Nutrition Tips: How to Eat Healthy

Below is an excerpt from an article found on Colgate.com that was written by Yolanda Eddis

Healthy eating is essential for your overall health. Choosing foods and beverages that provide the right amount of energy and nutrients goes a long way toward maintaining not only a healthy body, but also a healthy mouth. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offer numerous nutrition resources, such as sample recipes, menus and educational tools that will guide you in picking out the right foods and drinks to consume. By knowing how to eat healthy, you can improve your physical and oral health, prevent disease and promote healthy growth and development for children and adolescents.

What Is a Nutritious Diet?

Eating a nutritious diet has many benefits. A well-balanced diet should include foods from the basic food groups and subgroups along with the right oils. Nutrients such as carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins and minerals are a staple of healthy diets, but it's also important to avoid eating too many or too few nutrients.

In an effort to assist consumers to learn how to eat healthy, the U.S. Department of Agriculture developed the MyPlate website. MyPlate illustrates the five food groups, which include fruits, vegetables, grains, proteins and dairy, and provides several examples of each. Oils that come from different plants and fish are also recommended although they don't constitute a food group of their own. The selection of foods from these groups can be fresh, canned, frozen or dried. The site also recommends different ways to balance your caloric intake by increasing nutrients and decreasing the consumption of sugar and sodium in meals and snacks.

To read the entire article visit Colgate.com.

The remainder of the article details the following:

• How to Select Healthy Beverages
• Healthy Habits after Eating and Drinking
• Healthy Eating Tips
• Diet and Dental Health

J.M. Arrue, DMD

1317 Milstead Avenue

Conyers, GA 30012

(770) 760-0036

DrArrue.com

Choosing Wisely: 5 Things Every Family Should Know About Dental Health (Part 3 of 3)

Don’t replace fillings just because they’re old 

When you have a cavity, the dentist removes it and puts in a filling. These fillings can last for many years, but some people get silver fillings removed because they don’t like the color. However, the process of removing a filling can weaken the tooth. Additionally, insurance may not cover the removal. 

To read the entire article visit MouthHealthy.org.

J.M. Arrue, DMD

1317 Milstead Avenue

Conyers, GA 30012

(770) 760-0036

DrArrue.com

Choosing Wisely: 5 Things Every Family Should Know About Dental Health (Part 2 of 3)

Ask about all the options for calming your child during dental procedures 

Dental work can be scary for some kids. Talk with your dentist about ways to help your child stay calm. Tips for a successful dental visit can include making sure your child is not hungry before their dental appointment and scheduling an appointment at the proper time of day.

For jaw pain, try conservative treatments first 

Jaw pain can be caused by stress, arthritis or an injury. A treatment plan for jaw pain should first consist of actions like exercises and anti-inflammatory drugs.

To read the entire article visit MouthHealthy.org.

J.M. Arrue, DMD

1317 Milstead Avenue

Conyers, GA 30012

(770) 760-0036

DrArrue.com

12 Tips for a Healthy Halloween

Below is an excerpt from an article found on MouthHealthy.org

Halloween is around the corner, which for most children means bags of free candy and a chance to build a stockpile of sweets for the winter. No surprise, Halloween can also present parents with a variety of health and safety challenges. “It’s OK to eat that candy on Halloween but it’s important to have a plan,” says ADA dentist Dr. Ana Paula Ferraz-Dougherty. 

Here's how you can help your family stay MouthHealthy on Halloween and year-round.

Time It Right

Eat Halloween candy (and other sugary foods) with meals or shortly after mealtime. Saliva production increases during meals. This helps cancel out acids produced by bacteria in your mouth and rinse away food particles.

Stay Away from Sweet Snacks

Snacking can increase your risk of cavities, and it’s double the trouble if you keep grabbing sugary treats from the candy bowl. “Snacking on candy throughout the day is not ideal for your dental health or diet,” Dr. Ferraz-Dougherty says.

Choose Candy Carefully

Avoid hard candy and other sweets that stay in your mouth for a long time. Aside from how often you snack, the length of time sugary food is in your mouth plays a role in tooth decay. Unless it is a sugar-free product, candies that stay in the mouth for a long period of time subject teeth to an increased risk for tooth decay.

To read the entire article visit MouthHealthy.org.

The remainder of the article details the following:

• Avoid Sticky Situations
• Have a Plan
• Drink More Water
• Maintain a Healthy Diet
• Stay Away from Sugary Beverages
• Chew Gum with the ADA Seal
• Brush Twice a Day
• Clean Between Your Teeth
• Visit an ADA Dentist

J.M. Arrue, DMD

1317 Milstead Avenue

Conyers, GA 30012

(770) 760-0036

DrArrue.com

Choosing Wisely: 5 Things Every Family Should Know About Dental Health (Part 1 of 3)

Use toothpaste with fluoride for infants and children 

For children younger than 3 years, you should begin brushing a child’s teeth with fluoride toothpaste in an amount no larger than a grain of rice. For children 3 to 6 years of age, use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.

Consider sealants to prevent decay or treat beginning cavities on the back teeth 

Dental sealants act as a barrier to prevent cavities. They are a plastic material applied by a dentist to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth where decay occurs most often.

To read the entire article visit MouthHealthy.org.

J.M. Arrue, DMD

1317 Milstead Avenue

Conyers, GA 30012

(770) 760-0036

DrArrue.com

What 10 Common Mouth Issues Really Look Like (Part 1 of 3)

You know good dental habits can help prevent things like cavities and gingivitis, but you may not know what conditions like these really look like or how they can affect your mouth. Use this visual guide to learn more about some of the most common dental health issues, symptoms to watch for and the potential treatments that are available. Please note: This content is for informational purposes only. Only a dentist, physician or other qualified health care professional can make a diagnosis.

Cold Sores (Fever Blisters)

Cold sores are fluid-filled blisters that erupt on your lips, under your nose or around your chin caused by a virus known as herpes simplex virus type 1. Once you have them, you’re likely to get them again. Extremely contagious, they can be passed to others from the time you feel the first symptoms (like itching or tingling by your mouth) to the time they heal completely. Cold sores are often red, yellow or gray and usually heal within a week or two on their own. Your dentist can prescribe antiviral drugs within the first few days of an outbreak to help it heal more quickly. Over the counter drugs are available to help with pain, itching and burning they might cause.

Cavities

One in four adults has an untreated cavity, and according to the CDC, nearly every adult will have tooth decay at some point. You might have a cavity if you experience pain, food gets caught in your tooth, your tooth feels rough to your tongue or it hurts to eat something cold or sweet. Depending on their severity, cavities can be treated with fillings, crowns or root canals. If the damage is too extensive or involves nerve damage, the tooth may need to be removed. To reduce your chance of developing cavities, brush twice a day, floss once a day, drink water with fluoride, use a fluoride toothpaste, stay away from sugary food and drinks and see your dentist regularly.

Chipped Tooth

If you regularly chomp on hard foods like nuts or ice cubes, grind your teeth or have a mouth piercing, you’re at a higher risk for a chipped tooth. You might feel pain, depending on how much tooth has been lost. You may also feel a rough edge when you run your tongue along it.

If this happens, see your dentist. A small chip might be able to be smoothed down. Your dentist can use a tooth-colored filling, a veneer or crown to shape up your smile after a larger chip.

Teeth Grinding

Grinding your teeth (bruxism) is most likely to happen when you’re sleeping, though it can occur anytime during the day if you’re stressed, have a new filling or crown that’s higher than the rest of your teeth or have an abnormal bite. Over a long period of time, the surface of your teeth will become worn. You could experience toothaches, dull headaches or earaches, and jaw pain (TMJ). Your teeth may also appear more yellow because the white outer covering is worn away.

A custom mouthguard from your dentist can protect your teeth during sleep and correct bite issues. If stress is the cause, find a way to relax. Meditation, counseling and exercise can help reduce stress and anxiety (and the likelihood that you will grind your teeth).

To read the entire article visit MouthHealthy.org.

J.M. Arrue, DMD

1317 Milstead Avenue

Conyers, GA 30012

(770) 760-0036

DrArrue.com

The Value Of A Teeth X-Ray

Below is an excerpt from an article found on Colgate.com that was written by Steve Auger

When you hear the word "X-ray," there's a tendency to envision a youngster sitting around an ER waiting to see if he or she has a broken bone incurred playing sports or just horsing around. But X-rays are just as important to dentists' offices as they are to those of orthopedists. A teeth X-ray is invaluable to any dentist in the maintenance of good oral health when treating a patient. Here's exactly what they are and how dentists incorporate them into their practices.

X-RAYS

Your dentist visually examines all aspects of your teeth and gums during a typical checkup. A teeth X-ray, however, is a diagnostic tool that allows your dentist to gauge your mouth health through factors he can't see with the naked eye, according to the American Dental Association (ADA). Also called radiographs, X-rays can reveal common issues such as cavities, tooth decay and periodontal disease, all the way to more complex problems such as jaw infections and oral cysts. X-rays aren't just for adults though. Dentists take x-rays of children's teeth for some of the same reasons as adults but also some different reasons.

To read the entire article visit Colgate.com.

The remainder of the article details the following:

• Children and the dentist
• Reasons for child teeth x-rays
• X-ray safety for children

J.M. Arrue, DMD

1317 Milstead Avenue

Conyers, GA 30012

(770) 760-0036

DrArrue.com

How to Fight Mouth Germs and Keep Your Smile Healthy

Below is an excerpt from an article found on Colgate.com that was written by Brenna Stone

Does the thought of mouth germs taking up residence on your teeth make you feel a little uncomfortable? It should! Masses of harmful microorganisms in the mouth can form plaque, the sticky substance that adheres to the teeth and gumline. Plaque can really harm your teeth and gums. When it isn't removed by regular brushing and flossing, it can lead to cavities and gum disease! Find out what you can do to reduce the amount of germs in your mouth.

Regular Toothbrushing

Toothbrushing is a powerful tool for fighting germs. At the minimum, brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste; once after breakfast and once before going to bed. There is no harm in brushing your teeth more frequently. You can brush after meals to cut down on plaque formation and to freshen your breath. Spend a full two minutes gently brushing all surfaces of your teeth and your tongue. Use a toothpaste like Colgate Total that is designed to keep your mouth clean and to fight germs.

Bacteria can flourish on your toothbrush as well. Change your toothbrush when it begins to look worn, according to American Dental Association. The American Dental Association recommends switching to a new brush about every three to four months. It is best to leave your bristles in the open air; a closed, moist environment can harbor more bacteria. Also, don't share brushes; it is possible to transfer mouth germs this way.

Don't Forget to Floss

Daily flossing is another important way to keep your mouth clean and healthy. Flossing can help to remove plaque from places that your toothbrush can't reach. Slide your floss in between the teeth. Also clean at the base of each tooth, removing plaque and food debris from underneath the gum line.

Your Diet and Mouth Germs

What you eat can also help to support a healthy smile. Eating lots of sugary and starchy foods will increase the amount of sugars that are available for bacteria in your mouth to thrive upon. Try cutting back on sweet treats and snacking on fresh fruits and veggies instead. When eating grains, be sure to choose whole grains.

Take good care of your teeth with daily brushing and flossing. Eat a balanced diet and see your dentist for regular check-ups. Your dentist can check for signs of cavities and gum disease, the dental hygienist can also clean your teeth, removing the plaque and tartar (hardened dental plaque) that is on your teeth. With excellent oral hygiene, mouth germs don't stand a chance!

To read the entire article visit Colgate.com.

J.M. Arrue, DMD

1317 Milstead Avenue

Conyers, GA 30012

(770) 760-0036

DrArrue.com

Family Guide to Oral Health

Below is an excerpt from an article found on Colgate.com

By following the information in this guide, you and your family can have healthy teeth and gums to last a lifetime. As a parent, you can work with your children to help them understand why good oral care is important - and show them how to do it right!

Four Steps to a Bright Smile

1. Brush at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, especially after eating breakfast and before bedtime.
2. Floss every day.
3. Limit the number of times you eat snacks each day.
4. Visit your dentist regularly.

It's easy to guide your family toward good oral health. All it takes is the right information and a little practice to keep them moving in the right direction!

To read the entire article visit Colgate.com.

The remainder of the article details the following:

• Infographics on how to brush
• Infographcis on how to floss
• A list of preventive dental care tips!

J.M. Arrue, DMD

1317 Milstead Avenue

Conyers, GA 30012

(770) 760-0036

DrArrue.com

Nutrition: What You Eat Affects Your Teeth

Below is an excerpt from an article found on MouthHealthy.org

Your mouth, teeth, and gums are more than just tools for eating. They’re essential for chewing and swallowing-the first steps in the digestion process. Your mouth is your body’s initial point of contact with the nutrients you consume. So what you put in your mouth impacts not only your general health but also that of your teeth and gums. In fact, if your nutrition is poor, the first signs often show up in your mouth. Here are a few helpful things to know about how what you eat can impact your dental health.

Diet and Tooth Decay

The foods you eat and the beverages you drink can have a direct influence on the incidence and progression of tooth decay, depending upon: 

• The form of the food-whether it’s liquid, solid, sticky or slow to dissolve makes a difference. 
• How often you eat sugary foods and beverages and how often you eat or drink acidic foods and beverages. 
• The nutritional makeup of the food. 
• The combination of the foods you eat and the order in which you eat them. 
• Medical conditions you may have, such as gastrointestinal reflux and eating disorders, which can increase risk of cavities and weaken teeth.

How Snacking Affects Your Dental Health

For dental health, it’s recommended that people limit eating and drinking between meals. Of course, sometimes eating between meals must happen. Unfortunately, most people choose foods like sweets and chips for snacks; foods that harm teeth by promoting tooth decay. If you do snack, make it a nutritious choice-such as cheese, yogurt, fruits, vegetables or nuts-for your overall health and the health of your teeth. Did you know that certain foods can put you at risk for cavities and other dental health problems? Here are some MouthHealthy tips.

To read the entire article visit MouthHealthy.org.

The remainder of the article details the following:

• Recommended Nutritional Guidelines
• Foods That Harm Your Dental Health
• Sugar and Your Dental Health
• How Sugar Substitutes Affect Your Teeth
• 4 Ways to Reduce Your Risk of Cavities

J.M. Arrue, DMD

1317 Milstead Avenue

Conyers, GA 30012

(770) 760-0036

DrArrue.com

Your Dental Hygienist!

Normally we think of a teeth cleaning as just that. Our tongues love the smooth and clean feeling we get after visiting our dental hygienist.

But there's another huge benefit to regular teeth cleaning. Hygienists spend time in your mouth. That give them the opportunity to spot suspicious tissue or other possible signs of oral cancer.

Oral cancer has a fantastically high cure rate - but only if it's detected early.

Another reason to love your dental hygienist!

J.M. Arrue, DMD

1317 Milstead Avenue

Conyers, GA 30012

(770) 760-0036

DrArrue.com

Tips for keeping a beautiful smile!

Keeping your teeth clean, smooth and beautiful...

Proper oral hygiene is your key to a healthy, beautiful smile. Here are our and the American Dental Association's recommendations for at home care:

• Brush 2-3 times every day with a fluoride toothpaste (it doesn't matter which brand)
• Floss once a day
• Eat a healthy diet (fruits, vegetables, etc)
• Limit consumption of sugary foods and beverages. Soda drinks can destroy teeth faster than almost anything else
• Eliminate or at least limit use of alcohol, chewing tabacco, and cigarettes

We also recommend using an electric high-speed toothbrush in conjunction with a waterpik for your daily at-home oral care.

And don't forget six-month professional cleanings and checkups. The American Dental Association recommends checkups every six months for those ages four and older.

Professional cleanings by qualified hygienists will remove bacteria and plaque, which can cause serious dental problems if not kept in check.

If you have not been seen recently call our office for an appointment!

J.M. Arrue, DMD

1317 Milstead Avenue

Conyers, GA 30012

(770) 760-0036

DrArrue.com

Having a plaque attack?

Plaque is that soft, sticky stuff that builds up on your teeth over time. It contains legions of bacteria. Left untreated it will eventually lead to gum disease, bad breath and tooth loss.

Frequent brushing and flossing are required to keep plaque at bay. But it's virtually impossible to remove all plaque without the skills of your professional dental hygienist. In other words, you're going to need some help.

Call our office today to schedule your next routine teeth cleaning to receive help with your plaque removal!

J.M. Arrue, DMD

1317 Milstead Avenue

Conyers, GA 30012

(770) 760-0036

DrArrue.com

Tooth Enamel

Tooth enamel is very hard but...

That doesn't mean you can't break it.

Our office recommends to avoid eating "hard foods" such as popcorn. Don't crack nut shells with your teeth or chew on ice. Opening packages with your teeth can also damage the enamel.

It's not just the sugar - it's also the acid

Sugar and acids are your teeth's worst enemies. What are we talking about? Soft drinks, energy drinks, fruit juices, and candy.

Because of the acid content, Mountain Dew seems to be the worst of the worst. There is even a name for the damage it does and it is called "Dew Mouth."

These erode the tooth enamel, making it highly susceptible to decay. Parents, watch your kid's consumption of these because young children's enamle hasn't developed fully. This makes these drinks even more damaging for kids.

As well as eliminating the above (or at least reducing their consumption), it is recommended to always brush and floss after every meal. If you can't, use a sugar-free xylitol chewing gum after a meal. Also rinse your mouth with a high quality dental mouthwash.

J.M. Arrue, DMD

1317 Milstead Avenue

Conyers, GA 30012

(770) 760-0036

DrArrue.com