6 Dental #Myths about the health of your teeth.

Myth 1: Candies/ Sugar is the biggest reason to cause Cavities:

Sugar or sugary products are the main and important reason or play a role in tooth decay. We all know that sugar/ candies help to the formation of cavities. It's not that simply eating chocolate cause cavity. The chocolate which contains high sugar creates a major problem to your teeth while consuming high sugary products. Bacterias also eat sugar, if any sticky or sugary product you take be aware to wash your mouth properly otherwise the bacteria attract to teeth. So after having your meal brush your mouth to reduce the plaque buildup. Brush your teeth twice a day.

Myth 2: Consuming more Acidic food can damage your teeth:

Do you know acidic food creates sensitivity and decay to your teeth? Food like orange and lemons contains acid but consuming those foods won't's destroy your teeth. So don't worry you can have those foods. But you need to drink a lot of water when you have your acidic foods, as water will wash away the acid from our water/teeth. Also, clean your teeth twice a year and have your dental checkups.

Myth 3: Don't need to Brush Baby Teeth:

It is wrong that we don't brush the baby teeth. We all know that the baby teeth have a short life span then adult teeth. But you should create the habit of brushing your baby tooth as soon as it starts coming to the kid. Brushing your teeth is a good habit. If you start brushing your teeth as soon as your baby starts building up the teeth it will be good and the baby will start getting the habit to keep the mouth and teeth clean. If a baby tooth is not brushed or cleaned the there will be a complication, dental health issues (tooth decay, cavity, gum problem, dental pain) that kid will suffer for a lifetime.

Myth 4: Charcoal Toothpaste is good for Teeth:

Charcoal is used for removing the bacteria and helps to whiten. This charcoal toothpaste is also marketed and very well known for whitening. It is also used for protection for teeth. Charcoal works as a protective agent which will keep your teeth healthy and strong. So it will be good if you want to make your teeth white and clean you can use charcoal toothpaste.

Myth 5: Chewing Gum Works Like Brushing:

Chewing gum is not a replacement for brushing your teeth. Some chewing gums can promote cleaner teeth and better breath, and some dentists even recommend the sugar-free varieties to chew on instead of candy. However, while some chewing gums serve as aids to oral health, they still don’t reach the level of being able to replace brushing your teeth.

Myth 6: Brush your teeth with soft bristle toothbrush:

Brush your teeth with a soft-bristle toothbrush. Brush your teeth daily twice a day with a soft-bristle toothbrush. As soft bristle toothbrush helps to protect your teeth. Also, it makes you comfortable to use it. It will never hurt your teeth or gums while brushing. While Hard bristle toothbrush will hurt you and your teeth which will lead to other dental problems. Even with soft bristle toothbrush you can brush or clean your teeth harder so that your mouth, teeth remains healthy.

Schedule your appointment with Greenbelt Oral & Facial Surgery. Call us at 301-982-4555 or Book online or visit our office at 7525 Greenway Center Drive, Suite 109, Greenbelt MD 20770 

5 ways how sugar affects your Dental health

As we know that people like the sweet product the most. Not only sweets or desserts I m talking also sugary drinks included. In Today's tradition, we all know that without sugar, sweet or desserts the food remains incomplete. So people enjoy the sugary product. But have you ever know that the sugary products how it affects the tooth and created dental problems such as sensitivity, cavities, etc.

Do you know what are sugars?
Sugars are sweet like crystal substance mainly sucrose that is white in color which is obtained from sugar cane. Sugar is a common food that is consumed on a daily basis. So if you don't take care of your tooth like after taking sugary food or having meals if you don't brush your teeth or don't wash your mouth properly then your teeth will have a great impact you will suffer from dental issues.

Do you have any idea that how this sugary product affects your teeth and how this sugar and dental health are connected to each other? Let's discuss how sugar and dental health are connected.

1. SUGAR ATTRACTS BAD BACTERIA AND LOWERS YOUR MOUTH PH:

Sugar is like a magnet for bad bacteria. It attracts the bacteria towards the teeth and creates dental issues. Also if the plaque is not washed away by saliva or brushing, the mouth becomes more acidic and cavities may start to form. Any pH level below seven indicates an acidic environment in the mouth. The enamel is composed of minerals, and acidity breaks down these minerals and begins to dissolve the outer layer. This makes the tooth decay.

2. CONSUMING FOOD AND DRINK HIGH IN SUGAR CAN HAVE NEGATIVELY AFFECT ON ORAL HEALTH:

You should avoid consuming more sugary drinks, sugary products, sugary beverages, etc such as soda, coffee drinks, tea, orange juice, chocolates, chocolates related drink, Aerated drinks (soft drinks) which include the Cola, caffeine, etc. Also, avoid consuming more alcohol also has great effects on dental health. As these sugary products contain high acid. If you avoid candies, cakes, pastries, it will be good for you because these foods are the big enemies of teeth and results in the formation of cavities.

3. DENTAL CLEANINGS AND SUGAR:

Brushing or cleaning of teeth can help you to keep your oral health. Because consuming of more sugary foods daily can damage your teeth. So at least twice a day you should brush your teeth after taking a meal. Even if your teeth are professionally cleaned every six months, sugar can do an immense amount of damage between cleanings. This is why preventive dentistry plays such an important role in protecting teeth from the effects of sugar.

4. BACTERIA FEEDS ON SUGAR:

The mouth is teeming with bacteria, both good and bad. Everything we consume feeds these bacteria, groups of unicellular organisms that are nourished by starches and sugars. Colonized bacteria present as dental plaque. As a result of digestion, the bacteria produce acid. The acid then eats away at tooth enamel. This is what causes tooth decay, and eventually cavities.

5. SUGAR RESTRAIN THE FUNCTIONALITY OF SALIVARY GLAND SYSTEM:

Sugar can change the composition of saliva and can lead to dry mouth. When this saliva is not cleaned properly the teeth are higher on risk to create the problem of cavities.

Request an appointment here: http://www.greenbeltsurgery.com or call Greenbelt Oral and Facial Surgery at (301)-982-4555 for an appointment in our Greenbelt MD office.

How Stress Impacts Oral Health - 7 Ways Stress Affects Your Teeth

Stress and oral health have a stronger link than was previously imagined. In today’s busy and dynamic world, stress is a common concern for most people. Everyone knows that stress/negatively affects mental health. Research has also shown that stress has a negative impact on our oral health. Long-term Stress can hurt not only physically or emotionally also it has a bad impact on teeth and 
mouth.

Stress may lead to the following oral health concerns:

• Poor habits

• Mouth sores

• Grinding/Clenching your teeth

• Nail Biting

• TMJ Disorder

• Gum Disease

• Missing a regular dental appointment

Poor habits - Smoking as a means of coping may increase during stressful times that may also negatively impact our immunity and increase the risk of gum disease and tooth decay.

Mouth sores - If you suffer from occasional attacks of painful mouth ulcers, these frequently develop due to Vitamin B deficiency and extreme levels of stress. canker sores or cold sores are oftentimes caused by emotional stress. Please speak to your dentist as he/she can provide medication.

Grinding/Clenching your teeth - If you grind your teeth, you probably do it while you sleep. It's a common oral health problem. It can cause headaches, a sore jaw, and damage to your teeth. Severe teeth grinding can cause loose teeth or even broken or lost teeth.  stress can cause worrying and repetitive thoughts, which can cause grinding during sleep. 

Nail Biting - Though many people bite their nails in stressful situations, this bad habit can have serious consequences such as:  

1. Germs transfer from your nail to your mouth which causes mouth infection.

2. Warts may spread from your hand to your mouth.

TMJ Disorder - TMJ stands for temporomandibular joints. These are the joints that you use to move your lower jaw. They are located just below your ear. Swelling or stiffness in these joints can cause a TMJ disorder. Symptoms can include pain, clicking, and popping. Stress is a major cause of TMJ problems. For instance, stress can cause you to clench your jaw and grind your teeth.

Gum Disease - Gum disease is an infection of your gums. It can cause loose teeth, bleeding gums, and bad breath. Stress can also contribute to gum disease if it causes you to grind your teeth, clench your jaw, or smoke cigarettes. If you have severe pain on your teeth or mouth then you need to get treated sooner.

Missing regular dental appointments - Visiting your dentist regularly (every six months), not only provides preventative care but also facilitates diagnosing and managing dental issues that may become worse over time.

How can you manage stress?

1. Find relaxing techniques or a self-care plan to help manage difficult times.
2. Keep up with oral hygiene home care.
3. Visit your dentist regularly for exams and cleanings.
4. Get plenty of rest.
5. Eat a healthy, balanced diet and drink plenty of water.

If you have any questions about how stress can be affecting your oral health, please contact Dr. Ali Elyassi and feel free to ask the question. Call us at (301)-982-4555 and visit Greenbelt Oral and Facial Surgery at Greenbelt MD 20770.

Tips for the New Denture Wearers

Periodontal disease, injury and tooth decay can all cause a loss of your natural permanent teeth. To restore your missing teeth or an injury of teeth Gentle Dental Dentures is the solution. Dentures are prosthetic devices constructed to replace missing teeth and are supported by the surrounding soft and hard tissues of the oral cavity. There are two types of Dentures 1. Complete dentures 2. Partial Dentures. 

For the New Denture Wearers there are some Tips and Tricks to take care of the dentures.:

1. Brush your dentures daily.

As Dentures are replaced for the missing tooth, We need to take care of the dentures properly as we take for our natural tooth. Dentures need to be brushed daily. Dentures can also get stained and develop bacteria. So first brush your teeth and denture also properly then rinse them with water to remove food particles. Dental experts say avoid bleaching agents otherwise it will damage the denture.

2. Soak dentures daily in a denture cleanser:

 After cleaning the denture with the brush, soak the denture into cleanser daily to remove plaque, bacteria. Denture cleanser will also help to kill the germs which develop bad breath. In a market different type of denture cleanser is available you can use that and can take care of denture.

3. Give Your Tissues Rest:

We always recommend sleeping without your dentures. This will give you plenty of time to soak them, and it will also give your gums a break and allow them to heal from any soreness or irritation.

4. Adjust Your Diet :

Once you fixed the new dentures, there is certain food that you need to avoid.  it is important to maintain proper nutrition as well, so be sure you are eating well-balanced meals and healthy snacks. Avoid sweet foods, sweet drinks, corns, hard nuts etc, to keep your denture clean and protected.

Book Your appointment with Dr. Ali Elyassi.

Visit our office at  7525 Greenway Center Drive, Suite 109, Greenbelt MD 20770

Reasons Mouth Guards Should Be Mandatory For sport Athletes

Reasons Mouth Guards Should Be Mandatory For sport Athletes

No matter what sport you play, At Greenbelt Oral and Facial Surgery | Greenbelt MD, 

we recommend wearing a mouthguard. There are numerous reasons for this and many ways that they can help protect your teeth.

Here are six of the most important reasons to always wear mouth guards when playing sports.

1. Protect against displacing teeth.

Imagine being hit in the mouth by a baseball. There’s no question it could break your tooth but it could also displace it. That is, it could loosen it to the point that it moves easily and requires dental treatment. Mouthguards can help to distribute force over all of your teeth, which keeps a single tooth – or several – from bearing the brunt of a blow.

2. Protect against injury to the soft tissues.

While it’s true that teeth can get damaged when playing sports, it’s also true that the teeth can actually damage the soft tissue of the mouth. For example, a basketball player who gets hit in the face with a ball could inadvertently bite into their lip. This can require stitches and even plastic surgery to repair but it can be avoided by simply wearing a mouth guard – which can also help protect the cheeks and tongue.

3. Prevent jaw fractures

Anyone who sustains a blow to the head is likely to have their teeth come into contact with one another. When this happens, there isn’t much room for flexibility. However, if a mouth guard is worn, it acts as padding and can actually prevent the jaw from fracturing. Jaw fractures are serious business and can lead to surgery, so doing something simple like wearing a guard is well worth it.

4. Guards From fracturing teeth

One of the most important things that mouthguards can do is to prevent your teeth from breaking. If you do experience a tooth fracture, it’s likely that you can save it. If it’s fractured on the crown, where you can see it, then we can generally add white filling material to replace the fractured part. If it fractures and the dental pulp is showing, then a root canal will likely be required.

The worst-case scenario is one in which the root of the tooth fractures. At Greenbelt Oral and Facial Surgery | Greenbelt MD we will do everything we can, but it’s possible in these situations that the tooth can’t be saved.

5. Mouthguards can keep you from knocking out your teeth.

You’d be hard-pressed to find someone who wants to get their teeth knocked out, yet many people don’t wear a mouth guard for their teeth when playing sports. Adults who have an adult tooth knocked out may be able to save it. Bring it to Greenbelt Oral and Facial Surgery | Greenbelt MD and let us take a look. If a child gets a baby tooth knocked out, then a spacer may be required until the adult tooth grows in.

6. Mouthguards may help prevent concussions.

While there is disagreement on this issue, some say that since mouth guards add padding between the upper and lower rows of teeth, that padding could lessen the force of the jaw as it pushes on the skull near the brain. As a result, the chance of concussion could be lessened.

5 Ways To Have A Perfect Smile

1. Choose the right toothbrush

Always use a soft-bristled brush that bears the seal of the American Dental Association (ADA). ...
Make sure the toothbrush has a head size that fits comfortably in your mouth. ...
Change your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months, before the bristles start to splay, and any time after you've been sick.

2. Brush your teeth several times a day

Brushing your teeth regularly is a key way to improve oral health. Aim to gently brush at least twice each day, for two minutes each time. Experts also recommend regular professional cleanings, both to keep your teeth clean and to catch early signs of tooth or gum issues requiring treatment.Apr

3. Floss between your teeth

Flossing your teeth every day removes food particles, plaque, and debris that brushing can’t reach. This helps you keep your teeth and gums as healthy as possible. Additionally, flossing can help you avoid bad breath.[1] Although flossing can be tricky at first, it gets easier with practice. Start by learning how to hold the floss, then work on cleaning your teeth. Finally, adopt healthy flossing habits to help you maintain healthy teeth.

4. Be aware of any changes

When you see your dentist—which you should at regular intervals, preferably every 6 months—be sure to mention any changes you’ve noticed since your last visit, such as:

.changes in the color of your teeth or teeth that have moved;
.increased sensitivity to hot or cold;
.changes to the gums (color, sensitivity, bleeding);
.appearance of sores in the mouth or on the lips;
.tension in the neck or jaw;
.clenching or grinding of teeth;
.appearance of bumps on the neck.

5. Adopt a healthy lifestyle

Balance your diet! Eating healthy contributes to dental health as well as overall health. Foods that can compromise your dental health include candy, sweet drinks and fruit juices. Also, quit smoking as it affects the health of your teeth and mouth. Finally, drink alcohol with moderation. If you’re having trouble changing some of your habits, ask your pharmacist for help.

Habits That Ruin Your Teeth

1.   Smoking

Smoking leads to dental problems, including: Bad breath. Tooth discoloration. Inflammation of the salivary gland openings on the roof of the mouth. Increased build up of plaque and tartar on the teeth. Increased loss of bone within the jaw. Increased risk of leukoplakia, white patches inside the mouth.

2.   Drinking alcohol

Discover the facts about how drinking alcohol affects your oral health. ... Not only does this problemcause bad breath, it also boosts your chance of cavities.

3.   Grinding Teeth

The problem of teeth grinding is not limited to adults. ... Grinding of the baby teethrarely results in problems. However, teeth grinding can cause jaw pain, headaches, wear on the teeth, and TMD. Consult your dentist if your child's teeth look worn or if your child complains of tooth sensitivity or pain.

4.   Gummy Candy

 Ever wondered what the worst and best candies are for your teeth? ... Gummy worms, because they're the most acidic. .... The body can not fully digest it and it causes big problems in the digestive tract along with damage to 

5.   Soda

Sugar in soda combines with bacteria in your mouth to form acid, which attacks theteeth. Diet or “sugar-free” soda contains its own acid, which also can damage teeth. ... These ongoing acid attacks weaken tooth enamel. Kids and teens are most susceptible to tooth decay because their tooth enamel is not fully developed.

6.   Opening Stuff With Your Teeth

Opening bottle caps or plastic packaging with your teeth may be convenient, but this is one habit that makes dentists cringe. Using your teeth as tools can cause them to crack or chip. Instead, keep scissors and bottle openers handy. Bottom line, your teeth should only be used for eating.

7.   Constant Snacking

Besides brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing and visiting a dentistregularly, try to avoid or limit the foods below. Sour Candies. It's not surprising that candy is bad for your mouth. Bread. Alcohol. Carbonated Drinks. Ice. Citrus. Potato Chips. Dried Fruits.

8.   Drinking Coffee

Despite the health benefits drinking coffee might have, too much consumption may not be good for the teeth. One cup of coffee a day increases the chances of cavities. Additionally, coffee can contribute to halitosis or bad breath because of its thick scent and the way it increases oral bacteria in the mouth.

9.   Chewing on Ice

Dangers of Chewing Ice, munching won't destroy your health like other addictions will. But the dentaldamage that comes from chewing on ice often include cracked and chipped teeth, damage to tooth enamel, problems with existing dental work such as fillings and crowns, and sore jaw muscles.

10.   Playing Sports With No Mouth Guard

The role of the mouthguard in the prevention of sports-related dental injuries: a review. ... implications for patients undergoing orthodontic treatment and behavioural aspects of mouthguard wear. ... a number of sports does carry a considerable risk of sustaining dental injury, notonly in the so-called