Most people are well aware certain foods are bad for teeth, but did you know some are very good for oral health? Listed below are just a few of the foods that could help your teeth and gums stay in tip top condition.
Salmon
Salmon is packed full of vitamin D which helps your body to absorb calcium from other foods, keeping your teeth and bones strong and healthy.
Onions
Onions might give you temporary bad breath, but they also contain sulfur that lowers the amount of decay causing bacteria in your mouth.
Strawberries
Strawberries are high in fiber and vitamins C, ensuring your gums are able to repair themselves and fight infection.
Pineapple
Pineapple is also high in vitamins C as well as an enzyme called Bromelain which helps promote healing. In addition pineapple increases saliva production, helping to wash away excess bacteria and sugars that could cause disease.
Quinoa
This fashionable grain is full of minerals including magnesium, manganese, phosphorus and calcium, all of which help strengthen your teeth.
Sesame Seeds
Sesame seeds contain plenty of calcium, helping to strengthen your teeth.
Shiitake Mushrooms
Shiitake mushrooms not only taste delicious, but also contain something called Lentinan which helps prevent the growth of bacteria in your mouth.
Wasabi
Wasabi is a type of Japanese horseradish that contains particular compounds that inhibit the growth of bacteria in your mouth.
Sea Salt
Sea salt contains numerous different minerals that help strengthen teeth.
Xylitol
Your dentist in Reno may recommend chewing xylitol gum after every meal as this ingredient helps inhibit bacterial growth, reducing the risk of gum disease and cavities.
Stevia
Ordinary sugar promotes bacterial growth, increasing acidity in the mouth. Stevia is a natural sweetener that doesn’t have this effect.
Of course a great diet is only half the story, and needs to be backed up with professional dental care from your dentist in Reno, and great daily dental care at home.
Visit our Shreveport dental office for a dental cleaning.
At one time, metal fillings were the only choice to repair tooth decay. Now, many dentists have switched to composite resin fillings, which match natural-tooth color so they don’t compromise the appearance of your smile. Tooth-colored fillings have gained popularity, and many dentists only offer this option. In recent years, there has been a strong push to eliminate amalgam fillings all together.
Amalgam fillings are made of several metals, with up to a 50 percent composition of mercury. It is widely known that mercury is toxic to the body. Some of the concern about amalgam fillings is the affect mercury has on the body, including:
• Causing damage to the kidneys
• Contributing to infertility
• Impacting the nervous system
• Interfering with the function of the thyroid and pituitary glands
• Posing unknown risk to a fetus
• Weakening the immune system
Because each person is different, you may have no reaction to the amalgam fillings. Over time, though, these restorations may change shape or crack, which can cause them to leak. If the fillings don’t hold up, the area may become susceptible to additional damage or decay.
At your checkup, have the dentist evaluate any old fillings to make sure they are still in good condition. You can also discuss the benefits of replacing amalgams with composite fillings. The newer restorations blend with your natural tooth coloring and require less removal of health tooth structure, which allows for a more conservative repair.
Schedule your appointment at our Shreveport dental office
Many people think all that’s required to maintain good dental health is to floss and brush regularly. Unfortunately certain oral habits can negatively affect teeth, causing substantial damage. Trying to quit or at least curb these habits will help keep your teeth healthy and strong. Habits to avoid include:
Chewing Ice Cubes
Most of us have crunched on an ice cube on a hot summer’s day and thought nothing of it. Teeth are covered in a hard substance called enamel, but continually biting on items such as ice cubes or chewing on pencils and pens can eventually cause tiny fractures in teeth. Over time these fractures will become larger and you might require costly restorative work.
Nail Biting
Nail biting damages your nails and your teeth. You risk chipping or fracturing teeth, especially if they have been bonded or veneered. In addition, every time you put your fingers in your mouth you are transferring bacteria, increasing the risk of illness and infection.
Over Brushing Teeth
Some people think the harder they scrub their teeth the cleaner they will become. In fact you don’t need to brush your teeth particularly hard, and it’s best to choose a soft bristled toothbrush. Ask your family dentist in Shreveport if you’re not quite sure which brush is best.
Clenching and Grinding Teeth
Clenching and grinding is also known as bruxism and can cause teeth to become worn down, chipped and damaged, or may even lead to them becoming loose. The damage caused by bruxism can extend to your face, head and neck, and sufferers will often have headaches. Your general dentist in Shreveport can provide you with a custom-made night guard to prevent your teeth from biting together while you sleep.
Overusing Whitening Products
Most of us want to have a healthy white smile, and tooth whitening is one way to achieve this. Unfortunately some people take this too far and will overuse whitening products, causing tooth sensitivity and damaging tooth enamel. It’s best to book a professional tooth whitening treatment for the brightest and safest results.
We treat patients from Shreveport and the surrounding area
What is a dental bridge?
- Dental bridges make a bridge between two anchor teeth and are meant to fill a space left by a missing tooth. Teeth can be missing due to trauma, decay or some type of natural loss. Dental crowns cap the anchor teeth, giving the bridge stability and giving the replacement tooth the strength to function as a natural tooth.
What is a dental crown?
- Dental crowns are a restorative treatment meant to protect a tooth that has gone bad due to cracking, acute decay, or has received root canal therapy. A crown is crafted to fit in your mouth and to function exactly as your natural tooth would. They work by covering the damaged tooth entirely and can change the shape or alignment of the prior natural tooth.
Isn’t a dental crown the same thing as a dental cap?
- A dental cap and a dental crown are two different terms for the same thing.
What are dental crowns made of?
- Dental crowns can be made of 100% ceramic (porcelain), porcelain-fused-to-metal, or gold or other metal alloy, including zirconia. Metal alloy dental crowns are typically stronger and more suited for back teeth.
Do dental crowns look natural?
- Crowns made from porcelain or ceramic can be very natural looking. Many materials have excellent translucency, and mimic your natural teeth very well.
Is a dental bridge an option for me?
- Are you missing a tooth? Are your adjacent teeth healthy and stable? If so, dental bridge treatment may be right for you.
Are there options available to me other than dental bridges to replace missing teeth?
- The best alternative option to replace a missing tooth is a dental implant. Dental implants can restore one or more teeth by being placed directly into the jawbone, fusing securely over time.
If you’re considering moving forward to replace your missing tooth or teeth, discuss options with your cosmetic dentist. Get the answers you need to determine if dental crowns or dental bridges can help you reach your smile goals.
Schedule your appointment at our Shreveport dental office
Why wait until you have a toothache, bleeding gums, bad breath, or other problems to decide it’s time to start focusing on your oral health? Your mouth and your whole body can benefit from maintaining good oral health. Here is some simple advice that will help you along the path to a healthy smile.
Brushing and flossing
Tooth decay and gum disease are both preventable with proper brushing and flossing. Brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, using a circular motion. It’s best to brush after every meal, but twice a day should be the minimum. Gently floss your teeth daily to remove food particles and bacteria between your teeth.
Eating right
Focusing on eating foods from each food group will aid your oral health in addition to your overall health. Not getting essential nutrients in your diet increases your risk of gum disease, and also makes it more difficult for your body to resist infection. Eat low fat dairy items, lean proteins, vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. Look for foods low in sugar, which can lead to tooth decay. Avoid snacking too much during the day when you aren’t going to brush your teeth afterwards, and drink plenty of water throughout the day.
Seeing your dentist
Visit your dentist at least twice a year for checkups. During these appointments, your dentist will look for problems and professionally clean your teeth. Delays in treatment of some conditions can cause them to worsen to the point that treatment may be more painful, difficult, or costly. Your dentist will help you keep your teeth and gums healthy so that you can keep smiling as long as possible.
We look forward to seeing you in our Shreveport dental office
Excellent dental care protects not only your oral health but also your general health. You may think brushing and flossing are enough to keep you safe from decay and disease, but routine care and examinations by a good general dentist are also an important and necessary part of taking care of your oral and general health.
A general dentist plays a vital role in identifying and treating minor problems before they become major ones. The primary focus of a general dentist is preventative care. Several essential services provided by a general dentist include:
Detecting and treating potential problems early may mean the difference between losing and saving an infected tooth. Caught early, gingivitis or periodontitis can be stopped and treated before becoming more serious problems.
A general dentist can treat your entire family, from the youngest child to the more senior members. It is your general dentist’s responsibility to oversee the diagnosis, treatment and overall coordination of all your dental health needs. Should you require specialized oral care, your general dentist can work with specialty dentists to ensure you receive the best possible care.
To guarantee the longevity of your oral health, look to a qualified general dentist for excellent dental care. A regular schedule of exams and cleanings by your general dentist
If you live in the Shreveport area contact us today
