Have you been waking up for years with a sore jaw and you write it off as getting older or simply deal with it? Your dentist in Columbia can reassure you that teeth grinding is more common than you might think.
Things are heating up, and we know how exciting it can be to get out and travel to experience all that the gorgeous summer season has to offer us. Your Columbia dentist is excited too…
There’s nothing quite like the feeling of just-brushed teeth, and your dentist in Columbia recommends that all patients brush their teeth two times a day and floss…
Join your dentist in Columbia as we share some of the other main things that can cause cavities…
There are a lot of things in this world to be afraid of, especially during the month of October with ghosts, ghouls, and goblins all around. However, your dentist in Columbia wants you to know that being afraid of going to your dental appointments doesn’t need to be something you fear. In fact, there are several things you can do to reduce your fear of the dentist.
Find The Right Dentist
One of the best things you can do to help reduce your fear of the dentist is to search for the best dentist in Columbia for you. Call around to dentists near you, talk with the team, ask questions, and let them know you’re afraid. The right dentist for you will reassure you that they work with dental patients with all types of dental fear and may even mention various types of sedation dentistry options to help you relax.
Bring a Friend
While this tip may not always be possible with certain COVID-19 restrictions, it doesn’t hurt to ask your dentist if you can bring a companion with you. Having a trusted friend or family member keep you company during your visits can help you feel relaxed and safe.
Communicate
It’s ok to talk with your dentist and dental team about any anxieties you may have. In fact, we encourage you to! The more your team knows about how you’re feeling the better they can help you relax. If you need to take a break, let them know.
Breathe
There’s so much power in simply breathing, especially if you practice calming breathing techniques or meditation. During your appointments, try to take slow, deep breaths and focus your attention on inhaling and exhaling. You can also try the 4-4-4 breathing technique the Navy Seals use.
Inhale for 4 seconds
Keep your lungs expanded for 4 seconds
Exhale for 4 seconds
Keep your lungs empty for 4 seconds
Distractions
Check to see if your dentist in Columbia offers or allows you to use distractions such as music, movies, or TV shows. Shifting your mind to focus on the plot of a show or lyrics or melody of some good tunes can ease anxiety while in the dental chair.
Seeing your dentist at least twice a year is crucial to maintaining a healthy smile. These preventive appointments allow your dental team to catch any small problems before they have the chance to turn into bigger, more serious problems. But if you’re scared of the dentist, you may put off these necessary visits. Try your best to schedule and keep dental appointments in order to protect your oral and overall health.
If you’re overdue for a dental visit and are a bit nervous, don’t hesitate to talk with your dentist. They understand and have experience working with anxious patients, and they can help change your mind about going to the dentist.
We’re always accepting new patients from Columbia, Ellicott City, Howard County, and surrounding communities.
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.
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.
Sleep apnea is a serious condition that can affect both children and adults. It can cause some concerning overall health issues. Recognizing the signs of sleep apnea is one of the most important ways you can help spot a problem and seek treatment sooner rather than later. Let’s take some time to talk about what sleep apnea is, and your dentist in Columbia may be able to help.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a serious condition that causes someone to stop breathing during sleep, often several times a night. This can result in reduced oxygen levels and an increase in carbon dioxide and leave patients feeling unusually tired throughout the day. Sleep apnea can also be tied to other problems such as high blood pressure and an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and abnormal heartbeat. Oftentimes, those with sleep apnea don’t even know that they wake up during the night.
What Causes Sleep Apnea?
One of the main purposes of sleeping is to relax and help our bodies recover through rest. So it’s only natural that our muscles relax while we sleep. However, if the muscles in the back of the throat relax too much, it can block the airway and make breathing difficult. This may be more common in people that have large tonsils or adenoids. But that’s not the only thing that can contribute to sleep apnea. Other factors include:
Other family members have sleep apnea
Being overweight
Down syndrome or cerebral palsy
A large tongue
Signs of Sleep Apnea
The most common symptoms of sleep apnea are:
Snoring
Sleepiness
Gasps or pauses in breathing, or heavy breathing during sleep
If you notice any signs of sleep apnea in yourself or your partner, call your dentist in Columbia for an appointment.
Long-Term Problems Associated with Sleep Apnea
Because people with sleep apnea don’t typically get a good night’s rest, they’re more likely to be tired and may have difficulty waking up in the morning. People with sleep apnea may also be at higher risk of:
Falling asleep during the day
Having high blood pressure
Developing type 2 diabetes
Surgery complications
Sometimes, sleep apnea may be misdiagnosed, so it’s important to get the opinion of your dentist in Columbia.
How is Sleep Apnea Treated?
Treatment for sleep apnea is possible, but the best way to treat sleep apnea will depend on your specific situation and needs. Some options include:
Taking medications or nasal sprays
Having tonsils removed
Removing adenoids
Using a CPAP
Sleep with an oral appliance
Sleep apnea is a serious condition that requires a proper diagnosis and treatment to help relieve symptoms. If you suspect that you or your bed partner may have sleep apnea, don’t hesitate to call your dentist in Columbia to schedule an appointment.
Welcoming new patients from Columbia, Ellicott City, Howard County, and nearby communities.
