On the 1st of this month, we carried a post discussing the causes of bad breath and steps to keep it in check. In this post, we bring to you some more great advice on keeping the odor away.

• Brush and floss daily

  If you are letting bacteria thrive in your mouth in the form of plaque, you will have bad breath. Fight the bacteria with the two most trustworthy weapons you have – the toothbrush and the floss. Ask your dentist to recommend good toothpaste.

• Rinse your mouth after consuming anything

  Rinse your mouth several times a day, especially after eating or drinking something, even if it was a tiny piece of pastry you ate. You should use a mouthwash to gargle and rinse your mouth instead of plain water.

• Clean the tongue

  Use a tongue scrapper or a soft toothbrush to clean your tongue. A lot of importance has been laid on getting rid of the bacteria off the teeth, but the tongue also becomes a shelter for bacteria if not cleaned properly. Clean both the sides of the tongue. Too much scraping is not considered good. Ask your dentist for tips to clean the tongue.

• Eat plenty of fiber

  By fiber, we mean roughage that comes in vegetables and fruits. The roughage helps keep the tongue clean, thus preventing any bacterial growth. Eat as much fruits and vegetables as you can eat.

• Drink water

  You must have seen water being prescribed as the remedy for body odor, suggested as tips for good skin and overall fitness. Now, we bring you water as the remedy for bad breath. It is important to keep the mouth hydrated as the bacteria loves to make home in dry mouths. Gulp down at least 8-10 glasses of water a day.

• Cut down on caffeine and tobacco

  Caffeine and tobacco not only leave a bad smell in the mouth, but also cause the mouth to dry up, making way for bacteria. Cutting down on smoking and the number of cups of coffee and tea will help you keep bad breath in check.

• Check what you eat

  Foods like onions, garlic, seafood, and some meat can leave an odor in your mouth. If your taste buds love these foods, try to follow up your meals with good oral hygiene.

• Check the medicines you are taking

  Learn the side effects of all the medicines you are taking. If any of them is causing bad breath, ask your doctor to prescribe a replacement. However, it is important that you do not avoid taking the medicines for the fear of bad breath. Consult your dentist for ways to do away with the bad breath.

Happy smiling!

Whenever we refer to the mouth, we refer to the lips, the teeth, the inner cheeks, the gums, and the tongue. The mouth of ours is responsible for more things than we give it credit for.

• It helps us smile.
• Along with the jaws, it gives our face its structure.
• It enables us to speak.
• It helps us chew and shallow, thus eat.
• It equips us with expressions.
• And, it helps us kiss!

In today’s post, I will share information about one of the most integral part of the mouth – the teeth. What else can the dentists be obsessed with?

Among the 32 teeth that adults have, there are four different categories:

• Incisors: These are also known as the cutting teeth. If you divide the mouth into four quadrants: right upper jaw, left upper jaw, right lower jaw, and left lower jaw, we have two incisors in each quadrants, totaling to eight. These teeth are very sharp and usually used to bite into food. These are the most visible teeth of all, building your smile.
• Canines: Each quadrant has one canine, making it a total of four. Canine teeth are conical in shape and very strong. If you have ever used your teeth to tear off something, you must have used one of these teeth. The canines are the immediate neighbors of incisors. These stand out from the rest of the teeth in the mouth because they appear a little taller than others.
• Pre-molars: There are eight pre-molars in our mouth, two in each quadrant. They are located immediately after the canines. These teeth help in chewing our food.
• Molars: There are three molars in each quadrant of our mouth. The molars complete the chewing process before the food is swallowed and passed down into the body. The molars are the last teeth to come into the mouth. The molars are the strongest of all teeth. These teeth are recognizable because of their width.

While all the four types of teeth have different functions, they are all prone to plaque and decay. Thus, apart from following a proper dental care routine at home, visit your dentist once every six months.

Happy smiling!

We thought we will make your Sunday interesting by sharing with you some trivia about teeth. Let’s look at the information we gathered.

If mice didn’t gnaw, their teeth would outgrow them! Yes, a mouse’s teeth never stop growing. This is the reason why they keep gnawing at any and everything.
(We didn’t say we will give you information only on the human teeth. This post strives to increase your general knowledge!)

Human teeth start forming even before we are born. Like bones, their foundation is laid in the womb. The teeth starts forming around six months before you are born!

The enamel of our teeth is the hardest part in our bodies! It is said that human teeth are almost as hard as rocks!

A 100-inch long tower was built comprising of 28,000 diseased human teeth. This was built by a Chinese dentist.

The first toothpaste ever made was a mixture of wine and pumice! It was made almost 5,000 years ago in Egypt.

The earliest toothbrushes had bristles made from the air of cows and hogs!

While we get two sets of teeth in our lifetime, sharks get a minimum of forty sets of teeth! Make sure you visit your dentist to take care of your precious teeth.

The only living being that does not have teeth as well as jaws is the anteater. It uses its tongue to eat.

While we worry about losing our teeth, the crocodiles keep growing new teeth replacing the old ones!

Dentures were made from teeth of dead soldiers till the early nineteenth century. Later, porcelain dentures replaced them.

Till the next post, happy smiling!

Continuing with our last two posts on dental care myths, we bring to you seven more common myths in this post.

Myth# 9: My teeth are white, hence there are no problems.

If you think white teeth indicate healthy teeth, you are in for a surprise. White teeth may still be feeding cavity-causing bacteria. If your teeth are white, it may be a little more difficult to diagnose the problem at home. You should visit your dentist every six months for regular check-ups.

Myth# 10: You don’t need to see a dentist unless there is a problem.

How would you know if you have a problem in your teeth? You would say that pain, change in color, and visible tartar and cavities are indications to problems with your teeth. Unfortunately, these are not indications but the problems. You should let your dentist diagnose problems. Even if you don’t have any, visiting your dentist regularly just makes sure you do not develop any.

Myth# 11: I should not brush my teeth when my gums bleed.

You should see your dentist immediately if you find blood in your gums. However, do not stop brushing; your dentist will tell you why. Any break in brushing opens up opportunities for bacteria to feed on your teeth, causing problems.

Myth# 12: There is no correct way of brushing.

If you have been following the posts in this blog regularly, you already know that there exists a correct way of brushing. Brushing this way ensures maximum cleaning.

Myth# 13: The costlier the dental care products, the better their effect.

While you may choose your clothes with this perception, do not buy dental and oral care products based on how much the cost. A less expensive toothpaste or toothbrush may just work as fine or may be, better than a very expensive toothpaste or toothbrush. Invest in fluoride-based toothpaste or ask your dentist for the one that would suit you.

Myth# 14: Dental treatment means tremendous pain.

In the days of technological advancements, visiting a dentist is no longer synonymous with pain. Click here to read about technological developments in dentistry.

Myth# 15: Tooth loss is inevitable with age.

This is the strongest myth that holds for ages. Age has nothing to do with tooth loss; however, with age, we tend to stop taking care of ourselves, thus resulting in various ailments as well as dental problems. Take care of your teeth no matter how old you are.

Have a great weekend!

Happy smiling!

Continuing with yesterday’s post on dental care myths, I present to you some more popular dental care myths.

Myth# 4: Removal of tartar leads to tooth loosening.

Some of us believe that cleaning or scaling the teeth professionally can loosen the teeth. This is completely a false notion. When the tartar is removed from your mouth, your teeth will get more space and will lighter, however that does not indicate that your teeth have become loose. The tartar was not supposed to be there in the first place, so the feeling of lightness is a false feeling. However, you must consult your dentist before going forany kind of treatment.

Myth# 5: Salt and charcoal are good for cleaning the teeth.

People think that the abrasive nature of some substances like charcoal and salt help clean the surface of the teeth. However, these substances do more harm than good to the teeth as they are too harsh for the teeth. If you have been using these substances, get in touch with your dentist to see if your teeth are alright.

Myth# 6: Keeping an aspirin beside your aching teeth relieves you of toothache.

This one is an age-old perception but a wrong one. Pills like aspirin are acidic in nature, thereby eroding the outer surface of our teeth, the enamel.

Myth# 7: Milk teeth do not need dental care.

Most of us do not pay much attention to the dental health of our children, thinking that the primary teeth or milk teeth are not permanent and hence do not need much care. However, on the contrary, it is important to take good care of the milk teeth for making a strong base for wisdom teeth.

Myth# 8: Too much brushing is not good for teeth.

This is one of the most popular myths. People wrongly believe that brushing too many times a day erodes the teeth enamel. Brushing helps clean your teeth; it does not harm your teeth in any way. Brush regularly for healthy teeth and gums.

We will be back with more myth-busting information tomorrow.

Happy smiling!

Like everything else, we think we know a great deal about dental care and oral hygiene. Thanks to the information overload, as our IT counterparts would say, we have plenty of incorrect and contradicting information stored in our brains. Let’s look at some of the popular dental care myths we are surrounded with:

Myth# 1: Dental health is hereditary.

You may inherit great complexion and good hair from your parents, but you cannot inherit their good oral health. Dental health is completely dependent on the way you treat your teeth and mouth. Your genes are not responsible for great teeth. However, proper oral care will ensure good dental health. Go to your dentist for regular check-ups once every six months.

Myth# 2: Eating chocolates is bad for your teeth.

Well, I am sure that the fact of the above perception being a myth has brought a grin to your face. Yes, indulging in chocolates is not bad, at least for your teeth, provided you brush your teeth every time you eat chocolate. If you cannot brush for some reason, make sure you rinse your mouth properly after you had chocolate. Eating chocolates or sweets is not bad if taken in moderation. However, you need to make sure that you do not let traces of the food stay in your mouth for long.

Myth# 3: One set of dentures will last a lifetime.

If you think a set of dentures is a one-time investment, you are mistaken. The same set of dentures will not fit you all the time. The tissue beneath your teeth changes over time; the teeth can adjust itself with the changes, the dentures cannot. Therefore, you should change dentures regularly in consultation with your dentist.

We will tell you about more dental care myths tomorrow.

Happy smiling!

There used to be a time when the thought of visiting a dentist gave goose bumps to people. If you are wondering why I mention this in the past tense, let me tell you that technology has made the dental experience comfortable for patients. Let us look at what the technology has to offer at the dentist’s.

Electric Handpieces: The scariest sound at the dentist’s is that of a drill. You can find a number of people fidgeting nervously at a dental clinic’s lounge as the sound of a drill comes out of the inner chambers. How would you feel if the drilling experience becomes quieter and shorter? Electric handpieces help ease the drilling experience.

Cerec 3D: Cerec 3D is an advanced technology that helps restore teeth in a matter of minutes. It makes veneers, crowns, inlays and onlays quickly. The technology even reduces your visits to the dentist!

Intraoral Camera: As the name suggests, an intraoral camera is a camera that can be put inside your mouth to help you see the insides of your mouth. It helps get a clearer view of your mouth. See for yourself what goes inside your mouth.

Ultrasound: Ultrasound helps you get rid of plaque and tartar easily.

Digital X-Rays: Dental x-rays are now digital and hence easily accessible and mobile by being digital. Carry digital x-rays in your laptop, in your cell phone, or online all the time.

If you are in Minneapolis, visit the state-of-the-art Wayzata Dental Clinic. You may also like to try the smile spa for a relaxing and rejuvenating teeth whitening experience. A visit to the dentist is no longer about pain, noise, and discomfort; it has become a wholesome and relaxing experience, thanks to the technological advancements in dentistry.

Happy smiling!

While it is important to take care of your teeth regularly at home, you should pamper yourself by visiting the smile spa once in a while. If you are wondering what this spa is all about, this post will answer all your queries.

A smile spa is not a mere fancy concept but a glimpse of the future of pampering. All of us visit beauty salons or luxury spas regularly, even when we take care of our face, skin, and body at home. Yet, we need that special treatment, the feel of luxury, and the extra pampering at times. If you would like the same treatment for your mouth, visit the smile spa.

What is a smile spa?

A smile spa is a place at your dentist’s that works at improving your smile while you relax. A smile spa is a place that is designed to give you a better, whiter, more sparkling, and confident smile.

How does a smile spa help me?

A smile spa is not just about whitening your teeth, it is much more. This spa promises to give you a wholesome experience of relaxation and rejuvenation. Let us look at what the smile spa does for you:

• It whitens your teeth for a more radiant smile.
• It aims at giving you a painless experience with great results.
• It pampers you by making you comfortable with advantages like massages.

Where can I find a smile spa?

A smile spa can be found at state-of-the-art dental clinics. If you are in Minnesota, check out the luxurious smile spa at the Wayzata Dental Clinic.

Happy smiling!

What is baby bottle decay?

We often hand over a bottle of milk, juices, or other sweet liquids to babies to keep them from crying. This habit can lead to tooth decay. Take care to wipe your infant’s mouth after she has been fed. Do not let your baby sleep with a bottle of sweet liquid.

Baby bottle decay is also known as early childhood caries or nursing caries. The immediate symptom is pain but its long-term consequences include improper development of permanent teeth. Do not keep the baby exposed to sweet liquids for a long time. As a nursing mother, you should also take care of your own dental health; if you have cavities, the bacteria responsible for it can infect your baby too. It may sound strange but cavities are infectious!

Is thumb-sucking normal?

Thumb-sucking is typically observed in babies up to the age of two. However, you should dissuade your child from it after that age. Some children suck their thumbs or pacifiers even after their fourth birthday. Though it may not cause any problem in all cases, it is better not to let your child suck her thumb when her permanent teeth start appearing.

Do not be too harsh on your child for thumb-sucking; the habit is perfectly normal. Thumb-sucking or chewing a pacifier gives your child a sense of emotional security. Thus, in order to stop her from thumb-sucking or pacifier-chewing, you need to provide her with more emotional support instead of scolding her.

When should I stop breastfeeding?

You should start weaning your child before she turns one. Breastfeeding may become difficult once your baby starts chewing with her new teeth; hence, it is better to start weaning after she develops her first tooth. You can move from breastfeeding to bottle-feeding after 8-10 months. However, every child is different; thus, consult your pediatrician before you decide to wean your child.

When should be my baby’s first visit to the dentist?

Take your child to the dentist when her first tooth appears. Thereafter, in consultation with your dentist, you may take her for check-ups every six months.

When should I contact my doctor or dentist?

• You should immediately contact your doctor if your baby has fever when he is teething.
• You should consult your dentist if you would like to know how much fluoride should the baby intake.
• You should take your child to the dentist if she feels pain in teeth or gums.

Happy smiling!

Did you know that proper formation of teeth leads the way to good facial features and clarity of speech? You must take good care of your baby’s dental health for her future.

Tooth decay can begin from as early as the appearance of the first tooth. In fact, the stage for tooth decay can be set even before a tooth becomes visible. It is important that you take care of the oral hygiene of your child from the first few days of his birth. This post will take you through the basic steps of oral hygiene that will help prevent decay and disease in your child’s mouth.

Day one to six months

• Wipe your baby’s gums with a soft cloth after every feed.
• Clean the baby’s tongue regularly with a soft cloth or a tongue-brush meant for infants.

Six months to a year

The first tooth of your baby will appear somewhere after six months and before her first birthday.

• Start brushing your baby’s when she gets her first tooth.
• Do not let the baby sleep with a bottle containing anything other than water.
• Brush the baby’s teeth before she goes to bed.
• Discontinue breast feeding by the time he is one year old.
• Replace the bottle with the cup; this helps prevent nursing caries.

A year till the appearance of all primary teeth

Once your child gets all her twenty primary teeth, you need to start taking care of her teeth the way you would take care of yours.

• Apart from daily brushing, floss your child’s teeth regularly.
• Give your baby a balanced diet.
• From the appearance of all her primary teeth, take your child to the dentist every six months.
• Start imbibing healthy eating habits in your child.
• Teach your child to rinse her mouth after every meal or snack.

Dental health in children leads to proper jaw growth, helping define the child’s facial features. Tooth decay during childhood can cause several teeth problems in your child’s adult life. Imbibe good dental and healthy eating habits in your child from the very beginning.

Happy smiling!