Dr. Mark Reichman hopes you can learn about the fascinating world of oral bacteria. As an OFMS, Dr. Mark Reichman understands the influence of bacteria in the mouth. It’s not actually all bad bacteria. In fact, most bacteria is necessary to keep everything functioning.
A build-up of bacteria can lead to plaque. Plaque leads to oral decay and cavities. So learn about bacteria to advance your oral hygiene efforts! Make an appointment with Dr. Mark Reichman today.
According to a Journal of Psychological Science study people smile big and smile often live longer! Go to your dentist today to get your best smile on.
How did they prove it? Researchers from Wayne State University looked though images of 230 baseball athletes. By comparing images of smiles of the players at the peak of their career to frequency of smiles throughout their lifespan.
So what did they find?
Researchers found a correlation between the amount players smiled in photos and their average lifespan. Players prone to bigger mugs, in more photos, lived up to seven years than those who didn’t turn their frown upside own.
The study isn’t all just for laughs; it was controlled for other factors that affect health and longevity, including obesity and socioeconomic status.
What you can do is embrace a positive attitude everyday. Walk out the door and smile. Before you walk out the door, brush you teeth and floss! You’ll be even more confident about those pearly whites. You’ll be excited to smile to show off that grin. Call your dentists for an additional teeth cleaning too.
The results are consistent with recent studies that point to a positive association between smiling and things such as personality stability, and social skills.
A big toothy smile matters! It can extend your life YEARS.
Are you anxious about your smile? Reach out to Dr. Mark Reichman today.
Does salty food cause oral health problems?
Sodium consumption is generally understood to be damaging for overall health. Intake of too much dietary sodium is associated with high blood pressure, according to the American Heart Association. Today, Dr. Mark Reichman analyzes salt’s affect on your oral health. Or rather, sodium’s affect on your oral health.
Sodium is not exactly the salt you shake onto bland foods. Salt alone does not damage tooth enamel. It’s the sodium component of unhealthy foods, and usually high-carb foods and high in sodium. Even more so, these foods are usually highly processed. The American Heart Association warns against using salt liberally in your diet. If products are already sugary and rich in carbs, like pizza, pasta, breads, and snacks like pretzels and chips, they should be enjoyed infrequently in moderation. These treats are among the top carriers of sodium in the American diet. They may be relatively low in sugar but their starches metabolize into simple sugars. Processed foods like the ones mentioned above often contribute to higher potential for decay and disease.
The bacteria in your mouth that grows into plaque and tartar multiplies through exposure to simple sugars. The longer the unhealthy elements remain in your mouth, the higher the risk on your tooth enamel.
So, damage can be prevented by avoiding sodium-rich foods.
However, applying sodium it to your teeth through certain tools is actually beneficial. The American Dental Association approves sodium lauryl sulfate and other sodium-based compounds because they act as foaming detergents. Mild salt rinses are often recommended to soothe tooth sores and cleanse bacterial infections.
Senior citizens are told to hold a <2300 mg/d level of daily sodium consumption. Even though the statistics don’t require you to limit their salt intake, it is usually advised that the elderly watch their sodium intake especially to protect their teeth. But a study by the Institute of Medicine shows was no significant evidence showing correlation between sodium consumption and mortality rate.
At the office of Dr. Mark Reichman, we care about all components of your oral health.
For many patients, this breaks down to an anxiety about the cosmetics of their teeth.
Facing friends and strangers can feel threatening if we’re paranoid about bad breath. When we talk, we are nervous both about what we say and the impression people get of us overall. Therefore hygiene plays a huge role in these impressions. So when people reveal complaints about bad breath, we understand there is a fear that you’re doing something wrong in terms of brushing. But dentists understand that there is more the bad breath than just daily brushing.
Many people point to stinky foods, such as garlic and onions, as the culprit of bad breath. But there is more to monitoring your breath than just daily brushing. Certain diseases, including diabetes, infected tonsils, and stomach conditions can contribute to persistently foul breath that is difficult to manage.
So what’s going on at a biological level?
When harmful bacteria multiply, they break down proteins at a much higher rate than usual. This causes the accumulation of sulfur compounds. These compounds emit volatile sulfur gases, and thus, bad breath.
Here are five tips from the Dr. Mark Reichman OFMS to help you manage this condition.
Getting rid of bad breath starts with learning what may be triggering it for you. If you’re a smoker, any tobacco products contribute to dry mouth. The smoke particles remain in the mouth long after you are done with your cigarette. This can leave an unpleasant smell that lingers even with persistent teeth brushing.
When you are hungry, your empty stomach will start to build up acid. This release foul breath as your body desperately awaits its next meal. To prevent this, snack on fruits and vegetables throughout the day. Snacking on fresh, crispy carrots, celery, and apples keep your saliva flowing between meals aids in cleansing the bacteria away from your teeth, tongue and gums.
If you’re not brushing and flossing the best way, then your breath will suffer. Brush every side of your tooth, including the gums. It’s important not to brush too aggressively and quickly – remember, your teeth and gums are delicate! When flossing, hold a small piece of string tightly, sneaking it under each side of the tooth using careful up and down movements. Remember to replace the piece of floss for each tooth as to not transfer the plaque.
To remove the germs your brush and floss may not be able to target, there’s an inexpensive tool called a tongue scraper. This will aid in removing any residue trapped between the taste buds and folds of your tongue. The scraper works by softly peeling the thin mucus-based layer of debris from the tongue. When using the tool, concentrate on the back of the tongue where odor-causing bacteria lives. Remember to rinse the scraper under warm water every time you swipe the tongue. However, if you don’t have a tongue scraper, you can still use your toothbrush to brush this area of your tongue.
The best way to manage your oral health and the most honest resource you have to ask about your breath is your dentist.
Sometimes, bad breath can be a sign of another health problem. If you have do have chronic bad breath that is difficult to manage with regular brushing, visit your dentist. They will be able to rule out any oral health problems and identify if you are indeed dealing with a systematic problem.
This post was originally featured on Dr. Mark Reichman’s blog. Thanks for reading!
