How nutrition benefits oral health
While many people know that avoiding sugar is good for teeth, many do not realize that getting the right nutrients and vitamins is also essential for good oral health. Here are five nutrients that benefit both your smile and body as well as ways to incorporate them into your and your family’s diet. Calcium Calcium is critical to the structure of teeth and bones. Calcium is also the most abundant mineral in the body and required by the body’s vascular and muscular systems to function properly. When you do not consume enough calcium, your body uses the calcium stored in your teeth and bones, weakening their structure.1 Getting enough calcium in your diet keeps teeth and bones strong. Healthy foods rich in calcium include low-fat milk, cheese, yogurt, broccoli and Chinese cabbage. Magnesium Magnesium is another nutrient used in the development of strong teeth and bones. It helps the body […]
What to Expect at the Dentist: Fillings, Crowns and Root Canals
During a regular dental visit, your dentist will thoroughly examine your mouth checking your teeth and gums for dental risks and issues like tooth decay. According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) National Center for Health Statistics, 91 percent of adults have experienced tooth decay.1 If your dentist uncovers any decay, he or she will bring those concerns to your attention during your appointment. Some dental issues may require you to schedule another appointment to fully treat the decay and reduce the chance for more serious dental problems in the future. Three common dental procedures your dentist might recommend if they uncover dental decay include: fillings, crowns and root canals. Read below to learn more about these procedures and what to expect. Fillings A filling is a procedure that helps to restore a decayed tooth back to its normal function and shape. A dentist will remove all of […]
Frequently Asked Questions about Children’s Oral Health
Helping your child develop good oral health habits not only benefits their smile, but is also vital to their overall well-being. Cavities are one of the most prevalent diseases among children. If a cavity, or other oral health issue, remains untreated, it can cause discomfort and affect common tasks like eating, speaking and even learning in school. Teaching your child how to properly care for their teeth as well as visiting the dentist regularly ensures that your child keeps their teeth healthy for a lifetime. We’ve put together a list of ten common questions asked about children’s oral health. 1. When should I start brushing my child’s teeth? You can start good oral health habits from birth. Gently wipe your baby’s gums with a wet washcloth or gauze after feedings. Once teeth emerge, you can use an infant tooth brush and a tiny amount (a smear the size of […]
X-rays, Cleanings and Exams
Along with brushing twice and flossing once daily, you can help protect your oral health by visiting your dentist regularly. The American Dental Association recommends regular dental exams to help maintain optimal oral health. Good oral health contributes to your overall health and well-being. If you haven’t visited the dentist in a while, you may want to brush up on what happens during a routine dental checkup. Here is what to expect the next time you find yourself in a dental chair – hopefully, soon! X-rays Your dentist may decide to take a series of X-rays to see more detail of your mouth. X-rays can help your dentist spot decay and other dental issues. While radiation exposure from dental X-rays is low, they are not typically necessary at every visit. Cleaning and Polishing During a dental exam, a dentist or dental hygienist will begin by cleaning and polishing your teeth […]
Five Ways to Have a Smile-Friendly Summer
For many of us, summertime means enjoying the weather, swimming, cookouts, vacations, less hectic schedules and much more. While you’re hopefully relaxing a bit and enjoying the summer, remember to prioritize oral health this summer. Here are five ways to keep your summer smile-friendly: Use lip balm with SPF. Even if you generously apply sunscreen and reapply every few hours, you are not protecting your skin as well as you should from the sun’s damaging UV rays. Lips are the top area of the body people often overlook and exposing them to the sun may increase your risk for oral cancer. Apply an SPF 30 lip balm or lip sunscreen alone or under lip gloss and remember to reapply every couple of hours for full protection from the sun. Plus, it will help protect your lips from chapping. Wear a mouthguard when playing sports or during other high-impact summer […]
