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Bruxism: The Facts to Help You Get a Handle On Your Grinding

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Sleep probably isn’t your favourite thing in the world if you’re like most people who read this post. But for people like me who grind their teeth, that can be a constant battle. Even when we try to relax and get some much-needed rest, we may wake up with headaches or jaw pain from grinding our teeth. There are a lot of things we can do to help stop or even control our teeth grinding. Let’s look at what bruxism is, how common it is, and what you can do about it.

What does Bruxism mean?

When you grind your teeth, you can hurt or bruise them. This is called bruxism. This includes teeth that are broken, worn down, or chipped. Depending on how bad your teeth grinding is, it could cause painful tooth damage or even cause you to lose teeth. You could also get a headache, neck pain, or even TMJ problems if you grind your teeth. To grind your teeth easily and comfortably, you have to wear down the enamel on your teeth. The hard coating on your teeth is called enamel. When you grind your teeth, the enamel gets worn down. Once you’ve worn down the enamel, you can get your teeth and gums to touch each other better. Because teeth grinding hurts your teeth, not only can you hurt your teeth, but you may also feel pain in your teeth. Not only could teeth grinding hurt your teeth, but it could also cause problems with your TMJ.

Before we talk about how to treat bruxism, it’s important to know what causes it. Now that you know what teeth grinding is, let’s talk about the different ways to treat it.

How to stop Bruxism

As we’ve already talked about, there are a lot of things you can do to stop grinding your teeth. There are other ways to stop teeth grinding if you don’t want to take medicine or use a dental appliance. Here are some easy ways to stop grinding your teeth. You may already be doing many of these things. If so, you might not even realize how well they work. Keep your mouth quiet and relaxed. When you’re stressed or worried, try not to clench or grind your teeth. When you are worried or stressed, your body goes into a “fight or flight” mode. This makes your body make adrenaline, which makes the muscles in your face tighten. This could include the muscles in your jaw, which can cause bruxism. The best way to stop this from happening is to keep your mouth relaxed. Keeping your mouth loose will help you feel less stressed, which can make it less likely that you’ll grind your teeth when you’re upset. Stay hydrated – Drink a glass of water when you’re thirsty. Drinking a lot of water is the best way to stay hydrated and lower your risk of teeth grinding. This will not only cut down on the amount of saliva your mouth makes, but it will also cut down on the amount of time your teeth touch each other. Don’t stick your tongue out – Another way to keep your teeth from touching each other as much as possible is to keep your tongue in your mouth. When you don’t grind your teeth, your tongue should be in the back of your mouth. Your teeth can hit the back of your tongue if you move your tongue. When your tongue is in the back of your mouth, your teeth don’t come into contact with it as much.

Bruxism is a sleep disorder that affects many people. People with it may grind their teeth while they sleep, which can damage their teeth and cause problems with their TMJ. There are ways to reduce the damage that bruxism does to your teeth and even your health, which is good news if you have it. Some of these are having a relaxed mouth, keeping your tongue in your mouth, and drinking a lot of water. These are easy ways to stop grinding your teeth without going to the doctor or getting a prescription. With these tips, you can stop grinding your teeth at night and start to sleep better.

Make your appointment today with Dr. Rob Andrew and Urban Smiles Family Dental. 780.989.6030

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What Are the Benefits of Smiling? – Reasons to Smile

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Smiling makes you and others happy. It may be a brief grin or a long, wide-eyed look. It’s acceptable to enjoy simple things like viewing the sunset, eating a good meal, spending time with a loved one, or even grinning at strangers or funny online photos. Smiling is called “the key to pleasure” by many famous people. Consider the many reasons to smile more. Seven health benefits of smiling.

Better Rest

Smiling helps you relax and fall asleep faster. If you have difficulties falling asleep, smiling may help. Irritation and a shortened attention span caused by sleep deprivation might affect driving and job performance. Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and obesity are severe sleep deprivation symptoms. Thus, sleep is crucial to optimal health and disease prevention.

Better Mood

Smiling shows satisfaction and may help you feel better. Your smile shows your brain’s satisfaction. This might help you relax and relieve tension. While irritated or anxious, it’s hard to focus. You’re worried instead of working. This may make you lethargic and depressed. However, smiling may boost your mood and concentration.

Longevity

Smile more and you may live longer. Studies show that smiling activates the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS), which boosts circulation throughout the body. Smiling slows aging. Smiling reduces stress and increases happiness, which may extend life. Smiling reduces the chances of diabetes, heart disease, and several cancers.

Less Anxiety and Depression

In stressful events like breakups, job changes, and family issues, smiling reduces depression risk. Grinning more, especially in unfamiliar situations, may also reduce anxiety. If you’re having a difficult day, smiling may help you relax.

Social Awareness and Empathy

Smiling increases social awareness and empathy. When you smile, your brain says, “I’m here and I care.” This may increase your social connection and acceptance. Smiling more may help you lead better.

Smile More Tips

You can’t make someone smile, but you can catch yourself and go for it! Try to smile for 30 seconds. Smile daily, even for a moment! No need to push or deliberate. Take a break from your phone, computer, and other electronics to smile more. You’ll exercise and form a healthy habit, which is helpful for your mental health.

Ingenious Smiles

While walking, at work, or in bed, glance around and smile at what you see. – Imagine driving past a bunch of people smiling at you. – Smile at the people in line or waiting for anything to stay positive. – Be appreciative for small things like the sun setting outside your window or a nice piece of fruit.

Positive Attitude Tips

Try breathing exercises or meditation to smile more. This helps you relax, concentrate, and centre. Spend time outside to smile more. This may make you notice nature more. Avoid stress-inducing behaviours like compulsive thinking about your life. – Family, friends, and coworkers may make you feel loved and supported.

Make Friends Smile More

Smile when friends say or do anything. Friendships and good relationships may help you stay positive. – Enjoy yourself with friends. This might entail eating, playing, or taking a nature stroll with friends. – Befriend positive, happy people, even if they’re different. Enthusiastic

Make your appointment today with Dr. Rob Andrew and Urban Smiles Family Dental. 780.989.6030

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Dental Diastema: What Is It?

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Dental diastemas, commonly known as spaces between teeth, happen when the tooth structure is damaged or has a gap in it. Though there are a number of potential causes, young kids and teenagers are the most often affected. Adults often see it more as an aesthetic problem than anything else. If you don’t look closely at your grin in the mirror, you may not even notice if you have a gap between your teeth. A little grin gap is usually not a problem for most individuals. Many people believe that lining up two lips close to one another makes them seem more appealing and self-assured. The good news is that patients may have dental diastemas repaired with minimal pain or discomfort. Continue reading to find out more about this widespread issue and what you can do to solve it.

Dental Diastema: What Is It?
The “smile line” diastema is the most typical kind of dental diastema and develops when a tooth is not completely developed. Dental diastemas may have a variety of reasons, some of which are more prevalent than others. Sometimes the manner a newborn tooth emerges might result in dental diastema. The infant tooth could not fully erupt through the tooth socket if it doesn’t immediately pierce the gum tissue. The tooth and gum tissue between it and the next tooth may then be pushed aside as a result, leaving a tiny gap between the teeth. Dental diastemas may sometimes be inherited. There is a probability that you may develop dental diastemas if your parents or siblings do. Dental diastemas may sometimes be an indication that your teeth are not properly aligned.

Dental Diastema Causes
Dental diastemas are most often caused when a baby tooth does not fully emerge. There may be gaps because some newborn teeth don’t pierce the gum tissue until months later. Dental diastemas may also be brought on by: Dental diastemas may also be brought on by poorly aligned teeth, which may leave spaces between them. Dental diastemas may also result from misplaced teeth that have gaps between them. Infections: An infection in the gum tissue is another often occurring cause of dental diastemas. There may sometimes be a gap between teeth as a result of a tooth abscess, a minor illness.

The best way to fix dental diastema
Don’t freak out if you see a little gap between your teeth! If it isn’t obvious to others, it’s OK, but you should attempt to stop letting it worry you. Making sure you are aware of the diastema’s root is the first step. You may wish to make an appointment with us if you’re unsure or if the gap is so little that you can’t tell. Even if there might be a variety of reasons, we might be able to immediately rule out some of them. You may take action to fix the issue if you know what’s causing it. For instance, if your tooth is out of place, we may be able to fix it concurrently. You may be able to treat it with medication straight quickly if it’s an infection. You won’t have to worry about it any longer after we take care of it.

Dental diastemas can be fixed without causing the patient any pain or suffering, and they often look better as well. Do not be concerned if you see a little space between your teeth! If you don’t pay careful attention to your grin in the mirror, you may not even see it. If you do see it, don’t panic, and keep in mind that it can be fixed. Just contact us to set up an appointment. You may stop a dental diastema from ever forming with a little attention. Don’t worry, then! It is a fixable issue and need not even be a concern.

Make your appointment today with Dr. Rob Andrew and Urban Smiles Family Dental. 780.989.6030

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NATIONAL I LOVE YOU DAY

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On October 14, it is National I Love You Day. It’s more inclusive than Valentine’s Day, which is only for couples. It’s a day to show gratitude for our loved ones, including our family, friends, and anybody else. We’re here today to provide you advice on how to go about doing that.

NATIONAL I LOVE YOU DAY’S HISTORY

Ironically, on October 14, 2015, a romantic movie was promoted before to this non-romantic event. The director of a romantic drama movie trended locally by utilizing the hashtag #EverydayILoveYou. The marketing team capitalized on the hashtag’s popularity by posting it on Twitter and asking for wider support. This led to the creation of the hashtag #NATIONALILOVEYOUDAY.

The new hashtag swiftly rose to the top trends on Twitter in the Philippines. Although the movie didn’t become famous, the hashtags’ popularity rose only because of the name. Three million individuals were contacted via tweets that went out to 62 different countries, showing the impact of three little words: “I love you.”

“It’s amazing how much a little act of kindness or courtesy can mean to someone. In any relationship, the details matter”.- Dr. Rob Andrew

Make your appointment today with Dr. Rob Andrew and Urban Smiles Family Dental. 780.989.6030

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Halloween Candy that’s Good for Your Teeth: Sugar-Free, Some Ingredients and No Side Effects.

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You are familiar with the adage “You receive what you give”? The same is true with your teeth. You run the risk of developing tooth decay if you consume sweets and other sugary meals often. Researchers from Tel Aviv University discovered that restricting sugary treats may help to prevent long-term tooth decay. Halloween calls for candy. Since most candies include sugar and other chemicals, they are unhealthy for your teeth. What if there were scrumptious candies that weren’t bad for your teeth? Why not make this sugar dessert that is supposedly haunted the exception rather than the rule? These Halloween goodies are gentle on the teeth:

Sugar-free!
Sugar contributes to dental decay, gum disease, and tooth loss. Your teeth will suffer, and it might lead to weight growth and other health problems. To relax your teeth, try sugar-free jell-o and fruit infusions. Your teeth won’t be harmed by these sweets. Avoid sweet candy while on a diet. That includes desserts that are “light,” “low-sugar,” “sugar-free,” “reduced sugar,” etc. Select sugar-free candy to safeguard your teeth and general wellbeing.

Trick-or-treat snacks include dried fruit.
Dried fruit is a healthy alternative to confectionery. Apples and pineapple make excellent Halloween treats. Because it is sweet-free, energetic, and flavorful, dried fruit is great. A nutritious party or after-school snack is dried fruit. Try trail mix, nuts, or granola bars. For a supper at home, include fruit. Serve dried fruit during gatherings. This will assist you in maintaining your diet and preventing overeating while celebrating.

Candy corn is sweet, but not on your teeth.

Candy corn is sweet, but it’s also low in sugar and made with natural ingredients. This makes it a great alternative to candy that’s full of sugar. While it doesn’t taste exactly like a piece of candy, it’s still sweet and is certainly delicious. You can also use candy corn as a craft or Halloween decoration. It’s a fun treat with a variety of uses. If you’re looking for a healthy Halloween treat that’s also sweet, savory, and tasty, try candy corn. It’s a low-sugar candy that’s made with whole ingredients, so it’s also a healthy snack. You can use it as part of a creative Halloween activity or as a decoration for your home.

These healthier options still enable you to enjoy your favourite Halloween treats. Make sweet corn syrup for your friends instead of yourself to eat. Prepare and distribute caramel corn in its place, candy corn. These healthy treats won’t damage your teeth or make you gain weight. You now understand that Halloween sweets need just be delicious and not harmful.

Make your appointment today with Dr. Rob Andrew and Urban Smiles Family Dental. 780.989.6030

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Overcoming dental anxiety. 

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Common dental anxiety. This worry may be difficult for those who are moving or starting a new school. Relocating or starting school might exacerbate dental anxiety. Your smile and dentist’s treatment are unaffected by dental anxiety. Heredity and unpleasant oral experiences certainly cause it. This page addresses dental anxiety and remedies.

What causes dental anxiety?

Some people are genetically predisposed to dental anxiety. Brain chemicals cause anxiety. Dental anxiety may be reduced. Negative past dental experiences cause anxiety in many individuals. Better dental communication and expertise may assist. People with dental anxiety don’t understand oral health or treatments. Discuss dental health with your dentist. Many people dread the pain or intricacy of dental procedures like cleaning or repairs. There are several ways to reduce dental anxiety.

Negative dentist experiences or stigma cause dental anxiety. If you don’t like your dentist, you may feel uneasy. You may have terrible dental experiences. If your dentist gets bad reviews on social media, you may feel anxious before and during appointments. Dentist changes may help.

Uninformed patients may experience dental anxiety. Your dentist may provide dental health advice. People with dental anxiety don’t know how often they should floss, see the dentist, and diet for oral health. Ask your dentist for age-appropriate dental health information.

Some dread the pain or intricacy of dental work. Find a dentist who uses pain-reducing, mouth-calming therapies. You may also brush and floss regularly. Ask your dentist about milder mouthrinses, mouth-calming treatments, and fewer operations to reduce pain.

Dental phobia causes

Negative perceptions regarding persons with impairments, such as having disabilities or not needing dental care. Lack of disability education, including how to seek care and what’s typical for disabled individuals. – Lack of knowledge on how limitations, such as aging-related oral problems, affect daily life. – Dental care beliefs, such as cleaning or repairing teeth is too painful.

Anxiety-reduction techniques

Dental fear may be addressed by researching oral health, disability, and dental health facts. Dentists may discuss oral health, dental anxiety, and regular care. A dental care plan may reduce dental anxiety and guarantee you get regular exams, cleanings, and repairs. – Meet others with your disability – A community of people with your handicap may help you feel less alone, such as when you need dental care or information on aging-related tooth problems.

Common dental anxiety. Better dental communication and expertise may assist. Dental fear may be addressed by researching oral health, disability, and dental health facts. Dentists may discuss oral health, dental anxiety, and regular care. A dental care plan may reduce dental anxiety and guarantee you get regular exams, cleanings, and repairs. Having a network of people with your disability may help you feel less alone, particularly if you need dental care or information about specific impairments, including aging-related tooth problems.

Make your appointment today with Dr. Rob Andrew and Urban Smiles Family Dental. 780.989.6030

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Good hygiene practices

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Brushing your teeth twice a day and using dental floss once a day are the two most obvious ways to keep your teeth clean. However, there are more aspects to consider that may affect your dental health. Good oral hygiene is of paramount significance and cannot be stressed enough. Bad breath, gum disease, and tooth decay may all be avoided with regular brushing, flossing, and rinses (halitosis). Avoiding the buildup of plaque, a bacterial biofilm that may adhere to teeth if they aren’t properly cleaned, is an important part of good dental hygiene. Gingivitis and periodontal disease are more severe consequences of plaque being untreated. It’s crucial to see the dentist often for exams in addition to maintaining a decent oral hygiene routine at home.

Do not skip your twice-daily brushings.

Two minutes is the minimum amount of time you should spend cleaning your teeth twice a day. Bleeding gums are a common side effect of insufficient tooth brushing time. It’s important to care for your teeth by brushing them twice a day: when you first get up and before you go to sleep. Two minutes is the recommended time to use a toothbrush and a tiny handheld mirror to thoroughly clean your teeth. Brushing your teeth before night and first thing in the morning with the same toothbrush might spread bacteria and leave a stain on your teeth. You shouldn’t start brushing your teeth while you’re still chewing food or drinking, but you may go ahead and start brushing as soon as you’re done.

Rinse your mouth out often.

Many people find that using a mouthwash helps them keep their mouths clean and healthy. Daily use of a mouthwash removes more than simply germs from the mouth. In addition to reducing the amount of germs on your teeth, washing with water may help you feel fresher. There is a wide range in both potency and composition of mouth rinses. To avoid accidental ingestion, use a mouthwash with a subtle flavour and no added alcohol. To prevent tooth decay and bad breath, rinse your mouth thoroughly with a mouthwash after brushing your teeth but before consuming anything. The effectiveness of the mouthwash in removing germs will then be maximized.

An alternative to the hard-bristled toothbrush is the soft-bristled toothbrush.

It’s preferable to use a toothbrush with soft bristles rather than a rough one. Damage to your gums and enamel may be caused by using a hard toothbrush, since its bristles are too stiff to be gentle on your teeth. Inflammation of the gums (gingivitis) is a potential outcome of this. Plaque may be removed more easily using a soft toothbrush, and the brushing motion won’t do any damage to the teeth or gums. And it won’t make you more susceptible to gum disease or tooth decay. While it is recommended that you use just one toothbrush for your whole mouth, it is OK to alternate between various brushes if you own more than one. Select a brush with gentle bristles that are somewhat longer than average.

It’s recommended that you use fluoride toothpaste.

Using fluoride-containing toothpaste is an excellent measure for avoiding dental caries and gum disease. By fortifying tooth enamel, fluoride helps stave against cavities. There is less chance of getting gingivitis or periodontal disease, and it also stops germs from multiplying. There are several varieties of fluoride toothpaste available, just as there are mouthwashes. It’s important to choose one that has a moderate flavour and no alcohol, since both of these may be dangerous in large doses. Brushing your teeth after using fluoride toothpaste is recommended before consuming any food or drink to remove any lingering fluoride. If there are still bits of food stuck in your teeth, you should brush them twice a day.

Maintaining regular exercise and good dental hygiene is essential.

Prevention of oral illnesses and promotion of excellent oral health may be as simple as maintaining a regular exercise routine and practising good oral hygiene practices. You may lower your chance of acquiring cardiovascular and respiratory problems by maintaining a regular exercise routine. Brushing twice a day, flossing once a day, and avoiding tobacco and alcohol are all practices that contribute to healthy teeth and gums. You can keep your teeth and gums healthy and avoid dental problems by doing all of these things.

Maintaining good dental hygiene is crucial. Regular brushing and flossing are two of the most common dental hygiene recommendations from dentists. Gingivitis, tooth decay, and poor breath are just some of the oral disorders that may be avoided with regular brushing, flossing, and mouth rinse use. In addition to brushing your teeth twice a day, you should use a mouthwash once daily to remove food particles and germs from your mouth. It’s ideal to use a toothbrush with soft bristles. Keep your teeth and gums in better shape with regular brushing and flossing.

Make your appointment today with Dr. Rob Andrew and Urban Smiles Family Dental. 780.989.6030

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Flossing is so important

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Flossing has gained notoriety as a chore that the vast majority of people would rather avoid than even watching paint dry. Even though flossing may not be the most exciting thing to do, it is essential for your health and should be done every day. There are several reasons why your dentist emphasizes the need of flossing every time you visit, and no daily oral hygiene practice is complete without it. Read on to discover some interesting information about flossing, an essential part of oral maintenance that is sometimes forgotten.

First, you’re leaving 30% of your teeth’s surfaces filthy if you don’t floss.

Dental floss is essential for removing plaque and food debris from hard-to-reach areas in between teeth, where brushing alone can only get you approximately 70% of the way.

Second, when it comes to dental floss, more is better.

About 18 to 20 inches of floss is all you need to wrap around your fingers and guide between your teeth easily.

Third, bacon-flavored dental floss exists.

Although mint, cinnamon, bubblegum, and classic unflavored floss dominate the market, certain manufacturers now produce items with more unusual tastes like bacon and wasabi.

Plaque and tartar are removed by flossing.

Dislodging and removing plaque and food particles stuck between teeth is made easier by flossing. As if causing cavities weren’t terrible enough, this stuff also makes your breath smell horrible.

Some bleeding is normal when first starting to floss.

If you’re just starting off with flossing, seeing a little of blood at the end may make you reconsider. Don’t let a little softness throw you off! When your gums are healthier and stronger, the bleeding should stop.

Sixth, you have a choose of either monofilament or multifilament floss.

Most floss is either monofilament or multifilament, although both have their uses. A nylon and silk blend is used in the production of multifilament floss, whereas plastics and rubber are used in the production of monofilament.

Floss may be purchased waxed or unwaxed.

If you have teeth that are very close together, you should use waxed floss since the wax covering makes it easier to slide the string between your teeth. People who have more room in their teeth often choose unwaxed floss.

Having braces shouldn’t be an excuse for not flossing.

Flossing with braces is harder than without them, but it can still be done! Flossing with braces is possible; there are specific tools to assist with the process, and a steady, guided hand may maneuver the floss between the teeth and around the brackets. If you’ve just started flossing, don’t stop now! You’ll do yourself and your teeth and dentist a favour and improve your overall health by doing this simple but essential dental step more often.

Make your appointment today with Dr. Rob Andrew and Urban Smiles Family Dental. 780.989.6030

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Here are some dental care truths and myths for you to consider.

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It seems like we’ve heard every crazy idea there is about how to take care of your teeth and how to fix them. But the most lethal ones are seldom that extreme. A lot of false beliefs about dentistry are unfortunately common.

The sensitivity of teeth differs among Edmontonian’s. Some individuals have very sensitive teeth, while others just have receded gumlines, exposing tooth roots and causing discomfort. While dental decay may induce sensitivity, it is not always to blame.

More sugar results in more cavities.

Brush your teeth if your gums are bleeding.

The rationale behind this misleading notion is that bleeding gums should be brushed after they have healed, whereas in reality, gums bleed because they haven’t been brushed enough! This is due to gum irritation caused by bacteria growth around and under the gum line. If your gums are bleeding, you have gingivitis or, worse, severe gum disease, and you should visit your dentist as soon as possible.

Cavities are indicated by sensitive teeth.

Bleaching might cause tooth damage or weakening.

Bleaching has no effect on tooth health, integrity, or strength. Teeth whitening, in reality, only affects the colour of teeth by eliminating tooth pigmentation. Some individuals may have sensitive teeth or moderate gum irritation after bleaching, but symptoms are just transient and do not signal any damage.

Putting aspirin on your teeth may relieve dental pain.

In no circumstances should you proceed in this manner. However, aspirin is only effective when absorbed into the circulation, thus taking it orally will not have any impact. Even worse, Dr. Rob Andrew cautions that aspirin’s interaction with the gums may aggravate existing discomfort and even cause burns. You wouldn’t rub an aspirin pill on your back to relieve muscular pain, would you? Not likely at all.

We’ve finally reached a point where we can communicate. Allowing dental misconceptions to circulate may be detrimental. Please share this information and contact Urban Smiles Family Dental if you have any concerns about how to maintain a healthy and attractive smile in Edmonton.

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Some Bad Food & Drinks For Your Teeth

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What you eat says a lot about your oral health. There are certain foods and drinks, that can cause problems. We listed some below, check it out!!!

Popcorn

Put down that bowl of microwave popcorn. “Countless number of people come in with cracked teeth from eating half-popped popcorn kernels, not to mention the sneaky husk. Popcorn husk is notorious for finding its way in between teeth and causing gum pain.

White Bread

There’s nothing quite as tasty as a piece of toasted white bread with a little butter.  Unfortunately, your teeth disagree with your taste buds.  White bread is packed full of sugar.  As you chew, you masticate the bread into a gummy, sugary paste that sticks to your teeth and gets into your gums.  If you’re not a diligent brusher, these sugars can cause cavities!  When you’re selecting your bread, go for types that aren’t as high in refined sugars. 

Ice

Ice couldn’t possibly be bad for you.  It’s just frozen water.  It’s calorie and additive-free.  Think again!  Chewing ice causes undue wear and tear on your teeth.  Crunching down on a fresh ice cube can damage the enamel on your teeth.  It’s even possible to crack or chip your teeth while eating ice.  We’ve even seen crowns come loose as the result of avid ice chewing!  If you find yourself craving ice, it may be the result of low iron. 

Carbonated Drinks

Soda.  Pop.  Coke.  No matter what you call it, it’s not particularly good for your teeth.  New studies suggest that it can be as terrible for your teeth as certain illicit drugs.  The acid in carbonated sodas slowly breaks down your tooth enamel over time.  Drinking a full-sugar soda is even worse.  The bacteria in your mouth love sugar and the byproduct that they excrete is one of the leading causes of bad breath.  And if those reasons weren’t enough, carbonated drinks with dyes in them can permanently stain your teeth. 

Coffee

Is the best part of waking up worth damaging your teeth?  Coffee (or tea) in their naturally brewed forms can actually be good for you.  However, many people can’t stomach the taste of black coffee without a hint of something sweet.  As we’ve mentioned, sugar is just not good for your mouth.  And unfortunately, neither is caffeine.  Caffeinated beverages actually dehydrate you, and dry your mouth out.  A lack of saliva hastens tooth decay.  Additionally, coffee has been known to stain your teeth, not to mention it makes your breath smell bad.  We’re not saying you have to give up coffee, but be mindful, and drink plenty of water afterward!

Breath Mints

This might come as a shock, but those sweet little treats that are meant to freshen our breath can actually make it worse and damage your teeth.  The fact of the matter is that most mints are made mostly of sugar.  We suck on mints, usually stashing them in our cheeks to enjoy them slowly over time.  But because of this, the bacteria in our mouths have a literal field day with that lump of sugar slowly melting against our teeth.  The best way around this is to opt for a sugar-free mint or gum to prevent the bacteria from feasting.

Wine

Like coffee, red wine also has tannic acid. A dry mouth causes bad breath, and a lack of saliva also contributes to the growth of harmful bacteria in the mouth. Saliva washes away the bacteria that cause cavities. White wine isn’t necessarily a better option — it’s more acidic than red, and all alcoholic beverages dry out the mouth. 

Dried fruit. Although fruit in any form seems like a healthy snack, it’s best to avoid the dried variety. Dried fruit is high in sugar and can easily become lodged between the teeth, which promotes bacteria buildup.

We know you can’t rule out all these things but you can keep them top of mind to preserve your teeth.

Make your appointment today with Dr. Rob Andrew and Urban Smiles Family Dental. 780.989.6030

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