.
You need to stop blaming yourself and your genetics for your dental problems and take action. While it starts with you at home and genetics, do play a role. The truth is a dental disease is a disease you can control or eliminate with intention, good habits, and diet.
I want to help you have rewarding and happy dental experiences, enjoy your teeth, and create the ultimate dental health for you and your family. Imagine being excited to visit the dentist! With a simple system, you can take the worry, fear, and emotion out of your dental visits.
Too many adults support the belief that cavities, sensitivity, and bleeding gums are inevitable and part of growing up and/or the aging process. It has been hammered into our brain; sugar causes cavities, and unfortunately, some, no matter how diligent with brushing, flossing, and regular visits, will still experience dental disease. Where is the damage coming from? Until you find the cause or source of the issue, your mouth problems will continue to happen repeatedly, getting more complicated and more expensive each time you visit the dentist.
Dentists have known for years that damaged enamel can be repaired back to health with a simple repair process that occurs naturally in the mouth under certain conditions with products and minerals from the saliva. Suppose discovered early enough, with x-rays (these spots are not visible to the naked eye). They can be reversed or halted. Many dentists recommend xylitol and explain the healing process to their patients; the tooth has to be natural, not previously filled or broken.
When a tooth requires a filling is of great debate and depends on the dentist’s training, judgment, and experience. Some dentists do not believe in the natural repair process because they have not seen it or are not knowledgeable in the process, or they don’t think the patient will comply with the home repair process at home, and it will worsen. Many people find this idea exciting! But it requires early intervention, x-rays, digital imaging, and consistent dental visits, and intension is what you do at home.
Once you are empowered with the knowledge, you can make informed decisions about your treatment, begin a preventive program at home, and choose a simple, convenient, enjoyable daily routine that puts you on a path of avoiding cavities and annoying dental problems.
Dentists will always be necessary; there will always be broken teeth and patients that do not view teeth as a priority or are not onboard with early intervention and prevention. There will always be patients that wait until they are in pain to see a dentist. No judgment, just the truth!
When I worked in a mobile setting and saw so many kids with cavities, it made my heartbreak knowing it is 100% preventable. More than 51 million school hours and 164 million work hours are lost each year due to dental disease. Why is there so much dental disease? Why have we not been able to get a handle on it? How can you be part of the solution?
I know we are not going to eliminate cavities. For me, the thought of a world where cavities are not the #1 preventable disease in our kids is exciting. Baby teeth are important kids with cavities, and tongue issues are at a greater risk for dental infections and illnesses as adults.
I believe these problems exist because of a lack of knowledge about how much the mouth is related to our overall health and wellness. Most people feel baby teeth will fall out, so it does not matter; they assume cavities are a normal part of growing up, and they don’t know how to protect their teeth or create a system that will keep their teeth strong and healthy.
Tooth decay begins with bacteria called streptococcus mutans; this bacteria feeds on the sugar and causes an acid that weakens the enamel. Babies are born without these bacteria and are infected by their Moms or other family members even before the first tooth erupts. It happens when a Mom transfers saliva from her mouth to her baby’s mouth by kissing, sharing food on the same spoon, sharing a straw in a beverage, binkies, or letting your toddler brush their teeth with your toothbrush.
If someone has frequent cavities or dental disease, you can pass the germs to others. It has been proven that bacteria are familial. Meaning families share the same type of bacteria. You do not give another member of your family cavities or gum disease, but you share the same types of bacteria. Dental disease happens if the environment is right for that bacteria to grow and multiply from lack of oral hygiene or your choice of diet.
Once a child gets the strep mutans, they will be more susceptible to cavities. This is why it is a good idea for a woman to know what bacteria are in your mouth and treat it before you even get pregnant. Studies have shown children of parents with healthy mouths are 70-80% less likely to develop cavities. So why not be sure you have and keep a healthy mouth from the start.
It is an old wives’ tale that soft teeth run in the family. It is not that you have soft teeth, but rather the bacteria and habits you have passed along that cause the disease. Such as cavities and gingivitis. If you have problems with your teeth, you need to get a handle on it and change your habits; our kids do what we do. So that makes it our responsibility as parents to create good oral health habits for our child’s dental health. You need to be just as vigilant as if you thought you were passing a virus or a cancer gene.
If preventing the passing of harmful bacteria from generation to generation is a promising method of preventing dental disease, why are we not hearing more about it?.
There are 700 different types of bacteria in our mouth. You can have a saliva test that will tell you which bacterias are present in your family’s mouths to customize treatment accordingly. You are going to see more and more specific treatments in the future to treat and prevent disease. It all starts in the mouth.
My patients are very interested in the advice to improve their mouth condition with suggestions that fit into a busy lifestyle. I was shocked that many people are unaware the dental disease is like any other infection caused by bacteria and can spread from person to person.
Once you realize it, you can take the step necessary to control the spread between family members. Today we have become more aware of the delicate balance between bacteria that help and protect us and the bacteria that cause infection.
According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dental Association, you should take your child to see a dentist by their 1st birthday. I say first st tooth first visit, but many Dentists will not see a child that young. They probably won’t do much, but they can ease your child into being comfortable at the dentist. 28% of children will have cavities by the age of 5.
You will see more pediatricians looking in for your child’s mouth and evaluating oral health mostly because many kids do not get their first check-up until it is required to enroll in school. So Dr.s are now looking for early warning signs in our kids’ mouths.
If you or your family have a history of cavities or gum disease, you will need a plan of action for your kid’s health. More people than ever before are experiencing stress, allergies, acid reflux. Weak enamel, sensitive teeth, dry mouth, difficulty breathing through their nose mouth breathing thumb sucking, and nail-biting.
Mouth chemistry is affected by breathing, diet, saliva, pH, medications, hormones, habit, environment, and so much more. Most people believe sugar is the main cause of cavities! The sugar itself does not cause cavities. The harmful interaction between sugar, plaque, and bacteria causes a chain reaction and creates an acid. It is that acid. It is that acid that damages the teeth. Crackers are just as bad as candy and pop because they stick to the surface of the teeth.
When you or a loved one have cavities, getting the acid in the mouth under control can protect the teeth. In a healthy mouth, eating and chewing produce saliva that helps to neutralize acids and aid digestion.
Digestion actually starts in your mouth; your saliva enzymes help break down the food even before swallowing. How you swallow and your tongue position is important as well.
So when you see a dentist, most people want to know if you have any cavities.
When you see a dentist, you should ask questions so you know your mouth’s health now if there is anything you can do at home to make it healthier.
Download: Questions You Should Ask Your Dentist and take it with you to your appointment if you need to. You need to be your own health care advocate, and you should trust the Dentist you are seeing.
If you are told you have a cavity, and your gut is not buying it, you may want a second opinion. Trust is the # the reason people do not see a dentist. Fear is a close second.
Some say money is the reason they wait, and the dentist is expensive. Everything is expensive these days. We find the time and money for the important things.
Teeth are the only part of our skeleton we actually clean and the only part of our skeleton that does not heal itself.
Waiting only makes it more expensive and possibly painful. I have waited, so I know first hand. This is one of the reasons I am writing these blogs. I am a single Mom, and I understand the choices we need to make. We put ourselves last.
Learn from my mistakes, make different choices. Follow me
Join my Healthy Mouth Challenge
Join The Healthy Mouth Movement @
https://www.facebook.com/dh411
https://youtube.com/channel/UCQ6ysJFv0pTuoHK0jxWlKTw
https://www.instagram.com/dental_hygiene_411/
I want to start by saying dental professionals are like snowflakes; no two are the same.
We come from various backgrounds, have different beliefs, different skill sets, sought more advanced training since graduation, and have been exposed to different technologies that others may not have.
We were all taught the same thing if we brush with fluoride toothpaste, floss, and visit your dentist two times a year, we can prevent dental disease. As a kid growing up, I was taught that you needed to do to have a healthy mouth, even before I went to hygiene school. The health of your mouth is connected to the health of your body, and it is about more than just brushing, flossing, fluoride, and visiting your dentist regularly.
Do those things, and you will have a healthy mouth. If that were true and all we needed to do, why are cavities the # 1 preventable childhood disease? Why do 64 million Americans have gum disease? I have been in the dental field for over 30 years, and we still have so much disease. Why?
Now more than ever, knowing the health of your mouth is important. Your mouth is a window into your body, and it serves as an early warning system that something may be wrong or out of balance in your body.
A healthy mouth is more than just straight white teeth like most people desire.
We have established research that the health of your mouth is directly linked to your general overall health. We talk a lot about preventing cavities and having a healthy mouth. You need to keep in mind it does not mean your mouth is healthy if you don’t have any cavities.
You could not have the bacteria that cause cavities. Yet you have the bacteria that cause gum disease that can contribute to heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, low both rate, preterm delivery, and more.
Dental Disease is a silent disease. Mask Mouth is now a thing.
An evaluation of your mouth to establish a baseline is important, so YOU know your mouth’s condition, including teeth, alignment, gums, tongue, saliva, jawbone, and throat. Knowing the health of your mouth allows you to make informed decisions. Rather than just hoping and guessing or assuming they are healthy because you have no pain.
Things your dental professions may discuss with brushing, flossing, fluoride, cavities, gum diseases, bridges, implants, root canals, dentures, partials, crown, and consistent regular visits.
Things your dentist may not talk about or may not know about that are an integral part of mouth and health besides brushing and flossing is mouth chemistry, pH testing, Saliva testing, oral cancer screenings, tongue resting posture, tongue color and health, tonsils, airway, breathing, Xylitol, diet and your overall health in general.
Dental professionals teach you about your mouth based on their training and experience. It is not their fault. You do what you were taught as a child based on your knowledge and experience from what your parents were taught.
If you are confused about the mouth, care you are not alone. There are so many tools, products, and opinions.
How do you know who to trust and what to believe?
Many people with cavities believe they have soft teeth, inherited their problems from a family member, did not get enough fluoride, got too much fluoride, do not floss enough, or have not been consistent in-home care regular visits to the dentist. While these are all contributing factors, dental problems can almost always be traced back to consistent home care, acid, reduced saliva flow, breathing, and bacteria that promote inflammation and infection.
You need to stop blaming yourself and your genetics for your dental problems and take action. While it starts with you at home and genetics, do play a role. The truth is a dental disease is a disease you can control or eliminate with intention, good habits, and diet.
I want to help you have rewarding and happy dental experiences, enjoy your teeth, and create the ultimate dental health for you and your family. Imagine being excited to visit the dentist! With a simple system, you can take the worry, fear, and emotion out of your dental visits.
Too many adults support the belief that cavities, sensitivity, and bleeding gums are inevitable and part of growing up and/or the aging process. It has been hammered into our brain; sugar causes cavities, and unfortunately, some, no matter how diligent with brushing, flossing, and regular visits, will still experience dental disease. Where is the damage coming from? Until you find the cause or source of the issue, your mouth problems will continue to happen repeatedly, getting more complicated and more expensive each time you visit the dentist.
Dentists have known for years that damaged enamel can be repaired back to health with a simple repair process that occurs naturally in the mouth under certain conditions with products and minerals from the saliva. Suppose discovered early enough, with x-rays (these spots are not visible to the naked eye). They can be reversed or halted. Many dentists recommend xylitol and explain the healing process to their patients; the tooth has to be natural, not previously filled or broken.
When a tooth requires a filling is of great debate and depends on the dentist’s training, judgment, and experience. Some dentists do not believe in the natural repair process because they have not seen it or are not knowledgeable in the process, or they don’t think the patient will comply with the home repair process at home, and it will worsen. Many people find this idea exciting! But it requires early intervention, x-rays, digital imaging, and consistent dental visits, and intension is what you do at home.
Once you are empowered with the knowledge, you can make informed decisions about your treatment, begin a preventive program at home, and choose a simple, convenient, enjoyable daily routine that puts you on a path of avoiding cavities and annoying dental problems.
Dentists will always be necessary; there will always be broken teeth and patients that do not view teeth as a priority or are not onboard with early intervention and prevention. There will always be patients that wait until they are in pain to see a dentist. No judgment, just the truth!
When I worked in a mobile setting and saw so many kids with cavities, it made my heartbreak knowing it is 100% preventable. More than 51 million school hours and 164 million work hours are lost each year due to dental disease. Why is there so much dental disease? Why have we not been able to get a handle on it? How can you be part of the solution?
I know we are not going to eliminate cavities. For me, the thought of a world where cavities are not the #1 preventable disease in our kids is exciting. Baby teeth are important kids with cavities, and tongue issues are at a greater risk for dental infections and illnesses as adults.
I believe these problems exist because of a lack of knowledge about how much the mouth is related to our overall health and wellness. Most people feel baby teeth will fall out, so it does not matter; they assume cavities are a normal part of growing up, and they don’t know how to protect their teeth or create a system that will keep their teeth strong and healthy.
Tooth decay begins with bacteria called streptococcus mutans; this bacteria feeds on the sugar and causes an acid that weakens the enamel. Babies are born without these bacteria and are infected by their Moms or other family members even before the first tooth erupts. It happens when a Mom transfers saliva from her mouth to her baby’s mouth by kissing, sharing food on the same spoon, sharing a straw in a beverage, binkies, or letting your toddler brush their teeth with your toothbrush.
If someone has frequent cavities or dental disease, you can pass the germs to others. It has been proven that bacteria are familial. Meaning families share the same type of bacteria. You do not give another member of your family cavities or gum disease, but you share the same types of bacteria. Dental disease happens if the environment is right for that bacteria to grow and multiply from lack of oral hygiene or your choice of diet.
Once a child gets the strep mutans, they will be more susceptible to cavities. This is why it is a good idea for a woman to know what bacteria are in your mouth and treat it before you even get pregnant. Studies have shown children of parents with healthy mouths are 70-80% less likely to develop cavities. So why not be sure you have and keep a healthy mouth from the start.
It is an old wives’ tale that soft teeth run in the family. It is not that you have soft teeth, but rather the bacteria and habits you have passed along that cause the disease. Such as cavities and gingivitis. If you have problems with your teeth, you need to get a handle on it and change your habits; our kids do what we do. So that makes it our responsibility as parents to create good oral health habits for our child’s dental health. You need to be just as vigilant as if you thought you were passing a virus or a cancer gene.
If preventing the passing of harmful bacteria from generation to generation is a promising method of preventing dental disease, why are we not hearing more about it?.
There are 700 different types of bacteria in our mouth. You can have a saliva test that will tell you which bacterias are present in your family’s mouths to customize treatment accordingly. You are going to see more and more specific treatments in the future to treat and prevent disease. It all starts in the mouth.
My patients are very interested in the advice to improve their mouth condition with suggestions that fit into a busy lifestyle. I was shocked that many people are unaware the dental disease is like any other infection caused by bacteria and can spread from person to person.
Once you realize it, you can take the step necessary to control the spread between family members. Today we have become more aware of the delicate balance between bacteria that help and protect us and the bacteria that cause infection.
According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dental Association, you should take your child to see a dentist by their 1st birthday. I say first st tooth first visit, but many Dentists will not see a child that young. They probably won’t do much, but they can ease your child into being comfortable at the dentist. 28% of children will have cavities by the age of 5.
You will see more pediatricians looking in for your child’s mouth and evaluating oral health mostly because many kids do not get their first check-up until it is required to enroll in school. So Dr.s are now looking for early warning signs in our kids’ mouths.
If you or your family have a history of cavities or gum disease, you will need a plan of action for your kid’s health. More people than ever before are experiencing stress, allergies, acid reflux. Weak enamel, sensitive teeth, dry mouth, difficulty breathing through their nose mouth breathing thumb sucking, and nail-biting.
Mouth chemistry is affected by breathing, diet, saliva, pH, medications, hormones, habit, environment, and so much more. Most people believe sugar is the main cause of cavities! The sugar itself does not cause cavities. The harmful interaction between sugar, plaque, and bacteria causes a chain reaction and creates an acid. It is that acid. It is that acid that damages the teeth. Crackers are just as bad as candy and pop because they stick to the surface of the teeth.
When you or a loved one have cavities, getting the acid in the mouth under control can protect the teeth. In a healthy mouth, eating and chewing produce saliva that helps to neutralize acids and aid digestion.
Digestion actually starts in your mouth; your saliva enzymes help break down the food even before swallowing. How you swallow and your tongue position is important as well.
So when you see a dentist, most people want to know if you have any cavities.
When you see a dentist, you should ask questions so you know your mouth’s health now if there is anything you can do at home to make it healthier.
Download: Questions You Should Ask Your Dentist and take it with you to your appointment if you need to. You need to be your own health care advocate, and you should trust the Dentist you are seeing.
If you are told you have a cavity, and your gut is not buying it, you may want a second opinion. Trust is the # the reason people do not see a dentist. Fear is a close second.
Some say money is the reason they wait, and the dentist is expensive. Everything is expensive these days. We find the time and money for the important things.
Teeth are the only part of our skeleton we actually clean and the only part of our skeleton that does not heal itself.
Waiting only makes it more expensive and possibly painful. I have waited, so I know first hand. This is one of the reasons I am writing these blogs. I am a single Mom, and I understand the choices we need to make. We put ourselves last.
Learn from my mistakes, make different choices. Follow me
Join my Healthy Mouth Challenge
Join The Healthy Mouth Movement @
https://www.facebook.com/dh411
https://youtube.com/channel/UCQ6ysJFv0pTuoHK0jxWlKTw
https://www.instagram.com/dental_hygiene_411/
I want to start by saying dental professionals are like snowflakes; no two are the same.
We come from various backgrounds, have different beliefs, different skill sets, sought more advanced training since graduation, and have been exposed to different technologies that others may not have.
We were all taught the same thing if we brush with fluoride toothpaste, floss, and visit your dentist two times a year, we can prevent dental disease. As a kid growing up, I was taught that you needed to do to have a healthy mouth, even before I went to hygiene school. The health of your mouth is connected to the health of your body, and it is about more than just brushing, flossing, fluoride, and visiting your dentist regularly.
Do those things, and you will have a healthy mouth. If that were true and all we needed to do, why are cavities the # 1 preventable childhood disease? Why do 64 million Americans have gum disease? I have been in the dental field for over 30 years, and we still have so much disease. Why?
Now more than ever, knowing the health of your mouth is important. Your mouth is a window into your body, and it serves as an early warning system that something may be wrong or out of balance in your body.
A healthy mouth is more than just straight white teeth like most people desire.
We have established research that the health of your mouth is directly linked to your general overall health. We talk a lot about preventing cavities and having a healthy mouth. You need to keep in mind it does not mean your mouth is healthy if you don’t have any cavities.
You could not have the bacteria that cause cavities. Yet you have the bacteria that cause gum disease that can contribute to heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, low both rate, preterm delivery, and more.
Dental Disease is a silent disease. Mask Mouth is now a thing.
An evaluation of your mouth to establish a baseline is important, so YOU know your mouth’s condition, including teeth, alignment, gums, tongue, saliva, jawbone, and throat. Knowing the health of your mouth allows you to make informed decisions. Rather than just hoping and guessing or assuming they are healthy because you have no pain.
Things your dental professions may discuss with brushing, flossing, fluoride, cavities, gum diseases, bridges, implants, root canals, dentures, partials, crown, and consistent regular visits.
Things your dentist may not talk about or may not know about that are an integral part of mouth and health besides brushing and flossing is mouth chemistry, pH testing, Saliva testing, oral cancer screenings, tongue resting posture, tongue color and health, tonsils, airway, breathing, Xylitol, diet and your overall health in general.
Dental professionals teach you about your mouth based on their training and experience. It is not their fault. You do what you were taught as a child based on your knowledge and experience from what your parents were taught.
If you are confused about the mouth, care you are not alone. There are so many tools, products, and opinions.
How do you know who to trust and what to believe?
Many people with cavities believe they have soft teeth, inherited their problems from a family member, did not get enough fluoride, got too much fluoride, do not floss enough, or have not been consistent in-home care regular visits to the dentist. While these are all contributing factors, dental problems can almost always be traced back to consistent home care, acid, reduced saliva flow, breathing, and bacteria that promote inflammation and infection.
You need to stop blaming yourself and your genetics for your dental problems and take action. While it starts with you at home and genetics, do play a role. The truth is a dental disease is a disease you can control or eliminate with intention, good habits, and diet.
I want to help you have rewarding and happy dental experiences, enjoy your teeth, and create the ultimate dental health for you and your family. Imagine being excited to visit the dentist! With a simple system, you can take the worry, fear, and emotion out of your dental visits.
Too many adults support the belief that cavities, sensitivity, and bleeding gums are inevitable and part of growing up and/or the aging process. It has been hammered into our brain; sugar causes cavities, and unfortunately, some, no matter how diligent with brushing, flossing, and regular visits, will still experience dental disease. Where is the damage coming from? Until you find the cause or source of the issue, your mouth problems will continue to happen repeatedly, getting more complicated and more expensive each time you visit the dentist.
Dentists have known for years that damaged enamel can be repaired back to health with a simple repair process that occurs naturally in the mouth under certain conditions with products and minerals from the saliva. Suppose discovered early enough, with x-rays (these spots are not visible to the naked eye). They can be reversed or halted. Many dentists recommend xylitol and explain the healing process to their patients; the tooth has to be natural, not previously filled or broken.
When a tooth requires a filling is of great debate and depends on the dentist’s training, judgment, and experience. Some dentists do not believe in the natural repair process because they have not seen it or are not knowledgeable in the process, or they don’t think the patient will comply with the home repair process at home, and it will worsen. Many people find this idea exciting! But it requires early intervention, x-rays, digital imaging, and consistent dental visits, and intension is what you do at home.
Once you are empowered with the knowledge, you can make informed decisions about your treatment, begin a preventive program at home, and choose a simple, convenient, enjoyable daily routine that puts you on a path of avoiding cavities and annoying dental problems.
Dentists will always be necessary; there will always be broken teeth and patients that do not view teeth as a priority or are not onboard with early intervention and prevention. There will always be patients that wait until they are in pain to see a dentist. No judgment, just the truth!
When I worked in a mobile setting and saw so many kids with cavities, it made my heartbreak knowing it is 100% preventable. More than 51 million school hours and 164 million work hours are lost each year due to dental disease. Why is there so much dental disease? Why have we not been able to get a handle on it? How can you be part of the solution?
I know we are not going to eliminate cavities. For me, the thought of a world where cavities are not the #1 preventable disease in our kids is exciting. Baby teeth are important kids with cavities, and tongue issues are at a greater risk for dental infections and illnesses as adults.
I believe these problems exist because of a lack of knowledge about how much the mouth is related to our overall health and wellness. Most people feel baby teeth will fall out, so it does not matter; they assume cavities are a normal part of growing up, and they don’t know how to protect their teeth or create a system that will keep their teeth strong and healthy.
Tooth decay begins with bacteria called streptococcus mutans; this bacteria feeds on the sugar and causes an acid that weakens the enamel. Babies are born without these bacteria and are infected by their Moms or other family members even before the first tooth erupts. It happens when a Mom transfers saliva from her mouth to her baby’s mouth by kissing, sharing food on the same spoon, sharing a straw in a beverage, binkies, or letting your toddler brush their teeth with your toothbrush.
If someone has frequent cavities or dental disease, you can pass the germs to others. It has been proven that bacteria are familial. Meaning families share the same type of bacteria. You do not give another member of your family cavities or gum disease, but you share the same types of bacteria. Dental disease happens if the environment is right for that bacteria to grow and multiply from lack of oral hygiene or your choice of diet.
Once a child gets the strep mutans, they will be more susceptible to cavities. This is why it is a good idea for a woman to know what bacteria are in your mouth and treat it before you even get pregnant. Studies have shown children of parents with healthy mouths are 70-80% less likely to develop cavities. So why not be sure you have and keep a healthy mouth from the start.
It is an old wives’ tale that soft teeth run in the family. It is not that you have soft teeth, but rather the bacteria and habits you have passed along that cause the disease. Such as cavities and gingivitis. If you have problems with your teeth, you need to get a handle on it and change your habits; our kids do what we do. So that makes it our responsibility as parents to create good oral health habits for our child’s dental health. You need to be just as vigilant as if you thought you were passing a virus or a cancer gene.
If preventing the passing of harmful bacteria from generation to generation is a promising method of preventing dental disease, why are we not hearing more about it?.
There are 700 different types of bacteria in our mouth. You can have a saliva test that will tell you which bacterias are present in your family’s mouths to customize treatment accordingly. You are going to see more and more specific treatments in the future to treat and prevent disease. It all starts in the mouth.
My patients are very interested in the advice to improve their mouth condition with suggestions that fit into a busy lifestyle. I was shocked that many people are unaware the dental disease is like any other infection caused by bacteria and can spread from person to person.
Once you realize it, you can take the step necessary to control the spread between family members. Today we have become more aware of the delicate balance between bacteria that help and protect us and the bacteria that cause infection.
According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dental Association, you should take your child to see a dentist by their 1st birthday. I say first st tooth first visit, but many Dentists will not see a child that young. They probably won’t do much, but they can ease your child into being comfortable at the dentist. 28% of children will have cavities by the age of 5.
You will see more pediatricians looking in for your child’s mouth and evaluating oral health mostly because many kids do not get their first check-up until it is required to enroll in school. So Dr.s are now looking for early warning signs in our kids’ mouths.
If you or your family have a history of cavities or gum disease, you will need a plan of action for your kid’s health. More people than ever before are experiencing stress, allergies, acid reflux. Weak enamel, sensitive teeth, dry mouth, difficulty breathing through their nose mouth breathing thumb sucking, and nail-biting.
Mouth chemistry is affected by breathing, diet, saliva, pH, medications, hormones, habit, environment, and so much more. Most people believe sugar is the main cause of cavities! The sugar itself does not cause cavities. The harmful interaction between sugar, plaque, and bacteria causes a chain reaction and creates an acid. It is that acid. It is that acid that damages the teeth. Crackers are just as bad as candy and pop because they stick to the surface of the teeth.
When you or a loved one have cavities, getting the acid in the mouth under control can protect the teeth. In a healthy mouth, eating and chewing produce saliva that helps to neutralize acids and aid digestion.
Digestion actually starts in your mouth; your saliva enzymes help break down the food even before swallowing. How you swallow and your tongue position is important as well.
So when you see a dentist, most people want to know if you have any cavities.
When you see a dentist, you should ask questions so you know your mouth’s health now if there is anything you can do at home to make it healthier.
Download: Questions You Should Ask Your Dentist and take it with you to your appointment if you need to. You need to be your own health care advocate, and you should trust the Dentist you are seeing.
If you are told you have a cavity, and your gut is not buying it, you may want a second opinion. Trust is the # the reason people do not see a dentist. Fear is a close second.
Some say money is the reason they wait, and the dentist is expensive. Everything is expensive these days. We find the time and money for the important things.
Teeth are the only part of our skeleton we actually clean and the only part of our skeleton that does not heal itself.
Waiting only makes it more expensive and possibly painful. I have waited, so I know first hand. This is one of the reasons I am writing these blogs. I am a single Mom, and I understand the choices we need to make. We put ourselves last.
Learn from my mistakes, make different choices. Follow me
Join my Healthy Mouth Challenge
Join The Healthy Mouth Movement @
https://www.facebook.com/dh411
https://youtube.com/channel/UCQ6ysJFv0pTuoHK0jxWlKTw
https://www.instagram.com/dental_hygiene_411/
Get a BURST Sonic Toothbrush at https://bit.ly/BURST411
