Healthy Teeth for the Holidays

Thanksgiving is right around the corner and it is an infamous holiday for an abundance of food choices, many of which are not particularly healthy for your waistline or your teeth. Foods that contain sugars of any kind can contribute to tooth decay and this might be a problem when it comes time to devour pumpkin pie and candied yams. Fortunately, at Evans Dental Care we have some foods to recommend so that you can have a tooth-friendly Thanksgiving. 

For appetizers, put out plates of cheese and mixed nuts for guests to snack on while dinner is being prepared. Cheese is great for teeth because it contains strength-building calcium. Casein, a protein found in milk products, fortifies the surfaces of teeth to help prevent cavities. For the main course, green beans are often served as a side dish. This year, rinse your green beans in sesame oil. Rinsing with sesame oil in place of mouthwash has been shown to reduce the effects of plaque and even, in some cases, to reverse the effects of gingivitis.

If you have questions or concerns regarding oral care or dental hygiene, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.evansdentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an appointment at Evans Dental Care in Williamsburg, VA, call 757-349-8877.

Diet and Dental Health

If you have ever heard the phrase, “you are what you eat,” Dr. Peter S. Evans DDS of Evans Dental Care is here to explain why there is some truth to that. Having proper nutrition means eating a well-balanced diet of foods that provide nutritional value to your body while having a poor diet can cause your body to resist fighting infections and may lead to gum disease and tooth decay. Eating patterns play a role in your overall health, so if you aren’t eating healthy, it’s time to start.

Foods that contain sugars of any kind will cause enamel to wear down and become prone to cavities. If your diet lacks certain nutrients, such as calcium, and vitamins, it may be difficult for your gums to resist infection, making them more prone to periodontal disease. To maintain a balanced diet, for your smile and your overall health, be sure to consume foods from each of the five major food groups, such as cheese, raw vegetables, plain yogurt, and fruit. Avoid foods and beverages that contain added sugar, to reduce acidity in the mouth.

If you have questions or concerns regarding preventive dental care, please give us a call. To learn about services we provide at our practice, visit www.evansdentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an appointment at Evans Dental Care in Williamsburg, VA, call 757-349-8877.