Finding the Best Sustainable Toothbrush For Your Teeth

If you find yourself motivated to live life sustainably, then one of the best places to start is with your routines. If you brush and floss regularly, you know that using this routine daily matters for your oral health. However, the products surrounding our lives are often filled with non-renewable resources, including plastic and latex, that harm our landfills and pollute our oceans. Plastic toothbrushes have become one of our highest commodities, but it’s also one of the biggest polluters we have today.

So, how change you change this problem? Start by changing what toothbrush you use. Over 50 million lbs of plastic toothbrushes are thrown away each year, accounting for a significant portion of the world’s overall waste production. Many businesses have responded to this issue by innovating new toothbrushes that are made using ethical sources. Here’s our short guide for choosing the best toothbrush for your needs.

Convenience, Sustainability, and the ADA

Because plastic has such a huge impact on our environment, changing your toothbrush sounds like an excellent way to start. However, one of the biggest issues with choosing toothbrushes is whether or not they meet ADA standards. While many of those bamboo toothbrushes are great choices for the environment, it doesn’t mean that the design and construction of the toothbrush are considered safe. So, where do you find a balance between finding sustainable sources and safety measures from the ADA and FDA?

Our suggestion? Always look for toothbrushes that have the ADA seal of acceptance. This seal is given to products that meet ADA’s guidelines and establish healthy measures for brushing one’s teeth. However, many of these products don’t always address the sustainability issue, so it’s important to find a balance between meeting these guidelines and paying attention to the companies you purchase from that incorporate sustainable sources.

Toothbrush Options For Sustainable Oral Care

No matter what you choose, always choose toothbrushes that work with your needs and your health. Here are our recommendations for toothbrushes:

• RADIUS Brand Toothbrushes: The RADIUS brand has a unique design that’s safe for children with large handles and wide brush heads. It’s made from cellulose sourced from yield trees.
• Electric Toothbrushes: Electric toothbrushes replace the grind with manual brushing and reduce the amount of plastic used. However, the trade-off is that the batteries that need to be replaced also cause significant waste.
• Bamboo Toothbrushes: Even though bamboo toothbrushes don’t have an ADA seal of acceptance, these toothbrushes are made from ethically sourced materials.

The best place to find more resources about toothbrush options is to speak with your dentist. You can also recycle your plastic toothbrushes if you intend on using them to reduce plastic waste throughout the world. Your dentist can provide you with the resources you need to make more ethical choices regarding your oral care and help you make lifelong choices to improve both your oral health and the environment.

Respiratory diseases have a huge impact on our daily lives. Those who constantly handle respiratory conditions such as asthma, allergies, and shortness of breath can be incredibly troublesome. However, our oral health is also influenced by many respiratory diseases, and having asthma can contribute to the development of various oral diseases. Asthma occurs within 8% of the US population, and while the connection between these two issues doesn’t appear to have connections, they most certainly do if you think about how our breathing affects our way of life.

Asthma-Related Oral Health Problems

Asthma causes the airways throughout the lungs to constrict, contributing to many other health problems throughout a person’s life. Asthma can create problems with maintaining exercise, lead someone to become more prone to respiratory infections, contribute to depressive thoughts because of the limited airways, and often limit a person’s ability to interact with the world more fully. For their oral health, asthma can contribute to other health problems, including:

• Oral Sores: Many oral sores, or ulcers, are often experienced by asthma patients because of the limits that asthma has with breathing. This creates a higher chance of developing these sores over time, leading to a higher risk of infection.
• Dry mouth: Dry mouth occurs when there is a lack of saliva production. Those who have difficulties breathing may result in having a dry mouth. A dry mouth prevents the mouth and tongue from washing away harmful bacteria, leading to an increased risk of cavities.
• Thrush: Thrush is the least common condition to occur, but it is a fungal infection caused by the growth of yeast along the inside of the mouth and tongue.
• Cavities: Those who have asthma may also have an increased cavity risk due to the risk of dry mouth and ulcers. Cavities develop when bacteria from the mouth feed on the tooth’s enamel.
• Gum Disease: With an increased risk of cavities and dry mouth, the growth of bacteria can also lead to gum disease.

Among these risks, there is also an increased risk of halitosis, tooth decay, and other various oral issues. Many of these oral conditions can be treated, but some studies have looked further into this increased connection between asthma and oral health issues. According to studies from the Clinical and Molecular Allergy Journal, medications such as bronchodilators and steroids can contribute to oral health problems.

Preventing Oral Health Problems With Proper Care

If you have asthma, we highly recommend that you should see your dentist and if you believe that your medications may be contributing to any oral health problems you may have, speak to your primary care doctor about your prescriptions. Arranging an appointment with your dentist will allow your dentist to design treatment plans that meet your oral health needs and take your condition into account during treatment.

We’re raised being told that Vitamin D is essential to building and maintaining healthy bones and teeth. As we get older, we hear about the important role it plays in holding off osteoporosis and keeping us active long into our golden years. Did you know that Vitamin D has another role to play in our oral health as well? This important nutrient is essential to the ongoing health of our gums and has been shown to be a critical component of preventing gum disease.

How Vitamin D Serves To Protect Against Periodontal Disease

It’s almost certain that, during our lives, we’ll become subject to gum disease. Recognizable by its tell-tale signs, puffy, tender gums that bleed when brushed, gingivitis is something we’ll all face. Studies into the dental health of patients over the age of 30 revealed that nearly half of all study participants showed the presence of some degree of gum disease. While gingivitis is clearly a common struggle, periodontal disease is what happens when gingivitis is allowed to worsen. Multiple strains of bacteria have a role to play in periodontal disease, many of which have the potential to cause damage to the jawbone and teeth. It also has the potential to cause reabsorption of the minerals in the jawbone, causing it to shrink and resulting in lost teeth.

So, where does Vitamin D come into play in this pageantry of decay? The Medicina peer-reviewed scientific journal printed a study that gives some important insight into this process. During the development of advanced gum disease, Vitamin D can come to our defense by reinvigorating the immune system and pushing back the conditions onslaught. It also plays an important part in the recovery process, helping to rebuild bone and fighting off disease. It doesn’t end there, though; Vitamin D can also:

• Vitamin D is part of the first line of defense against the microbes that cause periodontal disease. The gingival tissue is defended by Vitamin D’s ability to block the toxins that the bacterial cells release, eliminating their ability to harm nearby cells.
• The bacteria responsible for gum disease come under attack by Vitamin D in the bloodstream, where it can eliminate them when present in sufficient quantities.
• Of the four tissues that play a part in your oral health, Vitamin D is essential to the health of each of them. It also plays a central role in suppressing the loss of bone density.

How To Use Vitamin D To Hold Off Periodontal Disease

Consuming dairy is a central part of getting the right amount of Vitamin D in your diet, but be sure to spend a little time in the sun as well. Just an hour a few times a week with your face, hands, and palms exposed can help your body produce over 10,000IU of Vitamin D. This meets your body’s requirements of 2,000IU in spades. Your physician or dietitian can also provide a subscription for a supplement if needed.

In spite of the amount we hear about it in news and media, mental health is one of the most neglected areas of medical science. Access to affordable, comprehensive treatment that produces results is notoriously difficult to get. Patients suffering from oral health concerns are more likely to present with health and dental problems resulting from neglect, and evidence suggests that this relationship may go both ways. Studies of periodontal disease and gingivitis suggest that our mental health can be impacted by infection and by the self-esteem issues that result from dental concerns.

An Overlook of “No Mental Health Without Oral Health

Patients with mental health concerns have been showing physical health concerns with greater frequency with every passing year. The various methods used by patients to address mental illness, especially when they lack access to proper care, often have ancillary negative effects on oral health. Proper oral health care requires that both the patient and dentist be able to maintain active awareness to prevent and treat concerns as they appear. Without taking mental illness into account their task becomes immeasurably harder, and patients may not be getting the care they need.

The Canadian Journal of Psychiatry published studies observing a range of dental health conditions faced by th ose with mental illness, and observed connections between them. Researchers looked through multiple references and determined that depression and other mental health concerns can lead to neglect of health concerns, including oral health. However, neglect isn’t the only source of concern. Other patients have actually damaged their teeth as part of manic episodes resulting in overaggressive dental care routines. Concerns like these make it clear that mental health is an important aspect of our oral health.

How Dentists Can Help Patients With Mental Health Concerns

There are several steps both patient and dentist can take to address oral health concerns stemming from mental health concerns. It’s essential to find a dental office that understands the impact these concerns can have and that provides a stigma free environment. Other steps that can be taken by both patient and dentist include:

• Communicate Clearly: Patients should seek information about their care, and dentists should be certain they’re receiving informed consent about their care. This includes ensuring that the dentist understands the medication the patient is on, and the patient providing a complete medical history.
• Relaxation Techniques: Many patients with mental health concerns may need help managing their anxiety or panic. In some cases, mild sedation may be needed to help keep the patient calm in the chair. Even aromatherapy has proven successful in soothing patients.

• Informed Awareness: If both sides are proactive, the dentist can ensure that they are educated about their patients condition, and the patient can learn everything they can about their care. Advice about managing oral care routines structured around this understanding can provide effect resolutions for all involved.

These simple approaches will help eliminate the stigma around mental health and ensure that proper oral health is maintained.

Of all the changes mothers undergo during their pregnancy, one of the least considered is related to dental health. With everything you have to think about with your impending delivery date, it may have skipped your mind that your oral health may need extra attention. The changes in hormone levels that cause sleep, hunger, and even mood to go haywire can have additional consequences for your teeth. Thankfully there are opportunities before you reach the third trimester to take action for your oral health.

A study published by the Journal of Clinical & Diagnostic Research demonstrated that the oral health of women during pregnancy is a serious consideration. They found that the immense changes that the patient’s body undergoes during pregnancy can have serious impacts on the health of the mother’s teeth and gums. Boosted levels of estrogen and progesterone lead to a rise in blood flow, which can result in the blood vessels in the gums expanding, making them more sensitive to pressure. Many women experience gingivitis during the early stages of their pregnancy due to these hormonal changes.

• Erosion of the Enamel: Complications that comes with morning sickness, such as vomiting and nausea, boost the levels of acid in the mouth. This can result in higher levels of erosion and consequentially damage to the enamels.
• Dental Cavities: Poor hygiene, damage to the enamel, and dietary changes.
• Tooth Loss: Increased sensitivity of the gums and erosion of the enamel can lead to a risk of tooth loss. This occurs when the decay has caused the gums to separate from the tooth and decay from plaque formation.

Protecting Your Teeth While Waiting For Baby

Consistent appointments with your dentist are essential during your pregnancy to maintain good oral health. The majority of treatments and care that you’ll receive from your dentist are perfectly safe for the baby. While x-ray imaging is avoided with pregnant patients, the level of radiation used is perfectly safe for both the mother and child. Periodontal disease has also been associated with higher risks of preterm birth and preeclampsia, as well as disease and infection in the newborn.

Cosmetic dentistry often presents itself as a form of dentistry all about aesthetics. While the term cosmetic usually implies that concept, cosmetic dentistry is still a form of dental care that focuses on improving a person’s oral health. Aesthetics play a significant role in this specialty. Yet, for those wondering why cosmetic dentistry is necessary, we’re here to showcase some of the benefits people receive with cosmetic dental care and why it’s an essential specialty here to stay.

Why Cosmetic Dentistry Matters

Among all aspects of dentistry, aesthetic appeal is regarded as a highly essential component to tooth care. For people who continuously struggle with misaligned teeth, missing teeth, and other dental problems, cosmetic dentistry fills the gap where specialties such as periodontists and general dentists lack expertise. Cosmetic dentists, however, also focus on health. Teeth are not just essential for a pretty smile – healthy teeth provide people with a structured jawbone, perfectly shaped gums, and a smile that’s proportionate to a person’s facial structure. The aesthetics of the facial structure and its relation to teeth are highly valued among people. For people who regularly suffer from dental problems, aesthetics can improve oral health by combining traditional dental treatments with an aesthetic, artistic touch.

When it comes to cosmetic dentistry, improving a person’s smile doesn’t just focus on attractiveness but combines health benefits in good taste. For those curious about its health benefits, cosmetic dentistry correct the following issues:

Misshapen Teeth: Teeth misshapen due to genetics or traumatic experiences can have a massive impact on dental health. When teeth are misshapen, the teeth and gums can become more vulnerable to bacteria and plaque, creating acids that wear down at the enamel and leave it more susceptible to tooth decay. When shaping teeth, these procedures’ focus is to shape the teeth to help avoid excessive plaque buildup and improve oral health.

Disproportionate Teeth: When teeth appear too big or too small, it isn’t only confidence affected. Teeth too small, also known as microdontia, can lead to hypodontia and orofacial clefting, causing issues with the sinuses and jawbone that can heavily impact a person’s ability to breathe and chew food properly. Correcting these issues with either dentures, implants, or veneers can help improve mouth function.

Puffy Gums: Large, puffy gums may not appear aesthetically pleasing but are often more vulnerable to scrapes and cuts, leading to excessive bleeding and making the gums more vulnerable to plaque buildup. Gum disease can impact a person’s oral health over time and can slowly degrade the teeth and jawbone if not treated. Removing excess gums or replenishing the gum line can help remove these risks and protect the mouth from tooth decay and gum disease.

Among these benefits, cosmetic treatment can also improve the jawbone alignment, help remove discoloration, and help relieve the jaw muscles from clenching to avoid TMJ disorder. For more information about cosmetic procedures and their benefits, contact Dr. Claudia Wood from Danforth Dental Solutions in Toronto, ON, for an appointment.

There are many different types of dental materials that your dentist can use to fabricate dental restorations. One commonly used material is known as composite resin. Composite resin is commonly used to fabricate direct restorations, which are those that can be completed entirely in the mouth and do not require the use of a dental lab. The reason why composite resin is used so often is because it offers many benefits including: 

Preservation of the Natural Tooth

Composite resin has the ability to create strong bonds with tooth enamel. This means that composite restorations can be bonded directly to the natural tooth structure and require minimal modifications. While this helps preserve most of your natural tooth, it also means that you will need to endure less drilling. 

Versatility

Composite resin can also be used to fabricate a variety of restorations. The most common are small to medium sized dental fillings, however composite resin can also be used to fabricate veneers, inlays, and onlays. Using a technique called composite bonding, composite resin can also be used to repair minor chips and cracks, as well as fill gaps between the teeth. 

Quick

Not only can composite resin be used to correct a variety of concerns, but it can do so quickly and in a single dental appointment. Most dental restorations take at least two dental appointments to place since they must be fabricated in a lab before being cemented in place. However, composite resin can be fabricated and cemented into the mouth in a single step. In fact, composite resin restorations are hardened layer by layer in minutes using a special curing light.

Aesthetic

Nowadays, dentists are not only concerned with restoring the function of your teeth, but the look as well. Composite resin is a popular dental material because dentists are able to customize its color and contour so that it blends in with your smile. The final restoration will be indistinguishable from the rest of your teeth. 

Decreases Tooth Sensitivity

Since composite resin can bond to the enamel, it can also be used to decrease tooth sensitivity. This is especially true in cases where the enamel has worn down or become thin. In these cases, composite veneers may be placed to act as a protective shield used to reduce tooth sensitivity. 

Can be Repaired

All dental restorations will eventually wear down over time and are also susceptible to damage. When this happens, they will usually need to be replaced completely. However, composite restorations may be able to be repaired instead of replaced. This will ultimately depend on the extent and severity of the damage. 

When it comes to your overall health, many people understand the importance of eating certain healthy foods and avoiding foods that are high in salt, sugar, or fat. However, not as many people realize that what they drink can also have an impact on their health, specifically on their oral health. Just like there are certain foods that should be avoided or limited to maintain your overall health, there are certain types of beverages that should be avoided or limited to maintain your oral health. 

Soft drinks have been found to affect both your overall and oral health. For example, they can contribute to medical conditions like type-2 diabetes and obesity. They can also contribute tooth decay. This is partially because soft drinks contain a large amount of sugar, which feeds decay-causing bacteria. When it comes to your oral health, the more sugar you consume means more food for the bacteria that cause tooth decay, which leads to more bacteria and an increased risk of tooth decay. 

In addition to containing large amounts of sugar, another reason why soft drinks cause tooth decay is due to the acids they contain.  Although most soft drinks, including sugar-free soft drinks, contain some degree of tartaric, citric, or phosphoric acid, soda generally contains the most. This is detrimental to your oral health because it will erode your enamel and increase the amount of damage that decay-causing bacteria can do to your teeth. 

Even though soft drinks can pose a threat to your oral health, there are some things you can do to protect your oral health while drinking them. These include: 

Limiting How Much 

Reducing how many soft drinks you drink on a daily and/or weekly basis is one of the best ways to protect your oral health. Instead of drinking soft drinks, try drinking more milk and water. At the very least, try drinking milk or water between soft drinks. 

Using a Straw

When you do have a soft drink, be sure to use a straw. This is because straws help to prevent direct and extended contact between your teeth and the acids/sugars found in soft drinks. Minimizing the amount of contact will decrease the amount of damage done by both acid and sugar. 

Drinking Quickly

When you have a soft drink, the acids and sugars will immediately start to damage your teeth. This damage will continue until 20-30 minutes after you have stopped drinking. With that being said, it is better to drink quickly instead of slowly slipping so you can reduce the amount of time your teeth are being actively damaged by acid and sugar. 

Rinsing

Once you have finished a soft drink, it is helpful to rinse your mouth with water or milk. Rinsing your mouth removes some of the acids and sugar from the surface of your teeth, which can help minimize the damage. Drinking milk may also be able to help mineralize your enamel. 

Visiting Your Dentist

Regular dental exams and teeth cleanings are important for everyone, especially if you regularly consume soft drinks. Having your teeth cleaned regularly minimize the amount of bacteria in your mouth, which will help decrease the damage done to your teeth. Additionally, regular dental exams can locate potential dental problems as soon as they start. 

When it comes to keeping your teeth and gums healthy, having a good daily dental routine is paramount. This routine should consist of brushing twice a day and flossing once a day. This is because brushing your teeth cleans about 60% of your tooth surfaces, while flossing leans the remaining 40%. Therefore, in order to thoroughly clean your teeth, both activities are necessary. While brushing your teeth is more straightforward, many people struggle with flossing. In fact, dentists often notice their patients making these common flossing mistakes: 

Not Flossing

One of the most common mistakes dentists notice their patients making is simply not flossing regularly. Even if you floss right before your dental appointment, your dentist can still tell whether or not you floss on a regular basis. Many people forget to floss or they simply skip it. Unfortunately, this allows plaque to accumulate in between the teeth and along the gum line. This can increase your chances of developing tooth decay and gum disease. 

Missing Places

Another common mistake dentists often notice is that their patients tend to miss certain areas when they floss. One extremely common area that is often missed is the far side of the last molars. Other missed places are along the sides of teeth and along the gum line.

Flossing Too Hard

If your gums regularly bleed or hurt while you floss, then you may be flossing too hard. When you floss, the dental floss should never actually come in contact with the gums. Instead it should be gently moved around each tooth and along the gum line. Snapping the floss into the gum tissue can cause the gums to become inflamed, which can cause them to recede. Unfortunately, flossing too hard can actually increase the risk of gum disease since it causes gum recession. 

Flossing Too Much

Although this is not a common mistake that most people make, it is possible to floss too much. As mentioned above, the gum tissue can become easily inflamed. Flossing too much can cause this inflammation and increase the risk of gum disease. For this reason, it is recommended to only floss once a day. 

Flossing at the Wrong Time

Since it is only recommended to floss once a day, knowing the best time to floss is necessary to get the most benefits from flossing. In fact, the best time to floss is just before you go to bed. This is because saliva production decreases while you sleep, which allows any remaining bacteria in your mouth to do more damage. Flossing helps remove plaque and minimizes the damage done to your teeth. Additionally, flossing before you brush allows the fluoride from your toothpaste to work its way between your teeth for more protection. 

Using the Wrong Type of Floss

Contrary to popular belief, there is more than one type of dental floss. There are several different variations created for a wide range of dental needs. Spending some time researching the best type of floss for your smile can help make your flossing routine easier, faster, and much more effective. 

During your dental appointment, it is very likely that you have heard your dentist speak about tooth decay and gum disease. Even if you haven’t, you are probably familiar with what a cavity is and know enough about them to realize they are not good for your teeth. When it comes to maintaining your oral health, most people know about the two most common problems: tooth decay and gum disease. However, not as many people are familiar with other dental problems that are not as common. Although these problems don’t occur as frequently, it is still important to be aware of them: 

Bruxism

The behavior of grinding or clenching one’s teeth together is known as bruxism. Bruxism is a dental problem that can cause damage to the teeth and jaw dysfunction. It is brought on by stress and occurs unconsciously while sleeping. To protect your teeth and jaw from bruxism, your dentist will likely recommend wearing a nightguard while you sleep. 

Damaged Teeth

Although not as common as tooth decay and gum disease, damaged teeth are still somewhat common. Both chips and cracks in the teeth can occur as a result of grinding or clenching the teeth, biting down on hard foods, sports related accidents, falls, or using teeth as tools. Depending on the extent of the damage, as well as its location, your dentist may recommend restoration methods like dental bonding, veneers, or crowns. 

Oral Thrush

This is a fungal yeast infection that looks like a white film inside the mouth. In most cases, oral thrush occurs in people who have compromised immune systems. Oral thrush is also commonly seen in people who wear dentures. The good news is that oral thrush can be easily treated with prescription medication. 

Discolored Tooth

A single tooth that is pink, grey, or black in color are signs of tooth trauma or infection. A pink tooth occurs when the tooth has undergone trauma and is internally bruised. In these cases, your dentist will usually monitor the tooth to make sure it returns to its original color. If the tooth turns to grey or black, then this indicates that the tooth pulp is infected or dead. Once the pulp has been compromised, then your dentist will perform a root canal to restore the tooth. 

Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Although not everyone has problems with wisdom teeth eruption, many people end up with impacted wisdom teeth. When a wisdom tooth is impacted, this means that it is unable to erupt properly. A partial impaction is when a tooth is partially erupted and partially stuck under the gums. A complete impaction occurs when the entire tooth is stuck under the gums. Both types of impactions can cause a number of problems, therefore your dentist will recommend having impacted wisdom teeth extracted.