Month: July 2014

Summer is a time for soaking up the rays and getting a healthy dose of vitamin D (don’t forget the sunscreen!). But while you’re relaxing poolside in the summer sun, be careful of some heat-busting snacks that can cause smile-damaging results. At my dental office in Holland, we’re all about enjoying your time in the sun, but we want to make sure that you’re aware of some dangerous summer snacks and suggest some healthier alternatives.

As we’ve talked about in previous blogs, foods that are sticky or chewy are never a good choice for your teeth. Some more commonly eaten sticky foods are dried fruit or fruit snacks. These chewy snacks are not only high in sugar, their sticky nature also causes the sugar to linger around in the mouth longer, potentially causing some unwanted tooth damage. Sticky foods in general are also guilty of damaging tooth restorations or fillings. When you can, it’s best to stay away.

Another common summer treat that your Holland dentist suggests avoiding, or at least enjoying in moderation, is barbeque. Barbecue sauces often contain a lot of sugar, vinegar, and sometimes even dye. The dye that’s typically used in barbeque sauce can contribute to staining or discoloration of your smile, and while we already know that sugar is bad for your smile, acids, like vinegar, are also dangerous for your grin.

Citrus fruits including oranges, lemons, and grapefruits are also highly acidic and can lead to damage of the enamel and can promote tooth decay. Since these fruits are high in vitamin C and so thirst quenching, we don’t expect you to avoid them. Just remember that after you enjoy some orange slices, you should rinse your mouth with water to neutralize the acid.

When it comes to quenching your thirst, always choose water over any sugary beverage like soda, sweet tea, or sports drinks. Since people are often more active in the summer, they’re more likely to turn to a sports drink like Gatorade. If you need an extra boost of electrolytes, drink these types of beverages sparingly and avoid swishing them around in your mouth.

So what snacks are all right to eat? Veggies like celery or carrots are excellent foods for your body and your smile;, try some proteins like nuts and turkey; and don’t forget to swing by the dairy aisle to pick up some calcium rich cheese or yogurt that are not only good for your bones, they’re also good for your teeth.

This summer, while you’re enjoying the sun, make sure you’re also enjoying some smile-friendly foods. Next time you’re shopping for food, all of us at my Holland dental office urge you to make sure to add some smile-friendly items to your list. They’ll not only be delicious to eat, they’ll also keep your mouth healthy all summer (and year) long.

Serving patients in Holland, Zeeland and Saugatuck.

Sleep apnea is a dangerous disorder that affects individuals during the night, causing the sufferer to stop breathing numerous times during sleep. Breathing can stop for as long as several minutes before the brain triggers the body to wake up and resume breathing. Often considered a disorder that plagues the overweight, sleep apnea can affect even the most fit individual and can cause serious health concerns, and sometimes, even death. At my dental office in Holland, we’d like to educate you on a few signs and symptoms of sleep apnea, explain its dangers, and talk about the importance of getting treated.

One of the most common symptoms of sleep apnea is chronic snoring. While snoring has been long labeled as simply a nuisance, it can actual indicate that something is seriously wrong. Snoring typically occurs when the soft tissues in the back of the throat collapse, making it difficult for air to pass through and reducing the amount of oxygen delivered to your organs. Individuals who have sleep apnea may snore loudly, and then actually stop breathing for periods of time. The body will then wake the person and breathing resumes. This can happen hundreds of times a night.

People with untreated sleep apnea often report:

• Excessive daytime sleepiness and even unintentionally falling asleep during the day
• Waking up feeling unrefreshed
• Insomnia
• Waking up choking or gasping for breath
• Chronic fatigue

If you or a snorer you know have experienced any of these signs, it’s important to get checked for sleep apnea to stay healthy.

Sleep apnea has been linked to several serious health conditions including high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, increased risk for car accidents caused by drowsy driving, diabetes, depression, and several other concerning problems.

At my dental office in Holland, we strongly encourage anyone who may be experiencing sleep apnea to get checked as soon as possible. Once an official diagnosis is complete, suggestions for your treatment may include a CPAP, a mask that’s worn during the night and forces air into your nose or mouth; a mouthpiece that’s designed to keep your airway open; or a combination of the two. Whatever treatment is right for you, it’s important to follow through on getting treated appropriately. It just might save your life.

Serving patients in Holland, Saugatuck and Zeeland.

Nothing bugs us more than when people make up stories to try and scare others. We’ve all heard of urban legends, and some of us may have even fallen victim to believing them. What concerns all of us at my Holland dental office are the legends that cause misconceptions about dentistry and the fact that, if believed, could cause people to avoid dental care.

One of the most common dental urban legends out there is one that says root canals are super painful when, in fact, they’re really not a big deal. Those who have had a root canal often say that there was little or no pain involved in the procedure. Where the misconception of pain comes into play is before the procedure even happens. Root canals are needed when there is an infection or deep decay and, as a result, a lot of pain. What your Holland dentist wants you to know is that a root canal is a way to relieve the pain, not cause it.

Another tale that’s well-know is that baby teeth aren’t important. Many people think that if a baby tooth falls out prematurely, or gets a cavity, that it’s not a big deal. In fact, baby teeth are important, as they hold the place for your permanent teeth. If they fall out too soon, or if they become infected or decayed, the natural eruption and placement of your permanent teeth could be altered, leading to greater dental problems down the road.

Lastly – and this one is really important – is the belief that if gums bleed, it’s not a big deal. At my dental office in Holland, we try to educate our patients on the fact that bleeding gums are a sign that something is not right. Healthy gums don’t bleed unless you’re brushing or flossing too roughly. Bleeding gums often mean that you have developed gum disease or even gingivitis. If left untreated, gingivitis could lead to periodontitis and eventually loss of teeth.

Don’t let common dental urban legends keep you from a strong and healthy smile. If you hear of a dental story that you think may not be true, just call my Holland dental office. We’ll be sure to set the story straight, relieve any fear you may have, and get your smile strong and healthy.

Serving patients in Holland, Saugatuck and Zeeland.

 

Dental problems can happen anytime, anywhere. Even when you’re on vacation. Whether it’s a broken tooth, a lost filling or crown, or even a knocked out tooth, there are things you can do to keep your dental problem from ruining your vacation. At my Holland dental office, we’re full of tips and tricks that can help.

If you’re planning a vacation out of town, the first step you can take to help avoid dental problems is to schedule a visit with your Holland dentist before you leave. A pre-vacation checkup will make sure your mouth is healthy and no potential problems are lingering, just waiting to explode when you embark on your relaxation getaway. Even if you do schedule a checkup before your trip, there is still a chance a dental problem will occur.

One of the best ways to deter a dental emergency while on vacation is to be careful what you eat. Popcorn, sticky sweets, and ice cubes are all dangerous for your smile and can cause some unwanted problems. You should also avoid using your teeth to rip open packaging or to hold objects when your hands are full.

If a dental emergency does happen, following the tips below can help keep your vacation intact.

Dental Emergency Tips:

• Chipped or Broken Tooth – First rinse the mouth and any broken pieces with warm water. Relieve any bleeding by applying gauze and a little bit of pressure to the area. Swelling and pain can be reduced with a cold compress.

• Knocked Out Tooth – Act fast. If you can find the tooth, only handle it by the tooth crown, not the roots. Try to replace the tooth into the socket. If you can’t, place the tooth in milk and get to a dentist. Your tooth has the best chance of survival if it’s returned to the socket within an hour.

• Object Stuck Between Teeth – Whatever you do, don’t use anything sharp when attempting to remove the pesky piece. Simply use some floss to gently wiggle between your teeth and dislodge the particle.

• Lost Filling – Dental cement found over-the-counter, or sugarless gum (it has to be sugarless or it can cause pain!), can temporarily fill a cavity.

• Soft-Tissue Injury – These types of injuries tend to bleed easily and for awhile. Try rinsing your mouth with warm salt water to clean the wound, then hold a damp piece of gauze to the site of injury while applying some pressure. Pair that with a cold compress on the side of the mouth.

Planning your summer vacation? Give my Holland dental office call to schedule a visit before you leave! We’ll make sure your smile is vacation ready, healthy, and ready for the getaway. We can also talk about more dental emergency tips at your appointment.

Serving patients in Holland, Saugatuck and Zeeland.