Let’s Rethink Valentine’s Day Sweets!

Dental professionals have long been aware of the detrimental effects that consuming foods and beverages with added sugars have on our teeth. For the first time ever, the U.S. government is warning that Americans consume far too much sugar on a daily basis.

New guidelines recommend that men take in no more than 9 teaspoons of sugar a day and women should have no more than 6 teaspoons. There are 4 grams of sugar in a teaspoon and it is astounding how much added sugar is in the foods we consume.

We encourage you to begin reading the nutritional labels on everything from catsup to yogurt and see for your self. Educate you and your family even more by visiting this site which evolved after an Australian filmmaker closely examined sugar consumption worldwide.

You can watch the trailer for the film below.


As February 14th looms large, many have already begun shopping for the perfect Valentine’s Day cards and goodies. This year why not really show your love and affection by skipping the confections? Here are a few suggestions for the kids and your sweetie too:

• Movie gift certificates
• Mandala coloring book and set of colored pencils and sharpener
• Heart notepads, stickers, pencils, and erasers
• Soy candle
• Essential oil and a diffuser
• Special dinner
• Fruity lip balm assortment
• Bubble bath
• Heart bracelets and necklaces
• Stuffed animals
• Red yo-yos
• Heart photo frames
• Silver heart-shaped lockets
• Hair accessories
• Favorite DVDs or music CDs
• Special event-ice skating, concert tickets, visit to the climbing gym
• Gift bag stuffed with a new toothbrush, floss, fluoride rinse, tongue scraper, and toothpaste

Not Just Soda - Other Surprisingly Sugary Drinks

As we discussed in a recent post, sweetened drinks like soda can do significant damage to your teeth; as the sugar mixes with bacteria in your mouth and leads to acid erosion and the potential for decay.  You may think switching to fruit juices or other seemingly healthier beverages may be the solution, but you’ll likely be shocked to know just how much sugar some of these alternatives contain. 

Sugary Drinks and Your Teeth

Most of us are aware of what sugar-laden beverages can do to our waistline, but did you know they can be seriously damaging to your teeth?

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.

Which Foods and Drinks Will Stain Teeth?

Having an attractive smile is something pretty much everyone wants, right? And people will often go to extremes to make sure their teeth stay pearly white. From expensive whitening treatments to even more expensive veneers, there are plenty of avenues for achieving a bright, white smile. However, if you want to avoid having to shell out thousands of dollars for dental enhancements that eliminate or hide stains, you can be proactive by avoiding the following foods and drinks.

Pregnancy and Dental Care

A recent article from The Huffington Post reported that certain groups of pregnant women in the U.S. are not receiving appropriate dental care. This is alarming to say the least, since dental care is especially important during pregnancy. Furthermore, since we generally tend to presume that the United States has one of the best dental care establishments in the world, it's confusing as to why this particular demographic isn't getting the care they need.

According to the study, which pulled data from the 1999-2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys, more pregnant women over age 35 (86 percent) said their teeth were in good condition, compared to just 57 percent of pregnant women younger than 24. Researchers also found that young pregnant women were less likely than their peers who were not pregnant to report going to the dentist over the past year.

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 Time is Snack Time - What’s Your Game Plan?

School’s out and millions of Americans are busy making plans for road trips, vacations and relaxation. Busy parents are likely trying to figure out how to streamline their responsibilities and free up more time for fun. Before heading to the warehouse club or super market to stock up on “grab and go” snacks for the kids, rethink that shopping list!

Sure, it’s nice to have lots of tempting things on hand during the summer. Keeping a ready supply of favorites like ice cream, popsicles, cookies, and soda will surely make your house a popular neighborhood stop. Plus-it’s super convenient to have packaged snack foods in the car for those long road trips. For working parents, who frequently get the call, “There’s nothing to eat in this house!”-routinely stocking up the fridge, freezer, and pantry with kid-friendly options is a life-saver.

Just make sure that the foods you are offering will not sabotage your children’s dental health. It only takes a little extra planning to come up with tempting choices. With inspiration from the folks at “Eat This-Not That” here is a list of typical snack choices and a better option:

Popsicles vs. Homemade Ice Pops
Make your own with a combination of real fruit juice and pureed fresh fruit. In season fresh fruit allows you to make colorful, hard to resist versions, like watermelon lime, strawberry banana, mango peach, or blueberry lemon-YUM!  Because so much of the fresh fruit choices are quite sweet enough on their own, there is usually no need to add sugar. For a creamsicle twist, mix ½ to 1 cup of unsweetened coconut milk or 8 ounce carton of vanilla Greek yogurt into the puree.

Canned Soda vs. DIY
Isn’t reading the long list of unpronounceable ingredients on the average soda can enough of a wake up call? Walk away from these products that are loaded with sugar, chemicals, artificial flavors and colors. Instead of canned soda, make your own with seltzer water. Just combine a ½ cup fruit juice and ½ can of seltzer with a splash of lemon or lime for one of the healthiest and most refreshing beverages you’ll have all summer!

Chocolate Chip Cookies vs. Nut Butter Rice Cake with Chocolate Chips
Just as it sounds-spread a little peanut or almond butter on a rice cake and sprinkle on a few chocolate chips. This swap also brings fiber and protein to the table. Yes-chocolate chips contain sugar, however, not nearly as much as cookie dough.

Fruit Roll-Ups vs. Dried Fruit or Tortilla All-Fruit Pinwheels
Most fruit roll-ups have more corn syrup and artificial flavoring and colors than fruit. Invest in dried natural fruits instead, such as mango slices or apples. For a variation on the same theme, spread all-fruit, low sugar jam onto a 8-inch flour tortilla-roll and cut into pinwheels. These may also be chilled and put on skewers for easy eating.

High-Sugar Mainstays (yogurt and granola bars) vs. Smarter Alternatives
For those that think yogurt and granola bars are super healthy choices-read those labels. Some of the best-selling brands of yogurt have as much sugar as two scoops of ice cream.

The same is true for granola bars-many brands have as much sugar as a candy bar. For yogurt and granola bars, choose those that have 9 grams of sugar or less per serving.

A few more ideas:

• Water is the beverage of choice-make it fun with a few new BPA-free water bottles to keep filled and chilled in the fridge
• Fruit on a stick or ready made fruit cups
• Steamed edamame (in the shell)-it’s portable and can be eaten hot or cold-great high protein snack that is very similar to boiled peanuts
• Hummus with whole grain bread sticks or veggies
• Veggie cups and dip-Ranch dressing, peanut butter, or salsa
• Nuts-healthy and wholesome
• Popcorn-air-popped or bagged low calorie choices, like, “Skinny Pop”

Remember that sugary foods are problematic because of the way they bond with bacteria in the mouth to produce acids that erode the enamel and lead to decay. Look for ways to avoid sugar filled foods and when baking or cooking, try adding less than what is called for. Help prevent cavities by ensuring that all family members brush every morning and evening and in between meals with a fluoride toothpaste. Floss daily! Also discuss how eating crisp fruits and vegetables will help keep everyone’s teeth clean and healthy.

Even though it’s finally summertime, remember to visit your dentist every six months for a checkup (Call 919-782-0548 to schedule!) and help with removing plaque and calculus that you may have missed before cavities can develop.

Surprise! These 5 Foods Can Spell Trouble for Dental Health

In the quest towards better overall health and especially dental health, Americans are reaching for more natural, less processed foods. They may have an abundance of benefits, yet some may pose unexpected risks to the teeth and gums. According to a recent Good Morning America online article, here are five such foods to be aware of:

Citrus Fruits
Although they contain beneficial Vitamin C and collagen, too much citrus fruit can wear down tooth enamel. Eating too many oranges or grapefruit, along with sucking on lemons and limes should be avoided. The acids and naturally occurring sugars can soften and erode tooth enamel. The GMA piece also cited a 2011 study by the British Journal of Nutrition that stated, “Grapefruit juice is nearly as corrosive as Coca-Cola”.

To prevent dental harm from citrus, just drink 8 ounces of water, wait 20 minutes and then brush your teeth. This amount of time should allow the acids and sugars to be safely eliminated.

Whole Almonds
Yes-nuts are a wonderful snack-high in vitamin E and a good source of fiber and protein. However, where teeth are concerned, they can spell trouble for some patients. Sometimes, snacking on hard nuts can cause already compromised teeth to crack.

Instead of munching on whole almonds, try slivered almonds instead. Pistachios, pecans and cashews are also good choices, and not quite so tough. Of course-NEVER attempt to crack unshelled nuts of any type with your teeth! That would be a recipe for disaster.

Pickles
Low calorie/low fat, and yes a nice way to perk up a sandwich or end a meal, but be careful. The acid from the vinegar and sugar used in the pickling process can take sabotage vital minerals and contribute to the start of decay within the teeth.

Counteract the questionable effects of pickled foods by following them with a bite of cheese. The calcium helps to neutralize the vinegar that make pickles-pickles in the first place. Another quick fix is to chew a gum that contains xylitol. The substance reduces the acid and encourages the flow of saliva, which helps to naturally rinse out the mouth.

Dried Fruit
This nature’s candy certainly beats those processed, sugar laden choices. However, the dehydration process leaves the fruit sticky and apt to adhere to the teeth. Also, since the fruit has been dried, the natural sugars are more concentrated.

After enjoying that little box of raisins or baggie of dried mangoes, make a point to swish with water and then brush your teeth within 20 minutes. This should help keep those sticky deposits from trapping bacteria and wreaking havoc in your mouth!

Coffee
Since the 15th century, folks worldwide have enjoyed this rich, anti-oxidant filled beverage. It may go down easily, but not without consequences. Coffee along with tea, is a huge culprit when it comes to staining our pearly whites. It may be a worthwhile trade-off for some, however, stained teeth are magnets for bacteria!

Avoid this cycle by cutting back on your coffee intake and sipping your java through a straw. Rinsing and brushing immediately after consumption will also be a great deterrent for both decay and discoloration.

Keep your teeth looking and feeling their best with regular cleanings. Overdue? Give us a call at 919-782-0548 to schedule an appointment.

Spring and Summer-Time to Eat Healthy!

Spring and summer can be busy times for families with kids. Some sports are gearing up, there’s Easter, spring break, and then those lazy, crazy days of summer. Time spent running here and there, plus spending hours in the car is typically the rule and not the exception. This is also a period in which healthy habits may fall by the wayside. Crazy schedules force us to dash here and there and “grab and go” foods become a mainstay.

Of course the problem lies in the fact that most of those “grab and go” choices are not the healthiest. Not only do they sabotage a healthy diet, they can also lead to tooth decay. Resorting to the drive through may be the only choice from time to time. However, it does not have to be! Check out these tips to stay on track with better food choices during the spring and summer:

Make your grab and go options an alternative to sugary, salty processed snack foods. Keep baggies of washed and cut up fruits and veggies in the fridge. We already know that fruit is nature’s candy! Crunchy or salty cravings can be satisfied with individual snack size bags of bite size cheese, whole grain crackers and pretzels, wholesome nuts, seeds, and veggie chips.

Speaking of chips, look into purchasing a small dehydrator. They are relatively inexpensive and considering the cost of kale or apple chips, they pay for themselves several times over. Just think….sweet potato chips with cinnamon, garlic/lemon zucchini chips, pear chips, dried peaches with vanilla, plums, figs…mmmmm!

This is also the time of year when local farmers markets begin to reopen. Make shopping directly from the farmers a family affair. Something magic happens when youngsters have hands on experiences and make the connection that the foods they eat do not actually come just from only the supermarket! And…this is one of the best sources for healthy food choices.

Designate two snack baskets or boxes-one for home and one for the car. Fill them with healthy options so you will always be prepared.

Make water the hands-down beverage of choice. Invest in a few appealing (packaging is everything!) BPA-free water bottles. Keep them chillin in the fridge for the best grab and go thirst quencher around!

Another important "to-do" item for your overall health? Regular visits to the dentist! Give us a call at 919-782-0548 to be sure you are up to date, or to schedule an appointment.

True or False? Dark Chocolate is Good for Your Teeth…

Since it most often falls into the “sweets and candy” food group, chocolate is usually considered something to avoid when it comes to choosing healthy snacks. Surprise! Among the three types of chocolate-milk, white, and dark, the dark chocolate choice has a slew of health benefits.

One of the most publicized is the fact that dark chocolate is loaded with antioxidants. They help the body by eliminating free radicals, which can cause cell damage, in the form of aging and possibly cancer. Along with its anti-oxidant properties, dark chocolate has been proven to increase HDL levels, which are known as “good cholesterol”. It has also been shown to lower blood pressure, improve cognition, plus it’s high in Magnesium, Copper, Potassium, and Iron.

Recent information has revealed that dark chocolate can be good for your teeth and even prevent tooth decay! The key is in choosing chocolate that is truly dark, which will be those containing between 70 and 85% pure cocoa. The magic in the mix is due to the fact that cocoa beans contain tannins, polyphenols and flavonoids, each of which is a type of powerful antioxidant that benefits the mouth and teeth. Here’s how they help:

• Tannins prevent bacteria from adhering to the teeth, which helps nip cavities in the bud! Tannins are also what give dark chocolate its dark color and bitter taste.
• Polyphenols work to neutralize the microorganisms linked to bad breath, ward off gum infections and fight tooth decay. 
• Flavonoids keep harmful dental plaque from gaining a stronghold on tooth enamel, thus, preventing cavities.

Those three heavy hitters mean that dark chocolate has about four times the amount of antioxidants contained in the much praised beverage-green tea. Hmmm-rich dark chocolate or a cup of pale green tea…which would you choose? Even better, the cocoa butter in dark chocolate coats the teeth and once again, fights plaque.

Before indulging, please keep in mind that enjoying dark chocolate should be done in moderation. Just one ounce a day is recommended, which is equal to 6 Hershey’s Dark Kisses. Be aware that the calories, fat, and sugar are still there, so use a little will power and just one ounce a day, please! Of course, brush and rinse thoroughly after all meals and snacks-even those that are good for you!

Time for a cleaning and oral health check-up? Simply call 919-782-0548 to schedule an appointment.

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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Rethink Your Drink Campaign
Best "Go-To" Snack Choices for Healthy Teeth
Nutrition and Your Dental Health

Rethink Your Drink Campaign

In addition to being a major culprit that contributes to weight gain, poor beverage choices also wreak havoc with your dental health. Many are loaded with corrosive sugars and acids that contribute to severe tooth decay.

At Implant and General Dentistry in Raleigh, we love the Rethink Your Drink campaign from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  They provide nutritional information on typical drinks - and drink serving sizes - that can be very eye opening.

For instance, they show a realistic example of a person who chooses a medium cafe latte made with whole milk with their breakfast, a 20-oz non-diet cola with their lunch, a 16-oz sweetened lemon iced tea in the afternoon, and a 12-oz glass of ginger ale with dinner as adding 796 calories to their day!  Wow - for some of us, that's almost half of our daily recommended caloric intake just for drinks. Check their site to see alternatives that add up to only 155 calories.

Here are some tips from the CDCP on how to choose the best drinks for your overall health.

Learn to be a savvy label reader and go for beverages that have zero to very little added sugar and artificial ingredients. Of course, water is always the best choice, but for those times when H2O won't do, please consider the ingredients and pay close attention to the sugar content.

For ideas about healthier alternatives, review the following suggestions and see if there is any room for improvement where your "go-to" drink options are concerned.

• According to the American Heart Association, "women should limit added sugars to only 100 calories per day (approximately 6 teaspoons), while men should take in no more than 150 calories in sugar (about 9 teaspoons a day)." It was recently revealed that the average American consumes 22 teaspoons a day!  Be on the lookout for these added sugars:
• High-fructose corn syrup
• Fructose
• Fruit juice concentrates
• Honey
• Sugar
• Syrup
• Corn syrup
• Sucrose
• Dextrose
• Make Better Choices:
• Let water be your #1 drink choice
• Try using less or 0 sugar in coffee and tea
• Make a "natural" soda by mixing ½ seltzer with ½ fruit juice
• Try lower calorie and lower glycemic sweeteners like Stevia and Agave syrup
• Keep soda and sugary drinks out of your house-just don't buy them! Instead, chill jugs of water and use lemon slices and fruit or herb filled ice cubes to make H2O a more enticing choice!
• Invest in BPA free water bottles and carry them with you daily
• If you have to have a soda, go for the 8 or 6-ounce size
• At mealtime, set the table with water goblets and fill an attractive pitcher with ice water

By changing just a few habits, you will likely see a big improvement in your overall well being, not to mention your dental health.

If you have questions regarding your dental health, please don't hesitate to contact our Implant and General Dentistry office in Raleigh, NC to schedule an appointment: 919-782-0548

Related Posts:
Nutrition and Your Dental Health
Your Diet and Your Dental Health
Best "Go-To" Snack Choices for Healthy Teeth

Best "Go-To" Snack Choices for Healthy Teeth

It is no secret that some foods are highly beneficial in maintaining and improving our dental health. Some act as "natural toothbrushes," many are loaded with vitamins and minerals that our teeth need to stay healthy, and others simply have a magical combination of ingredients that are naturally good for our teeth. Here's a list of foods that are recommended for their positive impact on teeth and gums. Make sure to include them in your snack stash!

Apples and celery - the hard crunchiness of these serve to clean the teeth, stimulate the gums and promote the flow of saliva, which cleans the mouth even more.

Cheese - It contains casein, which helps strengthen tooth enamel.

Kiwi - Loaded with vitamin C that helps maintain the collagen in the gums, which prevents infections and periodontal disease.

Pears - More fibrous than apples, these luscious fruits can help neutralize the acid on the surface of teeth, helping them stay strong and healthy.

For smart beverage choices, that will benefit your teeth and bones, choose either water or milk (See also: Why Sugary Drinks Should Be Avoided). Water helps keep your mouth, teeth, and gums hydrated and naturally washes away food particles that could lead to tooth decay. The calcium and vitamin D in milk are essential to building strong bones and teeth.


If you have questions or concerns about your diet, nutrition, and dental health, please call our Raleigh office today to schedule a consultation: 919-782-0548

Why Sugary Drinks Should be Avoided

It is estimated that on average, Americans down 45 gallons of soft drinks per year. For many, sodas are the "go to" beverages of choice, and are often mindlessly served at mealtime. In addition to being the #1 cause of the nation's obesity epidemic, sugary drinks wreak havoc with the teeth.

The two main culprits contained in carbonated soft drinks, sports drinks, and energy drinks that spell only bad news for our teeth are their high volumes of sugars and acids. Some sodas come with 11 teaspoons of sugar packed into just one 12-ounce serving. The larger 20-ounce bottles can contain close to 20 teaspoons of sugar! Consider individuals who routinely consume 2 to 3 sugary drinks a day-and then reflect on the American Heart Association's guidelines for daily sugar intake:

        "For women it is no more than 5 teaspoons a day and for men, no more than 9 teaspoons a day. Each teaspoon of sugar contains 4 grams of sugar. According to the AHA, kids should have no more than 3 teaspoons of sugar a day."

Please do not think that sugar-free choices or artificially sweetened beverages are an alternative. In addition to numerous questionable, artificial and unpronounceable ingredients, they are also filled with acids. The added acids and sugars in these drinks mix together with your mouth's naturally occurring acids and the combination is too much for your teeth to handle. The sugar-laden acids destroy the tooth enamel and over time cause decay and pitting of the teeth.

Sports drinks, iced tea, lemonade, and fitness water are no better! Along with significant amounts of sugar, they also contain additives and organic acids that are extremely erosive to the teeth and gums. Recent studies have revealed that non-carbonated drinks and sports drinks are 5 to 10 times more likely than soft drinks to cause enamel damage and cavities.

The bottom line is to avoid such beverages all together. If that is impossible for you, limit your consumption to no more than a 12-ounce serving and brush and use a dental rinse immediately afterwards. The best choice for improving and maintaining your overall health is to make water your #1 beverage choice!

For more information, visit Rethink Your Drink from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

If you have concerns about your dental health or nutrition habits that may be affecting your teeth, please call our office in Raleigh for a consultation: 919-782-0548

Tips to Reduce the Risk of Cavities

It seems that there are a few lucky folks who inherit great genes when it comes to their teeth. They may never have any serious issues if they follow their dentist's guidelines for brushing, flossing and regular check-ups. However, there are many more individuals who must pay careful attention to maintaining their dental health.

Whether it is a matter of diet, genes, environment or other health issues that place some of us in more jeopardy when it comes to tooth decay, there are a few simple steps that will reduce the risk of cavities.

• Frequent Brushing - Brushing after every meal and snack is not just something to encourage small children to do! Establish this habit now for a lifetime of better dental health.
• Avoid Snacking Between Meals - Snacking between meals can be detrimental to your teeth and gums. Problems arise because snacks are often not a "whole food" or nutritionally sound choice, and brushing afterwards rarely happens. That's why it is best to avoid between meal snacking entirely. Hungry? Drink water!
• Stay Away from Sugary Foods and Drinks - Sugar is lurking everywhere! In addition to common white sugar and high fructose corn syrup, there are over 20 possible added sugars that may be in your food! This includes naturally occurring sugars in fruits and vegetables. They all  present problems for the teeth. Sugars have the tendency to adhere to teeth and the bacteria in your mouth combines with these sugars and releases acid, which is the main cause of tooth decay. It's so simple - stay away from sugary foods and drinks! If you must have them, brush, floss, and rinse immediately afterwards.
• Drink Water! Rely on basic, unprocessed food and beverage choices for your meals and snacks. Water is hands down the beverage of choice.

Preventing cavities through good nutrition and excellent dental habits is your best bet to maintaining a beautiful smile that lasts a lifetime.  Call Dr. Simon Melcher at Implant and General Dentistry today to schedule an appointment with the dentist and dental hygienist: 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