General Dentistry Advice: What Causes Cavities?

Cavities start to form when simple sugars remain on the teeth over time.  These sugars promote the growth of the destructive bacteria that erodes tooth enamel. However, you can’t prevent cavities by only avoiding sweets and sugary drinks. The truth is that any simple sugar can promote the growth of cavity causing bacteria in your mouth. Carbohydrates, which make up the majority of our diets, are equally as harmful to our teeth. How can we avoid cavities if so much of the food we eat everyday causes tooth decay? Well, you can start by incorporating the advice below. Then, make an appointment for a dental check-up with Dr. Lopez at New Smile Dental. Dr. Lopez has the tools your family needs to fight cavities and gum disease. Dr. Lopez proudly serves families throughout Fort Smith, AR, Van Buren and surrounding areas. 

6 Ways to Fight Cavities

·         Oral Hygiene- Brush, floss, and use mouth wash twice a day. You can help prevent cavity causing bacteria and plaque build-up by reducing the amount of food particles in your mouth.

·         Dairy- Incorporate more dairy products into your diet. Low fat milk and cheese provide the calcium and Vitamin D that strengthen your teeth and bones.

·         Black Tea- The antioxidant epigallocatechin, found in black tea, has been shown to reduce the growth of harmful bacteria.

·         Sugar Free Gum- Xylitol, a key ingredient in sugar free gum, has been shown to dramatically reduce tooth decay.

·         Crunchy Foods- Chewing crunchy foods, like nuts and crunchy veggies, can help to decrease plaque buildup.

·         Dental Check-Ups- It’s essential to see your dentist for a professional dental exam and cleaning twice a year to prevent cavities and other damage to your teeth.

Prevent and Treat Cavities in Fort Smith, AR

Unfortunately, cavities can form even if you follow a stringent oral hygiene regimen and eat a healthy diet. The key ingredient to a healthy smile is visiting Dr. Lopez for a regular dental check-up. Dental exams and cleanings can greatly reduce the likelihood of developing cavities. If you already have cavities, Dr. Lopez can offer treatment to make sure that your teeth are not damaged any further. Don’t take a chance with your dental health. Make an appointment with Dr. Lopez at New Smile Dental to get the professional dental care you need. Dr. Lopez proudly serves families throughout Fort Smith, AR, Van Buren and nearby communities.

Schedule Holiday Dental Care Appointments for the Whole Family

With all of the festivities, preparations, and things to do during the holiday season, you can easily forget about taking care of your teeth. That’s why your dental health is so vulnerable this time of year. We may skimp on our oral care routines just as we start to consume more sugary treats and desserts than normal. This is a very bad combination for your teeth. But you can be proactive and protect your dental health and the dental health of your family this holiday season. Take note of the important healthy holiday habits below. Then make sure everyone in your family is caught up with their regular dental check-ups. A regular dental check-up can prevent tooth decay and gum disease. If it’s been over six months, make an appointment with Dr. Lopez at New Smile Dental to get your family the dental care they need for the holidays. Dr. Lopez proudly serves families throughout Fort Smith, AR, Van Buren and surrounding areas. 

Holiday Dental Care Tips

·         Focus on a Few Big Meals- While it’s never healthy to over eat, it is healthier for your teeth if you forgo snacking in between meals and focus on just a few hearty meals during the day. Snacking throughout the day can prolong the time your teeth are exposed to harmful sugary residue. You also produce more saliva during big meals. This helps to wash away cavity causing bacteria and the excess sugars they feed upon.

·         Grab a Straw- While it may be hard to avoid any sugary beverages during holiday gatherings, you can help avoid the residual damage to your teeth by always using a straw. This redirects the harmful sugars away from your teeth and gums.

·         Milk a Cow- Well, not literally. But you should try drinking glass of low fat milk or eating a piece of cheese after consuming sugary treats. Milk will help wash away the sugars and the calcium and vitamin D in dairy products will help to strengthen your teeth and fight cavities.

·          Grab a Stick-A stick of sugar free gum that is. Sugar free gum contains an ingredient known as Xylitol, which actually helps to fortify your teeth against decay and gum disease.

Holiday Dental Care in Fort Smith, AR

What better gift to give your family this holiday than a bright, healthy smile? You can make an appointment with Dr. Lopez at New Smile Dental today for a pre or post- holiday dental check-up. Dr. Lopez proudly serves families throughout Fort Smith, AR, Van Buren and neighboring communities.

The Importance of Toothbrush Maintenance

Making sure that you have excellent oral care is very important, not just for your mouth, but for your body as a whole. Many people do not realize that the how you care for your mouth is indicative to how the rest of your body functions, as [your mouth] is a portal to your other important functions and organs. Brushing and flossing your teeth every day are an excellent way in making sure your smile stays healthy, but making sure you have the right tools to take proper care of your smile is equally as important. In regards to your toothbrush, you may be surprised to find out just how important such a small tool is to the overall care of your person.

One of the most important things to remember when taking care of your toothbrush is to not share it with anyone. Sharing your toothbrush is the opportunity for saliva and other microorganisms to make your body their new home, increasing the risk of infections. Another important aspect in toothbrush maintenance is to rinse your toothbrush after brushing your teeth. That way, any remaining debris or toothpaste is down the drain and not in your mouth for the next time you brush your teeth. Do not make a habit of covering the toothbrush in any sort of closed container, as this is a way for microorganisms to breed and infect your toothbrush.

Replacing your toothbrush every three to four months is a very important aspect in taking care of your mouth. Over time, the bristles on your toothbrush will become worn, and lose its effectiveness in removing plaque and food particles. Be sure to check your toothbrush for wear and tear, and if you find it could use replacing, do so immediately. All of these tips will help you in having a beautiful, healthy smile. Remember, taking care of your toothbrush results in taking better care of your body!

At New Smile Dental, we focus on enhancing and restoring the beauty of your smile with help from the latest dental technology. Dr. Gilbert Lopez treats patients from Fort Smith and Van Buren, AR and surrounding areas. Call us today to schedule your next appointment.

Brushing and Flossing 101

Have you ever heard of the saying “It’s the little things that count”? Well, that can be applied to all areas of life, even your oral health! Though it may not seem like a big deal, simple things like brushing and flossing can really make a difference in your teeth. Dr. Gilbert Lopez is a strong believer in patient education, and he wants to make sure you have the proper knowledge to better care for your smile.

In regards to toothbrushes, small toothbrushes with small, rounded-out ends are best, as they can clean your entire mouth without damaging any tissue. A very important tip is to make sure that you change your toothbrush every three months, or after recovering from a sickness. This prevents bacteria from infesting your mouth and helps you have a cleaner smile. Tilt your toothbrush to a 45 degree angle, and use small, circular movements to gently brush along the gum line and the teeth.  To be especially thorough, brush the tongue and the backs of your teeth!

With flossing, this is a very secure way of removing stubborn bacteria, plaque, and tartar from where your toothbrush can’t reach. You want to form a U-shape around the tooth, but do not jerk the floss in and out of the gum line, as that can cause bleeding. Gently slide the floss between the teeth, and do it for every tooth.

If you have any more questions about how to properly brush and floss your teeth, make an appointment, and we’d be glad to help!

At New Smile Dental, we focus on enhancing and restoring the beauty of your smile with help from the latest dental technology. Dr. Gilbert Lopez treats patients from Fort Smith and Van Buren, AR and surrounding areas. Call us today to schedule your next appointment.