Dental Care During Pregnancy

Most women are keenly aware of the number of physical changes their bodies experience during pregnancy. However, one that many do not consider is how carrying a child for nine months can impact their dental health.

Although they may be ready to face the prospect of morning sickness, mood swings and an increase in appetite, learning that their oral health is also affected often comes as a surprise.

Your Aging Smile!

The term "Baby Boomer" is one that you may not have given much serious thought. However, if you are one of the 76 million "babies" who were born between 1945 and 1964, don't forget that your teeth are aging too!

Best Superfoods for Dental Health

The idea that some foods are superfoods is one that has really taken off in recent years. Some are praised for their high anti-oxidant content while others are go-to choices because they are packed with essential nutrients. From fighting cancer to stress reduction or weight loss, the list of superfoods and their list of benefits is growing.

How to Have Strong and Healthy Teeth at Any Age

Although a glistening white smile is thought to be an indicator of healthy teeth, it's not exactly true. In fact, over zealous whitening techniques can weaken tooth enamel and place one's teeth in jeopardy. Regular brushing and flossing certainly contribute towards making teeth strong. So, why should you want your teeth to be strong instead of simply gleaming white and cavity-free? Strong teeth are more resistant to decay and cracks that may occur as we age. Aside from brushing and flossing, there are other ways to make your teeth heavy weight champions when it comes to strength:

• A good multi-vitamin that is fortified with minerals and other essential nutrients helps to keep the teeth safe from damage and makes them stronger.
  
• Vitamin C helps strengthen gums and raises one's resistance to fight off some illnesses. Fruits like kiwis, oranges, grapefruit and strawberries are a great source of Vitamin C because they can prevent harmful bacteria from colonizing and contributing to gingivitis, which is an inflammation of the gums.
• Snacking on seeds is an easy way to fortify the strength of the teeth. Seeds are high in healthy fats, which help the body resist harmful bacteria. There are also nutrients and minerals in seeds that help to reinforce tooth enamel, make them stronger and thereby more impervious to cavities. Try incorporating pumpkin, sunflower and sesame seeds into your family's diet. Eat them out of hand or add them to baked goods and salads.
• Eating raw, crunchy fruits and vegetables help keep the teeth clean and make them stronger. They are a much better choice than overly processed sugary or salty food options. Designate a snack basket or area of the fridge and stock up on apples, broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, celery, and radishes. Your teeth will thank you!

• Dairy products have been recognized as a pro-dental health food source for ages. Low-fat yogurt, cheeses, and milk are excellent choices when it comes to foods that make the teeth stronger. These dairy products raise the pH levels in the mouth and reduce the effect of the acids produced by dental plaque. In turn, the raised pH prevents tooth decay. Dairy products are also rich in calcium and vitamin D. These nutrients adhere to the tooth enamel and act as a defense against acids.
  When choosing dairy products, read the labels, especially on yogurt brands to make sure they are not loaded with sugar. One way to beat sugar at its game is to add fresh or dried fruits, seeds and nuts to plain yogurt. Plain, Greek yogurt topped with grated apples or pears, toasted pecans or walnuts, with a dash of cinnamon is surprisingly delicious!
• Many people are always shocked to hear that chewing some brands of sugarless gum is actually good for the teeth! It turns out that the right chewing gum is very efficient in polishing tooth surface and removing food debris from the crevices. It also increases saliva production, which acts as an anti-bacterial agent. Only buy the brands with the official American Dental Association's symbol of approval.

• Drinking plenty of water and making H2O the "go-to" beverage is a no-brainer as a pro-dental health strategy. In addition to washing away food particles, establishing the water drinking habit immediately prevents the consumption of soft drinks, which have zero benefits, especially for the teeth! The sugars and acids in soda are direct causes in the buildup of plaque, cavities, and enamel breakdown. Furthermore, even the sugarless varieties wreak havoc because of their high acidity and artificial ingredients.

Please allow us to guide you in the right direction towards optimal dental health. Our team of dental professionals is skilled and experienced in the latest strategies and treatments for improving the dental health and hygiene of our clients. Simply call 919-782-0548 to schedule an appointment.

Summer Tips for Dental Safety

Summer time can be risky for one’s dental health. Lots of folks have more time for leisure sports or try new ones while on vacation. There is also the temptation to go overboard with warm weather favorites like ice cream, popsicles, sports and soft drinks. With those points in mind, here’s a quick checklist for keeping your dental health in tact this summer.

Mouth guards should be a requirement for any contact sport including lacrosse, soccer, football, and although they are not contact sports-baseball, softball, rollerblading and skateboarding. An inexpensive mouthguard can protect your teeth, gums and lips from disaster.

Take the necessary precautions when it comes to water sports. Surfboards and Stand Up Paddle (SUP) boards can do quite a bit of damage when they come in contact with your mouth. If you are just beginning these sports, take a few lessons and learn how to protect yourself from dental injuries.

Avid swimmers should be aware that chlorinated pool water has other chemicals that can hurt the teeth. According to the ADA, “Pool water has higher pH than saliva due to the cleaning chemicals. As a result, salivary proteins break down quickly and form organic deposits on the teeth.”  Hard, brown deposits form which are known as “swimmers’ calculus.” They usually appear on the front teeth and can cause yellow or brown discoloration. The good news is that a visit to your dentist for a thorough cleaning should clear up the problem!

Scuba divers need to be aware that the pressure encountered on deep dives, can cause jaw joint pain, gum tissue problems, or what’s known as “tooth squeeze,”-pain in the center of the tooth. Another issue is “diver’s mouth syndrome” (barodontalgia), which is caused by the air pressure as well as divers biting too hard on their scuba air regulators. Anyone with a large cavity, a temporary filling, gum disease, periodontal abscess, or incomplete root canal therapy, is likely to experience pain from the added pressure. Before making plans to scuba dive this summer, it would be a good idea to have an oral exam first.

Make water your “go-to” beverage. Sports drinks and of course soda are loaded with a variety of ingredients that are guaranteed to wreak havoc on your dental health.

Also make smart snack choices by reaching for fresh, crunchy fruits and veggies, low-fat dairy products, wholesome nuts, and wholegrain crackers, pretzels, and popcorn-(unless you have braces, that is.)

If accidents do happen be sure to give us a call right away. We are here to help with injuries to the mouth and teeth and any other issues that may come up during the summer months. You can reach us at 919-782-0548.

Good Nutrition is Directly Tied to Good Dental Health

As a nation, Americans are finally waking up to the fact that diet is a direct link to overall health and well-being. The foods and beverages we eat and drink affects all of the physical systems that make up the human body. Poor nutrition can be linked to a variety of health problems such as obesity, cardiovascular issues, diabetes, and even arthritis. It should come as no surprise then that the foods we eat can either maintain and improve our dental health or destroy it.

Consider the process of eating and digesting food. Next, think of your mouth, teeth, tongue, and gums as the first stop along the "Digestion Highway." Just like a highway sees wear and tear from heavy equipment, eating unhealthy foods inundates your teeth and gums with substances that wear them down and cause decay and disease. In fact, when foods that are full of sugar, acid, salt, preservatives, and other artificial ingredients are consumed, your general health and dental health are likely to suffer.

In its campaign to promote better health for everyone, the Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion, which is an agency overseen by he U.S. Department of Agriculture, has created the website ChooseMyPlate.gov.

Here are a few suggestions from the site:

• Of all the food you eat daily, at least half should consist of fruits and vegetables
• Whole grains such as oatmeal, brown rice, and whole wheat bread is preferable over highly processed bleached, white flour and other grains that have been stripped of their nutritive qualities, including fiber
• Low-fat and fat-free dairy products are essential for the development of healthy teeth and bones
• Protein should be lean such as skinless poultry, fish, or lean cuts of beef and pork. Cook it without added fat by baking, grilling, or roasting. A serving of meat should be no larger than a deck of cards. Also try to have several meatless meals a week with non-animal protein sources such as legumes, soy and beans

Please consider what the American Dental Association says "If your nutrition is poor, the first signs often show up in your oral health."

Be sure to check in on your dental health regularly by scheduling appointments with Dr. Simon Melcher at Implant and General Dentistry in Raleigh every six months.  Request an appointment online or call us today at 919-782-0548.

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The Importance of Dental Care for Teens

Teens are busy with school, sports, and social schedules, so you can be assured that taking care of their teeth is not exactly at the top of most teens' "To-Do" lists. Many teenagers may neglect their dental hygiene, even though their childhoods were likely filled with regular dental visits and lots of parental reinforcement about the importance of regular brushing, flossing, and making healthy food choices. As they begin driving and being away from home more, it's almost impossible to know for sure if they are taking proper care of their teeth at all!

By the time the teen years roll around, it takes more than anticipated visits from the tooth fairy to ensure good habits are in check for first-rate dental health. The late middle school and high school years are also when many young people either have braces or have just had them removed. The diligent flossing and brushing that took place during the time the braces were on certainly should not be abandoned when they come off!

The key to ensuring that teenagers take excellent care of their teeth and gums is this: make it extremely easy for them. Here are a few pointers:

• Do discuss (one more time) how vital regular brushing and flossing are for maintaining dental health, white teeth, healthy gums, and fresh breath.
• Talk with your teenager about the importance of eating wholesome, natural foods and snacks rather than those loaded with sugar, additives, and artificial ingredients. Then, make those food items readily available at home by stocking the fridge and pantry with choices such as fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, low fat dairy like yogurt and string cheese, and whole grain crackers.
• If they play contact sports, mountain bike, skateboard or snowboard, impress upon them that participating without a mouthguard is not an option.
• Assemble a few dental kits to ensure they'll always have what they need. Put one in their bathroom and one in their car or gym bag. Include these items: dental rinse, toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, and sugarless gum. For the "on-the-go" kit, include a water bottle, to make rinsing easier!
• Invest in a Sonicare electric toothbrush and several battery-operated ones as well. Again, the key to success is having the right tools on hand. 

As always, be sure to keep your teen on-schedule with his or her routine appointments at Implant & General Dentistry in Raleigh. Give us a call if you're not when your next appointment is: 919-782-0548

Nutrition and Your Dental Health

Taking excellent care of your teeth and gums requires much more than regular brushing and flossing. When you view your set of teeth as your body's food processor, it should become more apparent that the foods you eat play a major role in your dental health. Just like there are certain foods that can wreak havoc on a food-processing appliance, the same holds true for your teeth!

A healthy diet comprised of whole foods as opposed to packaged or processed choices plays a key role, not only in maintaining your dental health, but the health of your entire body. Try to eat a diet that is heavy on fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy, and lean meats and fish. Always be on the lookout for snacks and beverages that fit into one of those basic categories. With all processed food there is the almost guaranteed risk of added fat, sugar, sodium, refined flour, and artificial ingredients, such as colors and flavorings. To avoid sabotaging a healthy diet, learn to read and understand food labels and ingredient lists. Just like bad gas can ruin a car's engine, what you eat and drink directly impacts your dental and overall health. Other things to consider when making good choices for your teeth and gums are:

• What form is the food in? Will it stick to your teeth, stain them or linger between them, causing bacterial growth and possible decay?
• Sugar and acid are present in many beverages, including milk, fruit juices and soft drinks. Even sugars and acids that occur naturally are linked to tooth decay and should be consumed rarely. Water is always the beverage of choice.
• If you can't brush after each meal or snack, remember to eat something that can help clean around the teeth, such as an apple, celery, or carrot. Or drink a cup of plain herbal tea because flavonoids and other ingredients in tea seem to prevent harmful bacteria from sticking to teeth, and also block production of a type of sugar that contributes to cavities. Tea also contains high amounts of fluoride.

It is up to you to look after your body! In addition to regular brushing, flossing, and visits to your dentist and family doctor, take charge by:

• Becoming familiar with what constitutes a healthy diet
• Prepare meals with whole food ingredients, not overly and artificially processed items

Visit these sites to learn more about adopting a healthy diet for you and your whole family: choosemyplate.gov and fda.gov/food.

Contact Dr. Simon Melcher and the staff at Implant & General Dentistry in Raleigh to schedule your next appointment: 919-782-0548.

Your Diet and Your Dental Health

Did you know that your dental health is greatly affected by what you eat and drink? Most people are aware that too much sugar can be bad for teeth and that substances like coffee or wine will cause discoloration, but a lot of folks might be surprised to know that diets high in carbohydrates or acidic substances can also contribute to dental problems.

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), tooth decay happens when plaque come into contact with sugar in the mouth, causing acid to attack the teeth. The ADA recommends avoiding the consumption of foods and drinks that are high in sugar such as soft drinks and candy. Additionally, snack foods that are very starchy or high in carbs can also contribute to tooth decay.

Giving up these things completely would be great for your dental health, but for most people, this is unrealistic. A soda every once in a while or some candy here and there probably won't be detrimental to your teeth. Just remember that moderation along with regular, effective dental hygiene practices can help you maintain a healthy smile.

Here are a few tips for making your diet tooth-and-gum-friendly:

• Drink plenty of water (limit soda and juices)
• Eat a variety of foods from each of the five major food groups, including: whole grains fruits vegetables lean sources of protein such as lean beef, skinless poultry and fish; dry beans, peas and other legumes low-fat and fat-free dairy foods.
• Limit the number of snacks you eat. If you do snack, choose healthier options like fresh fruit or a piece of cheese.

The ADA says that foods eaten as part of a meal cause less harm to teeth than eating lots of snacks throughout the day. This is because more saliva is released during a meal. Saliva helps wash foods from the mouth and lessens the effects of acids, which can harm teeth and cause cavities.

We hope you learned something today!  Thanks for visiting our blog and please remember to call Implant and General Dentistry in Raleigh, NC to schedule your next appointment: 919-782-0548