Curtis L. Chan, DDS
When You Should See Your Dentist for Extra Care
How Often Your Dentist Should be Visited
Many people only see their dentist as often as the recommended yearly visits: twice a year. During these visits, these patients are able to get most, if not all, of their oral health needs met. Their teeth are cleaned, their gums are checked for any disease, their X-rays are taken to check for cavities, and their overall oral health is examined for any other conditions that could arise. In these two appointments, a patient can maintain their oral health fairly well and can ensure that their mouth is healthy for the duration of their life.
While these appointments cover the needs we have for our lifetime, they often don’t cover the needs that suddenly come up that require attention quickly. These appointments need to be made as necessary, which don’t always fall within our semi-annual visits, which can cause some people to think they need to wait until their next appointment time. While some issues may be able to wait to be seen, others will require quick attention, so a patient should never worry about or delay a visit to their dentist when they need to see them urgently.
When to See Your Dentist for Something Other Than a Cleaning
There are a few reasons that, consistently, will require your dentist to check on you between your semi-annual appointments. These reasons are usually fairly serious, or at least can cause serious issues if they are not righted quickly. These issues can include:
Chipped/broken tooth: Our teeth are strong, but they can still suffer from chips and breaks. When a tooth is chipped, it can lead to cavities and other tooth decay, later on, so your chipped tooth should be looked at by your dentist. Broken teeth will often be painful, and most people will require a dentist to help alleviate this pain and fix the tooth for continual wear and tear.
Infection in the gums: Infections can happen for a number of reasons, and when they happen in our mouths, they can end up being very complex. These infections will need to be looked at to determine the best course of treatment to heal them and to check on their progress through time and treatment.
Lost tooth: As adults, we can go through accidents where we lose teeth. It’s unfortunate, but it does happen. When we suffer from a lost tooth, we can experience a number of consequences that are unpleasant to deal with, and so we will need to visit our dentist to figure out the best solution possible to fix our lost tooth.
While these are only some of the reasons we may have to see our dentist more than twice a year, they are reasons that should not be ignored. Always check in with your dentist if you are concerned about anything related to your oral health between your check-ups, and always seek help if you are in pain or discomfort.
California Dentist Ready to Assist You
When you are in need of extra dental care, call the Del Mar, CA dental team of Curtis L. Chan, D.D.S. We can help you with your extra dental needs and give you the support you need until you have recovered and back to being at your best oral health. Call our San Diego office today to discuss your needs at (858) 481–9090.
Posted by
curtischan
on
Apr 10th, 2019
12:50 pm
Posted in
Blog |
Comments Off on When You Should See Your Dentist for Extra Care
Tags: California Dentist Ready to Assist You, How Often Your Dentist Should be Visited, When to See Your Dentist for Something Other Than a Cleaning, When You Should See Your Dentist for Extra Care
The Pros and Cons of Water Flossing Vs. Traditional Flossing
Why Flossing is Important
It’s the question many of us dread when we go to the dentist: Have you been keeping up on your flossing? For many people, flossing in an infrequent habit that is difficult to keep up. It’s an extra step that many people don’t wish to take; it can be difficult at times to floss; especially for those with crowded mouths; and flossing is often seen as a waste of time. Most people believe that flossing is simply over the top since they brush their teeth twice a day and use mouthwash. For many, flossing isn’t a question of when it will happen, but rather why it should happen.
Flossing, believe it or not, is quite important for many reasons. It helps eliminate plaque, stops gum disease from happening, and allows for teeth that are free of cavities. True, brushing is the most important thing we can do for our oral health, but it’s not as effective if we do not floss as well as brush our teeth. A lucky note for flossing is that it’s come a far way over the years. Today, we have more options for flossing available than just the traditional string floss, with water picks being one of the newest and most popular flossing products to invest in.
Like anything, these methods all have their pros and cons, all of which consumers will need to review and weigh before choosing the option that is not only best for them but will allow them to keep their flossing consistent so that they will no longer fear being asked about their flossing habits the next time they visit their dentist.
The Benefits and Shortcomings of Water Flossing Vs. Traditional Flossing
Flossing has a number of benefits, meaning that it should be something that everyone does to improve their oral health. Methods for flossing has improved over time, including the devices we use to floss our teeth. For many, traditional flossing is still the way to go, but for others, using a water flossing system is better for them.
Traditional flossing has the specific benefit of being the only form of flossing that removes the most plaque and food particles compared to other forms of flossing. Compared to water flossing, traditional flossing is more affordable and easier to find as flossing materials are found in most pharmacy and grocery stores. Traditional flossing can also be done anywhere at any time, which is convenient for many people. Traditional flossing, while it does have many benefits, does have some negatives. Traditional flossing can be difficult for some people who have small mouths and therefore have crowded teeth. Traditional flossing also can cause bleeding and can be irritating to sensitive gums, which can be factors for some to switch to an alternative flossing technique.
Water flossing is a newer form of flossing, and it’s one that many people are starting to partake in. Water flossing makes flossing easier for those with close teeth and those with braces, allowing for these individuals with these issues to floss with ease. Many water flossing machines also have settings that allow gums to be massaged, which can help improve gum health.
For these reasons, many people have turned to water flossing, as they feel it’s better for them over traditional flossing. As with traditional flossing, though, water flossing has its negatives as well. Water flossing machines can be fairly expensive, and they can only work where there is electricity and fresh water. They can also be hard to transport, so taking them to places outside of the home to use can be difficult. For these reasons, some people have not chosen to buy a water flossing system, though many others feel that the pros for these systems out way the cons.
No matter how you floss, be sure that you floss at least once a day, as this simple task can greatly improve your oral health and allow for you to have better check-ups over time.
Del Mar, CA Dentist Ready to Help You
When you need a dentist to help you take care of your oral health, the Del Mar offices of Curtis L. Chan, D.D.S., and his team are well versed in the dental care needs you might require, and they are more than happy to work with you so that you might have the teeth you’ve always wanted. Call our San Diego office today to set up an appointment with our team at (858) – 481 – 9090.
Posted by
curtischan
on
Apr 3rd, 2019
5:28 pm
Posted in
Blog |
Comments Off on The Pros and Cons of Water Flossing Vs. Traditional Flossing
Tags: California Dentist Ready to Help You, The Benefits and Shortcomings of Water Flossing Vs. Traditional Flossing, The Pros and Cons of Water Flossing Vs. Traditional Flossing, Traditional flossing, Water flossing, Why Flossing is Important
The Benefits of Immediate Dentures
Why Would Someone Need Immediate Dentures?
One of the worst parts about aging that many people will cite is losing parts of themselves. Losing their taut skin, their hair, their memories, and for many, their teeth. As we age, natural (and exacerbated) wear and tear can cause our teeth to age and decay over time, to the point of either need to be pulled or are falling out on their own. This process is neither enjoyable nor something anyone wishes to experience at any point in their life, and so when it happens to them, it can cause serious issues for that person, personally and professionally.
Tooth loss was once a permanent loss, but today, we have options that can help us after we lose our teeth. Whether our teeth are lost to age, wear, or disease, we can turn to our dentists to help us take our lives back. While some people look for permanent solutions immediately, others need to take time to decide what they want, or that they would prefer to have a solution that allows them to have variation and choice in their life. Immediate dentures are a solution for a lot of people that experience tooth loss, and they’re a solution that has improved over the years to allow for a better experience for those who need dental transitions.
After suffering from tooth loss, talk with a dentist about immediate dentures to help you figure out the best next step for your oral health and allow you to choose the best option for your personal situation.
What Are Some Benefits of Immediate Dentures?
Immediate dentures are a quicker solution for tooth loss that many people choose to partake in for multiple reasons. For some, having the ease of a quick dental solution following tooth loss is something they appreciate, and they like being able to have a stand-in for their tooth loss solution immediately. For others, the cost of these dentures is enough for them to want to make immediate dentures their tooth loss solution since some cannot afford costly dental care after they reach their retirement years. Still, others do not like having significant dental work performed, so they have immediate dentures instead of immediately having tooth implants or other dental work performed as a choice of comfort.
These are just some of the benefits of these dentures. Talk to a doctor to see why these dentures may be a good step for you, whether for a short or longer period of time.
Del Mar, CA Dentist Who Can Help You with Your Denture Needs
When you suffer from tooth loss and don’t know where to turn, talk with a dentist who can discuss your options with you and allow you to make the best decision you need for you. At the Del Mar, CA dental office of Curtis L. Chan, D.D.S., our staff can help you with your dental and oral health needs, giving you the best options available so that you can live your best life with the least amount of stress possible. Call our San Diego office today to see what we can do for you at (858) 481– 9090.
Posted by
curtischan
on
Mar 27th, 2019
1:52 pm
Posted in
Blog |
Comments Off on The Benefits of Immediate Dentures
Tags: California Dentist Who Can Help You with Your Denture Needs, The Benefits of Immediate Dentures, What are Some Benefits of Immediate Dentures?, Why Would Someone Need Immediate Dentures?
Why Preventative Care is Important for Dental Health
What is Preventative Dental Care?
When it comes to our health, preventative care is an important measure to take to ensure that we stay as healthy as possible. When we take the time to keep up with our health and check on issues that could cause serious health problems down the road, we can quickly fix these issues and keep our health in the best state possible. Although most people assume that our physical and mental health are the only important health aspects in our lives to keep up with, our oral health is very important as well, and preventative care for our oral health proves to be the best way we can keep our mouth healthy for as long as possible.
When we perform our preventative measures, we can protect ourselves from decaying and receding tissue and bone, allowing us to keep our teeth around for as long as we possibly can. Not only that, but when we perform our preventative care for our mouths, we protect ourselves from disease, keep up on deadly issues like cancer, and protect our teeth from cavities and other dental issues. Indeed, preventative care is incredibly important, and to be sure that you are doing the best for your teeth, be sure to visit a talented and caring dentist who will help keep your mouth healthy and happy.
What Are Some Preventative Care Measures I Can Take?
For our oral care, we can do quite a few things on our own to keep our mouths healthy, along with steps we can take when seeking help from our dentists. Some preventative steps we can take include:
Brushing our teeth: Brushing our teeth is a simple and easy step in making sure our mouth health is maintained. When we brush our teeth, we remove the bacteria that are built up in our mouths, making it a cleaner and better environment for our teeth and gums and helping to decrease the possibilities of disease and decay.
Flossing: Like brushing, flossing removes the excess buildup of bacteria and plaque which eats away at our teeth and gums. This action is also simple, and it’s easy to perform today with the various flossing aids that have been produced.
Mouthwash: Mouthwash not only freshens our breath, but it helps to kill and clean our mouths where brushing and flossing fall short. Mouthwash works best when it follows brushing and flossing habits, and it’s an additional step that really affects our overall mouth health.
Visiting the dentist: When we visit the dentist, we can have x-rays, teeth cleanings, and additional preventative care performed, which will help us with our overall goal of keeping our teeth happy and healthy. We should see a dentist twice a year, if not more when it’s needed.
California Dentist for the Whole Family
When you need to have your teeth checked, x-rayed, cleaned, and cared for, go to the dentist who is ready to take care of you. At the Del Mar, CA dental office of Curtis L. Chan, D.D.S., we are ready to see you and care for your teeth. We know the best steps you can take to care for your mouth health, and we will pass those tips onto you to help you keep as clean a mouth as possible. Call us today at our San Diego, CA office to set up an appointment at (858) – 481 – 9090.
Posted by
curtischan
on
Mar 20th, 2019
4:58 pm
Posted in
Blog |
Comments Off on Why Preventative Care is Important for Dental Health
Tags: California Dentist for the Whole Family, What Are Some Preventative Care Measures I Can Take?, What is Preventative Dental Care?, Why Preventative Care is Important
When Tooth Extraction is Necessary
Why Are Teeth Pulled?
A common bad dream that is reported amongst the public is having all the teeth fall out of your head. This dream causes severe anxiety for many, and it’s a relief when we wake up and find it was all just a dream. While this is something that many people fear, losing a tooth or two is something that many people end up needing for multiple reasons, with some people needing teeth to be removed at a younger age than older age.
Having teeth pulled is something that happens to a variety of people for a variety of reasons. Some of the reasons people have a tooth pulled include:
Crowded Mouth: Sometimes, someone has a smaller mouth than what can handle all of the teeth they have. Often, those who need braces will have teeth removed to make room for the teeth being straightened. Most people will also go through a wisdom teeth extraction, which happens more often than not because our mouths are too small to accommodate these extra teeth.
Infection: If a tooth is infected, it will need to be pulled to keep the overall health of the individual at a good place. Tooth infections can lead to severe consequences, so pulling an infected tooth sooner than later is the best course of action.
Gum Disease: Gum disease will lead to poor tooth health which can lead to a tooth needing to be pulled. This will have the same effect as having an infected tooth pulled, which will lead to better overall health.
When a tooth needs to be pulled, it’s important to discuss your needs with a dentist who can advise not only the best course of action but can also provide you with the proper care necessary to help you heal properly following your extraction.
The Benefits of a Tooth Extraction
There are several benefits to having a tooth pulled. These benefits can include:
More room in the mouth: When a tooth is pulled, it allows more room in your mouth for your other teeth. Often, children will need to have their baby teeth removed so that their adult teeth can grow correctly, helping their permanent teeth be straighter and healthier.
No tooth pain: When an infected tooth is removed, the pain associated with that infection will disappear as well, helping the sufferer of that pain be relieved. This can help their life be more enjoyable, which will improve a number of things
No risk of infection: When teeth that are damaged or infected are removed, the chance of greater infection is removed, which can lift many worries from a patient as they move forward.
Getting a tooth pulled is an involved process, but it’s one that many people find brings relief to their lives, and that may be worth the work it requires.
California Dentist Here to Help You
When a tooth is bothering you, consider the help that a dentist can provide you. At the Del Mar, CA dental offices of Curtis L. Chan, D.D.S., we can help you as you seek to better your oral health and make the best step forward for your dental needs. Call our San Diego, CA office today to see what we can do for you at (858) 481-9090.
Posted by
curtischan
on
Mar 15th, 2019
4:58 pm
Posted in
Blog |
Comments Off on When Tooth Extraction is Necessary
Tags: California Dentist Here to Help You, The Benefits of a Tooth Extraction, When Tooth Extraction is Necessary, Why Are Teeth Pulled?
What is Plaque and How Dangerous is it?
What is the Plaque in Our Mouths?
Our teeth go through a lot when it comes to dealing with substances that can hurt them. Candy, sweet and fizzy drinks, starchy foods, chewy substances, and hard foods can all cause tooth breakage and decay, which can lead to later issues with tooth health. Of all the dangers that our teeth face every day, though, one of the most destructive forces they must deal with is something that is found in every person’s mouth: plaque.
Plaque is a combination of bacteria and sugars that form a film over our teeth, which will stick and stay there unless removed by a toothbrush. This substance is found in the mouths of every person on the planet, though some people have more plaque issues than others. Luckily, getting rid of plaque is easy, but many people do not follow through with the steps necessary to get rid of this substance, and that will cause issues with their teeth and gums, both immediately and later in life. Plaque may seem simple and innocent, but it’s a problem that is bigger than people may realize; a problem that a skilled Del Mar dentist may have to help you with as you figure out the best way to deal with this constant issue to keep your mouth healthy and happy.
How Can Plaque be Bad for Our Teeth?
Plaque may seem like a simple and harmless issue, but it’s actually quite dangerous. Plaque is the most common cause of cavities and gum disease, both of which can cause significant issues for someone as they age and seek to have good overall health. Aside from these concerns, plaque also can cause issues as it hardens and turns to tartar, which is a hard substance that can cause receding gums and further cavities. Tartar is something that cannot be taken care of by you but instead must be treated at a dentist’s office with special tools. These tools must be used by someone with the proper training, so seeing a dentist is key.
To prevent tartar, be sure to brush and floss daily. Using an electric toothbrush has been proven to help remove excess plaque, and be sure to use a toothpaste that says it’s made for tartar control. Using mouthwash can also help to remove plaque and cause it to not come back as quickly, which will help with your management of it later on. Cut excess sugar and starch from your diet to help with overall plaque and brush extremely well after consuming large amounts of these foods. Most importantly, see a dentist twice a year to have any excess tartar removed and to have your teeth cleaned and inspected. These simple steps can help you keep your teeth and gums healthy, and they will help you to not have excess issues with plaque and tartar in the future.
The Dentist You Need to Protect Your Teeth
Seeing a dentist is important to keep your plaque and tartar issues in check, and when you need to find a good dentist to help you with these issues, be sure to go to the Del Mar, CA dental office of Curtis L. Chan, D.D.S. and his team are ready to help you with your oral health needs, and they are excited about having you come in to start or continue your tooth and gum care with them. Call to schedule an appointment at the San Diego office today at (858) 481-9090.
Posted by
curtischan
on
Mar 8th, 2019
3:04 pm
Posted in
Blog |
Comments Off on What is Plaque and How Dangerous is it?
Tags: The Dentist You Need to Protect Your Teeth, What is Plaque and How Dangerous is it?, What is the Plaque in Our Mouths?
What to Do If You’re Scared of the Dentist
How People Become Scared of the Dentist
Many people don’t like to go to the dentist today due to fears and bad experiences they’ve experienced previously. When a person needs excessive dental work when they’re young due to medical reasons or genetics, when a person cannot get numbed completely before dental work is performed (meaning they are in extreme pain many times at the dentist), or when a person has a traumatizing experience at the dentist, they can become scared to go to the dentist, and so they will avoid seeing one for their oral health needs. These experiences, though valid, can cause a person to end up with poor dental health, which can make them both miserable and unhealthy and can cause them to need extra surgeries and other such work to be performed.
When someone is scared to see the dentist, it will mean eventual dental issues and discomforts, which can make life difficult to live with. For these people, it’s important to not only find a dentist who can be gentle and caring but one that is also understanding. Many dentists are more than willing to work with their patients to help them feel better at the dentist, and there are also many steps a patient can take to ease their worries as well to help make their experience at the dentist better.
How to Overcome Dental Anxiety
While being scared of the dentist is not uncommon, it’s something that can be managed. Some things that you can do to help your fears include:
Meeting with the dentist before becoming a patient: Often, meeting with the dentist before you become a patient can help you manage your fears. When your dentist knows what your fears are, they can help to educate and inform you to help ease your fears. The dentist will also know how to treat you as a patient since they know your fears and worries, so they can help to make your experience easier since they know about your hesitations.
Having the dentist describe everything they are doing: One thing people fear is not knowing what the dentist is going to do next. By having your dentist describe what they’re about to do and what you might experience can help you prepare and anticipate what will happen. By knowing these things, it can help you relax since you know what is happening and you can ask questions you may have to know exactly what is coming next.
Perform calming techniques: If you find yourself becoming anxious, do some calming practices like deep breathing or grounding techniques to help to calm you down. Your dentist can even join you to help you calm down as well. These techniques can help you slow your thoughts, slow your heartbeat, and keep your worries at a manageable level, which can help make your experience better at the dentist.
California Dentist Here to Quell Your Fears
When you go to the dentist, you want to have a pleasant experience; one filled with ease, compassion, and peace. At the Del Mar, CA dental office of Curtis L. Chan, DDS, we are ready to work with you to help make your experience in our office the best it can be. Call us today in our San Diego, CA office to set up a consultation or appointment at (858) 481-9090.
Posted by
curtischan
on
Mar 2nd, 2019
5:15 pm
Posted in
Blog |
Comments Off on What to Do If You’re Scared of the Dentist
Tags: California Dentist Here to Quell Your Fears, How People Become Scared of the Dentist, How to Overcome Dental Anxiety, What to Do If You're Scared of the Dentist
The History and Importance of the Toothbrush
Del Mar Dentist Discusses Your Toothbrush
A staple in many American bathrooms is a simple and helpful toothbrush. These oral cleaners are seen in bathrooms in television, movies, pictures from and of celebrities, millions of homes, and so much more. These little brushes work hard to keep our mouths clean, and without their help, our oral health could suffer greatly and cause us to need significant surgeries to keep our health up to par.
How the Toothbrush Came to Be
The toothbrush has many iterations, with the earliest version that looks like the brushes we have today being invented in 1498 in China. These toothbrushes had boar hair bristles with a bone or bamboo handle to hold. These brushes were specially made until 1780 when William Addis began mass producing them. Now, everyone had the ability to better their oral health and allow them to take care of themselves and their teeth in one of the best ways possible.
The Best Tool For Teeth and Gums
Toothbrushes are important for us to use every day, and they’re a tool every dentist across the world will recommend you use every day. By using toothbrushes, you are able to better your tooth and gum health and maintain a healthier mouth than if you decided to not brush your teeth at all. As always, these small steps, along with seeing a caring and helpful dentist, will help you achieve a healthy and happy smile your entire life.
Why the Toothbrush is Important for Our Health
Toothbrushes are available at most major grocery, convenience, and pharmacy stores. Major brands like Wal-Mart, Walgreens, and CVS should carry toothbrushes and other oral health tools. Their ease of access makes owning and replacing them convenient, and it allows people to switch between brands and types of toothbrushes to be able to find the one that they like the most. Having a toothbrush that works with you and feels the most comfortable is important, so be sure to switch around until you find the one that works for you.
Having a toothbrush that is comfortable and easy for you to use is important as it will make the few minutes you spend every day brushing your teeth easier and better. Brushing our teeth allows us to fight gum disease, cavities, and other oral health conditions that will cause us to lose our teeth and suffer other health issues like heart disease. By brushing our teeth, we can improve our oral health and our overall health, which means longer and happier lives for all that do the simple act of brushing their teeth.
The Dentist to Care for Your Teeth
At the Del Mar, California dental office of Curtis L. Chan, DDS, we are able to not only help you improve and encourage your toothbrush techniques and habits at home, but we can help you keep your teeth as healthy as possible with routine cleanings and oral health checkups. We are skilled in helping you to keep your teeth and gums as healthy as possible, and we are ready to help you get to and maintain the health goals you have for your mouth.
Call our San Diego office today to set up a meeting at Curtis L. Chan, DDS Office Phone Number 858-481-9090.
Posted by
curtischan
on
Feb 22nd, 2019
4:51 pm
Posted in
Blog |
Comments Off on The History and Importance of the Toothbrush
Tags: How the Toothbrush Came to Be, The Dentist to Care for Your Teeth, The History and Importance of the Toothbrush, Why the Toothbrush is Important for Our Health
Easy Ways to Chip Your Teeth
What are Chipped Teeth?
We all have our small enjoyments in life that aren’t necessarily the best for us. Some people love chewing on ice. Others can’t get through their day without their hard candies. Others enjoy eating their meats on the bone. Whatever your enjoyment, know that these sorts of activities can be incredibly awful for your tooth health, especially if you do them a lot. These activities, along with other factors, can lead to a chipped tooth, something that can not only be unsightly to some but can also cause discomfort to those with the chip.
Chipped teeth are a fairly common issue, with these chips ranging from minor to serious. Minor chips are often easily cared for by your dentist, while moderate to serious chips need extra attention, which can be painful and costly. Chipped teeth can be a hassle, but luckily, most cases are easy to rectify with the help of a good and knowledgeable dentist who can check your teeth and give you the best and appropriate care that you need.
How Can You Chip Your Teeth?
While our teeth are one of the strongest parts of our body, they still are prone to chip when they experience strong pressure or forces. Some of the ways we can chip our teeth include:
Eating Hard Foods: When we eat certain foods, we run the risk of chipping our teeth. These foods can include ice, candy, foods that may contain bones or pits from fruits. Biting on any of these items can cause your teeth to chip.
A Bad Bite: Biting down can use a significant amount of force. When we bite incorrectly or bite in a way that isn’t normal for us, then we may end up chipping a tooth. This can be a frustrating and painful way to chip a tooth, and it’s a cause that happens quite often.
Poor Tooth Health: When our teeth are weakened due to cavities and other infections, our teeth are more prone to suffering a chip. This is due to the weakened enamel that comes from poor tooth health. To help prevent this issue, take care of your teeth by brushing, flossing, and cleaning them regularly. These simple steps can help you avoid cavities and chips in the future.
Cosmetic Dentist in Del Mar CA
Chipping a tooth is an annoying injury because it’s an injury that needs to be professionally checked and attended to. For many, a trip to the dentist for any reason can be uncomfortable and unwanted, which means that many people will avoid seeing the dentist even when they really need to.
By having a caring dentist who knows about your oral health needs and your hesitations, you can have a better dental experience and can be confident when having your teeth evaluated. At the Del Mar, California, Curtis L. Chan, D.D.S., you can expect to have a positive experience having your teeth looked at and fixed, and can know that your oral health is in the best hands possible. Call his San Diego offices today to make an appointment at (858) 481-9090.
Posted by
curtischan
on
Feb 16th, 2019
9:22 am
Posted in
Blog |
Comments Off on Easy Ways to Chip Your Teeth
Tags: Cosmetic Dentist in Del Mar CA, How You Can Chip Your Teeth, Local dentist, What are Chipped Teeth?
Foods as Bad as Candy for Your Teeth Health
Teeth Health in America
An often unconsidered part of our health revolves around our teeth. Oral health is important to our overall health since poor oral health can cause us to suffer from issues like not receiving enough nutrition, having a buildup of plaque that can affect our circulatory system, and suffering from infections and other dental diseases. In short, the health of your mouth is important and should be taken seriously when considering your overall health.
In America, untreated tooth disease is an issue that affects many today. Roughly 19% of children who are ages 5 – 19 suffer from tooth disease, while adults who are 20 – 44 see roughly 32% suffering from tooth disease as well. These numbers are concerning because untreated health issues surrounding your mouth can turn into costly and lifelong problems, which many today won’t be able to pay for or treat for a variety of reasons. Some simple ways to help you avoid these issues include brushing and flossing your teeth daily, watching the foods you eat, and if possible, visiting a caring and knowledgeable dentist twice a year who can clean your teeth and help you with your oral care.
Foods That Are Damaging to Teeth
While many people know that sweets in excess are bad for teeth, there are other foods and treats that can actually be worse for your teeth. Some of these foods include:
Ice: Crunching on ice is something that many people enjoying doing, however, the crunch of hard foods like ice can cause tooth damage. Chipped and cracked teeth are painful and can cost a fair amount of money to fix, so it’s important to limit or completely avoid hard foods like ice.
Citrus: Citrus is very acidic and can damage the enamel, or the protective outer layer, of your teeth. Too much citrus, even with daily brushing and flossing, can be damaging to teeth, so be sure to watch how much citrus you ingest.
Starches: While some might find this particular category surprising, starchy foods can actually be worse for your teeth compared to some sweets. This is because starchy foods can sit on and around your teeth longer, which can cause more damage like cavities. When eating starchy foods, plan to brush your teeth soon after to help remove the leftover food from around your teeth.
Alcohol: Alcohol is a dehydrating substance which, if used in excess, can cause your mouth to dry out. Dry mouths lead to tooth decay, so be sure to watch how much alcohol you intake and to drink water every day.
No matter what you eat and drink, make sure you take care of your oral health by watching what you eat and by brushing and flossing your teeth daily. By taking these small steps, you are able to greatly reduce your chances of tooth rot and decay and keep your mouth healthy.
Californian Dentist Here for You
If you are concerned about your overall oral health, feel like your teeth need to be checked for cavities or decay, or simply need a cleaning, visit the Del Mar dental office of Curtis L. Chan today! Curtis Chan’s office specializes in a variety of dental care procedures ranging from simple teeth cleanings to dental surgery to veneers. His San Diego, California office is equipped with knowledgeable and friendly staff who are ready to help you, so call and make an appointment today at (858) 481-9090.
Posted by
curtischan
on
Feb 6th, 2019
4:19 pm
Posted in
Blog |
Comments Off on Foods as Bad as Candy for Your Teeth Health
Tags: Foods as Bad as Candy for Your Teeth Health, Foods That Are Damaging to Teeth, Teeth Health in America