Dental Blog
Dr. Kathy Zuccarelli and Dr. Nicholas Berns have created this informative blog to help educate the community.
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Latest Posts:
| What Not To Eat Following An Extraction |
Posted on 11/25/2019 by Crossroads Family Dental |
Are you in need of a tooth extraction? Can you eat what you want after this type of procedure? There certain foods that should definitely be avoided following any type of oral trauma. Our goal is to answer all questions regarding what to do following a tooth extraction. What Is an Extraction? Extraction is often needed to relieve pain from a broken tooth or an infection, and to remove an adult permanent tooth. In all instances, we will do everything we can to save the tooth prior to extraction, as it does cause trauma to your mouth. Avoid Foods with Spice As That Can Hurt the Sensitive Tissues Spicy foods, such as peppers, should not be eaten. The heat and spice can cause pain and irritation, which could hinder the healing process following the extraction. Avoid Crunchy Foods Crunchy foods, like potato chips, can lodge themselves into the empty cavities, which can slow the healing process. Nevertheless, pretzels are something else you shouldn't have as a snack following any oral trauma, including an extraction. Avoid Using a Straw The suction of a straw can create dental complications, such as a dry socket. This is when the blood clot becomes dislodged, leading to exposed nerves and pain. The use of the straw should be avoided for at least a week. Following a tooth extraction, you need to be careful to not poke, prod, or bump the area. However, you also need to keep the area clean. It means brushing as close to the extraction spot as you can get, without pain. Then, making sure to rinse the mouth thoroughly with an antimicrobial mouthwash to help keep that extraction site clean. We also recommend using salt water to help the site heal up more quickly, so you can get back to your normal routines. Contact us today and schedule follow up appointment to ensure your extraction site is healing properly....
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| Ways Your Dental Health Affects Your Overall Health |
Posted on 11/15/2019 by Crossroads Family Dental |
Most people have heard the old saying an apple a day keeps the doctor away. Studies are consistently confirming that a healthy smile will keep the doctor away. A number of issues can stem from oral care. They can all be linked back to your oral health. Our office would like to protect your mouth and in turn protect your body for the years to come. Ways Poor Oral Health Can Complicate the Body Without practicing the proper oral care bacteria can reach levels that lead to oral infections such as tooth decay and gum disease. Those in turn play a role in many bodily diseases. Certain bodily diseases, such as diabetes and HIV/AIDS, can lower the body's resistance to infection, making your oral health issues more problematic. When bacteria from your mouth dissipates into your lungs and bloodstream you can experience endocarditis of the heart's valves, cardiovascular disease like stroke, and pneumonia in the lungs. Certain conditions can also exacerbate your mouth's problems. Issues like diabetes reduce the body's resistance to infections, putting the gums at risk. Osteoporosis's bone weakening is linked to gum disease and tooth loss. More conditions that have links to oral health include eating disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, certain cancers and an immune system disorder that causes dry mouth. You mouth and body have an intricate link with each other, when poorly cared for, it causes a number of problems. Positive Benefits of Oral Health Care Good oral health care on the flipside plays a role first and foremost in your confidence and your smile. It helps protect your heart, lungs and even your brain. By practicing good care, it also boosts your immune system which can help fight off basic cough and colds. When the body's energy is not consumed with the effects of poor oral care it runs like a well-oiled machine giving you more energy to live your life. You have better gum health, lower risk of heart attack, healthier pregnancies, less type 2 diabetes risk, lower risk of cancer, and healthier lungs. All these points should encourage you to invest in your oral health. Our office is here to assist you in any way we can. Call us today to schedule an appointment and get your oral health moving in a positive direction....
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| How Can Tap Water Improve Your Dental Health? |
Posted on 10/25/2019 by Crossroads Family Dental |
It is quite surprising that more and more of the public in the United States aren't informed of the facts behind how healthy it is to drink water from the tap. It is a popular myth that drinking bottled spring water is better for your teeth than tap water. Our office would like to clear that up and explain the benefits you may not be aware of in drinking tap water. Tap Water Prevents Cavities and Teeth Stains Drinking water throughout the day washes the acids, sugars, and food particles out of your teeth that cause plaque build-up. It's not always possible to brush your teeth in situations like at work or on the road. Swish water around can clean and protect your teeth if it's tap water. The reason for this is that tap water actually contains fluoride. Almost all bottled water does not. Tap Water Fights Bacteria Certain types of bacteria thrive in a parched mouth, which is why when you wake up you have that odor we call morning breath. You can purge yourself of morning breath or even subsequently, coffee breath, by drinking water and occasionally swishing it around your mouth. This restricts the bad breath bacteria from developing and also produces saliva to wash away any remaining food particles that could contribute to bad breath or tooth decay. Benefits of Fluoride Most public sources of water are also good sources of fluoride. Fluoridated water helps fight tooth decay and cavities and can actually help restore affected teeth by sealing them with a layer of protection. This essentially cuts the bacteria on the tooth off from moisture and kills the bacteria, allowing your teeth to heal. Fluoride is particularly important for children as their teeth are still growing the fluoride tap water protects them through that process. Tap water with fluoride strengthens the entire tooth structure, making it more resistant to decay. It also promotes remineralization, which can repair early stages of tooth decay. By taking some good ole tap water from home with you throughout the day and coupling it with brushing and flossing, you will be healthy and defended through the day. Don't overlook coming and seeing us every 6 months for a dental exam and deep cleaning. Our office is happy to ensure your mouth is healthy and your teeth are strong....
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