Tongue Cleaners

There are many ways to improve your dental health routine. Investing in a tongue scraper or cleaner is a great one. These are handheld dental appliances that work just like their name implies. They scrape off bacteria that cause bad breath (halitosis) and tongue coatings. To learn more about improving your oral health, contact Dr. Frederick Shaw. Schedule your bi-annual dental examination at Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group, located in Austin, TX.

 

Using a tongue scraper is simple and easy. Start off by placing it at the back of the tongue and slowly moving it forward. Rinse it off after completing each scrape. Wash out your mouth as well. Continue as many times as necessary. A coated tongue is caused by a build-up of bacteria and dead cells on your tongue. This is due to dry mouth, yeast infections, medications, smoking, or poor oral health. Your tongue cleaner rids your mouth of these pathogens.

 

Tongue cleaners aren’t just helpful for improving your breath. Some studies have shown that tongue cleaners heighten your sense of taste. It also just leads to an overall healthier mouth. With fewer bacteria and debris, there is a decreased chance of cavities and infections.

 

Be cautious when using your mouth scraper. Avoid scraping too far back on your tongue. Pay attention to how much pressure you use and where. You can accidentally cut your tongue if you aren’t careful.

 

To learn more about tongue cleaner and your oral health, contact Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group. We are located in Austin, TX. For scheduling an appointment with Dr. Frederick Shaw, visit our website or call 512-451-7491.

Dry Mouth (Xerostomia)

Dry mouth, also known as xerostomia is a condition in which your mouth is unusually dry for periods of time. Most often, dry mouth is a result of a decrease in saliva produced by the salivary glands. It can result as a side effect of certain medications, or be a symptom of an underlying problem. Fortunately, whatever the case may be, Dr. Fredrick Shaw of Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group can treat this condition.

Saliva is the mouth’s primary defense against tooth decay and assists in maintaining the health of soft and hard tissues in the mouth. When the saliva is reduced, you develop a higher risk for tooth decay. If you are experiencing dry mouth, you may suffer from a constant sore throat, a burning sensation, difficulty speaking/swallowing, or dry nasal passages. Dry mouth not only increases your risk of tooth decay, it can increase your risk of gingivitis, and mouth infections. To treat this problem, Dr. Fredrick Shaw may suggest an oral rinse to help restore mouth moisture. If that doesn’t work, he may prescribe a medication to boost your saliva flow.

If you suffer from a constant dry mouth, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn more about Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group in Austin, TX, call us at 512-451-7491 or visit our website, www.fredrickshawdds.com. 

Don’t Let Plaque Pester You

If you’ve ever felt a fuzzy buildup on your teeth while licking them with your tongue, that pesky buildup is called plaque. Plaque contains bacteria, which following a meal or snack containing sugar can release acids that attack tooth enamel, eventually contributing to tooth decay and gum disease when left untreated. Plaque that is not removed with thorough daily brushing and flossing can eventually harden into tartar. When tartar accumulates, only Dr. Fredrick saw and his team of hygienists can remove it.

Plaque is a sticky, colorless film of bacteria that constantly forms on our teeth and along the gum line. Plaque that is not removed from around the gum line can cause inflammation and irritation to the gums around your teeth. Red, puffy or bleeding gums can be the first signs of gum disease and if not treated, the tissues holding the teeth in place are destroyed and the teeth are eventually lost. In addition to practicing a proper oral hygiene routine, it is important to schedule professional cleanings twice a year to prevent plaque from getting worse.

If you have plaque buildup and are due for a dental checkup, please give us a call. To learn about other services we provide at our practice, visit www.fredrickshawdds.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Fredrick Shaw in Austin, TX, call 512-451-7491.