Start off the New Year right.... keep your teeth pearly white...

While the winter chill might have your teeth chattering, there are a lot of easy ways you can keep those pearly whites smiling through the winter months. Speaking of teeth chattering, it’s usually related to shivering, the body’s natural response to cold. 

TAKE CARE OF YOUR BRUSH 

Your toothbrush goes to work for you every day, so make sure you take good care of it and replace it every three to four months, or sooner if the bristles appear worn, to make sure it is cleaning effectively.

It’s a good idea to thoroughly rinse your brush each time and store it in an upright position where it can air dry between uses. Avoid storing your toothbrush in a closed container or covering it, as the moist conditions can encourage the growth of bacteria. 

AVOID SPREADING GERMS 

With the many winter colds and flu bugs, it’s important to replace your toothbrush after you've been sick. Never share your toothbrush, as it can result in exchange of germs between users.

If toothbrushes are stored in the same holder, make sure they are separated to prevent cross-contamination. People with compromised immune systems might consider replacing toothbrushes more frequently to decrease exposure to bacteria.


WEAR A MOUTH GUARD 

If you like to venture out on the ice for a bit of hockey or hit the court for a basketball game, be sure to wear a mouth guard to protect your teeth.  Oral health injuries among athletes account for more than 600,000 emergency room visits per year, and sports-related injuries account for three times more facial/dental injuries than violence or traffic accidents. Mouth guards not only protect the teeth and gums but cut the risk of concussion by 50 percent. 

DRINK LOTS OF WATER 

Make sure to keep drinking plenty of water — fluoridated is best — throughout the winter months. The water will help wash away food particles and reduce the presence of bacteria in your mouth. Staying hydrated also will keep your body producing a healthy amount of saliva, which works to help build and maintain the health of soft and hard tissues in your mouth. 

DON’T IGNORE SENSITIVITY 

If the cold air is bothering your teeth, be sure to get it checked out. Your dentist can help determine if there is a problem or if it is general sensitivity that can be taken care of with special toothpaste. 

SEE YOUR DENTIST REGULARLY 

Regular exams and cleanings will help you prevent problems and identify them early so they can be addressed in the most effective way possible. Don’t put off scheduling your dentist appointment. 

Reference: 

Brought to you by the 600 members of the West Michigan District Dental Society in Kent, Ottawa, Ionia, Montcalm and Mecosta counties. West Michigan District Dental Society dentists also are members of the Michigan Dental Association and the American Dental Association. 

Visit your dentist if you have any of these 10 symptoms

Even those with good oral hygiene can experience problems 
We all know it’s important to take good care of our oral health by brushing, flossing and seeing a dentistregularly. Even with proper oral health habits at home, we can encounter problems. According the American Dental Association’s website mouthhealthy.org, here are the top 10 dental symptoms: 

1. Toothache 

If your mouth or jaw hurt, it could be from a toothache. Toothaches usually indicate a cavity, but they also can signal gum disease. In some cases, a toothache is a sign of an abscess or impacted tooth. A toothache should be evaluated by a dentist to determine the cause of the problem and prevent the tooth from dying. 

2. Sensitive teeth 

If your teeth hurt when you drink hot or cold beverages, it can be the result of tooth decay, fractured teeth, worn fillings, gum disease, worn tooth enamel or an exposed tooth root because of gum recession. Treatment will depend upon what is causing the sensitivity. If you’re concerned about the sensitive teeth, see your dentist for diagnosis and treatment options. 

3. Bleeding or sore gums 

Bleeding or sore gums can be a sign of gingivitis, an early and reversible stage of gum disease, or simply the result of brushing too hard or starting a new flossing routine. If your gums bleed regularly or enough to worry you, make an appointment with your dentist. It could be a sign that something else is wrong. 

4. Mouth sores 

Types of mouth sores include canker sores, cold sores and other conditions that vary in their severity and causes. Mouth sores could be the symptom of a disease or disorder; infection from bacteria, viruses or fungus; or the result of irritation caused by braces, dentures or the sharp edge of a broken tooth or filling. Your dentist should examine any mouth sore that lasts a week or longer. 

5. Bad breath 

Bad breath can be caused by what you eat, not cleaning your mouth, dry mouth, smoking or other medical conditions. Persistent bad breath also can be one of the warning signs of gum disease. Brushing twice a day and flossing daily are essential to reducing bad breath and preventing gum disease. Brushing your tongue can help, too. If you’re concerned about what’s causing your bad breath, see your dentist, who can determine the cause and a treatment plan. 

6. Jaw pain or clicking in the jaw 

Many things can cause these symptoms, which can make it difficult to diagnose. Possible causes include sinus problems, toothache, arthritis, injury, teeth grinding, gum disease or problems with your jaw, such as TMJ. Your dentist will conduct a thorough exam, which might include X-rays, to determine the source of the pain. 

7. Dry mouth 

If you have dry mouth, it might be the symptom of a medical disorder or a side effect of certain medications. Saliva is the mouth’s primary defense against tooth decay. It washes away food and other debris, neutralizes acids produced by bacteria in the mouth and provides disease-fighting substances throughout the mouth. Your dentist can recommend ways to restore moisture. 

8. Oral piercing infection 

Oral piercings can create a wide range of problems for your health, oral and otherwise. Your mouth is home to huge amounts of bacteria, creating an ideal place for infection to start. If you have any signs of infection — swelling, pain, fever, chills, shaking or a red streaked appearance around the site of the piercing — contact your dentist or physician immediately. 

9. Cracked or broken teeth 

A cracked or broken tooth can happen for a variety of reasons — brittle teeth, grinding or injury. The crack might be not be visible to the naked eye, or even an X-ray, but they can be incredibly painful and create bigger problems if left untreated. If you experience pain when chewing, see your dentist. 

10. Stained or discolored teeth 

Over time, your teeth can become stained and change color. This often is the result of eating certain foods, such as coffee or tea, smoking, aging, genetics, injury or certain medications. Whitening options can include over-the-counter or in-office treatments. Check with your dentist about your options for stain removal. 

Brought to you by the 600 members of the West Michigan District Dental Society in Kent, Ottawa, Ionia, Mecosta and Montcalm counties. West Michigan District Dental Society dentists also are members of the Michigan Dental Association.