Dental Hygiene Month!

 

An Apple a Day Does NOT Keep the Dentist Away

 

An apple a day keeps the doctor away!

Or, so the saying goes. But does an apple a day keep the dentist away?

Well, not exactly!

Dental professionals are warning against the sweet and sugary fruit after new research has shown that apples can be just as bad for your teeth as sweets and sodas. 

 

Did you know?

The sugar content of apples has risen over 50% in the last decade, due to new breeds of apples providing a more preferable, sweeter taste. A study in the UK showed that ten years ago, apple varieties like Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, and Organ Pippin contained 10%-11% of sugar by weight. But according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the average modern apple now has a sugar content of 15%. That’s the equivalent of four tablespoons of sugar!

 

What’s in an apple, anyway?

It usually goes without saying at this point that sugar is bad for your teeth, since it causes decay. Beyond the amount of sugar in an apple, apples are also high in acidity, which will erode your teeth, a lesser known effect of one of our nation’s favorite fruits.

 

‘My kids love apple slices and apple juice! Are you saying they shouldn’t eat apples?’

Most kids love apples, and drinking apple juice, but we should be concerned about the level of sugar they’re consuming from fruits and juices, even if it’s natural sugar – too much sugar and acid can be harmful. We’re not saying apples aren’t beneficial either, though. Here are some of the benefits of eating apples:

• Healthy gums and bones: Apples contain 15% of your daily recommended intake of Vitamin C, which keeps your gums healthy. Without Vitamin C, your gums can be more susceptible to infection, bleeding, and gum disease. Apples also contain potassium, which improves bone mineral density. Your teeth, of course, are bones. Double win!
• Increased saliva flow: The fibrous texture of the fleshy inside of an apple and its skin can stimulate your gums, which increases your saliva flow and reduces cavity-causing bacteria.
• Balanced and healthy in our diets: Apples are loaded with soluble fiber which can help lower cholesterol and improve your blood sugar regulation. Apples also contain antioxidants that can lower cholesterol and decrease the risk of heart disease, cancer, and stroke, meaning better gum and heart health.

 

The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree…

Parents may be scratching their heads at the conflicting advice between family doctors and dentists, who have been told to introduce more fruit into the family lifestyle, and encouraged to swap out candies and sodas for naturally sweet treats like apples. Parents know the best way to help children prevent tooth decay and cavities is to monitor eating habits, so what should parents do about sugar? Start by monitoring the amount of sugar intake in your child’s diet. Children should not consume more than 6 tablespoons of sugar, per day.

Myth: Apples are a natural toothbrush. Dated studies tout that as we’re chewing crisp, raw fruit like apples, they’re working to gently and slightly remove plaque trapped between our teeth. However, a PLoS One study from 2018 found that chewing an apple doesn’t remove dental plaque, and may flavor plaque regrowth during the first 24 hours. Eating apples did produce an immediate reduction in bacteria viability, a similar reaction to what happens after you brush your teeth.

Pediatric dentists suggest a balance of foods that aid in supporting the immune system and fight inflammation of the gums, like whole fruits, veggies, lean proteins, and healthy fats like nuts and eggs. Instead of fruit as a snack between meals, the British Dental Association has recommended children should eat cheese. Despite its high fat content, cheese neutralizes acidity that can attack tooth enamel, and the calcium can increase pH levels in your mouth and produce more saliva. Celery and carrots are also great alternatives if you’re worried about sugar intake.

 

What about all of the fun fall activities centered around apples?

Apple bobbing, heading out to an orchard for apple picking, enjoying crisp apple cider and warm apple cider donuts… wait, what were we talking about again? Ah, apple season in the south! Of course you can partake in all of your apple-centric festivities – in moderation is key, dental experts advise.

 

The best apple-eating and drinking tips for your teeth:

• Only eat apples at mealtimes, rather than as snacks.
• Leave the skin on the apples, as they’re full of nutrients!
• Limit apple juice in young children and replace with important balanced alternatives like water and milk.
• Eat apples with other small snacks, like cheese, a glass of milk, or crackers.
• Rinse with water after eating apples or drinking apple juice to minimize damage to the teeth.
• Wait to brush after eating apples. We don’t recommend brushing your teeth right after eating any sugary foods. Sugar acts as a sort of sandpaper and can damage your tooth enamel when you try to brush it immediately. Wait at least 30 minutes after a sugary snack like apples, and then brush your teeth.

 

The apple of our eye: Our South Charlotte Dentistry family!

A healthy dental diet will help your children maintain their oral care, but your children will also need regular checkups to ensure the health of their teeth and gums. Give South Charlotte Dentistry a call today!

Mask Mouth: An Emerging Dental Concern During COVID-19

 

Months into the global pandemic of Coronavirus-19, the U.S. population has regularly been wearing face masks, to work entire shifts in, for short periods to visit family or go to a grocery store, or to walk around crowded areas in. Although NC has entered Stage 3 of Covid-19 plans, we are still months or possibly a year away from restrictions around mask-wearing easing. South Charlotte Dentistry has the latest on the phenomena known as “mask mouth,” what you can do to prioritize your oral health during this time, and how to negate the effects of wearing a mask.

 

What happens when we wear a mask?

When we speak a single phrase, hundreds of respiratory droplets are released, reaching anywhere from 20 to 500 micrometers. Respiratory droplets increase when we cough, sneeze, or raise our voices. A mask keeps those respiratory droplets contained, preventing the spread of the droplets from transmitting to another person through the air. Since COVID-19 is airborne, we must wear masks to keep others safe, whether we’re experiencing symptoms or not. The virus is known to present in asymptomatic cases, or in persons who are infected but do not show any symptoms of the virus.

The CDC recommends that everyone uses and wears masks for protection and to prevent and slow the spread of COVID-19. The CDC does not recommend mask-wearing for children under the age of 2 years old, or anyone who has trouble breathing, is unconscious, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to remove a mask without assistance (read more here).

 

What is mask mouth?

Mask mouth has been termed by dentists to describe the stinky breath, dry mouth, and the effects of the buildup of bad bacteria in the mouth from wearing a mask (e.g. cavities, periodontal disease, etc.).

In an interview with the New York Post, dentist Dr. Rob Ramondi stated that about 50% of their patients are affected by the ‘mask mouth’ trend. He went on to say that these were patients who, before the mask-wearing mandates, had healthy teeth and gums, but are now presenting dental problems due to the face masks.

Dentists nationwide are describing similar upticks in patients displaying the symptoms of mask mouth.

 

Mouth breathing is leading to dry mouth.

Dry mouth is triggered by wearing face coverings, since people tend to breathe through their mouth instead of through their nose while wearing a mask. Mouth breathing leads to a decrease in saliva. Saliva is essential to your oral health; saliva fights bacteria and keeps your teeth clean, neutralizing acid in the mouth to help prevent tooth decay and gum disease

Another tendency people have while wearing masks is the decreased consumption of water throughout the day. Due to the pressures of a global pandemic, it may be safe to hypothesize that people are consuming more coffee and alcohol during the lockdown, resulting in widespread dehydration.

If left untreated, dry mouth can lead to increased plaque, tooth decay, mouth sores, gum disease, or thrush.

 

Think you had bad breath from wearing a mask? You might be onto something.

There are definitely days when we’ve experienced re-consuming our own stinky breath in our masks and thought, “Does my breath always smell this bad?” On the bright side, at least the masks prevent another person from smelling your bad breath. But it turns out, bad breath has been a collective experience lately, revealing that face masks and poor oral hygiene are starting to take a toll on our oral health.

Halitosis, also known as bad breath, can be an embarrassing issue to deal with, and certainly not pleasant to experience under the current safety guidelines. Oftentimes, the bad breath patients report can be cured with a good cleaning, and great, consistent daily oral hygiene, and cutting down on fragrant or strong smelling foods and beverages. However, some bad breath can be signs of more serious health conditions.

If you are already experiencing bad breath, you may already have periodontal disease, or you have bad bacteria sitting on your tongue due to dry mouth. If your bad breath is not going away and the breath smells way worse than usual, then you need to contact your dentist right away. Gum disease is known to smell like cabbage or rotting eggs, since the bad bacteria that cause gum disease can release a sulfurous chemical called methyl mercaptan. Bad breath caused by gum disease is nothing to be ashamed of – in fact, 75% of American adults have bad breath because of underlying gum disease.

Gum disease, however, is an irreversible dental condition. It may start with dry mouth, but left untreated, leads to plaque buildup that slowly damages the gums and bone structure in the mouth. Gum disease can be scary because it often begins without any pain or warning signs, and may only show when you’re experiencing symptoms like receding or inflamed gums.

If you don’t like what you’re smelling while wearing a mask, then talk to your dentist at South Charlotte Dentistry today. We can get to the root of your bad breath problem, and provide solutions to help you today.

 

Cavities, on cavities.

Rather than a spike in cavities due to the over indulgence of candy and sweets eating around Halloween and the upcoming holidays, we’re instead seeing an early large spike in cavities among adults. This has been a big surprise in the world of dentistry!

An increase in cavities is directly related to the dry mouth phenomena of mask mouth, or the lack of saliva caused by us breathing through our mouths while wearing a mask. Saliva is our body’s first defense against cavities and keeping our teeth and gums healthy, so when we’re producing less saliva, we’re seeing an increase in bacteria. Cavities should not be left untreated; once bacteria has started to damage your teeth, the teeth and gums need to be treated by a professional, whether that’s with gum disease treatments or fillings and restoration.

 

What we’re NOT saying for you or encouraging you to do:

• To stop wearing a mask
• To stop following local and nationwide mask mandates
• To stop listening to the CDC or abiding by health and safety guidelines

The negative oral health side effects of wearing a mask do not outweigh the benefits of wearing a mask. COVID-19 is a public health crisis, and the science shows that wearing a mask absolutely reduces the risk of transmission. Do your part to protect yourself and others by wearing a mask. In the next section, we will discuss how you can improve your oral health, while staying safe and continuing to wear a mask.

 

How can you avoid the negative effects of mask mouth?

Attend your regular dental cleanings.

Our office is following all local, state, and national guidelines for keeping the office clean and sanitary, as well as keeping our staff and patients as safe as possible. Regular cleanings can keep the bacteria and build-up on your teeth in check, and keep a handle on any concerns you may have about your oral health before they become major problems.

 

Implement daily fluoride into your routine.

Fluoride can be a great help right now to maintaining your oral health. Fluoride is accessible through city drinking water, which is fluorinated, and through most toothpaste. An easy place to start is by checking your toothpaste to make sure that it contains fluoride, brushing twice a day, and drinking more water. If you’re worried about staining your teeth from fluoride, look for Sodium Fluoride – Stannous Fluoride may stain your teeth.

Our fluoride treatments at South Charlotte Dentistry are very affordable and can be done on the same appointment as your cleaning. Ask your dentist if you are a suitable candidate for a fluoride treatment.

 

Practice great dental hygiene!

It is easy for anyone to become slack with excellent dental hygiene, but prioritize your oral health now more than ever. Brush your teeth at least twice daily, or even increase to brushing your teeth after every meal, snack, or sugary drink. Floss daily! Once it becomes an established part of your routine, whether that’s in the morning or before bed, take five minutes or less to floss. Rinse your mouth with mouthwash daily. Scrape your tongue with the backside of your toothbrush each time you brush to ensure that you’re removing any bacteria from your tongue that can lead to bad breath. Make sure that any mouthwash you’re using is alcohol-free to prevent drying out your mouth.

 

Cut down on caffeine and alcohol, and drink more water.

Keeping your body hydrated will naturally increase your saliva output, leading to healthier, happier teeth and gums.

 

Consider investing in a humidifier.

Humidifiers can be found online for as cheap as $15, and are a great and easy to way to moisten the air. Whether you add one to your desk to run while you work or on your nightstand as you sleep, a humidifier could help you throughout your day and night. 

 

Quit or cut down on smoking. 

Smoking notoriously leads to dry mouth. The nicotine in tobacco reduces saliva flow and can cause saliva to become thicker, and therefore, less effective.

 

Be more mindful and try to breathe through your nose while wearing a mask.

This is definitely easier said than done, but pay attention to your breathing throughout the day, and try to breathe more consistently through your nose. This will reduce dry mouth.

 

Refresh or change your mask as recommended.

The respiratory particles we talked about earlier land and live on your mask as you breathe and talk throughout the day, and the buildup of those particles can cause an odor. With bad breath, in particular, make sure that you are changing or washing your masks as recommended by the CDC or retailer. Your mask may stink even before a whole day of wear, so have additional masks on hand to switch out your masks. One-time wear masks should be disposed of after one wash.

An obvious, quick solution to bad breath while wearing a mask would be to keep breath mints or chewing gum on hand, but these are only a temporary solution to the real problem, and may add more sugar intake to your teeth or stress out your jaw from chewing. Talk to your dentist about bad breath, and we can get your smile fresh again!

Some bad breath mask wearers have also recommended using essential oil sprays on their masks. If there’s a smell you enjoy, like lavender or mint, and you aren’t sensitive to strong smells, give the mask a spritz! This might be a great temporary solution for those waiting on their dentist appointment.

 

Contact South Charlotte dentistry today.

There has never been a more important time to attend your dental appointments. We can help with the side effects of mask mouth with the following dental services:

• Dental Cleanings
• Gum disease treatments
• Fillings and restoration
• Fluoride treatments

Due to restrictions on how many patients can be seen at one time in the office and cleaning regimens to ensure the safety of our staff and patients, you may have to book further ahead of time than anticipated, as we have fewer appointments available per day. Prioritize your dental health today by giving us a call now to schedule your appointment at (704) 759-0908.

Millennials Spending More Money on Treatments

 

83 million people in the United States belong to the millennial generation, born between 1982 and 1996. Fondly labeled as economy and industry killers, millennials are also described as self-involved, self-expressive, and receptive to new ideas and ways of living. These common characteristics have enabled millennials to shape the face of nearly every industry and practice in the U.S., including dentistry!

Since June 2019, millennials have officially overtaken the Booomer generation (born between 1946 and 1964) as the largest portion of adults in the U.S. population. Millennials are setting the standard for what it takes to attract and retain patients to dental practices. Millennials dentists and patients alike are shaping the future, technology, and trends of dentistry. At South Charlotte Dentistry, we know firsthand the influence of the millennial population on dentistry, and what a bright, exciting future lies ahead.

 

The digital world and dentistry

Millennials were born into a digital world that rapidly transformed before their eyes as they came of age. With high tech literacy, technology permeates every corner of life for millennials, and as a result, they have high expectations for what tech will deliver. Millennials expect seamless, painless technology, with fast results, and don’t necessarily need the recommendation of a professional; the age of the Internet means information travels fast, and marketing is around every corner.

The dental industry still remains dominated by boomers, with 42% of current dentists being 55 years or older. In the next few years, we will see more and more practices begin the transition of handing off the dental industry to millennials, who will usher in the next wave of the best and latest practices.

Practices have already begun to shift to accommodate millennial demand. Research from the Oral Health Foundation found in June 2020, that millennials in the United Kingdom are spending three times the national average on dental treatments. That comes out at about £750 a year, per person! In 2015, Americans spent nearly $16 billion on cosmetic dental procedures, and millennials made up 60 % of the clientele. Millennials outspend every other generation so far when it comes to working on their smiles. 

The self-involvement and confidence to seek and try out new ideas have made the millennial population more receptive to and in the demand of the latest oral health trends and technologies. When a millennial has an oral health problem, instead of calling the dentist, they may be more inclined to Google for an answer, seek out an FAQ, or turn to blogs, like this, for advice. A millennial may be more inclined to read practice and product reviews, and cost comparisons; maximum convenience and low cost are key. 

 

What are millennial patients spending money on?

Well, in the spirit of convenience and efficiency (and maybe a bit of self-involvement, but we prefer to call it self-care – why shouldn’t you invest in yourself and your healthcare?), millennial patients spend more on cosmetic dentistry treatments. The generation that grew up on the internet is more than aware of how Adobe Photoshop, Face Tune, or even at home-whitening kits can’t cut it when there’s always a chance of someone else posting a photo or video of you without editing. Pearly white teeth and celebrity Instagram smiles are in demand, and millennials are willing to make the change and pay the price for a perfect first impression. 

Some of the most popular cosmetic density solutions for millennials revolve around smile repairs, such as:

• Professional teeth whitening (one hour)
• Porcelain veneers (one hour)
• Same-day crowns (one dental visit)
• Teeth reshaping (one dental visit)
• Tooth-colored fillings (one dental visit)
• Cosmetic tooth bonding and contouring (one dental visit)
• Porcelain tooth inlays and onlays (one dental visit)
• Invisalign (faster and less invasive than braces)

Teeth whitening is by far the most popular dental treatment, with at least 4 in 10 people under 35 having a tooth whitening treatment 

Brief procedures with little to no pain, and fast, visible results are very popular. With the rise of self-care lifestyles among the millennial population, smiles are associated with beauty as much as health. 

In turn, millennial patients generally experience fewer oral health problems like tooth decay or tooth loss than older generations, simply because of better access to dental care as a child and through young adulthood, and the age of their teeth overall. This means that the majority of money millennials choose to spend on their dental care is for cosmetic treatments, and less about treating clinical problems. 

However, on the flip side, many younger millennial Americans suffer from lack of consistent, quality dental care (resulting in the need for later cosmetic treatments), with reports from the American Dental Association citing:

• 35% report embarrassment related to their mouth and teeth
• 35% report problems chewing
• 30% experience anxiety about their oral healthcare
• 33% avoid smiling
• 38% say life, in general, is less satisfying due to the condition of their mouth and teeth

A barrier to dental care for many millennials is insurance. While millennials have higher standards about the appearance of their smile than other, older Americans, the strain remains between the inaccessibility between dental healthcare and cosmetic perfection. However, when millennials have secure job footing and benefits, they quickly seek out dental work, resulting in the influx of cosmetic treatments. 

 

Let South Charlotte Dentistry help you strike a balance between baseline oral healthcare and cosmetic treatments.

South Charlotte Dentistry can help you achieve your ideals of a beautiful, healthy smile, at a reasonable cost, with a team of dental professionals that are there for you every step of the way. If you’re looking for a new dentist to build a lifelong relationship with and to set up a plan for achieving your dream smile, contact Dr. Wells and his team at (704) 759-0908.

 

Chances are no one needs to tell you about how significantly the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the routines of everyday Americans. All kinds of businesses and other organizations have been forced—either directly or indirectly—to close. And over the course of the last few months, many of these establishments have been allowed to reopen, albeit at a limited capacity. 

As such, millions of people across the country have been trying to adjust to a new normal that seems to change by the day. But one thing is for sure: Even if there are a lot of things in our lives that we can’t control right now, we can still take steps to foster our health and well-being. And maintaining good dental health can go a long way in helping us achieve that.

The good news is that dental offices across the country are now seeing patients for routine checkups and other non-emergency treatments. And while the pandemic is still in full swing, dental offices are among the safest places to be. Nonetheless, you’re not alone if you have lingering concerns about whether or not you should visit the dentist with everything going on. 

So, what do you do if you’re past due on a checkup and want to take care of your teeth and gums the best you can right now? Below, we’ll discuss these matters in more detail so that you can decide for yourself if scheduling an appointment is right for you. 

 

HOW LONG CAN YOU ACTUALLY WAIT BEFORE VISITING THE DENTIST? 

OK, maybe you’re not completely convinced that you need to go to the dentist quite as often as you have been told. Let’s talk about why regular checkups are generally recommended, as well as the absolute longest you should wait before seeing a dentist:

 

Why Regular Checkups Are Important

Regular checkups at the dentist are essential for maintaining good dental health. It is generally recommended that adults visit the dentist every six months. Following this logic, if you haven’t had a checkup since the pandemic started, then it’s time to book an appointment. However, going to the dentist twice a year may not always seem practical to some adults. After all, what if there happens to be a global pandemic that turns the routines of countless households on their heads? 

With this in mind, it’s important to consider why regular checkups and treatments are recommended by medical professionals. For one, your dental health is closely connected to other aspects of your physical health, so neglecting it for too long can have severe consequences and end up costing you much more money than if you were to go to a few dental visits. Also, neglecting your dental health can significantly impact your mental health and overall well-being. 

Then there’s the fact that checkups allow your dentist to perform a thorough examination of your mouth, which in turn allows them to catch any current or potential problems. The more often you visit the dentist, the earlier such problems can be found, which means that you can address them before they become too advanced. Keeping tabs on your health like this can bring peace of mind and potentially save you from unnecessary (and expensive) procedures.

 

If You’re Typically in Good Health

You’re pretty good about practicing daily dental care. You brush your teeth twice a day, floss once a day, and are conscious of eating a well-balanced diet. The dentist rarely finds issues when examining your teeth at checkups. In this case, it’s understandable that you would be a little skeptical of scheduling appointments every six months, especially in light of everything going in 2020. 

Here’s the thing: The six-month checkup standard is widely accepted by medical professionals. But if you feel uncomfortable with the idea of going to the dentist during the pandemic, and you are OK with the risk of not having a dentist catch potential problems, then it might be fine to skip your next appointment. Studies by organizations like the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) indicate that a maximum of two years between visits can suffice if the patient is thoroughly practicing oral care at home. For children, the maximum is one year, since they are more susceptible to tooth decay. Teens should go no longer than 18 months.

It’s important to note that there is no guarantee that dental issues will not arise over a two-year period (or even six months, for that matter), regardless of the general oral health of a patient. And one should only go that long without seeing a dentist if there is no other feasible option. 

 

If You Suspect Tooth Decay or a Cavity 

The study mentioned above does not apply to patients who are concerned that they may have tooth decay or a cavity. Tooth decay can erode the tooth quickly, resulting in a cavity, which is basically a hole in the tooth. Children’s teeth are softer and at higher risk for cavities, but adults get them often as well. 

If you have not been brushing, flossing, and eating a generally tooth-friendly diet, then chances are that you have an unhealthy amount of plaque on the enamel of your teeth, which will inevitably lead to tooth decay if left untreated. Examine your teeth on a regular basis. And if you notice a pale or dark spot on any of your teeth, or if you notice discoloration on any of your teeth (typically yellow, brown, or black), then you likely have a cavity. Even so, cavities can lurk in unseen crevices and corners of the mouth, which is another reason why six-month checkups are so heavily recommended. 

If you suspect either tooth decay or a cavity, you will definitely want to contact your dentist as soon as possible. Visiting the dentist will help to stop the tooth decay or cavity before it gets worse, and that can save you from a lot of unnecessary pain, not to mention expensive procedures. 

 

THE PANDEMIC AND THE CURRENT STATE OF DENTAL OFFICES 

When the pandemic first reached the U.S, dental offices across the country closed their doors. In most places, facilities remained closed for months, with the exception of performing emergency dental treatment and procedures. 

Now, facilities are opening back up everywhere, seeing patients for routine checkups and other types of non-emergency care.

As of date, both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) still hold that there have been no confirmed cases of COVID-19 transmitted in a dental facility. This is a fact that cannot be ignored and that attests to the stringent cleaning and sanitation processes implemented by dental offices throughout the country (and world)—both before and during the pandemic. In other words, dental offices are among the safest places you can go right now.

Even though most dental offices, including South Charlotte Family Dentistry, were very thorough in their cleaning and sanitation guidelines prior to the pandemic, changes have been made in an effort to curb the general spread of the coronavirus. Also, constant evaluations and adjustments are being made in order to ensure that patients and staff are safe.  

Before an appointment, for instance, you might be asked to check-in through a mobile app rather than the traditional way of filling out paperwork. You will likely be asked if you have had any potential exposure to the virus and whether you have traveled recently, and you will be reminded to wear a mask. Once you get to the appointment, a staff member will check your temperature. And be prepared to use hand sanitizer, which there should be plenty of in each room. 

Also, you can expect the waiting room experience to be quite different at the dental office than it has in the past. Many offices are trying to limit their waiting rooms to just a few people, and some are trying to keep no patients in the waiting room by asking patients to stay in their vehicle until the dentist or oral hygienist is ready to see them. 

 

IF YOU’RE STILL UNCOMFORTABLE VISITING THE DENTAL OFFICE 

In light of everything discussed here, if you are still uneasy about visiting your dental office, then it’s essential that you do everything you can at home to maintain your dental health. 

 

Basic Dental Care

Before and after brushing or flossing, be sure to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with warm water and soap. Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, and floss once a day to reach the bacteria and plaque that your brush can’t. 

 

Diet

When it comes to your diet, it’s best to limit sugary foods like candy, cakes, and cookies. Sticky candy like gummy bears and sour gummies are particularly harmful to your teeth. Also, try not to snack too frequently throughout the day, as it can increase your risk of tooth decay and cavities. And limit the sugary drinks in your daily routine because they can be just as harmful as sugary foods. Instead, drink a lot of water during and between meals.  

 

Dental Emergencies

If you suspect a dental emergency, it’s important to contact your dentist as soon as possible for guidance. However, for certain dental issues, there are things you can do at home that can possibly mitigate the issue, albeit temporarily:

General dental pain. Over-the-counter medicines can help with dental pain. But the thing to look out for is how long the pain lasts and whether or not there is swelling. If there is no swelling, a simple combination of Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen can relieve some of the pain, but you will need to ask your dentist about the proper dosage. If there is swelling in your mouth, you will need to take the same medicines as well as rinse your mouth with warm saltwater. Contact your dentist if there is swelling or if the pain persists. 

Pain in gums, tongue, cheek, and/or lip. Common medicated gels that you can get over the counter, such as Orajel and Anbesol, can serve as a temporary remedy for any of these soft tissue places in the mouth (as long as there isn’t swelling). If it’s a child who is experiencing the pain, be sure to look for a children’s oral gel. Additionally, you can administer children’s Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen to add relief, though you will want to consult the dentist or pediatric dentist for guidance.

Fractured tooth or lost filling. If you have suffered a fractured tooth or have lost a filling, you can use an over-the-counter filling material as a temporary fix, which can typically be found in the dental aisle of the pharmacy. If you would rather not leave the house, you should be able to find filling/loose cap repair products online and have them delivered straight to your doorstep. 

Damaged dentures. Whether your dentures have been broken or they simply don’t fit well anymore, there are temporary fixes for that as well. Most pharmacies sell denture repair kits and denture reline kits, which you can also find online.

 

Conclusion

Going to the dentist every six months is the best way to stay on top of your dental health, and it can potentially save you from severe pain and expensive medical bills. Also, dental offices are considered by experts around the world to be some of the cleanest and safest facilities you can go to right now. Nonetheless, if you still need some time to warm up to the idea of going to the dentist, be sure to diligently practice dental care at home, and contact your dentist if you notice any issues. 

Beat the Heat with Kid-Friendly Summer Drinks

 

South Charlotte Family Dentistry last  talked about how to fill our children’s plates with healthy, balanced foods, but what about what we pour into their sippy cups and glasses?

Children are rapidly growing and have high metabolic rates, meaning that they experience greater water loss through the skin and excrete more urine than adults. All of this adds up to children losing more water than they intake, meaning children are much more susceptible to dehydration! Drinking water is also super important to our oral health, preventing dry mouth, bad breath, and tooth decay. So how can we make sure children they’re getting the right amount of water, especially on these hot summer days?

 

“I’m SO thirsty! Can I have a drink?”

Our best advice? Whenever your child tells you they are thirsty, offer water first! Children will learn to associate water with quenching their thirst if it’s always what’s being offered to them.

Children don’t always tell us when they’re thirsty. Young children especially can experience more difficulty communicating their need for water, and so it’s up to their caregivers to recognize, supply, and ensure sufficient water intake throughout the day.

Daily water intake can vary from child to child depending on a variety of factors, such as age, weight, sex, air temperature and humidity, and activity levels. Water intake based on age range provides an average recommendation for a healthy kid living in a temperate climate; you should consult your pediatrician for what’s right for your kid or teen.

 

Age Range	Sex	Total Water (Cups/Day)
2 to 4 years old	Male and Female	2 to 4 cups
4 to 8 years old	Male and Female	7
9 to 13 years old	Male	9
	Female	10
14 to 18 years old	Male	14
	Female	10

 

If you’re reading the cups per day and freaking out, hold on! It’s important to keep in mind that the recommendations are for total water intake per day. This means that we’re including water from drinking water and consuming other beverages and food. Fruit and vegetables have a lot higher water content than other solid food, which makes the calorie content low and the nutrient level high, giving your children a balanced meal and providing sufficient water intake.

 

Make a splash by getting creative with H20!

Plain water doesn’t float everyone’s boat all the time, but don’t be afraid to jazz it up!

Here are some quick ideas to make hydrating throughout the day more fun for your child:

• Make sipping fun by using a cute, themed cup based on their interests (e.g. Disney, Paw Patrol, glitter)
• Use a silly straw!
• Freeze ice cubes together in animal-shaped trays
• Freeze fruit together and let your child add as wanted to their drink
• Make water more visually enticing with a fruit infuser bottle
• Have balanced fruit and veggie smoothie!

 

Sparkling waters flavored naturally with lime, lemon, other fruity flavors are a fine stand-in for kids who want the carbonation that reminds them of soda. Sparkling water is 100% water, meaning it’s just as hydrating as plain water is. Because they’re unsweetened with zero sugar, they are a better choice than fruit punches, soda, sports drinks, or other sugary drinks. 

 

But, is sparkling water bad for your child’s teeth?

The jury is still out on this one. The American Dental Association cites sugary drinks as the leading cause of tooth decay in kids and teens, as over time, the drinks erode tooth enamel. Any drinks that have a pH less than 4 are potentially damaging to the teeth. Sparkling water has a low pH between 2.74-3.34. Sparkling water may have the potential to erode tooth enamel and since they’re typically flavored with citric acid, should be considered “acidic fruit drinks” and not just flavored water.

 

For comparison, here are other leading children’s drinks pH levels:

 

Beverage	pH
Plain water	7
Milk	6.6-6.8
Juicy Juice	3.6
Tropicana 100% Apple Juice	3.5
Orange Juice	3.3.
Gatorade Lemon-Lime	2.97
Capri Sun	2.6
Coca-Cola	2.5

 

The best way to flavor water is by adding fruit like blueberries, pineapples, and strawberries, or vegetables like cucumber or mint to water. Watch out for flavored water containing artificial sweeteners like Sucralose or Aspartame – when in doubt, don’t assume flavored water is naturally flavored, and read the label thoroughly!

 

Reach for tap water over bottled water.

Tap water contains fluoride, which is a natural mineral that’s absorbed into tooth enamel and resists tooth decay. Without fluoride, we’re more susceptible to cavities. The American Dental Association notes that if you primarily drink bottled water, your family may be missing out on the benefits of fluoride! If your tap water doesn’t have fluoride, you can add it to your children’s diet by choosing foods that naturally contain fluoride like grapes, potatoes, and hot cereals. Your pediatric dentist at South Charlotte Dentistry can also apply a fluoride varnish for added protection.

 

Limit juices and save sports drinks for game days.

Juice is loaded with sugar! Most juice drinks like Capri Sun or Hi-C have a fraction of real juice. 100% fruit juice is good for kids sometimes, but children should have no more than 6 ounces a day for kids ages 1 to 6, and no more than 12 ounces for kids over 7.

 

Always provide appropriate hydration during and after exercise or physical activity.

Here’s where quality over quantity of fluid intake comes in. If your kid is playing on sports teams or just running around the neighborhood for hours playing, they’re going to need more water! Before and after play, give them two to three cups of water. During any breaks of activity, encourage them to take anywhere from 6 to eight big gulps of water.

If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s water intake, fluoride, or oral health, give South Charlotte Dentistry a call today!

How Sugary Foods and Drinks Affect Your Child’s Teeth (and Healthy Summer Alternatives)

 

This year has been like no other, and one result of the pandemic is that kids have been home for much longer than in a normal year. Even with the new academic year approaching, many households will be learning to navigate online school, which means that children will be spending at least the first month of the school year at home. And that leaves a lot of time for snacking!

While snacking is an essential part of health and development, eating too many of the wrong kinds of foods can do serious harm to a child’s dental health. It’s important to understand how certain foods and beverages affect your child's teeth so that you can put in place some healthy guidelines for the remainder of the summer and beyond. Below, we will discuss the impact that sugar has on teeth, which foods and drinks are good and bad for teeth, ideas for healthy summer treats, and more. 

 

THE SUGAR EFFECT 

Yes, kids love sugary snacks. And they love them for the same reasons adults love them—sugary snacks are yummy. But they don’t do anything to promote healthy teeth, and many sugary foods have a high fat content as well. Plus, most children who eat a lot of sugary foods consume several types of sugar each day, including table sugar, corn sweeteners, and starches that turn into sugar in the mouth. 

Each of us has bacteria in our mouths, which aren’t bad in and of themselves. Some of these bacteria live on the surface of our teeth, creating a sticky film called plaque. However, when we consume too many sugary foods and beverages, the bacteria mixes with the sugar to form acid. Too much of this acid will cause the enamel of our teeth to erode, which will eventually lead to cavities. 

Since kids are even more susceptible to tooth decay and cavities than adults are, it’s important to limit the sugary foods your child eats. By doing so, the bacteria in your child’s mouth will not be able to produce as much of the harmful acid. 

 

THE GOOD FOODS 

While there’s no getting around the fact that many unhealthy foods are delicious, there are also plenty of tasty options that promote dental and overall health. Here are some examples of teeth-friendly foods to consider adding to your child’s diet:

 

Celery and carrots. The hard, crunchy texture of celery and carrots has a way of scrubbing your child’s teeth clean. And because these vegetables take longer to chew than some other foods, that’s more time that their teeth are being cleaned! Plus, celery and carrots are high in water and fiber content, both of which are effective cleaning qualities. Moreover, the fibrous strands of celery naturally floss teeth.

 

Apples. As with celery and carrots, apples have a crunchy texture and are high in water and fiber content. By having your child chew at least one apple a day, you can know that their teeth are getting a natural scrubbing! And let’s not forget—apples are delicious and they contain tons of vitamins and minerals that benefit overall health.

 

Green leafy vegetables and broccoli. These vegetables also have a bunch of fiber, along with various vitamins and minerals. Kale, spinach, and other leafy greens are high in folic acid, which also benefits your child’s teeth and gums. And the crunchy texture of broccoli adds scrubbing power to the mix. These factors make green leafy vegetables and broccoli some of the best foods for promoting dental and overall health. 

 

Eggs. Eggs are loaded with protein, calcium, and vitamin D, all of which are critical minerals for dental health. As with bones, calcium is needed for the development of healthy, strong teeth. And in order for your child's teeth to absorb calcium, vitamin D must be present. Plus, there are many other health benefits to protein, calcium, and vitamin D, which makes eggs an essential food for any diet (barring an allergy).

 

Dairy products. Calcium, phosphorus, and casein abound in foods like milk, yogurt, and cheese. All of these minerals can help to protect your child’s tooth enamel. What’s more, many nutrients found in dairy products can help to neutralize the acid produced by the bacteria in plaque. When possible, opt for low or nonfat dairy products. 

 

Nuts. Nuts are also high in calcium and phosphorus. This means that peanuts, almonds, and cashews are more than just delicious snacks—they can help to replenish essential minerals in your child's tooth enamel that are eaten by acid. 

 

Water. Water is life, and it’s essential for overall health, including dental health. Make sure your child drinks plenty of water with fluoride each day. While most drinking water contains fluoride, you still want to check the bottled water your household uses. 

Later, we’ll discuss some fun snack ideas that incorporate many of these foods. Don’t be surprised if your child discovers some new teeth-friendly snacks and meals that they love!

 

THE BAD FOODS 

No one needs to tell you how many unhealthy foods are out there, but there are certain ones that have particularly negative consequences for teeth. Below are some examples of foods that are best avoided—or at least limited—in children’s diets.

 

Chewy candy. Perhaps the worst type of food children can eat for their teeth is chewy candy. Not only is it loaded with sugar, but it can also get stuck in between the teeth and remain there for long periods of time. Caramels and taffy, for example, can hide in crevices and cause enamel to erode. 

Even worse, sour gummy candies are acidic on top of being chewy and sugary. This makes them the single worst food for teeth. Moreover, dried fruits with added sugar can also be harmful to your child’s dental health. 

 

White flour starches. Any starch made with white flour is considered a simple carbohydrate. This means that the carbohydrates break down into simple sugars in the body, which not only turn into fat but can also combine with plaque bacteria to form the acid that causes tooth decay. Because of this, things like potato chips are not an ideal snack for children to eat on a regular basis, not to mention they offer no nutritional value. Furthermore, choosing pasta and bread made with whole wheat instead of white flour can benefit your child’s dental health. 

 

Citrus. Yes, citrus fruits and juices come with many health benefits, particularly vitamin C. However, there’s a trade-off when it comes to teeth. Fruits like lemon and grapefruit are very high in acidity, which can cause decay in tooth enamel. As mentioned, these fruits offer a lot of nutrients, so avoiding them altogether might not be the answer. Instead, just be conscious of how often your child eats them, and try to brush their teeth (or have them do it) about 30 minutes after consuming citrus fruits and juices. 

On another note, many fruit juices that are supposedly 100% fruit juice have loads of sugar. This means that frequent consumption of these juices can lead to tooth decay and cavities, which is something else to be conscious of. 

 

Sugary beverages. Other beverages that contain a lot of sugar include sodas and sports drinks. Both regular and sugar-free sodas have a high acid content, which can cause serious damage to teeth when paired with the sugar. And even non-carbonated sports drinks are high in acid and sugar. Be mindful of these kinds of beverages when you’re evaluating your child’s diet.

 

HEALTHY SUMMER TREAT IDEAS

There are plenty of healthy summer treats that won’t harm your child’s teeth. Apples and pears provide a crunch that helps scrub teeth with each chew. Softer fruits like berries, bananas, and watermelon are delicious and packed with vitamins and minerals. Yogurt is also great in summer, and adding fruit to Greek yogurt will provide your child with naturally sweet nutrition. 

For savory treats, opt for cheese, which is rich in calcium. Hummus is another healthy snack that satisfies a savory tooth. Pita chips and whole grain crackers are healthier alternatives to potato chips, and they go great with cheese or hummus. Moreover, your child might enjoy cream cheese with carrots and/or celery, which will provide them with calcium and teeth-scrubbing power. 

 

THE SMART WAY TO SNACK 

Choosing healthy alternatives to sugary foods is ideal, but that doesn’t mean that you want to completely ban sweets. However, it is important to be mindful of when and how often your child snacks on sugar-heavy foods. 

Remember that when they eat sugary snacks, harmful acids develop in your child’s mouth, and it takes at least 20 minutes for those acids to neutralize. Therefore, if your child eats sugary snacks a bunch of times throughout the day, there is a higher chance of tooth decay and cavities. If possible, limit sweets to dessert after main meals, and have your child brush their teeth about 30 minutes afterward. 

Also, be conscious of how often your child drinks juice and soda. Similar to sugary foods, consuming these beverages means that your child is feeding the bacteria that cause tooth decay and cavities. So, if they sip on juice or soda all day, their mouth is in constant battle with these bacteria. To avoid this, limit sugary drinks to mealtimes or in one sitting at another time of day.

 

MAINTAINING HEALTHY DENTAL HABITS 

Along with eating a teeth-friendly diet, it’s essential that your child develops and maintains other healthy habits that will help preserve their dental health. Here are a few basic practices that will do the trick:

 

Going to Regular Checkups 

Untreated cavities are all too common among children, and they can be prevented by going to regular checkups at the dentist. Beginning at one year old or six months after the first tooth comes in, children should be visiting a pediatric dentist every six months. During these visits, the dentist or oral hygienist will examine your child’s mouth, clean their teeth, and apply a fluoride treatment. 

 

Brushing 

There’s no getting around the importance of brushing teeth. To remove plaque and maintain good oral health, your child should be brushing their teeth twice a day for two minutes. If your child is under the age of six, a low-fluoride toothpaste is generally recommended. But you will need to ask your child’s dentist to make sure. 

 

Flossing 

This is a tricky one. Most adults don’t like to floss, much less children. But the fact is that it’s a critical part of any healthy oral care routine. Flossing enables your child to remove plaque from areas between their teeth that are missed by a toothbrush. If possible, help your child form the habit of flossing once a day. 

 

Conclusion 

Don’t let this summer result in tooth decay and cavities for your child! Be conscious of the impact that sugary foods and drinks have on your child’s teeth, and find healthier alternatives that will both satisfy their taste buds and foster their health. And of course, make sure they are maintaining basic dental care practices like brushing, flossing, and visiting their dentist. If you need to schedule an appointment with South Charlotte Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, give us a call and we will make it happen!