Awbrey Dental Group

I’m sure the majority of us have made a resolution or two at the onset of 2011. Whether it is to lose weight (come on admit it, we all want to), learn a new language, or go skydiving we like the idea of starting anew and recommitting to a goal.
If one of your New Year’s resolutions was to eat healthier, I would like to add a few suggestions. As hygienists we often get asked what a patient can do to better their oral health. Besides the obvious answer of FLOSS we can offer a few you may not have thought of.
For starters xylitol gum/mints are great a treat to introduce. Xylitol is a “non-nutritive sugar alcohol” much like sorbitol, malitol, and isotol. You will commonly see these listed in the ingredients on a package of gum. Xyiltol is our favorite though because it combats the bacteria that cause cavities and stimulates salivary flow (aka: spit) to wash those bad bacteria off of your teeth. Not to mention the gentle abrasion of your teeth against your cheeks while you chew also removes plaque.
Other “good foods” include calcium rich foods such as milk, cheese, or yogurt. Calcium makes strong bones AND strong teeth, however we lose this valuable building block due to consumption of acidic foods. Bioavailable (within your body, in this case your saliva) calcium can be reabsorbed into your teeth and strengthen them against future cavities. Snacks such as fresh vegetables and fruits should also be added to the list of good foods since they are rich in vitamins and minerals. Vitamin deficiencies are evident in our patient’s mouths on a daily basis and to think gingivitis could be cured with a toothbrush, floss, and an apple or orange a day.
Finally, a couple you may not have thought of. Green tea and black tea both contain an ingredient called polyphenol that can interrupt a bacteria’s ability to metabolize and cause damage to your teeth and gums.

So eat up and drink up to a new year and a new you! We look forward to seeing you soon.