Football Season Can Be A Penalty For Your Teeth!

Football Season Can Be A Penalty For Your Teeth!

Nothing says football season like a big tub of Gatorade being dumped on the winning coach at the end of a game. But for you and your kids it could be offsides and holding on your dental health.

Originally developed at The University of Florida in 1965 (and named after their sports teams – “The Gators”) Gatorade was intended for athletes such as ...football players who endured rigorous workouts in the hot sun. But somehow this potent drink has become a staple of our popular culture, and its combination of sugars, salt and electrolytes can be anything but healthy for all but the most strenuous exercisers. The fact is, for just about all of us, including children, water remains the healthiest drink either with meals or during and after exercise.

"For most children engaging in routine physical activity, plain water is best," said Holly J. Benjamin, M.D., a member of the executive committee of the AAP Council on Sports Medicine and Fitness. "Sports drinks contain extra calories that children don't need, and could contribute to obesity and tooth decay. It's better for children to drink water during and after exercise, and to have the recommended intake of juice and low-fat milk with meals. Sports drinks are not recommended as beverages to have with meals."

Even worse are “energy drinks” –which contain huge amounts of stimulants including caffeine, guarana and taurine.  Some of these drinks contain more than 500 mg of caffeine – the equivalent of 14 cans of soda!! Combine that with huge amounts of tooth rotting and obesity causing sugar, and you’ve got a formula for health disaster. To make things worse, some schools actually have “pouring contracts” where they are paid to promote and serve unhealthy sodas and sports drinks.

Good old fashioned tap water, fortified with fluoride, not only remains the healthiest drink but it's the least expensive as well.

So please enjoy football season, but remember not to let energy drinks and sports drinks blitz the dental and overall health of you and your children.

The Battle of the Sexes - Dental Style

Is it a "man's world" or are women "smarter"?  Who has better dental health?

It turns out, one group is more likely to have healthier gums, less plaque and tartar build-up, less bleeding of the gums, and less gum disease.  This group is also twice as likely to schedule regular dental check-ups and is much better at following through with the treatment recommended by their dentist.

To top it off, they have a better understanding of oral health and a more positive attitude about visiting the dentist! So just who are these dental superstars?

According to the Journal of Periodontology, a professional journal which publishes articles on gum disease ~ it's the "fairer sex" that has the upper hand when it comes to dental health. 

So does that mean that females are less likely to have cavities, gum disease, tooth loss, and stinky breath?  Sorry guys - the answer is yes.

The good news is, it seems to have nothing to do with genetics.  It is purely because women take better care of their teeth and gums and see their dentists more regularly.

So how about it guys?  It's time to "brush up" on your oral health!  Start taking better care of your teeth and gums and be sure to give us a call at 734-241-5115 to schedule your next appointment!  And women - keep up the good work!

At McMullin Dental Care we care about ALL of our patients - men and women!  We are always here for you to answer any questions you may have about your dental health.  Give us a call today!

Are you too sensitive?

We’ve all noticed it from time to time – have some ice cream followed by good hot coffee and OUCH! – your tooth is telling you not to do that! But how do you know if your tooth sensitivity is a sign of (pardon the pun) a deep rooted problem?

Let’s start with a little quiz. What is the hardest substance in the human body?

a)     Fingernails

b)     The thigh bone, also known as the femur

c)      Your hard-headed uncle’s skull

d)     Tooth enamel

If you guessed tooth enamel, you’re not only on your way to a winning appearance on Jeopardy but you’re ready to understand tooth sensitivity.

The enamel that covers your teeth is an extremely hard substance and acts as a great protectant. Inside the enamel is something called dentin, which is a bit softer and actually has small hollow tubes leading right into the nerve chamber. Irritate that layer and your tooth will let you know! So if the enamel on your teeth is worn away, sensitivity can set in. The roots of your teeth are in a similar situation, and receding gums which cause the roots to be uncovered can cause sensitivity as well. So what can you do?

First of all, be gentle when you brush and always use a soft toothbrush. Lots of pressure and stiff bristles don’t clean your teeth any better and actually can wear away enamel and gums.

Some people find that acidic foods such as citrus fruits and tomatoes can cause sensitivity, so avoid those if you are in that category.

Also, there are over-the-counter products, such as special toothpastes and rinses, that can help. Let us know and we’ll be glad to recommend the right one for you.

Unfortunately, many of the causes of tooth sensitivity are also signs of much larger dental problems. Things such as cavities, defective fillings or crowns, receding gums due to gum disease, grinding, and many other conditions can cause sensitivity and all of these things definitely need attention from a dental professional.

At McMullin Dental Care we want you to be comfortable and have healthy teeth and gums! If tooth sensitivity or any other dental issues are causing you concern, please give us a call at 734-241-5115 and we will be glad to see how we can help. We want to get you comfortable again!