5 Things You Should Do in the New Year to Have A Healthier Mouth

Do you want to do a better job taking care of your teeth in the New Year?

Is one of your New Year’s Resolutions to start going to the dentist more often?

Are you looking for things you can do in between appointments to make sure your mouth is as healthy as possible?

You’re not alone! Many Americans put health issues at the top of their New Year’s Resolution lists every year, and we want to make sure that you know what you can do at home and on the go to make sure your teeth are as healthy as possible.

Here are five things you can start doing to improve the health of your mouth and teeth in 2016:

1. Drink more water! You already know that water is good for you, but did you know that water also helps to wash away acid-producing foods from your mouth? Keeping acid off your teeth can help protect the enamel against erosion. 
2. Try sugar-free drinks and chewing gum! Make the switch to sugar-free drinks and sugar-free chewing gum in 2016. Sugar-free drinks can help wash acid producing food from your mouth and reduce the risk of cavities. Additionally, according to WebMD, chewing gum “increases the flow of saliva, which helps neutralize acids in the mouth, protecting tooth enamel.”
3. Eat more cheese and milk! This one might sound a little out there, but cheese and milk can help protect your tooth enamel and ward off cavities. They both encourage saliva production and the protein and calcium in both those foods can buffer the acids in a lot of foods, protecting the enamel of your teeth from erosion. 
4. Chocolate lovers rejoice; eat more cocoa! Also according to WebMD, substances found in cocoa can dampen inflammation and help protect against erosion and decay. Dark chocolate is the best choice to help your teeth, as it is lower in sugar than milk chocolate.
5. Eat more fish! Omega-3 fatty acids are potent anti-inflammatory nutrients, and studies have shown that people who have high omega-3 diets are more resistant to gum disease.

Looking For More?

If you want more ideas on how to change the way you eat and take care of your mouth, teeth and gums in 2016, visit our website! Dr. DiStefano & Associates are happy to be the most trusted family dentist in Howell, Michigan and are happy to help you!

3 Things to Avoid in Order to Have Whiter, Healthier Teeth

Are you looking to make a change to better your health in the New Year?

Do you want to have a healthier, whiter smile?

You’re not alone! Many people look for ways to better themselves with their New Year’s Resolutions! If you’re looking for a way to make your mouth healthier next year, we want to help!

You already know that the foods you eat affect how your smile looks, and how your mouth feels. Did you know that certain foods could even affect the strength of your enamel?

Enamel protects your teeth and also keeps them looking nice and shiny. In order to keep that enamel looking and feeling healthy, there are certain things you should avoid in 2016.

1. Sugary drinks – According to WebMD, the bacteria in your mouth that helps break down simple sugars also produces acid, which can erode tooth enamel. This can cause cavities, as well. Avoid sugary drinks like soft drinks and fruit drinks to prevent this from happening.
2. Candy and highly sweetened snacks – You already know that candy is loaded with sugar. That seems like a no-brainer, but did you know that gummy candies are the worst threat to your teeth? Gummy candies adhere to teeth, making it hard for your saliva to wash them away. 
3. Coffee, tea and red wine – This one might seem impossible to a lot of us who need our morning caffeine to get us going! Since we tend to sip coffee and tea slowly, acid levels remain high, which can weaken your enamel. These drinks are also notorious for staining teeth.

What Can I Do Instead to Keep My Teeth White?

In order to keep your mouth healthy and your teeth white, eliminating sugary foods and foods with acids can go a long way.

In addition, drinking coffee and tea sparingly can help keep your teeth looking white. Drinking with a straw can also help keep your enamel strong.

Looking For More?

Dr. DiStefano & Associates has been the premier family dentist in Howell, Michigan for over 30 years. We want to help you get the bright and healthy smile you’ve always wanted! Visit our website today to schedule an appointment!