Dental Care Tips for a Healthy Smile and Strong Teeth

By: Dr. Nicole G. Nalbandian DDS MS

December 12, 2024

Foundations to Good Oral Hygiene

1. Choosing the Right Toothbrush

a. When choosing the perfect toothbrush, there are two key things that you want to look for.

i. Soft Bristles: You always want your toothbrush bristles to be as soft as possible to reduce abrasion and minimize risk of gum recession.

ii. Electric is superior to manual: Clinical research has repeatedly shown a superior clean to manual toothbrush use. Two of the top contenders in this space are the Phillips Sonicare and Oral-B electric toothbrushes.

2. Selecting the Best Toothpaste for Your Needs

When choosing a toothpaste, you really can’t go wrong as long as the toothpaste you are using contains fluoride.
Pro-tip: Our brand of choice is Colgate www.colgate.com

3. Propper Brushing Techniques

When brushing, always use the ‘Bass’ technique. How do you do this?
- Hold the toothbrush at a 45 degree angle to your gums while gently brushing inner and outer surfaces of your teeth. Then, brush the chewing surfaces of your molars and your tongue. This technique is especially valuable for removing plaque buildup around the gums and fighting gum disease.
Pro-tip: Reference this page to learn more about the ‘Bass’ technique https://www.dentistryiq.com/personal-wellness/dental-disease/article/14201686/dental-plaque-prevention-and-the-bass-toothbrushing-technique

4. How Long and How Often Should You Brush?

You should brush at least twice a day, morning and evening. After you brush your teeth in the evening you should avoid eating or drinking anything other than water.
Brush your teeth for 2 minutes each time!

5. Flossing Fundamentals

Not all floss is created equal: The best floss to use is traditional string floss. Those piks and water flossers just don’t get the job done.
When you floss, you want to create a ‘C’ shape around each tooth to make sure the floss contacts each side of the tooth.
Pro-tip: Our favorite floss brand is Reach www.reachoral.com

6. Using Interdental Brushes for Hard-to-Reach Areas

Interdental brushes are handy on the go and great when you need to remove debris between teeth that have large gaps between them. https://www.tepeusa.com/collections/tepe-interdental-brushes-original

7. The Benefits of an Electric Toothbrush

An electric toothbrush gets you a superior clean removing more plaque and bacteria from your tooth surfaces. They also have a built in timer which helps you brush for a full two minutes.

8. The Role of Mouthwash in Your Routine

Mouthwash can be a nice addition to your oral hygiene regimen if you choose the correct one. We recommend choosing a mouthwash that is alcohol-free and contains fluoride. Often times mouthwash with alcohol can leave you with a dry mouth which can affect your dental health negatively.
Pro-tip: We recommend ACT mouthwash which is both alcohol free and contains fluoride.

9. Cleaning Your Tongue Effectively

Propper tongue hygiene is essential to reducing bad breath and keeping your mouth clean. You want to use a tongue scraper or soft bristle toothbrush and start with the back of your tongue gently scraping forward. Make sure you rinse your tongue scraper/brush after each stroke.

10. Storing and Maintaining Your Oral Care Tools

You want to keep your oral hygiene tools in clean dry places. Always leave your toothbrush/tongue scraper in an upright position to make sure they can dry between use.

Diet and Lifestyle for Optimal Oral Health

11. The Impact of Sugar on Teeth

Sugar itself does not directly ruin your teeth. What it does is feed the bacteria already in your mouth and causes them to produce an acidic byproduct. This acidic byproduct slowly eats away at your teeth causing cavities.
Pro-tip: Drink water immediately after eating something sugary to reduce the sugar load on your teeth and reduce your risk of cavities!

12. Foods that Strengthen Enamel

Celery and other crunchy vegetables remove plaque/bacteria from your teeth.
Garlic naturally has properties that prevents bacterial growth critical for preventing cavities.
Dairy (such as milk and yogurt) is generally high in calcium which is good for your teeth.
Green tea contains polyphenols which are known to reduce gum inflammation and fight bad breath.

13. The Dangers of Acidic Beverages

Acidic beverages (even if they are not sweetened) can be detrimental to your enamel. These drinks include coffee, seltzer water, diet soda, orange juice, etc.
Pro-tip: Drink a glass of water after consuming one of these beverages to wash off acidity from your teeth.
Super pro-tip: Do not sip these beverages throughout the day, drink them in short increments so that your teeth are not being constantly exposed to high acidity.

14. Coffee, Tea, Wine and Tooth stains

Coffee, tea, and wine are highly pigmented and likely to stain your teeth.
Pro-tip: See your dentist regularly for 6 month checkups to polish out stains and ask your dentist about safe effective ways to whiten your teeth!

15. Snacking Habits that Affect your Smile

Frequent snacking throughout the day repeatedly exposes your teeth to sugar/acidity. Usually your saliva does a pretty good job of clearing these things away from your teeth but when you are constantly snacking, your saliva is not as effective and you become far more prone to cavities.
Pro-tip: Limit frequency of snacking for a healthier smile.

16. Chewing gum: Good or Bad?

Chewing gum can help stimulate saliva (which helps protect our teeth) and remove debris attached to teeth. This is a great thing as long as you are using sugar free gum!
Pro-tip: Choose a gum that has Xylitol to add an extra layer of bacterial defense in your chewing gum! https://epicdental.com/xylitol-gum/?srsltid=AfmBOop1z6oiSA7yQlHASkdbZxX1vSoU-BuxLrnMxRF8IvfqEshOYu5J

17. Vitamins and Minerals for Strong Teeth

You may not want to skip on your multivitamin after reading this. Here are some of the vitamins/minerals that support a healthy smile by promoting healthy tooth development and adequate saliva production: Calcium, Vitamin D, Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Magnesium, Potassium.
Pro-tip: A well balanced diet will ensure that you are getting enough of all these vitamins/minerals to maintain healthy teeth.

18. Staying Hydrated for Saliva Production

Saliva helps wash away debris on your teeth that could cause cavities. It also has properties that help neutralize harmful acidity. Our bodies rely on proper hydration to generate adequate salivary flow.
Pro-tip: If you feel like you are experiencing dry mouth contact your doctor for an evaluation. Sometimes medications and certain medical conditions can prevent us from salivating normally.

19. Avoiding Tobacco for Better Oral Health

Some of the many side effects seen intraorally from tobacco use are

Tooth decay
Increased risk of gum disease and bone loss
Failure of dental implants
Canker sores and poor wound healing
Increased risk of oral cancer

20. Limit Alcohol and its Effects on Your Gums

High alcohol consumption can increase your risk of periodontal disease and inflammation intraorally and throughout the body. Alcohol leads to dry mouth and alters the microbiome in your mouth directly increasing your risk for cavities. Heavy alcohol consumption also increases your risk of oral cancer.
Pro-tip: Limit alcohol consumption to no more than 2 drinks/wk.

Preventive Measures and Professional Care

21. Schedule Regular Dental Check-Ups

You should visit your dentist every 6 months for a cleaning and check-up. Some patients with a history of periodontal disease may be asked to visit more frequently.

22. Importance of Routine Dental Cleanings

Regular dental cleanings are important to keep teeth clean and gums healthy. They are also a chance for your doctor to detect things like cavities and oral cancer.

23. Spotting Early Signs of Gum Disease

Bleeding or puffy gums are often a sign of gum disease. If you notice that your gums are a little more red than usual or have been bleeding when you brush or floss schedule an appointment with your Dentist!

24. Recognizing Tooth Sensitivity and Its Causes

Tooth sensitivity is very common and is primarily caused by recession or clenching.
Pro-tip: See your Dentist to be fitted for a night guard if you notice you are clenching your teeth at night when you sleep.

25. Dealing with Cavities Before they Worsen

Treating cavities before they become advanced can avoid the need for more extensive treatment including root canals and crowns. The earlier cavities are detected and treated the more conservatively they can be managed.
Pro-tip: Seeing your dentist regularly for checkups will ensure that you are not caught needing extensive treatment for larger cavities.

26. Dental Sealants and Their Benefits

Sealants can be a great proactive step you can take to help prevent cavities. It involves placing a small amount of material in the grooves of your teeth where food/debris can often get caught and cause the development of cavities.

27. Fluoride Treatments for Stronger Enamel

Fluoride is a great tool we have at our disposal that helps strengthen enamel that has become weak or has started to develop a cavity.

28. Understanding Different Types of Dental X-Rays

There are a wide range of dental x-rays that help us that allow us to diagnose different conditions

Bitewing: Help us look between the teeth to check for cavities and also examine bone levels between teeth
Periapical: These allow us to see the root structure of teeth in great detail to evaluate bone structure and surrounding ligament condition.
Panoramic Xray: This is a 2D snapshot of the entire jaw allowing us to see an overview of the teeth, jawbone, TMJ, and sinus.
CBCT: This is a 3D image often used to aid with the placement of implants or enhance root canal treatment.

29. When and why to Consider Orthodontic Evaluation

You are unhappy with your smile
The position of your teeth is impacting your oral hygiene
You need to create space for an implant
Your teeth don’t align properly

30. Building a Long-Term Relationship with Your Dentist

Continuity of care is critical to good healthcare. The better your dentist knows you and your dental history the more specialized care they can provide you. This also creates a level of familiarity and comfort making dental visits less stressful.

Advanced Cleaning Techniques and Tools

31. Water Flossers: Pros and Cons

Pro: They are great for people with braces or elderly people who otherwise would not be able to floss effectively
Cons: They are not a substitution for flossing in individuals that are able to floss

32. Water Flossing and its Effect on Gum Health

A water flosser can be a nice addition to your regular hygiene routine to remove debris from between teeth after flossing but when it comes to gum health, nothing is as good as traditional flossing!

33. Dental Picks and Special Floss

There are many kinds of fancy picks and floss out there. In the end, nothing is really as good as traditional floss.
Interproximal brushes can be a great option for some people with large gaps between their teeth and can make a great addition to a persons oral hygiene routine.

34. How to Properly Use a Dental Mirror at Home

Having a dental mirror at home can allow you to see hard to visualize areas of your mouth for things that may look unusual.
Pro-tip: If you think you see anything strange or out of the ordinary it is always better to see your Dentist for an evaluation (even if you think its nothing!)

35. Understanding Electric Toothbrushes

Electric toothbrushes are designed to move/vibrate in a way that optimizes removal of plaque and debris from the tooth surfaces. Everything from the shape and size of the toothbrush head have been carefully studied and designed.

36. Using Plaque Disclosing Tablets

Plaque indicators are available that can highlight areas on your teeth where plaque has been left behind after brushing. This can be helpful for younger patients who are still working on their brushing technique! https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/plaque-and-tartar/disclosing-tablets-plaque

37. Techniques for Reaching Back Molars

When you brush, often times your toothbrush will run into your jaw bone before it reaches your very last top molar. I recommend you try moving your jaw to the side to create space and allow the toothbrush to pass all the way to the back of your mouth. For example, if you are brushing your upper left molar, slide your jaw to the left and reach the toothbrush back there.

38. Scaling and Root Planing Explained

Scaling and Root Planing (SRP) – aka Deep Cleaning – is a procedure used to remove debris that is trapped below the gumline contributing to bone loss and periodontal disease. This is often used when there is heavy buildup or more advanced gum disease.

39. Optimal Timing for Oral Hygiene Routines.

Morning – 30 min after waking up is the ideal time to brush your teeth as when you first wake up your teeth tend to be more acidic and brushing under these conditions can lead to erosion of enamel
Evening – Bush right before bed and don’t eat or drink anything (other than water) after brushing.
Pro-tip: Floss before brushing at night

40. Custom-Fitted Mouthguards and Night Guards

A well-fitting night guard is KEY to protecting your teeth while you sleep. We always recommend a night guard that is custom fit to you. An ill-fitting night guard can lead to jaw pain and poor occlusion.

Caring for Specific Populations

41. Children’s Dental Care and First Dental Visits

A child’s first dental visit should be when they turn 1yr old (or when their first tooth comes out). This is to both discuss dental development with parents and also to help familiarize the child with the dental setting at a young age.

42. Teenagers: Handling Orthodontics and Wisdom Teeth

Teens developmentally have a unique set of needs which often involve management of orthodontics and removal of wisdom teeth.

43. Pregnancy and Oral Health Considerations

Pregnancy can have a big effect on your oral health. Hormonal chances can lead to a dramatic increase in gum inflammation and tooth sensitivity. Good oral hygiene is also critical to fetal development as studies have shown that poor oral hygiene and gum disease can lead to premature delivery.
Pro-tip: Some dental insurance plans will allow for an extra cleaning during pregnancy (take advantage of it!)

44. Tailoring Care to Meet the Needs of Seniors

Some of the challenges facing senior patients are lack of manual dexterity and reduced salivary flow. We recommend that all patients, especially seniors, use an electric toothbrush to maintain proper oral hygiene technique.
Pro-tip: Contact your doctor if you notice that you are experiencing reduced salivary flow. There are many techniques we have at our disposal to help improve a reduction in salivary flow.

45. People with Disabilities: Tailored Dental Approaches

People with special needs should not be left behind when it comes to receiving exceptional dental care. Talk to you Dentist about how the can work with you to meet your needs or the needs of a loved one.

46. Athletes: Protecting Your Teeth During Sports

Contact sports and weightlifting can cause significant damage to your teeth. Talk to your doctor about protecting your teeth with a sports guard to protect your teeth from traumatic injuries and fractures.

47. Cultural Practices and Their Dental Implications

Special cultural practices may have more relevant dental health consequences than others. For example, in some cultures it is common to chew betel quid as a daily activity which can drastically elevate your risk of oral cancer.

48. Frequent travelers: Maintaining good oral hygiene on the go

Tips for success when traveling

Pack your electric toothbrush
Don’t forget to bring your floss
Don’t forget to bring your flossNever leave home without your night guard

Pro-tip: Just because you are traveling doesn’t mean you can skip on your oral hygiene. Consistency is key and cavities can happen even when you are not at home!

49. Managing Dental Anxiety and Phobias

Dental anxiety is real and valid. Many people have deep rooted trauma when it comes to the dentist. Talk to your dentist about your concerns and work with him/her to create a plan that will make your visit more comfortable.

50. Finding the Right Dentist for Specialized Needs

Before committing to a dentist, research and learn about what your dentist focuses on. Are you looking for someone who is highly experienced in managing dental anxiety? Are you in need of a specialist to address a specific issue? Finding the right Dentist for you can take a lot of pressure off of your next dental visit.

Cosmetic Dentistry and Aesthetics

51. Whitening Solutions and Their Safety

Professional dental whitening is a safe and effective way to brighten your smile and boost your confidence. Whitening can trigger sensitivity in your teeth which can be managed professionally using topical varnishes and over the counter medications. In general, dental whitening is safe and well tolerated.
Pro-tip: Some of our favorite whitening products can be found at https://www.opalescence.com/products/opalescence-go

52. Veneers: What to Expect and How to Care for Them

Veneers allow us cosmetic freedom to enhance or completely redesign the shape and color of a patient’s smile. They are a lifelong commitment that require regular care and checkups. Like natural teeth, veneers are prone to chipping or fracturing. It is best to wear a nightguard after getting veneers to protect and reduce wear and tear on your veneers.

53. Composite Bonding for Minor Imperfections

Composite bonding is both conservative and highly esthetic. It is a great option if you want to touch up a small chip or reshape the edge of a tooth. A highly polished filling can blend in seamlessly with your natural tooth and last for many years.

54. Aligners and Braces: Improving Smile Alignment

Having a well aligned smile is important for hygiene and for overall esthetics and confidence. We now have the option to choose from an array of clear aligners or traditional braces to create the smile you’ve always dreamed of.

55. Understanding Dental Implants

Dental implants are one of the best treatment options we have at our disposal to replace missing teeth. When done properly, they can last for decades and look and function just like a normal tooth. It is important to note that dental implants (like natural teeth) also need to be maintained and are prone to certain ‘dental’ issues like peri-implantitis.
1. Pro-tip: Talk to your dentist to see if you are a good candidate for dental implants. Make sure to disclose your full medical history and medications that you are taking as certain medications like osteoporosis medication can complicate the success of dental implants.

56. Crowns, Bridges, and Restorative work

Restorative work is designed to ‘restore’ and repair teeth that are otherwise broken or decayed. The goal is to restore form and function of the tooth om a way that will be long lasting and sustainable periodontally. Here are some options we have in restorative dentistry.
1. Crowns: A tooth-shaped ‘cap’ that is placed over a tooth when a tooth has had a root canal or a cavity that is simply too large to fill. It is also useful when a tooth has fractured and needs a little extra support.
1. Bridges: Bridges are a great alternative to implants when it comes to tooth replacement.

57. The Impact of Jaw Alignment on Facial Esthetics

When your jaw is not aligned correctly, and your teeth are not resting in the position they should it could create externally visible facial changes such as asymmetry.

58. Gum Contours: Basics

Gum contours should follow something called the ‘golden proportion.’ This dictates that the gums over the central incisors and canines should be lightly higher than that of the lateral incisor.

59. Maintaining Your Cosmetic Work Long-Term

Cosmetic work, like all dental work, requires care and upkeep. See your general dentist every 6 months to check for early signs of material failure or cavities. Early detection of failure is critical. You also need to make sure you are maintaining good hygiene such as flossing and brushing regularly.

60. Sensitivity After Cosmetic Procedures: How to Cope

Anytime we manipulate a tooth surface there is a risk that tooth will become sensitive. If you experience sensitivity after a cosmetic procedure, talk to your Dentist right away. There are things we can apply to teeth to help reduce sensitivity. Sometimes the solution is as simple as adjusting the bite to relieve pressure that the tooth is experiencing.

Managing Common Dental Issues

61. Bad Breath: Causes and Remedies

The most common causes of bad breath are
1. Poor hygiene / gum disease
2. Dry mouth
3. Cavities / infection
4. Talk to your dentist to determine the cause of your bad breath and receive the appropriate treatment.

62. Toothaches and Emergency Relief Methods

There is nothing worse than a toothache. Dr. Nalbandian is adamant that if a patient is experiencing severe pain he/she should be seen immediately to address their symptoms.
One of the most common medications available at home to calm dental pain are Tylenol and Advil when taken together.
Pro-tip: If you are experiencing dental pain, contact Dr. Nalbandian immediately to be seen same day as an emergency. www.NalbandianDentistry.com

63. Handling a Chipped or Cracked Tooth

If you think you may have chipped or cracked a tooth you maybe experiencing some hot/cold sensitivity or pain when you try to bite down call and schedule an appointment with your dentist immediately. Your dentist may recommend a crown or root canal or both.

64. Managing Gum Bleeding and Inflammation

Bleeding gums may be a sign of periodontal disease. If you have periodontal disease it is important to be seen for a deep cleaning (SRP) to remove the bacterial irritants that are causing this inflammatory process.

65. Treating Dry Mouth and Its Side Effects

Dry mouth can drastically increase your risk of getting cavities. Here are some tools we can use to help combat dry mouth.
1. Medications that increase salivary flow
2. Xylitol gum
3. Lozenges (Sugar free)
4. Increase hydration

66. Addressing Chronic Jaw Pain and TMJ

Chronic jaw pain can severely affect quality of life. When patients present with chronic jaw pain, we often recommend our TMJ protocol for 2 weeks as a first line of treatment. Here is protocol we recommend that you can try at home
1. Regular use of a custom fit well made occlusal guard
2. NSAID’s for reduction of inflammation
3. Soft food diet (no chewing gum/chewy food)
4. Hot/cold compression
If jaw pain persists, we can also look into Botox treatment and further imaging to detect less common underlying issues.

67. Dealing with Receding Gums

Receding gums can be caused by aggressive brushing, parafunctional habits, or periodontal disease. Treatment for this condition can range from adjusting brushing technique, getting an occlusal guard, or gum grafting procedures with a periodontal specialist.

68. Overcoming Tooth Grinding and Clenching

Reduce stress – Stress and tension in our body is the most common cause for clenching/grinding at night.
Occlusal Guard – Wear an occlusal guard (nightguard) when you sleep to protect your teeth from the trauma of grinding.
Botox – Use of Botox in your clenching muscles can be an effective way to alleviate facial pain and clenching.
Pro-tip: Some people clench during the day while working out/power lifting. If you notice yourself doing that make sure you are seen to be fitted for a sports guard.

69. Mouth Ulcers and Cold Sore Care

Mouth ulcers and cold sores commonly result from changes in our immune system or reactions to certain irritants. It is important to maintain good oral hygiene and stay away from acidic foods like citrus and tomatoes when this happens. Some things that may help are warm water salt rinses several times a day. See your doctor if you experience frequent sores or if it is your first time experiencing a sore to make sure there aren’t other underlying issues at hand.

70. Handling Minor Oral Irritation at Home

If you notice irritation in your gums or the roof of your mouth one of the most effective at-home remedies is warm water and salt. If you try this for 2-3 days and things don’t improve make an appointment with your dentist.

Long-Term Dental Strategies

71. Creating a Personalized Oral Care schedule

The key to a successful oral hygiene routine is making sure it fits into your schedule, making it easy for you to stick to. Carve out a few minutes every morning to brush and about 5 minutes every evening to floss, brush, waterpik, and include whatever else you need into your hygiene routine. Make it as easy and accessible to you as possible so that you can remain consistent.

72. Understanding the Stages of Tooth Decay

Tooth decay works its way from the outside of the tooth to the inside. Some stages can be reversible or arrested, however once it reaches the dentin layer of the tooth, that is when cavities grow quickly and need to be treated.
1. Stage I – Enamel decay
2. Stage II – Dentin decay
3. Stage III – Pulp damage
4. Stage Iv – Abscess/infection

73. Setting Oral Health Goals for Yourself

Good oral hygiene begins with small steps. If you never seem to find time to floss but you want to start, being with a goal of 3 times a week. You can set a reminder in your calendar or put a packet of floss in front of your toothbrush to serve as a reminder.

74. Tracking Improvements

Celebrate the small successes from improved oral hygiene. Maybe when you first started flossing your teeth your gums used to bleed a lot but after a month of consistent homecare you notice there is no more bleeding. This likely means that your gums are becoming healthier and your homecare regimen is working. Well done!

75. Insurance and Payment Options for Dental Work

Dental insurance can be helpful to subsidize treatment, but it often comes with annual maximums around $2,000.
Alternatives to dental insurance can be 3^rd party payment plans such as Care Credit.
Dr. Nicole Nalbandian also offers an in-office membership plan which is designed to provide care for patients who do not have dental insurance. You can learn more about this at www.NalbandianDentistry.com

76. Considering Second Opinions

If you are trying out a new dentist and were given a treatment recommendation that just doesn’t seem to sit right, you always have the option to receive a second opinion. Every dentist has a slightly different treatment philosophy and style which may help in giving you a more well-rounded view of your current dental needs.

77. Exploring Holistic Dentistry Approach

Dentistry now offers a wide range of biocompatible materials that have come a long way from cosmetically unappealing metal crowns and silver fillings. Talk to your dentist to learn more about your options for dental materials.

78. Maintaining Dental Appliances: Dentures, Retainers, Nightguards, and more

Contrary to popular belief you NEVER want to brush any of these appliances because the bristles will create scratches in them which will trap bacteria. Never use abrasive pastes like baking soda or toothpaste. Additionally, you want to avoid using alcohol, vinegar, peroxide, or any other harsh cleaning solutions.
Pro-tip: Use water and soap or a denture cleaner tablet.

79. Regular Home Assessments of Oral Health

Your dentist will be screening you every 6 months when you come in for cleanings for oral cancer and other abnormalities. Between your regular visits, you can also keep an eye out for things that may need a closer evaluation by a professional. Regularly check your oral health in the mirror at home looking on the inside of your cheeks, roof of your mouth, and around/under your tongue. You are looking for anything that seems ‘different.’ Patches that are red and velvety or white should be indications to visit your dental professional promptly for further evaluation.

80. Staying Informed with Reliable Dental Health Resources

Some reliable sources to get your information on dental health are
1. Your Dentist: www.NalbandianDentistry.com
2. The American Dental Association: www.ADA.org
3. The Academy of General Dentistry: www.AGD.org
4. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research: www.nidcr.nih.gov

Environmental and Ethical Considerations

81. Eco-Friendly Toothbrushes and Alternatives

If you are looking for a more eco-friendly take on your toothbrush but don’t want to sacrifice the quality clean you get with an electric toothbrush you may want to consider something like the Better & Better plant based bristle electric toothbrush. https://betterandbetter.com

82. Natural Toothpastes and Their Efficacy

We always recommend going with a toothpaste that has fluoride as it has been clinically shown to provide superior cavity protection. You may want to consider ‘Hello’ products which offer a balance of natural holistic ingredients with the cavity protection of fluoride. https://www.hello-products.com

83. Sustainable Mouthwash and Packaging

Most mouthwash brands contain harmful chemicals and artificial colors. If you are looking for a more gentle, chemical/artificial color free mouth rinse option, check out the ones at https://www.hello-products.com.

84. Ethically Sourced Oral Hygiene Products

Some of our favorite picks for eco friendly and ethically sourced oral hygiene products are the following:
1. Cocofloss (https://cocofloss.com)
2. Brush by Bite (https://bitetoothpastebits.com)
3. Dental Lace Zero Waste 100% Silk Floss (https://www.dentallace.com)

85. Reducing Plastic Waste in Your Dental Routine

Choosing to buy oral hygiene products from companies dedicated to protecting and preserving the environment is the best way to reduce plastic waste from your hygiene routine. One of our favorite brands for reducing plastic waste is Huppy (https://behuppy.com)

86. Supporting Social Causes Through Dental Brands

Colgate is a popular and large scale oral hygiene supplier that has developed many community based initiatives to bring awareness to oral health and hygiene. You can also find philanthropic involvement from many of your local dental offices.

87. Dental Charities and Global Health Initiatives

Dental Lifeline Network https://dentallifeline.org/
Global Dental Relief https://www.globaldentalrelief.org/
America’s Toothfairy https://www.americastoothfairy.org/

88. Making Environmentally Conscious Product Choices

Huppy (https://behuppy.com) is a brand that is not only breaking through the market with excellent dental products, but also doing so in an environmentally conscious way.

89. Advocating for Dental Care Access to Underserved Communities

For those of us living in big cities, we take it for granted that there is easy access to Doctors and Dentists just about everywhere you go. For many people living in more rural communities, that may not be the case. We are grateful for organizations like Remote Area Medical https://www.ramusa.org/ that bring mobile units fully equipped and staffed with medical teams to serve these communities.

90. Understanding the Environmental Impact of Dental Visits

Due to sterilization protocols and need for personal protective equipment, the dental setting can be a place which consumes large amounts of plastic and exposes water/drain lines to chemicals. Talk to your dental office to see what steps they take to reduce their footprint while still keeping patients and staff safe from pathogens.

Integrating Dental Care into Overall Wellness

91. The Connection between Oral Health and Heart Disease

Harmful bacteria can enter your bloodstream through your gums creating inflammation in your circulatory system. This can play a key role in the development of plaque in your arteries putting you at risk for a blood clot, heart attack, or stroke.

92. Oral Health for Better Gut Health

Simply put, what’s going on in your mouth affects what happens in your gut (and visa versa). Bacteria, inflammatory markers, and enzymes travel directly from your mouth to your gut.

93. Managing Diabetes and its Dental Complications

Uncontrolled diabetes can have significant dental consequences. This may lead to slow wound healing, more aggressive periodontal disease, increased risk of oral fungal/yeast infections, and complications with implant placement.
Pro-tip: If you have diabetes, you can lower your risk for oral complications by maintaining a healthy HbA1c.

94. How Stress Affects your Teeth and Gums

Stress is traumatic for just about every system in our body. It is especially harmful for teeth due to the effects of clenching/grinding resulting in cracked or broken teeth. High levels of stress can also result in dry mouth, swollen gums, and more frequent ulcer/sore outbreaks.

95. Boosting Immunity Through Good Oral Hygiene

Good oral hygiene promotes growth of ‘good bacteria’ over the growth of ‘bad bacteria’ which work symbiotically with the rest of our biological system to promote a healthy and well-functioning immune system.

96. Yoga, Meditation, and Dental Stress Reduction

Yoga and meditation have endless benefits for our entire body. Specifically for our mouth and oral health, it can reduce clenching and improve salivary flow. Reducing stress also reduces overall cortisol and inflammation which helps to support healthy periodontal structures.
Pro-tip: We love CorePower yoga for their variety of different yoga classes suited to different physical ability and experience level. https://www.corepoweryoga.com

97. Sleep Quality and Oral Health: The Apnea Connection

Dr. Nalbandian is well versed in the realm of sleep apnea. Numerous studies have shown the inverse connection between sleep apnea and getting a good night of sleep. The more we learn the more we know that sleep apnea, which causes temporary oxygen deprivation to the brain and disrupts sleeping patterns, has consequences which lead to neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Dementia.
Pro-tip: If you think you are experiencing sleep apnea, talk to your Dentist to be fitted for an EMA appliance (also known as an mandibular advancement device)

98. Balancing Oral Care with Good Nutrition

A balanced diet can reduce your risk for cavities and support healthy gums by lowering overall inflammation. The goal is not to deprive yourself of foods you love, but rather, balance your meals to incorporate and get the benefits of all food groups.

99. Consistency vs Perfection in Oral Health Habits

If you ever talked to a body builder and asked them how they got in such incredible shape, most of them will tell you that its not how long they spend at the gym but how consistent they are with their routines. In dentistry, this means that it doesn’t matter if you spend one day a month brushing your teeth for 10 minutes and flossing 3 times, rather, what’s more important is your daily consistent routine that allows you to maintain constant good oral hygiene. Rome was not built in a day, think of your oral health the same way!

100. Improving Self-Confidence Through a Healthy Smile

It is a fact that when you look good you feel good and when you feel good you are more likely to be confident when you interact with the world around you. Clean teeth and healthy gums are a big part of this equation.

101. Cultivating a Lifetime of Dental Wellness

Dr. Nicole Nalbandian is here for her patients to guide them through a lifetime of good oral health. Every stage of life has unique oral health challenges and hurdles that we are ready to help you and your family navigate. Learn more about us at our dental home page www.NalbandianDentistry.com

Cheers!

Dr. Nicole G. Nalbandian DDS. MS

Elevate your standard for oral health

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