Foods That Can Harm Your Teeth

Sugary Snacks and Beverages

It’s no surprise that candy, cookies, and sweetened drinks can damage your teeth. Sugar feeds harmful oral bacteria, and these bacteria produce acids that weaken your tooth enamel and increase your risk of cavities. Sticky sweets like caramel or gummy candies are especially problematic because they cling to your teeth longer.

Acidic Drinks

Soda, sports drinks, citrus juices, and even flavored sparkling waters are highly acidic, which can erode enamel over time. Once the enamel thins, your teeth become more sensitive and more vulnerable to decay.

Refined Carbohydrates

Highly processed carbohydrates, such as white bread, chips, and crackers, quickly break down into sugars in your mouth. When these foods get lodged between your teeth, it gives sugar-loving bacteria more time to produce enamel-damaging acids.

Smile-Friendly Alternatives

Crunchy Fruits and Vegetables

Crunchy snacks like apples, carrots, and celery work to naturally stimulate saliva production, which in turn helps rinse away food debris and cavity-causing bacteria. These snack choices also provide essential vitamins that support your gum health.

Water

Plain water, especially when fluoridated, helps wash away food particles and supports strong tooth enamel. Swapping sugary beverages for water is one of the simplest ways to protect your smile.

Nuts and Lean Proteins

Almonds, walnuts, chicken, and fish provide essential nutrients that help promote healthy teeth without feeding harmful bacteria.

Keep Your Smile Bright and Healthy

Small nutritional changes can significantly impact your oral health. Pairing smart food choices with daily brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits will keep your smile healthy, strong, and bright for years to come.

The post How Nutrition Affects Your Smile appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Liquids such as milk, juice, breastmilk, and formula contain natural sugars. While not harmful in and of themselves, your child’s oral bacteria will convert these sugars into acid which can attack tooth enamel and cause your child’s teeth to be more vulnerable to decay [1].

Your child is at risk for tooth decay as soon as their first teeth appear, which is generally by their first birthday. What can you do to prevent baby bottle tooth decay and protect your child’s smile?

Avoid Sharing Saliva

Your own oral bacteria can proliferate in your child’s mouth to cause tooth decay. So if you have any existing oral bacteria that can cause tooth decay, you can pass these onto your child.

This is why it’s important to avoid sharing saliva with your child whenever possible [2]. This means not sharing utensils and not cleaning their pacifier with your own mouth. By doing so, you can keep your child’s oral bacteria healthy and help prevent tooth decay.

Clean Your Child’s Mouth

Even if your child doesn’t yet have their first teeth in, you can still clean their smile to keep their oral cavity healthy and ready for those first teeth. Before your little one has their first tooth, you can simply wipe their gums clean with a clean cloth after each feeding. However, once your child has their first tooth, you can begin gently brushing their teeth with a tiny amount of fluoride toothpaste. And, once your child has two teeth that touch, you can start flossing!

Be Mindful of When Your Child Eats

To prevent baby bottle tooth decay, it’s essential to not let your child go to bed with a bottle, not even for a nap. This exposes your child’s teeth to sugars that can contribute to tooth decay for a longer period of time. You can also discourage your child from walking around with a bottle or sipping on it throughout the day, which can also overexpose the teeth to sugar.

Encourage Drinking From a Cup

As your child gets older, encourage them to drink from a cup. By the time your child reaches their first birthday, they should be able to drink from a cup and you can consider discontinuing the use of a bottle. However, if your child is still breastfeeding, be sure to gently clean their teeth after each feeding if possible.

Have Questions? Follow Up With Your Dentist

Baby bottle tooth decay isn’t always obvious, but it can be painful for your child when cavities develop [3]. Preventing baby bottle tooth decay is important to protecting your child’s teeth to set the stage for a healthy adult smile. Have questions about your child’s oral care? Don’t hesitate to reach out to your pediatric dentist!

Sources:
1. https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/family-resources-education/health-wellness-and-
2. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/b/baby-bottle-tooth-decay
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK535349/

The post Preventing Baby Bottle Tooth Decay appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

But what exactly happens during your appointment? Here’s what you need to know to be prepared for your regular teeth cleaning!

An Exam of Your Oral Cavity

First, if you need x-rays, your dentist may suggest to do these before your cleaning. Generally, x-rays are taken once a year for patients. X-rays are needed to identify any potential decay between your teeth, which dentists can’t spot with the naked eye.

Next, your dental hygienist will examine your smile, looking for signs of gum disease, tooth decay, or other problems in the oral cavity, such as a damaged dental restoration. Your dentist will do an oral cancer screening, which is a painless screening that involves checking the face and oral cavity for any abnormalities. Your dentist will also ask you a few questions about any symptoms you may be experiencing. Oral cancer screenings are typically done once a year [1].

Clearing Plaque

After checking your mouth for any potential problems, your dental hygienist will then use a tool to remove plaque and tartar from your oral cavity. While regular brushing and flossing at homes helps remove plaque before it has a chance to turn into tartar, it’s difficult to remove all the plaque from your mouth. Your dental hygienist will remove plaque or tartar from places you may have missed or places that are hard for you to reach.

Plaque and tartar not only increase your risk for gum disease, but can make it more difficult for you to properly clean your teeth [2]. This scraping process shouldn’t be painful and generally only takes a few minutes.

Cleaning Your Teeth

After scraping plaque and tartar away, your hygienist will then use a paste similar to a toothpaste, but a bit more abrasive, to polish your teeth. While not the same as a professional teeth whitening, this polishing process can remove surface stains to make your teeth look brighter [3].

Once your teeth are cleaned, your hygienist will floss your teeth. This may feel a bit different than the flossing you do at home—your hygienist will do a thorough job to ensure all plaque is removed from your gumline and in-between your teeth. Finally, your mouth will be rinsed out and you’ll be all set!

When Did You Last Get Your Teeth Cleaned?

While every patient is different, a general guideline to get a professional teeth cleaning is every six months. When was your last professional teeth cleaning? If it’s been longer than six months, it’s time to call your dentist!

Sources:
1. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/taking-care-your-teeth-and-mouth
2. https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/conditions/periodontal-disease.html
3. https://www.nature.com/articles/bdjteam2017175

The post What Is Done During Your Regular Teeth Cleaning? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Without treatment, tooth decay can progress to the point that your tooth’s root is affected, leading to the need for root canal therapy or an extraction. But can you reverse tooth decay once it’s actually started?

Early Stages of Tooth Decay May Be Able to Be Reversed

There are different stages of tooth decay. The first stage, in which the enamel is weakened, can cause an unusually white spot on your tooth that may or may not be noticeable—this is where enamel has worn away. Once tooth decay progresses, a dark spot or an actual hole can form [2].

In the beginning stages of tooth decay—when there’s a white spot or even a dark stain but not yet a hole—it may be possible for your dentist to reverse your tooth decay. At these stages, the tooth enamel has lost minerals in a process known as demineralization, which may be able to be reversed with fluoride [3].

Your Diet Helps Support Strong Tooth Enamel

Because the early stages of tooth decay include enamel demineralization, eating nutrient-rich foods can help support your smile and may be able to help reverse cavities in the process of forming. This includes avoiding added sugar as much as possible and focusing on vegetables, fruits, foods with calcium, and vitamin K, which has been shown to support strong teeth and bones [4].

Also, drinking plenty of water can help flush bacteria and food particles away and keep you hydrated, which means you have plenty of saliva to help nourish your teeth and minimize the chances of bacteria and acids weakening your tooth enamel.

Chewing Sugarless Gum May Help

While gum that contains sugar can contribute to tooth decay, sugarless gum—specifically kinds that contain xylitol—may help reverse early cavities. Not only does sugarless gum increase saliva flow and prevent dry mouth, but it can encourage the production of saliva that contains more minerals, which can help remineralize tooth enamel [5].

Try chewing sugarless gum with xylitol for about 20 minutes after eating to protect your pearly whites and potentially even reverse early tooth decay!

Work With Your Dentist to Address Tooth Decay

While the idea of reversing cavities is certainly appealing, it’s important to understand that not all cavities can be reversed. Once your cavity has progressed to an actual hole in your tooth, you’ll likely need a filling to treat your tooth decay. Your dentist can help you determine if your tooth decay can be reversed!

Sources:
1. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/d/decay
2. https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/tooth-decay/more-info
3. https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/tooth-decay/more-info/tooth-decay-process
4. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25636605/
5. https://www.ada.org/en/member-center/oral-health-topics/chewing-gum

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Even with a busy summer planned, how can you keep your smile bright and healthy? Here are a few essential tips to maintain your oral health on the go!

Drink Plenty of Water

Staying hydrated isn’t just beneficial for your body—it’s excellent for your smile too! Drinking water helps flush food particles out of your mouth and prevent them from sticking to your teeth, which can lead to plaque formation and tooth enamel damage.

Drinking water also supports hydration, which prevents dry mouth. Your saliva plays a crucial role in protecting your teeth from bacteria, so preventing dry mouth goes a long way towards keeping your breath fresh, your teeth clean, and your smile healthy [1]!

Use Sugarless Gum

If you’re traveling this summer and aren’t in your regular routine or forget to brush your teeth, sugarless gum is immensely helpful. Chewing sugar-free gum increases saliva production, and saliva acts as a buffer between your teeth and harmful bacteria. Chewing sugarless gum can actually help prevent cavities while keeping your breath fresh [2].

Excellent for after meals or those rushed mornings when you forget to brush your teeth, keeping sugarless gum handy is a great way to support your oral health on the go!

Pack Healthy Snacks

What you eat can influence your oral health just as much as your brushing and flossing routine.

By skipping sugary foods and drinks, you can help keep your teeth healthy this summer. When going on a trip or even for your snack at work, pack healthy choices such as apples, carrots, and celery. These crunchy foods have a high water content and can help hydrate you while reducing plaque formation on your teeth throughout the day [3].

Healthy summer treats to enjoy this season include melon such as cantaloupe and watermelon, blueberries, homemade frozen yogurt, blackberries, and apricots!

Don’t Neglect Your Brushing and Flossing!

Although each of these activities is excellent for your smile, they should never replace your home care habits for your teeth and gums. You should still brush twice a day and floss once a day, and continue to keep your regular checkups with your dentist.

What do you have planned for this summer? Whether you’re going on a vacation or staying put for a staycation, keep your smile healthy during this busy time of year with the above tips!

Sources:
1. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/nutrition/food-tips/water-best-beverage
2. https://www.ada.org/en/member-center/oral-health-topics/chewing-gum
3. http://apjcn.nhri.org.tw/server/info/books-

The post Keeping Your Smile Healthy This Summer (On the Go!) appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Prolonged exposure to sugar causes baby bottle tooth decay, meaning that when your child consumes sugar over a period of time or frequently consumes sugar, tooth decay can happen.

Unfortunately, your child is at risk for tooth decay as soon as they have teeth, and baby bottle tooth decay is common. So how can you prevent tooth decay from affecting your little one’s smile? Here are your top tips for preventing baby bottle tooth decay!

Don’t Give Your Baby a Bottle Filled With Sugary Drinks

Filling a bottle with a sweet liquid such as juice can encourage your child to continue to drink until all the liquid is gone. This overexposes their teeth to sugar, leading to enamel damage that can cause tooth decay.

If using a bottle for your baby, be sure to only use breastmilk, formula, or milk in the bottle. Your child should be able to drink from a cup by their first birthday, so continue to encourage this practice as your child gets older.

Bottles should never be given in place of a pacifier. If giving your baby a pacifier, don’t dip it in a sugary substance such as honey, as this can also contribute to tooth decay. It’s also important to never put your baby to bed with a bottle or any kind of food, as it can encourage cavity formation due to reduced saliva production while sleeping [1].

Clean Your Child’s Mouth

You may think you don’t need to clean your child’s mouth if their baby teeth haven’t come in yet. But the truth is that you should clean your child’s mouth at least once a day even if they don’t have teeth.

Take a clean cloth or piece of gauze and gently wipe their mouth after each feeding. Even though you can’t see them, your child’s teeth are forming underneath their gums and will soon make their way in. Keeping your child’s mouth clean is not only a good habit, but can help prevent the buildup of bacteria when their teeth emerge.

As soon as your child has teeth you can begin to gently brush them, and as soon as they have two teeth that touch together, you can begin flossing [2]!

Refrain From Sharing Utensils With Your Child

Did you know that the bacteria in your mouth can spread to your baby’s mouth through shared utensils [3]? Whether or not you have tooth decay or gum disease, it’s a good idea to limit sharing utensils or straws with your child as their teeth are coming in.

Bacteria that exist in your oral cavity can spread to your baby’s mouth and influence their risk for tooth decay. Get a clean spoon for feedings instead of sharing, and refrain from “cleaning” their pacifier by putting it in your own mouth before giving it to your child.

Remember to Schedule a Dental Exam for Your Child

While it may seem like your child doesn’t need to see the dentist, current guidelines suggest scheduling a visit for your baby around the time of their first birthday. This is when their first teeth should begin to emerge, and your dentist can help ensure the teeth are healthy and developing properly for a bright smile!

Sources:

1. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/teething-tooth-
2. https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/family-resources-education/health-wellness-and-
3. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/b/baby-bottle-tooth-decay

The post Top Tips for Preventing Baby Bottle Tooth Decay appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

But decreasing the amount of added sugar in your diet isn’t easy for many people. Sugar has been shown to be as addictive as drugs such as cocaine [1]. To help you fight those pesky sugar cravings, here are some tricks that can keep you away from sugar and keep your teeth healthy!

Drink Water

The body can misinterpret thirst for hunger, which can lead you to think you’re hungry when really you’re thirsty [2]. When you’re having a craving for sugar, try drinking a glass of water and waiting your craving out for a few minutes. If the craving still doesn’t go away, decide whether it’s time to have a healthy meal or snack in place of a sugary one!

Manage Your Temptations

Managing your temptations can be an instrumental part of fighting your sugar cravings. When grocery shopping, choose healthy foods and snacks, and do your best to keep added sugar out of your cart. Added sugar is present in many foods, from sweetened yogurts to barbeque sauce to salad dressings. But by not keeping sugary snacks or sodas in your home or office, you make it easier to make the right choice when a craving hits.

Eat Enough Fiber

When you feel hungry, it’s easy to want to reach for foods that are immediately rewarding to the brain such as sugar. If you’re reducing your consumption of added sugar, consider adding more fiber to your diet if you need it. Fiber can help you feel full for longer, which may help reduce cravings and help you better manage your hunger [3].

Don’t Avoid Fruit

Fruit is beneficial to your health in ways that sugar isn’t—it provides vitamins, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds, whereas added sugar is just empty calories [4]. Whole fruit is naturally sweet, although if you’re purchasing dried or canned fruit, be sure to check the label for any sugar added to the product. Fruit can be an excellent addition to your diet to help satisfy your craving for sugar and keep your teeth and gums healthy!

Impress Your Dentist During Your Next Visit!

You can reduce your added sugar consumption and keep your teeth and gums healthy to impress your dentist during your next checkup. If you do choose to indulge in sugar occasionally, be sure to drink water to help reduce sugar’s harsh effect on your teeth, and wait a minimum of 30 minutes before brushing your teeth after eating.

Visiting your dentist can help support a healthy smile and keep your teeth and gums healthy whether you don’t consume added sugar at all, indulge in sugar sometimes, or are still trying to kick a daily sugar habit. Try fighting your sugar cravings with these tips!

Sources:
1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23719144/
2. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322947#drinking-water
3. https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/metabolic-and-bariatric-surgery-
4. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22797986/

The post Tricks to Fight Sugar Cravings (And Keep Your Teeth Healthy!) appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Sleep apnea has many effects on the body, but did you know that it can also affect your oral health? Here’s how untreated sleep apnea may cause problems for your smile!

Dry Mouth Can Lead to an Increased Risk for Cavities

In obstructive sleep apnea, your airway becomes blocked during sleep due to the muscles collapsing around the airway, leading to an inability to get air into the lungs. The brain will then signal you to wake up so breathing can resume.

When air has trouble getting into the lungs yet has not stopped completely, it will create a vibration in your throat leading to snoring. Snoring is one of the most common symptoms of sleep apnea.

Snoring also causes the mouth to remain open during sleep in an effort to get enough air into the body. Breathing through the mouth causes the oral cavity to dry out, which can lead to an increase in oral bacteria that could influence your risk for cavities [1].

Saliva flow is already reduced during sleep, so mouth breathing can exacerbate this effect to make tooth enamel damage more likely.

People With Sleep Disorders May Be More at Risk for Bruxism

Research has linked sleep disorders such as sleep apnea to an increased risk for bruxism, also known as teeth grinding [2]. The connection isn’t well understood, but people who suffer from sleep apnea should be evaluated for teeth grinding during their regular dental exam.

Getting treatment for bruxism is essential, as it can lead to fractured teeth, gum inflammation, and even tooth loss. Symptoms may include morning headaches, sensitive teeth, or a sore jaw or teeth.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea Has Been Associated With Gum Disease

If you suffer from obstructive sleep apnea, which is the most common type of sleep apnea, you may be more at risk for gum disease [3].

While the link between the two isn’t conclusive, experts speculate that the systemic inflammation OSA causes may make gum disease more likely. However, more research is needed to better understand the connection between the two disorders.

What Can You Do?

There are a few things you can do to help reduce sleep apnea’s effect on your smile:

• Get treatment for sleep apnea. Getting treatment for sleep apnea can help reduce or
  eliminate your symptoms and protect your oral health!
• Don’t put off those dental visits. Your dentist can help you manage any oral health issues you’re having as the result of your sleep apnea. Your dentist may even be able to help treat your sleep apnea through what’s called an oral appliance, which is a retainer- like device that helps keep your airway open when sleeping.
• Engage in regular oral care. Keeping your smile healthy by brushing and flossing daily in addition to eating healthy can help you keep your teeth and gums problem-free for a beautiful smile!

If you suffer from sleep apnea, don’t neglect those regular dental visits—they could save your smile and even help address your sleep apnea symptoms with oral appliance therapy!

Sources:
1. https://www.sleepfoundation.org/articles/have-sleep-apnea-why-you-shouldnt-put-
2. http://marketplace.ada.org/blog/dental-sleep-apnea-how-sleep-disorders-affect-your-
3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19198909/

The post How Does Sleep Apnea Affect Your Dental Health? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

During a typical sedation dentistry appointment, you’ll be given an anti-anxiety medication upon your arrival, which will help you relax during your procedure. However, there are different levels and types of sedation that your dentist may offer based on your procedure and your level of anxiety.

But is sedation dentistry safe? Here’s what you need to know when considering elective
sedation at the dentist’s office!

All Types of Sedation Dentistry Are Considered to Be Safe

When proper guidelines are followed, sedation dentistry is considered to be a safe and effective practice for patients [1]. It’s important to work with an experienced dentist who offers sedation dentistry to better meet your unique needs when it comes to receiving dental care.

Not every dental practice offers sedation for patients with dental anxiety. If you’re looking for a dentist to partner with for your oral care needs and think sedation dentistry could be helpful for you, it’s best to find a dentist who offers sedation and speak with them more about their options for your comfort.

Potential Risks of Sedation Dentistry

Dentists that offer sedation take extra care to monitor your blood pressure, heart rate and temperature to ensure that you’re safe before, during, and after your procedure.

While children tend to tolerate sedation dentistry well, people who are obese or suffer from sleep apnea present unique challenges [2]. Sedation dentistry can still be done if you are overweight or have sleep apnea, and your dentist will discuss any risks with you and take extra precautions to ensure your safety.

Although rare, there is a small chance that you would have an allergic reaction to the medication used during your sedation procedure [3]. If you have any known allergies, be sure to inform your dentist prior to your appointment. Your dentist will make every effort to ensure a safe procedure!

Can You Drive Yourself Home Afterward?

There are different levels of sedation you may choose to have. The following are the most
common levels and whether or not you can drive yourself home after the appointment:

• Nitrous oxide. Better known as laughing gas, this is the lightest level of sedation, and its effects don’t last very long. You can typically drive yourself home after the procedure.
• Oral sedation. The level of sedation will vary based on your dose, but you’ll usually need someone to drive you home following your appointment.
• Moderate sedation. Typically done intravenously, this level of sedation can be easily adjusted, but will still require you to have transportation home afterward.
• General anesthesia. The effects will last the longest in this level of sedation, so you’ll need to be driven home after your appointment.

Your dentist will discuss specific aftercare instructions with you before your appointment so that you know what to expect.

Considering Sedation Dentistry?

If your dental anxiety has prevented you from getting the oral care you need, sedation dentistry is a safe and effective way to receive dental care while feeling comfortable. Consider looking for dentists that offer sedation dentistry in your area!

Sources:
1. http://www.ada.org/~/media/ADA/Education%20and%20Careers/Files/anesthesia_use
2. http://www.jdentaled.org/content/76/9/1129
3. https://www.cda.org/portals/0/pdfs/fact_sheets/nitrous_oxide_english.pdf

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While the rejection rate for dental implants is very low (dental implants have a 98 percent success rate), caring for your restorations can help you have a beautiful and secure smile for life [1]!

Brush Gently But Thoroughly

You still need to brush your dental implants just as you would your natural teeth. Brush gently yet thoroughly, and use a soft-bristled toothbrush for best results [2].

Brush underneath and around your dental crown—it may be difficult for your toothbrush to properly reach these areas, so ensure your toothbrush is the right size to gently clean these spaces. You can use a manual or electric toothbrush, just be sure to choose a softer brush head!

Choose the Right Toothpaste

It’s important to not use a toothpaste that’s too abrasive when it comes to your dental implants. While a bit of abrasive material can help properly clean your teeth and remove surface stains, too much abrasion can damage your dental crown over time.

How can you select the right toothpaste? It’s best to avoid toothpastes that are advertised as being “whitening” or have whitening agents in them—these can be too abrasive for your dental implant. Ask your dentist for specific recommendations for toothpaste if you have questions!

Be Cautious When Flossing

Flossing around your dental implant is an essential part of your oral care routine, but it’s crucial to be gentle. You won’t be able to floss around your dental implant as you would around your natural teeth. Flossing too aggressively can contribute to peri-implantitis, a condition in which the gum and bone tissue become inflamed around your dental implant.

Don’t floss too far underneath the gumline: instead, floss gently on either side of your dental crown. Your dentist can demonstrate exactly how to floss around your dental implant, and may recommend a water flosser for best results [3].

Visit Your Dentist

Your dentist is your partner in helping to keep your dental implant as healthy as possible for life. With the right care, your dental implant will last a lifetime, although your dental crown will eventually need to be replaced. By scheduling regular appointments with your dentist for checkups and cleanings, you can help your smile stay bright and healthy for many years to come.

If you have any questions about taking care of your dental implants, don’t hesitate to reach out to your dentist for assistance. Your dental implant completes your smile and you want to take the best care of it possible, so keep your regular dental appointments and brush and floss daily!

Sources:
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6212375/
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4897104/
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26261052

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