Food and Drinks that Can Help Your Smile
Most people know that brushing and flossing are important for a healthy mouth but did you know that certain foods and drinks can help with oral health too? Here are a few:
Green Tea
Not only has green tea been used medicinally for years but it has a higher number of antioxidants than black tea which actually helps to kill cancer-causing free radicals. Those same free radicals may cause periodontal inflammation. Green tea has also been known to reduce dental plaque and interfere with the production of hydrogen sulfide, which causes bad breath.
Dairy Products
All types of calcium products can help protect your smile. They are all low in acidity which protects teeth from decay and promotes a healthy oral pH. Dairy products are also high in calcium and phosphate which helps fortify teeth as well as bones.
Fruits and Vegetables
We were all told to eat our fruits and vegetables growing up but little did we know, there are more reasons to eating them than originally thought. The physical action of eating raw fruit massages the gums and keeps plaque from forming on teeth. Fruit also contains a lot of vitamin C which is good for overall health and gum health. Additionally, eating raw vegetables helps to keep teeth clean and strong while supporting overall health.
Water
While it is not always considered when thinking about food or drinks that are good for your teeth, water is one of the best. Water keeps you hydrated but also washes away food particles that may be stuck between the teeth and aids the natural neutralizing effect of saliva.
Source: http://bestdentistnews.com/2012/03/foods-and-drinks-that-can-help-your-smile/#more-777
R. Eric Emery, DDS
Smile Station Dental
2901 Dougherty Ferry Rd, Suite 400
St. Louis, MO 63122
(314)821-7100
smilestationdental.com
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Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Thursday, March 21, 2013
Dental Did You Know
Ancient Tooth Remedies
Toothaches have been around as long as humans have and with them came a myriad of interesting theories as to their cause and how to treat them. There is evidence of tooth drilling up to 9000 years ago that was surprisingly precise.
But what did ancient people believe caused tooth pain? One of the most popular theories included the worm theory, that toothaches are due to worms burrowing inside the tooth and causing pain by wiggling around. The earliest reference comes from a Sumerian text from around 5000 BCE. People believed these tooth worms were to blame all the way up into the 18th century.
Most ancient cures attempted to remove the worm in some way. Pliny the Elder, a Roman writer, described a technique that included catching a frog under a full moon, spitting in its mouth, and then whispering for it to take the toothache away. Some cultures believed a series of chants would work. In England, citizens stole the teeth of the deceased to create a toothache talisman. Aztecs relied on chewing hot chilies while the ancient Egyptians tried wearing magical amulets.
Now-a-days, dental professionals know that toothaches are caused by decay and bacteria and the therapies are much easier and much more effective.
Source: http://bestdentistnews.com/2011/09/catch-a-frog-under-the-full-moon-%E2%80%A6-and-other-toothache-cures/#more-708
R. Eric Emery, DDS
Smile Station Dental
2901 Dougherty Ferry Rd, Suite 400
St. Louis, MO 63122
(314)821-7100
smilestationdental.com
Like us on Facebook!
Toothaches have been around as long as humans have and with them came a myriad of interesting theories as to their cause and how to treat them. There is evidence of tooth drilling up to 9000 years ago that was surprisingly precise.
But what did ancient people believe caused tooth pain? One of the most popular theories included the worm theory, that toothaches are due to worms burrowing inside the tooth and causing pain by wiggling around. The earliest reference comes from a Sumerian text from around 5000 BCE. People believed these tooth worms were to blame all the way up into the 18th century.
Most ancient cures attempted to remove the worm in some way. Pliny the Elder, a Roman writer, described a technique that included catching a frog under a full moon, spitting in its mouth, and then whispering for it to take the toothache away. Some cultures believed a series of chants would work. In England, citizens stole the teeth of the deceased to create a toothache talisman. Aztecs relied on chewing hot chilies while the ancient Egyptians tried wearing magical amulets.
Now-a-days, dental professionals know that toothaches are caused by decay and bacteria and the therapies are much easier and much more effective.
Source: http://bestdentistnews.com/2011/09/catch-a-frog-under-the-full-moon-%E2%80%A6-and-other-toothache-cures/#more-708
R. Eric Emery, DDS
Smile Station Dental
2901 Dougherty Ferry Rd, Suite 400
St. Louis, MO 63122
(314)821-7100
smilestationdental.com
Like us on Facebook!
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
News You Can Use
Water Fluoridation Good for Adults as well as Kids
Water fluoridation has been both implemented and removed from water systems in the past few years due to budget concerns and differing philosophical ideals surrounding the issue.
A recent study conducted by the University of North Carolina School of Dentistry and University of Adelaide in Australia investigated the effectiveness of this hot issue by using a nationally representative study of Australian adults. While the effectiveness of water fluoridation in the reduction of children's tooth decay has been studied, the investigation of the effects of water fluoridation on adults has been overlooked.
These researchers found that water fluoridation had positive effects in adults that grew up in areas with fluoridated water as well as those who did not grow up in areas of fluoridated water, leading researchers to believe fluoride in the water has as strong of an effect on adults as it does on children growing up drinking the water.
Adults who spent 75% of their lifetime in a community with water fluoridation had significantly less dental decay than those who only spent 25% of their lifetime in a community with water fluoridation.
Overall, there was a noticeable effect with 10% to 30% less decay due to water fluoridation.
Source: http://www.drbicuspid.com/index.aspx?sec=sup&sub=rst&pag=dis&ItemID=312869
R. Eric Emery, DDS
Smile Station Dental
2901 Dougherty Ferry Rd, Suite 400
St. Louis, MO 63122
(314)821-7100
smilestationdental.com
Like us on Facebook!
Water fluoridation has been both implemented and removed from water systems in the past few years due to budget concerns and differing philosophical ideals surrounding the issue.
A recent study conducted by the University of North Carolina School of Dentistry and University of Adelaide in Australia investigated the effectiveness of this hot issue by using a nationally representative study of Australian adults. While the effectiveness of water fluoridation in the reduction of children's tooth decay has been studied, the investigation of the effects of water fluoridation on adults has been overlooked.
These researchers found that water fluoridation had positive effects in adults that grew up in areas with fluoridated water as well as those who did not grow up in areas of fluoridated water, leading researchers to believe fluoride in the water has as strong of an effect on adults as it does on children growing up drinking the water.
Adults who spent 75% of their lifetime in a community with water fluoridation had significantly less dental decay than those who only spent 25% of their lifetime in a community with water fluoridation.
Overall, there was a noticeable effect with 10% to 30% less decay due to water fluoridation.
Source: http://www.drbicuspid.com/index.aspx?sec=sup&sub=rst&pag=dis&ItemID=312869
R. Eric Emery, DDS
Smile Station Dental
2901 Dougherty Ferry Rd, Suite 400
St. Louis, MO 63122
(314)821-7100
smilestationdental.com
Like us on Facebook!
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Dental Did You Know
Bad Breath
Although many of us probably would not admit it, bad breath is a common concern. What causes it and what can be done? The pictograph below helps answer those questions.
Source: http://pinterest.com/drcivils/things-you-should-know-about-teeth/
R. Eric Emery, DDS
2901 Dougherty Ferry Rd, Suite 400
St. Louis, MO 63122
(314)821-7100
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Tuesday, March 12, 2013
News You Can Use
Protection For Your Smile
As we head into spring and summer and the weather gets warmer, most people will probably not be considering their teeth. While enjoying the warmer weather and getting exercise are beneficial, forgetting about oral care can be detrimental. Here are a few tips easy enough for anyone to remember:
1. Limit sports drink consumption
Sports drinks not only contain high amounts of sugar but also tend to have high acidity. Drinking too many highly acidic drinks can lead to erosion, staining, and hypersensitivity. Limiting the consumption of these products, as well as using a fluoride toothpaste, will help protect your smile
2. Stay hydrated with water
While sports drinks can damage teeth, water can help repair them. Water that is enriched with fluoride can help strengthen teeth by drawing important nutrients into them. Drinking water can help keep your body cool and hydrated as well.
3. Remember the mouth guard
About 40% of sports injuries involve the face, making the use of mouth guards extremely important. Smile Station Dental makes custom-fit mouth guards that decrease the chances of tooth loss while significantly reducing the chances for concussion.
All of this can help increase your performance as well as keep you safe while you enjoy the warm weather.
Source: http://bestdentistnews.com/2013/03/protection-for-your-smile-this-spring-and-summer/
R. Eric Emery, DDS
Smile Station Dental
2901 Dougherty Ferry Rd, Suite 400
St. Louis, MO 63122
(314)821-7100
smilestationdental.com
Like us on Facebook!
As we head into spring and summer and the weather gets warmer, most people will probably not be considering their teeth. While enjoying the warmer weather and getting exercise are beneficial, forgetting about oral care can be detrimental. Here are a few tips easy enough for anyone to remember:
1. Limit sports drink consumption
Sports drinks not only contain high amounts of sugar but also tend to have high acidity. Drinking too many highly acidic drinks can lead to erosion, staining, and hypersensitivity. Limiting the consumption of these products, as well as using a fluoride toothpaste, will help protect your smile
2. Stay hydrated with water
While sports drinks can damage teeth, water can help repair them. Water that is enriched with fluoride can help strengthen teeth by drawing important nutrients into them. Drinking water can help keep your body cool and hydrated as well.
3. Remember the mouth guard
About 40% of sports injuries involve the face, making the use of mouth guards extremely important. Smile Station Dental makes custom-fit mouth guards that decrease the chances of tooth loss while significantly reducing the chances for concussion.
All of this can help increase your performance as well as keep you safe while you enjoy the warm weather.
Source: http://bestdentistnews.com/2013/03/protection-for-your-smile-this-spring-and-summer/
R. Eric Emery, DDS
Smile Station Dental
2901 Dougherty Ferry Rd, Suite 400
St. Louis, MO 63122
(314)821-7100
smilestationdental.com
Like us on Facebook!
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
News You Can Use
5 Mistakes You Might Make While Flossing
It is a widely accepted belief that flossing should be included in a daily oral health routine. It is the only guaranteed way to remove food particles between the teeth and disrupts cavity causing bacteria. Most people think there are not many ways to mess up while flossing and while it may seem simple, there are a few mistakes that could end up causing you to get restorative work at the dentist.
Here are the five common mistakes to watch out for:
1. Using the same section of floss the entire time
It is a widely accepted belief that flossing should be included in a daily oral health routine. It is the only guaranteed way to remove food particles between the teeth and disrupts cavity causing bacteria. Most people think there are not many ways to mess up while flossing and while it may seem simple, there are a few mistakes that could end up causing you to get restorative work at the dentist.
Here are the five common mistakes to watch out for:
1. Using the same section of floss the entire time
Flossing is a way to get rid of bacteria in the mouth but if you use the
same floss throughout, you may just be moving the bacteria from one
spot to another.
2. Skipping teeth in the very back
Some teeth have an open space next to them. It is still important to run
the floss on the backside of those teeth to clear off the bacteria hiding
there.
3. Snapping the floss between teeth
Some teeth have tighter spaces in between them than others. When
you're flossing, try not to force the floss between those teeth so that it
jumps down to the gum line. Instead, move the floss gently back and
forth until it glides through.
4. Quitting because the gums start bleeding
It can seem scary when the gums start bleeding but it is actually a sign
of gingivitis. The gums start bleeding because the body sends more
blood there to fight the accumulating plaque. This condition can actually
be ameliorated by flossing.
5. When you floss aimlessly and miss teeth
There are quite a few teeth in the mouth so when you floss without
paying attention, you may miss one or two by accident. Making a plan and
keeping to it should help make sure you leave no spot untouched.
R. Eric Emery, DDS
2901 Dougherty Ferry Rd, Suite 400
St. Louis, MO 63122
(314)821-7100
Like us on Facebook!
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