Oral Health: Don't Forget the Tongue!

Teeth tend to get the spotlight when it comes to oral health and hygiene, but just focusing on teeth leaves out an important part of a good routine - the tongue! Access Dental and Dentures is the best dentist office in southern Missouri, so we know what it takes to keep your mouth in a healthy and happy condition. Today we're diving deeper into oral health and talking about the tongue. Read on to learn more about how to keep your tongue clean and improve your oral hygiene routine.

Bacterial Growth

We all have a certain amount of bacteria in our mouths, some of it good and some of it bad. Good bacteria are there to help protect you from pathogens and illnesses. Bad bacteria are what can cause plaque buildup and tooth decay.

Both kinds of bacteria can grow and build up on your tongue, producing bad smells that are inconvenient and embarrassing. They produce substances that cause malodorous breath, including sulfur. This bad smell can be even worse if there are food particles for the bacteria to feed on. Keep your tongue clean to help limit stinky breath and bad bacterial growth in your mouth.

Healthy Color

When you're brushing your teeth twice a day, it's a good idea to pay attention to the color of your tongue to look for signs of an unhealthy mouth. Your tongue should be a natural, consistent pink color. If there are patches of red, yellow, or white discoloration, then you could have a serious issue that requires medical attention.

If your tongue is a uniform color but has a white film over the top of it, then you may simply need to improve your daily oral hygiene routine. This film is typically a combination of dead cells, food debris, bacteria, and mucus. Cleaning your tongue regularly should help reduce the appearance of this white film and keep your mouth healthier.

Cleaning Your Tongue

Keeping your tongue clean has a lot of important health benefits that include stronger teeth, better breath, less plaque buildup, and more! Make cleaning your tongue a part of your daily routine. Every time you use your toothbrush (which should be at least twice a day), gently brush your tongue with a small amount of toothpaste. This will help break up stuck on bacteria, food debris, etc.

It is also a good idea to take the extra step of using a tongue scraper at the end of your routine. A scraper can help thoroughly remove harmful materials, rather than just loosening them in your mouth. Tongue scrapers are relatively easy to find in most oral hygiene aisles at the drug store. Some are even built-in on the back of toothbrushes.

Visit a Local Missouri Dentist

If you are noticing that your tongue has some discoloration or if your bad breath can't be tamed by any amount of at-home dental care, then it might be time to consult the experts. Access Dental and Dentures is the best dentist's office in the Springfield area, and we have the knowledge and experience to help keep your mouth healthy. From your teeth and gums to your tongue, we have you covered! Call to set up an appointment: 1-877-DENTIST

We want to be your dentist because your family deserves a great smile! 

1-877-DENTIST

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Tricks to Fight Sugar Cravings

Sugar is an unhealthy substance that has been shown to be bad for your health across the board. For teeth specifically, sugar can adhere to teeth and cause bacterial growth, plaque buildup, and decay. As the best dentist office in the Springfield area, Access Dental and Dentures is here to help. Today we are discussing how to beat sugar cravings for a healthier, happier lifestyle. Read on to learn more! 

Drink Water

Sometimes the body can get confused and cross its signals. If you are craving something sweet, your body could actually just be dehydrated and in need of water. Drink a large glass of water when you experience unhealthy cravings or hunger outside of mealtime. This could help satiate your body enough to curb cravings so you can say “no” to the office candy dish.

Eat Fruit

Fruit contains natural sugars that are significantly better for you than table sugar. Eating a handful of berries or an apple could help satisfy your sweet tooth while also providing good vitamins, minerals, and fiber to your diet.

Avoid Artificial Sweeteners

Artificial sweeteners are typically not actually better for you than traditional sugar. While both are bad for your health, artificial sweeteners can cause the signals that control appetite in your brain to get mixed up or ignored. Some sweeteners that are considered “healthy”, like Stevia, actually taste ten times sweeter than the average sweetener. If your taste buds develop an appetite for this sweeter flavor, it is likely that you will crave more of it in higher quantities.

Eat More Protein

Protein is a necessary nutrient to our diets, and it also helps you feel full for longer. If you feel full throughout the day, you are less likely to feel like snacking on unhealthy treats and sweets. Protein can help diminish your cravings as well, because your body doesn’t feel like it is in need of more nutrients.

Avoid Stress & Triggers

While avoiding stress is sometimes easier said than done, there are other ways to help your body cope other than eating sweets. A few things you can try to help cope with stress are… meditation, yoga, exercise, etc.

Avoid triggers or tempting situations like grocery shopping while hungry, or attending a party on an empty stomach. If you know you will be attending a party where you will be surrounded by a lot of sweets, eat a meal that is high in protein before leaving and make sure you are well hydrated. Chew on a piece of gum during the party to help prevent absent-minded snacking as well.

Your Missouri Dentist

Avoiding sugar can be difficult in this day and age. Sugar is a common additive in spices, condiments, sauces, and so many other food items. While eliminating all added sugar could be hard to do right away, starting to reduce your consumption is a great step in the right direction. Limiting sugar is great for your overall health, and your dental health in particular. If you think sugar has affected your teeth, call the best dentist in southern Missouri - Access Dental and Dentures! We will help check your teeth and make sure your oral health is in good condition.

We want to be your dentist because your family deserves a great smile! 

1-877-DENTIST

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What to Expect (with Dental Health) While Expecting!

Pregnancy is a beautiful, exciting, and sometimes stressful time in a mom’s life. It can be easy to forget about dental care with so many things to think about while you’re pregnant, but it’s important that you don’t neglect your oral health routine. Access Dental and Dentures is the best dentist office in the Springfield area, and we have the tips and information you need to feel confident about your dental health during your pregnancy. Read on to learn more about what to expect for your teeth when you’re expecting!

Gums

During pregnancy, it is common for mothers to suffer from gum inflammation. This is most common during the second trimester. Your gums could experience tenderness, swelling, and even bleeding. It is important to take special care when choosing a tooth brush that is soft bristled to prevent further aggravation of your sensitive gums. If it lasts for an extended period of time or hinders your daily life, it might be time to make an appointment with your local dentist to see if something more serious is happening.

Infection and Decay

When you are pregnant, your body can have a harder time fighting off infection. This is true across the board. While you may be focused on not contracting a cold or stomach bug, it is important to also remember your mouth and teeth. Your body could be struggling with fighting off bacteria and plaque buildup while pregnant. This additional buildup is bad news for your teeth and can cause cavities to occur more quickly. Pay close attention to your oral health during pregnancy to help ensure no serious infections or decay occurs.

Pregnancy Tumors

There is a strange phenomenon that can occur with pregnancy called pregnancy tumors. These growths occur under the skin of your mouth and are cause by excess plaque. Help prevent these inconvenient tumors by keeping your mouth clean with diligent dental habits.

When Baby Arrives

Infant oral care is very important. Even though your little one won’t have teeth when they first arrive, it is important to keep their mouth clean and help them start getting used to a good oral health routine early. At first, simply use a clean washcloth or baby toothbrush to wipe their gums. This will help remove milk residue that could be lingering in their mouths. 

As soon as teeth appear, start using a toothbrush during their daily routine. Start by simply brushing away food particles with the toothbrush and water. When your child is a little more advanced, you can add toothpaste to the routine. (Start with a child-friendly toothpaste until they get used to not swallowing it.) 

The age of two is about the time your child should start visiting the dentist to make sure all their teeth are coming in well and there are no concerning issues.

Dental Resource in Missouri

Access Dental and Dentures is the best dentist in southern Missouri. We pride ourselves on prioritizing our patients’ health and wellness. If you are expecting a new little one, or already have a small child at home, give us a call and set up an appointment. We would love to answer your questions and help keep you and the kiddos healthy and happy!

We want to be your dentist because your family deserves a great smile! 

1-877-DENTIST

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Celebrate National Children's Dental Health Month with 5 Great Tips!

February is National Children's Dental Health Month! Sometimes children's dental habits get overlooked because it can be difficult to establish a routine for little ones. As the best dentist in Springfield, MO, Access Dental knows how important it is to establish proper dental care with your kids. If your child develops healthy oral hygiene habits early in life, they are more likely to stick with it in the future. Read on to learn some great tips on pediatric dental health!

1) Regular Brushing 

It is important to establish the habit of brushing your teeth twice a day. Create this habit by having your children brush their teeth right after breakfast and right before they go to bed. When they get used to this routine, it will become an expected part of their day... Even if they fight it at first.

2) Establish Flossing Early

Flossing helps clean those hard to reach places between your teeth to help prevent the buildup of plaque, tartar, and bacteria. Food particles get trapped between teeth and can cause inflammation and infection if they aren't removed. Flossing can be difficult for little ones, especially if they are trying to use the traditional string dispenser. Try using a flossing pick instead to get them used to the feeling and habit of flossing.

3) Drink Lots of Water

Water is important for dental health as well as your overall health. Water rinses out your mouth and can help remove food particles that buildup during the day. Most tap water also contains a certain amount of fluoride, helping strengthen your child's tooth enamel.

4) Limit Sugar

Most kids love sugar. Candy, ice cream, gummies, cookies... They're a child's biggest weakness in most cases. However, sugar can build up on your kids' teeth and wear down the tooth enamel. Sugar is also the nutrient of choice for bacteria. Thriving bacteria can then cause inflammation and infection in your little one's gums.

5) Set a Good Example

Make your kids' dental routine a family affair. Brush your teeth with your kiddos so they can see how to do it and for how long. To help keep time, let your kid pick one of their favorite songs to dance to while brushing their teeth. When the song is over, tooth brushing is done! (The recommended amount of time is 2 minutes.)

Your Missouri Dentist

Helping your child improve their dental health habits is an important activity. You will help set them up for healthy success and a confident smile in their future. It's also important to bring your child to the dentist's office regularly to ensure they haven't developed any cavities or other harmful conditions. A dentist near Springfield, MO can help evaluate your child's teeth to ensure they are on the right track. Contact Access Dental & Dentures at 877-DENTIST today to schedule your child's dental checkup!

We want to be your dentist because your family deserves a great smile! 

1-877-DENTIST

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