Happy 2024! How are your New Year’s resolutions doing? Did you include improving your dental health habits in yours? If you feel that you’ve fallen off that wagon already, here you will find tips about how to get back on that wagon, and succeed. You’ll also learn about why it’s a really bad idea to have teeth extracted instead of maintaining good dental hygiene habits. Finally, you’ll learn about Vape Tongue. We feel this is a particularly important newsletter to read, so please share with others!
In This Issue:
- Dental New Year’s Resolutions
- Preserving Oral Health: Bone Loss After Extraction
- What is Vape Tongue?
- Honoring Our Team
- Recipe of the Month: Slow cooker 3-bean Chili
- YouTube Channel
- Please Leave us a Review!
Dental New Year’s Resolutions
‘Tis still the season for reflection and resolutions. Of course, you can improve your oral hygiene any time of year, but there’s something about January that makes it seem not only possible but doable.
Here are our top 10 Dental Resolutions – take any or all of them into the rest of this year, and get back on the wagon whenever you feel you’ve fallen off!
1. Floss Regularly
We all know we’re supposed to floss every day, but many people (maybe even most) just don’t. There’s always a good excuse – we’re tired, flossing is annoying, it makes our gums bleed – and on and on. While these might be legitimate reasons, if you take the effort this year to increase the frequency of your flossing, you could reduce your risk of gum disease and tooth decay. Plus, you’ll have fresher breath!
For those who have difficulty flossing, either because of manual dexterity or motivation, consider a water flosser as an excellent substitute.
Pro-Tip: Set the bar lower and increase your current frequency of flossing to an extra day each week. Once that habit is set, increase the flossing frequency by one day more each week. It may be helpful to associate your extra flossing day with a habit you already have. For example, if you work out on Tuesdays, tell yourself that you will floss as soon as you finish your workout. Leave the floss out where you can see it.
Expert Pro-Tip: Check out the book Atomic Habits, by James Clear. Or watch a video, such as https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T2r1jyhT2vg&ab_channel=TimFerriss
2. Brush for a Full 2 Minutes
Another simple way to improve your oral hygiene is to make sure that you’re brushing for the recommended two minutes. Think you do? Studies have shown that most Americans really brush for less than 60 seconds. To ensure you’re brushing long enough, use a timer, an egg timer, or an electric toothbrush with a built-in timer.
Pro-Tip: To add a little fun, try singing a “timing” song. The Jeopardy! theme is a good choice–it’s 30 seconds long – so, sing it once for each quadrant in your mouth.
Expert Pro-Tip: To improve your balance, stand on a different leg as you brush each quadrant. That will help you, as you grow older, to walk without shuffling your feet.
3. Quit Smoking
We know this one is difficult, and if you’re still using tobacco, chances are it’s been on your New Year’s Resolutions list before. However, it bears repeating; smoking is one of the most dangerous habits for your teeth and for your health. It increases your risk of gum disease and tooth loss. It also makes it more difficult to receive dental implants. This is one of the hardest resolutions to keep, but it’s also one of the most beneficial.
(Note: drinking alcohol in excess also dries out the mouth, promoting tooth decay.)
Pro-Tip: Don’t go it alone! Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW for free resources to help you finally quit smoking. Or in Maryland, access https://smokingstopshere.com/ to quit smoking and vaping.
Expert Pro-Tip: If you smoke, it’s even more important to go to the dentist regularly to be screened for oral cancer. Even if you wear full dentures, you should still visit your dentist.
4. Invest in an Electric Toothbrush
If you’re still using a manual toothbrush, consider upgrading to an electric toothbrush in the new year. Not only can electric toothbrushes help clean your teeth significantly better than a manual toothbrush, but most also have built-in timers that make it easier to brush for the recommended two minutes.
Pro-Tip: The technique for using an electric toothbrush is different from manual toothbrushing. Check out YouTube videos for whatever make and model of electric toothbrush you purchase to learn how to use it effectively.
Expert Pro-Tip: More important than buying an electric toothbrush is (a) to actually use a toothbrush regularly, and (b) to use the correct brushing technique with whatever toothbrush you have, and (c) to replace your toothbrush or toothbrush head when they appear worn.
5. Stay Hydrated
In addition to cutting down on hunger and fatigue, staying hydrated also boosts your oral hygiene! When your mouth dries out, there isn’t enough saliva to consistently wash bacteria away from your teeth. As a result, it can increase the risk of cavities and bad breath.
Pro-Tip: Use that fancy new water bottle you got over the holidays to sip on water throughout the day!
Expert Pro-Tip: staying hydrated with sugary drinks, or acidic drinks, will counteract the effect of improving the state of your mouth. That means coffee, tea, carbonated drinks, alcohol, juices, sports drinks, and soda and soft drinks, even when sugar-free. See https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/threats-to-dental-health/how-acidic-drinks-affect-teeth for more information.
6. Get Enough calcium
Calcium is a key nutrient that our bodies need for strong bones and teeth. Children are encouraged to drink their milk so they can “grow up big and strong,” but ensuring adequate calcium intake is just as important for adults. Calcium keeps the roots of your teeth strong, ensuring they remain secure in the gums. Common sources of calcium include dairy products like milk, yogurt, and cheese. If you don’t consume dairy, you can still get calcium from broccoli, tofu, almonds, and dietary supplements.
Pro-Tip: To learn more about which kind of calcium supplement and how much calcium you need, read https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/calcium-supplements/art-20047097.
Expert Pro-Tip: Maintaining a healthy diet involves more than getting enough calcium.
7. Use mouthwash
While mouthwash isn’t a substitute for flossing and brushing, it can boost your oral health. Mouthwash helps to reduce plaque buildup and prevent gingivitis and gum disease. Plus, rinsing your teeth can help remove food particles not caught by brushing. Adding mouthwash to your routine is a quick and easy way to help keep your teeth healthy.
Pro-Tip: Mouthwash often has added fluoride and antiseptic benefits. But, as with your toothbrush and floss, you need to use it in order to experience its benefits.
Expert Pro-Tip: Some mouthwashes contain alcohol and some do not. Note that alcohol will dry the mouth, which promotes tooth decay.
8. Invest in a Tongue Scraper
Just as bacteria can build up on your teeth and create plaque, it can also accumulate between taste buds and other crevices on your tongue. Along with dead skin cells and food debris, bacteria become trapped on the tongue and need to be physically removed. While brushing your tongue with a toothbrush helps to remove some bacteria, it’s not the most effective method.
Pro-Tip: Inexpensive tongue scrapers are usually available where toothpaste and dental floss are sold, so you can stock up on your oral health necessities at one stop!
Expert Pro-Tip: Certain brands of electric toothbrushes contain a tongue scraper on the opposite side of the brush head.
9. Cut Down on Staining Foods
Stained teeth have a big impact on your appearance (and self-confidence). While teeth whitening is a great option, the results won’t last if you continue to consume a lot of staining foods and beverages. Some of the worst culprits are chocolate, coffee, tea, cokes, red wine, dark beer, and berries. We know that’s a long list of deliciousness that’s hard to cut out completely. The good news is that even a small reduction can make a difference.
Pro-Tip: Still can’t do it? Make a resolution to use a straw with cold staining beverages.
Super Pro-Tip: When all else fails, talk with us about whitening treatments. We offer both in-office and at home treatments.
10. Visit the Dentist Regularly
Another good resolution for the coming year is to see your dentist every six months for an examination and cleaning. Regular cleanings remove tartar and plaque, which cause cavities and tooth decay. And, if you’re prone to gingivitis or gum disease, routine dental visits increase the likelihood of early detection, making it easier to manage symptoms and reverse damage when possible.
Pro-Tip: If anxiety has prevented you from maintaining regular visits, please let us know! There are a number of options that can help patients overcome dental anxiety.
Expert Pro Tip: Schedule An Appointment
Want a healthier smile in the new year? Our team is here to help. Call our office to schedule an appointment today!
What is Vape Tongue?
Disclaimer: This image does not depict the real vape tongue condition and is a work of fiction. It has been intentionally exaggerated to draw attention to this issue.
On January 12th, we recognized “Cigarettes are Hazardous to your Health Day.” We mentioned quitting smoking as a dental New Year’s resolution above, but it’s an important one so we’ll say it again. Let’s prioritize your health moving forward! Whether it’s cigarettes or vaping, say no to these harmful habits.
“Vape tongue” happens when a user temporarily loses their sense of taste. This video from Medical History Mysteries looks at why this occurs, why vape liquid isn’t as safe as it seems, and why vaping isn’t the answer when it comes to quitting smoking. https://www.dentistryiq.com/dentistry/pharmacology/video/14301622/wth-is-vape-tongue-an-explanation-for-dentists-and-dental-hygienists?o_eid=7018A7375167I0R&oly_enc_id=7018A7375167I0R&rdx.ident[pull]=omeda|7018A7375167I0R&utm_campaign=CPS231206095&utm_medium=email&utm_source=DEC+Weekend
Preserving Oral Health: Bone Loss After Extraction
Here’s a little known fact: People who don’t take care of their teeth and gums, and whose teeth are rotted and infected by age thirty, do NOT have an “easy out” by suffering through a full mouth extraction.
It seems so easy. Visit the dentist, have them pull out (extract) all your teeth, and then wear dentures. Or, if you’re willing to pay the price and have the time, replace every tooth with an implant. Or do nothing and live without teeth. But it’s not that simple.
Maintaining good oral health is not only essential for a beautiful smile but also crucial for your overall well-being. When dental issues progress, we dentists hear all too often “just take the tooth out,” but your dentist isn’t suggesting a root canal over extraction because they’ll make more money.
Keeping your natural teeth prevents bone loss, prevents shifting teeth, and prevents changes to your bite that can affect chewing.
Tooth extraction seems like a simple solution to dental problems, but it sets off a chain reaction that has long-lasting effects. Our teeth play a vital role in supporting the underlying bone structure. When a tooth is removed, the bone in that area loses its primary function, leading to a decrease in bone density. Ultimately, the bone disappears.
See a video of what a man’s face looks like, following full extractions. https://thepasadenatexasdentist.com/bone-loss-side-male-video/
Bone loss, or resorption, occurs when the jawbone no longer receives the stimulation it needs from the roots of natural teeth. Most loss occurs within the first eighteen months following the extraction, but will continue gradually throughout your life. The longer you can keep your natural teeth, the better!
After an extraction and as the bone diminishes, you can expect:
- Loosening of teeth surrounding the extraction site. As the bone from the extraction site deteriorates, the teeth on either side can lose support. This can eventually cause pain, loose teeth, and lack of retention for bridges or dentures.
- Difficulty fitting dentures, or getting dental Implants. For individuals considering dentures or dental implants to replace extracted teeth, adequate bone height and width is crucial. Insufficient bone will not hold dentures in the mouth, and can even prevent the successful placement of dental implants.
- Changes in facial appearance. The jawbone provides essential support to facial muscles and tissues. With multiple or full mouth extractions, the bone loss can cause a sagging appearance, making you look older than your actual age.
- Altered bite and speech. The natural alignment of teeth and the jaw plays a role in maintaining proper bite and speech. Bone loss can disrupt this alignment, leading to difficulties in biting and speaking.
The best way to avoid the negative effects of bone loss is to preserve your teeth. This includes:
- Early detection and treatment of dental issues. Regular dental check-ups help identify potential problems before they get worse. Timely treatment can often save a tooth from extraction.
- Root canal treatment. In cases of severe tooth decay or infection, root canal therapy can be a viable alternative to extraction. This procedure removes the infected nerve while preserving the natural tooth structure.
- Restorative dentistry. Dental crowns and other restorative procedures can help save damaged teeth, providing strength and functionality.
- Maintaining good oral hygiene. Good oral hygiene habits including regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings and exams. Taking care of your teeth and gums prevents dental issues such as periodontal (gum) disease that may lead to infections, teeth falling out, or extractions.
Taking care of your teeth and gums will give you far more than a healthy smile. It will give you a strong foundation for your oral and total body health. Remember to be true to your teeth, or they will be false to you!
Honoring our Team Members
To learn more about our team members, visit Our Team page on our website.
MVP –
Every month we recognize a team member who has gone above and beyond, for our patients or other team members.
In January, we honored our dental hygienist Tyann. For six weeks she came in earlier than the rest of us, to open up our nine treatment rooms (ran water lines, turned on computers, etc.) while our dental assistant Rodney had to be away. She’s a true team player!
Invisible Worker Recognition
We also like to recognize a team member – or this month, several team members – who makes our day-to-day operations run smoothly, despite their contribution not being obvious to many of us.
Tyann wasn’t the only person who took on Rodney’s tasks. In January we also honored:
- Dental hygienist Brandon, for maintaining our large equipment;
- Dental assistant Ana, for maintaining our small equipment;
- Dental assistant Dani, for taking care of traps;
- The entire dental assistant team, for pulling Rodney’s weight.
It’s when someone isn’t present that we truly realize how much we depend on them. Thank you, Rodney, for being with us since 2001 and for doing so much for our practice!
Slow Cooker 3-Bean Chili
In the spirit of Veganuary, a month long celebration that encourages people to try a vegan lifestyle for the month of January, we’re sharing a vegan recipe. Join us in embracing this Veganuary and make every Monday meatless! Let’s kickstart the year with delicious plant-based goodness.
This Slow Cooker 3 Bean Chili is the perfect healthy vegan dinner. With a smoky flavor, plenty of veggies and TONS of protein, it’s a complete meal!
Ingredients
Vegetables/Beans
- 1 yellow onion diced
- 1 jalapeño diced
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 1 green bell pepper diced
- 4 cloves garlic diced
- 2 carrots diced
- 12 ounces vegan beef crumbles or sub cooked lentils
- 1 28-ounce can diced tomatoes
- 1 15-ounce can black beans drained and rinsed
- 1 15-ounce can pinto beans drained and rinsed
- 1 15-ounce can kidney beans drained and rinsed
Seasonings (or use your favorite pre-packaged season mix)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo diced
- 1 tablespoon adobo sauce from the can
- salt & pepper to taste
Base
- 1 tablespoon low sodium soy sauce
- 1 cup red enchilada sauce
- 2 cups broth
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add all of the ingredients (through the beef crumbles) to the pan. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the veggies start to get tender and the beef crumbles start to brown. Be sure to stir frequently.
- Transfer the mixture to the slow cooker with the remaining ingredients. Stir to combine and cover. Cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 8 hours.
- Taste the chili and adjust the seasonings as needed. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Notes
FOR STOVETOP: Heat the olive oil in a stock pot over medium heat. Add all of the ingredients (through the beef crumbles) to the pot. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the veggies start to get tender and the beef crumbles start to brown. Be sure to stir frequently. Add the rest of the ingredients to the pot and stir to combine. Bring to a boil, then cover, lower the heat and simmer for 30 minutes. Taste the chili and adjust the seasonings as needed. If the chili is too thick, you can add some more broth.