Are There Harmful Substances in Your Toothpaste?

Have you ever thought about what’s in your toothpaste? Though you may not be exposed to much of any particular ingredient during a single brushing, a harmful substance can quickly build up. It is widely recommended that everyone should brush their teeth at least twice a day. This adds up to over seven hundred brushings every year. With this in mind, it pays to look out for the following substances found in certain pastes which may have detrimental effects on your mouth:

  • Blue Dye No. 2: Some people believe that this coloring agent is connected to learning and behavior issues in children, as well as certain allergies.
  • Hydrated Silica: This substance is commonly used as an abrasive. Possibly a little too good at its job, too much hydrated silica may break down your enamel.
  • Sodium Lauryl Sulfate: A possible irritant for your skin and gum tissues, this chemical can invite canker sores.
  • Triclosan: According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the effects of this substance are not well understood. Further study is required.

Why is My Tongue Red?

A healthy tongue should have a healthy pink color. However, some people will occasionally discover that their tongue has taken on an unusual red hue. This will sometimes be accompanied by enlarged taste buds, transforming the top of your tongue into a strawberry-like surface. This can be caused by any of the following:

  • Benign Migratory Glossitis: Alternatively known as geographic tongue, this condition is characteristic of patterns that resemble geographic formations on the surface of your tongue. These patterns may be outlined with a thin, white border. It’s usually a benign condition, but you should talk to your dentist if it persists for longer than two weeks.
  • Kawasaki Syndrome: It’s usually only young children who experience this condition. It comes with a very high fever, and possibly a swelling in the hands and feet. Should your child exhibit such symptoms, make an appointment with your family doctor.
  • Scarlet Fever: This infection is occasionally paired with a strawberry tongue. If you are suffering from scarlet fever, you will need to visit your doctor.
  • Vitamin Deficiency: A red tongue may simply point to a deficiency of vitamin B12 or folic acid. Seek out animal products for vitamin B12, and leafy green vegetables for folic acid.

Could Magnet Therapy Work for My Oral Pain?

Chronic dental pain can be a brutal experience, and a lot of people are willing to try anything that promises to give them some relief. One alternative medicine option that has been popular lately is known as magnet therapy. Under this practice, powerful magnets are placed against key areas of the body for the purposes of managing pain and promoting your natural healing mechanisms. But is magnet therapy all it’s cracked up to be?

Unfortunately, there’s no conclusive way to tell if magnets can effectively manage your pain. It isn’t outside the realm of possibility to think that magnets may be used to some effect on your body, as magnetic fields are present in many of your important systems. However, some of the claims made to support magnet therapy don’t hold up to logical scrutiny. For example, it is claimed by some therapists that the magnets act upon the iron in your blood, even though it is well understood that this iron is not in a state that responds to magnetism.

If you are looking for ways to deal with dental pain, talk to our Bellevue dentist during normal business hours.

The Problem with Whitening Toothpaste

There are many toothpastes available in the dental aisle that advertise an ability to whiten your teeth as they brush. Some people consider these an economical alternative to a professional whitening treatment at their dentist’s office. However, the unfortunate truth is that a whitening toothpaste is probably doing more harm than good.

If you have one of the so-called “whitening toothpastes”, take a close look at its packaging. The fine print likely qualifies that it whitens “by removing surface stains”. This means that it only serves to remove stains before they set, doing nothing to remove long-standing stains. Indeed, anything with the power to remove pigmentation from your enamel is going to require more time than an average tooth brushing to have any significant effect, and may be too abrasive for your sensitive gums.

When you want to have your teeth whitened, your best option is to visit our Bellevue dentistry clinic for a customized, professional treatment. Under the eye of a professional, you can enjoy effective, lasting results while minimizing any damage to your teeth or gums.

Dental Care Following a Heart Attack

After you have suffered a heart attack, you will need to take special measures to look after your own health for a while as you recover. This naturally means adopting a heart-healthy diet and avoiding anything that causes you stress. However, it is far easier to ignore the potential implications of your heart attack on your dental health.

Following your heart attack, it is wise to wait for at least six months before you schedule any dental treatments. Visiting the dentist is a source of stress for many people, and you may not be in a condition to handle such stress for a while. Meanwhile, if you are taking medication to treat your condition, you will have to assure that it is not going to interact poorly with any treatment you receive. Be sure to inform our Bellevue dentist if you have had a heart attack, and provide a list of any medications you are using, along with their dosages. It is also a good idea to provide the contact information of your doctor, just in case anything should go wrong during your appointments.