The “Musts,” “Shoulds,” And “Coulds” Of Dentistry

MANY OF OUR PATIENTS tend to wonder, “Which procedures are required, and which are optional?” We welcome this question! We understand that time and finances restrict us from doing all we wish we could, so we need to prioritize.

Many Dental Procedures Are Either “Musts,” “Shoulds,” Or “Coulds”

“Musts” include the basics of preventative care, including regular cleanings and check-ups. It may also include those procedures which protect you from pain and severe damage, like a cap on a cracked tooth.

“Shoulds” can vary greatly from patient to patient, depending on their personal risk and condition. If you’re at high risk for tooth decay, we may recommend more preventative procedures. “Shoulds” may also include aspects of a more thorough smile restoration.

Remember, Preventative Care Is NOT Optional

Many are tempted to demote dental cleanings and checkups to “could” status. However, preventative care is a “must” for a healthy mouth. We may recommend certain procedures, or more frequent cleanings and checkups, because you’re at risk for severe problems. This prevents much bigger (and more expensive) procedures down the road.

We Treasure Your Trust

We want to be a long-term, trusted healthcare provider to you and your family. That means that we’re not just here for a quick buck. It’s much more important to us to build a relationship of trust. We believe that this is the best way to provide effective care, and keep your mouth and body feeling its best. It’s also the best way that we can be a thriving practice, proud of the care that we provide.

Thanks for your trust in our practice.
Image by Flickr user Ben Smith used under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 license. Image cropped and modified from original.

Juice Smarter: Your Teeth Will Thank You

JUICING IS ONE OF THE MOST POPULAR health fads right now, but how does it affect your smile?

Juices Can Be Tough On Teeth

Many juices contain high amounts of acid and sugar that can compromise healthy teeth. Frequently drinking juices with overly acidic and sugary ingredients can begin to wear away the enamel of our teeth, putting us at greater risk for cavities.

But don’t fret—you don’t need to throw away your juicer just yet! There are a variety of simple ways to make your juices healthier and still taste great.

Choose Ingredients That Strengthen Your Smile

Make your juices healthier by considering some of these options:
Add more leafy greens! Leafy greens help build strong bones and strong teeth because they are high in calcium, magnesium and phosphorus. Greens won’t spike your blood sugar like sugary fruits and vegetables will.
Use fruit sparingly and when you do, be sure to use ripe fruits. Unripe fruits tend to have more acid than ripened ones.
Add a teaspoon of coconut oil. Coconut oil, amongst other amazing properties, contains antibacterial properties that are great for your teeth!
Add cranberry juice! Amongst numerous vitamins and nutrients, fresh cranberries have compounds that keep cavity-causing bacteria from sticking to your teeth. So, to add nutrients and teeth-protecting properties, simply add a splash of cranberry juice to your recipe.
Steer clear from highly pigmented foods. Fruits and vegetables that are strongly pigmented can potentially stain your teeth. Examples of these foods are: dark berries and beets.

What you put into your juices is the important thing to keep in mind when juicing. Ask yourself when adding ingredients: Does this add nutrients to my juice? Will my teeth benefit from this or not? Is there too much sugar or acid in this ingredient?

We Care About Your Whole Body Health

By being mindful and aware of the ingredients you add to your juices, you can begin making smart decisions for not only your teeth, but your overall health. If you have any questions about how the juices you enjoy affect your teeth, feel free to schedule an appointment to see us or leave a comment below!

Thank you for reading our blog and being our valued patient and friend!

Image by Flickr user Rob Bertholf used under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 license. Image cropped and modified from original.