Morning breath is a great motivator to get us to brush in the morning – bacteria has built up during the night on our teeth, gums, and tongue…and if you are a mouth breather, then the bad breath is worse. One tip is to actually time how long you are brushing. Dental studies have shown that the average person needs to brush for at least one minute. A useful tool to use is an hourglass or timer. This will ensure that you have spent adequate time with your morning and evening oral hygiene. And of course, using the correct technique that your Laser Periodontist or dental professional has shown you will also help maintain your oral health. This daily oral care needs to go beyond the morning brush. Thankfully, there are some handy tools that make working oral care into your daily routines a little bit easier – here are a few you should consider keeping in your desk, bag or car for easy access after meals or anytime your mouth could use a “pick me up”:

• A travel bottle of mouthwash (try to stick with natural mouth rinses without alcohol)
• Stim-u-dents (little toothpicks)
• Floss holders and pocket flossers (disposible)
• Travel toothbrush/paste
• Travel proxy brushes
• Sugarless chewing gum

These are just a few things to consider to enhance your daily oral hygiene regimen. There are many other tricks a person can use. We have listed the most common handy tools. Do you have any other tricks you use on a daily basis for your oral care? Feel free to send us an e- mail and let us know. We will share tricks on our next follow up article.

The holidays are upon us! And we all consume more food and drinks at this time of year. Here are a few feasting facts you can use for holiday mealtimes, to help keep your oral and overall health in check while you celebrate:

• Sweets contain sugar, which can cause tooth decay, gingivitis, and bad breath if left on the teeth, tongue, or gums. Alcohol can cause bad breath and dry mouth. If used in excess, it too can cause decreased immune responses. This can directly affect the gums and teeth and the rest of your body, as well.
• Spicy foods can cause bad breath. However, some spicy foods contain important nutrients and vitamins. Just remember to brush well after eating spicy dishes.
• Holiday vegetarian dishes can be healthier choices, and can provide a boost to your immune system. This can also be a plus for the health of your gums.
• Holidays can be stressful. We know that stress plays a considerable role in the risk of gum disease. Overeating and excessive drinking is also common at this time of year. Combining all of the above can adversely affect the gums and teeth.

Also keep in mind that keeping up with your oral hygiene routine is important particularly during this time of year when we all eat and drink too much. Daily brushing and flossing can keep your gums, teeth, and oral tissues healthy. It is also advisable to brush your tongue twice a day to keep the bacteria to a minimum and keeping your breath healthy.

Be mindful of everything you are eating and drinking during the holidays and how it may affect your teeth, gums, breath, and your health overall.

What are your favorite holiday drinks and foods?

For many people the thought of going to the dentist is anxiety provoking. Here are six tips that can help squelch your fear of the dentist:

1. Meet the dentist or periodontist first for a consultation, to discuss your needs and the way the treatment will be performed. This way you can feel comfortable, confident, and reassured that you will be in good hands. If not possible, move on to another professional.
2. You can request to speak to other patients of the practice to see what their experiences have been. Be sure to call more than one patient to verify consistency. Our practice’s new periodontal patients have this opportunity available to them at their first visit and all the information is kept confidential.
3. Ask the dentist or periodontist if you could have anti-anxiety medication prior to your visit. You might have to be driven or escorted to the office if given oral medications. You could also ask about having nitrous oxide (laughing gas) for the visit as well. In this case, you can drive yourself.
4. Practice breathing and relaxation techniques while at the dentist or periodontist’s office.
5. Bring an mp3 player, or have music playing to relax you while having the dental work. This really helps.
6. Once you have done your research on the dentist or periodontist you have chosen, trust your decision. Try not to consult a million other people because ultimately you might develop even more anxiety.

Do you have anxiety about getting oral exams? How do you cope?