Month: May 2016

Your Posture and Your Dental Health

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posture You know many of the common things that result in dental health concerns including not brushing or flossing enough, forgoing regular visits to my Holland dental office, smoking, and even eating foods high in sugar. But did you know that your posture can also affect your oral health? Straighten up, put your shoulders back, and read on to find out how.

It’s All Connected.

You remember the song that first taught us all anatomy, right? The one where we learned the foot bone was connected to the leg bone. Turns out, this elementary explanation to the way our bodies are structured is right on. And that’s where we can run into problems if we have bad posture. It’s ideal to have your head, neck, and spine aligned. However, this isn’t always the case. A lot of people sit or stand with their heads a bit too far forward, which throws off the entire system. When the head goes forward, the shoulders tend to follow and the jaw actually moves backwards. This causes your bite to fall out of place, leading to a misaligned jaw and potentially TMJ disorder, migraines, and other uncomfortable problems.  

Signs of a Problem.

There are several key warning signs that you may be suffering from a bad bite, whether caused by posture or not. If you notice any of the following, call your dentist in Holland.

Test It.

Want to know if your posture is a little out of whack? Test it using one of the methods below.

  • The Mirror Test – All you need for this test is a full-length mirror. Face the mirror and really look at yourself. Are your shoulders level? How about your hips? Do your kneecaps face anywhere but at the mirror? Are your ankles bending in or out? If your shoulders and hips are in line, your knees are forward, and your ankles are straight, your posture is pretty good.   
  • The Wall Test – No full length mirror? No problem. Just find a wall and place the back of your head and buttocks against it, and slide your heels six inches apart. Take your hand to feel how far the wall is from your neck and your lower back. The ideal is about an inch or two.

If you think your posture may be the reason for your pain or dental concerns, schedule your appointment at my Holland dental office today. We can help identify the root of the problem, analyze potential solutions, and work together to find the best option for you.

Accepting patients from Holland, Saugatuck, Zeeland .

3 Nasty Things That May Be On Your Toothbrush

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toothbrush Your toothbrush is meant to rid your mouth of bacteria and germs. But at my Holland dental office, we know that your toothbrush may not always be clean itself. In fact, your toothbrush may be home to some seriously nasty things.

Like What Nasty Things?

We’re glad you asked. Some of the grossest things sometimes found lingering on toothbrushes can include:

  • E. Coli. Storing your toothbrush too close to your toilet can allow fecal matter and possibly the E.Coli bacteria to land on it (yes, we know this is super gross, but that’s why we’re telling you).
  • Blood. If you have gum disease or mouth sores caused by trauma, chances are you bleed when you brush, allowing the blood to transfer onto the toothbrush.
  • Staphylococcus Aureus. This bacteria usually lives within your respiratory system. And when we breathe, it can cause it to come to our mouths and, in turn, on our toothbrushes. Don’t fret too much though, it’s usually pretty rare.

Proper Toothbrush Care

To help keep your toothbrush clean and free of these scary germs, follow the tips below.

  • Rinse, Rinse, Rinse. After each and every brushing session, spend a few extra seconds thoroughly rinsing your toothbrush with water. A good rinse helps remove any lingering food that was removed, rids the brush of leftover toothpaste, and flushes germs and bacteria down the sink.
  • Smart Storage. Keeping your toothbrush stored upright allows anything that may still be lingering around to fall away from the bristles. What’s more, allowing it to air dry and not sealing it up in a container limits the opportunity for bacteria growth. Lastly, if more than one toothbrush is stored in close quarters, try not to let them touch. More on this in the next tip.
  • Sharing is NOT Caring. Sharing a toothbrush or allowing the bristles of multiple brushes to touch could allow germs and bacteria to be transferred from one person to another, increasing the risk for infections and illness.
  • Get a New One. You should treat yourself to a new toothbrush every three to four months. Bristles tend to become frayed around this time and become ineffective. A replacement toothbrush should also be purchased following a sickness.

The best ways to keep your mouth as healthy as possible are to follow a good at-home oral health program of brushing well, flossing often, and keeping your toothbrush clean. But that’s only half of it. Maintaining regular visits with your dentist is crucial to catching problems early and treating them effectively. If it’s time for your checkup, give my Holland dental office a call today and schedule an appointment.

Serving patients from Holland, Saugatuck, Zeeland.

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