5 healthy food for your teeth

A healthy diet is not just great for your overall body wellness but also for your teeth. The healthier you eat, the healthier your smile! Check out these five teeth-friendly foods:

1. Apples
An apple a day may help keep cavities and gum disease away! Due to their fibrous texture, apples make a fantastic snack for your teeth. When you chew an apple, this simple action stimulates your gums, working to reduce bacteria that could cause cavities. Saliva is critical for your dental health because it neutralizes acids in your mouth and washes away food particles that could become plaque and tartar if left to linger on or between your teeth.

2. Almonds
Almonds are a wonderful snack for your teeth because they are low in sugar and high in protein and calcium. This combination keeps your teeth strong and decreases your risk of cavities. Just be sure that you drink water while and after you’ve eaten the handful of almonds to wash away any particles that may stick around in your mouth.

3. Leafy Greens & Cruciferous Veggies
You would have heard that veggies like kale, spinach, broccoli, and cauliflower are good for your body and immune system, but did you know that they are also great for your tooth enamel and gums? Leafy greens are full of essential vitamins and minerals, including calcium, vitamin C, phosphorus, and folic acid, which helps alleviate inflamed gums. Additionally, folic acid is vital for women trying to get pregnant or in the early stages of pregnancy to help prevent spina bifida of their developing child.

4. Carrots
Crunching on carrots also stimulates saliva production. Moreover, they are also high in fiber and beta-carotene, which are needed to make vitamin A. Vitamin A is a necessary component when your mouth is forming and remineralizing tooth enamel.

5. Cheese
Cheese is another tasty, teeth-healthy snack because it’s high in calcium and a protein called casein, which acts as a buffer against bacteria and acids that may lead to tooth decay. Cheese also increases your salivary flow and helps to replace important minerals in your tooth enamel.

If you need any more information, feel free to ask us on your next visit.

Pack the perfect healthy lunch for your kid’s dental health

As a parent, you can help your child achieve a bright, healthy smile in many different ways. One way you can help is by packing or planning a lunch menu that improves their oral health. Here are some tips for a lunch to encourage your little one’s healthiest smile!

1. Avoid sugary drinks – Even drinks marketed as “healthy”

Allowing children to sip on sugary beverages over long periods of time increases their exposure to sugar and acid that can erode their enamel. Try to limit or remove sports drinks, sodas, and high-sugar juices from their diets to aid in their oral health. Sugary beverages are one of the leading sources of sugar for children, and some can even be disguised as “healthy drinks” like nutritional water, sports drinks, or juice. Be sure to read the nutritional labels on drinks to educate yourself and your little ones.

2. Pack water

Water helps rinse away damaging acids and food debris from teeth, and help keeps saliva flowing – which naturally keeps teeth clean. Water is the healthiest beverage for teeth, and we suggest packing it instead of any other drink in your child’s lunch. Also, don’t fall for nutritional waters. Most of these “enhanced” water products have an excessive amount of sugar, and aren’t great for teeth or overall health.

3. Proceed with caution when buying packaged snacks

Snacks marketed as “healthy” aren’t always the best for your teeth. Granola cereal, dried fruit and trail mix can seem like healthier options, but they’re often packed with extras that aren’t healthy at all. In fact, dried fruit sticks to teeth and fuels bad bacteria that causes cavities, and granola can be packed with extra sugar. If you’re buying granola or health cereal, stay away from those that have marshmallows, chocolate pieces, and even candy. Look for a higher fiber content and granola that contains more natural whole ingredients like nuts and rolled oats. If your child does munch on snacks that contain, be sure to have them brush their teeth afterward.

4. Add more whole fruits and veggies

When packing your child’s lunch, add in natural whole vegetables and fruits whenever you can. Instead of packing starchy snacks like crackers, try to add small pieces of celery or baby carrots with a healthy dip like hummus. Instead of packing an imitation fruit snacks as dessert, try packing fresh, fibrous fruit like strawberries, kiwi or apples. Fiber naturally cleans teeth by scrubbing away food particles leftover from a meal. By replacing sweets and starches with fibrous fruits and vegetables, you can help your child avoid unnecessary sugar, and help them keep their teeth clean while they’re away from home.

5. Substitute nuts for chips

Crackers, potato chips, and other starchy foods can get stuck in small areas of tooth surfaces.  Without proper brushing, these foods provide sugar to bacteria that feed on it, which ultimately leads to tooth decay. Instead of chips, pack nuts which are full of fiber and healthy protein.

6. Dietary choices affect teeth

The food your child eats affects their teeth, and influences their overall oral health. You don’t need to eliminate any whole food groups from your child’s diet, but making some small healthy changes can have a positive impact. Regardless of what your child eats for lunch, the most important way to care for their teeth is through brushing, flossing, and regular visits to the dentist. Visit our office for more information about mouth-healthy diets, and how you and your family’s diet can impact the health and beauty of your smile.

Healthy habits you should follow this new year

The new year is almost here and with it, we often think of new beginnings. What a great time to add a new habit to your oral health routine! Here are a few things you can easily add to your routine that not only improve your oral health by decreasing your risk of tooth decay and gum disease, but also reduce the amount of inflammation in your body. When teeth are not properly cleaned and cared for, plaque left in and under your gums can cause your body to produce an inflammatory response. Which of these new habits will you add to your routine this month to help improve your oral health and reduce inflammation?

​1. Brushing

If you currently are brushing every morning, I suggest adding night time brushing into your routine. Night time brushing is the most important time to brush your teeth because when you are sleeping you have less saliva in your mouth to wash away the bacteria on your teeth that cause decay, gum disease, and halitosis.

Still using a manual toothbrush? You may consider using a power toothbrush. Power brushes give you many more strokes per minute, therefore, increasing the efficiency of plaque removal.

2. Cleaning between your teeth

If you are not currently using something to clean between your teeth, consider finding a tool you can incorporate into your daily routine.

There are more options than floss if you finding flossing difficult, make sure your hygienist knows so they can recommend other useful options for you such as a waterpik. Ask your hygienist to give some suggestions of what will work well for you.

3. Oral rinses

You may want to add a therapeutic mouth rinse. If you suffer from dry mouth or oral irritation from alcohol based mouthwashes, consider a brand of mouthwash that contains no alcohol. The effects of the mouthwash to keep your teeth clean is the same!

4. Tongue cleaning

This is a great addition to your daily routine that will decrease the amount of bacteria in your mouth and freshen your breath. Use a gentle tongue scraper or just use your toothbrush!

​
5. Regular dental hygiene visits

If you currently are not currently scheduled to visit a dental hygienist on a regular basis, I highly recommend booking yourself a new client exam and cleaning. Routine cleanings are different for everyone, some people need to be seen every 6 months to a year, while others need to be seen more often in order to treat or prevent disease. Your dentist can help you decide what will work best for you.

Start your healthy new habits for the new year by scheduling your next appointment!

Tips to keep your smile bright this holiday season

The holiday seasons are full of food, events, and sweets. Even when you are enjoying the festivities, it is important to keep your dental health in mind. To maintain healthy oral hygiene and avoid unwanted dental problems, consider following these holiday oral health tips:

• Eat sugary food in moderation, and limit acidic drinks
• Avoid continual snacking on sweets. Did you know that it is less harmful for your teeth to eat the same amount of sugary snacks in one sitting as opposed to continual snacking over a longer period of time?
• Maintain your daily dental routine, even when you are traveling to visit family
• Take time to de-stress during the busy holiday season. Stress can negatively affect your dental health, contributing to teeth grinding or dry mouth, or interfering with your regular health routine and diet.

Make dental care a priority, even during the busy holiday season

No matter how busy we get, it is essential to properly brush and floss at least twice each day. Many people find it easier to brush and floss in the morning but it is recommended to brush and floss before you go to bed as well. Be sure to pack your toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss for your holiday travels, and don’t forget to maintain your children’s dental care routine too.

Care for your teeth after eating

It is a good idea to brush after eating, but that is not always possible. With so many reasons to celebrate with food during the holidays, you might not always be able brush after a meal or snack. If that is the case, use mouthwash to remove food particles and bacteria and freshen your breath. If you don’t have your toothbrush or mouthwash, rinse thoroughly with water after eating, and then brush as soon as you get home.

Never use your teeth as present-openers

Using your teeth to open bottles, packages or snap ribbons is never a good idea! With time, this will weaken the enamel and might damage the edges of your teeth which may further lead to cracking and breakage, and an expensive cosmetic repair job.

Use the holidays as a motivation to quit smoking

If you smoke, the holiday season is a great time to stop. There are many health benefits of quitting smoking, and your oral health is just one example. You will have healthy teeth, stronger gums, and a brighter smile for all of your holiday events and photos.

Make an appointment with your dentist

Healthy eating and oral care at home can be a good start to dental health. However, the holiday season and the end of the year is a good time to visit the dentist. An exam will also let your dentist know if you need treatment for any underlying conditions.

During this season, everyone in your family will be at home for the holidays. It is the ideal time to make dental appointments for your entire family. This way, everyone can start the new year with a perfect smile, and an excellent oral health!

5 Tips for oral health during pregnancy

During pregnancy, a woman has many things to think about. Pregnant women should not overlook their dental health; both for themselves and for their babies. While most routine dental treatments are safe during pregnancy, certain medications and treatments should be avoided in the first three months, so let your dentist know you if you are expecting.

1. Care for your teeth during morning sickness: Some women experience morning sickness during pregnancy, which may include vomiting or acid reflux. The acid from vomiting or reflux creates a significant risk of tooth erosion, but the risk can be mitigated in several ways. Following an episode of morning sickness, be sure to brush your teeth thoroughly. If you are not at home and don’t have your toothbrush, rinse your mouth thoroughly with water as soon as possible or chew some sugar-free gum, and then brush when you get home.

2. Ensure tooth and gum health: Gum disease can cause damage not only to your health, but also your baby’s. Studies have linked poor maternal dental health to premature birth and low birth weight in babies. In addition, healthy gums can reduce the transfer of bacteria to your baby.

3. Watch for oral health changes: Pregnancy-related hormonal changes can cause your body to change in may ways. Keep an eye out for warning signs of gum disease include bad breath, swollen, red, or bleeding gums. If you have any of these signs during pregnancy, visit your dentist.

4. Quit smoking! Tobacco products are not good for anyone’s health! Smoking during pregnancy negatively affects both you and your child. Tobacco usage can lead to a variety of diseases including gum disease. It affects both of you, so quitting is good for the two of you!

5. Visit Your Dentist While You Are Pregnant. Professional cleanings are essential during pregnancy to maintain healthy teeth and gums. Schedule an appointment during your second trimester, and be sure to tell your dentist that you are pregnant and disclose any medications or prenatal vitamins that you are taking.

Here are additional tips to keep in mind throughout your pregnancy:

● If your toothpaste is causing you to feel nauseous, switch toothpaste brands or change to a mild flavor.
● Be sure to brush your front teeth and the back of your teeth very well during pregnancy. Make it a point to brush the gum line to prevent gingivitis from occurring and also the teeth and biting surfaces to prevent dental caries (decay).
● Your diet and eating habits will probably change during pregnancy! Make sure to adjust your at-home dental care routine as well. If you have a midnight snack, brush your teeth again to reduce the chance of cavities.
● In addition to flossing and brushing, be sure to rinse with a fluoride mouthwash.

Tricks to deal with dental problems this Halloween

Halloween candy is a sweet treat, but can be a nasty problem for your children’s teeth! Candy brings a lot of smiles, but as you let your children enjoy the special occasion, also be mindful of your child’s oral health.

Did you know that slowly liking a piece of hard candy over several minutes, or slowly sipping a sugary drink can cause even more tooth decay than eating candy or drinking a sweet drink quickly all at once? Long-lasting snacks can cause long-lasting damage to your child’s teeth. Limiting the number of times per day that your child consumes candy can be an easy way to limit the damaging effects of sugar on their teeth.

How to have a safe and healthy Halloween

First, you can choose the right kind of snacks. While candy during Halloween may be unavoidable, look for some sugar-free alternatives and mix in healthy snacks such as cheese, vegetables, peanut butter, yogurt and chocolate milk.

Keep your children hydrated with fresh water during long trips of trick-or-treating. Of course, when you return home, be sure to brush and floss very well. This will help to prevent the sugar from candy causing harmful bacteria in your child’s mouth. Especially after a sweet treat, be sure to help young children with their brushing and flossing to make sure all surfaces on their teeth are clean.

How to take care of your teeth after Halloween

Even with your best efforts, your children will probably enjoy some sugary treats this Halloween. As we’ve discussed, frequently consuming sugary snacks can expose them to tooth decay, so be sure to keep their teeth healthy and strong by visiting your dentist.

Practicing good dental hygiene can allow your child to enjoy the occasional sweet treat and keep them healthy at the same time. Make sure your child brushes and flosses everyday, especially after Halloween. Check your toothpaste to make sure it contains fluoride, and give us a call to make sure that your growing kids are scheduled for their regular dental checkup!

Have a Happy Halloween!!

How to strengthen your enamel and keep it white

For a healthy, strong, and beautiful smile, it is very important to keep your teeth clean and enamel white. In this blog, we will help you understand how can you strengthen your teeth and keep them looking healthy.

Taking care of your teeth is quick, inexpensive, and can be done at home! Taking care of your dental hygiene regularly prevents problems like discoloration or damage to your teeth. There is a range of preventative and curative measures to keep the tooth enamel healthy, white, and strong.

Strong, healthy tooth enamel is key to a great smile!

How to choose the right toothpaste

Not all kinds of toothpaste are created equal. To protect your teeth, use a brand that contains fluoride (you can read the ingredients list on the tube to see if fluoride is included in your toothpaste). Fluoride helps to rebuild tooth enamel every day and reverse the early signs of decay.

A toothpaste that contains sodium chloride, dissolved calcium, phosphate, and fluoride ions will help to keep tooth enamel strong and healthy, especially if your tooth enamel has been weakened by something like drinking a lot of soda or sugary drinks.

Avoid Sugar and Starch

Foods high in sugar and starch (things like milk, soda, dried fruit, and gummy candies) cling to your teeth for a long time and are more likely to cause decay. Sugar and starch are harmful because they breed bacteria in your mouth, which attacks your enamel. After eating foods with sugar and starch, be sure to brush your teeth right away to prevent the growth of bacteria!

Improve Your Nutritional Intake

Dairy products like milk, yogurt and cheese have the necessary calcium and phosphorous to strengthen and remineralize your tooth enamel. In addition, they promote saliva secretion, which can help to prevent bacteria and helps balance your mouth’s pH level.

Foods like celery that have high fiber content also help to protect your enamel by cleaning the surface. The chewing process induces saliva secretion, and massages your gums as well. Strawberries are a rich source of vitamin C and antioxidants, which helps your overall oral health, and the presence of malic acid helps to whiten your teeth and remove harmful tartar.

Surprisingly, animal proteins like chicken and beef are good for healthy teeth and enamel as it contains calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium.

Regular brushing and flossing will keep teeth clean, will gradually whiten your teeth, and preserve the enamel over time. Stop by for a visit, or give our office a call to learn more about teeth whitening treatments, and other ways to keep your teeth beautiful and strong.

How to be ready for dental emergencies at home

Dental emergencies can occur anytime; we want you to be ready with some simple remedies and techniques to best care for your teeth.

When an emergency injury to your teeth or gums occurs, it is important to handle it correctly and quickly. Quick actions can help avoid more extensive and costly treatment later. Here are a few measures you can take for dental emergencies at home:

Toothache

A toothache is one of the most common dental injuries and can happen anytime for many different reasons. When you feel the onset of a toothache, first clean the sore tooth by gently brushing and flossing. Use a warm saltwater rinse to remove trapped food or debris, which might be causing the pain. However, a painful toothache might also indicate an abscess or other infection in the mouth. If you experience swelling, then apply a cold compress and visit the dentist immediately.

Cut or Bitten Tongue, Lip or Cheek

You can help to stop the bleeding from small cuts by applying gentle pressure with a clean gauze or damp cloth. Apply a cool pack to the injured areas for immediate pain relief. If the bleeding continues for more than 15 minutes, head to the emergency room of a nearby dentist immediately.

Broken Braces and Wires

Try to gently remove the broken piece. If the broken piece is not loose, use dental wax or a dampened cotton ball to cover the sharp edge until you can get to the nearest orthodontist or dentist.

Fractured/ Broken Tooth

If you break or fracture a tooth the following steps should be taken: locate and collect any tooth fragments, then clean the injured area with warm water to remove any debris from the tooth, lastly place a cold cloth over the injury. See your dentist immediately, as even small fractures can lead to infection or further damage to your teeth if it is not addressed right away.

Knocked Out Permanent (Adult) Tooth

Find the tooth if possible and try not to touch the root (pointed) portion with your hands. Rinse the tooth, and place it in a cup of milk or water to bring to your dentist. If the tooth is displaced but remaining in or attached to the socket, do not attempt to reposition or disturb the tooth. Time is crucial when trying to save a tooth, so see your dentist as soon as possible.

Call your dental office for more information about any dental emergency. We will walk you through how to care for your teeth at home, and if necessary, see your dentist to take care of a dental emergency quickly and comfortably.

How do your eating habits affect your oral health?

Diet plays an important role in one’s physical and mental well being, but did you know a healthy diet can help you prevent tooth decay and gum diseases? Tooth decay occurs when the teeth and other hard tissues of your mouth are destroyed due to acidic products from oral bacteria. Some foods have higher levels of bacteria which can cause cavities in your mouth.

It is not correct to say that ill eating habits are a direct cause of gum disease, but improper diet and nutrition can increase the rate at which gum diseases spreads.

Poor nutrition not only affects the entire immune system, but also increases the risk to many disorders. People with weak immune systems are at higher risk for periodontal diseases. In addition, researchers have identified a link between oral health and systemic conditions, like diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Thus, eating a well-balanced diet not only improves your dental health, but may also reduce the risk of other diseases.

What constitutes a balanced diet for a healthy lifestyle?

It is recommended to eat a well-balanced diet which includes moderation and variety. You should try to develop eating habits that follow the recommendations from reputed health organizations such as the American Dietetic Association and the National Institutes of Health. For a balanced diet, it is recommended to select foods from the five major food groups: fruits, vegetables, breads and cereals, milk and dairy products and meat, chicken, fish or beans. In addition, it can be beneficial to take in the recommended amount of fiber and vitamins in your diet.

Protect your dental health by maintaining a moist mouth by drinking lot of water. Saliva helps in protecting both hard and soft oral tissues. If you have a dry mouth, use sugarless candy or gum to stimulate saliva. Foods that stick to your teeth, or contain sugar or starches, can lead to tooth decay. So when you snack, avoid soft, sweet and sticky foods such as cakes, candies and dried fruits. Instead, choose food items like nuts, raw vegetables, plain yogurt, cheese and sugarless gum or candy. When you eat fermentable carbs, like crackers, cookies and chips, eat them with your meal. Combinations of foods neutralize the acids in the mouth and inhibit tooth decay. For example, enjoy cheese with crackers. When you do have the occasional sugary snack, be sure to brush and floss well.

How can your dentist help you with your nutritional status?

Conditions like tooth loss, pain, or joint dysfunction can impair chewing and are common in older adults, those who are on restrictive diets, and those who are undergoing any medical treatment. People experiencing these problems may be too isolated or weak to eat nutritionally balanced meals at a time when it is particularly critical. Talk to your dental health professional about what you can do for yourself or someone you know in these circumstances. Your dentist should help you by suggesting a balanced diet which is healthy for your teeth and body.

What should you do daily for a healthy oral hygiene?

The Bacteria resides in your mouth in the form of plaque, which can cause cavities and gingivitis. Bacteria and plaque is a major reason for periodontal (gum) diseases. To keep your mouth clean and healthy you should maintain a good oral hygiene on a daily basis.

What is plaque?

Plaque is a biofilm that builds up on your teeth, and it contains lots of bacteria. However, a lot of times  even  proper brushing does not reach the innermost corners of your mouth which leads to residual material containing bacteria in your mouth. These areas of plaque are can be made worse by certain food products,  especially sugary foods or starches which is found in food items like bread, crackers, and cereal. Plaque also creates irritation in gums, making them red and , sensitive. All of this leads to gum disease, in which the gums pull away from the teeth and form pockets that fill with more bacteria and pus. If timely medical attention is not provided for gum disease, the bone around the teeth can be destroyed and the teeth might have to be removed.

How do you get rid of plaque?

The most effective way to get rid of plaque is by brushing and cleaning between your teeth regularly. Brushing effectively removes plaque from the surfaces of your teeth.

It is recommended to brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled brush. The toothbrush should ideally fit your mouth and allow you to reach all areas of your mouth easily. Using an toothpaste which contains fluoride and antimicrobial agents will also help to protect your teeth from decay. Flossing is also highly recommended by dentists across globe in order to clean the surfaces between the teeth, which can prevent plaque buildup in these areas, and prevent gum disease.

What is the best way to brush and floss your teeth?

The American Dental Association recommends certain techniques for healthy brushing and flossing

Brushing

• Keep a 45 degree angle in between your brush and gums when brushing.
• The motion of movement of the brush should be back and forth gently in short strokes.
• Brush the outer surfaces of the tooth, then the inner tooth surfaces next to the tongue, and then the chewing surfaces of the teeth.
• Use the tip of your brush to clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth, using a gentle up-and-down motion.
• Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath.

Flossing

• Use about 18 inches of floss and wrap it around the middle fingers of each hand. Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers.
• Move the floss between your teeth using a gentle rubbing motion.
• When the floss is nearing the gum line, curve it into a C shape against one of the tooth. Gently slide it into the space between the gum and the tooth.
• Bring the floss back toward the contact point in between the teeth and then move the floss up and down the other side, conforming the floss to the shape of the tooth.
• Hold the floss tightly against the tooth. Gently rub the side of the tooth, moving the floss away from the gum with up-and-down motions.
• Repeat this method on the rest of your teeth.

What else can you do for a healthy mouth?

In addition to the daily brushing and flossing, a good mouthwash can increase the cleanliness of your mouth. Antimicrobial Mouth rinses with antimicrobial agents reduce bacteria and plaque activity, which cause gingivitis and gum diseases. Fluoride mouth rinses also helps  to reduce and prevent tooth decay.

Make sure you consult with your dentist before using a mouthwash. Fluoride rinses are not recommended for children younger than 6 years, as they may swallow them. Always remember to check the manufacturer’s label on the bottle for precautions and age recommendations.