We all know that eating a candy bar may not be the best thing for your teeth, but did you know that there are several foods that actually help promote the health of your teeth?

Here’s a list of foods that you may want to include in your diet:

1. Fruits and vegetables that are both raw & crunchy: apples, celery, broccoli, and carrots can help remove extra food particles and bacteria from between your teeth.
2. cheese that is hard: High in vitamin D and calcium, these cheeses also have phosphates which neutralize acids prone to eroding the enamel on your teeth
3. foods that are high in vitamin C: green peppers, sweet potatoes, and basil are a few of the foods that will help keep your gums healthy
4. sugarless gum: chewing gum stimulates the saliva in your mouth which helps clean your teeth
5. water: drinking water helps wash away food particles. It also keeps your body and mouth well hydrated which helps your mouth produce saliva

Adding all of the foods above to your diet will lead to a healthier body as well as a healthier mouth!

We all suffer from it at one time or another, but is there anything that helps bad breath?

Research has found that as much as 75% of bacteria and buildup on the tongue (one of the causes of bad breath) can be eliminated by a simple tongue scraper.

Other culprits are acid reflux or heartburn and gum disease.

If you have persistent halitosis or bad breath, you may have to visit your dentist. This could be a sign of a dental issue. Are you wondering, ” do I have gum disease ?”, or ” do I need deep dental cleanings to remove diseased tissue and bacteria?”

We have all heard our dentists telling us the importance of flossing daily, but there are many dental flosses to chose from. Waxed, un-waxed, floss picks, thin floss, scented, unscented – so many choices.

So which is the best type of floss to use?

Studies have shown that most types work equally as well. The key is – FLOSS EVERY DAY! Twice a day is even better. Dental floss picks are good but normal floss tends to wrap around the tooth and achieves better results. Flossing in the evening to prevent food from sitting in-between your teeth overnight is the most effective way to keep teeth clean.

Your goal?

Remove all the food and plaque that tends to get stuck between your teeth, this is the best way to prevent tooth decay and gum disease.

If you have a sore tooth or are concerned that you may have gum disease or a cavity, please contact our South Street dental office for a visit.

Are electric toothbrushes any better than manual ones?

If you have a choice between an electric toothbrush such as a Sonicare or using the old standby, my suggestion is to use the electric. Why?

Not only is an electric less aggressive on your teeth, you are apt to brush for a longer amount of time. Many people tend to brush too hard which can wear away the enamel on your teeth and make your gums bleed. An electric can deliver up to 40,000 strokes per second — even the most talented of toothbrushers can not achieve this rate!

Another factor to consider is the amount of time a person brushes. The electric toothbrush runs for a cycle of two minutes which is ample time to get those teeth clean.

If you prefer to use your manual brush, remember to choose a brush with soft bristles and replace it every 3 months. Remember to schedule a checkup at your dentist! If you are in need of a dentist in center city Philadelphia area, call my office – 215-627-3888

Bruxism is a fancy word for clenching or grinding your teeth.

You can actually do this without being aware of it during both the day and night either in your sleep or subconsciously during the day. This can cause symptoms ranging from earaches and headaches to jaw aches and tooth disorders. One of the most common disorder is called temporomandibular joint problem or TMJ.

Grinding can also wear down your teeth. So how to tell if you are suffering from Bruxism? Some common symptoms include:

1. Grinding sounds at night
2. General anxiety, stress or tension
3. Earaches
4. Eating disorders
5. Headaches
6. Sensitivity in teeth from hot or cold foods
7. Insomnia
8. Depression
9. Pain or soreness in the jaw

A common question is if tooth grinding is something that you should make an appointment with your dentist to discuss. If you are experiencing some of these symptoms and they do not go away, then, yes! Your dentist should be able to determine whether you need treatment. You can find more info about TMJ here