Steps to a Whiter and Brighter Smile

Your smile says a lot about you, and if yours is preventing you from expressing yourself, it’s time to schedule an appointment with your dentist.

The American Academyof Cosmetic Dentistry explains that over 96% of people who responded to a recent survey believed that a beautiful smile was more appealing. In fact, a white and bright smile can even make you look younger. Of course, good oral health goes above and beyond looks.

The mouth is the gateway to the rest of your body and if you do not brush twice, floss once each day and see your dentist twice a year, the rest of your health could be suffering.

According to yourdentist, there are some steps that you can take to improve your smile.

Brushing truly is the most important step when it comes to good oral hygiene as it removes the food particles that feed the bacteria. Brushing twice a day also cleans your teeth and gives you fresh breath. Use a fluoride toothpaste as it helps to strengthen your teeth as well. Your dentist recommends that you brush for two minutes. Use a timer, or purchase an electric toothbrush with a built in timer.

Just like brushing, flossing removes the particles and plaque between your teeth that a toothbrush cannot reach. Flossing also helps prevent gingivitis and periodontal disease as well. Because you do not produce as much saliva while you sleep, your dentist recommends that you floss just before bedtime as it leaves your mouth less vulnerable to bacteria attack.

Because your dentist can spot gum disease in its infancy, it is vital that you see your dentist twice a year. If gingivitis is caught early enough it can be treated and reversed. Some people are more prone to gum disease and should schedule dental checkups quarterly. People with other health problems such as HIV, diabetes and cancer should also visit the dentist more frequently.

In-between checkups check your mouth for trouble spots. Non-healing sores, bleeding or swollen gums, or pimples on your gums are all signs that you need to schedule an appointment with your dentist.

Keep your smile bright and healthy by quitting smoking and eating a healthy diet that is rich in calcium. Foods such as kale and sardines also contain calcium and should be included as part of your regular diet.

For more information regarding a healthy smile, schedule an appointment with your dentist today. 

When it comes to Your Teeth Watch What You Eat

Everyone knows that a bad diet can wreck havoc with your body, but according to the Huffington Post Canada, there are certain foods that you should steer clear of if you do not want to visit your Rancho Mirage Dentist every four weeks.

Dried Fruit

This one will shock most people, but dried fruits are very high in sugar and sticky, which is not a good combination for your teeth, as the sugar will be stuck in between your teeth and stay for hours. The sticky and sugary substance will actually feed the bacteria in your mouth causing dental erosion.

Pickles

Another surprise is the humble pickle, which may be good for your waistline, but not so good for your teeth. Dr. Randall Scutz from Country Club Dentistry explains that vinegar, which is used for pickling, is very acidic and could wear away the enamel on your teeth.

Sugar

Not so surprising, sugar creates a very acidic environment and will eventually wear away the enamel on your teeth. If you must eat something sweet, dentists recommend that you rinse your mouth out with water as soon as possible.

Wine

Both red and white wine contain erosive acids. These acids can soften the enamel on your teeth after just five minutes. Everyone loves a good drop of red, but the tannins that are found in red wine can dry out your mouth and stain your teeth.  

Soda

Fizzy drinks are loaded with sugar and drinking soda can lead to tooth decay, but it can also cause your teeth to erode. Even diet soda, which contains phosphoric and citric acid could damage the enamel on your teeth.

Hard Candy

Because it takes a while for a piece of hard candy to dissolve the sugar tends to stick to your teeth and could cause serious damage to the enamel on your teeth because the candy stays in your mouth allowing bacteria more time to produce.

Chewy Candy

Bacteria loves chewy candy as it sticks to your teeth. The bacteria from sticky and chewy candy will begin to form acid when it is exposed to sugar attacking the enamel.

Citrus Fruits

Of course, citrus fruits are essential for a balanced diet, but that does not mean sucking on a lemon or lime all day. Over time, the acid in citrus fruits like lemons, grapefruits, and limes will wear away the enamel on your teeth, which could lead to cavities.

Fruit Juices

Cranberry, lime, and orange juice can be just as acidic to your teeth as the acid in vinegar. As mentioned previously in this article, acidic foods will wear away the enamel on your teeth.

Tea and Coffee

Because black teas have high levels of tannin like red wine, they will cause staining. It is a known fact that the darker the beverage, the darker the stains will be on your teeth.

Crackers

Carbohydrates, especially refined carbohydrates, come in many forms. Crackers, potato chips, pretzels, and even pasta can affect your teeth. People who consume refined carbs are at a higher risk when it comes to chronic diseases such as gingivitis and periodontal disease.

Rancho Mirage Dentist Dr. Szutz On Tooth Decay

Rancho Mirage Dentist Dr. Szutz stresses that although tooth decay is extremely common in both children and adults, it is largely preventable. 

What is tooth decay?

Tooth decay, also known as cavities or caries, is the destruction of the tooth material.

When food particles are left on the surface of the tooth, they leave behind bacteria.  This bacteria feeds on sugars in the food and produce acids, which combine with the sugars to form plaque.  The acid inside the plaque can dissolve the minerals in the outer surface of your teeth (enamel) and cause tiny holes to appear.  With time, these holes become bigger and form one large hole, or cavity.

If a cavity is left untreated, it can get larger and affect deeper layers of the tooth like the dentin.  Ultimately, this can lead to toothaches, infection and even tooth loss.

For teeth with a small amount of decay, you may consider a composite filling, or an inlay.  If the decay is considerable, it can be repaired by your dentist with an onlay or crown.

Fortunately, there are ways to prevent tooth decay. 

Preventing Tooth Decay

Brushing your teeth regularly is an essential part of your oral health care routine.  It's recommended that you brush at least twice a day, and it's especially important to brush after each meal, as well as before bedtime. 

Flossing is also an essential part of preventing tooth decay.  For optimal health, and to help remove plaque in between teeth, The American Dental Association recommends flossing at least once a day.

It's also recommended to avoid sipping sugary drinks, as well as frequent snacking of foods like candy, pretzels and chips, which can remain on the surface of your teeth.

For children and teenagers between 6 and 16 years old who are susceptible to cavities, Dr. Szutz may recommend a sealant - a thin, plastic coating applied to the deep grooves of the molars and premolars.  This is also a wonderful option for an adult who has deep depressions or grooves on tooth surfaces.

Of course, visiting your dentist regularly to removing plaque will go a long way to prevent tooth decay. Contact the Country Club Dentistry Office in Rancho Mirage for your next appointment to help prevent tooth decay by calling (760) 836-0808.