Preventive Dentistry in Fountain Valley

Preventive Dentistry is the first step towards healthy teeth and gums, and if you are not sure if you are doing the best that you can for your oral health, schedule an appointment with your dentist who can help you come up with a better plan for Preventive Dentistry.

Most people know that brushing twice and flossing once each day helps keep your teeth healthy, but according to the American Dental Association and your dentist, a well-balanced diet can also keep your teeth strong and white and your gums healthy. Stay away from starchy and sticky foods. Cookies, bread, crackers, and chips create less acid when you enjoy with the rest of a meal. Saliva is increased when you eat, which helps to neutralize the acids and wash away food particles.

Stick foods to avoid include granola bars, chewy fruit snacks, dried fruit, and sticky candy such as gummy bears.

Eat more cheese, nuts and onions for healthy teeth and enjoy tea as resent research has indicated that certain teas will slow the growth of the bacteria that causes tooth decay.

Your dentist also recommends that you brush with fluoride toothpaste. If you are unsure about the brand that you are using visit the ADA website where you will find a list of approved toothpastes, flosses, and mouthwashes.

Adults over the age of 35 lose their teeth because of gum disease, not cavities. In fact, three out of four adults will be affected by gingivitis or periodontal disease at some point.

Plaque is the colorless film that sticks to your teeth at your gum line. Although plaque is constantly forming on your teeth, daily brushing and flossing can help keep it at bay.

It is also important to schedule annual cleanings with your dentist. Professional cleaning removes plaque and tartar that you may have missed. Regular checkups and professional cleaning should be a part of your oral hygiene program.

For information regarding good oral hygiene, schedule an appointment with your dentist who can help you brush up your skills. 

Other Foods to Avoid According to Your Fountain Valley Dentist

In the last blog, your Fountain Valley Dentist Peter Hagen from Hagen Dental told you about the dangers of sugary foods. Dr. Hagen also mentioned that there were plenty of other foods that could cause damage to your teeth and gums, but it is not just sugary foods that can wreck havoc with your smile. Other foods that you may not know about could also turn your frown upside down.

According to Readers Digest foods like ketchup and even fruit flavored yogurt are loaded with hidden sugars. If you ever see high fructose corn syrup on an ingredients list do yourself and your family a favor and put it back on the shelf.

Sports and energy drinks may put a zing in your step, but the thick and acidic liquids can stick to your teeth for hours. Energy and sports drinks are just as bad as soda. For a healthier grin, stick to plain old water.  

If you enjoy sucking on a ripe juicy lemon, your OC Dentist says that you could be ruining the enamel on your teeth. Because lemons are so acidic, sucking or chewing on them for long period of time could cause irreversible damage to your teeth.

Starchy foods like soft breads, potato chips, French fries, crackers and pretzels are not just bad for your waistline. Your Fountain Valley Dentist will tell you that starchy foods will get trapped in-between your teeth and if you are not constantly brushing, could lead to plaque build-up.

Dried fruit and raisins are extremely high in sugar, but according to your Dentist in Orange County, raisins and other dried fruits like apricots and prunes can be stuck in your teeth and stay for hours leading to decay. Dried fruits can also cause stress on fillings.

For healthy teeth and gums, your favorite Fountain Valley Dentist recommends eating sugary foods with a meal. Because your mouth produces saliva during mealtime, it can help neutralize the acid production in your mouth rising away food particles.

Dr. Hagen also advises that you limit your snacks. If you must have something to eat, opt for a nutritious snack like a piece of cheese or a handful of nuts. Try to rinse your mouth out after your snack, or chew a stick of sugarless gum.

Drink more water as fluoridated water can help with tooth decay. If you are drinking bottled water, be sure and check your labels for fluoride.

Finally your OC Dentist recommends that you brush your teeth twice a day and floss once a day to keep your teeth and gums healthy and don’t forget to schedule an appointment for a check-up with Hagen Dental if you haven’t seen your Dentist in Orange County for a few months.