You brush in the morning and before bed, but what about after lunch?

Over three-fourths of Americans eat two or more times per day at work, but only 14% brush during work hours, according to a study by the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) and Oral-B Laboratories. And, since most people spend a third of each weekday in the office, these lapses in oral care can really add up.

“Meals, snacks and sugary beverages during the day contribute to a lot of plaque and can increase the chance of tooth decay and gum disease,” said Dr. Kevin Sheu, DDS, director of professional services for Delta Dental. “Brushing on the job definitely reduces bacteria.”

Here are some tips for brushing at work:

• Keep a toothbrush at your desk.The AGD/Oral-B study found that leaving a toothbrush at the office increases the likelihood of brushing by 65%.
• Brush immediately after lunch –before checking emails, starting work or attending meetings.
• Dry your toothbrushafter each use and store it in a travel container.
• Replace your office toothbrushmore often than your toothbrush at home to avoid bacteria buildup.

Need another reason for a post-lunch brush? Pacific dental group remind you that bad breath is one of the least attractive traits among co-workers.

You’re late for work and skip breakfast, so during the commute, you pick up a donut and cup of coffee and you’re on your way. This common quick fix breakfast scenario can lengthen your time spent in the dental chair.

The sugars in donuts have been identified as a risk factor for gum inflammation and cavities. Plain donuts contain five times as much sugar as oatmeal cookies, according to a study referenced in the report.

The amount of sugar and cream in your coffee can also increase cavity-causing bacteria. Tannins found in coffee etch into the pits and grooves of the tooth enamel, producing a rough stained surface.

What can you do to lessen the sugar bath your teeth receive from this common breakfast combination?

• Don’t nurse your coffeeor pick at that donut throughout the morning. Limiting the time your coffee and donut stay in your mouth reduces the impact of the sugar on your teeth.
• Rinse your mouthwith water or brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste immediately after finishing your breakfast.
• Cut backon the sugar and sweetened creamers in your coffee.
• Swap out the sugary breakfastfor healthier options. If you have time, consider making sugar-free oatmeal with nuts or fruit. If you’re on the run, grab portable snacks like a banana, boiled egg and string cheese.

Pacific dental group remind you that pay more attentions to your lifestyle, because unhealthy lifestyle will affect your dental healthy as well.

A mouthguard is a flexible plastic appliance that’s worn during athletic and recreational activities to protect your mouth from injuries. The American Dental Association recommends that people of all ages use a properly fitted mouthguard in any sport that may pose a risk of injury.

Do mouthguards prevent injuries? Mouthguards can prevent serious injuries such as brain hemorrhages, unconscious incidents, jaw fractures and neck injuries by helping to avoid situations where the lower jaw gets jammed into the upper jaw. The appliances move soft tissue in the oral cavity away from the teeth, helping to prevent cutting and bruising of the lips and cheeks, especially for those who wear braces.

Which sports require mouthguards? Any time there’s a strong chance for contact with other participants or hard surfaces, it’s a good idea to wear a mouthguard. If you play baseball basketball, softball, football, soccer, lacrosse or rugby, or if you participate in wrestling, martial arts, or recreational sports like skateboarding, bicycling or in-line skating, you should wear a mouthguard.

Why don’t all players wear mouthguards? Players and parents are sometimes uninformed about the level of contact and potential for serious dental injuries involved with sports. Some, though not all schools or organizations, reinforce the health advantage of mouthguards for contact sports. Cost may be another consideration, although mouthguards come in a variety of price ranges.

What are the different types of mouthguards?

• Stock mouthguards.The lowest cost option, this type offers the least protection because the fit adjustment is limited. It may interfere with speech and breathing because the jaw must be closed to hold it in place. A stock mouthguard is not considered acceptable as a facial protective device.
• Mouth-formed protectors.These mouthguards come as a shell-liner and “boil-and-bite” product. The shell is lined with acrylic or rubber. When placed in an athlete’s mouth, the protector’s lining material molds to the teeth and is allowed to set.
• Custom-made mouth protectors.Tailor-made by your dentist, this type offers the best protection, fit and comfort because it is made from a cast to fit your teeth.*

How should I care for a mouthguard?

• Clean your mouthguard by washing it with soap and warm (not hot) water.
• Before storing, soak your mouthguard in alcohol-free mouthwash.
• Keep your mouthguard in a well-ventilated plastic storage box when not in use. Make sure the box has several holes so the mouthguard can dry.
• Avoid leaving your mouthguard in direct sunlight or in a hot car.
• Avoid bending your mouthguard when storing.
• Avoid handling or wearing someone else’s mouthguard.
• Call your dentist if you have problems with a custom-made mouthguard.
• Check your dental plan to see if mouthguards are covered.

Pacific dental group give you a tip, during a single athletic season, you have 1 in 10 chance of suffering a facial or dental injury. Protect your smile; gear up with a mouthguard before you hit the field or court.

Water flossing is a way to clean between and around your teeth. A water flosses is a handheld device that sprays streams of water in steady pulses. The water, like traditional floss, removes food from between teeth.

Water flosses that have earned the ADA Seal of Acceptance have been tested to be safe and effective at removing a sticky film called plaque, which puts you at a higher risk for cavities and gum disease. Water flosses with the ADA Seal can also help reduce gingivitis, the early form of gum disease, throughout your mouth and between your teeth. Get a list of all ADA-Accepted water flosses.

Water flosses can be an option for people who have trouble flossing by hand. People who have had dental work that makes flossing difficult—like braces, or permanent or fixed bridges —also might try water flosses.

Cleaning between your once a day is an important part of your dental hygiene routine. You should also brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes and see your dentist regularly.

Pacific dental group suggest you flossing your teeth before brushing your teeth.

If you’re missing one or more teeth, you may notice a difference in chewing and speaking. Bridges can help restore your smile.

Sometimes called a fixed partial denture, a bridge replaces missing teeth with artificial teeth and literally “bridges” the gap where one or more teeth used to be. Bridges can be made from gold, alloys, porcelain or a combination of these materials and are attached to surrounding teeth for support. Unlike a removable bridge, which you can take out and clean, a dentist can only remove a fixed bridge.

An implant bridge attaches artificial teeth directly to the jaw or under the gum tissue. Depending on which type of bridge your dentist recommends, its success depends on the foundation. So it’s very important to keep your remaining teeth healthy and strong.

Pacific dental group remind you go visit your dentist regularly, pay attention to your dental health, and have a big and beautiful smile everyday.

If you ever get nervous just thinking about going to the dentist, you’re not alone. Perhaps you’re scared the visit might hurt or you haven’t been in a while and not sure what the dentist will find.

Whatever your reason, the right dental team will make sure your dental and your emotional health are taken care of. The more you delay – or just don’t go – to the dentist, the higher your risk of developing dental problems that will make gearing up for future dental visits more difficult. In fact, seeing your dentist regularly can actually make the entire process – from making an appointment to sailing through it – much easier on many levels. Use these strategies at your next appointment to help ease your anxiety and strengthen your smile.

Distract yourself

Taking your mind off the exam may seem impossible when you’re nervous, but there are some things that that can help distract your thoughts.

Use mindfulness techniques

Relaxation starts in the mind. Try deep breathing exercises to help relax tension in your muscles.

Count your breaths. Inhale slowly and then exhale for the same number of counts. Do this five times while you’re waiting for your appointment, or during breaks while you’re sitting in the dental chair.

Speak up

Anyone with anxiety knows sharing your feelings makes a world of difference. If you’re tense or anxious, do yourself a favor and get your concerns off your chest. Your dentist and dental team are better able to treat you if they know your needs.

Relax yourself and make your dental appointment regularly, it will make your feel more comfortable and used to it than just only visit dentist when you have teeth problem. Pacific dental group provides good services and we will try our best to take care your dental health.

What does ringing in the New Year have to do with being mouth healthy?

More than you may think. Did you know that you should replace your toothbrush every three to four months? Bristles that become frayed and worn are less effective at cleaning your teeth. That means, celebrating the New Year with a brand new toothbrush is actually smart dental hygiene.

Here are Mouth Healthy resolutions:

• Start brushing 2min2x. Always brush twice a day for two minutes for healthier teeth, good breath, fewer cavities, and to avoid painful dental problems.
• Floss daily. Flossing is part of being mouth healthy.
• Chew sugarless gum. Chewing sugarless gum for 20 minutes following meals can help prevent tooth decay.
• Eat a healthy diet. Eat a balanced diet and limit between-meal snacks.
• Drink fluoridated water. Fluoride helps prevent cavities by making teeth more resistant to the acid attacks that cause cavities.
• See your dentist. Regular dental visits will help you be Mouth Healthy for Life.

Pacific dental group wish your start your new years with a health lifestyle.

Source from mouthhealthy.org