Have you ever been told that if you sing the “Happy Birthday” song twice in your head, that is the right amount of time to brush your teeth? Well, it is true, but it is not because there is something specifically important about this song over another. You should brush your teeth twice a day for about 2 minutes at a time. So really, any two-minute song that helps you keep time will do.

To help, we have compiled a list of great songs — an Oral Health Playlist — below that are about 2 minutes long each. Choose any of these to hum, or sing in your head—or possibly create a playlist on your phone and jam-out while keeping your smile clean and shiny!

1. “I Will” — The Beatles

From the iconic band’s “White Album.” “I Will” features Paul McCartney on vocals and guitar, and—especially cool: the bass sound is produced using his voice as well. A great song indeed!

2. “Fell in Love with A Girl” — The White Stripes

This fabulous and catchy song is fast, yet soulful. Featuring great lyrics, drums and a guitar, you will thoroughly enjoy your two-minutes of tooth-brushing twice a day.

3. “The 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin’ Groovy)” — Simon & Garfunkel

This is such a happy “oldie-but-goodie”. “Slow down, you move too fast” … it is true! Take your time with your oral health—and get into this fab song.

4. Love Theme from Mystery Science Theater 3000 – Mystery Science Theater 3000

Super-fun TV show theme song, this is a great one to hum while brushing. It will put you in a great mood too—who doesn’t love MST3000!

5. “Molly’s Lips” – Nirvana

This really beautiful song by Nirvana is actually a cover from the band Vaseline. We like that it is about having a nice clean mouth (or at least that is our interpretation!)

Do you have a favorite 2-minute tooth-brushing song? Share your oral health playlist here!

Seniors are often faced with a multitude of dental problems they did not have to face as younger adults. Here are just a few reasons why older patients may be experiencing tooth and gum issues they did not have when they were younger. 

Medications
Taking medications is not unusual for older adults, and many medications (more than 500 common medications)can cause dry mouth. Put simply, dry mouth can lead to cavities. So, if you are taking medicine for pain, anxiety or depression, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s, high cholesterol, allergies, high blood pressure, or asthma, it is important to talk to your dentist so that you can learn about options for relieving the dry mouth and/or protecting teeth with a sealant. 

Periodontal Disease

Over time, the often-painless gum disease (also known as periodontal disease), which is caused by the bacteria in plaque, advances to a point where it effects the teeth and becomes noticeable. Periodontal disease can make gums swollen, red, and more likely to bleed. In the advanced stage, gums will pull away from the teeth which allows plaque and food particles to collect in the pockets and further damage teeth, and gums, and later the bones and ligaments of the jaw. 

Cancers of the Mouth

The average age of people diagnosed with oral cancer is 62. Dentists are trained to look for the signs of oral cancer such as open sores, white patches and other changes to the lips, tongue and lining of the mouth. Early stages of mouth cancer are not often painful, so it is important to maintain regular visits with the dentists and watch for anything unusual. 

Growing older can be a time of great joy and fulfillment—but it can also mean more frequent trips to the dentist, even for the most diligent tooth-brusher! To maintain the best oral health, it is important to maintain the partnership with your dentist, with regular visits to the office, and treatments as recommended. Also, be sure to mention any medicines, or other medical treatments you are receiving. We look forward to seeing you soon at Alameda Dental in Tulsa, Contact us today for your next appointment, or with any questions.