Natural Ways to Keep Teeth Healthy

We love this handy reference guide from About.com to some key ingredients and their benefits to your oral health is listed below. Enjoy your favorites at any time to achieve a healthier, whiter smile.

Basil

A natural antibiotic, reduces bacteria in the mouth.

Broccoli

Forms an acid-resistant film on teeth that can help prevent enamel erosion.

Carrots

Full of Vitamin A which is absolutely necessary for the formation of tooth enamel. This and all crunchy vegetables also cleanse and stimulate your gums, making them healthy.

Cheese

Offers the benefit of lactic acid to help prevent tooth decay.

Celery

Activates saliva production, which assists in cleansing food particles from the teeth and dilutes sugars or acids in the mouth. Chewing celery also massages the gums.

Ginger

An anti-inflammatory to support healthy mouth tissue.

Green Tea

Contains an antioxidant called catechin (found in green tea too!), which reduces bacteria growth that causes gingivitis.

Kale or Chard

High in minerals that support tooth structure.

Implants versus root canals

Here’s a question I’m asked all the time: is it better to get a root canal or just have your ailing tooth extracted and replaced with an implant? My invariable answer is: many factors will determine what’s right for you.

The decision-making process should start with solid information. X-rays or a CT scan can reveal much about the size and robustness of the natural root structure. This usually changes over time. As people age, their teeth become more brittle and less vital; periodontal disease and bone loss also can weaken them. In my opinion, a reasonable rule of thumb is to ask whether the tooth can be expected to survive for at least five years after root canal treatment. If so, the patient may well prefer that option. Otherwise, a dental implant is likely to be a better choice.

Other factors merit consideration too. The price of both forms of treatment may differ, although in some geographic regions that difference is not as considerable as one might expect.

The amount of time and discomfort entailed in each procedure also can differ. Before choosing one course over the other, patients should talk to their dentists and get a clear picture of what would be involved in both.

Yet another consideration is how you would feel about losing the tooth. Different individuals can react to this experience quite differently. It’s a very personal subject. A sensitivity to this question along with the many other factors can help ensure you make the  choice that’s right for you.   

FAQ: Cosmetic Dentistry

We love this article from About.com about cosmetic dentistry!

Does Bleaching Damage the Teeth?

No. When carbamide peroxide, the active whitening agent, contacts water, hydrogen peroxide is released which whitens the teeth. Bleaching does not soften, demineralize or weaken the teeth.

Do Over-the-Counter Bleaching Products Work?

There is some evidence that over-the-counter bleaching products do whiten teeth, however, many of the products are too abrasive and can damage the teeth with extended use or misuse. Supervision by your dentist is always the safest and most effective way to whiten your teeth.

What Are Porcelain Veneers and Why Are They Used?

Porcelain veneers are ultra-thin shells of ceramic material which are bonded to the front of the teeth. This procedure can be an ideal choice for improving the appearance of the front teeth by masking discolorations, whitening teeth and/or reshaping a smile.

Time for Spring Cleaning!

Winter is long over and it's time to start preparing for all those smiles you're going to be making over the summer months!  Schedule your cleaning today.