#TOOTHTALKTUESDAY
Brushing Your Tongue
Why should you clean your tongue?
Your tongue, unlike your teeth, has a rough surface that’s full of many peaks and troughs that are the perfect place for bacteria to settle and thrive. In fact, your tongue has much more bacteria than your teeth do. This bacteria is easily able to transfer itself to your teeth and cause damage as well as creating bad breath. In fact, as long as you don’t have any other dental issues such as gingivitis or tooth decay, bacteria on your tongue is one of the leading causes of bad breath.
We all know you should brush your teeth twice a day and floss at least one time a day, but do you know you should be cleaning your tongue too?
How to clean your tongue
Once you’ve thoroughly brushed your teeth you should then turn your attention to tongue cleaning.
Brushing your tongue is all about removing the bacteria at both the front and the back. The front is relatively self-cleaning but the back is vital. Begin by putting a small amount of toothpaste on the brush, start at the back and move forward remembering to scrub both side to side and up and down. Use a reasonable amount of pressure but stop if it becomes painful.
You can buy tongue scrapers but for most people, the bristles of a toothbrush will be fine.
How often should you be brushing your tongue?
You should make tongue cleaning part of your usual oral care routine and do it at least twice daily, usually in the morning and before bed. If it gets to midday and your mouth is dry or you have a foul taste, try brushing your tongue again.
#cleanmouth #crest #brushyourtongue
"Use your smile to change the world. Don't let the world change your smile."
Celebrate World Smile Day!!
Contact us if we can help improve your smile.
It's National Dental Hygiene Month!!!
Thank you, Hannah and Sarah, for all you do to care for our patients!
Early detection saves lives!! Ladies, schedule your exam with your physician today!
#TOOTHTALKTUESDAY
Where are you when you brush your teeth??
Most importantly, be effective when you brush! Wherever you are, be sure to brush a minimum of 2 minutes covering all tooth surfaces as you brush.
#brusheffectively #cleanteetharehappyteeth
Happy First Day of Fall! #loveyoursmile #welovefall
#TOOTHTALKTUESDAY
Have you ever thought you had short teeth? At times, people think they need veneers to make their teeth longer. In fact, you may need a simple crown lengthening procedure to expose more tooth.
Contact us today to schedule your evaluation for Esthetic Crown Lengthening!
#shortteeth #gummysmile #prettysmiles
Wednesday was NATIONAL FRAPPE DAY!!
And we don't miss an opportunity for a little extra coffee!!
#frappe #coffeelovers #latepost
#TOOTHTALKTUESDAY
Did you know??
We recommend using a Fluoride toothpaste to prevent tooth decay and keep your enamel strong!
#strongteeth #fluoride #nocavities
#TOOTHTALKTUESDAY
Have you ever had a dental abscess? Below is a great article explaining the two types of dental abscess, the causes, and tow they can be treated.h
A dental abscess is a painful swelling filled with a thick fluid that is yellow in color (pus). There are two types of dental abscess, a gum abscess (also known as a periodontal abscess) and a tooth abscess (also known as a periapical abscess).
What causes a dental abscess?
Abscesses can form when the inside of your mouth is irritated and bacteria enters, causing an infection. The abscess forms around this infection as a barrier, stopping the infection from spreading.
A gum abscess is usually caused by an infection between the tooth and gum. This may occur as a result of food getting trapped or, in cases of severe periodontal disease, when bacteria build up under the gum and in the bone.
A tooth abscess appears at the tip of the tooth’s root and occurs when a tooth’s nerve is dead or dying.
Dental abscess symptoms
Dental abscess symptoms include:
•a throbbing pain
•a swelling filled with pus
•inflammation of the gums
•teeth that are sensitive to pressure
•a foul taste in the mouth (caused when the pus drains)
It is important not to ignore tooth or gum abscess symptoms, as the infection can last months or years and will not go away without treatment. Left untreated, the infection can cause damage to the teeth and bone surrounding it, and can also progress to the bloodstream, causing more serious complications.
Dental abscess treatment
If you think you have a tooth or gum abscess you should make an appointment with a dental professional.
Your dentist will clean the area around the abscess, perform abscess drainage to release trapped pus and treat the infection. Sometimes, a fistula develops in the mouth through bone and skin to allow pus to drain. If this hollow tunnel has developed as a result of your abscess, your dentist will clean this, allowing it to close up on its own.
When an infection has started inside the tooth, your dentist will need to make a small hole in the tooth. This allows the tooth abscess to drain. Root canal treatment and a filling or crown will be required following this procedure.
In cases where the abscess has caused damage to the tooth or is particularly large, you may need to have the tooth removed.
If your dental abscess is caused by periodontal disease, the disease will need to be treated to prevent further infection. However, your dentist can drain the abscess to alleviate pain.
How to prevent a dental abscess
Abscesses can be prevented by maintaining good dental health. This includes daily brushing and flossing as well as regular checkups with a dental professional.
#dentalabscess #crest #oralhealthisimportant
As National Dental Hygiene Month comes to a close, we want to treat YOU to a few of our favorite things! LIKE our page, LIKE this post, and TAG 3 of your friends in the comments!
Drawing will be held Thursday!
#DentalHygieneMonth #welovefall
NOVEMBER is MOUTH CANCER AWARENESS MONTH!
If you notice any signs or symptoms of mouth cancer, contact your dental professional for an oral cancer screening!
NOVEMBER is TMJ AWARENESS MONTH!
Do you have any of these TMJ symptoms?
Contact your dental professional today for an evaluation.
Happy Halloween!
#halloweencandyisgood #butdontforgettobrush
LOVE IT OR HATE IT?
Lisa Kepper, you are the winner for our Facebook giveaway! Congratulations! Please contact our office.
#TOOTHTALKTUESDAY
Are you cleaning your entire tooth?
A toothbrush simply cannot reach in between your teeth to clean. Flossing your teeth once daily is recommended to clean the surfaces between each tooth.
Stay tuned next week for more tips on good oral home care.
#cleanteeth #flossingisjustasimportant #brushandfloss
#TOOTHTALKTUESDAY
What is your home care regimen?
Brushing is recommended twice daily (morning & night)! Always use a soft bristle toothbrush & brush in small, circular motions.
Stay tuned next week for more tips on good oral home care.
#brushyourteeth #brushyourtongue #cleanmouth
#TOOTHTALKTUESDAY
Do you use a mouthrinse?
We recommend rinsing with Listerine twice daily after each time your brush. Listerine effectively kills bacteria that causes gingivitis and periodontal disease.
Which flavor? We recommend Listerine Original, FreshBurst, or Cool Mint.
Stay tuned next week for more tips on good oral home care.
#Listerine #cleanmouth #gumdisease
It's World Kindness Day!
#givesomeoneasmile #holdthedoorforsomeone #thankafriend
#TOOTHTALKTUESDAY
Do you have spaces in between your teeth that are difficult to keep clean?
At times, we may have difficulty debriding plaque and food debris in between our teeth with our toothbrush or dental floss.
We recommend proxabrushes, in conjunction with your toothbrush and dental floss, to fill these spaces. This will assist in cleaning open spaces thoroughly.
#proxabrushes #cleanmouth #healthygums
To our local dentists, hygienists and assistants: Dr. Brian Pitfield will be LIVE on our Facebook page tomorrow night at 6:00pm as an opportunity for you to earn 1 hour of continuing education. Feel free to join!
Please note: Tomorrow's LIVE video (comments & discussion) will be for dental professionals only.
We always having something to be thankful for!
#thankfulsmiles #thankfulhearts
#TOOTHTALKTUESDAY
Have you ever considered using an oral irrigator?
An oral irrigator is an instrument that shoots a stream of pulsating water out of it's nozzle or tip. Irrigators are effective at removing food debris, plaque, and bacteria.
Oral irrigators do NOT take the place of dental floss!!!
Unlike other irrigators, the Hydrofloss contains a magnetic device, which is proven to reduce the amount of plaque buildup by greater than 44%.
Visit our office today to purchase your Hydrofloss!!
#hydrofloss #cleanmouth #BrushFlossHydrofloss
#TOOTHTALKTUESDAY
We have the PERFECT Christmas gift for anyone!
Why choose the Oral-B iO? (Read personal reviews below)
- Pressure Indicator Light- you know just the right pressure to use while brushing your teeth (prevents recession, etc.)
- Motion Detection via Bluetooth App- you will never miss another spot of brushing
- Timer- always brushing the recommended 2 minutes :)
- Round Brush head- effectively touching all tooth surfaces
Call us today to purchase yours! $189 ($30 mail in rebate offered) Ask us how to get yours FREE by using your Health Savings Account!
Personal reviews:
I have used several electric toothbrushes over the years and the Oral B iO is the best one of them all. The low frequency vibration is not a negative factor like it is with all the other brushes My teeth feel clean like a dental cleaning. I highly recommend this brush. -Dr. Pitfield
I began using my Oral B iO toothbrush in October and love it! Each and every time I use this toothbrush, my teeth feel so clean and as if I had just had a polish at my dentist office. I would give this toothbrush a very high review and have to say I actually enjoy brushing my teeth!!!! -Vicki
I have used quite a few electric toothbrushes and I feel this one is the closest you will get to being in the hygienist chair. And I always get star eyes! That means you have brushed longer than 2 minutes. -Renae
As a dental hygienist, I have never been a strong advocate for an electric toothbrush. This toothbrush is gentle, easy to use, and most of all, effective. Even patients with a good, at home, dental care feel a better "clean" with this brush. EVERYONE needs this brush!!! -Hannah
From all of us at Pine Belt Periodontics, we hope you are blessed with a very, Merry Christmas!!!
#TOOTHTALKTUESDAY
Did you know??
This is only one reason it is recommended that you see a dentist a minimum of twice each year. When was your last dental visit?
#dentalcare #teethcantfixthemselves #goodoralhealth
#TOOTHTALKTUESDAY
Do you have sensitive teeth??
Click and read the brief article below to understand possible causes of tooth sensitivity.
We recommend using a toothpaste with sodium fluoride or stannous fluoride, like Crest Gum Detoxify, for minor teeth sensitivity. Prescription fluorides are also available.
DENTALCARE.COM
Sensitive Teeth | Causes and Treatment – Dental Care
#TOOTHTALKTUESDAY
Did you know that annual dental exams are just as important as yearly medical visits?
EARLY DETECTION IS BEST!!!
But why are dental exams and dental x-rays so important?
-oral cancer screenings
-early detection/prevention of tooth decay
-early detection/prevention of gingivitis and gum disease
Start the new year off right and schedule your dental exam today!
#TOOTHTALKTUESDAY
When have you changed your toothbrush?
If your bristles begin to fray, it's time to change your brush! The recommended brushing technique includes soft, circular motions sweeping up and away from the gingival margin (gumline). Always use a soft bristle toothbrush; a medium or hard bristle toothbrush can be damaging to your teeth and gums. #dontbrushtoohard #softbristletoothbrush
#TOOTHTALKTUESDAY
What better way to #toothtalk than to introduce our dental team?!
Pictured left to right: Becky, Bergen, Renae, Dr. Brian Pitfield, Vicki, Jessica, Hannah
#ChristmasParty2020 #PineBeltPeriodontics
#TOOTHTALKTUESDAY
Do you have receding gums?
Gingival recession, or receding gums, can cause tooth sensitivity. Depending on the severity of your recession, it may can be treated.
Contact us today for an examination before your recession worsens!
#gingivalrecession #sensitiveteeth #gumgrafts
Do you have a toothache?
Contact our office or your local dentist and let us help you get out of pain!
#TOOTHTALKTUESDAY
Are you seeking Periodontal Care?
Meet Dr. Brian Pitfield
Dr. Pitfield began practicing periodontics in Hattiesburg, MS in 1993. His areas of specialty include gum disease, dental implants, and much more. He is a member of the American Dental Association, the American Academy of Periodontology, and the Mississippi Dental Association.
We are certain you will be satisfied with Dr. Pitfield’s thorough examination, gentle care, and expert course of treatment.
Contact our office today for your periodontal evaluation with Dr. Pitfield!
#pinebeltperiodontics #drbrianpitfield
Looking to level up your family’s dental health? We’re here to help you care for your family's oral health! #smiles #dental
#TOOTHTALKTUESDAY
Vicki began her employment in 2009 as Patient Care Coordinator. She loves working with her patients and making them feel comfortable while here with us. Away from the office, she enjoys gardening and spending time at the beach with family and friends.
#pinebeltperiodontics #patientcarecoordinator #meetourteam
#TOOTHTALKTUESDAY
Did you know you can cut cake with floss for evenness? It'll also keep your cake neat, since the cake won't stick to the floss like it would with a knife!
#hygienehack #multiusedentalfloss
It's World Compliment Day!
#bepositive #ComplimentSomeone
It's Dental Assistant Recognition Week! Thank you, Jessica and Bergen, for everything you do for our patients and our practice!
PRO TIP: Flossing is an essential part of oral hygiene.
According to the American Dental Association using an interdental dental cleaner, such as a floss, at least once a day is key to keeping your oral hygiene healthy.
#TOOTHTALKTUESDAY
Hannah graduated from Pearl River Community College as a Registered Dental Hygienist in 2009. She began her employment with Dr. Pitfield in 2013. Away from the office, Hannah enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter, participating in church activities, and travelling with her family.
#dentalhygienist #pinebeltperiodontics #meetourteam
To all of our local dentists, we hope you have a great day!!
This week we celebrated Dental Assistants, and tomorrow is National Dentist's Day! We are excited to celebrate the amazing work that dentists do each and every day, and since it falls on a weekend, we hope that ours can get out and enjoy some well-deserved R&R. Tell us about a moment with your favorite dentist in the comments below! 👇
#dentistsday #Celebrate #celebratedentistry #nationaldentistsday #dentist #dentistry #dentistrylife #dentistryworld #dentistoffice #dentistrylove
#TOOTHTALKTUESDAY
What is a gum graft, or gingival grafting?
Gingival grafting is a surgical procedure in which tissue is used to build the gum back up where it has receded.
Contact our office to schedule your appointment today!
#gingivalgrafting #healthygums
Ready to upgrade your dentures? Implant secured dentures are a permanent stabilized solution and allow you to enjoy the foods you might be missing out on. Call us today to learn more about our implant solutions to see what the right option is for you!
We are seeking a full time chair-side dental assistant! Experience is required, and current Mississippi Dental Radiology permit or eligible permit is also required. Benefits are included. Please email your resume to pinebeltperio@gmail.com. We look forward to hearing from you!
We are officially out of the winter season, and the world around us is starting to emerge renewed. Spring into your healthy smile and be sure you have your next visit scheduled with our team. Call us today, we can't wait to see you!
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#dentalcare #HealthyLiving #SpringTime #dentistry #dentistrylife #healthysmiles
#TOOTHTALKTUESDAY
Renae began her employment in 2016 as Insurance Coordinator. She obtained an Associate’s Degree from Pearl River Community College in computer programming and accounting. Away from the office, Renae enjoys travelling and spending time with her husband and children.
#pinebeltperiodontics #insurancecoordinator #meetourteam