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oral health

Protect Your Teeth During the Halloween Season

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The average kid will consume approximately 675 grams of sugar on Halloween day. That is the equivalent of eating 170 sugar cubes!

Did you know that Americans purchase nearly 600 million pounds of candy each year for Halloween? During the week of Halloween, 90 million pounds of chocolate is sold, and almost 2 billion dollars is made on the sale of candy just days before the holiday. Another staggering statistic is that the average kid will consume approximately 675 grams of sugar on Halloween day. That is the equivalent of eating 170 sugar cubes!

Whether at school or at work, we are bombarded with candy everywhere we look during this time of year. So, how can you protect your teeth? Here are a few tricks!

What Should You Avoid?

There are several tricks to protecting your teeth during this time of year. One is to remember that not all candies are equal. There are some types of candy that are worse than others. For instance, the stickier the candy, the higher the risk is for tooth decay. Gummy bears, skittles, starbursts, and tootsie rolls are examples of candies that take more time to chew and, therefore, stick to and in between your teeth. The longer it takes for the saliva in your mouth to wash away the candy, the easier it is for the bacteria-causing sugars to cause tooth decay and cavities.

Another candy to watch out for is sour candy. For instance, Sour Patch Kids are not only full of sugar, but they are also acidic and can actually dissolve tooth enamel on contact. Finally, hard candies such as Jolly Ranchers or lollypops are even worse because they sit in your mouth for long periods of time; therefore, the sugar lingers, creating more cavity-causing bacteria to build up in your mouth. They can also break fillings and teeth because they are so hard.

How to Protect Your Teeth?

So, we’ve discussed what’s bad for your teeth, but what’s actually good for them? Well here are some suggestions.

  • Try to avoid harmful candies
  • Get a fluoride boost treatment
  • Eat candy around mealtimes
  • Drink water after eating candy
  • Brush and floss your teeth – the sooner after eating candy, the better
  • Have a designated treat time rather than continuously snacking on candy
  • Schedule a teeth cleaning

It is really difficult to completely avoid sugar during this time of year. So rather than swearing off all candy, try to incorporate some of the above tips. Discuss these with your kids and try to maintain balance during the Halloween season.

Call Us Today

The Only Board Certified Dental Anesthesiologists in the State of Missouri, including the St. Louis Metro Area.

Call (314) 862-7844

Why Choosing Water is the Best Drink for a Healthy Mouth

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There is no drink like water as it is by far the healthiest drink you can choose to drink. Our amazing bodies are made of 60% water. Therefore, staying hydrated helps our bodies get rid of waste, distributes healthy nutrients, keeps our muscles moving, and improves the quality of our skin. And, drinking water, especially water with fluoride, helps keep our teeth healthy!

Why Drink Water?

There are many health benefits associated with drinking water. But some of the benefits include:

  • Strengthens teeth – It is essential to drink water with fluoride. Fluoride is a mineral that strengthens our teeth. We often hear controversy regarding fluoride, but when we get the right amount, it prevents tooth decay. Most bottled water does not contain fluoride. If it has been added, it will say so on the label.
  • Washes away the bad stuff – Water is perfect because it can wash away residue and leftover food without leaving anything harmful on your teeth. Water also dilutes the acids produced by the bacteria in your mouth.
  • Prevents dry mouth – Our saliva is 99% water! So when we are not well-hydrated, we become low on saliva and can experience dry mouth. But saliva is our mouth’s first defense against tooth decay. It helps us swallow, washes away leftover food, and keeps our teeth healthy by washing them with phosphate, calcium, and fluoride. By drinking enough water, we can prevent dry mouth and make sure our mouth is producing enough saliva.
  • Healthy for the rest of our body – A significant contributor to the increasing rate of obesity in the U.S. is sugary drinks. People who drink 1-2 sugary beverages every day are 26% more likely to develop type 2 diabetes. However, water contains no sugar and has zero calories, making it an incredibly healthy drink.

Choose Water for Your Family

While occasionally having a sugary beverage may be ok, having too many on any kind of regular basis definitely has its health drawbacks. Encouraging your family members, especially children, to choose water instead of soda or juice, will benefit them greatly.

Schedule Your Appointment Today

Another way to maintain good oral health is by having routine dental check-ups and cleanings. At The Dental Anesthesia Center, we value our patient relationships, making it our priority to deliver gentle dental care that you deserve from sedation dentists in St. Louis. We work hard to make you feel at ease by providing exceptional patient care in a relaxed, convenient atmosphere.

Call Us Today

The Only Board Certified Dental Anesthesiologists in the State of Missouri, including the St. Louis Metro Area.

Call (314) 862-7844

The Connection Between Oral Health and Your Overall Health

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You can protect yourself and those you care for, by learning more about the connection between your oral health and your overall well-being.

Your oral health offers insights into your overall health. Problems in your mouth can affect the rest of your body. You can protect yourself and those you care for, by learning more about the connection between your oral health and your overall well-being.

Oral Health and Overall Health – How are They Connected?

Like all other areas of your body, your mouth contains a lot of bacteria, mostly harmless. However, your mouth is the entry point to your respiratory and digestive tracts, and some of the bacteria in your mouth can cause disease.

The body’s natural defenses, combined with good oral health routines, such as daily brushing and flossing, keep the bacteria under control. But, without proper oral hygiene, bacteria can reach levels that can lead to severe oral conditions, such as infections, tooth decay, and gum disease.

There are certain types of medications that can reduce the flow of saliva. Saliva has an essential job and is necessary to wash away food and neutralize acids, which helps protect you from harmful microbes that can multiply and lead to disease.

There have been studies done that suggest that bacteria in the mouth and the inflammation associated with periodontitis, might play a role in certain diseases. Also, conditions such as HIV/AIDS and diabetes can lower the body’s resistance to infections, making oral health issues more serious.

Conditions Linked to Oral Health

There are various diseases and conditions that your oral health may contribute. Some of these include:

  • Cardiovascular disease – While the connection is not entirely understood, some research suggests that heart disease, stroke, and clogged arteries may link to the infections and inflammation that bacteria in the mouth can cause.
  • Endocarditis – This generally occurs when fungi, bacteria, or other germs from other areas in the body travel through the blood and attach to damaged areas of the heart. Those most at risk are people with artificial or damaged heart valves or other heart conditions.
  • Pneumonia – Certain types of bacteria in the mouth can be drawn into the lungs, causing pneumonia and other respiratory diseases.
  • Birth complications and pregnancy – Research suggests that periodontitis, bacteria that cause inflammation in the gums, can travel into the bloodstream and target an unborn baby, which could lead to premature labor and low-birth-weight babies.

To protect your oral health, it is essential to practice good oral hygiene every day. It’s also important to contact your dentist as soon as you have an oral health issue. Taking care of your mouth is an investment in your overall health!

Call Us Today

The Only Board Certified Dental Anesthesiologists in the State of Missouri, including the St. Louis Metro Area.

Call (314) 862-7844

Does Your Child Have Braces? Help Them Keep Their Teeth Clean

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Braces are an investment in your child’s future smile, so keeping their teeth clean and in good shape is essential.

Brushing teeth with braces isn’t too different than brushing without braces. But maintaining clean teeth with braces is just a bit more time consuming and involves the help of some other tools.

As a parent, you may find it a little frustrating if you have to continually remind your child to brush their teeth and to do it correctly. However, braces are an investment in your child’s future smile, and like any other important investment, it’s wise to help them keep their teeth and braces clean.

When to Brush with Braces

There are a couple of essential times your child should be brushing their teeth if they have braces. First, they should brush their teeth in the morning, after they wake up, and at night, before going to bed.

Second, they should brush their teeth after every meal. However, the problem with brushing after every meal is that it can be impractical. If your child is at school, they may not be able to find a good place to brush, or they may not have a toothbrush with them all the time.

One suggestion that can help is for them to rinse their mouth out with water right after eating so they can rinse away any particles, sugars, and starches that could lead to plaque buildup. This is often a more practical solution if brushing isn’t possible.

How to Brush Teeth with Braces

Having the right kind of toothbrush goes a long way in helping a child brush their teeth effectively. An orthodontist will typically recommend a soft-bristled toothbrush or power toothbrush. They must brush their teeth thoroughly and be sure not to rush through a cleaning. Some good points to keep in mind include:

  • Brush each side of every tooth
  • Brush around all parts of the brackets
  • Brush along the tongue, gumline, and roof of the mouth

The amount of time spent brushing is essential too. To get all of the above areas thoroughly cleaned, a child should brush for a full two minutes. Playing a song in the background can be helpful. Also, some toothbrushes have a built-in timer and will signal when two minutes is up.

Flossing with Braces

Flossing can be challenging with braces, but it’s important to floss at least twice a day because particles of food and plaque can easily get stuck in between the teeth. An oral irrigator, or a water flosser, is a useful tool that works just as well as traditional floss. Another way to floss is by using a reusable floss-threader along with regular dental floss.

Have a Tooth-Friendly Diet

No matter how much your child brushes and flosses their teeth, eating the right foods, and staying away from the wrong ones, goes a long way in keeping their teeth healthy while they have braces. Sugary food and drinks can increase the likelihood of your child developing cavities. Acidic food and drinks can damage tooth enamel. Foods high in starch can stick to the teeth for long periods and cause tooth decay.

It’s important to be aware of the foods that can damage enamel and lead to tooth decay so that your child doesn’t have stains on their teeth when their braces come off.

If your child has braces, discuss these things with them. If they are struggling to do it right, find a solution to at least one of the issues. Many of these things take time to put into regular practice, so don’t give up!

Call Us Today

The Only Board Certified Dental Anesthesiologists in the State of Missouri, including the St. Louis Metro Area.

Call (314) 862-7844

How Anemia Can Have an Impact on Oral Health

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At The Dental Anesthesia Center, we provide gentle, safe, and relaxing dental care.

It is known that oral health can have an affect on your general health and that it is connected to the other functions of your body. Poor oral health might contribute to numerous diseases and conditions, like digestive issues, bone erosion, extended infections, and possibly cardiovascular disease. But your oral health can also be influenced by other conditions in your body.

How can anemia impact oral health and oral health treatments?

What Is Anemia?

Anemia is a condition that directly affects your body’s blood cell numbers. A low number of blood cells is the main indicator that you have anemia, and it leads to various symptoms in your body. One of the most common symptoms of anemia is having pale gums. This symptom also shows how oral health is directly impacted by this condition.

Blood cells transport oxygen and nutrients to every cell of your body, so having a low level of blood cells will deprive your body of the necessary vitamins, minerals and from the needed amount of oxygen.

There are many types of anemia, the most common ones being: iron deficiency, sickle cell anemia, and vitamin deficiency anemia. Getting the right diagnosis is important for choosing the best treatment and for understanding its impact better.

How Does Anemia Affect Your Oral Health?

When your gums and teeth don’t get the nutrients they need through the blood, they are much more susceptible to disease. Patients with anemia can get cavities, gum disease, ulcers, infections and even problems with the tongue, like soreness or pain.

Iron deficiency anemia can have pica as a side-effect. Pica is an eating disorder in which patients tend to eat things that lack nutrients: chips, paper, cardboard, etc. This not only makes them ingest items with no nutritional value, but it can also damage the teeth.

Sickle cell anemia leads to different types of problems: glossy, sore tongue, demineralization in the tooth enamel, delayed tooth eruption.

Vitamin deficiency anemia shows symptoms like gum disease, mouth ulcers and a reduced feeling of taste.

There are many other associated symptoms that may show up in your oral health, and proper diagnosis is important in solving the underlying issues. Be sure to see your general practitioner if you suspect having anemia.

St. Louis Sedation Dentistry

At The Dental Anesthesia Center, we provide gentle, safe, and relaxing dental care. During your consultation, Dr. Hoffmann, Dr. Thoms, or Dr. Daugherty will decide which level of sedation is best for you based upon your medical history and current physical health.

Call us today to schedule an appointment at (314) 862-7844. We look forward to meeting you!

Is Milk Really Good for Your Child’s Teeth?

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The simple answer is yes! But some parents have heard differently – so why the confusion?

Calcium is a necessary component for building strong teeth and bones, after all, your teeth and bones store 99% of your body’s calcium. A baby’s teeth begin to form while in the womb and for this reason a pregnant mother should be taking the recommended daily allowance of calcium. Then, from infancy and through the teen years, calcium intake continues to be a key element for healthy growth and development.

So, is milk good for your child’s teeth? The simple answer is yes! But some parents have heard differently – so why the confusion?

Is Milk Good for Your Child’s Teeth?

Milk is good for your child’s teeth because it contains important nutrients needed by the bones and teeth. Milk naturally has calcium and phosphate, two compounds that harden the tooth enamel and protect your child’s teeth from cavities.

Giving your child milk and other foods rich in calcium, like oranges, yogurt, canned sardines (bones included,) beans, spinach, soy milk, etc. will ensure that he or she receives the recommended calcium intake. Be careful about giving them an extra dose of calcium, as excess is just as bad as a lack of calcium. Calcium enriched products should only be given when the doctor recommends it based on blood tests that show a need for extra calcium into the body.

It Depends on Certain Circumstances

Milk itself is very good and necessary to create strong teeth but it can cause negative results depending on certain circumstances. For instance, milk is not good for your child’s teeth if it lingers over the night in your child’s mouth, or if it contains sugar and other additives.

If you are used to giving your child milk in a sippy-cup or baby bottle before bedtime to make them fall asleep more easily, stop this habit as soon a possible. Even when the milk is simple and does not contain any added sugar, it still has naturally occurring sugars that will attack the tooth enamel if the child doesn’t brush their teeth before sleep. With bottle-fed babies, this phenomenon is actually well-known as “bottle cavities.” There is a common misconception that breastfed babies also get cavities because of nursing before bedtime, but studies show that breast milk protects against cavities and nursing doesn’t let the milk linger in the mouth.

So, giving your child milk to drink will make their teeth stronger, will protect their tooth enamel, and will strengthen their jaw bone. However, it really comes down to when you let them drink the milk. However, the same is true for any type of drink other than water. Giving your child a sippy-cup or bottle with milk, juice, or formula can cause tooth decay if they drink it to go to bed without brushing their teeth.

St. Louis Pediatric Dentistry

At The Dental Anesthesia Center, we value our patient relationships, making it our priority to deliver gentle dental care that you deserve from sedation dentists in St. Louis. We work hard to make you feel at ease by providing exceptional patient care in a relaxed, convenient atmosphere. We strive to develop lifelong relationships with our patients by combining the latest dental technology with a professional and compassionate team.

Call Us Today

The Only Board Certified Dental Anesthesiologists in the State of Missouri, including the St. Louis Metro Area.

Call (314) 862-7844