7 Healthy Foods For Your Teeth

The foods that you consume play a major role in your overall dental health. People who eat foods with a high sugar content are more prone to dental caries/cavities. Here is a list of the top 7 foods that are good for your teeth. 

• Cheese- Not processed cheese, but block cheese or string cheese are great options. The enzymes in cheese can help to balance the pH levels in the mouth and increase saliva production. This helps to lower your risk for tooth decay. Cheese also contains calcium and protein which strengthens tooth enamel. 

• Yogurt- Yogurt also has protein and calcium to strengthen enamel. It has probiotics, or good bacteria that can rid your gums of caries causing bacteria. The best yogurt choice is a plain yogurt because the flavored varieties have added sugar. 

• Carrots- Carrots are crunchy and full of fiber. Eating carrots increases saliva production which helps to "rinse" the teeth and prevent cavities.

• Leafy Greens- They are full of calcium which helps tooth enamel, but also contain folic acid which can possibly improve gum disease in pregnant women. If you don't enjoy leafy greens by themselves or in a salad, you could try sneaking them into other foods you do enjoy. Such as smoothies, or on a pizza. 

• Apples- Apples produce saliva in the mouth which helps clear away food debris, but the texture of an apple is similar to that of brushing your teeth. It definitely doesn't replace brushing with a toothbrush and toothpaste, but is a good way to clean your teeth until you can brush them. 

• Celery- Celery is similar to apples and carrots. It is great for increasing saliva production and helping to rid your mouth of that pesky food debris. If you don't love plain celery, try it with some peanut butter to change it up. 

• Almonds- They are high in fiber and protein but very low in sugar. This helps to strengthen tooth enamel and serves as a great and filling snack. Almonds are great on their own or tossed into a salad. 

Here at Davis Dental, we want to help you find easy ways to improve your oral health. We hope these simple and healthy foods will get you headed in the right direction! 

For more information or to make an appointment, contact us at: (801)292-5812 or visit our website at davisdentalutah.com

Information for this post was gathered from colgate.com pictures were obtained from google.

Oral Health Impacts of Smoking and The Use of Other Tobacco Products

Many people do not realize the effects that tobacco use can have on their overall oral health. In dentistry, we see many of these issues arise when we have a patient who uses tobacco products. Here are 7 reasons you may want to quit. 

* Bad Breath

* Stained Teeth and Tongue

* Dulled Sense of Taste and Smell

*Slow Healing After a Tooth Extraction or Other Surgery

* Difficulty in Correcting Cosmetic Issues

* Gum Disease

*Oral Cancer

Quitting all-together is the only way to decrease your risk of oral and other health related problems. Here at Davis Dental, we are committed to giving our patients the best care possible. We want to give you all the tools, instruction, and advice we can to help you achieve optimal oral health. We look forward to seeing you! 

For more information or to make an appointment with Dr. Jordan Davis, call us at (801)292-5812 or visit our website, davisdentalutah.com. 

Information gathered from mouthhealthy.com. Images taken from google.com

Why Do My Gums Bleed?

Many people complain that their gums bleed when they brush or floss. The majority of these people think that bleeding gums is a normal occurrence and ignore it. Did you know that bleeding gums can be a sign of periodontal disease? Here are 5 things you can try at home to stop bleeding gums. 

• Change your oral hygiene routine. Make sure you are brushing twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and flossing at least once a day. When oral hygiene is lacking, plaque can build up along the gumline and cause irritation if not removed promptly. Plaque causes tarter (which becomes hard and can't be removed at home). Tarter is a rough surface which allows plaque to form in these areas easier. 

• Change what you are using. You may think that using a medium or hard bristle toothbrush will give you the pearly whites you've always wanted, but they can actually cause more harm than good. You should use a soft or very soft bristle toothbrush. Also, if you make sure you are flossing at least once a day, you should begin to see improvement in your gum health. 

• Consume a healthy diet. Foods that are high in sugar can create more plaque. It is important to eat healthy foods such as, vegetables, low sugar fruits, and protein. You don't need to rid your life of sweet entirely, just make sure you eat them in moderation. 

• Medication. According to Colgate, "Certain medicines also increase the likelihood that your gums will bleed. Some over-the-counter pain relievers, like aspirin, thin the blood and can therefore increase bleeding. It's also possible for prescription medication to cause gum bleeding. If that is the case, your doctor might prescribe a different dose or a different medication altogether. Always talk to your doctor if you think a medication is causing side effects, even if they seem mild."

• Visit your dentist. If you are having any bleeding, even if it is mild, it is important to see your dentist for proper diagnosis. You could have an underlying issue that needs professional attention. You dentist can advise the best treatment for you personally. 

Keeping up to date on regular checkups and professional cleanings is the best way to maintain a healthy smile. 

For more information or to make an appointment with Dr. Jordan D. Davis visit our website at www.davisdentalutah.com or call us at (801)292-5812

Information for this post was gathered from colgate.com picture taken from shapingthefutureofdentistry.org

The Importance of Replacing Missing Teeth

We see patients on a regular basis who are in need of tooth replacement, whether it be a single tooth or several teeth, there are essentially three options. 

Option 1: The first and best option is a dental implant.  It is essentially a screw or a post with rivets made of titanium that is placed in to the jaw bone (we also offer a ceramic implant for patients who are looking for a metal free option). It is then allowed to heal for four-six months so that the bone can fuse to the implant. After healing is complete, a different type of post called an abutment is screwed into the implant so that a replacement tooth can be placed on top. A crown or cap is placed on the post. The process is then complete and the patient may use the implant normally.

Implants are the most similar to a natural tooth. You eat, brush, and floss as you would without an implant. 

Implants also have a much longer life span than other treatment options. 

Option 2: The second option is a bridge. It is made of porcelain, metal, or a combination of both. A bridge is three or more teeth that are fused together and then attached to the neighboring teeth. The bridge will fill the empty space left from the missing tooth. In order for the bridge to fit onto the existing teeth, they must be prepped or ground down to create enough space for the bridge to fit. It is then cemented into place. 

The biggest risk factor with a bridge is bridge failure. This happens when either one or both of the neighboring teeth get decay on them. If this occurs, the entire bridge needs to be removed to have the decay taken out properly. Then a new bridge would need to be made and cemented into place.

Option 3: The third option is a removable partial denture or a retainer that has teeth attached to it. An impression or mold of the upper and lower teeth is taken. The impression is then sent to a Dental Laboratory for fabrication. Once completed, the patient will return to the dental office for an appointment to ensure a proper fit.

Partial dentures are fairly easy to care for. They come in and out of the mouth and can be brushed daily with a soft toothbrush. At night, it is recommended that partial dentures be removed from the mouth and placed in a cup of water with an effervescent tablet like Polident to clean it thoroughly.

The biggest downside to a partial denture for patients is the fact that it does come in and out of the mouth. Over time, it will also need adjustments to keep it fitting well and eventually will need to be replaced. 

It is important to replace missing teeth for the following reasons:

1. Teeth will shift over time. For example, if you had your second to back tooth on the lower left side, extracted, eventually the tooth behind it will begin to move forward at an angle to fill the space. Also, the upper teeth will begin to move down until they touch the opposing teeth again. This process is called super eruption. When teeth begin to shift or move up or down, sometimes they will do it to the point that they are no longer savable and need to be extracted.

2. If you have a tooth extracted and you wait several years before deciding to replace it, there may not be room for an implant or another option because the teeth around it have shifted too much.

3. The other problem with waiting several years before replacing a tooth is you will begin to lose the bone in that area. Which results in needing a bone graft if you have decided to have an implant placed. When having a bone graft done, this will delay healing time and also prolong the implant process. 

Here at Davis Dental, we want to help you have a long lasting, fully functioning, beautiful smile! Contact us for more information. (801)292-5812

Fluoride Benefits

Many people are on the fence about fluoride and its benefits. Here at Davis Dental we have experienced the true difference fluoride use can make not only for children, but adults as well. Fluoride is vital in preventing tooth decay. Fluoride comes in many forms and can be used in different ways such as, in toothpaste, drinking water (in some areas) and mouth rinses. 

There is some controversy about having fluoride in drinking water, but according to the American Dental Association "more than 70 years of scientific research has consistently shown that an optimal level of fluoride in community water is safe and effective in preventing tooth decay by at least 25% in both children and adults. Simply by drinking water, Americans can benefit from fluoride's cavity prevention whether they are at home, work or school. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention named community water fluoridation one of 10 great public health achievements of the 20th century." 

• How does fluoride protect teeth?

Fluoride that comes from foods, beverages, and supplements helps protect teeth before they come into the mouth by helping the tooth enamel become stronger therefore resisting decay. 

After teeth erupt (break through the gums) fluoride helps to remineralize enamel (making it stronger) and can even reverse the signs of early decay. 

• Why should I want to drink fluoridated water?

You can better your overall oral health and prevent cavities simply by drinking water. It is a very easy and safe way to provide your teeth with fluoride. 

Overtime, the fluoride from your drinking water will be present in your saliva and will help to bathe your teeth with very small amounts of fluoride to help protect and remineralize teeth. 

• Why should I choose a fluoridated toothpaste?

Toothpaste helps to remove plaque and bacteria from the teeth and mouth. Adding fluoride to this method helps to strengthen enamel. 

• Should my children be using fluoridated toothpaste?

For children younger than 3 years, parents and caregivers should begin brushing children's teeth as soon as they begin to come into the mouth by using fluoride toothpaste in an amount no more than a smear or the size of a grain of rice. 

For children 3 to 6 years of age, parents and caregivers should dispense no more than a pea sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. 

Teeth should be brushed thoroughly twice a day (morning and night) or as directed by a dentist or physician. Children's brushing should be supervised to ensure that they use the appropriate amount of toothpaste. 

If you feel that your child isn't brushing thoroughly, we recommend that you help them brush and show them the proper technique. 

Fluoride is a simple, effective, and safe way to ensure healthy teeth. 

For more information visit our website at: davisdentalutah.com or contact Davis Dental at: (801) 292-5812

All information gathered from ada.org. Photo credit to ada.org.

Ten Things To Consider Before Purchasing Dental Insurance

Are you looking into purchasing a dental benefits/insurance plan? Here is a list of things to consider before you do. 

1. Will you be able to continue seeing your current dentist? 

If you have a dentist that you really like, you may want to look into an insurance plan that he or she participates with. If your dentist is not on that list, don't be afraid to ask why your dentist has chosen not to participate. They may have a very good reason. Don't let insurance companies fool you into thinking you can only see a dentist that is on their list. Several companies will help pay even if it is not with a participating doctor. 

2. Know what is covered in the plan you are researching. 

Many insurance companies do not cover certain procedures, especially when it comes to preventive treatment. Dental sealants and fluoride are not always covered. Both of these procedures could prevent future decay and save you money in the long run. 

3. Is the treatment you need determined by you and your dentist?

If you are having to choose dental treatment based on what your insurance plan will cover, you may not be receiving the treatment that is best for you. You and your dentist should be making the decision together on what treatment is ideal for your overall health. 

4. What type of dental care is covered?

Does the plan you are researching cover braces, bridges, crowns, or periodontal disease? What about major treatment such as; dentures, implants, or TMJ disorder? 

5. What is your coverage maximum?

Most dental plans cover on average a $1,000-$2,000 maximum per year. This small amount can be greatly diminished after one or two procedures depending on what type of treatment is needed. If you know you need more work than this amount allows, it may not be worth the premiums and remaining out of pocket expense to purchase a dental plan.

6. What if you need to see a specialist?

Some plans do not cover specialist visits leaving you with the entire cost out of your own pocket. 

7. Does the plan cover out of area emergencies?

Nothing is worse than having a toothache while you are trying to enjoy yourself on vacation. Does your dental insurance take care of these types of visits?

8. Does the insurance have a waiting period? 

If you are needing treatment immediately, you are likely going to have to wait 3 months for minor work such as fillings, and one year for major work like bridges and crowns. 

9. Does the plan have a pre-existing condition clause?

Some companies will not cover pre-existing conditions such as missing teeth. If you have a missing tooth that needs to be replaced with a bridge or an implant, many times insurance plans will not cover this treatment. 

10. Do you have an existing crown or bridge that needs to be replaced?

The majority of insurance plans will not pay for a bridge or crown that needs to be replaced if it has been under 5 years. Some companies won't help pay if it has been less than 7 years. 

It is important for you as a patient to consider all of these options before opting to purchase a dental insurance plan. 

Information for this post came from www.investopia.com and www.ada.org