Cavities Are Contagious

Did you ever think a cavity could be contagious? According to two studies, cavity-causing bacteria in the mouth can be transmitted from person to person.

"Particularly, the easiest way to catch a cavity is when a mother is feeding a child," Dr. Irwin Smigel, creator of Supersmile, told AOL Health. The mother will taste the food to check the temperature and then continue feeding the child. "Immediately, that's how kids get cavities," he says.

Kissing between couples can also cause the spread of harmful bacteria. Smigel has seen many patients, particularly women, who have clean, healthy mouths, discover a cavity or two after entering into a relationship with a man who has cavities, gum disease or hasn't been to the dentist in several years.

Dr.Michael Mostfi
www.Healthysmile360.com
Aliso Viejo Ca 92656

Pregnancy Gingivitis: What Every Expectant Mother Should Know

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Pregnancy causes hormonal changes that increase your risk for developing oral health problems like gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) and periodontitis (gum disease). As a result of varying hormone levels, between 50%-70% of women will develop gingivitis sometime during their pregnancy - a condition called pregnancy gingivitis.

The hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy - especially the increased level of progesterone - may make it easier for certain gingivitis-causing bacteria to grow as well as make gum tissue more sensitive to plaque and exaggerate the body's response to the toxins (poisons) that result from plaque. In fact, if you already have significant gum disease, being pregnant may make it worse.

Dr.Michael Mostofi

HEALTHY SMILE 360

15 Mareblu, Suite 360
Aliso Viejo, CA 92656

Take care of teeth — and toothbrushes

Some advice: Don't cover up brushes between uses. Allow them to air-dry instead. Bacteria and other organisms will grow faster on bristles kept in a closed, damp environment.

Rinse them thoroughly. After each use, hold brushes under running tap water until you've cleaned off all remaining toothpaste and visible debris.

Store them correctly. Place brushes in an upright position to best air them out. Also keep them at least 6 feet away from a toilet to avoid contamination with (yuck) airborne particles after a flush.

Don't share brushes. You'll be swapping germs with the other user, which can make you sick. If you store more than one brush in the same container, keep their heads completely separated.

Replace them often. Get a new brush at least once every three or four months, and after each time you've been sick, according to the American Dental Association, or ADA. If bristles look worn or frayed, the brush needs to go. Children may need replacements more often than adults.

Consider disinfecting them. Some dentists recommend soaking brushes in an antibacterial mouthwash such as Listerine for five minutes a day. You also can buy an ADA-approved sanitizer machine, which uses ultraviolet lamps or steam and dry heat to fry nearly all bacteria and viruses. Just note: Studies to date haven't confirmed a health benefit, and not all dentists believe frequent disinfecting is necessary



From The Detroit News: http://detnews.com/article/20110303/LIFESTYLE03/103030318/Take-care-of-teeth-—-and-toothbrushes#ixzz1FtbUeQKH