Day: May 22, 2015

Are Your Teeth Healthy? Take our Quiz: Headlines across the country declare how unhealthy Americans are, and this information is not just limited to nutrition or weight. The National Institute of Health indicates that our dental health also leaves something to be desired. According to a recent study, 92 percent of adults ages 20 to 64 have had dental caries (cavities or tooth decay) in their permanent teeth. Even worse, approximately five percent of adults age 20 to 64 have no teeth at all. Studies indicate that families with higher incomes and those with higher levels of education actually had a higher incidence of tooth decay than those of other socioeconomic groups.

Test Your Dental Health

So how healthy are your teeth? We’ve created this quiz from information provided by the American Dental Association to give you some insight. Answer the questions below and score yourself accordingly.

1. Do you smoke or use chewing tobacco? Write down 1 point for “yes” and 0 points for “no.”

2. Do you chew ice? Write down 1 point for “yes” and 0 points for “no.”

3. Do you drink several sodas during the day (diet and / or regular)? Write down 1 point for “yes” and 0 points for “no.”

4. Do you have sensitive teeth? Write down 1 point for “yes” and 0 points for “ no.”

5. Do your gums bleed? Write down 1 point for “yes” and 0 points for “no.”

6. Have you had a regular dental checkup within the last six months? Write down 0 points for “yes” and 1 point for “no.”

Scoring:

• 0 points This is one time when a zero is good news. This means you probably have a good grasp on what it means to have healthy teeth. Still, continue your regular checkups with your dentist.

• 1 to 3 points You have an understanding of what is needed to have a healthy mouth, but there are still areas for improvement.

• 4 to 6 You have several possible risk factors for developing cavities or gum disease. Schedule and appointment with your dentist.

If you didn’t do as well as you’d hoped, here are a few quick facts for you to consider:

• Chewing tobacco and smoking cigarettes can lead to gum disease which, in turn, can lead to tooth loss. It also places the user at a higher risk for mouth cancer.
• Chewing ice can damage the enamel and weaken teeth.
• Sodas, as well as citrus drinks and citrus fruits, are acidic, and can weaken the enamel, leaving your teeth vulnerable to tooth decay.
• While there are several things that can cause bleeding gums, it is never normal for your gums to bleed. It could mean gingivitis or it could simply mean that you are brushing or flossing too hard. Make an appointment to speak to your dentist.
• Sensitive teeth may be a sign that a cavity is developing.

Finally, it is difficult to ascertain your dental health if you haven’t had a regular dental checkup. Be sure to contact your dentist and schedule an appointment today. Your dentist can discuss the results of this quiz  with you and help establish a plan for healthier teeth and gums.

---

Sources: National Institute of Health. “Dental Caries (Tooth Decay) in Adults (Age 20 to 64)” Information for quizzes from the American Dental Association. “Test Your Dental IQ.”

Five Surprising Things that Can Damage Your Teeth: Everyone has heard these time-honored pieces of dental advice:

• Don’t eat too many sweets.
• Be sure to brush and floss properly every day.
• Get regular dental checkups.

But there are other pieces of advice with which you may not be familiar. For example, did you know that one of the most damaging things you can do to your teeth occurs while you’re sleeping? Following are five surprising things that you may not realize can damage your teeth.

Bruxism

Bruxism, which is another name for teeth grinding, can damage not only teeth, but the jaw as well. It occurs most often while sleeping. Speak with your general dentist about the possibility of a fitted mouth guard that can protect your teeth during the night.

Dry Mouth

Saliva is not just necessary to help break down food, it is also one of your tooth’s best friends. Saliva cleanses teeth to help prevent tooth decay and other dental problems. While everyone has dry mouth from time to time, certain medications can cause dry mouth. While the condition itself is not damaging, it places teeth at risk for developing cavities and other oral health problems. Tell your dentist if you’re experiencing dry mouth and provide a list of medications you are taking.

Chewing Ice

This habit can hurt tooth enamel and leave your teeth vulnerable to decay or other damage.

Citrus Foods

A diet in fruits and vegetables is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. However, too much exposure to acidic foods—particularly citrus fruits—can spell trouble. Not only can the acids in oranges and lemons wear away at enamel, but they can also agitate and irritate mouth sores.

Any Food That Can Get Stuck In The Teeth

We’re looking at you, popcorn, potato chips, and even white bread. Anything that transforms to a gummy consistency when chewed or has small pieces like popcorn husks can lodge between teeth, making it difficult to remove and setting the stage for tooth decay to take control. If you have any of these habits, put an effective action plan in place to help prevent tooth decay and damage that can result. For example: instead of chewing ice to cool down, drink water instead. Staying hydrated can also help you if you are suffering from dry mouth. Diligently flossing and cleaning teeth after eating popcorn or corn on the cob can help prevent pieces from getting stuck between teeth, where they can harbor bacteria. But most important, be sure you have a professional dental cleaning scheduled twice a year. If you have any questions concerning your dental health, speak to your dentist.