As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), almost half of all Americans are currently prescribed medications, with more than half also taking vitamins or dietary supplements. Even when following medical advice, medication side effects can impact your oral health. It’s crucial to inform your dentist at Mountain View Family Dentistry, Dentist Snohomish, about any medications or supplements you’re taking, especially if there have been changes since your last visit.

Here are some common medication side effects that can affect your oral health:

1. Abnormal Bleeding: Certain medications thin the blood and reduce clotting, potentially causing excessive bleeding during periodontal treatments or oral surgery. Inform your dentist of any medications or supplements to manage treatment appropriately.
2. Dry Mouth: Many medications reduce saliva production, leaving your mouth vulnerable to inflammation, infection, and tooth decay. Proper oral hygiene and hydration are essential to mitigate these effects.
3. Fungal Infection: Oral Candidiasis, a fungal infection, may arise in individuals using oral inhalers for asthma or breathing conditions. Patients using inhalers should rinse their mouth thoroughly with water after each use to prevent infection.
4. Gum Tissue Enlargement: Some medications can cause gum tissue overgrowth, requiring meticulous oral care to prevent inflammation and decay.
5. Soft Tissue Reactions: Inflammation, oral sores, or discoloration of soft tissues may occur as a side effect of certain medications. Your dentist can recommend a tailored oral hygiene regimen to alleviate discomfort.
6. Tooth Decay: Though not a direct side effect, some medications contain sugars to enhance flavor, particularly in liquid, chewable, or lozenge forms. Prolonged exposure to sugars can increase the risk of tooth decay. Opt for sugar-free alternatives where possible or rinse your mouth after taking sugared medication.

Untreated tooth decay can escalate to the need for Endodontic treatment like root canals and may result in tooth loss. If you have concerns about your medications, consult your dentist promptly.

Prioritize Your Oral Health

Ensure your medications are not compromising your oral health. Inform our team at Mountain View Family Dentistry about your prescriptions, and let us help you maintain a healthy smile alongside your medical regimen. Contact us today for personalized oral health guidance and comprehensive dental care.

Ensuring your child wears a mouthguard during sports activities is paramount for protecting their dental health. Sports-related dental injuries can inflict severe pain and incur significant treatment costs. According to the American Dental Association, athletes without mouthguards are 60 times more likely to suffer dental injuries, underscoring the critical need for mouthguard use among young athletes.

Mouthguards serve as a crucial shield, absorbing impact and safeguarding the teeth, lips, cheeks, and tongue from potential injuries during sports activities. They effectively mitigate the risk of broken or knocked-out teeth, as well as cuts and bruises to the mouth. Moreover, mouthguards play a vital role in preventing concussions by minimizing the impact of blows to the jaw.

Various types of mouthguards are available to cater to different needs. Stock mouthguards come pre-formed but may not offer an optimal fit, potentially impeding breathing and speech. Boil-and-bite mouthguards, crafted from thermoplastic material, can be molded to fit the child’s teeth after softening in hot water. For superior fit and protection, custom-fitted mouthguards tailored by a dentist are recommended.

When selecting a mouthguard, consider factors such as the specific sport, your child’s age, and size. High-impact sports like football, hockey, and wrestling pose elevated risks of dental injury, necessitating more robust mouthguard protection. Additionally, younger children may require smaller mouthguards tailored to their teeth and mouth size.

In addition to dental protection, mouthguards offer performance benefits by stabilizing the jaw and reducing muscle fatigue. They can also enhance breathing, thereby improving endurance and overall athletic performance.

Regular maintenance of the mouthguard is crucial to ensuring its efficacy. Ensure proper fit and inspect for any signs of wear or damage, as an ill-fitting or compromised mouthguard may offer inadequate protection. Promptly replace the mouthguard if it becomes worn or damaged.

In conclusion, mouthguards are indispensable protective gear for children engaged in sports activities. They not only prevent serious dental injuries but also enhance athletic performance. Encourage your child to wear a mouthguard consistently, and assist them in selecting the appropriate type and fit. By taking these proactive measures, you can ensure your child’s safety and dental health while they enjoy their favorite sports. For further guidance on safeguarding your child’s smile during sports, contact Mountain View Family Dentistry to schedule a consultation.

No time to brush or floss your teeth? When brushing or flossing isn’t convenient, you can still keep your mouth feeling fresh by eating certain foods. When you’re on the go or in a hurry, try grabbing one of these foods to munch on to help fight plaque and keep your teeth healthy.  

Cheese provides several benefits for your teeth, such as preserves and rebuilds tooth enamel, prevents plaque and balances your mouth’s acidity level. It also helps to produce saliva, which kills the bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum disease. 

Tea contains polyphenols, which slows the growth of bacteria associated with tooth decay and gum disease. It prevents the bacteria in your mouth from turning sugar into plaque. Tea also fights the bacteria that cause bad breath. 

Crunchy fruits and vegetables, such as apples, carrots and celery, require extra chewing which produces saliva. Saliva helps to neutralize bacteria that cause tooth decay. Also, chewing on naturally abrasive foods removes stuck food particles, massages gums and cleans between teeth. 

Vitamin-rich foods containing calcium and phosphorus can help keep tooth enamel strong and healthy. Acidic foods may cause tiny lesions on tooth enamel. Calcium and phosphate help redeposit minerals back into these lesions. 

Sugarless gum contains xylitol that helps to prevent plaque and aids in producing saliva. Chewing sugarless gum also keeps your breath smelling fresh. 

Raisins contain phytochemicals, which fights bacteria that causes tooth decay. Some compounds in raisins also affect the growth of bacteria that is associated with gum disease. 

Water is the best way to stimulate saliva, which is your body’s greatest defense against bacteria that cause plaque and cavities. If you can’t brush after eating, rinse your mouth with water to assist in preventing tooth decay. 

It is important to have a balanced diet for your oral and overall health. While these foods help to combat plaque buildup and tooth decay, no food can take the place of daily brushing and flossing. It is vital to continue your daily oral hygiene regimen and keep up with regular scheduled appointments with our dentist.

Toothpaste does a great job of cleaning teeth, but there are many other uses for toothpaste that you might not expect. The same ingredients that help polish our teeth can also soothe some common ailments, make items sparkle, and get rid of stains and pungent smells. Read these tricks on how toothpaste can do much more than leave your smile looking bright. 

Relieve irritation from bee stings and insect bites. Apply a small amount of toothpaste to the sting/bite to stop the itching and decrease any swelling. The toothpaste dries up the wound and helps it heal faster. 

Remove crayon and other marks from painted walls. Rub a damp cloth with toothpaste gently on the marked-up wall and watch the marks disappear. The best part is that it won’t remove the paint off the walls. 

Prevent mirrors from fogging. Rub toothpaste on the mirrors and wipe it off before your next shower. This will help you save time during your morning routine by not waiting for the mirror to clear up. 

Remove scuffs from dirty shoes. Apply toothpaste directly to the dirty or scuffed area, then scrub with a brush and wipe clean. Stubborn stains may require additional toothpaste or multiple applications to remove completely. 

Make silver jewelry and diamonds sparkle. Rub toothpaste onto jewelry and leave overnight. Wipe clean with a soft cloth in the morning. You can also shine diamonds by gently scrubbing them using a toothbrush, toothpaste and water. 

Remove scratches on DVDs and CDs. This technique works well on only shallow scratches and smudges. Apply a thin coating of toothpaste to the disc, rub gently and rinse clean. Repeat the process if there are many scratches. 

Decrease the size of a pimple. Apply toothpaste to the affected area at night before bed and wash it off in the morning. Toothpaste will dry out the area and speed up the healing process. 

Deodorize hands. Pungent foods, cleaning products and fragrances can linger on your hands no matter how many times you wash them. Try washing your hands using a small dab of toothpaste in addition to soap and water. 

Fill in small nail holes in walls. Squeeze toothpaste into the hole and use a putty knife to remove excess toothpaste. Let the toothpaste dry and your wall will look good as new. If needed, you can also touch up the paint. 

At your next dental appointment, be sure to tell our team how you decided to use toothpaste other than for your teeth! 

Smiling is often described as the universal language of happiness. It is a simple gesture that can convey warmth, positivity, and openness. But did you know that smiling is also good for your health and well-being? In this blog, we will explore the reasons why smiling is good for you.

1. Reduces stress and anxiety

Smiling has been found to reduce stress and anxiety levels. When we smile, it sends a signal to our brain that everything is okay, and we can relax. Smiling triggers the release of endorphins, which are natural painkillers and mood elevators. Endorphins help reduce stress and anxiety levels and improve our overall mood.

2. Boosts the immune system

Smiling can also boost the immune system. When we smile, our body releases white blood cells, which help fight off infection and disease. Studies have shown that people who smile more often have a stronger immune system than those who do not.

3. Improves relationships

Smiling can help improve our relationships with others. When we smile, we are perceived as more attractive, approachable, and trustworthy. Smiling also helps build rapport and establish connections with others. People are more likely to respond positively to someone who smiles than someone who does not.

4. Increases self-confidence

Smiling can increase our self-confidence. When we smile, we feel more positive and self-assured. Smiling also helps reduce feelings of stress and anxiety, which can contribute to a lack of confidence. By smiling more often, we can boost our self-esteem and feel better about ourselves.

5. Enhances mood

Smiling can enhance our mood. When we smile, our brain releases dopamine, which is a neurotransmitter that is associated with pleasure and happiness. Dopamine helps improve our mood and gives us a sense of well-being. Smiling can also help alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety.

6. Improves productivity

Smiling can also improve our productivity. When we are in a positive state of mind, we are more motivated and productive. Smiling can help us stay focused and energized, which can lead to increased productivity and success.

In conclusion, smiling is good for you. It reduces stress and anxiety, boosts the immune system, improves relationships, increases self-confidence, enhances mood, and improves productivity. So, the next time you are feeling down, try smiling. Even if you do not feel like it, the act of smiling can have a positive impact on your well-being. Smiling is contagious, and it can spread happiness to those around you. So, keep smiling and spread joy wherever you go. Contact our dental office today to schedule an appointment.