Stress and Your Oral Health

There has been a lot of talk about how stress is linked to chronic headaches, stomach problems, and emotional trepidation. What has yet to be discussed is how stress can also affect your teeth and gums. When you’re under psychological or physical stress, your body behaves differently and has to set processes in action to offset the chemical reactions stress produces. Your body functions experience disruption, and you replace good habits with bad ones. It’s no wonder your oral health can suffer, too.

What problems with my oral health could be the product of stress?

Canker sores

You’ve probably had them more than once. Tiny, white canker sores on the inside of your cheeks are extremely painful. Most of the time these are thought to be the product of small cuts inside your mouth, which then become infected. However, in the absence of any wound, stress can be the culprit. It weakens the immune system, and makes your mouth more susceptible to bacteria (along with every other part of your body). Luckily, these wounds aren’t contagious and usually disappear within a week or two.

Cold sores

Feverish blisters appear on the lips when your immune system is exposed to extreme levels of stress. Fortunately, there are loads of products on the market to help these heal, and to help you deal with the symptoms in the meantime. But few products are effective in preventing breakout—for that, the best practice is to reduce your sources of stress.

 

Teeth grinding

Uncontrolled, unconscious teeth grinding—both during the day and at night—comes as no surprise when you are chronically stressed out. This commonly leads to TMJ disorders, which lead to bigger problems with your lower jaw joint. Consult with your dentist to see whether a custom mouth guard or a more specific TMJ treatment is appropriate. And, yet again, the best route of action is to reduce your source of stress.

 

Parodontopathy

Severe stress can also trigger accelerated production of cavities in your mouth. And with infection and tooth decay, stress can also increase the risk of gum disease and gum bleeding. All of these conditions ultimately snowball into more problems. Recent studies show that the likelihood of gum disease is two times higher in patients with depression, for example. And while it’s not possible to immediately eliminate stress or depression, your dentist can consult you on oral health habits that give you the best chance at keeping your mouth healthy.

 Bad diet

You are what you eat, and stress determines what you eat. You’ve probably noticed that you either eat considerably less or considerably more when you’re stressed. You may have also noticed that you pay less attention to what you eat. If sweets and junk food help you alleviate your stress, bear in mind that they’ll have a negative effect on your oral health.

 Avoiding or forgetting oral hygiene

When you’re rushing through your day, trying to accomplish as much as possible, to answer every e-mail and finish every task, it’s possible that you’ll neglect your teeth. Don’t forget to brush and floss, there’s no day where you can’t find two minutes for each! At bedtime, if you’re so tired or stressed that you just want to curl up in your bed, make the extra effort for a quick brush and you’ll be able to sleep knowing you’re keeping your health front-of-mind.

If you think stress is a problem in your oral health, be sure to talk to your dentist. And remember, every day is an opportunity to protect and reinforce your oral health.

This post was originally published at Stress and Your Oral Health at Josey Lane Dentistry

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Kids and oral hygiene

Old or young, your attitudes toward brushing your teeth might not be too different from what you thought as a kid. If it was hard getting yourself to brush your teeth as a child, that’s often a challenge that follows you into adulthood. Brushing your teeth is one of the few habits that you keep life-long. And if you’re a parent, modeling and teaching good oral hygiene can make the difference in your child having an easy or hard time keeping up on their own oral health, even into adulthood. Challenges with oral hygiene are usually a consequence of starting off on the wrong foot, starting with brushing your milk teeth.

Do baby teeth deserve the same care as permanent teeth?

Yes, baby teeth—also known as milk teeth—require the same amount of care as permanent adult teeth. There are two main reasons why it’s crucial for your children to develop healthy oral hygiene habits, starting as early as when baby teeth first erupt.

The longest-lasting reason to start your kids with good oral hygiene habits is psychological. When they’re young, your kids have the best shot at developing habits and attitudes that stick. Brushing teeth is a simple habit that requires very little work, but somehow it can warp into a “to-do” or task that many wish we could skip. This attitude can be completely reframed by starting your kids off with a positive attitude—they don’t “have” to brush their teeth, they “get” to.

Your kids should also start visiting dentist as soon as they have a full mouth of teeth. Starting as early as two years old, consider introducing your child to your family dentist, as regular visits are going to ensure you stay ahead of any problems and also avoid “dentophobia,” the irrational fear of dentists that even many adults have to battle. As a parent, you should explain to your child what to expect from each dentist appointment.

In addition to the psychology of oral health, maintaining healthy milk teeth until naturally replaced by permanent teeth actually primes your child’s jaw for better health and condition of adult teeth. Temporary teeth affect the development of your children’s oral cavity, and also participate in the development of jaw structure (bones, muscles, gums, tongue, etc.). If your child loses milk teeth prematurely, particularly due to decay, it can disrupt the position of adult teeth.

Brushing baby teeth

You’d think brushing baby teeth would be the same as brushing adult teeth—the goal is to clean surfaces and remove excess food and bacteria. There are, however, some modifications in approach that can prime your children to practice the best oral hygiene.

When your baby is less than a year old, it’s recommended to use a piece of gauze. Put the gauze on your finger, soak it in a small amount of water and gently rub it onto the baby’s teeth. Not only are food leftovers removed from the surface, but it also makes your baby get used to the feeling of teeth cleaning. You don’t actually need toothpaste for effective tooth brushing.

Between two and four years of age, it’s recommended to slowly introduce your children to toothbrushes designed for kids. Keep in mind that children’s coordination is less developed at this age, and it will be necessary for you to help out with brushing teeth.

After the age of four, kids are typically capable of using toothbrushes more on their own. More than likely, you will have started applying toothpaste by this age. The recommended amount of toothpaste is no more than the size of the pea. When the children reach age six, they should be able to brush their teeth totally independently. This is the period of transition from temporary to permanent teeth, too, and it’s crucial that your children already have a healthy oral hygiene routine in place.

Above all else, model healthy oral hygiene for yourself, too. The secret sauce to teaching good oral hygiene is taking care of your own teeth!

This article was first published at Kids and oral hygiene on Josey Lane Dentistry

Teeth Whitening At Home

Professional treatments are your easiest, safest and most efficient means of whitening your teeth. Many may still have lingering curiosities about home treatments, however, and we’re here to give you our professional input to make sure you go about it safely.

Beautiful teeth are white teeth. Celebrities spend a fortune to keep their smiles pearly white. But don’t fret, it’s not always necessary to empty your wallet to get your smile back. There are even some natural remedies you can prepare and try at home—all you need is few minutes to get them ready and few minutes to apply them.

Before starting any whitening, whether out of a box or with these home remedies, it’s important to first get a full dental check-up. Not only will whitening agents not work if your teeth have new tartar on them since your last cleaning, but you’ll also need your dentist to check for decay. Whitening treatments can be dangerous and painful if your teeth have new cavities that need repair.


Secret sauce number one: strawberries

Strawberries are acidic and have a naturally abrasive quality, which is the perfect combination for stain removal and teeth whitening.

How’s it done? Grind two strawberries and mix them with one small spoonful of sodium bicarbonate. Apply the mixture to your teeth using your toothbrush, and leave it on for five minutes before you start vigorously brushing your teeth with the mixture. When you’re done, rinse your mouth with warm water. If you are reluctant to use sodium bicarbonate, simply cut strawberries and rub them on your teeth. Do this once or twice per week.

Secret sauce number two: apple vinegar

Since apple vinegar contains even higher levels of acid, it’s recommended not to use it for teeth whitening more than once a week.

How’s it done? Add a spoonful of sodium bicarbonate to an equal amount of apple vinegar and stir until a thick mass is created. You will see visible results in the whiteness of your teeth after the very first time you brush teeth with it. You can even dip your toothbrush into apple vinegar for the same effect.

Secret sauce number three: lemon

Yet another effective blend with sodium bicarbonate is lemon.

How’s it done? Squeeze one lemon and mix it with a big spoonful of sodium bicarbonate until a foamy substance is created. Gently apply it to your teeth, rubbing it in with your finger. Finish by rinsing with warm water.

Secret sauce number four: olive oil

Swishing olive oil in your mouth is another route to whiter teeth. The best thing about this method is that it’s completely safe to use everyday.

Attention: Don’t forget to lightly brush your teeth with toothpaste after applying any of these methods!

There are loads of other ways you can promote naturally-whiter teeth. For example, the next time you load your toothbrush with toothpaste, sprinkle a little bit of salt on it. You can also eat more cauliflower and carrots. These vegetables mechanically clean your teeth as you chew, and they also stimulate the saliva production that neutralizes acid and protects your teeth.

In order to maintain your smile long-term, avoid stain-causing foods and drink like wine and coffee. If you’re using one of these secret-sauce methods once or twice per week, that on top of regular cleanings can be what makes the difference in keeping your smile “Hollywood white.”

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← How to Prevent and Cure Bad Breath

How to Prevent and Cure Bad Breath

When you feel the presence of bad breath in your bed, it’s a shameful thing—no matter if it’s coming from your partner’s or your own mouth. And as universal as bad breath is, it’s still a social taboo. The only way to confront the stigma is to talk about the issue, ideally before bad breath affects self-respect or personal relationships.

What causes bad breath?

Most bad breath comes from the food leftovers trapped in your mouth. When these leftovers are left undisturbed for too long, they invite—and begin to breed—different types of bacteria. Once bacteria nest there, they produce odors. Some of the common culprits for food overstaying its visit to your mouth are: bad tooth fillings, periodontal pockets, paradontopathy, and distorted or tightly-spaced teeth.


There is one condition that’s an extra-potent producer of bad breath. The condition is called xerostomia, and reduces saliva secretion, causing dryness in the mouth. Saliva plays an important role as a defense mechanism in your mouth, acting as an anti-bacterial liquid. Plus, it serves to rinse your mouth after eating. Without sufficient saliva, food will extend its stay and invite bacteria in, too. And you’re the one stuck with bad breath.

Research shows that many medications can cause xerostomia, and so it’s important to consult with your dentist in deciding whether you should stop taking a particular medicine.

Let’s talk garlic

Off-putting odor coming from the mouth—technically known as halitosis—is not a health problem per se, but it flags certain processes in our organism that we should pay attention to. We don’t have to be dental specialists to understand that certain foods cause oral odor. However, some go about it differently than you’d think. For example, after eating white garlic, the odor seems to roll off your mouth even while it’s closed. No wonder vampires fear garlic. However, it’s not the lingering odor in your mouth that does it. Your bloodstream actually carries garlic to the lungs, where it emanates from of your body through your expiration. Every breath is loaded with it.

9 Tips To Get Rid Of Bad Breath

1) Make sure you brush your teeth after every meal. Yes—after every meal, no exceptions. It’s the crucial antidote for stuck leftovers. If you don’t have a toothbrush with you, chewing gum will help, but make sure you choose sugar and sorbitol free.
2) Don’t forget washing your tongue, too. Your tongue is actually the destination most visited by bacteria.
3) Floss. Equip yourself with interdental toothpicks or dental floss. These will help you get rid of the food residue not easily reachable when brushing, no matter how fancy your toothbrush is.
4) Regular dentist visits are a must. Your dentist is the soldier who will help you eradicate the military of bacteria trying to make home.
5) Drink plenty of water, especially if you have problems with oral dryness. Bad breath is more prevalent and potent without adequate saliva. Remember, your body is 70% water and 100% ready to fight bad breath if you equip it right.
6) Avoid drinking alcohol or any mouthwashes containing it. Alcohol dries out your mouth; and the same is true of coffee.
7) Quit smoking. Not only do cigarettes instantly create bad breath, but they also affect the mouth flora and your production of plaque.
8) Eat green vegetables. Chlorophyll, especially present in spinach, is a natural breath-fresh machine.
9) Drink green tea (Click here to learn more)

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← Why Is Green Tea Good For Your Oral Health

Why Is Green Tea Good For Your Oral Health

Thinking about a warm cup of tea during cold winter days makes you smile, doesn’t it? But did you know that drinking several cups of green tea per day will make your smile even more beautiful? Not only that this tasty drink prevents tooth decay, but it also fights bad breath through elimination of sulfur in oral cavity, an element that causes bad breath. It works even If the sugar is added. Sweet! So, next time you go on a first date, order a green tea and you will increase the likelihood of kissing by the end of the date.

Positive effects of green tea

Three cups of green tea a day keeps the tooth fairy away. Consistent consumption averts teeth falling out, since its ingredients destroy wide range of bacteria in the mouth and impede their growth. On a more serious note, pundits claim that the substance decreases the chances of oral cancer. Another asset of green tea is that it stimulates the weight loss. White teeth and slimmer body are good reasons to smile.


Is the connection between oral health and green tea scientifically backed up?

Studies have shown that those who regularly drink green tea maintain better condition of periodontal tissue, a collection of soft substances and bones surrounding teeth. The tissue impacts overall oral health. When chronically infected, periodontal tissue harms teeth. Further on, it can be hazardous to the whole organism. Research have found that abnormal periodontal tissue is connected with diseases such as atherosclerosis, diabetes and various cardiovascular diseases. This is where the green tea jumps in.

A hypothesis about beneficial effects of green tea have always been omnipresent in scientific community. According to the study published in Journal of Periodontology, green tea is definitely good for your oral health. Yoshihiro Shimazaki, the founder of the study, conducted a research with a sample of nearly a thousand men, divided into several groups with varied green tea consumption. The results revealed that those who consume green tea on regular basis have healthier periodontal tissue than those who drink less or not at all. The health of the tissue was evaluated by three indicators and each one of them showed improvement due to regular intake of green tea. These results demonstrated positive correlation between green tea consumption and good health of periodontal tissue.

How does the green tea work?

Any dentist would tell you that keeping your gums healthy is crucial for the health of the whole body system. Oral hygiene should be practiced religiously, and the green tea might just be the holy water. As it contains high levels of antioxidant katehin, green tea prevents and fights adverse symptoms of the tissue such as inflammation or frequent bleeding. Katehin operates as anti-inflammatory agent in the mouth, and assists in deceleration of pathological processes.

Even though many find green tea to be a delicious drink, you can also just wash your mouth without drinking it.

Think green. Drink green. Next time you are throwing a tea party, your teeth would really appreciate it If you were only serving green tea.

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← 6 Genius Ways to Master Small Space Gardening

6 Genius Ways to Master Small Space Gardening

Tiny living is a craze sweeping the nation.  Giving up the house and the yard for small condos in the city or tiny homes on a small plot are a popular choice for both millennials looking to decrease their footprint and retiring baby boomers who are more content traveling than keeping up a home. While giving up material possessions to live in a smaller space is one hurdle, many condo and apartment dwellers lament over their inability and lack of space to garden.  For many, growing vegetables is their favorite part of summer.  Gardening is a great way to relieve stress and is a lifelong hobby, and shouldn’t have to be sacrificed just because you don’t have a backyard. For those that live somewhere without much green space – or maybe none at all – we have compiled a list of tips on have to not only garden on a budget, but garden on a balcony as well!

Window Box Wonder

If you don’t have a balcony and think you are out of luck to grow tasty summer fruits, have no fear! All you need is a window box to grow summertime strawberries. All you need are alpine strawberry plants, planting soil, and a wooden or wire hanging window box. To give the illusion of a large harvest, place the plants close together.  Water throughout the spring and summer and pick the fruit as they ripen.  Fresh strawberries are great for topping yogurt, ice cream and cobbler!

Hang Cool

For those who have a balcony and want to maximize space, don’t forget about the railings. Use the railings to holding hanging baskets or boxes.  Use your creativity and mix and match different containers or go for a streamlined, modern look with sleek rectangular containers.  The best part of this is that you can put whatever you like in the boxes. In addition to livening up the balcony, plants can serve as a great noise reducer.  

Hot Spot

Does your balcony get inundated with sun throughout the day?  While this could damage delicate plants, it is the perfect spot for chiles.  Chiles are easy to plant in pots and can easily left out in the elements.  Once the chilis are ready to be picked, you will have the freshest ingredients for Taco Tuesday! Your neighbors will be begging to come over.

Up, Up, and Away

If you are concerned about losing precious patio space, then consider a vertical garden.  Most garden centers or home improvement stores sell the infrastructure for the vertical garden.  Depending on the motif, you can either go modern with stainless steel-looking containers, or for a more rustic vibe, distressed wood. Mix and match the plants in the vertical garden to create depth and vibrance.

Raising the Bar

If a vertical garden is more than you bargained for, look into a raised off the ground gardening bed.  This type of garden is also good for those that have a hard time getting off of the ground or find traditional gardens too low down.  Another advantage to raised gardens is that since they are in containers off the ground, plants are not subjected to changes in ground temperature.  Plants are more protected and can last longer into the cooler fall months.

Its Thyme  

Herbs are easy to grow both in and outdoors and make the perfect small space gardening project. First, pick out the herbs that you use the most in cooking since herbs have the tendency to grow quickly. Basil, thyme, mint and parsley are universal favorites that are easy for both the novice and expert gardener.  The main thing to take into consideration when planting herbs together is the amount of water they require.  Some, like mint and parsley, need more water and prefer moist soil while thyme thrives in soil that is well drained.  Once these herbs grow, gently prune them and use them for cooking or festive drinks!

Gardening shouldn’t be limited to just those that have a backyard.  Don’t let small spaces deter you from your favorite summer time hobby!

This article was first published at 6 Genius Ways to Master Small Space Gardening at Josey Lane Dentistry