Tag: oral hygiene

Eating for Healthy Teeth

Dec, 8, 2016

Dental health isn’t only about keeping your teeth clean and having regular checkups. (Although those two things are really important.) You might be surprised how important your diet is to maintaining good oral health. Of course we all know that too much sugar can cause cavities, but the links between diet and teeth go much deeper than that.

The Good

Balanced nutrition is important to both your overall health and keeping your teeth healthy, but here are some specifics to consider:

Water – Drinking lots of water is good for you in general, and it’s good for your teeth, too. Especially if your city’s water is fluoridated, water straight from the tap can really help your teeth stay healthy.
Dairy – Milk, cheese, and yogurt provide calcium your teeth need to stay strong. They’re also low in sugar (unless your yogurt has added sugar—be sure to read the label!) which makes them a good overall choice.
Protein – Meat, poultry, fish, and eggs are rich in phosphorus and proteins that are essential for healthy enamel. (Lean options are best.) Low-carbohydrate nuts are a also great choice, since the bacteria that cause cavities need those carbs to survive.
Fruits & Vegetables – High-fiber, low-sugar plats are great for your teeth. Chewing these foods helps to keep your teeth clean by stimulating saliva production, and your body will thank you for the vitamins and minerals, too.
Grains – Whole grains are an important part of a balanced diet, and therefore they’re important for your teeth, too. Choose whole grains like oatmeal, whole wheat, and brown rice.

The Bad

Avoid sugar—particularly added sugar (even in your coffee). But beyond this first rule, here are some other foods to avoid:

Sticky Foods – Anything sticky can cause problems, because sticky food stays in your mouth longer, giving bacteria time to multiply with a ready food source. Be sure to brush after eating anything sticky—even healthier foods like dried fruits.
Soda & Sports Drinks – Drink water instead of sugary drinks. Many sports drinks are surprisingly high in sugar, and soda certainly is. Break the habit and switch to plain water. Your teeth (and your waistline) will thank you for it.
Starches – Crispy snacks like chips are delicious, but those starches tend to get caught in teeth, again giving cavity-causing bacteria time to grow. Don’t indulge too often, and remember to floss thoroughly to be sure you don’t leave anything behind.
Citrus – Although high in vitamin C, citrus fruits are also very acidic, and regular exposure to that acid can erode enamel and make your teeth vulnerable to decay. Drinking lots of water when eating citrus can help mitigate the risks.
Ice – Cold drinks are great, but chewing ice is really hard on your teeth. The combination of cold and stress from biting into such a hard substance can damage enamel, and even crack or break teeth in some cases.

Brush Your Teeth

Sep, 12, 2016

Yes, you’ve been told before. But the truth is, it is likely the most important thing you can do for good dental health. Brushing is your best defense against plaque, the starting place for tartar, cavities, and gum disease.

As the keystone of good dental health, knowing how to brush effectively can significantly reduce your risk of dental problems. Remember that regular maintenance is key—be sure to brush and floss two times a day.

Make an Orderly Habit

First, floss before you brush.

Brush the outside surface of your top teeth first, then the outside of your bottoms. Brush back and forth, making sure that you contact both your teeth and your gums, holding your toothbrush at a 45 degree angle to your teeth.

Pay extra attention to your molars at the back, and remember that you’re likely to brush the teeth on the left side of your mouth better than the right side if you’re right-handed. (And vice-versa.)

Switch to brushing up & down, focusing on each individual tooth, as you move to brush the insides of your top teeth, and then the insides of the bottom.

Finally, go back to long, back and forth strokes to brush the chewing surfaces of your teeth, first for the top, and then the bottom.

It’s a Marathon, Not a Sprint

Two. Whole. Minutes.

That’s how long you should brush for. Yes, that’s quite a while, but this is the mark to shoot for. Set a timer to get used to how long two minutes really is—many people overestimate the amount of time they spend brushing.

Toothbrushes Aren’t Just for Teeth

Your tongue needs regular cleaning, too, and your toothbrush works well for the task. To keep your breath fresh, be sure to brush your tongue when you brush your teeth. This helps to eliminate the bacteria that cause bad breath.

Change Your Toothbrush

When your toothbrush starts to show signs of wear, it’s time for a new one. Even if it’s still looking new, change it out after three months. As toothbrushes can harbor germs, it’s also a good idea to replace your toothbrush as you recover from a cold or other illness to prevent re-infection. Use a toothbrush with soft bristles. Other than that, choose what you’re most comfortable with.

Choose Your Toothpaste

There is a wide variety of toothpaste available, many intended to address specific dental needs. From whitening to tartar control to extra fluoride to sensitive teeth, there is sure to be a toothpaste right for you. Take a moment to speak with your dentist or hygienist at your next appointment to be sure you’re using a type that best supports your individual dental needs.

Hate to Wait? Same Day Crowns at Meyer & Johns.

May, 25, 2016

Let’s face it; no one likes to wait—especially if it’s for a medical procedure.

At Meyer & Johns, we do our best to address the needs of our patients in a timely manner. That’s why we are pleased to offer Same Day Crowns.

To accommodate a crown, the tooth usually must be reduced in size. Then, a cast is made of the tooth for an impression, which is then sent to a special lab where the crown is made. Some cases require a temporary crown while the permanent crown is being manufactured. However, Same Day Crowns are available if one is a viable option for your needs.

Same Day Crowns are most often used to restore a tooth’s function and appearance following a restorative procedure or when decay in a tooth is so advanced that portions of the tooth must be removed.

Crowns look natural in appearance and are an excellent way to restore the aesthetics of discolored or stained teeth.

Unlike veneers, which are typically applied to small areas, crowns are placed over the top of the tooth and are quite durable, lasting up to a decade with proper dental care and hygiene.

If you have teeth that are discolored, cracked or chipped, don’t wait. Contact Meyer & Johns, today for more information on Same Day Crowns and all of our cosmetic dentistry services.