Brushing Up

I participated in a Mindfulness Meditation workshop a few day ago. I took an 8 week course about a year ago, and have found it quite difficult to commit to a daily meditation practice on a regular basis. I always find some excuse for why I can’t find 15 minutes in a day to sit still, quiet my mind, and just focus on my breath. What are some of my excuses? I’m too rushed in the morning, I’m too busy when I get to the office, I don’t take a break during the day, eat lunch at my desk in between patients, and by the time I get home I am too tired, and just want to watch tv, or read. At night I lie in bed thinking that I’ll just focus on my breath for a few minutes, but soon enough, I fall asleep.

Studies have shown that there are actual physical changes in your brain when you meditate regularly. Depression can be reduced or eliminated and sleep is improved.

At this workshop, one of the instructors talked about how your meditation practice can be compared to flossing. She said that sure it is annoying to floss ever day, but once she started doing it on a regular basis, her teeth and gums felt much better, and now she flosses every day, and she also is committed to meditating every day as well.

Our teacher, Dr. Joe Flanders, then asked me how do I get my patients to floss, what do I tell them? At first I just wanted to say, “FLOSS OR DIE!”. I thought better of it, and didn’t want to sound too alarmist, so I just explained the link between your oral health – i.e., the health of your gums, and how this is so closely connected to your overall health. Gum disease is linked to diabetes, heart disease, premature labour, and other illnesses.

What’s my point in all this? I have been flossing my teeth daily all my life and have been encouraging my patients to do so as well, but with very little compliance. Now I want to incorporate a new habit into my own daily routine- mindful meditation. No excuses! If I can expect my patients to floss, and don’t accept their excuses, then I can surely find time in my day to meditate.

It’s almost Easter – a time filled with delicious chocolate/candy bunnies and eggs. While eating too much candy can be harmful for your teeth, some candy can actually be good for you.

When you are making your Easter baskets and buying treats for your family and friends, here are some good choices:
> Sugar-free Candy
Sugar-free hard candies and lollipops can stimulate saliva and prevent dry mouth, which can lower your risk of cavities and tooth decay.
> Dark Chocolate
While chocolate is loaded with sugar, the antioxidants in dark chocolate are good for your heart and can even lower your blood pressure. Enjoy some dark chocolate this Easter, but only in moderation.

Some snacks that you may want to avoid, include:
> Sticky Snacks
Gummy candies can be a source of tooth decay. They can get stuck in your teeth and can be difficult to remove.
> Sugary Sweets
Candies such as cakes and cookies are all high in sugar, which can lead to tooth decay.
> Sour Candies
Sour snacks are highly acidic and can break down tooth enamel.

This Easter, enjoy all the fun and sweets, but remember not to keep the sugary treats around the house for too long. These tempting snacks can lead to an increased risk of cavities.

The excitement of the holiday season is already in the air. Jack Frost may be nipping at your nose and holiday plans are nearly here. But with all the joy and merriment, remember to protect your teeth.

Frequent snacking and parties can expose your teeth to sugar and cavity-causing bacteria, while traveling and overnight stays can disrupt regular oral care regimens. This may be the holiday season, but don’t take a break from your proper hygiene routine.

When visiting family or friends, don’t forget to pack a toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss. Sometimes a big dinner can turn into an overnight stay and you don’t want to be without your hygiene products.

If you don’t have any oral care supplies, rinse your mouth with fluorinated tap water. Washing away the food remnants will help protect your teeth until you have a chance to brush and floss them at home.

During the many holiday parties, try to avoid overindulging on sweet cocktails and sugary foods. Not only can excessive sugar lead to weight gain (and other unhealthy effects), it can also result in tooth decay. When it comes to sweets, moderation is key, but also be prepared to indulge in healthier options, such as fruit and sugar-free desserts.

We want you to enjoy your holiday season and to maintain your oral care. If you need some dental treatments, don’t put them off until the new year. Current issues can get worse during that time, leading to more extensive (and expensive) procedures. Let the holiday season be a time of fun, family, and a happy and healthy new year.

You may know the saying, “You are what you eat.”  But, did you know that what you eat also effects the health of your teeth and gums?  Eating a balanced, nutritional diet is an essential part of preventing cavities and maintaining a healthy smile.  

Top 5 Foods (and Drinks) For Your Teeth

1. Cheese

Cheese has significant dental benefits.  It is high in calcium and phosphate, which prevents tooth decay and rebuilds tooth enamel.  Cheese also reduces the acidity in your mouth and increases saliva, killing the bacteria that causes gum disease and cavities.  

2. Fruit  

Fruit is great for your teeth, especially when it is raw.  It reduces plaque and helps to massage your gums, keeping them in good shape.  Fruit high in Vitamin C, such as oranges and grapefruit, are particularly beneficial.  They keep your gums strong, making them less susceptible to gum disease.

3. Vegetables

Vegetables, like fruit, are best when eaten raw.  They build a good foundation for your teeth and those high in Vitamin A, like broccoli, carrots, and sweet potatoes, can actually strengthen your teeth.  

4. Shiitake Mushrooms

Shiitake Mushrooms help keep your overall mouth healthy.  These mushrooms contain lentinan, a plant substance that prevents bacteria from creating plaque.

5. Green and Black Tea

Both of these teas contain polyphenols, which prevents the bacteria in your mouth from growing and producing tooth-attacking acid.  Also, if you brew your tea with fluoridated tap water, these teas can be a good source of fluoride.

In addition to enjoying these tooth-friendly foods (and drinks), don’t forget to brush and floss your teeth.  A healthy diet, combined with proper home care and regular dental appointments, are essential ingredients for a healthy smile.  

If you have any questions or concerns about foods that are good for your teeth, please contact our office at (514) 364-3366 or click here, to visit our website.  Also, be sure to visit our Facebook page, it’s a great place to keep up with things that effect your dental health and wellness.  

Think you know everything about brushing your teeth? You may not.  There’s more to it than just squeezing some toothpaste onto your brush and scrubbing away.

How to Brush Your Teeth
> Softness is Key
You may think your mouth needs a hard scrubbing to clean it properly, but the opposite is true.  A soft-bristled toothbrush and short, gentle strokes are all your teeth need for a proper brushing.  Remember to also pay extra attention to the hard-to-reach teeth, gum line, and dental restorations.  And don’t forget to floss afterwards.
> Two and Two 
How long does it take you to brush your teeth?  If it’s not at least two minutes and twice a day (morning and night), it’s not enough.  Two minutes may seem like a long time, but it is what’s needed to give your mouth the cleaning it deserves.
> One Section at a Time
Concentrate on cleaning each section of your mouth before moving on to the next.  First, clean the outer portion of your teeth, upper then lower.  Next, concentrate on the inner surfaces, upper then lower.  Finally, tackle the chewing surface.
> Brush Your Tongue
Did you know that your tongue holds bacteria and oral odour?  Brushing your tongue daily will freshen your breath and remove unwanted bacteria.  For best results, be sure to use a tongue scraper.
> Angles are Important
When brushing your teeth, place the brush at a 45-degree angle against your gums.  Move the brush back and forth, gently against the teeth, in short, tooth-length strokes.
> It Won’t Last Forever
Toothbrushes are made to be replaced.  Once the bristles begin to wear, or when it has been used for three months, it is time to change your toothbrush.

Electric Brush vs. Manual 
I am regularly asked whether an electric or manual toothbrush gives a better clean.  For older people, or those with less manual dexterity, such as arthritis, an electric toothbrush will be more effective.

Otherwise, as long as the brush is small, with soft bristles, and you are brushing your teeth properly, both electric and manual toothbrushes will effectively clean your mouth and maintain your oral health.  If you are looking for a good manual toothbrush, try Crest, Colgate, or Curaprox.  Look for a brush with a small head, it will help you clean the hard-to-reach areas of your mouth.

If you have any questions about your brushing technique or your oral health, please contact our office at (514) 364-3366 or click here, to visit our website.  And remember to see your dentist/hygienist regularly to maintain your oral health.