Tricky Treats: The Worst Candies for Your Teeth

1. Chewy Candies

Examples: Now & Laters, Mary Janes, Bit’O’Honeys

Chewy candies are number one on this list for a reason. Serious bite pressure is needed to break up chewy candies into manageable bites. That itself can damage your teeth. Once in your mouth, chewy candies adhere to the crevices between your teeth. The sugary stuff is likely to get stuck in between your teeth—right where you are most vulnerable to cavities. If you do choose a chewy treat, make sure to floss after.

2. Sour Sweets

Examples: Warheads, Sour Patch Kids, Sour Skittles

Q: How do they make that lip-puckering sensation?

A: With lots and lots of acid. Sour candies are highly acidic. Most also contain a substantial amount of sugar. This means a double whammy for your tooth enamel. The acid weakens enamel while abrasive sugar rubs it away, leading to tooth decay and possibly even tooth loss.

3. Lollipops

Examples: Dum-Dums, Tootsie Pops, Blow Pops

Lollipops aren’t significantly sweeter than other candies, but the way they are typically consumed lands them on this list. Lollipops take longer to eat than most candies. The longer sugar sits on your teeth the worse it is for your enamel.

Tooth Whitening and Tooth Brushing are not the same

Brushing your teeth serves a variety of important functions. It clears away plaque that can build up and lead to tooth decay. It keeps your gums healthy and lowers your chance of developing gingivitis. It may even reduce your risk of developing dementia. However, it cannot fully fight off tooth stains. Yellowing of the teeth is common even in the most assiduous brushers.

Stains on the teeth are not necessarily the result of ill health. They are more likely an indication that you enjoy teeth-staining foods and beverages (like coffee). While brushing your teeth can help, it is typically not enough to totally prevent yellowing. This is true even if you use whitening toothpaste.

Fortunately, Falmouth Dental Arts offers treatments that can revitalize your smile. Don’t go another year feeling embarrassed of your yellow teeth. Spend just one hour in our office and you’ll leave with pearly whites. Would you rather whiten in the privacy of your own home? We also offer at-home tooth whitening solutions. Call us today at 207-781-5900.

9/11 Rememberance

Today marks the fourteenth anniversary of the 9/11 Terror Attacks. Falmouth Dental Arts would like to take a moment to remember those who lost their lives that day. They count among their number 2,507 civilians, 343 firefighters, 72 law enforcement officers, and 55 military personnel.

 

Focal Points of the Human Body During First Impressions

Within seconds of meeting someone, they’ve already subconsciously sized you up in numerous ways. How can you make sure your first impression is a good one? There are three key places that someone observes when formulating a first impression, whether they know it or not.

Posture

Are you slumped or hunched over? Then you could be projecting an aura of boredom and fatigue. Sitting up straight projects confidence, energy, and indicates you are paying attention. When you know you’re about to meet someone for the first time, make sure you stand or sit up straight. Not only will it make a good impression, your back will thank you too.

Eye Contact

Eye contact is essential for trustworthiness. Ever talk to someone who won’t meet your eyes? It’s not a good feeling. Avoiding eye contact can make you seem shifty, untrustworthy, or cold. When talking to someone, and especially when listening, make friendly eye contact.

Smile

You didn’t think we’d leave out smiles did you? People who smile are perceived as kinder and more trustworthy than their closed mouth counterparts. However, smiling can be difficult if your teeth embarrass you. If yellow teeth stand between you and a good first impression, fear no more. Falmouth Dental Arts offers teeth whitening treatments both at-home and in our office. If you have misshapen teeth or unsightly gaps, porcelain veneers could even out your smile. Call us today at 207-781-5900 to set up an appointment.

National Smile Week

National Smile Week is August 9-15. Throughout the country, Smile Week is an opportunity to spread awareness about oral health through dental outreach clinics, information sessions, and more. Take this occasion as an opportunity to start preserving your smile for decades to come.

It’s worth it to keep your smile in shape. Smiling naturally improves your mood, heightens your immune system, and releases endorphins.

There are at-home techniques you can use to help your smile stay strong. Avoiding acidic and sugary foods like soda and hard candy can prevent cavities. Brushing and flossing are a must. And you can keep your pearly whites looking pearly white by saying “no” to coffee and red wine.

However, a visit to the dentist is an absolute must do, no matter how careful you are. Much like a car, even the best cared for teeth require a tune up every now and then. Make sure you come into Falmouth Dental Arts every six months for your cleaning. Not only do we clean during your appointment, we spot potential problems before they harm your smile.