Ronald S. Wright Jr., D.D.S., M.S - Nashville Root Canal Dentist Endodontist

The Importance of Flossing

Many people do not realize the importance of flossing however, it is essential for the health of your teeth and gums. Dentists and dental hygienists recommend flossing twice a day. If you do not floss often, you are underestimating the importance of flossing.

Flossing helps prevent:

• Tooth decay

• Gum disease

• Halitosis

• Tartar build-up

• Heart Disease

• Complications of diabetes

Tooth decay is caused by plaque. When plaque is not removed, it combines with the sugars and starches of food to produce an acid that attacks tooth enamel. While brushing removes plaque from the surfaces of the teeth, only flossing can remove the plaque that builds up in between your teeth.

Flossing your teeth will not only improve your health but also make your teeth brighter by removing plaque and excess food. It also helps to prevent bad breath by getting rid of food particles that are stuck in your teeth.

Along with good oral health, flossing can also lessen your chance of cardiovascular disease. Harmful bacteria can enter your body through your mouth can actually work its way into the bloodstream and cause clogged arteries or heart disease when you do not floss.

Take the time to floss regularly and being improving your health and your smile today!

Posted: 3/20/2013 8:37 AM

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How to Help Prevent Cavities

Know that one of the best preventions against a cavity is simply taking good care of your teeth and gums. This includes having good nutrition, consistent oral hygiene, eating fewer sugary snacks and using fluorides and sealants. Below are a few helpful hints about how to prevent cavities. Heed our advice and you’ll keep a bright, white and healthy smile!

Good Nutrition. Good nutrition is critical in keeping healthy teeth. When aiming for healthy mouth, consuming less simple sugar (sucrose or table sugar) will reduce the number of acid-producing bacteria in your mouth. You must also incorporate adequate dietary calcium, phosphorous, vitamins A, D, and C into your diet to promote healthy and strong enamel formation.

Oral Hygiene. Brushing and flossing your teeth is extremely important in preventing cavities. Brushing your teeth frequently helps reduce acid plaque damage to enamel, while flossing removes the acid plaque from the smooth surfaces between your teeth. Remember that if you cannot brush immediately after a meal, you should try chewing self-cleaning foods after you eat.

Fewer Snacks. Eating snacks and desserts in between meals causes teeth to be covered in acid continuously, which is not good for the health of your teeth. In an effort to keep a clean mouth and prevent cavities, it is best to eat fewer snacks in between meals to help reduce the amount of acidic build-up on your teeth.

Fluorides and Sealants. Fluorides and sealants are often overlooked but are extremely important in keeping healthy teeth. Oral fluorides strengthen the developing enamel and dentin layers of young teeth before they erupt. Topical fluorides fill in the pores of immature enamel or small early cavities and reduce cavities in already erupted teeth. Sealants are plastic coatings painted on the pits and fissures of chewing surfaces of back teeth and are extremely effective in preventing cavities. They are recommended for all permanent molars in children.

Posted: 3/5/2013 1:04 PM

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Toothbrush 101:

Where does your toothbrush live after it has been used? Maybe it lives in a cup by the sink or in the free space on your counter next to your hairbrush or maybe it is safe and sound in its toothbrush case in the cabinet. Toothbrush care and replacement may seem unimportant, but we're going to enlighten and maybe shock you with some important statistics about bacteria and tips on proper toothbrush care and storage.

According to WebMD, your bathroom faucet handle has an average of 6,267 bacteria per square inch, and your bathroom sink has an average of 2,733 bacteria per square inch. Your toilet bowl has an average of 3.2 million bacteria per square inch, and your bathtub has an average of 119, 468 bacteria per square inch. Your bathroom countertop has an average of 488 bacteria per square inch, and your bathroom light switch carries an average of 217 bacteria per square inch. In all, that's about 302,128,703 live bacteria hanging out in your bathroom on any given day!

Use these storage tips and replacement advice to keep a clean mouth and healthy smile.

Rinse

Rinse your toothbrush thoroughly after every use. Wash it off with tap water, making sure it is completely rinsed before going to dry it.

Dry

Bacteria love a moist environment therefore; making sure your toothbrush is fully dry before putting it away is extremely important. It is also wise to avoid using toothbrush covers. These could create a moist breeding ground for bacteria to live.

Upright

It is always best to store your toothbrush upright after brushing. Storing it in an upright holder will allow it to stay out of the way of any other bathroom products that may carry germs.

Most dentists agree that a toothbrush should be replaced every three months. Studies show that after three months of use, toothbrushes are much less effective at removing plaque compared to new ones. Because germs can hide in the bristles of your toothbrush, it is also important to replace it after you have a cold, the flu or any type of sore throat illness.

New research shows that the health of your mouth reflects the condition of your body as a whole. Start storing your toothbrush properly and replacing it as needed and you’ll be sure to keep a bright, beautiful and healthy smile. Oh, and clean your bathroom regularly, too! Yikes!

Posted: 2/19/2013 9:41 AM

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3 Foods That Naturally Clean Your Teeth

While nothing is as effective as brushing and flossing your teeth, there are certain foods that naturally help clean your teeth. If your teeth are in need of a little, these foods actually help you maintain your million dollar smile.

1. Cheese
Yes, we said cheese! Cheese contains natural cavity-fighting agents along with vitamins to strengthen your teeth. It also contains calcium and phosphate which helps balance your mouth's pH and kill bacteria that could cause cavities and disease. In addition, cheese protects the enamel on your teeth and helps prevent plaque buildup. Next time you want a little extra teeth cleaning, just say ‘Cheeeese!’

2. Strawberries
Not only do we love the way they taste, but we also love that they clean your teeth! Did you know that strawberries are natural abrasives? This means that eating them scrubs your teeth in a natural and harmless way. Strawberries also act as a natural teeth whitening agent adding to the brightness of your pretty smile.

3. Green Tea
Great for colds and even better for hygiene! Green tea contains polyphenol antioxidant plant compounds that reduce plaque and help fight gum disease. Green tea also helps reduce bad breath, which is a plus when you can’t brush! Tooth enamel is also strengthened by green tea because of the fluoride it contains.

So if you want to go beyond your normal cleaning and give your teeth a little TLC throughout your week, try mixing some of these foods into your daily diet.

Posted: 2/12/2013 7:07 AM

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Dr. Ronald S. Wright Jr.

Dr. Ronald S. Wright Jr.