The Benefits of Tongue Scraping

Many times, we go to the dentist with the idea that our oral health is focused, first and foremost, on the teeth and gums. However, we should look more at one appendage that is just as crucial when it comes to wellness – the tongue!

We use it to taste, and we use it to talk. But do you know the proper techniques to take care of your tongue?

Ashly Rothrock, a member of dental hygienist team at Artistic Dental, has all of the answers:

“Scraping the tongue removes bacteria and toxins from the surface that can cause bad breath, block taste buds, and interfere with digestion. Harmful bacteria that remain on the tongue surface cause a foul odor resulting in halitosis. Taste buds can be blocked by bacteria which interferes with the ability to taste food and drinks,” fairly straightforward – but a clean tongue can also help dentists identify other problems that may stay hidden in your mouth:

“Abnormalities on the tongue such as lesions and discoloration are easier to detect on a clean, healthy, tongue.”

So, tongue scraping it is. Now we just need to know with what, and how often –

“Tongue scraping should be done daily along with brushing, flossing, and rinsing, and there are special tongue scrapers available. Some have plastic ridges and grooves that aid in removal of bacteria. Others have bristles that are a little harder than that on the toothbrush. Since a soft toothbrush is recommended, an additional tongue scraper is helpful to avoid fraying the toothbrush bristles quicker.”

Ashly also noted that many toothbrushes come with scraping mechanisms on the back of the brush head, and that in a pinch, the bristled brush head itself will do.

So along with your regular routine of brushing and flossing don’t forget to include tongue scraping for optimum oral health. If you have any further questions or need to schedule an appointment for a teeth cleaning and checkup be sure to book today. Our end of year appointments are filling up!

How to teach your child good oral hygiene

Teaching healthy habits is much more about what we do than what we say. Children will closely observe their parents’ behavior and other important adults in their lives as they learn and form their own behaviors and habits. In other words, it is important that parents practice what they preach when it comes to maintaining good oral hygiene.

It can be difficult for children to understand the importance of taking good care of their teeth and gums and how it can impact their overall health. Fortunately, there are ways to engage kids using age appropriate activities to help them understand just how vital oral hygiene is. 

Here are a few strategies you may want to try: 

·         Give kids choices. Let them choose their own toothbrush and toothpaste, providing that they’re age appropriate. Before the age of two fluoride-free toothpaste is recommended.  From the age of two on it’s best to use an ADA approved brand containing fluoride. Characters on toothbrushes or a superhero on the tube of toothpaste might encourage them to stick to their brushing routine.

·         Show them how it’s done. Let them see you brush your teeth in the morning and evening. If the message is not resonating consider showing them some fun YouTube videos. Watching what a peer is doing is often more relatable and considered a lot “cooler” than mom or dad!

·         Invest in technology. If the novelty of a manual toothbrush wears off, consider purchasing an electric toothbrush. If you have more than one child, you can save money by purchasing one and then buying individual heads for each child. Turn brushing into fun-time using this new “toy” to do the job. For younger kids consider a less expensive option—adding a fun faucet fountain like a whale or dolphin to make it more entertaining.

·        Turn tooth brushing time into story time. If you are creative you can make up a story where all the bad guys have brown, ugly teeth. Otherwise, there are a number of great books to read aloud, like Open Wide by Laurie Keller or The Tooth Book by Dr. Seuss.

There are many factors that help children learn how to take good care of their teeth and maintain a healthy smile. Beyond modeling good habits, the other most important thing a parent can do is book regular checkups and limit sugar intake. If a dental emergency should occur, contact your dentist immediately.

How does pregnancy affect your oral health?

Pregnancy presents a unique set of challenges affecting oral health. If you are considering getting pregnant, we highly recommend seeing your dentist for a teeth cleaning and exam in advance. However, if you are already pregnant, the second trimester is the best time to receive routine dental care, but you should wait until after the baby is born to have any major procedures or oral surgeries.

It is important to take good care of your teeth and gums while pregnant as the hormonal changes increase the risk of developing gum disease due to the body’s response to plaque. Pregnancy does not automatically damage your teeth; that is an old wives tale, but there are some common causes of dental health issues that frequently occur during pregnancy:

• Gum problems (gingivitis and/or periodontal disease) 

•  Vomiting

• Cravings for sugary foods and sodas

• Retching while brushing

Practicing good oral hygiene habits is extremely important during pregnancy.

• Continue to brush twice daily and floss

• Eat a well-balanced diet

• Try drinking water infused with fruits, like lemon and strawberry instead of drinking sugary sodas

• Eat foods rich in vitamin C and B12 and increase your calcium intake.

Calcium lowers your risk of osteoporosis and also promotes strong teeth during pregnancy. If you are suffering from morning sickness you may want to carry a toothbrush in your purse as you will need to brush more often to avoid a greater build-up of plaque, but don’t brush immediately. If brushing causes morning sickness, rinse with anti-plaque and fluoride mouthwashes. Also, pay close attention to your gum line and keep it clean.

If you experience a dental emergency during pregnancy consult your dentist and physician to determine the best approach for treatment. Artistic Dental is committed to helping you keep your beautiful smile so you can share it with your baby.

Which Cleans Better: A Manual or Electric Toothbrush?

If you’re in the market for a new toothbrush you may be asking yourself if it’s better to stick with an old-fashioned manual toothbrush or if it’s time to upgrade to an electric one. The American Dental Association states that you can effectively clean your teeth with either, so long as you are using the correct technique. This means the decision really comes down to personal preference.

Before deciding between an electric or manual toothbrush, here are some things to consider:

• Electric toothbrushes can be easier for people who have arthritis or other difficulties moving the brush across their teeth.
• Electric toothbrushes are typically more expensive.
• Some people are more apt to brush their teeth if they’re using an electric toothbrush.
• Some people are bothered by the vibrations from electric toothbrushes.
• Electric toothbrushes typically put less pressure on teeth and gums.
• Manual toothbrushes can be easier to travel with, as they don’t require chargers or batteries.    

Regardless of which type of toothbrush you decide works best for you, make sure you brush twice a day, floss regularly and replace your brush every three months or sooner. If you have had an illness or you see bristles begin to fray and notice they are no longer straight and firm, it’s time to buy a new toothbrush (or replace the brush head on some types of electric toothbrushes). Always make sure you are brushing your teeth and gums properly and thoroughly; if you’re unsure if you’re brushing effectively, consult your dentist during your bi-yearly teeth cleaning.