As parents, we try to keep our children as healthy as possible – from their physical and mental health to their dental health.

In addition to good oral hygiene habits, what kids eat and drink plays a role in their dental health. Foods high in sugars, starches, and carbohydrates can cause tooth decay and cavities. That’s why it’s helpful to know what foods will keep your children’s teeth healthy and strong.

Learn More: Healthy Habits for a Healthy Mouth

Fruits and Vegetables

Crunchy, raw fruits and vegetables are a great snack alternative because they help remove sugars and bacteria that stick to teeth and can turn to plaque.

Not only are apples rich in fiber and vitamins, but they also help keep kids’ teeth clean. The crunch of an apple helps remove bacteria and plaque from the teeth, and chewing promotes saliva production – both work together to keep teeth healthy.

Carrots are high in fiber, which encourages the formation of good bacteria that help strengthen your child’s teeth. Raw carrots are also a healthy source of beta-carotene, known to help heal gum disease.

Green Leafy Vegetables

Foods like spinach, romaine, and kale contain healthy nutrients that help grow strong bodies. Their folic acid is also good for teeth and gums.

Broccoli contains high levels of calcium, which strengthens teeth and prevents tooth decay. It also contains a compound that helps kill bacteria that cause cavities.

Foods with High Water Content

Fruits and veggies with high water content, like cucumbers, celery, melons, and pears, help keep teeth cleaner and lower the amount of sugar in the mouth.

Nuts

Nuts are a quick source of energy for kids and a great healthy snack. Studies show that eating nuts helps reduce the likelihood of cavities and other oral health problems because the high levels of fiber and protein in nuts help keep teeth clean and healthy. Nuts also contain calcium and phosphorus, which strengthen tooth enamel.

Low sugar nut butter is also a healthy snack option.

Lean Meats

Meat is an excellent source of phosphorus, which helps repair tooth enamel, and it’s also high in calcium, an essential component for strong bones and teeth. Meat provides other minerals that prevent cavities and promote healthy teeth as well.

Salmon contains omega-3 fatty acids, which help reduce gum inflammation and protect against tooth decay. Chicken, turkey, and white fish are other healthy examples of lean meats.

Dairy

In addition to being an excellent source of nutrition for children, milk has several advantages for oral health. The calcium helps strengthen teeth, and the protein aids in the healing of damaged gums. Milk’s saturated fat content also helps prevent tooth decay.

The high calcium content of cheese strengthens teeth and prevents cavities. Cheese also contains phosphate, which helps remineralize enamel.

Yogurt contains probiotics that help reduce plaque and bacteria levels. Yogurt’s calcium content helps strengthen teeth, while its lactic acid can remove surface stains.

Eggs

Eggs are packed with essential nutrients, including protein, calcium, and phosphorus. Calcium strengthens teeth and bones, and phosphorus helps strengthen tooth enamel.

Atkins & Anderson Family Dentistry in Bryan/College Station Can Help

If you’re looking for foods to keep your children’s teeth healthy this school year, add these options to their lunchbox or after-school snack. Atkins & Anderson Family Dentistry excels in giving people of all ages healthy teeth and beautiful smiles. Your family deserves advanced dental care in a warm, friendly environment where your comfort is the highest priority! Contact us today to learn more about our practice and services.

Learn More: 8 Foods for Healthy Teeth

Daily brushing and flossing your teeth isn’t enough to guarantee oral health. What you eat and drink also matters. So, which drinks are damaging to your teeth? And what are some healthier choices?

What determines whether a drink is good or bad for your teeth?

1. Sugar levels

Sweetened drinks cause cavities because the sugar enhances the harmful bacteria in your mouth to produce acid. This acid attacks and erodes your tooth enamel, leading to tooth sensitivity and decay.

2. Acid levels

Some drinks contain high levels of acids that attack your tooth enamel and cause it to lose essential minerals. Enamel is the hard, thin outer layer of your teeth. Did you know that it’s the strongest material in your body – even stronger than your bones? But enamel isn’t a living cell and can’t naturally repair itself, so it’s essential to protect it. Acidic drinks can weaken enamel and cause long-term, permanent tooth erosion.

3. Drying effects

A good saliva flow protects your teeth against harmful bacteria, sugars, and acids. It cleans your mouth and provides minerals your tooth enamel needs. But some drinks cause your mouth to dehydrate.

4. pH value

Drinks with a low pH value contain a high concentration of acids, which can harm your teeth. Anything that measures 5.5 or less on the pH scale is considered acidic – the lower, the number the worse the drink. The acidity in these drinks softens tooth enamel, making teeth vulnerable to cavities and tooth decay.  

Drinks with a pH value above 6.5 help strengthen your teeth.

5. Dyes

The combination of acid and dyes in drinks breaks down your tooth’s enamel and causes stains and discoloration.

Drinks That Damage Your Teeth

1. Sugary drinks

The sugar in these drinks stimulates the harmful bacteria in your mouth to produce acids – which attack and erode your teeth enamel, causing decay and even tooth loss. A lot of sodas have dyes that stain and discolor your teeth.

2. Fruit juice

Fruit juices contain more acids and sugar than the actual fruits. That’s why the juices are more likely to cause tooth decay – especially if they’re made of acidic fruits or contain additives. Studies show that drinking orange juice frequently reduces the hardness of tooth enamel by almost 84%.  

3. Coffee and tea

Frequently drinking coffee and black tea can stain your teeth. The dyes in these drinks can latch onto and build up on the enamel, causing stains and discoloration.

4. Alcohol

Saliva helps to water down and wash away the harmful acids produced by plaque. When you drink alcohol, your saliva production slows down – causing dehydration and a dry mouth, which contributes to plaque build-up.

5. Wine

All wines contain strong dyes that stain your teeth if you drink them often. Some people think white wine is a better choice because it doesn’t have dark dyes that stain your teeth, but it’s more acidic than red wine and can cause tooth decay.

Drinks That Don’t Damage Your Teeth

1. Water

Drinking water does more than quench your thirst and keep you hydrated. It’s essential to keeping your body healthy and functioning properly. Water is also good for your teeth and gums because it keeps your mouth clean. It rinses away harmful bacteria and food debris to fight cavities and gum disease. Plaque can’t build up in a clean, hydrated mouth. Water is pH neutral, so it combats acidity in your mouth. And water that contains fluoride helps strengthen your teeth and protects tooth enamel.

2. Milk

Next to water, milk is the healthiest drink for your teeth. Milk contains healthy minerals that are essential to your teeth and gums. Calcium helps strengthen your teeth, prevents gum disease, and can reduce tooth decay. And milk doesn’t stain or discolor your teeth.

3. Green tea

Dark tea stains and discolors your teeth, but green tea is a healthy option. Green tea controls bacteria and lowers the acidity of saliva and dental plaque to prevent cavities and gum disease. It also stimulates saliva, which is essential for your teeth and oral health.

Tips to Protect Your Teeth

The good news is that you don’t have to give up all your favorite drinks! Here are some tips to help protect your teeth from damaging drinks.

1. Use a straw when indulging in a sugary or acidic drink to limit its contact with your teeth.
2. Drink water after other beverages to rinse your mouth.
3. Brush your teeth before drinking dark-colored beverages so there’s less plaque for the staining agents to stick to.
4. Brush and floss regularly.
5. Visit your dentist for routine check-ups to keep your teeth and gums healthy.

Reach out to Atkins & Anderson Dentistry for more tips about improving your oral health and for quality dental care in College Station, Texas. Call us to schedule an appointment or fill out the contact form today.

Read More: Tips to Keep Your Teeth Clean Between Dental Cleanings

The lingering pain from a tight jaw often causes discomfort in other parts of your body like your head, neck, ears, teeth, or face. The pain may also oscillate between throbbing, aching, or severe. Typically, a tight jaw is a culprit of a jaw joint that suddenly locks, clicking noises in your jaw, or a limited range of motion when you try to open your mouth. Tightness in your jaw is not something you should ignore. In many cases, there are at-home remedies to reduce the pain and preventative measures you can take. However, a tight jaw may indicate a deeper problem that your dentist can address. Our team at Anderson & Atkins, DDS has answered the following questions to help you better understand the causes, remedies, and prevention tactics of a tight jaw.

What causes a tight jaw?

There are several reasons you may experience a tight jaw. If you have questions about any of the following causes of jaw discomfort, contact our office today.

Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMD)

When the hinge joints of your jaw lock or are uncomfortable, TMD may be to blame. TMD also leads to feelings of tenderness or throbbing pain in your jaw while chewing or talking.

Stress

Many people tend to clench their jaw or hold tension in their jaw while under stress or anxiety. You can clench your jaw unknowingly while awake or asleep and only notice it when pain erupts from a tight jaw.

Teeth Grinding

Teeth grinding, or bruxism, often happens while you are sleeping. It can occur as a result of stress, genetics, or dental problems. Bruxism can lead to tightness in your jaw, headaches, earaches, or soreness in your face or neck.

Excessive Chewing

You may experience the sensation of a tight jaw if you chew gum, or another substance, regularly.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune inflammatory disorder that affects muscles and joints in your entire body. Those diagnosed with RA often experience TMD, bone loss in the jaw, or damage in the jaw joint and surrounding tissues.

How can I relieve the pain associated with a tight jaw?

There are many ways you can reduce the tightness of your jaw—most can be done from the comfort of your own home. In some cases, you’ll want to schedule an appointment with your dentist to address a bigger problem.

Stretch Your Jaw

You can stretch the muscles in your jaw and your jaw joint by trying a few simple exercises. One, place your fingers on the top of your front four bottom teeth. Slowly pull down, hold for 30 seconds, and then slowly release your jaw. Repeat several times to reduce the tension in your jaw. Two, slowly open your mouth as wide as you can and then gently close your mouth. Repeat up to 10 times to eliminate tension in your jaw and neck. Three, smile as wide as you can without feeling pain. While smiling, slightly open your jaw and inhale deeply. Exhale as you release your smile. Repeat multiple times to help relieve pain in your facial muscles and upper and lower jaw. It’s important to note that you should stop these exercises if you experience any pain.

Massage Your Jaw

You can increase the blood flow and reduce the tension in your jaw by gently massaging the muscles next to your ears. Open your mouth and rub the muscles in a circular motion multiple times a day.

Use a Mouthguard

A mouthguard can protect your teeth from grinding while you sleep. This prevents wear and tear on your teeth and jaw tightness. At Anderson & Atkins Dentistry, we can provide a custom mouthguard that is comfortable and effective.

Quick, Temporary Relief Tactics

You can apply a hot or cold compress to your jaw to temporarily relieve pain or take an over-the-counter pain reliever to reduce inflammation. While this provides quick relief, it is only temporary. If you continually experience a tight jaw, you may want to take preventative measures.

How can I prevent a tight jaw?

Preventing a tight jaw is possible. By making a few simple adjustments to your life, you can reduce two of the most common causes of a tight jaw.

Reduce Stress and Anxiety

Practice deep breathing exercises throughout the day to reduce the tension in your body brought on by stress. Low impact aerobic exercises like swimming, walking, and dancing are also ways to improve your overall physical and mental health. Adding yoga or meditation to your daily routine can also minimize feelings of stress and anxiety and prevent your jaw from getting tight.

Avoid Overuse of Your Jaw Muscles

Removing certain foods from your diet can prevent you from overusing your jaw muscles. Foods like steak, taffy, raw carrots, and nuts often require excessive amounts of chewing. Instead, try foods that are softer or less sticky. You may also consider a sugar-free mint rather than chewing gum between meals.

If these at-home remedies don’t relieve the pain or tension in your jaw, call Atkins & Anderson, DDS today.

Do you ever wonder if you have bad breath? Are you self-conscious because you know your breath isn’t as fresh as it should be? Here are 8 things you can do to keep your breath fresh and your mouth clean. 

1. Brush and Floss Often 

Plaque buildup on your teeth can lead to bad breath. Trapped food is also a culprit. To keep both at bay, brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss at least once. Practice proper brushing techniques so that you don’t unintentionally brush away the enamel which can lead to tooth decay. 

2. Use Mouthwash

Rinsing with mouthwash adds another layer of protection against bacteria. Make sure to use a good mouthwash that kills the germs that cause bad breath rather than just covering up smelly breath. 

3. Brush Your Tongue

Brushing your tongue with your toothbrush or a scraper helps to eliminate bacteria that coats your tongue and leads to bad breath.  

4. Avoid Certain Foods

Foods like garlic and onion have substances that don’t just cause your breath to stink but get into your bloodstream and into your lungs. You actually breathe out the pungent smell. Before a meeting, it’s best to just avoid them altogether.

5. Stop Using Tobacco Products

Tobacco causes bad breath, gum disease, stained teeth, and cancer. To improve your overall health and reduce bad breath, put in the hard work to stop using tobacco products. 

6. Chew Gum After Meals

Instead of grabbing a mint after a meal, chew sugarless gum. Bacteria in your mouth use sugar to create acid which promotes bad breath. Gum also encourages the production of saliva—your mouth’s natural defense against plaque, bacteria, and bad breath.

7. Drink Plenty of Water

Drinking enough water every day has numerous health benefits, including increasing the production of saliva. You can reduce your risk of tooth decay and bad breath just by drinking water. 

8. Keep Your Gums Healthy 

Bacteria can gather at the base of your teeth which leads to stinky breath and gum disease. Regular dental appointments and routine teeth cleanings can help protect your gums from disease and keep bad breath at bay.

If you’re concerned about bad breath or need to schedule a teeth cleaning, make an appointment at Atkins and Anderson Dentistry today. We are a family dentistry in Bryan-College Station dedicated to providing you a comfortable office visit with quality dental treatment. 

You’ve made your list and checked it twice. You’ve thought of everyone and chosen the perfect gift for your friends, family, and coworkers. But what about yourself? Maybe you’ve snagged your favorite chocolate bar to stow in your stocking, but we’re here to give you a few gift ideas for your teeth. That’s right, your teeth! They are often overlooked but very important to your overall health, so why not remember them this Christmas? Your gift to your teeth includes foods to avoid and foods to enjoy! Make the most of this holiday season and ensure your teeth are healthy enough to ring in the New Year. 

Foods to Avoid: 

• Sweets: Overflowing at every holiday party, sweets are hard to resist this time of year. However, their prime ingredient—sugar—is a known cause of tooth decay. If you do indulge in cookies, cakes, candy, or pie this Christmas, rinse and brush your mouth afterward to protect your teeth.
• Carbonation: Fizzy drinks are often filled with sugar, but diet sodas are also very acidic. The acid can cause the enamel on your teeth to erode. We recommend using a straw if you choose to drink sodas. 
• Wine: Also, an acidic drink, white wine can lead to enamel erosion. On the contrary, red wine may stain your pearly whites. Rather than sipping a glass of wine throughout the day, drink a glass with your meal.

Foods to Enjoy: 

• Cheese: The perfect pairing to wine for many reasons. Our favorite? The calcium in cheese balances your mouth’s PH and reduces the effects wine has on your teeth. 
• Veggies: Bring a veggie tray to your next holiday party so you can munch on broccoli and carrots. These veggies are high in vitamin A which strengthens tooth enamel. Raw veggies also massage your gums while you eat them, increasing blood flow and cleaning your teeth. 
• Nuts: Most nuts are high in vitamins and minerals that promote teeth and gum health. 
• Turkey: Christmas dinner can be more than just delicious! Turkey is an excellent source of protein and rich in phosphorus. Proteins reduce the risk of tooth decay, helping your teeth stay strong and your mouth stay healthy. 
• Water: Water flushes bacteria from your mouth and encourages a healthy digestive system. Choose water as much as possible, but if you drink an alcoholic beverage or soda, rotate them with a glass of water. 

Enjoy this holiday season, but remember to take care of your teeth in the process. Another great gift idea for your mouth? An intensive cleaning and check-up to make sure every tooth is healthy. Contact us to schedule an appointment with Anderson and Atkins, DDS today. 

You might have rescheduled your dentist appointment, but you don’t have to wait until your next visit to ensure you’re taking great care of your teeth and gums. We want everyone to have a positive experience when we see you in person, so here’s an oral care check-list for every member of your family.

Infants and Children

Your routine may not be as structured this summer, but it’s important to make sure that you and your child include oral care in your daily activity. It’s never too early to start teaching your children how to take care of their teeth and gums.

• Use a soft washcloth to wipe down your baby’s gums and teeth
• Don’t allow your baby to go to sleep with a bottle of milk or juice
• Begin using toothpaste and a toothbrush to brush your two-year-old’s teeth
• Make sure children learn to brush their teeth regularly and properly
• Avoid sugary snacks and hard, chewy candy

Teenagers

Now that your children have their permanent teeth, it’s crucial to take good care of them. Regular oral hygiene will give your teens a beautiful smile, good breath, and help prevent cavities and gum disease.

• Brush your teeth and tongue properly twice a day using a toothpaste with fluoride
• Floss at least once a day
• Avoid tobacco products that will stain your teeth, give you bad breath, and cause cancer
• Wear protective headgear when you’re playing contact sports

Adults

You can set a good example for your family and reduce your risk for gum disease, tooth loss, and other problems when you take care of your entire mouth.

• Brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste
• Floss at least once a day
• Avoid tobacco products
• Check out the inside of your mouth for noticeable changes, sores that won’t heal, or receding gums

If you have questions or concerns about your oral health, contact Anderson and Atkins Dentistry today. We will help you determine whether or not your issue is an emergency that requires a visit to our office. In the meantime, keep taking care of your teeth and gums! We look forward to seeing you soon.

As we take a look at what worked last year–and what didn’t–it’s almost second nature to establish resolutions that will set us up to be more successful at work, more present in our homes, and overall, healthier. We determine that this will be the year we finally eat right or exercise daily. We resolve to wake up earlier, be kinder to ourselves and others. But have you considered the value of resolving to take care of your teeth? Don’t bring bad habits into this new decade. Instead, set a goal to establish new habits that will keep your mouth healthy for years to come. 

Bad Habit #1: Nail Biting 

Biting your nails is not just a habit that releases nervous energy, it can have a lasting negative impact on your jaw. According to the ADA, biting your nails puts extra pressure on your jaw which can cause jaw dysfunction. 

Resolution #1: Make Your Fingers Less Appealing

Avoid long term pain in your jaw and reduce your risk of chipping a tooth by putting this bad habit to rest. Make your fingernails less appealing by putting bitter-tasting nail polish on them. Practice other stress-reducing techniques like deep breathing, stretching, or walking so that you’re less inclined to bite your nails. If nail biting is related to anxiety or is triggered by a certain scenario, grab a stress ball or fidget spinner to keep your fingers occupied and away from your mouth. 

Bad Habit #2: Brushing Too Hard

You may have a habit of brushing your teeth at least twice a day–this is good! But it’s not good if you are brushing aggressively. Applying too much pressure or using a hard bristle toothbrush may be scrubbing away more than bacteria and debris, you may be scrubbing away enamel. Enamel is the hard, protective covering on your teeth that is necessary to promote oral health. 

Resolution #2: Switch to a Soft Toothbrush 

If you use a hard toothbrush look for one with softer bristles. Toothbrushes with the ADA seal of approval are the only ones you should be putting into your mouth. If your strong arm is the culprit behind this bad habit, resolve to be gentler as you brush. You can scrub the pots and pans but imagine massaging your teeth when you brush. 

Bad Habit #3: Grinding Your Teeth 

If you grind your teeth or clench your jaw, you risk chipping your teeth and are sure to experience jaw pain. If you have difficulty opening your mouth or feel tenderness in your jaw while you chew, chances are you grind your teeth. Many people grind their teeth while they sleep and therefore find this habit unavoidable. But you can still break this habit and protect your jaw. 

Resolution #3: Get a Nightguard 

If you grind your teeth at night, it’s time to get fitted for a nightguard. You can wear this at night to protect your teeth and reduce the soreness in your jaw. If you find yourself clenching your jaw during stressful times, this is the year to establish a new stress-reducing habit. Find a relaxation technique that works for you and practice this technique every time you realize you’re clenching your jaw tightly. 

Bad Habit #4: Chewing Ice 

You may look forward to a stop at your favorite drive-thru for a large drink with ice that begs to be chewed. Or, you may not even realize that after consuming a glass of iced tea you linger at the table, munching on ice. While chewing ice often feels satisfying, it threatens your enamel. Chewing ice is one of the most common ways to break a tooth or a filling. 

Resolution #4: Use a Straw

You can remove the temptation to chew ice when you finish your beverage by drinking from a straw. In the South, it seems crazy to ask for a glass of water without ice, but if you want to reduce the risk of breaking a tooth, it’s time to learn to enjoy a chilled beverage with no ice. 

Bad Habit #5: Snacking 

Over the holidays, it’s easy to skip regular mealtimes and snack all day. However, grazing on foods that are high in sugar or fat increases your risk for cavities. Bacteria in your mouth has a feast with leftover food in your mouth. This creates an acid that settles in your teeth and begins eating away at your enamel. 

Resolution #5: Eat a Balanced Meal 

Resist the urge to snack by eating a well-balanced meal that leaves you feeling full, longer. If you do need a snack, look for something low in processed sugar or fat. Grab a piece of fresh fruit, a handful of almonds, or carrot sticks and hummus rather than a bag of chips or a candy bar. If you do eat something with high sugar content, follow it with a glass of water. 

Bad Habit #6: Use Your Teeth as a Tool

You’re not the only one guilty of using your teeth to open a package. And while your teeth are strong, using them as a tool increases your risk of cracking a tooth or injuring your jaw. Your teeth are meant to help you chew food. To make sure they can accomplish this task, stop using them as an extra pair of hands or scissors.

Resolution #6: Find Help

Get to know your cubicle neighbor and ask for help when your hands are full, rather than relying on your teeth to hold onto something. Or, take a second to look for a pair of scissors. Your teeth will thank you. 

If you’re ready to make this the year you break bad oral habits, let Anderson & Atkins, DDS help you be successful! If you struggle with grinding your teeth, schedule an appointment to be fitted for a nightguard. Or, start the year off right and set up an appointment for a teeth cleaning. Anderson & Atkins is dedicated to taking care of the dental needs of your whole family.

We all know the benefits of regular and consistent brushing and flossing. Plaque produces acid that causes cavities, damages tooth enamel, and may even lead to gum disease. Brushing and flossing keep our teeth healthy by removing sugar and food particles that team up with bacteria to cause plaque.

We know the sugary foods we need to limit or avoid because they promote the bacteria growth that produces acid and causes tooth decay. Unrefined sugars like maple syrup, molasses, and honey are as damaging to our teeth as refined sugar. Of course, the worst offenders are sticky, sugary treats like dried fruit and candies that cling to our teeth. Sweetened juice drinks and sodas flood every crevice of our teeth in sugar. Starchy foods like cereals and popcorn leave a residue that is quickly converted to sugar by the bacteria in our mouths.

Now, are you ready for some good news?!

New (and growing) research shows that certain foods are good for your teeth, too. Along with foods that are known to be heart-healthy, we now have a list of foods that actually promote oral health.

Here are eight foods and drinks that are good for your teeth:

1. Crunchy foods

Apples, carrots, cucumbers, and celery take some serious chewing to break down. All that crunching acts as a cleaning tool to help remove plaque. Bacteria gets cleared away instead of staying in your mouth and settling on your teeth.

2. Tea

Black and green teas contain compounds called polyphenols which help slow the growth of bacteria that causes gum disease and cavities. Researchers at the University of Illinois at Chicago found evidence that people who rinsed their mouths with black tea for one minute, 10 times a day, had less plaque buildup on their teeth than those who rinsed with water.

3. Vitamin-rich foods

According to the American Dental Association, foods high in phosphorus – like eggs, fish, and meat – and foods containing calcium – like leafy greens, almonds, and cheese – help keep tooth enamel healthy and strong.

Acidic foods and drinks can cause tiny cuts on the enamel of your teeth. Phosphate and calcium help redeposit minerals back into those abrasions. Calcium is also good for your jawbone, as well as other bones in your body.

4. Milk

Milk can neutralize some of the acid formed by plaque bacteria. Unfortunately, adding milk to your cereal doesn’t have the same benefit since the milk becomes sweet and syrupy, which is bad for teeth. So, instead of drinking water or juice, drink a glass of milk after you eat a bowl of cereal. Vitamin D also increases the absorption of calcium.

5. Cheese

Research has shown that 12-15-year-olds who ate cheddar cheese had lower levels of acid in their mouths than those who drank a glass of milk or ate sugar-free yogurt.

In the research, the teens rinsed their mouths with water after eating the foods. Then the acid, or pH, levels in their mouths were measured 10, 20, and 30 minutes after they rinsed with water. The cheese eaters showed a rapid drop in pH levels each time they were measured, but those who ate yogurt or drank milk showed no change at all.

6. Cranberries

Just like tea, cranberries contain polyphenols which keep plaque from sticking to your teeth and lower the risk of cavities. Since the fruit is so tart, however, most cranberry products have added sugar which may undo any of the potential benefits for your teeth.

7. Raisins

Raisins are naturally sweet, so they don’t contain table sugar (sucrose). Raisins are also a source of phytochemicals that may kill plaque bacteria that cause cavities. In addition, some compounds in raisins appear to slow the growth of bacteria that have been linked with gum disease.

8. Sugarless gum

Chewing increases saliva production which naturally washes out some of the bacteria in your mouth. So, make it a habit to chew a piece of sugarless gum after you eat…especially when you can’t brush your teeth after a meal. Since bacteria need sucrose (table sugar) to produce plaque, make sure the gum you choose is sugarless.

As we approach the new year and begin to make resolutions to get healthy, now is a good time to start being proactive about the health of your mouth, too. A healthy balanced diet will provide all the nutrients you need to build strong teeth and keep your mouth and gums healthy. The beginning of the year is also a great time to schedule a check-up and routine cleaning, so give us a call today and make an appointment. We look forward to seeing you and helping you achieve oral health!

When should I schedule my child’s first visit to the dentist? Does my 3-year-old need to floss? How can I make sure my kids have healthy teeth?

As parents, it’s hard to know just how much dental care your kids need. You know you want to prevent cavities, but what’s the best way to accomplish that?

Here are some guidelines and tips to help you help them!

How to Clean Your Child’s Teeth

• You should start cleaning your baby’s mouth a few days after they’re born. Wipe their gums with a soft, clean and damp washcloth or gauze pad.
• Your child’s baby teeth are vulnerable to tooth decay the minute the tooth arrives. It’s common for the first four teeth to push through the gums when babies are around 6 months old, but some teeth don’t arrive until 12 or 14 months. At this time, you need to start brushing their teeth twice a day (morning and night) with a child-size toothbrush and a rice-size amount of fluoride toothpaste. As soon as they have two teeth that touch, you should begin flossing between their teeth every day.
• Continue brushing their teeth until you’re sure they’re old enough to properly brush on their own.
• Between the ages of 3 to 6 years, children need to use a pea-size amount of fluoride toothpaste and continue brushing their teeth each morning and night. Supervise your children to make sure they use the right amount of toothpaste, brush thoroughly and don’t swallow the toothpaste. Children should also continue to floss once a day.

Teething Symptoms

Symptoms of teething often begin before the actual appearance of a tooth by two or three months. There’s a wide range of normal when it comes to the age babies start teething. Most baby teeth begin to appear around 6 months, but some children don’t get their first tooth until after their first birthday. When their teeth begin to break through the gums, some babies lose their appetites, drool more than usual, become fussy have trouble sleeping. Fever and diarrhea aren’t normal symptoms for a baby that’s teething. Call your physician if your baby has diarrhea or fever while teething or if they continue to be uncomfortable and irritable.

First Visit to the Dentist

It’s a good idea to schedule a dental visit as soon as the first tooth appears. The ADA recommends that the first dental visit take place no later than the child’s first birthday, but preferable within six months after the first tooth erupts. Establish the importance of good oral hygiene early…don’t wait for an emergency or when your child starts school.

During your first visit, your dentist will:

• Examine to look for cavities, oral injuries or other concerns.
• Clean your child’s teeth and offer tips for daily care.
• Let you know if your child may be at risk of getting tooth decay.
• Discuss teething, thumb-sucking habits or pacifier use.
• Schedule the next check-up.

How Important is Fluoride?

Fluoride is a mineral that naturally occurs in all of our water sources. It’s also added to some community tap water and toothpastes. Fluoride helps make tooth enamel resistant to decay and helps repair enamel that has been weakened. Babies and toddlers who don’t receive the necessary amount of fluoride have an increased risk of getting tooth decay. Bottled water may not contain fluoride, so children who drink bottled water or tap water that doesn’t have added fluoride are missing the benefits fluoride provides. Contact your water supplier or local health department if you’re not sure your tap water has fluoride. Your dentist or pediatrician may suggest a fluoride supplement if the area you live in doesn’t have fluoridated water.

7 Tips to Help Kids Have Healthy Teeth

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one-fourth of American children between 2-5 years old have tooth decay and half of children aged 12-15 already have at least one cavity. Here are some tips to help prevent tooth decay and keep your child’s teeth healthy:

• Don’t put your child to bed with a bottle or sippy cup. Formula, milk and juice lead to tooth decay if the liquid sits on the teeth. Avoid giving snacks or drinks other than water to your kids after they’ve brushed their teeth.
• Make brushing fun! Choose one of the many cool toothbrushes available today. If you don’t find one that plays music, play a video on your phone or sing a fun song…anything to help your kids enjoy brushing their teeth.
• Brush your teeth in front of your kids. You can even brush at the same time. Teach them by example and let them mimic what you’re doing. Show them how to brush correctly and how to brush every part of the mouth, even the tongue.
• Brush for two minutes twice a day. Play a two-minute song or video or start a fun sand or liquid motion timer to make sure your kids brush long enough.
• Floss once a day. It’s time to start flossing as soon as two teeth touch each other. Most decay and cavities are in between two teeth where toothbrushes can’t reach.
• Reduce sugary treats. Candy, gummies, soda, junk food and sports drinks are loaded with sugar that between and stuck on teeth. Try to give them during the day when the mouth produces more saliva and can help wash away the bacteria that causes cavities.
• Get them motivated! Sesame Street has over a dozen songs, games and videos to teach children how to brush. Older children can check out the website 2min2x.org for some inspiration.

Anderson & Atkins Dentistry is committed to helping you and your family have healthy teeth and gums. Contact us today if you have questions about our practice or want to make sure you’re on the right track to helping your kids have a healthy mouth.

As you get your child’s costume ready and make a plan for fall festivals and trick-or-treating, you know they are already thinking about the candy that comes with Halloween. Can you blame them? There’s something almost magical about coming home and dumping all of the candy out on the kitchen table. You watch as they sort through each piece, finding their favorites, the ones they need to hide from their siblings, the ones they willingly offer up for a trade. But it’s important to monitor the amount of candy your child consumes around Halloween and know which candies can cause problems for their teeth. As you get ready for Halloween, talk to your kids about what candy can do to their teeth, what they need to watch out for, and how to make sure they clean their teeth properly after indulging.

Chocolate

Chocolate is a candy that gets the green light—as long as it’s consumed in moderation. Chocolate rinses off your teeth easily, which is why it doesn’t raise a huge concern. Dark chocolate is even better because it contains less sugar than milk chocolate.

Gummy Candy

Unfortunately, gummy candy needs to be eaten with caution. Because the sticky centers tend to get stuck in your teeth, there’s more time for the cavity-causing bacteria to work. Don’t let gummy candies sit on your teeth for too long.

Sour Candy

Sour candies tend to have higher acidity. The acid can damage or weaken your teeth’s enamel which makes you more prone to cavities.

Hard Candy

One reason hard candy can be harmful is that it can break your teeth when you try to bite into it. If you suck on hard candies for a long time, the sugar from the candy gets in your saliva and continually washes over your teeth.

The Problem with Sugar

In most cases, the candies themselves are not the issue, it’s the sugar in them. Your mouth already has bacteria in it. When you eat sugar-filled candy, the bacteria in your mouth eats the sugar and turns it into an acid. Then, the acid weakens your enamel—the hard, outer covering on your teeth. When the enamel is damaged, cavities form. The best way to prevent cavities is to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss every day. If your children are doing this all year long, chances are a Halloween splurge won’t harm their teeth. Just make sure brushing their teeth is the last thing they do on Halloween.

Regular dental appointments are the best way to detect early signs of tooth decay and potential cavities. At Anderson & Atkins, DDS, we are committed to giving your child the best oral care, minimizing their anxiety, and teaching them effective dental habits. Contact us today to schedule a routine teeth cleaning for the whole family.

Source: https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/h/halloween-candy-survival-guide