The Best and Worst Holiday Foods For Your Teeth
‘Tis the season to celebrate! This time of year there are countless parties and get-togethers. Every celebration will feature tasty treats and goodies. Some are great for your teeth and some may leave you needing an extra visit to the dentist in the New Year. Here are some tips on what to indulge in vs. what might be better to admire from a distance!
The Naughty List:
Hard candy that stays in your mouth for a long time is especially bad for your teeth. Candy canes are 100% sugar and the sugar that goes into your mouth can form bacteria build up, which often leads to teeth problems.
Popcorn is good for your waistline, but it is not the best food for your teeth. Kernels can get stuck in between your teeth and on the gum line. Flossing regularly will help you avoid bacteria buildup that can lead to cavities. Brush your teeth often and floss daily if you choose to eat that caramel popcorn Aunt Sally gave you this year!
Eggnog is a popular holiday tradition that can be hard on oral health. It can stay on your teeth for a long period of time and is full of sugar. If you do partake, make sure to brush your teeth soon afterward and avoid damaging your teeth.
The Nice List:
Cheese is packed with calcium! This holiday treat carries the most benefit for your teeth. Calcium is a key component to making your teeth healthy and strong. It also helps in lessening the effects of acid on your tooth enamel, while killing gum disease-causing bacteria. So grab another cheese cube & enjoy!
This party staple is always a safe bet. Chewing on raw vegetables is great for your gums, and the fiber in vegetables will clean any residual sugars off of your teeth. Plus, packing on the veggies won’t pack on your waistline! Double win!
Proteins such as turkey and ham have phosphorous. This works together with calcium to create strong teeth. Protein is also a great way to curb your appetite so you consume less sugary foods that are harmful to your enamel.
Remember, you don’t have to avoid all tasty treats completely. Like anything else, moderation is key. After the party is over, simply remember to brush and floss. Once the holidays have passed, schedule an appointment with Dr. Stanislav or Dr. Dye and we’ll make sure your teeth stay on the nice list all year long!
Sources:
Dater Dentistry
North Eugene Dental
One Frightful Night was a great success for our office.
Dr. Kristy Dye and Ronda Burkhart, our office manager for over 13 years, had a wonderful time seeing all of the creative costumes throughout the day. Despite a rainy, chilly start we saw thousands of people come by for treats and to show off their fabulous costume creations. The Tooth Fairy and a Sweet Tooth greeted kids dressed as all kinds of characters. To name a few, we saw Minions, Star Wars characters, clowns, My Little Pony, Minecraft and more. 
One Frightful Night was full of fun activities for all of the families. We joined with many local businesses to give away treats. In addition, there was an awesome costume contest with wonderful contestants. There was a hayride, and lots of fun crafts and games for kids of all ages. We had several of people sign up for a chance to win the iPad we were giving away and we chose one lucky winner! 
The chance to take part in community oriented events is one of the best things about being part of Clarksville. Thanks to everyone who stopped by and showed us their smiling faces. To find out about more local events and giveaways from the offices Dr. Stanislav visit our Facebook page.
Dental anxiety is more common than you may think, but you can’t let it compromise your health!
There are some ways to combat your anxiety and have a pleasant experience in the dentist’s chair.
Anxiety can manifest itself in many ways. Some people become agitated, some avoid dental appointments, and in extreme cases, people have been known to never visit a dentist. Because of anxiety, people will often put off having dental treatment and suffer for years with toothaches, infections, and poor oral appearance.
Here are some of the most common causes for dental anxiety and some easy solutions to try so you will be more comfortable at your next visit to the dentist.
- Fear of the Unknown – A lot of anxiety can come from not knowing what to expect. The best way to ease your apprehensions is to ask! As simple as it may sound all you need to do is ask your doctor what will happen. Request a meeting with the dentist before your appointment. This will give you a chance to talk with them about what will happen during your appointment and discuss your worries. It will also help you to not think of your doctor as an ominous person looming over you in the dentist chair. Knowing the dentist as a person and what the procedure will be like can greatly reduce your level of anxiety.
- Upset by Sounds of a Dentist’s Office – Many people with anxiety are upset by loud noises. A dentist’s office can be full of noise that is upsetting to people. The suction of water being removed, the beeps and whirring sounds of an x-ray machine, the scraping of dental tools, and worst of all the sound of a drill. But, you aren’t required to listen! Dealing with these noises can be as simple as wearing earplugs or putting on noise cancelling headphones with soothing music playing. Make sure you warn your dentist so they will be able to get your attention, but there is no rule saying you can’t zone out and relax in the dental chair.
- Scary Dental Equipment – Speaking of those noises, they can be made by dental tools. When most people think of instruments of torture, they probably envision rusty dental tools. The reality is something quite different. If the tools intimidate you, ask to see them. Ask questions about what each tool does. There are constantly significant advances in dental tools and techniques. The more you are prepared for ahead of time, the less intimidating these dental instruments will seem.
- Worrying about being Uncomfortable – Some people’s anxiety stems from being uncomfortable while in the dental chair. A more common fear is not having the ability to breathe through the nose while the dentist works in your mouth. This can usually be alleviated by wearing a breathing strip, designed to help with snoring, across the bridge of your nose. If you are worried about a sensitive gag reflex when being prepared for x-rays, speak to the technician. There are generally alternatives that they can try so you can avoid gagging. Another source of anxiety is the fear of back pain in the reclining position of the dental chair. Ask your dentist or technician for a less reclined position. We also have pillows on site that can be placed behind the neck to relieve discomfort in that area. If the bright light bothers you, bring in a pair of sunglasses. Many patients enjoy using these to cancel out bright light and help them to relax.
Your visit to the dentist will be easier for you and your doctor if you are comfortable and able to relax. The most effective thing you can do in order to alleviate your dental anxiety is work on your overall anxiety. The most important thing for you as a patient is to find out where and how you feel most comfortable at the dentist’s office. Our staff would be happy to talk to you about your options and in the case of extreme anxiety, we will even refer you to a sedation dentist who will be able to best accommodate your needs.
If you have more questions or concerns and are wanting to get back on the road to dental health, contact us at the office of Dr. Stanislav and Dr. Kristy Dye by calling 931-648-0232 or sending us a message.
You probably don’t ask yourself the question, “How do I brush my teeth?” very often.
But maybe you should! It’s been a long time since we were kids, learning from a movie in health class.
So, what is the best way to brush your teeth?
Over the years, with numerous doctors doing research, the accepted techniques have changed! Before toothbrushes, people used rough cloth and water to clean their teeth. They would also rub things like salt and chalk across their teeth to try to get rid of the grime. Thankfully, we aren’t going to ask you to do that! Brushing properly is easy and it feels great. Here is the proper technique according to the American Dental Association:
- Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gums.
- Gently move the brush back and forth in short (tooth-wide) strokes.
- Brush the outer surfaces, the inner surfaces, and the chewing surfaces of the teeth.
- To clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth, tilt the brush vertically and make several up-and-down strokes.
- Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and keep your breath fresh.
The ADA also recommend that you:
- Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled brush. The size and shape of your brush should fit your mouth allowing you to reach all areas easily.
- Replace your toothbrush every three or four months (or sooner if the bristles are frayed). A worn toothbrush won’t do a good job of cleaning your teeth.
- Make sure to use an ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste.
Keeping your mouth healthy is as simple as these easy steps when also combined with flossing! So put down the chalk and that strip of burlap and pick up a toothbrush. The final step to great dental health is getting regular cleanings from one of our experienced dental hygienists. We will help you prevent tooth decay and keep you flashing a dazzling smile. If you need to schedule a cleaning, contact Dr. Stanislav’s office today by calling 931.648.0232 to make an appointment. New and returning patients can also book an appointment through our website. Come in soon, we can’t wait to see you smile!
