Cascade Dental

How to Floss Properly

If left untreated, gum disease can spread to the rest of your body and affect your general health. Flossing can prevent gum disease from happening in the first place, but it must be done properly in order to be effective.

This video explains the dangers of periodontal disease and how essential flossing is to your oral health. You’ll see how to floss properly, ensuring that you clean between each tooth and below the gum line. Completely removing plaque leads to better dental health as well as improved general health and a lower risk of medical complications.

Talk to your dentist at Cascade Dental to find out how you can improve your daily oral care routine. We offer exceptional dental services for adults and children in the Vancouver area. You can schedule a dental appointment by calling (360) 213-1999 or by clicking on our convenient Web contact form. 

Is There a Way to Hide Your Bad Breath?

Bad breath often stems from recently-eaten foods and bacteria in the mouth. Some odors can linger for up to 24 hours as they are carried through your bloodstream to your lungs and breathed out. Although persistent bad breath should be evaluated by your dentist, eating certain foods can provide a temporary fix for your bad breath on the spot.

Herbs and Spices
The oils found in certain herbs and spices, particularly parsley, spearmint, and cinnamon, are extremely effective at hiding bad breath. These easy-to-find foods are a great way to temporarily mask odors on your breath. Rosemary, eucalyptus, cardamom, tarragon, coriander, and cilantro are also extremely effective at providing natural oils which eliminate odor.

Crunchy Fruits and Vegetables
Crisp, crunchy fruits and vegetables are a great way to clean your mouth of odor. Apples, pears, celery, carrots, and cucumbers all promote saliva production when you eat them. Saliva is your mouth’s natural cleanser, washing away odor-causing food debris and bacteria. As a bonus, the fibrous texture of your snack scrapes plaque away from your teeth while you eat it.

Vitamin C-Rich Fruits
Melons, berries, and citrus fruits high in vitamin C have bacteria-killing properties for better dental health. Not only do they minimize the amount of bacteria in your mouth on the spot, but they also provide your body with the nutrients it needs to maintain healthy gums. Gum disease is a common cause of bad breath, so preventing this condition can eliminate bad breath at the source.

Water
Keeping your mouth hydrated is essential for maintaining fresh breath and good dental health. When your body is hydrated, it is better able to produce saliva. The act of drinking water also washes away any food particles that are sticking to your teeth, eliminating the food source of odor-causing bacteria.

Keeping up good oral hygiene habits and treating conditions such as gum disease with your dentist can eliminate bad breath. Call Cascade Dental of Vancouver today at (360) 213-1999 to schedule your checkup and cleaning with us. Visit our website for more helpful dental health tips. 

Still Curious About Oral Care? Check Out These Great Resources

At Cascade Dental, we provide comfortable and complete dental care for the entire family. Our dentists offer services such as cleanings and exams, dental implants, and children’s dental care.  Schedule your appointment at one of our three Vancouver locations by calling (360) 213-1999. Browse through our website to explore our dental services and find the information you need to maintain a healthy smile. 

• Brushing in the morning and at night is good for your teeth, but brushing after an acidic meal or drink can actually harm them. The New York Times’ Well Blog has more information about how brushing immediately after meals can damage tooth enamel.
• Eating certain foods promote the production of saliva. MouthHealthy.org outlines the importance of saliva for your dental health on this webpage.
• Keeping your dentures in good repair will ensure a proper fit and good oral health. You can view an illustrated guide to cleaning your dentures on DentureHelp.com.
• Dental phobia is a more extreme reaction than dental anxiety. Visit Floss.com to learn more about dental phobia and how you and your dentist can alleviate your discomfort.
• Many individuals may experience dental anxiety stemming from concern over the unknown. WebMD.com outlines some common dental concerns and provides the information you need to understand what will happen during your trip to the dentist. 

Easy Steps to a Great Smile

Regular visits to your dentist are essential for a healthy smile. In between dental visits, however, there are numerous small steps you can take on a daily basis to maintain good dental health. Making a few unobtrusive changes to your lifestyle today can result in whiter, healthier teeth for a lifetime.

Change Your Toothbrush
Your toothbrush can’t improve your dental health if it’s worn and in need of replacement. Over time, the bristles wear down and collect bacteria, which is then transferred back to your mouth every time you brush. Replace your entire manual toothbrush or the head of your electric toothbrush every two to three months.

Eat Mouth-Cleansing Foods
Crunchy fruits and veggies, such as apples, carrots, and celery, have fibrous textures which scrub your teeth clean of plaque while you chew. They also promote production of saliva, your body’s natural cavity defense. For a savory mouth-healthy snack, try some freshly-popped popcorn.

Switch to Alcohol-Free Mouthwash
Many over-the-counter mouthwash products contain large amounts of alcohol. While alcohol kills bacteria, it can also dry out your mouth, leading to tooth enamel erosion and decay. Check the ingredients of your mouthwash and pick a product that has little to no alcohol content. If you’re having trouble finding the right mouthwash, ask your dentist for suggestions.

Brush Before and After Sleeping
The two most important times to brush your teeth are first thing in the morning and last thing at night. As you sleep, your body slows production of saliva. This can dry out the mouth and allow cavity-causing bacteria to flourish. By brushing your teeth right before bed, you ensure that there is minimal plaque on your teeth during the night. When you brush first thing in the morning, you are removing any bacteria that remained while you slept.

You can get more tips to keep your smile looking its best from your dentist at Cascade Dental. Call (360) 213-1999 to ask about our general dentistry services for the entire family. You can find more information regarding your dental health by clicking on the link and visiting our website. 

Do Your Kids Need Fluoride?

Fluoride helps to strengthen teeth and prevent cavities. The first toothpaste your child’s dentist may recommend, however, will likely not contain fluoride. Why shouldn’t young children use fluoride, and when should your child begin using fluoride toothpaste?

This video will explain that young children prone to swallowing toothpaste should not be given products with fluoride. You’ll learn why swallowing fluoride can be harmful to young children and when it is safe to switch your child to a fluoride toothpaste.

Keep your child’s smile healthy and bright with the help of Cascade Dental in Vancouver. We offer general and cosmetic dentistry services for you and your family in a comfortable atmosphere. Contact us today by calling (360) 213-1999, and find more tips for your child’s dental health by clicking on the link to our website.