Jul 16, 2019
Summer is in full swing which means long days, trips to the beach, and, of course, busting out the BBQ! It is always a treat to be outside celebrating the season with family and friends, and if you’re like us, you like to look for ways to make your outdoor meals both delicious and healthy. However, perhaps you haven’t always thought about the ways you can make your gathering tooth-friendly, too…well, we’ve got you covered! Since it’s July, a quintessential BBQ month, we decided to share some of our tips for keeping your mouth healthy while you enjoy this beautiful season in Maine.
Kick Things Off with a (Healthy) Crunch!
At many BBQs, the crunch usually comes in the form of a potato chip. These starchy snacks can be just as bad for your teeth as sugary sweets as they tend to stick in your teeth, giving cavity-causing bacteria a chance to go to work. Include a healthy crunch at your next meal by putting out a platter of fresh fruits and veggies. Having apples, carrots, and celery to munch on is not only healthy for your body, but it’s great for your mouth, too. Those crisp fruits and veggies will help stimulate saliva and keep your teeth clean…kind of like brushing your teeth!
Say Cheese…Please!
Whether it’s enjoying a cheeseburger, a zesty yogurt dip for your veggies, or putting together an epic cheese platter, incorporating dairy into your next summer soiree is a smart choice. Dairy products are rich in tooth-strengthening calcium and phosphorous, and there is research that suggests that eating more dairy may lower your risk for developing gum disease.
Skip the Soda
We all know how unhealthy soda is, but on a hot summer day a cold drink really hits the spot. Here’s a fun way to avoid the empty calories and cavities at your next gathering: serve water infused with your favorite fruits. Think cucumber and mint, or strawberry and lemon…the possibilities are endless! Infused water is low in sugar, looks pin-worthy, and is oh, so refreshing. So, hydrate smart and in style this summer!
Ketchup with the Sugar Content of Condiments
Did you know that ketchup is 25% sugar and a typical BBQ sauce can have 5 grams of sugar and 22 grams of carbohydrates in one teaspoon! By adding so many sugary sauces to your BBQ plate, you can easily reach your recommended intake of sugar for the day before you even think about dessert! Limit the unnecessary sugar in your next BBQ where you can by providing sliced tomatoes, onions and pickles for flavor enhancement. If you’re feeling bold, you can make your own ketchup without so much sugar. Your teeth will thank you.
We hope you are enjoying these amazing Maine summer days and that these tips help keep your teeth in good shape while you indulge in the treats of the season. Let us know if you have any favorite infused water recipes, and, please call us with any questions or concerns at 207.781.5900. We are here to help you have a smile that is healthy and happy!
*Image courtesy of www.familycorner.blogspot.com
May 28, 2019
Oral health is important no matter your age. It’s not just a part of maintaining a beautiful smile, but also a crucial element in overall wellness and quality of life. The health of your body and the health of your mouth are connected, and both require ongoing care. This is especially true for our older patients. Aging certainly doesn’t mean you have to resign yourself to dentures…with proper care, your teeth can last a lifetime. However, there are additional concerns that come up for patients over 60. To learn more, here are 5 tips from Dr. Brunacini and Dr. Karagiorgos.
1. Watch Out For Cavities As You Age
As we age, we become more prone to cavities. Dry mouth, also called xerostomia, is often the cause and is a side effect of many medications. Saliva is one of your mouth’s best defenses against tooth decay. Be sure to tell Dr. Brunacini or Dr. Karagiorgos about any medications you are taking or if you are experiencing dry mouth. They will have recommendations for how to restore moisture and work with you to help keep your mouth healthy.
2. Share Your Medical History with Dr. Brunacini and Dr. Karagiorgos
We are a part of your health care team. Beyond sharing what medications you are taking, it is important to share any medical conditions such as heart conditions. In such cases, Dr. Brunacini and Dr. Karagiorgos may recommend antibiotic prophylaxis, which is taking antibiotics prior to a dental procedure. We all have bacteria in our mouths, but for people with certain conditions when that bacteria enters the bloodstream it can cause infection elsewhere in the body. Talk to Dr. Brunacini or Dr. Karagiorgos if you have any questions or concerns about the interactions between your medical conditions and oral care.
3. Cosmetic Procedures Are For Patients of Every Age!
If you are self-conscious about your smile or wish you could improve the look of your teeth, let us know! There are several cosmetic options for patients of any age that can dramatically improve your smile. Examples include:
- Veneers: These can be done on aging teeth can help patients have more confidence in their smiles.
- Teeth Whitening: This works on natural teeth and can make teeth look more youthful. Please note that whitening does not work on crowns.
- Orthodontics: There are options that exist as long as teeth have good bone support. Our teeth become more crowded as we age which can result in some teeth becoming crooked over time.
4. Let Us Know if Your Dentures Are Loose
There have been many advances in recent years to help people with loose dentures. If you have discomfort or concerns about the fit of your dentures, talk to Dr. Brunacini or Dr. Karagiorgos. They can discuss possible choices for you such as implants which help dentures have a tighter fit, or implant-support bridges. The point is, there are options and we are here to help!
5. Don’t Forget Your Oral Health Care Basics
It’s important for all our patients, especially those over 60 to follow our recommended oral health care regimen: brush twice daily, floss daily, and schedule regular appointments with FDA. We hear from some patients with arthritis that brushing can be a literal pain. We recommend an electric toothbrush to help get to all parts of your teeth while limiting your arm movement. We also like to remind our patients to include healthy diet as part of their oral health care. For example older patients need to make sure they are getting enough calcium–not just from supplements, but from dairy products and leafy greens to support teeth health.
Thank you Dr. Brunacini and Dr. Karagiorgos! If you have more questions about your oral health or need to schedule an appointment, please give us a call at 207.781.5900. Our entire staff is dedicated to providing you with the most caring and comfortable environment possible while also providing top quality dental care for all ages.
*Image courtesy of www.cdc.gov
Feb 12, 2019
Did you know that February is National Children’s Dental Health Month? This month-long health observance is all about promoting the benefits of good oral health. This year’s slogan is “Brush and clean in between to build a healthy smile.” We couldn’t agree more! We want to help you and your family start a lifetime of healthy habits and keep your kids smiling! Along with a healthy diet and regular visits to the dentist, getting your kids to brush their teeth twice a day for two minutes is the place to start. Sometimes keeping your kids on a healthy track can be tricky, so we decided to share some of our basic brushing tips for kids. It can be as easy as ABC!
The ABCs
Start brushing your children’s teeth when they first appear with a small, soft-bristled brush. Both the American Dental Association (ADA) and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend using an amount of fluoride toothpaste the size of a grain of rice for children under the age of 3. For children 3 and older, toothpaste the size of a pea is recommended. Help your children brush every tooth surface: inside, outside, and the chewing surface. For more tips and a helpful video, check out the ADA’s Mouth Healthy Website.
Make it Fun!
Toothbrush dance party? Yes, please! There are lots of ways to make those two minutes enjoyable. Start by letting your child pick out their own toothbrush and toothpaste. There are lots of bright colors and cool characters to choose from, and some yummy and even sparkly fluoride toothpaste flavors out there. Just make sure they choose a toothbrush and toothpaste with the ADA seal of approval.
When it’s time to brush, put on a favorite song and have a mini-dance party. Here are some fun teeth-brushing songs to check out. You can also read a silly story with characters your child loves to encourage brushing. Playing pretend works, too: your child is a superhero brushing away “the bad guys.” Ka-Pow! Being creative and making the task feel like a game rather than a chore helps kids keep it up.
Reward Good Brushing Behavior.
It can be helpful to think about what motivates your child and give them an opportunity to earn a reward every time they brush. Maybe it’s as simple as giving them a high-five, or maybe they get a sticker each time. Positive reinforcement can go a long way with your children, so remember to offer lots of encouragement when they brush. Those teeth are going to look terrific!
Make it a Family Routine.
You are your child’s best teacher and best example. Show them how you brush and floss your teeth each day. Bring them to the dentist with you so they get comfortable with the experience of visiting the dentist. When your children see you have good oral health habits, they will pick it up, too!
If you have questions about your child’s oral health or need to schedule an appointment for them, give us a call at 207.781.5900. We are here to help your family have great oral health and happy, healthy smiles!
*Image courtesy of www.pioneerschool.us
Jan 16, 2019
New year…new you! New Year’s resolutions are a great way to get back on track with some healthy habits. As you gear up to get more exercise and eat more vegetables in 2019, don’t forget about your teeth! Improving your oral health habits not only helps your smile, but can help your overall health as well (remember our post on dental health during pregnancy and on diabetes?). We know that sticking to your New Year’s resolutions can be overwhelming and challenging so we decided to share three easy oral health resolutions that will make a difference.
1. Buy a new toothbrush.
Twice daily toothbrushing puts some wear and tear on those bristles and if you notice your toothbrush looking frayed and worn it’s definitely time for a new one. Also, with cold and flu season in full swing, it’s a good idea to replace your family’s toothbrushes if anyone has been sick. At FDA, we recommend electric toothbrushes to make brushing more effective and those need replacing periodically as well. Fresh bristles are more effective at cleaning your teeth and the ADA recommends replacing your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months. Put a reminder in your calendar and keep your toothbrush and your teeth fresh!
2. Floss.
We know, we know…you’ve heard about the importance of flossing a million times and yet only about 30% of American floss their teeth daily. This can be a hard habit to incorporate into your routine, but it has incredible benefits for your mouth and your overall health. If you are having trouble incorporating flossing into your oral health care regimen, here are some tips:
- Switch up the time of day. If you’re always too tired to floss at the end of the day, try flossing in the morning or mid-day. It’s not important when you clean between your teeth, it’s just important that you do it.
- Talk to your dentist about alternatives to floss. Dental picks or water flossing, which works in the shower, might be easier options for you to use regularly.
3. Visit the Dentist!
Have you been meaning to make an appointment with us for some time? Now is a great time to give us a call and schedule a check-up! We are here to help you develop healthy habits and inform you about the best oral care options available. We recommend that you come see us for cleanings and checkups twice a year. If you are nervous about coming to the dentist, we are happy to discuss our oral sedation options. We love helping you have a beautiful smile and a healthy mouth! Give us a call at 207.781.5900 today!
***Image courtesy of www.harvard.edu
Nov 20, 2018
You are what you eat. This is particularly true for your teeth: when your diet is less than ideal so is the health of your mouth. As we enter this holiday season and have loads of goodies to feast upon, we wanted to share a list of foods and drinks that can benefit your teeth. Here are our top 5 foods and drinks to work into your diet in between all those candied yams and yummy pies.
- Apples
This fruit is a great snack and packed full of fiber. Fiber helps your mouth produce saliva, which helps rinse away cavity-causing bacteria. Also, the crisp texture of apples can stimulate your gums. Grab some apples to snack on while you bake that pumpkin pie!
- Green Tea
Green tea is full of health benefits and rich with catechins, a type of antioxidant, and polyphenols, a bacteria-fighting substance. A study published in the Journal of Periodontology found that people who consumed a cup of green tea each day saw a decrease in periodontal disease symptoms. Make yourself a cup of green tea when you wake up early to pop the turkey in the oven!
- Cheese
Do we need another reason to eat more cheese? Consuming calcium-rich dairy products is vital for maintaining good bone health and tooth enamel. Cheese also has an additional bonus–a study in the journal General Dentistry found that eating cheese raises the pH level in people’s mouths and thus lowered their risk of tooth decay. Plan a cheese courses after your holiday feast for the win!
- Almonds
These healthy nuts are a great source of protein, calcium, and other minerals, all of which are important for your overall well-being. They are low in sugar and carbohydrates so they don’t create a cavity haven in your mouth after you snack on them. Also, chewing nuts promotes saliva production in your mouth which lowers the risk for tooth decay. Add a handful of almonds to your salad for a wholesome crunch!
- Water
Water is the best beverage you can drink for your oral health. Drinking water after meals helps rinse your mouth of bacteria and neutralize the acidity in the mouth caused by foods to help prevent tooth decay and cavities. Drink up!
As we enter the holiday season and the end of the year, we are here to support you and your family in receiving the best oral care possible. We are truly grateful for your business! Remember to call us at 207.781.5900 to schedule your next appointment to keep your mouth happy and healthy.
Image courtesy of http://blog.hellofresh.com
