‘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:
Candy Canes
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
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
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
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!
Vegetable Platter
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!
Turkey and Ham
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 appointmentwith Dr. Stanislavor Dr. Dye and we’ll make sure your teeth stay on the nice list all year long!
We understand that it can be easy to make excuses to avoid a visit to the dentist.
But is it worth it in the long run? We don’t think so! A dental chair can be very intimidating. There is good news though: we can address and minimize your greatest fears! Our goal is to keep you healthy and make you feel better about your visit.
So what are some of the main reasons people avoid the dentist? Here are some of the major ones:
Dental Anxiety – There are many reasons that people fear coming to the dentist, but they don’t have to take over your life. If you have dental anxiety take some time to get to know us and tell us your fears. Anxiety can be a product of childhood trauma or even a bad dental experience as an adult. Having a dentist that keeps you comfortable and gives you the best evaluations and advice will help make the experience a positive one, with minimal discomfort.
No Problems (you can feel!)- A lot of people take really good care of their teeth. They brush and floss regularly which helps to justify not going to the dentist. However, you still need to visit the dentist. We can be much more thorough with our cleanings than brushing and flossing alone. Our expertise, and use of x-rays can spot problems (like gum disease and issues at the root) long before you will notice them at home. If your oral health is really stellar, talk to us about scheduling cleanings once a year.
Cost– Dental care can be expensive, and if a person does not have dental insurance, they might not know if they can afford to visit a dentist. Prevention is always more affordable than fixing a problem down the line. Scheduling regular cleanings and simple procedures such as fixing a filling are much more affordable than a root canal or dental implant. Visiting us more regularly will actually save you time, money, and anguish in the long run.
Fear of Drills, Shots, Loud Noises, Pain – A lot of people have specific fears of equipment and procedures we use everyday. If you have a specific fear, it is as simple as letting us know! We will work with you to reduce your fear and keep you as calm as possible. If you fear the noise of a drill, we can come up with a solution, such as headphones and music to help you relax.
If you haven’t visited us (or any dentist) recently, you may be surprised. The world of dentistry is constantly growing and evolving. Developments in dentistry are created with the goal of keeping you more comfortable, getting you on your way more quickly, and reducing costs.
For more information, and to schedule an appointment contact ustoday. At our office, we strive to make you feel welcome from the first phone call, and your needs will continue to remain our top priority at every office visit. We look forward to seeing you!
Help your family enjoy Halloween in a healthy way.
Halloween and candy go hand in hand, and kids dream of nothing more than a plastic pumpkin full of treats! Skipping the candy altogether seems like an easy solution, but let’s be honest, it’s just not practical. Halloween is a great time to use candy and treats to teach your kids valuable lessons about healthy eating that will last them a lifetime. So how do you proceed? Here are some tips to keep your kids happy and keep their teeth healthy!
Reduce and Recycle – make a plan with your kids to go through their candy after their big trick-or-treating adventure so you can help them pick some candy to keep (this may take some negotiating). Un-kept candy can be donated to a food bank or homeless shelter or placed in a care package for troops overseas. It’s a great opportunity to teach kids about responsibility and charity.
Choose Carefully – Not all candy treats your teeth equally! Sticky candy will stay on your teeth longer and hard candy will expose your teeth to sugar for longer periods. Both types of candy can increase the risk of tooth decay.
Mealtime Treats – Set a specific time to eat Halloween candy. Eating candy with meals is better for your teeth. Saliva production increases during meals and helps cancel out acids produced by bacteria in your mouth.
Brush Up – The most important thing you can do is keep up your kids brushing health. Brushing will get rid of the sugars that cause tooth decay and keep your mouth healthy.
Check out this video for even more sugar tips from Dr. Kristy!
Remember, the key to a great Halloween experience is finding a nice balance between eating treats and having healthy teeth. Learning responsibility and great dental practices, along with regular cleaning from Dr. Stanislav and Dr. Dye will set your kids up for a lifetime of healthy teeth!
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!