Plymouth Periodontics, LLC

06/23/2025

Is Sparkling Water Bad for My Teeth?

Is the satisfying fizz of your favorite sparkling water putting you at risk for tooth decay? Because any drink with carbonation—including sparkling water—has a higher acid level, some reports have questioned whether sipping sparkling water will weaken your tooth enamel (the hard outer shell of your teeth where cavities first form).

So, Is Sparkling Water Affecting My Teeth?
According to available research, sparkling water is generally fine for your teeth—and here's why. In a study using teeth that were removed as a part of treatment and donated for research, researchers tested to see whether sparkling water would attack tooth enamel more aggressively than regular lab water. The result? The two forms of water were about the same in their effects on tooth enamel. This finding suggests that, even though sparkling water is slightly more acidic than ordinary water, it's all just water to your teeth.

Tips for Enjoying Sparkling Water—and Protecting Your Teeth
Sparkling water is far better for your teeth than sugary drinks. In addition, be sure to drink plenty of regular, fluoridated water, too—it’s the best beverage for your teeth. Water with fluoride naturally helps fight cavities, washes away the leftover food cavity-causing bacteria feast on and keeps your mouth from becoming dry (which can put you at a higher risk of cavities).
Be mindful of what’s in your sparkling water. Citrus-flavored waters often have higher acid levels that does increase the risk of damage to your enamel. Plan to enjoy these in one sitting or with meals. This way, you aren’t sipping it throughout the day and exposing your teeth over and over again to the slightly higher level of acid it contains.
Sparkling water brands with added sugar can no longer be considered just sparkling water. They are a sugar-sweetened beverage, which can contribute to your risk of developing cavities. So remember—sparkling or not—plain water is always the best choice.
From:mouthhealthy.org

06/19/2025

Juneteenth is a federal holiday in the United States. It is celebrated annually on June 19 to commemorate the ending of slavery in the United States. The holiday's name, first used in the 1890s, is a portmanteau of the words "June" and "nineteenth", referring to June 19, 1865, the day when Major General Gordon Granger ordered the final enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation in Texas at the end of the American Civil War.[8][9] In the Civil War period, slavery came to an end in various areas of the United States at different times. Many enslaved Southerners escaped, demanded wages, stopped work, or took up arms against the Confederacy of slave states. In January 1865, Congress finally proposed the Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution for national abolition of slavery. By June 1865, almost all enslaved were freed by the victorious Union Army, or abolition laws in some of the remaining U.S. states. When the national abolition amendment was ratified in December, the remaining enslaved in Delaware and in Kentucky were freed.

Early celebrations date back to 1866, at first involving church-centered community gatherings in Texas. They spread across the South among newly freed African American slaves and their descendants and became more commercialized in the 1920s and 1930s, often centering on a food festival. Participants in the Great Migration brought these celebrations to the rest of the country. During the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s, these celebrations were eclipsed by the nonviolent determination to achieve civil rights, but grew in popularity again in the 1970s with a focus on African-American freedom and African-American arts. Beginning with Texas by proclamation in 1938, and by legislation in 1979, every U.S. state and the District of Columbia has formally recognized the holiday in some way.

Juneteenth is also celebrated by the Mascogos, descendants of Black Seminoles who escaped from slavery in 1852 and settled in Coahuila, Mexico.[10]

The day was recognized as a federal holiday in 2021, when the 117th U.S. Congress enacted and President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law. Juneteenth became the first new federal holiday since Martin Luther King Jr. Day was adopted in 1983.

06/17/2025

Common dental concerns for older adults.

Gum disease
The first stage of gum disease is called gingivitis, which is the only stage that is reversible. If not treated, gingivitis may lead to a more serious, destructive form of gum/periodontal disease called periodontitis. It is possible to have gum disease and have no warning signs. That is one reason why regular dental checkups and periodontal examinations are so important. Treatment methods depend upon the type of disease and how far the condition has progressed. Good oral hygiene at home is essential to help keep periodontal disease from becoming more serious or recurring. Brush twice a day, clean between your teeth daily, eat a balanced diet, and schedule regular dental visits for a lifetime of healthy smiles.

Missing Teeth
Did you know that the average adult between the ages of 20 and 64 has three or more decayed or missing teeth? If you are missing one or more teeth, there are plenty of reasons to correct the problem. For one thing, a large space between your teeth may affect how you speak or eat. Even if it’s not noticeable, a missing molar can affect how you chew. Remaining teeth may shift and in some cases, bone loss can occur around a missing tooth. With today’s advances, you don’t have to suffer from missing teeth.

Here are some options to replace a lost tooth or teeth. Talk to your dentist about which option is best for you:

Bridges. Anchored to your adjacent teeth, these can be removable or fixed, depending on your mouth, your dentist’s recommendation and your needs.
Dentures. An option if you’ve lost all or most of your teeth.
Implants. Most similar to a natural tooth.
Sensitivity
If hot or cold foods make you wince, you may have a common dental problem—sensitive teeth. Sensitivity in your teeth can happen for several reasons, including:
tooth decay (cavities)
fractured teeth
worn fillings
gum disease
worn tooth enamel
exposed tooth root
Sensitive teeth can be treated. Your dentist may recommend desensitizing toothpaste or an alternative treatment based on the cause of your sensitivity. Proper oral hygiene is the key to preventing sensitive-tooth pain. Ask your dentist if you have any questions about your daily oral hygiene routine or concerns about tooth sensitivity.

Dry mouth
Everyone’s mouth can be dry sometimes, but if you feel like your mouth is always dry, it may be time to seek treatment. Medications and certain health conditions can lead to dry mouth. A dentist will check your teeth for signs of decay that can result from decreased salivary flow. A physician will test for any underlying disease or conditions that may be causing your dry mouth. Having a dry mouth is not itself serious but taking care of your teeth and gums and regular dental visits are important when living with dry mouth. Without the cleansing effects of saliva, tooth decay and other oral health problems become more common. Patients using oral inhalers for asthma often develop oral candidiasis, an oral fungal infection, and are encouraged to rinse their mouths with water after using the inhaler. Tell your dentist what medications you are taking and any other information about your health that may help identify the cause of your dry mouth.

Oropharyngeal Cancer
Ororpharyngeal cancer can affect any area of the oropharyngeal cavity including the lips, gum tissue, check lining, tongue, jaw the hard or soft palate and throat. It often starts as a tiny, unnoticed white or red spot or sore or swelling anywhere in the mouth or throat.

During your dental visit, your dentist can talk to you about your health history and examine these areas for signs of mouth and/or throat cancer. Regular visits to your dentist can improve the chances that any suspicious changes in your oral health will be caught early, at a time when cancer can be treated more easily.

The symptoms of mouth or throat cancer can include:
sores that bleed easily or do not heal
a thick or hard spot or lump
a roughened or crusted area
numbness, pain or tenderness
a change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite down.
Make sure to tell your dentist about any problems you have when chewing, swallowing, speaking or moving your tongue or jaw. Regular dental check-ups, including an examination of the entire mouth, are essential in the early detection of cancerous and pre-cancerous conditions.
From:mouthhealthy.org

06/15/2025

06/13/2025

PERIO PROTECT & YOUR HEALTH
Infected gums have a direct entry point to your bloodstream. Chronic infection also increases the inflammatory burden on your body.
Studies have traced pathogens that lead to gum disease to the same pathogens known to cause other systemic inflammation and illness.
Gum disease is a source of chronic inflammation that taxes your immune system. The more sources of inflammation you have, the greater the risk you have for heart disease, type 2 diabetes, respiratory disease, inflammatory driven dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, colorectal cancer, pre-term births and low birth-weight babies.
Talk to Dr. Larrazabal about Perio Tray™ therapy from Perio Protect.
From: https://www.perioprotect.com/benefits-of-perio-protect/...

06/11/2025

Many toothpastes, including those from Crest, Colgate, Sensodyne, and Tom's of Maine, have the ADA Seal of Acceptance, indicating they are safe and effective. The ADA Seal means the toothpaste has undergone rigorous testing and meets the organization's standards for effectiveness and safety.

ADA Seal of Acceptance:
What it means:
The ADA Seal of Acceptance means a product, like toothpaste, has been evaluated and approved by the American Dental Association (ADA) for safety and effectiveness.
How it's obtained:
Toothpaste manufacturers submit data and publications to the ADA's Council on Scientific Affairs, which evaluates whether the product meets the ADA's requirements.

Benefits:
It gives consumers and dental professionals confidence in the product's safety and effectiveness.
Key requirements:
ADA-approved toothpaste must contain fluoride and have scientific evidence to support its claims.

Examples:
Many popular brands like Crest, Colgate, Sensodyne, and Tom's of Maine have received the ADA Seal of Acceptance for various products.
Popular ADA-Approved Toothpastes:
Crest:
Crest Cavity Protection
Crest Tartar Protection
Crest Pro-Health
Crest 3D White Brilliance

Colgate:
Colgate Total
Colgate Optic White
Colgate Cavity Protection
Colgate for Kids

Sensodyne:
Sensodyne Fresh Mint
Sensodyne Pronamel

Tom's of Maine:
Tom's of Maine Natural Fluoride Toothpaste
Tom's of Maine Simply White

06/09/2025

Gum Disease and Other Diseases

Gum Disease and Other Systemic Diseases
Several studies have shown a link between periodontal disease and other systemic diseases. While a causal relationship has not been conclusively established, research suggest that periodontal disease may contribute to the progression of other diseases.

Diabetes
People with diabetes are more likely to have periodontal disease than people without diabetes, probably because people with diabetes are more susceptible to contracting infections. In fact, periodontal disease is often considered a complication of diabetes. Those who don’t have their diabetes under control are especially at risk. Research has suggested that the relationship between diabetes and periodontal disease goes both ways: periodontal disease may also make it more difficult for people who have diabetes to control their blood sugar, increasing the risk for diabetic complications.

Heart Disease
Several studies have shown that periodontal disease may increase the risk of heart disease. Scientists believe that inflammation caused by periodontal disease may be responsible for the association. Periodontal disease can also exacerbate existing heart conditions. Patients at risk for infective endocarditis may require antibiotics prior to dental procedures. Your periodontist and cardiologist will be able to determine if your heart condition requires use of antibiotics prior to dental procedures.

Respiratory Disease
Research has found that bacteria associated with periodontal disease can be aspirated into the lungs and contribute to respiratory diseases such as pneumonia.

Cancer
Researchers found that men with gum disease were 49% more likely to develop kidney cancer, 54% more likely to develop pancreatic cancer, and 30% more likely to develop blood cancers.

Alzheimer’s Disease
Studies have shown a connection between bacteria associated with periodontal disease and the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Gum disease bacteria may be able to travel to the brain and contribute to the development of Alzheimer’s disease.
From:perio.org

06/06/2025

How seasonal allergies can affect your oral health

When allergy season is in full swing, your dental health may not be on the top of your mind. But a case of hay fever can make an impact on your teeth and gums. Here’s what to look out for and how to protect your mouth.

Tooth pain
As your immune system wages war on pollen and dust, sinus pain is a common issue. The hollow spaces in your head fill up with mucus, causing aches and pains in your face. The maxillary sinuses, the largest sinuses in your face, are located above your mouth. When pressure builds in these sinuses, it can push down on the roots of your upper molars. You may experience sensitivity to hot and cold or notice pain that shifts as you sit, stand or lie down.

For relief, try antihistamines. If your toothache goes away after taking antihistamines, the tooth is likely allergy related. But if it persists after your allergy symptoms disappear, or occurs somewhere other than your upper molars, talk to your dentist. The pain may be caused by decay.

Dry mouth
Allergies can cause dry mouth in two ways. First, you’re more likely to breathe through your mouth when your nose is stuffy. Second, dry mouth is a side effect of many antihistamines.

This condition isn’t just uncomfortable — it also increases your chances of developing cavities, gum disease and bad breath. One of the main functions of saliva is to wash away harmful bacteria. That means a dry mouth is the perfect place for cavity-causing bacteria to multiply.

Sore throat
Postnasal drip cause by allergies is a common cause of a sore throat. A sore throat can also cause bad breath, and since it originates in the throat, brushing your teeth won’t do much to help.

What to do
To counteract the effects of allergies on your oral health, try these tips.

Stay hydrated. Drink lots of water to keep your mouth and body hydrated. Not only can this counteract the effects of dry mouth, it can also help your body flush away the excess mucus.

Gargle with salt water. Dissolve a tablespoon of salt water in a glass of warm water. Gargle and spit until all the water is gone. The salt can help draw mucus out of your sinuses, relieving your symptoms. It also cuts down on harmful bacteria in your mouth and throat, reducing the effects of bad breath and plaque.

Keep brushing and flossing. A serious allergy attack is no excuse to slack on your oral health routine. Regular brushing and flossing are especially important when you’re experiencing dry mouth, so make sure you’re brushing twice and flossing at least once a day.

Treat your allergies. Controlling your allergies can help reduce their impact on your mouth. Avoid known triggers, and talk to your doctor about long-term treatment options such as prescription medication or allergy shots.

Talk to your dentist. Continue going to scheduled dental appointments. If you’re experiencing tooth pain, mention it to your dentist. Your dentist can help you figure out whether it’s allergy-related or caused by other problems.
From: https://www1.deltadentalins.com

06/04/2025

Flossing

Brushing two times daily for at least two minutes each time is the first step in keeping your teeth and gums healthy. But even the best toothbrush can’t fully cleanse the spaces between your teeth. That’s why the American Dental Association recommends you floss once a day to remove food particles and plaque – the sticky film on your teeth that can lead to cavities and gum disease.

Plaque contains cavity-causing bacteria that feed on leftover food in your mouth. These bacteria love sugary substances — and as they feast on them, they produce acids that can harm the shiny, protective surface of your teeth, setting the stage for tooth decay.

Plaque that isn’t cleansed away by brushing or flossing can harden into a rough substance called tartar or calculus. Tartar builds up along your gum line, which can lead to gum disease. Once tartar forms, only your dentist can remove it, but flossing every day can prevent plaque buildup.
What should I use to clean between my teeth?
Have you ever used something other than dental floss to remove food stuck between your teeth? If you answered yes, you’re in good company, according to a study by Ipsos conducted on behalf of Waterpik in consultation with the ADA. Researchers found that people admitted to using fingernails, folded paper or cardboard, forks or other utensils, safety pins and even strands of hair to clear the spaces between teeth.

Unfortunately, these aren’t the best tools for cleaning between teeth. In fact, they can even be harmful. More than 40% of people surveyed said they felt pain when using these objects to reach between teeth.

Fortunately, there are many safe, effective tools made for the job. You can choose from traditional dental floss — a smooth strand of nylon or teflon made to slide easily between teeth — as well as dental picks, tiny brushes or water flossers.

Which flossing tool is right for you? Talk with your dentist and try different options to see which one you like best. Many people find that classic string floss works well. Dental picks and tiny brushes can be good for reaching out-of-the-way spots. There are pre-threaded flossers that come fitted with picks or brushes at one end, giving you a couple of different ways to get between teeth.

A water flosser, which uses a gentle stream of water to rinse away food and plaque, can be useful if you find other tools hard to work with. People with braces, bridges and other dental work may find that a water flosser helps them reach every nook and cranny.

Flossing products with the ADA Seal of Acceptance have been proven safe and effective. Find the right one for you.

Should I floss before or after brushing my teeth?
As long as you floss thoroughly, it doesn’t matter when you do it. The most important thing is to make flossing a daily habit. Choose a time of day when you can give your teeth a little extra attention. If you’re too tired at night, try flossing in the morning or after lunch.

Keep in mind that cleaning between your teeth shouldn’t cause pain. If you floss too hard, you might damage the tissue between your teeth. At the same time, being too gentle might leave food or plaque behind. You may feel some discomfort when you floss, but with practice, you’ll figure out how much pressure is just right. If cleaning between your teeth still hurts, talk with your dentist.

Do kids need to floss?
Flossing should become part of your child’s dental care routine as soon as they have two teeth that touch. At first, adults will have to handle this step. Kids usually take over around age 10 or 11, when their hands are ready to hold floss or other cleaning tools.
From:mouthhealthy.org

06/02/2025

Diet and Dental Health

Your body is a complex machine. The foods you choose and how often you eat them can affect your general health and the health of your teeth and gums.

Avoid sugar

If you consume too many sugar-filled foods and beverages, you could be at risk for tooth decay. Tooth decay happens when sugar interacts with plaque to produce acid that attacks the teeth, dissolving enamel so that cavities may form.

Tooth decay is the single most common chronic childhood disease, but the good news is that it is entirely preventable.

Foods and beverages that contain sugars of any kind can contribute to tooth decay. Common sources of sugar in the diet include:
soft drinks
juices
candy
cookies and pastries
breakfast cereals
yogurt
flavored milk

Check out Foods to Avoid to learn more!
Choose wisely

To control the amount of sugar you eat, read the nutrition facts and ingredient labels on foods and beverages, and choose options that are lowest in sugar.

Your physician or a registered dietitian can provide suggestions for eating a nutritious diet. If your diet lacks certain nutrients, it may be more difficult for tissues in your mouth to resist infection. This may contribute to gum disease. Severe gum disease is a major cause of tooth loss in adults. Many researchers believe that the disease progresses faster and is potentially more severe in people with poor nutrition.

To learn what foods are best for you, visit ChooseMyPlate.gov, a website from the Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion, an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The site contains dietary recommendations for children and adults based on their levels of physical activity. If you are on a special diet, follow your physician's advice when choosing foods.

For good dental health, keep these tips in mind when choosing your foods and beverages:
Drink plenty of water.
Eat a variety of foods from each of the five major food groups, including:
whole grains
fruits
vegetables
lean sources of protein such as lean beef, skinless poultry and fish; dry beans, peas and other legumes
low-fat and fat-free dairy foods
Limit snacking

It’s not only what you eat but when you eat that can affect your dental health.

Foods eaten as part of a meal cause less harm to teeth than eating lots of snacks throughout the day because more saliva is released during a meal. Saliva helps wash foods from the mouth and lessens the effects of acids, which can harm teeth and cause cavities.

Limit between-meal snacks. If you do snack, choose something healthy like:
fruit
vegetables
a piece of cheese

Research has shown that some foods, including cheese and peanuts, counter the effects of acid attacks. Sugar-free gum with the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance may also help counter acidity.

Keep brushing

In addition to following a nutritious diet, always brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste that has the ADA Seal of Acceptance, floss daily and visit your dentist regularly. With routine care, your dentist can help prevent dental problems from occurring in the first place and catch those that do occur in the early stages, while they are easy to treat.
From:mouthhealthy.org

05/30/2025

World No To***co Day is May 31

You know that smoking can lead to poor dental health. But what about the many other forms of to***co out there? Are smokeless products healthier for your mouth?

Many people assume these products don’t carry the same risks as ci******es, but there’s no such thing as a safe form of to***co. Smokeless forms of to***co have been linked with the same serious problems caused by ci******es, including:
Gum disease that can lead to tooth loss
Tissue and bone loss around the roots of the teeth
Scratching and wearing down of teeth
Stained and discolored teeth
Bad breath

What is smokeless to***co?
These are forms of to***co that people use without burning them. Smokeless products include:
Chewing to***co. This form of to***co comes as loose leaves, braided leaves (a twist) or compressed leaves (a plug), with or without added flavoring. Users typically place a small amount between the cheek and gum. Saliva that builds up is spit out or swallowed.

S***f. Also called dip, this is finely ground to***co that comes moist or dry and may have added flavors. It is placed along the gumline behind the lip or between the cheek and gum.

Snus. A form of finely ground, loose, moist s***f originally from Sweden, used much like regular s***f.

Dissolvable to***co. Powdered to***co pressed into lozenges, sticks or strips that may look like candy, often with added flavors and sweeteners. (These are different from ni****ne lozenges used to help people quit smoking.)

How smokeless to***co affects your dental health:

All smokeless to***co products contain ni****ne, which makes them addictive.
They also contain dozens of chemicals known to cause oral cancer.
Smokeless to***co reduces the flow of saliva that helps cleanse away cavity-causing bacteria.
The flavors and sweeteners added to smokeless products may contain sugar, raising cavity risks.
Sand and grit found in smokeless to***co can wear away the protective coating (enamel) on your teeth, another trigger for tooth decay.
Smokeless to***co products irritate your gums, encouraging the buildup of plaque and tartar. Signs of gingivitis (early gum disease) include painful gums and bleeding.
As these issues get worse, your gums can pull away from your teeth and form spaces (deep pockets) where infection can develop. These are signs of severe gum disease (periodontitis). The bone and tissue that hold your teeth in place begin to break down, allowing your teeth to loosen.
Loose teeth may fall out or need to be pulled by your dentist or oral surgeon.
Is va**ng safer than smokeless to***co?
Around 8% of people in the U.S. use e-ci******es, one major poll shows. However, the American Dental Association (ADA) is concerned that treating some devices that deliver ni****ne (including e-ci******es) as safer than other products (such as ci******es and smokeless to***co) is not a viable strategy for preventing deaths and disease caused by to***co use. Learn more about va**ng and ADA policies related to products containing ni****ne here.

What should I do if I’m using smokeless to***co products now?
The best way to protect your dental health is to quit. It takes time and commitment – but millions of people have done it, and you’ll find there are plenty of resources and support to help you along the way. Here’s how to get started. And as you move toward a to***co-free lifestyle, here are helpful tips for staying quit.

Be sure to ask your dentist for suggestions and support, too. Your dentist cares about your overall health and is there to offer guidance and motivation to help you succeed.
From:mouthhealthy.org