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.

Gum Disease & Gastrointestinal Cancers

According to the CDC, nearly 50% of adults over the age of 30 have some form of gum disease, and your dentist in Columbia wants you to know that this is nothing to take lightly. Gum disease is a serious condition that has been connected to an increased risk of developing both oral and overall health problems such as tooth loss, heart disease, and stroke. But there’s even more. A new study conducted by the American Academy for Cancer Research shows a potential link between gum disease and gastrointestinal cancers, including colon cancer.

The Link Between Gum Disease and GI Cancer 

The survey from the American Academy for Cancer Research followed over 40,000 men and women for more than a decade, monitoring their health, diets, and results of their colonoscopies. Researchers focused on two types of intestinal lesions that are often precursors to developing colon cancer –  serrated polyps and conventional adenomas – as well as patients’ oral health. While it may seem odd to study gut health in relation to oral health, the results were interesting. 

• Patients studied were 17% more likely to have a serrated polyp if there was also a history of gum disease.

• Researchers saw an 11% increased risk of having a conventional adenoma if a history of gum disease was also present.

• Participants who lost more than four teeth, a common side effect of gum disease, had a 20% increased risk of having a serrated polyp.

While these survey results certainly seem to point to a correlation between gum disease and colon cancer, researchers say that more studies are needed.

How Can You Tell If You Have Gum Disease?

Gum disease can be treated and cured if it’s detected in its early stages. This is why it’s so important to see your dentist in Columbia twice a year for regular checkups. Early detection is key to treating gum disease effectively before it has a chance to cause bigger oral health or overall health problems. Some tell-tale signs of gum disease may include: 

• Bad breath or bad taste that doesn’t go away

• Red or swollen gums

• Tender or bleeding gums

• Painful chewing

• Loose teeth

• Sensitive teeth

• Gum recession

If you experience any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment with your dentist in Columbia as soon as possible to get treatment. 

Preventing Gum Disease 

There are several ways to protect yourself from developing gum disease, including:

• Brushing your teeth twice a day

• Flossing daily

• Quitting smoking 

• Seeing your dentist in Columbia at least every six months

However, it’s important to know that genetics, age, and certain medications can also impact the risk of developing gum disease. Make sure to mention all health conditions and medications to your dentist at every appointment. 

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

2023 National Children’s Dental Health Month

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, a public health event brought to us by the American Dental Association (ADA). The purpose of this month-long celebration is to bring parents, caregivers, teachers, and healthcare providers like your dentist in Columbia together to raise awareness of the importance of proper oral hygiene and dental care in children. The theme for 2023 is Brush, Floss, Smile!, and there are tons of ways you can help make dental care more fun for the children in your life. 

“Brush, Floss, Smile!”

This year’s slogan is Brush, Floss, Smile! helps both kids and caregivers learn just how important it is for kids to brush their teeth regularly as well as floss in between each and every tooth. To help, ADA has put together fun, interactive games and activities to make learning about dental care fun for kids. Head on over the ADA website and download all sorts of free educational tools including coloring sheets, crossword puzzles, and a calendar to keep track of brushing habits. 

How Should Kids Brush & Floss?

Brushing and flossing tiny teeth are important, but your dentist in Columbia will also encourage you to make sure your little ones are doing them correctly. Developing proper technique and a solid routine will help children throughout their lives.. 

Proper Brushing

Kids and adults should brush their teeth twice a day, once when you wake up in the morning and once before bed at night. Use the following techniques: 

• Angle the toothbrush against the gum line at a 45-degrees

• Gently scrub teeth using small circles with the brush

• Brush all surfaces of each tooth and up under the gums

• Brush the tongue from back to front

A thorough brushing should take about two minutes. Don’t shy away from humming songs or finding two-minute brushing videos to turn a habit into a fun activity. 

Proper Flossing

It’s just as important for kids to floss once a day as it is for adults, and little ones should start flossing whenever they have two teeth that touch each other. But like brushing, flossing requires a specific technique, and it can be hard for kids. The best way to floss is to gently wiggle the floss in between each tooth and curve it up under the gums. You can try traditional floss but you may have more success with a floss pick.

While brushing and flossing are crucial for all smiles, maintaining visits to your dentist in Columbia is also necessary. Schedule an appointment today! 

Accepting new 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. 

What is Cosmetic Dentistry?

Cosmetic dentistry is a form of dental care that’s focused on not only improving the look of someone’s smile but also functionality. Cosmetic dentistry treatments can help teeth look whiter, straighter, or more balanced. Depending on your wants and needs, your dentist in Columbia can find the best cosmetic dentistry treatment for you. Here’s a guide to help you decide if cosmetic dentistry is right for you and narrow down which treatment may help you achieve the results you want. 

Teeth Whitening

One of the most popular, if not the most popular, forms of cosmetic dentistry, is smile whitening. Over the past couple of years, whitening your teeth has become easier than ever before as you can purchase over-the-counter whitening products whenever you want. However, your dentist in Columbia wants you to know that not all whitening products will give you the results you’re looking for. In fact, some types of tooth stains can’t be removed by using whitening products alone. That’s why it’s always important to consult your dentist before you decide to try and whiten your smile on your own. This is the best way to make sure you’re finding the best way to whiten your teeth before you invest. 

Dental Veneers

If you find out that your teeth can’t be brightened through teeth whitening treatments, another option that can be used to cover up the staining are dental veneers. Not only can veneers change the color of your teeth, they can also change the size, shape, or length of individual teeth and fill in small gaps. Veneers are applied after your dentist removes a small portion of the front tooth enamel, and they are customized in size, shape, and color to match the rest of your natural teeth. 

Bonding

Dental bonding is a quick and easy form of cosmetic dentistry that can usually be finished in 30-60 minutes. Bonding can help restore the appearance of teeth that have decay, chips, cracks, or need a little reshaping. A tooth-colored resin is applied and molded into the ideal size and shape to give your smile a balanced look. It’s then hardened with a UV light, making it a sturdy restoration. 

Dental Crowns

Dental crowns may often be considered a form of restorative dentistry, but they can also hold a cosmetic purpose. A crown, also known as a cap, covers a tooth in its entirety and can change the size, shape, or strength of a tooth. Crowns may also be used after a root canal in order to make the tooth stronger. Crowns are custom-created to blend seamlessly into a smile. 

There’s no better time than the new year to create a new you, and with your dentist in Columbia, you can do just that. If you’re looking for a way to be more confident in your smile, schedule an appointment or consultation today! 

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