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What Foods Are Good for My Smile?

July 16, 2013

Our patients already how important brushing, flossing, and regular checkups are. What’s less well-known is that there are certain foods that can also help you with your smile. Today, we’ll be talking about some of those foods and their benefits for oral health.

Dairy foods

Specifically, we’re talking about milk, cheese, and yogurt. All three are great sources for calcium, which helps to strengthen bones and teeth, but they also contain casein, which protects teeth from decay and cavities.

Water and tea

In each case, the benefits of these differ. Water’s primary benefit is that it keeps the mouth from becoming too dry and also helps wash away food. Why is it important for the mouth not to become too dry? Because dry mouth contributes to bad breath, and it can promote the formation of cavities. Tea, on the other hand, contains antioxidants as well as polyphenols, which help in the battle against inflammation and bacteria growth.

Fruits, veggies, and nuts

Because some veggies, like carrots and celery, take some considerable chewing, these can be beneficial for your smile, as well as your overall health. Chewing produces saliva, which has a neutralizing effect on the decay-causing acid created by bacteria. For other foods, like garlic, apples, cocoa, and nutmeg, bacteria have a harder time sticking to teeth. With fewer bacteria in the mouth, there’s less of a risk of developing cavities or gum disease.

Do you have questions about what you should be eating to help your smile? Dr. S. John Salivonchik can help. During your next visit to his Whitehall dental office, he would be happy to offer nutritional advice.

Call us today to schedule your next appointment. We’re located in Lehigh Valley and serve patients from Whitehall, Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton, The Poconos, and surrounding areas.

Why Are My Teeth Sensitive?

July 2, 2013

Do you find yourself wincing when you eat or drink something hot or cold? Or maybe it happens when you’re enjoying something on the acidic side, like a cup of coffee or glass of orange juice. These are both examples of tooth sensitivity, a common issue faced by patients from Coplay and beyond. In today’s post, we’d like to talk briefly about some of the things that can cause it.

Gum Recession

One of the biggest causes is gum recession, which is itself caused by advanced gum disease. As gums recede and more of the patient’s teeth are exposed, it’s more likely for hot or cold things to come into contact with the porous layer of dentin beneath our enamel.  To prevent tooth sensitivity caused by gum recession, see Dr. S. John Salivonchik at the first sign of gum disease. Proactive care will help you enjoy better health and wellbeing.

Aggressive Brushing

Thorough brushing is good, aggressive brushing is not. If you’re brushing hard with a hard-bristle brush, you could be damaging your teeth and gums. If you need help brushing correctly, don’t be afraid to ask Dr. Salivonchik for tips. At our Coplay dental office, we’re committed to teaching patients how to care for their smile on a daily basis.

Teeth Grinding

Teeth grinding, which is also known as bruxism, can contribute to tooth sensitivity because it can lead to teeth becoming cracked. These cracks expose teeth to bacterial infection and they make the sensitive layer of dentin more accessible. To prevent the kinds of damage that teeth grinding can cause, an oral appliance may be used.

Age

Sometimes, age is a factor in sensitivity. If you’re between the ages of 25 and 30, you may experience more sensitivity than at any other time in life. For more information on why, talk to Dr. Salivonchik.

Is uncomfortable sensitivity getting in the way of enjoying your favorite foods? Call our Coplay dental office for an appointment with Dr. Salivonchik. We serve patients from Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton, The Poconos, and beyond.