Friday, February 13, 2015

Crunchy foods and Dental health

You’ve probably heard that eating an apple a day will keep the doctor away but did you know they are also good for your teeth? As with everything else, there are good and not so good crunchy choices. There are actually dental benefits to incorporating crispy foods into your diet. Some of my favorite yummy options are apples and pears. They are an awesome workout for your mouth with all the chewing that goes on while you’re enjoying these tasty treats. All that crunching also can help clear away bacteria. Definitely a dental plus! Raw veggies also make a super choice because they stimulate saliva flow which is a natural defense against cavities and gum disease. Plus, they contain beta-carotene, which your body needs to make vitamin A, an essential nutrient for building strong teeth! Now, some of the not so good picks are: Crunchy snack foods like chips, crackers and pretzels. Parts of these foods can get stuck in your teeth. When the carbohydrates that they contain convert to sugar, they erode the enamel on your teeth. And the worst of the worst is hard candy. They typically stay in your mouth longer which gives the sugars extra time to stick to teeth and cause decay. Not good! Visit our office for a complete exam with Dr. Belof and a cleaning with our hygienist, Beth, to make sure your pearly whites are in great dental health. Call us today to schedule your visit! (813) 645-8300 or visit the website at www.apollobeachdentistry.com -Anita, Dental Assistant Extrordinaire

Friday, January 16, 2015

Don't let your oral health ruin your body health in 2015!!!

Happy New Year everyone! In 2015 let's all get healthier! Here's something to consider- did you know you can get healthier, not just by diet and exercise, but by taking excellent care of your mouth and keeping it in good shape? With thorough, twice daily brushing and flossing, you can improve you overall body health! Studies are proving that there is a link between having chronic inflammation in the mouth, which is caused by plaque and tartar buildup, and heart disease and diabetes. There also seems to be a connection to Alzheimer's disease as well. Thinking about getting pregnant? Gum disease is related to low birth weight babies, and babies with spina bifida. There is even a condition called ‘pregnancy gingivitis.’ Using a quality electric toothbrush, (we recommend Sonicare) and using it every day, two times a day, for a full two minutes is a good start. If you have a difficult time flossing, there are other ways to clean in between your teeth that I would be happy to show you at your next preventive care appointment with me. You never know what tricks I will have up my sleeve! And don't forget to come and see me for those regular preventive care visits. Coming to see me to remove the tartar from your teeth is also an important part of getting a healthier mouth and that means a healthier you! Call us today to schedule your visit! (813) 645-8300. I hope that 2015 will be your best and healthiest year ever! -Beth, your Dental Hygenist (aka The Queen of Clean)