Keeping up with your usual daily routine while traveling can be difficult for many. Finding the time to brush and floss properly can be difficult when there are a million other things on your mind. 

It doesn’t matter whether you are traveling for business or pleasure, these tips are sure to help you keep up with your oral health regimine – no matter how busy or distracted you are with your trip. 

Pack Accordingly 

Depending on how long you plan to be gone, make sure you pack enough toothpaste and floss to last your entire trip. If you have limited space, travel sized toothpaste and toothbrushes are a great option and will require less space in your suitcase. These options are a lot better than packing a bulky, full sized toothpaste along with your electric toothbrush. 

Protect Your Toothbrush 

With travel can come the introduction of different germs along the way. It doesn’t matter whether you’re at a hotel, or visiting family members at their house, as the surfaces you might place your toothbrush on could be questionably clean.

A great solution for this is to purchase a toothbrush cover that will protect the bristles of your toothbrush. This will help keep it from being exposed to any germs that may be on sinks or night stands when you’re not using it. 

Stay Hydrated 

Along with a vacation often comes the eating of new and exciting foods, and drinking fancy drinks. Nevertheless, eating and drinking rich foods and sugary beverages can damage your teeth if you’re not careful. 

How can you mitigate the risk? The answer is to drink water. Water is an excellent way to wash away bacteria and it will help neutralize the acids that can build up and weaken the enamel of your teeth. Water will also help to keep your teeth strong and healthy by stimulating the flow of saliva. 

Keep Good Habits 

If regularly brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing is a part of your everyday routine (which it should be), there is no reason it shouldn’t be while you are traveling. Traveling may make it slightly more difficult to fit into your day, but by doing so you are putting you and your health first. 

Travel can be both fun and sometimes stressful. Whatever you do, do not forget to brush and floss. 

To schedule your next checkup, please contact our team.

Have you ever wondered what the symptoms of periodontal/gum disease are? They can include: 

● Bad breath 

● Loose teeth 

● Painful, bloody gums 

The bad news is that periodontal disease can begin even before any of the obvious symptoms present themselves. You could be at risk of irreparable damage to your teeth and gums if you remain undiagnosed or untreated. 

The good news is you can prevent periodontal disease and all it takes is a minute of your time each day. 

Time for Floss 

An effective and easy tool to prevent periodontal disease is dental floss, which will help get rid of built up plaque and bacteria in between your teeth. If you brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes, you should be flossing daily as well. 

Even if you think you brush your teeth really well, floss will clean the areas where your

toothbrush cannot reach. Food debris as well as sugars and acids from drinks get caught in the small gaps and tight spaces in between your teeth. Floss is essential for cleaning out these gaps and hard to reach spaces. 

Flossing Facts 

Did you know that only 40 percent of Americans floss every day according to a study by the American Dental Association? This same study showed an obvious link between regular intra-oral care and better oral health. 

Many people actually lie about how frequently they floss out of fear of embarrassment and ridicule at the dental office. 27 percent of adults actually lie to their dentist about flossing according to a recent study from the American Academy of Periodontology. 

Are You Flossing Correctly? 

It may be confusing to know the correct and most effective way to use dental floss. The recommended length of your floss should be about 18 inches, wrapping most of it around your middle finger. 

You should use about one inch of floss to clean between each pair of teeth. Carefully slide the floss between your teeth using your thumb and index finger. Be very careful when flossing your gum line to avoid cutting your gums. The whole 18 inches of floss should be used, using one inch of clean floss in between each tooth. 

It only takes one minute to floss your teeth – just one minute to prevent periodontal disease. Doesn’t it seem worth it to get into a habit that is easy and beneficial to your oral health? 

For more information about gum health, proper flossing technique, or to schedule a visit to the office, please contact Patton Smiles of Annapolis today.

Gum health should be a top priority for seniors. Your risk of developing periodontal disease (gum disease) increases as you age. By taking charge of your gum heath, you won’t have to worry because periodontal disease is both preventable and in many cases, reversible. 

Ending up with bloody or swollen gums, or even losing teeth is a possibility if periodontal disease remains unchecked. In fact, there are multiple studies that connect periodontal disease to other, more serious illnesses.

Gum Disease and Your Overall Health 

A recent joint study conducted by the University of Southampton and King’s College in London discovered a link between periodontal disease and an increase in the rate of cognitive decline in those suffering from early Alzheimer’s disease. The study found that patients with periodontal disease experienced decline six times faster than in patients who had healthy gums. 

Your risk of developing heart disease or having a stroke is also heightened if you have periodontal disease. With age, the risk factors for these serious issues increase and it is crucial

to limit the potential risks as much as possible. An easy way to take responsibility for your gum health would be to visit our dentist for regular checkups. 

Numbers Don’t Lie 

Moderate or severe periodontal disease was found in over 14% of seniors ages 65-74, and more than 20% for those ages 75 and older according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. 

It was found that more men than women were diagnosed with the disease, and smoking had a significant impact. According to the same study, 32% of current smokers had the disease, compared to just 14% who didn’t smoke at all. 

Steps to Take 

In order to avoid periodontal disease you must floss regularly, which is an easy and effective way to get into the gaps of your teeth where plaque and food particles build up. Also, make sure to brush your teeth for a full two minutes, twice a day. 

As you age, it is more important than ever to keep up with your gum health. By doing so you will lower your risk factors for heart disease, stroke, and Alzheimer’s disease which have all been linked to periodontal disease. 

Schedule a visit with our Annapolis MD dentist for a complete gum evaluation, and we will work with you to create that ensures your gums are as healthy as possible. Contact Patton Smiles of Annapolis today.

Can exercise really be damaging to your teeth? Obviously exercise is crucial for good health and your well-being, but studies have shown that certain exercise and fitness habits can increase dental decay and tooth erosion. 

Read more if you would like to find out how exercise can impact our oral health. 

Dry Mouth: During exercise, breathing heavily through the mouth can cause your mouth to dry out due to a reduction of saliva. Saliva is made up of minerals that work to fight off bacteria, prevent tooth decay, and protect tooth enamel. 

While you exercise, try to breathe through your nose and hydrate before, during, and after your workout. This will help to prevent the decay caused by a dry mouth. 

To reduce the presence of bacteria and plaque you should also brush your teeth right before you exercise. 

Clenching Jaw: When lifting weights, athletes often clench their jaw which can result in wearing down and possibly even cracking of the teeth. Consider using a mouthguard in order to protect your teeth from clenching and grinding together.

You can purchase a mouthguard at your local drugstore or sporting goods store. You can alos visit our dentist who can make you a custom, personalized mouthguard. 

Drinking Sports Drinks: The fact I am about to share with you may be shocking, but studies have shown that sugary sports drinks are up to 30 times more erosive to teeth than water. That’s right! These drinks contain citric acid that can soften the tooth enamel to the point where even brushing your teeth after can cause damage to your teeth. 

If you constantly are taking sips of these sugary liquids, you are putting your teeth at risk for tooth decay. Although these drinks taste great, you are better off drinking water instead which will prevent these negative effects. 

If you cannot give up sports drinks, consider rinsing your mouth with water after you drink them, chewing a sugar-free gum, and avoid brushing your teeth immediately after. 

Physical fitness is important for overall health as are regular visits to your Annapolis cosmetic dentist. Increased activity can help promote the health of your teeth and gums. Just as you would check with your physician before starting a new exercise regime, you should also include regular dental checkups. 

Want to know more about how your teeth are doing? Contact Patton Smiles of Annapolis today to schedule your next appointment.

Even with proper oral care at home — two minutes of brushing twice a day and once-daily flossing — it can be difficult to clean some tooth surfaces thoroughly. Dental sealants can help adult teeth stay cleaner.

A dental sealant is a protective resin that acts as a barrier against tooth decay. It is applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (molars) to help smooth over pits and grooves that can be difficult to clean with a toothbrush. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), dental sealants prevent 80 percent of cavities in the molars, where the vast majority of tooth decay occurs.

Who Benefits from Dental Sealants?

Although they are most often associated with pediatric dentistry, sealants can also be beneficial for adults. People whose chewing surfaces have deep grooves, who want to stop a mild tooth lesion from developing into decay, or those who simply want an extra level of protection are all good candidates for sealants.

How Does Dental Sealant Work?

It takes just minutes to apply in our office. First the chewing surfaces are prepared to help the sealant adhere properly, then the sealant is brushed on. The liquid resin flows into the uneven surfaces of the teeth to create a smoother surface. The resin bonds to the enamel and hardens.

Sealant is either white or clear. Because of where it is applied, it is not visible when the patient talks or smiles.

How Long Do Dental Sealants Last?

A sealant application can last for years before it needs to be replaced, but it varies.

Over time the sealant can become worn or loose and will not protect teeth as effectively. Chewing on hard foods and ice cubes can break down the sealant material, as well.

Having dental sealants applied is a quick procedure that offers substantial benefits for the right adult patients. Our Annapolis MD cosmetic dentist can determine whether this treatment is a viable option to give you extra protection from tooth decay. If you have had a sealant treatment in the past, we can check to see if it needs reapplication.

With proper at-home care and regular professional cleanings, a dental sealant can be just as effective for adults as it is for children and teenagers. Contact Patton Smiles of Annapolis for more information about this treatment and other ways you can achieve a healthy mouth.

Oral cancer screenings are designed to identify a common condition and treat it early, when it is most  curable. Screening is a fast and painless process built into a regular dental examination. Here are  common questions and answers about oral cancers.  

How Common Is Oral Cancer? 

According to the Mayo Clinic, the lifetime risk of developing cancer of the oral cavity and the upper throat  (oropharynx) is about 1 in 60 for men and 1 in 140 for women. The American Cancer Society estimates  that one person dies every hour worldwide from this condition, yet it is preventable and treatable.  

What Are the Symptoms? 

The most common red flags include a mouth sore that won’t heal; red or white patches in your mouth  tissue; lumps or swelling in or around your mouth; pain or difficulty swallowing, speaking, or moving your  tongue; dramatic weight loss; ear pain; and unexplained mouth bleeding.  

What are the Risk Factors for Oral Cancer? 

● Tobacco users are at greater risk of oral cancer, whether that is from smoking or products like  chewing tobacco, snuff, and dip  

● Heavy alcohol use, especially with tobacco use, significantly increases risk  

● Excess weight and acid reflux diseases can increase risk, while a diet rich in fruit and vegetables  appears to lower it  

● The human papillomavirus (HPV) is a risk factor that is on the rise among young people. One  strain, HPV16, is responsible for 2 out of 3 oropharyngeal cancers  

● Apart from HPV-related cancers, most oral cancers take years to develop. Most patients are older  than 55 when first diagnosed  

● Genetics can also factor into oral cancer risk. Two types of blood abnormalities, dyskeratosis  congenita and Fanconi anemia, elevate risk  

What Does a Dentist Look for in an Oral Cancer Screening? 

Dentists examine all oral cavity surfaces, including under the tongue, for suspicious discolorations or  sores. Using gloved hands, they feel inside the mouth for lumps or irregularities, and may also feel the  neck. Sometimes a dye or light is used to emphasize contrast between healthy and unhealthy tissue. If  anything looks suspicious, our Annapolis MD dentist will recommend further testing. 

How Often Should Screenings be Performed? 

The American Cancer Society recommends dental screenings every three years from age 20 to 40, and  annual screenings after that.  

While screenings can’t prevent every case of oral cancer, they are a valuable first line of defense. If you  would like more information about oral cancer and screenings, contact Patton Smiles of Annapolis today.

Nearly half of adults have some form of periodontal (gum) disease, according to the Centers for Disease  Control and Prevention. It ranges from mild inflammation to a type that causes bone damage and even  tooth loss.  

Symptoms of periodontal disease include chronic halitosis (bad breath), sensitive teeth, red or swollen  gums, bleeding gums, and painful chewing. 

Causes of Periodontal Disease 

A major cause of gum disease is poor oral hygiene habits. Your best defense is daily brushing and  flossing plus regular professional exams and cleanings. Without vigilant prevention, plaque can form on  the teeth and along the gumline. If this biofilm is not regularly removed, it can harden into a substance  called calculus (tartar), which only a dental professional can remove. 

When tartar continues to build, the risk of periodontal disease increases. Gums can become inflamed and  begin to bleed from brushing, flossing, and eating certain foods. At this point, advanced treatment is the  only way to prevent tooth loss. 

Other factors that may contribute to periodontal disease include diabetes, smoking, and pregnancy. A  healthy lifestyle and a diet rich in fruit and vegetables can help ward off periodontal disease when  combined with good oral hygiene.  

Some prescriptions can aggravate gum inflammation. They include antiseizure, immunosuppressant, and  blood pressure medicines called calcium channel blockers. Our doctor can provide preventive measures  to alleviate medication side-effects. 

Stages of Periodontal Disease 

There are four levels of periodontal disease, ranging from gingivitis to periodontitis. In the most severe  stage, gums begin to pull away from the teeth, creating pockets along the gumline. These spaces are  difficult to clean without professional intervention and can lead to rapid worsening in overall oral health.  Without prompt, expert treatment, periodontitis can destroy the jawbone, gums, and soft tissues.  

Treat Gum Disease Early 

Periodontal disease leads to more than tooth loss and jawbone thinning; research has linked it to several  health conditions, including cardiovascular disease, dementia, stroke, arthritis, and even some forms of  cancer.  

Overall, the worse periodontal disease gets, the more intense the treatment. If you have symptoms of  gum disease, contact our office to schedule a consultation. Our Annapolis MD cosmetic dentist can provide excellent care and  refer you to a specialist if needed.  

For more information on gum disease or to schedule an appointment, contact Patton Smiles of Annapolis.