Blog

Oral Health and a Healthy Lifestyle

Lifestyle

Oral health is one factor that contributes to a healthy lifestyle. Here are some tips to help you look after your oral health: Schedule regular visits to your dentist Brush at least twice a day and floss at least once a day Eat a well-balanced diet Check your mouth regularly to become familiar with what is normal for you. This will help you recognize when something in your mouth looks or feels different or abnormal Avoid activities that might harm your mouth or teeth such as smoking, oral piercings and recreational drugs Alert your dentist to any herbal remedies, over-the-counter or prescription drugs you are taking Wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth when you are playing sports. Read more about mouthguards. What should my mouth look like on the inside? Between dental ...

February 24, 2009Lois Saunders1Continue reading

Diabetes and Oral Health

Diabetes and Oral Health

Listen to an audio message on diabetes and oral health from ODA President Dr. Larry Levin Research shows that diabetes and your oral health can affect each other. This means if you have diabetes, you're at greater risk for developing oral health problems such as gum disease and infections. On the other hand, having gum disease can intensify the complications associated with diabetes by increasing your blood sugar levels. Blood sugar levels that remain high over a period of time can lead to such complications as premature degeneration of your eyes, kidneys, nerves and blood vessels.

How Your Dentist Can Help
It’s important to remember that your dentist is your oral health expert, who has the training ...

February 17, 2009Lois Saunders0Continue reading

Healthy Snacks

If you want to maintain strong teeth for your lifetime, you need to ensure you are eating enough whole grain breads and cereals, fruits and vegetables and lean meats.

Some other healthy snack choices include:

• nuts and seeds
• peanut butter
• cheese
• plain yogurt
• popcorn

Acid Erosion

There are some drinks and snacks that are bad for your teeth and may contribute to acid erosion. Acid erosion happens when food or drink with a low PH level (more acidic) are consumed. That acid can linger in your mouth, taking the minerals away and softening the surface of your teeth. This makes your teeth more susceptible to damage and often leads to increased sensitivity and may require treatment. The big offenders seem to be soft drinks, orange juice and lemonade.

Nutrition Tips

Try to avoid acidic food and drink between meals; there isn't as much saliva in your mouth at these ...

February 10, 2009Lois Saunders0Continue reading

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