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Author: Ernest Perez

Benefits of Using Full Routine Dental Solutions for Your Dental Care

Posted on by Ernest Perez
Group of hands holding up a variety of dental solutions for clean teeth

People often debate the best products and dental solutions for improving their dental health. Everyone knows that maintaining good oral hygiene is essential for having healthy teeth and gums. However, with so many different products on the market how do you know which ones you need and which products are the most effective? This is one of the reasons why a full routine dental bundle can improve your oral health. A full routine dental bundle can provide you with all the necessary tools and products that you need to keep your mouth clean and happy.

What is a Full Dental Routine Bundle?

A full routine bundle for dental care is a package of products and tools that helps you maintain good oral hygiene. It includes items like fresh toothpaste, mouthwash, tooth gel, and can even include other products like lip balm and breath mints. Using a full routine bundle can help prevent tooth decay and cavities, as well as gingivitis and other gum diseases. 

Full Routine Dental Care Bundle Benefits

A full routine bundle conveniently packages everything you need to improve your oral health all in a single package. The dentist-curated bundles at Elementa Silver have many benefits and will keep your mouth healthy with our cutting-edge nano silver technology treatment. 

Full Routine dental care benefits include:

Reduces Plaque

Plaque is a film of bacteria that forms on your teeth, and if it’s not removed regularly, it can lead to all sorts of dental problems. Most dental solutions can’t break through the plaque barrier which can lead to tooth decay. That’s why it’s so important to use a product that cuts through the plaque barrier. Elementa Silver’s nano silver technology is up to 99.9% effective against bacteria, making it an ideal choice for reducing plaque and keeping your mouth healthy.

Fights Bad Breath

Bad breath is not only embarrassing, but it can also be a sign of poor oral health. If you have bad breath, it’s important to see a dentist to find out the cause. However, using a product like natural mouthwash can also help you fight bad breath. Not only does Elementa Silver’s nano silver technology help reduce plaque, but it also kills the bacteria that cause bad breath. 

Acid-Neutralizing Formula

Today’s modern diet is filled with highly acidic foods that harm our teeth which is why it’s important to use dental solutions that help neutralize that acid to keep your mouth safe. The full routine bundle from Elementa Silver does just that, incorporating nano silver technology to fight through the plaque barrier and neutralize the acid. This allows calcium and other ingredients like xylitol from our natural mouthwash to get directly to the teeth, keeping them healthy. 

Natural Dental Solutions

Good dental hygiene is a lifelong commitment and it’s important to do what you can to protect your mouth from tooth decay and gum disease which can lead to more serious health problems later in life. Getting the right products like the full routine bundle from Elementa Silver will help you fight tooth decay and gum disease leaving your mouth feeling happy and healthy. 

 
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The Positives of Using a Natural Mouthwash Over Artificial Mouthwash

Posted on by Ernest Perez

When it comes to oral health, most people choose to use an artificial mouthwash. What most people don’t realize, however, is that there are artificial mouthwash alternatives that are much safer and more effective. These mouthwashes use natural ingredients that are safer than those used in artificial mouthwashes and provide unique benefits.

What is a Natural Mouthwash?

Natural mouthwash is one that is made with all-natural ingredients as opposed to artificial ingredients. These mouthwashes typically use a water-based solution that contains natural ingredients like herbs, essential oils, and minerals. These ingredients work together to fight bacteria, fungus, and other harmful microbes that can cause gum disease, tooth decay, and bad breath.

Natural Mouthwash Benefits

When it comes to oral hygiene, many people think that using an artificial mouthwash is the most effective option. However, there are actually a number of positives to using an organic mouthwash over an artificial mouthwash.

Safer Ingredients

One of the biggest reasons to switch to a natural mouthwash is because it is made with safer ingredients. Many artificial mouthwashes on the market today contain alcohol, which can be drying and irritate the lining of the mouth. Organic mouthwashes, on the other hand, use ingredients like xylitol and essential oils that are much gentler on the mouth.  

More Effective

Another reason to ditch the artificial mouthwash in favor of a natural option is that they are more effective. Artificial mouthwashes only mask bad breath, whereas natural mouthwashes actually kill the bacteria that cause it. Natural mouthwashes are also more effective at reducing plaque and preventing gum disease.

Harmful Effects of Artificial Mouthwash

While artificial mouthwashes may still be a popular option, there are some harmful effects produced by the ingredients in most mouthwashes that people don’t realize. 

Alcohol

One of the main ingredients in many artificial types of mouthwash is alcohol. Alcohol is a drying agent, which can irritate the lining of your mouth. It can also lead to an increased risk of developing cancer of the mouth and throat. 

Artificial Colors and Flavors

Other ingredients found in some artificial mouthwashes include artificial coloring and flavors. These ingredients can be toxic and cause health problems like cancer. 

Triclosan

Triclosan is an ingredient that is found in many antibacterial mouthwashes. This ingredient has been linked to a number of health problems, including an increased risk of cancer. 

Natural Dental Care Solutions

When it comes to oral hygiene, many people choose an artificial mouthwash without knowing its harmful effects. They also don’t realize the number of benefits of using an organic mouthwash like safer ingredients and natural mouthwashes being more effective. If you are looking for a safer solution to your oral care we have a range of natural products that will leave your mouth feeling fresh and clean.

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Natural and Vegan Dental Care with Elementa

Posted on by Ernest Perez
image of a wet honey sweet flavored bottle of mouth rinse on leaves

Taking care of your body includes considering every part—from the ends of your hair to the tips of your toes. One very important part of taking care of your body is your mouth—especially your teeth. If you are someone who has chosen to care for the environment and their body by living a vegan lifestyle, you may also want to ensure that the products you are using to care for your teeth and mouth are vegan as well.

You may not have realized it, but vegan dental products like vegan toothpaste and vegan mouthwash can not only benefit your mouth, teeth, and gums in a variety of ways, they can also make a greater positive impact on your overall health and wellbeing. Choosing vegan hygiene products also shows your care for the environment and the impact you have on it.

Read on to learn more about vegan toothpaste, what it is, why it will benefit you to use it, and why vegan oral care is definitely the way to go when it comes to caring for your mouth with our products from Elementa Silver. 

 

What Makes Dental Products Natural and Vegan

When you think about the products you use in your oral care routine, you may be thinking: vegan dental products? Aren’t all the products I put in my mouth to care for it vegan? But the actual answer is: no. Many products people use to manage their oral care routine are not certified animal-free products.

While most oral healthcare products do not contain obvious “meat” products, they do contain ingredients that have been derived from animal products, including glycerol (derived from animal products), flavorings that have been made with animal products, propolis (which is made from products created by bees), and even colorings which are created using products from animals.

While some products may be vegan, their creation may have, in some way, damaged animals. Many companies test their toothpaste or oral care products on animals. These tests can damage the animals’ teeth and lower their quality of life, and thus, these products are directly connected to cruelty towards animals. Most mainstream dental brands are non-vegan by necessity, as many countries around the world require animal testing. Elementa, on the other hand, remains completely cruelty free and vegan. If you’re looking for a vegan toothpaste or cruelty-free toothpaste, it can help to turn to the Internet first to make sure the company that makes your toothpaste doesn’t do their testing on animals.

 

The Harmful Effects of Non-Vegan Oral Care

As mentioned above, non-vegan oral care often includes the testing of human beings and doesn’t align with the values of someone who lives a plant-based and hygiene products on animals. This is a step that incorporates the suffering of living animal-free diet and lifestyle.

However, people who choose to eat meat and use oral care products that have animal products in them often have teeth that are not as healthy as vegans’.

A study done by German researchers showed that vegetarians and vegans have much healthier gums than those who choose to consume meat products. Those who use vegan toothpaste and other vegan products (and eat a plant-based diet) tend to suffer from fewer bleeding gums, less tooth loss, and in turn, fewer dangerous health-related conditions connected to bad oral health.

 

Elementa Provides Natural and Vegan Dental Solutions

If you care about eliminating cruelty to animals, want to make sure you are using the healthiest vegan toothpaste and vegan hygiene products possible, and you want to avoid using anything animal-based to care for your mouth, develop your oral care routine around the healthy vegan products by Elementa Silver. Elementa Silver has created a slew of vegan products beyond toothpaste, including a natural vegan, Non-toxic mouthwash (for kids and for adults). This all-natural mouth rinse helps to prevent gum disease and tooth decay. We also make a nano silver-based tooth gel, which will help protect your mouth from bacteria and disease, while also being gentle with your teeth and gums.

Elementa Silver has chosen to use nano silver as the basis for our all-natural, animal-free oral healthcare products because it is made with plant compounds and composed of nanoparticles that are consistently sized and smaller in size than those in popular, traditional colloidal silver products. While the product sounds like it would be silver in appearance, oral products with nano silver have a slight golden or honey tone—and their color matters, because the right colors indicate that the nano silver particles are the right type of silver and the right size (absorbing light in a way that makes it appear golden-yellow).

By choosing to use nano silver on your teeth, not only are you choosing plant-based products for your oral care, you’re also picking an oral hygiene product that neutralizes acid in your mouth, kills bacteria, and is better at penetrating the biofilm that coats your teeth than any other non-natural mouth rinse.

When you choose to use the products from Elementa Silver to take care of your mouth, you’re showing a commitment to the earth and its beings by protesting animal cruelty; to your teeth, because you are choosing a powerful but healthy way to affect your oral wellness; and yourself, because you have picked an oral hygiene tool that aligns with both your values and your desire to be healthy.

Mouth Rinse with Nano Silver

Why Xylitol Is Better for You and Your Dental Health

Posted on by Ernest Perez
happy tooth to promote protecting against cavities

Xylitol is a natural sweetener that is found in fruits and vegetables. It has been shown to help prevent tooth decay and cavities. Research has shown that xylitol may be up to 60 percent more effective than fluoride at preventing tooth decay! Xylitol’s unique molecular structure slows the growth of bacteria on tooth surfaces while also neutralizing pH levels in saliva and plaque. 

People often debate about the best way to improve their dental health. Some believe that brushing and flossing are enough, while others think that using mouthwash is the answer. However, there is one product that can provide benefits for your dental health above and beyond what brushing and flossing can do — xylitol. Here’s why xylitol may be better for you than other options when it comes to improving your dental health.

 

 

What Is Xylitol?

Did you know that oral health is important to our overall health? Did you know that up to 80 percent of dental diseases are preventable? That’s why Prevention magazine recently wrote about what Xylitol is and how it can help improve your oral health. Xylitol, a sugar substitute commonly found in chewing gum or toothpaste, has been shown in studies to reduce the risk for cavities by 50 percent. It also reduces the amount of plaque-causing bacteria. Xylitol is a sugar alcohol that has many health benefits. It is found in many products for dental care, including toothpaste and mouthwash. With the help of xylitol, you can improve your oral hygiene by preventing cavities or plaque build-up. Xylitol also helps prevent bad breath. 

 

 

How Is Xylitol Different From Other Sweeteners?

Xylitol is a sugar alcohol that was first discovered in 1891. It’s different from other sweeteners because it doesn’t cause tooth decay or dry mouth and has been shown to help prevent cavities by stimulating saliva production, which helps wash away cavity-causing sugars. Xylitol can be used as an alternative to sugar for cooking and baking, but you should always consult with your dentist before using it. If you’re looking for more information about xylitol and other dental solutions Elementa has the information you need. 

Xylitol for Cooking, Baking, or as a Sugar Substitute

However, while you can use xylitol for teeth, it has other uses. Are you looking for a sugar substitute to add to your coffee, tea, cereal, or baking? Xylitol might be the right choice for you! Xylitol is a sugar alcohol that occurs naturally in plants. It has a sweetness that is about 80 percent as sweet as sugar. Unlike some other sugar substitutes, xylitol does not cause tooth decay and can actually help protect teeth from cavities. It also does not cause blood sugar spikes as regular table sugar does. Xylitol can be used in cooking and baking or eaten as-is.

Xylitol Naturally Prevents Gum Disease

Did you know that there is a natural way to prevent gum disease? Xylitol is a naturally occurring sugar alcohol that can help stop the growth of harmful bacteria in the mouth. You might be wondering, is xylitol good for your teeth? Well, using xylitol for teeth helps keep them healthy and strong by promoting saliva production. So if you’re looking for a safe and healthy way to protect your smile, consider using Elementa’s cutting-edge Xylitol Tooth Gel rather than standard xylitol toothpaste or chewing gum.

Xylitol Remineralizes Teeth

Did you know that sugar-free chewing gum and mints can be bad for your teeth? Many people think that they are good for the mouth because of the sweet taste, but in reality, they contain a lot of sugar. The problem with oral sugars is that bacteria in our mouths feed on them to produce acid which can cause cavities. One way to help prevent this from happening is by using xylitol. The application of xylitol for teeth has been proven to remineralize teeth when used regularly – it’s often found in many candies, xylitol mints and chewing gums! Here at Elementa, we offer Xylitol Dental Mints that don’t promote acid, tooth decay or tooth demineralization like other products do.

Our Products at Elementa Use Xylitol

In our quest to provide the best dental care for you, we use a product that has been proven in studies to help prevent tooth decay. Elementa uses xylitol in all of its products such as our innovative Nano Silver Tooth Gel. We use Xylitol because it is a natural sweetener and does not promote acid or bacteria growth in your mouth. We also have an option for patients who are diabetic or following a low-carb diet. The Xylitol Awareness Association says “Xylitol helps stop cavities by hindering the growth of cavity-causing bacteria.” Xylitol works, which is why we use it in products like believe it is such an important part of our dental care routine. Consequently, the Elementa mouth rinse is an effective xylitol mouthwash. Our Nano Silver Mouth Rinse has been shown to significantly reduce bacteria and promote dental health. We at Elementa Dental Care want to make sure that you get the best possible treatment while you work towards your dental health goals.

If you’re looking for a healthy sweetener that can also help protect your teeth, look no further than xylitol. Xylitol is an all-natural sugar substitute that not only tastes great but remineralizes tooth enamel with its negative charge to counteract the positive charges of plaque acid. It has been clinically proven to decrease cavities by over 80 percent and more importantly, prevent gum disease because it doesn’t feed bacteria as other products do. Elementa offers several products made from this natural ingredient including Nano Silver chewing gums, mouth rinse, breath strips, lip balms and tooth gels! You can find out more about our products or shop now on our website.

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How Nano Silver Antibacterial Mouthwash Can Help Your Teeth and Oral Health

Posted on by Ernest Perez
nano silver mouth rinse full routine peppermint bundle

If you’re currently looking for a better way to care for your oral healthcare needs, you should consider Nano Silver mouthwash. Elementa has developed advanced dental care products to give customers a better way to improve their oral health daily.

This revolutionary Nano Silver formula effectively prevents cavities and bacteria found in the mouth. It’s a better and more effective way to prevent tooth decay, bad breath, and more.

 

Nano Silver has Zero Harmful Ingredients

Don’t let misinformation confuse you. Contrary to some beliefs, Nano Silver natural mouthwash has zero harmful ingredients. In many cases, people confuse Nano Silver with colloidal silver. These two elements are completely different. 

Colloidal silver has much larger particles and is produced with questionable methods. In contrast, a Nano Silver particle is measured between 1-100 nanometers in size. Unlike the larger colloidal silver products, which can vary greatly in size, our Nano Silver is consistent in size and created with plant compounds to ensure it’s biocompatible with the human body and the environment inside the mouth.

Colloidal silver can be dangerous because it isn’t highly regulated, and not all manufacturers source their colloidal silver in the same manner. These inconsistencies leave users vulnerable to toxicity issues, whereas Nano Silver doesn’t pose those dangers. 

When you use Elementa dental rinse, you can be assured that it’s a completely safe mouthwash. It balances the acidity in the mouth to prevent decay, and it’s specially designed by dentists to prevent moisture loss in the mouth, which leads to bad breath.

 

Nano Silver Immediately Neutralizes Oral Acid and Kills Bacteria

As mentioned, Nano Silver neutralizes the acid found in the mouth. A highly acidic environment encourages bacteria to thrive. This is especially true when there is a lack of moisture in the oral cavity. When you use our antibacterial mouthwash products from Elementa, you immediately neutralize the acids found in the mouth, killing the bacteria on all surfaces.

Keep in mind that the most significant contributor to cavities and oral health issues is the acidity in the mouth. Up to 92% of cavities result from unchecked acidity levels. When you use Elementa natural mouthwash and nano-infused products, you can control the acid environment in your mouth and help prevent decay and other bacteria-related issues.

 

Remineralizes Your Teeth Two Times Faster Than Fluoride

Remineralizing your teeth helps to ensure they stay strong. The enamel of your teeth helps protect the soft and sensitive dentin underneath. Enamel is a barrier of minerals and calcium exposed to the acids in your mouth.

Over time, this acid wears down that protective barrier and begins to erode the center of the tooth. Without proper care, some people develop multiple soft spots and cavities that compromise the integrity of their teeth. This is why we have developed a safe antibacterial mouthwash to prevent this from happening.

 

We Offer a Full Routine Selection of Nano Silver Products

We are excited to provide a complete line of Full Routine Oral Care products to better solve the age-old problem of mouth acidity, decay, and bacteria. All of our products are safe to use and will help you look your best.

 

Advanced Dental Care Mouth Rinse

Our advanced dental care line includes a highly effective Nano Silver dental rinse that is perfect for maintaining your oral health. Unlike traditional mouth rinses, we provide an alcohol free mouthwash instead of relying on a burning sensation to let customers know it’s working.

You know that burning sensation that accompanies your typical mouthwash? That burning sensation isn’t a sign of effectiveness. The burning just means that your mouthwash is irritating sensitive tissues and drying out the mouth.

Elementa’s natural mouthwash is an excellent alternative to other natural mouthwash products. It’s highly effective, doesn’t burn, and won’t cause dry mouth. Our antibacterial mouthwash neutralizes all the acids in your mouth, not just to the top layer, and destroys bacteria that cause odor.

 

4 oz Tooth Gel

Another great Elementa product is the 4 oz tooth gel infused with Nano Silver. It’s a fluoride-free toothpaste alternative that’s not abrasive and really works. 

There are four great flavors, including:

  • Winter mint
  • Peppermint
  • Honey Sweet
  • Cinnamon Clove

This product is an ideal toothpaste substitute and provides 5-in-1 active ingredients. It doesn’t harm sensitive tooth enamel, and it’s cruelty-free and vegan. There are no dangerous chemicals or burning additives. It effectively cleans teeth and soothes a dry mouth.

 

Full Routine Bundle

We offer convenient and fun full routine bundles and teeth cleaning kits for those who are serious about improving their oral health. Included in this bundle are the following. 

These bundles come in various flavors, including honey-sweet fruit mashup with coconut cream and bubble gum. There’s also winter mint and peppermint. You can opt to go with just a peppermint bundle too, and finally, cinnamon clove and cherry bomb. These fun and delicious flavors make caring for your mouth easy and tasty.

 

Other Great Products

We also carry an assortment of other great products to choose from, including our 20 oz kid’s mouth rinse that is also infused with nano silver. It’s great for giving your children a great start with their oral care routine. 

Our antiviral lip balms come in a wide variety of flavors and are ideal for zapping cold sores and more. This natural lip balm is made from 5 natural elements and is also infused with our incredible nano silver technology. Since nano silver is naturally antiviral and antibacterial, it’s a fast and effective way to control flare-ups and other problems around the mouth and lips.

And finally, our dental mints are designed to keep your mouth’s PH higher in between brushing throughout the day to preserve your teeth and keep your breath fresh. They are the best breath mints out there today.

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How To Care for Your Mouth After Wisdom Teeth Removal

Posted on by Ernest Perez

Wisdom teeth removal is a major surgical procedure. After surgery, you may have a lot of questions surrounding the healing process, like can I brush my teeth after wisdom teeth removal? Review these important steps you can take to promote healing and prevent complications for short and long-term oral health.

Wisdom Teeth Removal

Your third set of molars, called wisdom teeth, typically come through when you’re between 17 and 21 years old. Unfortunately, you may also have complications related to these teeth coming through. If you notice one or more of these signs, your dentist may recommend having the teeth removed:

  • Impacted wisdom teeth
  • Stiff jaw
  • Excessive swelling
  • Infection at or near the site

Immediate Aftercare Steps

Once your dentist performs wisdom teeth removal, you’ll likely experience soreness and swelling in the area. You were likely sedated, which can leave you feeling groggy or light-headed. The entire recovery process can take up to a few weeks, but you shouldn’t have any swelling after two or three days of recovery.

For a few days or weeks after surgery, you may have pain and swelling around your jaw. You may also have bad breath after wisdom teeth removal. Follow these aftercare steps to promote effective healing and long-term oral hygiene.

Change Gauze

You’ll likely leave the dental office with gauze packed around the site. Slight bleeding, swelling, and pain are normal for the first 24 hours after surgery. Replace the gauze frequently, typically every 30 minutes or more. Contact your dentist if you notice excessive bleeding.

Your dentist may also recommend a saltwater rinse. Gently rinse warm salt water inside your mouth several times in the first 24 hours to prevent infection.

Resume Brushing and Flossing

You may be wondering, “Can I brush my teeth after wisdom teeth removal?” Your dentist may recommend that you avoid brushing to prevent aggravating the sensitive surgery site. Most dentists, however, typically allow you to brush and floss the same day or within 48 hours.

Brush gently and avoid brushing the sutures or the surrounding area. Don’t swish or spit when you rinse. Continue this at least for the first 24 hours or until fully healed.

Follow Post-Surgery Advice from Your Dentist

The most common medication prescribed for wisdom teeth removal is for pain management. Ask about using Ibuprofen or acetaminophen to manage the pain as you recover. Your dentist may also prescribe additional pain medication, anti-inflammatory medication, and/or antibiotics. 

Be sure to follow all instructions and speak with your dentist before taking any additional medication while recovering from wisdom teeth removal. Follow the recommended dosages to stay on top of your pain as you recover.

Use caution when brushing, particularly within 24 to 48 hours of surgery. While some mouthwash products may help with bad breath immediately following your wisdom teeth removal, ask your dentist before using mouthwash for 24 hours after your surgery.

Avoid Certain Foods and Drinks

Some foods aren’t going to be comfortable or safe to eat, particularly during the first few days. This is not only due to the healing process, but also the pain medication and other factors. Avoid eating and drinking these foods as you recover:

  • Solid foods for the first 24 hours
  • Hard foods while recovering
  • Any drinks with a straw
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Hot or caffeinated beverages for the first 24 hours

You also shouldn’t smoke at least for the first day or chew tobacco for the first week. Yogurt, pudding, applesauce, and liquids are all great options as you recover. You don’t have to live on a liquid diet for the entire healing process, but you should gradually reintroduce more firm foods as the affected area heals. Be sure to drink plenty of water during the healing process, especially the first day after surgery.

When To Contact Your Doctor

These immediate aftercare steps promote healing and help reduce discomfort while you’re recovering. If you notice excessive bleeding, extreme pain, unusual swelling, or other issues, don’t hesitate to contact your doctor or oral surgeon.

Can you use mouthwash after wisdom teeth removal? Not all dentists agree on when you should resume using mouthwash, floss, and a toothbrush. Ask your dentist for recommendations about when you should resume your routine of brushing, flossing, and mouthwash use.

Long-Term Care After Wisdom Tooth Removal

After a few weeks, the affected area is sufficiently healed to resume your standard oral hygiene practice. Can I brush my teeth after wisdom teeth removal? Once the area heals, you can brush as normal.

Use Mouthwash and Toothpaste

As long as your dentist approves of your oral hygiene routine, consider using toothpaste and mouthwash that reduce acid in your mouth. If you’re struggling with bad breath after wisdom teeth removal or wondering if you can use mouthwash after wisdom teeth removal, look for products with low acid levels and xylitol to help with dryness.

These products don’t burn and are effective at killing harmful bacteria in your mouth. As alcohol-free and fluoride-free products, Elementa’s toothpastes and mouthwashes offer the infection prevention and oral acid neutralization you need for long-term oral hygiene without the pain.

Gradually Reintroduce Solid Foods

You can safely resume eating most normal foods after the first few days. Start slowly to gradually reintroduce items. Start with cottage cheese and soft breads before moving on to meat or other items that are more firm.

Nuts and seeds should be some of the last foods you reintroduce. These hard, small items can easily get stuck in the surgery site. While the site is healing this could cause it to open up or become infected. Even after a few weeks, this area can be slightly more sensitive.

Consider Elementa’s Oral Health Products

With refreshing mouth rinses and tooth gels with Nano Silver technology and xylitol, Elementa Silver offers alcohol-free and fluoride-free mouthwash and other products you need to protect your mouth after wisdom teeth removal. Visit Elementa’s shop today to learn more about the benefits of calcium, Nano Silver, and other ingredients in these dentist-recommended products.

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How To Care For Your Mouth After A Root Canal

Posted on by Ernest Perez

man with glasses using ice to recover from a root canal

 

More often than not, when your dentist tells you that it’s time for a root canal, you spend a lot more time thinking about the time leading up to and during the procedure than you do thinking about what to do afterward. This isn’t a bad thing — After all, the thought of an impending surgery is a lot more intimidating for many than the thought of recovering from one. As such, you may end up not knowing what to expect after a root canal until it’s already been done.

Thankfully, if you find yourself post-root canal wondering what kind of after care you need, the following sections will tell you exactly what you need to know. 

From what to expect to how to recover to what you can eat to how you can prevent infection, this is how to care for your mouth after a root canal.

 

Why Get a Root Canal in the First Place?

Root canals can mean the difference between saving your tooth and losing it for good. Whether the tooth is damaged, diseased, or broken, a root canal is a common dental procedure responsible for recovering millions of teeth each year. Better yet, it’s a fairly painless thing that yields excellent results: a good root canal can bring back the patient’s ability to chew, to bite, to have sensation in the teeth, to have a natural appearance to their smile, and even the ability to protect the surrounding teeth from further damage or infection.

Of course, saying a root canal is fairly painless does not mean that you can go back to biting and chewing with force immediately after your dentist appointment. There are some things you should expect after your root canal that will help during your recovery process.

 

What to Expect After a Root Canal

If you’re experiencing symptoms like chipped or cracked teeth, extreme hot or cold sensitivity in your teeth, sharp pain when biting or chewing, the development of pimples or swelling on the gums, or deep, dark decay in the teeth or the gums, then your dentist is probably going to opt for a root canal. You know that this procedure will help you regain function in the symptomatic teeth, but you might not know what comes next.

First and foremost, you should know that your tooth (or teeth) will be numb for a few hours at the very least. Many can go straight back to work or school when the root canal is done, but you might want to refrain from eating or drinking until that numbness in the mouth goes away (otherwise you might end up biting your tongue or your cheek or biting down too hard on your tooth).

 

Root Canal Recovery

In the days and weeks that follow your root canal, there are some things you need to know to ensure you’re recovering correctly. Mainly, you should know that you’ll likely experience some sensitivity for several days, which comes from the inflammation in the tissue that typically follows dental work. Throughout the root canal recovery process, you can deal with that inflammation with over-the-counter medicines like ibuprofen and naproxen, which will help reduce a lot of that swelling and also help you manage pain, as well. Once that inflammation goes down, you’re essentially in the clear. 

However, that doesn’t mean that you can ignore the fact that you had a root canal done. There’s still a few things to be aware of to ensure that you fully recover from the procedure.

 

Eating After Root Canal

As far as root canal recovery is concerned, the best piece of advice for eating after root canal procedures is to avoid chewing or biting with the tooth until the procedure is completely finished. Typically, water damage restoration in California do professionals, hence visit http://riskfreeserv.com and read more info. Opt for soft foods like yogurt, eggs, oatmeal, and smoothies, for the time being, just to be safe. 

Once the permanent crown is placed, you’ll likely experience more inflammation, and then you’ll be good to go. (Of course, it’s still a good idea to take extra special care of that root canal and avoid doing things like chewing on jawbreakers and biting down on rock candy with that crown.)

 

Root Canal After Care

Taking the time to follow these tips and tricks can be the difference between a healthy, clean crown and a damaged, infected mess that will only result in more extensive work in the long run. When all is said and done, this starts and ends with proper oral hygiene. This includes brushing your teeth at least twice a day, flossing your teeth at least once a day, using mouthwash regularly, wearing things like mouth guards if you grind your teeth or play sports, and seeing your dentist at least once every six months (or however often your dental insurance allows).

 

Care for Your Mouth with Elementa Silver

In order to take care of your mouth after a root canal, oral hygiene is key. Combining the power of Nano Silver with the proven benefits of calcium, xylitol, natural flavor, and water, Elementa Silver tooth gel and mouth rinse help ensure your mouth will be cared for after a root canal and beyond. 

Check out the Elementa Silver shop to view the full line of products.

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What’s the Deal with Tonsil Stones?

Posted on by Ernest Perez

image of open mouth to show throat and tonsils

What’s the Deal With Tonsil Stones?

Practically everyone’s heard of bad breath (or experienced it themselves), but not nearly as many people have ever heard of tonsil stones. If you’ve ever dealt with tonsil stones, you know why nobody’s eager to talk about them. They’re a perplexing but harmless phenomenon, occasionally going completely unnoticed but often resulting in swollen tonsils and a distinctly unpleasant smell.  But what exactly are tonsil stones, and what’s the best way to get rid of tonsil stones?  

What Are Tonsil Stones?

Scientifically speaking, tonsil stones, or tonsilloliths, are hard formations that develop on or inside the tonsils. They’re typically white or yellow, and they can range anywhere from the size of a grain of rice all the way up to the size of a large grape. They also come with a specific tonsil stone smell, which anyone who has suffered from tonsil stones before will tell you is far from pleasant. They form when various forms of debris — such as dead skin cells, food, and saliva — get trapped inside the crevices of the tonsils (also known as tonsil crypts). Over time, bacteria and fungi harden, thus creating tonsil stones in the tonsil crypts. Typically, they come from improper dental hygiene, abnormally large tonsils, sinus issues, or inflammation of the tonsils (also known as chronic tonsillitis).  

What Are the Symptoms of Tonsil Stones?

While the most obvious symptom of tonsil stones is the appearance of the stones in the tonsils in the back of the throat, there are a handful of symptoms that can help you identify tonsil stones if they haven’t grown to visible size yet. These symptoms include (but are not limited to):
  • sore throat
  • bad breath
  • difficulty swallowing
  • pain in the ear
  • a persistent cough
  • swelling of the tonsils
  • visible white or yellow debris on or around the tonsils
Of course, for smaller tonsil stones that are just beginning to develop, it’s possible that none of these symptoms may be present. These tiny ones are much more common than the larger, more obvious stones.  

How to Avoid Tonsil Stones

If tonsil stones are a regular problem for you, then it might be time to consider the ways you can prevent them from even forming in the first place. For starters, you’ll want to prioritize proper oral hygiene (if you don’t already). This includes cleaning the tongue, which is a step that many skip (or possibly might not even know is necessary), but it’s also critical to use a toothpaste and mouth rinse that do a proper job of killing harmful bacteria in your mouth. Beyond this, you’ll want to quit smoking or avoid taking it up. Not only is this good for your general health and wellbeing, it can do wonders in preventing tonsil stones from forming.  If these steps don’t help, you can also try gargling salt water regularly and making sure you drink enough water to stay hydrated. If you’re still regularly experiencing the development of tonsil stones, you might want to talk to your dentist about specific tonsil stone management and treatment.  

How Are Tonsil Stones Managed and Treated?

It’s important to remember that tonsil stones are completely harmless from a medical standpoint. However, that isn’t to say that they don’t bring discomfort and foul odors when left unmanaged or untreated. Thankfully, there are several medical procedures that can be done to help remove your tonsil stones. One of the most common treatment methods is called laser tonsil cryptolysis, which sounds a lot more serious than it actually is. All that needs to be done here is to administer local anesthesia, then use a medical-grade laser to eliminate the tonsil crypts that the stones are lodged inside. There’s very minimal recovery time or discomfort with this procedure, and it’s quite effective for those who regularly deal with large tonsil stones. Alternatively, medical professionals may try a coblation cryptolysis — this involves administering a salt solution to the tonsils, then transmitting radio waves that transform the ions in the solution into charges. The charged ions then cut through the tissue and relieve the tonsils from the stones. If the stones are large enough or regular enough, a dental surgeon might opt for a tonsillectomy — also known as the removal of the tonsils — to prevent them from ever occurring again. This is only in the most severe instances, though.  

How to Remove Tonsil Stones

If your tonsil stones aren’t serious enough to warrant one of these medical procedures, there are all sorts of at-home remedies you can try out yourself. For starters, try gargling vigorously, ideally with a saltwater solution. This can help to dislodge the stones, remove the odor of the stones, and change the chemistry of your mouth to prevent them from forming again.  Many tonsil stone sufferers have also had success with simply coughing hard, loosening the stones in the tonsils with the force of their coughing. Manual removal is also an option, but not one that many oral health experts would recommend: The tonsils are extremely delicate, and anything from the bristles of a toothbrush to the fingers themselves could lead to bleeding, infection, or tearing of the tissue. If you insist on trying manual removal, you’ll be better off using a cotton swab or Waterpik.  

Mouthwash for Tonsil Stones

At the end of the day, one of the best ways to prevent tonsil stones is to start with proper oral hygiene. This begins with brushing your teeth, flossing, and, just as importantly, using mouthwash. Elementa Silver mouthwash is one such solution. Combining the power of Nano Silver with calcium, xylitol, water, and natural flavors, Elementa Silver mouthwash helps promote the kind of proper oral hygiene that can help stop bad breath caused by tonsil stones and prevent tonsil stones from ever forming. Learn more about Elementa’s revolutionary Nano Silver technology and view their different toothpaste and mouth rinse products today, along with Elementa’s complete shop. 
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PRO Sorbitol: The Elephant in the Room

Posted on by Ernest Perez

One of the things in hygiene that we don’t frequently bring up is sorbitol. On first glance, you may think this sugar free polyol effectively targets cariogenic oral bacteria. However, although it is the most commonly used sweetener in dental products, it has some dark sides many don’t discuss.

I started my new years goal just like most of you. I’d like to lose weight and focus on eating healthier. So I started buying foods labeled “sugar free,” “diet,” and so on. This is when I realized that most of these products contain sorbitol. As I looked deeper I realized that sorbitol was in so many of my own personal foods, supplements, and dental products.

So here’s my question: Why pick a sweetener that has half the benefits, when we could use xylitol and get them all? Before you strike me down, hear me out.

Sorbitol isn’t by any means inherently “harmful”, but it just doesn’t pack nearly the same punch as its sibling xylitol. Let me explain.

Cariogenic bacteria can easily ferment sorbitol into lactic acid. S.Mutans even has the ability to use and recycle this lactic acid repeatedly with minimal energy. This ultimately gives it a huge competitive advantage for growth. Why would we ever want that!?

Yes, I do believe this is a slower process than with a standard sugar. However, for those who may already be compromised by xerostomia, this can really throw a wrench into the equation. Why?- because low salivary flow means high clearance times for oral acids and bacteria. This can create a bad situation quickly, especially for compromised patients. Xylitol, however, can NOT be broken down to lactic acid EVER due to its 5 carbon chemical structure.

Simply put, cariogenic bacteria cannot use xylitol for energy. The key difference is that when you look at the structure of xylitol and sorbitol, one looks like glucose, and the other doesn’t. This is why S.mutans easily recognizes the structure of sorbitol, but not xylitol.

Since cariogenic bacteria can’t metabolize xylitol, it builds up and over time and it becomes toxic to them. In short of so many words, they starve to death. On top of this, xylitol will also interfere with bacterial acid production, increasing the pH of plaque and preventing damage to teeth.

When the plaque pH remains low, enamel is weakened and demineralizes forming an oh so familiar white spot that we all hate to see. Over time this lesion can turn into decay. Not so wonderful.

So what’s the take home? Sorbitol is a better substitute for sucrose, but xylitol is the far better choice overall by a longshot. Many of our patients can benefit from the use of daily xylitol supplements- especially those who have xerostomia, less salivary flow and even diabetics.

Everything that I have seen and read about why sorbitol is still the standard sweetener is because it is less expensive than xylitol.  If you ask me, I’d rather pay a little more to have all the health benefits.

I challenge you to do your own research, even if you are not a dental or health professional. Really take a good hard look at your food labels- especially your “sugar free” ones. If you are as frustrated as me, don’t settle. It’s about time hygienists started pushing for what we really want to see in dental products: xylitol.

-Kellie Hamilton, RDH

Kellie’s BIO:

Kellie is a practicing hygienist in Payson, Utah with 12 years of clinical practice. She frequently reads the literature, and is highly active in the Dental community. Kelly can be reached at khamilton915@hotmail.com.

 

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Why Do My Gums Hurt?

Posted on by Ernest Perez
man wincing in pain because of sore gums

Why Do My Gums Hurt?

Do your gums hurt after flossing? Do you have sore gums after eating? You are not alone: nearly half of adult Americans suffer from gum disease. But gum disease isn’t the only possible cause of sore gums, either in general or after eating, flossing, or brushing. If your gums are sore, you might suffer from one or more other factors, including vitamin deficiency, hormones, illness, improper brushing or flossing, or the use of incorrect oral care products for your mouth.  

Possible Causes of Sore and Sensitive Gums

Swollen gums or gums that are bleeding are frequently linked to gum disease, which has two stages:  

Gingivitis

Sore gums are often one of the first signs that you might be suffering from this early, mildest form of gum disease. Elementa Silver offers products that prevent and provide gingivitis treatment at home.  

Periodontitis

Periodontitis is a more advanced stage of gum disease with serious consequences, including possible tooth loss and the development of other health problems.  

Other possible causes of sore and sensitive gums:

 

  • Diet

Proper nutrition supports good oral health. A healthy, well-balanced diet that includes recommended daily requirements for vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin C, vitamin B, and calcium, minimizes your risk of developing sore gums and gum problems.   

  • Hormonal Changes

Changes in a woman’s hormones can affect their gums. During puberty, an influx of hormones can lead to swelling and sensitivity due to increased blood flow to the gums. Just before a woman’s menstrual period, her gums might become swollen and be more likely to bleed. From the second or third month of pregnancy through the eighth month, some women develop gums that hurt or swollen and bleeding gums. During menopause, some women experience unusually dry gums, which in turn can cause soreness and an increased likelihood of bleeding gums.  

  • Stress

Many people wonder: Can stress cause gum pain? Gums and stress have a connection since stress heightens the cortisol levels in the body, which can increase inflammation throughout the body, including the mouth and gums.  

  • Tobacco 

Using tobacco products such as cigarettes, snuff, and chewing tobacco can cause gum disease, and increases your risk of sore gums, as well as oral cancer. There is also evidence that general gum loss is due to tobacco.  

  • Oral Cancer

Some of the symptoms of cancer in the mouth are sores that will not heal, a growth or lump in your mouth, difficult or painful swallowing and loose teeth.  

  • Improper Oral Hygiene

Though regularly brushing and flossing your teeth is important, maintaining a diligent oral hygiene routine is critical for keeping your mouth healthy and helping prevent sore gums.  If you have sore gums after cleaning, whether after brushing or flossing, you could be brushing too hard or using an improper flossing technique. You might benefit from switching to oral care products that help prevent and provide gingivitis treatment at home.   If your gums hurt after eating, you might be suffering as a result of a food or dental product allergy, burns, an abscessed tooth, or a blood disease. Always consult your dentist or doctor if you notice sensitive or sore gums for a prolonged period of time.  

Hurt and Sore Gum Relief

In many cases, the cause of sore or sensitive gums is connected to oral hygiene. If your gums hurt, the best place to start is with improved oral hygiene practices.
  • Use a toothbrush with soft bristles.
  • Floss at least once daily, and remember to use a proper flossing technique to prevent sore gums after flossing. 
  • Eat a well-balanced diet with plenty of calcium and vitamins B, C, and K to satisfy vitamins for teeth and gums.
  • Visit a dentist regularly, at least twice a year.
  • Brush your teeth at least twice a day.
  • Switch to oral care products that better meet your dental needs, whether it is for basic cleaning or to provide gingivitis treatment at home.
 

Using the Right Toothpaste and Mouthwash

If your gums are sore after brushing, you might not be using the right toothpaste or mouthwash for your gums. Products with nano silver could improve your dental health, and Elementa offers a unique line of products such as tooth gel and  natural mouthwash for gums and gingivitis prevention. Nano Silver naturally has antibacterial and antifungal properties. At nano size, silver particles can penetrate the biofilm and better destroy bacteria cells to regrow gums naturally. Biofilm, or plaque, is the layer of bacteria that builds up over time on the surface of your teeth. One of the benefits of nano silver is that the particles can more easily penetrate the outer coating of the biofilm. A nano silver solution releases silver ions directly inside the biofilm to target acid. Nanosilver shouldn’t be confused with colloidal silver, since nanosilver is significantly more effective at protecting enamel and balancing the oral biofilm by reducing acid. Check out these tooth gel and mouth rinse products that contain nano silver, and learn how switching to Elementa products might improve your oral health and hygiene to better prevent sore, swollen, or bleeding gums.  
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