Dental Health News Archives - Richview Family Dentistry Archive

Protecting Your Teeth from Cold Weather

Posted on: January 13th, 2025 by tcg_admin

Winter can be harsh on your teeth and gums due to cold air, dry environments, and changes in habits. Here are some practical tips to keep your oral health in top shape during the chilly months.

Winter Oral Health Tips

Preventing Tooth Sensitivity

Use a Sensitivity Toothpaste: If cold air or beverages make your teeth twinge, switch to a toothpaste formulated for sensitive teeth. These products help block the pathways to the tooth’s nerve.
Avoid Abrasive Toothpaste: Harsh toothpaste can erode enamel, worsening sensitivity. Use gentle, fluoride-rich products.
Breathe Through Your Nose: Breathing through your mouth can expose teeth to cold air, increasing sensitivity. Use a scarf or mask when outdoors to keep your face warm and shield your mouth.

Combatting Dry Mouth

Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to maintain moisture in your mouth.
Use a Humidifier: Heating systems often dry indoor air, exacerbating dry mouth. A humidifier adds moisture to the air, helping protect your oral tissues.
Chew Sugar-Free Gum: Stimulating saliva production with sugar-free gum or lozenges can keep your mouth moist and reduce discomfort.
Avoid Alcohol and Caffeine: These can dehydrate your body and worsen dry mouth symptoms.

Maintaining Oral Hygiene

Brush and Floss Regularly: Cold weather is no excuse to skip your routine. Brush twice a day for two minutes and floss daily to remove plaque and food particles.
Replace Your Toothbrush: If your toothbrush bristles are worn or frayed, replace it to ensure effective cleaning.

Protecting Your Gums

Prevent Cracking and Bleeding: Cold weather can make gums more prone to irritation. Keep lips and gums hydrated with a lip balm or petroleum jelly.

Regular Dental Checkups

Stay Consistent: Visit your dentist for a routine cleaning and checkup, especially if you’re experiencing sensitivity, dry mouth, or other issues.
Seek Advice: Your dentist can recommend personalized treatments to address winter-specific oral health challenges.

By following these tips, you can ensure your smile stays healthy and bright throughout the winter season!

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!

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.

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 Importance of At Home Oral Health

Posted on: June 15th, 2021 by tcg_admin

At Richview Family Dentistry, we believe in regular dental check-ups, but your at-home oral health care is just as important.

The following are recommendations from the American Dental Association.

General Recommendations

Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
Floss daily.
Eat a healthy diet that limits sugary beverages and snacks.
See your dentist regularly for prevention and treatment of oral disease.

Personalized Recommendations

If you have an increased risk of gum disease, consider mouth rinse or toothpaste with proven antimicrobial activity.
If you have an increased risk of caries, consider fluoridated mouth rinse.
If you struggle with cleaning between your teeth, ask us about interdental cleaning tools.
If you need improved plaque removal, consider a power toothbrush.

Lifestyle Considerations

Richview Family Dentistry discourages
- The use of do-it-yourself orthodontic treatments*
- Tobacco usage and/or smokeless tobacco
- Oral piercings
Richview Family Dentistry recommends
- Drinking fluoridated water

* Some of the dangers of DIY at home orthodontics include:

Choking on makeshift brackets
Metal clips such as paper clips and other metals can become toxic if left in the mouth for extended periods
The snapping of bands directly onto your teeth can crack your enamel. Enamel loss is permanent
The gums can become infected, resulting in serious and often expensive treatment
Crooked smiles due to teeth being moved at the wrong angle
Pain and lacerations from bands sinking into soft tissue
Long term issues and pain from moving teeth too quickly

If it’s 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!

Which Mouthwash Should I Use?

Posted on: February 25th, 2021 by tcg_admin

Richview Family Dentistry wants you to know what to look for when choosing a mouthwash.

First, mouthwash should not be considered a replacement for daily brushing and flossing, however, it can be a helpful addition to your daily oral hygiene routine.

There are two types of mouthwash:

Cosmetic

Temporarily controls bad breath and leaves a pleasant taste but has no chemical or biological application.
Available in mostly all drugstores and grocery stores.

Therapeutic

These mouthwashes have active ingredients intended to help control bad breath, gingivitis, plaque, and tooth decay.
They contain active ingredients which include:

Therapeutic mouthwash is available both over the counter and by prescription, depending on the formulation.

WARNING: According to the ADA (American Dental Association), mouthwash is not recommended for children younger than 6 years of age. Swallowing reflexes may not be well developed in children this young therefore they could swallow large amounts, which can trigger adverse reactions such as nausea, vomiting, and even intoxication (due to the alcohol content in some rinses).

When choosing a method, bear in mind that it’s best to buy over the counter products that have the ADA Seal of Acceptance. Manufacturers must apply to the American Dental Association’s Council on Scientific Affairs and submit data to show that their products are safe and effective in order to get this seal.

If you have any questions about which type of mouthwash to use, please contact us. We’re here to help make sure you have a healthy and dazzling smile.

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

Best Practices for Whiter Teeth

Posted on: October 19th, 2020 by tcg_admin

Richview Family Dentistry has some tips for a whiter and brighter smile

Stains: Extrinsic vs. Intrinsic Stains

Extrinsic stains occur on the surface of the tooth and are caused by tobacco use, beverages such as red wine, tea or cola drinks.
- Brushing with a whitening toothpaste or professional prophylaxis can reduce tooth coloration due to extrinsic stains.
Intrinsic stains involve tooth surfaces beneath the enamel.
- These can be related to aging, long-term antibiotics (tetracycline), or amalgam restorations.

Over-the-Counter vs. Dentist-Supervised

Over-the-counter options include a variety of products from toothpaste to paint-on gels and whitening strips.
- Toothpastes primarily rely on abrasives to remove surface stains.
- Whitening strips rely on peroxide to bleach teeth.
Dentist-supervised options involve in-office application of a peroxide-containing gel, with or without a light intended to accelerate and enhance the bleaching process.
- Dentist-supervised at-home options involve a whitening gel which the patient places in a customized tray made in the office to fit comfortably and minimize contact of the gel with the gingiva.
Cost may be a consideration for patients when choosing whitening options.
- Over-the-counter products are less expensive than at-home or in-office approaches, but there is a time trade-off in that OTC products may take significantly longer.

When choosing a method, bear in mind that it’s best to buy OTC products that have the ADA Seal of Acceptance. To have this seal, the manufacturers must apply to the American Dental Association’s Council on Scientific Affairs and submit data to show that their products are safe and effective.

If you have any questions about which method of whitening to use, please contact us. We’re here to help make sure you have a healthy and dazzling smile.

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

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