Most people perfectly understand just how important it is to get in the proper levels of H2O throughout the day. Nevertheless, the benefits of drinking enough water go far beyond good skin, healthy organs, and better vision; your smile actually benefits just the same. Here is a look at some of the ways drinking enough water can be good for your oral health.

1. Prevent issues with bad breath.

It is estimated that one of four people deal with bad breath on a regular basis. While a lot of factors can contribute to bad breath, one factor may be the fact that you are not staying well hydrated by drinking enough water. Water washes away the bacteria in your mouth, helps loosen food particles from your teeth, and keeps your tongue moist. All of this can mean fresher breath.

2. Keep acid levels in your mouth at bay.

The body has a natural acid level that is considered normal, and this level of acidity can fluctuate in your mouth depending on what you eat and drink. Unfortunately, higher-than-usual pH levels can contribute to problems with decay. Drinking water helps to neutralize acidity in your mouth to keep the environment better pH-balanced like the rest of your body.

3. Ensure your soft tissues are well hydrated.

Your teeth are only as healthy as the soft tissues in your mouth. If your gums are not moist and supple, they can be more prone to damage and inflammation. Drinking plenty of water helps to protect the soft tissues in your mouth to encourage a healthier smile.

4. Avoid problems with decay.

Lack of hydration can contribute to tooth decay for a few reasons. As already noted, water helps keep acidity levels at bay and helps to wash food particles and bacteria away from your teeth. When food particles and bacteria are allowed to hang out on your teeth, they can contribute to decay.

Schedule a Dental Checkup in Owensboro or Beaver Dam

At the end of the day, drinking plenty of water is only going to do your body good, and you can grab some advantages for your mouth as well. If it has been a while since you’ve had a dental checkup, reach out to us at Travis Wilson Family Dentistry to schedule an appointment.

It is estimated that just over 10 percent of the American population is living with diabetes. Being diagnosed with diabetes means you have a few more health concerns than the general person, and one of those concerns is regarding your oral health. Take a look at some of the things you should know about your smile as a diabetic.

You will need more vigilant attention to oral health.

Having diabetes can mean you are more at risk for a range of oral health problems. Therefore, you will have to be more attentive to your oral health. Regular brushing and flossing, routine visits to the dentist, and careful monitoring of your blood sugar levels can help you maintain a healthier smile.

You could be more prone to tooth loss.

People who are diabetic have been found to lose twice as many teeth as people who are not according to the latest research. Changes in saliva, blood flow, and other bodily functions that affect the mouth can heighten the risks of losing your teeth. Any small issue that you notice should be immediately assessed by your dentist to help prevent your risks of losing teeth due to an issue.

You have to watch out for signs of gum disease.

Gum disease affects a high percentage of adults who have diabetes. Unfortunately, gum disease has a direct link to tooth loss, so it is an oral health issue that you have to be watchful of as a diabetic. Some signs of gum disease to watch for include:

• Excess bleeding from your gums
• Discoloration around the gum line
• Changes in the color of your gums
• Swelling and inflammation of the gums
• Foul breath with no explanation

Reach Out to Us for a Dental Checkup in Owensboro, KY

Even though you have diabetes, it does not necessarily mean you have to lose your smile. There are many proactive measures you can take to prevent dental problems, and it starts with keeping your blood sugar levels in check. If you would like to schedule an appointment to get a thorough assessment of the health of your smile, reach out to us at Travis Wilson Family Dentistry in Owensboro, KY.

With Halloween just around the corner, now is a great time to review the best practices when it comes to candy consumption. Candy tastes good, which means it will be extremely difficult to persuade your children into boycotting these delectable treats; instead of a boycott, consider controlling your child’s candy consumption. This can be accomplished in several ways: By choosing the specific times when your child eats his or her candy as well as making suggestions as to the types of candy your child eats. The truth is that some forms of candy have the potential to damage the teeth and create cavities quicker than others.

Why Does Candy Cause Cavities?

Sugar is the major cause of cavity development. The sugar feeds the naturally-occurring bacteria that live in the mouth, the bacteria then release an acid, which attacks the hard, protective coating on the tooth (i.e., enamel). Once the enamel is compromised, the tooth is vulnerable to decay.

What Kinds of Candy Tend to Damage the Teeth Quicker?

Since chewy and sticky candy remains in contact with the teeth for long periods of time, they tend to be more damaging than other types of candy. When a child eats taffy, caramel or fruit-flavored chews, remnants of these candies remain on the surface of and in between the teeth. The longer the sugary substance remains on the teeth, the longer the bacteria have to consume the sugar and create acid. Additional acid means an increase in the likelihood that your child will develop cavities.

Controlling your child’s consumption:

• Limit your child’s consumption of sour candy — In order to intensify their sour flavor, these candies frequently contain citric acid, which can damage the teeth through erosion and cavity development.
• Give your child candy that he or she can eat quickly — This limits the amount of time the sugar has contact with his or her teeth.
• Encourage your children to thoroughly rinse their mouths after they eat any kind of candy — This is a good practice to establish following the consumption of anything (e.g., a meal, beverage or a snack). Once a half-an-hour has passed, your child can go ahead and brush his or her teeth. Your child needs to wait half-an-hour to brush because the enamel on the teeth remains soft for some time after eating and/or drinking.
• Try to steer your children away from the sticky treats — Avoid gummy candy, popcorn balls, taffy, and caramels.
• Before you send your little ones out to trick-or-treat, have them eat a good meal — This will make them less likely to fill up on candy while they are out.
• If you are handing out treats, consider purchasing something other than candy to hand out — Check your local department store. Chances are you will find a variety of fun, non-food Halloween items.

Medically referred to as halitosis, bad breath affects a number of people, even though many people never share their concerns with other people or their dentist. If you are experiencing breath that makes you self-conscious when you open your mouth, this is an issue you should discuss with your Owensboro dentist. Here are a few questions to ask.

Do you have gum disease?

Gum disease and bad breath can be directly linked, and if you have gum disease like gingivitis, it can mean that the health of your teeth is at risk as well. Gum disease may generate a host of symptoms beyond halitosis, such as:

• swollen gums
• receding gums around your teeth
• red, irritated gums that bleed easily

If you struggle to combat bad breath, make sure to ask your dentist if gum disease could be to blame. If issues with your gums are not addressed, it can make problems with bad breath far harder to control.

Are there products you can use to thwart bad breath issues?

Products with baking soda can help keep poor-smelling breath at bay, mouthwash may offer some relief, and even sugar-free gum can help. However, your dentist may actually prescribe something like a medicated mouthwash specifically formulated to eliminate the germs and bacteria that can cause bad odors. Your dentist may also offer helpful recommendations, such as recommending that you come in for hygiene visits more frequently or switch to a different type of toothpaste.

Is there anything the dentist can do to help with halitosis?

Some people have problems with bad breath due to issues with their teeth. For instance, if your teeth are crowded, it can make it easier for food to get trapped between your teeth, which leads to bacteria in your mouth and more instances of foul-smelling breath. Your dentist may be able to combat some problems through typical dental treatments.

Bad breath can make you self-conscious about how you interact with the world around you, but this issue is not uncommon and you should never e embarrassed about asking for advice. Reach out to us at Travis Wilson Family Dentistry and set an appointment so we can help you out.