Category: General and Preventive Dentistry

When we accidentally bite our lip, the pain that follows can be concerning. The zing of pain, and maybe even some blood, can certainly cause us to think that we may have just done some serious damage. But is lip-biting actually bad for you? Let’s check in with your dentist in Holland to see just how big of a deal biting our lip (or cheek or tongue!) is.

Biting Is Bad — Sometimes

The truth is, there are really two answers to whether biting the soft tissues in our mouths is bad for us. On one hand, occasional bites typically heal on their own and usually aren’t something to worry over. On the other hand, when biting becomes a habit or you find yourself accidentally biting your lips, cheeks, or tongue a lot, it can cause inflammation, swelling, and sores. These sores can become infected if not treated or if they’re constantly being reopened by more biting.

Why Do We Bite?

We’ve all experienced those accidental bites we talked about above while chewing or perhaps during a big sneeze. While these one-off biting incidents sure can hurt, even for a few days, they’re often not something to be concerned about.

However, when accidental bites happen often, you should see your dentist in Holland. Those who tend to bite their lips, cheeks, or tongue a lot while they’re eating or even talking may have something known as malocclusion or a bad bite. A bad bite means that our top teeth don’t line up well with our bottom teeth, and that makes it really easy for a piece of the tongue, lip, or cheek to get stuck in between them (ouch!). Additionally, malocclusion can lead to its own set of problems like headaches, jaw pain, TMJ (temporomandibular disorder), and shifting teeth.

There are also cases where people habitually bite their lips, cheeks, or tongue. Usually, this is a response to high-stress situations or even when they’re concentrating. Constant biting on the tissues, whether caused by psychological or physical factors, should be stopped before it leads to sores or painful swelling.

How To Stop

Depending on what’s causing you to bite in the first place, there are things you can do to help yourself stop.
If biting is caused by stress… If you’re one of the people who constantly chew on your lips, cheeks, or tongue, it can be difficult to stop. However, if you’re able to recognize when you bite, you can work to consciously stop. There are also times when a type of behavior therapy can help break the habit.

If biting is caused by a bad bite… Those who don’t purposely bite but find themselves accidentally nipping their lips, cheek, or tongue often can benefit from a trip to their Holland dentist. The best way to prevent additional problems is to seek dental help to determine if a bad bite is to blame. Your dental team can help you find the best treatment for your individual case so you can stop biting.

The Great American Smokeout is hosted on the third Thursday of every November. Its purpose is to help smokers set a day to work towards a smoke-free life. As you probably know, quitting smoking can help you get healthier, but it can also protect your children’s health, too. The truth is, those who live with smokers, including children, are at risk for similar health concerns as the actual smoker. To help celebrate the Great American Smokeout and raise awareness of the importance of quitting, our dental office in Holland is sharing some ways smoking can put others living with you at risk, even if they aren’t smokers themselves. 

Secondhand Smoke Linked to Cavities

You may already be aware of the oral health complications that tend to affect smokers, such as bad breath and an increased risk of gum disease. But one thing you may not know is that secondhand smoke can also carry oral health risks. A study conducted by the American Dental Association (ADA) showed a potential link between secondhand smoke and the prevalence of cavities in children’s baby teeth. But that’s not all. There are several reasons smokers should avoid lighting up when children are around. 

Children of Smokers are at Risk

An increased risk of developing more cavities is certainly something that worries your Holland dentist. However, children of smokers have even more risks that go beyond oral health alone. In fact, children of smokers tend to get more ear infections, more colds that last longer, and are at greater risk of bronchitis than children of non-smokers. The risks of secondhand smoke can even go beyond childhood if kids are continuously exposed to it. Constant exposure to secondhand smoke can lead to underdeveloped lungs and even heart disease and lung cancer. Unfortunately, the risks don’t end there. Children of smokers are nearly 4 times more likely to start smoking than those with non-smoking parents. Once someone starts the habit, it’s more likely that they themselves will become addicted and their risk of serious health problems, such as cancer and heart disease, will drastically increase.

Smoking During Pregnancy

Both smoking while pregnant and smoking around a pregnant woman carry risks to the unborn baby. Smoking or being exposed to secondhand smoke during pregnancy can cause serious concerns including: 

• Low birth weight and perhaps an unhealthy baby
• Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
• Premature birth 
• Miscarriage 

Even though our Holland dental office supports the Great American Smokeout, we aren’t here to lecture or judge anyone for smoking. Instead, we’re here to support our community in their journey to quit — which is exactly the mission behind the Great American Smokeout. Quitting smoking can not only help you live a longer, healthier life, it can also help protect your children. 

If you’re trying to quit smoking, there are various resources you can use both online and in person. Try a few different things to find what’s best for you and always remember to never quit trying to quit.  

It’s that time of the year again when the sounds of sneezes and sniffles, and coughs and congestion, are in the air. That’s right, it’s flu season, which can be a concerning time for all of us. At our dental office in Holland, we want you to know that you don’t have to suffer this year. There are some easy tips you can try to keep your family healthy all the way to spring. 

Wash Those Hands

There’s a reason you’ll find posters in every bathroom stressing the importance of proper handwashing and why your dentist in Holland stresses washing those hands regularly — because it works! A little bit of soap and warm water can go a long way in keeping you healthy and flu-free. Make sure to wash your hands after using the restroom, touching another person, touching anything in public (think escalators and doorknobs!), and before every meal or snack. While soap and warm water work best to kill those pesky germs, alcohol-based hand sanitizer can work well in a pinch.

Clean Often

Having clean hands is one thing that can certainly help reduce the risk of catching the flu, but having a clean house is also important. Pay attention to the areas where your family spends the most time, like the bathrooms (don’t forget the toilet handles!) and kitchen. Sanitize things that are often overlooked, such as remote control, faucets, and toys. When in doubt, give it a quick wipe down with an antibacterial cleaner. 

No Hands to the Face

Hands touch so many things throughout the day, and even if you’re washing them regularly, there’s still a chance germs are lingering around. In fact, the CDC states that one of the most common ways germs are spread is by touching a contaminated surface, then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. These body parts have mucus that can easily transport germs into the body and make us sick. 

Take Care of That Toothbrush

The truth is, toothbrushes can play host to all sorts of gross germs that can make you sick. But with proper care, those germs don’t stand a chance. Make sure the bristles are getting a thorough rinsing with warm water after every use to help flush bacteria down the drain (where they belong!). When it comes to storage, keep all toothbrushes in an upright position with the bristles at the top and allow them to air dry. Avoid using those little plastic toothbrush covers — they create the ultimate home for bacteria because it’s wet, cold, and dark. Keep family members’ toothbrushes separated from each other to avoid cross-contamination, and of course, never share toothbrushes. 

Drink More Water

Water is the best thing for everyone to drink, but even more so during flu season. The truth is, a well-hydrated body is better equipped to fight off any infection. Try your best to have each member of your family drink at least eight, 8-ounce glasses of water a day. During flu season, if you can get them to drink a little bit more, it can only help. 

Follow these tips this flu season to help keep your entire family healthy all winter long. However, sometimes pesky germs find their way inside and make us sick. If that happens, your Holland dentist encourages you to use sugar-free medicines to help alleviate symptoms.  

Some patients truly have a hard time or struggle with anxiety about seeing the dentist. For some patients, it’s been years since they last saw a dentist in Holland. For other folks, they’re regular dental patients… but they still feel butterflies when it’s time for treatment. 

We’re here to tell you that having a relaxing dental experience every time you visit the office, no matter what the reason, is and should always be an option. No one should miss out on having a healthy smile because they’re unable to relax at the dentist. Here are some of the tips we tell our patients who struggle with this personally or have a family member that’s unsure about seeing the dentist.

Forget What You Think You Know About Dentistry

This tip is for everyone who hasn’t seen the dentist in a few years or more. If you’re not having your teeth cleaned because the sights, sounds, and smells of dentistry give you anxiety, there’s good news. Over the years, treatments and technology have completely revolutionized how dentistry is delivered. You’ll experience it from the moment you first visit your Holland dentist. There are so many new tools and advancements to show you! The way we care for smiles has changed, and you’re going to find you feel more comfort and less worry during any treatment. 

Talk to Your Dentist (No Really)

Don’t just go through the motions when you see the dentist, especially if there’s something that gives you fear or anxiety. Make that the first thing you tell us before we even discuss what’s going on with your smile. Let us know what you’re feeling and what you’d like to do about your smile. It’s just that easy. If you’re not ready to talk just yet, why not send us an email or message online? All we want to do is start a conversation with you, at your own pace and always without pressure or obligation. 

By communicating with us, your stress levels should lower because you’re learning more about what to expect during your appointment, as we get to know you and your needs. Trust us when we say we see patients every day who are not too excited about having to sit in the dental chair, even for something as routine as a cleaning. We have the right tools and training to make sure you’re always feeling comfortable and at ease.

Don’t Rush! Take Your Time

If you’re not comfortable with seeing the dentist, you can always take it slow. Call us and schedule some time to talk. We don’t even necessarily have to look at your mouth; we want to hear your concerns and absolutely do our best to alleviate your dental anxiety. This will help you build your relationships with us, helping you feel more like you’re with family than in the dental chair. 

Breathe in. Breathe Out.

Focusing on your breathing is very effective at lowering your stress levels and blood pressure, helping you to feel more at ease. We recommend trying it before your dental visits (and anytime you’re feeling stressed). 

Try the 4-7-8 breathing technique or relaxed breathing. It’s sure to help you remember to focus on your breath and relax, instead of dreading your time with the dentist. Try:

1) Breathing in for 4 seconds

2) Holding the breath for 7 seconds

3) Exhaling for 8 seconds.

Some people say doing this deep, rhythmic breathing can even help them fall asleep in as little as one minute. Imagine sleeping in the dental chair free from anxiety, all thanks to deep, relaxing breaths.

We hope you found something here today that will help you feel better about seeing the dentist. You’re always welcome to call our Holland dental office with questions or concerns about your dental anxiety. Trust us when we say you’re not alone!

Fluoride is one of the best ways to keep teeth strong, healthy, and protected against decay. But what is fluoride? Who needs it? How much do they need? We know you have questions, but don’t worry… the team at our dental office in Holland is here to answer them. 

What Is Fluoride?

Tooth decay is a serious problem among both children and adults, and one of the best ways to prevent it is by using fluoride. Fluoride is a mineral found in nature. However, it’s also often added to water which provides an easy way to make sure we’re all getting enough of it. Fluoride helps harden the enamel so our teeth are super strong and protected against bacteria and acid. Fluoride can even help strengthen teeth before they erupt, making it pretty important for kids. 

Where Do We Get Fluoride?

Fluoride comes in two forms — systemic and topical. Systemic is any form that’s ingested into the body, including fluoride found in water and fluoride tablets. Topical refers to the stuff your dentist in Holland applies to your teeth during dental visits. Chances are if your drinking water is fluoridated, and you’re using a toothpaste with fluoride, you’re probably getting enough systemic fluoride. However, if you’re prone to cavities or decay, or have sensitive teeth, your dentist may recommend using topical fluoride to keep sensitivity at bay and further protect your enamel. 

Is There Such a Thing as Too Much Fluoride?

When it comes to fluoride, there is such a thing as too much. Dental fluorosis is one of the main concerns that can result from the overuse of fluoride. Mostly affecting children under 8, dental fluorosis is caused by too much fluoride over a prolonged period of time before adult teeth have erupted. Sometimes you may notice pitting and staining, other times fluorosis can cause almost invisible white spots. You can reduce the risk of dental fluorosis by monitoring how much fluoride is in your water and choosing a different source for kids under 8 if yours has more than 2 mg/L. It’s also important to note that, while highly unlikely, too much fluoride can be hazardous. Even though it’s extremely difficult to expose yourself to dangerous levels of fluoride, you should still follow a few rules of thumb such as: 

• Keeping fluoride supplements out of the reach of children
• Avoiding flavored toothpaste to discourage swallowing 
• Following your dentist’s recommendations for the right amount of fluoride for you 

If you have more questions regarding fluoride, we welcome you to call our Holland dental office to schedule a visit. We’re always accepting new patients and are here to help our neighbors get and keep healthy smiles.