It’s October and a great time to celebrate the hard work dental hygienists do and raise awareness of how important it is for us all to have healthy teeth. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 90% of adults have cavities in their permanent teeth. That’s a pretty staggering number! In this blog post, we will discuss some helpful tips that can help you maintain good oral hygiene.

First, let’s talk about brushing your teeth. You should brush your teeth at least twice a day, and if you can brush after every meal, that’s even better! Be sure to use a toothbrush with soft bristles, and use gentle circular motions when you brush. Don’t forget to floss! Flossing helps remove plaque and bacteria from in between your teeth, so it’s important to do it at least once a day.

If you’re looking for ways to keep your smile healthy and sparkling, be sure to celebrate National Dental Hygiene Month with these helpful tips! And remember, if you have any questions or concerns about your oral health, be sure to talk to your dentist or dental hygienist. They are the experts, and they can help you ensure that you’re taking care of your teeth in the best way possible.

Have a happy and healthy National Dental Hygiene Month!

Good oral health is important at any age, but it’s especially crucial for older adults. Seniors are more likely to experience problems like toothaches, cavities, and tooth loss if they don’t take care of their teeth and gums. In this article, we’ll provide some quick tips for keeping your mouth healthy as you get older.

First, it’s important to brush your teeth at least twice a day and to floss daily. This will help remove plaque from your teeth and gums, which can cause cavities and gum disease.

• Use a fluoride toothpaste
• Floss between your teeth every day. Talk with your dentist about special brushes or picks if flossing is difficult for you.
• Rinse with a fluoride mouthwash, if recommended by your dentist.
• Limit sugary drinks and snacks. Too much sugar can cause cavities.
• Chew sugarless gum to help prevent cavities.
• See your dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups. Your dentist can spot problems early and recommend treatments to keep your mouth healthy.

Finally, seniors should be aware of the medications they’re taking and how they might affect their oral health. Some medications can cause dry mouth, which can lead to tooth decay. If you’re taking medication, talk to your dentist about ways to protect your teeth and gums.

Following these simple tips, you can keep your mouth healthy as you age. If you have any concerns about your oral health please call us at 301-791-1700.

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The information provided on this website should not be used to diagnose or treat any medical condition and is not meant to take the place of professional medical advice. If you think you have a medical problem, please seek the advice of a physician. Call 911 for all medical emergencies.

If you or someone you know has been affected by a cleft lip or palate, you know that it can be a difficult condition to deal with. Cleft lip and palate are two of the most common craniofacial conditions, affecting thousands of infants, children, teens, and adults in the United States.

Cleft lip and palate are two conditions that can occur together or separately. Cleft lip is a condition where there is a split in the upper lip, usually occurring on one side. Cleft palate is a condition where there is a split in the roof of the mouth. These conditions can be congenital, which means they are present at birth, or they can develop later in life due to an injury or disease.

Cleft lip and palate can cause a number of problems for those affected. For example, it can be difficult to eat and speak properly. There may also be hearing difficulties and dental problems. Additionally, people with cleft lip and palate often have trouble breathing through their noses.

If you or someone you know has been affected by cleft lip and palate, there are a number of resources available to help. There are many organizations, such as the American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association, that provide support and information for those affected by these conditions.

If you have a question about this or other conditions, please call us at 301-791-1700.

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The information provided on this website should not be used to diagnose or treat any medical condition and is not meant to take the place of professional medical advice. If you think you have a medical problem, please seek the advice of a physician. Call 911 for all medical emergencies.

Cancers of the head and neck are relatively rare, but an estimated 50,000 cases are diagnosed each year in the United States. However, they can be very serious, with oral cancer being a major cause for concern. Studies have shown that over half of all people diagnosed with oral cancer will die within five years from their initial illness or treatment.

There are a number of different types of head and neck cancer, with the most common being cancers of the nasal cavity, sinuses, and lips. Other less common types include tumors of the salivary glands, larynx (voice box), and pharynx (throat).

Risk factors for head and neck cancer include:

• Tobacco use.
• Excessive alcohol consumption.
• A history of previous cancer in the head or neck area.
• Exposure to certain viruses (such as HPV).

Treatment for head and neck cancer typically involves surgery, radiation therapy, and/or chemotherapy. If you are concerned about your risk for head and neck cancer, it is important to speak with your doctor. While these cancers are relatively rare, they can be very serious, so it is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms. Early detection is key to successful treatment, so get checked out if you have any concerns.

Everyone should regularly perform an oral cancer self-exam:

• Use a mirror and light to help you see all areas well.
• Check your lips and gums, the roof of your mouth, the inside of your cheeks and all the surfaces of your tongue.
• If anything looks unusual or feels different, make an appointment with your dentist or doctor right away!

Video copyright: American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons 

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The information provided on this website should not be used to diagnose or treat any medical condition and is not meant to take the place of professional medical advice. If you think you have a medical problem, please seek the advice of a physician. Call 911 for all medical emergencies.

Did you know that smoking is a leading cause of tooth decay and tooth loss? In West Virginia, we have one of the highest rates of smoking among adults in all 50 states. Smoking can cause gum disease and other oral health problems, which can lead to tooth decay and tooth loss. If you smoke, it’s important to make sure you are taking care of your teeth and gums by seeing your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings. You can also help prevent tooth decay and gum disease by quitting smoking.

Vaping, Gum Disease, and Tooth Loss

Studies have shown that vaping increases your risk for gum disease. Researchers found that people who used e-cigarettes had more plaque buildup on their teeth and were more likely to have gum disease than those who did not vape. So, if you are looking to improve your oral health, quitting smoking (and vaping) is a good place to start!

Smoking and Oral Cancer

Smoking is also linked to an increased risk of developing oral cancer. In fact, according to the American Dental Association, smokers are six times more likely than nonsmokers to develop this disease. While the exact cause of oral cancer is unknown, we do know that tobacco use is a major risk factor. Smoking cigarettes, cigars, or pipes damages the cells in your mouth and throat, making them more susceptible to cancer-causing agents.

How Can Gum Disease and Tooth Loss Be Prevented?

• Brush your teeth twice a day
• Flossing daily, can help remove plaque from your teeth and gums.
• Regular dental checkups and cleanings are also important
• See your dentist regularly, at least once a year.
• Quit Smoking

If you have questions about tobacco use, gum disease, and tooth loss you may Contact Us online or call our offices at 301-791-1700. Oral and Facial Surgery has locations in Hagerstown, Maryland and Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, and our offices are just a short drive from Martinsburg, West Virginia.