Dental Plan Blog

Dental Health and First Impressions

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Whether you’re on   a first date, a job interview, or meeting clients for the first time one thing’s for certain—you want to make a good first impression. Many factors go into the impression that you make but it certainly starts with a bright, healthy smile.

Studies show that your smile is one of the first things people notice about you. During the first few minutes of your first interaction with someone new, they’ll often make assumptions about your economic and educational level, your trustworthiness and your level of sophistication—just from the quality of your smile.

Your breath also plays a huge role in shaping first impressions (and it goes without saying that bad breath is a huge strike against you). That being said, here are 3 helpful tips to keep bad breath at bay:

1. Use a mouth rinse daily to clean out bad breath causing bacteria
2. Don’t forget your tongue when brushing (make it part of your twice daily teeth brushing routine or perhaps use a tongue scraper)
3. Get regular dental cleanings  (if you’re looking for a new dentist, our plan has a growing network of Boston dentists plus other Massachusetts dentists and specialists to choose from)

On top of bad breath, crooked, missing or broken teeth create can negatively effect your first impressions, causing a stigma in both your personal and professional life. Individuals can restore their smile and self-esteem with various cosmetic dental procedures (i.e. dental implants) and orthodontia. But, these procedures can get very expensive, especially for those without insurance (or an affordable dental plan).

Universal Dental Plan is a Massachusetts dental insurance alternative that saves its members 20-50% off all procedures according to a fixed rate fee schedule (dental implants and braces included). Visit our website to learn more about us or just give us a call.

Four common dental health problems and how to solve them

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Good oral health means more than just healthy teeth. It means that everything inside your mouth is disease free and working in the best way possible.

Oral health also has a huge impact on the health of your body.  Studies show that poor oral hygiene can dramatically affect your heart health and make you five times more likely to develop respiratory infections.

That's why you must take the proper precautions to keep your mouth clean and healthy. Here are four common oral health problems so many of us face and four simple solutions to avoid them.

Problem #1: Bad breath (aka halitosis) - Bad breath has many culprits including poor oral health and dry mouth. People who consume caffeine, alcohol or take certain medications tend to have a higher risk for dry mouth and should stay extra vigilant for signs of bad breath.  

The solution: Floss and use a fluoride rinse daily. This will help eliminate bacteria buildup and keep your mouth hydrated. Also, drink plenty of water and avoid oral health products that contain alcohol.

Problem #2: Canker sores - Doctors are still unsure about the root cause of canker sores which are aggravated by stress, hormonal changes, or rough brushing.

The solution: If you have a canker sore, try using antibacterial mouthwashes to help accelerate the healing process. Also, avoid any alcohol or citrus food or drink that may aggravate the area. Make sure to see your dentist if your canker sore persists.

Problem #3: Tooth grinding - This process is often spurred on by stress or anxiety. Many people grind their teeth while they're sleeping and don't even realize it. If you think you might be a teeth grinder, check for signs of worn enamel and jaw pain.

The solution: Integrate relaxation techniques into your nighttime routine. This will help you reduce instances of behaviors provoked by subconscious anxiety (i.e. tooth grinding).  Or, you can ask your dentist about a sleep-guard to protect your teeth.

Problem #4: Tooth sensitivity - This can be caused by aggressive brushing, gingivitis, or frequent use of tooth-whitening products.

The solution: Use a soft bristled toothbrush and avoid pressing hard against your teeth when you brush. If your teeth are already sensitive, consider using toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth to keep pain at a minimum. Also, get regular dental cleanings to keep gum disease away.

3 simple facts on bad breath and your dental health

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Whether you're walking into a room for a job interview or meeting someone for a first date, a bright smile and fresh breath can go a long way. However, bad breath can be a huge strike against you.

According to a Massachusetts Dental Society Article, 25% of Americans suffer from chronic halitosis (aka bad breath) and nearly $10 billion is spent on this condition each year. There are many culprits out there for bad breath (i.e. garlic, spicy foods, tobacco products, etc.) and so many products on the market-mints, mouthwashes, etc.-only mask your bad breath, never getting to the root of the problem.

Here are 3 straight facts on bad breath and a few helpful tips to keep it at bay:

1. 80-90% of bad breath comes from the oral cavity, specifically bacteria growing there: This bacteria develops in the crevices between teeth, the pockets of your gums and on your tongue. These are all very fertile breeding grounds for bacteria to set up camp and multiply. If the bacteria causes infections, it produces byproducts called Volatile Sulfur Compounds. Volatile Sulfur Compounds not only smell awful, they put you at higher risk for systemic health problems such as heart attacks and stroke.
2. Bad breath can be caused by dry mouth: Dry mouth (or xerostomina) is one of the lesser known culprits of bad breath. Dry mouth occurs when the flow of saliva to the mouth decreases leaving less of it to naturally cleanse the mouth of odor-causing bacteria. If you suffer from dry mouth, you may want to consider using a sugarless candy, upping your fluid intake or your dentist may prescribe you an artificial saliva product.
3. Bad breath could be the sign of a more serious medical condition: Bad breath can be one of the first signs of conditions such as chronic sinusitis, chronic bronchitis, diabetes, gastrointestinal disturbances and liver or kidney ailments. That's why if you suffer from bad breath and your dentist determines you have a healthy mouth, he or she may refer you to a family doctor or specialist to pinpoint the root cause of your problem.

To keep bad breath away, it's vital that you maintain good oral health. You should keep a consistent oral health care routine that includes the following:

• Brush at least 2 times per-day with a fluoride toothpaste to clean away debris and plaque (make sure to brush your tongue too).
• Floss (or use an interdental cleaner) at least once per-day to remove debris between teeth.
• If you wear removable dentures, take them out at night and clean them thoroughly before replacing them the next morning.