New Patients: (703) 997-1928
Current Patients: (703) 490-5888
Woodbridge, VA
New Patients: (703) 997-1928
Current Patients: (703) 490-5888
BOOK AN APPOINTMENT

New Patients: (703) 997-1928
Current Patients: (703) 490-5888
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Citrus fruits

Could This Healthy Treat Hurt Teeth?

Diet, Healthy Diet, Oral Health

You do everything you can to keep your family healthy. You make sure they eat well-balanced meals, get plenty of exercise, brush and floss their teeth regularly, and see their dentist in Woodbridge at least twice a year. Yet, did you know that something considered healthy may be hurting your family’s teeth?

Fabulous Fruits

The USDA recommends that adults get two servings of fruit a day, the American Heart Association recommends four to five servings, and the CDC recommends 1-2 cups a day for kids, making fruit a pretty essential part of everyone’s diet. Fruits are packed with vitamins and can be an excellent snack. However, not all fruits are optimal in the same way, especially when it comes to oral health.

Sugars & Acids

Fruits are often considered a healthy treat. After all, they do contain plenty of vitamins, minerals, nutrients, and antioxidants. But when it comes to teeth, some fruits are better than others mainly because of the sugar or acid content. Sugars and acids can wreak havoc on tooth enamel and weaken it. Once the enamel erodes it can lead to several oral concerns, including an increased risk of decay. Keep an eye for the following signs of enamel erosion:

If you notice any symptoms of enamel erosion, contact your dentist in Woodbridge.

What Fruit Can Help Teeth?

Now, we aren’t suggesting that you forego fruits. They are a necessary part of any healthy diet and their whole-health benefits are well worth it. However, when it comes to making choices that can be both good for your body and for your teeth, consider options that contain a lot of water such as:

  • Apples
  • Pears
  • Watermelon
  • Cantaloupe
  • Honeydew

Be Wary of These Fruits

Other types of fruit aren’t as good for teeth as others but may still provide necessary nutrients, so it’s important to find balance in what you eat. Some fruits that may be tougher on your teeth include:

  • Lemons
  • Grapefruit
  • Pineapple
  • Limes

Moderation is Key

As we’ve mentioned before, eating fruit is still an important part of making sure that your body gets all of the nutrients it needs. But your dentist in Woodbridge would suggest enjoying fruits high in sugar or highly acidic in moderation, and even rinsing your mouth out with water when you’re done eating. Another important note that relates to juice, sipping fruit juice can expose your teeth to even more sugars and acids than whole, raw fruits. Whenever possible, choose natural fruits over juice.

diet and healthy teeth woodbridge va

A Good Diet for Strong Teeth

Diet, general dentistry, Healthy Diet, Oral Health

Everyone knows how important hygiene is to healthy teeth. What you may not know is that what you eat is just as important – maybe even more so. As with the rest of our body, what we eat affects our teeth. But what foods are really good for teeth and which ones aren’t? We are here to help you find your way to a healthier smile that lasts a lifetime.

diet and healthy teeth woodbridge va

What Not to Eat

  • Candy and Soda

    • Sugary foods and drinks, such as candy and soda, are the classic bad boys of dental health. The bacteria that cause tooth decay feed on sugar. Candy and soda are particularly pernicious sources of sugar, so unfortunately shouldn’t make it on to any good-diet list.

  • Fruit

    • Unfortunately, most fruit is full of sugar and can also lead to cavities. When it comes right down to it, fruit isn’t generally much better for your teeth than a lollipop.

  • Coffee, Tea, and Wine

    • These foods aren’t really bad for you. In fact, antioxidant-rich tea is often really good for your mouth. Unfortunately, these popular beverages are also leading causes of tooth discoloration. Their dark color and tannins mean that they can easily stain your teeth.

What to Eat

  • Crunchy Foods

    • Chewing on crunchy foods has two benefits. One, it stimulates saliva production, a sign of a healthy mouth. Two, the texture can actually help scrape the teeth clean. Apples are one surprising member of this list; even though they are high in sugar, their texture and water content give them a place on the good side.

  • Vegetables

    • Rather than fruit, give mineral-rich vegetables a try. A proper balance of nutrients and minerals is important for every element of your health. Your mouth is no different. Calcium is important for strong teeth and enamel, vitamin A also strengthens enamel, and B vitamins, particularly folic acid, fight gum inflammation and tooth decay.

  • Water

    • It may seem simple, but drinking water is one of the best things you can do for your mouth. Not only does it boost saliva production, it washes out your mouth to stop sugars sitting on your teeth from causing decay.

Schedule an Appointment

Do you have more questions about how diet can affect your teeth? Our personalized approach and desire to set you at ease means that we will always be happy to answer any questions you might have about how to care for your teeth. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Joseph P. Cavallo in Woodbridge, VA, contact us online or at (703) 493-1203.

dental hygiene woodbridge va

Choosing the Best Dental Products for You

Cosmetic Dentistry, Diet, Electric Toothbrush, general dentistry, Healthy Diet, Oral Health, oral hygiene

dental hygiene woodbridge va

With all the products on the market these days, choosing the right dental hygiene products for you can be overwhelming. With every brand making the same claims, what’s the best choice? A lot of choosing dental products comes down to personal preference – choose the brand that feels the most effective to you. However, there are a few things you can be sure to look out for in each part of your hygiene routine.

Toothbrush

The backbone of any home hygiene regimen is the toothbrush. Look for a soft-bristled brush; soft bristles are enough to clean the teeth without damaging the enamel or gums. A stuff-bristled brush can even cause your gums to recede. Any other features are up to personal preference. There isn’t much evidence that either regular or electronic brushes do a better job of cleaning your teeth. Electric brushes can, however, be easier to use. This can make then a good fit for patients with mobility or motor control issues. Whatever you choose, be sure to replace your brush or brush head about every three months.

Toothpaste

The most important thing to look for in your toothpaste is fluoride. Choose one with at least 1000 parts per million of fluoride, and a seal of approval from the American Dental Association. Anything else is really up to your preference. Use whatever toothpaste feels the best to you.

Floss

The major deciding factor when choosing a floss is the spacing of your teeth. If you have widely spaced teeth choose a thicker floss. Dental tape may even be a good option for people with gaps between their teeth. If your teeth are very tightly packed, a thinner floss is going to be more comfortable to use. Any other features – waxed or monofilament, flavored, disposable flossers – is just up to what you like and is familiar.

Mouthwash

When choosing a mouthwash, again look for fluoride. For most people, an alcohol mouthwash with fluoride is the best choice. The alcohol will kill the bacteria in your mouth, and the fluoride reduces tooth decay.

Questions? Schedule a Consultation

If you have questions about the best products for your mouth, we are happy to help. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Joseph Cavallo to discuss your specific needs. Contact our office online or over the phone at (703) 493-1203 and schedule your consultations today.

How Can My Diet Effect My Oral Health?

Diet, Healthy Diet

How can my diet affect my oral health

Your overall health is vital to your success as a contributing member to society and so is your oral health. So why not kill two birds with one stone, and choose a diet that will not only promote your general health but also promote your oral health. Selecting a very specific diet can help promote your smile like you probably have never seen before.

We have put together a simple and convenient list of tasty goods that you should try to squeeze into your daily routine. All these items that we have listed below can be found in your local grocery store and not expensive.

Best Foods For Your Smile

  • Black & Green Teas
    • Tea has been proven to slow cavity-causing bacteria, specifically black and green tea. Try have a cup of black or green tea in the morning in place of your morning coffee, and always try not to use any sweeteners as they may be counterproductive to the benefits of the tea.
  • Leafy Greens
    • Leafy greens such as spinach, broccoli, and celery do wonders for your body and teeth gave the vast amount of vitamins found in them such as B12, and B2. You can never have enough leafy greens, and in addition to the benefits, it will provide your smile, it will also do wonders for weight management.
  • Water
    • If you drink water every day, not only will your body feel better, but your smile will even look better. Water will not only help prevent dry mouth and bad breath, but it will also help prevent cavities from forming as the majority of the water supplies in the USA are now laced with fluoride. So when you are ready to drink a significant amount of water per day, make sure that it is tap water.
  • Lean Meats
    • Lean cuts of chicken and fish are great for your body and your teeth. The proteins contained in lean meats will help promote a healthy shine on your teeth that you will be able to notice from a distance.

    Schedule A Consultation

    To request, a personal consultation with Dr. Joseph Cavallo contact our Woodbridge, VA dentist office, and learn more about how your diet will affect your smile and oral hygiene. Schedule a consultation.

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