Virginia beach Cosmetic and Neuromuscular Dentistry Blog - Dr. Michael Folck

Wednesday, October 29, 2014

Heavy Exercise Bad For Your Teeth?

It is well-know that a healthy dose of aerobic exercise is great for whole-body health, however, a new study has shown that those that exercise regularly may be at higher risk for oral lesions and cavities. How can this be? A study was performed by the School of Dental Medicine at the University Hospital Heidelberg in Germany to determine the answer.

In the study, 35 triathletes and 35 non-exercising people were tested. The tests included the following:
·         Oral examinations
·         Saliva tests before, during, and after exercise
·         A lifestyle questionnaire about eating, drinking, and exercise habits

What the experiment found was that the more time the triathletes admitted to working out during the week, the more likely they were to have cavities and other oral problems. As the studies went on, they discovered that, as the body exercises, the mouth becomes more and more dry. This causes the saliva pH to increase which made it more likely to erode the teeth. This put those that exercised more at risk for cavities, enamel erosion, and oral lesions.

The study found that the best ways for those that exercise heavily to avoid these dental problems was to stay hydrated so your saliva doesn't change pH levels and to put in a sugar-free mint or gum after a workout to help the mouth create more saliva.

Our Norfolk dentist reminds you that the best ways to keep your mouth healthy are to brush twice a day, floss regularly, and visit our Virginia Beach dental office twice a year.


To schedule an appointment for you and your family, please contact Dr. Michael Folck or call us at (877) 206-3444.

posted by Admin at 10:14 AM 0 comments

Wednesday, October 15, 2014

Foods for A Healthy Smile

If you want to make sure that you and your family are eating your way to healthy smiles, here is a list that will help. The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) decided to team up with a nutritionist to compile mouth-healthy foods and our Norfolk, Virginia dentist, Dr. Folck, is excited to share them with you.

Here are some of the foods that can make your mouth healthier just by consuming them:

·         Basil – reduces oral bacteria
·         Carrots – cleanses and stimulates gums
·         Celery – massages the gums and helps cleanse your teeth and mouth
·         Green tea – reduces the growth of oral bacteria
·         Pineapple – causes increased saliva production which helps cleanse your mouth
·         Salmon – helps teeth get the calcium they need because it is a natural source of Vitamin D
·         Sesame seeds – scrubs away plaque and adds calcium to the teeth
·         Wasabi – stops bacterial growth

As always, a well-balanced diet and proper oral hygiene can help keep your mouth and teeth healthy, but these foods are some of the “bonus” foods that can help keep your mouth naturally healthy.
In order to have the best and healthiest smile, our Virginia Beach dentist suggests that you brush twice a day and after meals, floss daily, use mouthwash, and visit our office twice a year.

To schedule your appointment, please contact Dr. Michael Folck today or call us at (877) 206-3444. 

posted by Admin at 10:12 AM 0 comments

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