February 18th, 2016
Too much sugar can be bad news for your health. When left on your teeth, sugar gives bacteria the food it needs to thrive and create cavities. Further, high sugar has been linked to obesity, diabetes and poor heart health. And while the average American consumes 22 grams of sugar a day (that’s twice the recommended amount), it’s surprisingly not hard to take a few simple steps to dramatically reduce your intake. Here are 5 things you can do today to reduce the amount of sugar you consume:
1. Read food labels.
A lot of times, we don’t realize how much sugar that we are consuming because we simply aren’t aware of the sugar content of the foods we consume. Being aware of sugar content will help you make better decisions about what foods you eat.
2. Eat fresh fruit…Instead of canned.
Many times fruit that has been processed and preserved has also had sugar added. If you do eat canned fruit, be sure that it’s been packed in 100% fruit juice instead of those labeled “light syrup” which refers more to the thickness of the syrup used and not its sugar content.
3. Drink water, not soda.
A 12 oz. can of soda often contains over 39g of sugar! You can kick the soda habit and dramatically reduce your sugar intake by simply choosing water instead.
4. Pack your lunch and avoid fast food.
Surprisingly, nearly every item on most fast food menus has added sugar, even hamburgers! You can keep track of exactly how much sugar you are getting and avoid hidden sugars by packing your own lunch.
5. Try Xylitol.
A recent interest in more natural sugar substitutes has resulted in more people consuming products that aren’t just better for you, they can actually promote good health. Xylitol, for example, has actually been shown to reduce cavities.
February 4th, 2016
Like us, we’re sure you LOVE chocolate. Plus, it’s almost a required gift for holidays like Valentine’s Day. And while candy generally doesn’t mix well with keeping teeth healthy, dark chocolate (the kind with at least 70% cocoa) can actually be a cavity fighter. That’s obviously fantastic news for chocolate lovers.
Of course, it’s always important to brush for at least two minutes, twice a day and to floss daily. But you don’t need to worry about wrecking your teeth by indulging in chocolate from time to time. Here are a few reasons why chocolate is a great candy choice.
Chocolate contains polyphenols.
Polyphenols are a class of naturally occurring chemicals that can limit oral bacteria. They are also able to neutralize the microorganisms that cause bad breath and prevent bacteria from turning sugar and starches into acid. Polyphenols have great promise for their apparent anticancer and anti-inflammatory effects as well as their ability to reduce hypertension and stroke.
Chocolate is high in antioxidants.
Antioxidants are a group of molecules that keep your body healthy on a cellular level and chocolate contains a lot of them. In fact, dark chocolate can contain up to four times the level found in green tea. High amounts of antioxidants in saliva have been shown to fight periodontal disease.
Tannins are abundant in chocolate.
Tannins are plant compounds that are found in many of the foods we eat. They’re also what give dark chocolate its slightly bitter taste and dark color. Tannins have been shown to help stop bacteria from sticking to teeth because their molecules bind to bacteria before plaque has time to form.
A flavonoid compound called epicatechin is found in high quantities in chocolate.
Flavonoids are a group of plant-based antioxidants that have been shown to slow tooth decay. A recent study by researchers at the University of California showed that a particular flavonoid calledepicatechin displays a remarkable ability to reduce cholesterol, blood clots and clogged arteries.
Again, chocolate should be at least 70% cocoa for most of these benefits to your teeth and body. However, almost any food can be eaten in moderation, as long as you remember to keep brushing regularly.
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January 21st, 2016
While most parents understand the benefits of having a pediatrician for their child instead of simply a general doctor, it’s not often clean why a pediatric dentist is just as necessary and preferable over a general dentist. Choosing a pediatric dentist will ensure that the development is going as it should, along with establishing good dental habits that will last a lifetime.
What sets us apart?
Pediatric Dentists only treat children and have 2 additional years of specialized education to earn our title. From kid-friendly office designs to our unique communication style, our area of expertise offers the best care for your child.
Our goal as a pediatric dental office is to help all children feel good about visiting the dentist and teach them how to care for their teeth. We’ll even set up a “friendly visit” to help alleviate any fears your child may have. Pleasant visits to the dental office establish trust and confidence in your child that will set a precedent for dental visits later on.
Pediatric dentists also have special training in helping children with special needs. We encourage you to reach out to us about your child's unique situation.
What about teens?
Adolescents require special attention too. In addition to orthodontic needs that are best addressed in the teen years, decaying or poorly situated teeth can make them more self-conscious. As teens take on more responsibility for their own diet, and as they adjust to busy schedules we often see a tendency to eat more unhealthy snack foods that can become a major part of their diet. We provide a positive approach to restoring and guiding teeth, and teaching preventive dental health care throughout the teenage years.
Our ultimate goal is to make our dental practice a comfortable and inviting place. We hope you’ll let us show you how we accomplish that!
January 7th, 2016
Flossing removes plaque between the teeth and gum-line where a toothbrush can’t reach. In fact some sources indicate that brushing alone only reaches 35% of your tooth surfaces. Unfortunately, it’s also one of the most overlooked practices in caring for our teeth. You should floss your child’s teeth daily until he or she can do it alone, usually at least until children can tie their own shoes.
Getting children in the habit of daily flossing can yield a lifetime of benefits.
Here are five flossing tips to encourage your child (and you!) to start a regular flossing routine:
- Children tend to get better results by using flat, wide dental tape because of the larger spaces between their teeth, however you should choose floss based on what works for you and your child.
- Flossing should begin when any two teeth touch.
- Use around 15-18 inches of floss, wrapped around your index fingers and held tightly but gently. Children who find it difficult to use this method often benefit from using a flosser designed just for small hands
- Be gentle and avoid snapping floss between teeth because it can damage sensitive gum tissue.
- Floss both sides of the tooth, even when another tooth is missing on one side.
Want to learn more about how to floss? Visit the mouthhealthy.org website for great tips on flossing or ask us to show you and your child how to properly floss on your next visit!
