Each year in the United States, approximately 60,000 new cases of oral cancer are diagnosed. Though these only account for about three percent of all cancer diagnoses, this number is still troublingly high, causing more than 9,750 deaths and killing one person an hour, 24 hours a day. The good news is that regular visits to your dentist can help protect you from oral cancer, as your regular preventive exam and cleaning includes an oral cancer screening. If caught early, this disease can be treated, hopefully increasing your odds of survival. Here are some factors that can put you at risk for oral cancer, and what you can do to protect yourself.

Tobacco Use

Whether you vape, chew, snuff, or smoke cigarettes, pipes, or cigars, any tobacco usage whatsoever can increase your risk of oral cancer. Thus, to lower your risk, work towards quitting using these products, or never begin using them in the first place!

Alcohol Consumption

Frequent heavy alcohol consumption increases your risk of developing mouth cancer. Combined with tobacco use, your odds of developing this condition are even higher.

Sun Damage on the Lips

Exposure to ultraviolet light from the sun and from tanning beds can increase your risk of lip cancer, as well as other forms of cancer such as skin cancer, so be sure to avoid excessive exposure, and wear an SPF when you go outside.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

Human papillomavirus is a virus that can spread through sexual contact. Though it typically goes away on its own, in some cases it can cause changes in cells which can lead to oral cancer.

Weakened Immune System

If you are taking medications to control your immune system following an organ transplant or an HIV infection, these can increase your odds of developing oral cancer.

Preventing Oral Cancer

While there is no guaranteed way to prevent oral cancer, there are still many things you can do to lower your risk, including:

• Don’t use tobacco products
• Limit alcohol consumption
• Wear an SPF / limit sun exposure
• Get the HPV vaccine
• Visit your dentist regularly for oral cancer screenings

Remember, oral cancer can be deadly if not caught and treated promptly, but there is still plenty you can do to lower your risk of developing it, including visiting your dentist every six months for your regular, biannual exam and cleaning appointments. It could save your life!

About Our Practice

At Lifetime Dental of Gainesville, Dr. Her and Dr. Pennington know that part of protecting your smile is ensuring that you’re safe from a variety of conditions like oral cancer. Whether you are at an increased risk of developing this condition, or if you’d simply enjoy the peace of mind that regular screenings bring, one of the best ways to monitor your health is through routine preventive care. To schedule your biannual exam and checkup and receive your oral cancer screening, please visit our website or call us today at 770-536-6688.

The post Should I Be Worried About Oral Cancer? appeared first on Lifetime Dental Blog.

When you have a tooth that’s severely damaged, you may have had it fixed with a dental crown. It is a long-lasting, durable solution that lets you bite into your favorite foods with ease. But some accidents can cause them to come out. You may have been shocked if this happened to you, but it’s important to stay calm, as your emergency dentist can help you out. This guide will walk you through what to do if a crown falls out.

Step 1: Handle & Clean the Dental Crown with Care

If your restoration comes out, it’s essential to be careful when removing it from your mouth. It may have broken into multiple pieces or stayed intact, but be sure not to swallow it. Ensure that you have all the pieces to it and clean off any debris that is on it with water. If you have a toothbrush handy, then you can gently brush it. You can place the dental crown in a clean, airtight container.

You should also tend to your exposed tooth. Gently rinse and brush it with sensitive toothpaste to remove any food particles or plaque around it.

Step 2: Call Your Dentist Right Away

Afterward, it’s crucial to call your dentist right away to get scheduled for an emergency appointment. Be sure to tell them about the state of the crown, and they can give you some advice on how you can protect your exposed tooth. In most cases, your dentist will try to see you on the same day!

Step 3: Ensure Your Tooth is Protected

Depending on the conditions of your dental crown and what your dentist says, it might be possible to reattach it. Double-check and ensure that your exposed tooth and restoration are clean, then you can use a tiny dab of toothpaste or temporary crown cement to keep it in place.

In some cases, you may not be able to do this or it’s uncomfortable to do so, so you can cover the exposed tooth with some sugarless gum or dental wax. This should minimize the risk of further damage and sensitivity. In the meantime, try to avoid chewing on the affected side of your mouth and steer clear of hard or sticky foods. It’s worth mentioning that these are only temporary solutions, and only your dentist can give a permanent fix.

How Will My Dentist Fix My Crown?

If your restoration is still completely intact and in great condition, then it may be easily reattached. Thankfully, you are not out of luck if that’s not the case for you! The good news is that your dentist may offer CEREC crowns. These are made from a handy machine in the office that quickly mills out a new restoration on the same day. That means that even if it broke into pieces, a permanent one can be made within a short wait instead of a couple of weeks!

A dental crown that fell off suddenly shouldn’t leave you in a panic. Follow these steps until you can visit your dentist. With their help, you’ll be able to restore your smile!

About the Author

At Lifetime Dental of Gainesville, we are dedicated to giving all our patients the best care they deserve, especially during a dental emergency like a dental crown that fell out. Dr. Shue Her and Dr. Michael Pennington work together to ensure that your problem is solved and give you the much-needed relief. We are proud to offer CEREC crowns to get your grin back to perfection right away. If you have a dental crown that came out, schedule an appointment or don’t hesitate to call us at (770) 536-6688.

The post Your Royal Guide for a Dental Crown That Fell Out appeared first on Lifetime Dental Blog.

Many people have heard that fluoride helps protect their teeth. But do you know how this mineral went from a natural element to a daily dental essential? The history of fluoride is surprisingly full of curiosity, discovery, and even a little controversy. If you’ve ever wondered how fluoride ended up in your toothpaste, mouthwash, or tap water, keep reading!

The Mystery of Stained Teeth

The story of fluoride in dentistry starts in the early 1900s. Dr. Frederick McKay, a dentist in Colorado, began noticing that many of his patients had oddly stained brown teeth, but fewer cavities. This condition became known as “Colorado brown stain,” and researchers were baffled.

Eventually, Dr. McKay teamed up with a researcher named Dr. G.V. Black to get to the bottom of the phenomenon. They traced the cause to the local water supply, which was naturally high in fluoride. While the excess caused staining (now called dental fluorosis), it also seemed to protect against tooth decay!

Discovery to Prevention

By the 1940s, research into fluoride had begun to take off, and a new question arose—Could controlled amounts of the substance help prevent cavities without causing stains?

That’s when Grand Rapids, Michigan, became the first city in the US to fluoridate its public water supply in 1945. The results were impressive. Children in the city experienced a significant drop in tooth decay compared to nearby towns. Once the research was out, other cities soon followed suit.

Fluoride in the Now

Today, fluoride is one of the most studied and monitored additives in public health history. It’s found in many common products like toothpaste, mouth rinse, public water systems, and professional treatments.

When used in safe, regulated amounts, it helps remineralize enamel and reduce the risk of cavities across all age groups.

Fluoride Is Still a Hot Button Issue

While fluoride remains a trusted part of preventive dental care, some people still raise questions about its use in other ways, especially in drinking water. Fortunately, the science is clear. When used properly, this mineral is both safe and highly effective!

From strange stains to scientific breakthroughs, fluoride has come a long way. Today, it’s one of the easiest and most effective ways to protect your smile. If you’re looking to reduce cavities and keep your teeth in tip-top shape, talk to your dentist about fluoride treatment at your next appointment.

About the Author

At Lifetime Dental of Gainesville, Dr. Shue Her and Dr. Michael Pennington know that a healthy grin starts with prevention. We use fluoride as a means to protect vulnerable teeth, helping patients achieve sterling smiles. We’re proud to offer care that’s rooted in both science and compassion. Call (770) 536-6688 to schedule an appointment with us or visit our website to learn more.

The post From Rocks to Rinses: A Brief History of Fluoride appeared first on Lifetime Dental Blog.

Dental implants can be an excellent choice for replacing any number of missing teeth. However, since they come at a higher cost than traditional bridges or dentures, you will likely want to look for ways to make them more affordable. Could dental insurance be the key to making dental implants more budget-friendly? Here’s what you need to know before you start the process of replacing your teeth from the roots up.

How Does Dental Insurance Handle Dental Implants?

Currently, many dental insurance companies consider dental implants to be a cosmetic procedure and thus won’t provide coverage for them. This isn’t necessarily the case for every insurance company, though, so it’s always worth double-checking your benefits to confirm what is or isn’t covered.

Note that an insurance plan that will not pay for dental implants may still provide at least partial coverage for certain aspects of the dental implant process. Common examples include the final crown, bridge, or denture that will be attached to the implant posts as well as certain preliminary procedures that might be deemed necessary to prepare your mouth for dental implant surgery.

Are There Other Ways to Make Dental Implants More Affordable?

It’s important to keep in mind that dental insurance is not your only option for making the cost of dental implants more manageable. For example, if you apply for low-interest financing from CareCredit, you can pay for your care in smaller monthly installments, thus putting significantly less strain on your budget. Additionally, many dental practices offer in-house savings plans that come with discounts on a wide range of services; this can be a great choice for patients who don’t have dental insurance at all.

Are Dental Implants Worth the Investment?

Even though dental implants carry a higher cost than traditional dentures and bridges, many patients find that they are ultimately worth the investment in the long run, thanks to the many advantages they provide, such as:

• Looking and feeling like natural teeth.
• Staying anchored to the jaw so that they don’t slip the way traditional dentures sometimes do.
• Actively preventing bone loss by providing the same kind of stimulation as natural teeth.
• Allowing you to eat virtually any kind of food.
• Lasting for decades with minimal maintenance (which makes it less likely that you’ll need to pay for replacements).

In short, there are plenty of reasons why fitting dental implants into your budget can be worthwhile. If you schedule a consultation with your dentist, they can determine your candidacy for the treatment and help you explore your options for making it as affordable as possible.

About the Author

Dr. Shue Her is a graduate of the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry. He has studied Full Arch All-on-4 implant restorations at the 3D Dentist Institute, and he can offer start-to-finish dental implant treatments at Lifetime Dental of Gainesville. If you’re interested in getting dental implants to replace missing teeth, you can schedule a visit with Dr. Her by visiting his website or calling (770) 536-6688.

The post Will Your Dental Insurance Plan Help Cover the Cost of Dental Implants? appeared first on Lifetime Dental Blog.

Teeth whitening can dramatically enhance your smile, boosting confidence and helping you look and feel your best. But once your teeth are noticeably whiter, the work isn’t done. The first 24 to 72 hours after a whitening treatment are crucial – your teeth are more porous and vulnerable to staining during this time. What you eat and drink during this period can either preserve your bright results or undo them.

To protect your investment and keep your smile sparkling, here’s a guide to the foods and beverages you should avoid after teeth whitening.

Dark-Colored Beverages

After whitening, steer clear of any drinks that are deeply pigmented. These include:

• Coffee.
• Tea (especially black and green).
• Red wine.
• Cola and dark sodas.
• Dark juices like grape, cranberry, or pomegranate.

These beverages are rich in pigments that cling to enamel and can quickly stain freshly whitened teeth. If you must drink them, use a straw to limit contact with your teeth, and rinse your mouth with water afterward.

Acidic Foods and Drinks

Your teeth are more sensitive after whitening, and acidic items can erode enamel and increase sensitivity. Limit or avoid:

• Citrus fruits (oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruits).
• Vinegar-based dressings.
• Tomato sauce and ketchup.
• Pickles.
• Sodas and sports drinks.

Acidic foods also make enamel more porous, increasing the risk of staining. Sticking to less acidic options helps your enamel stabilize and retain the whitening results.

Staining Foods

Much like beverages, foods that are dark in color or contain strong dyes can stain your teeth. Some culprits include:

• Berries (blueberries, blackberries, raspberries).
• Beets.
• Soy sauce.
• Curry.
• Balsamic vinegar.
• Barbecue sauce.

Even natural pigments can cause discoloration, so it’s best to save these items for after the initial post-whitening period.

Colored Candy and Popsicles

Artificially dyed treats, like red or blue candies, popsicles, and brightly colored desserts, can leave stains on your newly whitened teeth. The same goes for colored chewing gum or lollipops. Not only do these dyes linger, but they often come with added sugars that can increase tooth sensitivity and decay risk.

Foods That Are Too Hot or Too Cold

Teeth can be more sensitive after whitening. Avoid foods and drinks that are extremely hot or cold, such as ice cream, hot soup, or iced beverages, to minimize discomfort. Stick to lukewarm or room-temperature options until sensitivity subsides.

Safe Foods After Whitening

For the first 48 hours, consider a “white diet” – eating pale or colorless foods that won’t stain your teeth. Good options include:

• Chicken or turkey.
• White rice.
• Cauliflower.
• Plain pasta.
• Mashed potatoes.
• Milk and water.
• Egg whites.
• Bananas and peeled apples.

The first few days after a whitening treatment are the most important for maintaining your results. By avoiding staining, acidic, and overly hot or cold foods, you’ll give your teeth the best chance to settle into their new shade. Follow your dentist’s aftercare instructions, and with a little caution, you’ll enjoy a radiant smile that lasts!

About the Practice

If you’re tired of over-the-counter whitening products that just don’t get the job done, trust our team of professionals at Lifetime Dental of Gainesville to give you a radiant new shine that will bolster your confidence and improve your life in areas you hadn’t even considered! Our experienced cosmetic dentists provide personalized treatment to ensure you have a beautiful, uniform smile before walking out of the office. Schedule your appointment today online or call us at (770) 536-6688.  

The post Protect Your New Smile: Foods to Avoid After Teeth Whitening appeared first on Lifetime Dental Blog.

Gum disease is one of the leading oral health conditions in the country, estimated to impact one out of every two adults. Do you know if you’re at risk? At your routine checkups and cleanings with your dentist in Gainesville, they’ll screen you for gum disease and assess what habits and other factors could put you at a greater chance of developing it. Read on to learn five factors that could increase your chances of developing gum disease.

Genetics

If your parents or siblings have a history of gum disease, it’s more likely that you could develop the condition as well! This is because your genetic makeup can make you more susceptible to developing infections, mainly due to cytokine response. Cytokines are specialized proteins that help with white blood cell formation, and when their response is too weak or strong, it can affect the progression of infections like gum disease.

Age

Data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that 70 percent of Americans over 65 years old have some form of gum disease. This could be due to weakened immune response that occurs as you age, making it harder for your body to fight off infection.

Tobacco Use

Tobacco products, including vapes, have been shown to increase the risk of gum disease. This is because tobacco products lead to gum damage and dry mouth, which not only can increase the accumulation of infection-causing bacteria as well as gum and bone deterioration. As a result, smoking can not only increase your risk of developing gum disease, but also drastically progress the infection.  

Certain Medications

Certain medications like tetracycline, heart medications, and chemotherapy can cause side-effects that lead to bacteria accumulation in the mouth, like dry mouth. Saliva helps to neutralize acidic waste produced by bacteria, and when you don’t produce as much of it, enamel erosion can occur at a faster rate and infection can progress faster.

Immunocompromising Conditions

If you have conditions that impact your immune system, like diabetes, it will also impact your body’s ability to fight off gum disease. Because of this, not only can the disease progress more quickly, but it can also be more difficult to treat.

About the Practice

At Lifetime Dental of Gainesville, Dr. Her and Dr. Pennington have decades of experience between them. With countless hours of continuing education courses under their belt and a commitment to preserving patients’ oral health, they aim to spot and treat the early signs of gum disease to prevent permanent oral damage from occurring. To schedule a checkup and cleaning or learn more about periodontal treatment, visit Lifetime Dental of Gainesville’s website or call 770-536-6688.

The post 5 Factors That Could Increase Your Risk of Gum Disease appeared first on Lifetime Dental Blog.

When it comes to sedation dentistry, many practices offer nitrous oxide along with oral conscious sedation. Both options can help you stay relaxed while your smile is being treated, but which one is the right choice for you? To answer that question, it can help to compare the two methods and consider what they involve. Here’s a look at some of the differences between nitrous oxide and oral conscious sedation.

How They’re Administered

Nitrous oxide is administered through a small mask placed over the nose. The mask will be connected to a machine that releases nitrous oxide mixed with oxygen; after breathing in this mixture for a short time, you’ll start to notice the relaxing effects.

Meanwhile, oral conscious sedation involves taking a pill prior to your treatment. You’ll be given instructions for exactly when to ingest the pill so that the anti-anxiety medication can take effect before your treatment begins.

The Depth of Sedation

Nitrous oxide is considered a lighter method of sedation. It helps you feel more relaxed and comfortable throughout your dental treatment; additionally, some patients experience euphoric feelings and may even be more prone to giggling.

Oral conscious sedation offers a deeper level of relaxation. It can make you feel very groggy, and you might even doze off (although your dentist will be able to easily wake you up so that you can answer questions and respond to instructions). Furthermore, oral conscious sedation can potentially cause you to forget what happened during your treatment.

The Duration

Once you stop breathing in nitrous oxide, its effects typically wear off within 5 minutes. As a result, you can immediately go back to your normal routine once your appointment is complete.

In contrast, oral conscious sedation can last around 4 to 6 hours, and the effects can linger for a full day. Thus, you will need to make arrangements for someone else to drive you to and from your appointment, and you should plan on spending some time resting at home.

The Cost

Generally speaking, nitrous oxide costs less than oral conscious sedation. For this reason, nitrous oxide is often seen as the better choice for routine cleanings and minor procedures; oral conscious sedation is usually recommended for lengthier or more complex treatments.

So, Which One Is Right for You?

Some patients prefer nitrous oxide since it costs less and wears off quickly. However, oral conscious sedation may be the better choice for those with stronger dental anxieties or who don’t want to have to worry about wearing a mask during their procedure. If you speak with your dentist, they can go over your sedation options in more detail and help you pick the one that best suits your needs and preferences.

About the Author

Dr. Shue Her has been in the dental field for more than a decade. He graduated from the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry, and he became certified in oral sedation through DOCS. At Lifetime Dental of Gainesville, he helps his patients enjoy more relaxing visits via nitrous oxide and oral conscious sedation. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Her, visit his website or call (770) 536-6688.

The post Comparing Nitrous Oxide and Oral Conscious Sedation appeared first on Lifetime Dental Blog.

If you recently saw your dentist for a severely damaged or decayed tooth or had a root canal procedure, you’ll likely be fitted with a dental crown. Historically, dentists required two appointments spread out over several weeks to fit you with this restoration. Thankfully, today they can provide one on the same day as your initial appointment using CEREC (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramic) technology.

Although this method reduces wait times, you might hesitate to schedule your procedure if you don’t know what recovery looks like. Continue reading to learn 3 helpful hints for healing quickly and without complications!

Tip #1: Eat Carefully

Your dentist will likely numb the area around your troubled tooth before starting your procedure to ensure you remain calm and comfortable the entire time. It can take a while for these medications to leave your system, so you might feel numb in your teeth, gums, lips, chin, and jaw for the remainder of the day after your appointment.

You should eat carefully during this time because you might accidentally bite your lip or burn the tender tissues if you’re not paying close enough attention. Then, for at least the first 24 hours, you might want to stick to softer, blander foods that won’t irritate your already sore mouth. Popular options include bananas, eggs, applesauce, yogurt, and mashed potatoes.

Tip #2: Clean Your Mouth

Your mouth is full of bacteria eagerly awaiting any opportunity to penetrate your enamel, roots, or connective tissues to cause decay, disease, or injuries. Usually, brushing and flossing twice daily is recommended to remove germs, plaque, leftover food, and other debris.

However, you should avoid your usual at-home dental hygiene routine for the first day with your dental crown because you might damage the bonding material holding it in place. You can rinse your mouth gently with warm salt water to act as a natural disinfectant and anti-inflammatory instead. Then, you can resume your regular regimen once you feel more comfortable.

Tip #3: Address Discomfort

It’s normal to develop some sensitivity after your enamel is thinned for your dental crown to fit correctly. Fortunately, the sensation usually peaks after a couple of days and then fades on its own, but you don’t have to live with aches in the meantime. Taking over-the-counter medications like Tylenol or ibuprofen is usually perfectly safe to reduce any associated throbbing.

If you experience a persistent or severe pain that doesn’t dissipate after a week or so, you should call your dentist so they can check whether your restoration fits properly and is working as intended.

If you’re still unsure what to expect from dental crown recovery, the best way to gather accurate information is to ask your dentist during your appointment!

About the Practice

At Lifetime Dental of Gainesville, you and your family benefit from two skilled dentists who share more than a decade of combined experience. Dr. Her and Dr. Pennington provide a comprehensive menu of top-quality services to people of all ages, including CEREC same-day dental crowns. They take the time to learn your unique concerns and goals, then utilize state-of-the-art technology to provide customized treatments to address them. You can receive a lifelike prosthetic on the same day as your appointment by contacting the office on the website or calling (770) 536-6688.

The post Royal Recovery: Healing After Dental Crown Placement appeared first on Lifetime Dental Blog.

If you will soon be undergoing an All-on-4 procedure for dental implants, you may be wondering what your diet will look like for the next few months. The truth is, while recovery from this procedure is relatively easy, you will still need to temporarily adjust what you eat until you’ve healed completely.

When it comes to your diet, there are two distinct recovery periods to plan for. Here’s how you should plan to eat during this time.

One to Two Weeks Post Op

For the first one to two weeks post procedure, you will likely be experiencing soreness in your mouth, jaw, and throat. While this discomfort and swelling will eventually go away, it is important to eat a liquid or non-chewing diet during this time.

You can start drinking fluids immediately after your surgery, but limit this to cool liquids only for the first 48 hours. Do not attempt to drink anything hot until your anesthesia has worn off and stay away from anything spicy until after the third- or fourth-day post-op. Avoid excessive alcohol consumption during the healing process, and never use a straw, as this can loosen your blood clots and cause excess bleeding that slows recovery.

 Foods to Eat During the First Two Weeks

There are many liquids you can enjoy during the first two weeks post-op. Here are some examples:

• Water
• Coconut water
• Juice
• Kefir
• Tea
• Coffee (stick to decaf for the first three days)
• Hot chocolate
• Coffee creamer / Half and half
• Broth
• Strained or pureed vegetable soup
• Strained meat or cream-based soup
• Milk (dairy, nut, or pea based)
• Milkshakes
• Yogurt drinks
• Nutrition / meal replacement shakes
• Smoothies
• Soda (no caffeine for the first three days)
• Gelatin
• Pudding
• Custard
• Sherbet
• Ice cream
• Frozen yogurt
• Frozen fluids like popsicles or fruit ice

If you find that you are still hungry, or if you feel shaky or weak, you may want to add some calories to your liquid. Suitable options include:

• Powdered egg whites
• Powdered milk
• Instant breakfast mixes such as oatmeal or cream of wheat
• Butter, margarine, or oil
• Sugar, syrup, or honey
• Brewer’s yeast

Two Weeks to Three Months Post Op

After the two-week mark, you should feel a lot stronger, and your mouth should feel much better. You will then be ready to upgrade from a liquid diet to a soft food diet. While you may be eager to begin eating solid foods again, remember to pace yourself as it is very dangerous to eat foods that are hard, crunchy, or chewy during the first three months.

Once you hit the two-week post op mark, you can continue to drink the same beverages as you could from day one, however you can begin to thicken them. You can also add some foods that require minimal chewing to your diet, including:

• Fruits and vegetables that are                          
  • Mashed
  • Soft
  • Canned / without skin or seeds
  • Baked or cooked to a soft consistency

• Bread, pasta, and grains
  • Soaked in syrup, gravy, or sauce
  • Soft breads
  • Muffins
  • Pancakes / crepes
  • Cooked pasta
  • Quinoa
  • Oatmeal / cream of wheat
  • Mashed potatoes
• Protein
  • Cheese
  • Eggs
  • Pureed stews
  • Sloppy joes
  • Chili
  • Polenta
  • Hummus
  • Soft tofu
  • Yogurt

Remember, your diet during the first few months following all-on-4 surgery needs to be modified to help your mouth heal and your dental implants to successfully complete the osseointegration process. Failure to do so could cause them to fail or significantly delay your recovery. If you have any questions or concerns about what you can eat during this time, please contact your dentist.

About Our Practice

At Lifetime Dental of Gainesville, our dentists want you to have a lifetime of beautiful smiles. Whether it’s treating your biological teeth or replacing lost ones with the help of dental implants, we have a variety of solutions to make you happy.

If you’d like to learn more about All-on-4 and if dental implants are right for you, visit our website today to schedule a consultation, or call our office at 770-536-6688.

The post What to Eat After All-on-4 Surgery appeared first on Lifetime Dental Blog.

Now that the holidays are approaching, delicious treats are starting to make more and more of an appearance. This means that there are more opportunities to wind down with a glass of wine. Unfortunately, it’s no secret that wine is a huge culprit for staining. The good news is that you don’t need to give it up if you want to avoid discoloration. Continue reading to learn some helpful. Tips to keep your smile bright and white!

Brush Your Teeth Beforehand

Did you know that red wine can cling to the plaque that’s stuck on your teeth? By brushing and flossing beforehand, you can remove that plaque and food residue. Ultimately, this will help to minimize your risk of staining. It will also help to reduce your risk of cavities and gum disease.

Rinse Your Mouth

To keep wine from lingering on your teeth for a long time, swish some water around your mouth. Drinking plenty of water also helps to keep you hydrated when you are consuming alcoholic beverages, so it’s a good habit to get into. You may think that brushing your teeth right away would prevent staining, but it can do more harm than good. The acid that’s present in wine will weaken your tooth enamel, so brushing immediately afterward can cause additional damage. You should wait at least 30 minutes before you brush your teeth.

Enjoy Wine with a Meal

When you eat, food stimulates saliva production. This helps to reduce the effects of acid in wine and restore minerals to different areas of the teeth. When the saliva rinses away and dilutes the acid in your mouth, you are less likely to experience staining. Even if it isn’t mealtime, you may want to consider having a snack that has lots of fiber, like celery, carrots, or apple slices.

See Your Dentist

By attending your regular cleanings and checkups, your hygienist will complete your visit by polishing your pearly whites. This helps to lift away some of the stains on the surface of your teeth. This way, you always leave the dental office with a squeaky-clean smile that appears whiter. If it has been a while since your last cleaning and checkup, now would be an excellent time to schedule your next appointment.

You don’t need to give up wine to prevent discoloration. By using the steps listed above, you can maintain a beautiful smile throughout the holiday season!

About the Author

At Lifetime Dental of Gainesville, Dr. Shue Her and Dr. Michael Pennington work together to treat patients in the Gainesville community. With their combined experience and expertise, patients can get pretty much anything they need under one roof. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit their website or call (770) 536-6688.

The post How to Prevent Wine Stains on Your Teeth This Holiday Season appeared first on Lifetime Dental Blog.