Tag: San Diego CA Dentist

Brushing and flossing your teeth and having regular dental check-ups are essential for good oral health, but did you know that your diet can also affect your oral health? 

In order to maintain strong teeth and healthy gums, you need to eat a diet rich in these five vitamins.

1. Vitamin C

Thousands of years ago, sailors suffered from a disease called scurvy, which caused bruised gums and bleeding gums, among other symptoms. Eventually, it was discovered that scurvy was a result of chronic vitamin C deficiency caused by a lack of fresh fruit and vegetables.

You need vitamin C to maintain the health and strength of the connective tissues in your gums, which hold your teeth in place. A patient with bleeding gums is usually suffering from gingivitis, which is an early stage of periodontal disease, but it may also indicate that the person is lacking vitamin C in his or her diet. If your gums are bleeding on a regular basis, you should consult your dentist.

Among the foods rich in vitamin C are citrus fruits (such as lemons, oranges, limes, and grapefruits), tomatoes, strawberries, capsicums, broccoli, and kiwifruit.

2. Calcium

Strong teeth require calcium, which strengthens the enamel, the outer protective layer that protects teeth from cavities.

It is well known that dairy foods contain a lot of calcium, but if you are lactose intolerant or vegetarian, you can still maintain your teeth by eating plant-based calcium sources, such as leafy greens, kale, and bok choy, as well as nuts—almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts, and Brazil nuts are all excellent calcium sources.

Calcium-rich foods include cheese, milk, yogurt, canned fish with bones such as salmon and sardines, leafy green vegetables, and tofu.

3. Vitamin D

According to a research review, vitamin D deficiency can cause tooth decay and gum disease, as well as other oral health problems.

In spite of the fact that UVB radiation from the sun is the best source of vitamin D, some people, such as the elderly, those who are chronically ill, and those who are obese, are at higher risk of vitamin D deficiency. It is recommended that you consult your physician if you are concerned about your vitamin D levels.

Egg yolks, oily fish, red meat, and vitamin D-fortified breakfast cereals are all good sources of vitamin D.

4. Phosphorus

Phosphorus is found in chicken, red meat, seafood, dairy, eggs, nuts, and legumes.

Most of this essential mineral is found in your bones and teeth, making it the second-most abundant mineral in the body. Phosphorus serves as a building block for healthy teeth and bones, and calcium requires phosphorus in order to form healthy teeth and bones.

Plant foods (such as nuts and seeds) contain phosphorus, but animal sources have a higher absorption rate.

Phosphorus is found in chicken, red meat, seafood, dairy, eggs, nuts, and legumes.

5. Vitamin A

Keep your teeth and mouth healthy by eating orange-colored fruits and vegetables that are high in vitamin A. A lack of vitamin A has been associated with impaired tooth development, enamel hypoplasia (a developmental defect resulting in insufficient enamel), and gum disease.

Oily fish, egg yolks, sweet potatoes, carrots, capsicum, and pumpkin are all healthy sources of Vitamin A.

Is it necessary to take vitamin supplements?

Chances are, you already consume enough of these essential vitamins and minerals if you eat a healthy, balanced diet.

Some over-the-counter supplements claim to improve your skin, teeth, and nails, but most dentists (like most health professionals) prefer that people get their essential nutrients from real, whole foods. We are here to assist you if you have questions about whether you are consuming nutrients that are necessary for improved oral health. Contact our dental office today to schedule a consultation.

Maintaining a healthy smile starts with brushing your teeth twice a day. However, excessively harsh brushing can sometimes damage your teeth and gums. In order to alleviate future gum problems, our dental office advises patients on proper brushing techniques. Let’s take a look at how brushing too hard can affect your gums.

What are the effects of brushing your teeth too hard on your gums?

If you brush your teeth too vigorously, you may cause your gums to recede or shrink back. Symptoms of gum recession include exposed tooth roots or teeth that appear longer than usual, which can negatively affect the appearance of your smile. A receding gum line may increase your risk of tooth decay and make you more sensitive to hot and cold temperatures, as well as many other external factors.

Gum recession isn’t the only problem caused by vigorous brushing. Tooth enamel can also be worn down as a result. While tooth enamel is one of the hardest substances in the body, brushing too hard can slowly erode it, resulting in irreparable damage. The result is usually dark or yellowish-looking teeth, increased tooth sensitivity, and a higher risk of tooth decay.

What Are the Signs That You Are Brushing Too Hard?

You can determine whether you are brushing your teeth too hard by examining your toothbrush. You may be brushing too hard if your bristles are flat and frayed while still new. Harsh brushing can result in sore or bleeding gums; a receding gum line that exposes more of your teeth when you smile; and dull teeth as a result of enamel wear.

What is the best way to brush your teeth?

For safe and effective tooth brushing, follow these tips:

• Make sure you use a soft-bristled, high-quality toothbrush approved by the American Dental Association.
• You should brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes, thoroughly but gently.
• Brush your teeth at a 45-degree angle against your gum line in a circular, up-and-down motion.
• Don’t forget to brush your tongue and your gum line. 
• In order to prevent mold and germs from growing on your toothbrush, store it in an open container.
• Replace your toothbrush every three months, or sooner if the bristles become frayed, flat, or damaged.

Our dental office can teach you how to brush your teeth properly for a healthy smile that lasts a lifetime. Don’t forget to schedule your regular dental exams and cleanings. We’ll make sure your teeth and gums stay healthy together. Get in touch with us today to schedule an appointment!

Alcohol consumption is known to be harmful to your health. Sugar, caffeine, and alcohol, all of which are present in a lot of popular drinks, have been proven to be harmful to the body. You may not be aware, however, that these beverages can also damage your teeth. The following are a few suggestions for consuming these beverages responsibly.

Energy drinks, juices, and sodas.

The high sugar content of these drinks can negatively affect your health. Their effects on your teeth, however, are less obvious. Prolonged exposure can damage your enamel as well as cause cavities and other dental issues.

Coffee

Many coffee drinks contain the same amount of sugar as sodas and juices. However, even people who drink their coffee black run the risk of damaging their teeth if they continue to consume it over time. Having too much coffee every day can stain your teeth, although the degree of staining varies from person to person.

Beer, wine, and liquor

While red wine may seem to stain your teeth, there is no difference between all wines and the risk they pose to your teeth. Additionally, darker beers can subsequently stain your teeth over some time depending on how often you consume them. Even though hard liquor itself is generally not a threat to your enamel, the mixers that go along with it can cause serious damage to it.

The Best Way to Protect Your Teeth

The first thing that may come to mind if you drink one of these beverages is to brush your teeth as soon as possible. Unfortunately, brushing your teeth too soon can have the opposite effect. Several of the beverages previously mentioned have a high acid content. Acid can have the effect of softening your enamel, and the pressure you apply when brushing can further contribute to this process. After drinking sugary or acidic drinks, it is recommended that you drink water and wait 30 minutes before brushing your teeth. Additionally, swishing the water around as you drink it will help to gently rinse off the enamel and allow it to harden before brushing.

A healthy diet is just as important for your teeth as it is for the rest of your body. You should follow a routine that includes regular brushing and flossing, as well as professional cleanings twice a year, so moderate consumption of any of these beverages will not negatively impact your oral health. For an appointment at our dental office, please contact us today!

Is sensitivity a common problem for you? Usually, tooth sensitivity can be treated with a wide range of treatment options that can provide some relief. Unfortunately, tooth sensitivity is often misunderstood. Here are some common questions regarding tooth sensitivity:

When eating cold or hot foods, are people’s teeth supposed to hurt?

The problem is unlikely to be serious if the discomfort or pain lasts only for a few seconds after drinking a hot or cold beverage. The cause of tooth sensitivity in these cases is likely to be mild decay (cavities), a loose or lost filling, or minor gum recession. Although it makes sense to schedule a visit to your dentist as soon as possible, it does not require emergency dental care.

If the sensitivity lasts 30 seconds or more, the internal structure (pulp) of your tooth has likely been permanently damaged in these cases. This may be due to deep dental decay, a tooth fracture, an accident or trauma, or it may be the consequence of an infection. In any of these cases, it is best to schedule a dental appointment as soon as possible so that a thorough evaluation can be performed before the pain becomes unbearable.

Does sensitivity toothpaste work?

Desensitizing toothpaste contains compounds such as potassium nitrate or strontium chloride. These products work by preventing pain signals from traveling between the surface of your teeth and your inner nerves. It may take several uses of the toothpaste before you see a difference. For those with more severe and prolonged sensitivities, prescription-strength toothpaste may be helpful. Our dental team is happy to suggest products that may be helpful to you.

If you have sensitive teeth, should you refrain from drinking coffee or eating ice cream?

You are not restricted from eating and drinking your favorite foods. If you are experiencing pain, you should consult with your dentist to determine the cause. Depending on your condition, they may recommend a specific toothpaste or suggest other possible treatment options. Maintaining proper oral hygiene will help in the prevention of tooth sensitivity.

Does sensitivity cause tooth loss?

Sensitivity may be a precursor to tooth loss. A recession of the gum line, which exposes the roots of your teeth, may cause sensitivity in several teeth at the same time. Prolonged gum recession can result in tooth loss. Furthermore, decay can cause sensitive teeth and, in the long run, can lead to an infection in the gums or jaw that can spread to other parts of the head and neck. With the right diagnosis and treatment, you can keep your teeth and mouth healthy.

Depending on the cause of your tooth sensitivity, our dentist can treat the condition in various ways. One of the easiest ways to prevent sensitive teeth is to maintain a good oral hygiene routine. For more information, please contact our dental office to schedule an appointment.