Even if you’re just afraid your breath might smell, wouldn’t you rather be sure before you go out on a date? We have tips for any Plano resident to use before, during, or after any activity they have planned this holiday.

Mouthwash

Dr. Montgomery recommends that you use a mouthwash as part of your daily teeth-cleaning system, and you can also rinse your mouth anytime you feel a bout of bad breath coming on. You have to be very careful when selecting a mouth rinse, however: many are simply cosmetic, briefly covering up smells without getting at the root of the problem.

When you are trying to choose a mouthwash, there are a few things to look for. Pay close attention to the alcohol content, because more than a 20 percent concentration can actually increase bad breath by further drying out your mouth. Also, pH balanced products are better, which includes anything with a pH of about 5.5 or higher. Brands that fit within these guidelines include CariFree®, Cepacol®, and Act®.

Mints and Gums

If you would prefer to use a mint or a gum, you should make sure that the first ingredient is xylitol, a natural sweetener that does not harm teeth the way common sugar does and may actually prevent cavities from forming. Here at our Plano office, our favorites are Tic Tac® Chill mints, Spry® mints and gums, and Trident® gums.

Don’t forget that while it is not bad to cover up foul-smelling breath, you need to make sure that Dr. Montgomery is aware of this problem so that we can rule out any serious diseases that may cause this condition.

Dry mouth is one of the leading causes of bad breath. When our bodies are producing saliva properly, it contains chemicals that clean your mouth and prevent odor-causing bacteria from forming.

No one wants to have bad breath on Valentine’s day right? Our Plano office wants to explain where stinky breath comes from and what our dental patients can do to keep it from ruining their romantic moments.

Dry Mouth = Bad Breath

There are many things that could contribute to a dry mouth, such as how long it has been since you’ve eaten or drank, what you last ate or drank, the amount of physical activity you’ve participated in, or even what time of day it is. Other factors can include medication, systemic diseases, body chemistry, and overall health.

Halitosis affects nearly everyone in the population at some point in their lives and is estimated to be the third leading cause for dental appointments. Dr. Montgomery is certainly no stranger to discussing this issue, so don’t be afraid to mention it at your appointment. Bad breath is not a new problem either: there are historical records mentioning it dating all the way back to 1550 BC.

How to Know if You Have Bad Breath

A huge problem with bad breath is simply figuring out whether or not you have it. If you are too scared to ask your dentist or hygienist at our Plano location, you can also check with a trusted friend or family member. If that is still too intimidating, try licking your wrist or scraping the back of your tongue with a plastic spoon, waiting a minute for it to dry and then smelling the results. Keep in mind that self-tests only give approximations and that your breath changes hundreds of times throughout the day.

So You Have Bad Breath

If you have breath that is extremely foul or persistent, it may be a sign of a serious underlying medical issue. At your appointment our Plano dental staff will be able to rule out any life-threatening causes and help you discover ways to treat the problems.

You have officially figured out that you have bad breath. Now what? The best solution is, as always, to maintain a proper dental hygiene routine, but you can’t brush your teeth all day every day. When you brush your teeth, don’t forget to clean off your tongue, where 80-90% of all bad breath issues reside.

Sipping water is the perfect way to keep your mouth from drying out and it encourages salivary flow as well. Stay away from offending foods such as garlic, onions, fish and cheese. If you do eat one of these, or find that your breath is suddenly stinky, use a mint, mouthwash, or gum. See our next blog post for which brands Dr. Montgomery recommends the most!

What is Hydrogen Peroxide?

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

1) To Ease a Toothache

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

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

2) To Help Treat Gingivitis

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

3) To Clean Your Toothbrush

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

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

4) As a Toothpaste Substitute

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

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

5) To Propel a Rocket

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

We want all Plano residents to know how to protect and maintain the health and beauty of their teeth, especially if they don’t have to drastically change their lifestyle. Dr. Montgomery’s office is here to help you!

Why does coffee stain teeth?

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

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

Protect Your Teeth from Coffee Stains

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

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

Whiten Teeth

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

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

Coffee and Caffeine

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

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

1) Pomegranate

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

2) Celery

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

3) Yogurt

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

4) Cheese

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

5) Spinach

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

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

Red Lipstick

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

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

Lipstick on Your Teeth

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

If you find the perfect shade of lipstick but are still unhappy with the color of your teeth, talk to Dr. Montgomery about any number of cosmetic procedures that can give you the smile you deserve. We are here to help anyone in Plano get the beautiful smile they’ve always wanted!

How did the Pilgrims brush their teeth?

Oral hygiene was not so great for the pilgrims. Toothbrushes and toothpaste weren’t really around in England or America, and wouldn’t be for another couple hundred years.

People generally used whatever they could find to get plaque off their teeth, which might be bones, feathers or sticks. Some historians believe they may have even used salt to remove the filmy grime from their teeth.

Dentistry had just begun to develop in England, but the pilgrims were actually living a lot rougher than the average English citizen. They had just spent months on a boat with limited supplies and were now on a new continent where they knew no one and nothing, and had to make do with what they could find.

How did the Native Americans brush their teeth?

The Native Americans probably had better dental habits than the pilgrims, if only because they were used to their surroundings and could find what they needed.

The tribes in the area used a variety of herbs to clean their teeth, such as a handful of sage rubbed in the mouth like a toothbrush. Some tribes actually used a goop made from the cucacua plant that resembled modern-day toothpaste.

Happy Thanksgiving!

So after sharing a big feast together, the pilgrims and Native Americans probably sat back, their bellies full, and picked their teeth with a small stick or the point of their knife. You might have relatives that do the same thing this Thursday, although they might be on a big, comfy couch watching the football game. Things haven’t really changed that much have they?