Menu

Don't Let Dieting Impact Your Oral Health

About Me

Don't Let Dieting Impact Your Oral Health

Like many people who need to lose a few pounds, I try diet after diet in an attempt to find one that finally works for me. I learned the hard way that I need to make sure any diet will not harm my teeth, even if it does help me lose a few pounds. I learned this lesson when following a grapefruit diet. There are many versions of this, but the version I tried had me eat a grapefruit alone several times each day. It was supposed to suppress my appetite. I helped keep me from munching on unhealthy snacks, but the acid in the fruit took a toll on my tooth enamel and I quickly started getting lots of cavities. I created this blog to remind people that change up their diets often to make sure the foods they are eating are not harming their teeth.

Healthy Smiles In Half The Time For Busy Families

21 October 2015
 Categories: Dentist, Blog

Today, parents are busier than ever with family responsibilities such as shuttling their kids from one school or sporting event to another. Unfortunately, oral hygiene is one of the first things to go when families get busy. While brushing several little ones' teeth and keeping up with dental appointments can be time consuming, there are some simple ways to reduce the time you spend on your family's oral hygiene routine and still keep those cavities away.

Start a Family Floss Time

According to Parents Magazine, kids lack the dexterity to floss alone until they are in the second or third grade. This means that you may find yourself with several sets of teeth that all need a thorough flossing. Use this time to bond as a family by having your kids lay back on the couch after dinner while everyone talks about their day. Then, floss away.

Buy Interactive Toothbrushes

Arguments about brushing teeth are a major source of wasted time. Eliminate these battles by purchasing fun, interactive toothbrushes that will have your child looking forward to cleaning their teeth. From light up brushes to ones that play music, there are a wide variety of toothbrushes that are designed specifically for generating excitement about oral hygiene.

Choose Your Dentist Wisely

As a parent, sitting in waiting rooms comes with the job, but you can cut your dental visit wait time in half by choosing one that specializes in family dentistry. These dentists know how to calm young children and can provide services for the entire family. This can allow you to schedule all of your appointments in a block, and avoid having to return multiple times for each member of the family. If you're looking for a family dentist in your area, visit David Semrau, DDS.

Carry Gum

Chewing gum gets a bad rap for creating sticky messes, but that same texture can provide benefits for your family's teeth. The American Dental Association places their seal of approval on sugar-free gum that meets their criteria for effectiveness, and they claim that chewing for just 20 minutes a day can help prevent decay. Although this should never replace regular brushing, it can give you a quick way to clean your kids' teeth when you are away from home.

When your schedule picks up, do not let your kids' dental health fall to the bottom of your to-do list. It may seem hectic, but just brushing for two minutes twice a day can go a long way toward reducing cavities and keeping gums strong. Then, remember to schedule your child's dental exams where you can learn more about helping them maintain a healthy smile that lasts a lifetime.