No one wants to worry about their breath, especially not when you should be relaxing with a loved one. Our Burleson staff will help in any way we can, and we thought a good start would be some tips about how to figure out if you have bad breath, where bad breath comes from, and what to do about bad breath.

Do I Have Bad Breath?

It can be really difficult to figure out if your breath is fresh or not. There are a number of little tricks you can try, but they aren’t very accurate in the long run. The best way really is to ask someone close to you.

It may seem scary to ask someone about your breath, but isn’t it better to know and work to fix it, then to not know and always wonder?

Causes of Bad Breath

Dry Mouth. If you’ve read our Dry Mouth blog post, you’ll know that this is the number one cause of bad breath. Saliva cleans your mouth as it circulates, getting rid of odor-causing bacteria. Our Burleson team has many ways to help with dry mouth, but the immediate solution is simple: drink more water!

Food. Everyone knows that onions and garlic make breath have a distinctive odor and this may not be exactly what you’re going for on your big, romantic night. Try bringing a toothbrush and toothpaste with you on your big date so that you can clean your teeth discreetly after you finish dinner.

Tobacco. Whether it’s smoking or chewing, tobacco interferes with your natural saliva production and very quickly leads to bad breath. Try staying away from tobacco during your date, or brushing your teeth as quickly as possible when you are finished.

Fixing Bad Breath

You’ve heard us say it before, and we’re going to say it again: the best way to maintain the beauty and health of your teeth is a consistent oral hygiene routine. If you have any questions, check out our oral hygiene page.

Chronic Bad Breath

If bad breath is a consistent problem for you or one of your loved ones, it could be an indication of a more serious health issue. Please be sure to mention it to our Burleson staff, either at your next appointment or by calling us with your concerns. Legacy Dental is always here to help you!

What is Hydrogen Peroxide?

Hydrogen peroxide is a common household product that can be found for very cheap at your local pharmacy or grocery store. Chemically, it is two oxygen molecules with two oxygen molecules, and it appears as a clear liquid with about the consistency of water. In the solution you can find in stores, it is diluted with water to only 3%.

1) To Ease a Toothache

If one of your teeth starts to hurt and you can’t make it to our Burleson office right away, try putting a capful of hydrogen peroxide in your mouth and holding it there for ten minutes, then spitting it out. This can be repeated several times a day until the pain subsides.

Much of the pain people experience in toothaches is caused by swelling and infection, which hydrogen peroxide helps fight. However, remember that this should only be used as a short term solution and you should see Dr. Barroso or Dr. Simpson as soon as possible.

2) To Help Treat Gingivitis

Hydrogen peroxide is a great way to kill germs, and germs are the force that leads to gingivitis. After you floss and brush your teeth, vigorously swish with an ounce of hydrogen peroxide, making sure to get all of the gum lines, including behind the upper lip. Swish for 5 or 6 seconds, then spit the chemical out and rinse with water.

3) To Clean Your Toothbrush

Once a week or more, soak your toothbrush bristles in a freshly poured cup of hydrogen peroxide. After about five seconds, watch it bubble as it kills the germs!

Leave your toothbrush in the cup for a few minutes to ensure it is properly cleaned, then rinse it off with water. Make sure to always use a fresh cup of hydrogen peroxide, as the chemical degrades when it’s exposed to light.

4) As a Toothpaste Substitute

Ever forget to buy toothpaste and find yourself without even that last little bit? Mix together one part hydrogen peroxide to four parts baking soda and brush your teeth with that. It may be a little grittier than you’re used to, but it works in mostly the same way.

Don’t forget though, that hydrogen peroxide degrades with light, so you can’t make large batches of this solution to store for later use.

5) To Propel a Rocket

Okay, so you can’t actually do this with the diluted, 3% concentration of hydrogen peroxide that is sold at stores. And you certainly shouldn’t put rockets in your mouth. But the chemical was used at 70-98% concentrations to propel rockets during World War II, and is still used for some satellites. How cool is that?

We know that Burleson residents love their coffee and we want to help you maintain a beautiful, healthy smile, without having to dramatically change your daily routine. We’re here to help you!

Why does coffee stain teeth?

Coffee is one of the leading causes of stained teeth in our area, and the discoloration can be as unsightly as those from tobacco. So why does coffee stain?

Unlike other drinks such as tea and red wine, coffee does not contain the chemical tannic acid, which is responsible for staining teeth. Coffee simply passes on its dark color to your teeth, as it does to porcelain cups, sweaters, and white carpet.

Protect Your Teeth from Coffee Stains

The most effective and easiest way to protect your teeth is to rinse with water when you finish your cup of coffee. Water is a great, healthy drink anyway, and using it to follow coffee helps rid the caustic chemicals from your mouth.

Another piece of advice that may seem strange is to drink your coffee as quickly as possible. This will minimize the time your teeth are in contact with the staining liquid, which will help prevent and diminish the damage to your enamel.

Whiten Teeth

If your teeth are already stained from coffee or any other substance, whitening may be an option. You should always check with Dr. Barroso or Dr. Simpson before whitening your teeth, and our Burleson dental staff will recommend the treatment that is right for you.

There are many whitening options available, whether you choose to use an in-office treatment or buy strips or gels from the store. We can help you find the perfect choice that will get rid of stains without damaging your teeth

Coffee and Caffeine

Of course, both for your teeth and your general health, it is best to limit the amount of coffee you drink each day. Too much caffeine, whether it’s from coffee or Red Bull© or Pepsi©, can affect your heart and stomach and lead to serious health problems over time.

Here in our Burleson office, we want to do everything we can to protect and maintain not only your oral health, but your overall health as well. If you have any questions about coffee stains, teeth whitening, or anything else, please contact Legacy Dental today!

Interestingly, TMD is 9 times more likely to affect women than men, but all Burleson residents should be aware of the symptoms. Legacy Dental is hoping to help our patients remove stress and pain from their lives this holiday season!

TMD Symptoms

First, you may be wondering if this disease can help explain some of the difficulties you have with your mouth. Interestingly, many of the symptoms of TMD may be something that you deal with every day but never thought of as related to your jaw. They can include:

- Dizziness

- Ringing in ears

- Headaches

- Neck aches or stiff neck

- Earaches

- Radiating pain in face

- Jaw aches

- Inability to open mouth wide

- Pain when chewing

- Sensitive teeth

- Tendency to dislocate or “lock” jaw

- Clicking, popping or grinding jaw

Women and TMD

Researchers are not conclusive on the exact causes, but the following are a number of conditions that may explain why so many TMJ sufferers are women.

Physical Structure

One reason more women than men are affected by TMD/ TMJ is pure and simple: there are differences in the bone and muscle density between the genders. We aren’t exactly sure which of these disparities are related to TMJ and in what way, but it is certain that they play some role in the development of the disease.

Teeth Grinding

Women are far more likely than men to brux, or grind and clench their teeth. This can happen during the day or while you sleep, but chances are you don’t even know you’re doing it. In fact, the vast majority of Americans grind their teeth at some point, it’s just a matter of to what degree.

Life Stressors

Research has shown that women are more responsive to emotional imagery and stress in their daily lives than men. This is combined with the fact that hormones have a huge influence on where, and how significantly, stress and pain affect our bodies. Stress is the leading reason most people grind and clench their teeth both during the day and while they are sleeping.

Migraines

Both migraines and TMJ are affected by teeth grinding and clenching, and both disorders affect women more often than men. Although there is not yet a clear cause and effect relationship, the jaw clenching muscles in migraine sufferers tend to be about 70% larger than in those who don’t experience migraines. These enlarged muscles are certain to intensify the presence of TMJ symptoms.

Arthritis

All joint disease can have oral manifestations, most notably, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Your mandibular is a joint just like your fingers, wrists and knees, and can be affected by disease in the same debilitating way. Women are more likely than men to suffer from these joint diseases, and therefore more disposed to the chronic joint deterioration, pain and diminished function associated with them.

TMJ Treatments

While the outlook for TMD sufferers may sound grim, the reality is anything but. Here at Legacy Dental we can design a treatment specifically for you to discover the causes and appropriate treatments of your TMJ. If you are even a little concerned that you may have TMD, contact Dr. Barroso today. No matter what your problem, we can find a way to make your pain and discomfort disappear.

1) Pomegranate

Studies show that this fruit may increase antioxidant activity in the mouth, and it may decrease the amount of cavity-forming bacteria. Testing is still in the early stages, but Dr. Barroso suggests adding some fresh pomegranate to your diet every once in a while. However, avoid the juice which may not be as beneficial because of its sugar content.

2) Celery

The evil villain in many dental scenarios is plaque. And foods cause plaque, right? But did you know that some foods can actually help remove plaque from your teeth? Celery, along with carrots and apples, has the ability to get some stains and plaque off of your teeth before they cause problems for your oral health.

3) Yogurt

There has been a lot of publicity lately about yogurt’s ability to improve digestion, but those same bacteria are now believed to keep you from having bad breath. Research has also shown that yogurt eaters are less likely to suffer from both tooth loss and periodontal or gum disease. Now that’s something anyone in Burleson can get excited about!

4) Cheese

Studies show that cheese can help keep your teeth healthy in a number of ways. Its texture  increases the amount of saliva in your mouth, which is one of the main factors in fighting cavities. Additionally, its mineral contents and nutrients such as calcium, phosphorous and protein can help neutralize the negative effects of plaque.

5) Spinach

This and other greens may create a barrier for stains by leaving an invisible film over your teeth. A good idea could be to eat a salad with some of these leafy veggies before indulging in tooth-staining beverages such as wine or cranberry juice.

If you have questions about any of these foods, or anything else concerning your mouth, please contact Dr. Barroso in Burleson and schedule an appointment with our office today!

So which colors do this? A general rule is to try to stick with those that have blue undertones which will contrast with the yellow tints of your teeth and make them appear brighter and whiter. When looking for a specific color, try in the deeper reds and maroons. Stay away from nudes, peaches, neutral pinks, and frosted lipsticks, which can make your teeth look the same color as the lipstick.

Also important to remember is the sheen of the lipstick. Glossy, wet looks reflect light off your lips, adding depth and making your teeth shine as well. Matte finishes will make your smile look darker, bringing out any stains you may have. Some brands even have specific lines devoted to teeth-whitening lipstick, so check it out the next time you are in the makeup aisle.

Get Lipstick Off Your Teeth

How about getting lipstick on your teeth? One way to avoid this is with careful application followed by pouting your lips and poking your finger in your mouth to remove any excess color. Another great way is to keep your teeth as clean as possible so that the lipstick has nothing to cling to. Also, you should avoid activities like smoking, smacking your gum or biting your nails. Believe it or not, smiling keeps the lipstick off your teeth more than a straight face or a frown. So smile more!

If you find the perfect shade of lipstick but are still unhappy with the color of your teeth, talk to Dr. Barroso about any number of cosmetic procedures that can give you the smile you deserve. We are here to help you get the beautiful smile you deserve!

1. Gum disease is the number one cause of tooth loss.

What is diabetes?

According to the American Diabetes Association, diabetes is a group of diseases characterized by high blood glucose levels that result from defects in the body’s ability to produce and/or use insulin. There are two main kinds of diabetes:

Type 1: which is normally diagnosed in childhood

Type 2: the most common form, which usually occurs as an adult

Myth: Diabetes isn’t serious

Two out of three people with diabetes die from heart disease or stroke. This terrifying statistic, is just one of many that can show how serious diabetes can be.

Diabetes is one of the most significant health challenges in the United States, affecting more than 16 million people with 800,000 new cases diagnosed each year. People who have diabetes know that it affects their life in innumerable ways, but many overlook the importance of their mouth in monitoring their condition.

Diabetes and Your Mouth

The increased presence of glucose caused by diabetes helps bacteria build up on teeth, leading to many problems, including tooth decay, fungal infections, dry mouth, and mouth ulcers. This environment can also change the way the teeth come together in your mouth and Dr. Barroso wants diabetics to remember that the disease often causes periodontal disease.

Studies estimate that one third of people with diabetes have the most severe form of periodontal disease, and upwards of three quarters have a lesser form of the disease. More concerning is the National Health Interview Survey that showed less than half of all diabetics had visited a dentist in the past year, a much smaller percentage than that of non-diabetics.

Gum Disease Treatment

If you have periodontal disease, Dr. Barroso may be able to help make your mouth healthier with a new treatment called LANAP therapy. This technology uses lasers to treat the gum infection without the need for traditional scalpel surgery, allowing for significantly reduced healing time and dramatically healthy results. LANAP can be especially important to patients with diabetes, and their body’s lowered resistance to infections and longer healing time.

Dr. Barroso may be able to do blood tests to help you monitor the state of your diabetes, especially if you have had a hard time doing so yourself.

Diabetes Resources

Tests available in our office such as the Diabetes Risk Assessment are able to determine your chances of developing diabetes for a much lower cost than those in typical doctor’s offices.

For a quick assessment, try the American Diabetes Association’s Diabetes Risk Test.

Also, be sure to check out our next blog post about the relationship between periodontal disease and heart disease.

Dr. Simpson was born and raised here in Burleson, and was educated at Southwestern Adventist University, the University of Texas Health Science Center, and the University of Nevada- Las Vegas. He has been married to his wife Jennie for eleven years, and together they have two sons.

If you would like to know more about our new partner, check out the Meet the Doctors page!

Please join us in welcoming our new doctor, and don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

The biggest thing to remember is that any brushing is better than no brushing, so don’t be discouraged if you are making some mistakes. If you still have questions, try checking out our oral hygiene page, or always feel free to contact us!

1) Not Brushing for Long Enough

Do you know how long you’re really supposed to brush? Two minutes, twice a day, says the American Dental Hygienists Association. Try timing yourself tonight and see how you measure up. Chances are, you aren’t brushing for long enough, as the majority of Americans aren’t. Brushing for longer can be a simple way to have a better oral hygiene routine.

2) Brushing Too Hard

Many people think that if they just brush hard enough, then they don’t have to brush their teeth for very long. This simply isn’t the case. In fact, brushing your teeth too hard will actually damage the enamel, and cause much more harm than good. A great way to keep from brushing too hard is to get an electronic toothbrush. If this isn’t an option, just make sure to get the softest toothbrush available and try to take it easy on your teeth.

3) Concentrating on the Tooth Surface

Without even realizing it, a lot of people concentrate their brushing power on the surface of the tooth. If you think about it, this doesn’t make much sense, because food particles aren’t very likely to get stuck on the front of your tooth. Food and bacteria get stuck around the edges and in the corners of your teeth, especially against the gums. The best technique is to concentrate your brushing power (gently) on the gum line each time you brush.

4) Skipping Teeth

It seems like common sense, but you need to brush all of your teeth! An old dentist’s saying goes, “Only brush the teeth you want to keep,” and we’ll just assume you want to keep all of them. The most frequent mistake is accidently skipping over teeth as you flip your brush around. If you’re right handed, this probably means the teeth in the front right corner of your mouth. Just remember to brush a little bit further than you think you have to before flipping the toothbrush, so that you are overlapping in each direction.

5) Thinking Brushing Will Kill All Bacteria

Although it would be nice if brushing was all we had to do to maintain the health of our mouths, this simply isn’t the case. In addition to a proper brushing technique, it is just as important to use floss and mouthwash as well. Finally don’t forget to keep your twice-yearly hygiene exams, because there are places that only we can clean, and problems that only we can diagnose. If you are due for an oral hygiene appointment, call us today and we will fit you in!