Tag Archive for "clarksville dentist" - 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.

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.

Best vs. Worst Halloween Candy for Teeth

Posted on: October 26th, 2016 by tcg_admin

Halloween is just around the corner, and that means your house may soon be flooded with candy and other special goodies. While most things are okay in moderation, some Halloween treats are undoubtedly better for your oral health than others.

Check out our recommendations for the best & worst Halloween treats for your teeth!

Worst Treats for Your Teeth:

Sticky Sweets

Beware of treats that can stick to your teeth. This includes gummies, taffy, or even caramel apples! Be ready to have your floss and toothbrush handy when enjoying goodies like these, especially if you or your kids are indulging at night time.

Hard Candies

While candies like lollipops and jawbreakers won’t necessarily stick to your teeth like taffy, these types of candy usually take a long time to dissolve, leaving your teeth exposed to sugar for a longer period of time.

Sour Candy

The acidity in sour candies can be rough on your tooth enamel. Thankfully, saliva helps to naturally break this acid down. You may be surprised to learn that it is actually wise to wait about 30 minutes before brushing your teeth after eating acidic snacks like this to give your saliva time to do its job!

Best Treats for Your Teeth:

Sugar Free Choices

Obviously, sugar free options (candy and gum alike) will have a less adverse effect on your teeth. Sugar free gum in particular leaves no sticky residue. In fact, sugar free gum can even help prevent cavities by increasing saliva production!

Chocolate

If you simply must have a classic Halloween candy, chocolate (especially dark chocolate) is arguably the best way to go. Unlike many options out there, chocolate does not stick to your teeth as long, making it a bit friendlier to the health of your mouth!

Non-Candy Alternatives or Non-Food Alternatives

Options like mini pretzels, goldfish crackers and the like are better for your teeth due to the lower sugar content. Due to food allergy concerns, many families are now opting to distribute non-food alternatives such as small toys, pencils or stickers too! Obviously, non-food options will have no effect on your oral health, and they can still be really fun!

Here at Richview Family Dentistry, we love enjoying a good time with our families and friends. Remember, it is certainly okay to enjoy yourself, even indulging in a sweet treat or two, as long as you balance with healthy options and good oral hygiene habits on a regular basis. We hope that you all have a wonderful and safe Halloween. After the holiday, come see us for a routine visit, dental cleaning and more in Clarksville, TN!

Sources:
Know Your Teeth
Parenting

931.647.2243

Posts Tagged ‘clarksville dentist’