Why Food Tastes Weird After Brushing Your Teeth

September 26, 2016

Filed under: Brushing,Oral Health Topics — islandcoast @ 11:47 am

Learn more about tooth paste

If you have ever tried eating or drinking something right after you brush your teeth, you know what it’s like. Everything tastes terrible!
That is why most people prefer to eat breakfast before they brush their teeth.  But why is it that it tastes bad?
The truth is, there’s one ingredient that’s to blame for this. It’s called sodium laureth sulfate, and also goes by SLS, which stands for sodium lauryl sulfate and SLES, which is sodium lauryl ether sulfate.
This is what ruins the taste of your food or drink, based on the kind of toothpaste you’re using.

  • The chemicals are called surfactants – these are wetting agents which lower liquid’s surface tension.  They’re put into the toothpaste so that foam is created and the paste is a lot easier to spread in your mouth.

Effect on your taste buds

Did you ever wonder why your favorite foods taste so good? Well, you can thank your taste buds for letting you appreciate the saltiness of pretzels and the sweetness of ice cream.
Even though surfactants will make brushing teeth much easier, they’re doing a lot more than making that foam. Both SLS and SLES create a chemical change in a couple of ways.
First they cause problems with the taste buds which perceive the sweetness in foods and drinks.  They also break up our tongue’s phospholipids. These are the fatty molecules that inhibit the bitterness receptors.
These inhibitors usually are what make bitter foods taste less bitter. But when they’ve been broken down, any bitter flavors are enhanced.
This is why anything you are eating and drinking after brushing isn’t as sweet and is a lot more bitter. 

Conclusion

If you want to end these problems, you can look for toothpaste that is free of SLS and SLES.  You aren’t going to get the foam that you are used to, but you also will have better tasting food and drinks.

Questions about your Teeth?

If teeth issues are affecting your smile, the team at Island Coast Dentistry can help. Through a comprehensive evaluation, Dr. Skupny can tailor a oral treatment plan that is most effective for you. A beautiful, healthy smile can be yours!
Contact us today to learn more, or schedule a consultation online.

A Guide to Different Types of Mouthwash

September 14, 2016

Filed under: Dental Care,Oral Health Topics — Tags: — islandcoast @ 3:27 pm

Learn more about mouth rinses

There’s a variety of mouthwash types and they all have a different function. So we are going to look at the different types of mouthwashes so that you know which is the best one for your oral health.

1. Fluoride mouthwashes

These kinds of mouthwashes have sodium fluoride in them. This helps with strengthening your teeth and gives them additional protection regarding tooth decay. You also can get fluoride in tap water and toothpaste, and that is more than enough for what you need.

2. Cosmetic mouthwashes

They don’t have the same kind of protection when compared with other kinds and they’re used more for hiding bad breath. They help with keeping teeth clean, but they won’t help against tooth decay.

3. Antiseptic mouthwashes

These mouthwashes have chlorhexidine gluconate in them. This chemical helps with stopping bacterial growth and it’s good for people who have an infection in their mouth. People who have bad breath also will find them useful.
They also help with preventing plaque build-up but they should also be used with dental floss and a toothbrush. They shouldn’t be used too much, though, since using a lot of the chemical can make your teeth become discolored.

4. Natural mouthwashes

These are free from alcohol and fluoride and they will work the same as the other types of mouthwash. A lot of people find that they are very useful and that putting salt into some warm water is great after you have a tooth pulled. This type also is great when you have an injury or infection in your mouth.
Total or Complete Care Mouthwashes
These have antibacterial ingredients. These help with reducing plaque buildup and preventing gum disease.

5. Magic mouthwashes

These may sound like they’re exotic, but they are mouthwashes prescribed by doctors for treating conditions like ulcers in your mouth because of cancer treatment.

Conclusion

Based on this information, you should think about the type of mouthwash that is best for you. If you aren’t sure which one is best for you, you can always talk to your dentist and get some advice. They will look at your dental health and give you advice based on your specific needs and what will help you out the most.

Questions about your Teeth?

If teeth issues are affecting your smile, the team at Island Coast Dentistry can help. Through a comprehensive evaluation, Dr. Skupny can tailor a oral treatment plan that is most effective for you. A beautiful, healthy smile can be yours!
Contact us today to learn more, or schedule a consultation online.

4 Facts About Oral Health Men Should Know

September 1, 2016

Filed under: Dental Care,Oral Health Topics — islandcoast @ 6:49 pm

Everyone knows how important it is to visit your dentist twice a year. But did you know that each gender has its own set of oral facts? Below we are going to look at the oral facts for men so that men know why it’s so important that they are visiting their dentist regularly. (more…)