Are You Brushing Your Teeth Properly? Somebody’s Watching…

Are You Brushing Your Teeth Properly? Somebody’s Watching…

What Does Your Mouth Say About Your Overall Health?

Living in a fast-paced society where fast food seems to dominate the food chain can mean a great deal for oral health – and poor food choices can even have a negative effect on teeth. In fact, in order for the body's tissues to resist infection and for teeth to remain healthy, minerals and nutrients are essential in a person's diet. The presence of too much or too little of any nutrient can have harmful effects, particularly on the mouth and teeth, and may contribute to oral diseases and infection, according to an article in the March 2007 issue of AGD Impact, the newsmagazine of the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD).

Poor nutrition affects the entire immune system, increasing susceptibility to many common disorders. People with lowered immune systems have been shown to be at higher risk for periodontal disease. Additionally, research shows a link between oral health and systemic conditions, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

"Deficiencies in vitamins can cause poor tissue connectivity which can allow for tissue breakdown and subsequent invasion by bacteria," says AGD President-Elect Paula Jones, DDS, FAGD and AGD spokesperson.  "With the additional factor of poor oral health care, the situation can be exacerbated and exhibit as a more severe case of periodontal disease since nutritional deficiencies can compromise the immune system."

Patients can improve their oral health and reduce the risk of periodontal disease by eating a balanced diet based on the well-known food guide pyramid, which recommends eating a variety of foods from the five food groups-grain, fruit, vegetables, milk and meat.

In addition, Dr. Jones explains, "A diet rich in dark, leafy green vegetables and fresh fruits helps the body to have adequate C and B vitamins," Dr. Jones explains. "Limited amounts of sunshine help the body to produce Vitamin D, which is necessary for the absorption of calcium, which helps to build strong bones and teeth."

Eating a variety of foods as part of a well-balanced diet may not only improve dental health, but increasing fiber and vitamin intake may reduce the risk of other diseases.

What foods may be bad for your mouth?

    Carbohydrates: Chips, bread, pasta, or crackers can be as harmful to the teeth as candy.  

    Sticky, chewy foods: Raisins, granola bars, jelly beans, caramel, honey and syrup stick to teeth and make it difficult to wash the sugar away.

    Sugary snacks: Cookies, cakes or other desserts contain a high amount of sugar, which can cause tooth decay.

    Gum and candy: When chewing gum and eating candy, the sugar coats teeth, which can lead to cavities.

    Carbonated soft drinks: Regular and diet sodas contain phosphorous and carbonation, which wears away the enamel on teeth.

    Fruit or vegetable juices: These beverages tend to be high in sugar, which can damage tooth enamel and lead to decay.

Retrieved from: http://www.knowyourteeth.com/infobites/abc/article/?abc=N&iid=315&aid=3153

Thank You

A message to our entire new patient of 2014.

We are delighted to have you as a new patient.  We extend our sincere thanks for the opportunity to meet your dental needs.  We looked forward to a new continued relationship with you.  Welcome to our practice, and Happy Holidays.  

Thank you

Dr. Dele.

New Patient Welcome

At Annapolis Dental Center, we are always accepting new patients.  No referral required calls us directly at 410-571-5014.  We look forward for the opportunity to meet your dental health needs. Please visit our Special Offer Page for New Patient Offers.

http://www.annapolisdentalcenter.com/special-offers/

What is Halitosis?

 

More than 80 million people suffer from chronic halitosis, or bad breath. In most cases it originates from the gums and tongue. The odor is caused by wastes from bacteria in the mouth, the decay of food particles, other debris in your mouth and poor oral hygiene. The decay and debris produce a sulfur compound that causes the unpleasant odor.

 

What causes bad breath?

 

Bad breath is primarily caused by poor oral hygiene but can also be caused by retained food particles or gum disease.

 

Does bad breath come from other sources than the mouth?

 

Bad breath also may occur in people who have a medical infection, diabetes, kidney failure or a liver malfunction. Xerostomia (dry mouth) and tobacco also contribute to this problem. Cancer patients who undergo radiation therapy may experience dry mouth. Even stress, dieting, snoring, age and hormonal changes can have an effect on your breath. An odor that comes from the back of your tongue may indicate postnasal drip. This is where mucus secretion, which comes from the nose and moves down your throat, gets stuck on the tongue and causes an odor.

 

Why is saliva so important in the fight against bad breath?

 

Saliva is the key ingredient in your mouth that helps keep the odor under control because it helps wash away food particles and bacteria, the primary cause of bad breath. When you sleep, however, salivary glands slow down the production of saliva, allowing the bacteria to grow inside the mouth. To alleviate "morning mouth," brush your teeth and eat a morning meal. Morning mouth also is associated with hunger or fasting. Those who skip breakfast, beware, because the odor may reappear even if you've brushed your teeth.

 

Do certain foods cause bad breath?

 

Very spicy foods, such as onions and garlic, and coffee may be detected on a person's breath for up to 72 hours after digestion. Onions, for example, are absorbed by the stomach, and the odor is then excreted through the lungs. Studies even have shown that garlic rubbed on the soles of the feet can show up on the breath.

 

How do I control bad breath?

 

It is important to practice good oral hygiene, such as brushing and flossing your teeth at least twice a day. Proper brushing, including brushing the tongue, cheeks and the roof of the mouth, will remove bacteria and food particles. Flossing removes accumulated bacteria, plaque and food that may be trapped between teeth. To alleviate odors, clean your tongue with your toothbrush or a tongue scraper, a plastic tool that scrapes away bacteria that builds on the tongue. Chewing sugar-free gum also may help control odor. If you have dentures or a removable appliance, such as a retainer or mouthguard, clean the appliance thoroughly before placing it back in your mouth. Before you use mouthrinses, deodorizing sprays or tablets, talk with your dentist, because these products only mask the odor temporarily and some products work better than others.

 

What is my dentist's role?

 

Visit your dentist regularly, because checkups will help detect any physical problems. Checkups also help get rid of the plaque and bacteria that build up on your teeth. If you think that you suffer from bad breath, your dentist can help determine its source. He or she may ask you to schedule a separate appointment to find the source of the odor. Or, if your dentist believes that the problem is caused from a systemic (internal) source, such as an infection, he or she may refer you to your family physician or a specialist to help remedy the cause of the problem. 

http://www.knowyourteeth.com/infobites/abc/article/?abc=H&iid=306&aid=1254

Getting to know Dr. Dele