The pros and cons of adding mouthwash to your daily routine and how to pick the right one for your dental health

We’re told a lot of things when we’re young.

We’re told that a magical fairy––who’s really obsessed with our teeth for some reason––visits us in the night and rewards us with cash in exchange for lost teeth.

We’re told a jolly old man with rosy cheeks and a bushy white beard stops by every house on the planet in just one night.

But we’re also taught the importance of daily dental care. And chances are, when you were young, you learned that mouthwash should be a part of your oral health regimen.

But could this be another tall tale like the tooth fairy or Santa Claus, or is there some truth to it?

Do dentists actually recommend mouthwash? And if so, what kind?

This week, your friendly neighborhood San Diego dentist is here to rinse away the confusion and help you decide once and for all if mouthwash is right for you and your dental health.

Let’s start with the different types of mouthwash.

Cosmetic vs. Therapeutic Mouthwash

Mouthwashes are divided into two main categories: cosmetic and therapeutic.

As their names suggest, cosmetic mouthwash is purely for bad breath, while therapeutic mouthwash can improve your dental health in a number of ways.

Cosmetic Dental mouthwashes leave your breath smelling fresh and have a pleasant taste, but they don’t have any healing or cavity-fighting effects.

Therapeutic mouthwashes contain ingredients like essential oils, peroxide, cetylpyridinium chloride (a breath-freshening antiseptic), and fluoride that actively fight oral health issues and help with bad breath.

In the war against bad breath, we recommend using a therapeutic mouthwash with the right ingredients and a taste you enjoy. If you’re going to use mouthwash, you might as well get the cavity and plaque-reducing benefits, right?

What are the Pros of Using Mouthwash?

Aside from fresh breath, mouthwash provides several dental health-boosting benefits.

Hit Those Hard-to-Reach Areas

When you brush your teeth, odds are you don’t clean your cheeks and the back of your mouth.

It’s safe to say that most people stick to their teeth and tongue when they do their daily dental health routine, and this is totally normal!

The great thing about mouthwash is that it reaches all the areas your brush doesn’t cover. See, oral bacteria doesn’t just hang out on your teeth. It can build up on your cheeks, tonsils, and the back of your throat too.

Daily rinsing with mouthwash can cleanse these areas and keep your mouth healthy.

Fight Off Tooth Decay & Gum Disease

Thanks to the ingredients we discussed above, therapeutic mouthwashes provide extra protection from tooth decay, gingivitis, and gum disease and slow the formation of tartar (hardened plaque).

The fluoride in mouthwash formulas strengthens your enamel to protect your teeth from breakdown, while the essential oils stave off decay-causing plaque and gingivitis. A recent study by the Dental Clinics of North America reported that both essential oils and chlorhexidine had a “large effect” on plaque and gingivitis control “supported by a strong body of evidence.”

Chlorhexidine is an ingredient used in prescription mouthwashes that’s well-known for its antimicrobial properties. Although you won’t find this chemical in over-the-counter formulas, your dentist may prescribe you some following certain treatments to help with the healing process.

Relieve Pain from Oral Issues

Certain mouthwashes include topical local anesthetics like lidocaine or benzocaine that can alleviate pain from mouth sores and ulcers.

Whiten & Brighten Up Your Smile

With consistent use, the peroxide contained in therapeutic mouthwashes can help remove stains and whiten your teeth. In combination with daily brushing and flossing, the right mouthwash can preserve your oral health and give you a brighter smile.

But there’s got to be a catch, right?

What are the Cons?

Alcohol & Dry Mouth

If you’ve used mouthwash before, you’re probably familiar with that intense burning sensation that feels like someone lit a campfire in your mouth.

As you may know, that uncomfortable feeling comes from the alcohol used in many popular mouthwash formulas.

Alcohol does an excellent job of getting rid of bacteria, but it’s not very good at distinguishing between good and bad bacteria. So, for the number of harmful germs it eliminates, it takes just as many good germs with it, and it can dry out your mouth in the process.

Without as much saliva to balance the pH levels in your mouth and strengthen your teeth, you could be fostering the very issues you’re trying to fight! For more on how vital saliva is to your dental health, check out this article on genetics and dental health.

With this in mind, look for alcohol-free options next time you go shopping for mouthwash.

Chlorhexidine & Unwanted Stains

With extended use, there’s a chance chlorhexidine can cause unwanted stains on your teeth. That’s why dentists typically prescribe these special mouthwashes for a limited amount of time.

If your dentist sends you home with chlorhexidine, don’t worry. Just be sure to follow their instructions to the letter, and your smile should be perfectly fine.

Mouthwash Tips & Recommendations

When picking out a mouthwash for yourself, use this list of tips and ingredients as a guide:

• Includes: cetylpyridinium chloride, fluoride, peroxide, and essential oils
• Doesn’t include: alcohol
• Avoid chlorhexidine unless prescribed by your San Diego dentist
• And of course, pick one that tastes good to you!

It’s important to note that mouthwash should be a complement to your regular dental cleanings, exams, and daily dental care, not a replacement.

And as a general rule, the American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that no child under six years old uses mouthwash, as they may accidentally swallow too much of it.

So, now you know the pros and cons of using mouthwash and what to look for at the store. But when should you use it? And should it be before or after you brush?

The general recommendation is to rinse with mouthwash whenever you brush your teeth. But if you use fluoride toothpaste (which we strongly recommend), rinsing could get rid of all the fluoride you just coated your teeth with.

To avoid this, you can wait thirty minutes after brushing or use your mouthwash at different times during the day, like after eating lunch.

If you’re still unsure of what to buy after all this, feel free to give us a call at Dental Express for recommendations. We’d be happy to help!

But Do We Really Need to Use Mouthwash?

Great question! We’re glad you asked.

The answer is: It depends!

Some people can maintain perfectly healthy smiles by brushing, flossing, and visiting the dentist regularly.

Others are more prone to cavities and could use the extra help to prevent tooth decay and gum disease.

You know your smile better than anyone, so if you feel you could use a leg up in the fight against cavities, feel free to give mouthwash a shot. As long as you follow the guidelines in this article, there’s certainly no harm in adding it to your dental health routine.

As far as we’re concerned, a little extra fluoride never hurt anybody. If it fits into your budget and you can find one you like, we say go for it!

Your One-Stop for Dental Advice & Healthy Smiles

At Dental Express, whether you’re our patient or not, we take care of you like one of our own. If you ever have any questions about your dental health, helpful tools like mouthwash, or other concerns, don’t be afraid to reach out.

We may be located in San Diego, but we’re here to create as many healthy smiles as we can. In fact, our reputation for top-notch dental care brings people in from all over the country.

So whether you’re in town or out of state, if you’re looking for personalized and family-friendly service in the San Diego area, contact us at any of our six locations for more information. We’d love to hear from you!

Keep Reading

Fluoride: Brushing Away the Myths For Good 

Tips to Choose the Right Toothpaste For Your Mouth 

Baking Soda: The Secret to At-Home Dental Care 

How Did Early Americans Take Care of Their Teeth, Part II 

Learn how fluoride can boost your dental health and save you money at the dentist’s office

Brushing Away the Myths For Good. As if picking out toothpaste isn’t hard enough, every time you go down the dental care aisle, it seems like more and more natural, fluoride-free toothpaste options show up.

As more of these products emerge, fluoride’s cavity-fighting reputation gets called into question.

And with the ongoing debate about the safety and effectiveness of this naturally-occurring mineral, it can be difficult to tell fact from fiction.

So, it’s time to set the record straight.

Today, we’re going to brush up on the facts about fluoride and clear up the common myths to help you make the best decision for your dental health.

But first, let’s cover the basics.

What Is Fluoride?

As we mentioned above, fluoride is a naturally-occurring mineral. You can find trace amounts in certain foods and bodies of water like rivers, lakes, and oceans.

The scientific community recognizes fluoride as “nature’s cavity fighter” and has proven its ability to strengthen enamel and disrupt the demineralization process (the first stage of tooth decay).

Essentially, if tooth decay were Superman, fluoride would be kryptonite.

Because of its cavity-fighting potential, dental care companies create fluoride toothpaste, and communities all around the world add fluoride to their water supplies to foster cavity-free smiles and reduce dental costs.

Now that we’ve covered the essentials, let’s get started with our first myth.

Myth #1: You don’t need fluoride to clean or whiten your teeth.

We should really call this one a misconception because it’s technically true. But it neglects arguably the biggest reason for maintaining your dental hygiene.

Clean, white teeth are a great bonus for brushing twice a day, but the main goal of daily dental care is to protect your teeth from cavities.

Fluoride’s purpose is to stop plaque in its tracks and make your teeth more resistant to decay. So, while you technically don’t need it to keep your smile fresh and clean, you do need it to keep your smile healthy and cavity-free.

Now, this doesn’t mean you absolutely have to use fluoride toothpaste. But if you choose to go the fluoride-free route, it’s essential to get it from other sources.

As we’ll learn in just a moment, access to fluoridated water alone isn’t enough to fend off tooth decay. So, if you don’t get it through your toothpaste, make sure to rinse with a fluoride mouthwash or ask your dentist about fluoride tablets to give your teeth the protection they need.

Myth #2: We get enough fluoride from toothpaste. We don’t need it in our drinking water.

We have much higher concentrations of fluoride in our toothpaste, so why do we need to bother with fluoridated water?

As it turns out, fluoride toothpaste alone isn’t enough. Here’s why:

Although people all across the country use fluoride toothpaste, the tooth decay rate in children and teenagers without access to fluoridated water is up to 45% higher than those with access.

In five different states, studies concluded that decay rates were no less than 32% higher in communities without fluoridated water. Not to mention, tooth decay is the most prevalent condition affecting our children today.

Unfortunately, even with nature’s cavity fighter in our toothpaste, our teeth can still be vulnerable to decay without water fluoridation.

While fluoride toothpaste is a key part of the everyday oral care routine, it works best in combination with fluoridated water to preserve your dental health.

Myth #3: Water fluoridation is the same as forcibly medicating people.

With community water fluoridation, it can seem like we’re being forced to ingest fluoridated water against our will. We should be able to choose, right?

Well, there are two key things to consider here.

1. Remember, fluoride is found naturally in most water sources. Some areas have higher concentrations than others, but no matter where you live, chances are your tap water has some level of fluoride in it already. So, rather than being a matter of choice, it’s more a matter of exactly how much fluoride you’re taking in. And if there’s already some in your water supply, why not have enough to help prevent tooth decay?
2. Fluoride isn’t a medication. US court rulings and the American Journal of Public Health recognize fluoride as a naturally-occurring mineral. And luckily for us, it’s a mineral that, when applied in the right amounts, can help keep our teeth and bones healthy.

Myth #4: Fluoride causes cancer.

Concern about a link between fluoride and cancer has been around for decades.

In 1990, a National Toxicology Program study found that male rats given high-fluoride water over two years developed an unusually high number of bone tumors.

Naturally, this ignited further debate.

But since then, according to the National Cancer Institute, human and animal studies have consistently shown no link between fluoridated water and increased cancer risk.

In recent years, scientific studies by the Journal of Dental Research (2011), the International Journal of Epidemiology (2014), and Cancer Causes & Control (2016) support this conclusion.

So, you can enjoy your tap water with peace of mind and a cavity-resistant smile!

Myth #5: Fluoridated water is bad for babies and children.

Many parents worry that by drinking fluoridated water, their children may develop what’s called fluorosis.

Fluorosis can occur when babies and children are exposed to too much fluoride. This condition causes white spots and discoloration to appear on the enamel, but it’s purely cosmetic and doesn’t cause any pain or adverse health effects.

While it is true that high concentrations of fluoride can cause fluorosis, the majority of cases in the United States are mild. In the past, instances of this condition have encouraged health organizations to update their suggested fluoride levels in community water supplies.

That’s why in 2015, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) changed their recommendations to decrease the risk of fluorosis while still preventing tooth decay.

Nowadays, the risk of fluorosis is incredibly low. And even if it does develop, the cases are typically very mild.

The American Dental Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), and the CDC all agree that fluoride is safe for infants and children and encourage its use. Getting the right amount of fluoride when they’re young has a massive impact on the health and strength of your child’s teeth throughout their life.

Myth #6: Many countries in Europe don’t use water fluoridation.

Another “true” myth!

If they don’t do it over there, why do we do it here?

While many countries in Europe don’t have fluoridated water, most of them get their fluoride from other sources.

Some countries––like Germany, France, and Switzerland––use fluoridated salt. And according to the AAP, these countries have some of the lowest tooth decay rates in all of Europe. Other countries use fluoridated milk or get all the fluoride they need from their natural drinking water.

If you’re wondering which countries do use fluoridated water, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Spain are the big three.

And here’s a fun fact: Ireland and Singapore are the only countries in the world that legally mandate water fluoridation.

Fact: Getting your daily dose of fluoride is essential for your dental health

Fluoride is a crucial element for promoting dental health, and while adding it to the water supply may not be the method of choice for everyone, it’s worked wonders here in the US.

In recent years, studies have shown that the amount people save on dental treatments far outweighs the cost of fluoridating the water supply. For every $1 invested in water fluoridation, most cities save $32 in fillings, root canals, and other cavity-related dental treatments.

Believe it or not, in 1995, a group of leading scientists went before Congress and reported that nationwide, annual savings resulting from fluoridated water totaled $3.84 billion every year.

Not surprisingly, the CDC recognizes water fluoridation as one of ten great public health achievements of the 20th century.

So, whether it’s in the form of toothpaste, mouthwash, water, salt, or milk, make sure you get your daily dose of fluoride!

Your One-Stop for Patient-Focused Dental Care in San Diego

There’s so much information out there these days it can be hard to keep track of the truth.

If you ever want to know about fluoride and how it helps fight tooth decay, or you have any oral health-related questions, please don’t hesitate to give us a call. At Dental Express, we’re always happy to arm you with the knowledge to improve your dental health.

We offer professional fluoride treatments at all six of our San Diego locations to strengthen your enamel and give you a healthy smile. Contact us today to set up an appointment or have your dental health questions answered.

Even if it’s just to learn about what makes a happy mouth, we’d love to hear from you!

Keep Reading

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Tips for Keeping Healthy Teeth at Home 

I Eat a Healthy Diet. Can I Still Get Cavities? 

How to teach the little ones in your life the importance of caring for their baby teeth, and helpful tips to know for Children’s Dental Health Month

Every February, the American Dental Association (ADA) celebrates National Healthy Oral Habits Kids Dental Health Month. This annual observation promotes healthy dental habits for kids and provides parents with fun ways to get their little ones excited about dental care.

This year’s theme is all about teaching the youngins how drinking more water can improve their dental health and fight off the harmful effects of sugary drinks. Hence the slogan, “Water: Nature’s Drink.”

Instilling good dental habits at a young age is one of the best ways to ensure your little one enjoys a lifetime full of Healthy Oral Habits smiles. But making dental care fun and exciting for them isn’t always a walk in the park.

To celebrate Children’s Dental Health Month, we put together some dentist-approved tips, helpful information, and fun activities to make dental care a blast for your child.

It’s Never Too Early To Prioritize Your Child’s Dental Health

Many parents wonder when they should start cleaning their child’s teeth and when to take them in for their first dentist visit.

The answer is: it’s never too early!

In honor of Children’s Dental Health Month, we’ve compiled this list of answers to common questions parents have about infant and kids’ dental for kids care. By the end, you’ll have the knowledge to care for your little one’s oral health like a dental professional!

1. When should I start cleaning my child’s teeth? As soon as their first tooth erupts, start brushing twice a day with fluoridated toothpaste to strengthen their enamel. You can even start cleaning their gums before their teeth start coming in to ensure a healthy mouth. After feeding them, dampen a soft washcloth and gently clean their gums to get rid of any harmful bacteria.
2. When should I take my child in for their first dentist visit? The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends scheduling your child’s first dentist visit six months after their first tooth comes in, or no later than their first birthday. Most infants will develop their first tooth within twelve months. Your San Diego dentist can assess the early development of your little one’s teeth and ensure their dental health is on the right track.
3. When should I start flossing my child’s teeth? As soon as two of their teeth touch, you’re cleared to start flossing. Just like for your adult teeth, you should floss your child’s at least once a day to dislodge any stubborn food particles and bacteria.
4. How often should I bring my child in for dentist checkups? For the little ones, biannual checkups (once every six months) are best. Visiting your San Diego dentist twice a year gives them a chance to catch any dental issues while they’re small and manageable and make sure your child’s teeth are growing in properly.
5. How often should I replace my child’s toothbrush? The rule of thumb is every three to four months, or once you notice the bristles become frayed.

As the ADA suggests, replacing sugary drinks with water whenever possible is a huge help in the fight against childhood tooth decay. With this harmful disease affecting over a quarter of all children in the United States, it’s essential to give your baby every advantage you can.

As they get older, making healthy snack choices is another great way of protecting their baby teeth. With all the sticky candies, gummies, fruit juices, and sodas, it can be hard to avoid processed sugars in their day to day diet.

To combat the ever-present cavity-causing ingredient, try adding some fruit, low or no sugar yogurt, and nuts into the mix.

Your child’s baby teeth help them eat, speak, smile, and hold valuable space for their adult teeth. Protecting them sets your little one up for a healthy oral habits mouth now and when their permanent teeth grow in.

For a full breakdown of how to care for your child’s dental health, check out our parent’s guide to children’s dentistry here.

Dental Care At Home Doesn’t Have to Be Like Pulling Teeth!

Children’s Dental Health Month is all about making dental care fun, both inside and outside the office.

At home, turning daily brushing and flossing into a game and adding interactive activities to your child’s oral health routine are both excellent ways of teaching them the importance of proper oral hygiene.

You can create a daily dental care calendar with your little one that they can check off whenever they brush and floss. You can turn your oral hygiene habits into a family activity and take care of your teeth together. Or, you can have your little one pick out a song to brush their teeth to.

The AAPD recommends helping them build a brushing playlist with their favorite songs and letting them pick which section of the song they’d like to brush to most.

If you need some help coming up with ideas, the ADA and AAPD have plenty of fun printable oral health activities like coloring pages, crossword puzzles, mazes, word searches, and more.

You can find a list of downloadable dental care-themed worksheets by the AAPD here.

And the ADA has a connect-the-dots activity, brushing calendar, and more here.

If your child is at the age where their baby teeth are starting to fall out, the Tooth Fairy is a fantastic––and magical––way to make their oral health journey fun!

Each time they lose a tooth, you can have them write a note to the tooth fairy in a special notebook. You can decorate the notebook together, and when you leave their reward at night, you can write a little note from the Tooth Fairy praising them for taking such good care of their teeth.

The ADA also suggests filling out special “tooth receipts” as the Tooth Fairy to commemorate lost teeth. You can pick up a receipt pad yourself and add your child’s name, the date, the reward, and a description of their tooth. Or, you can print out the ADA’s version here.

Whatever fun activities you choose, try to include your little one in the decision making and creative processes as much as possible. The more involved they are, the more proud they’ll be of their good oral health habits!

Visiting Your San Diego Dentist

One of the best recipes for creating a comfortable, curious, and even exciting trip to the dentist is to make it a family affair.

When you take your child to the dentist, schedule appointments for yourself as well. Bring the grandparents along if you can. Seeing mom, dad, grandma, and grandpa in the dentist’s chair will work wonders for their trust and comfortability.

Combined with a friendly, fun, and educational approach from your San Diego dentist, your little one will have an enjoyable learning experience that will leave a positive impact on their life.

Who knows, they may even ask oral health questions all the way home!

It’s Always Children’s Dental Health Month at Dental Express

At Dental Express, we embody the core values of Children’s Dental Health Month all year round.

As a family dentist, we make it easy to have a family-friendly experience that your little ones will love.

Our dental team knows how important it is for children to foster good oral health habits, and we always make sure to provide a positive, uplifting, and educational experience for them.

Creating futures full of bright, Healthy oral habits smile is what we do. And when you bring your family to Dental Express, you become family.

For affordable, patient-focused dental care in the San Diego area, reach out to any of our six locations for information or to set up an appointment. We’re always here for you and your little one’s smile!

Keep Reading

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A helpful guide to overcoming dental anxiety and calming your nerves before your next dentist visit

We all have our fears. Some rational, others not so much. Get over your fear of the dentist.

But whether you’re deathly afraid of heights or you’re terrified of getting peanut butter stuck to the roof of your mouth – yes, this is a real thing, and it’s called arachibutyrophobia – your fears are very real. And unfortunately, you don’t get much of a choice as to what they are.

If you’re lucky, you can go about your daily life without your fears getting in the way. But if you find yourself unable to go within fifty feet of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, then you might have a problem.

Thankfully, most of us aren’t forced to spend any time around peanut butter if we don’t want to. But for the tens of millions of Americans who have a fear of going to the dentist – also called dentophobia – avoidance can only work for so long.

Not many people get excited about going to the dentist, but for those with dentophobia, the fear can be so intense that it prevents them from seeking dental care for years.

As you can imagine, without proper dental care, tooth decay and gum disease can run rampant and cause a laundry list of problems.

People who struggle with dental fear often feel trapped because the longer they avoid the dentist, the worse their dental issues get, and the more treatment they need to fix them.

Some people can’t even drive by a dentist’s office without getting stressed out.

If any of this sounds familiar, we created this guide for you. We’ll be covering the many causes of dentophobia and helpful tips for overcoming dental anxiety for good. Our hope is to inspire you to seek dental care before your issues become too painful to ignore.

What Causes Fear of Going to the Dentist?

You might be thinking:

“What does it matter why I’m afraid of the dentist? I just want to know how to fix it!”

But knowing why you’re afraid of the dentist can help you understand how best to face your fear and ultimately get past it.

If you had a childhood experience that looked like something out of a horror movie, you can use that to your advantage.

When you work up the nerve to give your San Diego dentist a call, mentioning your previous experience can help them understand your situation and make your visit comfortable and accommodating for you.

Other than previous traumatic experiences, people can be afraid of the dentist for a number of reasons:

• Fear of embarrassment or criticism from your dentist – Many people with dentophobia feel embarrassed to show their mouths to a dental care professional after neglecting their oral health. They’re afraid their dentist will criticize them for not taking better care of their teeth, so they avoid going altogether.
• Fear of needles or drills – If you’re not afraid of needles or drills yourself, chances are you know someone who is. This phobia is incredibly common and can make dental care a nightmare.
• Fear of pain – Pain during dental treatments is never fun. Thankfully, nowadays, there are plenty of sedation options to keep procedures pain-free. But if you’re afraid of the dentist, anticipating future pain can be paralyzing.
• Fear of all the treatments you may need – You might be hesitant to go because you’re worried your dentist will take one look at your mouth and say, “Cancel the rest of my week.” Especially if you haven’t gotten a checkup in years, the thought of all the work you’ll have to get done when you finally go can be terrifying.
• Fear of how much all your treatments will cost – As time goes by and your dental issues worsen, the thought of your ever-growing medical bills gets scarier and scarier. This is another instance where the longer you wait, the bigger the problem becomes.

So, how do you break the cycle of fear, avoidance, and declining oral health?

As scary as it might seem, our goal with this article is to show you that overcoming dental anxiety is possible. With a little courage, communication, and some helpful tips, you can conquer your dental fear and smile with confidence again.

How to Overcome Dental Anxiety

Communication

If you have dentophobia, the first and most important step to work through it is to communicate with your dentist.

Lay it all out.

If you have a horror story, share it with them.

If you don’t like the lack of control you feel in the dentist’s chair, agree on a hand signal with your dentist. The signal will tell them to stop if you become overwhelmed or start to feel pain.

And be honest about any pain you feel during treatment. Many people are nervous or embarrassed about stopping their dentist when they feel pain.

Dental care is a partnership. When you have open and honest communication with your dentist, you can work together to make your experience feel safe and secure.

Sedation

Most often, it’s not that people who fear going to the dentist don’t want to improve their oral health. It usually has something to do with the fact that they don’t want a drill or needle in their mouth.

And who can blame them?

Let your San Diego dentist  know of any fears you have so they can take measures to help you stay calm and relaxed during your procedure.

At Dental Express, we offer nitrous oxide sedation and other oral-conscious sedation options to make your experience more comfortable. These methods can help ease any fears you may have about pain, drills, or needles.

Turn Up The Volume

If the sound of a dental drill makes you want to run for the hills, feel free to bring in a pair of headphones with you.

You can listen to your favorite songs or some calming sounds to keep you relaxed throughout your treatment.

Breathe In, Breathe Out

When we’re scared or anxious, we tend to take fast, shallow breaths that deprive us of oxygen. During your treatment, focus on breathing in and out slowly to keep your stress under control.

Schedule Responsibly

If your schedule is tight on Friday, don’t try to fit your dentist appointment in that day. Do yourself a favor and schedule your checkup or treatment on a day when you’re not busy.

The goal is to keep your stress levels as low as possible, so you don’t want to be running around like a crazy person trying to deal with five other errands on the same day as your appointment.

Find a Dentist You Can Trust

If you’re afraid of the dentist, searching for one you can trust can be just as frightening. When searching for the right San Diego dentist, look for one with excellent reviews that highlight friendly, professional staff.

It’s also essential to look for a dentist that offers the proper sedation methods to help with your dental fear. Some dentists may not offer options like nitrous oxide sedation.

And don’t be afraid to call and ask questions. Mention your concerns and see what they’re willing to do to accommodate you.

Regardless of what fears you have, your oral health should be their top priority.

Here for You Every Step of the Way

At Dental Express, we’re no stranger to patients with dental fear. With us, you don’t have to be embarrassed by your oral health.

Whether it’s been six months or ten years since your last checkup, we’ll welcome you back with open arms.

And no matter how many treatments you need, we’ll go at your pace and operate within your budget.

Every step of the way, we promise to listen, accommodate, and make your experience feel comfortable and safe.

If you have a fear of going to the dentist, feel free to reach out over the phone to voice your concerns or ask any questions. Whenever you’re ready to see us, we’ll be there to provide the best dental care San Diego has to offer and give you your smile back.

Keep Reading

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Learn how much your genes are to blame for your dental issues and everything you need to know about genetics and dental health

Have you ever wondered how much of your smile is genetic dental health?

We all inherit traits like height, eye color, hair, and freckles from our parents and grandparents. But those aren’t the only things they pass down to us.

We can also inherit an increased risk of diseases and health conditions.

But do genetics play a role in the risk and development of dental health issues too?

As we’ll find out today, the answer is yes. But don’t go blaming mom and dad for all your dental health issues yet.

The real question here is: How big of a role does genetics play in our dental health?

And a reasonable follow-up question to that is: Can consistent dental care at home and at your San Diego dentist help offset any hereditary teeth problems?

We’re going to get to the bottom of both of these questions today and uncover some exciting facts about genetics and dental health that might surprise you.

Hereditary Teeth Problems

So, what sort of oral health hand-me-downs can you inherit from your ancestors?

As it turns out, they can pass down everything from the shape of your jaw to the protein content of your saliva.

Jaw Shape & Misaligned Teeth

If you have misaligned teeth – also known as malocclusion – it’s usually due to your jaw’s shape, which is an inherited trait.

Malocclusion can make your bite uneven and your teeth overcrowded, leading to several dental health complications.

You may find it hard or uncomfortable to chew, and bacteria can take hold in the hard-to-reach nooks and crannies created by the overcrowded teeth, increasing your risk of tooth decay and cavities.

So, if you’ve ever dealt with misaligned teeth or had to get braces to correct them, you can thank dear old mom and dad.

But don’t be too hard on them. They inherited their teeth just like you!

Cavities

When talking about genetics and dental health, cavities are by far the biggest elephant in the room.

Are some people more likely to develop cavities than others? If so, what genetic factors influence this?

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), your enamel and dentin structure, immune system response, the content and amount of your saliva, and your natural oral bacteria all affect cavity development.

But as far as a direct genetic link that predisposes you to cavities, research results have been inconsistent.

The jury’s still out on this one, but current studies show that genetics play a partial role in cavity development, ranging anywhere from 20-85%.

Without any concrete answer, the moral of the story here is that it’s better to be safe than have cavities.

Protect your teeth as much as possible with regular trips to your San Diego dentist and proper hygiene at home.

Consistent dental care is one of the best ways to fend off cavities, whether they’re genetically motivated or not.

Saliva

As stated by the ADA, part of the role genetics plays in cavity development is the makeup and amount of your saliva.

At the risk of throwing another fancy word at you, we’re going to talk about a process called amelogenesis.

This crucial dental process forms the dentin and enamel surrounding your teeth, and there are two types of proteins that help facilitate it.

Studies have shown that genetic factors can change the levels of these proteins, which can affect the size, shape, and color of your enamel.

So depending on your genetic makeup, your enamel may be weaker and more susceptible to developing cavities.

It’s also important to note that the amount of saliva your body produces is linked to cavity risk. Believe it or not, saliva does way more than help with chewing your food.

In fact, it performs several essential oral health-protecting duties. For one, when the foods and drinks you consume create an acidic environment in your mouth, your saliva steps in to balance out the pH levels.

Another important job your saliva performs is called remineralization. At the same time your saliva is balancing the pH levels in your mouth, it’s also delivering vital minerals like fluoride, calcium, and phosphate to your teeth.

This process rebuilds and strengthens your enamel to counteract the breakdown that occurs when you eat or drink.

And to top it all off, your saliva also acts as a natural antibacterial cleanser. So as you can imagine, without saliva, your teeth would be in a lot of trouble.

Unfortunately, women naturally produce less saliva than men, so they’re automatically at a slight disadvantage.

And research shows that specific genes can reduce your saliva’s antibacterial qualities, leaving your teeth vulnerable to tooth decay.

To determine whether your teeth need extra care, your San Diego dentist can perform x-rays and in-depth examinations to check the strength of your enamel.

Depending on what they find, they may recommend a more rigorous home dental care routine and more frequent checkups to make sure your smile stays healthy.

Immune Deficiencies

With an ongoing battle against plaque and bacteria in your mouth, your immune system plays a huge role in guarding your teeth against intruders.

But immune deficiencies – both inherited and non-inherited – can hurt your body’s ability to fight off harmful oral bacteria.

When your immune system is weakened, tooth decay has an easier time setting up shop in your mouth.

So if you know you have an immune deficiency, talk with your dentist, and get proactive about protecting your oral health.

Periodontal Disease

Similar to cavities, a direct genetic role hasn’t been defined for periodontal disease yet. But up to thirty-eight genes have been proven to be related to this harmful dental condition.

Also, the ADA states that genetics can affect the structural integrity of your teeth. And due to its close link with overall health, lifestyle factors like tobacco use and diabetes can greatly increase your risk of periodontal disease.

Oral cancer

Perhaps the worst of our hereditary teeth problems, oral cancer is (thankfully) only influenced by genetic factors in a minor way.

People with certain genetic markers are at increased risk of developing the disease. But more often than not, lifestyle factors like tobacco use and drinking contribute the most.

Avoiding tobacco, cutting back on alcohol, and making healthy dietary choices can reduce your risk of both oral cancer and periodontal disease.

Of course, those recommendations are much easier said than done. But hey, we’re your friendly neighborhood San Diego dentist. We’re just looking out for you.

Here’s a Fun Bonus Fact

Alright, enough with all the doom and gloom. Harmful dental health issues aren’t the only thing we inherit from our predecessors.

Family members often share similar facial features thanks to the magic of genetics. But did you know that there may be a “family facial expression signature?”

A recent study compared the various facial expressions – concentration, joy, surprise, etc. – of a congenitally blind person with those of their family members and a number of strangers.

As surprising as it may sound, someone who had never seen before in their life made many of the same facial expressions that their family members made.

So, who’s to say we don’t inherit our smiles too?

Genetics and Dental Health

Genetics may only play a partial role in the development of dental health issues, but as you saw today, that little bit goes a long way.

The worst part about hereditary teeth problems is that for some of us, they’re unavoidable. And as fun as it might be, blaming mom and dad won’t keep your smile healthy.

That’s why it’s so important to focus on what you can control.

When you have genetic dental health issues, at-home dental care and regular visits to your San Diego dentist are even more critical to protect your oral health.

If you’re genetically predisposed to any oral conditions, Dental Express is here to help.

We’ll take your situation into account and develop a dental care plan as unique as you are.

Tackling any obstacles – genetic or otherwise – standing in the way of your ideal smile is what we do best.

If you’d like more information or to schedule an appointment, we have six locations in the San Diego area open six days a week. Give us a call or walk-in during office hours. We’d love to welcome you to the Dental Express family.

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Discover how regular dental care during covid-19 can lower the risk and severity of covid-related respiratory issues

Going to the dentist during a pandemic might seem ill-advised and even a bit scary.

With everything going on in the world right now, just leaving your house can be nerve-wracking.

But as it turns out, routine dental care is crucial now more than ever.

Research findings are starting to suggest a link between periodontitis and Covid-related respiratory problems, making bi-annual cleanings and exams at your San Diego dentist even more crucial to maintaining your overall health.

Today we’ll be exploring how having a healthy mouth can help protect you from covid-related complications and how, with the proper precautions, you and your family can visit the dentist worry-free.

How Does Your Oral Health Affect Your Lungs?

Even before the worldwide pandemic, researchers established a connection between periodontal disease and certain respiratory conditions.

According to the Journal of Medicine and Life, oral health issues such as periodontitis can influence the course of respiratory infections like pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and asthma.

And not the good, “Stay in school and get good grades,” kind of influence.

Untreated periodontitis is linked to an increased risk of complications and an even higher mortality rate in hospitalized patients with these conditions.

But how does that work? How can what’s going on in your mouth have such a big impact on your lungs?

To answer that question, we’re going to pose another question to you.

Have you ever accidentally inhaled water and then proceeded to have a coughing fit for the next five minutes?

Of course you have. You’re human.

Well, the act of accidentally inhaling food or water is called aspiration. And the same way you can aspirate water in the middle of a restaurant full of people, you can also aspirate periodontal disease-causing oral bacteria.

While you won’t have the usual coughing fit afterward, your lungs won’t exactly like it when you aspirate harmful bacteria.

So, naturally, they’ll become inflamed in hopes of counteracting the unwelcome visitors’ presence.

This inflammatory response can affect the way your lungs function, making them less effective and increasing your risk of pneumonia and COPD.

This risk is one of the many reasons why regular trips to your San Diego dentist are essential to maintaining your oral health.

And with the current public health crisis, the importance of dental care during covid-19 can’t be overstated.

How Does Your Oral Health Affect Your Risk of Covid-Related Complications?

According to the California Dental Association (CDA), roughly 20% of covid-19 patients develop severe respiratory issues that can lead to acute respiratory distress syndrome, which along with pneumonia, is the leading cause of mortality in those patients.

Many of these people require intensive care and even need to be mechanically ventilated to breathe properly.

Now that we know conditions like periodontitis can cause systemic inflammation and increase the risk of pneumonia and COPD, we can safely say that routine dental cleanings pack serious covid complication-fighting potential.

In fact, the CDA states:

“Successful control of periodontal inflammation can be beneficial to the lungs, possibly decreasing severity and risk of COVID-19 respiratory problems.”

When you prevent plaque and bacteria from developing in your mouth, you won’t have to worry about aspirating any of it and causing unnecessary harm to your lungs.

So, by improving your oral health with regular dental cleanings, you can reduce the risk of complications if the worst should happen and you or someone you love contracts covid.

This unfortunate health crisis also makes maintaining your at-home dental care regimen all the more critical. To keep gum disease and periodontitis at bay, it takes consistent effort.

Do your best to brush twice every day with fluoride toothpaste for at least two minutes and floss once every day.

If you already have periodontitis, you may need a more rigorous at-home dental care routine. Talk with your San Diego dentist about the best way to protect your oral health.

Is it Safe to Seek Dental Care During Covid-19?

If you’re worried about going to the dentist right now, you’re not alone. But as long as your local dentist has the proper safety measures in place, there’s no reason to worry.

Masks and social distancing are a must, and you want your dental care team to be checking temperatures, sanitizing surfaces, and limiting patient traffic as much as possible.

At Dental Express, we do everything in our power to keep our patients and staff safe and risk-free:

• Covid questionnaire: When you make an appointment with us, we require you to fill out the CDA and ADA-approved covid questionnaire. And for good measure, we ask the same questions again when you come in for your visit.
• Keep the lobby doors locked: To prevent overcrowding, we keep the lobby doors locked and have you check-in online. When it’s time for your appointment, we call you up and welcome you inside.
• Check temperatures at the door: When you come inside, the first thing we do is check your temperature and offer you a hand sanitizer. If your temperature looks good and you’re not showing any symptoms, we’ll check you in and call you back when we’re ready.
• Limit number of patients in the lobby: As we welcome patients into the office, we limit how many can come in to give everyone enough space to practice social distancing safely.
• Top-notch sterilization: We sterilize our tools with industry-grade antiseptic, and we promise to leave your mouth cleaner than we found it, whether there’s a pandemic or not.
• Sanitize all places of contact: Countertops, door handles, chairs, armrests. No surface is safe from our regular sanitizing sessions throughout the day!
• Extended appointment slots: To adapt to the covid environment, we’ve lengthened appointment time slots. The extra time allows us to clean our equipment and seating area for the next patient, and it also reduces the overall traffic coming in and out of the office every day.

We follow these safety protocols at all six of our locations in the San Diego area. So, wherever you make an appointment with us, you can rest assured your visit will be clean and safe.

Safe, Quality Dental Care You Can Trust

What we’re going through as a nation and as a planet is unprecedented. This is a stressful time for all of us.

In times like these, it can be so easy to let our personal care take a back seat, especially when it comes to oral hygiene.

But as we learned today, receiving dental care during covid-19 is one of the best ways to protect yourself.

Now more than ever, make a point to stick to your oral health routine at home. And set up regular cleanings at your local San Diego dentist to keep your mouth clean and healthy.

At Dental Express, your safety, security, and oral health are our top priorities during this global health crisis. We understand these are difficult, frightening times.

That’s why we do everything in our power to create a safe and comfortable environment for you and your family.

If you have any questions about our covid-19 safety precautions or you’d like to make an appointment at one of our locations, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

We’re in this together, and we’re here for you every step of the way.

Keep Reading

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