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Toothpaste ads are usually all about the teeth. Cavity-fighting benefits. Whiter smiles. Reducing tooth sensitivity. But lately, we’re also hearing a lot about toothpastes which are formulated to clean, renew, and repair our gums. Maybe it’s time to consider whether a tube of gum-healthy toothpaste should be your new main squeeze.

Gum Health Affects Our Overall Health

According to the CDC, almost half of all adults over the age of 30 suffer from gum disease—and the percentages get even higher with age. And, just like tooth decay, gum disease is most commonly caused by bacterial plaque.

Plaque is a biofilm made up of saliva and food particles and millions of bacteria. Within hours after we’ve brushed and flossed, this sticky substance starts forming again on teeth and around the gum line.

Gingivitis, or early gum disease, occurs when plaque around the gum line irritates gum tissue, causing inflammation. You’ve probably noticed some symptoms of inflammation if you’ve ever neglected your brushing and flossing routine for even a day or two. Gums become red, or swollen, or tender, or bleed easily.

Careful attention to brushing and flossing is essential to prevent gingivitis and to reverse early symptoms. That’s because, left untreated, gingivitis can lead to periodontitis, a serious gum disease.

The bacteria in plaque produce toxins, which our immune systems react to with inflammation. Over time, this inflammation response causes the breakdown of the bone and ligament tissue which hold our teeth in place. Once-snug gum tissue starts to pull away from the teeth, creating pockets around the teeth where more bacteria collect. This leads to infection and further loss of bone and tissue.

Infection, loose teeth, and lost teeth cause chronic pain, difficulty eating and speaking, and alterations in facial appearance. And it’s not just our oral health which can be affected by gum disease. Studies have found connections between gum disease and other inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and cardiovascular disease, and between gum disease and medical conditions such as xerostomia (dry mouth) and diabetes.

How Toothpastes Can Help Prevent Gum Disease

We already know that dentists recommend fluoride toothpaste because fluoride prevents cavities. Fluoride bonds with the calcium and phosphate ions in our tooth enamel, repairing weak spots. Even better, this new bond is stronger and more cavity-resistant than enamel alone.

When it comes to preventing gum disease as well as fighting cavities, though, not all fluoride formulas are the same. The common go-to ingredient in gum-healthy toothpastes is stannous fluoride. Like the more commonly used sodium fluoride, stannous fluoride reduces the risk of cavities and strengthens tooth enamel. And more! Studies have shown that stannous fluoride:

• Has anti-microbial agents which reduce the number of gingivitis-causing bacteria
• Disrupts plaque formation
• Continues working to reduce plaque levels even after brushing.

Because inflammation caused by bacterial plaque buildup is the most common cause of gingivitis, it makes sense that toothpastes which reduce bacteria and plaque can also reduce gum inflammation and gingival bleeding when used regularly.

But Toothpaste Can’t Do It All!

No matter which paste you use, you still need to be proactive with your dental health.

• Brush at least two minutes, at least twice each day, to stop plaque buildup. And use proper technique. Angle the brush toward the gums to gently clean around and below the gum line.
• Floss at least once a day. Flossing really does remove plaque between teeth and near the gum line which your toothbrush won’t.
• Use a soft-bristled brush. It protects both delicate gum tissue and strong enamel from abrasion.
• Keep up with your regular professional cleanings.
• For specialized periodontal treatment, make an appointment at our Romeoville, IL periodontal office.

If you have sensitive, inflamed, or bleeding gums, or if you have any worries about your gum health, don’t take advice from a toothpaste carton.

Talk to Drs. Angela Paros, Amer Atassi, Eric Young, Alexander Katsnelson about the best toothpaste for your specific dental needs. Whether it’s a recommendation for a specific kind of toothpaste or rinse, prescription medication, or more advanced periodontal treatment such as deep cleaning procedures or gum surgery, we have the treatment options to help you keep your gums their healthiest!

Here we are in the middle of the hottest time of the year. Yes, it’s the dog days of summer. But, wait—just what are “the dog days of summer,” anyway?

The ancient Greeks and Romans coined this term for the longest, warmest days near the end of summer when Sirius, the Dog Star, shone in the night sky. And it’s a Sirius (we couldn’t resist!) reminder that while we need to look after our own dental health during sizzling summer days, it’s essential to look out for our pets, too.

• Brushing Regularly

Sure, it’s summer, but relaxed, casual days shouldn’t mean relaxed, casual dental care.

The leading cause of tooth loss in dogs is gum disease. When plaque builds up around the gum line, it irritates gum tissue, causing inflammation. After a time, the gums pull away from the teeth, leaving pockets that become infected. Infection destroys bone tissue, leaving your poor pet with loose or missing teeth.

It’s a good idea to train your dog from puppyhood to let you brush or clean their teeth. Your vet can show you the best techniques.

Use special handled brushes or finger brushes to comfortably reach your dog’s teeth, and use pastes made just for dogs to protect your pet from swallowing the cleaners and abrasives we humans spit out after brushing. There are also single use dental wipes if your pup is no fan of the brush. If your pooch protests, talk to your vet for the best ways to keep your furry pal’s teeth and gums clean and healthy.

When it comes to preventive dental care, we humans have something in common with our best friends—gum disease is the most common cause of tooth loss in people, too!

Don’t let the lazy days of summer lead to lazy dental care. Brush at least twice a day for at least two minutes each time and floss once a day to keep bacteria and plaque from accumulating. A professional cleaning at our Romeoville, IL dental office will get the plaque you might have missed, remove tartar buildup, and let you know if there are areas you might be missing.

While you’re looking out for your best friend in these dog days, look out for yourself, too! Dental hygiene, proper hydration, a healthy diet—and regular professional checkups and cleanings for you both—will make sure you and your bestie will enjoy the dog days of summer with paws-itively beautiful smiles.

Your beaming smile makes a sunny day even brighter—and that sunny day can return the favor! How does the sun affect your dental health? Let’s shine some light on the subject.

You may have heard how important calcium is to your body. Over 99% of the calcium in our bodies is used to form teeth and bones, providing strength and structure to the hardest parts of the body. But that’s not the only task on the calcium to-do list. Calcium is also necessary for:

• muscles to work
• nerves to carry messages
• blood to deliver nutrients and oxygen
• the release of hormones

When we don’t get enough calcium in our diets, our bodies start to draw the calcium they need for these critical functions from our teeth and bones. Over time, a severe calcium deficiency can lead to teeth that are brittle, or more vulnerable to decay, or loose due to weakened bone density in the jaw.

We can get the calcium we need from a balanced diet. Dairy products are our most common source of calcium, and several servings of milk, cheese, or yogurt each day supply most of our needs. If dairy’s not on your menu, though, you can get calcium from other foods like broccoli, kale, collard greens, canned salmon, or sardines. Because calcium is so essential to our health, many foods are fortified with it, including fortified juices, bread, cereals—even tofu!

But there’s a snag here, and it’s a big one. We can’t really benefit from our careful consumption of calcium without the help of vitamin D. If calcium is the doorway to strong teeth and bones, vitamin D is the key that unlocks all of calcium’s benefits.

Without enough vitamin D, our bodies can’t absorb and make use of calcium. However, getting enough of this essential vitamin can be a problem. While we can get most of the vitamins we need from a balanced diet, there aren’t a lot of foods which are naturally rich in vitamin D.

So, how do we get this vital vitamin? The original option comes from nature.

• Sunlight

Vitamin D is called “the sunshine vitamin” because of the unique chemical reaction that creates it. When the ultraviolet B rays of the sun reach special cells in our skin, they convert cholesterol in these cells to a basic form of vitamin D. These vitamin molecules travel through the body, picking up hydrogen and oxygen molecules in the liver and kidneys to become active vitamin D.

Since sunlight exposure is easy, available, and free, it seems like a simple solution to getting the vitamin D we need.

But we’ve understandably moved away from the days of basking in the sun for hours at a time. Over-exposure to UV rays damages the skin, causing premature aging and, worse, a much greater risk of skin cancer. If you enjoy time in the sun, talk to your doctor about safe sun exposure, which can depend on the part of the country you live in, the time of year, and your individual skin type.

And, if you need to avoid sun exposure, there are other opportunities for getting the vitamin D you need.

• Diet

While there aren’t a lot of foods which are naturally rich in vitamin D, there are still a few options on the menu. Oily fish like salmon, tuna, and herring—and old-fashioned cod liver oil—are good sources of the vitamin. But most of us don’t live on a strict fish diet!

Instead, we can get the vitamin D we need from fortified foods. Vitamin D is commonly added to cow’s milk, soy milk, orange juice, and cereals to make sure the calcium in our diet is working effectively to keep our teeth and bones strong. Check out nutritional labels to discover whether your favorite grocery products contain vitamin D.

• Supplements

For hundreds of years, people who lived in climates and cities without a lot of sunshine suffered from the effects of vitamin D deficiency. Diseases like rickets, where the teeth and bones don’t form properly, were common in children. Adults who couldn’t absorb enough calcium suffered from weak teeth and bones.

Today, depending on age, allergies to sun or food products, dietary choices, and health conditions, some people are still at risk for vitamin D deficiency. If you’ve been diagnosed with this deficiency, your doctor might recommend a vitamin D supplement. (It’s important to take any supplement as directed, because taking too much vitamin D can be harmful, too.)

So, which form of vitamin D is best? Fortified foods? Supplements? Or is it that radiant original source—the sun? No need to worry. With any form of vitamin D, you’re getting the key you need to unlock the benefits of the calcium in your diet—benefits which make healthy teeth and bones possible.

If you have any concerns, talk to Drs. Angela Paros, Amer Atassi, Eric Young, Alexander Katsnelson at our Romeoville, IL office about whether you’re getting the vitamin D you need. Your sunny smile will thank you!

The short answer to this question? Yes. Because your child’s breath is a reflection of his or her oral health, you should talk to Drs. Angela Paros, Amer Atassi, Eric Young, Alexander Katsnelson if you notice any unpleasant changes. While better dental hygiene is usually the answer for young children, bad breath can also be a symptom of more serious problems.

Oral Hygiene

Most often, bad breath is simply a sign that your child needs a little help developing proper brushing and flossing habits.

• Show your child how to use a soft-bristled brush that fits in the mouth comfortably, be sure to brush all the surfaces of each tooth, and don’t forget to angle toward the gum line. And brush long enough. Once all the baby teeth have arrived, two minutes of brushing is usually recommended for children.
• It’s not too early to floss! Adults need to handle the flossing duties for children until they can manage on their own, so it’s a perfect time to teach technique. And, just like toothbrushes, floss should be flexible and soft.
• Don’t forget the tongue. Our tongues harbor the bacteria that cause bad breath, so finish off your child’s routine with a gentle brush of the tongue.

Better oral habits mean not only fresh breath, but give those baby teeth the best chance of staying healthy until they are naturally replaced by adult teeth. After all, baby teeth not only help your child learn to eat and speak properly, but they act as necessary placeholders so the permanent teeth are able to erupt in exactly the right spot.

Talk to a member of our Romeoville, IL office team at your child’s next appointment if you are concerned about oral hygiene–they have many great suggestions for making brushing and flossing more efficient, comfortable, and even fun for your child.