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!

What is Periodontics?

Oct 17th, 2013
Easton Dentists Mar 1st, 2017

Periodontics is the treatment of diseases and conditions that afflict the support structure of teeth. This includes the gums, tooth ligaments, and bone tissue in your jaw. These are susceptible to just as many things as your teeth are, and you need a properly trained periodontist to treat them. Unclean or improperly cleaned teeth can have plaque build-up, and that leads to gingivitis. Clinical gingivitis leads to periodontitis, and that causes loss of bone tissue in the jaw. That twice daily recommended cleaning doesn’t sound so bad now, does it?

Your regularly scheduled dental appointments will include more rigorous cleanings designed to get the stuff you can’t always prevent on your own. Dentists use a method called scaling and root planing to remove plaque, build-up, and dental calculus. No, not that high-brow math you’re afraid of, but you should be just as afraid of this gunk. Without regular cleaning, plaque turns hard and more difficult to remove. That’s dental calculus. Your dentist will use a tool called a hand scaler, most of which are now powered with ultrasonic technology. The vibrations emitted by these advanced tools help break down bacterial cell membranes to ensure plaque is thoroughly removed. A hand scaler may still be used to collect what was left behind by the ultrasonic one.

Gingivitis that advances to periodontitis involves plaque that builds up beneath the gum line. More sophisticated sonic tools are used to create vibrations and break down these unwanted deposits. Regular flossing and use of anti-bacterial mouthwash can help keep your gums from reaching this state, though.

Happy teeth are healthy teeth! Whether you suspect that you have a periodontal disease or not, a dental cleaning keeps your mouth in tip-top condition. Call us today to set up an appointment!