How Nutritional Health Contributes to Healthy Teeth

How Nutritional Health Contributes to Healthy Teeth

A balanced, nutritious diet is essential to our health. But did you know that eating patterns and food choices play an important role in your dental health? Eating healthy can prevent tooth decay and gum disease. 

Our teeth are an important part of the first steps in the digestion process - chewing and swallowing. The mouth is the first place the nutrients consumed everyday will go. If your nutrition is poor, the first signs often show up in your mouth.

Empty calorie foods such as candy (especially hard or sticky candies), cookies, cakes, and other sugary snacks are not only harmful because they do not offer nutritional value, but because the amount and type of sugar that they contain that can adhere to teeth. The bacteria in your mouth feed off these sugars, releasing acids, and that’s what leads to tooth decay.

Sugar-containing drinks—soda, lemonade, juice and sweetened coffee or tea (iced or hot)—are particularly harmful because sipping them causes a constant sugar bath over teeth, which promotes tooth decay.

Calcium and phosphorous are nutrients that play a critical role in dental health, by protecting and rebuilding tooth enamel. Foods that benefit tooth health, include cheese, milk, plain yogurt, calcium-fortified tofu, leafy greens and almonds because they provide high amounts of calcium and other nutrients. Protein-rich foods like meat, poultry, fish, milk and eggs are the best sources of phosphorus.

Fruits and vegetables are good choices for a healthy smile since they are high in water and fiber, which  balance the sugars they contain and help to clean the teeth and stimulate salive productuon. Many also contain vitamin C (important for healthy gums and quick healing of wounds) and vitamin A (another key nutrient in building tooth enamel).

For more information on how nutrition affects oral health contact us at healthysmiles@brittenperio.com

Smart toothbrushes: 4 exciting new products

In a recent article, “Are you smarter than your smart toothbrush?” Dr. Pamela Maragliano–Muniz, DMD, reviewed four smart toothbrushes the Beam Brush, and the Philips Sonicare for Kids.

1   1. The Oral-B Pro 5000 / 7000 SmartSeries.   This toothbrush is Bluetooth-connected with an interactive app.  Your dental hygienist can enter important professional guidance to help you use this feature  at home.

     

2     2.  The Kolibree powerbrush, is made in France and is new in the U.S.  It has 3-D motion sensors as well as Bluetooth connectivity. Its app features interactive games for kids and coaching for adults.

  

3    3.  The Beam Brush connects to a smartphone and automatically tracks and rewards good brushing habits.  The maker of the brush offers a subscription service through which floss, toothpaste, and replacement brush heads can be delivered every three months.

4.        Phillips Sonicare for kids

Philips Sonicare has developed a kid-friendly smart toothbrush to encourage better kids to brush more effectively.  The toothbrush can be customized with eight stickers and features an interactive app. The child (or parent) can create a profile on the app and the app will reward the child for proper brushing habits and parents can monitor the child’s brushing habit. In addition, the child can adopt a character, name it.  When they brush correctly and for the appropriate time, their character will smile and be happy!

Dr. Maragliano–Muniz’s full product review article can be found at http://www.dentistryiq.com/articles/2016/02/are-you-smarter-than-your-smart-toothbrush.html?cmpid=Enl_DIQ_Navigator_Feb-24-2016&sponsored=topic1&eid=330386680&bid=1319519

Six Reasons to Brush Before Bed Time!

Six Reasons to Brush Before Bed Time!

1. Brushing removes the plaque that has accumulated all day long so that bacteria have lesser ground to play on at night and hence the teeth are less damaged and decay.
2. The primary cause of gum disease is plaque accumulation at the gumline. Brushing before sleep will remove this plaque, avoiding the potential for swollen and bleeding gums.
3. Brushing twice a day reduces bad breath considerably. Try brushing tonight if you haven’t been. The next morning you will notice an improvement in any bad breath you have been experiencing.
4. The fluoride in toothpaste helps form a protective layer on your teeth to prevent them from the process of destruction. So, a 12 hour protection is always better than 24 hour.
5. Preventing dental problems decreases the extent of dental work you will need. Brush twice a day and save money.
6. Set an example for your kids! You cannot teach your kids what you do not follow. If you do not brush yourselves your child will never ever brush at night.

Oh, and don't forget about your interdental (in between the teeth) care!

If you have any questions about optimal oral hygiene, call us 727-586-2681 or email at healthysmiles@brittenperio.com

Gum Disease is a Lifelong Condition

Gum disease is a chronic lifelong condition which can often be halted in its earliest, often reversible stage, gingivitis. "Untreated gingivitis can advance to periodontitis (gum disease). With time, plaque can spread and grow below the gum line. Toxins produced by the bacteria in plaque irritate the gums. The toxins stimulate a chronic inflammatory response in which the body in essence turns on itself, and the tissues and bone that support the teeth are broken down and destroyed. Gums separate from the teeth, forming pockets (spaces between the teeth and gums) that become infected. As the disease progresses, the pockets deepen and more gum tissue and bone are destroyed. Often, this destructive process has very mild symptoms. Eventually, teeth can become loose and may have to be removed." -from Perio.org.

Once you have been diagnosed with gum disease, it can be treated with surgical and non-surgical therapy and in most cases easily maintained for life with routine periodontal maintenance (dental hygiene visits and close monitoring) and a recommended home care schedule. Gum disease is a lifelong battle, however, we are committed to working with you and your dentist to keep your smile healthy for life. Please contact our office at healthysmiles@brittenperio.com or visit our website at www.brittenperio.com for more information.

Over 60 million Americans grind their teeth at night

Do you ever wake up with an aching jaw, tooth sensitivity or notice that your teeth seem to be shifting or loosening? Clenching or grinding your teeth can put excessive force on the supporting tissues of the teeth and could speed up the rate at which periodontal tissues are destroyed. Teeth grinding or clenching can also cause abnormal wear and tear on the teeth which will prematurely age and loosen them, causing problems such as hypersensitivity (from the small cracks that form, exposing your dentin). Clenching or grinding, known as bruxism, can also lead to chronic jaw and facial pain, as well as headaches.

If no one has told you that you grind your teeth, here are a few clues that you may suffer from bruxism:

Your jaw is sore often, or you hear popping sounds when you open and close your mouth.
Your teeth look short or worn down.
You notice dents in your tongue, especially along the edges.

A common therapy involves use of a special appliance worn while sleeping which your dentist can custom fit for you.

Dr. Britten can evaluate you for evidence of clenching or grinding and make the appropriate recommendation to avoid further damage to your teeth, gums and TMJ.

For any questions about bruxism, please contact our office at 727-586-2681 and www.brittenperio.com.

Most Common Cause of Gum Disease

Unless you're aware of the signs and symptoms of gum disease and how it's caused, it's possible that you may have unknowingly developed it. Often painless, gum disease -- or periodontal disease -- becomes progressively more serious when left untreated. As you learn more about the common causes of gum disease, you'll be better-equipped to maintain the best oral health possible.

Gingivitis & Periodontitis: Common Causes of Gum Disease

• Bacteria & Plaque. Bacteria in the mouth creates a sticky film over the teeth. Good hygiene practices help remove the bacteria and the plaque they cause. When plaque is not removed, it develops into a rock-like substance called tartar. This can only be removed by a dental professional.
• Smoking & Tobacco. If you're a smoker or use tobacco, you face a higher risk of developing gum disease. Additionally, tobacco use can lead to stained teeth, bad breath, and an increased risk of oral cancers.
• Certain Medications. Some medications that are taken for other health conditions can increase a person's risk of developing gum disease. If you take steroids, anti-epilepsy drugs, certain cancer therapy medications, or oral contraceptives, speak to Dr. Todd Britten about how to maintain healthy gums.
• Medical Conditions. Certain medical conditions can impact the health of your gums. For instance, diabetics face an increased risk of gum disease due to the inflammatory chemicals present in their bodies. Always talk to our team about other health conditions to ensure we take that into account when treating you.

Take a Proactive Stance

Good oral hygiene practices and regular visits to our Clearwater, FL office can help you eliminate or reduce the risks of developing gum disease. A thorough cleaning with your toothbrush and dental floss should take about three to five minutes. Brush your teeth a minimum of twice per day and floss at least once each day. Keep these tips in mind and you’ll be ready to prevent gum disease.

www.brittenperio.com

What if you flossed as often as you watched Netflix?

We encourage our patients to find ways to incorporate taking care of your teeth into your day, however you can! Even while watching Netflix, if that is what works for you!

"Interdental cleansing (cleaning between the teeth) is necessary for ... optimal oral health. Since most toothbrushes have limited access to proximal (in between) surfaces of teeth... interdental cleansing must be included in dental hygiene care plans. Interdental spaces are areas where bacteria can accumulate, multiply and remain undisturbed.

Undisturbed plaque biofilm can cause gingival inflammation and bleeding and increase the risk for and progression of periodontal disease." Source: "Interdental Cleansing" by Jacquelyn L. Fried, RDH, MS

Actually, cleaning between your teeth with floss, proxabrushes, softpicks, rubber tip stimulators and watching Netflix at the same time is just fine with us. Dr. Britten and his hygiene team encourage patients to find ways to incorporate taking care of your teeth into your day, however you can! 

For more oral hygiene tips or tricks, feel free to email us at healthysmiles@brittenperio.com or visit our website www.brittenperio.com.