Below is an excerpt from an article found on MouthHealthy.org Sweet as the holidays may be, sugar-packed treats can wreak havoc on your pearly whites. This season, ring in the festivities with healthy and fun holiday snack options that fill your mouth with joy. Pita Tree Appetizers
The low-fat sour cream in this recipe is a source of vitamin D, which strengthens bones and teeth. Get the recipe >> Grinch Poppers Be good for goodness sake to your teeth with these Grinch Poppers. For a healthier and more MouthHealthy alternative, swap the sugary and sticky marshmallow for another piece of banana. Get the recipe >> To read the entire article with all healthy snacks please visit MouthHealthy.org
Below is an excerpt from an article found on MouthHealthy.org Sweet as the holidays may be, sugar-packed treats can wreak havoc on your pearly whites. This season, ring in the festivities with healthy and fun holiday snack options that fill your mouth with joy. Egg Snowmen
These adorable snowmen - made with hard-boiled eggs, carrots and peppercorns - will melt your heart before melting in your mouth. Eggs are a source of Vitamin D, which is needed to help absorb, carry and deposit calcium in the bone that supports your teeth. Carrots - which are crunchy, firm and full of water - help to scrub your teeth clean like a natural toothbrush. Get the recipe >> Spinach Artichoke Frittata Trees
You won’t need to cut down on these trees! Dairy products like milk contain calcium, eggs are a source of Vitamin D and leafy greens like spinach are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals. (Just be sure to floss before flashing a smile beneath the mistletoe!) Get the recipe >> To read the entire article with all healthy snacks please visit MouthHealthy.org
Below is an excerpt from an article found on MouthHealthy.org You know that what you eat directly impacts your health, and that includes the health of your teeth and gums. But it can work the other way around too. If you have an orthodontic appliance, such as braces, or have had certain dental problems or procedures, the health and comfort of your teeth and gums can directly impact what you eat. Here are some tips for what to eat and how to avoid these common dental issues. Braces Braces are delicate, and any foods that are sticky, chewy or hard can easily cause them to break, including:
ice
nuts
popcorn
hard candy
gum
Any food that you need to bite into to eat is prime for breaking braces. You can get around this by cutting the food, such as corn off the cob or rib meat off the bone, or slicing apples and chopping carrots into small, bite-size pieces. You may also experience problems eating after your braces are tightened-teeth may feel sore. The first few days are the worst, so try eating softer foods like those listed below until the soreness passes:
scrambled eggs
oatmeal
soup with soft vegetables or pureed or cream soups
soft cheeses, including cottage cheese
smoothies and milkshakes
Canker Sores There is no cure for canker sores but you may be able to reduce how often you get them by avoiding foods that irritate your mouth. Spicy foods, acidic foods like pickles and sauerkraut, and citrus fruits can cause irritation. If you have canker sores, help ease discomfort by eating bland foods until your sores heal, such as:
low-fat milk and other dairy foods
cooked, canned and frozen vegetables
mashed potatoes (fortify by mixing in powdered milk to boost nutrition)
cooked or canned fruit, including applesauce
hot cereals like oatmeal and cream of wheat (make with milk instead of water to boost nutrition)
If you get mouth sores, try these tips to make eating easier and speed healing:
Choose cool or room temperature foods.
Blend and moisten dry or solid foods.
Drink through a straw to bypass mouth sores.
Eat high protein, high calorie foods to speed up healing time. For example, add protein powder to milk shakes or powdered dry milk to fortify mashed potatoes and soups.
The lists above are partial, please read the entire article at MouthHealthy.org to view the full lists.
Below is an excerpt from an article found on Crest.com Common Toothache Causes Are you wondering why your teeth hurt? If you have aching teeth, it may be due to a dental problem such as cavities, gum disease, bruxism, TMJ or a non-dental problem, such as a sinus infection or even stress.
Sensitive Teeth: Some types of toothache pain occur if you are using dental care products like peroxide-based whitening agents that penetrate into your teeth causing tooth sensitivity.
Bruxism: If you have aching teeth with no signs of tooth decay or gum disease, you may be experiencing bruxism. Bruxism is the technical term for grinding your teeth. Bruxism is a common cause of aching teeth that affects millions of people of all ages in the United States. If you experience aching teeth and other symptoms of bruxism, see a dental professional as soon as possible. If left untreated, chronic tooth grinding can damage crowns and fillings, and wear away tooth enamel, putting your teeth at increased risk for infection or decay. Causes of bruxism that lead to aching teeth include crooked teeth, poor jaw alignment, and stress or anxiety. If bruxism is due to misaligned teeth, straightening your bite with orthodontia could help solve the problem. But if bruxism is due to chronic stress, stress management techniques may be needed to help relieve your aching teeth. Your dental professional may recommend a mouth guard to wear at night to help prevent tooth pain associated with bruxism.
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Dysfunction: If you're stressed to the point of clenching your jaw and grinding your teeth, you can develop tooth pain associated with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). The TMJ is the joint that hinges the lower jaw to the skull, enabling you to eat and talk. Clenching your jaw and grinding your teeth put additional stress on the muscles of the jaw, which can cause tooth pain. If your tooth pain is caused by TMJ syndrome, your dentist may recommend a TMJ dental splint to reposition the lower jaw. But in less serious cases, warm compresses applied to the jaw, eating soft foods, and taking measures to reduce stress can help.
Damaged Teeth: Your toothache pain could be caused by a cracked or broken tooth. If this is the cause of your pain, see your dentist as soon as possible. A broken tooth can contribute to tooth decay.
Decayed Teeth: Tooth decay is one of the most common causes of toothache pain. Tooth decay occurs when acids from plaque bacteria penetrate into the tooth enamel causing a loss of tooth mineral which, if it progresses, can ultimately cause pain in the tooth’s inner layer, the pulp.
To read the entire article visit Crest.com. The remainder of the article details the following:
When you have a cavity, the dentist removes it and puts in a filling. These fillings can last for many years, but some people get silver fillings removed because they don’t like the color. However, the process of removing a filling can weaken the tooth. Additionally, insurance may not cover the removal. To read the entire article visit MouthHealthy.org.
Ask about all the options for calming your child during dental procedures
Dental work can be scary for some kids. Talk with your dentist about ways to help your child stay calm. Tips for a successful dental visit can include making sure your child is not hungry before their dental appointment and scheduling an appointment at the proper time of day. For jaw pain, try conservative treatments first
Jaw pain can be caused by stress, arthritis or an injury. A treatment plan for jaw pain should first consist of actions like exercises and anti-inflammatory drugs. To read the entire article visit MouthHealthy.org.
Use toothpaste with fluoride for infants and children
For children younger than 3 years, you should begin brushing a child’s teeth with fluoride toothpaste in an amount no larger than a grain of rice. For children 3 to 6 years of age, use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Consider sealants to prevent decay or treat beginning cavities on the back teeth
Dental sealants act as a barrier to prevent cavities. They are a plastic material applied by a dentist to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth where decay occurs most often. To read the entire article visit MouthHealthy.org.
Below is an excerpt from an article found on Colgate.comthat was written by Steve Auger When you hear the word "X-ray," there's a tendency to envision a youngster sitting around an ER waiting to see if he or she has a broken bone incurred playing sports or just horsing around. But X-rays are just as important to dentists' offices as they are to those of orthopedists. A teeth X-ray is invaluable to any dentist in the maintenance of good oral health when treating a patient. Here's exactly what they are and how dentists incorporate them into their practices. X-RAYS Your dentist visually examines all aspects of your teeth and gums during a typical checkup. A teeth X-ray, however, is a diagnostic tool that allows your dentist to gauge your mouth health through factors he can't see with the naked eye, according to the American Dental Association (ADA). Also called radiographs, X-rays can reveal common issues such as cavities, tooth decay and periodontal disease, all the way to more complex problems such as jaw infections and oral cysts. X-rays aren't just for adults though. Dentists take x-rays of children's teeth for some of the same reasons as adults but also some different reasons. To read the entire article visit Colgate.com. The remainder of the article details the following:
Crush, Don’t Cube Ice may be your best friend on a hot day, but it's no friend to your teeth. That's because chewing on hard foods, such as ice, can leave your teeth vulnerable to a dental emergency such as a broken tooth and can even damage enamel. If you can, put cans and bottles in a huge tub of ice so your guests won’t be tempted to crunch a few cubes when they’re done with their drinks. If you need ice to put in a glass, use crushed Serve Infused Water Soda and sports drinks are some of the worst drinks for your teeth. They eat away at your teeth, cause dry mouth and are full of sugar. Water, however, is one of the best things you can sip, so serve up a healthy drink with a twist of whatever fruit you’d like. Infused waters are low in sugar and super hydrating. (Just go easy on citrus fruits. The acid in lemons and limes can be harsh on your teeth.) Bonus: Pitchers of infused water will also look beautiful on your table. Keep Gum Handy Your guests may be looking for something to freshen their breath after dinner. Swap out a bowl of mints for a dish of sugar-free gum. Studies using gum with the ADA Seal show that chewing sugarless gum for 20 minutes following meals may help prevent tooth decay. Chewing sugar-free gum gets saliva flowing to wash away food and fights acids produced by cavity-causing bacteria from eating away your teeth. To read the entire article visit Mouthhealthy.org
The Trouble with Toothpicks Serving corn on the cob or pulled pork? Your guests may need something to get food unstuck from their teeth. A toothpick is sharp and can pierce gums, giving bacteria a chance to get in. And no one wants a mouth splinter if it breaks. Instead, leave dental picks in a covered dish in the bathroom, or replace toothpicks on the table with soft, flexible, wooden plaque removers like Stim-U-Dent. Go Seedless You can also cut down on food getting stuck in your guests’ teeth by serving seedless foods. Opt for hot dog and hamburger buns without sesame and poppy seeds. Use crunchy fruits in your fruit salad instead of raspberries, kiwi and blackberries, and serve seedless watermelon. To read the entire article visit Mouthhealthy.org
Serve the Right Kind of Crunch Potato chips are standard party fare, but they bring unwanted guests into your mouth. Chewed-up chips often settle in the pits of your teeth, giving cavity-causing bacteria the chance to make a meal from your teeth. Instead, put apples and pears on your fruit platter, and stock your veggie tray with carrots, celery and raw broccoli. They're like natural toothbrushes, scrubbing off build-up and stimulating saliva to wash away what’s left. Cheese, Please A slice of cheddar can make a grilled burger so much better. Plus, who doesn’t love a cheese platter? Dairy products like milk, yogurt and cheese are low in sugar and rich in calcium and phosphorous, which strengthen and protect enamel. Research also suggests that eating more dairy may lower your chances for developing gum disease. So go ahead and say cheese! To read the entire article visit Mouthhealthy.org
Below is an excerpt from an article found on Colgate.com that was written by Brenna Stone Does the thought of mouth germs taking up residence on your teeth make you feel a little uncomfortable? It should! Masses of harmful microorganisms in the mouth can form plaque, the sticky substance that adheres to the teeth and gumline. Plaque can really harm your teeth and gums. When it isn't removed by regular brushing and flossing, it can lead to cavities and gum disease! Find out what you can do to reduce the amount of germs in your mouth. Regular Toothbrushing Toothbrushing is a powerful tool for fighting germs. At the minimum, brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste; once after breakfast and once before going to bed. There is no harm in brushing your teeth more frequently. You can brush after meals to cut down on plaque formation and to freshen your breath. Spend a full two minutes gently brushing all surfaces of your teeth and your tongue. Use a toothpaste like Colgate Total that is designed to keep your mouth clean and to fight germs. Bacteria can flourish on your toothbrush as well. Change your toothbrush when it begins to look worn, according to American Dental Association. The American Dental Association recommends switching to a new brush about every three to four months. It is best to leave your bristles in the open air; a closed, moist environment can harbor more bacteria. Also, don't share brushes; it is possible to transfer mouth germs this way. Don't Forget to Floss Daily flossing is another important way to keep your mouth clean and healthy. Flossing can help to remove plaque from places that your toothbrush can't reach. Slide your floss in between the teeth. Also clean at the base of each tooth, removing plaque and food debris from underneath the gum line. Your Diet and Mouth Germs What you eat can also help to support a healthy smile. Eating lots of sugary and starchy foods will increase the amount of sugars that are available for bacteria in your mouth to thrive upon. Try cutting back on sweet treats and snacking on fresh fruits and veggies instead. When eating grains, be sure to choose whole grains. Take good care of your teeth with daily brushing and flossing. Eat a balanced diet and see your dentist for regular check-ups. Your dentist can check for signs of cavities and gum disease, the dental hygienist can also clean your teeth, removing the plaque and tartar (hardened dental plaque) that is on your teeth. With excellent oral hygiene, mouth germs don't stand a chance! To read the entire article visit Colgate.com.
Below is an excerpt from an article found on Colgate.com By following the information in this guide, you and your family can have healthy teeth and gums to last a lifetime. As a parent, you can work with your children to help them understand why good oral care is important - and show them how to do it right! Four Steps to a Bright Smile
Brush at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, especially after eating breakfast and before bedtime.
Floss every day.
Limit the number of times you eat snacks each day.
Visit your dentist regularly.
It's easy to guide your family toward good oral health. All it takes is the right information and a little practice to keep them moving in the right direction! To read the entire article visit Colgate.com. The remainder of the article details the following:
You know good dental
habits can help prevent things like cavities and gingivitis, but you may not
know what conditions like these really look like or how they can affect your
mouth. Use this visual guide to learn more about some of the most common dental
health issues, symptoms to watch for and the potential treatments that are
available. Please
note: This content is for informational purposes only. Only a dentist,
physician or other qualified health care professional can make a diagnosis. Cold Sores (Fever Blisters)
Cold sores are fluid-filled
blisters that erupt on your lips, under your nose or around your chin caused by
a virus known as herpes simplex virus type 1. Once you have them, you’re likely
to get them again. Extremely contagious, they can be passed to others from the
time you feel the first symptoms (like itching or tingling by your mouth) to
the time they heal completely. Cold sores are often red, yellow or gray and
usually heal within a week or two on their own. Your dentist can prescribe
antiviral drugs within the first few days of an outbreak to help it heal more
quickly. Over the counter drugs are available to help with pain, itching and
burning they might cause. Cavities
One
in four adults has an untreated cavity, and according to the
CDC, nearly every adult
will have tooth decay at some point. You might have a cavity if you experience
pain, food gets caught in your tooth, your tooth feels rough to your tongue or
it hurts to eat something cold or sweet. Depending on their severity, cavities
can be treated with fillings, crowns or root canals. If the damage is too
extensive or involves nerve damage, the tooth may need to be removed. To reduce your
chance of developing cavities, brush twice a day, floss once a day, drink water with
fluoride,
use a fluoride toothpaste, stay away from sugary
food and drinks and see your dentist
regularly.
Chipped Tooth
If
you regularly chomp on hard foods like nuts
or ice cubes, grind your teeth or have a mouth piercing, you’re at a higher
risk for a chipped tooth. You might feel pain, depending on how much tooth has
been lost. You may also feel a rough edge when you run your tongue along it.
If this happens, see your dentist. A small chip might be able to be smoothed
down. Your dentist can use a tooth-colored filling, a veneer or crown to shape up your
smile after a larger chip. Teeth Grinding
Grinding
your teeth (bruxism) is most likely to
happen when you’re sleeping, though it can occur anytime during the day if
you’re stressed, have a new filling or crown that’s higher than
the rest of your teeth or have an abnormal bite. Over a long period of time,
the surface of your teeth will become worn. You could experience toothaches,
dull headaches or earaches, and jaw pain (TMJ). Your teeth may also appear more yellow
because the white outer covering is worn away.
A custom mouthguard from your dentist can
protect your teeth during sleep and correct bite issues. If stress is the
cause, find a way to relax. Meditation, counseling and exercise can help reduce
stress and anxiety (and the likelihood that you will grind your teeth).
