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Best Fall Foods for Your Teeth
September 22 marks the first day of fall. Along with the change of seasons, comes a multitude of delicious seasonal foods. Most fruits and vegetables that are in season during autumn go nicely with Thanksgiving dinner right around the corner. There are certain foods that have significant positive benefits for your teeth. They provide vital nutrients and minerals that strengthen teeth and keep your smile bright and in optimum health.
Some of the best fall foods for your teeth include fall vegetables like kale, carrots & broccoli and fall fruits such as strawberries, kiwi & apples. Along with providing necessary nutrients and minerals that strengthen teeth, these fibrous foods cleanse your teeth as you chew, defending your gums against bacteria and tooth decay. This also means that these delicious foods contribute to your bright smile and help it to stay in tip-top shape.
Always try to avoid processed foods, which are generally have a high sugar content. Fresh fruits like granny smith apples are a healthy option for satisfying your sugar cravings. If you do add sugar to quench a sweet tooth, try using stevia which is a natural sweetener derived from the stevia plant. Be sure to brush and floss as soon as possible following any sweet snacks or drinks. Drinking water afterward will help cleanse your teeth and wash away the harmful bacteria from your teeth.
Eating healthy foods and maintaining your home hygiene regimen will keep your teeth in good shape between dental visits. To ensure your teeth are in tip-top shape and there are no undetected dental problems developing, visit Westchase Premier Dental for your routine checkups and cleanings. In between visits, however, enjoy nutritious and tasty treats that will make your mouth smile!
Contact Westchase Premier Dental at (813) 475 – 4528.
Further Reading: WebMd – Foods Good For Your Teeth
Can You Reverse Tooth Decay?
Cavities begin to form in the outermost layer of the tooth, the enamel. They progress at different rates in different people depending on many factors such as diet, enamel composition, tooth structure, and saliva. Decay can develop rapidly and spread to the layer beneath the enamel called the dentin. Once a cavity reaches the dentin it progresses much more rapidly. If it goes to the nerves and blood vessels, it can lead to an infection (abscess). Cavities may also take on a more slow progression and remain painless for years without spreading further than the enamel.
Demineralization is the initial stage of cavity formation. Acid byproducts from bacteria begin softening the enamel by removing calcium and other minerals. It is at this stage of development that you can prevent weakening the enamel further and reverse tooth decay before it becomes nonreversible. Demineralization can only be reversed if there is sufficient time to allow remineralization to occur. Remineralization counteracts the acids that strip away calcium and strengthen the enamel back to a healthy state. Though a cavity cannot be completely cured, you can prevent it from progressing as long as it is only in the enamel.
Things you can do to aid in the remineralization process and reverse tooth decay:
- Healthy Diet – Maintain a well-balanced diet, including foods low in acidity and sugars.
- Personal Oral Care – Keep a rigorous home dental hygiene routine to remove the plaque that harbors bacteria from the teeth.
- Fluoride – Fluoridated toothpaste and professional treatments help re-harden the enamel and offer sensitivity protection.
The only way to know what stage a cavity is in during its development is through a dental examination with x-rays. Westchase Premier Dental will do a complete and thorough exam to diagnose any presence of decay, its progression, and determine the best form of treatment.
If you think you may have a cavity, call us immediately. Don’t wait around and let what could be a simple filling turn into something more serious and invasive. Our friendly staff is ready to help! (813) 475 – 4528
Can You Reverse Tooth Decay? Resources:
Wishing everyone a happy weekend from all of us at Westchase Premier Dental!
Stand Up to Cancer Day
The second Friday in September is National Stand Up to Cancer Day. Of the various cancer types, oral cancer is not readily addressed in mainstream media. Most people, that maintain regular dental checkups, do so with the understanding of the value of their smile. However, routine dental visits are often useful to prevent, detect and treat systemic illnesses and other life threatening conditions, such as oral cancer. At Weschase Premier Dental we know the importance for our patients to understand the dangers and early warning signs of oral cancer.
Early Warning Signs of Oral Cancer
- Swellings, Thickenings, Lumps or Rough Spots on the Lips, Gums, or Mouth
- White Velvety or Red Speckled Patches in the Mouth
- Unexplained Bleeding in the Mouth
- Unexplained Numbness or Tenderness in Facial Area, Mouth, or Neck
- Persistent Sores of the Face, Neck, or Mouth (Present for 2 Weeks)
- Difficulty Swallowing, Chewing or Speaking
- Difficulty Moving Jaw or Tongue
- Hoarseness or Chronic Sore Throat
- Ear Pain
- Change Teeth or Dentures Fit, Occlusion or Bite
- Dramatic Weight Loss
Risk Factors for Developing Oral Cancer
- Smoking Cigarettes, Cigars or Pipes
- Smokeless Tobacco Products
- Excessive Alcohol Consumption
- Family History of Cancer
- Excessive Sun Exposure
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
National Stand Up to Cancer Day is to bring national awareness to the fight against cancer. Don’t ignore warning signs. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms that persists for two weeks contact Westchase Premier Dental immediately. Sometimes dangerous spots or sores can be very tiny and go unnoticed on your own. Your dental professionals are trained to detect any suspicious areas that may be a cause for concern. Early detection is can improve the chance of successful treatment. Schedule you an appointment for your examination and oral cancer screening. Give us a call at (813) 475 – 4528. Our friendly staff is ready to assist you.
Further Reading:
National Preparedness Month Week 1 – Flood
Just as Florida’s East Coast braces itself for the landfall of Tropical Storm Hermine, National Preparedness Month Week 1 is at our doorstep. September the 1st marks the beginning of a national campaign to bring awareness to families so they can be prepared for disasters and other hazardous events that may come their way. Having a game plan for your household can help protect you and your loved ones from potential struggles, stresses, and health risks that can occur during any type of emergency situation. The entire month of September is dedicated to making sure that each family has steps in place before such an event takes place. Each week is divided into themes to bring more awareness concerning particular disastrous events.
National Preparedness Month Weekly Themes:
- Week 1 – Sept 1–5 Flood
- Week 2 – Sept 6–12 Wildfire
- Week 3 – Sept 13–19 Hurricane
- Week 4 – Sept 20–26 Power Outage
- Week 5 – Sept 27–30 Lead up to National PrepareAthon! Day, September 30
National Preparedness Month Week 1 – Flood
With this storm approaching our area, we would like to share information and resources about flooding safety and preparation. Floods are the focus for the week of Sept 1-5. Ready.gov explains the actions to take if your area receives a flood watch or warning alert from the National Weather Service. They offer in depth details and steps to take before, during and after a flooding event. They also teach basic safety tips, flood warning vs. flood watch, and other help information and resources.
Inland flooding is the leading weather-related cause of death in the United States. Every year, almost as many people die from flooding as from hurricanes, tornadoes and lightning combined. Most flood-related deaths and injuries could be avoided if people who come upon areas covered with water followed this simple advice: TURN AROUND, DON’T DROWN. Oci.ga.gov
In our neck of the woods, we are quite accustomed to flooding conditions. Keeping informed and prepared for rising waters and the dangers involved should be on everyone’s priority list. Westchase Premier Dental encourages the promotion of this important month of preparedness. Reach out and share thoughts, ideas, and information using #NatlPrep. We want everyone to Stay Safe and Be Prepared!
Westchase Premier Dental
(813) 475 – 4528
