Does a bite of cold ice cream or a sip of hot coffee sometimes hurt your teeth? If so, you are not alone. Sensitive teeth is a common problem we see among our patients. The great news is that sensitive teeth can be treated; however, the type of treatment depends on what is causing the sensitivity. [Read more…]
Give the Gift of Oral Health
The holidays are here, and ‘tis the season for giving. As we shop for gifts for our friends and family, we all have those hard-to-buy-for people on our list. This year, why not give them the gift of oral health? Here are some great gift ideas to keep your friends and family members smiling!
An Electric Toothbrush. While both a manual and an electric toothbrush can effectively and thoroughly clean your teeth, dentists often recommend electric toothbrushes because of their precise brushing capabilities and gentleness on gums. And they are fun to use! Electric toothbrushes are great for anyone but are a particularly great gift for those who have difficulty brushing or who have limited manual dexterity. Dr. 
Chandler’s pick: Oral B Genius.
A Water Flosser. Water flossers are handheld devices that spray streams of water in steady pulses. The water, like traditional floss, can remove food and plaque from between and arou
nd the teeth. Water flossers help reduce gingivitis, the early form of gum disease, and are wonderful gifts for people who have trouble flossing by hand or who have dental work that makes flossing difficult – such as braces or a bridge. Dr. Chandler’s pick: Waterpik Aquarius Water Flosser.
Teeth Whitening. Who wouldn’t want a whiter, more confident smile? Whitening is a great gift 
that will surely make your loved ones smile! Products available over-the-counter, such as whitening toothpastes or whitening strips, may make teeth look a little brighter but often contain different or lower concentration bleaching agents than what your dentist offers, and some are actually just surface stain removers. Before purchasing an over-the-counter bleaching kit, ask your dentist if they offer professional strength non-custom bleaching kits. These kits are less expensive than in-office or custom tray bleaching processes. Opalescence Go is one such kit that requires no impressions or custom trays and is ready to use right out of the package. Dr. Chandler’s pick: Opalescence Go.
Additional stocking stuffer ideas that promote oral health: Xylitol gum, sugar free candies, toothpaste, floss, mouthwash, tongue scrapers, and interdental brushes or picks.
While I hope you have enjoyed our favorite oral health gift ideas, it is important to remember that oral health begins with good oral hygiene. We recommend brushing twice a day for 2 minutes with a fluoride toothpaste, flossing or using interdental cleaning tools once a day, and scheduling regular dental hygiene visits and examinations to keep your smile, and yourself, healthy. Happy Holidays!
The Connection Between Oral Health and Your Heart
As we celebrate Valentine’s Day with heart-shaped candies, cards, and decorations, have you thought about the health of your own heart? And did you know that there is a connection between oral health and heart disease?
In April 2012, the American Heart Association published a statement supporting an association between gum disease and heart disease. Gum disease, also referred to as periodontal disease, is an infection of the tissues that surround and support your teeth. Gum disease is caused by plaque, the sticky film of bacteria that is constantly forming on our teeth. The early stage of gum disease is called gingivitis. If you have gingivitis, your gums may become red, swollen and bleed easily. At this stage, the disease is reversible and can usually be eliminated by a professional cleaning at your dental office, followed by daily brushing and flossing. When gum disease becomes more advanced, it is called periodontitis. Periodontitis can to the loss of tissue and bone that support the teeth and may become more severe over time resulting in tooth loss. It is estimated that 47.2% of adults over 30 in the United States have periodontitis. [Read more…]
Common Mouth Sores
Mouth sores that appear on the lips, roof of the mouth, tongue, gums, or inside the cheeks can be ugly, painful, and annoying. Eating and speaking can be difficult as any movement of the affected tissue can cause discomfort. Two common types of painful mouth sores are canker sores and cold sores.
[Read more…]
Your Diet and Your Smile
The foods you choose and how often you eat affect your general health as well as the health of your teeth and gums. Today, Americans are eating record numbers of sugary sodas, sweetened fruit drinks, and non-nutritious snacks, and over time these foods can make cavities in teeth. [Read more…]
Drugs and Your Teeth
Living in the affluent East Cobb area not only provides our young adults with many cultural and educational opportunities but also, unfortunately, easy access to drugs and alcohol, the use of which can wreak havoc on the teeth and gums (not to mention the brain and the rest of the body!) There are many drugs that can have such deleterious effects, but I’ll focus on three more common ones among teenagers: alcohol, marijuana, and methamphetamine. [Read more…]