7 MouthHealthy Tips for Your Summer Soiree (Part 2 of 3)

The Trouble with Toothpicks 
Serving corn on the cob or pulled pork? Your guests may need something to get food unstuck from their teeth. A toothpick is sharp and can pierce gums, giving bacteria a chance to get in. And no one wants a mouth splinter if it breaks. Instead, leave dental picks in a covered dish in the bathroom, or replace toothpicks on the table with soft, flexible, wooden plaque removers like Stim-U-Dent.

Go Seedless 
You can also cut down on food getting stuck in your guests’ teeth by serving seedless foods. Opt for hot dog and hamburger buns without sesame and poppy seeds. Use crunchy fruits in your fruit salad instead of raspberries, kiwi and blackberries, and serve seedless watermelon.

To read the entire article visit Mouthhealthy.org

de Bruin Dental Center   
Tomas G. de Bruin, DDS   
631 Sierra Rose Drive, Suite A  
Reno, NV 89511   
(775) 826-1838   
deBruinSmiles.com

Pregnancy & Oral Health

Learn more about the risks to your oral health during pregnancy.

The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

de Bruin Dental Center   
Tomas G. de Bruin, DDS   
631 Sierra Rose Drive, Suite A  
Reno, NV 89511   
(775) 826-1838   
deBruinSmiles.com

Gum Disease Symptoms

The Primary Cause of Lost Teeth

By appearances, it seems logical that tooth loss is caused primarily by decay. But it's not. Most tooth loss is a by-product of gum disease. The worst part is that it can be completely undetectable right up until you lose your teeth. Symptoms to be mindful of include bleeding gums when you brush or floss, and loose or moving teeth. If you've been advised that you require gum surgery, we're happy to report that it's now possible to control the less advanced stages of gum disease with an assortment of non-surgical methods.

de Bruin Dental Center   
Tomas G. de Bruin, DDS   
631 Sierra Rose Drive, Suite A  
Reno, NV 89511   
(775) 826-1838   
deBruinSmiles.com

7 MouthHealthy Tips for Your Summer Soiree (Part 3 of 3)

Crush, Don’t Cube 
Ice may be your best friend on a hot day, but it's no friend to your teeth. That's because chewing on hard foods, such as ice, can leave your teeth vulnerable to a dental emergency such as a broken tooth and can even damage enamel. If you can, put cans and bottles in a huge tub of ice so your guests won’t be tempted to crunch a few cubes when they’re done with their drinks. If you need ice to put in a glass, use crushed

Serve Infused Water 
Soda and sports drinks are some of the worst drinks for your teeth. They eat away at your teeth, cause dry mouth and are full of sugar. Water, however, is one of the best things you can sip, so serve up a healthy drink with a twist of whatever fruit you’d like. Infused waters are low in sugar and super hydrating. (Just go easy on citrus fruits. The acid in lemons and limes can be harsh on your teeth.) Bonus: Pitchers of infused water will also look beautiful on your table.

Keep Gum Handy 
Your guests may be looking for something to freshen their breath after dinner. Swap out a bowl of mints for a dish of sugar-free gum. Studies using gum with the ADA Seal show that chewing sugarless gum for 20 minutes following meals may help prevent tooth decay. Chewing sugar-free gum gets saliva flowing to wash away food and fights acids produced by cavity-causing bacteria from eating away your teeth.

To read the entire article visit Mouthhealthy.org

de Bruin Dental Center   
Tomas G. de Bruin, DDS   
631 Sierra Rose Drive, Suite A  
Reno, NV 89511   
(775) 826-1838   
deBruinSmiles.com

Special Care Dentistry

Learn more about dental care for people with special needs.

The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

de Bruin Dental Center   
Tomas G. de Bruin, DDS   
631 Sierra Rose Drive, Suite A  
Reno, NV 89511   
(775) 826-1838   
deBruinSmiles.com

Teaching Children Dental Routines

Protecting Vulnerable Teeth

Children's teeth are more prone to cavities than adults. They tend not to brush properly, and they tend to eat frequently during the day. Acid is produced in the mouth when eating and when teeth are not as clean as they should be. Subsequently, plaque tends to develop more rapidly, which will hasten the rate of cavity development. We encourage parents to supervise their children's daily dental routine until they can clean their teeth accurately by themselves. We explain how to make better nutritional choices to help maintain their teeth and offer the application of a fluoride varnish to mineralize their teeth to drastically reduce their potential for sustaining a cavity.

de Bruin Dental Center   
Tomas G. de Bruin, DDS   
631 Sierra Rose Drive, Suite A  
Reno, NV 89511   
(775) 826-1838   
deBruinSmiles.com

Bad Breath (also known as Halitosis)

Learn more about Bad Breath, which is also known as Halitosis.

The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

de Bruin Dental Center   
Tomas G. de Bruin, DDS   
631 Sierra Rose Drive, Suite A  
Reno, NV 89511   
(775) 826-1838   
deBruinSmiles.com

Full Mouth Dental Rehabilitation

Full-Mouth Rehabilitation with Physiologic Dentistry

It takes more than regular cleanings and the occasional filling to achieve strong oral health. And your oral health plays a key role in maintaining the overall health of your entire body. Many patients who've experienced trauma, illness, bite irregularities, and even common wear and tear are also undergoing other chronic health problems that they don't realize began in their mouth. Tooth grinding, TMJ, periodontitis, and odd-shaped or missing teeth can combine to bring about headaches and migraines, earaches, toothaches, chronic bad breath, and a variety of head and neck pain.

Dr. de Bruin will discuss your symptoms, concerns, and goals. After a thorough examination, including digital X-rays, photos, and imprints of your mouth, he will review treatment options and build a plan to address your obstacles for reaching ideal dental health.

Dr. de Bruin has been trained comprehensively in physiologic dentistry. We've effectively treated many patients who have pursued relief from their pain from physicians, chiropractors, and neurologists only to be told they're a difficult case. Physiologic dentistry entails specific treatment procedures that deal with your jaw joints and how your teeth mesh together. The proper alignment of your teeth and jaws allows the resulting stresses upon your mouth, head, and shoulders to begin to ease as well.

Don't worry, we encourage phased treatment and offer financial planning that will put your perfect smile within reach. At de Bruin Dental Center, we want your teeth to last a lifetime!

de Bruin Dental Center   
Tomas G. de Bruin, DDS   
631 Sierra Rose Drive, Suite A  
Reno, NV 89511   
(775) 826-1838   
deBruinSmiles.com

How to Fight Mouth Germs and Keep Your Smile Healthy

Below is an excerpt from an article found on Colgate.com that was written by Brenna Stone

Does the thought of mouth germs taking up residence on your teeth make you feel a little uncomfortable? It should! Masses of harmful microorganisms in the mouth can form plaque, the sticky substance that adheres to the teeth and gumline. Plaque can really harm your teeth and gums. When it isn't removed by regular brushing and flossing, it can lead to cavities and gum disease! Find out what you can do to reduce the amount of germs in your mouth.

Regular Toothbrushing
Toothbrushing is a powerful tool for fighting germs. At the minimum, brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste; once after breakfast and once before going to bed. There is no harm in brushing your teeth more frequently. You can brush after meals to cut down on plaque formation and to freshen your breath. Spend a full two minutes gently brushing all surfaces of your teeth and your tongue. Use a toothpaste like Colgate Total that is designed to keep your mouth clean and to fight germs.

Bacteria can flourish on your toothbrush as well. Change your toothbrush when it begins to look worn, according to American Dental Association. The American Dental Association recommends switching to a new brush about every three to four months. It is best to leave your bristles in the open air; a closed, moist environment can harbor more bacteria. Also, don't share brushes; it is possible to transfer mouth germs this way.

Don't Forget to Floss
Daily flossing is another important way to keep your mouth clean and healthy. Flossing can help to remove plaque from places that your toothbrush can't reach. Slide your floss in between the teeth. Also clean at the base of each tooth, removing plaque and food debris from underneath the gum line.

Your Diet and Mouth Germs
What you eat can also help to support a healthy smile. Eating lots of sugary and starchy foods will increase the amount of sugars that are available for bacteria in your mouth to thrive upon. Try cutting back on sweet treats and snacking on fresh fruits and veggies instead. When eating grains, be sure to choose whole grains.

Take good care of your teeth with daily brushing and flossing. Eat a balanced diet and see your dentist for regular check-ups. Your dentist can check for signs of cavities and gum disease, the dental hygienist can also clean your teeth, removing the plaque and tartar (hardened dental plaque) that is on your teeth. With excellent oral hygiene, mouth germs don't stand a chance!

To read the entire article visit Colgate.com.

de Bruin Dental Center   
Tomas G. de Bruin, DDS   
631 Sierra Rose Drive, Suite A  
Reno, NV 89511   
(775) 826-1838   
deBruinSmiles.com