An Apple A Day May Not Keep The Dentist Away!

Do you know the saying "An apple a day will keep the doctor away"?

However, your dentist may disagree! It's been revealed that apples are bad for your teeth, just like sweets and sugary drinks.

Truthfully, apples are a healthy choice when it comes to nutrients for your body. However, when it comes to your teeth, the amount of acid in an apple can give carbonated beverages a run for their money.

So, why are apples unhealthy for your teeth? According to a study, cross-breeding apples to come up with newer, more delicious apples has led to a raised sugar content of 50%. The average apple contains roughly 4 teaspoons of sugar. So, between the high sugar content and the natural acid in apples, your teeth are getting a double dose of enamel erosion which can lead to tooth decay.

Maintaining a healthy mouth is very important. It's recommended you see your dentist every 6 months for regular check-ups and cleanings.

Disinfect Your Toothbrush Regularly and Change it Every 3 Months!

 Can you imagine germs on your toothbrush? Gross, right?

There is a common misconception that toothbrush bacteria is harmless. Afterall, you are the only one who uses it, right?  Well, consider this: The bristles on the toothbrush are tall and there are many areas for bacteria to hide. The toothpaste does not clean or disinfect the brush. Soaking it in mouthwash from time to time can be helpful, and a good rinsing every time you brush is a good practice.  Still, the ADA recommends that you replace your toothbrush every 3 months to prevent the spread of infection and after a viral or bacterial illness. 

Sounds like a good idea to me.  

Keep Smiling! 

Healthy Teeth - Fact Or Fiction?

Sweets rot your teeth?

• Fiction - It's actually a byproduct of the bacteria in your mouth that creates the pores in your tooth structure that we call "cavities".  Starchy foods attract those acid-producing bacteria just like sweets do.

We've all read about what the bacteria that fly around our bathrooms...keeping my toothbrush covered or in a case keeping it cleaner?

• Fiction - Covering your toothbrush or storing it in a closed container actually creates a better environment for those microorganisms to flourish than the open bathroom air.

Discolored teeth can be just as healthy as pearly whites?

• Fact - Discolored teeth are not necessarily unhealthy. Sometimes when the enamel becomes thinner with age, the darker layer shows through.

It's normal for your gums to bleed from time to time?

• Fiction - Bleeding is not OK. Bleeding is a sign of infection, and if the infection is not treated infection can become worse.

If it does not hurt, there's probably nothing wrong?

• Fiction - Most infections of the mouth and teeth (gum disease and tooth decay) don't hurt. By the time something starts hurting, the treatment can often be much more expensive and treatment can be more extensive.

Flossing is as important as brushing?

• Fact - Flossing is just as important as brushing. Flossing helps remove plaque and food from between the teeth and under the gums.

Kids don't need to go to the dentist until they have teeth?

• Fiction - The ADA recommends babies see the dentist with the eruption of the first tooth by the age of 1.

Truth: Bad Teeth Can Affect Your Personal Life and Your Professional Life.

 The struggle is real.  The pain is real, both physically and emotionally.

It’s a stigma that no one wants to bear…a crooked smile, broken or missing teeth, visible decay, and it can lead to poverty and discrimination.  People (including potential employers) will judge a person by how they look.  It happens, and it’s unfortunate.
A mind-blowing fact is that a potential employer may look past things such as excessive tattoos, piercings or even rainbow colored hair when it comes to hiring, but will pass over a person with broken or missing teeth.  The reason for this is clearly due to a lack of self-confidence and self-esteem in the interviewee.  People who have bad teeth will typically try to hide them by covering their mouth, not making eye contact or not smiling, lending to the perception of low self-worth.
In social situations, friends or acquaintances may be reluctant to include or introduce someone due to embarrassment.  Adding to their misery is the fact that dentistry is expensive and although there are financing options available almost everywhere, those without a job cannot usually qualify. Medicaid programs are of little help.  Most pay little to nothing for adult dental care, and nothing for restorative treatment.  All of this combined creates a vicious cycle of personal struggle and can actually lead to poverty.
It is a sad fact that many people living in poverty consider dentistry a luxury that is reserved for the rich.
The emphasis that is placed on physical appearance nowadays is unbelievable.  But then they say first impressions are everything.  It appears they really are.

If you feel that your dental problems are hindering your success, please know that help is available.  There are resources in every state.  Find an advocate who can help you to locate a provider that fits your specific needs.  Also, charitable dentistry does exist if you are in need.  Never lose hope!

Best Way To Pull Loose Baby Teeth

Do you remember the excitement of having a tooth pulled as a child? Maybe you were excited because the tooth fairy was going to come or you could stick your straw through the hole when you drink.

When a child starts losing their baby teeth, it's a sign they are growing up. There are many unique ways to pull baby teeth, such as; string tied to a doorknob, string tied to a remote-controlled car, and string tied to a bullet of a Nerf gun.

Although these ways are fun, it's advised not to pull your child's teeth with these types of props. 

According to the Chicago Dental Society, you should the proper steps below.

• Numb the tooth -  Use a topical anesthetic such as Orajel to numb the area. 
• Be careful with tools - Avoid using props. Instead, use a small piece of gauze and your fingers to pull the tooth.
• Use a distraction - Talk to the child about their day. Another good distraction is counting. Count to "three" and pull on "two" so the tooth is out before they even know it.

Once you have removed the tooth, have your child gargle with warm salt water to help stop the bleeding. When it's time to brush their teeth tell them to brush that area softly to avoid irritating it. 

Milk...A Tooth-Protecting Superfood!

If you are an avid milk drinker like me, then this is a blog you definitely want to read. I go through 2 gallons of milk a week, and I mean I GO through it. I personally drink at least 2 gallons of milk a week. What can I say, I love milk! So I had to ask to the question, is it good for your teeth? Well, great news my fellow milk drinkers! IT IS!

It has been proven that dairy products such as milk and cheese actually reduce tooth decay. Milk contains proteins called caseins, which will join together with the calcium and phosphorus to create a protective later on the surface of your teeth. (aka enamel). This helps prevent tooth decay by reducing the bacterial acids. Furthermore, the calcium and phosphorus also help strengthen and even repair the enamel on your teeth.

So, drink up my fellow milkaholics. It will help keep our smiles bright!

Oh yeah, on a side note: The ADA has recommended not to have milk and cookies because as we all know the sugary items such as cookies are bad for your teeth. However... there is still hope for us on that too. It is recommended that you have the cookies, THEN the milk. That will eliminate the sugar acids that cause plaque on your teeth.

As great as that sounds, milk and cookies always sound better than cookies then milk or milk after cookies, and we all it know it tastes better too!