Tips for a Healthy Halloween

Posted on Oct 01, 2021

• Unless it is a sugar-free product, avoid hard candy that stays in your mouth for a long time.
• Avoid sticky candy. Saliva has a harder time washing these away, which increases your risk for tooth decay.
• Avoid sugary beverages. Frequent contact with sugary beverages increases your risk for tooth decay. Drink more fluoridated water instead.
• Sugar-free chewing gum with the ADA-accepted seal makes a great Halloween treat.
• If you must eat candy, plan to have it right after a meal rather than snacking on it between meals. The extra saliva produced during meals will help cancel out acid-produced bacteria in your mouth and rinses away food particles.
• Don’t forget to brush and floss twice a day!

Ready to book your next dental cleaning? Call Discovery Smiles at 520-721-2000.

6 Dental Tips for Travelers

Posted on Sep 01, 2021

1. If possible, schedule your next regular dental visit before your trip. You’ll go off with sparkling clean teeth, plus you’ll have peace of mind that your oral health is up to date.
2. Keep your dentist’s contact information with you in case a dental emergency comes up and you need a phone consultation.
3. If a dental emergency occurs when you are outside of the United States, consider contacting the local U.S. embassy. They can provide you with an independent recommendation for a dentist.
4. If you forget your toothbrush, a temporary fix is to put some toothpaste on your finger or on a clean washcloth. Rinse vigorously with water to eliminate as much bacteria as possible.
5. If you are in an area where the water supply may be subpar, use bottled water to brush and rinse your teeth.
6. Transport your toothbrush in a resealable plastic bag to keep it clean and out of contact with other items. When you reach your destination, open the plastic bag so as to let your toothbrush dry out between uses.

To book your pre-travel dental appointment at Discovery Smiles, call 520-721-2000.

About Mouth Sores

Posted on Aug 01, 2021

Dental health encompasses more than just your teeth. Mouth sores can develop in and around the mouth. Most will heal on their own within a week or two.

Mouth sores can be caused by bacterial infections, viruses, fungus, or a systemic disorder. They can also be caused by sharp edges on your teeth, a loose orthodontic wire, or badly fitting dentures.

If a mouth sore persists for more than a week, it would be advisable to have a dentist check it out so that you know the cause and be placed on an expedited road to recovery.

To book an appointment at Discovery Smiles, call 520-721-2000

Oil Pulling

Posted on Jul 01, 2021

Oil pulling is an ancient folk remedy that has commonly been practiced in India and southern Asia. It involves swishing a tablespoon of edible oil such as olive oil around in the mouth for 5 minutes or so. The idea is to “pull” the oil through the teeth.

Although some recent articles in the U.S. tout purported benefits of oil pulling, there is no reliable scientific evidence to support that oil pulling reduces cavities, whitens teeth, or improves oral health. Therefore, the American Dental Association does not recommend oil pulling as a dental hygiene practice.

Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing, and avoiding tobacco products continues to be the recommended advice for optimal oral health.

Book your next appointment at Discovery Smiles. Call 520-721-2000

Teens, Vaping, and Oral Health

Posted on Jun 01, 2021

According to one survey, as many as 37% of high school seniors and 17% of eighth graders “vaped” in the previous year.

Vaping is a nicotine delivery system that turns “vape juice” into an aerosol vapor that is inhaled with an electronic cigarette. There is a common perception that vaping is safe, but let’s reveal the facts.

Although vape juice contains less nicotine than traditional tobacco products, nicotine restricts blood flow to the gums and inhibits our mouth’s natural ability to fight infection, leading to a higher risk of gum disease and tooth loss.

One of the primary ingredients in vape juice is propylene glycol (PG) which, when taken orally, breaks down into acids that are damaging to tooth enamel and soft tissue. It can also cause dry mouth and lead to cavities and gum disease. Traditional tobacco products don’t contain PG, so in this respect, vaping is worse than traditional tobacco products.

Vaping flavoring, vegetable glycerin (VG), is a liquid sweetener that is just sticky enough to cling to the surfaces of teeth. The combination of nicotine, PG, and VG create a perfect storm for tooth decay and oral infections.

For these reasons, we advise against the use of both traditional tobacco products as well as vaping for teens… and adults too.

Taking good care of your oral health goes hand in hand with taking care of your overall health. Avoid vaping. Book your next appointment at Discovery Smiles. Call 520-721-2000

Water Flossing

Posted on May 01, 2021

For people who have trouble flossing with dental floss, we recommend water flossing. A water floss is a device that sprays pulses of water to remove plaque and food particles.

For best practice, follow your gum line, going tooth by tooth, stopping for about 2 seconds at each tooth. Be sure to trace from behind your teeth as well as from the front.

You can use a water flosser’s classic jet tip for all purpose use, or try one of the specialty tips such as the plaque seeker which works around crowns, bridges, and implants, the orthodontic tip which is ideal for braces, or the pocket tip which removes plaque deep within periodontal pockets.

Water flossers range in price from about $45 to $95 and up.

Regular flossing or water flossing should be done in tandem with regular professional dental cleanings for best oral health results.

To book your next appointment at Discovery Smiles, call 520-721-2000

Keep Diabetes in Check with Regular Dental Visits

Posted on Apr 01, 2021

Diabetics are prone to developing gum problems. This is because rises in blood sugar reduce the body’s ability to fight bacteria invading the gums. 

Untreated diabetes can cause dry mouth, cavities, inflamed and bleeding gums, an inability to taste foods, delayed wound healing, and infections inside the mouth. 

Research suggests that good oral hygiene and regular professional deep dental cleanings can actually decrease the progression of diabetes.

Other actions that those with or without diabetes can take for the benefit of their oral health are to avoid smoking, clean dentures daily, brush and floss daily, and visit a dentist for regular checkups.

To book your next appointment at Discovery Smiles, call 520-721-2000

Chewing Gum & the American Dental Association Seal of Approval

Posted on Mar 01, 2021

Studies show that chewing sugarless gum for 20 minutes after a meal can help prevent tooth decay.

Chewing gum increases saliva which helps wash away food particles and neutralizes bacteria-causing acids. The added saliva produced by chewing gum carries additional calcium and phosphate which helps strengthen tooth enamel.

When shopping for chewing gum, be sure to look for the “ADA Accepted” Seal. All gums with the ADA Seal are sweetened by non-cavity causing sweeteners. Companies that use the ADA Seal must verify all of the chewing gum ingredient information with the ADA.

So, get chewing and smacking, but remember that chewing gum is not a substitute for brushing and flossing!

To book your next appointment at Discovery Smiles, call 520-721-2000

6 Ways to Prevent Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

Posted on Feb 01, 2021

Tooth decay in infants and toddlers is often referred to as Baby Bottle Tooth Decay. A common cause is frequent and prolonged exposure of sugary drinks to the child’s teeth. Here are a few ways you can ward off Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: 

• Fill bottles with only formula or milk. Avoid juice, soft drinks, and other sugary liquids.
• Babies should finish their bedtime and nap time bottles before going to bed.
• Wipe your baby’s gums with a clean, damp washcloth after each feeding.
• When your child’s teeth come in, gently brush them with a child-size toothbrush and a small amount of fluoride toothpaste.
• As your child grows, supervise brushing until he or she can be counted on to spit out the toothpaste.
• Encourage your child to drink from a cup by his or her first birthday.

Book a dental appointment at Discovery Smiles today. Call 520-721-2000.

Community Water Fluoridation Program Turns 75

Posted on Jan 01, 2021

We would like to recognize and celebrate the 75^th Anniversary of Community Water Fluoridation.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention named community water fluoridation one of 10 great public health achievements of the 20^th century!

More than 70 years of scientific research shows that tap water fluoridation continues to be an effective way to reduce dental decay by at least 25 percent in adults and children. This is true even though many toothpastes and mouthwashes now include fluoride.

According to the American Dental Association, 57.8% of Arizona’s population are on public water systems receiving fluoridated water.

So, now you have one more good reason to drink more water!

To book your next dental appointment at Discovery Smiles, call 520-721-2000.