Healthy Summer Foods: The Dental Connection!

Summer--that wonderful time of year when fresh and delicious produce abound! Good oral health requires an appropriate mix of vitamins and minerals from nature's bounty no matter what time of year.  In previous studies, nutrients from fruits and vegetables such as dietary fiber, potassium, and antioxidants have all been associated with a reduced risk for cardiovascular disease and cancers, including oral cancer.

Here are four summertime foods that can improve your dental health:

• Watermelons 
• Watermelons have a high water content, which dilutes the affects of the sugars they contain and stimulates the flow of saliva.  In addition to containing skin-protecting lycopene, eating watermelon can help you stay hydrated during the summer months, which not only keeps your memory sharp and your mood stable, but also helps to keep your body cool.
• Strawberries
• Strawberries are juicy and delicious, and they are considered a superfood. Nutrient-rich and packed with antioxidants (such as vitamin C, which can help with cancer prevention), strawberries also promote eye health, help fight bad cholesterol, and regulate blood pressure.
• Apples
• Biting and chewing an apple stimulates the production of saliva in your mouth, which lowers the levels of bacteria and other harmful acids, leading to a lower likelihood of tooth decay and helps you attain a whiter, healthier smile!  Apples can also boost your immune system, reducing cholesterol and helping you avoid Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, as well as lowering your risk of heart disease.
• Tomatoes
• Tomatoes are a delicious and healthy snack that can help you ward off cancer. The yummy red fruit contains lycopene, which helps protect your skin from sunburn.  Tomatoes can also help you fight heart disease due to niacin, folate, and vitamin B6 nutrients that they contain.   They are also high in crucial antioxidants, such as vitamin A and vitamin C, which work to prevent DNA damage.

Have a great summer and enjoy these healthy foods.  If you have any questions or are in need of an appointment, call our office at 918-455-0123!

God Bless,

DRT

Summer Enjoyment: The Dental Connection!

During the summer months, many people take road trips to visit family members. Some head off to the airport to enjoy a long-awaited vacation far away, while others look forward to spending time with friends and family at home.  However you spend the few short months of summer, here are a few tips to make your summertime more enjoyable.

• Have the AC Checked.  During the hottest days of summer, many families find themselves sweating it out due to a broken air conditioning system.  Be proactive so you can avoid waiting for hours or days because the HVAC repair person is booked solid.
• Ensure Security If You Are Away.  If you leave for vacation, the last thing you should have to worry about is the security of your home.  If possible, install a home security system, or, put a timer on your lights so they go on and off at normal times.  You can also alert the local police department that you will be away or ask a friend or family member to drive by your home once in a while to make sure everything is okay.
• Get Your Dental Check-Up Before Your Vacation.  Many people put off their exams until after summer vacation.  Avoid the crowds and make sure your dental health is in top shape prior to vacation time to avoid any inconveniences. 

However you spend the days of summer, stay safe and comfortable.  As you plan ahead, take care of your health and secure your home first, then you can truly focus on creating memories with family members and friends while enjoying your favorite summertime traditions!

If you are in need of an appointment, call our office at 918-455-0123!

God Bless,

DRT

SUMMER: The Dental Connection!

Summer is quickly nearing, which means a season full of vacations, adventures and great memories is just around the corner for all of our great patients!

Since everyone wants a glowing and radiant white smile when the sun comes around, we have a few reminders to keep your pearly whites healthy and beautiful over the summer!  Try to stay away from drinks that will stain your teeth like coffee, soft drinks, or dark colored juices.  Not only can drinks like these weaken your enamel, but they can also darken that fabulous smile!  Another tip is to focus on brushing your teeth; everyone knows that the summer can be packed full of fun activities that lend to a very busy schedule, and with that, good brushing sessions tend to take the backseat!  A good tip for keeping your mouth safe from staining and other possible pitfalls is to rinse your mouth with water after any meal that you don't have time to brush after.  Your teeth, inside and out, will benefit!

And finally, whether you are headed to a barbecue, a camping trip, or just to have fun in the backyard this summer, we want to hear all about it!  Make sure to let us know what you've been up to on our Facebook page!  We also encourage you to post any photos from your summertime adventures!

If you have any questions about keeping your teeth white and bright this summer or are in need of an appointment, call our office at 918-455-0123!

God Bless,
DRT

BIG CEDAR: The Dental Connection!

Big Cedar, the Bass Pro Outdoor Adventure Destination south of Branson, Missouri, was the location for the annual oral health update!  I recently attended this conference as part of my continuing dental education program to stay current on the latest challenges that may encounter our patient's dental health.  This intense four day conference provided the latest information on today's most current oral health challenges from oral cancer early detection, the rapidly increasing use of e-cigarettes, the increased prevalence of the causes and treatments of dry mouths, to the latest information related to women's dental health issues pertaining to osteoporosis prevention and treatment options!  Although it was jam packed with very beneficial dental health topics, it was well worth it because I am always striving to obtain the latest dental information that may impact your overall dental health in the ever changing world of dentistry. In my spare time, Big Cedar provided a wonderful venue to enjoy the great outdoors!

If you have any questions related to this oral health update or are in need of an appointment, call our office at 918-455-0123!

God Bless,
DRT