Avoid Tooth Decay After Halloween!

Halloween is over... but that doesn't mean you shouldn't keep an eye on how much of those yummy sugary treats your child consumes!  Eating too much candy may lead to tooth decay.

If you follow these simple steps it will help ease your mind, instead of worrying about your child's teeth.

• Do moderate portions, don't let them have free access to the candy bucket.
• Make sure your child brushes their teeth properly 2-3 times a day.
• Have your child use a fluoride mouthwash.
• Help your child floss their teeth.
• Try to avoid sticky candy (caramel, taffy)
• Give your kids sugar-free gum to chew

Hope you all had a great Halloween!

Are kids Drinking Too Much Sugar?

Here is a startling fact...in 2018 almost two-thirds of sugary drinks purchased were accounted as children drinks!

Children who drink sugary drinks such as soda, juice, and flavored waters may develop obesity, cavities, tooth decay, tooth loss, and other health risks.

Yes, I mentioned flavored water. The majority of people think they are doing a great job by having their child drink "water" but unfortunately, those added flavors usually contain high fructose corn syrup, cane sugar or agave syrup.  The best way to flavor water is by using natural fresh fruits!

According to WebMD it is recommended that children should consume less than 6 tablespoons of sugar (25 grams) daily. Just to put that into perspective, one 12-oz can of soda contain 39 grams of sugar.

Below are some healthy alternative drinks for your child:

1. Regular water
2. Natural fresh fruit infused water
3. Coconut water
4.  Smoothies -
1. Kale and pineapple
2. Spinach and blueberries
3. Peach and cauliflower
4. Strawberries and beets 
1. Blended with un-sweetened non-dairy or dairy milk
2. It can include add-ins like: hemp seeds, cocoa powder, unsweetened coconut, avocados, etc.
5. Unsweetened milk
6. Unsweetened plant-based milk (coconut, hemp, almond, soy, etc.)
7. Herbal teas

Cold And Flu Remedies Could Effect Your Teeth

Sneezing - check
Coughing - check
Sore Throat - check
Headache - check
Exhausted - check
Feel like crap - check

Yup, you caught a dreaded cold.

There are tones of remedies that you can try to help relieve your symptoms but did you ever think that they may be causing damage to your teeth?

Decongestants:
These help battle runny noses by drying things out, but it can ultimately leave things to dry, like saliva flow. Reduced saliva flow can cause bacterial growth in the mouth, which can cause problems like gum disease and tooth decay...Gross

Cough drops and throat lozenges:
Sugar is the common ingredient in these products, and we all know sugar can lead to tooth decay. So this means, holding it in your mouth for extended periods can cause damage. Try using sugar-free cough drops and lozenges next time.

Cough Syrup:
Cough syrup is sticky and can leave a film on the teeth which can lead to tooth decay. Also, cough syrup contains alcohol which can decrease saliva flow. This makes it hard to wash away the film stuck to your teeth.

Hot Tea:
Yes, drinking hot tea is great to help cure a cold but it still has tooth eroding ingredients.  It is best to drink hot tea through a straw, this minimizes the contact with the teeth.

Orange juice:
Orange juice is rich in Vitamin C, which helps boost your immune system but the acidity can soften tooth enamel.

Even though protecting your teeth is the last thing on your mind when your sick, it will help prevent further damage in the future!


Information found here.

Vitamin D = Better Oral Health!

We all know Vitamin D is essential for healthy life but did you know that Vitamin D is also good for oral health?

Not only does Vitamin D help prevent tooth decay, it can also help prevent gingivitis and cavities. Even though you may brush and floss your teeth daily, tooth decay can sill occur if you have low Vitamin D levels.

If you are experiencing tooth decay even with using proper dental care practices, you may want to take the needed steps to increase your Vitamin D levels:

• Spend 10 minutes in the sun each day without sunblock.
• Eat foods high in Vitamin D (Fish).
• Drink 2 glasses of milk each day.
• Take a Vitamin D supplement.

Following these steps might lead you to a healthier smile!

*To find out if you have low Vitamin D levels, visit your primary care physician for a simple blood test* 

Article found here!

Is Sparking Water Putting You At Risk For Tooth Decay?

There is something about flavored fizzy water that makes you fell refreshed and energized all day but can it be damaging your teeth?

According to Mouth Healthy (brought to you by the American Dental Association also known as the ADA) sparkling water is generally fine for your teeth. Research showed that two forms of water (sparkling and plain) had the same effects on the teeth even though sparkling water is slightly more acidic.

Below are some tips on how to enjoy sparkling water without damaging your teeth:

• If your in the mood for something fizzy, grab a sparkling water. This is far better for your teeth than a energy drink or a soda.  
• Pay attention to whats in your sparkling water, added flavors such as citrus, have a higher than normal acidic level which can cause damage to your enamel. 
• Sparking water brand that have added sugar can no longer be considered sparkling water because they can contribute to cavities. 

It doesn't matter how many sparkling waters you drink in a day its still important to drink regular water!

A Little Honey A Day May Stop Tooth Decay!

Manuka Honey, Have you ever heard of it? Good, me either!

Honey is sweet and comforting and many people don't even know about all the healing abilities honey has to offer. Honey offers incredible antiseptic, antioxidants and cleansing properties for our body and health.

Manuka Honey is made by bees that feed off of the Manuka bush in New Zealand. This type of honey not only fights infections and helps with tissue healing but it helps reduce the amount of inflammation and scarring. As a side note this honey helps with diarrhea, stomach ulcers and many other problems.

Here are some interesting facts about Manuka Honey:

• Manuka Honey which has  potent antibacterial qualities, that works just as well as mouth wash.

• Most honey consumed in the US is processed and will not have the same healing properties found in raw Manuka Honey.

• Manuka Honey is also known as "Medihoney"

If you would like to learn more about Manuka Honey click here!

Antacids Weakening Your Teeth?

We all have taken antacids such as Tums, Alka-Seltzer or Prilosec at some point in our lives to quickly relieve heartburn, indigestion or an upset stomach.

Although antacids neutralize the acid in our stomach it can cause major damage to your smile.

Below are some ways antacids have effects on the teeth:

Weakening the teeth: Antacids can inhibit the absorption of calcium and protein which are the vital components for having strong teeth and a strong jaw.

Tooth Decay and Gum Disease:

• Antacids can cause dry mouth - Without normal saliva production its hard to wash food debris from the teeth and neutralize acid produced plaque. Leaving your more susceptible to tooth decay.
• Antacids are full of sugar - Chewable antacids can get stuck in between the teeth witch can cause cavities.

If you have to take an antacid please follow these recommendations so you can avoid negative effects on your smile in the long run:

• Use "sugar free" antacids
• Rinse mouth with water after taking chewable antacids and brush your teeth after 30 minutes. 
• Baking soda can help clean your teeth and neutralize stomach acid. 

Remember to stick to a proper oral health routine and visit your dentist on a regular basis!  

Is Apple Cider Vinegar Good For Your Teeth?

I was writing an article about the disadvantages of Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) for our February newsletter and I learned that although ACV has many health advantages it can lead to many long-term problems if its not used properly. One of the major problems was the effect on your teeth.

ACV is acidic just like soda and juice so when undiluted ACV comes in contact with your teeth it wears down the tooth enamel causing cavities and can even cause burns on the inside of the mouth. Consuming ACV already leaves the mouth in a dangerous position but using ACV as a mouthwash is even worse.

*Fun fact: ACV acidity is just under stomach and battery acid acidity!

If consuming ACV, be responsible by limiting your intake to only 2 TBS per day and remember to always dilute it into a solution of 1 Part ACV to 5-10 Parts water.