Top 10 Fruits and Vegetables For Healthy, Bright Teeth

Top 10 Fruits and Vegetables For Healthy Bright Teeth

1. Strawberry

Saint Patrick’s Day: 

Alcohol and Your teeth

St. Patrick’s Day parties often get reputations for being epic. On the day of Irish pride, inhibitions are thrown out the window in favor of a good time. As much fun as St. Patrick’s Day parties can be, you will not only be left with a St. Patrick’s Day hangover, you will also pave the way for cavities to set up shop on your teeth.

Tooth decay is a big problem related to alcohol consumption because of the sugars and acids in alcoholic drinks. When these sugars combine with natural bacteria in the mouth they form an acid that attacks enamel, breaking it down. This is especially true when the teeth are constantly exposed to sugars and starches in alcohol without a break.

But it is not just the sugar and starches in alcohol that can be harmful to teeth. Alcohol dries out your mouth just like smoking does. Saliva is a powerful tool in reducing the incidence of cavities. Dry mouth can accelerate the damage caused by the sugar in alcohol.

So be warned. If you are going to partake in St. Patrick’s Day shenanigans, brush and floss your teeth as soon as possible!

For those that are heavy drinkers and plan on a week long St. Patrick’s Day bender, the probability of damage from drinking is much higher.

Heavy drinking can cause:

• Irritation of the gum, tongue and oral tissues
• Poor healing after dental surgery
• Poor dental health habits
• Increase in tooth decay
• Increased risk toward periodontal (gum) disease

Heavy drinkers are also at greater risk of developing cancer in the mouth, throat and esophagus. Obviously these are side effects that you want to avoid so if you are going out this week, take it easy. Your teeth will thank you!

Source: Delta Dental

Why Are My Teeth Sensitive?

 Tooth sensitivity is caused by the movement of fluid within tiny tubes located in the dentin (the layer of tissue found beneath the hard enamel that contains the inner pulp), which results in nerve irritation. When the hard enamel is worn down or gums have receded, causing the tiny tube surfaces to be exposed, pain can be caused by eating or drinking foods or hot or cold beverages, touching your teeth, or exposing them to cold air.

Exposed areas of the tooth can cause pain and even affect or change your eating, drinking, and breathing habits. Taking a spoonful of ice cream, for example, can be a painful experience for people with sensitive teeth. The excessive consumption of acid-containing foods and beverages, such as citrus juices and fruits and soft drinks, can also put you at risk for tooth sensitivity. Bulimia and acid reflux can also result in erosion of the hard enamel and sensitivity due to acid in the mouth.

Is tooth sensitivity a common condition?

Tooth sensitivity is one of the most common complaints among dental patients. At least 40 million adults in the United States suffer at some time from sensitive teeth.

How can I avoid sensitivity?

Some toothpastes contain abrasive ingredients that may be too harsh for people who have sensitive teeth. Ingredients found in some whitening toothpastes that lighten and/or remove certain stains from enamel and sodium pyrophosphate, the key ingredient in tartar-control toothpaste, may increase tooth sensitivity.

What can I do about sensitive teeth?

Tooth sensitivity can be reduced by using a desensitizing toothpaste; having your dentist apply sealants and other desensitizing and filling materials, including fluoride; and decreasing the intake of acid-containing foods. Using tartar-control toothpaste will sometimes cause teeth to be sensitive as well as drinking soft drinks throughout the day, so these habits should be avoided.

Avoid using hard-bristled toothbrushes and brushing your teeth too hard, which can wear down the tooth's surface and expose sensitive spots. The way to find out if you're brushing your teeth too hard is to take a good look at your toothbrush. If the bristles are pointing in multiple directions, you're brushing too hard.

How do I know when it's time to see a dentist?

If a tooth is highly sensitive for more than three or four days and reacts to hot and cold temperatures, it's best to get a diagnostic evaluation from your dentist to determine the extent of the problem. Before taking the situation into your own hands, an accurate diagnosis of tooth sensitivity is essential for effective treatment to eliminate pain. Because pain symptoms can be similar, some people might think that a tooth is sensitive, when instead, they actually have a cavity or abscess that's not yet visible.

 

How do I describe my symptoms to my dentist?

Sensitivity may be defined as a short, sharp pain that is usually initiated by eating hot or cold foods or exposure to cold air. Aching often follows. Because sensitivity may mean different things to a patient and dental professional, be sure to clarify exactly what you feel when you discuss the condition with your dentist. Be sure to tell the dentist when the pain started and if there is anything, such as the application of a warm compress, that helps eliminate the pain.

Do some products help decrease sensitivity?

Toothpaste for sensitive teeth usually contains a desensitizing agent that protects the exposed dentin by blocking the tubes in the teeth that are connected to nerves. In most cases, these products must be used on a regular basis for at least a month before any therapeutic benefits may be noticed.

What can the dentist do for my sensitive teeth?

Dentists have a variety of regimens to manage tooth hypersensitivity, including both in-office treatments and patient-applied products for home use. If you are diagnosed with dentin hypersensitivity, your dentist may apply a desensitizing agent or a protective coating. You may be prescribed a stannous fluoride gel or an over-the-counter desensitizing toothpaste containing fluoride and either potassium nitrate or strontium chloride. These ingredients help block the transmission of sensation from the tooth to the nerve. It also might help to massage the special paste onto your gums with your finger after brushing.

What should I do after the dentist has applied a desensitizing agent?

Listen closely to your dentist's instructions. He or she may advise you not to eat or drink for a short period of time to eliminate all sources of irritation, such as acidic foods, medication, or flavored toothpastes. You may also be instructed to change oral hygiene habits that are likely to cause abrasion or use a daily fluoride application (a rinse or brush-on gel).

Source: Know Your Teeth

www.dental2000nj.com

Is Holiday Stress Effecting Your Smile?

Last minute gifts, prepping Christmas dinner, getting the house ready for guests...we know how stressful the holidays can be,  but did YOU know that that stress can effect your smile!

Stress isn't good for anyone's health, but it can also take a toll on your dental health. The effects of stress include compromising your immune system which ultimately make it more difficult for your body to fight off periodontitis or gum disease. What exactly are the signs of gum disease? Bleeding, swollen, tender or receding gums are definite red flags and should be addressed immediately by a visit to your dentist.

Dental 2000 is always on call! Your phone call will always be answered 24/7! 973-890-0600

So this holiday season, don't sweat the small stuff. Your smile could pay the ultimate price!

Happy Holidays!

Turkey is Good for Your Teeth!

Ready or not, Thanksgiving is almost here! Many families are planning the usual holiday fare of mashed and sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, deviled eggs, homemade gravy, rolls and of course … stuffed turkey.

Wild turkey is native to the Americas. The bird was first domesticated by the Aztecs. The Spanish were so enthralled with the bird, they took some back to Europe and domesticated the fowl. Those birds' ancestors were eventually re-introduced to North America as the commercial white-breasted turkey we now know today.
Turkey has long been a mainstay of the Thanksgiving table. The holiday bird may seem daunting to prepare, but it is truly worth the effort. You are not only serving a traditional American dish, but something that is very healthy and good for your family and honored holiday guests.

Turkey is Smarter Than You Think

It's the lean meat that pays back big dividends. Turkey is really good for your teeth and the rest of your body. It is a rich source of protein. Protein helps you keep that beautiful smile because it has phosphorus, which when mixed with calcium and vitamin D creates strong bones and teeth.
All turkey meat is a great source of Vitamin B6 and niacin which our bodies need to produce energy. Niacin increases your HDL or good cholesterol. Skinless white meat is lower in fat and calories than dark meat.

Why Talk Turkey?

Bodyandsoul.com reports that regular turkey consumption lowers cholesterol and helps stabilize insulin levels. Plus, trypotophan the amino acid in turkey produces serotonin. That strengthens our immune system and helps healthy neurological function.
Just a five-ounce serving of turkey provides half the daily recommended amount of folic acid. It is a source of sellenium which boosts hormone production. Turkey also protects against birth defects for expectant mothers and is an antioxidant that wards off cancer and heart disease. It helps nerve function, regulates blood pressure and assists in healing.

After You Gobble, Be Sure To Floss

After the Thanksgiving feast is over and you've dined on the main course and desserts like apple, cherry, and pumpkin pie, don't forget your teeth. You want to continue looking great throughout the holidays. Make sure to brush and floss thoroughly to keep that beautiful smile. The correct amount of time to brush and floss is 10 minutes. Most people actually only spend two to three minutes on their teeth and don't brush them correctly. If you have never been told the proper brushing technique, you might be surprised.

http://www.fairfielddentalassociates.com/blog/smile-turkey-is-good-for-your-teeth

Time to Call the Dentist? 6 Signs Your Teeth Could Be in Trouble

When it comes to dental problems, early detection is the best plan of action. But potential issues aren’t always as glaring as we would like them to be. A dental concern may not be accompanied by pain or obvious visual changes. You may not know its warning signs, making it all the simpler for it to sneak past your attention. Dental caries and gum disease are well-known bad guys, but are you aware of the symptoms of bruxism or a jaw disorder? This blog post will help you decide when it’s time to schedule an appointment, and what the issue at hand could be.

Signs of Common Dental Problems

1. Your tooth surfaces are becoming worn. Worn teeth – what’s the big deal, right? In fact, tooth wear is a sign of many different dental concerns. The most pressing is teeth grinding, which wears down tooth enamel over time. It’s easy to tell when teeth have been exposed to years of grinding, but how do you tell if they’re just starting to erode? Look for flat, shiny patches on the occlusal (bite) surfaces of your teeth. If they’re starting to lose their shape, it’s time to get to the office and get a night guard.
2. Your gums are receding. Your gum tissue should not change. While recession may be seen as a side effect of aging, it’s usually due to some larger problem. Gums may begin to recede due to chronic bruxism, gingivitis, or periodontal disease. Losing gum tissue can mean finding your sensitive tooth roots exposed and uncomfortable. Extreme recession can also result in loose teeth and even tooth loss.
3. There’s any kind of persistent pain in your mouth. We say “persistent” pain because fleeting discomfort may not be the sign of a true problem. Your teeth can even feel slightly sore from overzealous oral hygiene, or from inconsistent flossing. But if the discomfort is ongoing, it needs to be tended to. You shouldn’t be spending your days feeling uncomfortable – you’ll find your mood and activities seriously affected.
   

   Once you visit the office, we’ll fix you right up
4. You’re waking up with sore teeth or a sore jaw. Morning discomfort in the jaw, face, or teeth usually points to a grinding problem or a TMJ disorder (a problem with one of the jaw joints). If left untreated, these issues can cause severe damage to the teeth and jaws. We’ll help you find a mouth guard that keeps your jaw functioning properly.
5. You have unusual, ongoing bad breath. A bad taste in the mouth after waking up is one thing, but bad breath that refuses to go away is more sinister. It’s a sign of increased bacterial presence in the mouth, which is usually due to a cavity or gum infection.
6. Your gums are swollen, red, or tend to bleed. These are all the textbook symptoms of gingivitis/gum disease. If you notice that your gums are puffy and uncomfortable, you need to take action right away. Stopping gum disease before it spreads or worsens will simplify your treatment and preserve your gum line.

- See more at: http://yourplymouthdentist.com/2014/04/detroit-see-signs-of-dental-problems-call-your-dentist/#sthash.vimXIqlx.dpuf

www.dental2000nj.com

Bad Breath: Good & Bad Foods

Bad Breath: Good and Bad Foods

A combination of diet and dental hygiene is the best defense against bad breath.

By Elizabeth M. Ward, MS, RD WebMD Feature

Reviewed by Laura J. Martin, MD

Got bad breath? You may want to take a look at your diet.

If your dental hygiene is great -- you brush your teeth twice a day, floss once a day, and clean your tongue -- your bad breath could be linked to your diet.

Certain foods can taint your breath for hours and contribute to dragon breath in other ways. Here are some of the culprits:

Garlic and onions. "Garlic and onions top the list when it comes to halitosis," says Lisa Harper Mallonee, MPH, RD, associate professor at Texas A&M Health Science Center Baylor College of Dentistry.

That's because the smelly sulfur compounds in garlic and onions linger in your mouth and are absorbed in the bloodstream and expelled when you exhale.

Coffee and alcohol. Coffee and alcoholic drinks create a favorable environment for oral bacterial growth.  They also have a drying effect, which reduces saliva flow and allows foul-smelling bacteria to linger longer. 

Several other foods – including dairy products, a diet heavy in meat, orange juice, and soda – sometimes get talked about as bad breath triggers. Mallonee says she doesn’t have “any sound scientific evidence” about that.

Paul Vankevich, DMD, an assistant professor at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, agrees. Any food or drink, he says, could briefly cause breath odor if it's allowed to linger in the mouth. "This is insignificant and non-consequential," Vankevich tells WebMD in an email. Brushing your mouth and your tongue gets your good breath back.

Foods and Drinks That Make Your Breath Smell Good

Water.  This odor-free fluid helps flush from the mouth the bits of food bacteria feed upon. Drinking water promotes the production of saliva, which acts as a constant cleansing agent and dissolves stinky substances in food and drink.

Sugarless gum. Chewing gum loosens food and dead cells from the teeth, gums, and tongue and fosters saliva production.

Vankevich says sugar-free gum sweetened with xylitol is particularly effective for fighting bad breath because xylitol inhibits mouth bacteria.

To get the full effect of chewing xylitol-sweetened gum, munch it for at least five minutes after meals, Mallonee recommends.

Fruits and vegetables . Foods rich in vitamin C, such as red bell pepper and broccoli, create an inhospitable environment for mouth bacteria. They work even better to fight bad breath when eaten raw, as crunchy produce of any kind is mechanically abrasive and helps to loosen trapped food particles.

Yogurt: Japanese researchers found that eating about 3 ounces of sugar-free yogurt with probiotic (good) bacteria twice a day for six weeks reduced bad breath by helping to lower the levels of odor-causing sulfide compounds. To best mimic the study's effects, eat yogurt that supplies strains of streptococci and lactobacilli bacteria.

"Fortified yogurt is also great source of vitamin D, which helps reduce mouth bacteria," Mallonee tells WebMD. Other sources of vitamin D include fortified milk and orange juice, salmon, and eggs.

Herbs and spices. Parsley contains chlorophyll, which may have a deodorizing effect in the mouth. Other plant products linked to better breath include cloves, anise, and fennel seeds. While employing herbs and spices to mitigate bad breath is rooted more in folklore than science, it doesn't hurt to try.