5 Fun Ways to Welcome the Tooth Fairy

Posted on April 30, 2021 by MK & C Dental Group

For generations, the Tooth Fairy has left a small gift for children who hid their fallen baby teeth under their pillow. Read more…

Written by- https://www.mouthhealthy.org/ For generations, the Tooth Fairy has left a small gift for children who hid their fallen baby teeth under their pillow. This charming tradition is the perfect time to help kids learn more about taking care of their teeth. Here are 5 delightful and inexpensive ways to embrace this magical spirit with the whole family.

1. A receipt for your child’s tooth

This little document can be left in your child’s bedroom as a remembrance of the event. Buy a receipt pad and write it out yourself. Include your child’s name, the date, a description of the tooth received, and the reward, plus a small note such as: “Thank you for this lovely tooth! I can see that you are brushing every day. Keep up the good work!”

2. A tooth fairy dish

Here’s a sweet alternative to the under-the-pillow trick (and one that is much easier to access): help your child choose or create a special dish to keep their teeth. Visit a local thrift shop or housewares store to find one, or paint your own at a local ceramics studio. Talk with your child about what she or he thinks might please the Tooth Fairy’s eye … perhaps one that is shiny and bright, like a healthy smile!

3. A keepsake book

A simple blank notebook can be turned into a lasting record of Tooth Fairy’s visits. Invite your child to choose one at an office supply store or bookstore. You can have fun decorating the notebook with your child’s name, hometown and any other details s/he would like the Tooth Fairy to know. Have your child write the Tooth Fairy a note before bed every time he or she loses a tooth. When you leave your child’s gift behind, record the date and add a little note, such as: “This is a very handsome tooth! Did you know you’re on your way to having 32 grownup teeth someday?”

4. A bright-smile calendar

The Tooth Fairy’s visit is a great time to engage kids in healthy dental habits. Along with the Tooth Fairy’s gift, leave a brushing calendar in your child’s room as an extra gift. You can also make it reusable by laminating it at your local office-supply store and provide a colorful dry-erase marker for your child to record each time he or she brushes, flosses, or visits the dentist.

5. A Tooth Fairy “Smilestone” scrapbook page

It can be fun to record how your child’s smile changes as baby teeth fall out and grownup teeth come in. Create a milestone keepsake album of “smilestones” to memorialize each visit from the Tooth Fairy. If you want to make your own, choose an album from the dollar or craft store — or have fun making one together with colored paper, stickers, yarn, and other supplies. You can also just add a scrapbook page to your baby book. Talk with your child about the experience of losing a tooth and capture memories in the pages of the album. Leave it out in your child’s bedroom for the Tooth Fairy to enjoy, too, and consider sharing with the dentist at your next checkup! https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/babies-and-kids/playing-the-tooth-fairy

How to avoid the risks of Mask Mouth?

Posted on April 14, 2021 by MK & C Dental Group

Written by- https://orawellness.com/ There’s a new oral health development due to the events of 2020 that warrants a discussion. Dentists are witnessing an uptick in the prevalence of dry mouth, gum disease, and tooth decay. This uptick is being attributed to habitually wearing masks for long periods, which is why the media has named this new phenomenon “mask mouth”. In this article, the focus will be on the solutions. There’s a physiology behind how wearing a mask can impact one’s oral health and how to reduce the risks. Understanding how masks can affect our mouths can help us to take action so we can safely wear masks, while maintaining our oral health. What is “mask mouth”? Mask mouth is a new phenomenon for our global culture – it refers to the effects on our oral health due to long-term mask usage. Due to the pandemic, the public at large is now faced with having to navigate the impact of prolonged habitual mask-wearing, including mask mouth. First, let’s take a look at what causes mask mouth. Then we’ll look into what you can do to avoid the risks of mask-wearing. What happens to our teeth when wearing a mask? Did you know that one cause of tooth decay is dry mouth? Yep, saliva levels play a huge role in whether or not the thug bugs implicated with tooth decay (and gum disease) gain the upper hand in the oral microbiome. Decreased saliva levels allow these trouble-causing oral pathogens to build their numbers. Wearing a mask might make you less likely to drink water during the day to stay hydrated and maintain the moisture important for a healthy mouth. You might also find yourself breathing more often through your mouth instead of your nose when wearing a mask. Habitual mouth breathing also invites a host of other system-wide breakdowns, including bad breath and even teeth becoming misaligned over time (because it prevents the tongue from being in the proper position against the roof of the mouth to help support the alignment of the teeth). So, here’s the issue summary as it’s seen…

Wearing a mask may make you less likely to drink water frequently, and more likely to breathe through your mouth.
Both of these lead to decreased saliva and dry mouth.
A dry mouth allows thug bugs to proliferate and gain the upper hand in the oral microbiome.
If the above steps are habitual, then this shift in the oral microbiome causes an increased tendency for both tooth decay and gum disease

So if masks have to be worn right now due to the pandemic, what can be done to help ourselves?

What can be done to mitigate the risks of mask mouth?

Thankfully there are several actions that can be taken up to help navigate this challenging situation. 1. Find opportunities to safely remove your mask during the day. Simply put, seek to limit the amount of time you are breathing through a mask. Why risk causing the physiological down-regulation for longer than you have to? For example, the next time you’re on the road, take notice of how many people you see driving in cars by themselves while wearing a mask. When you’re in the car alone, that’s a good opportunity to give your body a break by lowering your mask and breathing freely (through your nose, of course!). 2. Be conscious of your breathing and water intake. If you need to wear a mask for longer periods, tune into your breathing. By bringing conscious awareness to your breathing regularly, you can remind yourself to breathe easily through your nose, and also to take breaks for water when it is safe. While in a mask-heavy zone, try setting a timer for every 15-30 minutes. This way, your little timer can go off and remind you to turn your attention to taking 5 slow, deep breaths. 3. Learn to keep your tongue in the ‘home’ position and to breathe through your nose all the time (even when you’re not wearing a mask). This gem is a big one for us. This technique has SO much benefit for the entire being. Limiting to just the scope of this article, learning to keep your tongue in the ‘home’ position helps to maintain existing saliva levels and it can even help to naturally increase the saliva production. Also, if the tongue is trained to rest in the place where it’s meant to hang out (the roof of the mouth), it becomes natural to breathe more fully, which addresses some of the negative consequences of mask-wearing. 4. Maintain a good oral hygiene routine. Some people start slacking on their oral hygiene when they know they’re going to be wearing a mask. After all, who’s going to smell your breath? While it might be tempting to save time by skipping some brushing sessions, this can be detrimental to the long-term oral health. (Also, remember that whether it’s fresh or stinky, you will be the one who is stuck smelling your breath in that mask! ) In all seriousness, it’s important to maintain diligence with healthy oral hygiene habits, including conscious brushing, flossing, and tongue cleaning daily. https://orawellness.com/mask-mouth/

Is Baking Soda safe to brush with?

Posted on March 31, 2021 by MK & C Dental Group

Written by- https://orawellness.com/ Is baking soda safe to brush with? “Will I damage my teeth if I brush with baking soda?” Some experts claim that regularly brushing with baking soda can cause wear on tooth enamel and gum tissue.

Is baking soda really to blame?

Our teeth like to be polished and our gums like to be massaged. If we remember just this one thing while brushing, we’ll be much more inclined to treat our teeth more carefully: Our teeth are living gems. Yep, our tooth structure is like a crystal. But, unlike rubies and diamonds, these ‘tooth crystals’ are alive The bottom line is that most of us brush our teeth unconsciously. We call it ‘zombie brushing’. Let’s face it, if we brush our teeth like we’re scrubbing a grout line in our bathroom, then yes, using baking soda to brush our teeth could potentially cause some real problems. One way to tell whether you brush unconsciously is to note how you hold your toothbrush. If you hold your toothbrush with a closed fist, you’re most likely scrubbing a grout line. So, before we dive any further into the details of whether or not it’s safe to regularly brush with baking soda, let’s firmly state that how we brush our teeth is more important than what we brush with. Let’s explore the risks and benefits of using baking soda to brush our teeth. Here are the potential downsides to using baking soda as a tooth powder.

Risk 1: Abrasivity

Is baking soda too abrasive? To answer this, let’s compare baking soda to some abrasives that are commonly included in oral hygiene products. In the world of oral hygiene products, there’s a scale called ‘Relative Dentin Abrasivity’ (or RDA). It ranks product abrasive from zero (not abrasive) to over 200 (super abrasive). Baking soda is only a 7 on the RDA scale. So, at first glance, it seems that when used consciously, baking soda isn’t too abrasive. Pay attention if you have receding gums As you know, the enamel is the outer portion of each tooth. Under the enamel is the dentin, then the tooth pulp. However, if we have receding gums, it’s very possible that the portion of the tooth around our gum line may no longer be enamel. As the gum recession progresses, the softer tooth tissue called ‘cementum’ may become exposed around the gum line. This explains why it’s more common for adults to get cavities along the gum line than on the chewing surfaces of their teeth. The receding gums expose the cementum, which is softer than the enamel that covers the crown of the tooth (therefore, it’s more prone to decay as well as structural damage from brushing too hard and using products that are too abrasive). However, overall, when used consciously, baking soda is ok to use in a toothpaste or powder.

Risk 2: What about the aluminum in baking soda?

This is a common cultural myth. Baking soda does not contain aluminum. Some product manufacturers have caused confusion by listing ‘aluminum-free baking soda’ on their ingredient list, but baking soda doesn’t have any aluminum in it.

Risk 3: Daily use of baking soda by itself may be too far…

There are experts in the field who suggest that brushing with baking soda alone is too ‘rough’ and compromises the healthy biofilm that our teeth need in order to be healthy. Now that we’ve unpacked some of the risks of brushing with baking soda, let’s explore some of the benefits.

Benefit 1: Supports a healthier oral pH

Our mouth pH plays a big role in determining which populations of bacteria flourish there. It’s generally recognized that the lower (more acidic) the pH in the mouth, the greater the risk of tooth decay. (Enamel demineralization occurs at pH 5.5 and lower.) You see, the bacteria that flourish at a pH of 5.5 will find a pH of 6.5 or 7.0 downright inhospitable. To successfully manage our oral microbiome, our job is to help maintain a mouth pH that supports the probiotic bacteria populations that help us to live healthy, vital lives. Baking soda’s pH of 8.3 helps support a more alkaline oral pH. It gently nudges the environment in our mouths to a healthier place. For more information on pH’s role in our oral health, check out our article, “Tracking your saliva pH“. This article contains a free OraWellness saliva tracking log that you can download to help you along your path.

Benefit 2: Baking soda lowers thug bug count

Plenty of research shows that baking soda can really help lower the populations of thug bugs in the mouth, so it’s an effective support tool to reduce periodontal pathogens. This makes sense if you stop and think about it. Baking soda is sodium bicarbonate, so it’s a salt. All salts are naturally antimicrobial.

Do the benefits outweigh the risks?

Given the above information, we believe that baking soda can offer support in helping us navigate to optimal oral health provided that we brush consciously and avoid ‘zombie brushing’ our teeth. Baking soda definitely provides plenty of ‘grit’ to help remove plaque. However, to avoid causing more harm than good, we must be vigilant and mindful while brushing with baking soda. You see, most of the grit from baking soda (and toothpaste, for that matter) is diluted with saliva and ‘used up’ within the first 20 seconds of brushing. So for example, if out of habit you always start on the upper left side when brushing, the teeth and surrounding gum tissue in that area are going to get more than their fair share of abrasive action, and they may weaken over time.

How to avoid overworking one spot in your mouth?

To help mitigate the risk of this habitual ‘starting to brush in the same spot every time’. Here’s the simple strategy… Presuming you brush twice a day, start on one side of your mouth in the morning and the other side at night. An easy way to remember this is ‘at night, start on the right’. So, each morning, start brushing on the left side of your mouth and each night, on the right. In this way, we reduce the risk of over brushing one area and we spread out the fresh toothpaste/tooth powder to various areas around the mouth.

How to use baking soda in a homemade tooth powder?

We are so grateful for the resurgence of the DIY (do-it-yourself) movement. From making deodorant to raising backyard chickens, we’re all waking up to the benefits of doing or making things ourselves. If you want to try your hand at making a tooth powder, definitely consider using baking soda as one of the ingredients. You may also consider using xylitol to boost remineralization. Just make sure that the xylitol is sourced from birch and not corn, so you avoid GMO exposure. https://orawellness.com/is-baking-soda-safe-to-brush-with/

The Stress of COVID-19 Linked to Increased Oral Health Problems

Posted on March 17, 2021 by MK & C Dental Group

Written by- Jessica Arnold Posted on October 30, 2020 If you’ve been feeling a little on edge lately, you’re not alone. According to a report released by Harvard Medical School and the University of North Carolina, the COVID-19 pandemic has increased stress levels in the U.S. by 55%! Elevated stress levels can lead to many overall health problems, including issues affecting your oral health. And the current public health crisis is highlighting how lifestyle stressors can impact health and well-being. New data from the American Dental Association Health Policy Institute’s (HPI) COVID-19 impact poll reports that dentists have seen a rise in stress-related oral health conditions in their patients since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. More than half of the dentists polled reported an increase in teeth grinding (bruxism), chipped and cracked teeth, and disorders affecting the jaw muscles (temporomandibular symptoms). Over a quarter of these same dentists saw a rise in conditions like cavities and gum disease.

Stress affects your smile

It’s not uncommon for people under a lot of tension to begin grinding their teeth as a response to stress. Clenching the jaw or holding the teeth too tightly together during the day or while sleeping can cause jaw pain, earaches, headaches, and worn down teeth. Increased stress can also take a toll on your immune system. Evidence suggests that a compromised immune system makes it easier for infections to develop and fester. It means the infections in the mouth, like canker or cold sores, can take longer to heal. Stress can also lead to bad oral health habits like smoking, drinking, and neglecting a normal hygiene routine, including regular brushing, flossing, and visiting the dentist.

Preventive oral care remains down

HPI survey showed that 99% of dental offices in the U.S. are open. Patient volume leveled off at just over 80% of pre-COVID-19 levels, indicating patients have not fully resumed the usual preventive care and treatment schedules. It is troubling news because it affects adults and children alike.

Ways to reduce stress-related oral health problems

It’s not possible to make the pandemic or the stress associated with it disappear overnight, but you can take steps to make your family’s oral health a priority and reduce stress-related oral health problems.

If you find yourself clenching your jaw during the day, take a few moments to relax your face and jaw muscles and let your teeth part. If you’re a night-grinder, talk with your dentist about solutions, like a mouthguard.
Build up your body’s immune system by getting enough rest and eating healthy foods full of vitamins and minerals.
Brush and floss regularly. Keeping up a good oral hygiene habit at home is the number one way to prevent gum disease and tooth decay.
Visit the dentist. Dental offices are open and taking extra measures to keep you and your family safe. It could include pre-appointment screenings, temperature checks, extra cleaning and sanitation measures, and additional personal protective equipment for patients and staff.

Be sure to make time for some of your favorite ways to relax, like reading a book or going for a bike ride. It is also a great opportunity to try something new! Making healthy choices will help keep your physical and mental health in tip-top shape. http://deltadentalazblog.com/covid-19-stress-linked-to-increased-oral-health-problems/

What Causes Receding Gums?

Posted on March 3, 2021 by MK & C Dental Group

Written by- https://orawellness.com/ The internet is full of misinformation around receding gums. What causes it? What can you do to make sure your gums are healthy? What can you do if your gums are already receding? Let’s start by exploring a bit of mouth anatomy to help create a foundation for this discussion on how to optimize your gum health.

Gum tissue anatomy 101

Our gums are nothing more than a layer of skin that covers the bone tissue of the upper jaw (maxilla) and lower jaw (mandible). As long as the underlying jaw bone is intact, the gum tissue will stay strong and at healthy levels on the teeth. In other words, the only reason gums recede is because the bone that supports the gum tissue has withdrawn. So, to figure out what’s causing gum recession, we need to first take a look at the 5 main factors that cause jaw bone tissue to withdraw, or demineralize.

5 main causes of jaw demineralization

Here are the five main factors that contribute to diminishing jaw bone tissue:

Periodontal disease (advanced gum disease)
Bruxism (clenching and grinding the teeth)
Nutritional deficiencies
Trauma
Genetics

The jaw bone tissue surrounds all sides of each of our teeth. Unfortunately, the layer of bone tissue on the facial (outside nearest the skin/lips) surface is very thin, and for some people, it can even be non-existent. The density of jaw bone tissue on the facial (outer) side of our teeth plays a very key role in gum recession. The demineralization process of the jawbone doesn’t occur overnight. The bone slowly loses minerals, but its overall structure remains intact. If the cause of the demineralization has been effectively addressed, as long as the ‘scaffolding’ of the jaw bone remains in place, the bone can remineralize. However, once the scaffolding-like structure of the bone also demineralizes, the gum tissue no longer has the support it needs to remain at optimal levels on the teeth. This bone loss does not immediately cause the gum to recede, but at this point, the gum tissue is very vulnerable to recession. Without the underlying support of the bone to keep it in place, any aggravation can provoke the gum tissue to recede.

How do we stop the gum recession?

We must first identify what’s causing the underlying bone to demineralize, to stop our gums from receding. One common contributing factor is general nutritional deficiency, so it is always important to ensure you are eating a healthy and balanced diet. Below are some additional reasons why gums might recede.

Gum disease

Gum disease is common in modern times. So, unless we’re sure that we don’t have it, it might be best to operate under the assumption that we have an active infection. Periodontal disease is a gum disease that has advanced to a point where the jaw bone is being compromised. You see, in the mouth, the ‘thug bugs’ implicated with gum disease not only directly destroy bone tissue, but they also cause our immune system to go on ‘full alert’. In an attempt to stop the infection, our immune system creates inflammation in the localized region. When this infection is chronic (ongoing), it leads to chronic inflammation in the area, which also contributes to a breakdown in jaw bone health.

Bruxism (grinding and clenching)

The stresses of our modern lifestyle may play a part in why some people grind their teeth, researchers are now finding that nighttime grinding is very strongly associated with mild sleep apnea.

Trauma

The trauma of one accident can change the course of a person’s entire life. Overall, when we damage a bone, it commonly grows back stronger than before the trauma. However, in the case of our jaw bone, there’s so much risk of infection in or around the jaw that the common occurrence of ‘break it and it gets stronger’ doesn’t seem to apply here.

Genetics

The original thickness of the facial jawbones may be a matter of genetics. Just like we are all born with variations in our skulls, the texture of our hair, etc., the density of your jaw bone may have a genetic component. Some people may even have been born with a complete lack of jaw bone tissue on the facial surface. Like we stated above, if the facial jaw bone diminishes, the gum tissue that was being supported by that bone tissue becomes more at risk of receding.

8 Bad Brushing Habits to Break in 2021

Posted on February 12, 2021 by MK & C Dental Group

Written by: https://www.mouthhealthy.org/

Not Replacing Your Toothbrush Often Enough

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends changing your toothbrush every 3-4 months, so resolve to change your toothbrush every season this year. If you see frayed and broken bristles, these are signs it’s time to let go of the old toothbrush. When you’re shopping, look for one with the ADA Seal of Acceptance.

Not Brushing Long Enough

Your teeth should be brushed twice per day for a full two minutes. The average time most people spend brushing is only 45 seconds.

Brushing Too Hard

Too much pressure may damage your gums, so be gentle with your teeth. You may think brushing harder will remove more leftover food and the bacteria that love to eat it, but a gentle brushing is all that’s needed.

Brushing Right After Eating

Wait at least 60 minutes before brushing—especially if you have had something acidic like lemons, grapefruit, or soda. Drink water or chew sugarless gum with the ADA Seal of Acceptance to help clean your mouth while you are waiting to brush.

Storing Your Brush Improperly

Keep your toothbrush upright and let it air dry in the open, when you’re done brushing. Avoid keeping your toothbrush in a closed container, where germs have more opportunity to grow.

Using a Brush with Hard Bristles

Soft bristles are a safe bet. And be mindful to be gentle, especially where your gums and teeth meet, as you brush. Talk to your dentist about what kind of toothbrush is best for you.

Improper Brushing Technique

Here’s one technique to try for a thorough brush: First, place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gums. Then, gently move the brush back and forth in short (tooth-wide) strokes. Next, brush the outer surfaces, the inner surfaces, and the chewing surfaces of the teeth. Finally, to clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth, tilt the brush vertically and make several up-and-down strokes.

Using a Brush That’s Not the Best Fit for You

Try different types of brushes until you find one you’re comfortable with. For example, a power brush can be easier to hold and does some of the work for you if you have trouble brushing. No matter which you choose remember that it’s not all about the brush—a clean mouth is really up to the brusher!

https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/brushing-mistakes-slideshow?utm_source=mouthhealthyorg&utm_medium=mhrotator&utm_content=new-year-resolutions

The key to greater oral health is already in your mouth!

Posted on January 29, 2021 by MK & C Dental Group

Letʼs cover the statistics according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research.

92% of adults have tooth decay
42% of children have tooth decay
greater than 90% of adults have gum disease
65% of 15-year-olds have active gum disease (YIKES!)

Given these numbers, what can we do to support our children in creating greater oral health for their lives?

How saliva benefits oral health…

1. Saliva is the way teeth remineralize!

There is such a buzz about remineralizing teeth in the whole real food movement today. What is important to note is that the teeth are remineralized through the saliva being washed over the teeth! We must have sufficient nutrition in our diet to have the necessary minerals present in the saliva to support remineralization. That said, saliva plays a key role in remineralizing the teeth.

The benefits of increased saliva production for the prevention of tooth decay are well established. Whether you believe general dental theory that decay occurs due to acids from bacteria in the mouth digesting sugars or prefer the theory most recently brought to light by Rami Nagel in his book, Cure Tooth Decay, tooth decay occurs when there is an imbalance between the demineralization of the enamel surface and remineralization produced by the return of mineral ions into enamel. The frequent stimulation of saliva, especially after the intake of sugars, will help to dilute and buffer plaque acid, bring extra mineral ions into the plaque fluid and thereby promote remineralization.

2. Saliva reduces the thug bugs that cause gum disease and tooth decay…

Research shows a clear relationship between the fact that saliva production declines with age and the fact of an increased risk of gum disease with age. Saliva has within it a whole host of ʻfirst respondersʼ for our immune system.

For example, lactoferrin is one compound naturally found in saliva. Lactoferrin is part of our innate immune system and is one of our key front lines of defense to help us live healthy lives. Lactoferrin binds iron in the mouth and thereby deprives the ‘thug bugsʼ that cause the damage of gum disease of the iron necessary for them to flourish.

Enzymes also play a key role in creating greater oral health. Of the salivary enzymes involved in maintaining the ecology of the mouth, one of the first to be recognized was the enzyme lysozyme, which appears to work by destabilizing the cell wall of bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum disease.

3. Saliva helps to re-establish healthy pH in the mouth.

To maintain an optimal oral ecology is the key to creating greater oral health. While we can most effectively address optimizing the pH of the mouth through immune-supporting protocols like a nutrient-dense diet, restful sleep, and healthy coping tools for stress, saliva plays a key role in the actual mechanism of establishing what the pH of our mouth is going to be at any given time.

How to increase saliva production?

The principle “Use it or Lose it” applies when discussing saliva production. We must exercise our ability to produce saliva or suffer the fate of a dry mouth and the problems that come with decreased saliva production.

While we can eat to produce more saliva, the extra benefits to our health of the increased saliva are offset by the main job of saliva during eating, to begin the digestion process. Therefore, letʼs discuss a strategy on how to increase oneʼs saliva production without eating.

Mouth Probiotics! (AKA Exercise your spit!)

Step 1: Gather any saliva in your mouth into a pool on your tongue. Now using the musculature of the throat, draw the saliva back and forth from the back of the tongue to just behind the front teeth then back again several times (we recommend 30-50 repetitions). With practice, this action will increase the amount of saliva present in the mouth.

Step 2: Once you have a pool of saliva on your tongue, give your teeth, and gums a bath with your increased saliva! We call swishing with saliva ʻswashingʼ because itʼs like you are swishing and washing at the same time. Swash with the increased saliva for a minute or two then swallow it down and let the saliva now support greater digestion in the stomach!

This is such a simple technique that even young children can do it.

“Is the key to greater oral health already in your mouth?”, Oral Wellness.

https://orawellness.com/is-the-key-to-greater-oral-health-already-in-your-mouth/

Why do Men avoid the dentist?

Posted on December 30, 2020 by MK & C Dental Group

According to a recent study by the Cleveland Clinic, men aren’t going to the doctor for regular checkups as they should. 72% of survey respondents said they’d rather do household chores like clean the bathroom or mow the lawn than go to the doctor. Similarly, three-quarters of men who are married or in a domestic partnership would rather go shopping with their significant other than visit the doctor. Men are less likely than women to seek preventive dental care and may neglect their oral health for years, according to the American Dental Association. Why are men avoiding the dentist? For many men, it’s simple. They don’t want to “bother” the doctor or dentist because they think the problem will likely just resolve on its own. For others, it’s fear-based. They are afraid of what the diagnosis or outcome of an issue could reveal. Avoiding the dentist is part of a larger oral health problem that has men dodging routine at-home dental care too. Consider the following:

Men are less likely to brush their teeth after every meal compared to women
Men are less likely to brush their teeth twice a day compared to women
Men are more likely to have untreated dental decay compared to women

What is the impact on their smile and overall health? Heart disease is still the number one leading cause of death for men in the United States, and poor oral hygiene can increase your risk of heart disease. High levels of inflammation associated with untreated periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, can contribute to heart conditions. It leads to a scary statistic: those with gum disease are twice as likely to suffer a heart attack. Research also suggests a link between a man’s prostate health and periodontal health. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is an enzyme created in the prostate that is normally released in very small amounts. When these PSA levels rise, it can signal a problem in the prostate. Men who have signs of gum disease and prostate issues have higher levels of PSA than men with only one of the conditions. While more research is needed, there’s evidence that men with erectile dysfunction are more likely to have gum disease than those who don’t have it. A study in China found that rats with periodontitis or gum disease had less of an enzyme which helps males achieve an erection. How can men take back control of their health? Men need to keep these two words in mind: proaction and prevention. Good oral and overall health starts with being proactive about your health and seeking preventive care. For starters, brushing and flossing daily can help reduce tooth decay by as much as 40%. Second, schedule annual dental checkups. Dentists can detect up to 120 diseases that have signs and symptoms in the mouth. This means they are often the first person to spot a potential problem before it gets worse. And if anxiety about going to the dentist is the root cause for avoiding these annual checkups, try using these tips:

Plan ahead—book an appointment when you’re not in a rush to reduce your stress
Take a few slow, deep breaths after arriving at the office if you feel tension rising
Let your dentist know if you’re feeling anxious, he or she might have some relaxation techniques to try

Establishing an oral health care routine at home and scheduling regular dental checkups will help men (and women) avoid more costly and painful procedures in the future. Arnold, Jessica, “Men, Avoiding the Dentist is Bad for Your Health”, Delta Dental

Men, Avoiding the Dentist is Bad for Your Health

What causes Baby Bottle Tooth Decay?

Posted on December 18, 2020 by MK & C Dental Group

Your child’s baby teeth are important and are still susceptible to cavities, even though they are temporary. Tooth decay in infants and toddlers is often referred to as Baby Bottle Tooth Decay or Early Childhood Caries. Children need strong, healthy teeth to chew their food, speak, and have a good-looking smile. Their first teeth also help make sure their adult teeth grow and develop correctly. It’s important to start infants off with good oral care to help protect their teeth for decades to come.

What Causes Baby Bottle Tooth Decay?

Baby Bottle Tooth Decay most often occurs in the upper front teeth, but other teeth may also be affected. There are many factors that can cause tooth decay in babies and toddlers. One common cause is the frequent, prolonged exposure of the baby’s teeth to drinks that contain sugar, including milk. Tooth decay can occur when the baby is put to bed with a bottle, or when a bottle is frequently used as a pacifier for a fussy baby. Tooth decay is a disease that can begin with cavity-causing bacteria being passed from the mother (or primary caregiver) to the infant. These bacteria are passed through the saliva. When the mother puts the baby’s feeding spoon in her mouth or cleans a pacifier, the bacteria can be passed to the baby. If your infant or toddler does not receive an adequate amount of fluoride, they may also have an increased risk for tooth decay. The good news is that decay is preventable.

Preventing Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

Avoid sharing feeding spoons or licking pacifiers. After each feeding, wipe your child’s gums with a clean, damp gauze pad or washcloth.
When your child’s teeth come in, brush them gently with a child-size toothbrush and a smear (or grain of rice sized amount) of fluoride toothpaste until the age of 3.
Brush the teeth with a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste from the ages of 3 to 6.
Supervise brushing until your child can be counted on to spit and not swallow toothpaste—usually not before he or she is 6 or 7.
Place only formula, milk, or breast milk in bottles. Avoid filling the bottle with liquids such as sugar water, juice, or soft drinks.
Infants should finish their bedtime and nap time bottles before going to bed.
If your child uses a pacifier, provide one that is clean—don’t dip it in sugar or honey.
Encourage your child to drink from a cup by his/her first birthday.
Encourage healthy eating habits.

When your child’s first tooth appears, talk to your dentist about scheduling the first dental visit. “Bottle Tooth Decay”, Mouth Healthy https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/b/baby-bottle-tooth-decay

Are Spicy Foods Good for You?

Posted on December 4, 2020 by MK & C Dental Group

In the desert southwest, the tiny chili pepper is mighty in flavor and cultural significance. From packing heat into salsa and sauces to hanging decoratively on the walls of homes and restaurants, these bright, shiny-skinned peppers are the spice of life in Arizona. Part of the plant genus Capsicum, the chili pepper is a flowering plant in the nightshade family. Some common varieties include ancho peppers, banana peppers, bell peppers, cayenne peppers, jalapenos, ghost peppers, and habaneros. While they vary in size and color, the heat of each pepper is determined by one shared chemical component: capsaicin. Whether you prefer your food scorching or subdued, the burning feeling you get from chowing down on your favorite spicy Mexican dish is good for you.

Nutrients in Hot Peppers Are Good for Your Mouth

Chili peppers are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Specifically, chilis contain Vitamin A, which protects your bones and teeth. Vitamin A also helps reduce inflammation and infection in the tissues of your gums. Some other beneficial vitamins include:

Vitamin K1: Essential for healthy bones and kidneys
Potassium: Improves bone mineral density
Vitamin C: Strengthens gums and soft tissues in the mouth. It can protect against gingivitis.

Other Benefits of Eating Hot Peppers

Boosts metabolism. When you pop a hot pepper into your mouth, your brain sends signals to your body to remove the hot substance, this results in increased circulation, helping to boost your metabolism. And, there is some evidence to suggest that capsaicin can promote weight loss by reducing appetite and increasing fat burning.
Cools the body. Eating spicy foods can cool you down on a hot day. When you eat spicy foods, it raises your internal temperature to match the temperature outside. Your blood circulation increases, you start sweating and once that sweat evaporates, your body cools down.
Pain relief. Eating high amounts of chili peppers may desensitize your pain receptors over time. Also, when capsaicin is used in a lotion or cream, nerves in the hands and feet can grow accustomed to the feeling of heat and lower the body’s ability to process pain.
Release endorphins. If you’ve ever felt a bit buzzed when eating spicy food, science says there’s a reason for it. When eating spicy foods, the compounds in the spice send a message to your brain to make it think it’s in pain. As a response to this perceived pain, your brain releases endorphins and dopamine to block the pain signals.

Arnold, Jessica, “Are Spicy Foods Good for You: The Oral Health Benefits of Hot Peppers”. Delta Dental. http://deltadentalazblog.com/are-spicy-foods-good-for-you-the-oral-health-benefits-of-hot-peppers/