Monday 28 November 2016

Tongue Scrapers Offer An Option For Halitosis

How Tongue Scrapers Work
If you suffer from halitosis, or chronic bad breath, you’re probably looking for ways to help manage the problem. If so, consider a tongue scraper. They’re relatively inexpensive and available at most pharmacies. Tongue scrapers are often touted as the way to improve bad breath, but there is very little research to show that they are any more effective than simply brushing the tongue with your toothbrush as part of your toothbrushing routine.

Trying a tongue scraper can’t hurt, and they’re easy to use. Simply hold the scraper at the back of your tongue, and bring it forward, scraping gently but firmly along the tongue as you go.

Although tongue scrapers are harmless, you can probably prevent halitosis just as well by following a consistent oral care routine of twice-daily tooth brushing and daily flossing. And keep these points in mind as part of your daily oral hygiene plan:

  • Keep your toothbrush fresh. Be sure to replace your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months, even if you don’t have bad breath, but especially if you do.
  • Keep an extra brush at work. Keep a spare toothbrush and toothpaste at work so you can brush your teeth after lunch.
  • Drink plenty of water. Keeping your mouth moist helps minimize the amount of bacteria in your mouth that can cause bad breath.

The above article is from: OralB.com

Butler Family Dental  
Chris A. Butler, DMD  
1745 West 17th Avenue  
Eugene, OR 97402  
(541) 485-6645  
MyDentistEugene.com

Friday 25 November 2016

Beat Your Bad Breath

What are Common Bad Breath Causes?

If you suffer from chronic, severe bad breath, also known as halitosis, it's important to identify the cause so you can determine an effective treatment.

Halitosis has many causes, including the following:

  • Tobacco use. If you smoke, quit. Your bad breath may be due to other causes, too, but tobacco use is a guarantee of bad breath. If you are ready to quit, ask your doctor or dentist for advice and support.
  • What you eat, or don't eat. Certain foods, such as garlic, contribute to bad breath, but only temporarily. Once they are absorbed into the bloodstream, the smell is expelled through the breath, but the odors remain until the body processes the food, so there’s no quick fix.
  • Dry mouth. If your mouth is extremely dry, there is not enough saliva to wash away excess food particles and bacteria, which can cause an unpleasant smell if they build up on the teeth.
  • Infections. Bad breath that seems to have no other cause may indicate an infection elsewhere in the body. If you have chronic bad breath and your dentist rules out any oral problems, see your doctor for an evaluation. Bad breath can be a sign of a range of conditions including respiratory tract infections, chronic sinusitis or bronchitis, diabetes, or liver and kidney problems, so it's important not to ignore the problem.

The best way to improve bad breath is to follow a thorough oral care routine including twice-daily tooth brushing and daily flossing to remove the food particles and bacteria that can cause bad breath. Mouthwashes only improve bad breath for the short term, and if you have a chronic problem, your dentist may suggest an antimicrobial rinse to help keep bacteria at bay.

The above article is from: OralB.com

Butler Family Dental  
Chris A. Butler, DMD  
1745 West 17th Avenue  
Eugene, OR 97402  
(541) 485-6645  
MyDentistEugene.com

Wednesday 23 November 2016

Great Ways to Improve Your Smile # 4

Bonding
Not happy with the way your teeth look? Bonding may be the answer. For some, it can help restore the natural look of your teeth. Bonding is a process where the dentist attaches or “bonds” materials directly to your tooth. Your natural tooth enamel and dentin are fused together with bonding materials such as porcelain and resins to create a strong structure that looks great.

The above article is from: MouthHealthy.org

Butler Family Dental  
Chris A. Butler, DMD  
1745 West 17th Avenue  
Eugene, OR 97402  
(541) 485-6645  
MyDentistEugene.com

Monday 21 November 2016

Manual Tooth Brushing and Flossing Technique

An effective oral hygiene routine starts with a few simple steps:

A Proper Brushing Technique for your Teeth 
A proper brushing technique is the first step to maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Plus, it helps minimize the risk of tooth decay and gum disease, the major causes of tooth loss.

Before You Begin 
While there are several tooth brushing techniques with a manual toothbrush, always ask your dental professional for their recommendation and be sure to follow their instructions. To start, use fluoride toothpaste with a soft-bristle toothbrush, and don't forget to replace it every three months.

Two Minutes, Twice a Day 
To brush your teeth correctly, spend at least two minutes using a recommended brushing technique, which includes 30 seconds brushing each section of your mouth (upper right, upper left, lower right and lower left), both morning and night. Since most manual toothbrushes don't have built-in two-minute timers, you may want to have a clock handy so you can be sure you're brushing long enough.

Positioning the Toothbrush 
How you hold the toothbrush depends on which part of the tooth you're brushing.

Please read the entire article, found at DentalCare.com, to see more detailed information on manual brushing and flossing.

Butler Family Dental  
Chris A. Butler, DMD  
1745 West 17th Avenue  
Eugene, OR 97402  
(541) 485-6645  
MyDentistEugene.com

Friday 18 November 2016

Promote Oral Health With Good Nutrition

Calcium And Vitamin C Promote Oral Health
Eating a variety of nutritious food is good for your overall health, including your oral health. Some vitamins in particular have demonstrated benefits to building healthy teeth, namely calcium and vitamin C, so be sure to include foods rich in these nutrients in your diet. Calcium has been shown to help build strong teeth, and vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that also plays an important role in collagen synthesis, by which it helps you develop and maintain healthy gums.

  • Calcium: Dairy products, including milk, yogurt and cheese are good sources of calcium. Many physicians recommend 1,200 to 1,500 milligrams of calcium daily for most adults, so you may want to consider a calcium supplement, especially if dairy products aren’t a regular part of your diet. Also, try switching to low-sugar or sugar-free varieties of yogurt, since sugar (and bacteria) can promote tooth decay.
  • Vitamin C: Many fruits and vegetables including berries, oranges and cantaloupe, as well as green vegetables including broccoli and spinach are excellent sources of vitamin C.

Of course, in addition to eating right, it’s important to follow a consistent dental care routine of twice-daily tooth brushing and daily flossing to promote oral health. And be sure to see your dental professional regularly and talk to them if you have questions about how your diet might affect your oral health.

The above article is from: OralB.com

Butler Family Dental  
Chris A. Butler, DMD  
1745 West 17th Avenue  
Eugene, OR 97402  
(541) 485-6645  
MyDentistEugene.com

Wednesday 16 November 2016

The Benefits of Good Oral Hygiene

The Cost Of Dental Treatments
If you develop complications from tooth decay and gum disease, you may be dealing with bills for anything from fillings or crowns to more costly and complicated procedures such as root canals or oral surgery to extract damaged teeth and place dental implants.

The Costs Vary 
The costs of dental treatments vary. For example, the cost of a root canal will depend on the location of the tooth and how many canals are in the tooth that needs the root canal treatment. 

The Cost of Oral Hygiene
By comparison, the cost of basic oral hygiene and preventive teeth cleaning is low. A toothbrush should be replaced every three months or when it appears worn, but that’s just a few dollars. The same goes for dental floss, whether you prefer specialized floss, such as Oral-B’s Ultra Floss, or standard floss. 

Points To Remember
Also, don’t forget that most dental plans cover at least one, and sometimes two, checkups and cleanings per year at little or no cost to you. It’s better to make and keep those appointments, even if you don’t think you have problems with your teeth or oral hygiene, in order to identify and manage potential problems before costly care is required. Remember that your dentist is your partner in oral health, and be sure to keep him or her informed about medications you take and changes in your overall health so your oral hygiene can be tailored accordingly to maximize your health benefits. Some types of medications (including anti-depressants and some heart medications) increase your risk for gingivitis, so be sure to let your dentist know if you start taking any new medication, even if you don’t think it will affect your oral health. 


The above article is from: OralB.com

Butler Family Dental  
Chris A. Butler, DMD  
1745 West 17th Avenue  
Eugene, OR 97402  
(541) 485-6645  
MyDentistEugene.com

Monday 14 November 2016

How to Brush with an Electric Toothbrush - Dental Care

You can achieve better plaque removal and gingivitis reduction with an electric toothbrush that utilizes oscillating-rotating technology than with a regular manual toothbrush.

This brushing action is very different from ordinary manual toothbrushes, as it does the job of brushing for you. Be sure to guide the brush head to all parts of your mouth.

Rotating Electric Toothbrush Instructions

Hold the brush parallel to the floor, against the side of your teeth.










Guide the brush head slowly from tooth to tooth, following the curve of the teeth and gums.
It isn't necessary to press hard or scrub. Simply let the electric toothbrush do all the work.
Hold the brush head in place for a few seconds before moving on to the next tooth.

Please read the entire article, found at DentalCare.com, to see more detailed information on how to use an electric toothbrush.

Butler Family Dental  
Chris A. Butler, DMD  
1745 West 17th Avenue  
Eugene, OR 97402  
(541) 485-6645  
MyDentistEugene.com

Sugarless Gum

Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to say about sugarless gum.


The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Butler Family Dental  
Chris A. Butler, DMD  
1745 West 17th Avenue  
Eugene, OR 97402  
(541) 485-6645  
MyDentistEugene.com

Friday 11 November 2016

Great Ways to Improve Your Smile # 3

Veneers
Veneers are thin shells crafted of tooth-colored materials designed to cover the front side of teeth. Unlike bonding, it is necessary to remove a small amount of enamel from your tooth to accommodate the shell. Based on a model of your mouth, they are meant to look like your natural teeth. 

The above article is from: MouthHealthy.org

Butler Family Dental  
Chris A. Butler, DMD  
1745 West 17th Avenue  
Eugene, OR 97402  
(541) 485-6645  
MyDentistEugene.com

Wednesday 9 November 2016

Great Ways to Improve Your Smile # 2

Crowns
A crown is a good way to cover teeth that are discolored or badly shaped. A crown can make your tooth stronger and improve its appearance. Crowns can also be used to attach bridges, protect a weak tooth from breaking or restore one that’s already broken.

The above article is from: MouthHealthy.org

Butler Family Dental  
Chris A. Butler, DMD  
1745 West 17th Avenue  
Eugene, OR 97402  
(541) 485-6645  
MyDentistEugene.com

Monday 7 November 2016

Dental Hygiene for Kids

Your child’s well-being is your biggest concern and their oral hygiene is an important part of their overall health. The care of your child’s teeth and gums begins with you - - you can set them on the right path for a lifetime of excellent oral hygiene.

Oral Hygiene for Infants
Babies are born with all their teeth - you can't see them because they are hidden in the gums. Baby teeth start to break through the gums around 6 months but it is important to start good oral care for infants even before the first tooth comes in. From healthy gums come healthy teeth.

  • Wipe your baby’s gums with a soft washcloth after feeding. This helps remove the bacteria that can cause tooth decay.
  • Once they begin to erupt, brush teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste in an amount no more than a smear the size of a grain of rice - use a soft-bristle toothbrush.


Please read the entire article, found at DentalCare.com, to see more detailed information on dental hygiene for children.

Butler Family Dental  
Chris A. Butler, DMD  
1745 West 17th Avenue  
Eugene, OR 97402  
(541) 485-6645  
MyDentistEugene.com

Girl's Sports Mouth Injuries

Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to say about mouth injuries due to sports.


The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Butler Family Dental  
Chris A. Butler, DMD  
1745 West 17th Avenue  
Eugene, OR 97402  
(541) 485-6645  
MyDentistEugene.com

Saturday 5 November 2016

Take Care of Cold Sores

How To Get Rid Of Cold Sores
It’s easy to get them confused, but cold sores are not the same as canker sores. Cold sores are red blisters that appear on the lips as a result of infection with the herpes simplex virus. They almost never occur inside the mouth and they are not associated with gum disease. By contrast, canker sores, which are not associated with herpes or gum disease, almost always occur inside the mouth.

Usually, cold sores last for seven to 10 days, after which time the pus-filled blisters will rupture and ooze. Fortunately, cold sores usually heal without leaving scars. Most cold sores will resolve without treatment, but you can apply a topical medication such as lidocaine or benzyl alcohol to relieve pain and itching.

If you develop a cold sore, avoid skin-to-skin contact. And don’t share razors, eating utensils, or towels-those are other ways the infection spreads to other people. If you have frequent cold sores, or a cold sore that doesn’t go away after seven to 10 days, talk to your doctor.

It can be hard to reduce the risk of cold sores, but it certainly won’t hurt to maintain a consistent personal hygiene routine including regular hand washing. Also, using a lip balm with sun block throughout the year, not just during the summer, can help prevent cold sores, too.

The above article is from: OralB.com

Butler Family Dental  
Chris A. Butler, DMD  
1745 West 17th Avenue  
Eugene, OR 97402  
(541) 485-6645  
MyDentistEugene.com

Thursday 3 November 2016

Get Familiar With Oral Thrush

What Is Oral Thrush?
Oral thrush, also known as candidiasis, can occur in anyone of any age, from babies to the elderly. Oral thrush is a condition that occurs when a fungus called candida albicans builds up on the lining of the mouth. The result is white lesions on the tongue or inner cheeks.

Oral thrush can sometimes be confused with leukoplakia. But leukoplakia lesions are caused by chronic irritation from rough edges on teeth, fillings or crowns, not by an organism. And leukoplakia lesions develop over time, while thrush lesions may develop suddenly. A thrush infection can spread and involve the roof of the mouth and the gums, where it can cause symptoms such as redness and irritation. See your dentist if you have any type of lesions on your tongue or in your mouth so you can determine the cause of the problem and plan a course of treatment. The goal in treating thrush is to stop the infection from spreading.

Healthy babies and children may not need treatment-the lesions may resolve on their own. Sometimes adding yogurt to you or your child’s diet may do the trick and reset the bacterial imbalance caused by the excess amount of the thrush fungus.

People with HIV or other immunosuppressive illness are at increased risk for the infection to spread. If you are in this category, your doctor or dentist may recommend an antifungal medication.

To prevent thrush from occurring or recurring, follow a consistent oral health care routine, and try to include yogurt with live, active cultures in your diet, especially if you take antibiotics for a chronic condition. Frequent use of antibiotics can promote the growth of the Candida fungus because they upset the natural mixture of microorganisms in the body.

The above article is from: OralB.com

Butler Family Dental  
Chris A. Butler, DMD  
1745 West 17th Avenue  
Eugene, OR 97402  
(541) 485-6645  
MyDentistEugene.com

Tuesday 1 November 2016

Great Ways to Improve Your Smile # 1

Whitening
When it comes to getting a whiter and brighter smile, there are a variety of teeth-whitening products you can try. Your main options are in-office and at-home bleaching. Before starting any whitening treatment, you should speak with your dentist. Your dentist will tell you what, if any, whitening procedures will work best for you.

The above article is from: MouthHealthy.org

Butler Family Dental  
Chris A. Butler, DMD  
1745 West 17th Avenue  
Eugene, OR 97402  
(541) 485-6645  
MyDentistEugene.com