8 Best Foods to Eat After An Oral Procedure

Family Dentist in Alabama

After an oral procedure such as a root canal, dental extraction, or wisdom teeth removal, the recovery process can leave you feeling uncomfortable and in pain. Eating nutritious food is essential to promote healing and help your body recover faster.

Following your dental procedure, your dentist will provide you with instructions for your recovery that should be followed closely. While they will likely advise you to stick with soft food, there are still plenty of delicious healthy options available.

Here are 8 of the best foods to eat after an oral procedure:

1. Soft Fruits

Bananas, applesauce, and other soft fruits are nutritious options that can be enjoyed without irritating your teeth and gums. It is important to stay away from citrus fruits that may be too acidic.

2. Soup

Soup is a great option because it’s easy to consume and is loaded with vitamins and minerals that can help your body heal. Stick to broths or clear soups for the easiest digestion.

3. Smoothies

Smoothies are an ideal post-procedure meal because they are packed with nutrients and can be blended to a texture that won’t irritate your mouth. However, following many oral procedures, it is recommended that you avoid using straws, so opt for smoothies that can be sipped or use a spoon instead.

4. Oatmeal

Oatmeal is an excellent source of fiber and antioxidants, making it ideal for post-procedure recovery. Since it’s easy to digest, you don’t have to worry about irritating your mouth.

5. Yogurt

Yogurt is a great source of protein and calcium, so it’s great for aiding in the healing process. Make sure to opt for plain, unsweetened yogurt or Greek yogurt for the best health benefits.

6. Mashed Potatoes 

Mashed potatoes are an excellent source of carbohydrates and potassium, and can be enjoyed without irritating your mouth. Make sure to go light on the butter.

7. Eggs

Eggs are a great source of protein and vitamins, which can provide the energy you need to kickstart your recovery process. Omelets, scrambled eggs, and soft-boiled eggs are all wonderful options for an after-procedure meal.

8.  Avocado

Avocado is a great source of healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. It’s an easy-to-digest food that won’t irritate your mouth and can help you on the path to recovery.

By following a nutritious diet after your oral procedure, you can ensure your body has all the nutrients it needs to heal quickly and efficiently. Additionally, make sure to stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water.

Top Foods to Avoid Following An Oral Procedure

Certain foods can aggravate your mouth and slow the healing process. To ensure a successful recovery, avoid eating hard or crunchy food such as nuts, chips, and popcorn; acidic fruits like oranges and lemons; spicy foods; and carbonated beverages.

The extent of your dietary restrictions will depend on the type of procedure you have. While it may feel tedious to stick to a soft diet, doing so in the short term will help to prevent any further discomfort and speed up the healing process.

By making conscious dietary choices after an oral procedure, you can help ensure a successful recovery and get back on the path to optimal health.

If you have any questions or concerns about what to eat following your oral procedure, it’s always best to check with your dentist for personalized advice and guidance.

How to Keep Your Teeth White Naturally

Family Dentist in Alabama

Bright, white teeth help you to look and feel your best. While many products on the market can help whiten your teeth, there are also some natural methods for keeping your teeth white.

In this blog post, we will take a closer look at how to keep your teeth white naturally.

1. Eat Crunchy Fruits and Vegetables

Apples, celery, carrots, and other crunchy fruits and vegetables help to scrub your teeth while you chew. Eating crunchy foods also increases saliva production, which helps to rinse away bacteria and food particles that can contribute to the yellowing or staining of the teeth.

2. Rinse Your Mouth with Water After Eating

After eating, it is important to rinse your mouth out with water to wash away food particles that can cause staining. However, it is important not to use mouthwash since many contain alcohol and other harsh chemicals that are damaging to tooth enamel.

3. Avoid Coffee and Tea

Coffee and tea are known for staining teeth due to the tannins they contain. If you do choose to drink these beverages, try to limit your intake and rinse your mouth with water afterward.

4. Use Baking Soda

Baking soda is a mild abrasive that can help to remove surface stains from the teeth. To use baking soda as a tooth whitener, mix one teaspoon of baking soda with two teaspoons of water to form a paste. Apply the paste to your toothbrush and brush gently for two minutes before rinsing with water.

5. Use Coconut Oil

Coconut oil can help to remove plaque and bacteria from the teeth, leading to whiter teeth over time. To use coconut oil as a natural whitening agent, swish one tablespoon around your mouth for 10-20 minutes. Do this once a day and you could begin to notice results in a few weeks.

Professional Teeth Whitening Options

It is important to note that not all stains can be removed without professional dental care. If you have stubborn stains or discoloration, it is best to consult with your dentist for the most effective treatment. Here are some professional teeth whitening options that are available:

In-Office Teeth Whitening

This is a high-powered bleaching treatment that takes place in the dentist’s office. It can produce results in just one visit but may cause sensitivity in some people.

Take Home Teeth Whitening Kits

These kits come with custom-fitted trays that you fill with a bleaching agent and then wear for a certain amount of time each day. These kits work over several weeks.

No matter what method you choose to keep your teeth white, it is important to maintain good oral hygiene habits by brushing twice daily, flossing, and rinsing with water after meals. This will help to keep your teeth healthy and looking their best!

If you need further advice on how to keep your teeth white naturally, be sure to talk to our team on your next visit. We will be happy to provide you with personalized tips and treatments that are tailored to your specific needs. 

With the right care and attention, you can show off a beautiful smile for many years to come!

5 Fun Ways to Teach Your Kid to Brush Their Teeth

Family Dentist in Alabama

As parents, caregivers, and guardians, teaching kids proper dental hygiene is essential for the overall health and well-being of our children. Brushing their teeth not only keeps their pearly whites looking healthy and strong but also helps prevent cavities.

However, we know this is often easier said than done. In this blog post, we will share five fun ways to teach your kid to brush their teeth that will make the process easier for everyone involved.

1. Make It a Game

Instead of just telling your kids to brush their teeth, turn it into a competition. You can have them race against each other or you can see who can brush the longest.  This will help make brushing their teeth more enjoyable.

2. Use Music

Playing music while brushing can also be an exciting way to get your kids engaged in the activity. Audiobooks or sing-alongs are great options, as they will provide a distraction that makes the time go by quickly.

3. Create a Reward System

Set up a chart that rewards your child when they complete brushing their teeth for two minutes (as recommended by the American Dental Association).  You can give them stickers or other rewards when they achieve their goal.

4. Let Them Pick Out Their Toothbrush and Toothpaste

Giving your child a say in what toothbrush and toothpaste they use will make them more likely to take ownership of their dental health. They’ll be more excited to brush with a toothbrush and toothpaste that they chose.

5. Use Technology

There are a variety of apps that can help make brushing your teeth more fun. From digital timers to games, these types of tools can keep kids engaged in the brushing process.

When Should Kids Start Brushing Their Teeth?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends starting to brush your child’s teeth as soon as the first tooth appears. You should always supervise your child while they are brushing their teeth until age 8 or so, to ensure that they do it correctly and safely.

Children should start flossing as soon as their teeth are touching. This will help ensure that their gums and teeth stay healthy as well as begin to establish healthy habits surrounding oral hygiene.

Your Child’s First Dentist Visit

In addition to brushing their teeth twice a day, it is important to take your child to the dentist regularly. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children visit the dentist for the first time before their first birthday.

During this visit, our team will help your child get used to the dentist and make sure that their teeth are developing correctly. We will also provide brushing instructions, discuss any concerns you might have, and answer any questions you may have about your child’s dental health.

Creating Healthy Brushing Habits to Last a Lifetime

Following the tips above will help create a healthy brushing routine that your child can carry with them throughout their life. With proper dental hygiene and regular visits to the dentist, your child will have healthy teeth for years to come!

Dental Implant Facts: What You Need To Know

Family Dentist in Alabama

Dental implants are a great option for those who need tooth replacement. They can be used to replace one or more teeth and they offer many benefits over other methods of treatment. Learn about the basics of dental implants, what they’re made from, and how long it takes to get them installed in this blog post!

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are tiny titanium posts that can be surgically placed into the jawbone. When an implant is in place, it forms its own connection to tooth roots inside of your mouth and bone tissue around them within months.

Once this process has begun, a crown or bridge made from porcelain fused with metal may then be attached to the implant creating a new replacement tooth. This dental restoration will look like natural teeth and feel like real ones too!

Candidates for Dental Implants

Dental implants can benefit a variety of people! Generally, dental implants are used to replace one or more teeth. This is usually done when the tooth root has been destroyed due to decay and other factors such as periodontal disease. The loss of natural tooth roots will mean that your mouth cannot support a single replacement tooth without help from an implant post.

However, if you have any remaining healthy jawbone tissue you can be a candidate for this type of treatment option! It may also be necessary in some cases if there isn’t enough bone left around the empty socket because after time even gum tissues start wearing out too. In these situations, your dentist might recommend multiple implants to support a bridge or full arch replacement.

Benefits of Dental Implants

Dental implants offer many benefits over other types of tooth replacement. Implant-supported crowns are guaranteed to be permanent, unlike removable dentures that can become loose and slip around your mouth as time goes by.

If you suffer from TMJ or have sensitive teeth, implants will eliminate this problem because there is no need for a metal bar between the jaw and gums like with traditional bridges.

Some of the benefits of dental implants include:

 

  • Improved chewing function
  • A more attractive smile
  • Ability to enjoy favorite foods again
  • Improved self-confidence
  • No need for adhesive denture adhesives

 

For many of our patients, dental implants not only benefit the health of their smile but also their overall happiness and wellbeing.

Alternatives to Dental Implants

There are several alternatives to dental implants available. They don’t, however, offer the same level of benefits. Teeth can be replaced using bridges that need metal teeth on either side for support or veneers which cover natural teeth with a thin layer of porcelain.

These options may not last as long and will often cause problems in the jaw joint over time due to their inability to fuse directly into your bone tissue like implants.

As you can see, there are many reasons why dental implant treatment is superior when compared to other tooth-replacement methods. Call us today to schedule an appointment to discuss how dental implants can improve your smile!

Overcoming Dental Anxiety: 5 Simple Ways

Family Dentist in Alabama

Do you suffer from dental anxiety? It turns out, many people do. In fact, it’s estimated that about 50% of the population has some form of dental phobia or fear. If this sounds like you, don’t worry! There are plenty of ways to overcome your fears and receive the care that you need. We have put together a list containing five simple but effective strategies for overcoming your anxiety around dentistry.

Strategy #1: Find the Cause of Your Dental Anxiety

Is your dental anxiety centered around a certain procedure, like an x-ray for example? Do you have concerns about what will happen to your teeth after treatment or how expensive your care is going to be?

Oftentimes, we find that people with dental anxieties are concerned more about their own thoughts and feelings than any actual physical pain. This is important to know because you can control your thoughts and not the other way around! Finding the cause of your anxiety will allow you to implement solutions to overcome it!

Strategy #2: Educate Yourself

Educate yourself about the dental procedure, problem, or situation that makes you anxious before it happens! This means doing some research beforehand so you are more prepared for what will happen next.

For example, you might want to know what the dentist will need to do before they start any work on your teeth, how long it’s going to take and how much it will cost. Our team is always willing to answer any questions you may have so that you can approach your dental care with confidence.

Strategy #3: Find a Dental Professional That Suits Your Needs

Unfortunately, not every dental professional is created equal. The demeanor of one dentist may put you at ease while another’s demeanor causes additional anxiety!

Once you find a dental professional that suits your needs, be sure to talk to them about any fears or worries you might have. We are here to help and give advice on how to feel better during and after a visit, so don’t be afraid to ask questions!

Strategy #4: Consider Sedation Dentistry

For some individuals, dental anxiety is so severe that it prevents them from receiving the care they require. In this situation, sedation dentistry is a gamechanger!

Consider a dental sedative to help you feel more relaxed before your appointment. Sedatives work by slowing down the brain and body response that makes us anxious. If you think sedation dentistry may benefit you, talk to your dentist about if it is the right fit!

Strategy #5: Practice Deep Breathing Techniques

There are many things you can do to control (and overcome) your dental anxiety. One of the most effective is to practice deep breathing techniques before, during, or after a dental appointment.

Deep breathing is a great way to manage stress and anxiety in the moment as well as throughout the day. However, as with many things, deep breathing is something that you must practice! Incorporate deep breathing techniques into your daily life in the weeks leading up to your dental procedure for the best results.

We understand that dental anxiety is a very real thing that affects many of our patients. Regardless of your age, this is not something of which to be ashamed. If you are anxious about an upcoming dental visit or procedure, be sure to talk to our team! We are passionate about doing everything in our power to make your experience comfortable and stress-free.

Healthy Gums, Healthy Teeth! 5 Ways To Keep Your Gums Healthy

Family Dentist in Alabama

More often than not, when you think of the dentist, you think of your teeth. Somehow our gums just seem to fall through the cracks. But, did you know that your gum health is just as important as the health of your teeth? 

Your gums are responsible for protecting your teeth from disease and decay. Without proper oral hygiene, your gums can quickly develop periodontitis, another name for gum disease. Some of the most common signs of early gum disease include bad breath, swollen gums, gums that bleed easily, or gums that appear to be receding from your teeth.

When caught in its early stages, gum disease is easily reversible. However, if left untreated, it can have more serious implications on your oral health. So, how do you prevent gum disease? Here are five easy ways to keep your gums healthy:

1. Floss Every Day

Flossing your teeth once every day is one of the most effective ways to improve the health of your gums. When you floss, you are removing the food and bacteria that become trapped between your teeth. When you fail to floss, this food and bacteria become plaque that will eventually lead to gum disease. 

2. Brush Your Teeth Using Proper Technique

We know we talk about brushing your teeth quite often, this is because it is an important step to achieving optimal oral health! When you brush your teeth, you must use the proper technique to protect and care for your gums.

Choose a toothbrush with soft bristles to alleviate any unnecessary abrasion to your gums! If the bristles of your toothbrush begin to fray, or your toothbrush shows other signs of wear, replace it with a new toothbrush to avoid gum injury. 

3. Use the Right Oral Hygiene Products

There are countless oral hygiene products to choose from. From various flavors to the wide range of claims made by various products, it can be hard to make your final selection! The best oral hygiene products for gum health include toothpaste and mouthwash that contain fluoride. If you are unsure of the best products for you, ask your dentist during your next visit!

4. Protect Your Gums

In addition to instilling proper oral hygiene habits, there are other ways to protect your gums from injury, decay, or disease. Some lifestyle choices such as diets that are high in sugar or regular smoking can cause damage to your gum health. Additionally, participating in sports may pose an added threat to your gums. Take the proper precautions to prevent unnecessary damage or injury, ensuring healthy gums for years to come.

5. Visit the Dentist

There are countless reasons to visit your dentist twice a year. During your bi-annual cleaning and exam, we are not only caring for your teeth but also your gums! Unfortunately, the earliest signs of gum disease are easy to miss. However, when caught in the early stages, gum disease can be reversed through simple oral hygiene! For this reason, professional dental cleanings and exams are one of the best ways to protect and improve the health of your gums.

By implementing these five easy tips, you can make great strides in maintaining not only healthy teeth but also healthy gums! 

Say Ahhhh – How Your Tongue Affects Your Oral Hygiene

Family Dentist in Alabama

When you think of oral hygiene, the first thought is likely your teeth. Unfortunately, the tongue is often forgotten in the quest for a healthy smile! Did you know that the health of your tongue can not only impact your oral health but your overall health as well? In this post, we will discuss a few of the ways your tongue can affect your oral hygiene. We will also share some tips for including your tongue in your daily oral hygiene routine! 

Is Your Tongue Healthy?

The tongue is a part of the body that often goes unnoticed – until something is wrong. A healthy tongue should be pink in color with tiny, uniform bumps covering the surface. These bumps are called papillae and provide a rough texture that helps us eat. Papillae also contain both taste buds and temperature receptors, helping us enjoy our food! 

If your tongue is sore, swollen, or you notice any changes in color, pattern, sensation, or appearance, it is important to schedule an appointment to eliminate any concerning health issues. So, how can your tongue affect your oral hygiene? 

Your Tongue Can Harbor Bacteria

We understand the importance of brushing our teeth to eliminate bacteria that can cause decay or disease. But brushing your teeth is only half of the job! As you are eating, bacteria settles between the papillae on your tongue’s surface. Although your teeth may be rid of harmful bacteria, the bacteria on your tongue can wreak havoc on the health of your smile! By brushing or scraping your tongue as you are brushing your teeth, you can eliminate this pesky bacteria, achieving a truly clean smile! 

Your Tongue Can Contribute to Bad Breath

Halitosis, or bad breath, is one thing that none of us wish to experience! Not only can bad breath be off-putting to friends and family members, but it can affect the taste of your favorite snack. The bacteria that is harbored in the crevices of your tongue can not only lead to tooth decay, but it can also cause bad breath! 

Taking a few extra moments to clean your tongue will help you achieve truly fresh breath every time you brush! 

Including Your Tongue in Your Oral Hygiene Routine

How exactly do you ensure that your tongue is clean and free from nasty bacteria? There are several methods you can use to clean your tongue. Most of our patients choose to brush their tongue with their toothbrushes as they finish brushing their teeth.

However, there are also special scraping tools made specifically for cleaning your tongue. It may take some practice to develop this as part of your oral hygiene routine. But, the benefits for both your oral health and your overall wellbeing are undeniable. We recommend brushing your tongue at least once a day although incorporating it into your twice-daily brushing is a great way to establish the habit!  

If you have questions about how to improve your oral hygiene by cleaning your tongue, be sure to ask our team during your next visit! 

5 Popular Drinks And How They Affect Your Teeth

Family Dentist in Alabama

Just like certain types of foods can impact our oral health for better or worse, so can the types of drinks we choose to consume. Unfortunately, many of the most popular drinks can harm your oral health if you do not limit your intake. In this post, we will discuss how five of the most popular drinks can affect your oral health, as well as some practical tips for avoiding unnecessary damage to your teeth.

Soda

Soda, pop, coke – call it what you want, it all affects your teeth in the same way! While it remains one of the most popular beverages, especially in the United States, soda contains ridiculously high amounts of sugar! The bacteria that reside in your mouth feed off this sugar, eventually leading to the formation of cavities.

However, sugar isn’t the only harmful component of soda. Soda is also highly acidic, something that can exacerbate damage to your teeth. Next time you choose to enjoy a bubbly beverage, use a straw to bypass your teeth, and be sure to rinse your mouth with water once you finish!

Energy Drinks

Although they may seem like a better alternative to soda, energy and sports drinks contain just as much, if not more, sugar! Many energy drinks are also highly acidic, causing even more damage to the enamel of your tooth. Once the enamel becomes compromised, you are likely to experience an increase in tooth sensitivity and discomfort. 

While there is certainly a time and place to enjoy an occasional energy drink, they should be seen as a treat and not as a part of your daily routine. Remember to drink plenty of water following your energy or sports drink to rid your mouth of lingering sugars. Alternatively, opt for green tea for a boost of energy to get you through the day.

Lemonade

Lemonade is good for you, right? This tasty drink falls somewhere in the middle of the list when it comes to drinks that affect your teeth one way or the other. While lemonade does not have the carbonation that can increase damage to the tooth’s enamel, it is highly acidic and often contains high amounts of sugar! 

As we have seen with the drinks we have already discussed, acids and sugars and not your mouth’s best friends. While it is important to not drink lemonade in excess, it is a tasty treat that you should continue to enjoy! Choose a lemonade with lower sugar content and be sure to drink plenty of water following your tasty treat.  

Coffee

Most adults run on a morning (and oftentimes, afternoon) cup of coffee! While coffee is also acidic, the dark color of coffee is more likely to harm your smile. Don’t panic: you don’t have to give up coffee forever! Opt for coffee drinks with lower sugar content, be sure to drink plenty of water, and consider using a whitening toothpaste to counteract the staining you may experience.

Sparkling Water

We know that water is one of the best things we can drink to promote both oral and overall health. But is sparkling water any different? While it is still important to drink plenty of regular water, the carbonation added to sparkling water will not harm your oral health. Additionally, this can be a great alternative to soda or carbonated energy drinks! 

How to Stop Being Afraid of the Dentist | Hampton Cove, AL Dentist

Family Dentist in Alabama

For a lot of people, even the thought of visiting the dentist causes fear and anxiety.

This can be due to past trauma, a fear of the unknown, lack of communication, or simply from embarrassment. You don’t have to suffer in pain. We have 4 helpful tips to help you overcome your fear of the dentist.

 

Be Prepared

Research the dental office you’ll be visiting and learn more about the office and people. For extra peace of mind, find out if they are specialized in your procedure.

Read online reviews. See what others have to say about their experiences. Many people leave reviews on their entire appointment, from start to finish. Seek those reviews out to get a good understanding of how you can expect your visit to go.

For children, explain their dental procedure in terms that they can understand and will help ease their anxiety. Let them know that the dentist isn’t a scary place!

 

Ask Questions

Research the dental procedure you’re going to have. Make a list of any questions you want to have answered before you schedule your appointment.

Once you’re there, ask the dental assistant and dentist to keep you informed of what they are doing, as they do it.

Don’t be afraid to make pre or post-procedure calls regarding aftercare, concerns, or any questions you have.

 

Distract and Relax

Have someone you trust to go along with you. This can be a parent, spouse, sibling, or friend. They can encourage and talk to you while you wait to help keep your anxiety down.

For children, bring along their favorite stuffed animal or blanket. These familiar objects can help calm their nerves.

Focus on your breathing. If you truly concentrate only on steady breathing, you might be surprised how hard it is to think about anything else!

Listen to music or a podcast with your earphones. For children, listening to their favorite songs or storybooks is a great way to help keep their minds busy.

Ask about sedation. Sedation dentistry uses medication to help you relax for a better dental care experience. You will still be able to ask questions, but you will be calmer throughout treatment.

 

Talk It Out

Sometimes the fear can be overwhelming. You can seek counseling to get the root cause of your dental fear. Professional assistance may help you succeed in overcoming it. Your dental health is worth it!

If you have any questions or want to learn how we can help you put your best smile forward, please don’t hesitate to contact us!

 

Owens Cross Roads AL Dentist | 4 Ways to Make Brushing Fun for Kids

Family Dentist in Alabama

As a parent, the best way to help ensure your child has a lifetime of healthy teeth is to help them establish great dental hygiene habits as they grow.

Here are some useful tips for keeping your child engaged by making dental hygiene fun:
Owens Cross Roads AL Dentist | 4 Ways to Make Brushing Fun for Kids
Pick out a special toothbrush.
One great way to keep your child excited about brushing is to allow him or her to choose their own toothbrush in a favorite color or branded with a favorite cartoon character. Child-size soft-bristled brushes come in a wide variety of options designed to make your child like their toothbrush.

Choose children’s toothpaste.
Another great option is to use a toothpaste that is designed for kids. While adults generally prefer the fresh mouth taste of a minty toothpaste, many children find mint to be too powerful a flavor. This can make brushing unpleasant or even painful to sensitive taste buds. Instead, let your child choose a children’s toothpaste. There are many options available in a variety of soft mint, fruity, and bubble gum flavors. It is much easier to keep your child brushing for a full two minutes when their toothpaste tastes good.

Use a timer.
Two minutes can seem like a long time to a child. It can be very difficult for your child to try to estimate or count how long to brush without some kind of visual aid. You can help your child stay more engaged and ensure a full two minutes of brushing by using a timer. Choices range from a small sand timer your child can flip over, to a manual stopwatch with buttons to press, or even an app on a phone or tablet to time digitally (if your child is old enough). By letting your child take control of the timer, they can be more confident and more engaged in their brushing.

Brush together.
A parent is the first and strongest role model for their child. Brushing together can help your child model your great brushing technique, which will improve their own. Additionally, brushing together emphasizes to your child that brushing is important. When your child sees that you take dental hygiene seriously, they are likely to follow suit.

For more tips on making dental hygiene fun for your child, contact our office.

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Hampton Cove Family Dentist

Hampton Cove Dentist

Hampton Cove Location

6838 US Highway 431 South Unit B
Owens Cross Roads, AL

(256) 536-8120

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