Foods That Encourage Good Dental Health

Oct 21st, 2020
Easton Dentists Nov 2nd, 2020

As we all know, our diet has a significant impact on our health. But did you know that there are several foods that are particularly beneficial to encouraging good dental health?

1. Salt: We are usually told that sodium is not good for us. However, it can be used as a natural remedy to treat gum inflammation. Add salt to warm water and swish it around in your mouth to reduce inflammation by osmosis, and also to kill some bacteria.

2. Cranberries: These tart berries aren’t just for Thanksgiving! This fruit provides 13.3mg of vitamin C in a 1 cup serving, which is important for collagen synthesis. Studies show that cranberries may also prevent bacteria from using adhesion molecules to hold onto your teeth. Cranberries also disrupt the formation of glucan (sugar polymers in plaque). Experts believe this discovery could be revolutionary for the future of dental care.

3. Honey: This sweet, natural syrup contains hydrogen peroxide, which has antibacterial components. Manuka honey from New Zealand contains the greatest concentration of antibacterial properties. A 2010 study compared the effects of this honey to that of xylitol chewing gum and found that Manuka honey reduced plaque better than xylitol!

Regular dental examinations are an important part of good dental care. Call The Dental Center today to make your appointment!

How Apples are Good for Your Teeth

Oct 5th, 2018
Easton Dentists Oct 5th, 2018

Good for my teeth

People have been asserting that “an apple a day keeps the doctor away” since the 19 th century. While it may not necessarily be true that those who eat apples never have to see a doctor, apples certainly have great health benefits for our bodies! Did you know they can even be good for our teeth? Let’s take a look at what the research says …

It’s widely thought that chewing a crisp, fresh apple can help brush away plaque on our teeth. We’re not too sure on this one, as some studies show a higher plaque content on teeth after eating an apple. At the same time, there is evidence to suggest some polyphenols in apples can lower the ability of cavity-causing bacteria to adhere to teeth. Further, some studies have shown that the antioxidants in apples can help prevent periodontal disease.

Apples even contain a (very) small amount of fluoride. This is worth noting, as fluoride is so important in helping prevent cavities.

Lastly, the act of chewing an apple stimulates saliva production. Saliva helps wash away food debris and bacteria. Remember, though, apples contain sugar and acid so it’s best not to go overboard with them.

You can even swish with water after eating one to wash away some of the sugar left behind. As the science continues to look into how apples affect our teeth, one thing we know is true: regular dental visits, along with daily tooth brushing and flossing, is your best defense against tooth decay! Schedule an appointment today!

Foods That Cause Tooth Decay

Apr 11th, 2018
Easton Dentists Apr 11th, 2018

When it comes to tooth decay, it’s important to know the main culprit – acid. Acid is what eats away at our enamel and causes cavities.

Acid can enter our mouths in one of two ways: either directly through what we eat (citrus fruits, for example), or as a byproduct when oral bacteria consume the sugars that we eat.

Ultimately, a simple way to identify foods that cause tooth decay is to ask whether it’s acidic or sweet/starchy.

Acidic foods include things like citrus fruits, tomatoes, vinegar, kombucha and sour candy.

Sweet/starchy foods include things like candy, soda or sugar-sweetened beverages, fruit, bread,cereal, pasta and crackers.

The longer these things interact with your teeth, the greater the chance for tooth decay to occur. For example, sipping on soda throughout the day, or chewing a gooey caramel treat, increases the amount of sugar that coat your teeth. Bacteria love to feast on this sugar, creating an acidic environment and putting your teeth at risk for decay.

To help protect your teeth against tooth decay:
– Reduce your consumption of sweets and refined starches
– Enjoy acidic foods in moderation or as part of a meal
– Decrease or eliminate your consumption of soda or sugar-sweetened beverages
– Swish with water after meals and snacks
– Maintain good oral hygiene to brush away plaque buildup (floss at least once a day and brush twice a day)

And, as always, make sure to visit us regularly so we can remove tartar buildup and assess for early signs of decay!

Make an APPOINTMENT today!