Keeping up optimal oral health takes more than brushing and flossing. Maintaining oral hygiene demands a bit of work, but it is worth it in the long run. Here are four ways you can improve your dental health right now.

1. Replace your toothbrush more often. When was the last time you replaced your toothbrush? A month ago? Six months? Most people don’t swap out a new brush often enough, which can lead to reduced brush effectiveness. Change your brush at least every three months. Be sure to switch after having an infection like the cold or flu to prevent reinfection.
2. Lay off the fizzy drinks. The acids present in soda wear away enamel, weakening your teeth and leaving them vulnerable to decay. In fact, people who drink three or more glasses of soda per day experience about 62% more tooth decay than those who choose another beverage like water.
3. Opt for chocolate. Everyone loves a sweet treat now and then, but did you know that certain candies are better for your teeth than others? The American Dental Association reports dark chocolate is the healthiest option, as it is soft and washes off your teeth easier than other candies. Hard, sticky, and sour goodies should be avoided, because they can stick to your teeth and even cause chips or cracks if you bite down too hard.
4. Visit your dentist. Trips to our office should occur at least twice a year—not just when you have a toothache. We offer preventative care, vital education, and important cleanings, which are all part of maintaining excellent oral health.

We are pleased to offer a variety of solutions to keep your smile healthy. We are also able to customize a health plan tailored to your specific needs. Book your appointment in Bellingham, WA today.

At times, life can seem to move quickly. Between work, school, sports, and social events, it can seem there is little time left for you and your health. It’s imperative for a healthy mouth and body to always have your next dental appointment scheduled and to prioritize this care. Our team will work with you to find the most convenient day and time for you. If you need to reschedule, we will do our best to accommodate you. Advanced notice of a change is greatly appreciated, whenever possible. Missed appointments without notice are harmful to our practice, as we’ve reserved your appointment time exclusively for you. 

Missed dental appointments can lead to worsened oral and overall health. Whether receiving preventive or restorative care, if left without professional treatment, plaque and decay will progress and the state of your oral health will likely decline. Some of our patients are predisposed to more frequent oral health issues. Many times, these guests prefer more frequent office visits. Please know this is an option for you as well. Investing in one extra cleaning each year can often prevent more costly concerns.

We know it can be tempting to skip your dental appointment. Perhaps you’d rather be relaxing at home or you’ve had a last-minute obligation arise. Please make every effort to prioritize your healthy smile, as it significantly contributes to your overall health. 

Please know we’re here for you. If you have any questions about our care or practice philosophy, don’t hesitate to contact our Bellingham, WA dentist.

Normal flow of saliva provides lubrication for swallowing and begins the process of digestion while you chew. Saliva also protects your teeth by neutralizing and washing away acids, sugars, and other particles left behind after eating. From time to time, we all experience some amount of dry mouth. Hot weather, exercise, and dehydration can all cause a temporary decrease in saliva production. However, if you have chronic dry mouth, or xerostomia, you could be at risk of serious oral health complications.

Some of the oral health issues commonly associated with dry mouth include:

• Much higher rates of tooth decay
• Oral yeast infection
• Bad breath (halitosis)
• Periodontal (gum) disease
• Constant sore throat
• Soft tissue infections
• Difficulty swallowing
• Denture discomfort

The most common cause of chronic dry mouth is medication. More than 400 over-the-counter and prescription medications include dry mouth as a frequent side effect. Dry mouth is also associated with stress, autoimmune and other systemic diseases, hormonal changes, radiation or chemotherapy treatment for cancers, and salivary gland disease.

You may find relief from dry mouth through a variety of methods. Some easy options to help alleviate your dry mouth include:

• Increased water intake
• Sugar-free candies or gum
• Artificial saliva, as recommended by doctor or dentist
• Alcohol-free mouthwash
• Limiting alcohol, caffeine, and carbonated soft drinks
• Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air in your home
• Change in medication, only as directed by doctor

Brush and floss regularly to help prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and other complications.

If you are experiencing dry mouth, make an appointment and be sure to tell our team. We will review your medications and perform a thorough dental exam to check for any potential underlying oral health issues.

For more information about dry mouth, contact our office.

Are you embarrassed to show your smile because of missing teeth? For many people, missing teeth can create a feeling of diminished self-confidence. Modern dentistry can not only replace the gaps in your smile, our team can also create long-term replacements that look and feel just like your natural teeth. You have options. Here are a few of the most common tooth replacement solutions.

Dentures

Dentures are a solution for those who have lost many or all their teeth. They create a realistic, aesthetically pleasing smile. They are ideal for patients that are missing multiple teeth on either the top or bottom. Our team will start by taking an impression of your mouth. We will then send the impression to a lab for a customized set of dentures to be created. Once your dentures are ready, we will ensure a proper fit and make any necessary adjustments. Dentures should be cleaned regularly with a non-abrasive cleanser. Our team will provide you with all the information you need to take care of your dentures.

Bridges

You may have heard of dental bridges referred to as partial dentures. Dental bridges are a replacement solution for one or more missing teeth. They help prevent your existing teeth from shifting into the empty gaps of your missing teeth. Bridges utilize your surrounding teeth as an anchor for your replacements. Our team can match the bridge to look like your natural teeth; no one will even notice the difference.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are a long-lasting tooth replacement option. Unlike dentures, which may require replacement, dental implants can last a lifetime with proper care. Our team will ensure your gum tissue is healthy enough with adequate bone support to anchor the implant. For some patients, additional preparations may be necessary such as a bone graft to guarantee your implant has a strong, stable foundation.

The gaps in your smile can be filled. Our team can help you decide on a tooth replacement solution based on your individual needs. It is important to fill the gaps of missing teeth to prevent deterioration to your gums and the shifting of teeth into these empty spaces. Additionally, tooth replacement solutions such as dentures, bridges, or implants can help improve your speech and comfort.

If you are missing teeth, we invite you to schedule a consultation with our team.

Your smile is one of the first things that people notice about you. One way to make a lasting impression is to have a healthy-looking smile. Over the years, teeth whitening has become immensely popular. People turn to in-office whitening, over-the-counter whitening, and home-made whitening techniques. Did you know that there are ways to keep your smile white with just small changes to your daily routine? Read the tips below to keep your smile looking pearly white.

Family Dentist in Bellingham, WA 98226

1. Brush and Floss 

To keep your mouth clean, healthy, and stain-free, brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day. Brush your teeth after drinking coffee, tea, soda, or red wine to help fight discoloration. 

2. Diet

Some of the food and drinks you are consuming may cause your teeth to look dull or stained. Wine, coffee, tea, soft drinks, and berries all contain substances that stain teeth. Chromogens are molecules found in all of these items that stick to the enamel of your teeth causing a dull look.

3. Quit Smoking

Smoking is not only bad for your heart and lungs, it is also bad for your mouth and teeth. Smoking causes tooth discoloration, increased plaque buildup, gum disease and more.

4. Visit Your Dentist

Dental cleanings and exams are an important part in keeping your teeth healthy and bright. You may need frequently follow up visits based on your oral health care. Don’t forget to schedule an appointment twice a year.

Even if you do use in-office whitening or over-the-counter products, your teeth need extra care to keep up with the initial results. By flossing, lifestyle changes, and regular dental visits your teeth will be looking bright.

Call our Bellingham dental office to schedule your dental cleaning today.

A happy smile is a healthy smile! There are a number of steps you can take to keep your smile healthy by reducing your risk of developing tooth decay. Here are a few suggestions from our team.

Bellingham, WA 98226 Dentist

Eat a Tooth Friendly Diet 

Reduce the amount of sugars and carbohydrates in your diet. Decay-causing bacteria in the mouth feed on these substances. 

We suggest you reduce grains, beans, seeds, and nuts in your diet when possible. These foods can lead to demineralization of your teeth and bones due to their acidic content. Consider adding foods high in minerals and vitamins to your diet such as apples, leafy greens, celery, or carrots.

Brush, Floss, Rinse, Repeat

Routine brushing at least twice a day followed by flossing and a mouth rinse is the optimal at home dental care routine. Brush for at least two minutes in the morning and at night. Use a soft bristle toothbrush that is small enough to reach every tooth. 

Dental Sealants

Children often get dental sealants to protect the hard-to-reach teeth in the back of their mouths. However, dental sealants can benefit adults and those who have a higher risk of decay. Dental sealants are a layer of plastic-like material that coats the top surface of the tooth. Sealants protect the crevices in the tooth where bacteria reside and minimizes exposure of the tooth to harmful acids and sugars that wear down enamel. 

When left untreated, tooth decay can cause discomfort and spread to other healthy teeth. You can combat tooth decay by reducing sugars and acids in your diet and brushing and flossing regularly. For some patients, dental sealants might be a solution. 

Don’t forget to schedule your next visit to our office. Our Bellingham dental team can provide a professional cleaning and check for signs of tooth decay.

There are over 12 million new cases of cancer diagnosed each year. There are a large variety of different kinds of cancer, some of which are more preventable than others. It might seem obvious that brushing and flossing each day as well as avoiding tobacco can help protect you from oral cancer. However, there are types of oral cancer and other cancers that can be prevented through optimal oral care as well.

Dentist in Bellingham, WA 98226

Dental Care and Oral Cancer

While it’s long been known that tobacco and heavy alcohol use are the main causes of oral, head, and neck cancer, poor oral health has recently been added to the list. A 2007 study published in American Journal of Epidemiology found that poor mouth health and missing teeth were strongly linked to the development of oral cancer. Likewise, patients with healthy smiles were found to be far less likely to develop oral cancer. If you have been diagnosed with oral cancer, know that common oral health problems such as gum disease and tooth decay could be making the condition worse. Visiting our dental office regularly for professional cleanings, examinations, and oral cancer screenings to help catch signs of oral cancer early and make treatment easier and more effective.

Oral Health and Other Cancers

Poor oral health has been shown to be tied to other types of cancers outside of the mouth. For example, a recent study conducted by NYU Langone Health’s Perlmutter Cancer Center found that certain types of bacteria in patients with gum disease was tied to a higher risk of developing esophageal cancer. While esophageal cancer only accounts for 1% of new cancer cases diagnosed annually, over 90% of patients will die of the disease. Untreated gum disease opens up the tissues around the teeth to bacterial infection, allowing these harmful bacteria to enter the bloodstream and infect other parts of the patient’s body. Maintaining optimal oral health can help protect you from this threat.

Your oral health affects much more than just your mouth. If you’re not taking care of your teeth, tongue, and gums, you could significantly increase your risk of developing cancer without even realizing it. If you’d like to learn more about the connection between oral health and cancer, contact our Bellingham, WA dental team to schedule an examination and cleaning today! 

Blood thinning medications are helpful in regulating your body to prevent heart attacks, strokes, and other serious issues. However, if you are scheduled for oral surgery, it is vital that our oral surgeon is aware of all medications you are using. 

Bellingham, WA 98226 Dentist

How Blood Thinners Work

There are two types of blood thinners. The first type works to prevent blood clotting. Medications ranging from aspirin to Plavix fit into this category. The other type of blood thinners work to prevent blood from coagulating; Coumadin or warfarin accomplish this. 

What Our Oral Surgeon Should Know

When you have your oral surgery consultation appointment, be sure to share with us any medications you are taking. We need to have your complete medical history to ensure your safety and proper treatment. Our dentist might also ask you the purpose of each medication you are taking to better understand any side-effects or other medical issues that could affect your oral surgery.

Steps to Take Before Surgery

Never stop any medication without consulting your doctor. Depending on your medical history, your doctor might suggest specific blood tests before having oral surgery. Communication is key, both between you and your primary physician, and between you and our office. If your treatment requires additional medication to be taken, ask about potential drug interactions. 

Steps to Take to Minimize Oral Bleeding

Bleeding resulting from oral surgery can occur, but each patient will have different results. The most effective way to minimize oral bleeding is to firmly apply pressure to the area for up to 30 minutes. Gauze is recommended for applying gentle pressure to stop bleeding. Depending on the oral surgery procedure, we may ask you to refrain from drinking hot liquids and rinsing your mouth for the first day. We suggest avoiding rough or sharp foods that might cut your mouth. 

Prior to having any oral surgery, it is important that our experienced surgical team has a thorough knowledge of your medical history. This enables us to find the best possible solutions for your needs, while ensuring your safety. 

If you have any questions about medications and oral surgery, contact our Bellingham, WA 98226 dentist office.

Men, dental examinations and treatment are important for you, too. Did you know according to the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), by age 72 men lose an average of 5 teeth? That number jumps to 12 if you are also a smoker. Here’s what you need to know about keeping your mouth healthy. Follow these tips and you can beat the odds stacked against men and their oral health.

The Basics

Men are more likely than women to suffer from periodontal, or gum, disease. Men also have a higher risk of developing oral cancer and throat cancer, and men tend to lose more teeth than women. A poll conducted by the AGD found that 45% of men who responded felt there was no need for them to visit the dentist. This is a troubling statistic for a group more prone to oral health issues. A visit to Love Dentistry can help us identify problems early.

Risk Factors

Certain medications can directly impact your teeth. Others can cause side effects such as dry mouth, which decreases saliva. Saliva is important in keeping your teeth’s enamel strong. Smoking or chewing tobacco, including smoking electronic cigarettes, have been linked to increasing your risk of developing oral cancer and other oral health issues. If you play sports, especially football or hockey, get fitted with a mouth guard to protect your teeth from extensive damage. You should avoid or limit energy drinks and sports drinks, as these contain acids and sugars that can lead to decay.

Periodontal Disease

Men are at a higher risk for developing periodontal, or gum, disease. Periodontal disease is caused by a buildup of hardened plaque on teeth and gums. This buildup, known as tartar, can inflame your gums. Studies have linked periodontal disease to increasing your risk for strokes, heart attacks, diabetic complications, and more. If your gums are red, bloodied, or sore, you should make an appointment to see us. Our experienced, professional dentist in Bellingham will assess your gum health and work to find a treatment for you.

Take These Steps at Home

A visit to Love Dentistry will provide you with a complete dental examination and cleaning, but you should also practice good oral hygiene each day at home. This starts by brushing your teeth twice each day, for two minutes each time. When you brush, use an appropriate toothpaste. Ask our Bellingham dentist if you are not sure what kind of toothpaste is best for you. Make sure you are also using dental floss. Taking care of your teeth at home will make your next visit to see us easier.

Men, your teeth are important so take good care of them. Practice good brushing and flossing habits at home. Reduce your risk of developing decay and oral disease by cutting back on sugary or acidic drinks, avoiding tobacco and smoking, and keeping our office up to date on any medications you are using. Get into the habit of coming to our office regularly, your smile depends on it.

For more tips on keeping your mouth healthy or to schedule your next dental examination with our Bellingham dentist, please contact Love Dentistry.

BY : BECKY MANDELBAUM, PHOTOS COURTESY OF KAILLY GONZALEZ AND PHOTOS FOR THE PEOPLE

One morning this past September, I noticed something strange: my front tooth was chipped. It wasn’t an extreme chip, just a little notch in the corner, but it created a jagged edge I could feel with my tongue and that was noticeable up-close.  

I didn’t think much of the chip. I figured I’d cracked it on a popcorn kernel, or while absentmindedly chewing on a pen cap. It didn’t seem like a big deal, until I visited the dentist a few weeks later.  

I was there for a routine cleaning, but as soon as I opened my mouth, the dental hygienist asked me a question I’d never been asked before: Did I grind my teeth? 

I told her that, as far as I knew, I had never ground my teeth.  

“Have you been waking up with headaches?” she asked.  

I answered yes, because I had been waking up with headaches, but had ascribed them to the general stress of living in a pandemic in the wake of a momentous presidential election.    

“You’re probably grinding your teeth,” the hygienist said, and then showed me, with a mirror, all the places where I had ground away at my canines and molars. I was mortified, not only that I had done so much damage to my own teeth, but that I had done it without even noticing.   

Grinding, Clenching, and Mask-Mouth 

As it turns out, my story is reflective of a larger trend. Dr. Aimée Werremeyer of Love Dentistry in Bellingham has seen a huge increase in chipped and fractured teeth since the pandemic began — in fact, it’s been the number one thing people call in about. Some weeks she sees a new tooth fracture every day. She’s even seen cases of lock-jaw. The culprit? Teeth-grinding and jaw clenching, known technically as bruxism.  

“Everyone is under so much stress, we’re taking it out on our teeth and don’t even know that we’re doing it,” says Dr. Werremeyer. 

While stress is a primary cause of bruxism, additional factors also come into play. A New York Times article about the recent uptick in tooth fractures noted poor posture from at-home work stations and lack of sleep as two other contributing causes.  

Another concern among dentists is something referred to as “mask mouth.” While masks are mandatory and essential to slowing the spread of COVID-19, they also interfere with our normal mouth behavior.  

When we wear a mask, Dr. Werremeyer explains, we open our mouth wider than we normally would, in an attempt to breathe and talk better. This leads to issues with our jaw, but also mouth dryness, which causes a slew of nasty side effects.  

Saliva plays a critical role in oral health. It fights bacteria, cleanses teeth, and neutralizes acid in the mouth, thus preventing gum disease and decay. When our mouth is dry, saliva isn’t doing this work, leaving our teeth and gums vulnerable to harmful bacteria. Symptoms of mask mouth include gingivitis, tooth decay, halitosis (sour breath), receding gum lines, and bruxism. While bad in their own right, gum disease and periodontal disease can also contribute to heart disease and stroke.  

“Our mouths are connected to our whole digestive track,” Dr. Werremeyer explains. “If your mouth has yucky bacteria, that gets into your digestive system…and weakens your immune system.” 

Protecting Your Smile 

Luckily, there’s a lot one can do to maintain oral hygiene during the pandemic.   

When it comes to grinding and clenching, Dr. Werremeyer suggests buying an occlusal guard, such as a nightguard or daytime splint. You can find versions of these at your local pharmacy, or have your dentist create a custom mold. A custom-made mold from your dentist will be thinner and less likely to irritate you at night. 

While occlusal guards prevent you from damaging your teeth, it’s also important to address the cause of the grinding, namely stress and anxiety. Dr. Werremeyer’s suggestion is simple but poignant: Take care of yourself.  

“I think self-care is huge right now, so that we can destress, finding those things that make us happy and make us feel good about ourselves,” Dr. Werremeyer explains. 

In some instances, Dr. Werremeyer has also referred patients to physical therapists and massage therapists, to address tension in the temporomandibular joint.  

Since masks are non-negotiable given the times, here are some things you can do to avoid the effects of mask mouth: 

• Drink more water  
• Try to breathe through your nose when wearing a mask  
• Avoid caffeine and alcohol, which are dehydrating 
• Use alcohol-free mouthwash (those with alcohol, like Listerine, can dry out your mouth) 
• Use a humidifier, especially in your work place or in you room while sleeping 
• Scrape or brush your tongue 
• Avoid smoking, which dries out the mouth 

See Your Dentist 

One of the best things you can do for your dental health is visit the dentist. A daunting task under normal circumstances — in a 2018 survey, more than 40% of American reported not seeing the dentist as frequently as they would prefer — maintaining oral hygiene is more important than ever.  

“As much as patients are scared to go to the dentist, it’s also what will help increase our immune system,” Dr. Werremeyer says.  

Those wary of visiting a place that traffics in open mouths can take comfort knowing most dental offices are going above and beyond to make sure their clinics are safe and clean.  

At Love Dentistry, Dr. Werremeyer has implemented various safety protocols and equipment. Her office has begun using air purifiers, extra oral vacuums to pick up aerosols, and a mouth rinse that kills localized bacteria and viruses. Staff is required to change into new clothes between each patient, clean the bathroom after every use, and undergo daily screenings and temperature-checks. Check-in occurs in the parking lot and anyone in the waiting room must wear a mask. 

These precautions must be working; according to recent data, no COVID-19 transfers have occurred in a dental setting in the U.S.  

“Find your favorite dentist, and ask for help, and make sure that you’re preventing any of these things from causing irreversible damage,” Dr. Werremeyer says.