Are Your Teeth Experiencing a Sugar Sabotage?

Sugar can often hide in seemingly “healthy” foods–make sure you’re aware of what you’re eating by reading the labels.

Sugar. It’s crafty. While it shows itself in sweets, cakes and other treats, it loves to lurk in foods that you may not suspect like bread, salad dressing, spaghetti sauce and peanut butter to name a few. With so much sugar saturation, it’s not surprising that 92% of adults have tooth decay—something that’s not a sweet fact.

Become a Sugar Sleuth

Another way sugar tries to go undercover and sabotage your dental and overall health is by adopting numerous aliases. Here are some of the many disguises sugar wears:

• Dextrose
• Fructose
• Glucose
• High fructose corn syrup
• Maltodextrin
• Molasses
• Rice syrup
• Sorbitol
• Sucrose

Read Labels

One of the best ways to avoid extra sugar in your diet is by being a scrupulous label reader at the supermarket. By taking a few extra minutes to read labels before products head into your cart, you can avoid consuming too much of the sweet stuff. Knowing the various names for sugar so you can avoid products containing those ingredients can go a long way toward keeping your teeth healthy.

Maintain Optimal Oral Hygiene

Keeping your pearly whites gleaming clean also involves brushing your teeth at least twice a day, flossing each day and scheduling checkups every six months. In addition to cleaning your teeth, we may recommend fluoride treatments as another way to fortify them against decay.

Giving in to an occasional sweet craving is okay. Just be sure that sugar doesn’t become a permanent pantry fixture.

5 Remedies for Your Toothache

Don’t pick or poke at your jaw or gumline when you have a toothache–you could do more harm than good.

We’ve all been there—whether it comes on in an instant or slowly creeps up on us, a toothache is no fun to deal with. Typically caused by decay, receding gums or even a broken or loose filling, it’s important that the root cause of your toothache is addressed—making a visit to our practice a priority.

However, if you’re out of town or have an obligation that won’t allow you to visit us right away, check out these home remedies for toothaches to tide you over.

1. Try a cold compress. When a toothache is caused by swollen gums or an injury, holding a cold compress against your cheek may offer relief as it constricts blood vessels near the affected area.

2. Sip on peppermint tea. Did you know that peppermint tea has natural numbing properties? This makes it a great natural remedy for a toothache.

3. Rinse your mouth with salt water. Dissolving one teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and rinsing your mouth can help reduce swelling and dislodge debris between teeth or cavities.

4. Consider over the counter pain medication. Ask your pharmacist for advice on which type will help most.

5. Use an antibacterial mouthwash. If your toothache is caused by an infection, rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash can aid in the defense against germs. Check the label of your mouthwash to see if it has antibacterial properties.

Remember, if pain is persistent, give us a call to schedule an appointment. We look forward to helping you feel better!

Are Dental Implants Right for You?

Want to feel better about your smile? Dental implants are custom to your specific needs.

If you’ve experienced tooth loss, decay or disease that has left your smile less glamorous than it once was, you’re probably wondering what you can do about it. And while everyone’s smile is unique in its own right, dental implants often make incredible improvements that go beyond looks.

Whether you’re missing one tooth or several, here are a few reasons to consider dental implants.

1. Implants can help prevent bone loss. The root of your tooth helps to keep your jawbone strong. When implants are placed, so is a deeply rooted anchor that acts as a replacement root.

2. Dental implants won’t move around. Unlike dentures, which can shift or slide around in the mouth if not properly secured, implants are securely placed into your jawbone.

3. They’ll help you chew better. When you have one or several missing teeth, it can be hard to chew your food properly. With implants, your smile can be restored allowing you to eat (and speak) better.

4. They improve appearance and restore confidence. It’s hard to feel good about your smile when you’re missing or have severely cracked, dead teeth. Implants can give you a reason to smile again.

5. They’re durable. Implants are crafted from a variety of materials, most of which are just as strong as your real teeth. As technology continues to improve, so do dental implants.

Schedule Your Visit

Think dental implants may be in your future? Contact our practice to book a consultation and determine which type of implant is best for your specific needs.

New Year Resolutions for a Healthier Smile

Consider making a family-wide resolution to take better care of your teeth in 2018.

We all want to start 2018 off right—for some, that might mean vowing to eat healthier, exercising more than you have in the past or making quality family time a top priority. Whatever your resolutions are for the New Year, we hope you don’t forget about something very important—your oral health!

Here are a few tips to make 2018 the healthiest year yet for your smile.

1. Improve your oral health habits. Make brushing twice each day and flossing once each day a part of your normal routine.

2. Straighten your teeth. If you’ve always wanted straighter teeth, what are you waiting for? With options including metal braces or clear aligners, there’s a solution for every smile in 2018.

3. Brighten your smile. With the proper products, your teeth can beam in the New Year. Consider over the counter whitening rinses and toothpastes or visit our practice for an effective, quicker in-chair solution.

4. Quit smoking. Regular cigarette use can wreak havoc on your smile—and your overall health. Take steps this year to put smoking behind you. Start small and track your progress one day at a time.

5. Visit our practice regularly. We can help you maintain a beautiful smile and ensure it stays healthy for a lifetime. The New Year is a great time to schedule your next dental checkup!

Do you have other ideas for keeping your smile healthy in the New Year? Comment below to share your resolutions.

How to Keep Teenage Teeth Healthy

If your teen wears braces, practicing proper oral health habits is more important than ever as food debris can easily be caught between the teeth and wires.

From studying and playing sports to getting together with friends and working, teens today seem to be busier than ever. One activity that should always fit into their packed schedule is maintaining excellent oral hygiene.

Here are some essential tips to share with your teen about keeping their teeth in tip-top condition.

Choose smile-supporting foods. It’s no surprise that sticky, starchy and sugary foods are detrimental to one’s smile. Foods to avoid include gummy treats, dried fruit, chips and other foods that superglue themselves to the tooth’s surface. Instead, crunchy fruits and vegetables such as carrots, celery and apples can help to naturally brush away cavity-causing bacteria.

Skip the sports drinks. While they can rehydrate you after practice or a game, sports drinks are often loaded with sugar that can cause tooth decay. Instead, stick to plain water. Your teeth will thank you.

Show up for those checkups. We get it that visiting the dentist isn’t high on a teen’s to-do list but seeing us twice a year can help you to maintain a healthy, beautiful smile. We’ll also check to see if you may need to have your wisdom teeth removed, or if you could benefit from orthodontics.

Practice scrupulous brushing and flossing. You know the drill – brush your teeth at least twice a day (for two minutes at a time) and floss once daily to keep your mouth free from decay. These simple habits can go a long way toward[s] ensuring you have a confident smile.

How to Order a Tooth-Friendly Coffee

Can’t stay away from your coffee fix? Order smaller drinks to combat sugar intake.

“I’ll have a large Vanilla Bean Frappuccino with soy milk and extra whipped cream.”

Sound familiar? While a tasty caffeinated treat can work wonders as a morning or afternoon pick-me-up, many of our favourite coffee shop orders are packed full of sugar—something your teeth aren’t too happy about.

If visiting a local coffee shop is a part of your daily routine, consider the following tips for making your go-to beverage more tooth-friendly.

Tip #1: Go Small

Unless you’re drinking your coffee black, it’s typical that the larger the drink, the more sugar you’re consuming. A great way to cut back on the amount of sugar in your drink is to order a smaller cup. This way, you’re still treating yourself—but in moderation.

Tip # 2: Less is More

Many flavoured coffee drinks get their high sugar content from the 1, 2, 3 or 10 pumps of syrup added to the drink. On average, just one pump of this flavoured syrup equates to five grams of sugar. The less syrup in your drink, the less sugar you’ll be consuming. Asking your barista to cut the number of pumps in half is a great way to minimise your sugar intake.

Tip #3: Say “No” To Toppings

Many coffee drinks are packed full of more than just coffee—including whipped cream, caramel or chocolate drizzle and sprinkles. Cutting even just one of these “extras” from your drink means less sugar on your teeth.

Even if you cut sugar from your coffee, the dark drink can still leave unwanted stains on your teeth. If you’re able, swap out coffee for tea instead.

Do you have your own tips for cutting back on sugar in your coffee? Share them with others by commenting below.

5 Tips to Keep Your Pearly Whites Holiday Healthy

Consider a new toothbrush for your little one’s stocking this holiday season.

With holiday buffet tables brimming with pies, desserts and other decadent delectables, one’s waistline isn’t the only thing to keep in check. Your teeth can be susceptible to decay as seasonal treats can sour one’s smile.

Here are five easy tips to remember to ensure your teeth are fortified against a not-so-sweet onslaught:

1. Make H2O your beverage of choice. Not only can choosing water reduce caloric consumption but it can help to wash away decay-causing plaque. Saying no to sugary cocktails also can help to protect your teeth.
2. Snack smart. Consider eating like Santa’s reindeer. Baby carrots not only provide a satisfying crunch but they can help keep your teeth clean. Apples and celery are also excellent choices.
3. Maintain good oral hygiene. Ensure that you don’t take a holiday from everyday brushing and flossing. Brushing your teeth at least twice a day (for two minutes at a time) and flossing once a day are smile-friendly habits that you will want to engage in year-round.
4. Choose calcium-rich foods. Cheese, almonds, greens such as kale, okra and spinach are all good sources of calcium. Consider eating more of these during holiday get-togethers and less of sticky foods such as dried fruit and hard treats.
5. Remember to keep your dental appointment. Though shopping and entertaining may be high on your holiday to-do list, don’t forego an essential must-do — visiting us for a checkup. We can recommend enamel-strengthening toothpaste that can help to fortify your teeth.

Schedule an appointment today.

Keep Your Teeth Tough As You Age

It’s important to continue visiting our practice for regular appointments into your golden years.

Adding years to your life doesn’t have to mean subtracting teeth from your smile. Celebrate those extra candles on your birthday cake by ensuring that your teeth stay senior strong. Here are some easy yet effective ways to keep your teeth healthy for a lifetime.

Ensure you get enough calcium. Because calcium can decrease bone loss, it’s a good idea to consume adequate amounts. Milk, cheese, broccoli and almonds are all excellent sources. You also may choose to take supplements.

Maintain good oral hygiene habits. Brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing once a day are essential habits that can go a long way to ensuring you keep your teeth healthy and strong.

Don’t skip your dental visits. Make sure you keep up with regular dental checkups as we can identify any problems such as decay, gum disease or oral cancer. By taking a preventative approach to your oral health, you can avoid bigger and costlier problems down the road.

Kick the habit. If you smoke, there’s no better time than now to quit. Not only is smoking detrimental to your overall health, but it also can result in gum disease and tooth loss. According to some studies, smokers are twice as likely to lose their teeth as non-smokers.

Avoid tough-on-teeth foods and beverages. Sticky foods such as dried fruit can cause damaging decay because they linger on your teeth longer. Likewise, starchy foods such as bread and chips can get stuck between teeth, resulting in cavity-producing bacteria. Coffee, tea, sports drinks and alcohol can contribute to a dry mouth, which also may lead to cavities.

If you do have missing teeth, your dentist can discuss replacement options such as dentures and implants. Contact our practice today to schedule your next appointment.

What’s the Deal With Baby Teeth?

A child’s gums should be cleaned regularly even before their baby teeth erupt.

Have you ever wondered why we have two sets of teeth in our lifetime? Though we don’t keep our baby teeth for long, they do serve an important purpose during the first few years of our lives.

Check out these five facts about your first set of teeth!

1. Baby teeth are also known as primary teeth. Between the ages of six months and one year, the first few teeth should begin to make an appearance. A full set of primary teeth consists of 20 teeth.

2. Primary teeth are just as important as adult teeth. Primary teeth act as placeholders for future adult teeth. If a primary tooth falls out too early, it can cause the adult tooth to grow crooked or without enough space to fit properly.

3. They are important for your baby’s development. Without primary teeth, it would be difficult for children to chew, speak and even smile!

4. Noticing a lot of drool? Have you ever been around a baby when they’re teething and noticed their shirt is covered in drool? Excess saliva production during the teething process actually helps to minimise gum inflammation by providing extra moisture.

5. Baby teeth need to be cared for just as adult teeth do. In fact, we suggest bringing children in for their first appointment as soon as their first tooth emerges, or no later than their first birthday.

Is it time to schedule a checkup for your family? Contact our practice today to make your next appointment.

Teeth-Friendly Snacks for Your Child’s Lunch

Involve your child in packing their lunch so they can learn about the importance of making healthy choices.

A nutritious meal at lunchtime isn’t just important to give your child an energy boost to finish out their school day—it can make a big difference in their overall and oral health.

If you’re concerned about expenses, packing a healthy lunch doesn’t have to be costly. Here are a few ideas to help fill your child’s lunchbox with tooth-friendly snacks that won’t break the bank.

Picking the Right Snacks

Choose bacteria fighters. Crunchy vegetables like celery, apples or carrots require more chewing which produces increased saliva to attack bacteria in your child’s mouth.

Sneak in Vitamin C. Proper Vitamin C intake is important for a healthy immune system and our overall health, but it also plays a part in keeping gums healthy. Opt for an orange or red pepper.

Say no to juice. Instead of packing a juice box in your child’s lunch, consider a small water bottle or milk. Water is great for rinsing away debris as well as keeping your child hydrated, while milk is packed full of calcium which is essential for healthy bones. Bonus tip—cheese is another great way to get calcium into your child’s lunch—chop a block into cubes for fun, bite-sized snacks.

If your child purchases their lunch at school, talk with them about making healthy choices for their teeth and overall wellness, and don’t forget to schedule their next appointment with us!