6 Habits That Harm Your Teeth (And How to Break Them): Using Your Teeth As Tools

The habit: Your teeth were made for eating, not to stand in as a pair of scissors or hold things when your hands are full. When you do this, you put yourself at a higher risk of cracking your teeth, injuring your jaw or accidentally swallowing something you shouldn’t.

The solution: Stop and find something or someone to give you a hand. Your mouth will thank you.

To read the entire article please visit MouthHealthy.org

Gettysburg Dental Associates
Eric Seidel, DMD  |  Cleveland Null, DDS
www.GettysburgDentalAssociates.com 
Just Kids at Gettysburg Dental Associates
Stephanie DeFilippo, DDS  |  Kristin Russo, DMD
www.JustKidsGettysburg.com
353 York Street Front
Gettysburg, PA 17325
Phone: (717) 334-8193
Fax: (717) 334-0884
www.gettysburgfamilysmiles.com  

The Challenge of the Holidays By Eric Seidel, DMD

The Challenge of the Holidays By Eric Seidel, DMD


I will be the first to admit that I leave the holidays slightly heavier than I was when they started. Making good choices that impact our bodies and our mouths is not easy in America in 2015, especially during this time of year. However, if we just indulged around Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter and ate in moderation the rest of the year, we would all be in great shape, no pun intended. As I visit our local convenience stores, I cannot help but notice how they are no longer places to purchase just gas, maybe a gallon of milk or loaf of bread if you were running low, or a cup of coffee. Today, gas and small groceries are often secondary to the myriad of other things that are for sale. There are entire wall refrigerators dedicated to the sale of sodas, teas, energy drinks and other products that are not only poor health choices but are also terrible for our teeth. I've even seen "soda caves" in certain locations--whole walk-in refrigerators dedicated entirely to soda. Checkout aisles are lined with tempting dessert and snack options. It is a test of a person’s willpower to walk out with only those items that were originally intended to be purchased.


How do we navigate these temptations that constantly surround us and are often the most inexpensive options available? Any size fountain drink for $.99, super-size this, mega-size that....it truly is not easy. We are encouraged and oftentimes appear to be rewarded for getting something that is many more servings than we need. It is even difficult to buy a personal size bag of chips that is meant for one person. When you turn the package over and read the back as I did recently, it said 3.5 servings per bag. How many of us really do not finish the bag?! Imagine how many servings those huge drinks contain! Having young children of my own, I am faced with the task of trying to educate them to make good nutritional decisions that we know will help them for a lifetime. It's no easy task. When you look at the cost to our overall long-term health, however, these cheap, tempting options will end up costing us much more in the long run.


My father remains an inspiration in many facets of my life. He has amazing self-control, and when he puts his mind to something, he always carries through. He worked in elementary education for 30+ years and said their lunchroom was always filled with cookies, cakes, pies and more. One day, he did what few people can and decided that he was no longer going to have these things. I am not suggesting that this will not work, but it is not the path most people choose. As I have written previously, it is the frequency with which we expose our teeth to sugary substances that makes such a difference in the long-term health of our mouths. Every time we take a sip of soda or a bite of something containing sugars, our mouth stays acidic for the next 30-40 minutes. It is during this time that our enamel is weakening. Our saliva can and will neutralize our mouths, but it is virtually impossible if we are sipping or snacking all day. My challenge and advice for my patients is to treat anything sugary, such as sodas, teas, coffees, or energy drinks, as desserts. You may feel guilty about starting the morning with a large slice of cake, but you do not think twice about the large specialty coffee or soda. If we redefine what, when and how often we are consuming these products and categorize them for what they should be, "sometimes foods" as my kids call them, we could separate ourselves from these addictive and destructive habits that are wreaking such havoc on our dental and overall health. As an aside, we do not allow our children to drink any soda, and I would encourage any new parents to do the same from day one. They will not miss what they have never had, and they will not even ask, especially if they do not see you drinking it. For the majority of adults who are already addicted to the sugar- and caffeine-high that we get from these products, at least pay attention to how much and how often you consume them and look at them as if they were donuts or some other "sometime" snack. It will have a major positive impact on your mouth and your body! Wishing you and yours a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!


Eric Seidel, D.M.D. is co-owner and general dentist at Gettysburg Dental Associates and an Invisalign preferred provider.


Gettysburg Dental Associates
Eric Seidel, DMD  |  Cleveland Null, DDS
www.GettysburgDentalAssociates.com 
Just Kids at Gettysburg Dental Associates
Stephanie DeFilippo, DDS  |  Kristin Russo, DMD
www.JustKidsGettysburg.com
353 York Street Front
Gettysburg, PA 17325
Phone: (717) 334-8193
Fax: (717) 334-0884
www.gettysburgfamilysmiles.com 

Why Fluoride is Important

Why Fluoride is Important

By Stephanie DeFilippo, DDS

I am fresh off the plane from the annual American Academy of Pediatrics meeting in Seattle, Washington.  The importance of fluoride was one of the take home messages.  Fluoride has become controversial recently and some cities are taking it out of their water supply.  I am not writing this to cause controversy, but to highlight why this mineral is so important to the development of your children’s teeth. 

The ADA calls fluoride “nature’s cavity fighter.”  Fluoride can help support teeth in two different ways.  The first way is systemic.  This means that ingested fluoride can strengthen the enamel of developing teeth before they come through the gums.  The second way is topical.  As teeth erupt, they are suspect to decay and fluoride can help strengthen and “remineralize” the enamel to help reverse tooth decay.

The following is from ada.org: “The ADA, the American Medical Association, the World Health Organization and many others support fluoridation of community water supplies. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has cited community water fluoridation as one of 10 great public health achievements of the 20th century.  So, by simply drinking fluoridated water, you are doing something good for your oral health.”

A downside to fluoride is fluorosis.  This is defined as too much fluoride during the development of your children’s teeth, which causes color, changes in permanent teeth.  This is why a trained dental professional should be consulted and a partner in deciding how much fluoride your child should be ingesting.  The fluorosis only affects the color of the teeth and not the health of your child.

Parents should control the amount of fluoride toothpaste used because very little is needed.  With children who are not spitting yet, only a tiny smear of the toothpaste is needed.  As they get older, a pea size is recommended.  Children should be monitored when they are brushing their teeth twice a day (morning and night).  As always, brushing should go hand and hand with flossing.

Fluoride rinses are also helpful if the child is older than the age of six.  Many parents are excited for their child to start using mouth rinses because they think that the rinse will take the place of brushing and flossing.  Rinses are beneficial, but they should not take the place of brushing or flossing.  Fluoride rinses are not recommended if the child is under the age of six because there is a worry that the child may swallow some of the liquid.  If this would happen then it would make it difficult to assess how much fluoride is ingested thus increasing the possibility of fluorosis. 

Fluoride supplements may be needed for a child who lives in a non-fluoridated area.  This decision needs to be made by the child’s dentist after examining the child and assessing their caries risk, along with their dietary habits.  Some areas have well water and this type of water supply may have naturally occurring fluoride.  So, before supplements are prescribed, the water should be tested first so the child will be getting their optimal level and not too much of fluoride.

Fluoride is a tool that dentists have used for years to combat and prevent tooth decay.  If you have concerns, or questions, please talk to your dental professional at your recare appointments.

Stephanie DeFilippo, DDS, is a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, and a pediatric dentist and co-owner of Just Kids at Gettysburg Dental Associates.

Drs. Null, Seidel & Dental Associates  
353 York Street Front
Gettysburg, PA 17325
(717) 334-8193 

Your Mouth Is Not a Bottle Opener!

Your mother was right: Never open bottles, packages, or other containers with your teeth. You might permanently chip or crack the enamel.

Gnawing on anything else -- like pens or fingernails -- or chomping down on seeds, popcorn kernels, or ice could have the same result.

Above article from: Webmd.com/oral-health

Drs. Null, Seidel & Dental Associates 

353 York Street Front

Gettysburg, PA 17325

(717) 334-8193

Habits That Wreck Your Teeth: Bedtime Bottles

It’s never too early to protect teeth. Giving a baby a bedtime bottle of juice, milk, or formula, can put new teeth on a path to decay. The baby may become used to falling asleep with the bottle in his or her mouth, bathing the teeth in sugars overnight. It's best to keep bottles out of the crib.

Above article from: webmd.com/oral-health

Drs. Null, Seidel & Dental Associates 

353 York Street Front

Gettysburg, PA 17325

(717) 334-8193

Habits That Wreck Your Teeth - Chewing on Ice

It’s natural and sugar free, so you might think ice is harmless. But munching on hard, frozen cubes can chip or even crack your teeth. And if your mindless chomping irritates the soft tissue inside a tooth, regular toothaches may follow. Hot foods and cold foods may trigger quick, sharp jabs of pain or a lingering toothache. Next time you get the urge for ice, chew some sugarless gum instead.

Above article from: webmd.com/oral-health

Drs. Null, Seidel & Dental Associates 

353 York Street Front
Gettysburg, PA 17325
(717) 334-8193

12 foods that naturally whiten your teeth

We've all been told to avoid red wine, dark berries, and black coffee in our quests for pearly whites, but what about foods that actually brighten your smile? Try these natural solutions for a brilliant beam. | By Julia Marino

Strawberries
They may be bright red, but malic acid, a chief component of this summery fruit, acts as a natural astringent to remove surface tooth discoloration, says Dr. Irwin Smigel, president of the American Society for Dental Aesthetics. Fresh, juicy strawberries taste great in any meal—salads, desserts, cereal—and are widely available at farmers markets this time of year, so getting your daily dose is both simple and delicious.

Apples
The loud crunch you hear when you bite into this hard fruit may be annoying, but it's also good for your choppers. Apples' crispiness strengthens gums, and their high water content increases saliva production, dispersing and neutralizing colonies of bacteria that lead to bad breath and plaque, says Smigel.

Water
Drink lots of water to keep your mouth hydrated and your smile bright, advises Smigel, who recommends sipping and swishing between glasses of wine and when eating dark, pigmented foods to prevent staining. However, while water reduces the acidity in your mouth and the resulting damage to your enamel, Dr. Smigel warns against imbibing too much sparkling water, which has greater potential to erode enamel and harm teeth.

To view all 12 foods go to: Yahoo - http://tinyurl.com/p6mru46

Above article by: Julia Marino

Drs. Null, Seidel & Dental Associates
 353 York Street Front
Gettysburg, PA 17325
(717) 334-8193 

Why Are Minerals and Nutrients Important for Oral Health?

You must include minerals and nutrients in your diet in order for the body's tissues to resist infection. The presence of too much or too little of any nutrient can have harmful effects, particularly on the mouth and teeth, and may contribute to oral diseases and infection.

Which vitamins and minerals are good for me?
There are many minerals and nutrients that are good for the entire body. Here are just some of the minerals and nutrients your body needs to stay healthy:

Calcium. Your teeth and jaws are made mostly of calcium. Without enough calcium in your diet, you risk developing gum disease and tooth decay. Calcium is found in many foods and liquids, such as milk, yogurt, cheese, beans, and oysters.

Iron. Iron deficiency can cause your tongue to become inflamed, and sores can form inside your mouth. Iron is found in many foods, including liver and red meat. Other iron-rich foods include bran cereals, some nuts, and spices.

Vitamin B3 (niacin). A lack of vitamin B3 can cause bad breath and canker sores in the mouth. To boost your B3 levels, eat chicken and fish.

Vitamins B12 and B2 (riboflavin). You also can develop mouth sores when you do not consume enough of the vitamins B12 and B2. Red meat, chicken, liver, pork, fish, as well as dairy products like milk, yogurt, and cheese, are good sources of vitamin B12. Vitamin B2 is found in foods like pasta, bagels, spinach, and almonds.

Vitamin C. Too little vitamin C will lead to bleeding gums and loose teeth. Sweet potatoes, raw red peppers, and oranges are great sources of vitamin C.

Vitamin D. It is very important to consume enough vitamin D because it helps your body absorb calcium. A diet lacking or low in vitamin D will cause burning mouth syndrome. Symptoms of this condition include a burning mouth sensation, a metallic or bitter taste in the mouth, and dry mouth. Drink milk, and eat egg yolks and fish to increase your vitamin D intake.

Which foods may be bad for my mouth and why?
Not all foods are good for your teeth. If you consume these foods, do so in moderation, and be sure to practice good oral health care.

Carbohydrates. Bacteria feed on leftover foods in the mouth and produce acid, which causes decay. Carbohydrate-laden foods, such as chips, bread, pasta, or crackers, can be as harmful to the teeth as candy.

Sticky, chewy foods. Raisins, granola bars, jelly beans, caramel, honey, and syrup stick to teeth and make it difficult for saliva to wash the sugar away.

Sugary snacks. Snacks like cookies, cakes, or other desserts contain a high amount of sugar, which can cause tooth decay.

Gum and candy. Chewing gum and eating candy is very harmful to your teeth. As you eat, sugar coats your teeth, which can lead to cavities.

Carbonated soft drinks. Regular soda (or pop) contains an extremely high amount of sugar. Both regular and diet sodas also contain phosphorous and carbonation, which wears away the enamel on your teeth (causing them to become stained and brown).

Fruit or vegetable juices. Fruit and vegetable juices tend to be high in sugar, which can damage tooth enamel and lead to decay.

To ensure that you're getting the nutrients, vitamins, and minerals your body needs, check out the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Web site at www.mypyramid.gov.

Above article from: KnowYourTeeth.com

Drs. Null, Seidel & Dental Associates
353 York Street Front
Gettysburg, PA 17325
(717) 334-8193 

Soda or Pop? It's Teeth Trouble by Any Name

It's called "pop" in the Midwest and most of Canada. It's "soda" in the Northeast. And it goes by a well-known brand name in much of the South.

People across North America use different words to identify a sugary, carbonated soft drink. But however they say it, they're talking about something that can cause serious oral health problems.
Soft drinks have emerged as one of the most significant dietary sources of tooth decay, affecting people of all ages. Acids and acidic sugar byproducts in soft drinks soften tooth enamel, contributing to the formation of cavities.

In extreme cases, softer enamel combined with improper brushing, grinding of the teeth or other conditions can lead to tooth loss.

Sugar-free drinks, which account for only 14 percent of all soft drink consumption, are less harmful1. However, they are acidic and potentially can still cause problems.

Read the entire article at: www.colgate.com
Above article written by: www.colgate.com

Drs. Null, Seidel & Dental Associates
353 York Street Front
Gettysburg, PA 17325
(717) 334-8193