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.
May 13, 2015
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Apr 11, 2015
World Health Day is celebrated every year on the birthday of the World Health Organization. The World Health Organization combats disease and illness worldwide and is credited with eradicating smallpox.
World Health Day is designed as an occasion to reflect on serious issues that affect health worldwide. Tooth decay is a problem for people on every corner of the globe. Of the estimated 7.2 billion people on Earth, 4 billion of them have untreated cavities. Are you one of them?
Cavities are unlikely to be seen by the naked eye. Untreated cavities can develop into severe tooth decay, gum disease, and other serious health conditions. In order to keep your smile safe, come to Falmouth Dental Arts for cleanings every six months. During your cleaning, our dental hygienists will be able to detect cavities and address problems before they begin to cause you considerable pain and expense.
Call us today at 207-781-5900 to set up an appointment.
Apr 11, 2015
Spring may be a joyous time, but for many it can bring stress in the form of school exams, job hunts, and home renovations. Like it or not, some stress is a normal part of life. However, excessive stress negatively affects every area of your health.
When it comes to your mouth, anxiety and stress can cause you to develop TMJ (Temporomandibular joint dysfunction). This is especially true if you grind your teeth when stressed.
TMJ is a painful, life-interrupting disorder caused by dysfunction of the muscles and joints that allow the mouth to open and close. In addition to jaw pain, TMJ can cause headaches, dizziness, hearing loss, and more.
Stress is a major contributor to TMJ, but symptoms can also manifest due to arthritis, whiplash, injuries to the face, genetics, and more. There is no cure for TMJ, but at Falmouth Dental Arts we offer custom appliances that can relieve TMJ symptoms and help keep you comfortable and pain free.
Call today at 207-781-5900 to set up an appointment and see what options are available to you. With Falmouth Dental Arts on your side, you don’t have to put up with TMJ pain.
