Gobble, Gobble, Gobble!

Did you know that the first Thanksgiving was celebrated over a three day harvest festival and turkey wasn’t even a part of the meal? The main dish was most likely venison, duck, or goose. Yes I know, mind blowing! Regardless of what is on the table, Thanksgiving is a time to spend with our families, friends, and give thanks for what we have. There’s a lot to be thankful for sure, most importantly our health! So, stay healthy this Thanksgiving and include healthy choices on your dinner table. Turkey has a high protein content which contains phosphorus. Phosphorus helps strengthen our bones and protects our teeth from cavities. Include greens as your sides – they are a great source of vitamins. For instance, vitamin K helps protect against substances that break down our bones. The pumpkins in our pies have vitamin A, which helps to strengthen enamel and encourages gum health.

Many of our favorite sugary treats and wines have excessive acids which can erode our enamel, and once enamel is gone, it’s gone and cannot grow back! Make sure to brush and floss after consuming sugary foods and drinks this holiday, but be sure to wait at least 30 minutes after eating to avoid brushing the acid from foods and drinks into your teeth. 87% of adults are at risk for enamel erosion due to their diet. To help keep our teeth healthy, it’s also important to drink lots of water. It is essential to maintain a neutral pH since an acidic environment promotes bacteria growth and erosion on the enamel. If you notice a yellow undertone, glassy appearance or teeth sensitivity, this may be an indication there is some enamel erosion happening.

Use enamel repairing toothpaste, such as Pronamel Intensive Enamel Repair, which helps lock in vital minerals and therefore, helps to repair acid-weakened enamel. Also, ask our hygienists about including a fluoride varnish or dental sealant at your next dental cleaning appointment. The fluoride application at a dental office has the highest fluoride concentration available.

How to know if you’re a good candidate for an enamel strengthening treatment?

If you are experiencing any of the following:

• dry mouth, which lowers the flow of saliva
• receding gums which expose the dentin or weaker layer of your teeth
• wearing orthodontic brackets which make it harder for you to clean your teeth at home, leaving plaque on your teeth for a longer period of time, which can cause cavities
• if you’ve had or are receiving head neck radiation treatment, because it affects the salivary glands
• if you have several fillings or crowns

Help us keep your smile healthy!

“Let your smile change the world, but don’t let the world change your smile.”