Most Women Practice Better Dental Care

In the battle of the sexes, it would seem that women are ahead in terms of proper dental care. This is according to a study conducted by the Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences. This study surveyed eight hundred participants on their dental habits, then subjected them all to a dental examination. Their findings were as follows:

  • Women were 26% more likely to report flossing every day.
  • Women were about twice as likely to report maintaining regular checkups.
  • 44% of women surveyed stated that they were aware that their overall bodily health was influenced by periodontal visits. 33% of men reported the same.
  • Women were about twice as likely to take notice of a missing tooth in another person.
  • 74% of women stated that they would feel embarrassment at being seen with a missing tooth. 57% of men said the same.

If your own dental habits could stand some improvement, contact Meadow Creek Dental. Our Issaquah dentist can give you the proper care that you deserve.

Your Genetics and Your Oral Health

Regularly brushing and flossing your teeth is a good way to help assure that you will continue to have a strong and healthy set of teeth and gums well into old age. However, despite our best efforts, some people will always have an easier time with their oral health than others. Indeed, there are various aspects of your health that hinge largely on your genetics, including the following:

  • If you have a family history of gingivitis, it may be that you have a genetic disposition for this disease.
  • Though teeth can come in crooked due to environmental factors, many people have crooked teeth due to their genetics. If you have a family history of braces, you may need to wear braces as well.
  • Some people are born with clotting problems or other bleeding disorders. Such conditions pose a problem for your dental treatments.
  • Some people are genetically disposed to diabetes, which has unfortunate implications on your oral health.

Should you struggle with any of these genetic problems, talk to our Issaquah dentist so that we can tailor your treatments appropriately.

Holiday Stress and Your Teeth

December is one of the most stressful times of year for many people. Either you’re anxious over your preparations for vacation and the winter holidays, or the gloomy feel of the season encourages depression. Unfortunately, the additional stress you are feeling takes its toll on your oral health. Too much stress can cause your gums to recede and impair your mouth’s ability to fight infections. Some people start grinding their teeth, which wears down their enamel, while others even develop painful oral sores. Therefore, it’s important to find ways to manage your stress.

Careful planning is a good way to start. Some of us are guilty of biting off more than we can chew, which never ends well. Try being mindful of your limitations, and don’t commit to too much. There are likely people in your life that you can count on for help; identify these people early on, and share tasks where appropriate.

Whatever happens, don’t let yourself slack off on your normal brushing and flossing. In addition to its normal benefits, there is comfort to be derived from maintaining your usual, daily habits. This will help you control your stress, and get the best out of your oral care.

Green Tea Can Protect Your Teeth

Many people drink green tea for its strong health benefits. It’s packed with antioxidants, combating damage to your cells and encouraging a youthful, vibrant appearance. If you’re a fan of this classic tea, the news just keeps getting better: Green tea has also been linked to valuable benefits to your oral health.

In a scientific study, a group of people between the age of forty and sixty-four who were in the habit of drinking a cup of green tea every day were found to be 19% less likely to have lost teeth to dental problems. This can be attributed to the warm fluid rinsing out the mouth, combined with antimicrobial catechins in the tea itself.

Oolong tea was determined to have a similar, weaker effect. Mixing green tea with sugar was determined to counteract its positive effect. Coffee apparently has no positive effect on your mouth, while sweetened coffees are downright detrimental.

To learn more about how to foster healthy teeth in your daily routine, contact our dentist’s office in Issaquah.

Dental Care During Pregnancy

When a woman is pregnant, her whole body goes through a serious adjustment. Her mouth is no exception. There are many ways that pregnancy impacts your routine oral health, so keep the following tips in mind to ensure the best health for yourself and your unborn baby:

  • Plan Your Dental Appointments Around your Trimesters: Dental treatment should be avoided during your first and third trimesters, as these are important times in the baby’s development. Try to plan your routine checkups with our Issaquah dentist during your second trimester. Also, be sure to ask us about any dental medication you may be taking.
  • Avoid X-Rays: Modern dental x-rays are safer than ever before, but there is no reason to expose your unborn baby to radiation during this particularly vulnerable time.
  • Watch Out for Gum Disease: Hormonal changes are putting your gums at particular risk. Practice strict oral hygiene, and pay close attention for signs of gingivitis.
  • Switch to a Bland Toothpaste: Anyone who has been through morning sickness knows the value of a bland toothpaste.
  • Rinse After Vomiting: Morning sickness often means vomiting, which exposes the delicate tissues and enamels in your mouth to harsh stomach acids. Rinse out with water or mouthwash after vomiting, but don’t brush; the acids in your mouth have temporarily weakened your teeth, and brushing too soon can strip this enamel away.