Healthy Foods that Are Not So Healthy for Teeth

Those healthy foods that are getting your body back in shape for summer may be awesome for your diet, but unfortunately, not so much for your teeth. According to Gentle Touch Family Dentistry, some healthy foods that you enjoy may not be the best for your teeth and gums.

Are those healthy carbs really healthy?

You may have cut out white flour, white bread, potatoes and white rice, but the wheat and whole grain alternatives are just as bad when it comes to your teeth. Because you metabolize carbs into sugar through your saliva, you are still producing acids that will wear away the enamel on your teeth. Whole grains are just as damaging as they can become stuck between your teeth.

Dark Foods and Liquids

You may have eliminated tea, coffee, and red wine from your diet because of staining, but that curry sauce that is helping you lose weight could be just as bad. Blueberries, cranberries, strawberries, and even barbecue sauce can cause stains on your teeth.

Citrus

Grapefruits, Kiwi, oranges, limes, lemons, tomatoes and apples, yes apples, are loaded with natural sugars. However, it is the nature of the fruit itself that can cause the majority of the damage. Eat citrus fruits with other foods and rinse after enjoying.

Dried Fruit

Great for the waistline, but bad for your teeth, dried apricots, papaya, figs, dates, and dried mango's can cause serious damage to your teeth. Just like gummy bears, sticky fruits will stay lodged between your teeth and can be just as bad as that saltwater taffy you gave up to lose weight.

Sports and Energy Drinks

Energy drinks and those sports drinks that you like to consume after a workout may be your favorite treat after pumping iron, but the truth is, they are packed with tooth eroding acids and sugar. Drink water after your aerobics class and leave the energy and sports drinks on the shelf.

If you would like more information regarding healthy food for your body and your teeth, call or click and schedule an appointment with Gentle Touch Family Dentistry today.

Are you Suffering from Dry Socket?

Dry Socket is a rare condition that occurs after a tooth has been pulled. Dry socket is painful and should be treated by your dentist as quickly as possible.

So what is Dry Socket?

According to Colgate, some discomfort is expected after a tooth extraction. However, if you have intense pain that doesn’t want to go away, you could be suffering from alveolar osteitis or dry socket.

Only about two to five percent of patients will develop the condition, which is very uncomfortable, but treatable.

The hole that is left from the tooth will form a blood clot in the socket to protect the nerves and the bone underneath. Occasionally that blood clot can dissolve or become dislodged after the tooth has been pulled. This leaves the nerves and the bone exposed to fluids, food particles, and air. This can lead to pain and infection.

Who gets Dry Socket?

Some people are more likely to be affected by dry socket after a tooth extraction including: 

• Smokers
• People who practice poor oral hygiene
• Wisdom teeth extractions
• Greater than usual tooth trauma during surgery
• Birth control pill use
• History of dry socket after extractions
• Rinsing, spitting and sipping through a straw can also raise your risk of dry socket 

Dry Socket Symptoms

Check out the extraction site. If you don’t see a blood clot and see a white colored bone, it’s time to see your dentist. Other symptoms of dry socket include: 

• Bad breath
• An unpleasant taste in your mouth
• Pain 

How is it treated?

Your dentist may prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection and will remove any debris before filling the hole with medication to promote healing. You will probably be asked to come back for dressing changes until the socket has healed and your pain has diminished.

If you are having a tooth pulled, or have recently had an extraction that isn’t healing properly, call or click and schedule an appointment with your dentist today. 

Dental Bonding: Fastest Way to a New Smile

Thanks to dental bonding, you can have your chipped or cracked teeth repaired without having to spend more than one appointment in the dentist’s chair. These days your dentist can bond ceramic or other restorative materials on to your natural teeth to repair cracks or chips.

When you schedule a restorative and cosmetic consultation with your dentist, ask about cosmetic bonding. Dental bonding is the perfect solution if you are unsure about dental veneers. Dental veneers are a great option, but are permanent and more expensive than dental bonding. Some insurance companies will cover dental bonding but not porcelain veneers.

You may be a good candidate for dental bonding if: 

• You have spaces between your teeth
• Your teeth are chipped or cracked
• You have one or more teeth that is too long or short
• Your teeth are stained
• Tooth whitening doesn’t work 

Enamel Shaping

Often used with bonding, enamel shaping is a comfortable and quick cosmetic dental procedure that will give you immediate results. Gentle Touch Family Dentistry will contour and/or remove your enamel to improve the appearance of your teeth.

Dental Fillings

These days the materials that are used for dental bonding are more natural looking and resilient. Depending on the location of the cavity or filling replacement, Gentle Touch Family Dentistry may choose to use dental bonding material to fill a cavity or an inlay or outlay. Both are used to strengthen a tooth that still has life to it.

Instead of Veneers

As mentioned previously, bonding is not as invasive as porcelain veneers and is reversible. Dental bonding will give you a good idea of what you will look like if you opt for veneers.

Ask Gentle Touch about seeing a picture of your smile. Seeing your smile before anything occurs means to more unfortunate cosmetic dental mishaps.

If you would like more information regarding porcelain veneers, call or click and talk to Gentle Touch Family Dentistry in Farmington Hills today.

Health Conditions that affect Teeth and Gums

Studies indicate that poor oral health can lead to increased risks when it comes to certain health conditions, however, it can sometimes be just the opposite with gum disease and tooth decay causing health problems as your mouth is the gateway to the rest of your body.

Your dentist explains that there are quite a few health conditions that will put you in the high-risk category when it comes to gum disease and tooth decay.

Pregnancy

According to the American Dental Association pregnancy, a woman’s hormones will change causing gums to swell, become red, and even bleed. If you are pregnant, it is vital that you brush, floss, and eat good healthy foods to avoid gum disease. Women with gum disease can give birth prematurely or deliver babies who have a low birth weight. If you are planning a pregnancy, see your dentist who can take care of any dental issues beforehand. If you are pregnant continue seeing your dentist, but make sure that he or she is aware of your condition as certain procedures may not be suitable for women who are expecting.

Diabetes

Although maintaining low blood sugar is a struggle for some diabetics, so is gum disease as the high levels of blood sugar can cause mouth infections. If left untreated those infections could cause serious and even permanent damage to your gums and jawbone. Severe gum disease, known as periodontal disease, will cause tooth loss if not taken care of. If you are a diabetic, keep your levels in check and make sure to schedule an appointment with your dentist if you have mouth pain, sores, red, or bleeding gums.

Obesity

Your dentist explains that being overweight or obese can cause dental problems in two ways. Firstly, people who are obese make poor food choices. Those food choices are usually loaded with sugar. Sugar will increase the risk of health problems and tooth decay. Secondly, a high body fat count could be to blame for speeding up the process. Two recent studies have shown that periodontal disease progresses faster in obese people than people of average or normal weight.

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a condition that causes fragile bones, including the jawbone. If you have osteoporosis, your bones will become weaker which could eventually lead to tooth loss. Research indicates that women could have a higher risk as those with osteoporosis have a higher rate of gum disease.

Cancer

Cancer on its own will not cause any oral health issues, however, cancer treatments can. Studies have shown that over a third of all cancer patients will experience a dental complication of some kind as a direct result of the treatment. Some common issues include changes in taste, oral infections, dry mouth, and inflammation. If you are being treated with chemotherapy or radiation for cancer, it is important to schedule regular dental appointments to keep your teeth and gums healthy.

Dry Mouth Can Affect Teeth and Gums

If you are always thirsty, you could have Dry Mouth. According to your dentist, Dry Mouth is a condition that affects billions of people all over the planet. Dry Mouth is uncomfortable, but most importantly, Dry Mouth could have a drastic effect on your teeth and gums.

Although everyone is different, the majority of sufferers have similar Dry Mouth symptoms.

Signs and Symptoms 

• Bad breath
• Horsy throat
• Sore throat
• Pain when swallowing
• Constantly thirsty
• A dry or sticky feeling
• Mouth sores
• Split skin
• Cracked lips
• Dry throat
• Tingling or burning on your tongue
• Problems with tasting and chewing food
• Difficulty swallowing food 

Complications

The Mayo Clinic explains that people who have Dry Mouth sometimes find it hard to sleep because of constant thirst. If you suffer from Dry Mouth, you may also find yourself sitting in the dentist’s chair more often than you would like, as Dry Mouth is a condition caused by a lack of saliva.

Your salivary glands help keep your teeth and gums healthy by washing away the food particles, debris and bacteria. If you aren’t producing enough saliva, the bacteria will convert to acids that can erode the enamel on your teeth causing tooth decay. Your gums will also pay the price if natures thirst quencher isn’t doing its job.

If you have Dry Mouth, your mealtimes could be less than enjoyable. Your saliva helps you taste, chew, swallow, and enjoy your food. If you have Dry Mouth, you probably know how tasteless breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks have become.

What Can Be Done 

• Sugarless gum and hard candy that is sugar free can help stimulate saliva flow
• Nix the caffeine as it will dry out your mouth
• Use a no-alcohol mouthwash
• Keep a water bottle handy and drink, drink, drink
• Look for saliva substitutes that contain xylitol
• Try a mouth rinse that is made specifically for Dry Mouth
• Avoid non-prescription decongestants and antihistamines
• Don’t breathe through your mouth, use your nose
• By a humidifier to keep moisture in the air
• Use fluoride toothpaste
• Schedule twice-yearly checkups with your dentist
• Ask your dentist about prescription tooth products for Dry Mouth 

If you or someone you know suffers from Dry Mouth, call or click and schedule an appointment with your dentist who may be able to help. Call or click today. 

Schedule a Smile Makeover Consultation

Your smile says a lot about who you are, but if you don’t like your smile, you may want to call or click and schedule an appointment with your dentist for a smile makeover. A smile makeover consultation with your cosmetic dentist can give you the confidence you need giving you the courage to share your pearly whites with the world.

Below are a few reasons that you may want to schedule an appointment for a smile makeover.

A little really does go a long way, especially when it comes to the most popular cosmetic dental procedure, tooth whitening. There are hundreds of over the counter tooth whitening products available that can give you a brighter smile, however, your dentist uses more powerful tooth whitening products, and can even whiten your smile chairside.
 
If you have older silver amalgam fillings, root canals that are stained or metal crowns that you don’t like, talk to your dentist about tooth colored fillings and tooth colored crowns. Thanks to modern 21^st century dental procedures, you can have your old fillings and crowns replaced giving you a beautiful new smile.
 
Cosmetic dentistry is much more affordable than you might think. Talk to your dentist about a smile makeover and make sure you make him or her aware of your budget. The prices may pleasantly surprise you.
 
If you have dental anxiety, speak to your dentist as most cosmetic dental procedures are not painful. Your dentist can help you relax and can offer oral sedation, so that you will not feel a thing, whether you are receiving dental implants, porcelain veneers, tooth colored fillings or an entire smile makeover.
 
When you schedule a smile makeover with your dentist, you will be amazed at the results and the transformation as cosmetic dentistry not only makes you look younger, but makes you feel younger as well.

Regardless of your dental issues, your dentist can help. Thanks to today’s dental procedures and tools you don’t have to live with cracked, missing, crooked, chipped, or stained teeth.

Stop hiding your teeth when you smile and schedule an appointment for a smile makeover consultation today. 

Smoking can cause Tooth Loss

If you smoke or use tobacco, you are putting your teeth and gums at risk. Every time you take a puff or chew, your teeth and gums are paying the price.

According to WebMD, tobacco use does more than stain your teeth. Cigarettes, pipes, cigars, Hookah, and chewing tobacco can also cause chronic halitosis.

Your dentist explains that nearly half of all periodontal disease, the most serious form of gum disease in smokers, is caused by smoking. If left untreated, chronic gum disease could cause you to lose your teeth.

According to recent studies, tobacco could be one of the biggest, if not the biggest risk factors when it comes to periodontal disease.

Periodontal disease is a serious bacterial infection that actually destroys the bone and soft tissue that anchors your teeth to your jawbone. Bacteria grow in the plaque that forms inside the pockets that surround your teeth. Your body’s reaction is to kill the plaque, which leads to the breakdown of bone and soft tissue.

During the earlier stages of gum disease, also known as gingivitis, you will notice that your gums might bleed when you brush and floss. If left untreated, the infection will get worse and break down your gums. When this occurs, your gums will separate from your teeth while forming pockets. The worse the gum disease, the deeper the pockets. The pockets fill with bacteria, food particles, and plaque and destroy the structures that support your gums and teeth. People with serious periodontal disease could have teeth that are painful and loose, some may lose their teeth completely.

According to your dentist smokers have more tartar than people who don’t smoke. This could be because of the lack of saliva. Calculus or tartar is plaque that is hardened and must be removed by your dentist.

Smoking also makes gum disease treatment more difficult as smoking will hinder healing. A recent study indicated that people who smoke were two times more likely to lose their teeth after periodontal treatments than people who did not smoke. Smokers also do not respond very well following oral surgery treatments and are less likely to have success with dental implants because the bones will not heal properly.

If you smoke or chew tobacco call or click and schedule an appointment with your dentist who may be able to help you kick the habit for good. Call or click now. 

Don’t Ignore an Abscessed Tooth

If you have been ignoring that toothache, you could be asking for trouble. Your dentist explains that a toothache could become infected causing a dangerous abscess. 

Colgate explains that an abscessed tooth is usually a very painful infection, however occasionally you may have an abscessed tooth and not even be aware of it, especially if the pulp, which is the nerves, blood vessels and tissue inside of the tooth, has died.

An abscessed tooth is commonly caused by tooth decay, tooth trauma or if the tooth has been broken or is chipped. Gingivitis and periodontal disease could also be to blame for an abscessed tooth.

You may have an abscessed tooth if you are experiencing throbbing, shooting, or sharp pain in a particular tooth or surrounding teeth. Other signs and symptoms of an abscessed tooth include: 

• Pain when you chew
• Fever
• Tooth sensitivity to hot and cold
• A bitter taste in your mouth
• Swollen glands in your neck
• General discomfort
• Chronic bad breath
• Upper or lower jaw swelling
• An open or draining sore on your gums 

As mentioned above if the pulp in the root of your tooth dies because of the infection your toothache may suddenly stop, however, that does not mean you that it has magically healed as the infection is still active and will continue to spread.

If you have been diagnosed with a tooth abscess, your dentist will come up with a strategy to help save the tooth and prevent additional complications.

To eliminate further infection, your dentist may drain the abscess with root canal therapy. Root surgery may also be needed to remove the root tissue that is infected. After the surgery or root canal therapy, your dentist will place a dental crown to help protect the tooth.

If the infection has severely damaged the tissue, your dentist may have to extract your tooth to allow for socket drainage. Your dentist may decide on an incision in the gum tissue to allow for drainage. This type of treatment also allows you to keep your tooth. Antibiotics will be prescribed as well to help fight off the infection.

The best way to avoid a nasty infection is to practice good oral hygiene that includes brushing twice and flossing once each day. Make sure that you eat a healthy diet and see your dentist twice a year.

If you would like more information regarding dental abscesses, or have a toothache that just won’t go away, call or click and speak to your dentist today. 

Tooth Sensitivity Could Be Something More

If you wince in pain when you enjoy an orange, grapefruit, kiwi or tomato you could be suffering from tooth sensitivity. According to your dentist tooth sensitivity can be caused by all kinds of things.

Acidic Foods

Citrus fruits and other acidic foods could be causing tooth sensitivity to hot and cold. If you love citrus, rinse your teeth after you enjoy. Your dentist explains that acidic foods could be stripping away the enamel on your teeth making them extra sensitive.

Tooth Whitening Products

Everyone loves a movie star smile, but if you have been over indulging in tooth whitening strips, polishes, gels, pastes, or mouth rinses, the dentin on your teeth could be exposed. Tooth whitening products contain chemicals and other additives that could be making your teeth and gums sensitive. Try switching brands or see your dentist about professional tooth whitening options. Also, make sure that you buy products that are listing on the American Dental Association approved products list.

Cracked Teeth

You may have a hairline crack or chip in your tooth, and even though it is nearly impossible to see, it could be the reason that you have tooth sensitivity. Those tiny cracks and chips are large enough to allow dangerous food particles and bacteria into your tooth. If bacteria find its way into the pulp of your tooth, you may need a root canal. If the tooth cannot be saved, your dentist may need an extraction.

Old Fillings

If your fillings are older than 10 years, they could be harboring new cavities. Unfortunately, your old silver amalgam fillings could have a leak, a crack, or a chip. Although you may not feel a thing, it is important that you schedule a checkup with your dentist who can make sure that your fillings are sound.

Tobacco Use

While smoking stains your teeth, it also causes bad breath. Smoking and chewing tobacco makes you more susceptible to gum disease and dental caries. Tobacco use can also lead to oral cancer. Quit smoking and chewing and people around you will thank you for it.

Medical Issues

If your dentist has given you a clean bill of health as far as your teeth and gums are concerned, you may be dealing with another medical issue or the medications that you are taking. Sinus conditions, respiratory tract infections, kidney or liver diseases, diabetes, gastric reflux, or dry mouth could be causing your chronic halitosis.

If you are tired of covering your mouth when you talk, call or click and schedule an appointmentwith your dentist who can help determine the cause of your chronic bad breath. Call or click now.  

Schedule a Checkup This Spring

The Easter bunny is well on his way, and if you have kids, or like to indulge yourself, make sure that you schedule an appointment with your dentist before or after Easter to make sure that your teeth and gums have not been affected.

Your dentist explains that regular checkups can prevent tooth decay and determine if you and your kids are brushing the right way.

The American Dental Association explains that you should have your teeth and gums examined every six to twelve months, even more so if you or a member of your family has a history of gum disease. Gingivitis and periodontal disease can easily reoccur if it is not kept in check.

During your dental checkup, your dentist will start by cleaning your teeth while checking for gum disease and dental caries. If either is detected your dentist will explain what needs to be done to fill the cavities or take care of your gingivitis or periodontal disease. Your dentist will also take digital images and possible x-rays along with additional diagnostic procedures.

One of the most important parts of your dental examination is an oral cancer screening. In the United States alone, oral cancer is the most dangerous form or cancer killing more people than cervical or skin cancer combined every year.

During your oral cancer screening, your dentist will visually inspect your tongue, the inside of your cheeks and your gums to make sure there are no signs of lumps, bumps, or lesions. Your dentist will also perform a manual palpation along with utilizing the latest in oral cancer detection that could include advanced oral cancer screening systems that actually visualize any abnormalities in the tissues of your upper throat, mouth, tongue, and lips. To make sure that you are as healthy as possible be sure and request an oral cancer screening during your next dental checkup.   

After your oral cancer screening and dental checkup is complete, your dentist will discuss your oral hygiene habits including your diet. If needed, proper brushing and flossing techniques may also be demonstrated. Your dentist will also talk about other lifestyle factors that may affect your overall oral health.

This spring take care of your teeth and gums and schedule a comprehensive dental checkup with your dentist as the Easter Bunny may well bring more than a basket of sweets. Call or click now.