Top 7 Things You Should Know About Oral Health

At our dental office in Valparaiso, we’re all about preventive dental care and doing everything we can to keep our patients’ smiles healthy. We also believe in educating our neighbors about oral health. After all, the more you know, the healthier you can be. Check out the top seven things we feel are most important for you to know.

• There’s more reasons to brush your teeth in the morning besides freshening your breath. As we sleep, mouths tend to become dry, and when there’s a dry mouth, there’s usually bad breath. Your morning brushing routine can help combat the ‘morning breath’ smell, but it’s also helpful in removing plaque that has built up on teeth overnight.

• Unremoved plaque can lead to tartar. When plaque isn’t removed by properly brushing and flossing everyday, it sticks to teeth and transforms into tartar. Tartar is plaque that has calcified and can only be scraped off through a gentle, yet thorough, cleaning by your Valparaiso dentist.

• Brushing too much or too hard is a real thing. We typically recommend brushing twice a day every day. You should choose a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently brush teeth using a small, circular motion. If you scrub your pearly whites vigorously you may do more harm than good. Rough brushing can damage gums and cause them to recede.

• Sugar isn’t the only cavity culprit. When we think of cavity causing foods, we naturally blame the sugar packed treats that help quench the sweet tooth in all of us. But sugar isn’t the only thing that feeds bacteria and causes decay. Foods high in starch such as pasta, bread, and crackers are full of carbohydrates. When carbohydrates begin to break down, they’re converted into sugar, and we all know how bad sugar is for teeth.

• Constant snacking is dangerous for your smile. The more food you ingest daily, the more your teeth are exposed to decay-causing bacteria. As you eat, bacteria in your  mouth also eat. And like all living things, bacteria also eliminate waste. The waste emitted from bacteria is highly acidic. These acids are what attack tooth enamel and cause decay.

• Dental health can affect overall health. Poor dental health has been linked to several whole-body diseases including increased risk of heart disease, certain cancers, and diabetes. To keep both your smile and overall health safe, remember to brush, floss, and receive dental cleanings at least twice a year.

• It’s not normal if your gums bleed. If you see blood in your sink after brushing or flossing, it’s not something you should ignore. Any sign of bleeding gums could be an indicator of gum disease. Gum disease is a serious condition that could lead to tooth loss and other systemic diseases.

If you have questions about your oral health, or if you’re looking for a new dentist, we welcome you to call our Valparaiso dental office to schedule an appointment.

About The Author

Dr. Joseph Majka

After earning his dental degree in 1993, Dr. Joseph Majka provided dental care for migrant farm workers’ children through the Indiana State Department of Health. Months later, he began practicing family and cosmetic dentistry. For years, he was involved in different charitable activities, providing free dental care for the underprivileged in the community. Dr. Majka has attended several continuing education courses that cover all aspects of dental care and is affiliated with numerous dental associations.

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