Grove's Blog
Posts for tag: Cavities
Gum disease may be more common than you think with an estimated 75% of Americans having some form of the disease. More startling are recent studies that have linked gum disease and decay to other diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and even pregnancy complications.
The good news is that gum disease and tooth decay are completely preventable. No matter what your age, it’s never too early, or late, to learn the fundamentals of good oral hygiene. You’ll benefit from a healthier, more attractive smile and improved general health.
A few helpful reminders for improving your dental habits:
- Brush at least twice a day.
- Use toothpaste with fluoride to keep teeth strong.
- Don’t forget to floss. It’s important for removing plaque from between the teeth and along the gum lines.
- Keep a toothbrush with you at the office. Brushing after lunch is an easy way to keep teeth clean at work.
- Stop smoking—it’s one of the most dangerous oral habits you can acquire.
- Visit your Grove dentist regularly for thorough cleanings and checkups.
Little ones should also learn the importance of good dental habits at an early age. Make good dental habits a priority at home and educate your children to the benefits of a healthy mouth. Now that school is back in full force, remember to reinforce good brushing and flossing habits as a part of your child’s daily routine. Keeping a tooth brush in your child’s back pack is a great way to promote healthy teeth during the school year, especially for kids wearing braces.
The best practices for a healthy smile begin with good dental hygiene. Take the time to brush and floss daily, and visit Grove regularly for cleanings and checkups. Your teeth and body will thank you.
The same beverages that boost your performance may be deteriorating your teeth.
Chugging your favorite sports beverage or energy drink may recharge your body and mind, but these drinks may be causing irreversible damage to your enamel, the outer layer of the tooth that helps preserve the natural tooth structure and prevent decay.
A recent study in General Dentistry found that extended consumption of popular energy and sports drinks can cause tooth erosion, hypersensitivity and staining. In fact, the study claims that sports and energy drinks can do 3 to 11 times more harm to tooth enamel than soft drinks over time. While cola-based drinks may contain one or more harmful acids, sports and energy drinks contain additional additives and organic acids that can be extremely erosive to tooth enamel. The additives found in sports and energy beverages actually break down calcium, which is necessary to strengthen teeth and prevent gum disease.
To prevent tooth erosion, consume sports and energy drinks in moderation and brush your teeth or rinse with water afterward. Choosing water when you’re thirsty can preserve dental enamel and protect teeth from decay. Your smile will look and feel better for it!
To maintain good oral health and a cavity free smile, remember to practice healthy oral habits at home with proper brushing and flossing, and visit our office regularly for checkups and cleanings. Grove’s dentists can detect decay and other dental problems in their earliest stages. We’re here to help you and your family maintain beautiful, healthy smiles for life.
No matter how well we brush and floss, food particles and bacteria will inevitably find their way between the tiny crevices in our teeth. This is especially true for kids as a child’s teeth have very small depressions and grooves that make them harder to properly clean.
Grove Dental highly recommends dental sealants as preventive care for children—one of the latest, most effective, developments in cavity prevention. A sealant is a thin, clear coating that is applied to the biting surfaces of the teeth, most often the back pre-molars and molars. Sealants protect the teeth and “seal” out food and bacteria from the deep crevices, thus reducing the risk of decay. With proper care, sealants can last for several years, protecting your child’s teeth through the most cavity-prone years.
Although cavities remain the single most common chronic childhood disease, the good news is that cavities are almost entirely preventable with diligent oral hygiene and proper care from your child’s pediatric dentist. Sealants provide extra protection; however they should never replace proper daily dental care. Regular brushing, flossing, a well-balanced diet and regular dental cleanings and exams are still essential to a healthy, happy smile.
Summer is the perfect time to bring your child in for dental care. Grove Dental has an entire department of Pediatric Dentists who specialize in the oral health of children. Ask your Grove Pediatric Dentist about sealants at your next appointment. In one quick, comfortable visit, dental sealants can be applied to a child’s most decay-prone teeth.
Nothing says "I love you" like a box of chocolates, and Valentine's Day presents the perfect opportunity to give this irresistible treat to someone you love. Many people see chocolate as a guilty pleasure, but if you received chocolate as a Valentine's Day gift, you may want to consider the dental health benefits before passing up your favorite assortment of chocolate candies.
While chocolate should only be eaten in moderation, a recent study found that parts of the cocoa bean -- the main ingredient of chocolate -- can actually inhibit bacteria in the mouth that causes tooth decay. Compared to other sweet foods and candies, the cocoa bean is proving to be less harmful due to its anti-bacterial effect on the mouth which helps fight against plaque.
Despite chocolate's oral health benefits, you should avoid nibbling on your Valentine's Day chocolates all day long. Moderation is key, and don't forget to brush afterward. Good oral hygiene and regular check ups with your dentist are the best ways to maintain a beautiful, cavity-free smile.
Brush up on a few tips from Grove to keep your kid's teeth cavity free!
If your kids are anything like our own kids here at Grove, then they probably enjoy eating candy; especially this time of the year. 
Sugary candy can lead to tooth decay, but that doesn't mean you need to eliminate candy consumption altogether. You can be mindful of your child's health and still let them enjoy the special occasion. Here are a few simple steps you can take to help prevent tooth decay in your little one's mouth.
- Set limits for when and how much candy can be consumed at a time. Eating candy with snacks and meals, rather than between meals, is best to reduce plaque buildup.
- Brush and rinse thoroughly after eating candy to protect teeth from cavities.
- Always brush and floss teeth before going to bed (sugar that stays on the teeth overnight will work to decay the tooth enamel).
You can also help keep your kids' teeth healthy by making wise choices about the types of candy you allow them to eat. Some candies are worse for teeth than others. Chewy and sticky candies, such as taffy and caramel, adhere to the teeth long after a child is finished eating them. Hard candies, such as lollipops, are long-lasting and take lengthy amounts of time to dissolve, thus the teeth are exposed to sugar for a long period of time. Children who favor hard candies are also at a higher risk for chipped teeth.
For healthier alternatives, opt for sugar free candy or candy that can be chewed and swallowed in one sitting without long periods of sugar exposure (i.e. a fun size chocolate candy bar as opposed to a lollipop with a tootsie pop in the middle). And when possible, substitute healthy snacks in place of candy, such as carrots, cheese, celery or apples.
If you suspect decay or your child is experiencing discomfort, visit the pediatric doctors at Grove Dental. Decay does not go away on its own, and it will continue to progress without treatment. Our Specialists in Pediatric Dentistry (five specialists available between all four office locations) have received advanced training and experience to provide the most gentle, thorough, and age-appropriate treatment for a child's dental needs.
Most importantly, Grove wishes you a happy and safe holiday with family and friends!
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