October 2014 - Little Rock Family Dental Care Blog

October 28, 2014

Some of the foods are delicious and some of them are not so tasty, but here’s a list of food and drinks that keep your oral health in check.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is excellent for your oral health because of its sticky nature. By taking a tablespoon of coconut oil and swishing it around for mouth for 15-20 minutes you are collecting all of the bacteria in your mouth that otherwise would stay there after a brisk brushing. The oil helps fight against biofilm which can collect on your teeth and cause tooth decay or gum disease.

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus is great for fighting internal membrane inflammation. If you are suffering from irritated gums or swollen lining on the inside of your mouth, rubbing eucalyptus on them will help ease the swelling and return your soft tissue back to normal. Additionally, eucalyptus strengthens teeth in their sockets and helps fight against plaque and tartar build up. (more…)

October 21, 2014

Traveling is exciting — you get to visit a different place, try new foods, and go on adventures — but with all the planning you put into your trip, one thing you shouldn’t forget to pay attention to is your oral care. Whether you’re traveling across town or abroad, for business or for pleasure, you should follow some basic precautions to promote good oral health for yourself.

Schedule a Cleaning/Checkup Before the Trip

Make an appointment with your dentist for a cleaning/checkup before you travel. Going on vacation with a small cavity lingering in your tooth could result in further decay, at which point you may experience intense tooth pain on your otherwise enjoyable trip. A quick cleaning and checkup at the dentist will identify any cavities or other oral problems, giving you the peace of mind knowing that your mouth is healthy and ready for the trip. (more…)

October 6, 2014

With Halloween right around the corner, millions of children throughout the country are choosing their costumes in preparation of the spookiest day of the year. Accumulating a bag full of your favorite candy by saying a simple phrase, “trick or treat,” is a memorable experience that boys and girls of all ages will enjoy. However, the mounds of sugary candy your child will receive on Halloween may contribute to dental decay and cavities, which is why it’s important for parents to set some ground rules.

Candy After Meals

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends consuming Halloween candy and other sugary snacks after a meal. The excess saliva produced by your mouth during mealtime will neutralize some of the acids formed by bacteria while also helping to flush out food debris. (more…)