Month: January 2016

Best Foods for Healthy Smiles

Posted on by University Dental Associates

While eating throughout the day, we don’t tend to give our teeth much thought. Sugary foods and temperature extremes can cause a great deal of stress to our teeth. To ensure optimal oral health, prevention is a much better alliterative to treatment.

Healthy dental routines such as regular brushing and flossing are important to ensure a healthy smile. But did you also know that your diet has an impact on your oral health? Try to avoid foods that are sticky, or get wedged in our teeth. These types of foods can loosen fillings, and even cause a disruption to crown.

Healthy alternatives to ensure a bright and healthy smile include nuts, cheeses, and milk. The high levels of calcium and phosphorus in these foods can help strengthen and protect tooth enamel.  Also, foods with a high water contact are the best for your teeth, such as fruits and vegetables. The water contained in these foods helps to wash away bacteria and dilute sugar effects.

The most important aspect of a healthy smile is to ensure a regular preventive dentistry routine. Request an appointment today with your favorite University Dental Associates practice location, and keep on smiling!

 

Coffee, Tea, and Your Smile

Posted on by University Dental Associates

For most of us, a morning cup of coffee or tea is the best way to begin a new day. But have you ever considered the effect your morning beverage (or mid-day pick-me up) has on your teeth?

Coffee and tea contains a substance called tannic acid—which can stain your teeth brown by appearing in ridges and on the flat surfaces of your tooth enamel. It has often been shown that by adding cream or milk to coffee or tea can help prevent tannic acids from staining your teeth.

If your morning coffee or tea accompanies you on your commute, consider drinking a bottle of water after your beverage of choice. Drinking water will help to wash away some of the tannic acid, until you are able to brush your teeth. Also, drinking iced coffee or tea through a straw helps prevent the liquid from coming in direct contact with your tooth enamel.

And also, don’t forget that professional tooth whitening at University Dental Associates is always an option to ensure a bright and healthy smile!

 

Three Common Signs of Cavities

Posted on by University Dental Associates

We don’t know many people who enjoy thinking about cavities, but the sooner you can identify one, a restorative dentistry appointment can scheduled to remedy the problem and avoid more series issues.

Here are three signs you may have a cavity, and should schedule an appointment at your favorite University Dental Associates practice location:

Pain: If your teeth hurt, it very well could be a cavity.

Sensitivity: Is there an area in your mouth that is sensitive to cold, hot, or sugary foods?

Unpleasant Breath: Oftentimes, untreated cavities can cause unpleasant breath due to bacteria accumulation.

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms above, request an appointment today at your favorite University Dental Associates location.

 

Why Floss?

Posted on by University Dental Associates

Flossing is a very important aspect of your oral hygiene routine. Flossing is an effective way to clean the areas where cavities are most likely to develop—the tiniest and most difficult to reach areas in your mouth.

Flossing is critical to preventing tooth loss and gum disease. It is also an important preventive dentistry measure, as it can prevent future oral surgery costs.

Here are some pointers to help you get the most out of flossing:

Use What Works for You: Some people prefer traditional ribbon floss, while other prefer floss pics with easy to use handles. Find the option that you are most comfortable with, and that works well for you.

Be Gentle: Flossing is not a race — navigate the floss gently between your teeth, in a sawing motion. Do not quickly jab the floss in the crevices of your teeth, as this can damage your gums.

Clean the Sides: Pull the floss sideways and clean the sides of your teeth.

Don’t Forget the Back: a common area people forget to floss is the back sides of the last teeth.