health tips Archives - Upper Arlington

Healthy Foods To Include In Your Summer Parties

Posted on June 18, 2015June 19, 2015 by Dr. Dana Walters

As summer parties are in full swing, it is important to uncover a menu that is good for your teeth. This season is a popular time for cookouts, dips in the pool, and firework festivities. Here are some tooth-friendly options to serve your guests.

Understanding Tooth Decay. According to the American Dental Association, tooth decay occurs when plaque combines with sugar in the mouth and forms acid that attacks teeth. To prevent cavities and promote positive dental health, you are advised to avoid foods and beverages rich in sugar. This includes soda, cookies, and candy.

Summer Menu Tips. The smartest food choices to preserve the health of your mouth include chicken, meat, and milk products. This is great news, especially when planning an outdoor barbecue. Cheeseburgers and chicken are simple to grill and always taste delicious. These foods contain calcium and phosphorus, two substances that remineralize teeth.

Salads are smart summer party options as well. Tomatoes and lettuce have high water contents, so sugars are diluted, and saliva production is stimulated. This helps wash away food that remains stuck in your teeth.

For dessert, a fruit parfait is a delicious and refreshing option. For example, oranges and pineapples are high in vitamin C. Studies show consuming fruits with this vitamin protects your gums and lowers your likelihood of developing periodontal disease.

Smart Summer Beverages. The best beverages for good dental health are water, milk, and unsweetened tea. Drinks like lemonade and soda contain high amounts of sugar and acid that wear away enamel. If it is necessary to sweeten a drink, it is recommended to use a sugar substitute, including Splenda or Equal.

Fruit smoothies are tasty summer beverage alternatives. They are easy to blend and contain many vitamins that boost your energy. Strawberries are especially good for your teeth. They contain malic acid, a substance known to brighten your smile.

Summer is the season to eat fresh foods. Besides protecting your teeth, the above items will help improve your overall health. To ensure positive dental health, it is important to eat right, brush and floss each day, and visit your dentist for annual checkups.

How To Prevent Headaches By Taking Care Of Your Teeth

Posted on June 4, 2015June 30, 2015 by Dr. Dana Walters

To promote awareness about various causes of headache pain, it is important to examine the ways teeth may contribute to the discomfort. The American Dental Association explains the link between the mouth and headaches. Teeth grinding, abcesses, and cavities can all lead to head pain.

Teeth Grinding. Teeth grinding is a destructive habit that often causes headaches. Although some people are unaware of the grinding that occurs, this clenching action creates tension in the jaw and face, which leads to headaches. Teeth grinding is typically the mind’s unconscious reaction to stress, anger, or anxiety.

Symptoms of grinding include tooth sensitivity, worn enamel, chipped teeth, and face pain. An abnormal bite or missing teeth may cause this problem as well. The best way to treat the issue is through stress management or the use of a mouth guard.

Abscessed Tooth. An abscessed tooth is caused from a deep cavity or tooth crack that leads to an infection, which bothers nerves in the mouth. These nerves send signals to the head and result in throbbing pain. To stop the headache, it is important to schedule an appointment with your dentist and have the abscess properly treated.

To prevent an abscess, it is important to practice a regular oral care regimen. You should brush and floss your teeth each day and avoid sugary foods. Also, you should visit your dentist for checkups and professional cleanings twice a year.

Cavities. Cavities are common problems in the mouth that cause holes in teeth. When the damage is deep, it may effect the nerves. After eating hot, cold, and overly sweet foods, these nerves may respond by sending pain signals to areas of the face.

Headaches caused by cavities can be treated by visiting your dentist for fillings. Preventing cavities is not difficult. Using a fluoride toothpaste or mouth rinse will add an extra layer of protection from tooth decay. Receiving a routine dental checkup will help catch cavities early so that you keep painful headaches to a minimum.

The above tips should help you prevent headaches caused by poor oral hygiene. Taking care of your teeth is very important. Having a healthy mouth means having a healthy life.

Tips For Proper Dental Care During Pregnancy

Posted on May 28, 2015May 29, 2015 by Dr. Dana Walters

Pregnancy is an exciting time in your life, but it can also increase your risk of periodontal disease. This is one reason proper dental care is so important.

Visit Your Dentist

Schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as you know you are pregnant. Make sure he is aware of your pregnancy. He can evaluate your oral health, and will know which treatments should be avoided until after your baby is born. Professional cleaning can reduce your risk of oral health problems, and other problems that are associated with oral health.
Dental Tips And General Health Tips

A nutritious diet can result in an easier pregnancy and a healthier baby. If you do not have a balanced diet, now is the time to start. The vitamins and minerals you consume each day affect both you and your baby.

Your diet should contain plenty of dairy products. While your unborn child needs calcium for healthy growth, calcium also benefits your teeth and bones. You can reduce your risk of tooth loss during pregnancy by drinking milk, and eating foods that are rich in calcium. Yogurt, ice cream, and cheese are some examples.

Women often experience cravings when they are pregnant. You should not allow cravings to interfere with healthy meals. However, if you crave foods or beverages that can be harmful to your oral health, discuss the issue with your doctor. Sugary or sticky products can harm your gums and teeth.

Home dental care is essential during pregnancy. Flossing and brushing will keep your teeth and gums clean and healthy.

Morning sickness is a problem for many pregnant women. It should not interfere with your home dental care. Your dentist can recommend a toothpaste that has a mild or bland taste. If vomiting is an issue, rinse with cool water after vomiting.

It is unnecessary to lose teeth or develop gum disease simply because you are pregnant. When you begin with these tips, you will increase your chance of having healthy teeth during and after your pregnancy.

Good habits at home, and visits to your dentist, can make this time in your life exciting and healthy.