5 Most Common Oral Complaints

Some of the most commonplace mouth problems can be prevented with proper home care and regular checkups.  And the good news is that they're all treatable!

1. BAD BREATH: Don't blame strong foods.  Poor oral health is the major cause of chronic halitosis, and it can be a warning sign of gum disease, so if you have bad breath, we should take a look.

2. TOOTH DECAY:  Placque bacteria produce acids that attack tooth enamel, and if not removed from teeth through thorough brushing and flossing, cavities will form.  We can fill cavities, but they can severely compromise teeth, the only part of the body that cannot heal itself.

3. CANKER SORES: Their cause is unknown, but stress, diet, and weakened immunity can all play a part.  If they persist, visit us as they can warn of other oral and overall health issues.

4. GUM DISEASE: Gingivitis is often caused by poor oral hygiene, and if left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis.   If you have red, swollen, or bleeding gums, bad breath, mouth infections, or loose teeth, see us immediately.  Gum disease is treatable and sometimes it's even reversible!

5.  RECEDING GUMS OR A GUMMY SMILE:  Gum sculpting can fix a gummy smile, but if your gums are receding, you may have periodontitis.  We can help stop further damage and make reparations.

If you have oral health concerns, don't wait for them to escalate.  Come and see us!

This was taken from our Spring 2013 Newsletter!
To see the full newsletter visit ---  http://www.patientnews.com/clientpdf/8131-78069.pdf

Foods that stain your teeth!

Tea and Your Teeth

Although tea has a reputation as a healthy beverage, it may not be the best choice when it comes to keeping your teeth white. Dentists say tea -- especially the basic black variety -- can cause more stains than coffee. However, recent studies have found that even herbal teas and white teas have the potential to erode enamel and cause tooth staining.

Sauces May Stain Teeth
They may be delicious, but deeply-colored sauces -- like soy sauce, tomato sauce, and curry sauce -- are also believed to have significant tooth-staining potential. Consider lighter cream sauces for less damaging options and rinse or brush soon after eating to reduce the potential for teeth stains

Sports Drinks and Staining
Acidic foods and drinks can also lead to tooth discoloration. Recent research finds that highly acidic drinks -- like sports or energy drinks -- can erode tooth enamel, setting the stage for staining. When exercising, limit the intake of these drinks. Water may be a better choice -- at least for your teeth.

Wine and White Teeth
If a food or drink can stain a tablecloth, it has the potential to stain your teeth. Red wine, an acidic drink with intensely pigmented molecules called tannins and chromogens, is notorious for tooth discoloration. White wine is even more acidic and can lead to stains, too.

Tooth Stains and Berries
Intensely pigmented molecules stick to dental enamel. That's why blueberries, blackberries, cherries, pomegranates, and other vibrantly colored fruits can stain teeth. Juices and pies made from those fruits can also cause stains. Fruits with less pigmentation -- like white grapes and white cranberries -- are less likely to stain teeth. But these acidic substances can still harm enamel, so be sure to brush and floss.

Soda, Cola and Other Carbonated Drinks
The acid and chromogens in these drinks can lead to serious staining of your teeth. Even light-colored sodas contain enough acid that they can encourage staining by other foods and drinks. The acidity in some carbonated drinks is so intense that it actually compares to the acidity in battery acid. Many of these beverages contain flavored additives that add to their erosive effects

Candy, Sweets, and White Teeth
If your favorite sweet -- like hard candy, chewing gum, or popsicles -- makes your tongue change colors, it may contain teeth-staining coloring agents. Fortunately, unless you eat those goodies often they probably won't do much to stain your teeth.

Minimize Staining:
Cut BackYou may not want to cut all teeth-staining food and drinks out of your diet. Many of those foods and beverages -- like blueberries, blackberries, and tomato sauce -- are rich in antioxidants. You want these beneficial nutrients in your diet. So keep eating them -- but in moderation -- or substitute other antioxidant sources such as cauliflower, apples, grapefruit, and melon.

Use a Straw to Fight Stains
Try using a straw to sip your favorite drinks -- like sodas, juices, and iced tea. This should keep teeth-staining drinks away from your front teeth and reduce your risk of unsightly stains.

Swallow Swiftly
Don't let stain-causing foods and drinks linger in your mouth for long. Instead, swallow them quickly to help protect your teeth from stains. To avoid choking, it's still important to chew your food well before swallowing and be sure not to gulp.

Rinse -- then Brush -- After Eating
Swish your mouth with water right after eating a stain-causing food or drink. For about 30 minutes after you consume something acidic, the enamel on your teeth is especially at risk of abrasion from tooth brushing. So rinse, then brush well after every meal. If you can't get to your toothbrush, chew a piece of sugarless gum as soon as you've eaten.

Information from: http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/healthy-teeth-10/slideshow-foods-stain-teeth