Author: adv-admin

Every day there is plenty of both good and bad bacteria living in your mouth. Both bacteria effect your teeth in many ways. Only you can ensure that the good bacteria need to be more numerous than the bad to ensure your teeth are being kept healthy.

       Many people have this false concept that because enamel is the hardest substance mostly made up of minerals that there is nothing that can penetrate the enamel. That’s actually wrong! Enamel is actually rather porous! When you lose the tooth enamel the teeth are weakened and they are also exposed to being decayed which is also called “demineralization”. If enough enamel is taken away cavities are what are formed. However, the good news is that this can be stopped! Tooth enamel can also be strengthened by receiving enough minerals and nutrients through one’s diet which is also called “remineralization”. This relies on the proper foods going into your mouth each day to be able to perform “remineralization” to the teeth.

   The bad guys are the bad bacteria in the mouth that cause the cavities to form or plaque to build up around the gums and teeth! Some of these bacteria include Strep Sobrinas, Strep Mutans, Strep Salivarious are a few of the bacteria that are in carbohydrates that turn into sugars and chew through the tooth’s enamel and produce harmful acids in the process. This is how “demineralization” occurs where the enamel is worn off the teeth. This leaves teeth susceptible to both decay and in extreme cases tooth loss when left untreated. Sure, there are always tooth replacements or dentures, but believe us when we say it’s easier just to keep the regular teeth you have healthy as possible!

    All is not lost! Saliva is a secret ammunition of sorts that can help combat against the decay and rotting factor in the teeth! There are many minerals in saliva that help keep the teeth protected and healthy including fluoride., calcium, and phosphate that help deposit these minerals back into the tooth enamel to keep it from wearing off. The more enamel that is kept on the teeth, the better the teeth are protected. This keeps our smiles healthy and strong.  Saliva not only helps with “remineralization” of the teeth, but also helps keep the pH in the mouth in balance healthy even after we eat very acidic foods.

      What is at stake if we don’t keep our mouths healthy? Our dental health is at stake!

       The number one complaint people have when they are getting dental implants or dentures are, “I would I would have taken better care of my teeth then I wouldn’t be in this position!” After the implants people say, “Sure I like my new teeth, but it would have been so much cheaper and easier if I just had taken care of the original ones I had!”

       The good news is that this battle is something you have some say in! You can promote good oral health and tooth “remineralization” by practicing healthy mouth habits! You are the ultimate protector of your own teeth! Eating a healthy diet is the best choice you can make to help provide “remineralization” of your teeth! Choosing foods like cheese, eggs, celery, apples, or wild caught fish provide great choices for nutrients as well as helping protect the teeth. On the other hand, limit the sugary drinks, cookies, cakes, candy, chips, etc. that are high in sugar and carbohydrates as those foods “demineralize” teeth and ruin the enamel left on your teeth!

      Ensure you are brushing with a toothpaste that includes fluoride! That helps protect your teeth against decay and rot! It also helps rid the mouth of any plaque that may be trying to build up in there!

If you have any questions or would like to learn more about us visit us here or call us 909-465-1016.

The Ramona Dentistry Team

“Where Family Comes First”

Saliva is essential for good oral health as well for your overall comfort in general. Everyone will experience a dry mouth occasionally, however, if it’s a common condition or a daily problem you may have deeper laying issues.

     Our bodies are constantly at work producing saliva to help keep our mouths moist. We are to produce 2 to 4 pints of saliva daily on average! Saliva helps us taste our food, and it also helps us process and break down food so that it can be swallowed safely. It also protects our teeth by washing food particles away after we chew and swallow the main bits.

     Dry mouths can be caused by a number of things. One reason for dry mouth is if the saliva glands may not be working properly. A lack of saliva can leave you with a dry, hoarse voice and can make your breath putrid. Needless to say, that having a lack of saliva is not a fun experience! If you get a dry mouth once in a while when scared, nervous, or tense that’s one thing. However, if it’s a constant daily issue you may have deeper laying conditions!

     There are many things that can cause chronic dry mouth issues. Certain medications for one may cause the dry mouth issues. Some of these common medications that cause dry mouth include antihistamines, painkillers, decongestants, and diuretics among others. Many lifestyle choices can cause chronic dry mouth as well like chewing tobacco or smoking cigarettes. Illnesses in some cases can cause dry mouth as a side effects including HIV/AIDs, Parkinson’s, rheumatoid arthritis, and diabetes to name a few conditions that can cause dry mouth. Dehydration and not consuming enough water throughout the day can also cause dry mouth so make sure you drink enough throughout the day to keep your mouth moist throughout the day.

       If you have a loved one or family member constantly has dry mouth concerns or issues, or you have experienced it yourself then you know how terrible this condition can be. Your tongue can stick to the roof of your mouth. You are at heightened risks of cavities and bad bacteria multiplying in the mouth that can cause tooth rot and decay! These are the biggest side-effects of having dry mouth.

      Dry mouth is more than discomfort it can also increase the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and sometimes infections. Dry mouth should be treated soon as possible. The treatment for your dry mouth can often dictate the treatment required. If you chew tobacco or smoke cigarettes stopping may help. Medications may be able to be altered or changed or even doses changed to reduce the dry mouth side-effects. Sometimes try chewing sugarless gum or sucking on a sugar-free mint. Those simple fixes can sometimes alone help fix dry mouth!

If you have any questions or would like to learn more about us visit us here or call us 909-465-1016.

The Ramona Dentistry Team

“Where Family Comes First”

Any parents could tell you that when the kids come home from school the first place they run is the kitchen for snack time!

        It’s normal to be a bit peckish after a long afternoon in the classroom, but what they are chowing down on can have a serious impact on their long-term oral health. So, what do your kids reaching for? Cookies? Cake? Candy? Chips? Pretzels? Apple slices with peanut butter? Popcorn? The choices are endless, but over time those choices matter!

          Constantly snacking on foods high in sugars and starches can cause those foods to adhere to the teeth. As those foods adhere to the teeth they can slowly wear off the enamel and chew away through the tooth causing cavities and potentially tooth decay. Instead of the sugary snack foods try these teeth-friendly snacks for the kids when they come home starving — these snacks also provide great nourishment for their bodies, too!

Leafy Greens & Fresh Veggies:

          Offering children fresh greens like collard greens or spinach provide excellent sources of calcium, Vitamin A, Vitamin B12, & magnesium all of which are vital to gum and tooth health. Veggies like broccoli or celery are great, too! They provide high-fiber content, and also provide a “brushing” kind of effect to keep teeth clean when eaten raw.

          Moreover, if the kids want some crunch in their snack simply make your own veggie chips! Kale or carrots can make a great base! Mix your veggies in some olive oil till they are coated. Put them in the oven for 12 minutes, and flip! Bake till crunchy!

Cheese, Milk, & Yogurt:

      Dairy provides an excellent, nutritious source of calcium to help strengthen teeth. Dairy can also help cut the acid level in the mouth down caused by things like sugary juices and such. It can help lessen the erosion of the teeth, and promote better oral health. Some fruit and yogurt parfaits with some granola or another healthy grain on top can provide pickier eaters a variety and some sweetness added to their snack if plain yogurt is not going to get it done!

Fruits High in Vitamin C:

     Vitamin C helps build up the gum-line keeping them from being punctured, injured, or infected due to a breakdown in the collagen networks that make up the strength of the gums. Citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruits, kiwis, etc. are great snacks and sources of Vitamin C to keep the gums strong into the future. Create kabobs out of these fruits and some berries (high in antioxidants) along with low-fat cheeses to provide fun snacks!

If you have any questions or would like to learn more about us visit us here or call us 909-465-1016.

The Ramona Dentistry Team

“Where Family Comes First”