So, when people plan out their meals (when they do), calories are usually taken into account. Not too much else is really considered, like how something could affect their teeth. Sure, people know not to eat hard foods, as that can be bad for their teeth, but that seems to be about as far as it goes. Planning your meals can be a game-changer, not just for your waistline but for your teeth, too. If you’ve ever wondered how to tweak your eating habits to boost your oral health, then this is exactly what you need to know!

Understand What Your Teeth Need

So, this is a little elementary, but it never really hurts to go back to the basics when it comes to improving your oral health. So, before you start planning, it’s good to know which nutrients contribute most to healthy teeth. For example, calcium, phosphorus, vitamin D, and vitamin C are stars when it comes to oral health. 

So, to give you a little lesson here, calcium and phosphorus help to rebuild enamel, and vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium efficiently. As for vitamin C, this strengthens your gums and the soft tissues in your mouth. For the most part, nearly all whole foods have these, so you might not need to put such a big emphasis on them. 

Timing is Everything

How often you eat can be just as important as what you eat when it comes to oral health- that’s actually something a lot of people don’t know about! Snacking constantly can expose your teeth to a continuous flow of acids since most foods contain sugars and starches. Besides, most snacks aren’t exactly the healthiest either. So, instead, try to just eat at mealtimes, and if you need a snack, choose something tooth-friendly like cheese or nuts, which can actually help neutralize acids and reduce tooth decay.

Consider pH Levels

So, you might have already known this, but too much of something can be a bad thing on your teeth, not just starches and sugars, but acids too. Acidic foods and drinks can erode tooth enamel, making your teeth vulnerable to decay (and just making eating more challenging). So that’s why you might be better off incorporating a balance of acidic foods like tomatoes and citrus fruits with more alkaline options like green vegetables to help keep your mouth’s pH levels balanced. 

You Need a Lot of Water

You’re better off just drinking water and maybe a dairy product here and there. Sure, this advice might be low-hanging fruit, but this is still important!  Consider starting your meal with a glass of water and sipping more throughout your meal to aid digestion and keep your mouth clean.

The post How to Plan Your Meals for Optimal Oral Health appeared first on InstantELLA.

Some of these reasons are very obvious, yet here I am bringing them up because I think some people have missed the memo on these things. Your teeth and mouth deserve great care, and here’s why.

Good Hygiene

A Guide To Getting Your Wisdom Teeth Out

The number one reason to take care of your teeth is that you want good hygiene. I know, I know, obvious. Yet we have all met someone who clearly does not put a lot of time into taking good care of their teeth. Not only is it a problem that affects people around you due to bad breath, but it can lead to serious problems down the road.

Cavities are a very undesirable condition resulting from a lack of proper dental care. According to grovecitydentalofblackfoot.com, “Cavities are an all-too-common problem, and when your teeth experience this kind of decay, they need to be filled.”

Fillings are not pleasant, avoid them by practicing good oral hygiene.

You Don’t Get Them Back

7 Ways to Help Your Kids Brush Their Teeth

Kids have the benefit of learning how to take care of their teeth on their baby teeth, before losing them and getting their permanent teeth. As adults, we need to be careful of how we take care of our teeth because if they get removed they aren’t coming back.

Sure you can get implants, but it won’t be your actual tooth. Just be wise, it is not a fun thing to get a tooth pulled and then replaced.

Smile Draws Attention

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When people meet each other, and even after, the smile is one of the first things noticed. If it is clean and bright, people take notice. If it is misaligned or dirty, people take notice.

A little effort to whiten, brighten, and maintain your smile will go a long way in helping it be one of your best features.

Mouth Pain

The Many Faces of Dentistry

Mouth pain is a league of its own. It is so bad! Many pains you have on your body can be treated with ice/heat, massage, or drinking water like your mom always told you to do.

Pain in your mouth is usually caused by lack of proper care and can affect the inside of teeth, all the way down to the roots if left alone long enough. That kind of pain can’t be treated with an ice pack, and honestly, ice will probably make it worse. Avoid deep, seemingly unrelievable pain by taking good care of your teeth.

Lack of Care Can Mess You Up

8 Things You Should Know Before Going to the Dentist

As noted in just about every paragraph in this article, the lack of proper oral hygiene can lead to serious problems. In case you missed it: the lack of proper oral hygiene can lead to serious problems!

Problems with your teeth and gums are very preventable. If you brush, floss, and gargle with mouthwash twice daily (and do it with conviction, we aren’t 5 anymore) you can avoid a ton of problems. If you don’t stay vigilant, you can end up in a lot of pain and in need of dental operations which are the worst, second only to the pain that is causing the operation. Take care of your teeth!

Conclusion

Proper oral hygiene can prevent a plethora of issues and discomforts. If you put effort into daily hygiene you will see the results. A healthy happy mouth and a world-class smile. It’s worth it.

The post 5 Reasons to Take Good Care of Your Teeth appeared first on InstantELLA.

1. Start Early

Hate that daily battle? Here’s how and when to brush your toddler’s teeth

The perfect time to have your child learn about brushing teeth is as soon as those baby teeth start coming in. Be gentle and careful, and introduce them to a soft toothbrush that they can munch on. About the age of two is when you’ll want to help them brush their own teeth. It might be a little messy, but that is a small price to pay for good oral health.

2. Make It A Game

Brushing teeth doesn’t have to be a tedious process. Try making a game out of keeping your child’s mouth clean. Use your imagination. Maybe the toothbrush is a train and your kid’s teeth make up the track. Now your kid can choo-choo their teeth clean.

3. Race the Time

3 Great Ideas To Make Brushing Teeth Fun for Kids

Get a small sand timer for your child to watch while they brush their teeth. Let them flip the timer to start the time and then they can watch the sand flow out while they brush their teeth. This gives them something to do and something else to pay attention to besides the brush in their mouth.

4. Incentives

If you have a child that can be incentivized then you might consider doing some sort of chart where if your child brushes consistently for a whole week straight then they earn something. This could be a toy from a toy chest or if you want to stick with the teeth theme they could earn a new flavor of toothpaste or a cool new toothbrush.

5. Fun Toothbrush/paste

The best toothpaste for kids

Speaking of a cool toothbrush, it might help your child to be interested in brushing their teeth if they like their toothbrush and toothpaste. Having a toothbrush with Paw Patrol on it instead of just a plain blue one can make a huge difference to an obstinant toddler.

6. Never Use Scare Tactics

This isn’t necessarily to help your kid brush their teeth, but it will save you a world of headache at their next pediatric dental appointment. Never tell their children that if they don’t brush their teeth then they’ll have to go to the dentist. This will just make them afraid of their dentist, which won’t be fun to deal with in the long run.  

7. Be A Good Example

Brush your teeth at the same time as your kid. This will help them to see that even big people need to keep their teeth clean. If you aren’t actually ready to brush your teeth for the night, you can always forgo the toothpaste and just act like your brushing your teeth.

Every child is different so what works for one might not work for another. The key is to stay consistent and positive. Compliment them on how good they are at brushing their teeth as you teach them to make good oral hygiene a part of their daily routine.

The post 7 Ways to Help Your Kids Brush Their Teeth appeared first on InstantELLA.

How To Prepare

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• Plan on taking time off of work or school after you have your wisdom teeth out. You’ll need time to recover, and rest helps to speed up the recovery process. Also, keep in mind that getting your teeth pulled can be a painful experience and you’ll probably need some heavy pain killers to get you through the first part of the recovery process. If you have kids at home you might want to set up childcare services so you have time for the rest you need.
• Don’t drive yourself home. Even if you choose to stay awake for your extraction you will still be a little loopy, either from pain or drugs. Plan on having a friend or neighbor give you a ride home.

What To Expect

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According to WebMD, there are three options of anesthesia for the actual surgery.

• Local: Your doctor will numb your mouth and then you’ll be given some sort of gas (nitrous oxide or laughing gas) to help you relax during the surgery.
• IV sedation:The surgeon will numb your mouth and you’ll be given drugs through an IV to make you drowsy. There’s a good chance you’ll sleep through the entire extraction.
• General: You’ll be given drugs to put you to sleep and you’ll be out for the entire procedure. Typically you wake up about an hour or so later.

After Surgery

5 Tips for a More Confident You

• Most likely you’ll have quite a bit of swelling so you’ll want to use an icepack to help keep that to a minimum.
• It typically takes around 3 days for swelling to go down and then it will take a few more weeks for you to completely heal.
• Take the medicine your doctor prescribes to help with pain and swelling management.
• If you’re a little loopy on your pain meds you might want a friend or family member to hold onto your phone for safekeeping so you don’t do anything you’ll regret later.

What To Eat

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A common question is, “What can I eat after surgery?” Washington Periodontics provides a great list of foods to eat after a tooth extraction

• Applesauce
• Avocado
• Baby food
• Baked beans
• Bananas
• Beans (mashed if necessary)
• Biscuits
• Broccoli – steamed, soft
• Broth (not too hot)
• Butternut Squash – cooked, soft
• Eggs (scrambled, soft boiled, egg salad)
• Fish (soft white fish, sole, trout)
• Fruit smoothies/protein shakes
• Hearty soups (cream of asparagus, lentil, minestrone, split pea)
• Ice cream, popsicles, and milkshakes
• Jell-O
• Mashed potatoes
• Oatmeal/cream of wheat
• Pasta (no sauce due to being acidic)
• Pudding/custard
• Soft fruits (banana, papaya, berries, canned peaches or pears)
• Tofu
• Yogurt (soft or frozen)

There really isn’t much to be afraid of. Your teeth will be out before you know it and you’ll be back to your normal everyday activities in no time. Enjoy the time you have to sit on the couch healing and eating ice cream guilt free.

The post A Guide To Getting Your Wisdom Teeth Out appeared first on InstantELLA.

Change How You Talk About It

Make Choices for the Better

Maybe you really don’t like going to the doctor yourself. Chances are, your child can tell and they might start to be afraid of their own visits because of it. Instead of letting fear get the best of you, try out a different approach.

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When talking about a check-up, whether yours or theirs, speak clearly and calmly. You want your child to feel safe when they arrive at the office, and you can reassure them with a positive attitude. You should also talk about it more routinely in this positive way. Your child can then become more comfortable with the idea of visiting the next time it comes up.

You can also communicate clearly and accurately with the doctors and staff taking care of your child ahead of time. Make sure you know your child’s updated health history and medications so staff can treat your child accurately. If you have complaints or concerns, talk about these without your child present and in an understanding way.

See a Pediatric Professional

Getting Proper Medical Care for Your Family

There are many types of healthcare professionals to choose from, and many of them specialize in certain age groups. If your own providers don’t treat children, find a pediatric or family doctor, or a kid dentist that your child will feel comfortable around.

These practices tend to fill the office with fun toys, exciting pictures and paintings, and staff that are great with children. They might even give rewards to children for being great patients.

Make It a Learning Opportunity

8 Things You Should Know Before Going to the Dentist

When you’re talking about any type of doctor’s visit, take the time to explain what happens when you get there (in that positive light we talked about). Encourage your child to ask questions before you go.

The physician or staff members caring for your child are also happy to talk with your child and teach them about what they do. They’ve had practice making it sound less scary, too. By the end, you may end up taking a future doctor home with you.

Use Comforts & Distractions

Ways to Bring Your Family Closer Together

If your child is especially anxious in the healthcare setting, pull together a few items that can help everyone get through the experience with the least amount of pain possible. Your child may have a favorite toy or blanket that can accompany them on the visit. Some dentist offices even offer a television at each chair to keep minds entertained during cleanings.

You can also use things like music and stories to distract your child’s mind from what might be a traumatic experience otherwise.

Offer Treats & Rewards

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Rewards can have an amazing effect on your child’s behavior while at the doctor’s office. It doesn’t have to be something extravagant, but use your best judgment when selecting a treat for your child. It could be literally that: their favorite ice cream or meal that evening, a small toy, a visit to the playground, or a movie they’ve been waiting to see.

While the promise of getting something afterward is effective, don’t use this tactic too often or you might find your child needs bigger rewards to deter their tantrums.

The post 5 Ways to Improve Your Child’s Patient Experience appeared first on InstantELLA.

1. Oatmeal

Turn instant oats into a quick, easy, and deliciously healthy breakfast by adding berries and cream to it. If you have oatmeal lovers, this is a great meal to get your kids going in the morning. You can even lay out bowls of fruit on the table for your kids to put in their oatmeal.

2. Smoothie Bowls or Yogurt Parfaits

Smoothie bowls are great, especially if you want to hide some vegetables that your child wouldn’t get otherwise. Use your favorite smoothie recipe, pour it into a bowl, and add fruit and granola to it. Likewise, for an even simpler breakfast, add fruit and granola to yogurt. Lay out all of the fix-ins and let your kids make their own healthy parfait.

3. Grilled Cheese with Veggies

Are your kids grilled cheese lovers? Use whole grain bread, a favorite cheese, and add on veggies like tomatoes, peppers, spinach, and cucumbers. This meal only takes a few minutes to make and is perfect for quick lunches or dinners.

4. Chicken Salad

Grill up some chicken, throw it in a leafy green mix, add toppings like cheese and tomatoes, cover it in your favorite dressing (or your kids’ favorite dressing). For an extra simple meal, grill up some extra chicken on a night when you have chicken planned, and save if for lunch the next day. Any salad will be a great healthy and easy meal – you can use deli meats or leftover Christmas ham and turkey for the meat too.

5. Pesto Pasta

Cook up some bowtie pasta, mix it in with pesto or Italian dressing, and lay it over a bed of leafy greens for a perfect and simple healthy meal. If you have children old enough to do so, you can even instruct them to boil the pasta and mix it with the dressing.

The post Healthy Kid-Friendly Meals to Get You Through the Holidays appeared first on InstantELLA.

The Positive Impact of Corporate Social Responsibility

A group of dentists compiled this list of things you should know before your next appointment.

Toothaches

What causes a toothache?

If you have a toothache, there could be a number of reasons besides another cavity. Tooth sensitivity, generally due to worn enamel or receding gums, can cause toothaches, but that doesn’t mean you have a cavity. A cracked tooth can also be the cause, and it is possible to have a cracked tooth and not even know it. While tooth sensitivity can be self-diagnosable, if you are not 100 percent sure of the cause of your toothaches, you should see a Dentist DTC. They can diagnose the problem and help you decide on the best treatment plan.

Bleeding Gums

Five Things You Can Do If Your Gums Are Bleeding

Bleeding gums are never a good sign. No matter the cause, if your gums are bleeding every time your brush or floss your teeth, it’s a good idea to bring that up with your dentist. Bleeding gums are a sign of periodontal disease, and your dentist can tell you the best way for you to treat this symptom.

Breath

What Are the Most Common Dental Problems?

Yes, your dentist and the hygienists can all smell the last thing you ate before coming in. So, do them and yourself a courtesy by avoiding heavy odor-causing foods the day of your appointment. The good thing is, even if you do forget about this, most dentists and their staff are kind enough not to point it out and embarrass you. If you have bad breath for another reason, it might be a good idea to ask your dentist about it because it could be a sign of another dental problem.

Good Teeth

6 Brushing Tips to Impress Your Dentist

Good teeth get noticed. Generally speaking, the first thing that most people notice in another person is their eyes, and second is their smile – or their teeth. If your teeth are one of the first things someone notices when they meet you, don’t you want to make a good impression? Take care of your teeth and make that dentist appointment. If you are interested in teeth whitening or have crooked teeth you want fixed, your dentist is there to ask those questions and give your recommendations.

Dream Teeth

4 Things You Definitely Need to Do Before going to the Dentist

While having a good-looking smile is great, just remember that your dream teeth might not be possible. You can’t have a smile like Angelina Jolie if your mouth and face aren’t the same shape and size. Remember there are limitations, but your dentist is there to help you along the way.

Chewing Gum

Chewing Gum Negative Effects and Disadvantages

Chewing gum can be a good thing – so long as it’s a sugar-free option. Chewing gum with xylitol, a low-calorie sweetener, can help protect your teeth from cavities. Not only does the act of chewing the gum produce saliva which helps clear sugars out of your mouth, but the xylitol can actually inhibit the growth of bad, cavity-causing bacteria. Keep a pack of xylitol gum with you when you’re on the go to chew after meals. It’s no replacement for brushing and flossing your teeth, but it certainly helps.

Mouth Piercings

Oral Piercings: What You Should Know

Mouth piercings, especially tongue piercings, can be detrimental to your oral health. The small metal piercing clicking constantly against your teeth can chip them and wear down the enamel, leaving you at a greater risk for tooth decay and other mouth infections. Healthwise, it’s best to keep the piercings elsewhere.

Insurance

Everything You Need To Know About Health And Safety Compliance

For you and your dentist, it is best if you come into the office knowing what your insurance covers – and knowing whether or not that dentist takes your insurance. This isn’t to say that the staff at the office can’t help you figure this out, but before making an appointment, it’s good to know what kind of financial commitment you are getting yourself into. This isn’t to scare you away from making the appointment altogether, but rather to help you prepare so nothing unexpected comes up at your first appointment.

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Another tip regarding finances: many dentist offices will give you a discount if you pay for the appointment in cash on the day of.

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