Protect Your Smile This Summer

Now that summer is right around the corner and the weather is warming up it might be easy to reach for that high sugar fruit drink or ice cream instead of water. Avoid this pitfall and instead drink fruit flavored water and keep your smile healthy.  High fructose drinks not only can cause problems with cavities and other dental problems, but can also cause your mouth to dry out.  Dry mouth is an open opportunity for bacteria to get out of control and attack your tooth enamel.

 

Water with fruit in it not only gives you a refreshing drink to quench your thirst, but it can also provide a snack that is low in sugar and carbohydrates which can also impact your smile. Once you are feeling the impact of dry mouth, it is easy to reach for the closest and easiest drink at your fingertips. Avoid this problem by planning head.

Using a refillable water bottle can ensure that you are never far from the water you need to consume. Depending on your weight, where you live and how active you are will determine the amount of water you should be consuming.

For damage to your smile due to dehydration, contact Dr. Judy Strutz and her team today!

Is Your Smile Bright?

Taking care of your smile isn’t a problem you can afford to avoid. You only have less than seven seconds to make a great first impression. After that the job opportunity you are interviewing for is gone, which might be a problem if your smile isn’t as healthy as it could be. Here are four ways you can improve the look of your smile without leaving your house:

1.     Brush regularly. Simply brushing regularly can decrease bacteria and decay and increase the health of your smile.  Brushing 2x a day will make sure to remove any leftover food on your gums and teeth. And don’t forget you should get a new toothbrush every six months.

2.     Eat healthy foods. Dr. Strutz says, “The water in fruits and vegetables not only wash food off your teeth, but they also increase saliva production.” An increase in saliva helps to ensure food is rinsed from your teeth throughout the day.

3.     Floss every day. You may believe there is no reason to floss, but flossing ensures no food stays between your teeth. Flossing helps decrease inflammation, bleeding and early symptoms of gingivitis and just might also add a year or more to your life!

4.     “Omit soda from your list of drinks,” suggests Dr. Judith Strutz. Not only does soda attack your teeth enamel, but the sugar in soda increases opportunity for decay to negatively impact the look of your smile.