Mouth ulcers are small sores that form on your gums, lips, inner cheeks or palate (roof of mouth).  Mouth ulcers aren’t contagious and mostly harmless. However, anyone who’s had one knows how unpleasant they are.

They can be triggered by several different factors, including minor injuries, anxiety, stress, biting the inside of your cheek, smoking and hormonal changes. What you eat is a huge contributor as well. Mouth ulcers aren’t contagious — and they go away on their own — but there are treatments to help ease pain and discomfort.

Mouth ulcers are different from cold sores. Mouth ulcers form inside your mouth due to irritation, injury, vitamin deficiencies or other factors. Cold sores, on the other hand, appear on your lips and are caused by a virus. Mouth ulcers aren’t contagious, but cold sores are.

If you experience frequent mouth sores and they are not going away, this may have to do with your diet. It’s important to visit a dentist that knows how to identify the source of your canker sore problem and offer fast treatment. This way, you can get some professional advice that is also personalized to you.

In the meantime, read on to find out what major foods can cause mouth ulcers.

Acidic fruits

Fruits that are acidic, or particularly citrusy, can cause your mouth to break out in ulcers. Pineapples, oranges, lemons, and limes are some examples of fruits with high acidity. Strawberries, in particular, tend to cause mouth irritation.

These fruits cause mouth tissue stress and can aggravate your gums. This is especially true if you already have a sensitive mouth. Any juices made with these fruits will also have the same effect.

Bananas, watermelon, and apples are good fruits to eat – you will avoid abrasion.

Nuts

As nutritious as nuts are, they are surprisingly bad for your teeth. Nuts such as walnuts, peanuts, cashews, and almonds are dangerous territory for your gnashers. It is the amino acid L-Arginine in these nuts that contributes to canker sores.

Salted nuts are especially bad, as the sodium dries your mouth out and cause the lining to become slightly inflamed.

Chocolate

Deal breaker! Chocolate, unfortunately, is a top food that causes mouth ulcers. This is mainly because of an alkaloid in chocolate called the obromide. The mouth is quite sensitive to this ingredient and it can lead to something similar to an allergic reaction. Some people who have this mild allergy will develop canker sores on their tongue and/or inner cheeks.

You don’t have to cut out chocolate completely, but if it causes you pain in your mouth, then consider cutting down on the cocoa.

Spicy Foods

Spicy foods can disrupt the lining inside your mouth, causing an ulcer. A bit like acidic fruits, spicy foods have high acidity and therefore are more likely to distress the skin.

You’ll want to avoid foods like curries, hot sauce, jalapenos, and spicy chips to save yourself from oral pain. Most of these are a double whammy, as they tend to have high salt content as well.

Hard Foods

This is quite a broad range of foods. Yet, it is foods classified as “hard” that are abrasive, sharp, and sore-forming:

• Raw vegetables
• Toast
• Potato chips
• Pretzels

It’s best to avoid these when you can if you’re prone to canker sores.

Alternatively, eat these in smaller sized mouthfuls. You could also combine the foods with something that takes the dry and hardness away. Applying extra butter to toast, and having raw vegetables or potato chips with dip may help your mouth cope better.

Foods You Are Allergic To

We briefly mentioned chocolate allergies. If there is a certain food that is giving you mouth ulcers time and time again, you may be allergic.

Try and note down what foods trigger your mouth ulcers. Experiment with the foods you eat each week, cutting back on certain items and increasing your dosage of others. This way, you can figure out what ingredients are the most harmful.

If you’re in pain from eating a small quantity of a certain food, then see a doctor for allergy testing.

Dairy

Dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yogurt are all common contributors to canker sores. Some doctors think that there is an ingredient in cow milk proteins that links to mouth ulcers. A flare-up could be due to an adverse immune reaction to cow’s milk.

If your mouth sores are recurring, it is definitely worth cutting out dairy products, especially those containing animal milk. Opt for soy and oat milk-based products and vegan cheese and see if these changes make a difference.

Coffee and Alcohol

There are certain drinks that, if consumed, bring a risk of oral ulcers. Coffee and alcohol (preferably not together!) are both very acidic. These are both drinks we often take in large quantities, and we’re least likely to give these up. It might be necessary to decrease your dose if you’re experience chronic mouth pain as a result.

The Food You’re Not Eating

Now, let’s shift the focus away from the foods you should avoid to foods you should pay attention to!

People get mouth ulcers if they are lacking certain vitamins and minerals in their diet. If your body is low on zinc, iron, B12 and/or folate then there’s a high chance you will get recurring sores.

To boost your levels of these, get more of these foods in your diet:

• Zinc: oysters, whole grains and legumes
• B12: meat, nutritional yeast, and yeast extract, and fortified cereals
• Iron: dried fruit, green vegetables, red meat, beans and lentils
• Folate: bread, rice, chickpeas, beans, and fresh fruit and vegetables

Conclusion

As you can see, there are many items that cause mouth ulcers and irritate the tissue. It’s best to eat these foods in moderation. Cut down on the foods that contribute to canker sores; you don’t have to ban them entirely.

However, if you do find that you have an underlying allergy it is best to cut those foods out altogether. Make sure you’re getting all the nutrients you need too. Like we said it’s not always about what your eating, but what you’re not eating that causes problems.

If you have altered your diet to eradicate your mouth ulcers, but they are still recurring, schedule an appointment with your Milpitas, CA dentist Dr. Beedu today.

Are you ready for some Football?  An NFL watching party demands super snacks but not at the expense of your teeth.  Lost in the tradition of overeating and complaining about the referees is oral health. In fact, oral health is most likely the last thing on the minds of those watching Football on Sunday. That’s why we’ve put together a few tasty game day snacking ideas with healthy ingredients and also list snacks that are not so great for your teeth.  Of course, these are snacks, and none of them are perfect.  Regardless of what you eat, don’t forget to brush!

Football Snacks Your Teeth Will Love

• Spicy Jalapeño Dip + Vegetables like Carrots and Celery: This dip with a kick will make your veggies disappear.  Raw veggies require lots of chewing which stimulates and promotes healthy gums.  Carrots contain beta-carotene that your body uses to create vitamin A which works to build strong teeth.  The sour cream in this dip gives your teeth a boost of Calcium which also helps to keep your teeth strong.
• Hummus with Cucumber: Protein rich chickpeas don’t contain any saturated fat or cholesterol, making hummus a good choice for your overall health.  Chickpeas are also rich in folic acid, which keeps your mouth healthy by promoting cell growth throughout your body.  As to the cucumbers, not only are they a healthy alternative to chips, but they are rich in vitamins B and C and have even been shown to help freshen breath and naturally whiten teeth!
• The Party Standard: The Meat & Cheese Tray: The cheese on the sidelines plays quarterback in this party tray.  Cheese is a tooth powerhouse with tons of tooth strengthening calcium and a protein called casein which is amazingly effective in protecting the surface of your teeth. One note about the crackers, however.  We chose whole wheat crackers for their beneficial fiber, but all crackers can stick to teeth and promote bacteria growth.  Again, just be sure to brush after the game!
• Healthy 7-Layer Dip: This dish has it all and it’s a great update of what is usually a calorie dense snack.  While tomato and citrus juices can be tough on your teeth because of their high acidity, the cheese and Greek yogurt help to balance that out.  Plus, this dish is high in vitamins E, A and C, which are all essential for a healthy mouth.  Choosing celery or another vegetable over chips would make this an even better choice for your teeth.
• Baked (Goat) Cheese Roll: If cheese made from cow’s milk is a powerhouse, goat cheese is a touchdown.  It contains more protein and calcium than cow’s milk cheese and yet has less fat and calories per serving.  The higher calcium of goat cheese means even more protection for your teeth.

These Classics are Terrible for your Teeth

• Chips and Other Starches: Chips, crackers, and bread are mainstays typically used for dipping. Unfortunately, starches like chips are terrible for teeth and contribute to tooth decay by wearing down enamel. This occurs when starch metabolizes into sugar, which is a breeding ground for bacteria that eats away at tooth enamel. If you’re looking for a mouth-healthy dipper, try substituting celery or carrots in place of starches.
• Hot wings: A true classic, hot wings seem like the perfect finger food for game day, however, they can be very damaging to your teeth. Spicy hot wings are particularly bad for teeth because of how acidic they are. The average spicy hot wing is made from buffalo sauce which contains a PH level of 2.8 – which is nearly as acidic as a lemon! Exposed acid attacks on teeth can decimate enamel and leave them vulnerable to tooth decay. If you must have hot wings on football Sunday, we suggest choosing a flavor that isn’t spicy.
• Soda: Soda and other carbonated beverages are loaded with sugar and other additives that can slowly destroy teeth. Sodas are awful for teeth because they are high in two of the worst things for teeth: sugar and acid. There are some sodas that contain more than the total recommended amount of daily sugar in one 20 oz. bottle! The high sugar and acid content can eat away the enamel that protects your teeth, and can lead to cavities. Instead of grabbing a soda, we suggest sticking to water during the game.
• The Fruit Tray: This may sound counterintuitive, since the fruit tray is often perceived as the most healthy thing at a football party, but some fruit can seriously damage teeth. Fruits such as oranges, grapes and pineapple all have elevated levels of acid that can damage teeth. If you decide to eat fruit during the big game, we suggest rinsing your mouth out with water to avoid prolonged exposure to acid.

Enjoy Football, and Eat Responsibly

It’s easy to overindulge during the game. This year, try to avoid foods that can harm your mouth. Make sure you drink plenty of water throughout the game. It’s the primary component of saliva, which protects the teeth against “acid attacks” caused by bacteria, and it’s indispensable as the final rinsing agent for foods and sugary drinks. It’s also a good way to pace yourself if you’re drinking alcoholic beverages during the game. Remember, regardless of what you choose to snack on during the game, be sure to brush twice a day for two minutes each time!

Get in early! Schedule your appointments now before the schedule fills up!

It’s the end of the year and your family is probably busy, busy, busy. However, it is a good time to evaluate your dental health before you go into the holidays. Most dental insurance companies reset their “benefit year” starting on January 1st. This means you have until the end of December to get in any last-minute dental work.

The National Association of Dental Plans estimates only 2.8% of patients with PPO dental plans maxed out their dental coverage. Depending on your plan’s limits and coverage levels or your FSA contributions, you could be wasting thousands of dollars. Furthermore, if your plan has a deductible and you’ve already met it for 2022, it makes sense to get all the treatment you can before your benefit cycle renews.

• Use it or lose It: If your dental coverage is part of a benefits package paid for by your employer, it’s like throwing away part of your paycheck! When you have dental insurance, you pay a monthly premium that entitles you to dental care at a free or reduced cost, once your deductible is met. These dental plans specify a maximum amount that insurance providers will pay toward preventative and/or restorative dental services after the deductible’s been reached—often that figure is between $1,000 – $2,000. Let’s say, for example, that you’ve already paid your plan’s deductible and your dental benefit is $1,500. If you don’t use that amount before the end of the calendar year, you’ll lose it and be required to meet a new dental deductible in 2020.
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA): If you participated in an FSA through your employer this year, you were able to deposit untaxed money into your FSA account to use toward out-of-pocket medical expenses. However, most FSA plans require you to use the money in your FSA account by the end of the year or lose it. Suppose your dental insurance covers a root canal at 80%, you could use your FSA to pay for the remaining 20% and not incur any out-of-pocket expense.
• Plan Ahead: Don’t wait until mid-December to schedule an appointment. Traditionally, November and December are packed with patient appointments, as many people like to use all their dental benefits before the calendar year ends. If you need dental work—and want to schedule it for this year —we encourage you to make your appointment today. By planning ahead and scheduling early, you can be on the books before the end-of-year rush. A quick call to your dentist’s office will let you know if you have any outstanding treatment or if you are overdue for a cleaning or exam.
• Future price increases: Scheduling sooner rather than later could also save your pocketbook before any fee increases take place in the new year. Dental offices have some of the highest overhead expenses of any industry, and most of them happen behind the scenes. Liability insurance, the cost of state-of-the-art equipment to enhance the patient experience, training for that equipment, and single-use items like gloves and sterilization pouches continue to increase. Many offices are forced to raise their fees simply to keep up with the rising cost of doing business.
• Splitting treatment between two years can also help you get the treatment you need. Many treatments can max out your annual dental benefits quickly. Some offices will let you schedule your root canal in December and the permanent crown in January. This repairs your tooth before there is any further damage, reduces your out-of-pocket cost, and uses up any remaining benefits.

What Types of Services Should I Spend My Dental Benefits on Before Year-End?

• The answer to that question depends on your specific insurance coverage. We recommend that you view your plan to see what’s covered—or contact your insurance provider—before selecting the dental service you’d like to schedule.
• Assuming your plan coverage permits it, we’d encourage you to come in for a dental checkup if you’re due, or consider having restorative work done like bridges, fillings, or crowns. You may even want to consider teeth whitening if the money in your FSA or dental benefits can be applied toward it.

However, we’d encourage you not to delay. We do tend to fill up appointments quickly at this time of year so we recommend you call now or schedule your appointment online today by clicking here. By scheduling your appointments now, you can catch up on any outstanding treatment and maximize your 2022 dental benefits. You can start 2023 with a fresh, healthy smile!

We look forward to seeing you!

Back to School Dental Tips

Summer is almost over and school is here. Back-to-school can be an exciting time for kids—and parents too! As summer starts giving way to fall, your to-do list begins to fill up: there are clothes to buy, supplies to gather, and get-togethers with friends both old and new. Here are a few tips that can help keep your kids oral health in great shape through this busy season…and all year long.

Avoid soda or sugary snacks
Soda, processed foods and sweet treats are loaded with sugar and are not a healthy choice. In addition to promoting obesity, sugar provides food for the harmful oral bacteria that can cause cavities. Even 100% juices have loads of sugar—so go easy on the sweets for better checkups!

Ensure kids brush and floss regularly
That means brushing twice a day (2 minutes each) with fluoride toothpaste, and flossing once a day—every day! Brushing and flossing daily is the most effective way to fight cavities at home. If your kids need help, take time to show them how…and if you need our advice on the proper techniques, just ask us to demonstrate.

Do pack kids a healthy lunch
In addition to a protein, a healthy lunch may include crunchy vegetables such as carrot or celery sticks, dairy like cheese or yogurt, and fresh fruits. Add a bottle of water and your kids will be all set to go!

Do not let kids chew on pencils or fingernails
Fidgety kids often develop habits like these to help themselves feel calmer. But chewing on things that don’t belong in the mouth is a recipe for dental problems—like chipped or broken teeth. Try giving them sugarless gum instead; if the problem persists, ask us for help.

Use mouthguard if they play sports
It’s not just for football or hockey—baseball, basketball and many other schoolyard sports have the potential to damage teeth and gums. A custom-made mouthguard from our office is comfortable enough to wear every day, and offers great protection.

Remember to schedule routine dental visits
With the hustle and bustle of a new school year it’s easy to let things slide. Don’t put off regular dental checkups until end of the year! Professional cleanings and dental exams can help keep those young smiles bright, and prevent little problems from getting bigger.

If you would like more information about children’s oral health, please contact us or schedule an appointment.

When was the last time you replaced your toothbrush? We throw out expired foods, restock vitamins and supplements, and replace our beauty products often, but when it comes to health and beauty, it’s our dental hygiene that doesn’t get as much attention or thought as other areas of our regimen. However, there are important rules and tips you should follow for maintaining optimal dental health.

When To Change Your Toothbrush

Most dentists, and the American Dental Association (ADA), recommend changing your toothbrush every 3 months. Overtime, toothbrushes go through normal wear and tear and become less effective with removing plaque from teeth and gums. Studies have found that around 3 months is when the bristles break down and lose effectiveness.

One other consideration we don’t typically think about (and probably don’t like to think about) is that germs can hide and build up in toothbrush bristles. This makes it important to replace your toothbrush after you’ve had a cold, or risk possible reinfection.

Fungus and bacteria can also develop in the bristles if not taken care of properly. After use, make sure you rinse off and dry your toothbrush thoroughly, storing uncovered in an upright position and keeping it away from other used toothbrushes. When traveling, be sure to cover your toothbrush head to protect it and reduce the spread of germs.

If you can’t remember exactly how long it’s been, pay particular attention to the condition your toothbrush head is in – whether the bristles are worn out, fan out, or frayed, or especially if you see dark color changes, which is a sign of mold.

What Happens If I Don’t Change My Toothbrush Often Enough?

If knowing that bacteria and fungus accumulates on your toothbrush bristles overtime isn’t enough reason to replace your toothbrush more often, there are also a number of other risks and uninviting issues involved with not replacing your toothbrush. One risk includes damaging your gums, as old toothbrushes become ineffective with removing plaque from your teeth, which leads to gingivitis. Left untreated, gingivitis leads to infection, which can cause teeth to fall out.

Even more unappealing, you can get sick from overused toothbrushes (see: bacteria and fungus build up), your toothbrush can grow mold, or possibly the least appealing, you can ingest unwanted particles if stored near a toilet.

I don’t know about you, but I’m going to go change my toothbrush right now and schedule a deep cleaning with my dentist.
What To Consider When Shopping for Dental Products

Ask your dentist during your next dental checkup and cleaning for recommendations about what you should be buying based off your individual needs, your particular dental health state, etc.

Some common suggestions among dental professionals are to look for toothbrushes with soft bristles, as hard bristles damage your teeth and gums, choose a toothbrush head size that touches one or two teeth at a time, use a toothpaste containing fluoride approved by the ADA, consider using mouthwash to further fight plaque and gingivitis, and don’t forget floss!

Consider investing in an electric toothbrush, as these have been proven to improve oral health beyond what a manual toothbrush can do by removing plaque, reducing gingivitis and eliminating teeth staining. They’ve also been shown to minimize the amount of plaque on the teeth of people with periodontal disease.

Do your research on what products fit your needs best, and don’t forget to ask your dentist for recommendations.

Need an appointment? We’d love to see you. Request an appointment

As a community, things are slowly coming back to normal from the pandemic. You have probably finished your spring-cleaning, you may be in the process of updating your wardrobe, and planning to go on vacations this summer again. And you know what happens on vacation. Photos and videos. People love to record every stop along the way, every plate of food, and moments they want to cherish. You’re no different. Make sure your smile is ready for all those moments. Our dental hygienists and dentists at Mission View Dental in Milpitas, CA will make certain that your oral health is where it needs to be.

Here are the best smile tips we can offer you to get back your summer smile.

WHAT IS A SUMMER SMILE?

I am sure you are wondering, “What exactly is a summer smile?” When you think of summer time, what comes to mind? Bright colors, happiness, and yes, a lot of smiling! A summer smile is simply a bright, healthy smile. Because smiles are contagious, it is important that those pearly whites are healthy, and the best way to maintain a healthy smile is through proactive dental care.

THE BEST SUMMER SMILE TIPS

So now that you know what a summer smile is, let’s get down to the basics of how to maintain and take care of your smile.

• In order to maintain your healthy smile, it is important that you maintain or begin regular dental check-ups. It is recommended that you visit your dentist for cleanings and exams every six months.
• In order to avoid yellowing or staining of the teeth, cut back on drinking red wine, coffee, teas, and sodas. If you are a cigarette smoker, this also causes yellowing of the teeth, so it is recommended that you also avoid that or quit if possible.
• Teeth whitening is a procedure that any dentist can do these days. There are even over-the-counter home whitening kits available at your local drugstore or pharmacy.
• Flossing is another great way to keep a beautiful summer smile. Flossing your teeth not only promotes healthy gums, but it also helps to remove unwanted food from in between your teeth. The last thing you need is for today’s lunch to take center stage in your picture!
• The last tip for your summer smile is to always keep some sort of mouth rinse on hand for quick after-meal rinsing. This not only helps to keep your teeth sparkling white, but it keeps your breath fresh and helps to prevent plaque buildup as well.

Before Vacation, Visit Mission View Dental

At our dentist office in Milpitas, we want to make sure your teeth and gums are healthy for the long term. Our Milpitas dentist will sit down with you and conduct a thorough dental exam and discuss any treatments. This is the time to ensure your teeth and gums are healthy and free of cavities and periodontal disease (also known as gum disease). Our dental hygienist will remove any hard-to-remove plaque buildup along your gumline, and then polish your teeth for a smooth and clean feel.

Get your smile completely ready for your summer vacation and for the rest of 2021. We know that with all the great summer time activities that take place, a camera is always nearby. You want to make sure that your smile is the very best! Call us and schedule your appointment, or simply visit our Request Appointment link. We look forward to getting you and your family ready for a great vacation.

Mission View Dental

Milpitas, CA

Can’t wait to put 2020 behind us? Remember to schedule your annual visit before time and insurance runs out.

Countdown to 2021

 

As a new school year approaches, we know things can get hectic for busy parents. When many schools closed during the COVID-19 pandemic, daily routines skidded to a halt for many of us, it is easy to let habits change, including regular brushing and flossing. Researchers looked at 8,500 children and found that those with consistent habits were nearly 50% more likely to demonstrate good social-emotional health than those without. While the start of the year may look a little different this fall, it’s a good idea to transition back to some of the dental routines before the homework starts rolling in and parents are juggling work, remote or hybrid learning and, eventually, in-person school. Over 40% of kids have cavities, but consistent brushing and flossing help keep kids on the right track and out of the dental office for emergencies. Plus, healthy routines boost self-esteem and confidence to help now and in the future!

Here is our handy back-to-school checklist for parents. Mix and match these oral health ideas, or try all of them!

• Keep them safe If your kiddo will be doing hybrid learning and going to in-person classes, chat with them about how to stay safe, including how to properly wear a mask, the importance of handwashing, and safe social distancing. Start to work on routines like washing hands as soon as they come home, as well as being sure to pack masks and hand sanitizer and check their temperature in the morning before going to school. The CDC has a back-to-school safety checklist for parents to use when the school year kicks off.
• Set Up a Designated Homework Station The reality is there will be at least some amount of distance learning this school year. Having a designated area just for remote learning and homework that’s free of distractions can help kids focus and be more productive. It also allows you to reclaim some of your living space! If you don’t have a lot of room, even a corner works. Add a small desk or table, a comfy chair and all of the necessary school supplies so there are no excuses. You might also want to place a bin or basket there for kids to keep folders and paperwork so it doesn’t get lost or accidentally thrown away.
• Grab an App! Technology can make a big difference for kids. Take a look at one for younger kids, like Brush Up, and bring fun and games into the chore.  Older kids enjoy Brush DJ with a few lively tunes. Yes, even teens give this a high rating!
• Make a Reward Calendar! For younger kids, print out a calendar page for the month and pull out the crayons. Have kids decorate their own calendars and hang it on the bathroom mirror. Add three stickers to each day: Brushing in the morning, brushing in the evening, and flossing once a day.  Pick a weekly reward that fits your child.
• Educate! Find and watch a fun video just before brushing that helps kids learn about dental health. Youtube has many short, unique videos for kids that reinforce the reasons for good oral care. Check out this one from SciShow Kids.
• Join Them! If you have more time at home, you can cook, play games, and even brush and floss together. Grab your tools and play “Follow-the-Leader” with your routine.
• Use a timer! See if your kids (and you) can go a full two minutes brushing! It seems like a long time, but it makes a difference.

We know there will be a lot of changes this year but, remember, we’re all in this together! Schedule your child’s visit online at www.missionviewdental.com before we kick off another school year or by calling us at 408-945-4333. To find out the measures we’re taking to keep our patients safe, check out our COVID-19 safety protocols here.

Are you ready for the Big Game?  A Super Bowl get-together demands super snacks but not at the expense of your teeth.  Lost in the tradition of overeating, complaining about the referees and admiring the advertisements is oral health. In fact, oral health is most likely the last thing on the minds of those watching the big game on Sunday. That’s why we’ve put together a few tasty game day snacking ideas with healthy ingredients and also list snacks that are not so great for your teeth.  Of course, these are snacks, and none of them are perfect.  Regardless of what you eat, don’t forget to brush!

Super Bowl Snacks Your Teeth Will Love

• Spicy Jalapeño Dip + Vegetables like Carrots and Celery

This dip with a kick will make your veggies disappear.  Raw veggies require lots of chewing which stimulates and promotes healthy gums.  Carrots contain beta-carotene that your body uses to create vitamin A which works to build strong teeth.  The sour cream in this dip gives your teeth a boost of Calcium which also helps to keep your teeth strong.

• Hummus with Cucumber

Protein rich chickpeas don’t contain any saturated fat or cholesterol, making hummus a good choice for your overall health.  Chickpeas are also rich in folic acid, which keeps your mouth healthy by promoting cell growth throughout your body.  As to the cucumbers, not only are they a healthy alternative to chips, but they are rich in vitamins B and C and have even been shown to help freshen breath and naturally whiten teeth!

• The Party Standard: The Meat & Cheese Tray

The cheese on the sidelines plays quarterback in this party tray.  Cheese is a tooth powerhouse with tons of tooth strengthening calcium and a protein called casein which is amazingly effective in protecting the surface of your teeth. One note about the crackers, however.  We chose whole wheat crackers for their beneficial fiber, but all crackers can stick to teeth and promote bacteria growth.  Again, just be sure to brush after the game!

• Baked (Goat) Cheese Roll

If cheese made from cow’s milk is a powerhouse, goat cheese is a touchdown.  It contains more protein and calcium than cow’s milk cheese and yet has less fat and calories per serving.  The higher calcium of goat cheese means even more protection for your teeth.

• Healthy 7-Layer Dip

This dish has it all and it’s a great update of what is usually a calorie dense snack.  While tomato and citrus juices can be tough on your teeth because of their high acidity, the cheese and Greek yogurt help to balance that out.  Plus, this dish is high in vitamins E, A and C, which are all essential for a healthy mouth.  Choosing celery or another vegetable over chips would make this an even better choice for your teeth.

These Superbowl Classics are Terrible for your Teeth

• Chips and Other Starches

Chips, crackers, and bread are Superbowl mainstays typically used for dipping. Unfortunately, starches like chips are terrible for teeth and contribute to tooth decay by wearing down enamel. This occurs when starch metabolizes into sugar, which is a breeding ground for bacteria that eats away at tooth enamel. If you’re looking for a mouth-healthy dipper, try substituting celery or carrots in place of starches.

• Hot wings

A true Superbowl Classic, hot wings seem like the perfect finger food for game day, however, they can be very damaging to your teeth. Spicy hot wings are particularly bad for teeth because of how acidic they are. The average spicy hot wing is made from buffalo sauce which contains a PH level of 2.8 – which is nearly as acidic as a lemon! Exposed acid attacks on teeth can decimate enamel and leave them vulnerable to tooth decay. If you must have hot wings on Superbowl Sunday, we suggest choosing a flavor that isn’t spicy.

• Soda

Soda and other carbonated beverages are loaded with sugar and other additives that can slowly destroy teeth. Sodas are awful for teeth because they are high in two of the worst things for teeth: sugar and acid. There are some sodas that contain more than the total recommended amount of daily sugar in one 20 oz. bottle! The high sugar and acid content can eat away the enamel that protects your teeth, and can lead to cavities. Instead of grabbing a soda, we suggest sticking to water during the Superbowl.

• The Fruit Tray

This may sound counterintuitive, since the fruit tray is often perceived as the most healthy thing at a Superbowl party, but some fruit can seriously damage teeth. Fruits such as oranges, grapes and pineapple all have elevated levels of acid that can damage teeth. If you decide to eat fruit during the big game, we suggest rinsing your mouth out with water to avoid prolonged exposure to acid.

Enjoy the Game, and Eat Responsibly

It’s easy to overindulge during the Superbowl. This year, try to avoid foods that can harm your mouth. Make sure you drink plenty of water throughout the game. It’s the primary component of saliva, which protects the teeth against “acid attacks” caused by bacteria, and it’s indispensable as the final rinsing agent for foods and sugary drinks. It’s also a good way to pace yourself if you’re drinking alcoholic beverages during the game. Remember, regardless of what you choose to snack on during the Super Bowl, be sure to brush twice a day for two minutes each time!  What will you be snacking on during the Big Game this year?

 

Summer is almost over and school is here. Back-to-school can be an exciting time for kids—and parents too! As summer starts giving way to fall, your to-do list begins to fill up: there are clothes to buy, supplies to gather, and get-togethers with friends both old and new. Here are a few tips that can help keep your kids oral health in great shape through this busy season…and all year long.

Avoid soda or sugary snacks
Soda, processed foods and sweet treats are loaded with sugar and are not a healthy choice. In addition to promoting obesity, sugar provides food for the harmful oral bacteria that can cause cavities. Even 100% juices have loads of sugar—so go easy on the sweets for better checkups!

Ensure kids brush and floss regularly
That means brushing twice a day (2 minutes each) with fluoride toothpaste, and flossing once a day—every day! Brushing and flossing daily is the most effective way to fight cavities at home. If your kids need help, take time to show them how…and if you need our advice on the proper techniques, just ask us to demonstrate.

Do pack kids a healthy lunch
In addition to a protein, a healthy lunch may include crunchy vegetables such as carrot or celery sticks, dairy like cheese or yogurt, and fresh fruits. Add a bottle of water and your kids will be all set to go!

Do not let kids chew on pencils or fingernails
Fidgety kids often develop habits like these to help themselves feel calmer. But chewing on things that don’t belong in the mouth is a recipe for dental problems—like chipped or broken teeth. Try giving them sugarless gum instead; if the problem persists, ask us for help.

Use mouthguard if they play sports
It’s not just for football or hockey—baseball, basketball and many other schoolyard sports have the potential to damage teeth and gums. A custom-made mouthguard from our office is comfortable enough to wear every day, and offers great protection.

Remember to schedule routine dental visits
With the hustle and bustle of a new school year it’s easy to let things slide. Don’t put off regular dental checkups until end of the year! Professional cleanings and dental exams can help keep those young smiles bright, and prevent little problems from getting bigger.

If you would like more information about children’s oral health, please contact us or schedule an appointment.