National Fresh Breath Day!

August 6th is National Fresh Breath Day! Today is a day to focus on oral health and care. We all enjoy a good cup of coffee or an extra garlic-y pasta dish but our friends might not enjoy our breath afterwords. It is easy to grab a sugary after dinner mint or chew a piece of gum but there are a few things you can do daily to manage your breath odor. In honor of Fresh Breath Day, here are few tips to keep your breath smelling fresh:

1. Don't forget your vegetables!
• Eating water-rich vegetables, such as leafy greens, can help keep your breath smelling clean. This is because the high water content helps with saliva production which reduces the ability of bad smelling bacteria to form in your mouth. 
2. A clean tongue is a happy tongue!
• There are many bacteria traps in our mouths and one big one is our tongues. Gunk gets trapped by the tiny buds causing bad breath. Ask your dentist for suggestions on tongue scrappers or simply brush your tongue (especially the back) with your tooth brush. For those of us with a sensitive gag reflex, try keeping your mouth mostly closed when you brush your tongue. A closed mouth naturally engages our swallowing reflex rather than our gagging reflex.
3. Bring the essentials with you EVERYWHERE!
• Always carry around a travel toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss (and even a tongue scraper) just in case! You never know when a friend will invite you to an Italian restaurant to split a deep dish pizza with extra garlic. Instead of masking the odor with a mint, get rid of bad breath with the right tools for the job.
4. Drink more water!
• As previously mentioned, water encourages saliva production and discourages bacteria build up. Unfortunately, many of us do not get enough water throughout the day. So kill bad breath and dehydration all at once! Keep a bottle of water at your desk or close at hand all day long. When you feel thirsty, don't just take a sip. Count to ten while you drink and when the bottle is empty fill it up again. This will help you get enough water all day long and encourage fresher breath!
5. Say "no" to tobacco!
• Just don't do it. Nothing about tobacco is good for you or your breath.
6. Spend some time with your dentist!
• Schedule regular dental cleanings and exams about every 6 months to maintain optimal dental health. If bad breath is a frequent issue, let your dentist know! It could be a serious issue like periodontal disease. Your dentist and dental hygienist can also give you other recommendations of rinses and toothpastes for your particular needs.

Have more questions and need more answers? Give us a call and make an appointment with one of our wonderful dentists and dental hygienists! (281)646-8888 Happy National Fresh Breath Day!

Coffee and Dental Health

Can drinking coffee actually be good for your teeth? According to Boston University researchers, it is highly possible. In a 2014 study conducted by the university's Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine, it was determined that coffee drinkers are not compromising their dental health. According to their findings, even habitual coffee drinkers are not at an elevated risk of tooth bone loss. In addition to this, coffee contains beneficial antioxidants which may improve overall health and actually help fight gum disease.

About the Study

This Boston University study, published in the Journal of Periodontology, involved 1,152 white males, ranging from 26 to 84 years of age. Data were collected over a period of 30 years in order to determine what effects coffee can have on tooth loss. This study on the relationship of coffee and tooth decay is of great significance. This is mainly because it is the first long-term study to examine the relationship between coffee consumption and dental health. Drinking lots of coffee isn't likely to give you a sparkling white smile, but it appears that it doesn't affect whether you will need dentures down the road or not.

Antioxidants in Coffee

Medical Daily reports that coffee may even prevent tooth decay. DMD graduate Nathan Ng states, "We found that coffee consumption did not have an adverse effect on periodontal health and instead may have protective effects against periodontal disease."

Nearly two-thirds of Americans are habitual coffee drinkers. Medical Daily says that coffee is the source of most of America's daily antioxidant consumption. It reports that both regular and decaf coffee contain various antioxidants and anti-inflammatory ingredients.

According to WebMD, coffee contains special antioxidants called quinines. These antioxidants become even more potent during the roasting process. WebMD indicates that the ingredient that may be of particular benefit to dental health is known as trigonelline. This compound is what prevents dental caries and is the same thing that gives coffee its distinctive aroma.

Beware of Add-ins!

While there are plenty of benefits to drinking coffee, there are a couple ingredients that will combat the benefits of your morning cup of joe: milk and sugar. Excessive milk adds unnecessary fat content. For those that just like a splash of milk may not have a problem but there are some of us that just a splash of coffee in our milk. If you fall in that category, opt for a non-fat milk or milk substitute to cut down the fat. Another negative add-in is sugar. Sugar is what feeds the bacteria in your mouth. Drinking sugary drinks all day can lead to tooth decay resulting in cavities and expensive restorations or even tooth loss. These sugary drinks include coffee. Instead, opt for a sugar substitute or, if you enjoy your coffee with regular sugar, make sure to brush and floss 30 minutes after.

Worried About Staining?

Lucky for you, there are plenty of options along with regular brushing and flossing to keep your teeth pearly white. There are plenty of whitening toothpastes and whitening products at your local pharmacy or grocery store. For a more professional whitening, we carry professional grade Crest whitening strips as well as the KOR whitening system at our office. For more details, visit our website or give us a call at (281)646-8888.



 Source

http://dentistrytoday.com/todays-dental-news/10680-coffee-may-fight-gum-disease http://www.medicaldaily.com/drinking-coffee-may-curb-gum-disease-new-periodontal-disease-treatment-299610 http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/the-buzz-on-coffee

National Popcorn Day!

Popcorn is a universal snack that anyone can enjoy. From sweet to salty and every flavor in between, popcorn is a staple whether you are watching a good movie or just having a snack. But everything good comes with a price! Popcorns price are those pesky kernels that get stuck in your teeth. Not only is it annoying, food debris like popcorn kernels that are left in your gums attract bacteria and could lead to a serious infection. So in honor of National Popcorn Day, here are a few tips and tricks to removing an unwanted kernel from your teeth:

Brush and floss!

First, try brushing your teeth. The bristles are designed to remove debris from your teeth and gums. You can also use floss to get between your teeth and gums. Gently work the floss between your tooth and gums. Use a forward and backward motion or up and down motion keeping the floss against your tooth to dislodge the popcorn kernel. Rinse with water when you are finished to make sure the kernel does not stay in your mouth where it can get lodged again.

No toothbrush or floss on hand? Here are a few more options:

·         Use your tongue: Gently stroke your tongue against your tooth to work the kernel out of your gums.

·         Rinse with water: if you have salt on hand dissolve a teaspoon of water in a glass of warm water and swish it around in your mouth. Regular water may work just fine to jostle the kernel loose but the salt will help ease inflammation of your gums.

·         Use a toothpick or fingernail: remember to be very gentle when using this method. Aggressive use of a toothpick can cause damage to your gums making them even more inflamed and ultimately make the problem worse.

If all else fails or the popcorn is lodged in an area unreachable to you, such as under dental work like a bridge or crown, call our office to see your dentist! It is nothing we haven’t seen before and we have special instruments to get into those hard to reach places. If you have any questions, feel free to give us a call at (281)646-8888.

So don’t worry about kernels, have your popcorn and eat it too in celebration of National Popcorn Day!

Thanksgiving: Tips for a Tooth-Friendly Holiday

Ah, Thanksgiving: a day of turkey with stuffing, mashed potatoes and sweets like pecan or pumpkin pie. Although a happy occasion to celebrate all that you are thankful for, your family dentist will tell you the holiday can be hard on your teeth, as many of the favorite dishes are high in sugar or tend to be the starchy sort that clings to the teeth. You can still have a delicious feast with a few slight modifications to the menu.

Give Your Mouth a Head Start with These Healthy Starters:

Appetizers of raw vegetables, cheese and mixed nuts are a good choice for your teeth. All of these increase saliva production, which helps to wash away the bacteria that might otherwise increase the risk of cavities. With nuts and cheese, you get the additional benefit of calcium and other minerals that help strengthen your teeth.

Let These Fruits Fight for You:

Cranberry sauce might be a decay-fighter, according to some new research from the University of Rochester. Bacteria in your mouth feed on sugar to create plaque, the thick, sticky substance on your teeth that promotes tooth decay. Researchers found cranberries can disrupt the enzymes used by these bacteria. Acid in the mouth is another decay-promoter, but fresh pears can neutralize that acid. Try some sliced pears in a fruit salad (skip the sugar and rely on the fruit’s natural sweetness) or drizzled with just a little honey as a seasonal dessert.

Be Thankful for These Drink Options:

Tap water and tea help keep the teeth clean. Green and black tea can also kill bacteria, so they’re a good choice for a holiday beverage. For the adults, red wine is another drink that attacks bacteria in the mouth.

Keep It Clean:

Don’t neglect your regular routine of oral care during the holidays, as the bacteria aren’t going to take the day off. Ideally, if you are traveling for Thanksgiving, you have a toothbrush and floss stashed away in your purse or car glove box. But even if you’re dining away from home, take a few minutes after the meal to rinse your mouth with water. That will help hold you until you get home and can floss and brush your teeth. If you have any questions about how to care for teeth, call us at Kingsland Dental Group or schedule an appointment for your regular cleaning!

Happy Thanksgiving!

 

 

Halloween Candy: The Good and The Ghoulish

While ghosts and zombies are scary, there is something even scarier in your trick or treat bags: candy. It's almost impossible to avoid eating candy this time of year, but it doesn't have to be loaded with sugar. Here's a little information about the worst candies for your teeth and some of the better alternatives.

The Scary Sweets

Candy Corn, Candy Apples, Cookies, and Cake

Halloween would truly be scary without candy corn, candy apples, and all of the other sweet treats. While these treats may be tasty, they can and will wreak havoc on your teeth. These treats are loaded with huge amounts of sugar, which leads to tooth decay and cavities.

Sour Candies

Although sour treats may make your mouth pucker, they also can quickly destroy the enamel on teeth because of their high acidity level. In addition, you should wait at least 30 minutes for the saliva to restore the pH in your mouth before you brush. Brushing before 30 minutes have passed would simply spread the acid on a larger surface area and bolster the erosive capabilities of the acid.

Taffy, Caramel, and Sticky Sweets

Unlike other candies, gummy candies easily become lodged between teeth and in crevices. Once it's lodged in these hidden places, it becomes practically impossible for the saliva in your mouth to wash the particles away. As a result, the sugary treats will form cavities.

Not-so-scary Treats

Sugar-Free Gum

The best alternative for your teeth is sugar-free gum for two reasons:

·         It dislodges particles of food from between your teeth

·         It increases saliva production in your mouth

Saliva is instrumental for neutralizing the acids, and it will prevent those acids from eroding your teeth and causing tooth decay. Saliva also prevents mouth dryness; and when your mouth is dry, plaque is much more likely to build up at a faster rate.

Dark Chocolate

Even though dark chocolate is loaded with sugar, it wont stick to your teeth. As a result, chocolate is not such a bad option as a sweet Halloween treat.

Sugar-Free Candy

Hard candies and sugar-free candy will help your mouth to create more saliva, which is essential for a healthy, cavity-free Halloween smile that's not so scary.



So, even if you splurge on a sweet treat, remember to take care of your teeth. Brush and floss daily and don't forget to visit your dentist for regular cleanings and check-ups! Have questions or need to schedule an appointment? Contact us and we will be happy to help!

Have a Safe & Happy Halloween!

Smart Tooth-Friendly Snacks Kids Will Love

Now that school is back in session, moms and dads everywhere are packing lunch boxes for their kids. When thinking about snacks and lunches to put in that brown paper bag, think about packing items that are not only going to be nutritious, but also good for your teeth. An important part of taking care of kids’ oral health is making sure they eat nutritious foods that help to strengthen teeth and avoid foods that harm tooth enamel. Providing healthy snacks, as your dentist recommends, is not difficult, but it does require some forethought to ensure that you have the right ingredients on hand. Here are a few examples of tooth-friendly snack choices.

Peanut Butter Apples

For an easy and healthy snack, slice an apple and add a dab of peanut butter for a delicious combination of flavors. Again, many brands of peanut butter have added sugar that can hurt tooth enamel. Read the labels and only choose brands that contain peanuts and oil to avoid the extra sugar.
 

Yogurt with Fresh Fruit

Low-fat yogurt can be a healthy way to provide calcium for teeth, but read the ingredient lists on the packages and you will find that many yogurts contain added sugar that is unhealthy for children’s teeth. Instead, buy plain yogurt and add your own cut-up strawberries, peaches or blueberries for a bit of natural sweetness.

Hummus on Pita Triangles

Cut pita wraps into bite-sized triangles and dab on a bit of hummus for a healthy, non-sugary snack that adds nutrition without empty calories.

Plain Popcorn

Plain popcorn provides the “crunch” that kids love for snacking, but has no additional oils or sugar. You should avoid microwave popcorn, though, as it contains chemicals that, when heated, can lead to lung disease. A hot-air popcorn machine is a better choice.

Pumpkin and Sunflower Seeds

Shelled pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds make a convenient and healthy snack that contains no sugar that can injure children’s teeth. Choose the unsalted or low-salt varieties to avoid too much sodium.

Low-Fat Cheese Bites

Cheese is an excellent snack food, as it provides calcium to build strong bones and teeth. Low-fat varieties are the healthiest choice. Cut an assortment of cheeses into bite-sized bits for easy snacking while doing homework or watching TV.

Talk to the dentists at Kingsland Dental Group for other ideas on tooth-friendly snack choices that promote oral health.