« Older Entries

4 Great Reasons to See a Family Dentist

Do your family members need a dentist? Consider going to a family dental practice for these four reasons.

mediaimage
If you have a family, dental care can look tiring. That’s only natural – it means managing your whole household’s oral health. Still, there are ways to make it more worthwhile. One great example is seeing a family dentist. By doing so, you and the kids will enjoy several notable benefits. Your local dental practice will gladly tell you more. So, here are four great reasons for you, your spouse, and your children to see a family dentist.

They Have Your Family’s Dental History

Luckily, a family dentist knows your background. They’ll have your family’s dental history on record at their office, but they also get to know you as you keep visiting year after year.

Remember, a dentist is only helpful when they account for your recent oral health. They can’t treat your smile well if they don’t grasp its prior problems. That said, a family dentist will have records of past dental diseases, surgeries, allergies, etc. They’ll also assess your mouth to add to those listings over time. As such, you can trust them to provide sound and suitable treatment.

Of course, things change if you’re new to the dentist. You’ll need to update your family’s dental history from the start. Even so, you can trust this record will pay off!

They’re Highly Convenient

Compared to other options, family dentists are highly convenient. They’re well-equipped to treat everyone in your household, from kids to seniors.

You see, life gets simpler when one dentist can provide for your oral needs. You won’t have to shuttle around your kids (or spouse) to different providers on different days. Rather, you can book every family at the same dental practice. That means less driving and less time wasted!

While a benefit in itself, simpler dental care also has its perks. One is better oral health, as you and your family will be less tempted to skip dental visits.

They Form Lasting Relationships
Another upside to family dentists is the bond you form with them. Over months and years, patients feel more at ease with these providers.

A buildup of trust with your dentist is usually great. After all, it means you don’t fear them and can openly express concerns. Plus, it helps keep kids calm for oral care. The result is a reduction in one’s overall dental anxiety.

They Offer Comprehensive Care
Honestly, a family dentist offers comprehensive care. They provide a wide range of procedures, including preventive, cosmetic, and even restorative dentistry.

In hindsight, this diverse array of services makes sense. A family dentist must be prepared to help kids, teens, adults, and the elderly. As such, they’ll perform dental work suited to each of these age groups. Whether you need a checkup or an implant, they’ll ensure your smile has all its needs met. Your kiddos and spouse will thus have many great options under one roof.

Ultimately, there are more than four reasons to see a family dentist. Learn the other ones by consulting your local dental provider. If you do, every smile in your household will flourish.

Tags:

Popular Myths About Alcohol & Oral Health

Alcohol can negatively impact your oral health, but there are common misconceptions about the connection.

mediaimage
Dentists often stress how certain foods and drinks affect the mouth. For instance, many will tell you that sugar decays teeth and calcium enhances them. Still, patients don’t hear much about alcohol’s effects on oral health (if any). This fact has led to various myths surrounding the matter. Fortunately, it’s not hard to separate the facts from the fiction. Your local dentist can even help. Here are five myths about alcohol and oral health and why they aren’t true.

Myth #1: “Alcohol Helps You Stay Hydrated”

The Myth: One popular belief about alcohol is that it hydrates you. “After all,” many think, “isn’t it a refreshing drink?” Alcoholic beverages use water as a base, so the assumption is that their ingredients will keep your mouth moist.

The Truth: In reality, drinks with a high alcohol content can dry out your mouth. Such dryness can then cause bad breath and raise your risk of cavities. Without saliva to moisten your mouth and remove plaque, harmful bacteria can gather on your teeth.

Myth #2: “Adding Citrus Makes Alcohol Healthier for Teeth”
The Myth: Some believe that citrus can make alcohol healthier for teeth. This view likely stems from the idea that lemon juice whitens enamel. If a spritz of lemon or orange can brighten a smile, surely it can also strengthen a grin.

The Truth: Unfortunately, adding citrus to alcohol would only harm your teeth. The ADA notes that even a squeeze of lemon has enough acid to erode tooth enamel. Therefore, adding it to a cocktail will only increase your odds of tooth decay.

Myth #3: “Drinking Alcohol Often Cleanses Your Teeth”
The Myth: Yet another assumption is that alcoholic drinks can cleanse teeth. In particular, the thought is that their contents would kill the bacteria in your mouth. Rubbing alcohol can disinfect a wound, so can’t a beer do something similar for your smile?

The Truth: Truthfully, high alcohol use puts teeth in great danger. Heavy drinkers are more likely to get cavities, as they may suffer dry mouth and neglect their oral hygiene. Furthermore, drinking alcohol can lead people to eat tooth-decaying carbs to satisfy their “munchies.”

Myth #4: “Beer Won’t Stain Your Teeth”
The Myth: While many drinks can stain teeth, some people hold that beer isn’t one of them. It lacks the darkness of red wine and is semi-transparent. As such, the thinking goes that beers will leave your teeth as shiny and white as ever.

The Truth: Unfortunately, beer can (and often does) stain teeth. Many brands feature dark barley and malts that darken enamel. Furthermore, a beer’s chromogens – the chemicals that determine its color – can stain teeth compromised by alcohol’s acidity.

Myth #5: “Alcohol Has No Severe Effects on Oral Health”
The Myth: In some places, a few will assert that alcohol can’t do major damage to your mouth. It may make you drunk or harm your liver, but it won’t seriously harm your oral health. Consequently, drinking will leave your teeth, gums, and other mouth tissues fairly intact.

The Truth: If consumed in excess, alcohol will certainly damage your mouth. The CDC (Centers for Disease Control & Prevention) notes that alcohol is the 2nd most common risk factor for oral cancer. Furthermore, alcoholics have higher levels of teeth plaque and tend to suffer from permanent tooth loss.

Ultimately, you should know how alcohol and oral health relate. That being the case, remember the facts above and visit your local dental practice!

Tags:

Worst Foods to Eat with Diarrhea: A Comprehensive Guide

Explore the worst foods to eat with diarrhea and provide answers to frequently asked questions on managing this condition.

Diarrhea is a common digestive issue that can disrupt your daily routine and leave you feeling weak and dehydrated. While it’s crucial to stay hydrated and rest, your diet plays a significant role in recovery. Certain foods can exacerbate symptoms, prolonging discomfort and preventing recovery. Here, we explore the worst foods to eat with diarrhea and provide answers to frequently asked questions on managing this condition.

What foods are bad to eat when you have diarrhea?
Dairy Products
Why Avoid: Diarrhea can lead to temporary lactose intolerance, making it hard to digest lactose in dairy products. Consuming milk, cheese, or ice cream can worsen symptoms like bloating, gas, and loose stools.
Alternatives: Opt for lactose-free or plant-based milk alternatives, like almond or oat milk, which are gentler on the stomach.
Fatty and Fried Foods
Why Avoid: Foods high in fat are difficult to digest and can increase intestinal contractions, leading to more frequent and watery stools. Fried foods, greasy burgers, and heavy cream sauces should be avoided.
Alternatives: Choose lean proteins such as boiled chicken or turkey and steam or bake rather than frying foods.
Spicy Foods
Why Avoid: Spicy foods can irritate the digestive tract and exacerbate diarrhea. Ingredients like chili peppers and hot sauces can increase stomach acid, leading to more discomfort.
Alternatives: Stick to bland foods with minimal seasoning, such as plain rice, applesauce, and bananas.
Sugary Foods and Beverages
Why Avoid: High sugar intake can draw water into the intestines, worsening diarrhea. Sugary drinks, candy, and desserts can aggravate symptoms.
Alternatives: Hydrate with water, herbal teas, or oral rehydration solutions. If you crave something sweet, try small amounts of fruit like blueberries or strawberries.
Caffeine
Why Avoid: Caffeinated beverages like coffee, tea, and soda can stimulate the digestive system, leading to increased bowel movements. They also have a diuretic effect, which can contribute to dehydration.
Alternatives: Decaffeinated herbal teas or water are better options to stay hydrated without irritating the stomach.
Alcohol
Why Avoid: Alcohol can irritate the gastrointestinal tract, leading to increased diarrhea and dehydration. It disrupts the balance of good bacteria in the gut, making recovery slower.
Alternatives: Avoid alcohol until symptoms completely resolve. Stick to water and rehydration solutions.
High-Fiber Foods
Why Avoid: While fiber is generally good for digestion, high-fiber foods like beans, broccoli, and whole grains can be too harsh during a bout of diarrhea. They can increase gas and bloating.
Alternatives: Opt for low-fiber foods like white rice, white bread, and cooked carrots.
Raw Vegetables
Why Avoid: Raw vegetables can be tough on the digestive system and may increase bloating and gas. Their high fiber content can further irritate the intestines.
Alternatives: Choose cooked vegetables such as carrots, green beans, and zucchini, which are easier to digest.
Artificial Sweeteners
Why Avoid: Sorbitol and other artificial sweeteners found in sugar-free candies and gum can have a laxative effect, worsening diarrhea.
Alternatives: Use natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup in small quantities, or avoid sweeteners altogether until symptoms improve.
Nuts and Seeds
Why Avoid: The high fiber and fat content in nuts and seeds can be hard to digest and exacerbate diarrhea symptoms.
Alternatives: Avoid nuts and seeds until symptoms subside, and then reintroduce them slowly.
FAQs About Diet and Diarrhea
What foods are safe to eat when you have diarrhea?
The BRAT diet—bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast—is often recommended. These foods are bland, low in fiber, and help firm up stools. Also, consider boiled potatoes, plain crackers, and clear broths.

How long should I avoid these foods after diarrhea starts?
It’s best to avoid these foods until your symptoms have completely resolved and you have had at least 24-48 hours of normal bowel movements. Gradually reintroduce foods to avoid shocking your digestive system.

Is it okay to drink sports drinks to stay hydrated?
While sports drinks can help with hydration and electrolyte balance, they often contain high levels of sugar, which can exacerbate diarrhea. Opt for oral rehydration solutions or dilute sports drinks with water.

Can probiotics help with diarrhea?
Probiotics can help restore the balance of good bacteria in your gut and may reduce the duration of diarrhea. Yogurt with live cultures or probiotic supplements can be beneficial.

When should I see a doctor for diarrhea?
Seek medical attention if diarrhea persists for more than 48 hours, if you experience severe abdominal pain, high fever, blood in stools, or signs of dehydration such as dizziness, dry mouth, or decreased urination.

Managing diarrhea involves more than just staying hydrated; dietary choices play a crucial role in your recovery. By avoiding these worst foods and following a bland, low-fiber diet, you can help alleviate symptoms and promote faster healing. Always listen to your body and consult with a healthcare provider if symptoms persist or worsen.

Tags: