Tag Archives: pearly whites

Nov29

Beautifying Your Smile For The Holidays

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Beautifying Your Smile For The Holidays

The holiday season is here and that means family photos galore! However, this can be easier said than done if you feel self conscious about your smile. Let’s check out some simple tips to put a real smile back on your face just in time for the family and friends paparazzi:

Stay away from sugars:

Sugary foods and drinks like juices, sodas, and sugary candies are awful for your teeth and oral health. Foods that are high in sugars are the leading cause of tooth decay and other tooth-related ailments that can ruin your smile. When one tooth becomes infected, it can lead to a cavity or even a much more severe condition called tooth decay. This is why you should ditch sugars and try to pick up a healthy diet

Develop good dental hygiene habits:

To keep your smile looking great, you should try and develop good oral hygiene habits. It would be best if you always brushed your teeth twice a day and flossed once a day. Brushing your teeth is the most critical thing you can do to keep your smile healthy and beautiful. Brushing your teeth removes bacteria and plaque that build up on your teeth throughout the day. Plaque is stubborn, so even if you brush your teeth, it is still essential that you floss daily to remove all of the plaque and bacteria from your teeth.

Receive dental work if needed:

If you’ve been brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing once a day but still aren’t seeing the results you want, it may be time to get a professional evaluation. Your dentist can evaluate your teeth and determine if any dental work is needed to improve your smile and health. Dental work can include crowns, dentures, bridges, teeth removal, All-on-4 Dental Implants, and more. Depending on what is needed, dental work can make your smile look better and make you feel better about the way your smile looks.

Whiten your teeth:

Poor dental hygiene, genetics, and other factors can cause your teeth to look yellowish. Teeth whitening can make you feel better about your smile and it is a straightforward procedure. Whitening is a common cosmetic procedure that whitens teeth by removing yellow stains. There are various types of whitening systems available on the market. These include at-home whitening kits and professional cosmetic procedures. The best and most natural way to whiten your teeth is to use a whitening toothpaste.

Drink water:

Water is essential for keeping your body and mouth healthy. It is also helpful for whitening your teeth. Drinking water daily will help you reduce plaque buildup in your mouth. Not drinking enough water can cause bacteria, sugars, plaque, and other things to build up on your teeth. This can make your teeth look dull and yellow. A water tracker is a great way to make sure you are getting enough water throughout the day.

Visit a dentist for regular checkups:

The best way to keep your teeth and mouth healthy is to visit your dentist regularly. Regular checkups allow your dentist to keep an eye out for any issues, such as cavities or gum disease. This way, your dentist can suggest preventive measures to keep your smile looking radiant. You should see your dentist regularly even if you do not have any issues with your teeth. Doing this can keep you from getting any oral ailments you are unaware of.

Look into braces or retainers:

If you have crooked teeth, you can work towards improving them. This is done by getting braces. Braces have been proven to help improve the appearance of teeth by straightening them out. Retainers are similar to braces, except they are used to keep teeth in place. Which treatment you choose depends on your specific needs and budget. Both braces and retainers can be expensive but they are worth it if they can improve your self esteem.

Follow the tips above and flash your pearly whites all holiday season long. You will be amazed at how much a smile suits you!

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Sep12

Pikin’ & Grinnin’

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Pikin’ & Grinnin’

Hello! First of all, major props to whomever got the Hee Haw reference of this post title! Second of all, I have been absolutely loving the waterpik that I purchased after my visit to the periodontist last week. During my appointment, I was so pleased to learn that my dental problems had remained stable during my long stint of no check ups thanks to the pandemic. To continue improving the issues, I bought a waterpik as soon as I got home as per the recommendations of the professionals:

I am still getting used to using my new waterpik and literally every review I have read on them was right – it is very messy at first! I have had to resort to laying a bath towel around the sink because the water just gets everywhere. I know that these mini flash floods in my bathroom will come to a halt once I get better at using the waterpik, though, so that is not a deterrent in the slightest.

I also read on the reviews for the waterpik that I bought that it was incredibly noisy but I haven’t found that to be true at all. It has the noise you would expect from a product like this – nothing more, nothing less. Even if it were obnoxiously loud, you can’t beat the price of this waterpik (about seventy dollars) for how well it works and all of the different accessories that comes with it.

This waterpik included five different tips which will help in different ways:

  • Plaque seeker tip: This one needs no further explanation
  • Toothbrush tip: Neither does this one
  • Tongue cleaner tip: Or this one
  • Orthodontic tip: This one is good for people with braces
  • Pik pocket tip: This is the one that I use as it gets deep into the periodontal pockets for an intense clean

I have been using my waterpik with the pik pocket tip every morning and night and my gums have already started to feel better. They are not as tender and I feel them getting healthier with every use. Dare I say it, I am almost looking forward to my next appointments with my dentist and periodontist because this is going to improve my oral hygiene tenfold and I think that they are going to be proud! 😀

Do you use a waterpik? How do you feel about going to the dentist? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Sep8

Pearly Whites

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Pearly Whites

Hi! Ever since I had an oral surgery gone wrong close to three years ago, I have had a HUGE fear of the dentist. But, let’s be real, I’ve always been kind of afraid of it and instead of facing my fears, I just wouldn’t go. In the beginning of February 2020, I finally worked up the courage to see a periodontist and had a handful of appointments with him. Then, the worst of the pandemic hit and I hadn’t been back since.

Although I hadn’t been to see the periodontist, I worked hard to keep up my oral hygiene with an electric toothbrush and tried my best to at least keep my problems stable. However, going so long without having any type of check up brought me back to my ambivalence of ever returning. Which is why I am proud to say that I actually had my first appointment with my periodontist since the pandemic this past week! 😀

You guys have no idea how nervous I was for this appointment because of my phobia in general and I was extremely worried that my issues had worsened. Which is why I am even prouder to say that thanks to my improved oral hygiene, the problems that I went in for had remained stable!! My worst nightmare would have been hearing the professionals say “What happened?!” so to hear that I had been doing as good as I could have been was such a big relief.

While the issues with my gums are by no means great, I am so motivated to continue making it better after this appointment. I have cleanings scheduled with my regular dentist and my periodontist. I also purchased a waterpik as per their recommendation as soon as I returned home. I like to think that even if the appointment didn’t go well, I still would have done all of that but it would definitely have made it much scarier.

I was all but traumatized after my surgery gone wrong and I think anyone would have been if they couldn’t eat for a month. I still can’t look at a bottle of Ensure without having flashbacks! But I am so happy that I am on the right track to keep improving and I plan to stay on it, no matter what my fears are.

I think I will always be somewhat afraid to go to a dentist or periodontist but this is a great first step in, at least, lessening my phobia a little bit. In fact, I might even be a little excited to keep going back and I feel hopeful that I will continue to make improvements. GOOD FOR ME! 🙂

What are you afraid of? How do you face your fears? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan18

911 This Is An Emergency…An Emergency List Of Precautions To Help Care For Your Health!

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911 This Is An Emergency…An Emergency List Of Precautions To Help Care For Your Health!

We all care about our health. Or at least, we should all care about our health. Too often we take our bodies for granted. The problem is that we don’t believe things will go wrong until they do. It’s that old belief that the bad things only happen to other people. In truth, we’re all at risk if we don’t take the proper steps to care for ourselves. Here’s a rundown of some precautions you can take to ensure that you get the best treatment when you need it:

Get to Know Your Doctor: When you register at a doctor’s office, you should be assigned to a particular physician. Getting to know them will help you feel more at ease when you visit. Make sure to find out the name of your doctor and request them each time you book an appointment. It may not always be possible to see them, but if the appointment isn’t an emergency, it’s worth waiting. Building a good relationship with your doctor is important for many reasons. Not only will it help you feel at ease but it also means they’ll be able to tell if something is wrong. A doctor who’s never seen you won’t know either way. A quick diagnosis from the physician who knows you could make all the difference to your recovery. If you’ve not yet registered with a doctor, it’s important that you do. Find one on sites like www.findadoctor.com and start building that all important relationship straight away!

Register at a Dentist: Your teeth are something you should include in your health journey. They are a part of your body that you can’t afford to neglect. Not to mention that an unsolved tooth issue can lead to further complications. Many things can damage your teeth. Namely, sugar from all those waffles and sugared snacks we all love so much! Signing up with a dentist is the best way to ensure that you get seen as soon as possible. If you aren’t registered anywhere when you have a toothache, expect major bills and difficulties. Registering at a dentist will also mean that you can get regular checks. These are the best way to stop problems in their tracks and save yourself money and pain. Take a look at dentists local to you like, http://www.southviewdentistrycharlotte.com/, and don’t hesitate to get signed up.

Get Health Insurance: Of course, to receive any treatment, it’s important to get health insurance. Not taking this step could land you in major debt. Worse, it could lead to your not being able to afford treatment. Don’t put yourself in such a distressing position. Take care of health insurance. It may be a monthly expense you could do without but think of it as an investment. Health insurance pays in a major way should anything happen. Don’t be the person who assumes it won’t happen to you any longer. Pay into a health insurance plan and accept that illness might one day come your way. At least you’ll be prepared if it does come knocking.

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Jan16

Is It Time You Booked A Dental Appointment? Red Flag Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

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Is It Time You Booked A Dental Appointment? Red Flag Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

Dental health is different to general health. Most of us only tend to see a doctor when we’re feeling under the weather or if we’ve noticed changes in our mood, energy levels, or the way our body works. When it comes to your teeth and gums, you shouldn’t wait until you have a dental disaster to book a dental appointment. Prevention is always better than cure, and this is why regular checks are recommended. If you haven’t been to the dentist for a while or you spot these red flag signs, pick up the phone now!

Bleeding Gums: If you noticed that you were bleeding from any other part of your body, you’d probably take note straight away. But for some reason, many of us ignore bleeding gums. The trouble is that bleeding gums are often a sign of gum disease, a potentially serious disease, which can contribute to early tooth loss. Gum disease is caused by harmful bacteria. Mild gum disease, known as gingivitis, is relatively easy to treat with good oral hygiene and cleaning treatments. However, advanced gum disease, or periodontitis, is much more difficult for dentists to manage. It causes irreparable damage to the gums and the bone tissue that lies beneath. The end result is premature tooth loss, as the bony sockets are unable to hold the teeth in place any longer. If you do spot blood when you brush your teeth, or you’ve noticed that your gums are swollen or sore, see your dentist. Don’t wait for your next scheduled check-up, as gum disease can develop quickly.

Tooth Pain: Tooth pain is very common, and sometimes, it’s nothing to worry about. However, it can often be a sign of underlying issues, such as decay. If you have severe pain or pain that is getting worse, it’s particularly important to seek advice from your dentist. The earlier you address the problem, the better. If you have a cavity, for example, a filling can prevent further damage to the tooth and reduce the risk of an abscess from forming. Dental pain can also be caused by an infection. If you get shooting pain when you bite down or you experience throbbing pain, this may be symptomatic of an infection.

Slow-Healing Ulcers: Mouth ulcers are very common. They tend to develop when you’ve accidentally cut the inside of your cheek or lip when you’ve been eating, for example. In most cases, ulcers don’t cause any problems and they heal within a week without the need for treatment. If you’ve had an ulcer for longer than two weeks, it’s advisable to see your dentist. It’s very unlikely, but slow-healing sores can be a sign of oral cancer.

If you haven’t been to the dentist in the last 6-12 months, pick up the phone now and make an appointment! Dental issues only get worse with time, so it’s particularly important to visit your dentist if you’ve experienced problems or noticed any of these red flag signs.

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Jan13

Dental Differences: 3 Differences Between Male And Female Oral Health

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Dental Differences: 3 Differences Between Male And Female Oral Health

Men and women have some very obvious differences when it comes to our bodies. However, did you know that something like our teeth can also have stark differences when comparing the two genders? For example, men often only visit their dental professionals when there are serious issues that need to be dealt with and, as a result, they have less dental checkups than women do. Here are a couple more differences between men’s and women’s dental health that you probably didn’t know about.

Men Usually Have More Dental Issues: Women often take care of their teeth more than men due to regular checkups and the lesser likelihood of using products such as chewing tobacco, cigarettes, and alcohol. As a result, men put themselves at risk of developing more dental issues than women. Oral diseases usually come with very few warning signs. Bleeding gums, tartar build up, and slightly annoying pains are usually ignored by men and they get on with their daily lives. Women, on the other hand, see it as a problem and deal with the issue before they develop or let the symptoms worsen.

Oral health issues can often go unnoticed until the disease fully develops. So regardless of if you’re a male or female, make sure you check out a dental practice like Bulverde North Family Dental where you can get the optimal care not just for you, but for your entire family.

Women Brush More Often Than Men: Women are, on average, more likely to brush their teeth at least twice a day when compared to men. Women are proven to be more disciplined when it comes to oral health care. They are more likely to stick to brushing at least twice a day, flossing at least once a day, and using mouthwash at least twice a day.

Men, on the other hand, are more likely to skip out brushing days, forget to floss, or go to bed without even using mouthwash. Women are also more likely to brush their teeth and floss after a meal, while men ignore it most of the time. No matter what gender you are, you need to make sure that you brush at least twice a day in the morning and before bed. Flossing is best done at night if you can’t stomach doing it after meals and mouthwash can be skipped if you already have good teeth because it can do more damage than good in some cases.

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Women Go To The Dentist More Often: Women often care more about their health, attending regular checkups and appointments, and making time for it no matter their schedules. Dental appointments are on that list of regular visits, and women often visit a dentist at least twice a year every six months. This is recommended to both men and women, but women are far more likely to stick to this schedule. In addition to going for an initial appointment, women are more likely to attend follow-up appointments or, in some cases, book several checkups in the event that something needs to be fixed, cleaned, or treated.

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Jan9

Are Your Teeth Ageing You? Here’s What You Can Do About It!

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With a world that is obsessed with youth, it can be argued that some of this pressure to stay looking young comes from the media and from celebrities who seem to reach the age of forty and then stop ageing completely. But for the average person on an average income, it’s not always so easy to stay youthful. We can’t all attend aerobics classes and have healthy meals prepared for us by a personal chef daily! The most important thing is that you recognize what about you is a dead giveaway when it comes to how old you are. Skin is obviously one of them, but have you ever considered your teeth? When it comes to our teeth, they only look as good as we treat them. So, here are some ways in which your teeth can prematurely age you, and what you can do to keep yours looking young.

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Ahhhhh

Missing Teeth: If there was ever a way to make you look older than you really are, it is through a missing tooth. In society, we tend to picture people with missing teeth as elderly. This is simply because in the olden days, before dental hygiene was considered important, old people would lose their teeth as said teeth started to decay. But the truth is, if you don’t take care of your dental health, you could be at risk of losing your teeth at any age. Gum disease is one of the most common causes behind a missing tooth and it’s something you need to tackle immediately to avoid losing any more of them. If you have already lost one, you might want to consider getting dental implants to fill the space and give you back your smile.

Discolored Teeth: Another dead giveaway for teeth that have aged before you have is discoloration. Of course, a perfectly white Hollywood smile is a pipe dream for most of us. But if your teeth are quite clearly yellow, or even brown, you will know that you definitely have discoloration. You can get them whitened professionally, but of course, prevention is better than the cure. Consider making a few lifestyle changes, such as stopping smoking, avoiding too much red wine and coffee, and brushing your teeth at least twice a day.

Crooked Teeth: We can’t help the teeth that we are born with. It’s a bit of a lottery of luck, really; some people are born with perfectly straight teeth while others are dealt a pretty crooked card. Many people who feel their crooked teeth age them resign themselves to the fact that they can’t do anything about it. But, in reality, crooked teeth can actually be changed whatever your age. Braces aren’t just for children and teenagers these days – you can have them whatever your age. If you do feel self-conscious, simply go for some invisible braces, and no one will know the difference.

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Aw :’)