How to Maintain Strong Tooth Enamel
Your tooth enamel is the first defense against tooth decay. Even though it is naturally tough some wear and tear is normal. It still needs to be protected. There are a number of simple steps you can take to keep your enamel strong. Here are a few healthy habits to help protect it from damage so it can continue to protect your teeth. Develop Eating Habits That Protect Enamel First of all, you will need to limit sugary foods and drinks. Bacteria feed on sugar from soft drinks and chewy candies and produce an acid that starts to eat away at tooth enamel. If you’re thirsty, the best thing to drink is plain water. Incorporate foods that are high in calcium into your diet. Dairy products such as milk, cheese, yogurt, and cottage cheese contain beneficial calcium. There are also non-dairy options like broccoli and almonds for example. You can also choose foods that have added calcium. Don’t Over-Brush Another thing to remember when it comes to caring for your tooth enamel is to avoid over-brushing your teeth. When you brush your teeth, use a brush with soft bristles, hold the brush at a 45-degree angle to your gums, and use gentle strokes that are about the length of one tooth. When you eat citrus fruit or sweets, wait about two hours before brushing your teeth. The acid produced when you eat these foods can soften enamel and make it more vulnerable to damage. Regular Dental Appointments Finally, make sure that you see your dentist for an appointment every six months. Dr. Spieler at Oasis Dental can spot signs...
Information for Parents about Mouthguards
If you have kids involved in athletics, you need to know about mouthguards. Even non-contact sports, like skating or dance increase the risk of suffering harm to teeth. Mouthguards can protect your child’s mouth and teeth. Here is a bit more information regarding this standard piece of protective equipment. Protection Mouthguards or mouth protectors provide a buffer that can cushion blows or trauma to the face. This can help reduce the chance of oral and facial injuries, including damaging the teeth. A mouthguard usually covers the upper teeth, providing protection for the lips, jaw, and tongue as well. What if my child wears a retainer? Remind your child to remove any orthodontic equipment, like retainers, before participating in any type of contact sport or activity. Reinforce a habit of removing the retainer and putting on the mouthguard any time that they engage or take part in sports. Types of Mouthguards There are basically three different types of mouthguards available for your child, from the dentist-made, custom-fitted type to a basic, over-the-counter that is very affordable. The latter is called ‘boil and bite’ as you soften them in boiling water to help them adapt and form to the shape of your child’s mouth. In between the two price points are stock mouthguards, which are inexpensive and ready to wear. The best type of mouthguard for your child depends on a lot of variables but understand that a basic or stock guard will help to protect them if having a custom guard is not viable at this time. Want to learn more about protecting your child? Talk to Dr. Spieler, Blad...
Hydration and Oral Health
Water, glorious water, it’s truly the miracle liquid. Most of us understand that water is good for the body, but did you know water is good for your teeth too? Believe it or not, water offers some powerful benefits for your dental health. The clear liquid has the ability to prevent excessive build-up of bacteria and deliver essential nutrients to your teeth as well. Dr. Spieler of Oasis Dental understands that many patients are unaware of all the benefits hydration has on their oral health. Water does all that? The Bala Cynwyd, PA dental team takes pride in educating patients on the many ways that water positively impacts holistic health. This miracle fluid is filled with many natural goodies like fluoride, minerals, calcium, and phosphate. These powerful nutrients help fortify the teeth. In addition, it has many helpful functions. Water effectively: Helps build and maintain strong teeth because it’s nutrient rich Helps wash away food particles and prevent excessive sugar build-up Prevents cavities that can develop from the excessive consumption of sugary drinks because it’s a sugar-free option Helps prevent tooth decay by diluting the saliva Helps prevent dry mouth Water and Holistic Health Your body is sixty percent water. It’s a necessity for many bodily functions as well as beneficial to your overall health. Water is a calorie-free option that helps to lose weight, get rid of waste, and keep muscles strong and supple. However, few of us realize how powerful water can be for our teeth as well. With every sip, our teeth are being washed and strengthened. Drinking water has many holistic and collective advantages that...
Preventing Cavities: What is a Cavity?
When you’re a kid, your parents told you to brush your teeth so you wouldn’t get cavities. You probably brushed your teeth because your parents told you to. Now that you’re an adult, your Oasis Dental team knows that your awareness of what cavities are and how to prevent them may help motivate you to take better care of your teeth. A cavity is a hole in the enamel of your tooth. These holes develop when you don’t get all the food particles off your teeth. Bacteria in your mouth leads to plaque, and the plaque build-up eats away at your tooth enamel. If you want to avoid cavities, the good news is that all you have to do is take care of your teeth. Brushing and flossing regularly, using fluoride mouthwash, and visiting your Bala Cynwyd, PA dentist every six months will help you avoid cavities. Call us now to make your next check-up appointment with Dr. Spieler at Oasis Dental...