Why Are Minerals and Nutrients Important for Oral Health?

You must include minerals and nutrients in your diet in order for the body's tissues to resist infection. The presence of too much or too little of any nutrient can have harmful effects, particularly on the mouth and teeth, and may contribute to oral diseases and infection.

Which vitamins and minerals are good for me?
There are many minerals and nutrients that are good for the entire body. Here are just some of the minerals and nutrients your body needs to stay healthy:

Calcium. Your teeth and jaws are made mostly of calcium. Without enough calcium in your diet, you risk developing gum disease and tooth decay. Calcium is found in many foods and liquids, such as milk, yogurt, cheese, beans, and oysters.

Iron. Iron deficiency can cause your tongue to become inflamed, and sores can form inside your mouth. Iron is found in many foods, including liver and red meat. Other iron-rich foods include bran cereals, some nuts, and spices.

Vitamin B3 (niacin). A lack of vitamin B3 can cause bad breath and canker sores in the mouth. To boost your B3 levels, eat chicken and fish.

Vitamins B12 and B2 (riboflavin). You also can develop mouth sores when you do not consume enough of the vitamins B12 and B2. Red meat, chicken, liver, pork, fish, as well as dairy products like milk, yogurt, and cheese, are good sources of vitamin B12. Vitamin B2 is found in foods like pasta, bagels, spinach, and almonds.

Vitamin C. Too little vitamin C will lead to bleeding gums and loose teeth. Sweet potatoes, raw red peppers, and oranges are great sources of vitamin C.

Vitamin D. It is very important to consume enough vitamin D because it helps your body absorb calcium. A diet lacking or low in vitamin D will cause burning mouth syndrome. Symptoms of this condition include a burning mouth sensation, a metallic or bitter taste in the mouth, and dry mouth. Drink milk, and eat egg yolks and fish to increase your vitamin D intake.

Which foods may be bad for my mouth and why?
Not all foods are good for your teeth. If you consume these foods, do so in moderation, and be sure to practice good oral health care.

Carbohydrates. Bacteria feed on leftover foods in the mouth and produce acid, which causes decay. Carbohydrate-laden foods, such as chips, bread, pasta, or crackers, can be as harmful to the teeth as candy.

Sticky, chewy foods. Raisins, granola bars, jelly beans, caramel, honey, and syrup stick to teeth and make it difficult for saliva to wash the sugar away.

Sugary snacks. Snacks like cookies, cakes, or other desserts contain a high amount of sugar, which can cause tooth decay.

Gum and candy. Chewing gum and eating candy is very harmful to your teeth. As you eat, sugar coats your teeth, which can lead to cavities.

Carbonated soft drinks. Regular soda (or pop) contains an extremely high amount of sugar. Both regular and diet sodas also contain phosphorous and carbonation, which wears away the enamel on your teeth (causing them to become stained and brown).

Fruit or vegetable juices. Fruit and vegetable juices tend to be high in sugar, which can damage tooth enamel and lead to decay.

To ensure that you're getting the nutrients, vitamins, and minerals your body needs, check out the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Web site at www.mypyramid.gov.

Above article from: KnowYourTeeth.com

Dentistry At Sugarloaf
6600 Sugarloaf Parkway
Suite 600/700
Duluth, GA 30097
Tel: (770) 513-1312
Tel: (678) 475-1790
Website: http://www.dentistryatsugarloaf.com 

Soda or Pop? It's Teeth Trouble by Any Name

It's called "pop" in the Midwest and most of Canada. It's "soda" in the Northeast. And it goes by a well-known brand name in much of the South.

People across North America use different words to identify a sugary, carbonated soft drink. But however they say it, they're talking about something that can cause serious oral health problems.
Soft drinks have emerged as one of the most significant dietary sources of tooth decay, affecting people of all ages. Acids and acidic sugar byproducts in soft drinks soften tooth enamel, contributing to the formation of cavities.

In extreme cases, softer enamel combined with improper brushing, grinding of the teeth or other conditions can lead to tooth loss.

Sugar-free drinks, which account for only 14 percent of all soft drink consumption, are less harmful1. However, they are acidic and potentially can still cause problems.

Read the entire article at: www.colgate.com
Above article written by: www.colgate.com


Dentistry At Sugarloaf
6600 Sugarloaf Parkway
Suite 600/700
Duluth, GA 30097
Tel: (770) 513-1312
Tel: (678) 475-1790
Website: http://www.dentistryatsugarloaf.com 

Laser Dentistry Duluth GA

Have You Been Told You Need Gum Surgery? With new laser treatment, maybe you don’t!

Dr. Norton uses laser technology for the non-surgical treatment of gum disease, with results that might have been considered miraculous not too many years ago. The procedure is minimal and patient friendly, and the results have been overwhelmingly positive. We have successfully treated many cases of periodontal (gum) disease without the need for gum surgery. We use an advanced dental laser to ensure your treatment is virtually painless. This laser is safe and effective, and is FDA approved. This breakthrough process actually can regenerate bone lost through years of gum disease.

Dentistry At Sugarloaf
6600 Sugarloaf Parkway
Suite 600/700
Duluth, GA 30097
Tel: (770) 513-1312
Tel: (678) 475-1790
 Website: http://www.dentistryatsugarloaf.com 

Dentist Duluth GA - Dr. Al Norton

A graduate of Emory University School of Dentistry in Atlanta, Dr. Al Norton has provided the finest in restorative and cosmetic dentistry for more than 25 years. He is an Associate Fellow of the World Clinical Laser Institute and former clinical instructor to other dentists concerning the use of dental lasers.

A member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, he is a former clinical instructor in cosmetic dentistry at the acclaimed Nash Institute. Additional post-doctoral training at the prestigious Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies (LVI) brought him the added distinction of having been recognized as a “Preferred LVI Doc” in cosmetic dentistry.

Dr. Norton is one of the charter members of the International Association of Mercury Free Dentists. Visit www.dentalwellness4u.com to learn more. He is also a member of the Georgia Dental Association, and the Northern District Dental Society.

As a science, dentistry is continually changing and Dr. Norton attends continuing education classes to keep abreast of the latest and healthiest products available for dental care. His latest research lead him to someone who can insert non-metallic implants as an option to the titanium ones used by most practitioners.

Dr. Norton resides near the office with his wife Andrea and their two Silky Terriers, Chloe and Chelsea.

His personal interests are wide ranging and he does not mind talking about any of them. He is a high-speed driving instructor at Road Atlanta for several car clubs such as the local Porsche and BMW chapters. He loves to “tinker” in his shop, maintaining and preparing his car for the track events. He also enjoys playing piano and guitar and he occasionally participates in USPSA pistol shooting competitions. He and his wife take pleasure in ballroom dancing from time to time.

Dentistry At Sugarloaf
6600 Sugarloaf Parkway
Suite 600/700
Duluth, GA 30097
Tel: (770) 513-1312
Tel: (678) 475-1790

http://www.dentistryatsugarloaf.com