Thursday, August 22, 2013

Acids From Foods You'd Never Suspect



Improve Your Family’s Dental Health  

With Advice from Dr. DiStefano’s Howell Dentist Office! 

Some days it’s a challenge to get your kids to sit still enough to eat, let alone eat something healthy.   
Some foods that are known as healthy can still harm your tooth enamel.   
Like, yogurt, honey and even some cereals have acid!    
Who knew?


Being aware of which foods are acidic and ways to decrease mouth acid is beneficial to improve your families dental health

Acidic Food.  It’s Not Just Orange Juice Anymore! 

Other foods/ Drinks that contain Acidic are:

  • Fruit and fruit products that contain citric and malic acid

  • Soft drinks contain phosphoric acid

  • Fermented products like yogurt contain lactic acid

  • Grapes and wine contain tartaric acid

  • Vegetables processed in vinegar such as pickles, beets, sauerkraut are also acidic.

A few tricks to prevent the decay of your tooth enamel when consuming acidic food and drink:

  • Finish your meal with milk or a small piece of cheese to promote saliva.

  • Chew sugar free gum which promotes saliva flow.

  • Get a fluoride treatment from Dr. DiStefano, Howell Family Dentist

  • Use fluoride toothpaste

  • Drink fluoridated water

  • Snack less especially on sugar and carbs.  After you eat your mouth becomes acidic to break down foods. 

  • Drink more water.

  • If you have Acid Reflux or other gastrointestinal problems –see your M.D. for treatment   

  • Avoid brushing your teeth immediately after consuming the acidic food or drink.  Why?  The acid softens your tooth enamel and brushing could do harm.  Wait at least an hour before brushing.

  • Don’t swish the acidic drink in your mouth.  Or perhaps, drink with a straw.

Please contact us if you have any questions and thanks for reading our blog! 
Dr. Gary R. DiStefano, DDS & Associates 
517-546-8983 




Tuesday, August 6, 2013

Improve Your Family's Dental Health: Cold Sensitivity

Improve Your Family’s Dental Health With advice from 
Dr. DiStefano at his Howell Dentist Office!

Cold Sensitivity in Teeth Just in Time for Popsicle Season! 

Did you know that tooth sensitivity is highest in people between ages 25 to 30? Most people believe that sensitivity to cold mean just that --- your tooth is sensitive to cold.

Are you aware that it could also be the sign of a more serious condition?

A visit to the dentist will either put your mind at rest or identify an issue before it gets out of control. 

Tooth sensitivity could be a sign of the conditions listed below or a combination there of:
  • Tooth decay 
  • Grinding your teeth You may be getting gingivitis [Build up of bacteria on your gums]. If your gums are sore and red instead of pink, and they bleed easily. ..You _ may have gingivitis! Some people are more prone to gingivitis, such as: people with diabetes, frequent allergy sufferers, smokers and people who are deficient in vitamin C or Niacin. 
  • Gum Infection[ gums begin to move away from your teeth, exposing the root]. 
  • Cracked or broken tooth, a loose filling or an ill fitted crown. 

Consumption of highly acidic food or drink it can lead to tooth sensitivity as well. Beware of mouthwashes that contain acid. Prolonged use could actually do more harm than good!


Once you see your dentist to rule out any major problems, follow your dentist’s instructions and be sure to follow a good brushing and flossing routine.  Make sure you use a soft bristle brush and do not brush too aggressively.  You may also want to try a toothpaste that’s meant for sensitive teeth. 

Please contact us if you have any questions … and thanks for reading our blog!
  
Improve Every Aspect of Your Family’s Health with Dr. DiStefano.  Call 517-546-8983 and his helpful staff will schedule your appointment and get you and your family on the way to better health. 

Contact us through our website    http://howelldentistoffice.com/
Join our Facebook Page  https://www.facebook.com/dr.distefano
Follow us on Twitter  https://twitter.com/DrDiStefanoDDS