What we eat directly impacts our mouths in terms of acidity and bacteria due to the pH of our
saliva, which nourishes teeth. However, what we eat also indirectly affects our mouths through
the nutrients we absorb from the food we consume.

So what are you waiting for? You can give your smile a boost with the following eating habits to
nourish both smile and body for life!

Getting Enough Protein

Protein is an essential building block for just about everything in your body—from bones and
muscles to hormones and enzymes, your body needs protein.

However, your smile needs protein too. This is because protein plays a key role in healing
tissues of the body. This includes the connective tissue in your mouth as well as your tooth
structure. Protein can support a healthy smile through proper consumption.

Good sources of protein include chicken, fish, eggs, grass-fed beef, and yogurt. For plant-based
diets, beans, nuts, seeds, quinoa, and tofu are all excellent sources.

Eating Foods with Calcium and Vitamin D

Calcium and vitamin D are both essential nutrients that might help strengthen your tooth
enamel, which is made of mostly calcium. Calcium pairs with vitamin D to help tooth enamel,
the immune system, and connective tissue.

Good sources of calcium include yogurt, cheese, and milk, while plant-based sources include
kale, tofu, almonds, and broccoli. For vitamin D, fish is one of the highest sources, especially
salmon and sardines, along with milk and eggs. Vegan sources include mushrooms, tofu, and
fortified almond and soy milk.

Don’t Forget Your Vitamin C

An essential vitamin for immune system function, it also helps with collagen (think anti-aging)
and this component of vitamin C helps the ligaments that hold your teeth in place. Your
immune system also plays an essential role in fighting gum disease!

Good sources of vitamin C include bell peppers, broccoli, papaya, kiwi, oranges, and
strawberries. Remember that while fruit juices are also high in vitamin C, these juices can be
just as damaging to your tooth enamel as soda, so minimize sugary juices without the fiber.

Omega-3 Fats

Fortunately, these healthy fats are included in some of the other foods we discussed. Omega-3
fatty acids help your body with an anti-inflammatory response to help support the immune
system, decrease inflammation, and fight bacteria all while supporting the connective tissue in
your mouth.

Great sources include fish (mackerel and salmon are the highest), tuna, anchovies, and egg
yolks. Plant-based sources include walnuts, chia seeds, flaxseeds, avocado, and hemp seeds.

Are you eating for a super smile? Impress your dentist at your next checkup by nourishing both
your body and your smile with these healthy eating habits. Simply by getting enough protein,
calcium, and healthy fats in conjunction with essential vitamins D and C, you can help your
smile remain strong and beautiful for life!

The post Eating Habits That Will Promote Your Oral Health appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Dental implants have many long-term benefits that you’ll soon see. Here’s why implants are the
best investment for your smile in the long run!

Stimulate Bone Growth

One of the best benefits of dental implants is that they stimulate bone growth in your jaw.
When you lose a tooth, the bone that once supported that tooth will begin to diminish over
time. Without a replacement, the body has no need for this bone. When your jaw bone loses
density, your face can begin to have a shrunken or aged appearance.

With dental implants, the bone in your jaw is once again stimulated by a “tooth”. This will help
enhance the fullness of your face and may even give you a younger appearance. This will also
help your jaw remain strong and healthy over your lifetime!

Save Money on Future Replacements

Since dental implants have the potential to last a lifetime with the proper care, they save you
money on future replacements. With dentures and bridges, a replacement is inevitable after a
few years. With dental implants, you have a permanent solution that will never need to be
replaced. Only the dental crown will need to be replaced, and these crowns have the potential
to last a decade or even longer!

Reduce Risk of Cavities

Since dental implants aren’t able to get cavities, you’ll help reduce the chances that bacteria
from tooth decay or gum disease will build up on your replaced teeth. This could facilitate a
healthier smile with the proper home care and regular visits to your dentist!

Keep Teeth from Shifting

Dental implants prevent your teeth from shifting over time. Teeth shifting happens as the result
of missing teeth, which the body will then compensate for by slowly moving the remaining
teeth into their place. Dental implants help your teeth stay in their proper positions over your
lifetime, so you won’t have the need for cosmetic work as the result of shifting!

Enjoy Food Again

You’ll never have to worry about your dental implant falling out or causing you any discomfort,
unlike some cosmetic tooth replacements. This means you can enjoy all the foods you used to
enjoy before you lost your tooth or teeth. In fact, since dental implants function just like your
normal teeth, you’re unlimited in what you can have to eat!

Improve Confidence

Dental implants not only provide you with an array of long-term physical benefits for your
smile, they provide lasting emotional benefits as well. They often give patients the confidence
to smile again, to fully express themselves, and to enjoy foods out in public. Even your speech
may improve, as missing teeth can make it difficult to pronounce words properly.

From inspiring confidence to providing you with a sturdy, functional, and beautiful solution to
your missing teeth, dental implants are rapidly becoming the most popular choice to restore
smiles. Have you been considering dental implants? Make an appointment with your dentist
today to discuss the long-term benefits dental implants may have in store for you!

The post What Are Long-Term Benefits of Dental Implants? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

When you wake up in the morning, your mouth feels dry and you likely need a drink shortly after waking. This is because while we sleep, our mouths aren’t producing as much saliva. Not only does this make our teeth and gums vulnerable to bacteria that reside in our mouths, but your vulnerability is increased when you skip brushing.

Dry mouth along with the bacteria from unremoved plaque creates an acidic environment in which your tooth enamel is at risk and tooth decay and gum disease can actively work to ruin your smile.

Bacteria and Plaque Take Over

Due to the fact that your dry mouth creates the ideal environment for bad bacteria, plaque and bacteria take over your mouth while you’re sleeping when you skip brushing. Plaque can begin to harden and irritate your gum line, and your body reacts by engaging your immune system to try and fight what it perceives as an infection. So your body is actually working harder while you sleep when you don’t brush!

Bacteria can also attack your tooth enamel, which can lead to eroded enamel over time and cause cavities and tooth decay, not to mention sensitive teeth. Skipping brushing creates opportunities for your smile to be more affected by bacteria that would normally be removed with nightly brushing before your hours of rest.

The Important Thing

You can protect your smile during your beauty sleep by brushing and flossing before bed. If you don’t have time to floss, save it for the morning—once a day is enough. When it comes to brushing, however, you can better your chances of oral health success by aiming to brush twice a day.

If you forget to brush before bed once in a while, this likely won’t have a huge impact on your smile. The important thing is to not make a habit of it. If you’re going to bed a few nights a week without brushing, you’re putting your beautiful smile at risk for enamel erosion, cavities, gum disease, and plaque buildup. A two-minute brush before bed can prevent this from happening!

Skipping your nightly oral care routine shouldn’t be something you do regularly. Proper brushing before bed for about two minutes is something you should be making a habit of! Remove bacteria and plaque, protect your smile, and reduce your chances of problems with your teeth and gums with nightly brushing. Skipping this simple task has more consequences than you think!

The post Do You Skip Nightly Oral Care? Beware of These Consequences appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

What is laser dentistry used for and what are its benefits?

Applications for Laser Dentistry

Laser dentistry can be used for many different procedures by your dentist. The laser can effectively remove tooth decay, therefore easily prepping a tooth for a filling. It can also help dentists conduct a deep cleaning, as we often see necessary with patients who have gum disease. The laser helps to remove the inflamed gum tissue and provides your dentist the opportunity to better restore your smile by aiding with the cleaning process.

Laser dentistry has also been used for gum disease to help control the bacteria in patients’ mouths. Lasers are very effective at reducing bad bacteria and helping your mouth to heal. Dentists have been using laser dentistry for root canal treatments as well. Lasers help to properly clean the infection out of your tooth’s root and therefore allow for more success when treating your infection and helping you to heal afterwards.

Laser dentistry is also used to speed up tooth whitening in your dentist office, therefore reducing the amount of time the peroxide bleaching solution sits on your teeth and further protecting your enamel. Laser dentistry will likely be used for even more applications in the future!

Benefits of Laser Dentistry

There are numerous benefits of laser dentistry which attract both dentists wanting to become more experienced in conducting the procedure and patients. There’s often no drill needed and patients find the experience to be more comfortable and pleasant. Lasers also allow your dentist to be more precise and to minimize damage done to other tissues during your procedure.

Lasers allow patients to have a faster healing time as a result of this and minimal issues post-surgery. Lasers can even be used to help control bleeding during your procedure, therefore enhancing the level of precision your dentist is able to exercise and helping you to enjoy a faster healing time.

Where Can You Get It Done?

Not every dentist is practiced in laser dentistry; however, more and more oral health care specialists are becoming certified in laser dentistry procedures and gaining experience to better serve you. If you have concerns about laser dentistry as used in your procedure, talk with your dentist about his or her experience and credibility.

Laser dentistry is becoming a popular practice for dentists who want greater control, less bleeding, and minimal damage to oral tissues when it comes to dental procedures. Ask your dentist if laser dentistry is an option for your next procedure!

The post Laser Dentistry for Revolutionary Results appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Implants

No longer are dentures or partial dentures your only options for missing teeth. Dental implants effectively replace your missing teeth and even help retain the bone structure in your jaw. Dental implants accurately replace your natural teeth and they never need to be replaced. A screw will be placed in your jaw to hold your missing tooth’s spot, and a crown will be attached to the end. Completely indistinguishable from your natural teeth, dental implants restore your smile’s beauty and functionality!

Lumineers

Lumineers are a type of dental veneer that work as perfect solutions for a variety of cosmetic dental problems. If you have discolored, chipped, gapped, or crooked teeth, Lumineers could be a great choice for you. An impression is made of your teeth and then sent to a lab. After your Lumineers return, they will be bonded to your teeth. They differ from regular veneers in that less drilling is needed. Talk with your dentist to discover if Lumineers could make your smile shine again!

Veneers

Porcelain or ceramic veneers are strong, thin, and mimic your tooth’s natural enamel. To restore your smile’s appearance, veneers go on top of your teeth, yet are made of porcelain and ceramic to remain strong and functional. Veneers are bonded to your teeth to give your smile the perfect color, brightness, and functionality that becomes you. You may choose to consider veneers if you have fractured, gapped, or poorly shaped teeth. Even stained teeth could benefit from veneers!

Bridges

Dental bridges can help if you have a missing tooth or teeth. Over time, the space left by your missing tooth will cause the other teeth to shift. This could result in an improper bite, loss of bone, and even crooked teeth. Bridges help to hold and cover the space between your missing teeth. They’re affixed to your natural teeth and will help to hold the space, improve your appearance, and match the color of your other natural teeth!

Whitening

Teeth whitening is an effective, affordable, and safe procedure that improves your appearance and gives you a dazzling smile. Whether you’d like white teeth for your wedding day or a special event in your life or even just to love your smile a little more every day, teeth whitening is a great option. Using at-home kits can create uneven whitening and even damage the enamel on your teeth if overused. A professional bleaching at your dentist’s office will give you a gorgeous smile for life.

Cosmetic dentistry offers you many options to restore your smile. Whether you have crooked or missing teeth, chipped or fractured teeth, or unsightly gaps or discoloration, cosmetic dentistry can help. Talk with your dentist to discover how cosmetic dentistry can improve your smile and quality of life!

The post Cosmetic Dentistry for a Camera-Ready Smile appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

There is help for people with dental phobia, and overcoming your dental phobia is an important step in taking the best care possible of your smile. Taking a closer look at dental phobia could help you understand this condition, its consequences, and what you can do about it.

Symptoms of Dental Phobia

A phobia can be defined as a deep fear that’s often irrational, but not to its sufferers. People who experience dental phobia are absolutely terrified of visiting the dentist. The symptoms of dental phobia include panic at the thought of visiting a dentist, loss of sleep, or extreme anxiety the night before and the hours before your scheduled appointment. Even trouble trouble or becoming physically ill are all symptoms of dental phobia. People experience dental phobia for a variety of reasons. Many people have a fear of pain, a feeling that they’ve lost control over what’s happening to them, even negative previous experiences with a dentist.

Consequences of Avoiding the Dentist

People who experience dental phobia have an increased risk for tooth decay, gum disease, and premature tooth loss. A dentist is a trained professional that can spot signs of oral health problems before they happen—these include oral cancer and periodontal disease.

Poor oral hygiene is connected to other serious health problems such as heart disease and even a reduced life expectancy. If you’re terrified of going to the dentist, you may even forgo the dentist if you have an infection, a knocked-out tooth, or discolored teeth. All of these can make you feel self-conscious and embarrassed, therefore leading you to not smile and further your anxiety.

Help for Those with Dental Phobia

You don’t have to merely accept your dental phobia and live with it forever. There is help and hope for those who suffer from dental phobia. What can you do if you experience an extreme fear of the dentist, leading you to avoid dental care?

Talk to your dentist. Find a compassionate dentist who has experience dealing with dental phobia and dental anxiety. Tell him or her that you’re experiencing fear and dread over the appointment. A good dentist will listen, allow you to be in control, and even talk with you about options such as sedation dentistry to help.

Consult a mental health professional. A counselor or therapist can help you uncover the reasons behind your extreme fear about the dentist and work with you to overcome it. They may also be able to help you find a dentist that best fits your needs.

Know that you’re not alone. Millions of people experience dental phobia and dental anxiety. As such, there are many wonderful dentists out there who would be more than willing to work with you. You can also find support, forums, and more at http://www.dentalfearcentral.org/resources/dental-phobia-links/

Living with dental phobia could cost you your smile. The earlier you seek help and treatment for your fears, the sooner you can see a dentist and ensure your dental health. Having a healthy smile is linked to having a healthy body—getting over your dental phobia is the key to having a healthy, beautiful smile for life.

The post Is Your Dental Phobia Harming Your Health? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

They’re Excellent Replacements for Your Natural Teeth

As far as technology and natural teeth replacements go, it doesn’t get any better than dental implants. Dental implants are the only option for you if you want something that functions much like your natural teeth. They’re sturdy, they never need to be replaced, and they allow you to feel proud of your smile again.

Bone Structure and Oral Health Matter

You’ll need to have an adequate amount of bone in your jaw in order to properly support the dental implant. Thanks to your jaw supporting the implant, dental implants stimulate bone growth and prevent bone loss, something people with lost teeth have to worry about. Your dentist can determine if you’re a candidate!

You’ll also need to have good oral health in order to support the dental implant. This means not using tobacco products, getting regular checkups, and brushing and flossing. Any oral health problem you have will need to be addressed before the procedure.

The Procedure Is Safe

The procedure for dental implants is more accurate today than ever. Thanks to X-rays, CT scans, and 3D imaging, your surgeon can see precisely where the dental implant needs to go in your jaw. This means they can accurately insert the implant and keep your procedure simple, pain-free, and maximize chances of success.

The chances of your body rejecting dental implants are very small, and most rejections happen as a result of a titanium allergy, which dental implants are commonly made of. If you’re aware that you have a titanium allergy, talk with your dentist before getting dental implants.

They’re More Secure Than Dentures

Dental implants so accurately mimic your natural teeth in look and in function that more people are satisfied with them than they are with any alternatives, such as dentures or bridges. Often dentures can be uncomfortable and embarrassing for people who find that the dentures don’t feel secure in their mouths or slide about. This never happens with dental implants, as they’re rooted securely in your jaw. Dental implants make a great replacement for dentures and allow you to love your smile again!

They’re for Life

Dental implants are for life. Although the root of your dental implant should never need to be removed or replaced, the crown that is affixed to it will need to be changed every decade or so. If you take great care of your oral health, sometimes they can last for longer, possibly even up to fifteen or twenty years or more!

Dental implants are an excellent choice for those who qualify. They’re the most effective replacements for your natural teeth, the procedure is simple and safe, and they’re for life. What more could you want when it comes to replacing your natural teeth? Talk with your dentist to see if you qualify for dental implants!

The post What You Should Know When Considering Dental Implants appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Brush

Tooth decay provides an ideal opportunity for bacteria to access your inner tooth. This often happens through cavities, which are literally holes in your teeth. They often form in the center of the top of your tooth and can quickly lead to bacteria entering your root canal and creating an infection. You can prevent tooth decay by brushing regularly every day; two times a day is ideal. Some dentists recommend brushing after every meal. If you do eat sugary foods or drinks and can’t brush afterwards, try to rinse your mouth with water so the sugar isn’t sitting on your teeth causing damage. Remember that proper brushing is more beneficial than harder brushing, which can further damage your enamel over time.

Floss

Flossing enables us to get at those tight spaces in between our teeth that are impossible for toothbrushes to reach. Pieces of food as well as tiny food particles can get trapped here and cause growth of bacteria and eventually contribute to tooth decay. Flossing is easy and can be done once a day either during one of your brushing sessions or in between sessions. Just remember to floss with the proper stuff—objects like toothpicks or even pencils are not designed to do the same job that floss does and can even harm your teeth and gums. There are many different flossing instruments out there—from water picks to flossers, your flossing routine is easier than ever. Prevent plaque, bacteria, and tooth decay by flossing once a day.

Eat Well

Our diets affect much of the damage in our mouth, especially when it comes to tooth decay and root canal infections. Many foods contain added sugar, and we’re unknowingly consuming around 20 teaspoons of sugar every day! Cut down on processed foods and stick to healthy snacks such as apples and carrots. You can make them fun by bringing along natural peanut butter for your apple and hummus for your carrots! Drink water whenever possible instead of juices or sodas. It’s important to stay hydrated as well—having a dry mouth can further contribute to tooth decay, which can lead to root canal infections.

Preventing tooth decay is vital to preventing root canal infections. Tooth decay happens over time and people of any age can be at risk. To keep your tooth’s root canal tissue healthy, simply keep up with your oral health. Brush and floss regularly, eat well, and schedule visits to your dentist every six months. Painful root canal infections can be prevented with these simple tips!

The post Prevent Root Canal Infections with These Simple Tips appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

What Causes Tooth Sensitivity?

First, it’s important to know the factors that influence sensitive teeth. When your enamel wears away, it exposes dentin, a tissue beneath the enamel that protects the roots. It’s not as hard as enamel, but not as soft and exposed as your roots. However, the exposure of dentin can lead to tooth sensitivity. The more worn away your enamel is, the more extreme your tooth pain will be.

The enamel on your teeth can wear away due to brushing too hard (which is actually very damaging to your teeth) or eating too many foods that are acidic or drinking sugary and corrosive drinks (such as alcohol and soda). It could also be influenced by other factors, such as using at-home teeth bleaching kits too often, which strips the enamel away, or tooth decay.

What Your Dentist Can Do

Pain is among one of the many ways that your body communicates. Your extremely sensitive teeth are telling you that something is amiss with your pearly whites. Your dentist can thoroughly examine your teeth and identify any problems. Sometimes, if tooth decay or gum disease has progressed, it can cause your gums to recede or your enamel to wear away due to decay, therefore exposing your dentin and possibly even your tooth’s root. Your dentist can treat the problem, which will be unique to your particular diagnosis. You could need a root canal, a missing filling replaced, or need x-rays to further determine the problem.

What You Can Do

Prevention is the best treatment for extreme tooth sensitivity, so it’s important to remember that once you’ve lost your enamel, it cannot be replaced. Limit sugary drinks like sodas juices and corrosive drinks like alcohol, especially if you already have sensitive teeth, as these can make the pain worse. Don’t brush too hard, and remember, it’s always safest to get teeth whitening done professionally by your dentist.

If you already have extremely sensitive teeth, there are a few things you can do at home to help. You may consider trying toothpaste that’s marketed for sensitive teeth. This toothpaste contains agents like potassium nitrate that are safe for your teeth sensitivity and can help relieve pain. It’s also good to avoid teeth grinding, as this can cause—and worsen—sensitivity. Talk with your dentist if you think you’re a grinder!

Extreme tooth sensitivity can be a burden. Hot and cold foods are forbidden, and oftentimes even things like cold air can make your teeth hurt. There is relief from your pain! Begin by visiting your dentist to uncover the problem, and then follow through with your care at home. Extreme tooth sensitivity doesn’t have to be for life!

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Issues That Cause Diastema

Sometimes, the treatment of diastema will depend on the cause of the gap. Some potential causes are:

– Teeth are different sizes

– Misalignment of teeth

– Lost teeth

Treatment for Diastema

When a person has a gap between two teeth, there are three primary treatment options:

– Orthodontics

– Veneers

– Implants

What are the advantages of each option?

Orthodontics – Orthodontics generally involve the use of braces to bring the teeth back into proper alignment. This can close any gaps that are due to misalignment. Sometimes, a tooth needs to be removed to make room for maneuvering the rest into proper position. If a gap is not severe, an oral appliance like Invisalign may be sufficient to shift the teeth into place rather than a full set of braces.

Veneers – This is a quick fix when the diastema exists between the top front teeth. Cosmetic dentistry may be able to hide the gap by fitting the two teeth with veneers. While the teeth are shaved down to have the veneer fitted, it still adds a little bulk and covers the gap. Since these veneers are bonded to the outside of the tooth, this is a permanent procedure. The type of veneer you will need depends on the location of the tooth. Porcelain veneers are often ideal for the front teeth.

Implants – This is a particularly beneficial means of correcting diastema caused by a missing tooth or teeth. Gaps can be filled with implants that, if properly cared for, can last a person for the rest of their life. Implants also allow for normal chewing and are matched to the rest of the teeth in color and shape to provide the most natural appearance.

What Is a Frenectomy?

Sometimes a person is born with too much tissue between their front teeth, and this causes the gap. A frenectomy involves removing the excess tissue. A child who receives a frenectomy may find that the gap between front teeth closes on its own as the child grows. Teens and adults will usually also need braces after the frenectomy to finish closing the gap.

Your dentist will perform an examination to determine the cause of your diastema and then will be in the best position to recommend treatment.

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