Dental Implants: Benefits Extend Beyond Aesthetics

It is proven that people who have nice teeth smile more, while individuals with missing teeth or a lot of decay do not smile very often. Just the mere act of smiling, even if others are not present to witness it improves attitude. The loss of one’s teeth impacts more than just mood or attitude. Missing teeth can make it difficult to eat a balanced diet, because some foods are hard to chew. Bone loss from missing teeth causes facial features to change, and people tend to get that hallow look in their cheeks.

People who do not have all of their teeth would love to consider dental restoration, cosmetic repairs and implants. But there are greater benefits to oral restoration using benefits than just a great smile. 

(Dental Implant Photo Colgate.com)

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are comprised of titanium and they work as a tooth root attached to a special crown which screws into the jawbone to maintain the structure of a natural tooth. They are the best alternative and replacement for missing teeth. They actually help maintain the same infrastructure of the mouth as real teeth, so that is the main difference between crowns, dentures and bridges, which are more superficial in structure.

It’s true, implants are more expensive, but consider the long term benefits:

• Dental implants help prevent bone loss 
• They enhance the quality of your life: Get a beautiful, natural looking smile that lasts a lifetime. 
• There are no eating or food restrictions with implants, and you can chew all foods without issues
• You can actually taste and enjoy the flavor of foods  which is not the case with dentures

Dental implants are the best replication of our actual teeth, so it is permanent and not subject to some of the issues experienced with crowns (gum swelling, gingivitis, irritations)

When considering oral restoration, consider dental implants. The best way to find out if they are within your financial reach is to meet with a specialist and get a treatment plan and learn about financing options.

National Chidren's Dental Health Month Call To Action: Teach, Educate and Care for Your Kids' Teeth

Did you know February is National Children’s Dental Health Month? Teaching our children the importance of good oral care is a necessary part of parenting. The earlier you start educating your kids, the better.

If it is easy for dental care to slip our minds as adults, then most likely, it is much easier for our children to forget.

Think about it, for many of us, we may not even visit the dentist until there is discomfort - an ache or pain. We all know what that means, if there is pain, then decay or cavities may be at the “root” of the problem. Remember, root issues can lead to “rotten” results, which means bigger bills in the long run.

Most kids do not know the little signs leading up to bigger dental problems. They only know there is an issue when pain is involved, which is when they will communicate and complain to parents to inform them.
For the little ones, tooth decay is preventable if we follow a few simple rules as parents:

·         Avoid putting babies to bed with bottles filled with anything but water

·         Do not let toddlers carry sippy cups filled with sweetened drinks all day

·         It is best to quench their thirst, but not to keep re-filling with milk and/or sugary drinks, because they can cause decay.

At American Dental Plan, we offer a discount dental plan that can help you save up to 40% on dental care for your entire family. Yearly membership fees start as low as $59! And, with over 750 participating independent dentists throughout Arizona, you are sure to find a location to accommodate you and your family.
When is the best time to start setting dentist appointments for your tots? The answer is – as soon as their teeth start growing in. If a child has healthy baby teeth, chances are he or she will have healthy adult teeth as well.

Best And Worst Foods For Teeth: Top Seven

Here we are into a New Year! Most people make resolutions or at least try to commit to healthier habits. To help you make better food and drink decisions to promote better oral health, here are the top seven best and worst foods and beverages for your teeth:

Best List: Foods that Stimulate Saliva, Neutralize Acids and Provide Vitamins and Minerals

1.      Fruits and Vegetables: Colorful, high fiber fruits and vegetables are “best friends” to our diet and oral health. They stimulate saliva production, neutralize acids, and clean our teeth, and they give us a dose of vitamins and minerals.

2.      Water: Rinsing agent and hydration works to prevent decay.

3.      Dairy Products: Good source of calcium and vitamin D.

4.      Xylitol: This sugarless, plant-derived sweetner fights against bacteria.

5.      Green/Black Tea: Contain polyphenols that suppresses bacteria and plaque build-up

6.      Vitamins/Minerals: A, D and C are great for teeth, but foods that provide other minerals and nutrients include: potatoes, spinach, fish, chicken, beef, beans, grains, tofu and eggs.

7.      Nuts: They contain: Calcium, Vitamin D, Fiber, Folic Acid, Iron, Thiamine, Niacin, Zinc, potassium, magnesium, E and B6.

 Healthy and Unhealthy Choices for Your Teeth

Worst List: Acid and Foods that are High in Sugar, Convert to Sugar or Create Bacteria and

1.      Soda, Carbonated Sugary Drinks: They contain sugar and acids that eat away and erode tooth enamel.

2.      Some Energy/Sports Drinks: They may claim to be healthy, but they can be highly acidic and full of sugar.

3.      Things That Create Cotton/Dry Mouth: Alcoholic beverages, medications, and fluoride rinses can dehydrate the mouth and hurt gums and teeth.

4.      High Fructose Corn Syrup, Sweetners, Sugar and Candy: Sugary, sticky, gooey caramelized foods are high in sugar, damage the surface of teeth and cause cavities.

5.      Dried Fruits: Believe it or not, raisins, prunes and apricots can be like chewy candy, and they can find and trap sugars in and around the teeth.

6.      High Acidic Foods/Drinks: Orange juice, lemons and grapefruits can be good for teeth, but sucking and consuming too much of them without rinsing can break down enamel.

7.      Foods High in Starch: White bread, fries, chips, and processed foods convert to sugar and cause bacteria and a break down in enzymes.

Vitamin D stands for “Defense” Against Dental Cavities

A healthy, balanced diet is important for our teeth and bodies. Eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, with a healthy dose of quality meats (protein substitutes), cheeses and good carbs are the best combo! Vitamins can certainly help offset any imbalances, too. Recently, several studies have revealed the importance Vitamin D plays in helping to build stronger, healthier teeth in children, and also safeguarding teeth against dental cavities throughout life. 

 

 (Image thanks to SavingDinner.com )

Plenty of research studies point out that vitamin D actually lowers the risk of dental cavities to as much as 50% in 3,000 children who were subjected to these studies from many different places, such as US, Australia, New Zealand, Sweden, Canada and Great Britain.

The benefits of Vitamin D can help people of any age. Pregnant women or mothers of little children should keep in mind that Vitamin D protects against dental cavities, so they should incorporate the supplement into their everyday diet. Pregnant women should take sufficient doses of Vitamin D to protect themselves and the baby, while parents should administer the recommended daily dose of Vitamin D to their kids. If you have questions, just ask your doctor or pediatrician. 

Here are some Foods Containing Vitamin D:

Shiitake & Button Mushrooms

Sardines, Salmon, and Tuna Fish

Cod Liver Oil

Eggs

Soymilk

Milk

Orange Juice

Sunshine

Baby Drinks For Healthier Teeth

A baby’s oral health is very important, and it gets them on the road to good oral hygiene. Hydration is a catalyst for this, as they need fluids for proper digestive health function to avoid constipation.

Dental Health Magazine posted information on the different fluids babies need for excellent oral and digestive health. They provide immunity for fighting sickness, strong bones, and healthy teeth. 

The first liquid a baby is acquainted with is often breast milk. This is great for building a tough immune system for the barrage of infections and diseases they’ll face in the first few years of their lives. If the baby is unable to drink breast milk, make sure to give them formula that has whey, as whey-based formula has plenty of protein to produce soft, healthy stools. 

Cow milk with full fat is a good source of calcium for babies. Children can start drinking pasteurized cow milk around one year old. Water is very important for babies from the age of six months, as it protects their oral and bodily health. 

Drinks to avoid include retail products with sweeteners because they promote tooth decay. Unsweetened juices promoting themselves as 100% natural often have white sugar, which also damage teeth and erode tooth enamel with their acidity; they can be given once a day in full form or 2-3 times daily when diluted by half with water. You can give your kids freshly-squeezed orange or apple juice without sugar to provide them with a multitude of vitamins.