Dental Tips For Kids

1. Curb thumb-sucking by approximately age 5 to prevent developmental abnormalities.

2. Don't allow young children to carry around sippy-cups containing anything but water.

3. Take care of your own oral health. Research shows that the bacteria that causes decay can be passed from caregivers to infants and young children. Rinsing with antibacterial mouthwashes has been shown to significantly reduce the number of cavity-causing bacteria.

4. Limit sticky foods such as raisins and fruit roll-ups, which cling to the teeth. Experts note that raisins are very nutritious, but they tend to get wedged in the teeth and stay put. Encourage children to take a sip of water after eating these and other snacks.

5. Limit the sharing of spoons and bottles between caregivers and children and among children themselves.

6. Cut down on sugary snacks between meals. One of the major cavity-causing culprits is eating sugary foods throughout the day,

7. Let older children chew sugar-free gum. Gum increases the flow of saliva in the mouth and helps neutralize acids on the teeth. Further, studies have suggested that chewing sugar-free gum for 20 minutes after meals can help prevent tooth decay.

8.Parents, don't let your children brush their own teeth until around the ages of 7 to 9 - or until they're able to tie their shoes or cut the meat on their plates.

Schedule an appointment with Baltimore Dentist Dr. Robert Jacobson at (410) 665 - 5205 for additional dental hygiene tips for children.

All About Cavities...

What causes cavities?

Your mouth is a busy place. Think of it as Grand Central Station... With teeth. Instead of commuters, Bacteria - tiny colonies of living organisms are constantly on the move on your teeth, gums, lips, and tongue. Having bacteria in your mouth is a normal thing. While some of the bacteria can be harmful, most are not, and some are even quite helpful.

Certain types of bacteria can attach themselves to hard surfaces like the enamel that covers your teeth. If the bacteria is not removed, it multiplies and grows until a colony forms. More bacteria of different types attach to the colony already growing on the tooth enamel. Proteins that are present in your saliva also mix in with the bacteria colony and become a whitish film on the tooth. This film is called plaque, and it is what causes cavities. Brushing and flossing after EVERY meal is the only way to prevent this.

How does Plaque cause cavities?

The hard, outer covering of your teeth is called enamel. Enamel is very hard, mainly because it contains durable mineral salts, like calcium. Mineral salts in your saliva help add to the hardness of your teeth. Mineral salts, however, are prone to attack by acids. Acid causes them to breakdown.

The plaque that forms on your teeth and doesn't get washed away by saliva or brushed away by your toothbrush, produces acid as it eats up sugar. This acid is produced inside the plaque and can't be easily washed away by your saliva. The acid dissolves the minerals that make your tooth enamel hard. The surface of the enamel becomes porous - tiny holes appear. After a while, the acid causes the tiny holes in the enamel to get bigger until one large hole appears. This is a cavity. It's important to see your dentist before a cavity forms so that the plaque you can't reach with your toothbrush or floss can be removed.

Contact Baltimore Dentist Dr. Robert Jacobson today at (410) 665 - 5205 for a dental cleaning and check up.

Don't Ignore Your Gum Line

There is not only a "Battle of the Bulge" regarding our waistline, but there is another war being fought simultaneously; yet on a different front. That front is the long disputed region of the gum line.

As the holidays approach, so do our winter appetites. From pumpkin pie, to mashed potatoes, to cranberry sauce and turkey, we fill our mouths with the holiday season's most celebrated culinary fare. We soon regret our decision when we see the enormous net gains on our scale, but while we promise ourselves we'll undo the damage starting next year, our teeth are begging for immediate attention and may not stick around to see if you follow through on your New Year resolutions.

These are a couple of easy steps you can take to help combat plaque and decay when you ‘Pac-Man' your way through an assortment of holiday confections...

- Mobile Dental Care

Brushing and flossing aren't limited to the confines of your bathroom. Go mobile. There is an assortment of great products available that allow you to clean your teeth after every meal. We often eat out and don't brush until we go to bed. Nip it in the bud and use a disposable brush available at all grocery and drug stores. They are easy to use, easy to carry, and easy on your mind when you next visit your dentist.

-Dental Stocking Stuffers

Okay, most kids would rather get coal in their stocking. But, the idea is to make brushing fun. Put an assortment of colorful toothpastes and toothbrushes at the bottom of their stocking. Under the candy and toys. If anything, it will instill an early reminder to think of brushing when they think of candy.

As always, brush at least twice daily and floss. As long as your dental health is continually maintained, tackling those other resolutions should be easy with a sparkling and cavity-free smile.

Contact the office of Balitmore Dentist Dr. Robert

 A. Jacobson to get in for a teeth cleaning before the holidays.

Dr. Robert A. Jacobson, DDS
8109 Harford Road, Suite 3
Parkville, Maryland 21234
Ph 410-665-5205
Fx 410-665-5208
baltobestdds@yahoo.com
www.affordable-dentistry.com

How Your Diet Plays Into Your Oral Health

When we think of our dental health, we often think of brushing, flossing, and regular visits to our dentist. By the time we reach our golden years, many of us will require replacements for our lost teeth.

One astonishing statistic from The Centers For Disease Control And Prevention states that 25% of U.S. adults aged 65 or older have lost all of their teeth. That is a staggering and preventable statistic. In addition to regular brushing and flossing, there are other methods of strengthening and preserving your tooth's enamel. 

Think about your diet. What are you taking in? Many foods and beverages can be delicious, yet detrimental to our oral health. However, there are many foods and liquids that are both delicious and good for your teeth.

What can you drink to help combat tooth decay?


Liquids

1.Water!
Yes, water. Simple enough. You rinse with it, it cleanses the pallet, it promotes saliva, hydrates the gums, and flushes away particles of food lodged in your teeth.

2.Green Tea.
Green tea is a long celebrated drink enjoyed by the world. Which is good for us because it's loaded with plaque fighting antioxidants. Some green teas contain fluoride which also combats tooth decay. Be sure to check the label for this.

3.Milk.
Milk is calcium rich, which means you are strengthening bones and teeth, further staving off plaque and bacteria.

Foods

1. Onions!
Yep. Onions. While they don't do our breath any favors, they are loaded with anti-bacterial sulfur compounds which then kills harmful bacteria that compromise our oral health. So eat up… But don't forget to brush-up right after!

2.Cheese.
Same as milk. Loaded with calcium and phosphate. It also produces more saliva and kills bacteria… and it's delicious.

3.Fruit.
Eat fruit as it comes to get the most benefits (you can peel it). If you eat it whole, you will receive all of its nutrients that come along with the peel. It fights plaque and massages the gums. Also, don't be shy to eat a lot of Vitamin C rich fruits. They hold our bodies (body's) cells together, and without it? You guessed it… gum disease. "Orange ya glad I warned ya?"

4.Protein.
Protein has Vitamin D which is also an ally of our teeth and bones. Embrace it. You can find it in many foods; eggs, beef, turkey, all phosphorus rich foods.

Most importantly, brush and floss, but also be mindful of your dietary intake. The foods you eat and the liquids you drink don't just affect your waistline; they affect your gum line, and ultimately -- your lifeline.

Contact Baltimore Dentist Dr. Robert A. Jacobson for more information on healthy food choices for your teeth.

Dr. Robert A. Jacobson, DDS
8109 Harford Road, Suite 3
Parkville, Maryland 21234
Ph 410-665-5205
Fx 410-665-5208
baltobestdds@yahoo.com
www.affordable-dentistry.com

Ten Interesting Facts About Oral Health

The evolution of dentistry and oral health awareness have had an enormous positive impact on the health and preservation of our teeth. Below is a list of ten interesting facts that about oral health and maintenance.

Did you know?...

1.The world’s first dental school opened in Baltimore. (After Poe’s student-dentist root canal he proclaimed; “Never more! Never more!”)

2.In 1859, At Niagra Falls, N.Y., The American Dental Association was formed by 26 dentists from all over the U.S.

3.The first ‘bristled’ toothbrush was developed in China during the Tang Dynasty (619-907). The bristles were fashioned from hogs, horses, and badgers. Nylon bristles were introduced by DuPont in 1938.

4.100 years ago, 50 percent of North American adults were without teeth.  -ADA

5.In the state of Vermont, It is illegal for a woman to wear dentures without her husband’s permission. In Vermont, Mona Lisa may have had to asked her husbands permission to smile!

6.Clean teeth can help prevent a heart attack.  -CDC, ADA

7.Black and Green tea have been proven to contain antibacterial powers that prevent cavities and gum disease.

8.Over 40 percent of Americans have at least one tooth that could benefit from dental treatment. -ADA

9.The average American can exert 30-40 lbs per square inch of pressure with their jaws.

10.The average person produces 100,000 gallons of saliva in their lifetime! Enough to fill 2 swimming pools or 200 bathtubs, maybe 1000 sinks. Ew!

Dr. Robert A. Jacobson, DDS
8109 Harford Road, Suite 3
Parkville, Maryland 21234
Ph 410-665-5205
Fx 410-665-5208
baltobestdds@yahoo.com
www.affordable-dentistry.com

Don't Let Your Smile Look Like A Jack O'Lantern's!

With every Halloween comes spooky decorations, costumes, and lots and lots of CANDY! Having so many sticky, sugary sweets around can send our dental health care right down the drain in an instant. We all know that candy isn’t great for our teeth, let alone our overall health; however, some types of candy are especially more haunting for our pearly whites.

Gooey candy is terrible for your teeth. All of those tasty caramels and taffies can leave a sticky residue on your chompers, which acts as an adhesive for bacteria, resulting in tooth decay. It’s imperative that you brush your teeth after consuming sticky stuff so that you don’t look like a toothless jack-o-lantern.

Some of the worst candy you could consume would be any type of sour candy. If it makes your face pucker when you eat it, then it probably has large amounts of acid. Acid is detrimental to your teeth because it wears down your tooth enamel. Once your enamel is worn, your teeth are more vulnerable to chips and breaks. This can also cause tooth sensitivity.

Hard candies are bad for your teeth because you typically take longer to consume them, resulting in your teeth being drenched in acid and sugar longer. There is also the risk of breaking a tooth when biting down.

If you must have one of these three types of ghoulish candies, your best and safest bet would be choosing the sticky candy and immediately brushing your teeth afterwards. However, If any of these treats give you trouble contact Baltimore Dentist Dr. Robert A. Jacobson.

Sick of handing out candy? Be the healthy house on the block! Doling out sugar free hot chocolate packets, sugar free gum or trail mix can be a lovely alternative. You could also skip candy all together and hand out spooky pencils, stickers, erasers or silly teeth.

Have a safe and healthy Halloween from Dr. Jacobson’s office!


Dr. Robert A. Jacobson, DDS
8109 Harford Road, Suite 3
Parkville, Maryland 21234
Ph 410-665-5205
Fx 410-665-5208
baltobestdds@yahoo.com
www.affordable-dentistry.com

Brush, Brush, Brush!

Brushing your teeth may seem like a skill you've had since you were a child, but over the years some people develop their own routines and may often deviate from the best practices. Twice a day, brush in circles, and don't forget to floss has most often been the mantra of parents and dentists alike, but as technology and science continues to develop, new techniques and rules have surfaced that should be applied when taking care of your pearly whites.

First, make sure your most important utensil, the toothbrush, is the right tool for the job. It is typically recommended that you replace your toothbrush every few months, but you should also take note of how the bristles look. If they begin to fray or warp in a particular direction, then it's time for a new brush. Using a toothbrush that is overworked greatly reduces the amount of plaque and food particles you remove with each brushing, which may in turn lead to dental problems in the future.

When using your toothbrush, you should angle the brushing against the tooth and gums. As tedious as it may sound, brushing the front and back of each tooth is the best way to keep your teeth in tip-top shape. The whole process should take around 2 minutes to complete. Brushing the teeth and gums help remove the damaging bacteria and acids that eat away at your enamel.

Using the right amount of pressure is key as well. You don't want to press too hard or you may damage your teeth or gums, causing bleeding or loss of enamel. Gently massaging your gums with small, repetitive circles is recommended and helps remove plaque and other bacteria that may cause problems down the road.

Flossing shouldn't be ignored either. Flossing gets the bacteria that your brush can't reach and it is one of the best ways to a more healthy mouth. When using floss, go down as far as you can into the gum and use around 4 strokes up and down for each side of the tooth. There is also a Waterpik that we have for sale in our office: It is a great adjunct therapy to remove food & debris loosened by flossing. It will help your gums stay healthy and refreshed. You can also use the Waterpik with your favorite mouthwash, and don’t forget to brush the tongue!

While a lot of the steps haven't changed too much, it is important to get the right procedures and steps down to keep the health and hygiene of your mouth in order.

The Benefits Of Flossing

When dealing with the health of your teeth, you mainly hear about brushing and even rinsing with a mouthwash. But how many times do you hear about flossing? There are health benefits to flossing because what a toothbrush cannot reach, floss can. Flossing your teeth at least once a day can work wonders.

Flossing cleans out all the left behind food particles stuck deep between your teeth. These left behind particles lead to bad breath! By flossing you not only keep your teeth nice and clean, but you alleviate one of the causes of bad breath. Another wonder that flossing does is it helps keep cavities out of your mouth. Cavities are decayed areas of the teeth and form when food particles, bacteria, or acids in your mouth form plaque. Floss to prevent plaque build-up.

Another benefit to flossing is preventing gingivitis. Gingivitis occurs when plaque builds up along the gum line. Gingivitis is a common form of gum disease and is a result of poor oral hygiene. Going to the dentist for periodical check-ups as well as brushing and flossing your teeth daily will help prevent gingivitis. Some signs of gingivitis include; red or swollen gums, inflamed gums, or gums that easily bleed.

There are about 14 different types of floss that you can use for your teeth, the most popular being waxed or unwaxed which can be purchased at your local grocery store or pharmacy. If you have any questions about which type of floss is right for your teeth consult your dentist at your next appointment.

Foods To Watch Out For

There are a few foods to watch out for when trying to maintain good oral health. Some foods can damage or break down your teeth’s natural protection. Acidic foods are especially harmful to teeth, but other foods can be just as bad. Hard candy, sticky foods such as certain fruits, sports drinks or sodas and lemons all have negative effects on teeth.

All soda is, is a sugary and carbonated soft drink. That combination is damaging to teeth. The sugar and its byproducts soften tooth enamel; cause tooth decay, and assist in the formation of cavities. Besides sugar, acidic foods and beverages also harm teeth.

Acid eats away at your teeth. Certain foods like fruits have a higher acidity level than other foods like breads and cheeses. Blackberries, grapes, lemons, and strawberries all have high pH levels and can be very bad for your teeth without proper management. Eating foods with higher acidity in moderation is okay as long as you remember to brush at least twice a day or after every meal, and floss daily to prevent acid erosion.

Red and white wines, apples, green olives, and orange juice have medium acidity levels which again, in moderation are okay. The foods and beverages with the lowest acid levels are corn, avocados, beans, and mineral water which are safer for your teeth (but don’t forget to brush and floss). Brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste can prevent tooth decay caused by acidic foods. Also, routine visits to the dentist will ensure the health of your teeth with preventative methods and taking care of any current problems.

Dr. Robert A. Jacobson, DDS
8109 Harford Road, Suite 3
Parkville, Maryland 21234
Ph 410-665-5205
Fx 410-665-5208
baltobestdds@yahoo.com
www.affordable-dentistry.com

What is a Cavity?

No matter how young or old a person is, no one wants to hear that they have a cavity when they are at their dentist’s office. A cavity develops when a tooth decays, which results in a hole that grows bigger and bigger over time. Cavities are also known as dental caries and if you have one, it is important to get it fixed as soon as possible.

How does a tooth develop a hole? Plaque is the culprit. Plaque is a sticky, slimy substance made up of the germs that cause tooth decay. The bacteria in your mouth makes acids and when plaque sticks to your teeth, the acids can eat away at the outer layer of your tooth, called the enamel.

If the tooth with decay is not treated, the acids will continue to make their way through the enamel, decaying the inside parts of your tooth. Tooth aches can be a result of the cavity reaching all the way inside a tooth, affecting the nerve endings.

If your dentist does find a cavity, they are able to repair it by first removing the compromised part of your tooth with a special drill. Then, the dentist will fill the hole in your tooth with a filling to repair the tooth.

Tips for cavity prevention:

• Brush your teeth with a fluoride toothpaste after every meal or at least twice a day. Before bed is an especially important time to brush.
• Brush up and down in a circular motion for roughly two minutes. 
• Gently brush your gums
• Floss your teeth once a day to remove plaque and food that is stuck between your teeth.
• Limit sweets and sugary drinks.

In addition to these steps, be sure to see your dentist twice a year for regular checkups. Contact the office of Dr. Jacobson to set up an appointment.

Dr. Robert A. Jacobson, DDS
8109 Harford Road, Suite 3
Parkville, Maryland 21234
Ph 410-665-5205
Fx 410-665-5208
baltobestdds@yahoo.com
www.affordable-dentistry.com

Parts of the Mouth

While your mouth is made up of more than just teeth, that goes to say that oral health goes beyond simply brushing and flossing. Aside from your teeth, your mouth is also made up of gums, oral mucosa, the tongue, salivary glands, and the uvula. All of these parts play an important role when it comes to good dental health.

When you open up your mouth and look in the mirror, everything that isn’t a tooth is covered by a protective lining called the oral mucosa. This is a mucous membrane similar to the membranes that line your nostrils and inner ears. The oral mucosa’s role is to defend your body from germs that enter your mouth.

Your gums are also covered by the oral mucosa. Healthy gums are firm, cover the entire root of the tooth and do not bleed when brushed or flossed. Gum disease can lead to tooth loss so taking care of your gums by flossing regularly is just as essential to dental care as brushing your teeth.

Your tongue is a powerful muscle covered in a special mucosal tissue that includes your taste buds. The tongue is an integral part of the body’s digestive system, it’s responsible for moving food to your teeth and swallowing food. It also gives you the ability to speak.

You have three sets of salivary glands in your mouth and neck: the parotid, submandibular, and sublingual glands. These glands are what produce saliva, which contains an enzyme that aids in breaking down food, making it easier for you to swallow. Saliva is essential for good oral health because it protects your gums and teeth by rinsing away food particles and bacteria. It also helps to counteract acidic foods that can wear down the protective enamel of your teeth.

The uvula is a tiny flap of tissue that hangs down at the back of your throat. Like everything else in the mouth, the uvula is covered by oral mucosa. The uvula has long been a source of curiosity for scientists because all of its functions are not yet fully understood. It does seem to play a role in speech and in keeping the throat and mouth moist.

The next time you are brushing your teeth, take a moment to look at all of the parts of the mouth that lie farther inside the oral cavity. Understanding what these parts do and what they look like with help you maintain optimal oral health.


Dr. Robert A. Jacobson, DDS
8109 Harford Road, Suite 3
Parkville, Maryland 21234
Ph 410-665-5205
Fx 410-665-5208
baltobestdds@yahoo.com
www.affordable-dentistry.com