Eat Right for a Healthy Smile

By now we all know a million reasons to eat better – better health, a smaller waistline, increased energy, the list goes on. But did you know some foods can give you a healthier, happier smile?

Timing is Everything
Foods high in sugar, such as soda, candy, and baked goods, easily stick to teeth and form bacteria that promotes tooth decay. Similarly, highly acidic foods – even those that may have other health benefits – such as citrus fruits, wine, and honey, break down tooth enamel.

When it comes to how it impacts oral health, reducing your consumption of sugary or overly acidic foods is beneficial, but not enough. It is best to eat foods that fall into these two categories only as a part of larger meals rather than sporadically throughout the day. In addition to reducing the amount of time your teeth are exposed to sugar and acid, your body will secrete a higher volume of saliva while digesting a larger quantity of food, which helps to wash the harmful elements away faster.

To further reduce the amount of time teeth are exposed to sugar and acid, a quick post-meal swish of water makes a big difference. If you've eaten an acidic food or drink, the American Dental Association recommends waiting at least 30 minutes before brushing your teeth.

One More Reason to Eat Fruits & Veggies
Not surprisingly, the best foods to eat for optimal oral health are also the best foods to eat for overall health – lots of fresh produce! Crisp, crunchy fruits and veggies such as apples, pears, carrots, and celery help to clean existing plaque off of teeth. They are also high in water content which dilutes sugars and acids in the mouth, and promotes saliva production. Additionally, antioxidants and vitamins found in dark leafy greens and berries have been proven to help reduce inflammation in the body, which helps protect against gum disease.

Strong Bones = Strong Teeth
Calcium and certain vitamins, including C and B are essential for building strong bones, promoting cellular growth, and protecting against infection and disease. Milk, cheese, and plain yogurt are all excellent sources of calcium and vitamins, as are meats, nuts and legumes. These foods are naturally low in sugar and also provide phosphorous, which helps to promote the natural process of restoring lost or damaged tooth enamel, through the process of remineralization.

Learn more about how nutrition can impact your oral health or call us at (908) 998-4698 to schedule an appointment!

The History of the Toothbrush

Today, there are countless toothbrush options to choose from – soft or hard bristles, different shapes of handles – all are available in a rainbow of colors! But the modern day toothbrush comes from humble beginnings long ago, and the practice of daily tooth brushing didn’t become mainstream in the United States until the early 1950’s.

Tooth and Chew Sticks
The very first iteration of the toothbrush dates back to 3500 BC in Egypt and Babylon, and was formed by chewing on a twig to fray the ends, which could then be used to rub the teeth clean. Similarly, in China in 1600 BC, people began chewing on sticks from aromatic trees that had natural healing and antiseptic properties.

Bristles
In the 15th century, the Chinese invented the first version of a toothbrush with bristles – which would eventually morph into what we use today. They plucked coarse hairs from northern boars and then affixed them to handles whittled from bones or bamboo.

Bristled toothbrushes were brought to Europe in the Middle Ages and quickly became the preferred method of tooth cleaning. The Europeans however preferred softer fibers such as feathers or horse hair.

In the late 18th century, Englishman William Addis began mass producing a version of the Chinese bristled brush, with the new addition of drilling holes in the handles in which the bristles could be inserted.

Plastic
After the start of World War II, resources became scarce in America, which prompted the use of moldable plastic for the handles. In 1938, Dupont de Nemours introduced nylon bristles, which boasted improved performance and were cheaper to produce. A few years later, soldiers returning after the war brought with them higher standards of dental hygiene, thus popularizing the habit of brushing twice daily.

The toothbrush as we know it today has come a long way!

To learn more, visit our Website or call us at (908) 998-4698 to schedule an appointment!

Raising Kids with Healthy Teeth

Since baby teeth are temporary, there is a common misconception that they are less important than permanent teeth. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth! 

Even as infants, it is vital to start routinely cleaning gums and brushing teeth. Visiting a dentist early in a child’s life is also important, since it establishes a “dental home” and provides education to both parents and children.

Other normal infant and toddler behaviors – such as thumb sucking, pacifier use, and breast or bottle feeding – also have a significant impact on long-term tooth, mouth, and speech development.

Start at the Beginning
Even before a baby gets his or her first tooth, it is a good idea to start rubbing the gums with a soft wet washcloth, to acclimate them to the sensation. Once the first teeth start to emerge, mom and dad should begin brushing them twice a day with a soft “starter” tooth brush and toothpaste that does not contain fluoride. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends scheduling baby’s first visit to the dentist by their first birthday.

When Sucking Becomes a Problem
The urge and need to suck is not only natural for babies – it is also necessary, since that is how they get the sustenance they need for the first year of life via breast or bottle feeding. This is the same reason infants will suck on a pacifier or their fingers – it is a natural way to calm and comfort themselves. Long-term however, this habit can cause orthodontic problems, since it can interfere with normal jaw and mouth development, leading to crooked teeth or bite issues. The AAPD recommends discouraging these behaviors after baby turns one, and ending them no later than their third birthday.

Get Kids Onboard
By the age of two or three, a child can brush their own teeth, but an adult should always supervise and assist to ensure it is being done correctly. The easiest way to ensure your children will allow you to brush their teeth – and then continue to do so correctly once they are old enough – is to make it a fun, family activity. In the morning when everyone gets up and again right before bedtime, everyone can have a brushing and flossing dance party in the bathroom. Allowing your child to choose the toothbrush they want to use, and offering incentives, such as stickers or an extra bedtime story, are also effective.

Establishing good habits early on will set you children up for a lifetime of better oral health.

To learn more, visit our Website or call us at (908) 245-1745 to schedule an appointment!

Happy Fourth of July!

It’s summertime and the livin’ is easy – long, hot lazy days … dips in the pool … backyard BBQs … staying up late to chase fireflies … Even during this laid-back season, it is important to remember the importance of maintaining good dental health.

Vacation Mode
School is out for summer, which means it is vacation time! Whether you and the family are taking day trips to amusements parks and the beach, or packing up for a few weeks at the lake, the regular daily routine goes by the wayside. And while a break from the norm is an added perk during the summer, be sure to still remember to brush and floss every day, as well as visit the dentist for regular cleanings and check-ups.

Fun in the Sun
Summer means being outside and PLAYING: running around the yard planning catch, games of volley ball on the beach, and boogie boarding the waves. All this physical activity is wonderful for kids and grown-ups alike, but it can also pose a risk to your teeth. According to the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), mouth guards prevent over 200,000 injuries every year

Icy Cold Treats
To beat the heat and stay hydrated, some frosty summer favorites include lemonade, ice cream cones and Italian ice. While tasty and refreshing, these classic treats are also loaded with sugar, which is the leading cause of tooth decay. To protect your teeth from cavities, try sticking with cold ice water and fresh fruits and veggies instead.

Enjoy summer and remember to take good care of your smile while you are at it!

To learn more, call Roselle Park Dental today at 908-245-1745 or visit us at www.roselleparkdental.com.