Jul 14, 2015
The benefits of breakfast are plentiful. The most important meal of the day supports weight loss, reduces the risk of heart attack, and improves concentration. Still, many people skip breakfast, especially during the summer.
Generally, hot weather suppresses the appetite. People are also busy in the summer – rushing in early to work to enjoy more of the day and rushing to the beach as early as possible. This can lead some to nix breakfast.
However, skipping breakfast inevitably leads to late night snacks. Snacks typically tend to be far less healthy than a breakfast meal. Replacing a healthy breakfast with packaged snacks at night can increase the amount of sugar in your diet. This will increase your risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
This summer make sure you eat a healthy, balanced breakfast. Instead of fixing a snack late at night, prepare your breakfast for the next day. This way you will have something good to eat in the morning without having to cook in a hot kitchen or burn any daylight.
Jul 2, 2015
An occasional dip in the pool to cool off, or even spending a random day poolside isn’t something to be concerned about. But if you spend six or more hours per week in the pool for any consistent period of time, you could develop “swimmer’s calculus.” That’s not a summer school math class, but a condition in which yellow stains and discoloration develop on tooth enamel.
Swimmer’s calculus isn’t the only dental condition you can get from your pool. If your pool is not properly maintained, you could be at risk for a number of dental issues including enamel damage and painful sensitivity. A pool that is too acidic can severely and rapidly erode enamel. Commercially available pool pH testers can let you know if your pool is too acidic. Rust on your pool’s ladder is another indication that something is amiss.
The risk of enamel damage, swimmer’s calculus, and other dental conditions can be significantly reduced by proper pool maintenance. This summer make it a priority to check your pool’s chlorine and pH balance regularly.
If you notice any changes in your teeth, staining, or increased sensitivity it is important to come into Falmouth Dental Arts immediately for an assessment. The longer such conditions go untreated the more severe damage will be. Call today at 207-781-5900 to set up an appointment.
Jun 11, 2015
Corn on the cob is an essential part of summer and no barbecue could be complete without it. Unfortunately, it’s also a main offender when it comes to food stuck between your teeth.
While corn on the cob makes it obvious that food particles are trapped in the gaps between teeth, no matter what you eat some food will inevitably get trapped. Leftover food particles can build up plaque and lead to tooth decay, gum disease, and tooth loss.
Fortunately there is a cheap and simple solution that can remove trapped food and preserve oral health – dental floss. Many people don’t like to floss. However, a little work now will save you a lot of time and expense later if gum disease develops.
Many patients shy away from flossing because it causes their gums to bleed. However, if your gums bleed while flossing that is an indication you should floss more, not less. Bleeding gums indicate your gums are infected. Flossing can help dislodge the bacteria causing the infection and prevent serious gum disease from developing.
Of course, flossing can only go so far. Make sure you come into Falmouth Dental Arts for regular cleanings every six months. Give us a call at (207) 781-5900. We can’t wait to see you.
Jun 6, 2015
National Gardening Exercise Day is June 6th. Use this occasion to get out there and work on your garden. If you don’t have a garden, start one from scratch! Studies have shown that gardening can contribute to mental well being. It also can have a positive effect on physical health. Digging, weeding, hoeing, and planting burn calories and get the body moving.
While you’re enjoying some exercise and soaking up the sunshine, plant vegetables and herbs that can help keep your teeth healthy. Calcium and phosphate can help redeposit minerals into tooth lesions caused by acidic foods and beverages.
Leafy greens like spinach are high in calcium and phosphate. They are also relatively easy to grow in Maine’s cool climate. Garlic is a fairly low maintenance crop with antibiotic properties that can fight plaque and tooth decay naturally. For your herb garden, try mint and parsley. Both help support oral health.
While diet and exercise are both essential parts of keeping healthy, nothing can replace a visit to the dentist. Regular cleanings are an essential defense against expensive and painful tooth decay. Call us at 207-781-5900 to set up an appointment. We look forward to hearing from you.
Jun 2, 2015
It’s summer in Maine and a favorite pastime is fishing in our incredible lakes, ponds, streams, rivers, and oceans. If you think about it, fishing can even have an impact on your teeth if you eat what you catch (side note: be sure to follow the Maine state regulations on fishing and obtain a fishing license before casting your lines in the water).
In recent years study after study has come out extolling the positive impacts of fatty fish and fish oil on many areas of health. This certainly holds true for your smile. Fatty fishes like salmon, mackerel, trout, and herring can help prevent gum disease by fighting inflammation.
Fatty fish is rich in polyunsaturated fats. You may know these fats better by their individual names – Omega 3, Omega 6, and Omega 9. These acids have been proven to reduce inflammation, one of the most significant risk factors for gum disease. Gum diseases are serious conditions that can lead to infections, tooth decay, and even bone loss.
Fish is also good for your heart. Scientific studies have proven there is a link between a healthy mouth and a healthy heart. Fatty fish can serve as a one-two punch; keeping your heart healthy at the same time it protects your smile.
Best of all, fish makes it easy to eat local while eating better. Maine is well-known for its high quality local seafood. Visit your local fish market and get a healthy meal that also supports Maine’s economy.
