How to tell if it’s a cavity or a stain

read Adult Oral Health
Do you have a new spot on your tooth that is making you nervous? Find out how to tell if it is a cavity or a stain, and how to treat both.

A brown spot on your tooth can be unsettling. Sometimes these spots are simply stains that come from eating and drinking certain foods. Other times, a brown spot can be something more serious such as a cavity that needs treatment. How do you tell the difference between the two?

In this article, we provide tips on how to tell if you have a cavity or a stain.

Brown spots on teeth

Most people will experience a brown spot on one or more of their teeth at some point in life – some teeth even develop with a brown spot. Brown spots can be perfectly harmless – or a sign that a trip to the dentist is needed. Spotting the difference can be tricky. No matter what the reason for a new brown spot is, talking with your dentist is the best option to make sure it is taken care of. However, there are signs that can help you differentiate between a cavity and a stain.

How to tell if it is a stain

Stains on teeth are common, especially for people who frequently indulge in beverages such as coffee, wine, soda, and tea. These can slowly stain teeth over time, which can appear as brown spots or a yellow appearance to the teeth. Although they may look unsightly, stains do not necessarily cause serious damage to your teeth.

In addition to certain beverages, there are numerous other causes behind tooth stains:

  • Tobacco use
  • Smoking
  • Aging
  • Certain medications
  • A buildup of plaque or tartar on teeth

Another telltale sign that you have staining rather than a cavity is that the entire tooth will have a different color, not a single spot. It’s very uncommon for a single stain spot to appear on a tooth.

Most of the time teeth stains will appear and disappear quickly. If a spot on a tooth seems to come and go, it’s likely a stain. However, if the spot does not come and go and grows over time, it’s time to go see the dentist.

How to treat stains on teeth

Stains on teeth can be annoying, but the good news is they can be treated. Many times, at-home treatments can help dramatically.

Treatments for stained teeth include:

  • Reduce or cut out the foods or beverages that are causing stains on the teeth.
  • Increase the number of times you brush throughout the day, especially after consuming stain-causing foods and beverages.
  • Try at-home whitening treatments such as strips or whitening toothpaste.
  • Consult your dentist for serious stains that are not helped by at-home treatments.

Unlike cavities which must be treated by a dentist, stains are often manageable from your home. If you are having trouble removing a stain or notice the stain is growing, it’s important to talk with an oral health professional.

How to tell if it’s a cavity

Most of the time, it’s easy to tell a cavity from a stain due to the uncomfortable side effects that come from a cavity. However, there are some situations where it’s hard to tell the difference, especially if the cavity is small. It’s important to have any new spots on a tooth checked by a dentist so that they can be treated as necessary.

What is a cavity?

Cavities are holes in teeth that grow larger over time. Also known as tooth decay or caries, they’re caused by things such as poor oral health care, eating a lot of sugary foods, and snacking throughout the day. Cavities are one of the most common oral health problems people are faced with.

Signs that it’s a cavity

Spots on your tooth or teeth that are black, brown, or gray are a sign that a cavity is growing. However, there are many other symptoms that indicate it is a cavity rather than a stain:

  • Visible holes in the teeth. If you notice a hole in your tooth, it’s a cavity. Stains don’t cause holes in teeth.
  • Increase in tooth pain. Although at the beginning tooth pain may come and go, it will become constant if the cavity is not treated. Pain caused by a cavity can radiate to other parts of your body including the jaw and ears. Any tooth pain should be evaluated by a dentist.
  • New sensitivity: If drinking an ice-cold beverage or biting into a steaming meal makes you squirm, it could be a sign that you have a cavity. This is because the tooth enamel is breaking down and can expose sensitive parts of your teeth.

How to treat a cavity

Cavities must always be treated by a dentist. Only a dentist has the proper tools and experience to fill a cavity. Unlike stains, cavities cannot be treated at home.

During a cavity treatment, your dentist will either perform a filling, dental crown, or root canal depending on the severity of the tooth decay.

  • Filling: Getting a filling is the most common way a cavity is treated. During the procedure, a dentist will remove the damaged parts of the tooth and fill it with resin that matches the tooth color. This is done painlessly with the help of numbing medication.
  • Dental crown: In some cases, a cavity destroys a large amount of the tooth and it’s no longer able to be fixed with a filling. A dental crown helps fill the gap. Dental crowns are tooth-shaped “caps” that are adhered to the healthy, natural tooth structure.
  • Root canal: Root canals sound scary but are a painless procedure that helps in cases where the cavity has advanced deep enough to reach the nerve in the tooth.

It’s important to get cavities treated as soon as possible to reduce any pain or other complications that come with them. Remember to contact your dental office as soon as you think you may have a cavity to be evaluated.

Whether it’s a cavity or a stain, seeing a dentist annually can help prevent both. Be sure to reach out with any oral health concerns, no matter how small it seems.

Breaking bad habits: Teeth are not tools

read Adult Oral Health, Children's Oral Health
Everyone has done it one time or another. You're away from your scissors and you need something to cut with. Why not use your pearly whites? It's time to break those bad habits before you damage your teeth.

Everyone has done it at one time or another. You’re away from your scissors and need something to cut with. Why not use your pearly whites? Just remember: your teeth are not tools!

The enamel on your teeth is one of the hardest substances in your body. But that doesn’t mean you should use it as your own personal Swiss Army knife. We’ve all heard of people using their teeth to bite off price tags, rip open containers, chomp off pieces of tape, or even open bottles!

Your teeth are not tools

Your tooth enamel is a protective coating in place to protect the tools you need to eat food. And while enamel may be tough, your teeth are not abuse-resistant. They can crack and break just like anything else. Tooth damage is painful, so don’t put your smile at risk.

Be kind to your pearly whites! Use them for chewing and speaking, not as power tools. Here are some ways to start breaking bad habits:

  • Stop chewing ice. Although chewing ice is easy to do when it’s hot outside and you’re thirsting for every drop of your icy beverage, don’t do it. Opt for a glass with more water and less ice instead of chowing down on the ice. Save yourself some irreparable damage to your teeth.
  • No more cutting – teeth are not scissors. Avoid using your teeth to cut or pull on anything, like tape, bags of chips, fishing line, or even shopping tags. This can wear your enamel down unnecessarily, which could lead to cavities, sensitivity to temperatures, and worse. Use actual tools instead and save yourself the pain and financial misery that comes with oral health damage.
  • Don’t be a show-off. Don’t try to pop off a bottle cap with your teeth. Not only can the cap cut your tongue or gums, but it can also crack or break a tooth.

Your teeth should be used for three tasks:

  • Cutting and chewing food
  • Helping you pronounce words
  • Smiling

Chips and cracks on your teeth can be very painful and may lead to permanent damage or even extraction! For some people, chewing on objects like pencils or fingernails is a hard-to-break habit. However, you can stop. It just takes patience and practice.

Learn more about how to keep your teeth healthy:

What is a dental bridge?

read Insurance Resources and Dental Benefits
What is a dental bridge? What is a dental bridge procedure? What types of dental bridges are there? Get answers to these and many more questions in this informational dental bridge article.

If an adult tooth is knocked out or removed there is no natural replacement for it. This is where a dental bridge comes in. A dental bridge helps fill the space where a natural tooth (or teeth) once was with a false tooth (or teeth). The dental bridge uses the teeth on either side of the gap as support, making it look like a natural tooth.

What is a dental bridge made of?

A dental bridge can be made of many materials but is usually made from porcelain to look natural. Dental bridges can also be made of gold, metal, or ceramic. It’s important to talk with your dentist to help determine which material is best for you.

Why do I need a dental bridge?

There are a lot of reasons someone may need a dental bridge. If an adult tooth is knocked out accidentally or needs to be removed because of an oral health problem such as tooth decay, a dental bridge can fill the unsightly gap.

Additionally, gaps in the teeth can lead to other problems such as:

  • Problems with speech or pronunciation
  • Trouble chewing food
  • Low self-confidence when smiling or talking
  • Bone loss from the jaw due to the missing tooth or teeth
  • Teeth on either side moving to “fill” the gap, which can cause bite problems

If a missing tooth is impacting your quality of life, a dental bridge may be the best option for you. Talk to your dentist to see if you’re a good candidate for a dental bridge.

Different types of dental bridges

There are four types of dental bridges:

  • Traditional fixed bridge: These are the most common types of bridges that generally include a crown on either side of the false tooth.
  • Implant-supported bridge: During an implanted-supporting bridge procedure, an implant is surgically embedded into the jawbone for each missing tooth. Once the implants are secured, a false tooth is placed over them during a second procedure.
  • Cantilever bridge: This type of bridge only uses one crown on a natural tooth to anchor a false tooth. This type is not used very often anymore.
  • Maryland dental bridge: This type of bridge is often used for missing front teeth. A bridge with “wings” is secured to the back side of the teeth on either side of the gap.

Your dentist will help determine which bridge type is best for you and your specific needs.

Dental bridge procedures

The exact steps in a dental bridge procedure depend on the type of bridge you will use. However, in all cases, your dentist will need a digital scan or impression of the gap and surrounding teeth to form the bridge. This ensures a perfect and natural fit.

Traditional bridge procedure

If you are receiving a traditional bridge, the first step will be to prepare the teeth on either side of the gap for their crowns. This is done by removing enamel and dentin from them to make room for the crowns. Then, a temporary bridge is placed over them until the permanent bridge is ready to be placed.

The second step is to install the permanent bridge. This is done by removing the temporary crowns, ensuring the fit of the dental bridge, and cementing the bridge. Once the bridge is cemented in place it is considered permanent.

Note: Although they are considered “permanent” because they cannot be removed like dentures, dental bridges will need to be replaced at some point in the future.

Implant-supported bridge procedure

This bridge type is the most invasive because it requires surgery and a potentially long recovery period. However, it’s the most stable of all dental bridge procedures. During this procedure, implants are placed in your jaw. In a second procedure, the crown or crowns will be placed on top of the implants. Implant-supported bridges can take months to be fully completed.

Maryland dental bridge procedure

During a Maryland dental bridge procedure, your dentist will scratch the backside of the teeth on either side of the gap to help the “wings” bond to them. Once the bridge is fitted, your dentist will use resin to bond the bridge with “wings” to the teeth. This procedure typically only requires one step.

How long do dental bridges last?

In general, a dental bridge will last between five to seven years. If the bridge is well taken care of, it may last up to a decade. However, as technology improves it is likely dental bridges of the future will last much longer.

How do I care for a dental bridge?

Caring for your dental bridge is an important step in helping it last. Just like your natural teeth, you should brush your dental bridge twice a day and floss around it once a day. Your dentist will teach you proper techniques to keep the bridge clean. It’s also important to see your dentist regularly for cleanings. 

Dental bridges are a great way to “bridge the gaps” in your mouth. If you have additional questions about dental bridges, please talk with your dentist to see if it is a good option for you.

Why do my teeth hurt when I eat candy?

read Lifestyle
Do your teeth hurt when you eat sweets? Learn about the symptoms of tooth pain caused by eating sweets, treatments for tooth sensitivity, and tips to prevent candy from causing tooth pain.

Does the idea of biting into candy make your teeth ache? You’re not alone. One out of eight people living in the United States suffers from tooth sensitivity. Many times, this uncomfortable feeling is caused by eating sweets.

Don’t let your sugar and candy cravings get the best of you! Learn about the symptoms of tooth pain caused by sugar, treatments for tooth sensitivity, and tips to prevent the candy from causing tooth pain.

Signs and symptoms of tooth pain related to sweets

Tooth sensitivity can occur for many reasons. One of the biggest causes of tooth sensitivity is losing the enamel on your teeth. Enamel is the hard outer layer of your teeth that protects sensitive areas such as the pulp. The pulp is the soft, inner portion of your teeth where nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue live. When the enamel is worn away, the sensitive area can be exposed which can cause pain. Unfortunately, consuming excess sweets such as candy can lead to a deterioration of your enamel.

If you experience tooth pain when you do any of the following, it’s a good idea to see your dentist:

  • Eating sweet food
  • Drinking hot or cold drinks
  • Consuming acidic food or beverages
  • Brushing or flossing
  • Exposing your teeth to cold air

Your dentist will help you determine whether or not the pain is caused by tooth sensitivity, and give options to treat it.

Treating tooth sensitivity

If you are diagnosed with sensitive teeth there are many options available to treat and reduce the uncomfortable symptoms.

  • Use toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth
    • There are many kinds of toothpaste on the market that can help treat tooth sensitivity. Sensitivity toothpaste helps by numbing the tooth or by blocking tiny tubes in your teeth called tubules that are connected to the inside of your teeth. Over time, sensitivity toothpaste can build a strong barrier on teeth and reduce tooth pain.
  • Add fluoride to your oral health routine
    • Fluoride is a mineral that is important for the strength of your teeth. Your dentist may apply fluoride to sensitive teeth during a visit. They may also recommend a fluoride rinse that can be used at home.
  • Gum graft
    • A gum graft is a surgical procedure in which a small amount of gum tissue is taken from another part of your mouth and placed on sensitive areas. This is generally for cases where the root of the tooth has been exposed.
  • Root canal
    • Root canals sound scary but there are very successful when it comes to stopping tooth sensitivity. This is because your dentist can treat the sensitivity right at the source: the root of your tooth.

In addition to the steps listed above, it’s important to gently brush your gums and teeth to stop your gums from receding, which can cause additional sensitivity.

How to prevent tooth sensitivity

It is said that “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” This holds true when it comes to tooth sensitivity. Here are some tips to stop sensitive teeth before they start:

  • Avoid sugar
  • Avoid tobacco products
  • Avoid alcohol-based mouth rinses
  • Chew sugarless gum after meals if you are unable to brush your teeth
  • Use the correct toothbrush and brush with fluoride toothpaste
  • Brush twice daily and floss daily
  • Visit your dentist at least annually for a routine dental cleaning

Limiting certain items in your diet can also help reduce teeth sensitivity. Hard candies, cough drops, gummy or sticky candies, citrus beverages like orange juice, and sugary drinks can all cause pain if you have sensitive teeth.

Beating tooth sensitivity during the holidays

The holidays are full of treats, sweets, and other goodies that can harm your oral health. The good news is that having a consistent oral health care routine, limiting sugar intake, and visiting the dentist regularly can help keep your teeth healthy and strong.

Looking for additional tips to improve your oral health? Check out this blog:

What is 20/20 vision

read Vision Benefits
Is 20/20 vision perfect vision? The answer may surprise you! In this article, learn what 20/20 vision means and what to do if you don’t have it.

Do you get nervous when you stand in front of the vision screening poster at your doctor’s office? Maybe you try and cheat by uncovering one eye just slightly. All the while you are hoping for 20/20 vision. But what exactly is 20/20 vision and why does it matter? In this article, we will cover everything you should know about your vision score and what to expect if you don’t have 20/20 vision.

What is 20/20 vision?

In general, people know that 20/20 vision is good, but what does it mean?

Imagine looking at an object that is 20 feet away from you. If the object looks clear and sharp, you likely have 20/20 vision. If the object doesn’t look defined at 20 feet away, you may have a higher bottom number, for example, 20/100. If this is the case, it means that you can see at 20 feet what someone with average vision can see at 100 feet away.

Basically, someone who has less than 20/20 vision will need to be closer to an object to see it as clearly as someone with 20/20 vision.

20/20 vision defined

The American Optometric Association (AOA) defines 20/20 vision as “a term used to express normal visual acuity (the clarity or sharpness of vision) measured at a distance of 20 feet.” It’s important to note that a 20/20 vision is not considered a “perfect or ideal vision” by the medical community.

Other considerations for good vision

While 20/20 vision is one indicator of having good vision at a distance, there are other vision skills to considered. These include:

  • Peripheral awareness: The ability to see out of the corners of our eyes.
  • Eye coordination: The ability for both eyes to work together as a team.
  • Depth perception: The ability to see objects in three dimensions.
  • Color vision: The ability to distinguish between different hues and colors.
  • Focusing ability: The ability of eyes to rapidly focus on objects that are near and far.

Visual clarity and the vision abilities listed above all must function correctly to have good vision.

What happens if I don’t have 20/20 vision?

If you don’t have 20/20 vision, there is no need to worry! In fact, it’s estimated that only 35% of all adults living in the United States have 20/20 vision without vision correctors.

There are plenty of options to correct your vision. Your eye doctor will help you decide which corrector is right for you based on your needs and comfort. The most common vision correctors include:

  • Glasses
    • Single vision lenses
    • Multifocal lenses
  • Contacts
    • Soft contact lenses
    • Hard contact lenses
    • Multifocal contact lenses
  • Vision correction surgery

For a full list of common vision correction options, click here.

The right option for you will depend on things such as your comfort level, how often you need to wear a vision corrector, cost, type of vision problem, and lifestyle. Work with your eye doctor to make sure you choose the option that is effective and comfortable.

Pediatric dentist vs. general dentist: The right choice(s) for your family

read Children's Oral Health
Deciding whether to see a pediatric dentist versus a general dentist can be difficult for families. This article will help you make the right choice for your family.

They go to school, and you go to work. You drive the car, and they ride in it. You and your kids do different things, but do you need different dentists? If you are not sure whether you need both a pediatric dentist and a general dentist, this article can help you decide!

Pediatric Dentists vs. General Dentists

Although pediatric and general dentists have the same goal in mind – to promote and enhance oral health – there are many differences between the two when it comes to training, the patient demographic, and experience.

  • Training: Pediatric dentists have an additional four years of dental school plus two to three years additional training. This specialized schooling focuses on areas of study such as child psychology and development.
  • Patients: General dentists treat patients of all ages, while pediatric dentists only see children.
  • Experience: Because pediatric dentists exclusively work with pint-sized patients, they are well versed in interacting with infants and children with special needs. They also provide counseling for habits like thumb-sucking and extended pacifier use.

When to see a pediatric dentist

For some families the addition of a pediatric dentist may make visits to the dental office less stressful. This is because pediatric dentists tend to have special tricks to make the experience fun. We recommend using a pediatric dentist if:

  • Your children have dental anxiety. Pediatric offices are designed with kids in mind. They are often decorated with bright, fun colors and have toys available to play with. This alone can make an anxious child feel more at ease.
  • Your child has special needs. For example, if your child has autism, Down syndrome, cleft palate, or any other special need condition, a pediatric dentist will have the experience to make the visit comfortable.
  • A general dentist will not see a young child. In some cases, a general dentist may not feel comfortable treating a young child. If this is the case for your family, it is important to see a pediatric dentist.

When to have a general dentist for the entire family

Many times, families choose to have one dentist for the entire family. This is perfectly acceptable! A single dentist for your family may make sense if:

  • Your family has a longstanding relationship with a specific dentist. Years of knowing each other will help all members of the family feel at ease when they see the dentist.
  • Your family has older children. Tweens and teens are more patient than little kids. They know what to expect and are open to new environments.
  • Convenience is important. If it is easier for you to gather the entire family to go to the dentist at one location, seeing a general dentist makes the most sense. If you are more likely to make regular appointments at one dental office than a pediatric office, go with the general office.

Oral health is the goal

Deciding to use a pediatric dentist for your children or a general dentist for the entire family is a personal decision. Both dentists will provide excellent care and keep your mouth healthy. The most important thing is to have all members (even babies and toddlers) see the dentist regularly.

Did pirates take care of their teeth?

read Children's Oral Health, Lifestyle
Dental care has come a long way since the golden age of pirates. How did the swash-buckling crews take care of their teeth? Learn more about the history and dental habits of pirates in this article.

When you envision a pirate, who do you think of? For many people, the fictional character Captain Jack Sparrow is the first one who comes to mind. Actor Johnny Depp went all out portraying the way pirates lived, including gold implants and dirty teeth. But was this how pirates’ teeth really used to look?

Apart from Captain Jack Sparrow, there are some other famous pirates who traveled the sea. Here are a few of them:

  • Sir Francis Drake: Also known by Queen Elizabeth I as “my pirate,” Drake was sent by England to attack Spanish shipping. He also was the first English captain to sail around the world. Drake became a hero when he returned to England after raiding Spanish vessels filled with treasure.
  • Henry Morgan: One of the most famous pirates of all time, Morgan is known for his brutal raids. Morgan’s most infamous invasion occurred in Cuba where he locked an entire village inside a church and went on to raid the whole town.
  • Blackbeard: Born Edward Teach, Blackbeard is famous for scaring his enemies by coiling smoking fuses into his long, braided facial hair. He also captured many ships and raided Charleston, South Carolina. The movie Pirates of the Caribbean is loosely based on his adventures.

These pirates became famous from their travels across the ocean, but were any of them famous for their oral health?

How pirates took care of their teeth

In the 17th and early 18th centuries, there was really no oral hygiene for pirates, thus they ran into extreme dental problems. If pirates cleaned their teeth, which was not common, they did so by chewing on a stick. The wooden chew stick dates back to the 18th century. Because pirates spent most of their time out in the middle of the ocean, chew sticks were hard to come by. Since there was no such thing as a dental professional, a toothbrush, or any form of dental treatment, pirates’ teeth were disgusting. When a pirate would get a cavity, they wouldn’t know until it hurt, and by then they would let the natural decay of the tooth take over.

Pirates’ mouths weren’t the only part about them in bad shape; their hygiene was just as repulsive. Pirates had a limited supply of fresh water, so they would bathe in the ocean. Taking a dip in the ocean doesn’t sound all that bad, but they would often time use whale blubber as soap. Not only were pirates walking around smelling like whale blubber, but they also ran into many diseases. Modern medicine wasn’t around yet, so it was common for pirates to get and spread diseases that include syphilis, measles, and smallpox. Although pirates would spend time cleaning the ship, there was only so much they could do to take care of themselves.

As you can see, pirates didn’t take care of their teeth, but they also didn’t have much of a choice. Dental care has come a long way since the Golden Age of Piracy, and we can attribute that to the creation and advancement of modern dental health care.

Looking for more fun oral health blogs? Check out this blog:

Top three reasons families need dental insurance

read Adult Oral Health, Insurance Resources and Dental Benefits
All members of your family need dental insurance. Find out the top three reasons families need dental insurance and how to get dental insurance for your family.

Oral health care is an essential part of taking care of your overall health. For families with children, maintaining oral health is an important part of taking care of their future. Investing in dental insurance is one of the best decisions families can make for everyone’s overall well-being. Check out our top three reasons why families need dental insurance.

Families need dental insurance because children are curious

If you are ever around children, you know they’re prone to accidents as they explore the world. Unfortunately, sometimes these accidents cause damage to teeth.

Cracked, chipped, or knocked out teeth can lead to serious health issues down the road. If a damaged tooth is not taken care of, it can become infected or abscessed. Any type of infection that goes untreated can lead to health complications and even trips to the hospital.

Without dental insurance the cost of necessary repairs can be very expensive. Depending on the type of treatment that is needed, a family can be looking at hundreds to thousands of dollars to repair a single damaged tooth. Dental insurance helps reduce out-of-pocket costs and gives parents the peace of mind that when accidents happen, they will not have to pay the full amount of the treatment.

Families need dental insurance to prevent cavities

Children are susceptible to oral health problems such as tooth decay or cavities as soon as they get their first tooth. In fact, cavities are one of the most common diseases in children despite being preventable.

Children are at a higher risk of developing cavities if:

  • Members of their family have cavities
  • They snack throughout the day
  • Their diet is primarily carbohydrate and sugar-based
  • They drink a lot of soda
  • They have special needs
  • They have braces or other dental tools

Untreated cavities can lead to tooth extraction and other health problems such as infections. In addition, children with cavities are more likely to miss hours in school and even suffer from mental health problems. Families with dental insurance are more likely to go to the dentist regularly, which helps prevent dental diseases such as cavities and reduce the cost of dental care in the long run.

Families need dental insurance because life is busy

With school, homework, extracurricular activities, and playdates, life with kids is incredibly busy! Finding a dentist and remembering to make appointments can be challenging. However, dental insurance makes this easy and one less thing to worry about.

Dental insurance companies like Delta Dental of Wisconsin have hundreds of in-network dentists to pick from. You don’t need to spend hours calling different dental offices to get information about their services. Delta Dental offers a variety of resources to their members to help save time.

Member resources:

Additionally, once you have a dentist that is a good fit for your family, the office will help you schedule regular appointments. They will often send out reminder emails or texts before the appointments to make sure you don’t miss them.

Dental insurance keeps families healthy

Parents and caregivers are always looking out for the well-being of their children. Dental insurance is one way to take care of their oral and overall health. Not only does dental insurance save money, but it also promotes good oral health habits for the entire family.

Eating apples with braces: More harm than good?

read Children's Oral Health, Orthodontics
Eating apples with braces can cause serious damage to braces, specifically incisor brackets. Check out these tips to enjoy your apples without causing damage to braces.

It’s finally the day your mouth is graced with braces! The first conversation with your orthodontist will likely be about proper care for your new, shiny dental tool. The second conversation will most likely discuss the foods you can (but mostly can’t) eat. If you had to guess, where do you think eating apples with braces falls on the list?

Many of the foods on your orthodontist’s “Do Not Eat” list are there because of their textures and hardness. The increased pressure needed to chew certain foods stresses your new hardware more than other, more malleable foods.

However, apples and other hard foods can be enjoyed with a little preparation. Check out some tips and tricks for eating apples with braces.

Eating apples with braces – biting versus chewing

Biting into an apple requires intense pressure from your incisors. Incisors are the top four and bottom four teeth that are located at the front of your mouth. Biting into a hard fruit, such as an apple, requires some serious power. Assuming your braces are on your incisors, those front braces would take the brunt of this apple-biting pressure.

Chewing food, however, requires use of the back molars. Compared to biting, chewing is more cooperative with braces. This is because the pressure when chewing is exerted between the bottom and top molars, rather than against a tooth’s brace.

Don’t worry, you’ll still be able to get your daily apple fix. Having braces doesn’t necessarily mean you have to remove apples from your diet altogether.

How to eat apples with braces

Slicing apples before eating them will remove the pressure from your incisors since the cutting has already been done. Take this one step further by chopping your apple slices. This creates more manageable pieces to eat.

Alternative options for eating apples with braces

After getting braces put on, or after getting them adjusted, your teeth will likely be sore. Unfortunately, this is part of the process of straightening them into place. If your teeth are experiencing pain, but you can’t live without your apple fix, try some good old fashioned unsweetened applesauce. It doesn’t require biting or chewing and would be the safest option for your braces.

Don’t forget to brush and floss! Smaller pieces of apple can still get lodged inside your braces.

*Sliced apple tip to prevent browning: Packing apples for lunch or mid-day snack? After slicing the apples, dip them in a mixture of three parts water, one part lemon juice to prevent browning over the course of a day.

What other hard fruits and vegetables can I eat with braces?

Any fruit or vegetable that crunches when you bite into it is not recommended with braces. As with apples, though, hard foods can be cut up into smaller, bite-sized pieces to be eaten. These include:

  • Carrots
  • Corn
  • Radishes 
  • Celery
  • Other hard fruits and vegetables

Consult with your orthodontist to establish a list of foods that should not be eaten with braces. After all, you want to keep your braces in the best shape possible so they can do their job! An apple a day won’t keep your orthodontist away, but bite-sized pieces can help.

To find a dental plan that offers orthodontic care and meets your needs, click here.

Debunking the myth that pregnant women should skip the dentist

read Adult Oral Health
Keeping up with routine dental care is just one way to help mom and baby stay healthy before and after birth. Learn more:

Pregnancy is a time of joy and, at times, uncertainty for many expecting mothers. With all the forums, books, and well-intended strangers giving advice, it can be hard to feel confident in the decisions one makes during pregnancy. One decision that women can be confident in is going to the dentist when they are expecting. Keeping up with routine dental care is just one way to help mom and baby stay healthy before and after birth.

Common myths during pregnancy

For centuries, pregnant women have heard countless myths about how the things they do will affect their unborn babies. Some of these may sound very outlandish. For example, in some cultures expecting mothers are not supposed to step over ropes because “it can cause umbilical cord problems.” Today, examples of common myths during pregnancy include that you can tell a baby’s sex based on its heartbeat, cravings, and how a mother is carrying. 

Unfortunately, one myth expecting mothers may hear is to skip the dentist. This myth can lead to serious health problems for both mom and baby.

Debunking the myth that expecting mothers should skip the dentist

Only 46% of women in the United States see a dentist for cleaning during pregnancy. This means that less than half of expecting women are receiving proper dental care. The reasons that women may skip the dentist during pregnancy are full of misinformation. For example, the idea that all dental procedures can wait until after birth is incorrect. In fact, skipping the dentist can lead to premature labor. This is because a periodontal infection can lead to inflammation around the uterus which may trigger labor. 

Another concern for some pregnant women is the use of X-rays and certain medications during pregnancy. If there is proper communication between the expecting mother and her dentist, adjustments will be made to ensure treatment is safe for both mother and baby.

X-rays used to be considered dangerous to unborn babies. The good news is that with proper shielding, a dental X-ray is perfectly safe for expecting mothers and their babies. Dentists often use a heavy lead apron when taking X-rays for protection against harmful rays.

The use of medications and anesthesia for procedures is another common concern during pregnancy. It is important to let your dentist know you are expecting, even if you are not sure how far along you are. They will make sure any medication that is prescribed is safe for both mom and baby. Additionally, if an expecting mother needs anesthesia or numbing medication for a dental procedure, such as a root canal or cavity filling, they can feel confident that they are safe and will not harm the baby.

Reasons to see a dentist during pregnancy

Seeing a dentist during pregnancy is not only safe for both mom and baby, it is recommended by the American Dental Association, the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the American Academy of Pediatrics. Proper dental care reduces the risk of dental problems for the mother and complications such as premature birth and low birth weight for the baby. 

Here are some reasons why it’s crucial for expecting mothers to see their dentist:

  1. Pregnancy increases the risk of dental complications. Changes in certain hormones during pregnancy can increase the risk of oral health problems. Up to 75% of pregnant women experience gingivitis, the swelling or inflammation of the gums. Symptoms include tender or red gums and bleeding when brushing or flossing. Other dental problems pregnant women may experience include an increased risk of cavities and plaque buildup.
  2. Risk of pre-term birth and low birth weight. Mothers who neglect their oral health care during pregnancy are more likely to go into preterm labor and deliver babies with low birth weights, according to a study from JDR Clinical and Translational Research. In another study, it was estimated that more than 18% of preterm births are caused by periodontal disease. Babies who are born before full-term have a higher risk of medical problems such as breathing problems, serious infections, and heart conditions after birth. Later in life, they may experience intellectual and learning disabilities.
  3. Bacteria can pass to the baby.Mothers who have excess bacteria in their mouth may unintentionally pass it to their baby before and after birth. This can increase the risk of cavities as the child grows.

Skipping the dentist during pregnancy can be dangerous for both the mother and the unborn child. For expecting mothers, taking care of their oral health is not only essential for them but also for the oral and overall health of their babies.