My Child Has Bad Breath. What Can I Do About It?

By Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

Kids are just as susceptible to occasional or chronic bad breath as adults are. If you’ve noticed bad breath when your child comes in for a snuggle, there are remedies. If their bad breath is a chronic problem, it’s important to investigate why. Bad breath may have its roots in poor dental hygiene or in another underlying health issue.

Improve Oral Hygiene to Improve Breath

Halitosis, a fancy name for bad breath, can be a consequence of poor oral self-care. Kids are prone to resisting or neglecting their brushing and flossing routines, so sometimes getting them back on track in this respect can resolve issues of unpleasant breath.

Leftover food debris can make breath smell bad. Both food particles and plaque feed the ordinary bacteria that live in the mouth. When they consume these organic materials, they emit volatile sulfur compounds that don’t smell good.

Poor hygiene can lead to cavities, gum disease, infections and other disorders of the mouth’s soft tissues. All of these can contribute to unwelcome scents in the mouth. It’s critical to resolve the root cause in these circumstances, to make sure your child’s mouth stays healthy. The tongue can also build up a whitish coating that consists of food, bacteria and sloughed-off skin cells. Brushing the tongue will help remove this coating. If your child has any loose fillings or crowns, these can also trap food that feeds bacteria.

When your child comes to see Dr. Jeff or Dr. Elizabeth, please let us know if bad breath is an issue for your child, and we’ll help get to the bottom of the cause.

Other Causes of Bad Breath in Kids

Halitosis can also be caused by some non-dental related health issues:

  • Foreign object in the nose: Curious kids sometimes insert objects into their nostrils, which can lodge in the nasal passages. This can cause an ill-smelling infection.
  • Sinus infection: With a sinus infection, fluids collect in the nasal passages and throat, bacteria accumulates in these fluids and can multiply and up the smell level.
  • Swollen tonsils: Infected tonsils are red and inflamed, and may have white spots and smell bad. The infection itself can smell bad, and the swollen tonsils can trap food which can also lead to unpleasant odors.
  • Complex and rare health issues like kidney failure, liver problems, stomach infections, diabetes, and cancer of the mouth can promote bad breath in children. Chemotherapy can also contribute to bad breath.
  • Mouth breathing, dry mouth and low saliva levels: Saliva helps keep mouths healthy. It washes away bacteria and food debris, and it also neutralizes cavity-causing acids. The absence of saliva can promote halitosis.
  • Medications: Some medications cause a dry mouth and bad breath.
  • Diet: Garlic, onions, and other strongly flavored foods can cause bad breath, as can high-protein foods like fish, cheese and red meat.

There’s no need for kids (or their parents) to suffer needlessly with bad breath. Most causes of halitosis can be addressed with improved oral hygiene, and if that doesn’t work, it’s worth getting Dr. Elizabeth or Dr. Jeff involved. Let us know if bad breath is a chronic problem for your child, and we’ll help investigate the issue.

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Dentistry Is Not Expensive–Neglect Is!

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

If you want to save money on dental care, invest in floss, toothbrushes and fluoride toothpaste!

The good news is that you can have a huge impact on how long you keep each tooth, and how healthy it is. When you take good care of your teeth, you defer or prevent the investment in dental procedures altogether. For some people, this is highly motivating. Whether you are motivated by money, vanity, or health concerns, we are here to help you take the best possible care of your teeth, which is the best way to avoid the cost and time involved with dental procedures.

Please follow these tips, and reach out to Dr. Elizabeth or Dr. Jeff if you have any questions about how to take the best possible care of your precious teeth and smile.

Brush Properly

It’s important to use good technique to get the most out of brushing. Remember to be gentle, move your brush in circular motions, and brush all surfaces. Better brushing means less plaque, less gum disease, and longer-lasting teeth.

Never Go To Bed without Brushing Your Teeth

The best time to brush is about an hour after you eat. The ideal practice is to brush after every meal and snack. However, many people shirk their brushing practice right before bed because they’re too tired. However, this is the most important brushing session, because any germs and plaque that remain on your teeth when you go to bed have at least eight hours or so to do their damage.

Brush Your Tongue

Plaque also accumulates on your tongue, which can this lead to bad breath and other oral health problems. Always gently brush your tongue each time you brush your teeth.

Use Fluoride Toothpaste

We recommend using fluoride toothpaste for best oral protection. It helps remineralize damage to enamel caused from bacteria and acid in your mouth.

Be as Dedicated to Flossing as to Brushing

Flossing removes stuck food particles, but it also stimulates the gums, reduces plaque, and help reduce gum inflammation. Please floss at least once daily. If you find it challenging to floss, look for alternate remedies such as disposable dental flossers.

Use Mouthwash

Mouthwash has multiple benefits, depending on the product, including reducing acid in the mouth, cleaning hard-to-brush areas in and around the gums, and re-mineralizing teeth. It’s particularly helpful for people who don’t do a great job of brushing, such as children and the elderly.

Eat Crunchy Fruits and Vegetables

Our teeth evolved to benefit from a workout, so it’s good for our jaws and teeth to eat crunchy, chewy things. Instead of soft processed foods, eat crunch raw vegetables and fruits, and whole grains. Giving your jaw a workout is good for your teeth and your breathing habits, too.

Avoid Sugary and Acidic Foods and Drinks

Acid erodes tooth enamel, which causes cavities. The bacteria in the mouth can also convert sugar to acid in the mouth. While few of us will give up all acidic foods such as coffee, tea, and fruit, be mindful of eating these things, and rinse after consuming them.

Drink Lots of Water

Water is good for your overall health as well as your oral health. It helps wash food residue and particles out of your mouth and reduce the impact of sticky and acidic foods and beverages. Drink water with your meals, and swish out your mouth a few times after your last bite.

See Us at Least Twice Yearly

Professional cleanings are a necessary component of dental care. It is not possible for you to be able to clean every area effectively on your own. We will also look for cavities and any other issues that may need treatment. Prompt treatment is the best way to minimize both discomfort and expense.

Dr. Jeff and Dr. Elizabeth want the best for your mouth and your health, so let us keep a professional eye on your teeth and gums so you can get appropriate and timely treatment. Give us a call today at 651.482.8412 to set up your next recare appointment.

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Fixing a Chipped Front Tooth – LK’s story

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

How did this start?

Patient LK (this patient asked that we only use her initials) started her anterior restoration treatment with us after she chipped a filling out of one of her front teeth. LK had previously chipped this same filling, mostly because of how her bite comes together, and she was looking for a more permanent option. She also did not like the black triangles that were visible between her teeth when she smiled.

What was involved?

Upon examination it was noted that LK’s teeth had worn significantly at the edges which made her teeth look shorter. It was recommended that she undergo the records process to determine ideal treatment and what potential alternatives she had.

Through the records process with Dr. Elizabeth Eggert, LK’s treatment plan was developed. The records process involves an evaluation of muscles, jaw function, teeth, and their relationships with each other. Photos are taken of the mouth to help in visualizing how everything fits together and moves. Impressions are also made in order to create a 3D modeling of the patient’s teeth.

Through the analysis of the records process, it was recommended that LK consider doing orthodontic treatment in order to move teeth into a more functional position and prevent further breakdown of her teeth and potential restorations. It was also recommended that LK veneer her eight front teeth. Four on the upper arch and four on the lower arch. The analysis showed that the reason LK’s filling kept coming out was because her teeth are hitting too heavy against each other. The orthodontic tooth movement and 8 veneers would be able to create better functional harmony as well as redesign the teeth to correct the wear that had occurred.

What did LK want?

During the consult appointment, LK noted that she was not interested in orthodontic treatment and she planned to veneer only her two front anterior teeth. LK was willing to take the risk that her new restorations may not last long-term due the disharmony in her currently functioning system. Since LK would not be doing orthodontics, Dr. Elizabeth Eggert let her know that using a splint to protect her new veneers would be critical in order to improve our chances for success.

LK was concerned that it would be hard to get a good color match but when she saw our assortment of colors she was less concerned. LK thought about bleaching her teeth, but was worried they would be sensitive. She had tried over-the-counter products in the past, but had sensitivity issues. After reviewing her bleaching options, LK decided she would match her new veneers to her current color so she would not have to maintain the color long-term. Dr. Elizabeth was able to improve the esthetics of LK’s front teeth by restoring them to their original size and appearance. LK was very pleased with the result and stated, “It was like Christmas!” Thanks for putting your trust in us LK, it is always a pleasure working with you!

Four Fun Facts About Smiling: Great Reasons to Smile More

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

As your dentists, Dr. Elizabeth and Dr. Jeff are dedicated to the care and upkeep of your smile. There’s no question that a good smile has a positive social impact. It’s also a no-brainer that healthy, clean teeth and good dental care improve your smile.

However, did you know that the act of smiling is literally beneficial to your health?

Yes, smiling is good for you. The benefits of smiling have been quantified in scientific studies.

We’re here to help you make the most of your smile by keeping your teeth clean and healthy, as well as providing cosmetic dentistry services such as whitening, veneers, and full-mouth reconstruction. If you’re proud of your smile, you just might smile more often, and boost your health in the bargain!

Here’s how smiling has measurable health benefits.

Smiling Elevates Mood, Triggering Biological Benefits

Even faking a smile can improve your mood. It can actually trick your brain into releasing hormones that make you feel good, including dopamine and serotonin. This starts a cascade of positive effects, including reduced stress, lower heart rate, reduced blood pressure, and improved mood. If a pretend smile can have all these benefits, a genuine smile is probably even better! Smiling is the simplest, easiest, cheapest and most pleasurable way to improve your cardiovascular health.

Improve Your Immune Function with a Grin

All of these physical benefits reinforce your immune system. Decreased stress levels contribute to increased white blood cell count, which releases the beneficial antibodies we depend on to combat infection and disease.

Smiling Can Extend Your Lifespan

Those biological benefits can help you live longer. One study started in the 1950’s followed a group of Major League baseball players. Those pictured with major smiles lived five to seven years longer than their fellow players.

Grinning for Pain Reduction

A smile can help moderate discomfort — even a fake one. A study compared the reported pain level of patients receiving injections. Those who smiled experienced up to 40% less pain than the straight-faced.

In other words, tending to your dental health can have a positive impact on a huge range of health factors. If you’re self-conscious about your smile, please talk to us. Let’s turn your frown upside-down, and you can smile your way to better health.

If your smile is less than perfect, contact Eggert Family Dentistry today. Our focus is creating “Dentistry for a Lifetime of Smiles” and we are dedicated to providing the cosmetic dentistry you need, such as veneers, whitening, and full-mouth reconstructions. Give us a call today at 651.482.8412 to set up your next appointment!

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Why a Fitted Mouth Guard Provides the Best Protection

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

A fitted mouth guard is the best way to protect an athlete’s teeth and mouth area when playing sports throughout the year.

Dr. Jeff and Dr. Elizabeth always recommend to parents of our sports-playing patients that a custom-fitted mouth guard is the best way to protect their kids’ teeth, jaws and general health. This is especially important in traditional high-contact sports like hockey, wrestling, and football, but it’s also true in other sports like baseball and gymnastics in which an errant move may cause a dentofacial injury that is disastrous for the teeth or jaw.

Many athletes rely on the one-size-fits-all or boil-and-bite mouth easily found at sporting goods stores and online, and they are definitely an improvement over no protection.

However, the benefits of custom mouth guards are worth the investment. Your child has just one set of adult teeth, and keeping them intact should be your priority. The longer they can go in life without requiring dental reconstruction, the better. In addition, the cost of a custom set of mouth guards is far more economical than multiple dental visits.

Better Fit

When you get a custom mouth guard, it’s molded exactly to your child’s teeth and jaw. When you choose an off-the-shelf guard, it’s generally bulky and fits far from perfectly. It’s probably uncomfortable to wear and hard to speak around. As a result, kids tend to not wear them for the entire length of the game or competition or they play with them during competition rendering them ineffective.

In contrast, a custom-fit mouth guard is much more comfortable and easy to speak with. This seriously increases the likelihood that your kid will wear it for the duration of their athletic event.

Improved Breathing

One of the most common complaints kids have about one-size-fits-all mouth guards is that they interfere with breathing, especially during intense exertion. It’s no surprise that athletes object to this problem, because it’s hard to perform at your best when your respiration is impaired. Research indicates that custom mouth guards don’t interfere with breathing. In fact, some research suggests that custom mouth guards may actually improve athletic performance. When kids complain that they can’t breathe well while wearing a store-bought mouth guard, upgrade to a custom-made one

Better Protection

The American Dental Association strongly encourages athletes of all ages to wear mouth guards and reduce the risk of orofacial injuries. Studies support this. A 2018 meta-analysis established that mouth guard users are 82-93% less likely to suffer dentofacial injuries. A study of college athletes showed that custom mouth guards provide the best protection against injury while playing contact sports.

The ADA states that the most effective mouth guards share these qualities:

  • Cover the user’s teeth on one arch
  • Are properly fitted to the user’s mouth
  • Are accurately adapted to the user’s oral structures
  • Stay in place comfortably and securely

Stock mouth guards don’t meet these criteria, but custom mouth guards do.

Help your kids graduate into adulthood with a healthy, intact set of teeth. Please talk to Dr. Elizabeth or Dr Jeff about getting a custom mouth guard to protect your athletic offspring’s dentofacial health.

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An Inside Look at the Zoom Whitening System for a Whiter Smile in 2022!

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

Tooth whitening is a wildly popular component of dental care. Lots of people pursue dental whitening and bleaching options in their quests for a bright, attractive smile.

While there are many natural and healthy shades of tooth enamel, teeth can get yellowed and stained over time, even with the most dedicated dental hygiene. Some particularly troublesome darkening culprits include coffee, tea, red wine and smoking.

If you long for brighter, whiter teeth, you might want to join the multitude of people who are choosing tooth whitening. In fact, in 2017 over 39 million Americans utilized some kind of teeth whitener.

There are options for use at home such as strips, trays and toothpaste, but these options tend to show subtle results, and many users experience tooth sensitivity or temporary gum irritation as a result.

Professionally Administered Tooth Whitening

If you’d like to make a brilliant, noticeable difference to your teeth, talk to Dr. Elizabeth or Dr. Jeff about our fast, easy and effective Zoom Whitening. In a single two-hour appointment, we can make your teeth four to ten shades lighter.

Here’s how it works:

  1. We check your current shade as a baseline
  2. We prep your mouth for whitening
  3. We apply a layer of advanced whitening gel to your teeth
  4. We shine a blue LED lamp onto your teeth to accelerate the whitening
  5. We repeat this process three times in 15-minute intervals
  6. We verify with you that you’ve attained your desired shade
  7. We apply a post-treatment gel to help protect enamel and reduce sensitivity

In addition, we’ll send you home with customized whitening trays and a take-home whitening kit at no extra charge. With your kit, you can boost your brightness at home when needed to help maintain your new beautiful smile!

See a Brighter, Whiter Smile in the Mirror

Come to Eggert Family Dentistry if you want to see a lighter, brighter smile in the mirror. Choosing professional, proven whitening techniques is the best way to ensure a comfortable, successful experience with dazzling results.

We’re here to assist you with all aspects of your dental hygiene and dental aesthetics. Next time you’re in one of our chairs, ask us about whitening. We’ll be happy to describe the process in detail and offer you a professional opinion about the results you can expect. Call us today at 651.482.8412.

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Keep Your Teeth Healthy Over the Holidays

By Dr: Elizabeth Eggert

We know you want to keep your teeth healthy every day of the year. It’s never fun to seek emergency dental care and it’s even more challenging over the holidays. You don’t want to be on a soft-food diet while everyone else is enjoying the holiday feast! So spend your quality time with your family, instead of with Dr. Elizabeth or Dr. Jeff, by following these tips to keep your teeth healthy over the holidays.

Never Use Your Teeth to Open Packages or Bottles

Opening a gift is supposed to be fun, not an invitation for a root canal or crown. Always keep the right tools handy for opening bottles and packages, and take a minute to find what you need instead of improvising with your teeth. Before you start the present-opening chapter of your holiday, gather some sturdy scissors and a utility knife. If you need to open a stubborn bottle, try pliers or another gripping tool.

Don’t Chew On Ice Cubes or Hard Candy

If you indulge in hard candy, let it dissolve slowly in your mouth instead of crunching it. Or better still, skip it or eat sugar-free versions for better dental health. Don’t chew on ice because it can crack or chip your teeth. Once again, it’s not worth a fleeting moment of satisfaction for a permanent impact on your teeth.

Never Crack Nuts with Your Teeth

You know it’s a bad idea to crack nuts with your teeth, right? Please don’t tempt fate, and always use a nutcracker. Yes, even for pistachios that haven’t split open properly. Using your teeth on a nutshell is a gamble that the nut will eventually win. Cracking a tooth is NOT worth it!

Skip the Chewy Treats

Chewy treats like taffy and caramel can pull out fillings. Resist the temptation, especially if you know you have lots of fillings or some precarious dental work that could suffer. Once again, not worth it if you end up hunting down a dentist on a holiday!

Wear a Mouth Guard

If you are prone to teeth grinding, make sure you wear your mouth guard diligently during the holidays. Many people find the holidays stressful, so stress responses like daytime or nighttime teeth grinding are exacerbated.

Quit Nail Biting

Nail biting is usually a stress-triggered behavior, and it’s bad for both fingernails and teeth. It’s linked to jaw problems, teeth grinding, clenching, and sensitive teeth. Try to quit this habit – it is the best holiday gift you can give yourself.

Here at Eggert Family Dentistry, we’re always happy to see you, but we’re the happiest when it’s for routine recare, not for sudden urgent dental treatments. Please enjoy your holidays while tending lovingly to your teeth, mouth, and gums, and we’ll see you at your next cleaning. Call us 651.482.8412 to set up your first recare appointment of 2022!

Toothbrush Hygiene and Replacing Your Toothbrush after Illness

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

It’s commonly recommended that you replace your toothbrush after you’ve had a contagious illness like a cold or the flu.

The idea behind this advice is that lingering germs on the toothbrush could re-infect you, so starting with a fresh toothbrush will help you stay healthy.

What do you think? Fact or myth?

We’re here to come down on the side of MYTH. While we do want you to replace your toothbrush on a regular basis, avoiding your own germs is not a good reason.

Why (Your Own) Germs on Your Toothbrush Are Not a Problem

Here’s the deal.

The very act of recovering from an illness demonstrates that you’ve got an immune system and it’s doing its job. Your immune system has produced specific antibodies to fight off whatever is causing your illness. You’ve got those antibodies within you, actively fighting this illness, so even if there are lingering cold or flu germs on your toothbrush, they won’t make you sick again. Since you are brushing at least twice a day (right?), it’s not like your body can’t keep up with the few germs or viral particles on your toothbrush.

Now, if you happened to share a toothbrush or toothbrush holder with someone while you were sick, it’s a good idea to replace all those toothbrushes. This isn’t for the sake of the recovering person, but for the sake of the other folks.

Only someone who is severely immunocompromised might have a reason to worry about reinfecting themselves with their own toothbrush, and that’s still a long shot.

This is even true for some of the more serious contagious illnesses. For example, a study demonstrated that even people with strep throat don’t leave significant germs on their toothbrushes.

Proper Toothbrush Hygiene

Here are recommended best practices for your toothbrush hygiene, according to the American Dental Association (ADA). If you have any questions, Dr. Elizabeth and Dr. Jeff are happy to answer your questions too. You can also read our article on 8 Bad Brushing Habits.

  1. To avoid cross-contamination, keep everyone’s toothbrush separate.
  2. Don’t share your toothpaste or toothbrush.
  3. Rinse your toothbrush after use to remove food particles and toothpaste.
  4. Let your brush air-dry upright in an exposed container. Moisture invites bacteria to breed, so don’t cover it.
  5. Don’t soak your toothbrush in disinfecting solutions or mouthwash. This can actually lead to the spread of germs if multiple people use the same solution.
  6. Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months, or sooner if it starts to look worn.

Why Are Toothbrush Bristles Colored?

Have you seen the blue colored bristles on some toothbrushes? The reason for colored bristles is actually two-fold. First, the colored bristles serve as an indicator of when it’s time to replace your brush. When the blue has faded, toss your brush and get a new one. Second, the blue bristles on kids’ toothbrushes indicate where and how much toothpaste to apply. Kids can be over enthusiastic about applying toothpaste, and you don’t really need very much to get the job done.

While we want you to replace your toothbrush regularly, there’s no need to overdo it and send an extra piece of plastic to the landfill before its time. Keep on brushing, stay healthy, and we look forward to seeing you at Eggert Family Dentistry in North Oaks, Minnesota. Give us a call today at 651.482.8412 to set up your next appointment!

Four Ways Drinking Water Benefits Teeth

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

We bet you’ve heard and read about the importance of drinking water for your health. Some authorities recommend six glasses per day, some recommend eight glasses per day. Some propose that we drink at least half an ounce of water for every pound of body weight. That translates into at least 80 ounces (10 eight-ounce servings) for someone who weighs 160 pounds.

There are many ways in which drinking water and staying hydrated contribute to your health, but drinking water also offers critical benefits to your oral and dental health as well.

Dr. Elizabeth and Dr. Jeff want to encourage everyone to drink plenty of water every day, for both their overall health and their dental wellness. This advice applies to children as well as adults.

How Does Drinking Water Benefit Oral Health?

Water Washes Away Food Particles

Even when we can’t brush, we can rinse food particles away from our teeth and gums by drinking water. Getting those particles away from our teeth and gums is a victory, but if we wash them away with soda or fruit juice it kind of defeats the purpose, right? Instead, rinsing with water leaves no sugar or material behind for bacteria to eat. It also dilutes the acid in your mouth, obstructing tooth decay. Rinsing with fluoridated water has the added benefit of lightly coating your teeth with a defensive layer that helps remineralize any damage to enamel.

Water Discourages Dry Mouth

mouth breathingYou may not realize that tooth decay thrives in a dry mouth. This is because saliva contains minerals such as calcium and phosphate, which help discourage tooth decay. Drinking water helps promote more saliva production in your mouth, which is more ammunition in the battle against tooth decay.

Fluoride Fights Tooth Decay

One pivotal way that water strengthens teeth is due to the added fluoride. We’re lucky to be in the United States where fluoride is added to municipal water in nearly every jurisdiction. Fluoride is a natural cavity-fighter and promotes strong teeth. In kids, it strengthens the tooth enamel in their developing teeth and helps prevent tooth decay. Fluoride in combination with saliva helps prevent plaque.

Water Discourages Bad Breath

Morning breath and general bad breath is often caused by a dry mouth. Drink water throughout the day, and you will promote saliva production, which helps discourage the unwelcome stinky bacteria working in the mouth.

How to Start a Healthy Water Habit

Make it easy for yourself and your kids to drink plenty of water. Keep a jar or bottle of water on your desk and by your bed. When it’s cold out and you need a hot “pick-me-up,” switch to unsweetened herbal tea to stay hydrated. Treat yourself and your kids to a special water glass so you can appreciate your water drinking experience all the better.

As always, your healthy water habit isn’t a “Get Out of Brushing Free” card. You still need to brush and floss to keep your mouth and teeth healthy, and come and see Dr. Elizabeth and Dr. Jeff for regular recare exams.

Give us a call today at 651.482.8412 to set up your next appointment!

Reducing Sugar for Dental Health

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

‘Tis the season for sweet treats.

The period from Halloween through New Year’s Eve is a national sugar-fest, starting with trick-or-treat candy, ramping up to a pie bonanza on Thanksgiving, and then embarking on a whole month packed with candy and baked goods at the office, at parties, and exchanged as holiday gifts.

Is Sugar the New Smoking?

While we don’t expect many people to give up sugar entirely, we do want to urge moderation. Some folks are calling sugar “the new smoking,” as it does have negative effects on our health, from dental cavities to weight gain to inflammation.

Here’s how sugar promotes cavities. It’s not actually the sugar itself that corrodes tooth enamel. Actually, the sugar feeds the harmful bacteria in the mouth that make up plaque. When these bacteria eat sugar, they generate acids that destroy tooth enamel and can then get into deeper layers of the tooth. This results in cavities and tooth decay, and can ultimately contribute to tooth loss.

Choose Recipes with Less Sugar

One way to pursue moderation in sugar is to change your cooking habits and seek out new recipes that deliver less sugar.

Experiment with your own recipes. When baking, try reducing the sugar and see how you like it. Sugar does play an important role in the texture of baked goods, but in many cases you can cut the sugar by a quarter cup or a half cup and still have an excellent result. Foods that don’t depend on sugar for structure are even better for experimenting, such as ice cream, baked custards, pumpkin pie, and similar treats.

If you don’t have time for playing “test kitchen” at home, seek out recipes that use natural alternative sweeteners. If those sweeteners are maple syrup, agave or honey, those ingredients are often sweeter than sugar, so you can reduce the amount in your recipe. Those ingredients also have the benefit of having some nutritional content, in contrast to plain white sugar.

Any reduction in your sugar consumption has a health benefit from both a dental and an overall perspective. Eating less sugar keeps your teeth healthier, stabilizes your energy levels, improves your heart health and more. You don’t need to totally eliminate sugar from your diet to benefit from reducing your consumption.

Keep Brushing and Flossing!

Of course, reducing sugar doesn’t reduce your obligation to brush and floss. Keep up your brushing and flossing routine even if you start eating the cleanest diet around, and make regular recare appointments with Dr. Elizabeth or Dr. Jeff for routine exams and professional cleanings.

Give us a call today at 651.482.8412 to set up your next appointment! We look forward to seeing you soon!