Special Dental Concerns for Millennials

June 15, 2018

Filed under: Blog — Tags: , , , — southlakedental @ 6:36 pm

You might be surprised to learn that the generation known as the Millennials tends to have poor oral health. Why? There are several reasons: Their busy lifestyles don’t accommodate dental appointments. They have the advantage of good health overall, so they don’t have any pressing needs when it comes to their oral health. And, possibly one of the most important, the types of jobs many Millennials have don’t offer dental benefits. If you are a Millennial, check out this guide to keeping your smile healthy.

Reduce Your Stress Levels

It’s easier said than done, but if you have a lot of stress in your life, as many Millennials do, it makes sense to take steps to reduce it. Stress can cause teeth-grinding, which can lead to enamel erosion, TMJ problems, headaches, cracked fillings, broken teeth, and even loose teeth. If you grind your teeth, you might experience mouth, jaw, and head pain, particularly in the mornings, along with molar sensitivity when you eat. A nightguard can help stave off symptoms while you get your stress under control.

Observe Excellent Oral Hygiene

You might operate under the theory of, “if it’s not broken, don’t fix it,” but this is a mistake when you’re dealing with your teeth. Things can go from perfectly fine to quite painful (and expensive) in a relatively short period of time. Don’t ignore your oral health: brush twice daily and floss before bed. Also, make an appointment with your dental hygienist if it’s been longer than 6 months since your last visit. Finally, if you notice anything amiss (loose tooth, bleeding gums, uneven filling, mild pain, etc.), make an appointment to be seen by your dentist.

Spruce Up Your Smile

If you hesitate to flash everyone a toothy grin because you aren’t quite happy with how your smile looks, take action now to improve your appearance and boost your self-esteem. Ask your dentist whether teeth whitening, dental veneers, or braces might be worth considering. Invest in your smile and then make sure you do your best to help it last a life time with good oral hygiene and regular dental visits!

The Best (and Worst) Fruits for Good Dental Health

June 1, 2018

Filed under: Blog,Dental Health,General — Tags: , , — southlakedental @ 12:12 am

Fruit: It’s healthy, and that means it’s good for your teeth, right? While this is true in most cases, there are a few exceptions. Since summer is a great time to enjoy a variety of fruit, read on for some information about choosing the best (and worst) fruits when it comes to your dental health.

Apples

You’ve heard the adage, “an apple a day keeps the doctor away,” and you might not realize that enjoying these crunchy fruits can also keep the dentist away (not that you’d want to, of course!). The act of chewing apples creates friction around the teeth and gums that physically scrubs plaque and food debris off of these surfaces. If you can’t brush your teeth after lunch, crunching on a few slices of a crisp apple can help stave off the bacteria that causes cavities. Naturally, you will want to brush when you are able to.

Strawberries

High in vitamin C, strawberries are little powerhouses in the vitamin and health department. They also contain a bit of acid which can neutralize the bacteria hanging out in your mouth. In addition, they are similar to apples in that they create a scrubbing action as you chew them. Strawberries can be eaten whole or sliced up in a fruit salad. One caveat: If you have small pits in your teeth, the tiny seeds can get caught, so be sure to brush and floss well to remove them.

Raisins (and Other Dried Fruit)

Dried fruit is on the list of the worst fruits to eat for good dental health. Why? It’s sticky and contains concentrated sugars without any extra liquid to help wash it off of your teeth. Eating raisins, dried apricots, and dried dates can actually make your teeth less healthy! While it’s fine to eat these foods, it’s very important to brush well afterward to remove traces of the sweet snacks from your teeth so as not to attract the bacteria that causes dental cavities.

With summer right around the corner, fruit makes a great dessert and snack. You can also add it to any meal for a nutritional boost. Just be sure that you choose wisely when it comes to your dental health.