We often emphasize the importance of brushing twice a day for maintaining good oral hygiene, especially for children. But does this routine go beyond just preserving oral health? Recent studies suggest that poor oral hygiene might impact more than just your teeth and gums, potentially affecting brain function and overall health.

Beyond Oral Health: The Broader Impact

The ramifications of poor oral health extend beyond the mouth. Research has highlighted that inadequate oral care can also affect cardiovascular health. Men, in particular, may be at higher risk for heart diseases due to bacteria from the gums entering the bloodstream and potentially leading to arterial plaque buildup. This could increase the risk of heart attack or stroke. Additionally, the bacteria from poor oral hygiene can be inhaled, posing a risk to lung health. Chronic gum disease often results in inflammation and infections that can affect overall well-being.

The Connection to Brain Function

Emerging research indicates a troubling connection between oral health and brain function. Studies suggest that bacteria from gingivitis may travel through nerve pathways or the bloodstream to the brain, potentially contributing to cognitive decline and conditions such as dementia. While more research is needed, preliminary findings from Rutgers University and other institutions have shown a significant relationship between oral health and memory, cognitive function, and stress levels. Poor oral hygiene can lead to dry mouth and elevated stress, further impacting cognitive health, particularly in the elderly.

Protecting Your Health

Improving your oral health routine can be a proactive step in safeguarding both your dental and neurological well-being. Start by evaluating and enhancing your oral hygiene practices. Brush your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, floss every day, and consider using mouthwash to help reduce bacteria. Regular dental check-ups are crucial visit your dentist at least twice a year for cleanings and exams.

At Barrett Family Dental of Tacoma, we are dedicated to supporting your overall health through exceptional dental care. Contact us today to schedule your appointment and take the first step toward a healthier smile and a healthier you.

Many people assume that dentures don’t require the same level of care and maintenance as natural teeth, but this isn’t true. Whether you have partial or full dentures, they need to be cleaned and disinfected regularly to prevent bacteria buildup and stains. Proper care of your dentures, as well as your mouth, is essential to keep them in good condition. Here are some tips from Barrett Family Dental, your trusted dentist in Tacoma, to help you take care of your dentures:

Rinsing

After every meal or snack, and after brushing your teeth, remove and rinse your dentures. Water helps wash away food particles and bacteria. Always handle your dentures carefully and avoid using hot water, as it can warp the dentures.

Brushing

Just as with natural teeth, brushing your dentures is crucial. Every morning and night, brush your gums, tongue, the roof of your mouth, and any natural teeth you may have. Place towels around your sink and on the floor to prevent damage if your dentures fall. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and avoid abrasive cleaning solutions. Water, denture paste, or non-abrasive toothpaste are best. If you need recommendations on safe cleaning products, contact our dental office.

Removing Adhesives

To remove adhesive residue, gargle with warm saltwater. Then, use a clean washcloth to gently clean your gums and the roof of your mouth before rinsing again with warm water. For stubborn adhesive bits, use a soft toothbrush on your gums.

Soaking Overnight

Soak your dentures in a denture cleaning solution or water overnight. You can also use a fast-acting cleanser before storing your dentures in water. Follow the instructions on the denture cleaner package. If you have partial dentures, use a solution specifically designed for them.

When not wearing your dentures, always submerge them in water or a denture solution. The acrylic material can dry out and lose its shape, leading to brittle dentures that don’t fit well. Keeping dentures moist is crucial to prolong their life. When dentures dry out, several issues can occur:

• Discomfort: Moisture keeps dentures pliable and comfortable in your mouth.
• Contamination: Soaking dentures in a cleaning solution at night helps eliminate harmful bacteria.
• Brittleness: Dry dentures are more likely to break if dropped. Broken dentures require a replacement, starting the process over again.

Make sure to visit Barrett Family Dental, your reliable dentist in Tacoma, regularly to have your mouth and dentures examined and cleaned. Contact our dental office today to schedule an appointment and ensure your dentures stay in excellent condition.

Maintaining a regular oral hygiene routine can be challenging when you’re on the move. Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, it’s essential to keep up with your dental care. Barrett Family Dental, your trusted dentist in Tacoma, has put together some helpful travel tips to ensure your teeth stay healthy while you’re away from home.

Choose Wisely When Packing

When embarking on a long trip, make sure you pack enough toothpaste and floss. If space is limited, travel-sized products can be a great solution. Another convenient option is a disposable toothbrush, which typically takes up less space and won’t be a hassle if left behind. Some disposable toothbrushes even come pre-loaded with toothpaste. Remember to choose one with soft bristles to protect your gums. If you need recommendations, our dental team is happy to assist.

Keep Your Toothbrush Covered

Traveling exposes you to various germs, and shared surfaces can harbor bacteria. Using a toothbrush cover that slips over the head of your toothbrush can help protect it from germs that accumulate on sinks and nightstands, keeping it clean and hygienic.

Stay Hydrated with Water

Exploring new foods is one of the joys of traveling. However, consuming sugary or acidic foods and beverages can harm your teeth. Drinking water not only benefits your body but also helps your teeth. Water can wash away bacteria, neutralize acids that can damage enamel, and promote saliva production for a healthy mouth. Carrying a reusable water bottle can help you stay hydrated on your travels.

Don’t Forget the Floss

While brushing is crucial, flossing is equally important, especially when traveling. Always pack floss along with your toothbrush. A simple package of disposable flossers is convenient and can easily fit into your oral hygiene kit, ensuring you maintain your flossing routine.

Maintain Good Habits

Keeping up with your oral hygiene routine while traveling is essential. Brush twice a day for two minutes and floss daily. Though travel can be fun and sometimes stressful, prioritizing your oral health is crucial. Regular and thorough brushing, along with continued care from your dentist, ensures a healthy smile.

For all your oral health needs, please schedule an appointment with Barrett Family Dental, your reliable dentist in Tacoma. Contact our dental office today to ensure your smile stays bright and healthy, no matter where your travels take you.

At Barrett Family Dental of Tacoma, we prioritize preventive care to safeguard your oral health. Periodontal disease, which is often silent in its early stages, can wreak havoc on your teeth and gums if left unchecked. However, with a simple yet powerful tool and a few minutes of your day, you can significantly reduce your risk: of dental floss.

Harnessing the Power of Floss

Dental floss stands as a formidable defense against periodontal disease. Its ease of use and effectiveness make it indispensable in your oral hygiene routine. Plaque and bacteria buildup between teeth can lead to gum disease. While brushing twice daily is crucial, flossing complements this by reaching areas inaccessible to your toothbrush. It dislodges food particles and debris nestled in tight spaces, preventing potential damage.

Facts About Flossing

Despite its benefits, flossing remains an overlooked aspect of oral care. A survey by the American Dental Association revealed that only 40% of Americans floss daily, highlighting a concerning trend. Consistent flossing correlates with improved dental health, yet many neglect this practice. In a study by the American Academy of Periodontology, 27% of adults admitted to dishonesty about their flossing habits when questioned by their dentist. Establishing a daily flossing habit is essential, even if not performed with every brushing session.

Proper Flossing Technique

Mastering the art of flossing ensures its effectiveness in maintaining gum health. Begin with approximately 18 inches of floss, holding it taut between your thumb and index finger. Use about one inch of floss to clean between each tooth, sliding it gently up and down while avoiding forceful entry into the gums. This technique prevents gum bruising or scratching. Utilize a fresh section of floss for each interdental space, ensuring thorough cleaning along the entire length.

Commit to Daily Flossing

A few minutes dedicated to flossing daily can yield a lifetime of oral health benefits. By incorporating this simple practice into your routine, you actively protect your gums and prevent tooth decay between teeth. Additionally, regular dental visits—twice annually—are crucial for professional cleanings and comprehensive examinations. Contact our dental office today to schedule your appointment and take proactive steps toward maintaining healthy gums and a radiant smile.

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As we age, prioritizing gum health becomes increasingly vital. At Barrett Family Dental of Tacoma, we understand the unique dental needs of seniors and are dedicated to providing tailored care to ensure optimal oral health. Periodontal disease, commonly known as gum disease, poses significant risks, including tooth loss and even serious health complications such as heart disease and cognitive decline.

Understanding the Importance of Gum Health

Research conducted by leading institutions like the University of Southampton and King’s College London has established a clear link between periodontal disease and various health issues. For seniors, this correlation is particularly concerning. Studies have shown that individuals with periodontal disease experience cognitive decline at a rate six times faster than those without the condition. Additionally, the risk of heart disease and stroke increases with age, underscoring the importance of proactive gum care.

Statistics Highlighting the Risk

According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, a significant percentage of seniors struggle with moderate to severe periodontal disease. Among those aged 65 to 74, approximately 14% exhibit signs of advanced gum disease, a figure that rises to over 20% for individuals over 75. Furthermore, demographic factors such as gender and lifestyle choices like smoking can exacerbate the risk. Men are more prone to periodontal disease, and smokers are significantly more likely to develop gum problems compared to non-smokers.

Practical Tips for Gum Care

Maintaining healthy gums is achievable with the right approach. At Barrett Family Dental, we advocate for a comprehensive oral hygiene routine that includes brushing twice daily for two minutes each session and daily flossing. Flossing is crucial for removing plaque and food particles from areas that brushing alone cannot reach. For those who find traditional flossing challenging, various tools, such as floss holders, are available to facilitate the process.

Schedule Your Consultation Today

Your journey to optimal gum health begins with a consultation at Dentist Tacoma. Our team at Barrett Family Dental is committed to providing personalized care tailored to your unique needs. Whether you have questions about gum health or require professional intervention, we’re here to help. Contact us today to schedule your appointment and take proactive steps toward preserving your oral and overall well-being.

Exercise is crucial for maintaining overall health, but could it be harming your teeth? While staying active offers numerous benefits, certain exercise habits can pose risks to your dental health. At Barrett Family Dental in Tacoma, we’re committed to helping you maintain a healthy smile, whether you’re hitting the gym or hitting the pavement.

Here are some ways in which exercise can impact your dental health, along with tips to mitigate any potential risks:

1. Dry Mouth: Intense exercise often involves heavy mouth breathing, which can reduce saliva production and leave your mouth feeling dry. Since saliva helps protect against decay-causing bacteria, staying hydrated is key. Drink plenty of water before, during, and after exercise to prevent dry mouth. Additionally, consider brushing your teeth before working out to reduce the presence of bacteria and plaque.
2. Teeth Clenching: Athletes who exert a lot of effort, such as weightlifters, may inadvertently clench their jaws during exercise. This habit can lead to wear and tear on your teeth, and even fractures in severe cases. To protect your teeth, consider wearing a mouthguard, which can be purchased at most drugstores or sporting goods stores. Alternatively, ask your dentist about a customized mouthguard for optimal protection.
3. Sports Drinks: While sports drinks may seem like a convenient way to replenish electrolytes during workouts, they can be detrimental to your dental health. These drinks are often high in sugar and acidity, which can erode tooth enamel over time. Instead, opt for water to stay hydrated and minimize the risk of tooth decay. If you do indulge in a sugary drink, consume it quickly and rinse your mouth with water afterward to neutralize acidity.
4. Timing Matters: Consuming sugary or carbohydrate-rich foods and drinks throughout the day exposes your teeth to frequent acid attacks. To minimize this risk, it’s best to consume these items in one sitting rather than continuously snacking. Additionally, drinking water after consuming sugar can help reduce acidity levels in your mouth and promote saliva production, which aids in neutralizing acids.

Remember, regular dental check-ups are essential for maintaining good oral health. We recommend visiting your dentist twice a year for cleanings and exams to catch any issues early on. If you’re due for a dental appointment, don’t hesitate to contact Barrett Family Dental in Tacoma. Our friendly team is here to help you achieve and maintain a healthy smile for years to come.

Sealants aren’t just for kids anymore – adults can also enjoy the protective benefits they offer for their teeth. At Barrett Family Dental in Tacoma, we believe in the power of preventive care, and sealants play a crucial role in preserving your oral health at any age.

But what exactly are sealants? They’re thin, plastic coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of teeth, effectively sealing deep grooves and crevices. While sealants don’t replace your daily oral hygiene routine, they provide an extra layer of defense against cavities by preventing bacteria from settling in those hard-to-reach areas.

Research conducted by the American Dental Association confirms the effectiveness of sealants in preventing cavities on healthy teeth in adults. Despite your best efforts at home, certain areas of the mouth, such as the pits and fissures on molars, can be challenging to clean thoroughly. Sealants fill in these spaces, making it more difficult for food particles and bacteria to cause decay.

During a consultation at our dental office, our experienced team will assess your oral health and determine if sealants are a suitable option for you. Applying sealants is a simple and painless process:

1. Thorough cleaning of the teeth ensures a clean surface for the sealant application.
2. The teeth are dried and etched with a solution to prepare the tooth surface for sealing.
3. We apply the liquid sealant material, which flows into the grooves of the teeth.
4. Using a curing light, we harden the sealant material, creating a smooth surface that’s easier to clean.

Once applied, sealants require no special maintenance. You can continue brushing and flossing as usual, but it’s essential to use a toothbrush with soft bristles and remineralizing toothpaste to preserve the integrity of the sealant. Additionally, be mindful of foods and beverages that may stain the sealant, and rinse your mouth after consuming them to reduce the risk of discoloration.

At Barrett Family Dental, we prioritize your oral health and well-being. During your routine appointments, we’ll check your sealants for any signs of wear and ensure they remain intact and effective. With proper care and regular professional cleanings, sealants can last up to ten years, providing long-term protection against cavities.

Ready to unlock the benefits of adult sealants? Contact our dental office today to schedule an appointment and take proactive steps toward maintaining a healthy, beautiful smile for years to come. Your oral health is our priority, and we’re here to help you achieve it.

Routine dental appointments are pivotal for maintaining optimal oral health, particularly for growing children. The American Dental Association underscores the importance of scheduling check-up exams every six months. Children, in particular, undergo constant oral changes and are more susceptible to tooth decay. Establishing proper oral hygiene habits early on lays the foundation for a lifetime of healthy practices.

During your child’s dental visit at Barrett Family Dental of Tacoma, our priority is to screen for tooth decay and gum disease while providing a thorough teeth cleaning. Regular professional cleanings play a vital role in promoting oral health by gently removing plaque and tartar buildup, thus mitigating the risk of tooth decay.

Our friendly and patient team members take the time to educate your child on proper brushing techniques and oral hygiene practices. Depending on your child’s age, we may also introduce them to the correct use of floss and mouthwash. We’re here to address any questions or concerns you or your child may have, ensuring a positive and informative experience.

As part of your child’s treatment, we may recommend the application of fluoride to strengthen enamel and enhance resistance to tooth decay. This straightforward and effective process helps fortify teeth, safeguarding against decay.

Additionally, we might suggest the placement of sealants on your child’s molars and premolars. Sealants are highly effective in preventing cavities in these susceptible areas by acting as a protective barrier against plaque and acids. While typically applied to permanent molars and premolars as soon as they emerge, adults without decay or fillings in these teeth can also benefit from sealants.

The process of applying sealants is swift and uncomplicated:

• Thorough cleaning of the teeth
• Drying of the teeth
• Application of a liquid solution to the chewing surfaces
• Curing the solution with a special light

Sealants can last for several years, offering long-term protection against decay as long as they remain intact. However, they do not replace proper oral hygiene practices. It’s crucial to maintain regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings to uphold oral health.

Our experienced dentist and knowledgeable team are equipped to provide comprehensive care for your child’s teeth, gums, and mouth at every stage of childhood. For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact Barrett Family Dental of Tacoma today. Your child’s smile deserves the best care possible, and we’re here to deliver it.

Your smile speaks volumes from the moment you greet someone. And with one straightforward procedure, you can rejuvenate your appearance significantly. Teeth whitening holds the key to a more youthful smile, particularly if your teeth currently bear stains, dullness, or discoloration. At Barrett Family Dental of Tacoma, we offer comprehensive whitening services catered to both new and existing patients.

Despite meticulous oral care, tooth discoloration is an inevitable part of life. Factors like genetics, antibiotic use, tobacco, and certain foods contribute to stained teeth. Moreover, as we age, our teeth naturally darken. While preventing discoloration entirely is challenging, our seasoned team is adept at reversing its effects, restoring your smile to its former brilliance.

Whether you opt for an in-office treatment or an at-home regimen, the fundamentals of teeth whitening remain consistent. A specialized whitening agent is applied to your teeth to bleach stains and illuminate your smile. Our experienced dentist will collaborate with you to understand your whitening objectives and recommend the most suitable option.

In-office teeth whitening stands as the swiftest route to a brighter, whiter smile. Under the expert guidance of our dental professional, a potent bleaching solution is utilized, yielding optimal results in a fraction of the time compared to at-home kits. Many patients find that restoring their radiant, white smile enhances their overall youthfulness.

During an in-office teeth whitening session, we commence by thoroughly cleaning your teeth. Next, we delicately apply a whitening agent, ensuring to protect your gums and soft tissues. A laser light is then directed at your teeth to accelerate the whitening process. For maximal effectiveness, the procedure may be repeated as needed.

If visiting our office for professional whitening isn’t feasible for you, at-home treatment offers a viable alternative. An array of at-home teeth whitening products is available, including whitening toothpaste, over-the-counter gels, rinses, strips, trays, and more. For a more tailored approach, we can provide custom-made whitening trays that snugly conform to your teeth, delivering a more uniform whitening outcome. While at-home results may be less dramatic than in-office treatments, they still offer noticeable improvements.

If you’re eager to illuminate your smile and unveil a more youthful aesthetic for your teeth, reach out to our office for further details or to schedule a consultation today. At Barrett Family Dental of Tacoma, we’re committed to helping you achieve the vibrant, confident smile you deserve.

As a parent, the best way to help ensure your child has a lifetime of healthy teeth is to help them establish great dental hygiene habits as they grow. It can be difficult to get young children to cooperate with brushing and flossing. Making the routine as exciting as possible will make your life easier. Here are some useful tips for keeping your child engaged by making dental hygiene fun:

• Pick out a special toothbrush

One great way to keep your child excited about brushing is to allow him or her to choose their own toothbrush in a favorite color or branded with a favorite cartoon character. Child-size soft-bristled brushes come in a wide variety of options designed to make your child like their toothbrush. Electric or battery-operated toothbrushes are an even better option to remove plaque and add some excitement to brushing. 

• Choose children’s toothpaste

Another great option is to use a toothpaste that is designed for kids. While adults generally prefer the fresh taste of a minty toothpaste, many children find mint to be too powerful a flavor. This can make brushing unpleasant or even painful to sensitive taste buds. Instead, let your child choose a children’s toothpaste. There are many options available in a variety of soft mint, fruity, and bubble gum flavors. It is much easier to keep your child brushing for a full two minutes when their toothpaste tastes good. Just be sure that they don’t swallow too much. 

• Use a timer

Two minutes can seem like a long time to a child. It can be very difficult for your child to try to estimate or count how long to brush without some kind of visual aid. You can help your child stay more engaged and ensure a full two minutes of brushing by using a timer. Choices range from a small sand timer your child can flip over, to a manual stopwatch with buttons to press, or even an app on a phone or tablet to time digitally. There are a lot of fun apps that will even make a game out of brushing. By letting your child take control of the timer, they can be more confident and more engaged in their brushing.

• Brush (and floss) together

A parent is the first and strongest role model for their child. Brushing together can help your child model your great brushing technique, which will improve their own. Additionally, brushing and flossing together emphasizes to your child that oral hygiene is important. When your child sees that you take dental hygiene seriously, they are likely to follow suit.

For more tips on making dentistry fun for your child, contact our office.