Sharing Spoons with Your Toddlers? Think Again

Parents beware! 

New studies have shown that sharing spoons during mealtime actually puts your toddlers’ oral health at risk. Recent studies have shown that tooth decay in children aged five to nine have grown nearly 14% since 2011.

While many mothers are not aware of how easy it is to transfer their oral bacteria, fewer know that even kissing their child on the lips can transfer some harmful bacteria. The tip to prevent this is to practice good oral hygiene on yourself, and impart a healthy tooth cleaning routine for your child.

However, there is a bright side: only parents who have active tooth decay and are carrying the Streptococcus mutans bacteria will be putting their children’s teeth at risk. If you are suffering from tooth decay, be sure to schedule an appointment with your friendly Valencia dentist today to get that cleared up. Not only for your health, but also your child’s.

If you are unsure how to teach your kids the healthiest brushing methods, be sure you ask your friendly Valencia dentist today. Not only can we teach you how to take care of yourself, but we can also teach you ways to ensure your child has a happy, healthy smile.

Go Dental - Top Dentist in Valencia
smile@thedentist.com

Gingivitis and You

Gingivitis is often talked about, but not many people know exactly what is going on when they are diagnosed with it. Well, your friendly Valencia dentist is here to help explain it to you.

Gingivitis is inflammation of the gingiva, A.K.A. your gums. Inflammation is most commonly caused by buildups of bacteria, more commonly called plaque. This bacterial buildup causes an immune response from your body, typically resulting in swelling. Gingivitis is also a mild, non-destructive form of periodontal disease.

However, if left untreated, gingivitis can become periodontitis, which can result in tooth loss.

If your teeth bleed when you brush them, or if your gums are red and puffy, you may want to get checked for gingivitis. Sometimes, you may have it without even realizing it, due to milder symptoms. Luckily, good oral hygiene is typically enough to help rid yourself of gingivitis, including brushing and flossing, and the use of antiseptic mouthwashes.

Some other common symptoms are swollen gums, tender or painful gums, bad breath, flexible or soft gums, and bleeding gums. If you have any combination of these symptoms, it may prove beneficial to meet with your friendly Valencia dentist as soon as possible.

Keep in mind that plaque buildup is not the only cause of gingivitis. Cancer, diabetes, and HIV are linked to higher risks of developing gingivitis. Smoking commonly causes gingivitis, as well as some medications. Finally, hormones can play a part in it, especially during puberty, menopause, or even pregnancy – they lead to more sensitive gums, increasing their risk of inflammation.

There are many treatments your friendly Valencia dentist can discuss with you, most of them can be done from your own home. If you have any questions or concerns, schedule your appointment today.

Go Dental - Top Dentist in Valencia
smile@thedentist.com

Share a Bathroom? Your Toothbrush Could Contain Fecal Matter

Preliminary studies have shown that in a shared bathroom environment, up to 60% of toothbrushes are contaminated with fecal matter, and there is an 80% chance that it is not your own.

Researchers studied the toothbrushes of college students sharing a communal bathroom – 60% of the toothbrushes showed contamination from fecal matter, regardless of the storage and cleaning methods used.

Accidentally consuming someone else’s fecal matter, even in trace amounts, carries the risk of illness and infection, as fecal matter may contain viruses, parasites, and even bacteria that are not part of your body’s own native microbes.

Researchers suggest that people sharing restroom facilities practice better methods of storing their toothbrushes in order to prevent contamination. One effective method is to not keep your toothbrush in a shared bathroom.

But if that is not an option, here are a few ways to keep your toothbrush up to shape:

• Do not share your toothbrush with anyone.
• Replace your toothbrush at least once every four months.
• Do not use toothbrush covers – they actually lock in moisture and create an environment for bacteria to thrive.
• Store your toothbrush upright after use, and allow it to air dry.
• Rinse your toothbrush with tap water.
• Do not store your toothbrush in close proximity to anyone else’s to prevent cross-contamination.
• If you have any concerns about proper toothbrush storage, be sure to check with your friendly Valencia dentist today. They can give you a rundown of the dos and don’ts of keeping your toothbrush clean.

Go Dental - Top Dentist in Valencia
smile@thedentist.com