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Tooth Friendly Foods Every Foodie Will Love

May 15th, 2019

The foodie revolution is real.

Just about everyone these days knows someone who considers themself to be a foodie. You see them dining during soft openings of the newest restaurants and on Instagram where they’ve captured the best angles of their latest culinary curiosity (alongside the most popular foodie-related hashtags, of course).

The foodie culture has a downside though, particularly when you consider that any #foodie search on Instagram will serve you up with delicious results like french dip grilled cheese, fried chicken in waffle cones and mac and cheese potatoes. While these foods might make your mouth water and your stomach growl, the most foodiest of foods may put you at risk for tooth decay and bad breath.

It’s an upsetting and terrible situation, but there are still plenty of instagram-worthy foods out there that will keep your teeth healthy and please your inner foodie at the same time. Here are some of the most foodie-approved foods that won’t hurt your pearly whites.

Avocados

Despite what you may have heard, you don’t have to be a millennial to enjoy the health benefits that avocados have to offer. Not only is this green superfood delicious and great on just about everything, it is packed with healthy vitamins. Avocados contain large amounts of folate and vitamin C which can help strengthen the enamel of your teeth. They are known to contain a high level of potassium, which can help protect the structure of your teeth and can reduce the risk of cavities and tooth decay. So the next time someone makes fun of you for eating avocado toast, you can tell them you’re doing it for your oral health.

Lobster

Although a giant, bright red lobster might be considered eye candy for any foodie on Instagram, it’s not something we usually associate with the health of our teeth. However, scarfing down some seafood every now and again could actually make your mouth healthier. It’s because seafood like lobster, fish and crab can contain fluoride, which is basically nature’s way of fighting cavities for you. Now instead of feeling guilty for splurging on seafood, you can rest easy knowing that you’re doing it all for the health of your mouth.

Matcha

Matcha is everywhere these days. From matcha cookies to matcha chocolate, you can literally matcha anything in 2019. But aside from being the most colorful and instagrammable of all desserts, this green tea powder isn’t just about being sweet. It’s also a great way to keep your mouth clean. The way matcha works is that it is extraordinarily rich in antioxidants, which are perfect for suppressing and getting rid of nasty bacteria that may be hiding in your mouth. The next time the taste in your mouth feels a bit off, try sipping on green tea and see if you can tell a difference.

Cauliflower

No foodie can deny that cauliflower is having a moment. It’s the latest and greatest substitute for gluten, coming in the form of everyday things like pizza crust and even cauliflower mashed potatoes. Cauliflower isn't just a great substitute for gluten though. it’s also a snack that can do awesome things for your mouth. For example, one thing that makes cauliflower so great for your teeth is that it can naturally whiten your teeth. As you chew cauliflower,the texture can help your teeth by removing surface stains.

Article by: Cassidy Rush, Delta Dental of WA

Best of 2019- Tukwila Reporter

May 7th, 2019

Yay!! All thanks to our amazing community and patients! ⭐️

#dentalcommunity #scd #tukwila #southcenter #bestof2019 #baruffi #support #tukwilareporter

Tooth Sensitivity Can Be a Real Pain

April 30th, 2019

Tooth sensitivity is a common problem, but you don’t have to suffer in silence. There are many treatments available that can that can have you enjoying your favorite foods again in no time.

Tooth sensitivity can have many causes including:

    • Enamel loss along the gum line – Clenching, grinding, and brushing too hard or with a hard-bristled toothbrush can cause the thin enamel along the gum line to wear away. Under the tooth enamel lies a layer of dentin. Dentin’s composition is much like our bones. Hard, yet porous. It is made of tiny tubules which act like pathways to the pulp and nerve of our teeth. When exposed, they send signals to the nerve in the form of pain to let you know that the protective enamel is no longer there.

  • Tooth decay – A small cavity in the enamel of a tooth is generally an easy fix, but if left to grow, it can cause excruciating pain. Once the decay has eaten away at the enamel into the dentin, it can cause pain. If ignored, it can reach the pulp chamber, or nerve of the tooth, resulting in a constant ache made worse but sudden changes in temperature from food or drink.
  • Fractured teeth or worn or missing fillings – A broken tooth, worn or broken fillings allow liquids, saliva, and food to seep into the crack or hole in your tooth causing discomfort. Even a small fracture can cause a lot of pain.
  • Gum disease – Periodontal disease causes the gums to shrink back exposing a protective layer called cementum that covers the root of your tooth. The roots of our teeth are much softer than the enamel that protects the tops of our teeth and are much more susceptible to decay. When gum disease is present, the gums recede exposing this sensitive area that can cause extreme sensitivity even when breathing cold air.
  • Neglect and lack of professional checkups – Neglecting your oral hygiene routine and not seeing a dental professional for regular cleanings and exams can also cause tooth sensitivity. When you don’t brush well or at all, plaque builds up on your teeth and hardens, turning into calculus, also called tartar. Once this happens, no homecare routine can remove it. Gum tissue doesn’t like calculus and can’t “breathe,” so it shrinks away from the root of the tooth not only exposing the root to sensitivity but kicking off the cycle of gum disease.

Fortunately, there are also many ways to treat tooth sensitivity that are quick, painless, and cost-effective. Depending on the level of sensitivity and the cause, your dentist may recommend a desensitizing toothpaste or fluoride gel as a first step to help ease the pain. There are many on the market today with varying strengths from over-the-counter to those that need a prescription. If the cause is due to clenching or grinding, you may need to wear an appliance at night to prevent further damage to your teeth. Sometimes, more intensive procedures are necessary to alleviate the sensitivity. Root canals, gum grafts or a crown may be needed to fix the problem.

In some cases, tooth sensitivity can be avoided altogether by using the softest toothbrush recommended by your dentist, gentle brushing (not scrubbing), flossing regularly, and seeing your hygienist and dentist at least every six months. By working together with your dental professionals, your mouth can be pain-free and can keep you smiling for years to come.

The Dentavengers

April 26th, 2019

In honor of the Avengers End Game 2019 we are happy to introduce our Dentavengers!! Ready to take on any dental need!

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