March is Nutrition Awareness Month
This month we’re here to hit the topic of nutrition in light of the fact that March is the national nutrition awareness campaign. Nutrition is tightly bound to dental health in all of us, regardless of age. Nevertheless, in our children, the cyclical nature of nutrition and dental hygiene is perhaps of even higher importance on the grounds that the habits they form now and tastes that they develop now will have a lasting impact on their entire lives. It’s no secret that sugary sweets and sodas are terrible for our bodies, because they serve no nutritional value for our bodies. Moreover, they are horrible assailants on the enamel of our teeth. The enamel, which is the stronger than bone surface of our teeth, is unfortunately vulnerable to the very substance that we love to consume. Vitamin A, casein, calcium, and phosphorous are all nutrients that work to maintain, strengthen, and protect tooth enamel, while vitamin D works to help your body absorb calcium. Folic acid is another goodie that is essential for healthy gums. Here’s a quick list of foods that contain a few or all these nutrients: celery, carrots, spinach, kale, broccoli, eggs, milk, yogurt, cashews, almonds, peanuts, apples, and pears.
Spring Cleanings….
Spring is just around the corner! If you or a family member are due (or overdue) for a cleaning, give our office to schedule an appointment. It is important to maintain regular hygiene care to keep that beautiful smile! So, spring into action and call our office today! Appointments are available the week of Spring Break (April 21st week for most schools)!
Coffee, Tea or…Cavities?
Do you ever pour yourself a cup of coffee or tea, add some sugar and then take a sip every few minutes during the morning? This is more damaging to your teeth than if you ate a slice of chocolate cake in five minutes. Every sip reintroduces sugar into your mouth and creates a breeding ground for bacteria and decay. Not to mention these drinks can cause staining on your teeth. Our recommendation? Take your drink without sugar, or drink it as quickly as possible!
Are Your Teeth Shifting?
Have you noticed food getting stuck in new places in your mouth? Have you noticed a tooth that was overlapping very slightly all your life all of a sudden overlapping even more? You are not imagining things! As we age our teeth shift. As they shift, all sorts of new problems and issues can pop up. Luckily, moving those teeth back to where they belong can be an easy solution with Invisalign. Invisalign is a series of clear aligners that will move your teeth back into alignment. Not only will this be aesthetically pleasing, it improves your gum health! We are an Invisalign provider, so call us if you are interested in a complimentary consultation, or we can talk about it at your next hygiene visit.
Dental Fun Fact
Teeth are actually part of the digestive system. This is because they chew food into smaller pieces so we can digest it.