A healthy mouth is more than just brushing and flossing. Your eating patterns and food choices also play an important role in preventing tooth decay and gum disease.

Fiber-rich fruits and vegetables: Foods with fiber stimulate saliva flow, which is a natural defense against cavities. Not only does saliva wash away food particles and clean your mouth, about 20 minutes after you eat something, saliva begins to neutralize the acids attacking your teeth. Crisp fruits and vegetables like apples, carrots and celery not only help stimulate saliva flow, but also help clean plaque from teeth and freshen breath.


heese, milk, plain yogurt and other dairy products: The calcium, phosphates and vitamin D in cheese, milk and other dairy products are important minerals for the health of your teeth. Your teeth are made mostly of calcium, and without enough in your diet, you risk developing tooth decay and other problems. An added benefit is that the calcium in these foods mixes with plaque and sticks to teeth, protecting them from acids that cause decay and helping to rebuild tooth enamel on the spot. Worried you won’t get enough calcium because you are allergic to milk or just don’t like the taste? There are many calcium-fortified juices, soy milks and other foods available that can supply as much calcium to your diet as milk does.

Remember, for good dental health, keep these tips in mind when choosing your meals and snacks:

• Drink plenty of water.
• 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.

Most mouth rinses are effective oral antiseptics that freshen the mouth and curb bad breath for up to three hours. Their effectiveness in preventing tooth decay, gingivitis and periodontal disease is limited, however. Here is the recommended regimen for good oral hygiene:

• Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Make sure to brush for at least three minutes; it takes several minutes of brushing to do a thorough job.
• Use floss or an interdental cleaner daily.
• Eat a balanced diet and limit sugary or carbohydrate-loaded snacks.
• Look for the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal on fluoride toothpaste, toothbrushes, floss, interdental cleaners, oral irrigators, mouth rinses and other oral hygiene products. The ADA Seal on a product is your assurance that it has met ADA criteria for safety and effectiveness.
• Use a toothbrush with soft bristles. Toothbrushes with medium or hard bristles actually can wear away tooth structure over time.
• Replace your toothbrush at least every four months, sooner if the bristles become frayed. (Children’s toothbrushes often need replacing more frequently than adults’ because they can wear out sooner.)
• Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and oral exams.

                        What is gingivitis..

Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gum tissues surrounding the teeth, and is an early stage of gum disease. If left untreated, gingivitis may progress to periodontitis, which can be a major cause of tooth loss in adults. Gingivitis can sometimes be painless and, therefore, people may be unaware they have it. Come visit our dental office for an assessment to learn more about gingivitis and good oral hygiene.

What Causes Gingivitis

One of the primary factors contributing to gingivitis is plaque buildup, a sticky colorless deposit of bacteria that regularly forms on teeth. These bacteria build up and can create byproducts that can damage the gums.

While gingivitis is a milder and reversible form of gum disease, it may lead to more serious, destructive forms if left untreated.







       

The importance of dental sealants

                              SEALANTS
  Sealants are a very common dental treatment recommended for children to protect the areas of the teeth that are the most vulnerable.  They help prevent tooth decay in the newly erupted premolars and molars that will stay with your child for their lifetime.  Sealants are placed in the deep grooves and pits of the teeth where plaque can hide. Most children, no matter how well they brush, are unable to reach and clean these areas properly.  The sealant acts as a barrier and seals out food and bacteria. This helps prevent cavities!  Your dentist and dental hygienist will inform you of when your child’s adult teeth are ready for sealants.

T

Gingival Plaque

To prevent cavities, you need to remove plaque, the transparent layer of bacteria that coats the teeth. The best way to do this is by brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing at least once a day. Brushing also stimulates the gums, which helps to keep them healthy and prevent gum disease. Brushing and flossing are the most important things that you can do to keep your teeth and gums healthy.

About 1 person in 10 has a tendency to accumulate tartar quickly. Tartar is plaque in a hardened form that is more damaging and difficult to remove. Using anti-tartar toothpastes and mouthwashes, as well as spending extra time brushing the teeth near the salivary glands (the inside of the lower front teeth and the outside of the upper back teeth) may slow the development of new tartar.

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