Keeping your mouth healthy during winter
It’s cold outside. Are you someone that enjoys the cold weather and enjoys winter outdoor activities? Or would you rather be inside where it’s warm? Whether you’re going outside for a quick minute or spending an extended period of time, the cold weather during the winter months can have an impact on your oral health. Here are some healthy mouth tips to keep you smiling all winter long. Chapped lips can occur year-long, but exposing your lips to the wind and cold can quickly dry them out. Inside heat can also remove moisture from the air. Wear a moisturizing lip balm (with SPF) daily to protect your lips. Reapply it often. Already have chapped lips? Petroleum jelly locks in moisture and is an inexpensive way to keep your lips hydrated. Dry Mouth can occur in the winter months as a result of the dry air too. Keep your body well-hydrated […]
Delicious holiday treats to share and care for oral health
The holidays bring family and friends together and often, gatherings are filled with sweet treats of the season. This holiday, offer healthier options that are tasty as well as healthier for your teeth. Chocolate covered strawberries with pistachios Strawberries are available year-round and are a tooth-friendly treat when you choose dark chocolate. It’s lower in sugar than milk or white chocolate and offsets the sweetness of the strawberry. Pistachios are high in antioxidants and can help improve blood vessel health in the gum tissue. Easy-to-make, these dark chocolate-covered strawberries with pistachios will leave your guests smiling. Cinnamon spiced pumpkin muffins and breads A well-known spice, cinnamon has been shown to be beneficial to your oral health by helping to prevent inflammation and fight bacteria. Pumpkin contains Vitamin A which promotes the production of saliva and improves symptoms of dry mouth. Its magnesium content can help prevent the development of gum […]
Diabetic related health problems can occur in your mouth. Understand what to look for and how to help prevent oral health issues if you have diabetes.
Diabetes affects more than 30 million people in the United States and one in four of them do not know they have it.1 It affects your body’s ability to produce or use insulin, a hormone that allows your body to turn sugar into energy. Excess sugar in your blood can lead to health problems such as heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, kidney disease and oral health issues. Oral health problems associated with diabetes. Diabetics are more likely to experience gum disease at an earlier age than those who do not have the disease. Periodontal disease can also change blood glucose levels, making diabetes more difficult to manage. Understand how too much blood sugar can cause pain and infections in your mouth causing problems for your: Teeth. Due to high sugar or glucose blood levels, harmful bacteria can grow which can cause bad breath and also cause a soft, sticky […]
Teen oral health
With school, sports and social outings, it’s easy for teens to lose sight of their oral health. Maintaining good oral hygiene is important at every stage of life, including the teen years. Use these tips to help your teen have a healthy smile into adulthood. Brush twice and floss once a day. Following this oral health routine daily should be the norm. Regular visits to the dentist are important, too, for a professional cleaning and a thorough oral examination. Eat and drink healthy. Teens should choose a variety of foods from the major food groups, drink mostly milk or water and limit sugary snacks. Teens tend to eat often so help them opt for healthy snacks like fruit, veggies or cheese. Soft drinks and sports drinks should also be limited because of their high sugar content, which can lead to tooth decay. Wear a mouth guard. Mouth guards should go […]
Oral Hygiene – it’s best to follow a routine
Back-to-school time brings routines and order to a more relaxed summer household. As you establish new routines for the day, don’t forget your or your child’s oral health! The importance of establishing an oral hygiene routine Work, school, activities, and family time are often part of busy lives. Some days, you may feel you have no time to spare, but your smile and your overall health depend on simple dental care habits, such as brushing and flossing.1 Developing a good oral health routine and sticking to it daily will prevent dental problems, such as tooth decay. In fact, cavities are one of the most prevalent diseases among children. But even adults benefit when they are mindful of their daily oral hygiene. Start a routine and stick to it – First thing in the morning and last thing at night works well for most. There are no hard and fast rules […]
