Category Archives: Health

Eating Habits Affecting Your Dental Health

Nutritional Guidelines

 

According to The Eatwell Guide, you should consume at least five portions of fruit and vegetables, dairy or low fat/ low sugar replacements for dairy and a protein such as fish, eggs, meat or beans daily. Meals should be based around wholegrain potatoes, rice, bread, pasta, and other carbohydrates. For optimum health also drink six to eight glasses of water or fluids each day.

 

Consuming a variety of nutrient-rich foods from all the food groups is essential for your overall wellness and promotes healthy teeth and gums.

 

Diet and Tooth Decay

 

The food and beverages you consume have direct contact with your teeth. This means every food choice you make can impact your oral health. Sugary and processed foods and drinks have a high acidity level which slowly eats away at your tooth enamel resulting in tooth decay and cavities.

 

The form of foods such as a solid, liquid, or sticky can have different effects on your teeth. The slower it is to dissolve the longer the impact on your teeth. The order and combination of how you eat your foods during a meal can also make a difference in your oral health. Drinking water in between bites is important as it can wash away some of the acids that may already be attacking your teeth.

 

A well-balanced diet full of calcium can contain tooth-friendly nutrients which makes them stronger and less likely to decay in the future. Healthy eating and drinking can reduce enamel erosion to keep your smile beautiful and long-lasting.

 

How Snacks Affect Dental Health

 

Often foods that we intake as a meal is always harmless to the teeth, than the snacks that we consume throughout the day.This is because more saliva is released and produced during a meal. Saliva helps to rinse the effects of acid off your teeth, which prevents tooth decay and cavities.

 

If you wish to snack stick to nutritious foods that stimulate saliva production or foods that are high in calcium to make your teeth stronger. Some great snack choices include cheese, nuts, plain yogurt, raw fruits and vegetables, whole grains, or lean sources of protein.

 

Also, drink water while you snack to wash away the food particles that can remain on your teeth.

 

Harmful Foods for Dental Health

 

Certain foods can negatively impact your dental health.

 

Sticky and sweet foods can cause plaque to stick on to teeth. The sticky quality of these can be hard to wash away from your enamel by drinking water and your saliva. This can cause the acids to attack your teeth constantly until you can brush. These constant attacks on your teeth break down enamel faster.

 

Starch filled foods can get trapped between your teeth causing damage to enamel and gum tissue. These foods require flossing to fully remove the food debris and harmful plaque trapped between your teeth. Some examples of these foods are potato chips or soft bread.

 

Any foods that cause your mouth to dry out can also have adverse effects on your oral health. Lack of saliva production causes plaque and acids to remain on your teeth for longer amounts of time. The longer these acids and plaque stay on your teeth, the more damage they can do.

 

Beneficial Foods for Dental Health

 

Dairy products are excellent for your dental health. Cheese produces saliva that helps wash away plaque. Cheese also helps to neutralise pH levels in your mouth slowing the effects of acid erosion on your tooth enamel. The calcium in dairy products also contributes to remineralising your teeth.

 

Raw fruits and vegetables can help keep teeth and gums clean by stimulating saliva and removing surface stains and plaque from your teeth. Leafy greens are high in calcium, but they also contain vitamin B which helps prevent gum disease in pregnant women.

 

Celery is a natural source of vitamins A and C which help boost your gum tissue health. It also acts as a natural toothbrush as it scrapes your teeth as you consume it.

 

Another great food for your teeth is almonds because they have high levels of protein and calcium with low levels of sugar.

 

Foods with fluoride can help strengthen and protect your teeth. Poultry and seafood products, powdered cereals, and dehydrated soups are all examples of foods that can naturally contain fluoride.

 

The polyphenols found in green and black tea can slow bacteria growth in your mouth and reduces the size and stickiness of plaque. Black tea can also fight bad breath because the polyphenols suppress the smelly

compounds found in the mouth.

Sugar and Dental Health

 

Sugar attaches itself to your teeth and slowly attacks your enamel. It can eat a hole in your enamel which can form a cavity. If a cavity forms, you will have to see a dentist in Milton Keynesto get it filled. Your dentist or hygienist can also professionally clean your teeth to remove stubborn plaque and tartar.

 

Natural sugars found in fruits are healthier than sugars in processed foods. However, these sugars should also be consumed in moderation.

 

Carbonated soft drinks are the leading source of cavities and tooth erosion caused by sugar. The citric acid causes the sugars to stick to your teeth more than usual. Constantly sipping a carbonated beverage will cause acid attacks on your teeth to occur more frequently and not give the saliva in your mouth time to wash them away.

 

Sugar Substitutes for Dental Health

Sugar substitutes can look and taste like sugar, and they don’t contain decay-causing acids that can harm teeth. These can be considered a safer alternative to regular sugars when it comes to your oral health.

 

Pop a stick of sugarless gum in your mouth after eating. Chewing boosts saliva production and the xylitol in the gum is non-fermentable, so the bacteria in your mouth cannot convert it to acid.

 

How to Reduce Risk of Cavities

 

Eating a well-balanced diet and reducing your sugar intake can help to lessen your chances of getting a cavity. Drinking water while you eat something filled with sugar can help wash away the acids attacking your enamel. Lastly, brushing and flossing after you have consumed sugar is your best defence at preventing cavities.

 

7 Clinical Tips from Dental Experts to Consider

When it comes to teeth and how to care for them, everyone has a story to tell. From our patients’ perspective, dentists are often the necessary evil – the last resort, the visit they don’t want to make. So, it’s up to us to persuade our current and potential patients that we are here for them, to provide not just a necessary service, but one which will reap benefits worthy of their time and investment. So lets concentrate on 7 Clinical Tips from Dental Experts.

7 Clinical Tips from Dental Experts:

1. Take it one step at a time

For many, going to the dentist isn’t a fun option. Even basic procedures come with an element of unease. It is worse when our patients need a more invasive procedure, like Root Canals or Dentures. We need to stress to these patients that we only undertake these procedures once all other options have been exhausted, and only when it’s in their best interest.

2. Realise potential within present patient base

Our regular patients are the backbone of our clientele, and so we owe it to them to make sure they are not missing out on benefits or procedures we may offer as an incentive to new patients.

Why not improve our service to our regulars, by offering a “wellness check” on top of a regular appointment? It’s our chance to check for problems like gradual discolouration, or slowly eroding enamel. Our patients will appreciate the extra attention, and we can address small issues before they require treatment.

3. Build further opportunities using an intraoral camera

It’s tricky getting a good view of the inside of a mouth without a little help from technology. An intraoral camera can help map out those hard-to-see parts of the mouth and identify problem issues.

It can take pictures we can examine closely and magnify. And maybe most importantly, by sharing these pictures with the patient, we can demonstrate there is a real need for a dental procedure. If our patients understand why we recommend a particular procedure, they are far more likely to accept its necessity.

4. Keep an eye on industry (perio) benchmarks

We cannot afford to neglect the basics when it comes to patient welfare. This is essential when it comes to recognising whether we are overlooking apparent problems in favour of the bigger picture. Periodontal disease affects over 45% of the adult population and is particularly prevalent as the person ages.

Remember in its early stages, periodontal disease may be hard to detect, but your patients will benefit if you pick up on it before it becomes serious, as it’s straightforward to treat when at its mildest.

5. Offer the services that your patients are interested in

Any dentist can offer regular check-ups, cavity repairs, braces treatment, and other essential treatments. But if clients are looking for a dentist in Amersham, for example, and they’re spoiled for choice, they will look for points of difference. Look out for what your competitors are doing, canvas your existing patients to find out what they want, and keep an eye out for popular trends. Establish yourself as an early adopter of new techniques before your competitors do so that you can gain recognition as a market leader.

6. Unveil value-added services with routine appointments

There are basic treatments which you can include as “extras” which don’t cost you much but will make your patient feel they got value for money out of their treatment. The happier the patient is with your service, the more likely it is they will make repeat visits and tell their friends about the excellent service they got from you.

7. Care not just for prevention but, also optimal overall health

Dental health is not just about the teeth or even the mouth. Sometimes dental problems are symptomatic of other issues. According to the American Dental Association (ADA) research has linked periodontitis to cardiovascular disease, strokes, and bacterial pneumonia. When you consider not just how prevalent periodontal disease is, but also how preventable it is and how easy to repair in the early stages before it becomes full-blown periodontitis, it’s imperative that Dental Practices encourage good mouth hygiene.

8 Facts You Should Know About Teeth Whitening

There is a reason why a million dollar smile is most coveted in today’s world. Since your smile is one of the first things that people notice in you, a beautiful smile is always deemed to be more attractive than the yellow or brown stained teeth. So if you have looked into the mirror recently and wished to get back your pearly whites, or if you feel that the coffee and tea stains have ruined the looks of your teeth then you are not alone! There are thousands who have felt the same way as you did and have recovered from this condition by opting for professional teeth whitening treatments. You can avail any of these at the best laser teeth whitening cost or at the best bleaching cost at the reputed and efficient dental clinic around you.

 

But prior to going for such a treatment you must understand that there are a number of myths and misinformation associated with teeth whitening. This therapy is more complicated that it seems and must be performed by a professional such as dental hygienist, dentist or dental therapist.

 

You can opt for some DIY whitening home kits or can try a local beauty salon but you should know that there are various risks involved if you choose to get your teeth whitened with their help like irritation to the gums, increasing sensitivity of the teeth or chemical burns arising from mouth guards that are improperly fitted.

 

If you want to whiten the teeth then you should be aware of some of the most vital facts about teeth whitening prior to going for the treatment.

 

Facts about Teeth Whitening

Here are certain facts that will help you to get a clearer idea about professional teeth whitening and will assist you to steer clear from the myths.

 

1. Teeth Whitening and Cleaning Are Not the Same

Our teeth are just like sponges with numerous pores on them. No matter what you take in your mouth the colour will be absorbed into those pores like coffee, wine, dark berries and even smoking that result in staining the teeth. Over time, the natural teeth colour of your teeth disappear and get darkened. You can remove these unless they get too tough with scaling or cleaning. Usually such scaling do not call for professional teeth whitening. But when the stains are too tough you can go for the professional teeth whitening treatment.

 

2. Teeth Whitening Therapy is Absolutely Safe

The teeth whitening treatment is absolutely safe. This is especially true if you go for laser teeth whitening. Research has revealed that in case of teeth whitening with bleach, if you use the correct peroxide concentration, the bleach that whitens the teeth for the proper amount of time does not cause any major health issues. However there have been cases where the excessive or poor quality bleaches have caused the tooth enamel to deteriorate and give rise to extreme gum sensitivity. That is why you should go for professional treatments and follow the instructions of the office religiously.

 

3. Whitening is Suitable for a Majority of People Apart from a Few

Whitening can work wonders and the results are significant for a vast majority of people. Nevertheless, there are some instances when the treatment is not suitable for certain patients. For example, patients who have dental restorations like bridges or crowns, porcelain veneers, tooth colouring fillings or cosmetic bonding may find that the bleaching agents are not working for them. If you are a child, a lactating or pregnant women or if you have cavities, exposed teeth roots, hypersensitivity or incomplete dental work then also you cannot go for professional teeth whitening.

 

4. Some Sensitivity after Teeth Whitening Is Normal

After a teeth whitening procedure you should expect that your teeth will remain sensitive. This is very common and usually last upto 24 hours after the whitening process is conducted. It differs from one person to another regarding how they respond to this hypersensitivity. Apart from that, temporary gum irritation can also occur at this time. You can talk to your dentist regarding this prior to going for the treatment.

 

5. Teeth Whitening Is Not Permanent

Bleaching is not permanent and its effects may vary from a year to a maximum of three years. With a few precautions and touch-ups on your part you should be able to maintain a great smile.

 

6. Contrary to Popular Belief, Teeth Whitening Does Not Affect the Enamel

A lot of research has been conducted in this regard and it has been seen that bleaches only remove the stains from the microscopic pores of the teeth. This bleach does not penetrate deep into the teeth and thus, does not affect the enamel.

 

7. Post-whitening Care is Essential

Reducing the intake of food that can create stains like coffee, tea, sodas and wine etc. it is necessary after whitening treatment. You should also keep at bay the habits such as drinking of coffee, tea, wine sodas, etc. One also needs to keep at bay habits such as tobacco usage or smoking. Apart from that, you should also maintain thorough oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly.

 

8. Your Teeth’s Natural Colour Will be Restored by Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening helps to do away with the stains that have developed over time. With this procedure you can get back the natural colour of your teeth. But you should keep it in mind this will not make the teeth any whiter than their original colour.

 

Conclusion

These are some of the most significant facts about the teeth whitening procedure that will enlighten you further regarding this therapy so that you can take an informed decision and have the right expectations when you go for the teeth whitening treatment.

Why Dental Implants Are A Popular Treatment For Missing Natural Tooth?

Romesh Seth, into his early 30s, met with a freak accident. It was a narrow escape as the impact of collusion somehow just brushed past him. He felt lucky for having survived the mishap but somewhere deep down, he felt low for one reason – he had lost two of his teeth in the accident.

Soon, he realized that his facial charms were gone, and the dazzle of smile, faded into oblivion. His personality did not make the same impact as it did prior the accident and this kept hurting him. Expectedly, his self-esteem reached the depth, and the ever-dipping level of confidence soon followed the path.

For Romesh, the life suddenly became devoid of any quality. Speaking and eating problems tailed along making the matter even worse. Frustrated and disturbed, he stopped venturing out of the home and he did not meet his circle of friends for long.
This is when one of his friends suggested him dental implants. And this is how the life of Romesh got back alive once again…

What is dental implant?
Dental implant is a permanent and durable replacement option for those with missing one, two or more natural teeth. It’s basically a fixture embedded within the jaw bone to replace natural teeth through support to a prosthesis (either a crown or denture). It’s the bone formation post the implant that ensures solidity, anchorage and stability to the artificial teeth.

Who is a right candidate for dental implant?
In general, anyone with missing natural teeth is eligible for dental implants. This dental procedure can also be availed by other people, including –

Those who either miss one, two or more natural teeth

Those who look for a durable replacement or option to replace their missing teeth

Those who have lost their facial aesthetics due to loss of the teeth

Those whose smile has lost its verve and zing in the wake of losing the teeth

Those who’re troubled by eating and speaking due to losing the teeth

Those not feeling comfort with their dentures

Reasons for choosing dental implants
Dentists worldwide recommend dental implants as they are superior to other prosthetics in the market. Benefits are many in choosing implants, including –

#1    The most natural option
Dental implants are considered the most natural option around as they look and feel like your real teeth. In terms of comfort and convenience too, they never look like something other than your natural teeth. Having them makes you feel like you never lost your teeth in the first place.

#2    The most durable option
Dental implants can even outlast the patients. They are amazingly durable and this is a major reason of their universal popularity. They may cost a bit more than other options but their being one-time investment justifies the cost fully. After all, they last long, fairly long.

#3    Restorer of your dazzling smile
Dental implants are considered a wonderful restorer of your dazzling smile whose charm was faded with the loss of the natural teeth. Over the implants, dentists often place visually charming dental prosthesis to get back your smile and the pleasing personality as well. That’s why, people prefer it for smile makeover purposes.

#4    Freedom of eating anything
With dentures, you can’t eat hard foods. You can’t also eat sticky items. In a sense, you can’t eat a lot of your favourite items which means things are tough. Nothing of this sort happens with implants as it does not bind in any manner when it comes to eating. You are free to eat whatever your heart wishes.

#5    Comfort and hygiene of desired variety
Dental implants are easy to maintain. They are easy to brush and clean, in the same manner as you’d with natural ones. They never pose any troubles in maintenance and hygiene work and they are not harmful to the surrounding tooth structure in any way. They are without doubt the next best option to your natural teeth.

In overall, implants are growing in popularity by the day on the back of advantages and benefits they bring. You should therefore not delay getting dental Implants in Delhi and restoring the lost charm and lost facial glow in the wake of the missing natural teeth.

Easy Way To Keep A Check On Your Weight

Keep A Tab Of Your Weight

Did you suddenly notice that you have gained a lot of weight? It happens to many people, and most of them discover that only after the damage is done. You may all of a sudden attend a party or a function and notice everyone is mentioning about your weight as they are seeing you for a long time. The next thing you do is to come back and check your weight only to see that it has increased a lot even without you noticing it. You may not be able to notice the weight gain if it is in the range of 10 to 15 kgs. To avoid this situation, you can buy an analogue weighing scale to keep a tab of your weight.

 

In this way, you can easily monitor your weight at your home at regular intervals. If you notice any increasing trend continuously for a few weeks, you can take the suitable remedy and see what is causing this weight gain. It is very small in size, and you can easily keep it in your cupboard or even in your bathroom. It will show you the accurate weight and will help you to keep a check on your weight.

 

Even though there are many advanced versions of digital weighing machines available in the market, they are very expensive when compared to the traditional analogue machines. Not only that, they do not last long as they have digital circuits inside, and it is prone to get damaged early. On the other hand, the normal traditional weighing scales do not have any such equipment and will last for many years without any problem. It is also not prone to getting damaged by water, and other things and you can easily keep them in your bathroom.

 

Most of them cost less than a thousand rupees on the Internet. You can easily order them for your home or office and keep it in a common area. If you are using it for your office, keep it in an area where people can easily access it. The best place to keep it will be in your lounge or the canteen where many people assemble at one place. When people use it regularly, they are able to keep a tab on their weight and can easily maintain their health. In this way, you will have a health conscious staff which is good for your business.

 

If you are using this weighing scale at your home, you can use it for multiple purposes like weighing other goods which you have purchased. It is also helpful when you have to pack something and send it through the parcel. You need not have to go anywhere to check the weight of the parcel. You can easily do it at your home and get to know the cost of courier and other charges for the weight of the parcel. In this way, having this small machine at home and office will benefit you in many ways.