Are Your Eating Habits Sabotaging Your Oral Health?

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Most Provo residents know that frequently eating foods high in sugar can cause cavities. Therefore, it’s important to limit candy, soda, cookies, etc. Also, remember that frequency is as dangerous as the amount of sugar.

Research has found that a higher frequency in sugar consumption may lead to demineralization more than the amount of sugar consumed. In other words, eating sugary foods in small amounts on a regular basis can do more harm than eating the occasional sugar-laden dessert. (Healthline)

Tooth Enamel Varies in Density

Before we discuss the issue further, let’s review the miracle substance that protects our teeth: enamel. While enamel is the hardest substance in the body, it’s not invincible. In fact, it demineralizes (loses some of its density) when it comes in contact with sugar, acids and bacteria.

Let’s explore additional eating habits and how they can affect oral health.

Acid is as Bad as Sugar

First, let’s talk about acids. A plethora of both healthy and unhealthy foods and drinks are acidic. Soda pop and energy drinks are especially harmful because they have sugar and acid, a dangerous combo. Plus, they provide virtually no nutrition. However, you probably don’t want to limit all acidic foods like citrus fruits and tomatoes. Many acidic foods and beverages are high in Vitamin C and other nutrients.

You can protect your teeth by eating these things as part of a meal to limit the acidic effects. It is a good idea to eat a variety of healthy foods such as chicken, cheeses, chicken, other meats, nuts and milk. The calcium and phosphorus will support tooth remineralization.

Meal Timing Makes a Difference

The more frequently you eat the more frequently your teeth are subject to the decay process. This can be tempered by deciding on healthy snacks. And keep in mind, the later at night you eat, the more likely you will skip brushing and flossing altogether.

Enamel Erosion

While the enamel is soft, the tooth is susceptible to losing a microscopic outer layer of enamel. If the onslaught continues, the much softer dentin underneath is exposed. The dentin erodes more quickly. Eventually, you may lose the tooth.

Understand Which Foods are Acidic

Broadly speaking, the typical diet is becoming more acidic. The list of acidic foods may surprise you. They include eggs, gravy, asparagus, chicken, cottage cheese, honey, fish, ham, butter, sour cream, aged cheese, and yogurt with active cultures. Generally, foods with a high sugar or artificial sweetener content are considerably acidic. We don’t recommend cutting out the healthy foods. We just want you to be aware of them so you can make better choices.

If your teeth have become more sensitive in general, or in response to hot or cold foods or beverages, you may have enamel erosion. Call us to schedule an appointment and Dr. Hammond can examine your teeth and discuss it with you.

Is Your Go-To Beverage Affecting Your Teeth?

Now let’s talk about beverages. You probably already know that soda pop and wine are not good for your teeth. Provo teenagers that sip soda all day can have acid erosion while their young teeth should be at their densest. As mentioned, energy drinks have a multitude of teeth-damaging ingredients. Dentists are noticing the effects of their increasing popularity.

If you drink soda or energy drinks often, you may want to drink water or chew sugarless gum after downing a can. Increasing saliva production can trigger the remineralization process.

Xylitol Gum

If you choose to chew gum to stimulate saliva production, a good choice is gum with Xylitol. Xylitol is a natural sweetener that was first discovered in birch tree bark but is also found in many fruits and vegetables. Unlike most other sweeteners (natural or synthetic), xylitol is actually beneficial for your teeth.

Several clinical studies have shown that xylitol prevents the growth of the bacteria that initiates tooth decay. It also helps alleviate plaque and strengthens tooth enamel. Contact us.

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604


Don’t Put Off Your Dental Exam

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No matter what age you are, as long as you have teeth, dental exams are an important part of keeping your smile healthy and beautiful! We urge all our patients to see Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry, their dentist in Provo, every six months.

We have an excellent office and caring team of professionals to make your exams something you’ll look forward to.

Knowledge is Power
Dental exams are often put off because they can be seen as unnecessary. But exams are truly one of the best practices for preventative care. At each check up, our experienced and well trained hygienists will thoroughly clean your teeth.

Once they are polished sparkling clean, your teeth will receive a comprehensive analysis. They will be inspected for cavities, gum recession, excessive wear, or other risks. Catching these types of threats early is indispensable so you can be certain that they don’t turn into larger issues.

Innovative Dental Technology
Technology is moving swiftly, so it’s vital to find a dental office that has the latest instruments to ensure your check up is detailed and comprehensive. At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry, we have state-of-the-art technology that is used for your exams. If a problem is detected, an appropriate, individualized treatment plan will be designed.

Peace of Mind
After your entire mouth has been examined, we will detail what is necessary moving forward. Whether that’s flossing more often or discussing major fixes such as braces, we will make sure that you get all the information you need to ensure your smile is bright and beautiful! At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry, your dentist in Provo, we provide family and cosmetic dentistry.

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

 

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5 Reasons To Schedule A Dental Cleaning Today

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Having your teeth cleaned by a dental hygienist is always a good idea, but the benefits go beyond that great clean feeling you have afterward. At Hammond General and Aesthetic Dentistry in Provo, we’ve got five excellent reasons.

1. Protect Your Gums

It’s not only cavities that can damage a tooth until it is beyond saving. Gum disease that leads to bone loss is just as detrimental. Gum disease is caused by a buildup of plaque that creates pockets of infection between the gums and tooth roots. This leads to periodontitis, gum recession, and eventual bone loss. A professional cleaning eliminates the plaque before it can cause the gums to loosen.

2. Prevent Cavities

Even if you brush and floss your teeth morning and night, plaque can build up. We have many patients who are vigilant brushers, but are surprised when our hygienist discovers plaque on their teeth.

3. Check for Oral Cancer

The Oral Cancer Foundation relates this grave news: oral cancer claims one life approximately every hour—that’s 48,250 deaths a year. We screen you at each visit.1

4. Oral Health and Overall Health Go Hand in Hand

Your mouth is not a separate entity from the rest of the body, but many individuals treat it that way. At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry, we’ve often wondered about this persistent disconnect. Did you know there is compelling evidence to suggest that the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes increases with poor oral health?

5. It May Be Free

Many Utah dental insurance plans cover biannual dental cleanings. Even if you don’t have dental insurance, cleanings are one of the most competitively priced ways to maintain prime oral health.

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo, we provide our patients with a wide range of services, including cosmetic and family dentistry. Schedule a professional dental cleaning with us; you’ll be glad you did.

1http://oralcancerfoundation.org/facts/

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604