Do I Need to Scrape My Tongue?

/0 Comments/in /by

As your Gilbert, AZ dentist, we want you to supplement your professional dental care in our offices at home, with great oral hygiene habits. Today, there are all kinds of “goodies” available in the form of oral hygiene tools. You can get motorized toothbrushes to relieve your poor wrists and hands of spending energy brushing, you can get a water flosser (which we actually highly recommend) to replace tape or string floss, and you can even get tongue scrapers. But hey, is scraping the tongue going too far? Let’s find out.

What is Tongue Scraping?

Tongue scraping is the practice of using a small, flat tool to clean the surface of your tongue. This tool is gently dragged from the back to the front of the tongue to remove bacteria, food particles, and dead cells.

Benefits of Tongue Scraping

Many cases of bad breath, or halitosis, are caused by bacteria that accumulate on the tongue. Regularly scraping your tongue can help remove these bacteria, leading to a cleaner mouth and improved breath. Some people find that this simple practice makes their mouth feel significantly cleaner than brushing alone. But that’s subjective.

Is Brushing Your Tongue Enough?

Brushing your tongue with a toothbrush is not always as effective as tongue scraping. Toothbrushes are designed to clean teeth, not the soft tissue of the tongue. A tongue scraper, is specifically designed to clean the tongue’s surface and can more effectively reach the back of the tongue, where bacteria tend to build up.

Do You Need to Scrape Your Tongue?

No, you don’t. But it may help, especially if you struggle with bad breath or notice a buildup on your tongue. If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to improve your oral health, scraping your tongue just once or twice a day can make a noticeable difference.

Basically, tongue scraping is an option. If you like doing it, then you should. Otherwise, no judgement. Contact your Gilbert, AZ dentist to learn more about best practices for oral hygiene at home.

How to Prevent Tartar

/0 Comments/in /by

Tartar is that hardened, yellowish substance that sticks on your teeth like cement. Once tartar forms, it’s impossible to remove at home unless you’re willing to bring in a demolition team with sanders, picks and hammer drills. That’s why it’s so important to know how to prevent tartar from building up in the first place. The number one way is to have regular dental exams in Gilbert, AZ at Kathy Jacobsen Contemporary Dentistry at least twice a year. But even then, you might be a person who needs more frequent visits. Learn more about tartar and how to prevent it.

Maintain Daily Oral Hygiene

To keep tartar at bay, you definitely need to be brushing your teeth at least twice a day, using fluoride toothpaste. Use a medium-bristled brush and focus on reaching all surfaces of your teeth. Don’t forget to floss! Flossing daily helps remove plaque from between teeth and along the gum line, where your toothbrush might not reach, which is where tartar often forms. If you only floss once a day, do it at night, just before you hit the hay.

Regular Dental Cleanings

No matter how vigilant you are with your oral care routine, professional cleanings are a must. Dentists use specialized tools to remove tartar from hard-to-reach areas, with results that you can never replicate at home. Scheduling regular cleanings every six months at a minimum can keep tartar from building up and causing further dental issues.

Use Antibacterial Mouthwash

Using an antibacterial mouthwash can help reduce plaque, which in turn minimizes the risk of tartar formation. Choose a mouthwash that’s ADA-approved. Contact your dentist for recommendations.

By following these preventive steps, you can significantly reduce the risk of tartar buildup and maintain better oral health. Contact your Gilbert, AZ dentist today to get started and book your dental exam.

What Causes Tooth Discoloration?

/0 Comments/in /by

Everyone experiences tooth discoloration. The natural use of teeth leads to discoloration, making them appear less than white and bright. In the past, when people had discolored teeth, they had to just live with the yellowed appearance. Today, there are treatment options available at your dentist in Gilbert, AZ. The following are some of the causes of tooth discoloration.

Aging

Teeth naturally become discolored as a person ages. Typically, teeth become tinged with yellow. Sometimes that yellow may even turn to brown, the older a person gets.

Poor Oral Hygiene

If a person doesn’t practice good oral hygiene daily, their teeth will become discolored. The tint may come from a build-up of plaque, which they aren’t brushing and rinsing away each day.

Not Visiting the Dentist

If people don’t visit the dentist regularly, their teeth will be discolored. That’s because dental cleanings, which should be done at least twice a year, aren’t being done.

Smoking

Tar and nicotine from smoking and the use of other tobacco products can permanently stain teeth. Stains of this origin can’t be removed with teeth-whitening products; instead, more permanent methods must be used.

Treating Teeth Discoloration

If your teeth are discolored for any reason, your dentist can help. Treatment options include:

Dental Veneers

For permanently stained teeth, dental veneers in Gilbert, AZ, are a great option. They cover unsightly teeth and hide minor imperfections such as stains.

Professional Teeth Whitening

Your teeth may respond to professional teeth whitening if they are not permanently discolored. This process can be completed in about an hour.

For solutions to your discolored teeth, contact our office today. We have various options for you to choose from, to make your smile look brighter than before!

What Causes Bleeding Gums?

/0 Comments/in , , , /by

Bleeding gums is a common problem that many people experience. If you’ve ever had your gums bleed when brushing your teeth or eating, this could be a sign of a problem with your oral health. Understanding what this means and what you can do about it can help you take care of your teeth. Visiting yourdentist in Gilbert, AZ, is important. Here’s what you need to know.

What Causes Bleeding Gums? 

Bleeding gums can have many causes, some relating to oral health and others not. Your dentist can help you determine what’s causing your particular problem. Below are some of the common reasons that people experience bleeding gums:

  • Gingivitis or periodontal disease
  • Ill-fitting dental devices
  • Use of blood thinners or certain medications
  • Pregnancy
  • Brushing too hard or brushing with a hard-bristle toothbrush
  • Certain types of cancer and bleeding disorders

What Should You Do If Your Gums Bleed?

If you’ve noticed your gums bleeding when you’re brushing your teeth or at other times, talk to your dentist. Many people experience bleeding gums when they have gingivitis or periodontal disease. These conditions are caused by an infection in the mouth.

Your dentist will be able to help you by taking steps to clean your mouth and eliminate bacteria. Depending on the diagnosis, your dentist may need to thoroughly clean your teeth, prescribe antibiotics, or recommend more frequent teeth cleanings.

If the problem is not caused by gingivitis or periodontal disease, the dentist will take steps to help you learn the cause of your bleeding gums.

Make A Dental Appointment

At Kathy Jacobsen Contemporary Dentistry, we help patients like you to take better care of their teeth and gums. Call today to make an appointment for adental exam in Gilbert, AZ. We’re committed to helping you maintain healthy teeth.

Why Is My Breath Bad?

/0 Comments/in , , /by

Bad breath can be frustrating, especially if you brush and floss regularly. For many people, getting rid of bad breath is as easy as brushing their teeth. However, for some people, bad breath can be an ongoing problem. Knowing what causes bad breath and what you can do about it can help you take better care of your teeth. As yourdentist in Gilbert, AZ, we’re here to help. Here’s what to know about managing your bad breath.

Causes of Bad Breath

Bad breath can have many causes. Here are some of the reasons that people experience bad breath:

  • Poor oral hygiene. If you have poor oral hygiene habits, you’re likely to experience bad breath. Brushing and flossing regularly can help eliminate bacteria that cause bad breath. If you do not floss once daily and brush twice daily, work on your oral hygiene habits to help with your breath.
  • Eating foods that cause bad breath. Some foods cause bad breath and continue to cause bad breath even after you’ve brushed your teeth because the food particles have been absorbed into the blood. Onions and garlic may have this effect.
  • Smoking. Smoking and using tobacco products can have a negative impact on your oral hygiene and oral health. Therefore, smoking may cause a variety of problems that could cause your breath to smell.
  • Dry mouth. Dry mouth is a condition that causes bad breath because saliva helps clean the mouth and eliminate bacteria that keep your breath smelling good.
  • Periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is an infection of the gum tissue caused by bacteria. People who have periodontal disease may experience bad breath because of the bacteria causing the infection.

When to See the Dentist

If you’re experiencing bad breath and brushing your teeth isn’t helping, contact your dentist for adental exam in Gilbert, AZ. We’re committed to helping our patients improve their oral hygiene at Kathy Jacobsen Contemporary Dentistry. We can help.