A poor diet can lead to gum disease and tooth decay. Foods that are high in sugars and starches contribute to the production of plaque and bacteria that can attack the tooth enamel if not removed by brushing and flossing and lead to cavities forming. Almost all foods contain some type of sugar to include milk and vegetables; however, these foods are a necessary part of a healthy diet because many of these foods do contain important nutrients. Tips for a Healthy Diet • Foods that are high in sugars, make them a treat rather than a staple food. •…
Author: Dr. Jacqueline Butler Mitchell, DDS
Have you ever found yourself asking “why does my breath smell bad,” well you are not alone. Bad breath happens to so many people and it can be caused by a multitude of reasons. Unfortunately, chewing gum or popping a mint in your mouth will only mask the problem temporarily, this is not a solution. Here are Some Causes of Bad Breath: • Poor Oral Hygiene results in plaque and bacteria being left behind on your teeth, gums, and your tongue. Remember to brush your tongue, especially the back of your tongue, where most of the odor causing bacteria are found.…
Cleaning your dentures is just as important as brushing your natural teeth but the process is a little different. It is important to establish a dental routine to care for your dentures. For good denture care here are a few things I would recommend our Senior’s to do when cleaning your dentures to ensure that the dentures last for years to come. • Remove and Rinse dentures after eating. It is important to handle your dentures with care when removing. Place a towel in the sink and put some water in the sink so the dentures won’t break should…
A poor diet can lead to gum disease and tooth decay. Foods that are high in sugars and starches contribute to the production of plaque and bacteria that can attack the tooth enamel if not removed by brushing and flossing and lead to cavities forming. Almost all foods contain some type of sugar to include milk and vegetables; however, these foods are a necessary part of a healthy diet because many of these foods do contain important nutrients. Tips for a Healthy Diet for the New Year • Foods that are high in sugars, make them a treat rather than…
Maintaining good oral health is important to your overall health. In addition to daily brushing and flossing, you can help protect your oral health by seeing your dentist regularly for checkups. An attractive, bright smile is only one reason you need to be diligent in visiting your dentist twice a year. Poor oral hygiene can lead to many dental and medical issues that I will discuss in this Tooth Talk article. Why are Dental Checkups Important? 1. To prevent gum disease. Gum disease is one of the leading causes of loss of teeth in adults. If your dentist catches it…
The festive season is well and truly upon us. The holidays are a time for good company and good food. During the holidays we relax with family and friends and we indulge in sweets, chocolates, and holiday beverages. Snacking on sweets and sugary beverages throughout the day can increase the chance of tooth decay and gum disease. Let’s talk about 4 strategies to add to your holiday routine that will help to keep the cavity causing bacteria in check. 4 Tips to help Stay Cavity Free During the Holidays • Balance out your sweets with other foods. • Choose sweets that…
When brushing twice a day and flossing doesn’t help improve your yellow stained teeth, it’s time to consider other options. White teeth help to radiate your appearance, your confidence, and it enhances your smile. Whitening your teeth is an inexpensive cosmetic remedy available to enhance a dull smile. Whitening works well if you have teeth that have darkened from age, coffee, tea, smoking, or medications. I would recommend you to have a dental exam done first before using any over the counter products and your dentist can help you to choose the most effective whitening method for you.…
Although we may think that our teeth are in good shape because they look good when we look in the mirror, regular visits to your family dentist are still very important. Regular checkups and professional cleanings can help save your teeth, your health, and can also save you time and money. Dental Checkups in Children Taking children to the dentist at an early age is good for several reasons: • Can show the child as well as the parent the correct way to brush and floss. • Can discuss limiting the amount of sugars and junk foods in their diets.…
A Flexible Spending Account (FSA) is an account you can set up through your employer. During open enrollment, you choose how much money to put into this account, and a portion of this amount is deducted from your paycheck. FSA’s usually will cover services for cleanings, fillings, and other dental services. FSA’s work like a debit card, you can use the card to pay for various dental and medical expenses. Tips for Making the Most of Your FSA • Plan carefully so you don’t put more money in your account than you will spend within a year on your dental…
When It comes to dental benefits, millions of people each year are leaving money on the table with unused dental benefits. Many insurance companies have a benefit deadline of December 31st, and this means any of your unused benefits don’t roll over into the New Year for most dental plans. 5 Reasons to use Your Dental Insurance Before the End of the Year 1. Yearly Maximum: this is the most money the dental plan will pay for your dental work during one full year. The yearly maximum usually renews every year on January 1 and if you have any unused…