Purple Toothpaste Myths & Facts

When it comes to teeth whitening, we're constantly bombarded with advertisements for various products that promise to deliver dazzling results. One product that has garnered some attention in recent years is purple toothpaste. You may have heard claims that using purple toothpaste can whiten your teeth effectively, but is this fact or just another marketing myth? Join your dentist in Columbia as we share some facts and bust some myths about purple toothpaste. 

Fact: Purple Toothpaste Contains Active Whitening Ingredients

One fact about purple toothpaste is that many brands often contain active ingredients known for their teeth-whitening properties. Three common ingredients found in these toothpaste formulations are hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and activated charcoal.

Hydrogen Peroxide – This bleaching agent is found in many teeth whitening products, including those used by your dentist in Columbia. It works by breaking down stains on the enamel and can contribute to a whiter appearance.

Baking Soda – Baking soda has mild abrasive properties that can help remove surface stains from teeth. Its use in purple toothpaste is grounded in scientific evidence as it's known to be effective as a stain remover.

Activated Charcoal – Activated charcoal can help remove some types of surface stains on teeth (extrinsic stains). However, stains that originate within teeth (intrinsic stains) probably won’t be affected by charcoal. 

Myth: Purple Toothpaste Can Dramatically Whiten Teeth

While purple toothpaste may contain teeth-whitening ingredients, it's essential to manage your expectations. The myth surrounding purple toothpaste lies in the belief that it can dramatically whiten teeth, rivaling professional treatments or over-the-counter whitening strips. In reality, the concentration of active ingredients in purple toothpaste is usually lower than that found in specialized teeth-whitening products, which limits their whitening potential.

Fact: Purple Toothpaste Can Help Maintain Whiteness

Another factual aspect of using purple toothpaste is its ability to help maintain tooth whiteness achieved through professional treatments or stronger over-the-counter products. Regular use of purple toothpaste may assist in preventing new stains from forming and contribute to maintaining a brighter smile.

Myth: Purple Toothpaste Is a Miracle Solution

Don't fall for the myth or the dramatic videos on social media that show purple toothpaste is a miracle solution. Achieving a truly dazzling smile often requires a multifaceted approach that includes proper oral hygiene, regular dental check-ups, and, in some cases, professional teeth-whitening treatments. Relying solely on purple toothpaste to transform stained or discolored teeth is unrealistic.

Fact: Good Oral Hygiene Is Key

Regardless of the toothpaste color, the foundation for a white smile starts with excellent oral hygiene practices. Brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing daily, and avoiding stain-inducing foods and beverages are essential steps in maintaining a bright smile. Purple toothpaste can be a part of this routine if approved by your dentist in Columbia, but it shouldn't replace the basics of good oral care.

Myth: Purple Toothpaste Is Suitable for Everyone

Another myth to dispel is that purple toothpaste is suitable for everyone. Some individuals may have underlying dental issues or sensitivity that could be exacerbated by certain toothpaste formulations, including purple ones. It's essential to consult with your dentist before making any significant changes to your dental care routine, especially if you have concerns about tooth sensitivity or enamel erosion.

Even though purple toothpaste can certainly add an element of fun to your dental routine, it’s crucial to separate the facts from the myths when considering its effectiveness. While purple toothpaste can help maintain whiteness and remove surface stains, it's not a miracle solution for achieving Hollywood-worthy teeth. Good oral hygiene practices and professional dental care remain fundamental to achieving and maintaining a dazzling smile. 

We’re always accepting new patients from Columbia, Ellicott City, Howard County, and nearby areas. 

8 Tips to Enjoy Halloween Treats Without Damaging Teeth

Halloween is a time of spooky fun, creative costumes, and, of course, delicious treats. From candy corn to chocolate bars and everything in between, the allure of Halloween candy is hard to resist. However, indulging in these sugary delights can come at a cost to your dental health. The good news is that with a little knowledge, help from your dentist in Columbia, and some smart choices, you can still enjoy Halloween treats without damaging your teeth.

Choose Wisely

Not all Halloween candies are created equal when it comes to dental health. Some are more damaging than others. Hard candies, lollipops, and jawbreakers can pose a significant risk to your teeth as they stay in your mouth for an extended period, exposing your teeth to sugar and acids. Instead, opt for chocolates or treats that can be consumed quickly, minimizing the time your teeth are exposed to sugar.

Go for Dark Chocolate

If you have a choice, opt for dark chocolate over milk chocolate or sticky candies. Dark chocolate contains less sugar and is less likely to stick to your teeth. Plus, it has antioxidants that can benefit your overall health.

Avoid Sticky and Gummy Candies

Sticky and gummy candies like taffy, caramel, and gummy bears can cling to your teeth, providing a feast for harmful bacteria. These candies are notorious for causing cavities. If you do indulge, be sure to brush and floss thoroughly afterward to reduce the risk of needing to get a filling from your Columbia dentist.

Moderation is Key

It's tempting to dive headfirst into a mountain of Halloween candy, but exercising restraint is crucial for your dental health. Limit the number of treats you consume in one sitting and throughout the day. This helps reduce the amount of sugar your teeth are exposed to and gives your saliva time to neutralize acids and repair damage.

Stay Hydrated

Water is your mouth's best friend, especially during the Halloween season. Drinking water helps rinse away sugar and acids from your teeth, reducing the risk of cavities. Carry a reusable water bottle with you while trick-or-treating or at Halloween parties to stay hydrated and protect your teeth.

Chew Sugar-Free Gum

After indulging in Halloween treats, consider chewing sugar-free gum, preferably one containing xylitol. Chewing gum stimulates saliva production, which helps neutralize acids and clean your mouth. Xylitol can also inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria.

Practice Good Oral Hygiene

Halloween or not, maintaining a solid oral hygiene routine is essential for healthy teeth. Make sure you brush your teeth for at least two minutes, twice a day, using fluoride toothpaste. Don't forget to floss to remove food particles between your teeth and along the gumline. Proper oral hygiene helps minimize the damage caused by sugar and prevents cavities.

Visit Your Dentist

Regular dental check-ups with your dentist in Columbia are essential for maintaining good oral health. Schedule a dental appointment after Halloween to assess any potential damage and address any concerns. Your dentist can provide personalized advice on maintaining healthy teeth.

Enjoying Halloween treats without damaging your teeth is possible with some smart choices and good dental habits. Remember to choose your candies wisely, consume them in moderation, and prioritize oral hygiene. With these tips, you can have a happy and healthy Halloween season without any frightening dental surprises.

Welcoming new patients from Columbia, Ellicott City, Howard County, and nearby areas.

Seasonal Allergies & Oral Health

If you or members of your family have been itching, sniffling, and sneezing lately, allergies may be to blame. In fact, a recent study shows that allergies may be starting earlier and be more severe than ever before. This could mean that more and more people are experiencing the side effects of high pollen counts, which is unpleasant in and of itself. But your dentist in Columbia also wants you to know that allergies can also cause the body to react in such a way that could increase the risk for cavities and other dental problems. 

Mucky Mucus & Mouth Breathing

We’ve all experienced the surge of mucky mucus thanks to seasonal allergies. No matter how unpleasant this feeling is, it’s important to know that it’s a natural response. When we come in contact with an allergen, the body will overproduce mucus, which in turn will cause a stuffy nose. This can make it hard to breathe properly out of the nose, causing us to breathe from the mouth. While the intake of oxygen is sure to please the body, the mouth may disagree. 

Why is Mouth Breathing a Bad Thing? 

While allergies themselves don’t necessarily directly cause oral health problems, the symptoms can, such as mouth breathing due to a buildup of mucus and a stuffy nose. When we breathe out of our mouths instead of our noses, our mouths dry out faster than normal. Dry mouth is caused by a lack of saliva, and a healthy mouth needs saliva in order to stay healthy. Without it, bad bacteria can linger around and cause bad breath, wear away at protective tooth enamel, cause cavities, and can even result in gum disease. Additionally, and not necessarily related to allergies, mouth breathing while sleeping can be a sign of sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a serious condition that can cause someone to stop breathing during sleep, sometimes several times a night. Signs of mouth breathing that should be reported to your dentist in Columbia include snoring and abrupt awakenings. 

Tooth Pain

As if the overproduction of mucus potentially contributing to cavities concerns wasn’t enough, this mucus can also cause pain. An excessive amount of mucus can put pressure on the sinuses, which you may feel in your face or head. But this pressure can also extend to the maxillary sinuses, a nearby neighbor to the roots and nerves of the back teeth. When the maxillary sinuses are inflamed, it can put pressure on those nearby tooth nerves and cause discomfort. 

Allergy Medicine Can Help… And Hurt

Anyone suffering from allergies, or who has a child dealing with the symptoms, will often turn to allergy medication to alleviate the uncomfortable side effects of a flare-up. While these medications can relieve some of the stuffiness, itchiness, and drippiness, they too can sometimes cause dry mouth. But lucky for you, your dentist in Columbia knows a few tricks that can reduce the likelihood of experiencing negative side effects of dry mouth, such as: 

• Chewing sugar-free gum

• Using lubricating mouthwash

• Drinking water

• Sleeping with a humidifier in your bedroom

Allergy season can feel neverending, but we’re here to help. Contact us today to schedule an appointment. 

Welcoming new patients from Columbia, Ellicott City, Howard County, and nearby areas. 

World Oral Health Day 2023

Each and every year on March 20th, the FDI World Dental Federation sponsors World Oral Health Day with the mission of “empowering people with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to secure good oral health.” Oral health is often considered secondary to overall health, but the truth is, oral health diseases are a major health concern. In fact, numerous studies show a link between oral health and overall health, such as a connection between gum disease and heart disease, respiratory disease, some cancers, and diabetic issues. However, most oral health conditions can be prevented and treated successfully in their early stages. This is one reason why your dentist in Columbia is committed to sharing information about how you can protect your mouth and your body.

How Common Are Oral Health Problems?

Unfortunately, an estimated 90% of the world’s population will develop at least one oral health disease during their lifetime. But most of these problems can be avoided through proper hygiene, regular checkups, and education. That’s why an awareness day like World Oral Health Day is so important. By dedicating time to raising awareness of how common dental problems are, and educating people on how they could have been avoided, we can work together to decrease the prevalence of dental disease and improve oral health and overall health. 

Recognizing the Signs of Mouth Problems

One of the key aspects of World Oral Health Day is to educate the public on oral health and what to look out for in order to catch a problem early. The truth is, many mouth problems show early warning signs, and noticing concerns and seeking care early can mean more successful treatment. Some common signs of a mouth problem include: 

• Gum, tooth, or jaw pain

• Cold sores

• Bleeding gums

• Loose or lost teeth

• Recurring bad breath

If you notice any of these signs, call your dentist in Columbia as soon as possible as it may be a sign of something serious. 

How to Lower Your Risk of Oral Health Complications

There are several ways you can lower your risk of developing oral health problems in the first place. 

• See your dentist in Columbia at least twice a year

• Brush and floss your teeth every day

• Limit your intake of sugary foods and beverages

• Stop smoking or using other types of tobacco

• Share medication and health history with your dentist as some can have side effects that may increase the likelihood of certain oral health problems

Oral health is a key part of healthcare, and you should do everything you can to protect your smile and your body against dangerous diseases. Find resources for yourself and help spread the word by visiting WorldOralHealthDay.org. 

Serving patients from Columbia, Ellicott City, Howard County, and nearby areas.

Can You Feel If You Have a Cavity?

Even though teeth are super strong, they are still susceptible to damage. Tooth decay is one of the most common ailments in adults and children. So much so that the CDC estimates that about 90% of U.S. adults over 20 have had a cavity in their lifetime. While many people first discover that they have a cavity at their preventive checkups with their dentist in Columbia, there are some ways you can tell if you have a cavity at home in between appointments. 

What Does a Cavity Feel Like? 

While you may think that you feel a cavity, the truth is that the discomfort associated with cavities can often disguise itself as something else. For example, tooth sensitivity is pretty common and is not necessarily a sign of a cavity. However, new or more extreme sensitivity may be a cause for concern. Some other things that you may feel if you have a cavity include:

• Sensitivity when eating or drinking something hot, cold, or sweet

• Pain when biting down on an area

• Feeling a new divot in your teeth that wasn’t there before

Tooth enamel doesn’t contain any nerves, so it can’t feel anything. So if you do suddenly start to feel pain, it could mean that decay has worn away the enamel and found its way to the inside of your tooth where the nerves live. This is a sign that you should call your dentist. 

What Does a Cavity Look Like? 

Keeping an eye out for any changes in your mouth should be something that you do regularly. But what exactly are you looking for? Many times cavities that are in the early stages and are small will not be visible to the naked eye. That’s a good thing. So don’t be surprised if your dentist in Columbia suddenly says you have a cavity even if you’ve had no symptoms. Cavities will start as incredibly tiny areas of decay that you may not notice. But your dentist can see decay through x-rays and other diagnostic tools. Catching cavities early usually means quicker and easier treatment. Now, there are some things you should look for such as:

• Pitting in teeth

• Holes in teeth

• Tooth discoloration 

If you notice any of the sudden changes in your teeth, contact your dentist in Columbia and schedule an appointment. 

Brushing and flossing your teeth every day can help prevent cavities from developing. But it’s also important to see your dentist at least twice a year for preventive checkups. During these visits, your dental team will check for any changes in your mouth and recommend treatment as necessary. As with most things, early intervention is key to successful treatment. The sooner a concern is diagnosed, the sooner treatment can begin, and the sooner you can rest assured that your oral health is protected. Don’t hesitate, schedule your appointment today! 

Welcoming patients from Columbia, Ellicott City, Howard County, and nearby areas. 

Pregnancy & Dental Care

If you’re pregnant, especially if it’s your first time, dental care may be the farthest thing from your mind. But there are good reasons to still keep your oral health top of mind during this joyous time. In fact, your dentist in Columbia recommends that everyone, including those who are pregnant, continue to keep up with regular preventive dental care every six months. After all, the truth is, that the oral health of the mom can affect the overall health of the baby. 

Pregnancy Gingivitis

During pregnancy, hormones can go haywire thanks to the rise and fall of estrogen and progesterone. As a result, gum disease, or what’s known as pregnancy gingivitis, is common and affects about half of pregnant women, according to the American Dental Association. The symptoms of this condition are pain, swelling, tenderness, and excessive bleeding in the gums. While this may seem like no big deal, pregnancy gingivitis can result in low-birth-weight babies and even preterm births. If you have signs of pregnancy gingivitis, schedule an appointment with your dentist in Columbia. 

Decay & Cavities

Pregnancy cravings are real and, depending on the craving, can affect oral health and increase the risk of decay. For example, if your pregnancy cravings are treats that are high in sugar or you find yourself snacking more often than usual, it can increase the likelihood of developing a cavity. Additionally, morning sickness, which affects an estimated 70% of pregnant women, can weaken tooth enamel. When teeth are exposed to stomach acid over an extended period of time, this acid can wear away the protective layer of enamel and increase the risk of decay. 

The good news is that there are things you can do to limit the negative effects of stomach acid on teeth: 

• Rinse with water - Swish water around in your mouth and spit it in the sink after you experience morning sickness. This can remove some of the acids from your teeth. 

• Wait an hour - You may feel like brushing your teeth immediately after getting sick, but your dentist in Columbia recommends that you wait at least an hour before brushing after you’re sick. 

• Drink water - Water can neutralize and wash away acids and bacteria. 

• Use a tongue scraper - After you get sick, gently use a tongue scraper across your tongue. This can help remove some of the acids that may stick around on the tongue and then transfer to the teeth. 

The Oral & Overall Health Connection

Oral health is closely related to overall health as well as pregnancy health. This is why three of the most respected organizations – the American Dental Association, the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the American Academy of Pediatrics – encourage every expectant mother to see the dentist, especially during the earlier stages of pregnancy. It’s an important part of ensuring good health for the mom and the baby. 

If you’re pregnant, you shouldn’t put off regular dental visits to your Columbia dentist throughout your pregnancy. It’s also crucial to keep brushing twice a day and flossing once a day to keep bacteria at bay. However, if you need non-emergency or non-routine dental care such as cosmetic dentistry or a dental implant, wait until your baby is born to proceed with those treatments. 

Welcoming patients from Columbia, Ellicott City, Howard County, and nearby areas. 

Top 3 Worst Drinks for Teeth

People know that what they eat can affect their teeth. But did you know that what we drink can also impact smile health? The truth is, that what we drink plays a crucial role in tooth health as well as overall oral health. Join your dentist in Columbia as we take a closer look at the top three worst drinks for teeth. 

Worst Drinks for Teeth

There are some drinks that are widely available, and some are even considered healthy. However, when it comes to oral health, there are a few drinks you should be wary of. 

• Sports Drinks

Sports drinks are marketed as a great choice for active people and athletes. However, it’s important to know that these beverages are often packed with sugar. Sugar can lead to enamel erosion and increase the risk of cavities. 

• Fruit Juice (Sweetened)

Fruit juice has the word fruit right in the name so it has to be good, right? Not necessarily. Most fruit juices contain a lot of sugar as well as acids that come naturally from fruit. This combo can wreak havoc on teeth. Limit your intake of fruit juice or try to avoid it altogether. 

• Soda

Soda is probably the worst drink for teeth for several reasons. First, it’s often widely available. It’s also high in sugar and calories, which packs a double punch and makes it dangerous for both oral health and overall health. Even diet soda, sugar-free soda, and those sweetened naturally can be harmful to tooth enamel.  

We understand that avoiding these drinks altogether may not be possible, and that’s ok. Try your best to enjoy them in moderation. 

Better Drink Choices for Better Oral Health

When it comes to choosing the best drinks to help quench your thirst, these tried-and-true beverages are always a safe bet. 

• Water

Good old-fashioned H2O is the best thing for teeth. Water keeps the body and mouth hydrated, which can help rinse away bacteria and neutralize acids in the mouth. Staying well-hydrated can also help keep bad breath away. However, many Americans don’t drink enough water throughout the day. Try your best to make sure your family is drinking plenty of water throughout the day, every day. 

• Milk

Milk is a powerful beverage that contains vitamin D and calcium, which can help build strong bones and teeth. Your dentist in Columbia usually recommends drinking low-fat or 2% milk. While milk does contain sugar, most adults don’t need to worry about decay from milk sugars. 

• Green Tea

Not all tea is great for teeth, and drinking too much of certain types of tea, such as black tea, can contribute to tooth discoloration. However, green tea can be beneficial for teeth. Green tea contains antioxidants that can fight tooth decay and reduce the risk of gum disease. Plus, it won’t stain teeth. Just be mindful about how much sugar, honey, or other sweeteners you use. 

When it comes to choosing the best beverage for your teeth, look no further than water. And if you’re experiencing any signs of decay, schedule an appointment with your dentist in Columbia today. 

Welcoming patients from Columbia, Ellicott City, Howard County, and nearby areas.