Month: August 2018

What to Eat and What to Avoid at Your Labor Day Picnic

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One of the best parts about Labor Day is the picnics and the foods we get to enjoy at them. And while all of the treats are delicious, they may not all be great for your smile. At our dental office in Holland, we’re here to help by giving you a list of the worst Labor Day snacks for your smile as well as healthier options.

The Bad

Condiments

Sauces, dips, and dressings such as BBQ sauce and ketchup seem harmless enough. After all, we usually only use this as a little something extra. But these condiments are packed with acid and sugar, both of which can damage teeth.

Soda

This one should come as no surprise since it’s a well-known fact that dentists really don’t like soda. That’s because it’s loaded with sugar and is really bad for teeth. The sugar content in even one soda can contain as much as 11 teaspoons!

Alcohol

Drinking too much alcohol can greatly increase the risk for gum disease and decay. Certain types of alcohol can also lead to tooth discoloration. Lastly, alcohol can cause dry mouth, further putting teeth in danger of decay.

The Good

Veggies

Crunchy, raw vegetables are great for gums and overall oral health. As we chew foods like broccoli or carrots they’re working to rub away plaque buildup on teeth. This helps protect teeth from decay and may even help fight off bad breath.

Fruits

Fresh fruits such as crisp apples can also actually help scrub away plaque buildup. Other fruits including kiwi contain calcium which, when mixed with vitamin D, can strengthen teeth (and bones!)

Cheese

Speaking of calcium and vitamin D, cheese and other forms of dairy can contain quite a bit of both. What’s more is cheese can stimulate saliva production which will help rinse away bacteria, sugar, and acids left behind.  

Just like any type of foods, those that aren’t so great for your oral health are fine if enjoyed in moderation. We also recommend drinking water to help remove sugars and acids from your mouth. If you can, brushing after you eat is best but we understand that it’s not always doable. Instead, a quick swish and spit with water can help.

This Labor Day and every day, try to follow a well-balanced diet for both the health of your smile and your body. Our team at our Holland dental office wishes you a happy, relaxing, and delicious holiday.

How to Deal with Losing a Filling

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Dental fillings are an incredibly common type of dental restoration used to treat cavities and decay. In fact, nearly 91% of Americans between 20 and 64 have at least one dental filling. While dental fillings are strong and can last for many, many years, there are still some things that can cause a dental filling to become loose or fall out. Here’s what to do if that happens.

Don’t Wait, Call

Before you do anything else you should call your dentist in Holland. Many times our dental office will be able to see you the same day or the next day. At the appointment, you can expect to have a thorough exam of the area so your dental team can assess the damage. This allows us the opportunity to determine the best way to fix it.

What to Expect

Sometimes your dentist may recommend replacing the filling with another one. This is typically what happens if the filling was small and the damage didn’t really affect the tooth. Other times a filling just won’t get the job done and a dental crown may be recommended. Dental crowns cap the entire tooth and provide greater protection.  

Do Your Part

If you lose a filling there are important steps you should take in order to protect your tooth and ease any discomfort.

  • Clean the area. When a filling falls out, your tooth is left with a small hole that food and bacteria can get wedged into. If left there, it could lead to more damage. Rinse with salt water or gently brush the area after eating.
  • Reduce the pain. Using pain reliever can help minimize any sensitivity and increase comfort. There are also temporary fillers available at many pharmacies. Look for one that contains zinc oxide and place it in the gap, but only temporarily.

Avoid the Problem in the First Place

While very common, there are ways you can avoid losing a filling… including choosing your snacks wisely. Many lost or loose fillings are the result of sticky foods or hidden popcorn kernels, so be sure to eat these in moderation and use caution. Tooth grinding or clenching is also a common cause of lost fillings. Make sure to use a nightguard if you grind your teeth in your sleep to protect both your dental restorations as well as your jaw health. Lastly, seeing your Holland dentist every six months can help catch any loose fillings before they have a chance to fall out when you least expect it.

We’re always welcoming new patients at our dental office in Holland and are here to help with any dental concern. If you’ve lost a filling or suspect you may need one, we welcome you to give us a call to schedule an appointment today.

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