| Red Wine and Gum Disease |
Is it possible that we can raise a toast to the benefits of red wine in preventing gum disease? It is estimated that approximately 80% of Americans have some form of gum disease. We know that red wine has heart healthy benefits, but is it too much to ask that it could also prevent gum disease? The answer is yes it is probably too much to ask.
Early research showed that polyphenols found in grape seeds and red wine are powerful anti-inflammatory agents. Researchers found that red wine polyphenols had potent antioxidant properties. Antioxidants protect against free-radicals which can cause inflammation and lead to gum disease. By helping to fight free radicals, it was thought that the protective bodily effects of red wine might also be useful for preventing gum problems before they start. Previous investigations had shown that food high in poly phenols, like green tea and grapes, might help fight gum disease.
Today dentists are cautioning their patients and, in some cases, out right discouraging them, from consuming red wine as a preventive measure against gum disease. Dentists are not disagreeing that polyphenols can prevent the worsening of inflammation brought on by gum disease but are expressing doubts about touting red wine consumption as a treatment for preventing or relieving gum inflammation.
The best way to ward off gum disease, says the American Dental Association, is to adopt good oral care and hygiene routines. Good oral care routines include twice-daily brushing with a fluoride toothpaste, daily flossing, and limiting sugary and acidic foods (red wine being highly acidic). Eating fresh fruits and vegetables which are naturally rich in polyphenols is encouraged and is not only healthy for your body but may carry natural beneficial effects on good oral health.
So raise a glass of red wine to heart health and cancer prevention, but indulge in a serving of fresh fruits and vegetables along with a routine of good oral hygiene to guarantee of healthy smile. |
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| Is It 2013 Already?!
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Glad to see ya'll survived the Mayan Apocalypse! Phew, that was a close one….
So, now that the New Year is actually here, I guess we have to do those New Year Resolutions after all. Have no fear, though, because I just might have some ideas that will help us all keep them this year.
#1: BE REALISTIC. Don't set a goal to save $1,000 a month when your bills only leave you with $800 extra a month.
#2: BE SPECIFIC. Don't just say, "I want to lose weight." Instead say, "I want to lose 20 pounds by June."
#3: MAKE A PLAN. Instead of making one large daunting goal, set a bunch of smaller steps that lead up to the completion of that goal.
#4: TELL PEOPLE. Letting others know about your goal will help keep you accountable: "Hey Betty, guess what I'm going to do this year? I'm gonna start flossing! Yep, I'm REALLY doing it this time!"
#5: LET GO. You need to be prepared to change some habits because those habits are part of what sabotaged our goals last year.
#6: DON'T DO IT ALONE. Having someone along for the journey will help motivate you and keep you on track and you would be doing the same for them.
#7: FORGIVE YOURSELF. When you fall off the wagon, jump back on. We all make mistakes and one mess up doesn't make it a failure. You just stubbed your toe and need to walk it off.
Love you all and Happy New Year!
- Jocelyn RDH |
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| Top 10 Dental Health Resolutions |
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Cheers to a new year and a great smile with our top 10 dental health resolutions!
| 1. |
Brush your teeth at least twice a day for three minutes each time. |
| 2. |
Floss your teeth every day to prevent gum disease and remove food particles that brushing missed. |
| 3. |
Schedule two dental cleanings six months apart. |
| 4. |
Chew sugar-free gum after meals to fight off plaque and bacteria. |
| 5. |
Check dental insurance to see what it covers for the new year. |
| 6. |
Change your toothbrush every two months. |
| 7. |
Wear a mouth guard if you play sports. |
| 8. |
Remember that teeth are for chewing, smiling and biting. Refrain from using them to open bottles, packages, etc. |
| 9. |
Eat your veggies, fruits, and nuts to boost your immunity - which is great for teeth and gums as well. |
| 10. |
Stop smoking! Smoking stains teeth, increases the risk of gum disease, and slows the body's healing process. |
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