Don’t Let The Pumpkins Fool You!

While pumpkin pie, pumpkin spice latte and pumpkin bread is lining the shelf, you may think these are healthy options for your smile. Stop! While pumpkin is very good for you, the extra sugar and other ingredients they put in those pies and drinks are not. The pumpkin spice latte has more sugar than a regular drink. The longer the sugar sits on your teeth the more at risk you are for not only other health problems, but it can also increase your risk of decay and cavities.

If you are going to consume pumpkin, eating it in the rawest form possible or adding other healthier ingredients to it can ensure you reap the benefits of a pumpkin without any of the other problems that may arise.

A healthy pumpkin smoothie can keep you going all day. Try adding a banana or nuts to blend in with coconut milk for a healthy option in the morning. Or make pumpkin muffins with coconut flour and sugar instead of granulated sugar and regular flour. You may even want to try a little pumpkin oil the next time you are cooking, as it has health benefits for the teeth as well.

For more information on the benefits of pumpkin, contact Dr. Judy Strutz and her team!

Fall Is Right Around The Corner

With the cooler weather right around the corner, fall hot chocolate and baking may be in your future. While you may be excited and ready for the fall, is your smile? It can be difficult to keep up with your healthy dental habits during the holidays with the influx of sugar and sweet treats that are around. With these 5 tips you can stay ahead of the decay and decrease your risk of needing restorative procedures.

1.     Brush and floss every day at the same time. The more consistent you can be, the better off you are.

2.     Brush after consuming sweet treats.

3.     Carry a travel toothbrush, toothpaste and floss to brush and floss after that high carbohydrate meal.

4.     Drink water. Having a dry mouth not only increases the risk of bacteria in your mouth and the longer you are dehydrated the greater the risk for decay.

5.     Consume fruits and vegetables instead of treats high in carbohydrates, this will help ensure food is removed from the surface of the teeth.

Enjoy the fall weather, pumpkin drinks and the colors of the leaves with a healthy smile that lasts a lifetime. For more information, contact Dr. Judy Strutz and keep your smile healthy.