5 Common Dental Problems During Pregnancy
September 30, 2017
At every stage of life and dental development, your smile needs specialized care. That includes pregnancy. Shifting hormones and sharing nutrients with your growing child can lead to a number of oral health concerns. That means expectant mothers need to be even more diligent about maintaining their preventive dentistry routines. If you’re pregnant, review this list of common oral health concerns you may experience and their warnings to prepare yourself to maintain a healthy smile throughout your pregnancy.
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The Dentist Flint, MI Relies on Gives Nutrition Guidelines for Oral Health
November 13, 2015
The phrase, “you are what you eat,” or more correctly, “dis-moi ce que tu mange, je te dirai ce que tu es,” was coined in 1826 by Frenchmen, Anthelme Brillat-Savarin. The physician’s words have been used for more than a century to point to the biological imperative that oral and overall health are dictated in large part by nutrients absorbed from the food we eat. When it comes to oral health, food not only provides the nutrients necessary to maintain health, they can also be a delivery system for acids and sugars that damage teeth. Maintaining a balanced diet may be the difference between a lifetime of naturally beautiful smiles, and one filled with dental damage. Preventive dentistry appointments and at-home visits may not be enough to keep teeth healthy for patients who consume a high sugar or acidic diet.
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Don’t Fear a Root Canal with Endodontics Flint, MI Trusts
September 24, 2015
While root canals have gotten a bad reputation for being painful and unpleasant, the underlying cause of the pain is the root canal infection. Not the procedure. In fact, many patients who receive root canal treatment report feeling significant pain relief almost immediately after root canal therapy. If you’re experiencing pain you believe may be related to an infection of the root canal, call the Flint, MI dental team at the practice of Chitra P. Naik, DMD.
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How Does Your Workout Affect Your Smile? Athletes and Oral Health
February 15, 2015
While your teeth may be the last things on your mind when you gear up to hit the gym, a recent study has uncovered a vital connection between oral health and strenuous exercise. At the Flint, MI dental practice of Dr. Chitra P. Naik, Dr. Naik and her team are committed to helping our patients achieve and maintain optimal oral health, and today we’d like to talk about how exercising – particularly running – impacts the health of your teeth and gums.
Why Do Athletes Have More Cavities?
A 2014 study published in the Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports found that athletes –especially those who engaged in distance running on a regular basis – had a higher incidence of enamel erosion and tooth decay than their peers who were non-athletic. This was found to be directly related to pH levels in their mouths; a decreased pH level (one that falls below 5.5) has been linked to a higher risk for cavities and gum disease. It is believed that the lower pH levels were caused by a diet high in carbohydrates, including sports drinks and energy bars frequently consumed before and during workouts.
In addition, breathing through the mouth – a habit of many runners – decreases saliva levels. Saliva is necessary for good oral health; it actively protects the enamel from acidic bacteria. While the study certainly offers insight into why athletes tend to suffer from more tooth decay, the results should not be used to deter anyone from pursuing a healthy and active lifestyle. They simply further support the belief that runners and other athletes should visit the dentist often for routine checkups and cleanings to ensure continued oral health.
Schedule Your Next Visit Today
If you or someone in your family exercises regularly, it’s important to remember that your teeth and gums require special care to stay healthy. Contact us today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Naik, and learn more about how our general and preventive dentistry solutions can help you avoid cavities, periodontal disease, and more. Our family-friendly dental practice in Flint, MI warmly welcomes patients from throughout the surrounding communities in Flushing, Davison, Fenton, Ortonville, and beyond. We look forward to seeing your smile!