Sports can play an important role in a child’s physical and social development. Not only can organized sports keep your child active, but team sports can help him or her build interpersonal skills.
But almost no sport is played without some risk of injury. You always make sure your child has on shin guards before taking to the soccer field and shoulder pads for football, but what about the areas that aren’t protected by standard sports gear?
Seemingly innocent habits can ruin your child’s teeth, and that includes habits like thumb-sucking and going to sleep with a bottle. It isn’t hard for babies to fall into some potentially harmful habits that can affect their future oral health. Therefore, it’s important to help your child break any harmful habits that he or she forms or not start certain habits to begin with. Breaking harmful oral habits is one way to ensure the development of healthy primary and permanent teeth.
When the warmth and freedom of summer finally hit, the health of your teeth might be the last thing on your mind. However, some common summer activities and diets can actually make the warm months one of the most dangerous times of the year for your dental health.
This guide can help you understand common summer dangers so you don’t inadvertently harm your teeth. This guide is especially important to consider if you have children, because kids are less likely to remember or place a priority on dental hygiene, especially with the excitement of summer activities.
Many have told frightening tales about wisdom tooth removal and the painful recovery, so you may naturally feel apprehensive about getting yours removed. Extracting wisdom teeth is a very common dental procedure; about 85 percent of the general population get their wisdom teeth removed because this third set of adult molars can cause painful dental problems.
How do you know if your wisdom teeth should be removed? This guide can help you learn about wisdom teeth and the symptoms that indicate your wisdom teeth will only cause pain and damage.
Dental crowns are one of the most common types of cosmetic and restorative dentistry. They provide support for cracked, broken, decayed, or misshapen teeth. There are many reasons for getting dental crowns, but many patients are surprised to learn that crowns vary widely in cost and even appearance.
Here’s what you need to know about different materials used to make permanent dental crowns, so you can choose which material is right for your smile.
When people find out they need dentures, they often feel apprehensive. They worry that their new teeth will slip and slide and feel uncomfortable. They also worry that people will notice their new pearly whites.
Modern dentures can relieve many of these worries. Modern dentures are custom-made to fit snugly in your mouth. Your dentist makes an impression of your mouth before giving you your new dentures. The impression ensures that your dentures will fit the shape of your mouth and gums.
But even custom-made dentures take some getting used to. Follow these steps to make the adjustment easier.
Your diet has one of the most significant effects on your total oral health. Drinking too much soda can accelerate tooth decay, while drinking wine or coffee can lead to stains. Some dietary problems are particularly harmful; eating disorders affect the whole body, including teeth.
Since eating disorders can affect people of all ages, it’s important for you to know the risks and signs of eating disorders. If you’re a parent, you can catch the behavior and put your child in treatment before any serious damage is done. If you’re a roommate, spouse, or friend of someone who struggles with body image, you can likewise take action to get them help.
Here’s how eating disorders affect the teeth, what you can do to realize there is a problem, and why relying on your dentist as a health professional can help stop related tooth diseases before they progress too far.
Tooth Problems
The most common eating disorders are bulimia and anorexia nervosa. Those with bulimia go through episodes of binging and purging, either through induced vomiting or laxatives. They might also “purge” through hours of excessive exercise. Anorexia is controlled starvation where the person gradually but decisively reduces their nutrient intake to almost nothing.
The effects of these disorders on the body are marked, but the teeth are affected in the following ways:
As you can see, dental trouble from eating disorders can lead to serious dental injury, like gum disease and advanced decay. Fortunately, this damage happens gradually, and your dentist should notice the damage to the teeth.
Help From the Dentist
Dentists are often the first line of defense when it comes to catching disordered eating, so you should always use and recommend a dentist your trust. If you or your loved one is struggling with an eating disorder, it’s important that you or your loved one are honest with your care providers when they ask about the tooth damage.
Eating disorders have many stages for recovery. It might take months before harmful behavior begins to subside. Your dentist can provide solutions to protect the teeth from too much harm as you work through treatment. Your dentist will likely discuss:
Your dentist can give you more in-depth information about the right care for your specific situation.
Help at Home
Recovering individuals need plenty of home support. Be aware of the signs of eating disorders, and try to remain supportive of attempts to heal. For dental health care at home, you can remind yourself or a loved one to:
You should also refrain from commenting on weight. Don’t use ultimatums or increase shame by saying things like, “You’re harming yourself and your family.” Instead, provide words of encouragement and empowerment.
Also, never reduce the severity of an eating disorder with statements like, “You can choose to feel better,” or “You can improve if you only put your mind to it.” These statements simplify the complexity of eating disorders, which normally have several triggers and underlying psychological causes.
For more information on how your dentist can help you or someone you know with the dental problems caused by an eating disorder, contact us at Valley Oak Dental Group Inc.
Fun Flossing Facts
You know that the foods you eat impact the health and appearance of your teeth. However, most of the connections you know about between your diet and oral health focus on the negative. For instance, you probably know that sugar and soda cause cavities, and wine, strawberries, tea, and coffee can all cause stains.
Luckily for you, there are also many foods that will help you keep your smile pristine. To preserve and improve your teeth’s health, maintain adequate levels of the following 11 nutrients.
When it comes to healthy eating, foods rich in antioxidants top most lists. This high rate of inclusion stems from the fact that antioxidants help combat bacteria and cell damage.
In your mouth, antioxidants decrease inflammation and can reduce your risk of gum disease. Find your daily dose of antioxidants in nuts, beans, berries, and apples.
In recent years, scientists have begun to study the relationship between anthocyanins—or a certain type of pigment—and oral health, and the results are promising. Early results from a study funded by the Center for Advanced Functional Foods Research and Entrepreneurship (CAFFRE) suggest that anthocyanins decrease the formation of plaque and may even reduce the risk of oral cancer.
Anthocyanins are found in certain stone fruit, like plums and cherries, and in eggplant.
The amino acid arginine hasn’t been studied as much as antioxidants, but studies show a possible correlation between arginine and healthier mouths. According to a study published in PLOS One, arginine could prevent tooth decay by disrupting plaque buildup.
Red meats and nuts both contain arginine.
Calcium is a major contributor to both healthy bones and strong teeth. This nutrient supports jawbone and tooth health by encouraging remineralization that builds enamel back up after it becomes damaged.
Calcium is present in most dairy products, as well as in seafood. If you don’t consume dairy or meat, you can get your calcium from tofu, leafy greens, and calcium-fortified foods.
Folic acid aids in cell growth and regeneration, which helps oral tissues stay healthy and teeth stay stable. However, folic acid is only stored in the body for short periods of time before it’s processed, which means you must consume it regularly for it to positively affect oral health.
The best dietary source of folic acid is cruciferous vegetables, which are vegetables that have a deep green color and a leafy structure. Some cruciferous vegetables include cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, kale, and cabbage.
The right amount of magnesium helps protect bones and teeth from damage. Like calcium, magnesium is an essential component of building and maintaining a strong jawbone and enamel.
Whole grains, from oats to wheat, contain magnesium. You can also get magnesium from bananas, leafy greens, and avocados.
Calcium and phosphorus are the two main components of tooth enamel, so increasing your intake of these nutrients can fortify your teeth against erosion, staining, and other damage.
Along with consuming enough calcium, make sure you get your needed phosphorous from nuts, seeds, eggs, and red meats.
The relationship between polyphenols and improved oral health still needs some research. However, a study published in in the Journal of Dentistry reports that polyphenols may stop plaque-causing bacteria from growing.
You can find polyphenols in in green and black tea, flaxseed, and cocoa.
Probiotics are a type of beneficial bacteria already found in the body. You can also consume dietary probiotics to balance out detrimental bacteria in your mouth, which improves your gum health and reduces your risk of tooth decay.
Find probiotics in low-fat yogurts, as well as in certain other fermented foods like miso paste or sauerkraut.
When it comes to healthy eating, vitamin C gets almost as much attention as antioxidants—and for good reason. Vitamin C aids in multiple essential bodily processes that improve oral health. For instance, it helps your body produce collagen proteins and reduce inflammation, both of which contribute to healthier gum tissue.
Most fruits and vegetables contain some amount of vitamin C, but you can add kale, oranges, or bell peppers to your diet for an extra boost.
When you think of vitamin D, you may think of its impact on your skin first. But vitamin D also helps your body absorb calcium more effectively. Without vitamin D, the calcium and phosphorous you consume are less helpful.
Sunlight is the best source of vitamin D, but you can bolster the amount of vitamin D in your body by eating eggs and cold-water fish.
You may have different dietary needs based on your activity level, current oral and overall health, and medical history. Remember to consult with your dentist and your primary care physician when deciding to make changes to your diet. These professionals may recommend adding specific foods to your diet or using supplements so you can have the right nutrient levels.
Use these guidelines and advice from your care providers to eat your way to a brighter, healthier smile.
After you found out you were pregnant, you likely visited your doctor to start prenatal care. You want to do everything you can to keep yourself and your baby healthy during your pregnancy. You may note every future doctor’s appointment to ensure your baby is strong during the next several months. And you plan to take prenatal vitamins, exercise, eat healthy, and drink plenty of water so you can stay healthy as well.
However, don’t forget one important aspect of your overall health: your dental hygiene. Pregnant women experience multiple changes in their bodies-and their mouths are no exception.
Below, we’ve provided a guide to help you maintain good oral health during your pregnancy. Read on to learn how your mouth may change during the next few months and what you can do to keep your mouth and your baby as healthy as possible.
During your pregnancy, your body’s hormone levels increase. As those levels get higher, you are more at risk for developing certain dental health issues.
For example, many medical professionals believe that rising HCG levels cause morning sickness and nausea, and certain tastes and smells may make you feel sick. If the taste or smell of your toothpaste causes you to feel nauseous, you may not want to brush your teeth as often.
As a result, you may have more plaque buildup on your teeth and more bacteria in your mouth-and all of these factors can negatively impact your dental health.
Pregnancy can cause some women to develop gingivitis or gum disease. You may also notice tooth erosion, dry mouth, loose or mobile teeth, and cavities.
Recent research suggests that women who have untreated oral health issues like gum disease during pregnancy are more at risk for delivering premature, underweight babies-and these children are more at risk for developing health issues like hearing and vision problems and cerebral palsy.
While you can’t do anything about the changing, rising hormones levels you’ll experience during pregnancy, you can take extra measures to maintain good oral health and protect yourself and your growing child.
One measure you can take during pregnancy is to keep brushing and flossing your teeth, even if the smell and taste of your toothpaste don’t sit well with you.
Purchase bland toothpastes and floss so you can still care for your teeth without getting nauseous. Make sure to brush your teeth twice a day and to floss at least once a day. Use a soft-bristle toothbrush as well. Harder bristles may irritate your already sensitive gums.
Additionally, if you’ve thrown up any time during the day, you’ll need to take a little extra care to keep your teeth in good shape. The stomach acid in your vomit can cause your teeth to erode. However, after you’ve thrown up, don’t brush your teeth right away. The motion pushes acid around and deeper into your teeth, which can cause your teeth to erode faster.
Instead, rinse your mouth out with a solution made of water and baking soda. This mixture will reduce the pH level of your mouth and remove much of the acid. Wait a little while after rinsing before you brush your teeth.
Another way you can ensure your dental health is to visit your dentist regularly during your pregnancy. As soon as you find out you’re pregnant, schedule an appointment with your dentist. He or she will clean your teeth and perform a routine checkup, and all of these basic procedures are safe.
During this visit, your dentist will also create a dental plan that you should stick to for the remainder of your pregnancy. This plan will likely include additional cleanings and checkups each trimester to ensure that your teeth and gums are healthy and that you aren’t at risk for developing gum disease or other dental issues. Your dentist may also provide you with tips you can use in between appointments.
If part of your treatment plan includes taking X-rays of your mouth, don’t worry. The American Dental Association (ADA) considers X-rays safe during pregnancy. Other procedures, like root canal treatment, are also safe, but you’ll want to wait until at least your second trimester to have them done.
Any time your dentist recommends a procedure, ask him or her the best time to schedule the treatment based on how far along you are in your pregnancy.
Perhaps one of the most interesting parts of being pregnant is realizing how many different cravings you have. Some women may crave sweet treats like candy and ice cream while others crave acidic foods like pickles, oranges, or grapefruits.
Make sure the foods you crave won’t harm your teeth. For example, too much sugar can cause more bacteria to grow in your mouth, and the bacteria can cause problems like gum disease. Similarly, acidic foods can strip away your tooth enamel if you eat too much over time.
Any food is good in moderation, but ask your dentist what tips you can use at home so you can eat the foods you crave without harming your teeth and gums.
Pregnancy will come with a lot of surprises and unknowns, but one thing is certain: you can still keep your mouth healthy during your pregnancy. Use the information above to keep your teeth and gums healthy, and don’t hesitate to contact the dentists at Valley Oak Dental if you have any questions.
Valley Oak Dental Group
1507 W Yosemite Ave Manteca, CA 95337
