A Sour Smile Is Not A Happy Smile -- Seattle Dental Associates

It’s no secret that sweet, sugary candies and drinks have an adverse effect of the health of your smile, but what about sour or tart candies? We at Seattle Dental Associates thought you might want to know what kind of an effect does eating or drinking something sour have on my smile?

Recent research from the Minnesota Dental Association suggests that the amount of acid in sour candies is enough to eat away at tooth enamel and cause cavities. Here are a few souring facts about sour candies, and some helpful tips on how to protect your teeth from Seattle Dental Associates(even if you cannot give up sour candies all together).

Facts

-Sour candies can be very acidic, and may actually burn the gums and cheeks, while weakening and wearing down the enamel on your teeth. (Check the acid levels in some of your favorite candies)

-It can take almost 20 minutes for the acid in sour candies to become neutral. Holding the acid in your mouth by sucking on sour hard candies or chewing sour gummies can keep the acid active for more than 20 minutes.

-The acid in sour candies can cause cavities and severe tooth decay.

Protect your teeth

-Limit the amount of sour candies that you eat on a daily basis, and if you do indulge, remember not to suck or chew on sour candies for long periods of time.

-After eating sour candies, rinse your mouth out with water, drink milk, or eat a couple slices of cheese. This will help neutralize the acid in your mouth (wait at least one hour before brushing your teeth with toothpaste, as this can actually increase the effects of acid on your teeth)

-If tooth erosion has already begun, ask your dentist about ways you can help reduce sensitivity and continue to protect your teeth.

Hope this helps! From Seattle Dental Associates.

Seattle Dental Associates Have a Fun New Soda Pop Quiz

Seattle Dental Associates wants to know, where does all that soda pop go?

On average, the typical person consumes over 50 gallons of soda pop per year! The amount of acid and sugar found in a can of soda can cause serious tooth decay and lead to cavities, gum disease, and even tooth loss!

We at Seattle Dental Associates know that you don’t want to lose your teeth, so take the soda pop quiz, presented by the Minnesota Dental Association, and learn more about how to keep your smile healthy.

It’s a fun interactive quiz, so enjoy! From Seattle Dental Associates.

Toothbrush Trivia with Seattle Dental Associates

At Seattle Dental Associates, we are always thinking about teeth and teaching you how to best brush them. But do you know the history of your toothbrush?

People have been brushing their teeth for thousands of years! In fact, the first “toothbrush” was created around 3000BC! Ancient civilizations used a thin twig with a frayed edge to rub against their teeth for cleaning.

The first toothbrush with bristles – similar to today’s toothbrushes – was invented in 1498 in China. Brushes were made out of bone or bamboo with bristles made from the hairs on the back of a hog’s neck.

It wasn’t until 1938 that the first nylon bristle toothbrush was introduced and people quickly became aware of practicing good oral hygiene.

Here are some other interesting facts about your toothbrush (and toothpaste):

--Most people are said to use blue toothbrushes over any other color
--The first toothpaste was used in 500 BC in China and India
--On average, children smile about 400 times per day
--Your toothbrush should be replaced every two months
--The first known toothpaste was used in 1780, Crest was introduced in the US in 1955 and Colgate in 1873

Have more questions about your teeth, or want to share some trivia of your own? Give us a call or stop by Seattle Dental Associates! We'd love to hear from you.

When Are Two Phases of Treatment Necessary?

Usually patients in orthodontic treatment already have their permanent teeth – but in some cases we have to start treatment earlier, even before the patient’s permanent teeth come in. We call this “two-phase treatment.”

When we have patients with clear developmental problems at an early age, it’s best to start work when they are young, before the problems get bigger and more difficult to treat. Examples include an upper or lower jaw that is not growing correctly, or a mouth growing in a way that doesn’t leave enough room for all the permanent teeth to come in.

In these cases we will start early and do one round of treatment – phase one – while the patient still has “baby teeth.” Phase one usually does not involve braces, but can include a different type of appliance that helps the jaw grow into place properly, such as a retainer. We’ll follow up with phase two usually a few years later, when permanent the patient’s permanent teeth have come in. Phase two often does involve braces and sometimes headgear.

In order to catch early problems, we recommend that children have an orthodontic check-up no later than age seven (and so does the American Association of Orthodontics). However, if your dentist or pediatrician sees any sign that early treatment might be necessary, he or she may recommend your child visit an orthodontist even sooner. For more information about two-phase orthodontics, or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Barnes contact us at Seattle Dental Associates.

Dr. Dexter Barnes Explains the Connection Between Your Oral Health and Soda Pop

Soda consumption has increased dramatically over the past 40 years, much to the pleasure of the soda manufacturers, and so have the ill effects of its over consumption.

In fact, kids today consume way too much sugar (29 to 40tsp/day)! Teenagers are getting approximately 40% of their sugar calories from soft drinks; they are drinking less milk and getting less calcium!

Teens currently drink twice as much soda as milk when compared to twenty years ago. Studies have shown that teenage girls require 1300mg of calcium/day and may be only getting 800mg. Calcium is important for bone development up to the age of 18; lack of calcium can predispose one to osteoporosis and broken bones

When we eat or drink acidic foods and beverages, the acid initiates a chemical process that softens our tooth enamel and can lead to dental erosion.

Normally saliva neutralizes the acid, but if we keep swilling soda or snacking on fruit and yogurt, saliva can't keep up with the acid, and the possibility of erosion increases. By reducing your consumption of soft drinks, fruit juices, and sports drinks, we can help reduce erosion. Chewing sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva flow or rinsing with water for 30 seconds can also help.

Using a fluoridated tooth paste and having fluoride treatments after your dental cleaning will help reduce cavities. If you have more questions about your teeth or want to come in for a dental cleaning, give us a call at Seattle Dental Associates. We would love to help care for your pearly whites.

When is Thumb-Sucking Cause for Worry? From Seattle Dental Associates

Lots of you have asked us at Seattle Dental Associates whether it’s healthy for children to suck thumbs (or, less frequently, fingers). If you’ve got a thumb-sucker in the house, you are not alone. Research tells us that between 75% and 95% of infants suck their thumbs. Is this anything to worry about?

In most cases, no. Sucking is a natural reflex for an infant, and can provide security and contentment as well as relaxation for your little one. It’s a habit that most children grow out of between the ages of 2 and 4.

However, if your child keeps sucking after he’s gotten his permanent teeth, it’s time to take a closer look. If your child sucks his thumb aggressively, putting pressure on the inside of his mouth or his teeth, it could cause problems with tooth alignment and proper mouth growth. If you’re worried, give us a call at Seattle Dental Associates and we will help assess the situation, and provide tips for how to help your child break the habit.

Take Our Smile Analysis to See if You Are a Candidate for Cosmetic Dentistry -- Seattle Dental Associates

At Seattle Dental Associates, we know how important it is to smile. Smiling makes you feel good, so why not show your pearly whites? If you find yourself not smiling that often, ask yourself these important questions:

Do you ever smile with your mouth closed or hide your smile behind your hand to prevent others from seeing your teeth?

Does the appearance or color of your teeth embarrass you?

Do you avoid smiling because you do not want people to see your teeth; or do you smile a certain way when your picture is being taken because of your teeth?

Do you have old metal fillings in your back teeth that show a lot of cause noticeable dark shadow or graying of your teeth?

If you answered yes to any of the above, you may be a candidate for cosmetic dentistry. In fact, anyone who is unhappy with the appearance of his or her smile is a candidate for cosmetic dentistry.

A smile makeover can change your life – make you look and feel younger, more attractive and more confident.

Take our Smile Analysis Survey by clicking here.

If you have any questions about cosmetic dentistry or want to come in for a consultation, give us a call at Seattle Dental Associates.