Probiotics are typically advertised as being helpful for digestion. However, studies have shown that they can also improve oral health, along with providing benefits to various other parts of your body. Probiotics are beneficial for fighting infections that lead to oral disease. They have the following effects on gum tissue and oral health:

Reducing Gingivitis

A study published in Contemporary Clinical Dentistry has found that probiotics can reduce bleeding gums and inflammation in patients with moderate to severe gingivitis. In the trial, children were given either a placebo or two different combinations of probiotics. At the three-week mark, it was discovered that children who took probiotics had significant improvements in their gingival health.

Combating Periodontitis

Periodontitis is another oral disease that probiotics have been shown to fight. Our periodontist in 20602 shares that periodontitis is caused by harmful bacteria that separate teeth from the gums by destroying tissue fibers, creating pockets that can become infected. Probiotics can fight harmful bacteria and lessen the inflammation to help keep the disease in check.

Fighting Tooth Decay

Another finding from the trial of the Contemporary Clinical Dentistry showed that children who took probiotics also saw a significant decrease in plaque. The reduction of plaque leads to less decay. Probiotics fight the plaque and occupy the spaces on the teeth where bad bacteria thrive.

Minimizing Bad Breath

A less common benefit of probiotics is the effect that they have on bad breath. Bad breath is usually caused by volatile sulfur compound bacteria releasing odor-causing gases. Because probiotics are healthy bacteria, it is believed that they can eliminate the bad bacteria and maintain a healthy bacteria balance in your mouth.

The benefits of probiotics are not just limited to digestive health. Researchers continue to conduct studies to discover new ways that probiotics contribute to a healthy mouth and body. They fight off bad bacteria, reducing the amount of inflammation and plaque in your mouth. They also combat any kind of systemic inflammation. Contact our dental office in Waldorf, MD for more information on oral health or to schedule a visit today.

When buying a toothbrush, listening to dental advertisements,  or when coming in to our office, you often hear the word “plaque” associated with the health of your teeth. Plaque is one of the main reasons why it is so important to keep up with a daily oral hygiene  routine that includes brushing two times each day for at least two minutes, and flossing regularly as well. Here’s what our periodontist in 22302 needs you need to know about plaque and what it can do to your smile.

What Is It Exactly?

If you haven’t brushed your teeth in a while, you might feel a film-like, sticky buildup on your teeth. By the end of the day you most likely start to feel your teeth getting “fuzzy”.  This layer is plaque, a bacteria layer that grips onto and grows on your teeth. There isn’t anything you can do to stop plaque from forming, but brushing and flossing, as well as keeping up with regular dental visits, are your best defenses for cleaning plaque off of your teeth.

Why Is Plaque So Harmful?

Without regular brushing and cleaning, plaque builds up and multiplies. As plaque is left untreated, it hardens to form tartar (also known as calculus). Plaque also leads to decay, as it produces an acid that damages your teeth. When you come into our office for a dental examination and dental cleaning, we thoroughly clean your teeth to ensure that any buildup is taken care of. Tartar can cause staining on your teeth and gum tissue inflammation if left untreated. Plaque is the leading cause of gingivitis, causing your gums to swell and become red or bloody.

How To Keep Plaque Away

The most important step in keeping plaque at bay is to stick to a daily brushing routine. This means brushing twice each day, for two minutes each time, and flossing at least once daily. Plaque occurs naturally, and when you come into our office for a complete examination, we work with you to clean off any build-up. Maintaining regular visits to our office is one way to ensure tartar build-up is minimized and managed. It is particularly important that you are brushing your teeth all the way to the gum, because the gum line is an area that is prone to plaque buildup. Brush gently, as vigorous brushing will only do more damage than good, especially to your gums.

Sticking to your daily brushing and flossing routine will help keep your teeth free of plaque build-up. Make sure you are brushing in the morning and before bed. If you don’t brush before bed, bacteria and plaque will build up throughout the night. Schedule a visit to our periodontics office in Alexandria, VA so our experienced, professional dental team can clean your teeth, giving you a smile you can be proud of.

Painful, infected teeth are not a pleasant experience, but they are common symptoms of tooth decay. However, the good news is that tooth decay is preventable. Your best defense against decay is a proper daily oral hygiene routine, as well as regular visits to our office. It can be helpful to know more about tooth decay and what causes it so that you are better equipped with the knowledge to prevent it.

Sugar is Not the Sole Cause

Sugar is a leading cause of tooth decay. Sugar build-up and deposits on your teeth lead to the erosion of the tooth. While it is important to be mindful of the sugary products you are consuming, sugar is not the only culprit in causing tooth decay. Acids can also damage your teeth. Foods that are high in acidic content can speed up the process of decay. Our periodontist in 20602 suggests you avoid drinks and candies with high sugar or acid content.

If you do find yourself consuming such things, make sure to keep up with your daily oral hygiene routine. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research recommends avoiding snacks between meals, limiting sugary drinks and fruit juices, and not eating or drinking before bedtime after brushing.

Decay Isn’t Always Noticeable

Decay doesn’t always have noticeable signs. By the time you feel discomfort, it could be a sign that the decay has spread beyond one tooth. In other words, by the time you do feel it, the decay is usually fairly deep into the tooth. This can be prevented by regular visits to our office. Our periodontist can help identify potential issues early on and you will receive the best possible treatments for your teeth.

Fillings Are Not Indestructible

Previous fillings do not mean that your teeth are free of decay forever. It is essential that you maintain proper daily care of your teeth. It is possible to develop decay around existing fillings, so be sure you are still diligent with your oral hygiene. If your existing fillings are giving you trouble, schedule an appointment to see your dentist.

No Age Discrimination

All age groups are at risk of developing tooth decay. Parents should keep an eye on their children’s sugary snacks and treats, but this advice holds true for everyone. Senior citizens are particularly vulnerable because of certain medications that can damage their teeth or cause dry mouth.  It is essential that all age groups are receiving twice-yearly dental examinations.

Tooth decay is a common dental issue. However, with the right knowledge you can prevent damage to your teeth. Watch your diet and make sure you limit sugary candies and snacks. Remember, you won’t always be able to see or feel decay, so contact our office to schedule a regular visit.

For more helpful tips on preventing decay, or to schedule an appointment, contact our periodontics office in Waldorf, MD.

If carbonated soft drinks are part of your normal daily routine, you may be causing serious damage to your teeth. Recent studies have found soft drinks to be among the most potent dietary causes of tooth decay. Soft drinks have also been implicated in increases of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and other serious health conditions. Before you shop for beverages this week, our 22302 periodontist wants you to consider a few things you should know about soft drinks.

Most soft drinks contain substantial amounts of sugars, which interact with the bacteria in your mouth. This interaction produces a form of acid that can damage your teeth for about 20 minutes. Each time you take a drink, you reset that time window. If you consume throughout the day, you are essentially bathing your teeth in that beverage for hours.

Most soft drinks contain acids, as well. Even sugar-free varieties contain acids that can weaken the enamel on your teeth. Colas and citrus-flavored soft drinks tend to have the highest levels of acid. Over time, this weakening of tooth enamel has a cumulative effect. This can lead to decay and even tooth loss if not addressed in early stages.

Obviously, the best solution is to stop consuming carbonated soft drinks. However, it can be a difficult habit to break. Here are some tips to help reduce your risks of tooth damage from these beverages:

• Drink in moderation. Too much sugar and acid will eventually cause damage. Swap out soda for fruit-infused water.
• Drink more water. You will crave soft drinks less when you are fully hydrated.
• Don’t sip. The longer you spend drinking, the more time sugars and acids are reacting with your teeth.
• Use a straw. This can help keep the sugars and acids away from your teeth.
• Rinse with water after drinking to dilute acids and sugars.
• Don’t brush immediately. Wait at least 30 minutes for acids to be neutralized by saliva before brushing.
• Practice good dental hygiene. This  includes brushing, flossing, and regular professional dental cleanings and exams.

Carbonated soft drinks can be harmful to your oral and overall health. Be mindful of how often you consume them and consider reducing or stopping your use of these dangerous beverages. For more oral health tips or to schedule an appointment, contact our periodontist office in Alexandria, VA.