Teeth Cleaning Archives

September 2, 2022September 2, 2022

Heart Disease & Poor Oral Health

Studies show that pathogens from the mouth can infiltrate the bloodstream and cause blood clots and major cardiac issues.

A study that was published in 2018 with data from almost a million participants with over 65,000 cardiac events (such as heart attack) identified a significant link between poor dental health and coronary heart disease after accounting for age. Therefore, is it important to see your Las Vegas Smile dentist at least twice a year.

How are heart disease and poor oral health connected?

-The bacteria responsible for gum disease and periodontal disease can spread to other parts of the body and inflame or even destroy the blood vessels. The result might be the formation of blood clots, which could lead to a heart attack or stroke. Evidence for this notion comes from the detection of oral bacteria spores in atherosclerotic blood arteries located in distant parts of the body.
-Inflammation, a natural part of the body’s immunological response to bacterial infection, triggers a chain reaction that damages blood vessels all over the body, including the heart and brain.
-Hypotheses suggest that lack of access to healthcare and inactivity are also possible causes. Oral and cardiovascular disease may be more prevalent among those who lack access to health care or who don’t prioritize their health.

According to an article from The Mayo Clinic, studies have shown:

-Inflammation of the gums, also known as periodontitis, has been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
-Bacterial infections in the bloodstream can harm heart valves, and this risk is increased by poor oral health. Those who have had artificial heart valves may find that maintaining good oral hygiene is of utmost importance.
-Heart disease and tooth loss follow similar trends.
-Evidence suggests that patients with diabetes can benefit from periodontal care and that there is a link between diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

How it happens

Science Daily reports: A member of the Society for General Microbiology claims that bacteria that cause plaque in the mouth can enter the bloodstream and raise the risk of heart attack. Brushing and flossing regularly can keep mouth bacteria in check, but if you don’t, they can cause a lot of trouble, as explained by Professor Howard Jenkinson of the University of Bristol. According to him, “poor oral hygiene can cause bleeding gums, allowing bacteria to escape into the circulatory system, where they can create blood clots which can eventually result in heart disease.”

Plaque and gum issues are both caused by streptococcus bacteria, which thrive in the mouth in communities known as “biofilms.” The Streptococcus bacterium, once released into the circulatory system, can use a surface protein called PadA as a tool to push platelets in the blood to attach together and shape clots, as demonstrated by researchers at the University of Bristol who teamed up with the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI)’s scientists.

Professor Jenkinson explains that bacteria utilize the formation of blood clots for their own selfish purposes. If the platelets clump together tight enough, they can trap the germs within. The immune system and any drugs used to treat an infection are both shielded from this, he explained. Platelet clumping, in addition to aiding the bacteria, can lead to growths on the heart valves (endocarditis), tiny blood clots, or blood artery inflammation that can cut off blood flow to the brain and heart.

August 2, 2022

Why You Should See a Dentist Twice a Year?

Many people often put off their dental appointments for far too long. Dental procedures can be expensive and unpleasant for those who wait until they are in pain or have an ailment to see a dentist. As a result, prevention is the best strategy.

Having your teeth checked for cavities and having them cleaned on a regular basis is essential. Visiting the dentist regularly may go a long way toward ensuring that your teeth continue to remain in top shape. Gum disease is more widespread than most people realize, therefore it’s important to have your gums inspected often.

In general, your dentist will advise you to come in twice a year for checkups. This is because cavities typically take around a year to form. The sooner a dentist can detect a cavity, the more likely it is that he or she can fill it and save the tooth. Being preventative can save you a lot of pain and anguish in the future.

Routine Visits
The oral examination and the cleaning are the two main components of a dental cleaning appointment. When the dentist examines you, they will be looking for signs of decay. X-rays may be needed to detect cavities between teeth in some circumstances.

During your visit, the dentist will also keep an eye out for any indications of plaque and tartar buildup, gum diseases, or cancer.

Gum Disease
Our dentist constantly checks for gum disease in our patients since healthy gums are the basis for good teeth. We use a device that measures the depth of the gap between your gums and teeth to examine your gum health. In healthy teeth, there are less gaps between them, but in those with gum disease, they grow deeper.

Detecting gum disease early can help prevent more significant dental concerns from developing.

Plaque and Tartar
There is little more to plaque than a transparent, sticky covering of bacterial colonies that adhere to teeth. The sticky stuff will harden and turn into tartar if not removed. Brushing and flossing will not remove tartar. Tartar can only be removed from teeth by a dentist, and once it has built up, the patient is more vulnerable to developing various oral conditions.

Tongue, Throat, and Neck Cancers
A dental appointment should also include an assessment of the face, teeth, tongue, throat, neck and head. The dentist is on the lookout for any signs of malignancy, such as swelling, redness, or other changes to the tissue.

Detecting potential problems in the tissue at an early stage is critical for our patients, which is why we take it extremely seriously at Las Vegas Smile Dental.

March 7, 2022

How Eating can Affect the Mouth and Teeth?

A fresh and glowing smile could be your biggest strength. Where ever we go or whoever we meet, a bright smile seals a good impression. On the contrary, if you experience conditions like pale teeth, broken or chipped teeth, or chapped lips it might be hard for you to make an astonishing appearance. Moreover, you could develop some gross diseases like gingivitis, tooth decay, caries, etc. that might cause you pain and discomfort.

Keeping regular mouth hygiene, along with dental visits and healthy food, is usually the most important factor determining your mouth and teeth health. On the flip side, certain eating habits can harm your mouth and teeth health badly. For instance, eating too much or too little potentially leads to various teeth problems and agony. However, you can read through the following article and know what eating habits can be detrimental to your oral health and how you can avoid them to look crisp and confident.

Not drinking enough water
If you hear someone stressing out about staying hydrated you should take note of that. Staying hydrated helps your lips look plump and fresh, your immune system gets stronger, and drinking water also helps wash the excess buildup around your gums and teeth. Keeping a bottle of water in your backpack will do you wonders.

Snacking too often
According to various surveys most people have a habit of brushing their teeth twice a day i.e., around their main meals. However, most people don’t brush or clean their teeth after having snacks around in the day. If you like to snack a lot for example eating chips, candies, and chocolates i.e., sticky food, you are likely to have a higher DMFT index (decayed, missing due to caries, and filled teeth).

Sticky components of the food like sugar or fats tend to stay around the gums and teeth eventually getting acted upon by bacteria. Inadequate removal of these bacteria and residual matter on the teeth leads to unhealthy mouth and teeth.

Eating at irregular times
Many people face a hectic routine in today’s competitive world making it difficult to meal regularly. Irregular meal times are associated with irregular mouth hygiene practices. Putting it simply, staying up late at night will likely force you to eat something and you are likely to forget brushing or mouth washing. Eventually, your teeth and mouth become unhealthy leading to various problems.

Eating processed food
The fast-food market is one of the ever-growing industries in the United States. Cheap and ready-to-eat meals are available apparently for people’s convenience, however, most of this food is processed and unhealthy. Processed food contains unhealthy carbs, fats, and inadequate amounts of protein. These foods frequently cause a build-up of plaque and debris in your mouth leading to a needed dental cleaning.

Healthy Mouth and Teeth
You can avoid eating processed food by doing meal-preps that include healthy, whole food which supports a healthy oral cavity. Replacing snacks with fruits or dry fruits can improve your oral and overall health. Lastly, meal-prepping instead of eating processed food is life-saving. Having a healthy physical, including oral, and mental body is the key to enjoying moments in life.

February 3, 2022February 3, 2022

Healthier Options & Tips for Valentine’s Day

On the year’s most romantic holiday, the most popular gift to bestow your sweetheart is sweets. Here are a few tips from your local dentist to satisfy your sweetheart without compromising their oral health.

Dark Chocolate & Teeth
Dark chocolate is known for being the “healthier” option, it contains less sugar than milk chocolate. Studies have shown Cocoa contains valuable nutrients and minerals that may help prevent cavities and decrease the risk of tooth decay. Unlike sticky candies, dark chocolate easily dissolves in your mouth, allowing the chocolate to wash off your teeth.

Consider these additional tips for maintaining good oral health during this upcoming sweet holiday:

Brush immediately
Brushing soon after eating candy helps avoid plaque and acid formation from sugar. If a toothbrush & toothpaste are not available at that time you can simply swish and rinse teeth thoroughly using water. Also using mouthwash is another temporary solution to help avoid tooth decay.

Avoid hard and sticky candy.
Sweets with higher sugar content cling longer on your teeth, causing harmful effects to your oral health. The faster it dissolves, the less time it takes to rinse away leftover sugar debris. Hard candy can chip or even break your teeth.

It is recommended to choose softer foods that provide plenty of nutrients and minerals and are not just sugar chunks. On the other hand, sticky candy can get stuck between teeth and gums, making it harder to remove. Such candies are not easily broken down with your saliva (at times, not even with brushing), staying in your mouth for an unhealthy amount of time.

Make it a one-time event
From an oral health perspective, having sweet treats in one sitting (and then brushing) is better than munching on candy for the entire day, making it more likely for bacteria to produce acid that causes tooth decay.

Moderation is key
The more sugar you have, the risk increases for tooth decay. When considering oral health, limiting sugar consumption is the ideal solution for all. In addition, it is also helpful to avoid extra sugar content that is not naturally found in your food or diet!

As previously mentioned, dark chocolate is the healthier option, although excess consumption is menacing for overall health. Being high in calories, it is recommended to eat one to two ounces of dark chocolate in a day to achieve the best oral hygiene.

Reduce exposure time
Even though the oral damage varies for each candy, it is never a good idea to eat an excessive amount. Choosing candies that quickly dissolve and melt away limits the amount of sugar exposure in your mouth.

Instead of sugar straws or lollipops, sugar-free candies are a better option for oral health. Plain dark chocolates are preferable over milk chocolates with a sugary filling like cherry or caramel!

Bottom Line
Valentine is the time for celebrating sentimental moments with your significant other. Also, your teeth need extra love and attention to help combat the sweets. Keep your smile bright and white by selecting healthier options, while still your satisfying cravings.

January 5, 2022

New Year’s resolutions to improve your dental health

A New Year means another birthday, another favorite holiday and another chance to make that perfect smile a reality!

A New Year is also a time to reflect on past events and look towards the future with positive changes in mind – especially when it comes to overall health. We normally pay attention to the health of our bodies, which is fine, but we easily overlook that our teeth are also a fundamental part of our overall health.

Regular visits to the dentist are great for catching certain conditions in their early stages or even before they present themselves. Conditions like oral cancer or gum abscess can be detected and addressed correctly if taken care of by a dental health professional as soon as possible.

Daily care is most crucial to keeping healthy teeth and gums. Regular daily brushing is a great start! People who brush twice a day tend to have much better oral health as they are knocking out bad bacteria and plaque more often but there is another opportunity to take it one step further!

Some foods and beverages are high in damaging elements – sugar and acid. Sugar and acid are very common in most food items available and are, unfortunately, damaging to dental and oral health. Acid can stain teeth and make them appear yellow while also eroding protective layers of enamel and exposing sensitive parts of the tooth. Sugar can aid the growth of bacteria that can cause bad breath, tooth decay and even gingivitis. A good way to combat these effects is by chewing gum approved by the ADA, the American Dental Association. Another way is to brush after consuming high sugar or high acid foods and drinks.

Increasing calcium intake is a great way to keep teeth healthy and strong. Teeth are bones, plain and simple and thus require all the things bones need to keep themselves doing their best. Consuming the appropriate amount of calcium for maintaining bone (or tooth) strength can help reduce instances of tooth decay, chipped teeth and teeth falling out from being too weak.

Having a straight smile can be attractive and trust worthy but not only that! Crooked teeth can make it harder to chew food and may result in jaw problems later on. Crooked teeth are also harder to brush properly and can be a place for bacteria and plaque to hide away and do more damage.

If a great smile is on the list of New Year Resolutions, getting braces or invisalign will be a great step forward. New years are a great chance to start a new routine with a new, better smile!

July 3, 2021July 3, 2021

Time for a New Toothbrush

Keeping a consistent routine is a great way to combat most problems that might arise in oral hygiene. Brushing and flossing regularly throughout the day can keep enamel and gums strong and breath smelling fresh! Most people would think that is all they need to worry about but that is not quite true.

Consider the process of flossing – with floss, it is a quick ‘one and done’ deal. Simply throw away the floss after use.

When it comes to a toothbrush, this practice is definitely not just routine. Usually, we do not throw away a toothbrush or even toothbrush head after each use but replacements should be considered after some time.

Toothbrushes and toothbrush heads can fray overtime which inhibits their effectiveness as they will not properly brush or scrub teeth as they should.

What about what we cannot see? Bacteria and germs gradually build up on the tool and make the brush itself counterproductive for oral hygiene. To avoid unneeded contact with germs and bacteria, be sure to replace toothbrushes and toothbrush heads every 90 days or sooner if the bristles begin to fray. Also consider making a change after an illness as whatever germs and viruses that caused the illness will most likely linger on an innocuous toothbrush or toothbrush head.

Maintaining teeth brushing tools can be done easily with the use of reminders for replacements on a calendar or cell phone. Buying in bulk makes switching much easier and quicker than buying individually and can be cheaper too.

Also, see your local dentist at Las Vegas Smile at least twice a year to maintain a healthy smile.

June 2, 2021

Oral Health Routine

Routines are designed to keep things running smoothly and just like how workout routines help keep the body in shape, oral hygiene routines help keep teeth and gums healthy. Fresh smelling breath is also a plus.

The most highly recommended oral hygiene routine involves brushing with toothpaste, flossing between teeth and using mouthwash. Each step is important and should be done correctly to fully maximize their potential.

The most frequently misused item on our list is floss. Dental floss is commonly used to pull food out from between teeth. Toothbrushes simply cannot get into the tight spaces between teeth which means that problems like plaque can freely grow there with little resistance. Hook floss around a tooth in a ‘C’ shape then move the floss in an up and down motion. This will scrape off plaque and food debris that brushing alone may miss. It is recommended that floss be used at least once a day.

Despite not being able to get in between teeth, toothbrushes are still an important tool! Brushing gets the largest amounts of acid, bacteria, plaque and food debris off of teeth. If all these things sound bad — they are!

Acid can wear down tooth enamel and expose sensitive parts of the teeth.
Bacteria can cause either inflammation or infections. Inflammation of the gums can be painful at its best and cause illness at its worst.
Plaque and food debris can not only cause tooth enamel to wear down but also bad breath and discoloration.

To get the most out of this part of the routine, be sure to brush with toothpaste twice a day. It is most important that one of those times be before bed or after the final snack or meal of the day.

Lastly is the use of mouthwash or mouth rinse. Rinsing is a great way to add another protective layer to teeth as well as wash away any lingering risks to dental health but be sure to talk to a professional about what type of mouthwash to use. Certain mouthwash and toothpaste were created to tackle specific problems so be sure to choose the right one for your specific needs.

Make a positive impact on your overall oral health by keeping a daily, consistent oral hygiene routine. Visit a dentist at Las Vegas Smile twice a year, to keep your smile bright, teeth healthy and to address any potential issues.

April 4, 2021

Cleaning Teeth Options – From Traditional to Trendy

When most people think about teeth cleaning, they imagine a classic toothbrush and a tube of commercial toothpaste or they might remember their last professional cleaning with a dental hygienist. These days, more options exist than ever before. People are setting aside classic toothpaste and choosing more natural, unique, and sometimes startling products to get the bright, healthy smile they love.

Classic Baking Soda or Sea Salt
People have recommended brushing teeth with baking soda or sea salt for decades. They have similar abrasive materials to commercial toothpaste, which makes them a great way to remove food particles and plaque buildup. Many people do not like the taste and add a few drops of peppermint oil to the mixture.

Charcoal Toothpaste
The idea of using black charcoal toothpaste seems counterintuitive, but this trend can help whiten your smile and remove plaque. Activated charcoal can actually attract impurities and soak up plaque from the surface of your teeth. Charcoal generally has a higher abrasion factor then ingredients like baking soda or salt, so dentists recommend care when scrubbing your teeth with it. It may not look good when you scrub the black mixture around your mouth, and many people do not like the taste, but it is quite effective.

Natural Herbal Soap
Some forgo products specific to teeth completely. Instead, they use some type of natural soap with herbal or essential oil ingredients. While this can clean your mouth, it may not remove the stuck-on plaque that can cause problems. Instead of chemical detergents, most prepared dental soaps rely on healthy oils, plant ingredients like aloe vera and essential oils like peppermint or citrus for fresh breath.

Hydrogen Peroxide
This liquid kills most bacteria and can contribute to teeth whitening but may work better with a mouthwash then as a replacement for toothpaste. Of course, there is no abrasion involved. Hydrogen peroxide can also affect moisture levels in the mouth, which may contribute to bad breath or gum damage.

Coconut or Other Oils
The common Ayurvedic practice of oil swishing has become popular around the world in recent years. You may use coconut or other oils to brush your teeth as well. It has antibacterial properties, tastes fine, and can hydrate gums and sensitive tissues in the mouth.

Commercial toothpaste has been around since the 1870s. Over the years, oral health has improved greatly and continuous research leads to other options in dental care. Before you adopt a new product for your everyday regimen, take time to learn about all the benefits and risks.

In the end, as long as you choose a healthy method of cleaning your teeth, you will enjoy an attractive and happy smile for as long as possible. Before chasing trends or trying a new product, speak with your Las Vegas Smile dentist and research the potential benefits and problems. Many teeth cleaning options exist from traditional to trendy, but the best one for you is always the one that protects your teeth from damage while ensuring a healthy and beautiful smile.