Many people perceive fruit juice as a healthy beverage choice, especially when labeled as “100 percent fruit juice.” However, it’s essential to understand that these seemingly innocent drinks can actually pose risks to your dental health. At Family 1st Dental – Taylor Avenue, we’re here to provide you with crucial information regarding fruit juice consumption and its effects on your teeth.

New Guidelines from the AAP

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has recently updated its recommendations regarding fruit juice consumption, particularly for infants and young children. Previously, it was advised to avoid fruit juice for infants under 6 months old. However, the updated guidelines now recommend refraining from fruit juice for any infant aged 12 months and younger.

Sugar Content in Fruit Juice

While fruit juice can offer essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C and potassium, it’s important to note its high sugar content. According to studies summarized by Medical News Today, fruit juice can contain as much as 2 teaspoons of sugar per 100 milliliters. This sugar content contributes significantly to tooth decay, especially in children.

Impact on Dental Health

The AAP emphasizes that serving fruit juice in “sippy cups” to toddlers and young children can exacerbate the risk of tooth decay. These cups expose teeth to prolonged contact with sugar, creating an ideal environment for decay to occur.

Moderation is Key

In light of the updated guidelines, moderation is key when it comes to fruit juice consumption. While children under 12 months should avoid fruit juice entirely, older children can consume limited amounts. The AAP recommends a maximum of 4 ounces per day for children aged 1 to 3, 4 to 6 ounces per day for children aged 4 to 6, and 8 ounces per day for those between 7 and 18 years old. Diluting juice with water can also help reduce sugar intake.

Adult Dental Health

It’s essential to recognize that sugary drinks, including fruit juice, can contribute to tooth decay in adults as well. We encourage everyone to limit their consumption of sugary beverages to maintain optimal dental health.

Visit Dentist Norfolk for Comprehensive Dental Care

At Family 1st Dental – Taylor Avenue, our dedicated dental team is committed to promoting lifelong oral health for you and your family. Regular dental check-ups allow us to identify and address any dental issues promptly, including decay caused by excessive fruit juice consumption. If your child exceeds the recommended intake of sugary drinks, consider scheduling an extra cleaning with our team.

To schedule your next dental appointment, please contact our office. Your smile deserves the best care possible, and we’re here to help you achieve it.

Almost everyone has a habit they’d like to break, but did you know that some of these habits can harm your oral health? At Family 1st Dental – Taylor Avenue, we care about your smile, so here are some common habits and tips to help you break them.

1. Nail Biting:
   • Why it’s harmful: Nail biting can chip your teeth, impact your tooth alignment, and even damage your gums.
   • The solution: Consider wearing a mouthguard to deter nail biting or try therapy techniques to reduce stress. Bitter tasting nail polish can also help discourage this habit.
2. Brushing Too Hard:
   • Why it’s harmful: Brushing too hard can damage your teeth and irritate your gums, leading to gum recession.
   • The solution: Opt for a soft toothbrush and apply gentle pressure. Angle the bristles at 45 degrees to clean your gums effectively without causing damage.
3. Grinding and Clenching:
   • Why it’s harmful: Grinding and clenching can chip or crack your teeth, cause muscle tenderness, and even lead to jaw pain.
   • The solution: Practice relaxation exercises to reduce teeth grinding and clenching. Consider wearing a mouthguard at night to protect your teeth from damage.

At Family 1st Dental – Taylor Avenue, we prioritize your dental health. If you need assistance breaking these harmful habits or maintaining your oral hygiene, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with our dentist in Norfolk today. Your smile deserves the best care possible.

Sniffling, sneezing, and coughing. Being sick can make it more difficult to keep up with your daily routine. Don’t let your cold or flu become an excuse for overlooking your oral hygiene. In fact, when you’re sick it is essential that you continue to stick to your regular brushing and flossing routine. Here are a few tips to keep you on track and on your way to getting better. 

Brush After Each Meal 

When you’re sick, try maintaining a schedule of brushing your teeth shortly after each meal. Your mouth can be a prime location where bacteria breed. Being extra vigilant in your brushing routine is an excellent way to minimize the multiplication of germs and bacteria. 

Be Selective with Cough Drops and Lozenges 

Numerous brands of cough drops and throat lozenges contain sugar. In fact, many cough drops or lozenges are similar to candy. Candy, particularly sucking candy that lasts in your mouth for an extended period of time, can lead to tooth decay. Bacteria in your mouth feeds off sugar to create acids that damage your teeth. Consider looking for drops and lozenges that are sugar free, or those that do not include corn syrup and fructose. 

Rinse Carefully 

If you are vomiting, keeping your mouth clean is important. Stomach acids can damage your teeth. However, brushing right away will just cause you to rub the acids all over your teeth. Instead, rinse your mouth out with water or mouthwash and wait at least 20 minutes before reaching for the toothbrush. 

Drink Plenty of Water 

Staying hydrated is one of the keys to recovery. Drinking water is also an effective way to prevent dry mouth. Dry mouth can lead to decay and bad breath. Some medications you might be taking to relieve your cold or flu symptoms might dry out your mouth, so be sure to continue to drink water throughout the day. 

Replace Your Brush 

Once you have recovered from your illness, consider replacing your toothbrush. While it isn’t likely that you would cause yourself to get sick again, you may wish to err on the side of caution. The American Dental Association recommends that you regularly replace your toothbrush every three to four months. 

When you are sick, make it a point to keep up with your oral health. Your medications or over-the-counter remedies can have an impact on your oral health. Watch out for sugar content in cough drops and throat lozenges, and stay hydrated with water to avoid dry mouth. Keeping your mouth healthy is the first step to keeping your entire body healthy. 

For more oral health tips or to schedule a visit to our office, please contact us.

It’s no surprise that what we eat and drink has a direct effect on our health and well-being. What many people don’t realize is that the food and beverages that we consume can also have a major impact on the health of our teeth. In fact, the connection between diet and tooth decay is so strong that it’s estimated that about 50% of all cavities are caused by diet. 

Tooth decay occurs when bacteria in the mouth break down the enamel of the teeth. This breakdown can be caused by a number of factors, but one of the most common is the consumption of sugary and acidic foods and beverages. Sugars like sucrose, fructose, and glucose feed the bacteria in our mouths, which in turn produce acids that erode the enamel of the teeth. Acidic foods and beverages, such as citrus fruits, fruit juices, and sodas, can also contribute to tooth decay. The acids in these foods and drinks can weaken the enamel of the teeth and make them more vulnerable to decay. 

Not all foods and drinks are bad for your teeth, however. Eating a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables can help to strengthen the teeth and keep them healthy. Fruits and vegetables are also packed with essential vitamins and minerals that help to support the teeth and gums. Additionally, calcium-rich foods like dairy products, nuts, and leafy greens can help to strengthen the enamel of the teeth, reducing the risk of decay. 

In addition to eating a nutritious diet, it’s also important to practice good oral hygiene habits. Brushing and flossing at least twice a day can help to remove plaque and bacteria from the teeth, reducing the risk of decay. Visiting the dentist regularly for check-ups is also important, as they can identify any potential problems before they become more serious. 

In conclusion, there is a clear connection between diet and tooth decay. Eating a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables, and limiting sugary and acidic foods and beverages can help to keep the teeth healthy and strong. Practicing good oral hygiene habits is also essential for reducing the risk of decay. By following these guidelines, you can help to keep your teeth in great shape and prevent tooth decay. Contact our dental office today to schedule your next appointment. 

Mouth guards are an essential piece of protective gear for children who play sports. Sports-related dental injuries can be serious, painful, and costly to treat. In fact, according to the American Dental Association, athletes who don’t wear mouth guards are 60 times more likely to experience dental injuries. This is why it’s important to make sure your child wears a mouth guard when playing sports.

Mouth guards are designed to absorb shock and protect the teeth, lips, cheeks, and tongue from injury during sports. They can help prevent broken teeth, knocked-out teeth, and cuts or bruises to the mouth. They can also prevent concussions by reducing the impact of a blow to the jaw.

There are different types of mouth guards available. Stock mouth guards are pre-formed and ready to wear, but they may not fit well and can make it difficult to breathe or speak. Boil-and-bite mouth guards are made from thermoplastic material that softens in hot water and can be molded to fit the child’s teeth. Custom-fitted mouth guards are made by a dentist and provide the best fit and protection.

When choosing a mouth guard, it’s important to consider the type of sport your child plays, as well as the child’s age and size. Some sports, such as football, hockey, and wrestling, have a higher risk of dental injury than others, so a more protective mouth guard may be necessary. Younger children may need a smaller mouth guard that fits their smaller teeth and mouth.

In addition to protecting teeth, mouth guards can also improve performance by helping to stabilize the jaw and reduce muscle fatigue. They can also help athletes breathe better, which can improve endurance.

It’s important to make sure your child’s mouth guard fits properly and is in good condition. A mouth guard that is too loose or too tight can be uncomfortable and may not provide adequate protection. Mouth guards should be replaced if they become worn or damaged.

Overall, mouth guards are an important piece of protective gear for children who play sports. They can help prevent serious dental injuries and improve performance. Parents should encourage their children to wear mouth guards and help them choose the right type and fit. By taking these precautions, parents can help ensure that their children stay safe and healthy while playing sports. For more information on how you can keep your child’s smile safe while playing sports, contact our dental office to schedule a consultation.

Brushing your teeth is a vital step in maintaining good oral health. However, is there such a thing as over-brushing? 

The American Dental Association recommends you brush your teeth for 2 minutes, twice a day. People sometimes brush after every meal, or brush midday to freshen up. Although this is not always a bad thing, when you start brushing too much or for too long, you can ultimately damage your teeth. 

Brushing more than three times a day, and for longer than 2 minutes, can sometimes lead to your tooth enamel wearing down as well as cause damage to your gums. Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the human body and helps fight against tooth decay. Over-brushing can damage this shield and cause teeth to become sensitive and prone to cavities. 

Practicing proper oral hygiene care at home is an important part of your overall oral health. However, being aware of how much is too much is equally important in keeping your smile healthy.  

Using the right kind of toothbrush helps prevent unnecessary enamel erosion. It is recommended you use a toothbrush with the ADA Seal of Acceptance. The Seal of Acceptance shows that: 

• All of the toothbrush components are safe for use in the mouth. 
• Bristles are free of sharp or jagged edges (a soft-bristled toothbrush helps prevent the wearing down of enamel). 
• The toothbrush can be used to provide a significant decrease in mild gum disease and plaque. 

Scheduling regular professional cleanings and exams with our dentist will keep your mouth healthy.  Contact our office today to schedule a cleaning and comprehensive exam with our dentist.