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.

Cheek Biting: Causes, Consequences, and Care

Cheek biting might seem like a harmless habit, but it can lead to various consequences if left unchecked. Whether it's a nervous tick or an unconscious behavior, understanding the causes, consequences, and proper care for cheek biting is essential to maintain your oral health and overall well-being. Your dentist in Columbia is here to help. 

Causes of Cheek Biting

There are various things that can cause someone to habitually bite their cheek. Some of the most common causes include: 

Stress & Anxiety: One of the most common reasons for cheek biting is stress and anxiety. When we're stressed, we often seek ways to cope, and for some individuals, biting the inside of the cheek can become a subconscious mechanism to release tension.

Nervous Habits: Nervous habits like cheek biting can develop during childhood and persist into adulthood. It might start as a response to certain situations or emotions and then become ingrained over time.

Misaligned Teeth: Sometimes, misaligned teeth can inadvertently lead to cheek biting. When the teeth do not fit together properly, it can cause accidental biting of the cheeks while chewing or during other mouth movements.

Concentration & Deep Thought: Engaging in deep thought or concentration can sometimes cause people to bite their cheeks absentmindedly. The motion of the jaw might mimic the act of chewing, leading to unintentional biting.

Consequences of Cheek Biting

Even though cheek biting may seem like no big deal, your dentist in Columbia knows that this habit can actually result in some significant oral health consequences.
Oral Tissue Damage: Continuous cheek biting can result in damage to the delicate tissues inside the mouth. This can lead to painful sores, ulcers, and even bleeding, making it uncomfortable to eat, speak, or perform regular oral hygiene routines.

Infections & Inflammation: Open sores created by cheek biting can serve as entry points for bacteria, potentially leading to infections and inflammation. These complications can exacerbate the discomfort and require medical intervention.

Scarring & Discoloration: Chronic cheek biting can cause scarring and discoloration of the affected areas over time. These marks might not only affect the appearance of the mouth but can also serve as a constant reminder of the habit.

Worsening of Dental Issues: If cheek biting is related to dental problems like misaligned teeth, it can aggravate these issues further. Biting the cheeks can put additional pressure on the teeth, potentially leading to more misalignment or wear.

Care & Management

Depending on the underlying cause of cheek biting, different methods can be used to help manage the habit and care for any damage.   

Stress Management: Since stress and anxiety are significant triggers for cheek biting, focusing on stress management techniques can be helpful. Regular exercise, deep breathing, meditation, and hobbies can all contribute to reducing stress and the urge to bite your cheeks.

Behavioral Therapy: In cases where cheek biting has become a deeply ingrained habit, behavioral therapy or counseling might be beneficial. A mental health professional can work with you to identify triggers and develop strategies to overcome the habit.

Dental Intervention: If misaligned teeth or dental issues are contributing to your cheek biting habit, consider consulting a dentist in Columbia. There are various treatments available such as mouthguards that can help address the root cause of the habit.

Oral Hygiene: Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial, especially if you're prone to cheek biting. Clean your mouth regularly to prevent infections in case of any accidental injuries caused by biting.

Cheek biting might start as a seemingly harmless habit, but its consequences can have a significant impact on your oral health and overall well-being. By understanding the causes, recognizing the potential consequences, and taking appropriate care, you can work towards breaking free from this habit and preserving the health of your mouth. Whether it's through mindfulness, stress management, dental interventions, or behavioral therapy, there are various approaches to tackle cheek biting and promote a healthier, more comfortable oral environment.

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

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.