We often think of our diet as affecting only our bodies. Eating fewer fatty foods means we’ll lose a few pounds, whilst eating more protein will boost our strength. However, diet is extremely important for our teeth as well as our bodies, and there are particular foods we should be eating that are especially good for teeth 

National Smile Month is the UK’s largest and longest-running campaign to promote good oral health. It has a particular focus on how important diet is for healthy teeth, emphasizing the point that healthy food is not just good for our bodies, but also improves the health and strength of our teeth.  

One of the key messages this campaign highlights is to cut down on sugary foods and drinks. So, we thought it would be a good idea to put together some tips on how you can do just that! 

We’ve also included a list of foods that are extremely good for our teeth and have provided advice on how to enhance the strength of your teeth by eating the right kind of foods. Read below to find all the information you need for creating the perfect diet for healthy teeth.  

The importance of diet for healthy teeth 

The foods you eat affect your teeth and gums as well as your overall health. A poor diet can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Foods high in carbohydrates, sugars and starches greatly influence the production of plaque acids that attack the tooth enamel. Eventually, these acids can cause tooth enamel to break down, causing the formation of a cavity. 

Sugary foods can also contribute to tooth decay. Almost all foods, including milk and vegetables, contain some type of sugar, however, these foods are a necessary part of a healthy diet as they also contain important nutrients.  

Therefore, it’s important to strike the right balance between naturally sugary foods, such as fruits and vegetable, whilst cutting down or entirely avoiding foods and drinks with added sugars. Typical and popular sugary foods include fizzy drinks, fruit juice, energy drinks, sweets, biscuits and pastries. 

By creating and sticking to a balanced diet that is rich in vitamins, minerals, fresh fruit and vegetables will help protect your tooth enamel and prevent long-term problems such as tooth decay and gum disease. However, If your diet lacks certain nutrients, teeth can become weaker, more prone to decay, and the tissues in your mouth and gums will be less able to resist infection. 

The best food groups for strong teeth

Most of us are aware of the importance of good oral hygiene habits and try to maintain a regular brushing and flossing routine, however, often we forget about the impact food can have on our teeth. 

To help our patients eat the best food for strong teeth, we’ve included a list of everyday foods that can help improve the health and strength of your teeth, as well as having a positive impact on your overall health and fitness; A win-win situation! 

Apples

Apples are full of vitamins and the skin of the apple scrubs against your teeth which helps remove plaque and stains. Furthermore, they are great for getting rid of bad breath as the acidity of the apple helps kill any bad bacteria that may be the cause of this.

Green Vegetables

Spinach, lettuce and other leafy green vegetables come with a huge variety of health and dental benefits. As well as antioxidants and iron, they are full of beta- carotene which helps keep tooth enamel strong.

Fish

Fatty fish such as salmon and tuna contain omega-3 fats which break down the inflammation that occurs when bacteria irritate gums.  They also provide us with minerals and vitamin D which are key components to strong teeth and jaw bones.

Healthy Snack Options

Drinking plenty of water and eating a well-balanced diet will help keep your smile healthy. If you choose a snack, choose nutritious foods such as low fat and fat-free dairy foods like cheese and yoghurt. Nuts and raw vegetables are also tooth friendly snacks.

What to do if your teeth are already damaged? 

If you have not stuck to a healthy diet in recent years and are suffering from cavities, tooth decay, gum disease, pain or even tooth loss, do not lose hope of achieving a happy and healthy smile!  

There are now many cosmetic dental procedures that can help to improve both the aesthetic look, strength and health of your smile. Some of the best cosmetic options for improving the strength and health of your teeth include:  

• Root canal treatment – used if you have severe tooth ache caused by an abscess or tooth decay. 
• Airflow treatment – this treatment helps improve the look and health of your teeth. Airflow therapy removes persistent stains on the teeth and helps get rid of plaque and discolouration by using a combination of water, compressed air and fine powder particles. 
• Dental implants – perfect if you have suffered from tooth loss or extraction. Dental implants will improve your overall oral health and give back strength to your bite. 
• Orthodontics – orthodontic treatment is primarily for straightening teeth, but procedures can also help improve oral health and strengthen teeth. 

If you are more focused on improving the aesthetic look of your smile, you might consider: 

• Professional teeth whitening to get rid of stains and enhance your shade of white 
• Composite bonding to cover up imperfections such as cracks, gaps and marks. Composite bonding also adds extra strength to your teeth! 
• Veneers, which are designed for covering the outer surface of your teeth in order to improve the strength and appearance of your smile. 

Creating happy, healthy smiles at Brite Dental 

If you are serious about your oral health and truly want to improve the health and strength of your teeth, then it’s essential that you visit your dentist regularly. Attending regular dental check-ups will help identify issues before they become serious, which leads to better overall oral health and will contribute to maintaining strong, healthy teeth for longer.  

Your dentist will also give your personalised advice on diet, oral health habits and relevant procedures that will help improve your smile and health. 

Brite Dental was created by an award-winning team of dentists and dental care professionals to provide you with the best level of dental care available today. 

Register at one of our four practices today to book an appointment, or simply get in touch for further advice and tips for improving your diet and your oral health.

What Is National Smile Month?

Here at Brite Dental, we are passionate about great oral health, and that’s why we are happy to support National Smile Month. From the 15th May-15th June 2017 dentists and orthodontists around the country, along with various other organisations, are placing a focus on the importance of oral hygiene and of taking great care of your teeth. It is the longest-running and largest campaign of its type in the UK.

The history of National Smile Month

The campaign has been running since 1977, and since that time is has continued to grow and gain more support. It was designed to improve communication between dentists and their patients, and to improve the oral health of the nation. The campaign has also expanded to the USA and makes a huge impact on social media. Over 60 million people took part worldwide in 2016.

Why is National Smile Month important?

 

Great dental health should always be a priority. Not only does it keep your smile looking great but it keeps your mouth healthy which can also affect your overall health. The campaign does vital work in encouraging people to keep up-to-date with regular dentist appointments. The old phrase ‘prevention is better than a cure’ is still true, and regular dentist visits can flag up any issues with your teeth and gums, so that they can be treated before progressing and causing further issues. The friendly and professional Brite team are on hand to book you an appointment to kick-start your National Smile Month.

What are the main goals of National Smile Month?

As well as encouraging patients to see their dentist more often, the campaign also focuses on all-round dental health. One element of this is inspiring everyone to brush their teeth twice a day with a fluoride-based toothpaste, to fight tooth decay and minimise the need for dental treatments such as fillings. They encourage everyone to floss, and to try to stop smoking. Another element of the campaign is to get people to cut down on the amount of sugary foods and drinks they consume, a leading cause of tooth problems, and even tooth loss. The Brite group can help to give you other great tips, such as information about sugar-free options, when and how to brush your teeth, and what acidic foods to avoid.

National Smile Week also wants to educate the nation about good gum health. The campaign provides lots of information about how the health of your mouth and gums can affect your overall health, such as the link between unhealthy gums and strokes, heart disease, and diabetes. It is important to see your dentist if you notice any tell-tale symptoms such as inflammation, loose teeth, bad breath, or blood when you brush your teeth.

 

At Brite Dental, our friendly care team are always at hand to care for your dental needs, don’t wait until a problem arises, make your next dental check- up today and let us do what we can to identify and prevent any dental issues.

 

Why Is It Important To See Your Dentist?

 

Regular dental check-ups are vital for maintaining the best oral health. Your smile is one of the first things anyone notices, and keeping it healthy and beautiful is important. Small aches and pains may not appear serious, but with time they can progress, leading to serious problems such as tooth decay and gum disease. So, when you notice something wrong with your teeth or gums, make sure to book an appointment at the Brite group as soon as possible.

Signs That Something May Be Wrong

Some of the most common signs of problems with your teeth or gums may be:

• Swollen or bleeding gums
• Teeth that are sensitive to hot or cold, or to sweet foods
• Pain or swelling around a tooth
• Wisdom teeth issues
• Jaw pain
• Loose fillings, crowns, bridges, or dentures
• You have an ongoing medical condition such as diabetes
• Changes to our life such as pregnancy or cancer treatment

 

 

Another reason to see your dentist may be more psychological than physical. The appearance of your teeth, such as their colour or if they are uneven or crooked, may make you feel unhappy with how you look. The Brite team is on-hand to offer a range of cosmetic treatments that can help you to feel confident again. These include teeth whitening, dental implants,  invisible braces and many more.

 

Even if you don’t have any current issues, regular check-ups are still really important. If you visit as much as your dentist thinks is necessary (this can vary from person to person, depending on your oral health) they can spot any potential problems early on, and can offer treatment to stop tooth decay or gum disease from progressing.

What Could Happen If You Don’t See Your Dentist?

Tooth decay and gum disease can lead to serious issues if not treated. Without help from a dentist, these conditions will progress and worsen over time, until teeth become weak and loose. They may also cause you severe pain which can be eased with a dental visit. Acute conditions such as infections also need immediate treatment in order to keep your mouth in the best condition. Dental hygiene is important for staying in good health.

Keep Putting Off Your Visit? Don’t Worry, We Can Help

 

If you think you may have a cavity or a loose tooth filling, but you’re nervous about going to the dentist, don’t panic! Brite Dental has a friendly, qualified team that will help you to relax and make it through your appointment in a pain-free, calming environment. The Brite team will take time to evaluate your needs and will take into consideration the bigger picture, addressing any worries before treatment starts. Our experienced team will then put together an individualised treatment plan. So contact us today to book your next appointment.

 

 

As you get older you begin to realise how important your oral health is and often wish that you had taken better care of your teeth when you were younger. That is why it is important for you to be aware of how to provide your children with good dental care.

Oral Hygiene Begins Before Teeth Are Showing

Just because you can’t see them doesn’t mean they aren’t there! Many people are unaware that teeth are fully developed in your baby’s jaw at birth, which is why your focus should be on your baby’s gums for the first 6 months. You can look after your baby’s gums by using a clean, lukewarm washcloth to wipe bacteria off the gums a few times a day. When your baby’s first little teeth begin to appear, use a soft- bristled toothbrush and water to clean your baby’s teeth. By the time your child turns 2, you should begin teaching them how to spit after brushing to avoid them swallowing any plaque and to prepare them for spitting out their toothpaste. Ask your dentist when to introduce toothpaste to your child, this is normally when they are around two years old. You should use a pea sized amount of toothpaste that is low in fluoride.

Regular Check-ups

Having regular dental check-ups will not only help identify any problems early but will also prevent the fear associated with dental visits. You can also help your infants learn that the dentist is not a figure to be afraid of by reading them child friendly dental books as this will give them a more positive view of going to the dentist. Parents can play a vital role in encouraging their child’s overall oral health.

Teach Your Children the Right Technique

When your child turns 3, you should teach them proper brushing techniques, we have all seen both children and adults vigorously brushing their teeth as quickly as they can. This is not a constructive method of brushing and can often lead to more damage than good. The toothbrush should be moved in a back- and- forth motion with short strokes along the teeth and gums. It is important to teach your child the correct brushing technique so that they can protect their gums and target the most bacteria as possible. Whilst brushing for 2 minutes is the recommended amount, this is not realistic for young children, so put emphasis on this to prolong the brushing process as much as possible.

Children and Flossing

Flossing is one of the most neglected components of oral hygiene, despite it being one of the most important. To set a good example for your child, you should adopt flossing in to your daily routine as this will prepare them for when their tooth surfaces are next to each other and they can start flossing themselves. Flossing should be adopted as a consistent dental care routine as using dental floss removes plaque and excess food particles that you may not be able to target with just your toothbrush.

Providing your children with good oral care will kick them off to a good start and increase their likeliness to establish the best dental habits. Thus, keeping them as healthy and happy as possible. At Brite Dental, we are part of the Childsmile programme, so register your little ones today!