Below is an excerpt from an article found on MouthHealthy.org
Sweet as the holidays may be, sugar-packed treats can wreak havoc on your pearly whites. This season, ring in the festivities with healthy and fun holiday snack options that fill your mouth with joy.
Pita Tree Appetizers
The low-fat sour cream in this recipe is a source of vitamin D, which strengthens bones and teeth.
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Grinch Poppers
Be good for goodness sake to your teeth with these Grinch Poppers. For a healthier and more MouthHealthy alternative, swap the sugary and sticky marshmallow for another piece of banana.
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To read the entire article with all healthy snacks please visit MouthHealthy.org
Below is an excerpt from an article found on MouthHealthy.org
Sweet as the holidays may be, sugar-packed treats can wreak havoc on your pearly whites. This season, ring in the festivities with healthy and fun holiday snack options that fill your mouth with joy.
Black Olive Penguins
These penguins will waddle their way into your heart - especially because they’re filled with cream cheese, which has calcium.
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Cheesy Reindeer
Rich in calcium, cheese is always a MouthHealthy favorite. To get perfectly round eyes and noses, the author of this recipe used a juice box-sized straw to cut round pieces of black olive and a larger straw for the red pepper nose.
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To read the entire article with all healthy snacks please visit MouthHealthy.org
Cori K. Crider, DDS
2444 Packard Road
Ypsilanti, MI 48197
(734) 572-4428
Below is an excerpt from an article found on MouthHealthy.org
Sweet as the holidays may be, sugar-packed treats can wreak havoc on your pearly whites. This season, ring in the festivities with healthy and fun holiday snack options that fill your mouth with joy.
Egg Snowmen
These adorable snowmen - made with hard-boiled eggs, carrots and peppercorns - will melt your heart before melting in your mouth. Eggs are a source of Vitamin D, which is needed to help absorb, carry and deposit calcium in the bone that supports your teeth. Carrots - which are crunchy, firm and full of water - help to scrub your teeth clean like a natural toothbrush.
Get the recipe >>
Spinach Artichoke Frittata Trees
You won’t need to cut down on these trees! Dairy products like milk contain calcium, eggs are a source of Vitamin D and leafy greens like spinach are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals. (Just be sure to floss before flashing a smile beneath the mistletoe!)
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To read the entire article with all healthy snacks please visit MouthHealthy.org
Below is an excerpt from an article found on MouthHealthy.org
You know that what you eat directly impacts your health, and that includes the health of your teeth and gums. But it can work the other way around too. If you have an orthodontic appliance, such as braces, or have had certain dental problems or procedures, the health and comfort of your teeth and gums can directly impact what you eat. Here are some tips for what to eat and how to avoid these common dental issues.
Problems Chewing
Chewing problems may be caused by tooth loss, gum disease, cavities and ill-fitting dentures, so your first step should be a visit to your dentist to help determine the cause of your problem. Meanwhile, eating soft foods (see tips for braces) can you help maintain your nutrients until you can see your dentist.
Problems Swallowing
Swallowing problems can occasionally happen, but if it persists, talk to your doctor since it could be related to something serious. Causes of swallowing issues vary and treatment depends on what is causing the problem.
If you are having trouble swallowing, to prevent choking and aspiration avoid these foods:
- alcoholic beverages
- extremely hot foods and beverages
- caffeine
- spicy foods
- popcorn
Depending on level of swallowing difficulty, the following foods may be included in the diet. These foods are grouped into four different categories:
- Thin liquids that dissolve quickly in the mouth such as frozen yogurt, ice cream, gelatin and broth.
- Nectar-like liquids where liquid coats and drips off a spoon such as nectars, milkshakes, cream soup and vegetable juices.
- Honey-like liquids that flow off a spoon in a ribbon like in yogurt, tomato sauce and honey.
- Spoon-thick liquids that are thickened to pudding consistency such as pudding, custard or hot cereal.
The lists above are partial, please read the entire article at MouthHealthy.org to view the full lists.
Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to say about the role played by your Dental Assistant!
Learn more about how your lifestyle can affect your oral health.
You know good dental
habits can help prevent things like cavities and gingivitis, but you may not
know what conditions like these really look like or how they can affect your
mouth. Use this visual guide to learn more about some of the most common dental
health issues, symptoms to watch for and the potential treatments that are
available. Please
note: This content is for informational purposes only. Only a dentist,
physician or other qualified health care professional can make a diagnosis.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the earliest stage
of gum disease, an infection of the
tissues around your teeth caused by plaque. If you have gingivitis, your gums
may become red, swollen and bleed easily. You may also
experience bad breath. Because gum disease
is usually painless, you may not know you have it.
You are more likely to develop gum disease if you skip brushing and flossing, use tobacco, have crooked teeth
that are hard to keep clean, are pregnant, have diabetes or take certain
medications. When in its early stages, the disease is still reversible and your
gums can be returned to good health with a professional cleaning from your
dentist, along with daily brushing and flossing.
Periodontitis
Periodontitis
is the more advanced form of gum disease, a major cause of
tooth loss in adults. According to the CDC, nearly half of U.S.
adults suffer from it. The disease can be reversed in early stages, but damage
may be permanent the longer it goes untreated. Although you may not be aware of
the gum disease in your mouth, abscesses can develop which
usually painful. Symptoms include bleeding, swollen gums,
persistent bad breath or bad taste, loose
permanent teeth and a change in bite. Your teeth may appear to become longer as
gums and bone recede. There are many treatments available, including deep cleanings known as scaling and
root planing. Talk to your dentist to find out what’s best for you.
Thrush
Thrush is a yeast infection
that looks like white film in your mouth. You’re more likely to get thrush if
you have an illness that affects your immune system. This includes people with
HIV/AIDS or cancer, as well as people
using steroids to manage their asthma. People with untreated or uncontrolled diabetes are also susceptible
because sugar in saliva encourages yeast to grow. Thrush is also common in
people who wear dentures. If you have
symptoms, see your dentist. After a scraping to confirm you have thrush, your
dentist can prescribe medicine to clear it up.
To read the entire article visit MouthHealthy.org.
Below is an excerpt from an article found on MouthHealthy.org
The right smile can leave you laughing, fill you with joy or make you melt with emotion. But, ultimately, the best smile is one that is healthy and strong. Here are some of the “tooth truths” about how tough your teeth really are - and how to keep them that way.
1. Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the body.
The shiny, white enamel that covers your teeth is even stronger than bone. This resilient surface is 96 percent mineral, the highest percentage of any tissue in your body - making it durable and damage-resistant.
2. Your bite is powerful!
Did you know your teeth can exert an average of 200 pounds of pressure when you bite down? That’s probably what tempts us to use our teeth as tools from time to time ñ but as your dentist will remind you, that’s one of the worst habits when it comes to preserving healthy teeth.
To read the entire article visit MouthHealthy.org.
The remainder of the article details the following:
- Teeth can last for hundreds of years
- Strong as they are, teeth can't heal on their own
- Healthy teeth have the power to resist decay, but they need our help
Below is an excerpt from an article found on MouthHealthy.org
Is the satisfying fizz of your favorite sparkling water putting you at risk for tooth decay? Because any drink with carbonation-including sparkling water-has a higher acid level, some reports have questioned whether sipping sparkling water will weaken your tooth enamel (the hard outer shell of your teeth where cavities first form).
So, Is Sparkling Water Affecting My Teeth?
According to available research, sparkling water is generally fine for your teeth-and here's why. In a study using teeth that were removed as a part of treatment and donated for research, researchers tested to see whether sparkling water would attack tooth enamel more aggressively than regular lab water. The result? The two forms of water were about the same in their effects on tooth enamel. This finding suggests that, even though sparkling water is slightly more acidic than ordinary water, it's all just water to your teeth.
Tips for Enjoying Sparkling Water-and Protecting Your Teeth
- Sparkling water is far better for your teeth than sugary drinks. In addition, be sure to drink plenty of regular, fluoridated water, too-it’s the best beverage for your teeth. Water with fluoride naturally helps fight cavities, washes away the leftover food cavity-causing bacteria feast on and keeps your mouth from becoming dry (which can put you at a higher risk of cavities).
- Be mindful of what’s in your sparkling water. Citrus-flavored waters often have higher acid levels that does increase the risk of damage to your enamel. Plan to enjoy these in one sitting or with meals. This way, you aren’t sipping it throughout the day and exposing your teeth over and over again to the slightly higher level of acid it contains.
- Sparkling water brands with added sugar can no longer be considered just sparkling water. They are a sugar-sweetened beverage, which can contribute to your risk of developing cavities. So remember-sparkling or not-plain water is always the best choice.
