tcg_admin, Author at Richview Family Dentistry Archive

Don’t Forget Your Dental Health on Vacation

Posted on: June 21st, 2023 by tcg_admin

Headed on vacation? Don’t forget to schedule some time for dental hygiene! Here’s some easy ways to make sure your pearly whites stay healthy and strong while you’re traveling.

Your toothbrush

Ventilate
- Don’t wrap or keep your toothbrush in a holder without holes for ventilation.
- Moisture locked inside can cause bacteria to grow on your toothbrush.
- Keep your toothbrush in a large enough container to circulate air.
Keep it dry
- Leave your toothbrush out of your travel bag or case to let it dry out.
Pack an extra toothbrush
- It’s easy for toothbrushes to get lost and those provided by the hotel are too firm for your gums.
- Pack one in your carry-on and one in your checked baggage.

Compact Items

The more compact your oral hygiene items, the more likely you are to keep them handy and use them.
- Foldable toothbrushes
- Mini toothpastes
- Small bottle of mouthwash
- Keep these in a purse or carry-on bag so you can use them during your flights.

Don’t drink the water!

If you’re traveling somewhere you can’t drink the water, don’t rinse your mouth or your toothbrush with it.
- According to the CDC, Use bottled water for your oral hygiene.

Pack chewing gum

If you find it hard to keep up with brushing your teeth as often as usual, chewing sugarless gum after eating.
Also, green tea can protect your teeth.

Watch your sugar intake

Vacation time is a time to eat whatever you want!
- However, sugary treats can have a bad effect on your teeth and gums.
- Try to keep those treats to a minimum.

If it has been a while since your last check-up or if you’re new to the area and looking for a family dentist, give us a call today at (931) 647-2243. We love new patients at Richview Family Dentistry!

Mouth Cancer – What it is & How to Prevent it

Posted on: May 1st, 2023 by tcg_admin

According to the Mayo Clinic, mouth or oral cancer develops in any part of the mouth.

Your dentist is your first line of defense and detection. Unlike your regular doctor, your dentist is constantly working on your mouth. Though we observe Oral Cancer Month every April, our patients should be on the look out for these signs and symptoms all year round.

Symptoms:

A lip or mouth sore that doesn’t heal
A white or reddish patch on the inside of your mouth
Loose teeth
A growth or lump inside your mouth
Mouth pain
difficulty swallowing

If any signs persist for over two weeks, contact your doctor or dentist.

Causes:

Mouth cancers form when cells on the lips or in the mouth develop changes or mutations in their DNA.
Mouth cancers begin in the flat, thin cells (squamous cells) that line your lips and the inside of your mouth.

Risk factors:

Tobacco use of any kind, including:
- Cigarettes
- Cigars
- Pipes
- Chewing tobacco
- And vaping
Heavy alcohol use
Excessive sun exposure to your lips
Human papillomavirus (HPV)
A weakened immune system

How to reduce your risk of mouth cancer:

Stop using tobacco – If you don’t smoke, don’t start
- Using tobacco exposes the cells in your mouth to dangerous cancer-causing chemicals
Moderate your drinking – or stop drinking alcohol
- Excessive alcohol use can irritate the cells in your mouth.
Avoid excessive sun exposure to your lips
- Stay in the shade
- Wear a broad-brimmed hat
- Apply sunscreen lip products
Most importantly, see your dentist regularly. As part of a routine dental examination, ask your dentist to inspect your mouth for signs of mouth cancer.

Is Sparkling Water Bad for Your Teeth?

Posted on: February 24th, 2023 by tcg_admin

Richview Family Dentistry has some facts about how sparkling water can affect your teeth.

The fizz of sparkling water is more satisfying than plain water to some people, but what effect does it have on your teeth? According to American Dental Association (ADA) research, sparkling water is generally acceptable for teeth. But beware of some sparkling waters that include sugar.

What to watch out for:

Some citrus-flavored waters have higher levels of acid, increasing the risk of damage to your tooth enamel.
Sparkling brands with added sugar can no longer be considered just sparkling water. They are sugar-sweetened beverages and can contribute to your risk of developing cavities.
Sparkling water or not – plain water is always the best choice.

Why plain water is best:

Water is always good for your health.
- Staying hydrated helps your system distribute healthy nutrients,
- It gets rid of waste,
- It gives your skin a healthy glow
- And keeps your muscles moving.
It’s also the best thing you can do for your teeth.
Drinking water with fluoride is one of the easiest ways to help prevent cavities.
- Research has shown that children living in areas without fluoride had more tooth decay than children in areas with fluoridation.
It keeps your mouth clean.
- Water cleans your mouth with every sip, washing away leftover food and residue.
- It also dilutes the acids produced by the bacteria in your mouth.
- You still need to brush your teeth twice a day, but drinking water throughout the day will go a long way toward keeping your teeth cavity-free.
It fights dry mouth
- Saliva washes away leftover food and rinses your teeth with calcium, phosphate, and fluoride.
- When your saliva runs low, a dry mouth can put you at risk for tooth decay.
- Drinking water can help cut your risk.

So, enjoy that sparkling water but remember your best bet is just plain old tap water.

Marijuana Use and Your Oral Health

Posted on: December 17th, 2022 by tcg_admin

According to the ADA, more than half of dentists reported patients arriving for appointments high.

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, 21 states and the District of Columbia have legalized the adult use of marijuana for recreational purposes. Find out which states here. (Tennessee is not one of them)

Reasons why this is not a good idea:

Being high at the dentist can limit the care that can be given.
Marijuana and anesthesia impact the central nervous system, and some patients need to increase anesthesia to treat them.
Marijuana leads to increased anxiety, paranoia, and hyperactivity which could make the visit more stressful.
Marijuana also increases heart rate and unwanted respiratory side effects.
Marijuana users are more likely to have significantly more cavities.
The active ingredient in marijuana is THC, which makes you more hungry, and you don’t always make the healthiest food choices under the influence.

Marijuana and oral health

Marijuana is associated with gum disease and dry mouth, which can lead to many oral health issues.
Marijuana smokers are also at increased risk of mouth and neck cancers.

Medicinal use

Patients who use marijuana for medicinal purposes can work with their dentist as part of their personal healthcare team.
If used medicinally, you can stay on top of your oral health with strong daily hygiene:
- Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
- Cleaning between teeth daily
- Making healthy snack choices
- Regular check-ups with your dentist

For more information about the side effects of Marijuana use, click here.

If it has been a while since your last check-up or if you’re new to the Clarksville, Montgomery County, Tennessee area and are looking for a new family dentist, please give us a call today at (931) 647-2243. We love new patients at Richview Family Dentistry!

Here’s What the ADA Says About Piercings

Posted on: August 16th, 2022 by tcg_admin

Body piercing is a popular form of self-expression. Oral piercings may look cool, but they can harm your health. Richview Family Dentistry wants you to know some of the possible problems.

Infection, Pain & Swelling

Your mouth is a moist environment, home to huge amounts of bacteria, and an ideal place for infections.
Piercing the tongue can also cause your tongue to swell, potentially blocking your airway.

Damage to Gums, Teeth, and Fillings

A common habit of biting or playing with the piercing can injure your gums and lead to cracked, scratched, or sensitive teeth. They can also damage fillings.

Hypersensitivity to Metals

Allergic reactions at the pierced site are also possible.

Nerve Damage

After piercing, you may experience a numb tongue caused by nerve damage that is usually temporary but can sometimes be permanent.
The injured nerve may affect your sense of taste or how you move your mouth.
Damage to your tongue’s blood vessels can cause serious blood loss.

Excessive Drooling

Your tongue piercing can increase saliva production.

Dental Appointment Difficulties

The jewelry can get in the way of dental care by blocking X-rays.

Precautions:

Contact your dentist immediately if you have any signs of infection, swelling, pain, fever, chills, or a red-streaked appearance around the piercing site.
Keep the piercing site clean by using a mouth rinse after every meal.
When participating in sports, remove the jewelry and protect your mouth with a mouth guard.
See your dentist regularly, and remember to brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily.

Men’s Health Month is a Good Time to Review your Dental Health

Posted on: June 22nd, 2022 by tcg_admin

Men’s Health Month falls in June so Richview Family Dentistry explains a few things men should be doing to take care of their dental health as well

Men and women are different when it comes to oral health and starting good hygiene habits at a young age can help lead to healthier mouths.

Men vs Women

Men are at greater risk of root caries and gingival recession whereas women are at greater risk for dental caries (cavities) than men.
Men usually say that lack of time is a barrier to oral hygiene.
Some dentists suggest alternative times to men for brushing their teeth, such as while watching television.
According to the ADA, men have a higher risk of developing gum disease than women.
Men are twice as likely to develop oral cancer than women.
Men are known to experience higher rates of cardiac issues such as heart disease and high blood pressure, and the medications to treat these conditions can cause dry mouth.

Men’s Oral Health Tips

Parents should encourage good oral health practices in young boys to establish healthy dental habits early on.
Schedule regular dental exams, which include routine cleanings, every 6 months.
Brush your teeth at least twice a day.
Don’t skip flossing.
- Flossing is just as important as brushing your teeth.
Be mindful of your diet.
- Eat tooth-friendly foods such as fruits and vegetables, plain yogurt, cheese, dairy products, etc.
- Avoid foods such as sticky candies, starchy foods like soft bread, and potato chips that can get trapped between your teeth.
- Carbonated soft drinks are also bad for your teeth.
Avoid alcoholic beverages and smoking.

The Best Foods for a Healthy Mouth

Posted on: April 19th, 2022 by tcg_admin

Richview Family Dentistry has a list of the best foods to help you maintain a healthy mouth

Dairy

Milk, cheese, and other dairy products are low in sugar which is good for your dental health.
Dairy products contain protein and are full of calcium, which can help strengthen your teeth leading to a healthy mouth.

Proteins

Phosphorus-rich foods such as meat, poultry, fish, milk, and eggs help to strengthen your teeth and contain valuable nutrients and protein.

Fruits and vegetables

Fruits and vegetables are not only an essential part of any balanced diet but can also be good for your teeth.
They are high in water and fiber which helps to balance the sugars they contain and help to clean your teeth.

Nuts

Nuts contain protein and minerals essential for overall health.
Nuts that are low in carbohydrates don’t add to your risk of cavities because tooth decay is caused by acid-producing bacteria that are activated by carbs.
Chewing nuts also stimulates saliva production which can reduce your risk for tooth decay.

Water

Water right out of the tap is the best beverage for your oral health. Clarksville’s water is safe to drink and is fluoridated.
Fluoride helps to make teeth more resistant to the acid attacks that can cause cavities.

Of course, Richview Family Dentistry recommends brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing daily to maintain a healthy mouth.

What To Tell Your Child About the Tooth Fairy

Posted on: February 16th, 2022 by tcg_admin

Richview Family Dentistry has some advice on what to do if your child asks about the Tooth Fairy

On average, children start losing their baby teeth around the age of 6. While some parents don’t like to lie about Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, and the Tooth Fairy, others let their child’s imaginations run wild with the thoughts of these myths for as long as they can. So what should you do if they ask if the Tooth Fairy is real?

Follow your child’s lead

If your child asks about it, try asking them, “What do you think?”
If they seem ready for the truth, give it to them!
If they don’t, try saying, “I absolutely believe in the magic of the tooth fairy!”

When they find out the Tooth Fairy is not real

Teach them about the tradition that has been passed down for generations.
Remind them of the fun they had putting their tooth under their pillow and waking up to find a prize.
Talk to them about how parents become the Tooth Fairy because they love seeing their joy.

Remind them that they should keep the secret and not ruin it for younger siblings or other children.

Oral health

This conversation is a great opportunity to discuss the importance of maintaining healthy oral habits like brushing twice a day and flossing daily.

Losing baby teeth is a rite of passage. However, the magic does not have to end with knowing that the Tooth Fairy is not real. You can make losing teeth special and meaningful regardless!

If it has been a while since your child’s last check-up or if you are new to the area and looking for a family dentist, give us a call today at (931) 647-2243. We love new patients at Richview Family Dentistry!

Can Chewing Sugarless Gum Prevent Cavities?

Posted on: December 15th, 2021 by tcg_admin

Richview Family Dentistry has some interesting facts about how chewing sugarless gum may help prevent cavities

Studies show chewing sugarless gum for 20 minutes following meals can help prevent tooth decay.

Chewing gum on a regular basis, especially after a meal, can improve your oral health, but only if you choose sugar-free.
- Sugarless gum increases the flow of saliva, which washes away food and other debris.
  - Saliva neutralizes acids produced by bacteria in the mouth and provides disease-fighting substances throughout the mouth.
  - Increased saliva production also carries with it more calcium and phosphate to help strengthen tooth enamel.
- Sugar-free gum can reduce the development of plaque and reduce gingivitis.
- It can also strengthen teeth by remineralizing and can help with digestion.
- Always look for sugarless gum with the ADA Seal of Acceptance.
  - Gum with the ADA Seal is sweetened with non-cavity-causing sweeteners such as aspartame, xylitol, sorbitol, or mannitol.
Why sugarless?
- Regular gum is filled with a variety of sugars, preservatives, and artificial flavoring. All of these ingredients are necessary to create those fun flavors people love, however, adding them to the gum can dramatically impact your oral health.
- Gum-containing sugar puts you at an increased risk for developing cavities.
- Cavities and tooth decay can develop over time with prolonged exposure to sugars, artificial flavorings, and preservatives.
Gum chewing should not replace regular dental practices
- Chewing sugarless gum is not a substitute for brushing or flossing.
- The ADA recommends brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
- It’s also recommended to use dental floss or other interdental cleaners to remove plaque from between your teeth at least once a day.
If it has been a while since your last check-up or if you’re new to the area and looking for a family dentist, give us a call today at (931) 647-2243. We love new patients at Richview Family Dentistry!

Signs, Treatment & Prevention of Tooth Decay

Posted on: October 18th, 2021 by tcg_admin

Richview Family Dentistry wants you to know all about tooth decay from the signs to look for, how to prevent it, and what treatment to seek if you have tooth decay

Tooth decay is very common and roughly 8 out of 10 people have one or more teeth with decay.

Those with higher risks of tooth decay include

The elderly
Those on medication containing sugar
Dry mouth sufferers
People with diabetes
People with receding gums
Those who have poor oral hygiene

Signs

Toothache
Tooth sensitivity
Unpleasant taste in your mouth
Dark spot on the surface of your tooth

Treatment

In the early stages, your dentist may apply a fluoride varnish onto the area to help stop decay from getting worse.
If the decay is not too serious, your dentist can remove the decay and repair the tooth with a filling.
If the nerve in the middle of your tooth is damaged, you may need a root canal to repair the tooth with a filling or crown.
If a tooth is so badly decayed that it cannot be repaired, you may have to have the tooth removed. The dentist will then suggest replacing the tooth with a bridge, denture, or implant.

Prevention

The best way to prevent tooth decay is by brushing your teeth thoroughly, twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
Make sure you brush the inner, outer, and biting surfaces of your teeth carefully and along the gumline.
Flossing regularly helps to remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth.
And most importantly, have regular checkups with your dentist.

If it has been a while since your last check-up or if you are new to the area and looking for a family dentist, give us a call today at (931) 647-2243. We love new patients at Richview Family Dentistry!

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