Life gets busy so it’s easy to overlook the connection between our mental well-being and oral health. According to research, our mental state can significantly impact our teeth and gum health. This is why practicing mindfulness not only reduces stress and improves our mental health, but can also boost your dental health! Reducing Stress for…
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]]>Life gets busy so it’s easy to overlook the connection between our mental well-being and oral health. According to research, our mental state can significantly impact our teeth and gum health. This is why practicing mindfulness not only reduces stress and improves our mental health, but can also boost your dental health!
Reducing Stress for a Healthier Smile
As you may already know, our bodies react physically to stress. During these times, our bodies create higher levels of hormones which can lead to inflammation throughout the body including our mouths. Inflammation is a contributor to gum disease and other oral health issues. You can reduce stress and your risk of inflammation by practicing techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga.
The Effects of Dental Anxiety
Many people experience anxiety when visiting the dentist. Unfortunately, this fear becomes an excuse for not visiting the dentist. Avoiding regular check-ups and cleanings can have serious consequences since minor dental issues that are left untreated can grow into major problems. Address your dental anxiety by practicing mindfulness. By taking control of your oral health and making your routine dental visits, you ensure you receive the care you need to maintain a healthy smile.
Teeth Grinding and Jaw Clenching
Stress and anxiety can cause teeth grinding and jaw clenching. These bad habits will wear down your teeth, cause jaw pain, and lead to other dental problems. Practicing mindfulness can help you notice these habits and relax your jaw muscles, reducing damage.
The Holistic Approach to Dental Health
By taking a holistic approach to dental health, you consider the interconnectedness of our mental, physical, and oral well-being. Practicing mindfulness can help enhance our overall health while reducing the risk of developing other dental problems. We’re not only reducing our stress but taking proactive steps for our mind, body, spirit, and oral health.
At Bright Now! Dental, we understand the importance of this connection. Book an appointment with us and we’ll help you with your dental health. During times of stress, remember to take a moment to breathe deeply, relax, and smile – your mind and smile will thank you.
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]]>During your regular dental check-up at Bright Now! Dental, you’re not just getting a cleaning but taking proactive steps in detecting oral cancer. Cancer that develops in any part of your mouth, sinuses, and throat is considered oral cancer. If not treated early, it can be life-threatening. In this blog, we’ll debunk three oral cancer…
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]]>During your regular dental check-up at Bright Now! Dental, you’re not just getting a cleaning but taking proactive steps in detecting oral cancer. Cancer that develops in any part of your mouth, sinuses, and throat is considered oral cancer. If not treated early, it can be life-threatening. In this blog, we’ll debunk three oral cancer myths – read on to learn what steps you can take to help prevent this disease.
Myth 1: It’s easy to detect oral cancer
Fact: During its earliest stages, oral cancer can be hard to detect – even the symptoms may not be obvious. This is why regular exams by dental professionals are crucial for early detection and treatment. Your dental team is at the forefront of advancements in detecting oral cancer. If further examination is needed after the initial screening, your dentist will refer you to a specialist who will oversee your care and ensure you get the best treatment possible. Your health is our top priority and our amazing dental team is dedicated to supporting you every step of the way.
Myth 2: You only need to be screened for oral cancer if you’re considered high-risk.
Fact: Regardless of your risk factors, everyone should undergo consistent screenings. Early detection is important to improve treatment outcomes. During every dental cleaning, our dentist and hygienist look for signs of oral cancer. These screenings are quick, painless, and most importantly, could save your life.
Myth 3: Only tobacco users can get oral cancer.
Fact: Though tobacco use is a risk factor, non-smokers can also develop this cancer. Other risk factors include excessive alcohol consumption, a diet low in fruits and vegetables, chronic exposure to the sun (for lip cancer), and the human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. It’s important to maintain a healthy lifestyle by exercising regularly, eating balanced meals, and managing your stress. These habits not only improve your overall health but protect your smile. We also recommend getting vaccinated against HPV which will help lower your risk for developing oral cancer.
A Brighter Future
We look forward to a world where oral cancer is a thing of the past. By increasing awareness, detecting early signs, and advancing technology for prevention, that future is possible. If you haven’t had your smile examined for a while, book an appointment with the nearest Bright Now! Dental office in your area. Our team is ready to help protect your mouth and teeth so you can enjoy it for years to come!
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]]>It’s the month of love! This also includes self-love so why not show some extra care to your smile – which will also benefit your heart! Research suggests that a healthy smile is intertwined with a healthy heart so we came up with some simple tips to support both your oral and heart health. We…
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]]>It’s the month of love! This also includes self-love so why not show some extra care to your smile – which will also benefit your heart! Research suggests that a healthy smile is intertwined with a healthy heart so we came up with some simple tips to support both your oral and heart health. We know habits take time to set in so here’s a two-week schedule to help you gradually introduce these new healthy habits!
Day 1: Jumpstart to Success
Set the tone to a brighter and healthier smiler by dedicating two minutes every day and night to brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste. Yes, it’s really as simple as that. Not sure which brand of toothpaste to use? Just give your dental office a call and they’ll recommend one that works best for your smile.
Day 3: Bring in the Floss
Integrating flossing into your daily routine is a must. Brushing isn’t enough to remove plaque that is nestled in between your gums. Not a fan of traditional floss? You’re in luck! There are many different types of flossing products such as floss picks and water flossers so choose the one that works best for you!
Day 6: Hydrate
Now that you have your morning and night routine down, let’s start thinking about things you can do during the day. Drinking enough water is an important part of overall wellbeing. Sipping it throughout the day promotes a healthy mouth environment and may also reduce your risk for heart disease. Your body’s muscles, including the heart, work their best when they are well-hydrated.
Day 9: Smart Snacking
Now’s the time to start evaluating what you’ve been putting into your body. Sugary snacks and beverages are delicious but aren’t beneficial for you. Swap some of these unhealthy snacks for nutritious alternatives like fruits and vegetables. You’ll satisfy your cravings and get the added benefit of boosting your overall health. Munching on crunchy fruits and vegetables like carrots and apples can also help prevent stain build-up on teeth!
Day 12: Keep Moving!
Include some heart-pumping exercises in your new routine. Exercise is not only good for your heart but can also help reduce gum disease. Regularly exercising can help lower the amount of inflammation in your body and that includes your gums! Remember to consult your physician before beginning any exercise program.
Day 14: Celebrate Taking Care of Yourself
We’ve reached the end of your two-week journey! Take a moment to appreciate all the good habits you’ve incorporated these two weeks. It’s important to maintain these habits for a lifetime to keep a healthy smile and heart!
Want to take on a bonus healthy habit? Visit your local Bright Now! Dental office twice a year to make sure your teeth are on the right track. If it’s been some time since your last dental visit, book an appointment today with our amazing team!
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]]>Did you know saliva protects you from cavities? Since it’s made up of enzymes, proteins, and minerals, it plays an important role in keeping your mouth healthy. Your spit is also a way for your body to communicate a variety of responses. Read on to learn more! The Ultimate Defender Cavities develop from acidic build-up…
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]]>Did you know saliva protects you from cavities? Since it’s made up of enzymes, proteins, and minerals, it plays an important role in keeping your mouth healthy. Your spit is also a way for your body to communicate a variety of responses. Read on to learn more!
The Ultimate Defender
Cavities develop from acidic build-up produced by bacteria and food. After eating, saliva flow fights off potential cavities by helping clear food debris, neutralizing remaining acids, and remineralizing your tooth enamel. Antibacterial compounds in saliva will also ward off bad breath germs! It’s amazing to learn how our spit is protecting us from so much!
The Dangers of Dry Mouth
So what happens if you have a lack of saliva? If you experience dry mouth, this is a red flag for your oral health! A dry mouth leaves your teeth without protection and can result in a higher risk for cavities and gum disease. Unfortunately, as we get older, our saliva production decreases. Medications, dehydration, and certain diseases can also reduce saliva flow.
Tips For Increasing Saliva
On the bright side, here are some simple tips you can do to help increase your saliva flow:
- Sip water throughout the day
- Chew sugar-free gum
- Take over-the-counter saliva substitutes like sprays or drops
If you’ve been struggling with dry mouth, don’t wait to book an appointment with our team at Bright Now! Dental. Explain your symptoms to one of our experienced dentists and they’ll come up with a treatment plan that targets your needs!
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]]>Planning to whiten your teeth at home? Before starting, it’s important to know about the dos and don’ts of at-home teeth whitening. Let’s make sure your smile not only sparkles but stays strong and healthy. Read our simple checklist first and then you’re ready to whiten your smile! Do: Consult Your Dentist | Don’t: Expect…
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]]>Planning to whiten your teeth at home? Before starting, it’s important to know about the dos and don’ts of at-home teeth whitening. Let’s make sure your smile not only sparkles but stays strong and healthy. Read our simple checklist first and then you’re ready to whiten your smile!
Do: Consult Your Dentist | Don’t: Expect Instant Results
Make sure to consult with your dentist before beginning. Certain dental conditions make teeth whitening more difficult so your dentist can give you advice on what would work best for you. Teeth whitening takes time so don’t expect results right away. The best and longest-lasting results develop gradually over time, and your desired level of brightness may take a few weeks. By staying consistent and following your dentist’s instructions, you can achieve your dream smile while keeping it healthy.
Do: Select the Right Products | Don’t: Make Your Own
Nowadays, there are so many teeth whitening products out there but not all are created equally. Your dentist can guide you to the best products available and it’ll take the worry out of using something that can harm your teeth. Don’t be tempted to use at-home recipes that may use acidic and gritty ingredients that can harm your tooth enamel and cause tooth sensitivity. Many of these recipes do not remove deep stains and only provide temporary results. Stick to products recommended by your dentist for a safer and more effective whitening experience.
Do: Keep Brushing and Flossing | Don’t: Forget Your 2023 Dental Benefits
Regular brushing and flossing during the whitening process will boost your results! These habits prevent new stains from forming and allow the whitening products to work more effectively. If you want an extra boost, book a dental checkup if you haven’t had one this year. During that time, you can ask your dentist about teeth whitening and they’ll give you tips and tricks for long-lasting results. They may even have a pack of whitening strips for you to use! Remember dental insurance plans often expire at the end of the year so see if you can use your remaining benefits for an end-of-the-year checkup.
At Bright Now! Dental, we prioritize your oral health while making sure your smile is beautiful. Don’t forget to maximize your remaining insurance benefits so you can start off 2024 with a healthy glow!
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]]>Playing in the snow, bundling up in your favorite sweater, and drinking hot cocoa are all fun in the winter, but cold weather can be brutal on your body. It can dry out skin, make lips chapped, and even make your teeth hurt! Learn more about tooth pain due to cold weather as well as…
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]]>Playing in the snow, bundling up in your favorite sweater, and drinking hot cocoa are all fun in the winter, but cold weather can be brutal on your body. It can dry out skin, make lips chapped, and even make your teeth hurt! Learn more about tooth pain due to cold weather as well as tips for reducing this discomfort.
Can Weather Affect Tooth Pain?
Can cold weather cause tooth pain? During the winter months, you may notice a correlation between weather changes and tooth pain. Similar to how your teeth can react to a chilly bowl of ice cream, they may become more susceptible to sensitivity as the temperature decreases.
Each of your teeth is made up of several layers: pulp, dentin, and enamel. The dentin, which is between the pulp and enamel, will expand and contract with temperature changes. Sudden changes can cause stress on your teeth since the dentin reacts more quickly than your enamel. This stress on your tooth structure can be painful, but once the temperature normalizes, the pain should subside. If it does not disappear, then you should call your dentist, since it may be a sign of a bigger dental issue.
During the colder months, we also see increases in allergies, flu cases, and sinus infections. These can also cause tooth pain. If your tooth pain is caused by one of these ailments, make sure to see your doctor or physician to get proper treatment.
Tips for Alleviating Tooth Pain in Cold Weather
- Try breathing in and out through your nose as much as possible. Breathing through the mouth brings the cold air directly in contact with your teeth and the sudden change in temperature can cause tooth pain.
- Make sure you have a hot beverage handy when you’re outside. Warming up cold teeth with a warm drink (even just hot water) can help ease the aches.
- Try using a mouthwash with fluoride two to three times a day. Fluoride can help seal cold-sensitive teeth.
- Try using desensitizing toothpaste. These types of toothpaste help block the sensations that cause the pain associated with sensitive teeth.
If the Pain Continues…
After warming up healthy teeth, the pain should go away. If your teeth still hurt or the sensitivities persist, we recommend scheduling a dental appointment. Persistent aching can be a sign of tooth decay, cavities, exposed dentin, eroding enamel, or gum disease. It is important to visit the dentist as soon as possible so they can pinpoint the exact cause of your pain. Book an appointment with our experienced Bright Now dentists to get your pain treated!
FAQ
Can cold weather cause tooth pain?
Yes, cold weather can cause your teeth to become more painful. You may notice that your teeth become sensitive when you consume cold foods or drinks. This is the same thing that happens when it gets cold. If the pain lasts a few days, book an appointment with the dentist since it may be a sign of a more serious dental issue.
Sources:
- https://www.ahealthiermichigan.org/stories/prevention/ask-the-dentist-what-can-i-do-to-avoid-my-sensitive-teeth-from-hurting-in-cold-weather
- https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/tooth-sensitivity
- http://www.everydayhealth.com/dental-health/10-biggest-causes-of-tooth-sensitivity.aspx
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]]>Is there anything more quintessentially American than bubble gum? You might be surprised to learn that chewing gum (in one form or another) has been around for thousands of years. Read on to learn more about the history of chewing gum. Gum Beginnings Chewing gum history begins thousands of years ago. Some of the first…
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]]>Is there anything more quintessentially American than bubble gum? You might be surprised to learn that chewing gum (in one form or another) has been around for thousands of years. Read on to learn more about the history of chewing gum.
Gum Beginnings
Chewing gum history begins thousands of years ago. Some of the first examples of chewing gum actually originated in the Americas. The ancient Mayans chewed chicle, which is the sap from the sapodilla tree, while North American Indians chewed the sap from spruce trees. This habit was passed down to early settlers, who made chewing gum from spruce sap and beeswax.
History of Chewing Gum Timeline
1800s – Beginning of the Chewing Gum Industry
The first commercial chewing gum, the State of Maine Pure Spruce Gum, was sold by John B. Curtis in 1848. This gum was initially made out of spruce tree resin but it didn’t taste great. Curtis switched to ingredients such as paraffin wax to achieve a better flavor.
In 1869, a dentist named William Semple was the first person to patent a chewing gum. His gum recipe consisted of charcoal and chalk.
The chewing gum industry truly exploded when an inventor named Thomas Adams entered the scene. Before creating his own company, Adams worked with the famous Mexican president, General Antonio López de Santa Anna, who wanted to use chicle as a substitute for rubber. Santa Anna eventually abandoned this endeavor but Adams decided to experiment with chicle and create a better chewing gum out of it. His gum was a success and he soon had a patent for a machine that could create chewing gum sticks. These sticks were popular and Adams was able to establish his company, Adams New York Gum Company, selling around five tons of gum per day. He added flavors to the gums such as natural spearmint and tutti-frutti, which became one of the first gum flavors to be sold via vending machine in 1888.
1900s – Invention of Bubble Gum
So we know more about the origins of chewing gum but what about bubble gum? Bubble gum was created in 1928 by Water Diemer. He originally worked for a man named Frank Fleer who owned a chewing gum company. Fleer wanted to create a product that was different from anything else in the industry. He came up with Blibber-Blubber, a gum that could be blown into bubbles. Unfortunately, the gum was too sticky and therefore hard to sell. Diemer experimented with Fleer’s formula and after many trials he came up with Dubble Bubble, a bubble gum that you can still purchase to this day!
Bubble gum played a big role during WWII. It was given to soldiers as a healthy stress reliever, an alternative to cigarettes and GIs spread the popularity worldwide by trading it and giving it as gifts to people in Europe, Africa, Asia and around the world.
Present Day
Today there are more than 1,000 varieties of gum manufactured and sold in the United States and people on average chew 182 sticks a year.From its humble beginnings thousands of years ago, chewing gum has become one of the most popular forms of candies in the world. They can definitely satisify your sugar cravings, but if you are a daily gum chewer, we recommend only chewing sugar-free gum to reduce the risk of cavities.
If you have questions about which brand of gum is healthier or notice any toothaches when chewing gum, book an appointment with our team at Bright Now! Dental! We’ll make sure your teeth are healthy so you can continue chewing your favorite gums for years to come!
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]]>Can a cavity spread to another tooth? We’re here to help you learn more about this dental problem. To maintain a healthy smile, it is important to educate yourself about the risks associated with cavities and tooth decay. What are Cavities? Cavities are small holes that are created by plaque. Consuming sugary foods enables bacteria…
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]]>Can a cavity spread to another tooth? We’re here to help you learn more about this dental problem. To maintain a healthy smile, it is important to educate yourself about the risks associated with cavities and tooth decay.
What are Cavities?
Cavities are small holes that are created by plaque. Consuming sugary foods enables bacteria in plaque to use these sugars to create an acid byproduct. This acid can ruin your tooth’s enamel. Unfortunately, your enamel cannot repair itself so a cavity will form.
The After-Effect
If one tooth has a cavity, does that mean all your other teeth are in jeopardy? Well, not exactly. Just because you have one infected tooth doesn’t mean the adjacent teeth will automatically have holes. However, having active decay creates an environment for teeth to be more susceptible to cavities. It’s easier for bacteria to stay stuck in cavities and therefore remain in your mouth longer and affect your gums and teeth.
It is crucial to treat cavities early on since they can spread to deeper parts of a tooth – even reaching inner nerves. If it has come to this, you’ll experience pain and potentially an infection. The entire tooth structure will weaken and be prone to chips, cracks, and developing new cavities.
Keep Cavities from Spreading
Early intervention is crucial in stopping the spread. For smaller cavities, dentists can fill them which is a quick and noninvasive procedure. If you put off your dental visit, the cavity can lead to a bigger issue. To resolve it, you may have to pay for costly treatments such as a root canal or crown.
Don’t forget to brush twice a day and floss daily and make sure to moderate your sugar intake. Doing these things will reduce your likelihood of forming cavities. Lastly, don’t skip your routine dental visits! These are essential for your oral health and they allow your dentist to look out for any potential forming cavities as well as other dental issues.
If it’s been more than a year since your last dental checkup, now’s the time to book your appointment! We don’t want you to have any active cavities go untreated so find a Bright Now office near you! Remember, addressing one cavity today can prevent the domino effect of problems in the future. The Bright Now dental team is here to help so you can enjoy a bright and healthy smile for many years.
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]]>2023 is ending! We want to make sure you get the most out of your dental insurance benefits since most benefits expire on December 31st! Let us help you maximize your benefits while making sure your teeth and smile remain healthy! How to Understand Your Dental Benefits Insurance can be confusing but to get the…
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]]>2023 is ending! We want to make sure you get the most out of your dental insurance benefits since most benefits expire on December 31st! Let us help you maximize your benefits while making sure your teeth and smile remain healthy!
How to Understand Your Dental Benefits
Insurance can be confusing but to get the most out of it, you’ll have to understand what it covers as well as other details. Don’t worry – we’ve got you! You’ll first want to review your policy details, including your deductible, annual maximum, and any waiting periods. Since dental plans can change annually, we recommend reviewing them each year. For more questions, you can call your insurance provider. They’re the experts on your plan and the phone number is most likely on the back of your insurance card.
Book Routine Checkups! & Cleanings
Did you know that many insurance plans will completely cover regular dental checkups and bi-annual cleanings? This gives you another reason to not skip your routine dental visits. They are also opportunities for your dentist to see if you have serious dental issues. If they do find an issue, they will create a treatment plan for you and explain all the advised dental services and their associated costs. Now is the time to act if you’ve been recommended a dental treatment and have remaining insurance benefits available. Delaying necessary dental work can lead to more costly treatment in the future.
Don’t Procrastinate!
With holidays, family gatherings, or planned winter vacations, life usually gets busier during the last few months of the year. Schedule an appointment now with your local Bright Now! Dental office so you can book one that best fits your schedule. That way, you’ll also have more time to use up your dental benefits! If you are unsure if our office takes your insurance plan, just visit our insurance page to learn more or give us a call! We’ll give you more details and insight on what your insurance covers!
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]]>Are your kids ready to go back to school? Make sure they start their school year right with healthy smiles. Here are a few tips to help ensure your family is prepared for the new school year. Fresh Start for Fresh Grins Kick off the school year with a fresh start for your child’s teeth!…
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]]>Are your kids ready to go back to school? Make sure they start their school year right with healthy smiles. Here are a few tips to help ensure your family is prepared for the new school year.
Fresh Start for Fresh Grins
Kick off the school year with a fresh start for your child’s teeth! This means checking their toothbrushes and making sure to replace them every 3 to 4 months. A new toothbrush will help keep plaque away and leave your kids with strong, shiny teeth they can proudly show off.
Protect Their Smiles
Back to school also means back to sports! If your child is part of a basketball, soccer, or any sports team, their smiles can be susceptible to unexpected impacts and falls. Invest in a mouth guard for them so they can avoid dental accidents. If they do experience a dental injury, call the closest Bright Now office and book an emergency dental visit. Our team is ready to bring back your child’s smile.
Don’t Forget to Hydrate!
Give your child a reusable water bottle so they can stay hydrated throughout the day. Water not only helps keep their bodies cool but is also a natural tooth cleanser, washing away food debris and cavity-inducing sugars.
Routine Oral Care
Help your child ace their oral health by making sure they have a consistent homecare routine. To keep those pearly whites gleaming, make sure they brush twice a day, two minutes each time, and teach them to floss properly and daily. Give them extra credit if they finish their oral care routine with mouthwash!
Dental Checkups!
One last tip – schedule a dental checkup to help ensure they have a healthy smile all year round. Trust your child’s oral health with our dental team at Bright Now! Dental. During these vital checkups, our dentists will make sure your child’s teeth are in good condition so they can keep enjoying school without having to worry about dental issues.
Your child’s oral health may not be on your mind as you prepare for the new school year. But, it’s important to remember their oral health since it contributes to their overall well-being and confidence. By checking off these tips, you’re setting up your child for success! Cheers to an amazing school year filled with, learning, growth, and many more reasons to smile!
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