Oral Hygiene

Dental Misconceptions

Breaking Myths: Debunking Common Dental Misconceptions

 

Dental care is important for maintaining oral health and ensuring overall well-being. However, there are numerous myths and misconceptions surrounding dental care that can be harmful if followed. In this blog post, we will break down some of the most common dental misconceptions and provide factual information to debunk them. By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of how to take care of your teeth properly.

Myth 1: Brushing harder will clean your teeth better.

Many people think that brushing their teeth harder will result in better cleaning, but this is a misconception. Brushing too hard can cause damage to your enamel and gums. Instead, it is recommended to brush your teeth gently in circular motions for at least two minutes, twice a day.

Myth 2: Flossing is not important.

Some patients believe that flossing is not necessary since they brush their teeth thoroughly. However, flossing plays a crucial role in removing food particles and plaque from between your teeth, where a toothbrush cannot reach. Regular flossing can prevent gum disease and tooth decay.

Myth 3: You should avoid visiting the dentist if you have sensitive teeth.

Patients with sensitive teeth may avoid visiting the dentist due to fear of pain or discomfort during a dental exam. However, it’s crucial to get regular dental checkups to address underlying issues causing sensitivity and for early detection of cavities or gum disease. Your dentist can recommend solutions such as desensitizing toothpaste or fluoride treatments to alleviate tooth sensitivity.

Myth 4: Teeth whitening is harmful to your teeth.

Teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic dental treatment but is often associated with damaging tooth enamel. However, when done correctly by a dental professional with the right equipment, teeth whitening is perfectly safe and can result in a brighter, more confident smile. It’s essential to consult with your dentist before opting for teeth whitening.

Myth 5: Dental treatments are too expensive.

Many patients avoid dental treatments due to the perception of high costs. However, neglecting dental issues can lead to more significant problems, which can be even more expensive to treat. It’s important to check with your dental insurance plan to understand your benefits and options for financing dental treatment.

 

Debunking dental misconceptions is crucial for maintaining good oral health. From brushing your teeth the right way to the truth about teeth whitening, it’s essential to have accurate information. Remember to always schedule regular dental check-ups and consult with your professional dentist about any concerns or questions you may have about dental care. Proper knowledge and care can ensure lifelong oral health.

common causes of tooth discoloration

Common Causes of Tooth Discoloration and How Professional Whitening Can Help

Many people feel self-conscious about the color of their teeth, and it’s no wonder. Discolored teeth can make a person feel less confident and leave them hiding their smile. There can be several causes of tooth discoloration, but it is a common problem that can be treated.

This post will delve into some of the common causes of tooth discoloration and explain how professional whitening procedures could potentially help restore your teeth to their former brightness.

1. Food and Beverage Stains

Certain foods, especially those with dark pigments like berries, soy sauce, and marinara sauce, can cause surface stains on your teeth. Coffee, tea, and red wine are also notorious for causing tooth discoloration. These stains can be removed through regular dental cleanings or by using whitening toothpaste. Whitening trays or strips can also help remove these stains if they’re more stubborn.

2. Aging

As you age, the enamel on your teeth wears down, and your teeth become more porous, allowing stains to settle in. The dentin layer beneath your enamel also becomes more yellow, which can create a dull, discolored appearance. A professional teeth whitening procedure can help eliminate these stains and brighten your teeth.

3. Medications

Some medications, including high blood pressure medications, antipsychotics, and antibiotics, can cause tooth discoloration, especially if they are used for a prolonged period of time. If you’re taking medication and notice tooth discoloration, talk to your dentist to determine if it’s the cause. It may be possible to switch medication or adjust your dosage to avoid further discoloration.

4. Trauma

Trauma to your teeth can cause them to turn gray or brown over time if not addressed. This could be from a fall, an accident, or from the use of certain medications like tetracycline or minocycline. If your teeth have become discolored due to an injury, your dentist can evaluate the damage and prescribe a whitening treatment.

Tooth discoloration is a common issue, but it’s not one you have to live with. Professional teeth whitening procedures can be a game-changer in restoring your confidence and getting your beautiful, bright smile back. With a little understanding of the causes of tooth discoloration, you can work with your dentist to find the best whitening treatment for your needs. Don’t let discolored teeth hold you back from showing off your radiant smile.

My Bowie Dentist

Transform your smile with the help of Dr. Abiodun Adesanya at My Bowie Dentist – where we offer exceptional family dental care, including professional tooth whitening services. Say goodbye to discolored teeth and hello to a brighter, more confident smile! Schedule your appointment today to see the amazing results for yourself.

Oral Health and Overall Health

The Connection Between Oral Health and Overall Health

As dental professionals, we are always talking about the importance of good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups. However, what many people don’t realize is that the health of your mouth can have a direct impact on your overall health. In fact, there are several major health problems that have been linked to poor oral health, including heart disease, diabetes, and even dementia. So, in this blog post, we’re going to explore the connection between oral health and overall health, and why it’s so important to take care of your teeth and gums.

Gum Disease and The Heart

Did you know that people with gum disease are at higher risk for heart disease and stroke? This is because gum disease can cause inflammation in the body, which can lead to damaged blood vessels and an increased risk of blood clots. Research has found that people with gum disease are twice as likely to suffer from heart disease compared to those with healthy gums. This is why it’s so important to take good care of your teeth and gums, and to see your dentist regularly to catch any signs of gum disease early on.

Diabetes and Oral Health

People with diabetes are at higher risk for oral health problems, such as gum disease and infections, which can make it harder to control their blood sugar levels. In fact, gum disease may make it harder for people with diabetes to manage their symptoms, and diabetes can also make it harder for the body to fight off infections in the mouth. This is why it’s so important for people with diabetes to maintain good oral hygiene habits and to see their dentist regularly.

Respiratory Infections and Oral Health

Did you know that poor oral health can increase your risk of respiratory infections, such as pneumonia? Bacteria in the mouth can easily travel to the lungs, causing infections and inflammation. This is particularly true in people with gum disease or those who have recently had dental surgery. By taking good care of your teeth and gums, you can reduce your risk of respiratory infections and keep your lungs healthy.

Dementia and Clean Teeth

Recent studies have found a link between poor oral health and an increased risk of dementia in older adults. One theory is that the inflammation caused by gum disease may contribute to the development of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. This makes it all the more important to take good care of your oral health as you age, to protect your brain and reduce your risk of cognitive decline.

Pregnancy and Oral Hygiene

Pregnant women are at higher risk for gum disease and other oral health problems, partly due to hormonal changes in the body. However, poor oral health during pregnancy has also been linked to preterm birth and low birth weight in babies. This is why it’s so important for pregnant women to see their dentist regularly and to maintain good oral hygiene habits throughout their pregnancy.

As you can see, the health of your mouth is closely connected to the health of your entire body. By taking good care of your teeth and gums, you can reduce your risk of a range of serious health problems, from heart disease to dementia. So, make sure to brush and floss daily, eat a healthy diet, and see your dentist regularly to keep your oral health in top shape. Your body will thank you for it!

Don’t let dental problems go untreated any longer. Take action and schedule an appointment with Dr. Adesanya and his team today. Whether you need a routine check-up, a filling, or more advanced dental treatment, Dr. Adesanya has the skills and expertise to help you achieve a healthy and beautiful smile.

So what are you waiting for? Contact Dr. Abiodun Adesanya, My Bowie Dentist, today and take the first step towards optimal dental health!

Preventing Cavities: Tips from Your Dentist

Preventing Cavities: Tips from Your Dentist

Cavities are a common dental problem that affects both children and adults. While they may seem minor, cavities can lead to serious dental issues such as infections and tooth decay. Fortunately, there are simple steps you can take to prevent cavities and maintain good oral health. In this blog post, we will discuss the best ways to prevent cavities and keep your teeth healthy and strong.

1. Brush and Floss Regularly

One of the best ways to prevent cavities is to maintain good oral hygiene habits. Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss at least once a day. This will help remove food particles and plaque from your teeth that can lead to cavities. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to protect your teeth from decay.

2. Eat a Healthy Diet

The foods you eat can have a big impact on your oral health. Avoid sugary and acidic foods that can damage your teeth and lead to cavities. Instead, eat a balanced diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. Drinking water with fluoride can also help strengthen your teeth and prevent cavities.

3. Use Mouthwash

Mouthwash can be a great addition to your oral hygiene routine. Look for a mouthwash that contains fluoride and use it after brushing and flossing. This will help in killing bacteria and also preventing cavities from forming. Be sure to follow the instructions on the label and never swallow mouthwash.

4. Visit Your Dentist Regularly

Regular dental checkups and cleanings are essential for preventing cavities. Your dentist can detect early signs of cavities and treat them before they become a bigger problem. They can also clean your teeth and remove plaque and tartar buildup that can lead to cavities. Be sure to visit your dentist at least twice a year for checkups and cleanings.

5. Consider Dental Sealants

Dental sealants are a protective coating that is applied to the chewing surfaces of your back teeth. They can help prevent cavities by sealing off the grooves and crevices where bacteria and food particles can collect. Sealants are a simple and effective way to protect your teeth from decay.

Cavities can be a major dental problem, but they are also preventable. By following these simple tips, you can maintain good oral hygiene by preventing cavities from developing. Remember to brush and floss regularly, eat a healthy diet, use mouthwash, visit your dentist regularly, and consider dental sealants. By prioritizing your oral health, you can keep your teeth strong and healthy for years to come.

Family Dentist in Bowie, Maryland

Are you in search of a dentist who truly cares about your dental health and overall wellbeing? Look no further than Dr. Abiodun Adesanya at My Bowie Dentist.

With years of experience and a commitment to providing top-quality care to each and every patient, Dr. Adesanya is dedicated to helping you achieve optimal oral health. Whether you’re in need of a routine cleaning or a more complex procedure, he and his expert team are here to ensure that you feel comfortable and confident throughout the entire process.

Why settle for subpar dental care when you can trust the best in the business? Contact Dr. Abiodun Adesanya at My Bowie Dentist today to schedule your appointment and take the first step towards a healthier, happier smile. Let us show you why we’re the go-to choice for dental care in Bowie and beyond.

A Tooth Friendly Guide to Halloween

A Tooth Friendly Guide to Halloween

Candy is one of the many different types of foods and drinks that may cause harm to the teeth – and Halloween is a holiday full of sweets. Yet, they get a much worse reputation than most other foods.

The reason behind this is that sugary foods that are left behind on teeth make way for certain bacteria to feed on it, causing the formation of cavities. This interaction between sweet and bacteria creates an acid which then leads to tooth decay.

However, that does not mean that your kids should not be enjoying Halloween – even if it is a little this year. With a few things in mind, it is possible to make this holiday tooth friendly and fun. Here’s some tips from Dr. Adesanya:

·        Avoid the Sticky Candies

As you already know, the real culprit is the sweet that gets left behind on your teeth; and sticky gooey candies are almost impossible to get off. They coat the teeth and get stuck in the grooves, making them the worst offender in the world of candies. So, try keeping these candies away from your kids.

·        Pack Halloween Candy With Lunch

It is likely that if a kid finds candy in their lunch, they will end up eating it before the food. Then, as they start chewing their meal, the excess saliva that is produced will help wash away the sugar. So, you will be protecting your kids’ teeth while also surprising them with candy.

·        Screen Their Trick-or-Treat Candy

Make a rule that any candy your kids receive through trick-or-treating will first be screened by you. But make sure to let your kids know that they will get some kind of reward for letting the candies be screened. Otherwise, chances are they’ll end up sneaking some candies out. When you screen the candies, you can throw out the ones that aren’t good for their oral health.

·        Maintain a Proper Brushing Habit

This habit should begin as early as when the child’s first tooth comes in. This will help them catch onto healthy oral habits early on and be beneficial in the long run. So, make sure to brush their teeth twice a day no matter what.

·        Fluoride Toothpaste

The reason fluoride is so commonly used in dental supplements is because it is a mineral that naturally occurs in the bones and teeth, making it an excellent ingredient for tooth-care. It can help rebuild tooth enamel, reverse the signs of tooth decay, and prevent the growth of harmful oral bacteria.

·        Regular Dental Checkups

You don’t need to have a cavity or a broken tooth to visit the dentist. Regular dental checkups can help maintain oral health. At the same time, any issues that may occur will be caught early on. Hence, making them easier to be solved. So, be sure to give Dr. Adesanya’s office a call to stay up to date with appointments.

Following these on a regular basis will help maintain good oral health for your kids, as well as a tooth friendly Halloween.

 

tips to keep your teeth healthy

6 Tips to Keep Your Teeth Healthy

Are you looking for tips to keep your teeth healthy? Especially when Halloween is just around the corner?

For many people, Halloween is one of the most pleasurable holidays of the year, and for a good reason. Who does not like relishing in a bag full of candy? While Halloween may look a little different this year, you’ll still want to ensure that you’re taking good care of your teeth.

Dr. Adesanya has six effective tips to ensure that your teeth and gums remain healthy in all seasons!

 

6 Tips to Keep Your Teeth Healthy

 

Tip #1: Brush your teeth at least 2x daily

To have healthy and happy teeth, you must brush your teeth after every meal. This will help to remove the plaque and food trapped between your gums and teeth. If you’re not brushing your teeth after every meal, then you should at least make sure that you are brushing at least twice a day for two minutes; when you wake up in the morning and before heading to bed. (Don’t forget to brush your tongue, too!)

Pro tip: change your toothbrush after every three to four months or sooner in case he bristles start to fray. You’ll also want to change your toothbrush after being sick as harmful bacteria can linger on your toothbrush.

 

Tip #2: Brush thoroughly

The key to healthy teeth is not merely brushing twice a day; you have to make sure that you are brushing thoroughly and removing all plaque or residue properly. Often people forget their gum line while brushing, which is a big no-no in dental healthcare as harmful bacteria’s usually hang out where your teeth meet the gum. Therefore, ensure you do not miss that area. Similarly, do not forget your tongue as it can also harbor harmful bacteria.

 

Tip #3: Use fluoride toothpaste

As far as toothpaste is concerned, store shelves are swamped with brands that claim to freshen breath, reduce gingivitis, and whiten teeth. So how do you determine which one is best for healthy teeth and gum? Always buy a toothpaste that includes fluoride and holds the ADA seal of acceptance. Fluoride helps to prevent cavities in both children and adults; therefore, whichever brand you choose just ensure that it contains fluoride.

 

Tip #4: Don’t forget to floss!

Dental floss is an easy and extremely effective way to prevent periodontal diseases which are caused by plaque and bacteria buildup. Flossing daily helps in cleaning areas that are neglected by our toothbrushes such as tight gaps and small spaces. Few minutes of flossing can contribute to a lifetime of optimal oral health!

 

Tip #5: Limit acidic drinks

It is not just sugary drinks that are harmful to your teeth – acidic drinks are equally bad! Acids dissolve phosphate and calcium, the two minerals that strengthen teeth and ensure their health. Acidic beverages can force your enamel to wear away, making your teeth more prone to sensitivity and decay.

Looking for a reliable dentist? Click here to schedule an appointment with Dr Abiodun Adesanya!

 

Tip #6: Avoid gummy/sticky snacks

Sticky or gummy snacks are more likely to stick to your teeth and can get stuck between them. This will lengthen the exposure of your teeth to sugar, and we all know how that goes, right? As if this wasn’t bad enough, such snacks can also pull out crowns, fillings and other dental appliances. So always safeguard your teeth from treats like taffy, jellybeans, gummy candies, and sweets featuring caramel or marshmallow.

 

Bowie Dentist

Although these six tips to keep your teeth healthy are pretty effective, but in case you face serious dental concern, you should consult with Dr. Adesanya and his team.  Don’t forget to schedule your dental cleaning and routine check up semi-annually as well!

To learn more about oral health and hygiene, head to My Bowie Dentist!

 

 

 

Everything You Need to Know About Charcoal Toothpaste | Dr. Adesanya | Professional Teeth Whitening | My Bowie Dentist

Everything You Need to Know About Charcoal Toothpaste

When it comes to the preparation of some of our favorite grilled foods, charcoal plays a very important role. However, emerging research has come to establish that the usage of charcoal can go beyond food preparation as we know it. With the emergence of activated charcoal being used in toothpaste these days for teeth whitening, a lot of companies who manufacture this charcoal-based toothpaste tend to leave out a lot of details when it comes to the usage and effectiveness of the product. There are new trends all the time, not all of them are safe and effective. In addition to recommending a safe whitening routine, you can also discuss professional teeth whitening at your next appointment.

As a general rule of thumb, your toothpaste should contain fluoride AND have the American Dental Association’s (ADA) seal on the toothpaste indicating that it is safe for use.

Is Charcoal Teeth Whitening Safe?

While activated charcoal is safe to ingest, in most instances charcoal toothpaste is abrasive on teeth and can wear down the enamel, bringing a new set of problems. Many choose to use charcoal toothpaste as a means of whitening teeth, however as the charcoal wears down the enamel it exposes the dentin layer, which is a yellow color. By wearing down the enamel, it also leaves your teeth more susceptible to harmful bacteria which can cause cavities.

Why Charcoal Toothpaste is NOT Recommended

According to Colgate, the research conducted around charcoal toothpaste is still emerging and there are still a lot of unknown effects of the product. While the product has not been proven to be completely bad for human health, users should exercise caution and take into account that many brands also do not contain fluoride. Fluoride is essential for keeping your tooth’s enamel sturdy, whilst protecting it against cavities and decay. Certain researchers have even related the product to tooth decay, especially because the particles tend to accumulate in the tiniest cracks in older teeth. According to ABC, a number of people have also reported having burns and mouth ulcers from using the product.

Traditional toothpaste, however, is still known for its effectiveness and has a lot of extensive research done to prove its credibility. Hence, it is important for people to not get swayed by controversial ads that constantly posit that certain teeth conditions require the use of charcoal toothpaste.

In the event of any tooth or mouth defects, most experts agree that the best thing to do would be to see your dentist. The mouth is a very delicate area in the body, so self-medication is not the safest habit to adopt, especially not with a questionable toothpaste containing charcoal as a base ingredient.

Verification is an extremely important part of any treatment process and gambling with various dental trends in the dental industry could end up making your condition worse, especially without proper expert consultation. If you’re still not sure, contact our office to schedule an appointment to speak with one of our hygienists or Dr. Adesanya himself.

When it comes to how charcoal toothpaste interacts with dental restorations like crowns, white fillings, and veneers, there isn’t much information depicting any negative consequences. However, charcoal particles could also build up between them or leave them colored.
Recommended Ways to Whiten Teeth

Although charcoal might seem to be the next best option regarding teeth whitening, there are so many other tested and proven methods for getting whiter teeth, these include;

● Brush after consuming tea, coffee, soda, and other items that could stain your teeth.
● Whitening toothpaste.
● Whitening strips.
● Book an appointment to discuss professional teeth whitening services.

However, while these are some alternative products, schedule an appointment with Dr. Adesanya to discuss what may be your best course of action as not every method is effective for everyone. This helps ensure that you are getting a product that is adequately tailored to your teeth whitening needs after proper examination. It would also ensure that you get faster and more effective results.

Professional Teeth Whitening in Bowie, Maryland

Dr. Adesanya and staff are ready to answer your questions and recommend affordable teeth whitening solutions. Our office also offers professional teeth whitening services. With patients that call Dr. Adesanya the best dentist in Bowie, Maryland, he takes pride in his work and in the level of care he provides to every single patient. With a focus on general and cosmetic dentistry, Dr. Adesanya’s goal and mission is to provide you and your family with the highest quality dental care in a caring, safe and relaxed environment. Give our office a call today to schedule an appointment: 301-464-1800 or click here.