How Your Diet Can Cause Cavities | Shinagawa Dental Blog

How Your Diet Can Cause Cavities

Sometimes the food that’s good for your body isn’t necessarily the best for your teeth. You should know which healthy foods can harm your teeth and gums, and what steps you can take to continue enjoying these foods, even when you’re dieting.

Substituting empty calories with whole foods, make sure you also remember to focus on your dental health. The majority of people tend to switch out sugary foods in favor of fruits and vegetables when they diet.

It’s worth knowing that most fruits are highly acidic and composed of natural sugars. Some of the highly acidic fruits to watch out for include apples, grapes, strawberries, pineapples, blueberries, oranges, and grapefruit. Moderation is key here, as with all other things. Fruits can be a great source of energy to help you through your day, but try not to overdo them.

More often, a lot of people also incorporate more leafy greens into their diets, which means plenty of salads. Salad dressing is another item you’ll want to watch out for.

Many dressings are filled with kinds of vinegar and sweeteners that include harmful acids, which change the pH of your mouth. When your mouth shifts from an alkaline to acidic, your smile also turns to a higher risk for erosion and decay.

Instead of getting rid of these foods completely, you can simply change what you do after you eat them. Rinse your mouth out with water, brush your teeth, or eat alkalizing foods after consuming these acidic foods. Healthy alkalizing foods include dairy products such as eggs and yogurt, or any type of vegetable.

If you plan on going on a diet, you also have to consider your teeth’s health when it comes to planning your path.

Expert advice from our dentists can help in knowing what’s best for you. Call our Patient Care Lines: (+632) 7-368 5238 l (+63) 917 862 7454 l (+63) 921 217 0517 to schedule a FREE consultation.

Health Benefits Of Having Braces | Shinagawa Dental Blog

Health Benefits Of Having Braces

Most people believe that the payoff of getting braces is having a great smile once they are removed. What many don’t know is that the aesthetic advantage of braces is just one of the many benefits that might not be known to a lot of people.

Proper alignment of teeth not only looks good but it also feels good to chew with them as they are more effective in gnashing food into tiny pieces. This easier and more effective way of breaking down what we eat also leads to easier digestion and is very helpful to those who might have nutritional or chewing problems.

Right positioning of teeth also helps in speech through correction of certain speech impediments or lisps caused by gap/spaces and improper alignment of teeth that might make it hard to pronounce certain sounds or words.

The correction of tooth positions also aids in the proper closing and opening of our jaws and can address jaw problems and/or prevent grinding that tend to wear away certain teeth.

The achievement of this alignment also makes cleaning of the teeth and gums easier. Food tends to get trapped in between teeth and they become more difficult to remove upon brushing and even flossing. The build-up of plaque and bacteria in these areas promotes the occurrence of gum disease.

If this is not addressed properly it can ultimately lead to the destruction of the bone that supports our teeth through the condition called periodontitis. This loosens the teeth in time and can make them mobile; in their advanced stages, the tooth involved will have to be removed since they have become non-functional.

Dental Experts have also led to believe that poor oral health can lead to various health conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, dementia, and respiratory infections. This is because your teeth provide a direct path to your bloodstream where the infection can enter.

The presence of braces becomes a great reminder of how important it is to properly brush and floss our teeth because the brackets themselves are potential food traps. This reinforcement of dental hygiene will be carried out even after the removal of the braces and helps maintain healthy teeth.

Those benefits should be enough for you to consider having braces as that will do you and your teeth good in the long run.

Call our Patient Care Lines: (+632) 7-368 5238 | (+63) 917 862 7454 | (+63) 921 217 0517 for inquiries.

JC De Vera for Shinagawa Orthodontics

The Difference In Dental Health Between Men And Women

Are there differences in terms of typical dental health between men and women? Apparently, there actually are.

This is because men and women are quite different from each other in their personality and behavior, apart from the obvious physical characteristics.

Dental health and its maintenance are different in men and women, too.

Here are some differences in dental health that have been observed during extensive dental study over the years:

Women visit their dentist more

Women are keener than men in safeguarding their dental health. Hence, they end up visiting their dentist more frequently than men. This habit helps them in availing timely treatment for their dental problems and prevention of future dental upsets.

More dental problems in men

Since men visit their dentist quite rarely, they are always prone to develop some of the other dental problems. Men, generally, think that they should visit a dentist only when things seem to go out of their control like excessive pain and swelling. This is why most of the dental problems remain unnoticed until it grows into something serious. Regular dental check-ups and professional cleaning can keep most of the dental problems at bay.

Women brush more often

A study revealed that women brush at least 8% more than men. This shows that they definitely care more for their teeth than men do. It has also been observed that women are about 10% more likely to brush their teeth instantly after meals. Men do not take oral hygiene measures as seriously as women.

Men meet with more accidents

We know that men are involved in contact sports more often than women. This factor puts them at a greater risk of meeting with sports accidents like a fall resulting in chipped or cracked teeth. That is why a mouth-guard is essential to be worn during such activities. Apart from that, men tend to indulge more in deadly habits of smoking or chewing tobacco than women. Hence, cases of oral cancer have been reported more in men apparently.

Dental health issues in women due to hormones

Hormones play a major role in the normal functioning of the body, especially in a woman. The sudden alteration in hormone levels during pregnancy, menstruation or menopause put a woman in the definite risk of developing gum problems or dental issues. During pregnancy, almost 75% of women have been reported to have gum inflammation and few women develop burning mouth syndrome during the phase of menopause. The only method of curbing dental issues is by following oral hygiene regimes diligently.

May you be a man or a woman, consult our dentists for FREE to see what’s best for your mental health. Call our Patient Care Lines: (+632) 7-368 5238 l (+63) 917 862 7454 l (+63) 921 217 0517 to schedule an appointment.

How To Overcome The Fear Of The Dentist | Shinagawa Dental Blog

How To Overcome The Fear Of The Dentist

If you happen to be someone who is terrified of visiting the dentist, chances are you are not alone.

There are a lot of people who deal with a fear of the dentist and even extreme anxiety over upcoming appointments.

Proper dental care is important for overall health, so even if someone has a fear of the dentist, they will still need to make appointments. Along with finding a good dentist that will work with you and your fears, there are other steps that can be taken to control and manage dental anxiety and dental phobias.

There are various reasons that people may fear the dentist, and being able to identify your fear is the first step in dealing with it.

Here are some common fears:

Pain – Some people deal with pain better than others. If you have a difficult time handling pain, due to any number of reasons, fear of dental procedures can be overwhelming. If pain is causing fear of the dentist, it is important to find a dentist that is gentler during procedures.

You also want to talk to your dentist about what to do if you begin to encounter pain during a procedure. Knowing that your doctor is willing to stop and find a solution to your pain before continuing a procedure may make you more comfortable.

Many dental procedures do result in some pain and discomfort but good doctors will work with a patient to minimize any pain they may experience.

Fear of Having a Panic Attack – People that suffer from severe dental phobias are more likely to suffer from panic attacks and other anxiety-induced symptoms. Some people feel embarrassed by their reactions and therefore avoid the dentist entirely. A good doctor will make you feel comfortable, even when you may be suffering symptoms of anxiety.

Loss of Control – Some fears of the dentist come from being afraid to lose control during treatment. This could be due to a fear of being in distress, or because a person prefers to be in control of situations. If a loss of control is the issue, it can help to discuss any procedures with your dentist, in detail, ahead of time. If you know exactly what is going to be happening, what to do if you are feeling discomfort, and any other details, you may feel more comfortable giving up control and trusting your doctor.

How to overcome these fears

There are many different ways of dealing with a fear of the dentist. Once you have determined exactly what causes your fear, you will have an easier time dealing with it. The most important thing in dealing with dental anxiety is having a good doctor. You should seek a dental professional that makes you feel comfortable, is willing to share detailed information with you about procedures, and is willing to work with you to help you overcome your fear and anxiety.

In addition to having a good dentist, items such as music players, and other technological devices can help you take your mind off your procedure. In extreme cases of dental phobia, the use of a psychologist or psychiatrist may be helpful in overcoming fear and anxiety.

Let us conquer your fear of the dentist. Start by having a FREE dental consultation with our experienced and accommodating dentists at Shinagawa Orthodontics. Call our Patient Care Lines: (+632) 7-368 5238 | (+63) 917 862 7454 | (+63) 921 217 0517 to book your appointment.

Has Bad Breath Affected Your Life Significantly | Shinagawa Dental Blog

Has Bad Breath Affected Your Life Significantly?

Do you happen to wake up and feel uneasy with your mouth odor on most days?

If you have, you are not alone. Bad breath is a very common dental problem that affects millions of people every day.

You might smell it but most likely, you may be wondering, what causes bad breath?

Bad breath can be caused by many factors including poor oral hygiene or homecare, some particular foods, underlying dental or medical conditions, dry mouth and certain lifestyle changes and choices.

The primary cause of bad breath is poor oral hygiene. Bacteria from food particles that remain on or in between the teeth can become rotten and a foul smell is emitted. Brushing twice a day and flossing daily can prevent this from happening.

Strong and spicy foods can also cause bad breath. This is because the odor from these foods is expelled from our lungs after the foods are absorbed into the bloodstream.

People with persistent bad breath, known as halitosis, have a dental condition that can attribute to the cause. The conditions could be one of the following: gum disease, poor oral hygiene, decay or cavities, dry mouth, oral cancer, or bacteria on the tongue.

It is important to rule out any medical or dental problems for chronic bad breath. If bad breath is the cause of a dental condition, mouthwash will only mask the odor and not cure it. Such a problem needs to be addressed directly, as it can get worse with time.

Some lifestyle changes can attribute to bad breath. The use of tobacco can contribute to bad breath. The addition of braces and Eating disorders are some examples of these changes and choices.

Here are simple things you can do to get rid of bad breath:

  • Daily flossing
  • Brush your teeth and tongue 2-3 times per day
  • Healthy Diet
  • Do not use tobacco products
  • Good oral hygiene habits
  • Regular visits to the dentist for checkups and cleanings

Bad breath can be treated at Shinagawa Orthodontics. Consult our dentists for FREE to see the best remedy for you. Call our Patient Care Lines: (+632) 7-368 5238 l (+63) 917 862 7454 l (+63) 921 217 0517 to schedule an appointment.