Healthy Teeth Archives - Crosstown Dental Hershey

How Good Dental Habits Affect Overall Health

March 8, 2025/in Healthy Teeth, Oral Health/by admin

Developing and practicing good dental habits goes beyond keeping a bright smile—it plays a key role in maintaining overall bodily health. Consistent oral hygiene, such as brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits, not only protects teeth and gums but also positively impacts heart health, immune function, and other critical bodily systems. Understanding the link between oral health and overall health can inspire more dedication to daily dental care routines, ultimately supporting wellness from head to toe.

How Oral Health Affects the Body

The mouth serves as a gateway to the rest of the body, meaning that bacteria or inflammation here can spread and impact other areas. Poor oral hygiene allows bacteria to multiply, leading to gum disease and tooth decay, which can eventually become systemic if untreated. When inflammation and bacteria from gum disease enter the bloodstream, they increase the risk of serious health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections.

For instance, studies have shown that individuals with gum disease have a higher risk of cardiovascular problems. Gum disease causes inflammation, which can lead to a buildup of arterial plaque, raising the likelihood of heart attacks and strokes. Similarly, oral infections can make diabetes more difficult to control, as inflammation interferes with blood sugar regulation. In these ways, oral health directly influences broader health issues.

Establishing Good Dental Habits

Good dental habits are simple but powerful. Practicing them consistently not only protects your mouth but also supports your overall wellness. Here’s how these daily habits make a difference:

Brushing Twice Daily: Brushing teeth twice a day for two minutes removes plaque and food particles, reducing the risk of decay and gum disease. Use fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled brush, making sure to clean all surfaces, including the gumline, to minimize bacterial buildup and prevent inflammation that can spread to other parts of the body.
Flossing Daily: Flossing reaches the spaces between teeth where brushing alone can’t remove plaque. Daily flossing reduces the likelihood of gum disease and protects against inflammation that can contribute to systemic issues. This habit helps prevent cavities and keeps gums healthy, which ultimately benefits the immune system by lowering the body’s inflammatory burden.
Staying Hydrated: Drinking water throughout the day promotes saliva production, which helps wash away bacteria and food particles. Saliva is your mouth’s natural defense against harmful bacteria, and staying hydrated reduces the risk of dry mouth, cavities, and gum issues.
Regular Dental Check-Ups: Seeing your dentist every six months allows them to catch problems early before they worsen. Professional cleanings remove tartar that can’t be brushed away, reducing bacteria and inflammation. Routine check-ups also allow your dentist to identify any changes in oral health that could indicate underlying health issues, such as diabetes or vitamin deficiencies.

How Good Habits Support Bodily Health

Maintaining good dental hygiene lowers the risk of infection and inflammation, which means your immune system can function more effectively. By reducing harmful bacteria in your mouth, you reduce the risk of these bacteria entering your bloodstream and affecting other organs. This support extends to heart health, respiratory health, and metabolic health, creating a foundation for overall wellness.

Practicing good dental habits fosters a holistic approach to health. By committing to regular brushing, flossing, hydration, and professional care, you strengthen your body’s defenses and protect your well-being, proving that a healthy smile truly benefits the entire body.

Great Foods for Good Oral Health: Nourishing Your Smile

July 10, 2024/in Healthy Foods, Healthy Teeth/by admin

Maintaining good oral health goes beyond brushing and flossing; it also involves making smart dietary choices. The foods you eat can have a significant impact on the health of your teeth and gums. By incorporating certain nutrient-rich foods into your diet, you can help protect your oral health, prevent cavities, and keep your smile bright. Here are some of the best foods for promoting good oral health.

1. Dairy Products

Dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt are excellent for oral health due to their high calcium content. Calcium is crucial for building strong teeth and bones. Cheese, in particular, helps maintain a healthy pH level in the mouth, reducing the risk of cavities by lowering acid levels. Yogurt is rich in probiotics, which can benefit your gums by promoting good bacteria in the mouth.

1. Leafy Greens

Leafy greens such as spinach, kale, and broccoli are packed with vitamins and minerals essential for oral health. They are high in calcium, folic acid, and vitamin C, which support gum health and strengthen tooth enamel. Additionally, the fibrous texture of leafy greens can help clean teeth and stimulate saliva production, which naturally cleanses the mouth.

1. Crunchy Fruits and Vegetables

Crunchy fruits and vegetables like apples, carrots, and celery are great for your teeth. These foods act as natural toothbrushes, helping to scrub away plaque and food particles. They also stimulate saliva production, which neutralizes acids and washes away bacteria. Apples, often referred to as “nature’s toothbrush,” are particularly effective at freshening breath and cleaning teeth.

1. Nuts and Seeds

Nuts and seeds, such as almonds, walnuts, and sesame seeds, are rich in calcium and phosphates, which help replenish minerals in tooth enamel. Chewing nuts also stimulates saliva production, aiding in the removal of bacteria and food debris. Additionally, the healthy fats found in nuts and seeds provide essential nutrients for overall health.

1. Green and Black Tea

Green and black teas contain polyphenols, which are antioxidants that help reduce the growth of bacteria and prevent plaque buildup. These teas can also help neutralize acids in the mouth, protecting tooth enamel. While tea can sometimes stain teeth, maintaining good oral hygiene can minimize this effect.

1. Lean Proteins

Lean proteins like chicken, turkey, and fish are excellent sources of phosphorus, a mineral that works with calcium to strengthen teeth and bones. Fatty fish like salmon also provide vitamin D, which is necessary for calcium absorption.

1. Berries and Citrus Fruits

While it’s important to consume citrus fruits in moderation due to their acidity, they are rich in vitamin C, which is vital for maintaining healthy gums. Berries like strawberries also contain vitamin C and antioxidants, which support gum health and reduce inflammation. To minimize the impact of acidity, rinse your mouth with water after consuming citrus fruits.

Incorporating these foods into your diet can help promote good oral health and prevent dental problems. Along with regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups, a balanced diet rich in these nutrient-dense foods can keep your teeth and gums healthy and your smile bright. By making mindful dietary choices, you’re not only nourishing your body but also investing in the longevity of your oral health. So, next time you’re planning your meals, consider adding these oral health-friendly foods to your menu.

Your Teeth: Dental Health and Your Diet

May 22, 2024/in Healthy Foods, Healthy Teeth/by admin

It’s no secret that diet impacts every part of our lives. But have you ever considered how your diet affects your smile? Having a beautiful smile results from more than dental work done, brush and floss, and see a dentist often. Your smile is also a reflection of what you eat (or don’t). So, what foods should you include or avoid to keep your teeth picture-ready? You might be surprised.

Foods and Drinks that Affect Your Teeth

Sugar-filled Drinks

Energy drinks, soda, sports drinks, and powder-based drinks are bad. Not only are they cavity-causing, but they are also known for wearing down the enamel on your teeth. Likewise, they dry out your mouth. Just because a container says it is 100% juice doesn’t mean it is good for your teeth. Many juices cause tooth damage due to the amount of natural sugar and acids. Watch out for are grape, orange, pineapple, lemon, lime, tomato, and grapefruit juices. Swap these drinks for water (sparkling or coconut). When you do have one of the drinks on the “not recommended list” use a straw to avoid the drink’s contact with your teeth.

Wine, Coffee, and Tea

The tannins in these products can lead to staining and discoloration. In addition, since these drinks are naturally acidic, they affect the teeth’s enamel. Another problem with coffee is halitosis (bad breath) due to its strong smell. Regarding wine, wait at least 30 minutes after drinking it before you brush your teeth. Brushing immediately after consumption pushes the tannins deeper into your teeth.

Pickles, Vinegar, and Tomatoes

Foods packed in vinegar or dishes where vinegar is a key component are harsh on your teeth. Yes, certain vinegars may have positive effects on your health. However, be intentional when consuming them. If you have foods high in vinegar, pair them (or at least follow them) with foods such as cheese, apples, leafy greens, eggs, and yogurt. Tomatoes can also damage teeth due to their natural acid as well as a potential discoloring agent.

Dried Fruit and Granola Bars

While there are some health benefits to these easy breakfast or snack items, they are not the best choice for your teeth. Because of the amount of natural (and added) sugar, as well as their being easily trapped between your teeth, these foods cause cavities.

High Carb Foods

Not only avoid foods like bread, white rice, pasta, chips, cakes, cookies, and other desserts if your goal is to have a healthy lifestyle, but they are also bad for your teeth. They contain high amounts of sugar.

Popcorn

Popcorn is a great low-carb snack. But it can cause dental problems if you don’t brush and floss after eating it. Failing to brush and floss can result in husks being trapped in between teeth and the gums, causing damage and even abscesses.

Keep in mind that due to specific dental concerns such as halitosis, periodontal disease, etc., you may need to adjust this list to work for yourself. But some actions will benefit your dental health- no matter what other issues you deal with.

Our dentists are here to help you. Talk to your dentist during your next visit to Crosstown Dental Group Hershey and learn more about what you can do to keep your smile looking great.

Endodontics: Saving Teeth and Alleviating Pain

February 9, 2024/in Endodontics, Healthy Teeth, Root Canal/by admin

Endodontics dentistry focuses on treating the dental pulp and the tissues surrounding the root of a tooth. It plays a critical role in saving teeth that might otherwise need to be extracted. The most common endodontic treatment is root canal therapy. The root canal procedure has garnered an undeserved reputation for being painful. In reality, root canal therapy is a pain-relieving treatment that can save a tooth and eliminate the discomfort caused by pulp infection.

The primary benefit of endodontic treatment is its ability to preserve natural teeth. Saving a natural tooth through root canal therapy prevents the need for more costly and complex dental procedures, such as bridges or implants. Preserving the natural tooth also helps maintain the alignment of surrounding teeth. This prevents issues related to bite and jaw joint problems.

Moreover, endodontic treatment effectively eliminates the pain associated with infected or inflamed pulp tissue. Modern techniques and anesthesia make root canal therapy a comfortable experience for patients. In fact, many report minimal discomfort during and after the procedure. By removing the infected pulp, dentists can alleviate pain and prevent the spread of infection to surrounding tissues. Likewise, they reduce risk of infection to the bloodstream, which can lead to more severe health complications.

Another advantage of endodontic treatment is its high success rate. With advancements in techniques, root canal therapy has become an increasingly effective and durable solution for preserving teeth. Properly performed, a root canal-treated tooth can last a lifetime with routine dental care.

In essence, endodontics offers a valuable service by saving teeth that would otherwise be lost. Likewise, it relieves pain, and prevents further health complications. Through the expertise of endodontic specialists, patients can enjoy the benefits of a healthy, fully functional smile. If you’re in need of a root canal procedure, Crosstown Dental Group Hershey is ready to help.

Shopping for Oral Health Products

January 10, 2024/in Brushing, Flossing, Healthy Teeth, Oral Health Products/by admin

While we all need to care for our teeth, there’s no one product we all must use. Yes, we all need to use toothpaste, a toothbrush, floss, and mouthwash. But each of us has specific needs to keep our smile looking great. So how do you find the right oral health products for yourself and your family?

A brief walk through the oral health care aisle at any store can overwhelm you with the number of choices available. How do you know what to choose?

Features Oral Health Products Should Have

Any product you choose should have the American Dental Association (ADA) seal of approval.
Opt for products that you like and will want to use.
Choose toothbrushes, floss, and (if desired) a tongue scraper that fits comfortably in your hand and mouth.

The Toothbrush: Electric or manual

For Manual Brushes:

Unless told by your dentist otherwise, opt for a soft bristle brush
Choose a toothbrush head that easily fits in your mouth
Select a toothbrush that is comfortable to hold. After all, you should brush your teeth for two minutes every time.
Expect to purchase a new brush every 3 to 4 months.

For Electric Brushes:

Look for one with a timer to make brushing for 2 minutes easier.
An electric brush with a pressure sensor will let you know if you are brushing too hard.
Again, opt for a soft bristle brush. Hard or firm bristle toothbrushes will do more harm to your gums than good.
Choosing a rotating brush or a sonic one is up to you. Both are equal when it comes to effectiveness. If you don’t know which would suit you best, talk to our Crosstown Dental Group Hershey team for their recommendations.

Toothpaste

Look at its purpose. Not all toothpaste is the same. Some are for children, others for a brighter smile, and others for sensitive teeth. Toothpaste containing baking soda helps whiten teeth. Use a paste with potassium nitrate or strontium chloride if you have sensitive teeth. If you aren’t sure what purpose your toothpaste needs to accomplish, talk to the BSDC team.
Choose a toothpaste with fluoride. A fluoridated toothpaste is more effective at preventing cavities and gingivitis while strengthening your tooth enamel.
Avoid harsh additives and sweeteners. Some manufacturers use abrasive compounds like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), which can irritate the gums. Others may add sweeteners that actually cause cavities.
Flavor – If you don’t like the taste of the toothpaste, you won’t want to brush. Finding the right flavor may take some time, but be persistent.

Mouthwash

Look for an antiseptic mouthwash that contains chlorhexidine, which prevents plaque buildup.
Choose a mouthwash that contains fluoride to prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
If purchasing mouthwash for children, do not buy one that contains alcohol.

Dental Floss

Available in waxed and unwaxed, as well as flossing pics or water pics.
Identify your needs. Some floss is best for sensitive teeth, others for closely placed teeth, and some people have more space between their teeth. Moreover, people with braces need specific floss. We can help you determine what is best for you.

Have questions about the best dental products for your healthiest smile? Don’t hesitate to talk to us. We are here to help.