If you’ve recently given up smoking cigarettes or using other tobacco products, you’re making great strides toward achieving better oral health. But, it can be a long and tiresome road. There are several things ex-smokers may want to incorporate into their oral care routine to ensure they are taking proactive steps toward a healthier smile. 

At Mountain View Dental, our team understands how difficult it can be to give up smoking. Coupling this with an attempt to remedy potential oral ailments might seem difficult, but with the right education and patience, you can achieve great oral health. If you are trying to heal your mouth after smoking, keep reading to learn how our team recommends ex-smokers do so. 

Understanding Nicotine’s Impact on Your Oral Health

Nicotine may have several adverse effects on your oral health. First, it can restrict blood flow to the gums, which may lead to slower healing and an increased risk of developing gum disease. This reduced blood flow may also lead to gum recession and, in more severe cases, tooth loss. Additionally, nicotine reduces saliva production, causing dry mouth.

This condition may promote the growth of harmful bacteria and lead to chronic bad breath, tooth decay, and further gum disease. Moreover, nicotine can stain teeth, leaving them yellowed and discolored, and can also dull the sense of taste and smell. Understanding these impacts can help motivate ex-smokers as they navigate this new, fresh start in their lives, helping them strive for improved oral health. 

Oral Care Tips for Ex-Smokers

As ex-smokers, there are a few steps you want to ensure you include in your oral health routine. By following a strict oral health routine, you can begin to address oral health ailments like gingivitis, dry mouth, and tooth decay. Some things you should do to begin your oral health healing journey include:

1. Use Products Designed for Oral Health Recovery

One of the first things ex-smokers should do is look for oral care products that are designed for oral health recovery. These products may include toothpaste designed to heal the gums and address loss of enamel and fluoride-rich mouthwashes. With the aid of these products, you can begin addressing any oral irritations you may have experienced as a result of smoking or using other nicotine products. 

2. Improve Your Oral Hygiene Routine

While this isn’t exclusive to ex-smokers, it is important that you take steps to improve your oral hygiene routine. Make sure you are brushing at least twice a day, for at least two minutes to remove food particles and kill bacteria present in your mouth. Now is also a great time to begin flossing more regularly. Flossing will help remove tough food particles that can cause tooth decay. Finally, remember to use an antibacterial mouthwash twice a day to kill any bacteria that may linger after brushing and flossing. 

3. Stay Hydrated

It isn’t uncommon for ex-smokers to struggle with dry mouth. Smoking can reduce your mouth’s ability to produce enough saliva, which is essential for protecting your teeth from harmful bacteria. To accommodate for poor saliva production, ensure that you are drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Not only will this alleviate dry mouth symptoms you may be experiencing, but it should also help to rinse away lingering food particles and bacteria present in your mouth. 

4. Avoid Alcohol and Caffeine

Alcohol and caffeine are both responsible for drying out your mouth. Coupling that with oral irritations you may experience as a result of smoking can lead to significant discomfort and the worsening of your oral health condition. While quitting these products entirely may be difficult, it is best to limit your use of them while trying to recover from oral health ailments. Limiting your intake should help your mouth maintain optimal saliva production. 

5. Speak to a Dentist about Professional Whitening Treatments 

As many smokers and ex-smokers know, the consumption of nicotine products is responsible for the yellowing of your teeth. If you’ve stopped smoking but are still plagued by yellow teeth, you might want to speak to a dentist about whether professional teeth whitening is right for you. It is important to note, though, that not all staining from smoking can be treated with these whitening treatments. If that is the case, other cosmetic dentistry, like veneers, may be better for improving the appearance of your smile. 

6. Monitor for Signs of Oral Cancers

Although you have stopped smoking, the impact of this behavior can last far longer than you may realize. After you’ve stopped using nicotine products, you should still monitor for signs of oral cancer development. These signs may include sores, lumps, or patches that don’t heal within two weeks. If any of these occur, it is essential that you reach out to a trusted dental team as soon as possible to address these problems and ensure there isn’t a larger problem brewing. 

7. Attend Regular Dental Check-Ups

One of the easiest ways to maintain a great oral health routine after you’ve stopped smoking is by attending regular dental cleanings and checkups. While these are important for everyone, they are especially important for ex-smokers who are currently treating oral health conditions. By maintaining twice-yearly appointments, your dentist can ensure you are making positive steps toward achieving a healthier smile. 

Address Oral Concerns with a Reliable Dental Team

If you’ve recently stopped smoking and you’re looking for a reliable dental team in Ogden, Utah, to help you achieve a healthier smile, turn to our team at Mountain View Dental. With years of experience helping patients across the Wasatch Front treat and heal a variety of oral health conditions, we are confident that we’re the right team for you.

Whether you need dental cleanings, fillings, X-rays, or something else, our team provides a variety of dental services to meet every patient’s unique needs. If you’re ready to schedule a dental appointment with our team or if you have any questions for us about the services we provide, don’t hesitate to contact us today!

Dental anxiety affects millions of people across the United States, often causing them to delay or avoid dental visits altogether. Whether this anxiety stems from fear of pain, past traumatic experiences, or simply feeling out of control, it can have serious consequences for your oral health. However, overcoming this anxiety is possible with the right strategies and support.

At Mountain View Dental, we understand how detrimental this anxiety can be to your overall oral health and well-being. But we also understand how difficult it can be for patients to overcome this anxiety before coming into the office for an appointment. If you have experienced dental anxiety in the past and want to learn some techniques to help you overcome it, keep reading to see what our team recommends. 

Understanding Dental Anxiety

If you have dealt with dental anxiety in the past, you may worry that this is a feeling that only you experience. However, it is important to note that approximately 36% of people across the United States have reported experiencing this anxiety before a dental appointment. This anxiety manifests in a variety of ways, including increased heart rate, panic attacks, or sweaty palms.

While dental anxiety is common among adults, the cause for this anxiety tends to vary greatly. Often, it stems from a combination of factors, including: 

• Fear of Pain: One of the most common reasons for dental anxiety is the fear of experiencing pain during or after your dental procedure.
• Previous Traumatic Experiences: If you’ve had a negative experience during past dental visits, such as discomfort or perceived mistreatment, you may continue to experience ongoing anxiety.
• Loss of Control: Some people feel anxious when they perceive a loss of control over their surroundings or the treatment process.
• Embarrassment: Concerns about the condition of your teeth or potential judgment from the dentist or dental staff can also trigger anxiety.

Overcoming Dental Anxiety

Although your dental anxiety may seem overwhelming, there are several ways that you can address it and attempt to overcome it before an upcoming dental appointment. Some of the most common ways to overcome this anxiety are:

1. Open Communication

If you have experienced dental anxiety in the past, keeping an open line of communication with your dental team is a great way to begin to overcome it. This communication gives you an opportunity to ask plenty of questions and clarify anything that may leave you feeling concerned. Asking questions and discussing your upcoming procedure can help you prepare for what is ahead, so you’ll feel comfortable during the process. 

2. Gradual Exposure

If you are feeling nervous, it might be a good idea to start by scheduling a series of shorter, non-invasive appointments to acclimate yourself to the dental environment gradually. Starting with gradual exposure through dental cleanings or fluoride treatments also gives you an opportunity to get to know your dental team. When you know the people performing your services, you may begin to develop more trust in them. As your trust grows, you can begin to incorporate more extensive dental procedures.  

3. Relaxation Techniques

Practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or visualization can help you calm your nerves before and during your dental procedure. While you might not believe that these techniques can make a substantial difference, they are incredibly helpful for anxious dental patients. However, it is important that you practice these techniques before your appointment so you aren’t attempting them for the first time while you’re incredibly anxious. 

4. Distraction Techniques

Whether you enjoy listening to music, podcasts, or audiobooks, having an audio distraction is a great way to keep your mind busy during your appointment. If you use noise-canceling headphones, this distraction should also help you avoid the loud sounds coming from your dentist’s tools. If you’ve been looking forward to listening to a new podcast episode or starting a new audiobook, it might be best to save it for the day of your appointment. 

5. Sedation Options

While sedation options aren’t suitable for all dental procedures, more intensive procedures might be the perfect time to talk to your dentist about them. Whether they provide you with an oral sedative, IV sedative, or laughing gas, there are plenty of sedative options that make it much easier for individuals to get through their appointment without having to feel, hear, or see the procedure being performed. 

6. Choose the Right Dentist

Dentists aren’t one-size-fits-all. One dentist may be great for you, but they aren’t a great fit for someone else. If you are experiencing dental anxiety, look for a dentist who specializes in treating anxious patients. Read through reviews to see how your dentist responds to individuals with dental anxiety, and give the office a call to chat with them. They may inform you of amenities available to help you through this anxiety, like soothing music, comfortable seating, or overhead televisions to keep you distracted. 

Dental Professionals You Can Trust

Dental Anxiety can stand in the way of individuals seeking necessary dental care. But, when you work with a reliable dental team, like our team at Mountain View Dental, you can trust that the procedure will be done with patience and care. At Mountain View Dental, we have years of experience helping individuals overcome their dental anxiety, and we’re confident that we can do the same for you.

From veneers and teeth whitening to root canals and dental cleanings, our team provides a variety of dental services. We can help you schedule your appointments to ease back into receiving dental care. If you are ready to schedule a dental appointment in the North Ogden area or you’d like to speak to our team about the services we provide, don’t hesitate to reach out to us today for support. 

As the new year approaches, it is the perfect time to reflect on your habits and set intentions for a healthier life. From increased gym time to more time spent away from your phone, there are many things you can do to improve your day-to-day life in 2024. If you’re looking to make some changes in your life, why not focus on achieving a healthier smile next year?

At Mountain View Dental, we understand how much a beautiful, healthy smile can impact your confidence. By setting a goal for a healthier smile next year, you can feel more confident and appreciate all of the benefits that come with improved oral health. If you want to improve your oral health next year, keep reading to learn what habits to incorporate into your everyday life. 

1. Upgrade Your Oral Hygiene Tools

As the new year draws closer, it might be a good idea to invest in higher-quality oral hygiene tools to help you get a healthier smile. Whether you’ve been considering buying an electric toothbrush or a water flosser, upgrading your oral hygiene tools is a great way to guarantee your mouth is healthier. Electric toothbrushes are a great tool to help prevent tooth decay, while water flossers help you remove tough, stuck-on plaque and tartar. Make the investment in your oral health with upgraded tools under your belt. 

2. Get Orthodontic Care

2024 might be a great year to consider investing in orthodontic treatments. Whether you’re looking for minor cosmetic adjustments or more substantial changes to the appearance of your smile, treatments like traditional braces and ClearCorrect are a great addition to your dental routine. With various orthodontic treatments, there is a perfect option for everyone’s lifestyle. If you’re trying to improve the appearance of your smile, you may also want to consider scheduling professional teeth whitening. By the end of 2024, you’ll have a straighter, brighter smile than ever before.

3. Kick the Tobacco Habit

If you’re committing to a healthier smile in 2024, it might be a great time to consider quitting tobacco products. Smoking and chewing tobacco can have significant side effects on your oral health, including gum disease, tooth decay, and, in more severe cases, mouth cancer. If you want a whiter, brighter, and healthier smile next year, make the investment in nicotine gum or patches, or reach out to SAMHSA’s national helpline. Relying on these products and support groups can make it much easier to break the habit. 

4. Drink Plenty of Water

Drinking enough water isn’t just beneficial for your overall health but also for your gums. By drinking water, you can flush away bacteria and food particles, protecting your teeth from plaque buildup. It can also help you produce enough saliva, which is essential for fighting bacteria and balancing the pH levels in your mouth. If you’re looking for a healthier smile in 2024, consider carrying a water bottle to increase your water intake and support gum health. 

5. Embrace a Tooth-Friendly Diet

The foods you eat have a significant impact on your oral health, which is why you should embrace a tooth-friendly diet if you’re trying to achieve a healthier smile. By incorporating more fruits and vegetables into your diet while limiting your sugar intake, you can protect your teeth from bacteria and cavity development. If you do consume sugary beverages or acidic drinks, make sure to rinse your mouth with water or take a few extra moments to brush your teeth. 

6. Floss More Regularly

It’s estimated that less than 50% of Americans floss their teeth every day. However, regular flossing is a great way to achieve a healthier smile. Flossing can remove bad breath-causing bacteria and plaque beneath the gum line, as well as reduce discoloration. It can also help you prevent cavities. If you’ve dealt with severe cavities in the past and you want to leave root canals and other cavity treatments behind, make sure to floss your teeth at least once a day. 

7. Commit to Regular Dental Cleanings

Achieving a healthier smile with the help of a reliable dental team is a great way to invest in yourself in 2024. One way to do that is by scheduling regular dental cleanings. The American Dental Association recommends twice a year dental cleanings. You may need to visit the dentist more frequently if you’re dealing with dental problems like cavities and receding gums. Make the most of your investment in dental insurance and protect your mouth by reaching out to a reliable dental team as soon as possible. 

Get a Healthier Smile with Mountain View Dental

With the help of an expert dental team, a healthier smile is within reach. At Mountain View Dental, we pride ourselves on providing the most reliable dental treatments to patients across the Wasatch Front. Whether you’re looking to schedule regular dental cleanings or root canals and dental fillings, Mountain View Dental is the perfect place to turn. If you would like to schedule a dental appointment or would like to speak to a member of our team about your dental goals, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team today. 

We’re constantly told how important flossing is for our oral health, yet for many of us, it isn’t something we do as recommended – or even at all. Flossing is important, sure, but brushing and using mouthwash is enough to clean your teeth, right? Do you really need to floss? There are many benefits of flossing that a lot of people don’t realize. Flossing is essential for your oral health in a number of different ways. 

Here’s what you need to know about some of the top benefits of flossing so you can better understand just why flossing is so important. Let’s dive in!

#1. It Cleans Those In-Between Spaces

Yes, your toothbrush cleans the plaque away from the fronts and backs of your teeth, but it can’t reach the spaces in between them. A lot of people assume that just swishing mouthwash around your mouth will do what your toothbrush can’t. However, plaque is stubborn and gunk can be very hard to get out from in between your teeth. 

One of the benefits of flossing is that it makes cleaning the spaces between your teeth easier, and is very effective about it too. Plaque and gunk can get really stuck to the surface of your teeth, necessitating mechanical removal, as flossing provides. Brushing removes these things from the fronts and backs of your teeth, but it can’t entirely clean in between them. 

#2. It Makes Your Teeth Look Brighter

When you have plaque and excess food particles stuck in between your teeth, it can really dampen your smile. It makes your smile look duller and less crisp and beautiful. One of the benefits of flossing that isn’t talked about as much is how much it can do to brighten your teeth. The difference between a smile that has plaque and food particles stuck between your teeth and one that is fresh and clean in every way can be astounding. 

If you don’t floss regularly, you may have grown accustomed to how your teeth look with the buildup of plaque between them. But when you floss, the difference is as clear as night versus day, and you’ll realize just how much your teeth needed that cleaning. 

#3. It Makes Your Gums Stronger

One of the most common protests against flossing daily is that it makes your gums bleed. In truth, this is precisely why you need to floss. It may seem counterintuitive initially, to floss when it hurts and is making your gums bleed. However, this is typically because your gums are inflamed due to all the bacteria that’s built up and that you are now working to clean out by flossing. 

One of the benefits of flossing is that if you’re consistent about it, that bleeding and pain will typically stop, and you’ll be left with stronger, healthier gums. It’s important to floss regularly in order to prevent gum disease. It’s equally important to ensure that you’re flossing correctly. We have a few blogs about how to floss correctly and proper flossing techniques. 

If your gums are still bleeding and hurting when you floss after a week or two, consult with your dentist. They’ll be able to determine why this is happening and whether or not there are underlying issues that need to be addressed.

#4. Stave Off The Dental Drill

Very few people like having dentists drilling into their teeth in order to fill a cavity. One of the best benefits of flossing is that it helps you prevent cavities, and ergo, avoid the dental drill. It does this by removing the plaque and food particles that, over time, can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Tooth decay results in cavities and cavities result in your teeth getting drilled in order to remove the decay. Flossing once a day can go a long, long way to prevent tooth decay and cavities.

#5. Reduce Bad Breath

Sure, brushing and mouthwash help your breath, but you also need to floss in order to keep your breath fresh and clean. Many people don’t realize that this is one of the benefits of flossing because they don’t think about how when plaque and food particles get stuck in between your teeth, they’ll start to decay, which can ergo lead to bad breath. Flossing daily can prevent this from happening.

Do You Want To Learn More Benefits Of Flossing?

Mountain View Dental is here to help you maintain your oral health. If you have any questions about flossing – how to do it, why you should do it, etc, our dentists are happy to answer them. Contact us today to learn more about flossing or to set up an appointment.