Promoting Healthy Smiles

Although many of my patients are in search of the “perfect smile” with the help of cosmetic dentistry, it is very important to maintain excellent oral health. The two go hand in hand – healthy gums and teeth lead to a beautiful, bright smile. For this reason, patients should be aware of what they can do to achieve the best of both worlds. Some of these include the regular brushing/flossing routine, as well as eating and drinking the right foods and beverages, or not eating/drinking certain things.

A recent study has found that red wine and cranberries contain a polyphenol, which block the molecules that form a sticky surface on the teeth. This can prevent the acid that erodes teeth enamel, which in turn maintains healthy teeth. However, their trade-off is the amount of sugar in cranberries (or cranberry juice). Sugar is the number one enemy of teeth, causing an increase in bacteria and cavities. Although there are benefits to consuming red wine and cranberries, both for your dental health as well as your overall health, it may not be the best idea to increase your consumption of these products. However, should you want to add red wine and/or cranberries to your diet, be sure to do so in moderation.

In order to maintain a healthy smile, you can increase your intake of natural, unprocessed, and organic foods. Limit your sugars, such as candy, cakes, or sodas; rinse with water if you drink sugary beverages in order to wash away left over bacteria feeding molecules. Drinking through a straw may also reduce the amount of sugar that adheres to the tooth. In addition, chewing sugar free gum with xylitol can help reduce the risk of tooth decay.

Once you have incorporated healthy cleaning, eating, and drinking habits, you may want to consider other cosmetic treatments to correct imperfections of the teeth. If you have a chipped or misaligned tooth, you may wish to learn more about bonding, porcelain veneers, or even orthodontic treatments. By achieving a straighter set of teeth, you can also reduce the risk of plaque buildup in hard to reach areas.

If you are ready to visit with a qualified and experienced Los Angeles dentist, be sure to contact my practice in Beverly Hills. I am dedicated to patient satisfaction and look forward to helping you achieve the smile you desire.

 

• Porcelain Veneers
• Whitening Dentistry
• Zoom!® Teeth Whitening
• Dental Implants
• Sedation Dentistry
• Dental Bonding
• Invisalign®

 

 

 

We find that many of our patients have questions about what is possible, review our procedures at your own leisure.