Healthy Smiles Forever

As people are busy spreading love with chocolate and candy for Valentines Day, they are likely to overlook their oral health. While sugar is fine in moderation, eating sugar-rich food or candy too often can wreak havoc on your dental health. Frequently eating candy or other sugary goods can lead to tooth decay. The bacteria in your mouth use sugar to stick to your teeth and produce acids, leading to loss of minerals from tooth enamel and tooth destruction.

Tips to take care of your dental health:

• Try dark chocolate on for size. Milk chocolate and lighter varieties of chocolate generally have higher amounts of sugar and milk, whereas dark chocolate has less sugar per serving.
• Avoid or limit hard candies that take a long time to dissolve. Eating lingering candies exposes the teeth to sugar for long periods of time and allows bacterial acids to dissolve tooth structure.
• Limit consumption of candy or sweets to just a few times per day, rather than snacking throughout the day. Frequent consumption does not allow saliva to neutralize the acids produced by plaque bacteria.

It is important to practice good oral hygiene throughout the year and to take the necessary steps to protect your teeth and mouth. In addition to sensible snacking and good home care, make sure to schedule regular dental checkups to prevent disease, catch problems early, and bring any questions to a dental professional.

Our non-profit dental clinic, Healthy Smiles Forever, is here in the building to assist you in keeping your mouth healthy.  If you need any dental care, information or dental supplies we are happy to help.  Please call us at 931-0484 or let the court nurse or front desk know to contact us to make an appointment

FOUR TIPS FOR YOU AND YOUR TEETH THIS HOLIDAY SEASON:

1. BRUSH AFTER STICKY FOOD

Christmas cake, pudding and mince pies are laden with dried fruit, which is high in sugar that can stick to your teeth. Sticky toffees and sweets eaten frequently put your teeth under constant attack. Pay extra attention when brushing your teeth over the festive season.

2. DON’T FORGET THE CHEESEBOARD!

Cheese is great for your teeth as it neutralizes plaque acid, which helps prevent tooth decay. Eating cheese increases the amount of saliva in the mouth, which is the body’s natural way of maintaining a healthy pH level. And, cheese releases chemical compounds that can form a protective layer on teeth, which protects against acids that attack teeth enamel.

3.  ASK SANTA FOR A NEW ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSH

Studies have shown that it is easier to brush and clean your teeth if you have dexterity problems from arthritis etc.   There are many brands and types.  Ask your dental professional what would be best for you.

4.  RESOLVE TO SEE YOUR DENTIST IN THE NEW YEAR!                                     

If you haven’t seen your dentist or hygienist for a while, make a New Year’s resolution to book an appointment to look after your teeth and smile.

Your dental providers here at the facility would be happy to see you. Please call us at 907-931-0484 or let the court nurse or front desk know to contact us to make an appointment.

HEART HEALTH INCLUDES ORAL HEALTH

The connection between our hearts and our mouths is a strong one, but many people don’t realize the impact their oral health can have on their overall health. That’s why we’re celebrating American Heart Month in February: to bring awareness of that important connection between oral and overall health

If we neglect our oral health, we’re at risk not only for gum disease but also for heart disease . But how does the mouth impact the heart?

Gum disease, like many diseases, causes inflammation. Inflammation in the mouth is considered a potential cause for inflammation elsewhere. Studies show that people with gum disease are two to three times more likely to have a heart attack, stroke, or another cardiovascular event.

Be sure and remember to brush your teeth twice a day and see your dentist or Healthy Smiles Forever here at the facility to help you improve your oral health and your Heart!

If you need any dental care, information or dental supplies we are happy to help.  Please call us at 931-0484 or let the court nurse or front desk know to contact us to make an appointment

We wish everyone a Happy New Year enjoying friends and family and doing things that bring you joy! Looking forward to helping you maintain good oral health throughout the year!

 RESOLUTIONS TO BRING IN THE NEW YEAR SMILING

• Get a dental check-up: Start the New Year off on the right foot and ensure your teeth are healthy.
• Practice good oral hygiene habits:  Brush two times a day
• Eat a healthy diet: Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables is good for your overall health, including your teeth and gums.
• Limit sugary and acidic foods and drinks: Too much sugar can lead to cavities, while acidic foods and drinks can erode tooth enamel.
• Avoid using your teeth as tools: Your teeth are for chewing food, not opening bottles or tearing off tags!
• Schedule routine cleanings with your hygienist 

Smile! It’s the best way to start the New Year!

Healthy Smiles Forever wishes you a Happy Holiday.  We are thankful for all the wonderful residents and staff we have met and work with every week. We are grateful we are here in the facility to help take care of your teeth and help you have a healthy mouth to eat those tasty holiday foods!

If you need any dental care, information, or dental supplies we are happy to help.  Please call us at 931-0484 or let the court nurse or front desk know to contact us to make an appointment.

                                                                                          

 According to the CDC Oral health is essential to general health and well-being.  It is the “window” to your body.  

The three oral conditions that most affect overall health and quality of life are cavities, severe gum disease, and severe tooth loss.                                                          

Good oral/dental health translates to good health overall. Dental problems such as cavities or gum disease can impair your ability to eat and speak properly, cause pain and bad breath. And what many people may not realize, is that poor dental health can have a profoundly, negative affect on areas outside of the mouth, including your heart, diabetes, pregnancy and chronic inflammation, such as arthritis — to name a few.                                                                                                                                                   This month is dedicated to promoting healthy mouths all across the country, and celebrating the hard work your favorite dental hygienist does to keep your pearly whites squeaky clean.  

Our non-profit dental clinic, Healthy Smiles Forever, is here at the facility. If you need any dental care, information or dental supplies we are happy to help.  Please call us at 931-0484 or let the court nurse or front desk know to contact us to make appointment.

(Continued from August newsletter)

• Provide short, simple instructions. Explain dental care by breaking directions into steps. “Brush your teeth” by itself may be too vague. Instead, walk the person through the process. Say: “Hold your toothbrush.” “Put paste on the brush.” Then, “Brush your teeth.”
• Use a “watch me” technique. Hold a toothbrush and show the person how to brush his or her teeth. Find a comfortable position if you must do the brushing yourself.  Put your hand over the person’s hand, gently guiding the brush. If the person seems agitated or uncooperative, postpone brushing until later in the day.

• Try different types of toothbrushes. A small soft bristled children’s toothbrush works better than a large adult’s brush. Or a long handled or angled brush is easier to use than a standard toothbrush. Be aware that electric dental brushes may confuse a person with Alzheimer’s.
• Keep dentures clean. If the person wears dentures, rinse them with plain water after meals and brush them daily to remove food particles. Each night, remove them and soak in a cleanser or mouthwash. Then, if needed use a soft toothbrush or moistened gauze pad to clean the gums, tongue and other soft mouth tissues.
• Be aware of potential mouth pain. Investigate any signs of mouth discomfort or jaw swelling during mealtime. Refusing to eat or strained facial expressions while eating may indicate tooth/mouth pain or dentures that don’t fit properly.

• Our non-profit dental clinic, Healthy Smiles Forever, is here at the facility. If you need any dental care, information or dental supplies we are happy to help.  Please call us at 931-0484 or let the court nurse or front desk know to contact us to make appointment.