Confidence – WKUALUMNI

November 21, 2019

Keeping your Teeth Clean is Important because…

It is important for you to have healthy teeth and gums. But there are several problems that can affect you oral health of your mouth, but fortunately by keeping your teeth clean you can avoid a lot of these problems. Here are some problems that can be avoided by keeping your teeth clean:

Tooth Decay- Teeth are covered in enamel, and every day a thin layer of bacteria called plaque builds up on your teeth. The bacteria that is found in plaque produces acids that harm enamel. The acids can eventually cause a hole in the enamel or what is known as a cavity. Fortunately brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash protect your teeth from decay.

Note: Using fluoride toothpaste helps fight cavities.

Gum Diseases- Gum disease takes place when plaque builds up along and under your gum line. This plaque can cause infections and damage the gum and bone that hold teeth in place. Sometimes gum disease makes your gums swollen and sore making them more likely to bleed. This is called gingivitis, and can usually be fixed by daily brushing and flossing.

A more severe and problematic form of gum disease is called periodontitis. This simply must be treated by a dentist. If it goes untreated, this infection can damage the bones, gums, and other tissues that support your teeth.

To prevent gum disease: Make sure that you brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste. Also make sure that you floss once a day and rinse your mouth with a mouthwash.Visit your dentist regularly for both a checkup and cleaning, they will scale your teeth which gets rid of the hard to get plaque and tartar. Eat a well-balanced diet.Quit smoking. Smoking increases your risk for gum disease.

Oral Cancer – Oral cancer can develop in any part of the mouth or throat. This is more likely to occur in adults over age 40 but can happen at any age. A dental checkup is necessary for your dentist to look for any signs of oral cancer. You can lower your risk of getting oral cancer by avoiding tobacco products. Also make sure to rinse out your mouth after consuming alcohol or anything that is not too healthy for your mouth.

Keeping your mouth clean is important it takes daily work on your part and means you need to get regular cleanings and checkups at the dentist. By keeping your mouth clean and healthy you in turn will be healthy and happy. It’s a pretty good trade off.

November 21, 2019

Why Flossing is Important

You know that every time you visit the dentist you’re going to be asked the dreaded question: “Have you been flossing regularly?” For a lot of patients, they feel a bead of nervous sweat drip down their forehead as they explain all of the reasons why they don’t as much as they should. As a matter of fact, there are significant amounts of individuals who ignore recommendations to floss at least once a day.

Science as proven that dental hygiene and oral health can help prevent serious (and some even life threatening) diseases such as infections and heart disease. While brushing your teeth is important, a toothbrush works by physically removing plaque from your teeth while toothpaste increases the effect of the toothbrush, and the types of toothpaste that contain fluoride helps to reduce the amount of bacteria in your mouth. Unfortunately, brushing misses a whole lot. What many non-flossing individuals don’t recognise is that flossing plays an imperative role in dental health and hygiene. Unlike a toothbrush, floss is designed to clean the tight spaces between the teeth and the opening between the base of your teeth and gums (places that a toothbrush can’t reach).

The places where the gums meet the teeth need to be cleaned through flossing. Little food particles can become lodged on these spaces causing bacteria, sometimes cavity or infection, and plaque will harden and form tartar, that can only be removed by a dentist with a scraper. Buildup of tartar can lead to gingivitis: which is the first stage of gum disease and can potentially spread deeper below the gum line, causing Periodontitis. Periodontitis a severe gum disease characterised by inflammation and eventual tooth and bone loss.

While an ADA-approved antimicrobial mouthwash also provides a powerful source of protection for your mouth by killing the bacteria that creates plaque. Mouthwash, however can’t physically scrub the teeth and gums, meaning that hard and set stuff cannot be removed from your teeth.

To properly floss your teeth use about 18 inches of floss, wrap the ends of the floss around your fingertips for better grip and control. Gently slip the floss between your teeth, being careful of your gums. Curl the floss around each tooth and scrub it up and down to scrape away any unwanted plaque.

Although it may not be the most pleasant part of the day it is an important one. Even if you’re a busy person you can do it while you watch TV, listen to the radio, or are getting ready for bed. It seriously is no time at all and the benefits definitely outweigh any of the negatives associated with flossing.

November 21, 2019

Why Teeth Whitening is Good for Your Confidence

A fabulous smile screams confidence, it is a great first impression and lets people know that someone has good self-esteem. Unfortunately white teeth can come be a little pricy, while many dental offices charge a premium for teeth whitening treatments. Still, teeth whitening is arguably a very positive investment in someone’s appearance. A smile is a first impression, and first impressions go a very long way. Teeth that are discoloured from coffee, wine and even smoking can send a negative message to some people and make individuals think that those with discoloured teeth don’t care about their appearance. Having your teeth whitened gives some people a sense of self-confidence.

If you think about people with severely discoloured teeth, they may feel embarrassed to smile and show their teeth. This shows a sense of insecurity and lack of confidence. This sort of natural behaviour is noticeable to other people and can have impacts socially and professionally.

Individuals tend to feel and outwardly appear confident when they have whiter teeth because of the effect it has on a smile. Confidence is a powerful quality and is extremely attractive. By whitening the teeth, people look younger, happier, and comfortable in their own skin. When someone feels good about their appearance, especially when it comes to teeth, , they begin to gain confidence and increased self esteem.

Having whiter teeth can be a bit expensive, especially if it is professionally done- however it is the most effective way to do it (and it is worth the price).It is more economical for someone to purchase a DIY kit from the store and do it at home- but this is also costly and can be less efficient.

Never self-whiten your teeth right before an important event as you may not be happy with the way they look. They may still be discoloured or they may too white (you’ve seen that episode of Friends where Ross’s teeth are glowing in the dark). It is always best to give yourself time between the event and whitening to get your teeth just right.

Don’t forget that foods and beverages will affect the colour of your teeth, make sure that you rinse your mouth out or brush your teeth after consuming something that has discolouring qualities. It really doesn’t take too much to invest in something that will have positive effects on your life as a whole. Keeping your teeth white and gorgeous will increase your self-esteem and may even improve your social life or even professional life. Confidence attracts others, and with the increased confidence from those pearly whites who knows what the future holds.