A HEALTHY NEW YEAR!
As 2015 comes to an end, I hope that you have found the weekly articles informative and thought provoking. I have learned a lot writing them, some of it surprising even for someone with 20+ years of dental experience.
I hope the New Year brings you peace and health! Let’s review some of the topics from this past year…….
1) Brushing helps to prevent decay. If you remove the plaque right after eating, it halts the acid attack. Flossing helps to prevent cavities between the teeth and flouride strengthens the teeth to better resist smooth surface and between teeth decay. Chewing gum increases saliva flow which helps to dilute the acids that attack the teeth and washes away food particles before the bacteria can digest them. Sweets can cause decay but carbohydrates promotes it – especially those that stick to your teeth such as crackers or pretezels.
2) Watch the pH balance in your drinks! The pH scale ranges from 0-14, with 0 being the MOST acidic and 14 being the most basic; a pH of 7 is neutral. When the pH in your mouth becomes acidic (below 5.5), the cavity causing bacteria thrive, producing more acid, causing demineralization and cavities.
3) Xylitol is a natural substance that can be found in a variety of fruits and vegetables. Studies indicate that 4 – 20 grams of xylitol each day, divided into three or more helpings, can reduce tooth decay and cavities by as much as 70%. Some of the most common xylotol-rich foods include berries, mushrooms, corn, and lettuce. A single cup of berries contains a little less than one gram of xylitol. You can also get it as a sugar substitute, in gum and yes, even in candy.
4) Get your annual oral cancer screening. The use of Velscope makes screening pain-free and takes 1 – 2 minutes to complete. Wear sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself and be aware of the risk your lifestyle imposes; smokers and drinkers are 70 – 80% more likely to develop oral cancer.
5) There is no need to suffer from headaches! We have proven results in our office with TMJ/TMD therapy and two of the technicians in our office travel with the team teaching this technology to offices all over the United States.
6) Products! We are proud of the extensive supply of products on hand in our office to help you achieve the best oral health possible.
7) The Mouth-Body connection. The health of your mouth affects your whole body. The working relationship between diabetes and periodontitis may be the strongest of all connections. Inflammation that starts in the mouth seems to weaken the body’s ability to control blood sugar; people with diabetes have trouble processing sugar because of a lack of insulin, the hormone that converts sugar into energy. Remember oral infections can spread to the heart!
8) Schedule regular appointments with your doctor and hygienist! Every six months is the recommendation unless you have periodontal disease in which case you would be seen more frequently.
9) We understand dental phobia is real!! We practice “look, see, do” gentle dentistry in our office. The most important part of overcoming fear is education. It is important to us that you know what is being done and why, and we will take all the time necessary to explain it all to you.
10) CHOCOLATE ACTUALLY HAS A DECAY INHIBITOR!!
We look forward to smiling with you in the New Year!!