You may already know that consuming sugar brings health risks with it. It can contribute to obesity, diabetes, and heart disease, but it can also harm your teeth and gums. Even if you avoid desserts and sugary treats, you may be consuming more sugar than you realize. You should be aware that sugar is hidden in foods that you may not have considered.
Since the sweetened taste of sugar entices many people, manufacturers tend to add sugar to just about anything. Examples include crackers, condiments, salad dressing, peanut butter, yogurt, sauces, and protein bars. Manufacturers also list sugar on food labels under other names to trick people. Some alternate names for sugar are sucrose, dextrose, maltose, and molasses. Another hidden ingredient to avoid is high fructose corn syrup.
How can you avoid sugar if it’s lurking in the foods you enjoy? Here are some helpful hints in limiting your sugar intake:
Eat whole food instead of processed food. Vegetables, fruits, and nuts are some other choices that will fill you up without the added sugar.
Look for products that are sugarless or don’t have added sugars. Even foods labeled “low sugar” may contain more than you’d like.
Drink sugarless beverages that won’t flood your mouth with sugar. Sodas, sweetened juices, and sweetened coffee provide lots of sugar and calories. Water is always an ideal choice to quench your thirst.
Steer clear of artificial sweeteners, which don’t fill you up and leave you craving more sweets.
Give yourself time to get used to having less sugar in your diet. Foods may taste less satisfying as you adjust, but you’ll get accustomed to the flavors that foods provide without the extra sweetness.
We look forward to seeing you in our Morehead City dental office
A special area of dentistry has been formed that focuses on making your smile as flawless and appealing as possible. Cosmetic dentistry corrects imperfections that cause people to feel insecure and unhappy with their smiles. If you are one of those people, maybe it’s time to see a cosmetic dentist to give you back your smile and confidence. Here are some of the most common reasons for visiting a cosmetic dentist.
One of the biggest complaints that people have about their smile is the color of their teeth. Stains can cause your teeth to become yellow or brown with time, making your smile unattractive and embarrassing. Cosmetic dentists offer teeth whitening techniques that brighten your teeth, and can restore your pearly whites in just one appointment.
Gaps in your smile from missing teeth not only look awkward, they also make chewing and speaking more difficult. A cosmetic dentist can replace your missing teeth with dental implants, bridges, or dentures. Implants have become increasingly popular because they provide a permanent, comfortable, and natural-looking solution for missing teeth.
Cosmetic dentists can solve a variety of other imperfections that make you unhappy with your smile. Veneers improve the shape and color of your teeth by covering the fronts of your teeth with thin shells. Dental fillings and root canals resolve problems often linked to tooth decay. Crowns are used to cover an unhealthy tooth and restore its strength, shape, size, and appearance. They also may be used in conjunction with dental bridges to correct gaps in your smile.
There is no reason to go through life ashamed of your teeth. Make an appointment with a cosmetic dentist to see how your smile can be improved to get the bright, beautiful smile you desire.
Contact us today to schedule your cosmetic dentistry consultation in our Morehead City dental office.
It’s not uncommon for children to be afraid of going to the dentist. Let’s face it, many adults don’t like visiting the dentist either. However adults mainly don’t want to take the time or don’t want to hear the news that they aren’t taking good care of their teeth. It’s different with kids though, who often have a real fear of the dentist, equipment, and the unknown situation. If your child is one of those who experiences anxiety at the mention of the dentist, here are some things you can do to help ease those fears.
Use visual aids: It is helpful for some children to watch a video or read a book that will help them become more familiar and comfortable with going to the dentist. Your local library or the internet both likely offer resources for this purpose, and bookstores have books and DVDs for purchase. These visual aids help kids know what to expect in visiting the dentist, and what their role is in the process.
Visit the office: Take your child to the dentist’s office prior to your appointment so they can observe the office, meet the staff, and see the area and tools used for examinations. The staff may even give your child an explanation of the tools that dentists use for checkups. Your dentist wants children to feel comfortable and confident in getting dental treatment, so most offices do their best to help your child adjust.
Explain the importance: Even though fear sometimes overtakes logic, it’s still important to explain to your child the reasons for seeing the dentist. Help them understand the benefits of checkups, and the oral health consequences that may occur by not caring for their teeth and getting regular checkups.
We look forward to seeing you in our Morehead City dental office
Do you have apprehensions regarding dental exams or therapies? Do you find yourself worrying about your teeth and concerned about exams? You are not alone. Many people experience anxiety or fear regarding the dentist’s office. You might want to consider sedation dentistry.
Qualified sedation dentists are able to work with you to get the dental care you require without the burden of fear or nervousness that might lead you to postpone work.
Sedation dentistry therapies are overseen and administered by specially trained dentists and dental technicians. These dental professionals have undergone hours and hours of special education in sedation equipment, techniques and medications. These trained individuals are aware of the best sedation options for each patient type, and they can administer them safely and reliably.
If you are thinking about sedation dentistry for your next dental treatment, consider the following:
How much education does the dentist have related to sedation dentistry? What continuing education programs have been completed that specialize in anesthesia and conscious sedation?
What organizations does the dentist belong to that provide ongoing education to keep the dentist and staff apprized as to the latest techniques and research? A good sedation dentist is always looking to learn new procedures that can benefit his or her patients, and can do so through professional organizations such as the American Dental Society of Anesthesiology.
What equipment is in place to monitor a patient’s level of sedation? Sedation dentistry cannot be safely practiced without a pulse oximeter and oxygen equipment. Medications should be on-hand to reverse any rare reactions to the sedation.
It’s your right as a patient to have answers to these and all of your questions before you undergo any dental therapy. Your dentist should be very forthcoming. Having the right information allows you to make the right decisions for you and your dental care. Talk to your dentist today regarding these and any questions you have about sedation dentistry or his or her qualifications. Get the best care you need, and skip the worry!
