What to Do if You Crack or Chip a Tooth
We’re here to help you understand the potential causes of fractured or broken teeth, how to care for a broken or chipped tooth, and what solutions and options are available.
The Top 6 Dental Care Resolutions for 2024
Far more than any other time of the year, New Year’s is filled with gleaming, bright optimism to improve our overall health. Your resolutions can help give your teeth and oral health the attention and care they need. Want to raise the attractiveness of your smile and lower the costs of your dental care?
Our Top Dental Resolutions for the New Year
1) Brush for a Full 2 Minutes
Brushing your teeth is one thing. But brushing your teeth well is something lese altogether. Studies have concluded that most Americans brush for less than 60 seconds. Make sure you brush your teeth for the recommended two minutes. To ensure you’re brushing long enough, use a timer or an electric toothbrush with a built-in timer.
Pro-Tip: To add a little fun, try singing a “timing” song. For example, the Jeopardy! theme is a good choice. It’s 30 seconds long – so, sing it once for each quadrant in your mouth.
2) Floss Regularly
There’s always a good excuse not to floss – you’re tired, flossing is annoying, you’ll do it tomorrow. But there’s an even better reason to floss: –flossing can reduce your risk of gum disease and tooth decay. Plus, you’ll have fresher breath!
Pro-Tip: Choose a time of day that will make it easy to remember and stay committed to flossing regularly. If you find your rush in the morning, make the evening the time of day you floss. However, if you feel too tired at night, try to create a morning routine. The more you make it something easy to do, the more you’ll look forward to doing it!
3) Stay Away from Staining Foods
Stained teeth have a big impact on your appearance (and self-confidence). While frequently irresistible and delicious, foods like chocolate, coffee, tea, cokes, red wine, dark beer, and berries can significantly stain your teeth. If you can’t cut these food choices out entirely, at least try to cut back – even a small reduction can make a big difference.
Pro-Tip: Teeth whiteners can have excellent initial results, but the improvement won’t last if you don’t stop consuming staining foods and beverages.
4) Stay Hydrated
In addition to cutting down on hunger and fatigue, staying hydrated also boosts your oral hygiene. When your mouth dries out, there isn’t enough saliva to consistently wash bacteria away from your teeth. As a result, it can increase the risk of cavities and bad breath.
Pro-Tip: A fancy new water bottle to sip from throughout the day can be the best investment you make for your dental hygiene!
5) Get Enough Calcium
Remember when you were a kid and were told to drink your milk so you can “grow up big and strong”? Even at this stage of life, adequate calcium intake remains a key nutrient for our bodies, bones, and teeth. Calcium keeps the roots of your teeth strong and secure in your gums.
Pro-Tip: You can still get calcium from milk, yogurt, cheese, broccoli, tofu, almonds, and dietary supplements.
6) Visit the Dentist Regularly
Another good resolution for the coming year is to see your dentist at least every six months for an examination and cleaning. Regular cleanings remove tartar and plaque, which cause cavities and tooth decay. And, if you’re prone to gingivitis or gum disease, routine dental visits increase the likelihood of early detection, making it easier to manage symptoms and reverse damage when possible.
Pro-Tip: NCRGEA and AMBA have a Dental Plan that’s right for you. Get coverage for routine checkups, exams, fillings, and many other procedures. Not only are you GUARANTEED COVERAGE, this plan also lets you see any dentist you choose with even bigger savings by choosing an In-Network provider! Enroll today at www.AMBAdentalvision.com/NCRGEA or call 800-956-1228.
5 Tips to Keep Your Oral Health in Tip-Top Shape This Winter
Winter is here and with it comes the drastic change of weather. The cold temperatures can be fun – who doesn’t love a great sleigh ride and hot cocoa on the porch watching the snow fall? But the winter season can take a hefty toll on your oral health.
Cold Weather Brings an Array of Health Issues
Wintertime is known for causing issues like dry skin and irritated throats. But the problems don’t stop there. Your oral health is also affected by the change of weather. Want to keep your oral health in perfect condition this winter season? Follow these tips!
5 Tips to Protect Your Oral Health in the Winter
Tooth Tip #1 –Sensitivity
During cold temperatures, many find that they experience increased tooth sensitivity. This can not only come from foods, but the chilly air outside too! If you’re experiencing tooth sensitivity, there are several solutions to relieve discomfort, including using a toothpaste specially formulated for sensitive teeth, or rising out your mouth with salt water.
Tooth Tip #2 – Cold Sores
The cold weather frequently can cause a weakened immune system. This can lead to cold sores. To prevent a cold sore breakout, start by washing your hands frequently to reduce any germs on them. And remember to keep your hands off of your face and especially your mouth area. If you do feel a cold sore is coming, apply a topical treatment to the area to stop the infection as soon as possible.
Tooth Tip #3 – Exposed Dentin
The enamel is the outside layer of your teeth. If your enamel has started to wear away (which happens normally as we age, and can be exasperated by issues such as teeth grinding), the dentin below can become very sensitive. Without the protection of your enamel, the nerves inside your tooth are more exposed to the elements, putting your oral health at risk.
Tooth Tip #4 – Chapped Lips
One of the most common ailments of the winter season is chapped lips. To protect yourself from painful cracked lips this season, invest in a lip salve with SPF+. In addition, don’t forget that your body moisturizes from the inside out. Make sure you’re drinking plenty of water every day for your lip – and overall – health!
Tooth Tip #5 – Cavity Care
Hands down, the best part of the winter season is all the delicious food. From hot chocolate to candies, winter is the perfect time to enjoy sweets and sugary treats. It’s fine to give into temptation and indulge but remember to brush and floss afterwards to avoid cavities. In addition, always remember to drink plenty of water to help rinse away food particles and bacteria from your mouth. If possible, substitute dental-friendly foods into your winter diet to help with cavity prevention. Foods such as crunchy fruits and vegetables, cheese, and other choices high in calcium, are all perfect for keeping your teeth and gums healthy this winter.
Taking care of your oral health is important. That’s why NCRGEA and AMBA want to ensure that your oral health is in tip-top shape this season. Our Dental Plan provides coverage for twice annual cleanings, as well as access for any dentist you want with bigger savings by staying in-network, and – best of all – NO WAITING PERIOD on covered services. Visit www.AMBAdentalvision.com/NCRGEA or call 800-956-1228 to enroll today.