The Real Cost of Sugary Drinks
Though sugary drinks may be delicious, they come at a steep cost. Not only can they lead to obesity, long-term consumption can cause health issues and, of course, tooth decay. Here are a couple drinks to beware of that may have more sugar than you thought.
Whole Fruit is Better Than Fruit Juice
Fruit juices may sound like a great option, but they’re dense with sugar. Next time you reach for the fruit juice, be sure to check out the nutrition facts on the label. You’ll be shocked to discover the amount of sugar—sometimes they contain even more than popular sugary drinks, like Coke. Whole fruits, on the other hand, have less sugar and also other key nutrients such as fiber.
Flossing: 3 Tricks to Do it Every Day
Since your toothbrush can’t reach everywhere in your mouth (especially between your teeth), you need to floss to keep up proper oral hygiene. Yet so many of us either choose not to floss or simply forget to do it. Here are three tricks to floss every day.
Floss in the Shower
By attaching the act of flossing to a habit you already have, you’re more likely to meld the two habits together. This kicks out the worries associated with forming a new habit from scratch, which, as we all know, can be quite difficult.
Create a Craving
In the book The Power of Habit, author Charles Duhigg explains that a cornerstone of forming a new habit is creating a craving, which is at the heart of all habits. The reward of flossing is better breath and a healthier mouth today, and a solid foundation for the future of your oral health. Remind yourself of this reward, and your brain will have further drive to create a craving to floss every day.
5 Tips for a Bright Summer Smile
Summer is the perfect time for vacations, which means tons of exciting vacation photos. Want your smile to look its best? Here are 5 tips for a bright summer smile.
1. Brush the Right Way
Buy a toothpaste with fluoride and use a gentle back and forth stroke. Don’t forget to brush your tongue!
2. Brush Every Night
You’ve had a long day and it’s time for bed. Before you slip into dreamland, grab your toothbrush and clean your teeth. It prevents buildup of plaque and helps keep decay at bay.
3. Change Your Toothbrush Every 3 Months
Your bristles may not be worn down, but there’s another reason to change out your toothbrush: bacteria. The American Dental Association recommends changing your toothbrush every three months. And be sure to only buy toothbrushes that are labeled as having soft bristles. Anything harder can push back your gums over time.
How to Fix Bad Breath
Whether it’s morning breath, coffee breath, or anything in between, bad breath is something everyone deals with at one time or another. But what causes bad breath and how can we fix it?
The Causes of Bad Breath
From your gumline to under your tongue, your mouth is filled with millions of bacteria. Poor oral hygiene can result is these bacteria not only surviving, but thriving.
Bad breath can also be a symptom of a larger underlying issue, including bronchitis or pneumonia, or an infection in your tonsils, throat, or nasal cavity. Thrush (an overgrowth of yeast in the mouth) is also a potential cause of bad breath.
The cause can be varied. But if you’re in good health, then there are a few ways you can fix bad breath.
Schedule an Appointment with Your Dentist
If you’re suffering from bad breath, a great place to start is with your dentist. After all, they’ve seen it all and can offer you tailored advice. (And if you’re in the Virginia Beach area, schedule an appointment with Dr. Fernandez!)