Drink and Be Merry: Study Says Red Wine is Good for Your Smile
If you were looking for an excuse to drink more red wine, it's your lucky day.
A study released by scientists from Université Laval in Quebec, Canada, reports that compounds known as polyphenols in red wine have been found to stave off periodontal diseases. Periodontal diseases are those that affect the gums and bone around the teeth, often leading to permanent tooth loss. The research shows that the polyphenols, derived from red grape seeds, neutralize one of the major tissue-destroying compounds associated with periodontitis, which affects a significant number of adults.
Red wine boasts a number of additional oral health advantages as well, such as having anti-tumor properties and preventing heart disease. Along with green tea, fresh fruits and green vegetables, it has been known to reduce the risk of cancer and mortality. Still, it's important to err on the side of caution and drink only in moderation - no more than a glass or two a day. Needless to say, if you're prone to heavy drinking, it's best to steer clear of alcohol.
While red wine is preserving smiles across the globe, other sugary drinks are destroying them. U.S. schools have begun to restrict the types of sodas to prevent child obesity and tooth decay. Acidic drinks like coffee, a crutch for millions of groggy Americans each day, can have a negative affect on teeth as well. Even good old fashioned juice has come under fire as of late, often noted for having a high sugar content but very few of the nutritional qualities attributed to whole fruit, such as fiber. Your best bet for good dental hygiene? Drink plenty of water. If you must have a sugary or acidic beverage, be sure to either brush your teeth rinse your mouth out with warm water afterwards.
+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.
Dentist Cleaning: Keep Your Teeth Happy and Healthy
Professional teeth cleaning is known as prophylaxis treatment, or "prophy" for short. That means that it is preventative. In a cleaning, plaque and tartar are removed from the surface of your teeth. Dental plaque and tartar can lead to all sorts of dental problems, including tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease.
The teeth cleaning procedure is most often performed by a hygienist. Tooth scaling and tooth polishing will remove debris from your teeth, leaving them clean and shiny. If you have swollen gums or other signs of periodontal disease, your dentist may recommend a full periodontal cleaning. These intensive cleanings don't just clean off the visible part of your teeth; they clean the teeth below the gum line.
A regular dental hygiene cleaning will help minimize your chances of developing tooth problems. What's more, dental hygiene appointments are accompanied by dental exams. Your dentist will check all of your teeth, looking for any indications of developing problems.
Dental x-rays also help your dentist diagnose any new dental problems. Dentists generally advise patients to get x-rays approximately once every two years. But as with anything, your dentist will advise what's best for you.
+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.