Tackling Your Dental Treatment Plan

Tackling Your Dental Treatment Plan

About Me

Tackling Your Dental Treatment Plan

Hi! My name is Addy Reed. I’m 57 years old and have been neglectful about going to the dentist. Last month was my first dentist visit in six years. I had always been diligent about twice a year cleanings and checkups, but time got away from me until one of my crowns came out. As we age, the dental work from years past tends to do that. When you neglect to visit the dentist on a regular basis, the list of things that need to be done may grow; at least this was my experience. I left the dentist office with an extensive list of things I needed to have done. The office staff was very kind. They are working with me to set up a plan. I’m going to share some ideas on how to tackle a dental treatment plan, keeping it affordable and not too overwhelming.

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Foods: Those That Benefit Oral Health And Those You Should Avoid

20 January 2016
 Categories: Dentist, Blog

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Most people know that what they eat can either help or hurt their bodies, but what about their teeth? Can people actually eat their way to a brighter, whiter smile? Foods alone may not transform your smile, but they can work well in conjunction with regular brushing and flossing.

Here are some foods that can help protect your oral health, and others that can harm it:

Foods for a Bright Smile

Dairy

Are you a cheese lover? You're not alone, and guess what? Your teeth like it, too! In fact, a number of dairy products can help you build strong, healthy teeth. That's because foods like cheese, yogurt, and milk are high in calcium, which is a building-block for strong teeth and bones. Thus, your tooth enamel and jawbones will benefit from your calcium intake. Moreover, the casein in cheese can even help repair weakened tooth enamel. Bring on the fondue!

Fiber

What do spinach, beans and apples have in common? They all contain large amounts of fiber, which works to clean your teeth. Because fibrous foods require ample amounts of chewing, they work like brushes to scrape away bacteria from the teeth, especially when combined with your saliva.

Be Careful of These Culprits

There are some foods that wear away the enamel on your teeth or cause excessive plaque and bacterial build-up.

Citrus

Citrus fruits, including oranges, pineapples, grapefruit and lemons, are so acidic that they can dissolve tooth enamel. Of course these fruits are good for your body, but you should be aware that they can make your teeth weaker and more prone to cavities. If you still want to enjoy these delicious fruits, try combining them with other less acidic foods or drinking their juices with a straw to limit contact with the teeth.

Sweets

It's no surprise that sweets are bad news for your mouth. Sticky, sweet substances can cover your teeth with a thick, sugary coating that invites bacterial growth and plaque development.

It's All About Balance

Now, by no means should you be staving off an entire food group. Yet it is important to know which foods are going to hurt or help your teeth and gums. A good rule of thumb is to eat a varied diet that includes lots of low-sugar fruits and veggies. 

To ensure that your diet is benefiting your teeth, get a full dental assessment to confirm the health of your teeth. Contact a dentist such as Stephen J Vanyo DMD PA to schedule an appointment.