What Foods Are Good for Your Teeth, and Which Aren't

Most of us understand how daily at-home dental routines can protect our teeth and keep them happy. We also understand how important it is to see a dentist regularly for a thorough cleaning and checkup.

And, while we know that sugary foods and beverages aren't the best things for our teeth, not everyone knows that certain foods can be very good for your teeth.

The things we eat and drink every day can have a long-term impact on the condition of our oral health - which means this is a question that goes far beyond just avoiding sugary snacks.

First, let's go over those foods that really ought to be avoided for the good of your teeth.

Sugary Foods - This one is the classic, of course. The germs and bacteria in our mouths feed on sugar and create plaque.

Processed Foods - A lot of the processed foods at the local mega-mart contain additives that can be bad for your teeth. This includes refined sugars, oils, and processed white flowers.

Packaged Foods - These fall in the same category as processed foods because they are usually filled with a range of chemicals and additives to make them last longer. These same elements can make it harder for your body to absorb the nutrients your teeth and gums need.

And here's one more that fits in a weird category:

Fruits - Fructose is still sugar, and it gives those bacteria something to feed on. This doesn't mean you should give up fruits entirely, just that you should be sure to rinse or brush right after you have it.

Fruits provide a lot of healthy nutrients that we all need, but it's important to be totally aware of the foods we consume. And so while you need to make sure you're getting plenty of good foods,

Now, let's take a look at some of the foods that you can enjoy regularly and see a beneficial impact on your teeth.

Vegetables - This is the classic choice. Leafy greens, carrots, and celery can all have a big impact on your oral health. Greens provide calcium, B vitamins, and more that help builds tooth enamel. Celery in particular is also great for your gums.

Raw Dairy - Raw, unpasteurized dairy products contain enough calcium and protein to strengthen and build teeth and jawbones. The probiotics in certain yogurts can also be beneficial to your gums. The unpasteurized dairy is also easier for your body to absorb and start making use of the vitamins and nutrients.

Nuts, Seeds, and Beans - If you consume nuts, beans, and seeds after they've sprouted, you can get a lot more dental benefits.

Coconut Oil - This special oil contains lauric acid, which can be broken down into monolaurin. This can help kill off harmful bacteria in your mouth.

Certain Animal Products - Bone broth and marrow can provide bone-building nutrients that rejuvenate bone cells and strengthen your teeth. The liver is also a superfood that contains vitamins A and D, which can prevent gum disease, lower your risk of tooth decay, and increase your body's ability to add calcium and minerals to your bones and teeth.

Unfermented Grains - These are grains that are made with artificial leavening agents, which means they're probably packed with a bunch of refined carbohydrates, which contribute to plaque buildup on your teeth.

A conscientious and holistic approach to dental health and how it relates to your diet can have a strong impact on your overall oral.

Reasons People Fear the Dentist

Fear of the dentist is common among both children and adults. While each person can come up with an explanation or an excuse to skimp out of seeing the dentist, the stories seem to gravitate towards a few, common underlying reasons.

It is uncertain how these underlying dental fears came about and why they are so prominent.

Here are the most common reasons people fear the dentist:

Fear of the truth coming out. You may have let your good dental hygiene efforts slide a little and your dentist will know. You can say you brush properly and floss, but if the dentist pokes his or her head inside your mouth and observe a different story, guess what? you'll likely be called out on it. Some people don't take criticism well. Others don't like being told what to do. Hearing a dentist tell you your dental hygiene habits need improvements, it can be humbling and evoke shame and defensiveness.

Fear of pain or a botched procedure. People have a notion that dentists enjoy poking and prodding around patient's mouths with a sharp, pointed object. The dentist is doing this to assess the integrity of your teeth and gums and to test for other, more serious oral health conditions like advanced gum disease, tooth abscesses, and oral cancer.

Similar to any intensive medical procedure, such as surgery where patients are sedated, there is a risk, though a small one that permanent, serious, life-altering injury or even death can occur.

Dentists, like doctors, are under high malpractice liability. To avoid lawsuits from simple or complex procedures from going awry, heavy training, schooling, and licensing are required. Dentists, like doctors, will take extra care against a procedure requiring patient sedation from going wrong.

Fear of snooping. Your teeth and gums don't lie. A dentist can quickly determine how well your oral hygiene practices are as well as catch additional dental health issues you may have been oblivious to.

Many patients tend to have the worst-case scenario in mind, such as thinking the dentist will require them to undergo a root canal instead of having their cavity filled.

Fear of busyness. Some people don't like being with large groups of people. They may be introverted or claustrophobic, so the idea of waiting in a small reception area with 100 other people will be too much for them.

The hustling of people in and around a tiny (or large) dental office can be overwhelming to some patients.

Also, when the dentist's office is busy, the longer one will have to wait in that same dreaded, waiting room with outdated reading materials, boring elevator music, and the constant, horrible sounds of drills and scrapping of teeth. Long waits also take away time out of your busy schedule, which for some can lead to even more stress.

Fear of the sights, sounds, and organized chaos. For others, the sounds of people talking, children crying and screaming, the harsh, fluorescent lights, the sounds of the drill and tooth scraper, and the ground, buffed teeth can be overstimulating. For overly-sensitive people, the dentist can be anything but fun and relaxing.

Fear of the lack of connection and empathy. Busy dental offices can leave patients feeling invisible and more like a number than a person with a name. As compassionate as the dental staff tries to be with each patient, it can be tough when the office is suddenly busy and the needs of multiple patients are pulling the hygienists in multiple directions.

When people don't feel comfortable or when there isn't a personal connection with the dentist or staff, the abovementioned fears become even more debilitating.

While patients may give different reasons why they are scared to go to the dentist, most cases can be boiled down to either a fear of pain, indifference by the staff, the scary, overwhelming environment, the fear of the dentist finding more serious or additional dental issues, the dentist calling them out on the inadequacy of their oral hygiene habits or a botched procedure.

Fortunately, patients today who experience moderate to a severe fear of the dentist have multiple relaxation and dental sedation options to help them overcome their fear and get the necessary dental work done.

If your fear of the dentist is keeping you from seeing the dentist and getting crucial dental care treatment, research sedation dentists in your neighborhood and set up a consultation.

Fixing Teeth As Part of Addiction Recovery

Drug addiction is a very serious condition that impacts many people's lives in a variety of different ways. Recovery is never easy, but with the right help, it can be done. However, there are often many lasting physical changes that result from an extended period of drug abuse.

The good news is that many of those issues can also be treated once the habit has been kicked. This is particularly true when it comes to the dental damage caused by certain drugs, often referred to as "meth mouth."

Meth is just one of the many drugs that can damage your teeth and gums, but methamphetamines in particular can cause serious damage, especially after prolonged use or regular binging.

Getting a Fresh Start

Unfortunately, the types of physical damage left by repeated drug use can make it difficult for recovering addicts to make a completely fresh start. We've seen so many billboards and TV commercials warning about the potential side effects, that it's hard to pretend the damage is a result of anything but meth or other drug use.

Restoring a smile after addiction recovery may seem like a small thing, but it is an important step toward facing the world with a renewed outlook.

On top of that, a person should be able to smile after overcoming such a serious disease.

What Are the Signs and What Can Be Done About Them?

After prolonged use of meth, a very distinctive pattern of decay can form on the surface of the teeth.

When dentists spot these signs, they may suspect the use of methamphetamines and take actions that are recommended by the American Dental Association.

Many people who are currently dealing with such a debilitating habit or are in the recovery phases may not want to hear their dentist talk to them about it. However, there are some measures that the ADA recommends dentists take.

First, the dental exam should also include an assessment of the patient's entire medical and dental history, to make sure the diagnosis is right on. A concern may be expressed at this point, but it's a subject that needs to be approached very carefully.

If the patient is open to help, the dentist should be able to provide phone numbers to certified placers where rehabilitation can start.

From there, the dentist can start to recommend dental treatments that will restore or protect their teeth. They might start with topical fluorides and recommend changes to the diet that will help improve their overall dental health.

Then, as restorative dental procedures are introduced, the dentist will need to be extra cautious about how they use sedatives, anesthesia, and nitrous oxide.

Common Restorative Procedures

Any damage that may have been done before the patient recovered from their addiction can usually be corrected. The extend of the damage will determine exactly what needs to be done, and the dentist will be able to make recommendations based on their assessments.

Teeth whitening is, of course, is one of the go-to procedures, but many people need a little more than that. Veneers are a great solution for cracks or chips in the teeth, and if they're missing altogether then implants may be the way to go.

If things are particularly bad, then a full-mouth restoration may be in order. That may be a last resort, but if it helps a patient recover their smile and take back another part of his or her life, then it will be worth it.

Why There Is So Much Emphasis on Flossing

Good dental health can be described as having a mouth that looks and smells healthy, is full of clean and bright teeth that are anchored in solid bone. The gums should be pink and don't bleed at the slightest touch, and people don't raise a curious eyebrow while they stare at something in your teeth.

Brushing can do a lot to help you reach this level of dental health, but that alone isn't enough.

Flossing has to be an integral part of your daily oral hygiene routine to ensure that you are preventing problems and maintaining a healthier smile.

Flossing is Easy to Forget

We all lead busy lives, and when you're rushing out the door, or you're having guests over, or you're trying to catch up on work, it's easy to let the "little things" slide. Sometimes it's just a lot easier to shower, brush your teeth, and head out the door.

Flossing may not be "fun," but if you do group this as one of the "little things" and forget about it, it can have just as much negative impact on your oral health as forgetting to brush.

Flossing the Right Way

Dental care professionals may talk a lot about flossing and why it's important to do every day, but, just like brushing, you can't get away with a half-hearted effort.

It's important to use the right technique to make sure you're cleaning out as much plaque as possible.

There's no big secret to this technique. It's the same thing you've been told for years. But just to make sure everyone is on the same page about this, here's a quick rundown of the most effective and efficient flossing technique.

1. Use about 18 to 24 inches of floss.

2. Wrap most of the floss around one of your middle fingers, and then a little more of the other end around the other middle finger.

3. Leave an inch or two for the actual flossing.

4. While holding the floss tightly between thumbs and forefingers of both hands, use a gentle rubbing motion to guide the floss between your teeth.

5. Push the floss down to your gums, and a little below the gum line, and curve the floss into a C shape.

6. Gently rub the side of the tooth with up and down motions, moving the floss up and away from the gums.

7. Don't force the floss because it may bruise your gums or cause them to bleed.

8. Floss every tooth, from the front to the back.

Should You Brush or Floss First?

A lot of people ask that question, worried that one may be more effective than the other. They may wonder if it's best to floss in the morning before the day gets started, or wait until the end of the day and make sure that they clean out any food particles that may have been lodged there throughout the day.

The best answer, though, is that as long as you're flossing, it doesn't matter if you do it before or after you floss. Or if you choose to floss in the morning or the evening.

(Of course, some may tell you that if you're questioning whether to floss in the morning or at night, you should just do both.)

Flossing once a day (at least) is a critical part of your overall dental hygiene. Don't put it off and don't let good habits slide. Your teeth will thank you for it.

How Veneers, Crowns and Dental Implants Help Patients

Dental technology continues to improve the dental experience for patients, giving them multiple options for common dental issues that were previously unavailable.

This is true for dental patients who have cracked, chipped, rough teeth, or have teeth that are missing.

In the past, patients with less than perfect teeth had to live with the embarrassment and discomfort as dental treatments were more expensive and considered unnecessary cosmetic procedures.

Over time with new technology, once pricey, elaborate procedures have become quick, routine procedures that are no longer for the wealthy.

It is rare to naturally have a perfect smile where all the teeth are white, smooth, proportional, and straight. It is the small deviations of a person's smile that makes it their one-of-a-kind smile. Many patients, however, don't see their imperfections this way. Some patients have trouble chewing and speaking as well as headaches and jaw pain that is a result of their dental imperfections.

It is the crooked, non-proportional, jagged teeth that are most often treated by a dentist in order to ease the patient's pain and discomfort as well as enhance their confidence and self-esteem.

What kind of dental treatments are available for patients with less than desirable teeth?

The most common are veneers, crowns, and dental implants.

What Are Veneers, Crowns, and Dental Implants?

You've likely heard of these before and have a vague idea of what they are and what they do. Here is a summary of each:

Veneers

Veneers are thin shells of porcelain that are placed to the front of teeth to enhance or correct their shape, size, and texture. Veneers are a quick procedure that can immediately change your smile for the better.

Crowns

Crowns are great options for patients who have moderate tooth decay or teeth that are chipped, cracked, or worn-down. These gold, zirconia, or porcelain coverings, go over the impacted tooth to prevent further damage and to keep the strength of the tooth intact.

Dental Implants

For patients who are missing a few teeth here and there, smiling can be unpleasant. You may think your smile is forever ruined and the thought of dentures scares you. Dental implants are the best solutions for your case. Implants are for patients who still have most of their natural teeth. Dental implants fill the empty space left behind with a naturally-looking tooth-like crown.

The Benefits of Veneers, Crowns and Dental Implants

Veneers, crowns, and dental implants can do wonders in restoring or enhancing your natural, unique smile. All three teeth procedures can give you your dream smile that you'll be proud to show-off. The confidence in one's smile can also improve your mood and make you more approachable as you'll be laughing and smiling away.

Besides enhancing your smile to its maximum potential, these dental treatments can correct and restore the proper functioning of your bite, allowing you to comfortably bite and chew and speak clearly. Being able to do these basic oral functions, a patient's quality of life can be greatly improved.

With modern dental equipment and technology, patients who have a less than ideal smile because of their tooth imperfections now can easily achieve the smile they've always wanted.

Patients should contact their dentist to discuss which option would best achieve their desired results.

What Foods Have a Positive Impact on Your Oral Health?

Most of us are told, time and again, that we have to avoid certain foods if we want to keep our teeth nice and healthy. Which means that not a lot of people will be surprised if they were told that they should stay away from sugary, sticky snacks and beverages.

But is there a more positive angle to take on this? Why focus so much on what you shouldn't do when you can instead look at the things you can do to improve your dental health?

Many of us understand that we need certain foods to maintain our overall health, but there are also many foods that can have a direct impact on our dental health, too. These foods include, but are not limited to:

Leafy Greens

Greens are filled with folic acid, which promotes a healthy mouth structure and cell growth, which means they can contribute to stronger tooth enamel. There is also a lot of vitamin B, which reduces irritations and inflammations.

Celery

Celery features vitamins A and C, which contribute to overall health of your gums. As a side benefit, chewing celery is like brushing your teeth without actually brushing your teeth because it can help clean some of the food particles from your teeth. (Note that this does not replace your regular teeth brushing.)

Firm Fruits

There is a lot of goodness in most of the fruit available at your local grocery store, but it's usually best to stick with firmer varieties, like apples, that have a high water and fiber content. This is because despite the number of vitamins and nutrients, fruits also have a lot of sugar, and soft fruits that stick to your teeth can be as bad as any other sugary snack.

Coconut Oil

This is one of the richest sources of saturated fat in the world which means it is composed of triglycerides and lauric acid. This element breaks down into monolaurin, which helps to kill harmful bacteria and viruses that are setting up shop in your mouth.

Nuts

Most nuts - but almonds in particular - can be really good for your teeth. They are a major source of protein and calcium without any unnecessary sugars.

Cheese

Some studies suggest that cheese may actually have enough calcium in it that it can protect your teeth from the acids in other foods. Also, like many other foods on this list, as you chew these firm foods, it helps produce extra saliva, which can lower the risk of tooth decay.

Yogurt

Like many other dairy products, yogurt packs a lot of calcium and protein. This helps strengthen your teeth, but the real benefit is in the probiotics, which have a positive impact on your gums and push out some of the other bacteria that could cause cavities. (Just make sure you're not getting a brand/flavor of yogurt that has a high sugar content.)

Strawberries

This is a difficult one. Strawberries contain malic acid, which is used by the body to convert carbohydrates into energy. However, it can break down tooth enamel. On the other hand, that same malic acid can act as a natural teeth whitener (if you smash a couple up with some baking soda). The solution, then, is to always rinse or brush your teeth after any strawberry application.

Water

Yes, technically this is a drink and not a food, but it is a critical part of a tooth-healthy diet. Water helps wash acid off your teeth. If you are living in an area with fluoridated water, studies have shown that this also helps reduce the risk of cavities.

Maintaining healthy teeth and gums doesn't have to be difficult, and it doesn't have to mean giving up a lot of delicious foods. There are plenty of great things you can eat that actually have a beneficial impact on the state of your teeth. Keep these things in mind on your next trip to the grocery store.