All of us here at Porter Orthodontics have heard the expression “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”. Taking this to heart can make our teeth stronger and brighter if we eat the right foods to support that healthy smile.Read More
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New Year, New Me
At the start of each new year, we often hear people say, “New year, new me.” But what exactly does that mean? At Porter Orthodontics, we say “New year, new smile, better hygiene.”
To help you start the new year with a great smile and better oral health, we’ve come up with a list of essentials you will need to achieve this new year’s resolution.
Floss
Simply brushing your teeth does not always get to the hard-to-reach areas. Flossing is one of the most effective ways to prevent cavities, fight bad breath, tartar buildup, gum disease and improve your appearance. Make sure floss is part of your at-home dental care routine in the new year to maintain your bright smile.
The Impact of Smoking on Oral Health
When it comes to smoking, we’ve all been reminded constantly of the effects it can have on our overall health. In most cases, lung cancer is often the disease of choice that is a result of smoking. However, the damaging effects of smoking don’t stop there. Do you know the negative effects smoking can have on your oral health as well? Stained teeth and bad breath are just the beginning. At Porter Orthodontics, we’ll help you understand the true cost of smoking as it relates to your teeth, gums and oral health.
Gum Disease
It starts with inflammation of the gums. If left untreated, the inflammation can lead to serious damage of the gum tissue, tooth loss and even bone loss in the jaw. Serious infections can also happen if the bacteria from any of the above mentioned gets into the bloodstream.
It is important to note that gum disease in those who smoke can be harder to treat. Smoking doubles the risk of developing gum disease due to the overwhelming number of toxins it introduces into the mouth.
Are You Over-Brushing Your Braces?
Have you ever had that awkward experience when you drink a cold beverage and immediately feel a sharp pain in your teeth? You’re not alone. In fact, one in eight people has this same problem with tooth sensitivity. So what’s the cause? Believe it or not, tooth sensitivity such as this doesn’t have anything to do with cavities or even braces, the most common cause is brushing with too much force.
The Effects of Brushing Too Hard
Before, during and after undergoing orthodontic treatment, the concept of brushing your teeth regularly was drilled into your brain as the best way to maintain good oral health and hygiene. While some take this advice and brush as recommended (every morning, every night and shortly after each meal), some people translate this to mean that they should be brushing more aggressively. This is NOT the case.
Over-brushing or brushing too aggressively can wear down the protective layers that make up the tooth enamel. Additionally, it can push the gums back further – exposing the dentin layer under the enamel even more. This dentin layer leaves the teeth vulnerable to the nerves underneath that cause pain and discomfort when exposed to hot, cold and acidic foods.