6 tips for winning at dental care with braces

Wearing braces can help you achieve the perfect smile you’ve always dreamed of. Whether your dentist recommends traditional metal braces or the newer invisible orthodontic devices, each works in a similar way by gently forcing your teeth into alignment over an extended period of time. As your teeth slowly shift, the bones beneath them shift as well, and in no time, your teeth are straight and aligned, just as they should be.

Of course, it’s not exactly a walk in the park: One of the biggest downfalls of having braces is the extra care required to take good care of your teeth until the braces come off. Braces make brushing and flossing your teeth much more difficult, and the tiny nooks and crannies that braces create are the perfect hiding spots for food particles and bacteria. If you don’t modify your dental hygiene practices while wearing braces, you could end up with a straight smile that’s filled with cavities and periodontal disease.

The dangers of tooth infections

Here’s an example of how what goes on inside your mouth affects the rest of your body: A simple tooth infection or abscess can lead to serious systemic complications. 

A tooth infection occurs when bacteria or pus collects inside the tooth or gum.

Signs and symptoms of a tooth infection:

Keep on smiling: The link between mental and oral health

Oral health isn’t just connected to your body’s physical health; it’s also connected to your mental health.
Growing research shows that people who have mental health problems also often have dental problems like periodontitis.

Your mouth is key to your overall health

Founder of The Dental Medical Convergence, Dr. Chuck Reinertsen, likes to say that the mouth is the front door to the body, and it’s an open door. That’s why it’s so easy for bad bacteria to enter your body.

Holiday healthy teeth: 3 ways to protect your mouth during the holidays

The holidays are a time to celebrate, eat festive treats and toast to our family and friends. But all those gingerbread cookies, eggnog cocktails, and candy canes wreak havoc on our dental health. Here’s some advice when it comes to drinking, eating, and making merry over the holiday season.

No amount of brushing will get rid of this plaque

What you need to know about vascular disease and your oral health

When most people hear the word “plaque,” they think of the scaly buildup that can accumulate on the surface of their teeth. However, another type of plaque can build up in your body, lining the walls of your arteries and leading to severe health complications and even death.

The cavity misconception

Many of us have experienced the excruciating pain of a toothache — the kind of pain that over-the-counter medications just won’t alleviate. While this type of dental problem may be due to a cavity, an infection in the gums can also cause it.

What your doctor isn’t asking you could be harmful

The source of many diseases is right under your nose. But if you’re like most people, you don’t realize the connection between your mouth and your overall health. That’s because most doctors don’t ask about your mouth or teeth during routine checkups. 

How your diet could be affecting your oral health

The foods you eat have a direct effect on your oral health. Not only do they provide you with the vitamins and minerals that your body needs to keep your teeth strong and healthy, but they can also play a primary role in how healthy your mouth is as a whole.

How should my dental care routine change as I get older?

Proper oral hygiene is essential at all stages of life. As you age, changes to your health and body can make monitoring your dental health even more critical. Certain medications can affect your teeth, causing dry mouth and leading to oral irritations. You can also begin to experience the effects and damage from years of eating hard or overly acidic foods.