To make your teeth last a lifetime, don't do these things.
Teeth are tough -- their enamel is the hardest part of the body -- but they're no match for neglect, misuse, or abuse. Here are some surefire ways to find out how vulnerable your teeth are -- trust us, you don't want to do this:
1. Don’t Brush After Every Meal.
The ideal is to brush your teeth three times a day: after breakfast, lunch, and dinner. But if you do it too soon, you can scrub away tooth enamel that becomes softer in the acidic environment created in your mouth when you eat.
“Make sure you wait 30 to 60 minutes after each meal, which gives the acidity time to neutralize and the teeth time to remineralize," says Debra Gray King, DDS, FAACD, of the Atlanta Center for Cosmetic Dentistry.
Brushing too much, too hard, or with a hard-bristle brush can also erode your enamel. Brush gently, using circular strokes and a soft brush.
2. Forget About Flossing.
Flossing stimulates gum health by cleaning between the teeth and under the gum line. Gums bleed when you brush vigorously? That’s a sign of mild gingivitis, or inflammation of the gums, which can lead to tooth loss.
“You need to brush and floss your teeth every time you eat,” says Jeffrey Gross DDS, FAGD, a Cleveland dentist. “The longer food stays in contact with the teeth and the gums, the easier it is to create problems.”
3. Skip checkups.
Dentists recommend every six months, but most patients fail to comply. This allows plaque to form tatar, which attracts more plaque on its surface, carrying the plaque deeper within the gums. This can weaken supporting structures, such as bone.
“The sooner you find issues, the easier and a lot less expensive they will be to address,” King says.
4. Use Your Teeth as Tools.
Chomping ice and hard candy, not to mention popping off bottle caps and ripping open potato chip bags, can crack or break your teeth.
“People tend to do some wild things with their teeth,” King says. She recalls a patient in her 50s who habitually gripped the ropes of her sailboat’s mast between her teeth.
Over time, the woman’s natural teeth had worn to the point she needed porcelain veneers. Find a bottle opener or pair of scissors. And if you’re sailing, use your hands.
5. Ditch the Mouthguard.
The Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) recommends mouthguards for many athletes.
“Anytime there is a strong chance for contact with other participants or hard surfaces, it is advisable to wear a mouthguard. Players who participate in basketball, softball, football, wrestling, soccer, lacrosse, rugby, in-line skating, and martial arts, as well as recreational sports such as skateboarding and bicycling, should wear mouthguards while competing,” the AGD’s web site states.
6. Grind Away.
Some people clench or grind their teeth when bored, lifting something heavy or stressed; others do it while they sleep. Tooth-to-tooth clenching can wear down teeth and “make you look 10 to 20 years older,” King says.
Grinding also paves the way for cavities. “Aside from causing pressure and fractures, grinding wears away the top layer of enamel and the lower levels of enamel beyond the dentin, which can lead to decay,” Gross says. Can’t stop? Get fitted for a mouthguard.
7. Guzzle Soda, Sports Drinks, and Fruit Juices.
Soda and sports drinks often have either too much sugar or, in the case of diet soda, too much acid. Fruit juices often contain sugar but compared to soda and sports drinks, are “a healthier choice” and water is even better yet, Gross says.
8. Drink Lots of Red Wine, Coffee, or Tea.
The surface of stained teeth is like sandpaper and attracts more bacteria, which can indirectly lead to tooth decay.
As wine editor for Dish magazine, Yvonne Lorkin of Christchurch, New Zealand, tastes thousands of wines each year. At 37, she spends more on dental upkeep than people twice her age.
“The constant onslaught of acid on my enamel is an occupational hazard, I guess, as we're swilling the wines around in our mouths rather than just swallowing,” Lorkin tells WebMD in an email interview.
Aside from cutting back, Gross recommends using a straw, when possible, so staining liquids bypass your teeth.
9. Whiten Too Often.
Chronic whitening or failing to follow instructions can lead to gum irritation and increased tooth sensitivity. Desensitizing toothpaste can help.
If you have very sensitive teeth, gum disease, or worn enamel, “your dentist may discourage whitening,” says Charles H. Perle, DMD, FAGD, a dentist in Jersey City, N.J. and a spokesman for the AGD. Check before starting any whitening treatment.
10. Drink Bottled Water.
Most bottled water has little or no fluoride and most home filtration systems filter much of it out. Stick with fluoridated tap water since it’s “the most cost-effective way to prevent cavities and fight tooth decay,” Perle says. If your water isn’t fluoridated, your dentist may prescribe fluoride supplements.
11. Get Your Tongue Pierced.
When you speak, your tongue moves to make certain sounds and consequently “you’re jamming the metal piercing into your teeth,” Gross says. Fractured teeth may require veneers or crowns in a patient who otherwise doesn’t have other issues.
Jason Lazarus, CEO of Gadgets and Gear in Hauppauge, N.Y., got his tongue pierced and admits he played with it “all the time.” Lazarus says he was shocked when X-rays showed his front teeth “dramatically shaved and chipped” and immediately took his tongue ring out.
“I didn’t want my teeth to get worse,” Lazarus says. He has since spent $2,000 on laminates for his two front upper teeth.
12. Be Bulimic.
Bulimia, which is characterized by bingeing and vomiting, can cause significant dental problems because of the stomach acids.
“The enamel is usually just kind of worn off, mostly on the front teeth, but even going to the back teeth,” King says. If the damage is done, you may need restorations.
13. Abuse Drugs Such as “Meth."
Crystal methamphetamine, an illegal and highly addictive stimulant, can wreak havoc on your mouth. Users often crave sugary foods and drinks, clench their teeth, and have dry mouth. Telltale signs of “meth mouth” are rampant decay with blackened teeth on the verge of falling out.
“People on methamphetamines are notorious for not taking care of themselves,” Gross says. “By the time the patient is 25 or 30, they are looking at a full set of dentures.”
14. Chronically Use Some Legal Medications.
Oral contraceptives change a woman’s hormonal balance and can lead to chronic gum disease.
“Once they get off the medication, the damage is often done,” Gross says. Some over-the-counter cough medications have lots of sugar, and antihistamines can cause dry mouth, which can lead to decay since saliva protects the teeth.
15. Continue Lighting Up.
Smoking is bad for teeth and gums. Stains make teeth more susceptible to bacteria. It’s also a factor in the development of periodontal or gum and bone disease.
“The smoke impedes the ability of the gum tissue to maintain a healthy state and fight off disease-creating bacteria,” Gross says. “Almost half of the people who are over 60 who wear dentures are smokers.”
Source: alltop.com
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Monday, June 27, 2011
Monday, June 13, 2011
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
New Research Suggests Link Between Obesity and Periodontal Disease
Two studies presented at the 87th General Session of the International Association for Dental Research (IADR) in Miami provide stronger indications of a possible relationship between obesity and periodontal disease. Both studies, conducted by researchers from Harvard University1 and the University of Puerto Rico,2 attracted online news coverage from Medical News Today,3 United Press International,4 and USA Today.5
The first study was an analysis of data from nearly 37,000 men participating in the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study, a long-term evaluation of nutrition and other health factors with disease incidence in male health professionals (at least half of whom are dentists). The study population did not have periodontal disease at baseline, and 3,340 of the men provided their first report of periodontal disease during the 16-year follow-up period (1986 to 2002). Overall, the scientists found that male health professionals who met the standard level of obesity [body-mass index (BMI) greater than 30 kg/m2] were at 29 percent higher risk for developing periodontitis.
In another study presented at the 2009 IADR General Session, researchers from Harvard University and the University of Puerto Rico collected measurements for height, weight, waist circumference, probing depth and attachment loss in 146 Puerto Rican men and women, aged 70 years and older, to evaluate associations between adiposity (excess fat) and periodontal disease. After analyzing the cross-sectional data, the authors determined that elderly individuals with an elevated waist-to-hip ratio (a measure of abdominal adiposity) had a significantly higher incidence of moderate periodontitis.
To date, both studies have only appeared as conference presentations, and neither has been published in a peer-reviewed research journal. Nevertheless, the preliminary findings highlight a growing body of evidence that has suggested a correlation between obesity and the incidence and progression of periodontal disease. Obesity is a significant national health issue and an independent risk for a range of chronic diseases and conditions, including hypertension, cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, stroke and others. The prevalence of obesity, a primary risk factor for type 2 diabetes, has grown substantially among U.S. adults and children over the past quarter-century. Based on recent data from the CDC, over 72 million American adults are obese and at increased risk for many chronic diseases and conditions, such as atherosclerosis and type 2 diabetes.
While research evidence linking obesity and periodontal disease has expanded in recent years, additional prospective studies are still required to definitively determine the biological mechanisms and associations between the two conditions. Emerging evidence continues to suggest that obesity is associated with low-grade chronic inflammation, which can trigger production of proinflammatory cytokines that may impact the pathogenesis of periodontal disease. Scientists are currently investigating the effects of obesity, human fat cells, and central adiposity on the inflammatory pathways of periodontal disease incidence and progression.
Dentists are encouraged to promote awareness of the adverse health conditions associated with obesity, including cardiovascular disease and diabetes, and that obesity has been increasingly identified as a potential precursor to periodontal disease. Dentists can educate patients that obesity, age, and lack of physical activity are important risk factors for developing type 2 diabetes, which significantly increases a patient’s risk of developing periodontal disease. For more information, visit the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Dietary Guidelines for Americans and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute’s Clinical Guidelines on the Identification, Evaluation, and Treatment of Overweight and Obesity in Adults.
Footnotes
1. Jimenez M, Hu F, Li Y, Joshipura K. Is there a prospective association between obesity and periodontal disease? (Abstract #2913). 87th General Session of the International Association for Dental Research, Miami, FL, April 1–4, 2009. Abstract available at: http://iadr.confex.com/iadr/2009miami/webprogram/Paper116221.html. Accessed April 13, 2009.
2. Munoz F, Jimenez M, Joshipura K. Associations between measures of adiposity and periodontitis among older adults (Abstract #2910). 87th General Session of the International Association for Dental Research, Miami, FL, April 1–4, 2009. Abstract available at: http://iadr.confex.com/iadr/2009miami/webprogram/Paper121111.html. Accessed April 13, 2009.
3. Potential link between obesity and periodontal disease. Medical News Today, April 6, 2009. Available at: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/145163.php. Accessed April 13, 2009.
4. Obesity and periodontal disease linked. United Press International, April 6, 2009. Available at: http://www.upi.com/Health_News/2009/04/06/Obesity-and-periodontal-disease-linked/UPI-17781239073902/. Accessed April 13, 2009.
5. Doheny K. Obesity boosts gum disease risk. USA Today/HealthDay News, April 4, 2009. Available at: http://www.healthscout.com/news/68/625629/main.html. Accessed April 13, 2009.
Additional Resources
Journal of the American Dental Association: Dietary Guidelines for Americans and MyPyramid ("For the Dental Patient" page)
Journal of the American Dental Association: Link Between Obesity, Periodontal Disease Found (July 2003)
The first study was an analysis of data from nearly 37,000 men participating in the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study, a long-term evaluation of nutrition and other health factors with disease incidence in male health professionals (at least half of whom are dentists). The study population did not have periodontal disease at baseline, and 3,340 of the men provided their first report of periodontal disease during the 16-year follow-up period (1986 to 2002). Overall, the scientists found that male health professionals who met the standard level of obesity [body-mass index (BMI) greater than 30 kg/m2] were at 29 percent higher risk for developing periodontitis.
In another study presented at the 2009 IADR General Session, researchers from Harvard University and the University of Puerto Rico collected measurements for height, weight, waist circumference, probing depth and attachment loss in 146 Puerto Rican men and women, aged 70 years and older, to evaluate associations between adiposity (excess fat) and periodontal disease. After analyzing the cross-sectional data, the authors determined that elderly individuals with an elevated waist-to-hip ratio (a measure of abdominal adiposity) had a significantly higher incidence of moderate periodontitis.
To date, both studies have only appeared as conference presentations, and neither has been published in a peer-reviewed research journal. Nevertheless, the preliminary findings highlight a growing body of evidence that has suggested a correlation between obesity and the incidence and progression of periodontal disease. Obesity is a significant national health issue and an independent risk for a range of chronic diseases and conditions, including hypertension, cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, stroke and others. The prevalence of obesity, a primary risk factor for type 2 diabetes, has grown substantially among U.S. adults and children over the past quarter-century. Based on recent data from the CDC, over 72 million American adults are obese and at increased risk for many chronic diseases and conditions, such as atherosclerosis and type 2 diabetes.
While research evidence linking obesity and periodontal disease has expanded in recent years, additional prospective studies are still required to definitively determine the biological mechanisms and associations between the two conditions. Emerging evidence continues to suggest that obesity is associated with low-grade chronic inflammation, which can trigger production of proinflammatory cytokines that may impact the pathogenesis of periodontal disease. Scientists are currently investigating the effects of obesity, human fat cells, and central adiposity on the inflammatory pathways of periodontal disease incidence and progression.
Dentists are encouraged to promote awareness of the adverse health conditions associated with obesity, including cardiovascular disease and diabetes, and that obesity has been increasingly identified as a potential precursor to periodontal disease. Dentists can educate patients that obesity, age, and lack of physical activity are important risk factors for developing type 2 diabetes, which significantly increases a patient’s risk of developing periodontal disease. For more information, visit the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Dietary Guidelines for Americans and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute’s Clinical Guidelines on the Identification, Evaluation, and Treatment of Overweight and Obesity in Adults.
Footnotes
1. Jimenez M, Hu F, Li Y, Joshipura K. Is there a prospective association between obesity and periodontal disease? (Abstract #2913). 87th General Session of the International Association for Dental Research, Miami, FL, April 1–4, 2009. Abstract available at: http://iadr.confex.com/iadr/2009miami/webprogram/Paper116221.html. Accessed April 13, 2009.
2. Munoz F, Jimenez M, Joshipura K. Associations between measures of adiposity and periodontitis among older adults (Abstract #2910). 87th General Session of the International Association for Dental Research, Miami, FL, April 1–4, 2009. Abstract available at: http://iadr.confex.com/iadr/2009miami/webprogram/Paper121111.html. Accessed April 13, 2009.
3. Potential link between obesity and periodontal disease. Medical News Today, April 6, 2009. Available at: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/145163.php. Accessed April 13, 2009.
4. Obesity and periodontal disease linked. United Press International, April 6, 2009. Available at: http://www.upi.com/Health_News/2009/04/06/Obesity-and-periodontal-disease-linked/UPI-17781239073902/. Accessed April 13, 2009.
5. Doheny K. Obesity boosts gum disease risk. USA Today/HealthDay News, April 4, 2009. Available at: http://www.healthscout.com/news/68/625629/main.html. Accessed April 13, 2009.
Additional Resources
Journal of the American Dental Association: Dietary Guidelines for Americans and MyPyramid ("For the Dental Patient" page)
Journal of the American Dental Association: Link Between Obesity, Periodontal Disease Found (July 2003)
Thursday, April 21, 2011
How Does Fluoride Really Protect Teeth From Cavities?
A recent study that appeared in the journal Langmuir looked into the role of fluoride and their protection on teeth. The researchers who published the journal article found the protective shield fluoride forms on teeth is up to 100 times thinner than what was previously thought.
It is well known that fluoride is found in toothpaste, mouthwash, and public drinking water in many areas in the world. The use of fluoride of course is to help prevent tooth decay which causes cavities to form.
Researchers found the fluorapatite layer created by fluoride on the hard white substance covering teeth’s surface called enamel is only 6 nanometers thick. This layer is very small and over 10 times thinner than what was indicated in any prior studies. Hence the researchers raise questions about how a layer so thin can protect teeth from decay. Hence it is possible that fluoride may have another unrecognized effect on tooth enamel.
It is worthy for researchers to explore how fluoride protects teeth from cavities as there is some controversy surrounding the fluoridation of drinking water. Previously I have discussed how large amounts of fluoride consumed can lead to fluorosis in young children.
Source: Frank Müller, Christian Zeitz, Hubert Mantz, Karl-Heinz Ehses, Flavio Soldera, Jörg Schmauch, Matthias Hannig, Stefan Hüfner, Karin Jacobs. Elemental Depth Profiling of Fluoridated Hydroxyapatite: Saving Your Dentition by the Skin of Your Teeth? Langmuir, 2010; 26 (24): 18750
For more information on this topic or any dental related procedure check out our website. If you have any questions, or a dental emergency, you can reach Dr. Jay at Livonia Dental Care at (734)427-7555. Join the conversation: Facebook, Youtube, Twitter
It is well known that fluoride is found in toothpaste, mouthwash, and public drinking water in many areas in the world. The use of fluoride of course is to help prevent tooth decay which causes cavities to form.
Researchers found the fluorapatite layer created by fluoride on the hard white substance covering teeth’s surface called enamel is only 6 nanometers thick. This layer is very small and over 10 times thinner than what was indicated in any prior studies. Hence the researchers raise questions about how a layer so thin can protect teeth from decay. Hence it is possible that fluoride may have another unrecognized effect on tooth enamel.
It is worthy for researchers to explore how fluoride protects teeth from cavities as there is some controversy surrounding the fluoridation of drinking water. Previously I have discussed how large amounts of fluoride consumed can lead to fluorosis in young children.
Source: Frank Müller, Christian Zeitz, Hubert Mantz, Karl-Heinz Ehses, Flavio Soldera, Jörg Schmauch, Matthias Hannig, Stefan Hüfner, Karin Jacobs. Elemental Depth Profiling of Fluoridated Hydroxyapatite: Saving Your Dentition by the Skin of Your Teeth? Langmuir, 2010; 26 (24): 18750
For more information on this topic or any dental related procedure check out our website. If you have any questions, or a dental emergency, you can reach Dr. Jay at Livonia Dental Care at (734)427-7555. Join the conversation: Facebook, Youtube, Twitter
Monday, April 4, 2011
New "Dissolvable Tobacco" Products May Increase Risk of Mouth Disease
ScienceDaily (Mar. 16, 2011) — The first study to analyze the complex ingredients in the new genre of dissolvable tobacco products has concluded that these pop-into-the-mouth replacements for cigarettes in places where smoking is banned have the potential to cause mouth diseases and other problems.
The report appears in ACS's Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.
John V. Goodpaster and colleagues point out that the first dissolvable tobacco products went on sale in 2009 in test markets in Indianapolis, Ind., Columbus, Ohio, and Portland, Ore. The products contain finely-ground tobacco and other ingredients processed into pellet, stick, and strip forms that are advertised as smoke and spit-free. Health officials are concerned about whether the products, which dissolve inside the mouth near the lips and gums, are in fact a safer alternative to cigarette smoking. Goodpaster and colleagues note the possibility that children may be accidentally poisoned by the nicotine in these products. "The packaging and design of the dissolvables may also appeal to children, and some dissolvables, such as Orbs, may be mistaken for candy," the report states.
The researchers' analysis found that the products contain mainly nicotine and a variety of flavoring ingredients, sweeteners, and binders. They note abundant scientific evidence about the potential adverse health effects of nicotine, including those involving the teeth and gums. Other ingredients in dissolvables have the potential to increase the risk of tooth decay and one, coumarin, has been banned as a flavoring agent in food because of its link to a risk of liver damage.
"The results presented here are the first to reveal the complexity of dissolvable tobacco products and may be used to assess potential health effects," said Goodpaster, noting that it is "therefore important to understand some of the potential toxicological effects of some of the ingredients of these products." Nicotine in particular, he noted, is a toxic substance linked to the development of oral cancers and gum disease.
Source: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110316113042.htm
The report appears in ACS's Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.
John V. Goodpaster and colleagues point out that the first dissolvable tobacco products went on sale in 2009 in test markets in Indianapolis, Ind., Columbus, Ohio, and Portland, Ore. The products contain finely-ground tobacco and other ingredients processed into pellet, stick, and strip forms that are advertised as smoke and spit-free. Health officials are concerned about whether the products, which dissolve inside the mouth near the lips and gums, are in fact a safer alternative to cigarette smoking. Goodpaster and colleagues note the possibility that children may be accidentally poisoned by the nicotine in these products. "The packaging and design of the dissolvables may also appeal to children, and some dissolvables, such as Orbs, may be mistaken for candy," the report states.
The researchers' analysis found that the products contain mainly nicotine and a variety of flavoring ingredients, sweeteners, and binders. They note abundant scientific evidence about the potential adverse health effects of nicotine, including those involving the teeth and gums. Other ingredients in dissolvables have the potential to increase the risk of tooth decay and one, coumarin, has been banned as a flavoring agent in food because of its link to a risk of liver damage.
"The results presented here are the first to reveal the complexity of dissolvable tobacco products and may be used to assess potential health effects," said Goodpaster, noting that it is "therefore important to understand some of the potential toxicological effects of some of the ingredients of these products." Nicotine in particular, he noted, is a toxic substance linked to the development of oral cancers and gum disease.
Source: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110316113042.htm
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Benefits of Sedation Dentistry
But thanks to Oral Sedation Surgery, those days of dreaded dental visits are long gone.
Oral Sedation Surgery takes the pain and anxiety out of dental care. Unlike general anesthesia, which requires a needle injection and knocks you out completely, Oral Sedation Surgery only requires that you swallow a small pill and makes you sedated just enough so that it feels as if you’re taking a nap. You will wake up having very little or no recollection of your treatment.
Oral Sedation Surgery has been around for more than 30 years and has been recently enhanced to significantly improve the dental experience.
Want to hear from real patients who have first-hand experienced the benefits Sedation Dentistry at Livonia Dental Care? Watch this video.
Then, if you are interested in learning more about this innovative, safe and pain-free dental procedure, contact Livonia Dental Care. We would be happy to set up a free consultation with you to discuss your concerns and answer your questions.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Invisalign - Affordable and Invisible Braces
When most of us think of braces, we think of money and for too many of us, money is quite tight these days.
More than one million patients have transformed their smiles with Invisalign. We look forward to helping you achieve the smile of your dreams at an affordable cost to you.
For more information on this topic or any dental related procedure check out our website. If you have any questions, or a dental emergency, you can reach Dr. Jay at Livonia Dental Care at 734-427-7555.
Join the conversation: www.facebook.com/livoniadental, www.twitter.com/livoniadentist, www.youtube.com/user/livoniadental
Most typical orthodontic braces generally cost between $5500 and $6500. This isn’t the case with Invisalign, the most popular kind of clear and invisible braces. And it’s definitely not the case at Livonia Dental Care. Our cost ranges from 2500.00 to $5700.00, significantly less than traditional braces.
Using advanced 3-D computer-imaging technology, Invisalign depicts your complete treatment plan, from the initial position of your teeth to the final desired position. Then a series of clear aligners are custom-made for your teeth to move them little by little. Each aligner is worn for about two weeks before being replaced by the next in the series, until the final position of your teeth is achieved.
Your Invisalign treatment time will be determined by one of Livonia Dental Care’s expert dentists, Jay Nitzkin DDS or Rohit Arora DDS, based on your specific needs.
If you would like to hear from Livonia Dental Care patients who have successfully transformed their smile, take a look at this video.
Then when you’re ready to see if you or your child is a candidate for Invisalign, or if you interested in learning more, please call our office for a free evaluation appointment.
More than one million patients have transformed their smiles with Invisalign. We look forward to helping you achieve the smile of your dreams at an affordable cost to you.
For more information on this topic or any dental related procedure check out our website. If you have any questions, or a dental emergency, you can reach Dr. Jay at Livonia Dental Care at 734-427-7555.
Join the conversation: www.facebook.com/livoniadental, www.twitter.com/livoniadentist, www.youtube.com/user/livoniadental
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Dentist-Friendly School Lunch Ideas
It is that time of year again as kids head back to school and moms are busy packing lunches. But since it is unlikely your child will be brushing his or her teeth following their trip through the cafeteria, it is important to choose the right teeth-friendly lunchbox foods.
Here a few things to keep in mind when packing school lunches.
Foods to Avoid
Stay away from foods that are sticky and sweet as they will linger on the teeth and promote decay. Gummy fruit snacks, chewy candies, chocolate, sugary drinks, cookies and dried fruit should be avoided. Instead, make these snacks “treats” and wait to serve them until you’re at home and can brush your child’s teeth once they have eaten them.
Foods to Load Up On
There are plenty of healthy snacks and foods that you can pack in your child’s lunchbox. Keep in mind that the best foods for your child’s teeth are those that minimally-processed and natural.
Here are a few healthy snack and lunch ideas that will keep your child’s mouth and their body healthy, and will also give them the energy they need to take on the rest of their school day.
• Vegetables (raw and cut up) and fresh fruit (as opposed to canned or sweetened dried fruit)
• Whole-grain crackers and cheese
• Hard-boiled eggs
• Plain yogurt sweetened with fresh fruit
• Nuts and seeds
• Whole-grain breads and whole-grain and unsweetened cereals
If you have questions about how to pack a healthy school lunch for your child, give Livonia Dental Care a call. We’d be happy to suggest some nutritious and yummy school lunch ideas that are sure to please you and your child.
For more information on this topic or any dental related procedure check out our website. If you have any questions, or a dental emergency, you can reach Dr. Jay at Livonia Dental Care at 734.427.7555. “Like” us on Facebook and check out our YouTube.
Here a few things to keep in mind when packing school lunches.
Foods to Avoid
Stay away from foods that are sticky and sweet as they will linger on the teeth and promote decay. Gummy fruit snacks, chewy candies, chocolate, sugary drinks, cookies and dried fruit should be avoided. Instead, make these snacks “treats” and wait to serve them until you’re at home and can brush your child’s teeth once they have eaten them.
Foods to Load Up On
There are plenty of healthy snacks and foods that you can pack in your child’s lunchbox. Keep in mind that the best foods for your child’s teeth are those that minimally-processed and natural.
Here are a few healthy snack and lunch ideas that will keep your child’s mouth and their body healthy, and will also give them the energy they need to take on the rest of their school day.
• Vegetables (raw and cut up) and fresh fruit (as opposed to canned or sweetened dried fruit)
• Whole-grain crackers and cheese
• Hard-boiled eggs
• Plain yogurt sweetened with fresh fruit
• Nuts and seeds
• Whole-grain breads and whole-grain and unsweetened cereals
If you have questions about how to pack a healthy school lunch for your child, give Livonia Dental Care a call. We’d be happy to suggest some nutritious and yummy school lunch ideas that are sure to please you and your child.
For more information on this topic or any dental related procedure check out our website. If you have any questions, or a dental emergency, you can reach Dr. Jay at Livonia Dental Care at 734.427.7555. “Like” us on Facebook and check out our YouTube.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Tooth Erosion and Acidic Beverages
You know that eating taffy, chewy caramel and sugared gum can be harmful to your teeth, but soft drinks, even diet ones, can promote tooth erosion. Researchers now know that it is not just the sugar in soda that is bad for your teeth, but the acids included in them eat way at the enamel of your teeth making them more prone to disintegration, hypersensitivity, and discoloration.
The enamel is the outer layer of your tooth and is one of the hardest most mineralized surfaces in your body. The enamel’s hardness protects the inner and softer portion of the tooth, known as the dentin.
Acidic beverages include not only carbonated sodas, regular and diet, but also citrus juices like orange, lemon and grapefruit juices, energy drinks and tea.
While we’re not forcing you to give up your favorite soda for good, dental professionals do recommend you limit the frequency of your intake and incorporate these additional strategies the next time you reach for something fizzy:
• Consume the beverage at once, rather than sipping on it all day.
• Drink through a straw as this will minimize acid exposure on the tooth’s enamel.
• Refrain from brushing your teeth 30 minutes after drinking a highly acidic beverage.
• Rinse your mouth with water after consuming an acidic beverage.
If you want to understand how acid affects your teeth and learn how to implement measures to control and prevent further damage, give Livonia Dental Care a call. We would be happy to examine your teeth for possible tooth erosion and work with you to improve the health of your mouth.
The enamel is the outer layer of your tooth and is one of the hardest most mineralized surfaces in your body. The enamel’s hardness protects the inner and softer portion of the tooth, known as the dentin.
Acidic beverages include not only carbonated sodas, regular and diet, but also citrus juices like orange, lemon and grapefruit juices, energy drinks and tea.
While we’re not forcing you to give up your favorite soda for good, dental professionals do recommend you limit the frequency of your intake and incorporate these additional strategies the next time you reach for something fizzy:
• Consume the beverage at once, rather than sipping on it all day.
• Drink through a straw as this will minimize acid exposure on the tooth’s enamel.
• Refrain from brushing your teeth 30 minutes after drinking a highly acidic beverage.
• Rinse your mouth with water after consuming an acidic beverage.
If you want to understand how acid affects your teeth and learn how to implement measures to control and prevent further damage, give Livonia Dental Care a call. We would be happy to examine your teeth for possible tooth erosion and work with you to improve the health of your mouth.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Monday, January 3, 2011
Prevent Snoring with the Silent Nite
More 80 million people in North America snore while sleeping. While most of us think snoring is simply an annoyance to the person near or next to the snorer, snoring can be quite hazardous to your health. In fact, it can be downright deadly.
According to a UCLA School of Dentistry study, the struggle for breath can result in elevated blood pressure, which can damage the walls of the carotid arteries and increase the risk of stroke.
Fortunately, certain devices can prevent snoring and the potentially dangerous results that can come from this noisy nighttime habit. One device in particular is the Silent Nite, a custom-made affordable, non invasive, comfortable, and effective snoring solution.
Here is how it works:
The Silent Nite device positions your lower jaw forward, keeping your airway open, allowing easier breathing and preventing snoring. The special connectors allow your lower jaw to move freely providing maximum comfort during sleep.
Silent Nite devices don’t interfere with breathing through the mouth. Instead, the device helps promote deeper, more restful sleep by preventing snoring.
If you’re interested in learning more about Silent Nite, give Livonia Dental Care a call. We want to help you and those around you get a better and much safer night’s sleep.
For more information on this topic or any dental related procedure check out our website. If you have any questions, or a dental emergency, you can reach Dr. Jay at Livonia Dental Care at 734.427.7555. “Like” us on Facebook and check out our YouTube.
According to a UCLA School of Dentistry study, the struggle for breath can result in elevated blood pressure, which can damage the walls of the carotid arteries and increase the risk of stroke.
Fortunately, certain devices can prevent snoring and the potentially dangerous results that can come from this noisy nighttime habit. One device in particular is the Silent Nite, a custom-made affordable, non invasive, comfortable, and effective snoring solution.
Here is how it works:
The Silent Nite device positions your lower jaw forward, keeping your airway open, allowing easier breathing and preventing snoring. The special connectors allow your lower jaw to move freely providing maximum comfort during sleep.
Silent Nite devices don’t interfere with breathing through the mouth. Instead, the device helps promote deeper, more restful sleep by preventing snoring.
If you’re interested in learning more about Silent Nite, give Livonia Dental Care a call. We want to help you and those around you get a better and much safer night’s sleep.
For more information on this topic or any dental related procedure check out our website. If you have any questions, or a dental emergency, you can reach Dr. Jay at Livonia Dental Care at 734.427.7555. “Like” us on Facebook and check out our YouTube.
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