The Vitamins and Minerals That Are The Best For Oral Health
Many types of minerals and nutrients are good for the entire body. However, there are some there are specifically good for the teeth, mouth and gums.

• Calcium. Milk does your body – and teeth — good. We’ve all heard this before. Your teeth and jaws are made mostly of calcium. Without enough calcium in your diet, you risk developing gum disease and tooth decay.
• Vitamins B12 and B2. Mouth sores are indicators of the lack of this vitamin. You can find this in red meat, chicken, liver, pork, fish, as well as dairy products like milk, yogurt, and cheese.
• Vitamin C. If you lack Vitamin C, you will mostly likely get bleeding gums and loose teeth. Find this vitamin in oranges, red peppers and other red or orange fruits and vegetables.
• Vitamin D. It is very important to consume enough vitamin D because it helps your body absorb calcium. Burning mouth syndrome is a clear indicator of the lack of vitamin D. Symptoms of this condition include a burning mouth sensation, a metallic or bitter taste in the mouth, and dry mouth. Milk and eggs are good sources for this.
• Iron. Without iron, your tongue can become inflamed, and sores can form inside your mouth. Iron is found in many foods, including liver and red meat. Some cereals are fortified as well.
• Vitamin B3.A lack of vitamin B3 can cause bad breath and canker sores in the mouth. Chicken and fish carry this important vitamin.

Aside from a good diet, you need to go to the dentist for regular check-ups. Visit Wayzata Dental & SmileSpa for your cleanings and also your cosmetic dental needs.

Today, tooth decay affects children in the United States more than any other chronic infectious disease. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention even states that tooth decay, if left untreated, can cause pain and infections that hinder eating, speaking, playing and learning. Because of this, the controlled addition of a fluoride compound to public water supplies is considered to be the best and most cost effective way to prevent cavities and fight tooth decay. But are you getting it? If you or your family are drinking water in bottles that does not contain fluoride, then most likely not

How does fluoride work?
Fluoride makes the entire tooth structure resistant to decay and promotes remineralization, which helps in repairing early decay before damage sets in. In fact, close to 150 million United States residents in more than 10,000 communities drink fluoridated tap water. This “benefit” provides an automatic defense against the harmful matter that causes oral health problems.

No one likes to get their tooth drilled to fix cavities and simply drinking more water that is fluoridated either in the store bottle or or a reusable water bottle or glass is a great way to make sure you get this extra cavity fighting power.

But, if you can’t get the fluoride in the water, what can you do? You may want to ask your dentist about varnish. Varnish, applied quickly and easily by a dentist, is one of the most concentrated products available commercially. Varnishes that contain sodium fluoride adhere to tooth surfaces when saliva is present, providing an excellent fluoride treatment.

If you suspect that you have a cavity, don’t wait. You should visit a general dentist, such as our office — Wayzata Dental & SmileSpa. Also, tell you family dentist if you don’t know whether your water is fluoridated. It will help your dentist determine if you are not getting enough fluoride to fight cavities and treatments that may remedy this.

An antioxidant known as Catechins was identified as responsible for resolving symptoms of periodontal or gum disease. Gum disease is an infection of the gums and bone supporting the teeth and has been known to become a precursor of cardiovascular disease, lung disorders as well as diabetes.

So how does Green Tea help?

The way it works is it prevents the growth and sticking of disease-causing bacteria or virus to teeth and gums. Antioxidants are substances that protect our cells against the effects of free radicals which are molecules produced when our body breaks down food or by being be exposed to tobacco smoke and radiation.

Not a lot of tea is required for general oral health. Just about 1 cup of tea per day gives indication of healthier gums and teeth.

Aside from watching what you eat and increasing the foods that maybe good for your teeth, such as Green Tea, visiting your dentist for regular cleanings and dental checkups are important steps to maintaining good oral health. If you are looking for a dentist in the Minnetonka area, why not consider our office, Wayzata Dental & SmileSpa. We are innovative – just take a look at our office – and will lead you to dental success!

What are they?

Here’s a list of the top foods to eat for white, healthy teeth.

• 1. Green Tea has a well-deserved reputation for providing many benefits. With teeth, green tea offers up natural antioxidant compounds that prevent plaque from accumulating, therefore reducing the risk of cavities and bad breath.
• 2. Anything dairy is low in acidity and sugar making them great choices to quench your thirst or have as a healthy snack. This is good news for both tooth erosion and tooth decay.
• 3. Fruit is great for your teeth especially when eaten in whole, raw form. It keeps down plaque and massages your gums.
• 4.All kinds of vegetables are another good idea if you are trying to build a good foundation for your teeth. Broccoli, carrots, sweet potato and pumpkin are rich in Vitamin A – great for your teeth.
• 5.Oh, the stinky onion – yes onions — are rich in powerful anti-bacterial sulphur compounds, which kill the bacteria that harm your teeth and gums.
• 6. Celery is another great friend of the dentist. Eat it raw and it will not only massage your gums, but clean your teeth. This is a natural toothbrush.
• 7. Sesame seeds, which are best combined with bread and rolls, dissolve plaque and help build tooth enamel. The tasty seeds are also rich in calcium, which will keep your teeth and jawbone healthy.
• 8. Water is great for your health and teeth! Drink more of it.

Visit us at Wayzata Dental & SmileSpa for the best dental care. You can even make appointments online.

Some top picks that are teeth friendly include:

1. Celery
Celery protects your teeth by extra chewing it requires produces plenty of saliva, which neutralizes the bacteria that causes cavities. Additionally, chomping on naturally abrasive foods massages gums and cleans between teeth.

2. Cheese
Cheese, with its low carbohydrate and high calcium and phosphate content, provides several benefits for your teeth. It helps balance your mouth’s pH and preserves and rebuilds tooth enamel. In addition, cheese produces saliva, which kills the bacteria that cause cavities and gum disease.

3. Green Tea
Green tea has been found to be good for your brain and body. Now studies find that it contains substances called catechism that kill the bacteria in your mouth that turn sugar into plaque Catechins also wipe out the bacteria that cause bad breath. You can drink it cold or hot.

4. Kiwis
This odd-looking fruit is loaded with vitamin C. If you do not get enough vitamin C, research shows that the collagen network in your gums can break down, making your gums tender and more susceptible to the bacteria that cause gum disease.

5. Onions
Onions contain powerful antibacterial sulfur compounds and are most powerful when eaten freshly peeled and raw.

6. Parsley
Chewing parsley or mint leaves will help fight bad breath.

7. Sesame Seeds
Sesame seeds, for example, are high in calcium, which helps preserve the bone around your teeth and gums.

8. Water
Drinking water keeps your gums hydrated and is the best way to stimulate saliva–your body’s greatest defense against the bacteria that cause plaque and cavities. Also, rinsing your mouth with water also helps wash away trapped food particles that decompose in the mouth and cause bad breath.

The best way to keep your teeth healthy is to brush and floss and maintain regular dental visits. Contact Wayzata Dental and SmileSpa. We are a Plymouth teeth whitening specialist as well as an office dedicated to making sure you are healthy!

These eating disorders can rob the body of minerals, vitamins, proteins and other nutrients. People with eating disorders can display a number of symptoms including dramatic loss of weight, hair loss, feeling cold, and constipation and, for some women, the loss of their monthly menstrual period. Eating disorders may also cause numerous other physical health complications, such as heart conditions.

But many people don’t realize that eating disorders can also affect dental health. Without the proper nutrition, gums and other soft tissue inside your mouth may bleed easily. Also, the glands that produce saliva may swell. Dry mouth is also a symptom of eating disorders.

Aside from anorexia, bulimia can also have a major effect on your dental health. Throwing up frequently can affect teeth. When strong stomach acid repeatedly flows over teeth, the tooth’s enamel can be lost to the point that the teeth change in color, shape and length. The edges of teeth become thin and break off easily.

Treatment of Dental Health Consequences of Eating Disorders

• Maintain meticulous oral health care related to tooth brushing and flossing.
• DO NOT brush teeth right after throwing up; instead, rinse with baking soda to help neutralize the effects of the stomach acid.
• Consult with your dentist about your specific treatment requirements.
• Visit your dentist regularly.

Contact a family dentist likes us, Wayzata Dental and SmileSpa. We can take care of all your dental needs. We are a trusted Plymouth Dentistry that cares about your teeth as well as your general health.

But, most family dentists will tell you to let you children go trick or treating and celebrate this fun-filled day. Aside from reminding kids about how overindulging on candy is harmful to the teeth and body, you can teach them about which types of candies to avoid.

Yes, there are actually candies that rate the worst and best when it comes to dental health.

• The worst may actually surprise you. Lollipops and anything that stays in your mouth for a long time like hard candies are big “no-nos.” The longer sugar sits in your mouth, the worst it will be for teeth.
• Next in line is candy that sticks to your teeth like taffy or gummy candy that have fillings or chewy centers.
• Chocolate is not the best or worst. Better than hard candy but still can cause problems.
• Powder candy is ok. It tends to dissolves quickly and can be poured right onto the tongue versus the teeth.
• Lastly, sugar free gum or candy. Some of this type of candy can actually protect your teeth. (But who gives out this type of stuff on Halloween?)

The rule of thumb basically is that any type of non-sticky candy that clears the mouth quickly is generally OK. It’s not so much the total amount of sugar in the candy that causes tooth decay but the frequency that the sugar is being consumed. The fewer times you snack on any type of candy is better.

Calling or talking with your family dentist will help you get a better understanding about sugary foods and your child’s dental health. Wayzata Dental and SmileSpa can give your child a better idea about the importance of taking care of their teeth. Call us to day to set up an appointment.

In terms of food, it is recommended that you keep the consumption of sugary and starchy food to a minimum. Sugary and starchy food stick to your teeth and the rest of the mouth, helping bacteria flourish. This is why it is important not to consume anything sweet before hitting the bed. Bacteria may play havoc in the mouth when the body is asleep. Avoiding sugary food does not mean you cannot bite into your favorite fruit. Try to choose the whole version instead of the juice. The fiber in the fruit helps cleanse your mouth. Fruits are good for your dental health. Apart from fruits, consume food rich in calcium. Thus, you can eat cheese and all other dairy products without worrying about your teeth.

Now, let’s talk about the thing that accompanies food: drinks. Avoid those fizzy drinks at all costs. Consume alcohol in moderation. Rinse your mouth well after you have had red wine or you will stain your teeth. Reduce the consumption of coffee as much as you can. Drink about 8-10 glasses of water a day.

Speaking of water, you need to make it your friend. Develop the habit of rinsing your mouth. Rinsing makes sure most of the food particles are washed off your mouth. Rinsing also takes care of foul breath. It also makes you feel fresh. Drinking water also keeps your mouth hydrated, preventing dry mouth, which further prevents oral problems.

Now that you know the secret to good dental health, keep smiling!

You must have guessed that this friend of mine has a sweet tooth. If you too have a sweet tooth, here’s good news for you: you don’t have to shun sweets for a healthy smile.

Wondering if there is a catch? There is something, yes, but there is no catch. You just need to limit your sweets intake to meal times. Now, that is nothing to crib about; you still get to eat sweets.

Eating sweets with meals is better because the juices of the rest of your meal help wash away away the harmful, eroding juices of those sweets you so love. Keeping away from snacking on sweets between your meals will keep your teeth happy.

For a healthy smile, you need to shun something though. Shun the fruit juice.

What? Aren’t fruits good for us? Yes, they are. That is why you should eat the whole (or sliced, diced, cubed, julienned) fruit and not drink its juice. Fruit juices erode the enamel of your teeth; a fruit offers all the nutrition along with adequate fiber to make your diet a balanced one. Moreover, the fiber in the fruits help keep your mouth clean.

Include food rich in calcium and vitamins in your meals everyday. Including all nutrients in a meal not only helps your dental health but also helps keep you healthy overall.

Many people ask me if one should keep away from chocolates in order to sport a healthy smile. Well, chocolates are harmful when eaten in large quantities. Moreover, as far as teeth are concerned, even the quantity doesn’t matter; what matters is that you should clean your mouth thoroughly after you have indulged in the sinful delight.

Keeping your teeth healthy requires a little attention and a little time from you. I am sure you can do that much to keep your smile scintillating.

Happy smiling!

Do you know calcium cannot be absorbed by the body if you don’t have enough vitamin D? Vitamin D essentially comes from spending a couple of minutes in the sun every day. Sources of the vitamin in food are egg yolk, fish, liver, milk, and soy drinks.

Another important nutrient you need for healthy teeth is vitamin C. It helps prevent gum diseases. Guavas, mangoes, pineapples, and lemons are rich sources of vitamin C. You can also eat vegetable like tomatoes, cauliflower, and papaya.

Another important nutrient that helps your meals become balanced is roughage or fiber. Fiber not only helps clean your mouth but also your entire digestive system. And, yes, drink 8-10 glasses of water every day.

Do check with your dentist if you need to add anything specific to your diet.

Eat right and keep smiling!