Below is an excerpt from an article found on MouthHealthy.org
Sweet as the holidays may be, sugar-packed treats can wreak havoc on your pearly whites. This season, ring in the festivities with healthy and fun holiday snack options that fill your mouth with joy.
Pita Tree Appetizers
The low-fat sour cream in this recipe is a source of vitamin D, which strengthens bones and teeth.
Get the recipe >>
Grinch Poppers
Be good for goodness sake to your teeth with these Grinch Poppers. For a healthier and more MouthHealthy alternative, swap the sugary and sticky marshmallow for another piece of banana.
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To read the entire article with all healthy snacks please visit MouthHealthy.org
Below is an excerpt from an article found on MouthHealthy.org
Sweet as the holidays may be, sugar-packed treats can wreak havoc on your pearly whites. This season, ring in the festivities with healthy and fun holiday snack options that fill your mouth with joy.
Black Olive Penguins
These penguins will waddle their way into your heart - especially because they’re filled with cream cheese, which has calcium.
Get the recipe >>
Cheesy Reindeer
Rich in calcium, cheese is always a MouthHealthy favorite. To get perfectly round eyes and noses, the author of this recipe used a juice box-sized straw to cut round pieces of black olive and a larger straw for the red pepper nose.
Get the recipe >>
To read the entire article with all healthy snacks please visit MouthHealthy.org
Below is an excerpt from an article found on MouthHealthy.org
Sweet as the holidays may be, sugar-packed treats can wreak havoc on your pearly whites. This season, ring in the festivities with healthy and fun holiday snack options that fill your mouth with joy.
Egg Snowmen
These adorable snowmen - made with hard-boiled eggs, carrots and peppercorns - will melt your heart before melting in your mouth. Eggs are a source of Vitamin D, which is needed to help absorb, carry and deposit calcium in the bone that supports your teeth. Carrots - which are crunchy, firm and full of water - help to scrub your teeth clean like a natural toothbrush.
Get the recipe >>
Spinach Artichoke Frittata Trees
You won’t need to cut down on these trees! Dairy products like milk contain calcium, eggs are a source of Vitamin D and leafy greens like spinach are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals. (Just be sure to floss before flashing a smile beneath the mistletoe!)
Get the recipe >>
To read the entire article with all healthy snacks please visit MouthHealthy.org
Below is an excerpt from an article found on MouthHealthy.org
You know that what you eat directly impacts your health, and that includes the health of your teeth and gums. But it can work the other way around too. If you have an orthodontic appliance, such as braces, or have had certain dental problems or procedures, the health and comfort of your teeth and gums can directly impact what you eat. Here are some tips for what to eat and how to avoid these common dental issues.
Braces
Braces are delicate, and any foods that are sticky, chewy or hard can easily cause them to break, including:
- ice
- nuts
- popcorn
- hard candy
- gum
Any food that you need to bite into to eat is prime for breaking braces. You can get around this by cutting the food, such as corn off the cob or rib meat off the bone, or slicing apples and chopping carrots into small, bite-size pieces. You may also experience problems eating after your braces are tightened-teeth may feel sore. The first few days are the worst, so try eating softer foods like those listed below until the soreness passes:
- scrambled eggs
- oatmeal
- soup with soft vegetables or pureed or cream soups
- soft cheeses, including cottage cheese
- smoothies and milkshakes
Canker Sores
There is no cure for canker sores but you may be able to reduce how often you get them by avoiding foods that irritate your mouth. Spicy foods, acidic foods like pickles and sauerkraut, and citrus fruits can cause irritation. If you have canker sores, help ease discomfort by eating bland foods until your sores heal, such as:
- low-fat milk and other dairy foods
- cooked, canned and frozen vegetables
- mashed potatoes (fortify by mixing in powdered milk to boost nutrition)
- cooked or canned fruit, including applesauce
- hot cereals like oatmeal and cream of wheat (make with milk instead of water to boost nutrition)
If you get mouth sores, try these tips to make eating easier and speed healing:
- Choose cool or room temperature foods.
- Blend and moisten dry or solid foods.
- Drink through a straw to bypass mouth sores.
- Eat high protein, high calorie foods to speed up healing time. For example, add protein powder to milk shakes or powdered dry milk to fortify mashed potatoes and soups.
The lists above are partial, please read the entire article at MouthHealthy.org to view the full lists.
Below is an excerpt from an article found on MouthHealthy.org
You know that what you eat directly impacts your health, and that includes the health of your teeth and gums. But it can work the other way around too. If you have an orthodontic appliance, such as braces, or have had certain dental problems or procedures, the health and comfort of your teeth and gums can directly impact what you eat. Here are some tips for what to eat and how to avoid these common dental issues.
Dry Mouth
Dry mouth is not a normal part of aging. If you have dry mouth, talk to your dentist or doctor. Dry mouth can be a sign of certain diseases or can be caused by certain medications or the result of medical treatments. If you have dry mouth:
- don’t use tobacco or drink alcohol
- drink water regularly-with and between meals
- avoid drinks that contain caffeine such as colas, coffee and tea since it can dry out your mouth
- chew sugarless gum or suck on sugarless candy to stimulate saliva flow
- avoid spicy or salty foods if they cause pain in your mouth
- moisten dry foods with soup, broth, gravy, butter or margarine, or sauce. Dip or soak your food in what you’re drinking.
Oral Surgery and Implants
Your nutrition and dietary needs following oral surgery or getting implants depends on factors including your nutritional status prior to your procedure, the extent of your procedure, how much impact there is on oral function and how long your recovery is expected to last. A liquid or soft foods diet may be required for a few days or longer, until your mouth heals. Opt for nutrient-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy foods and lean meats, eggs and beans whenever possible since they provide vitamins, minerals and nutrients needed for healing, including zinc, protein, and vitamins A and C.
Try these foods:
- scrambled eggs
- oatmeal or cream of wheat (make with milk instead of water to boost nutrition)
- soup with soft vegetables or pureed or cream soups
- soft cheeses, including cottage cheese
- smoothies and milkshakes
The lists above are parital, please read the entire article at MouthHealthy.org to view the full lists.
Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to say about overcoming dental anxiety.
Below is an excerpt from an article found on MouthHealthy.org
You know that what you eat directly impacts your health, and that includes the health of your teeth and gums. But it can work the other way around too. If you have an orthodontic appliance, such as braces, or have had certain dental problems or procedures, the health and comfort of your teeth and gums can directly impact what you eat. Here are some tips for what to eat and how to avoid these common dental issues.
Problems Chewing
Chewing problems may be caused by tooth loss, gum disease, cavities and ill-fitting dentures, so your first step should be a visit to your dentist to help determine the cause of your problem. Meanwhile, eating soft foods (see tips for braces) can you help maintain your nutrients until you can see your dentist.
Problems Swallowing
Swallowing problems can occasionally happen, but if it persists, talk to your doctor since it could be related to something serious. Causes of swallowing issues vary and treatment depends on what is causing the problem.
If you are having trouble swallowing, to prevent choking and aspiration avoid these foods:
- alcoholic beverages
- extremely hot foods and beverages
- caffeine
- spicy foods
- popcorn
Depending on level of swallowing difficulty, the following foods may be included in the diet. These foods are grouped into four different categories:
- Thin liquids that dissolve quickly in the mouth such as frozen yogurt, ice cream, gelatin and broth.
- Nectar-like liquids where liquid coats and drips off a spoon such as nectars, milkshakes, cream soup and vegetable juices.
- Honey-like liquids that flow off a spoon in a ribbon like in yogurt, tomato sauce and honey.
- Spoon-thick liquids that are thickened to pudding consistency such as pudding, custard or hot cereal.
The lists above are partial, please read the entire article at MouthHealthy.org to view the full lists.
Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to say about dental check-ups!
Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to say about Emergency Dentistry!
Below is an excerpt from an article found on Crest.com
Do you have a sweet tooth, but cringe in pain every time you enjoy a sweet treat? If you have teeth sensitive to sugar, you may wonder if there’s any way to get relief. This likely means that the enamel of your teeth is damaged, and is making your teeth sensitive to sweets and other foods. Fortunately, for those whose teeth are sensitive to sugar, there are solutions to help you enjoy your favorite foods and avoid discomfort.
To read the entire article visit Crest.com.
The remainder of the article details the following:
Below is an excerpt from an article found on Crest.com
Wisdom teeth grow in at the back of the mouth, behind your molars. There is a set on the bottom as well as the top. Wisdom teeth often grow in crooked, sideways, or otherwise misaligned. As they grow in, they can push on other teeth, causing problems of overcrowding and misalignment for them as well.
Function and Purpose of Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth are believed to be "evolutionary relics," and were helpful to our distant ancestors who ate diets that consisted of rougher foods like sticks and reed plants. As teeth wore down or fell out, wisdom teeth provided replacements. Nowadays, with modern advancements in oral hygiene and softer diets, we don’t need these replacement teeth, but they still grow in. Essentially, our mouths can hold 28 teeth, but including wisdom teeth, we have about 32 teeth all vying for space. Wisdom teeth symptoms such as overcrowding, bone and nerve damage, infection, etc. can all result.
To read the entire article visit Crest.com.
The remainder of the article details the following:
Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to say about the role played by your Dental Assistant!
DO YOU FIND YOURSELF FALLING ASLEEP ON THE JOB?
If you’re seeing a doctor for sleep apnea because you snore, fall asleep throughout the day, or have irregular breathing while you sleep, you may already be utilizing a CPAP device. By wearing a mask over your nose and mouth, this machine keeps a continual flow of air streaming into your lungs while you sleep. Although it helps control the problems associated with sleep apnea, it is bulky and exasperating to wear. As a result, many patients have stopped using it.
If you have become disenchanted with your CPAP, we have a non-bulky alternative that is simple to place and remove, packs easily for travel, cleans readily, and has a success rate in over 90% of the patients who use it. It looks like an orthodontic retainer, a small, acrylic device that slips over your upper and lower teeth. It works by readjusting your jaw and tongue to permit air to move into and out of your lungs. If you have set your CPAP machine aside, let us enlighten you to the ways this new device could help.
Hicks Family Dentistry
Kevin Hicks, DDS
756 Lititz Pike
Lititz, PA 17543
(717) 625-0596
HicksFamilyDentistry.com
Below is an excerpt from an article found on Crest.com
Common Toothache Causes
Are you wondering why your teeth hurt? If you have aching teeth, it may be due to a dental problem such as cavities, gum disease, bruxism, TMJ or a non-dental problem, such as a sinus infection or even stress.
- Sensitive Teeth: Some types of toothache pain occur if you are using dental care products like peroxide-based whitening agents that penetrate into your teeth causing tooth sensitivity.
- Bruxism: If you have aching teeth with no signs of tooth decay or gum disease, you may be experiencing bruxism. Bruxism is the technical term for grinding your teeth. Bruxism is a common cause of aching teeth that affects millions of people of all ages in the United States. If you experience aching teeth and other symptoms of bruxism, see a dental professional as soon as possible. If left untreated, chronic tooth grinding can damage crowns and fillings, and wear away tooth enamel, putting your teeth at increased risk for infection or decay. Causes of bruxism that lead to aching teeth include crooked teeth, poor jaw alignment, and stress or anxiety. If bruxism is due to misaligned teeth, straightening your bite with orthodontia could help solve the problem. But if bruxism is due to chronic stress, stress management techniques may be needed to help relieve your aching teeth. Your dental professional may recommend a mouth guard to wear at night to help prevent tooth pain associated with bruxism.
- Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Dysfunction: If you're stressed to the point of clenching your jaw and grinding your teeth, you can develop tooth pain associated with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). The TMJ is the joint that hinges the lower jaw to the skull, enabling you to eat and talk. Clenching your jaw and grinding your teeth put additional stress on the muscles of the jaw, which can cause tooth pain. If your tooth pain is caused by TMJ syndrome, your dentist may recommend a TMJ dental splint to reposition the lower jaw. But in less serious cases, warm compresses applied to the jaw, eating soft foods, and taking measures to reduce stress can help.
- Damaged Teeth: Your toothache pain could be caused by a cracked or broken tooth. If this is the cause of your pain, see your dentist as soon as possible. A broken tooth can contribute to tooth decay.
- Decayed Teeth: Tooth decay is one of the most common causes of toothache pain. Tooth decay occurs when acids from plaque bacteria penetrate into the tooth enamel causing a loss of tooth mineral which, if it progresses, can ultimately cause pain in the tooth’s inner layer, the pulp.
To read the entire article visit Crest.com.
The remainder of the article details the following:
Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to say about the role played by your Dental Hygienist!
ORAL CANCER – MINIMIZE YOUR RISK
For the last 40 years, the mortality rate for oral cancer has remained at one American death per hour. This is upsetting, because with early detection there is a 90% cure rate for oral cancer. That’s why we complete a visual examination at every six-month checkup and cleaning. If Dr. Hicks or our hygienist sees anything that signifies a need for concern, they’ll refer you to an oral surgeon. Don’t become a preventable statistic! Get screened for oral cancer.
Hicks Family Dentistry
Kevin Hicks, DDS
756 Lititz Pike
Lititz, PA 17543
(717) 625-0596
HicksFamilyDentistry.com
Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to say about the role played by Dentists!
THE STA SYSTEM™ WITH THE WAND™
The Wand is a computer-directed anesthetic phenomenon! A technology that has been clinically demonstrated to deliver a pain-free injection. Now, we can target the exact area for treatment, even a single tooth, with just one shot. Best of all, it needs only one to two minutes to become effective, as opposed to numbing your complete lip and taking 8 to 12 minutes. Not only is this a more precise and safer delivery of anesthesia, but the STA lasts as long as traditional anesthesia. That’s what we call a medical advancement!
Hicks Family Dentistry
Kevin Hicks, DDS
756 Lititz Pike
Lititz, PA 17543
(717) 625-0596
HicksFamilyDentistry.com
Don’t replace fillings just because they’re old
When you have a cavity, the dentist removes it and puts in a filling. These fillings can last for many years, but some people get silver fillings removed because they don’t like the color. However, the process of removing a filling can weaken the tooth. Additionally, insurance may not cover the removal.
To read the entire article visit MouthHealthy.org.
Ask about all the options for calming your child during dental procedures
Dental work can be scary for some kids. Talk with your dentist about ways to help your child stay calm. Tips for a successful dental visit can include making sure your child is not hungry before their dental appointment and scheduling an appointment at the proper time of day.
For jaw pain, try conservative treatments first
Jaw pain can be caused by stress, arthritis or an injury. A treatment plan for jaw pain should first consist of actions like exercises and anti-inflammatory drugs.
To read the entire article visit MouthHealthy.org.
Learn more about the connection between your teeth and what you eat.
COSMETIC IMAGING
With cosmetic imaging, we can display your improved smile in advance of any treatment. Digital images of your teeth and gums can show replacements of missing teeth, the effects of whitening, or the outcome of straightening prior to work. Imagine how exhilarating it will be to see your impending smile even before you begin the steps to reach your treatment goals.
Hicks Family Dentistry
Kevin Hicks, DDS
756 Lititz Pike
Lititz, PA 17543
(717) 625-0596
HicksFamilyDentistry.com
Use toothpaste with fluoride for infants and children
For children younger than 3 years, you should begin brushing a child’s teeth with fluoride toothpaste in an amount no larger than a grain of rice. For children 3 to 6 years of age, use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.
Consider sealants to prevent decay or treat beginning cavities on the back teeth
Dental sealants act as a barrier to prevent cavities. They are a plastic material applied by a dentist to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth where decay occurs most often.
To read the entire article visit MouthHealthy.org.
Hicks Family Dentistry
Kevin Hicks, DDS
756 Lititz Pike
Lititz, PA 17543
(717) 625-0596
HicksFamilyDentistry.com
Learn more about how your lifestyle can affect your oral health.
ISOLITE™ – AN ADVANCE IN PATIENT COMFORT
Isolite is a remarkable spotlight that illuminates the inside of your mouth combined with an impressive suction device that keeps your teeth and gums dry. With enhanced lighting and a drier work area comes improved accuracy and potentially faster treatment. The use of the Isolite tool diminishes mouth strain. In addition, the suction restricts saliva build-up and the swallowing of debris, so you’ll no longer be subjected to a “drowning” or “gagging” sensation. You will love this revolution in dental comfort!
Hicks Family Dentistry
Kevin Hicks, DDS
756 Lititz Pike
Lititz, PA 17543
(717) 625-0596
HicksFamilyDentistry.com
Learn more about dental care and your overall health.
