As most of you know, participating in a daily oral hygiene routine is an important step to achieving a successful oral health, but how do you know which products to use? Well, we are here to help you! Dentists today recommend using the following items to treat your oral cavity with love and care:

• Toothbrush: When looking for a toothbrush, take the bristle type into consideration. Generally, dental professionals strongly recommend the use of a soft-bristled toothbrush, especially if you have sensitive teeth and gums. This is a great choice for adults and children, and it effectively and successfully removes plaque and stains without damaging your teeth and gums. When it comes to using a manual or electric-powered toothbrush, your preference is all the matters. As long as your teeth are thoroughly cleaned, you can use either type of toothbrush.

• Toothpaste: When looking for the best brand and type of toothpaste to use, it is best to ask your dentist for suggestions, that way he or she can give you an answer based on your specific situation. Usually, dentists like to recommend fluoride toothpaste, which is a beneficial product that nourishes and strengthens your teeth. Also, when looking for toothpaste, look for toothpaste that has the American Dental Seal of Acceptance. This means that the product has been approved by the ADA and it is a safe and effective type of toothpaste.

• Mouthwash: When looking for a mouthwash, it is best to use a fluoride or bacteria-fighting product. Dentists recommend these types of mouthwashes because they not only freshen your breath, but they also nourish and strengthen your oral cavity. Also, alcohol-based mouthwash is not recommended for children under 6 years old because of the likely chance that they will swallow it.

If you would like more details about the best tools to use during your oral hygiene routine, call our dental office today and talk to a member of our dental team. We look forward to helping you!

A GROWING BODY OF RESEARCH linking periodontal disease and rheumatoid arthritis suggests that taking care of our teeth may also be a really good way to take care of our joints. Researchers found that porphyromonas gingivalis, the same bacteria primarily responsible for gum disease, can also be found in the knee joints of patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Oral Health Problems Don’t Remain Isolated In Our Mouths

There are significant links between our oral health and our whole body health. The connection between gum disease and RA isn’t the only evidence studies have found of oral bacteria migrating to other parts of the body. Gum health has also been linked by some researchers to many other systemic conditions including diabetes, heart health, Alzheimer’s, and more.

The Common Thread

RA is an inflammatory immune disorder. Porphyromonas gingivalis bacteria in your mouth may release an enzyme which makes the residue of certain proteins in your body appear to be foreign intruders. If you have RA, this can cause your immune system to attack your own body.

What Can You Do?

When monitoring the health of our bodies, a great place to start is with our mouths. The simplest of things can help prevent harmful bacteria from colonizing and spreading throughout the body.

Brush once or twice each day.
Floss daily.
Schedule regular cleanings and exams (remembering that you may need more frequent appointments if you have signs of gum disease).

Rheumatoid Arthritis Can Make Dental Hygiene More Difficult

Do you have RA? Or, does someone you care for (an aging parent, for example) have RA? Don’t forget that it may be harder for people who suffer from RA to do simple things like properly and thoroughly brush teeth. And, flossing can be even harder because of limited hand flexibility.

If you’re in a position where you need to assist someone with RA (or yourself), please let us know! We can help you brainstorm alternate methods for oral health care that will help.

Thanks for your trust in our practice!

AT FIRST GLANCE the title of this post may seem a little ambitious. We admit that. But we’re passionate about what we do and we hope you feel that each time you visit us. And in some small (yet very significant) ways, team members here really do feel like we change the world.

It’s Not About Teeth

Does that sound strange coming from our dental practice? We’re being a tiny bit facetious to illustrate a point. Here are some of the ways you can have a powerful impact for good through the dental profession:

1. You Will Dispel Fears & Stereotypes

Modern dentistry isn’t your grandparent’s dentistry. Never before in history have dental materials and services been so comfortable, so effective, so life changing and accessible to so many as they are today.

2. You Will Build Trusted, Lifelong Friendships

It’s one of the things we love most. When it comes to connecting broadly and deeply with so many people and with our community—while helping patients stay healthy and confident—few careers provide the rich opportunities dentistry provides.

3. You Will Restore Confidence For Many You Serve

There are no greater feelings than the ones that come when you see a patient smile who was embarrassed to smile before. Truly life enhancing. You’ll feel like you’re walking on clouds (alongside your patient).

4. You Will Educate For Better Health (and you may save a life)

Our oral health is inextricably linked to our overall well-being. It’s a privilege and serious responsibility to continually educate about important topics such as oral cancer.

5. You Will Help Sustain Quality Of Life For “Seasoned” Patients

As live expectancies continue to increase, we love helping people keep healthy smiles decades longer. We do that through continuing education, modern technological developments, and thoughtful preventative maintenance.

Do You Know Someone Considering A Dentistry Career?

If so, please pass this blog post along to them regardless of whether they’re considering becoming a hygienist, dentist, dental assistant or dental administrator.

And if that person would like to visit with us, please have them give us a call. We’d be happy to visit with them.

Check Out This Related Video…

This was shared by the American Dental Education Association (ADEA) which provides students with information and assistance in reaching their dental career goals. Students in the video share the reasons they’re pursuing dentistry:

Thanks for being part of our practice family. We love what we do because of you!

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