There are many parts of our body and its vast array of interconnected functions that we often take for granted. We don’t often stop to consider how incredible it is that our heart beats, that our lungs pump, that our system digests, and that our glands produce saliva. Each of these functions is necessary for us to live and live comfortably.

Saliva is one of those unsung heroes of the body. Oftentimes, we really only notice that it’s there when there’s a lack of it. For example, when we experience dry mouth. And that’s what we’re going to focus on today, answering the pressing questions: 

• What is the function of saliva for our oral and overall health?
• What is dry mouth? 
• Why is it happening?
• And what to do about it.

What is saliva and why do we need it?

Secreted from the salivary glands located in the mouth — inside the cheeks at the bottom of the mouth and at the top near the front teeth — saliva is a clear liquid made mostly of water and containing proteins, minerals, and enzymes. Salivary glands secrete an average of two to four pints of saliva a day!

Saliva is important for our general health and wellbeing for several reasons. It allows us to eat comfortably by moistening food and allowing our tongues to tastes what we put in our mouths. It also helps digest what we eat so that our bodies can absorb the nutrients from it.

For oral health, saliva helps keep teeth and gums clean by clearing away food particles, and prevents tooth decay by neutralizing acids produced by bacteria, limiting bacterial growth. It also washes away food particles and helps prevent xerostomia or dry mouth. Dry mouth can have a sort of domino effect of health issues, including swelling, physical discomfort, and bad breath.

What is dry mouth and why is it happening?

Dry mouth occurs when the salivary glands are not producing enough liquid to keep your tongue and mouth wet. It can be caused by several reasons:

• Medication — one of the most common side effects from prescription and over the counter medications is dry mouth. Everything from pain medication to anxiety to antihistamine pills can cause dry mouth. 
• Getting older — many people will experience dry mouth as they age, especially if they are on an increasing number of medications, are consuming inadequate nutrition, or are having chronic health issues.
• Health conditions — there are several health problems that might result in dry mouth, including diabetes, stroke, yeast infection (thrush) in your mouth, Alzheimer’s disease, or autoimmune diseases such as Sjogren’s syndrome or HIV/AIDS.
• Cancer therapy — chemotherapy procedures and drugs can change the composition of saliva and the amount produced, and radiation treatments can damage salivary glands, causing a decrease in saliva production.
• Snoring and breathing with your mouth open — these might also be the result of deeper health concerns, such as respiratory issues.
• Alcohol, smoking, and chewing tobacco use — these patterns can have health effects including dry mouth and other respiratory concerns.
• Recreational drug use — marijuana is known to create dry mouth, as does methamphetamine use, as well as damage to teeth. 

What to do if you are experiencing dry mouth?

Dry mouth is a condition that will often correct with changes to diet and lifestyle. 

Of course, some medications are required for health so ceasing them is not an option. But staying hydrated and eating a well balanced diet that contains more whole, raw plants  will help balance hormones. Eating raw, fibrous foods like celery, apples, and carrots can help increase saliva flow as well. Why? These foods require more chewing and so will help release the liquid from the glands.

Acidic and spicy foods can also increase saliva flow, but don’t forget to brush after eating so that they don’t damage the teeth by eroding the protective layer of enamel.

It’s also important to stay hydrated, and to start the day off with a big glass of room temperature water. Reducing drug, alcohol, and tobacco will help the body stay balanced and functioning optimally, and keeping a healthy weight will also help other functions like sleep and digestion, all of which are linked to oral health and saliva production.

In conclusion, our bodies are incredible and giving it the best chance to perform means caring for all parts of it. If you are looking to improve your oral health and searching for a South Surrey dentist or a dentist in White Rock, don’t hesitate to reach out!

Nadine Smith

The post Dry Mouth: why is it happening and what can you do? appeared first on Semiahmoo Dental Centre.

When is the last time you really thought about your tongue? Many people would be hard-pressed to come up with the answer. But our tongues are an incredibly important part of our anatomy – allowing us to eat, taste, speak, and breathe. Tongues are also an important indicator of our health. Therefore, the care of it should be included in a person’s oral health routine.

What can your tongue tell you about your health?

A lot! The colour, texture, moistness, and shape all give clues to what is happening inside a person’s body. The tongues characteristics (and how they change over time) are correlated to organs and the internal systems that keep the body functioning. Healthy tongues (reflecting healthy bodies) are pink, moist, spongy, free of a film or coating, and not too thin or wide.

Let’s break it down to help you understand how your tongue is related to your health.

1. Colour

A healthy tongue is pink in colour. If you notice that your tongue appears another colour, it may indicate an imbalance or illness within the body.

Red: a red tongue can reflect a lot of heat in the body, including fever or hormonal imbalance. 

Reddish/purple: this colour may be related to heat within the body as well, but more closely related to an infection or inflammation in the organs, muscles or joints.

Pale pink: a pale hue can be related to deficiencies in the body, including a vitamin deficiency or a weakened immune system.

2. Coating 

A healthy tongue is moist with saliva and free of a coating or film. If you notice that your tongue is coated with any of the following characteristics, visit a health care professional.

Thick coating: a coating or film that can be scraped off might reflect a health issue in a persons digestive system and their intestinal health.

Thick white: this colour and viscosity may reflect poor circulation within the body, or possibly a yeast infection.

Yellowish: this colour is associated with infection, and the same is true on the tongue. If the tongue has developed a yellow-ish layer, an infection may be present in the body. In that case, a trip to the doctor is in order.

Grayish or black: if a person’s tongue has turned gray or close to black, it is a clear sign that health is failing and could be linked to a number of more sever illnesses or diseases, and is often connected to a long-term digestive disorder. 

3. Shape

Of course people have different shapes of tongues depending on their genetics and body type. However, if the tongue changes from its original shape, it might be a sign that a person’s health is not optimal.

4. Puffy or scalloped

A puffy tongue or a tongue with scalloped edges might indicate that a person is not absorbing nutrients effectively.

Thin: if a person has noticed that their tongue has become thin and longer than usual, it could be a sign that they are dehydrated.

Some health practitioners posit that a person’s tongue is actually a bit like a map of their body. Similar to reflexology where a map of the body corresponds to different areas of the foot. On the tongue, the lungs line up with the front outer edges; the heart, stomach, pancreas, and intestines line up front to back down the middle; the kidneys are found at the back of the tongue; and the liver is mid-outer-right and spleen mid-outer-left. 

Of course, if you notice any long-lasting irregularities or changes in the colour, shape, or coating of this extremely important muscular organ, it is important to seek health advice. Your dentist should spend some time noticing the condition of your tongue during your next appointment, observing if there is anything to be concerned about by the condition of your tongue.

As always, bodies are incredible intelligent systems. Interconnected and offering indications of health and well-being (or the opposite) via various modes of delivery. If a system is out of balance or there is a concern somewhere in the body, it will have a domino effect throughout. This is why proper oral health and care is so important.

If you are looking for a dentist in the South Surrey or White Rock area, we would love to hear from you. And until then, we hope you have happy, healthy tongues and teeth!

Nadine Smith

The post What Your Tongue Can Tell You About Your Health appeared first on Semiahmoo Dental Centre.

We all know that the humble toothbrush is not built to last forever. But how often should you replace it?

The answer will vary slightly on the type of toothbrush you have (electric or manual), the strength of the bristles (soft or hard), and the material it’s made of (plastic or natural materials). 

As a general rule, you should replace your toothbrush every three to four months. Letting it go on any longer than that can have consequences that affect a person’s oral health and overall health and wellbeing.

Why do you need to replace your toothbrush?

For a couple of reasons. 

Bristle Breakdown

The first is that after some time, the bristles on the toothbrush will get worn down. Studies show that the plastic that the bristles are made of begin s to break down around the three-month mark. (This can vary depending on how hard a person presses the toothbrush against their teeth, and how many times a day a person is brushing.)

When the bristles begin to break down, the toothbrush is no longer going to do an effective job of keeping the teeth clean and free from bacteria. You can tell when this happens because the bristles begin to lose their shape and their resistance. The bristles might also fray (split apart) or bend out to the sides, making it ineffective in doing its job.

Why does this matter? Well, when bacteria is left on a person’s teeth and gums, oral health problems begin and can have a cascading effect that may eventually lead to tooth decay, gum disease, high dental bills, and other challenges that can affect a person’s overall health and well-being.

Bacteria and Viruses

The second reason is that toothbrushes themselves can be a breeding ground for viruses and bacteria. Some studies have found that cold and flu germs can survive on a toothbrush for up to three days. 

Therefore, if you or someone in your household is sick with a cold or a virus and you usually store your toothbrushes close to each other, it’s a good idea to have everyone start fresh with a new toothbrush. Especially if you keep your toothbrush in a cup next to the rest of the household’s toothbrushes, there is a chance you will pass germs along and spread the illness.

Speaking of health, bacteria can remain on a toothbrush longer than a virus can. There are many illnesses that are caused by bacteria, including strep throat. Since bacteria on your toothbrush can linger, it’s not worth taking any chance. If you have strep throat or another bacterial infection, toss that toothbrush (and tell your roommates or family members that share a bathroom to do the same thing).

Remaining aware of your own physical health, and the condition of your toothbrush will give you the information you need to make an informed decision about when it’s time to throw your toothbrush away.

Can you extend the life of your toothbrush?

Some people have a hard time throwing things away, and we can relate to that. Millions and millions of toothbrushes end up in the landfill every year. So, are there things you can do to make your toothbrush last longer?

Here are a few tips:

• Always rinse off your toothbrush after brushing your teeth under running warm water and remove any buildup. Do not use mouthwash, soap, or other disinfectants to clean your toothbrush.
• Store your toothbrush standing up and allow to air dry. Don’t store it in a closed container (unless you are in the process of traveling). This creates an ideal environment for bacteria and mold to grow.
• Never share your toothbrush with anyone else.
• Keep your toothbrush separate from other toothbrushes – if you share a bathroom, each person should have their own cup to store their toothbrush.

In Conclusion

Your toothbrush is an important oral hygiene tool (along with floss, of course). Considering the importance on overall health of a clean mouth and healthy teeth and gums, a lot rides on your toothbrush! 

Replacing your toothbrush is one of those habits that you should make part of your overall health and hygiene routines. Some people are pretty good at taking stock of their toothbrush and replacing it at signs of breakdown, but many others leave it for a little (or a lot) too long. So the next chance you get, consider when you last replaced yours!

Nadine Smith

The post How Often Should You Replace Your Toothbrush? appeared first on Semiahmoo Dental Centre.

Everyone has heard the line that sugar rots your teeth. It could very well be one of the first lessons drilled into your mind when you were child!

But is it really true? Does sugar really affect your teeth, or is this something parents say to scare their children into eating less candy?

The truth is that YES, sugar really does cause your teeth to rot. Here’s how:

After you consume something sweet, the sugar creates a reaction with the plaque bacteria already on your teeth which produces acid. It is this acid that dissolves the tooth’s enamel, wearing away at it and eventually resulting in tooth decay, cavities, or other problems that will need to be addressed by your dentist.

It wasn’t just a threat! Sugar really is bad for your teeth.

In order to keep your teeth in good shape and to maintain good oral health, it’s important to stay diligent. Here are a few tips to consider to avoid cavities caused by sugar, and to keep your teeth strong for a long time.

Be mindful of your sugar intake

Sugar hides out in high quantities in so much of our food – especially the packaged kinds. That’s why it’s important to read labels and get a real sense of how much sugar you are actually ingesting. You might be surprised once you start paying attention. Here’s a handy conversion: 4g of sugar equals 1 level teaspoon. Once you can visualize it this way, you might be horrified to learn that one can of soda, for example, contains around 40g of sugar. That’s right – that is 10 teaspoons of sugar! 

Other sneaky culprits include many “healthy” snacks – granola and cereals, trail mix, milk alternatives, yogurt. And the next time you buy a bottle of wine, spirits or beer, take a second to check the sugar content. It might surprise you! 

Get regular dental cleanings

As explained, it’s not only the sugar that causes the acidic reaction that eats away at the teeth, but the way that it interacts with existing bacteria in your mouth. In order to get plaque completely removed, and therefore eliminate the other needed component in the chemical reaction, you will need to have regular deep teeth cleanings from your dentist.

It’s also important to remember to maintain your oral health daily. That means brushing and flossing twice a day and at the very least, rinsing after each meal. Removing sugar before it has the chance to react to the bacteria on your teeth will help ensure that your teeth remain healthy and strong.

Another reason why it’s so important to visit your dentist regularly is so that they are able to see problems as they are starting, and to prevent them from becoming an issue that might even require surgery. 

If you do have cavities or other issues stemming from decay, it’s important to address them right away by following the advice of your dentist. When it comes to oral health, prevention is key! And that means both avoiding foods and drinks that will harm your teeth, and maintaining regular routines to guard against disease and decay.

Nadine Smith

The post What Does Sugar Do To Teeth? appeared first on Semiahmoo Dental Centre.

Oral health is an important part of overall physical well-being. And part of that health care consists of dental cleanings.

We sometimes get asked if teeth cleanings are really that necessary. Some people feel like they are constantly coming to the dentist (even though it’s really only twice a year). For some people, going to the dentist can produce anxiety and it can bring up a lot of fear. For others, it feels like overkill to have to go so often, especially if they have good brushing and flossing habits.

However, it is important to keep in mind that the dentist is here to assist in your well-being and health. Not to torture you and not to waste your time. Yes, it can be an uncomfortable experience, but it’s also important to note that the better your oral health habits, the easier the trips to the dentist are.

Are Teeth Cleanings Necessary?

The short answer is… yes. Let’s talk about why.

The mouth, like many parts of the body, contains bacteria. Normally it is harmless. But since the mouth is the entry point into the respiratory and digestive tracts, without proper oral care, such as daily maintenance like brushing and flossing, as well as regular dental cleanings, heavy bacteria build up in the mouth can potentially lead to sickness and disease.

Other infections can occur in the mouth from a lack of proper care, like gum disease and tooth decay. The best way to stave off or prevent these conditions is to partake in every day oral health maintenance, and to see the dentist for regularly scheduled cleanings.

Dental Cleanings = Disease Prevention

The number one reason to see your dentist or go for regular (at least once a year, hopefully twice a year) deep teeth cleaning is to keep your teeth, gums and mouth in good health, and to prevent disease from occurring or spreading.

Regular cleanings mean that your dentist has the opportunity to examine the gum-line, and the inner and outer health of the teeth. Then the dentist can see if there are the beginning signs of anything to be worried about, such as tooth decay (cavities) and periodontitis (gum disease). Both of these conditions can lead to chipped and broken teeth, or even tooth loss. They may also require more serious interventions or even surgery.

But what’s even more important to remember: they are avoidable (more or less) with good oral health habits which include regular deep teeth cleaning from the dentist.

What Is A Deep Teeth Cleaning?

A deep teeth cleaning, also known as gum therapy or gum scaling and root planing, gets between the teeth and gums all the way down to the roots. During a standard dental cleaning, the front, back, and sides of the tooth are cleaned above the gum line. During a deep teeth cleaning, the dentist continues down to the root of the tooth, below the gum-line, removing tartar and other build-up from the “pocket” that may have formed between the root of the tooth and gums.

Dental cleanings and deep teeth cleanings are both important. If you are still hesitant, or to book an appointment, give us a call and we will be happy to connect with you.

Nadine Smith

The post Why Are Regular Dental Cleanings Important? appeared first on Semiahmoo Dental Centre.