Dr. Maria Luong Discusses on Ways to Avoid Dental Problems by Keeping Dental Plaque and Tartar Away

Published on: 18 June 2019 Last Updated on: 27 January 2020

Dental plaque and tartar are the main cause of tooth decay and tooth loss, but many people do not brush enough to keep them away. Even if you brush twice a day, you may be missing areas by using the wrong brushing technique or even the wrong toothbrush, causing almost as many problems as you fix. By controlling plaque and tartar properly, you can prevent tooth decay or tooth loss.

Plaque is a sticky biofilm of bacteria that grows on your teeth, where it can destroy the enamel, leading to cavities and infections. Plaque is soft, making it relatively easy to remove at home with the right brushing and flossing techniques. However, within a few days, this plaque starts to harden into a calcified deposit known as tartar, which only a dental professional can remove.

Without professional dental cleaning, tartar creates a perfect environment for more bacteria. This results in receding gums and bone loss as bacteria can grow below the gum line. Therefore, Dr. Maria Luong shares five ways to keep dental plaque and tartar from causing gum disease and tooth decay.

Use the Right Toothbrush in the Right Way:

Even if you already brush the recommended twice a day, you may still be missing areas, giving plaque time to attack your teeth and harden into tartar. To avoid this, make sure you’re brushing with the right technique. Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle towards your gums and lightly brush or massage your teeth and gum with short, circular strokes, as recommended by the American Dental Association (mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/b/brushing-your-teeth).

Don’t hold your toothbrush flat against your teeth while brushing it roughly over the tooth surface. This approach misses unwanted debris between your teeth while hurting your gums. Holding the brush at a 45-degree angle makes it easier for the bristles to move between teeth, and brushing along the gum line lets the bristles reach under the gums to remove food and plaque that’s hiding. Make sure to use a soft toothbrush. By using a medium or firm bristled toothbrushes, it can risk damaging your enamel and can irritate your gums.

Clean Between Your Teeth:

Everyone hates flossing. It’s awkward and doesn’t do anything visible, so most people avoid it. However, if you are skipping on flossing, you risk getting cavities and infections in between your teeth, increasing damage and cost to repair your teeth.

If you have trouble with flossing, consider using a water flosser or a floss pick to get at hard-to-reach areas of your mouth. You’ll thank yourself when your dentist doesn’t have to go drilling for cavities in your teeth.

Get Regular Dental Cleanings:

Even with perfect brushing and flossing techniques, everyone is going to miss a little bit of plaque that hardens into tartar. It is essential to see your dentist every six months or more so that they can clean away the hard tartar before it starts causing problems. It’s less expensive to visit a dentist for a routine checkup and cleaning every six months than have your teeth destroyed by cavities because you avoided seeing a dentist.

Rinsing with a Mouthwash:

For a full-mouth clean, commercial mouthwash rinse will also help wash away bits of food, along with destroying bacteria. It’s important as brushing and flossing. Mouthwash is effective in killing bacteria that cause decay and gum disease.

Not all mouthwashes are created equal, so make sure what you’re buying is approved by your local dental association, usually by looking for their association logo on the label. For instance, the American Dental Association has a seal of approval that proves the claims on the bottle (ada.org/en/member-center/oral-health-topics/mouth rinse). In addition, some dental associations, such as the Australian Dental Association, list approved mouthwashes on their website (ada.org/en/science-research/ada-seal-of-acceptance/ada-seal-products/product-category?supercategory=Mouthrinses).

Reduce Sticky, Acidic and High-Carb Foods:

Everyone knows that sugar i.e. sweets contribute to tooth decay, but that’s only part of the story. Sugar leads to tooth decay because it provides an excellent high-energy food source for the bacteria that live in your mouth. This can produce acid that wears away at the protective enamel of your teeth. Bacteria can eat more than just sugar. Any high-carb food, from bread to French fries, is a perfect food for bacteria. Also, like the acid produced by bacteria, acidic foods and beverages can damage tooth enamel.

These helpful hygiene habits do not mean you have to avoid these foods entirely but remember to brush your teeth relatively soon after eating sticky, acidic and high-carb foods, especially foods like potato chips that can get stuck on teeth. However, while it’s good to brush soon after eating, wait at least 30 minutes to make sure the enamel hasn’t weakened from the acidic foods.

Taking good care of your teeth may sometime seem like a hassle. By taking the time to brush and floss, and getting regular dental checkups, this will save you a lot of toothaches and expensive dental work in the future. “It is often those who avoid the dentist or have poor dental hygiene practices over long periods of time, end up having to deal with dental-related health problems – it is important to do your research and find a dentist you feel comfortable working with,” said Dr. Maria Luong.

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5 Ways To Get Healthier In The New Year

Every year, millions of Americans swear to themselves they are going to be healthier in the new year. In keeping with this tradition a “New Year's Resolution” is promised and they began to become excited about the new changes about to happen in their lives. Sadly, by February 14th, 80% of these new promises are abandoned and people return to their old habits and old life. If you are someone who has made a New Year’s Resolution this year, then you must first understand that nothing will change unless you are ready to make a change. It doesn’t matter how big the promise you made to yourself is, if you’re not dedicated and consistent, nothing will happen. However, this year is different. For once, you’re not going to be merely a statistic. You are going to advance your promise and build on a new life and a new you. If you are ready to take on the challenge, more than likely, you have committed to becoming healthier in some form or fashion this year. If this is true, you will need a jumpstart on your progress to get your body back on track. Here are five ways you can use to get healthier in the new year and become that person you’ve always wanted to be. 5 Ways To Get Healthier In The New Year: #1- Eat The Right Foods The very first thing you have probably noticed about your New Year’s Resolution in being more healthy is that the foods you used to eat no longer apply to you. When you begin to understand that the majority of your health and how you feel originates from the foods you eat, you begin to realize that there are a lot of options you have been including that shouldn’t be there. First and foremost, you need to do an account of your cupboard and refrigerator. Throw out all of the processed foods, foods with high sugar and high-fat content. Throw out the sodas and minimalize your caffeine intake. Remember, everything you put into your body is going to be converted into something. It will either be converted to fat or metabolized into energy and picking the right fuel for your body is essential. Make sure to include foods that have leafy greens and other vegetables, legumes, nuts, and foods that are high in protein and still lean. Some of the best foods that fit these criteria are fish like salmon. Each of these options is going to help your body get back on track and allow you to get the most out of every meal you eat. One of the biggest failures in a diet plan is that plenty of people know they need to diet, but they fail to plan it out. Don’t forget about planning. This is where you consider all of your meal options for the week. Eventually, time will get away from you at some point during the week and you will be tempted to drive through a fast-food restaurant. Proper planning can help you avoid this catastrophe. Get the right foods by thinking smartly. #2 - Do A Detox Some people have learned that one of the best ways to get your body back on track to being more healthy is by doing a detox regime. If you have eaten processed foods, high fat, plenty of sugar, or anything negative like this, a detox will help your body flush out all of these unwanted materials so you can start fresh. There are many kinds of detox programs that you can try. Take some time to learn about each one so you can be educated enough to pick the one that is correct for your body. Look at the testimonies of every customer to determine which program would be the most beneficial for you. When you’re looking for a detox, try to stay as organic and natural as you can. Don’t consume anything that has chemicals or harsh substances in it because the purpose is to get these unwanted materials out of your body, not put more in. #3 - Try Herbal Health For Once When you begin to realize that organic and natural solutions are the best route to take for brand new health this year you start to understand that plants can provide the most benefit for your body. When you think of health and wellness, you should think of wholeness. If your body looks great but your mental state is suffering, you’re not healthier. Since your mind is part of your body, don’t forget to include this important muscle in your routine. Herbal remedies are the best option for your mind as it responds better to botanical solutions. For instance, pure natural CBD oils are some of the best remedies you can use to provide homeostasis for both your mind and your body. It has been said that CBD oil can help with cognitive function, provide a feeling of balance, helps with pain and inflammation, aids in PTSD and depression, and much more. Your mind is an important aspect of your health and many people disregard this aspect of their wellness. Herbal health is an important aspect of overall wholeness because it includes every aspect of your life - your mind and your body and that’s important. #4 - Get A Healthy Gut Did you know that the gut microbiome plays a very important role in your overall health? That is why you must always consider gut health when you are adopting new routines in your daily diet. The gut is a crucial system of the body because it helps your system break down food and metabolize energy. This is only a small portion of what the gut is responsible for, however, at times people can have problems with their gut which can lead to bigger issues later. Issues like yeast overgrowth are a common problem that occurs. It is imperative to manage issues like yeast overgrowth and maintain harmony within the digestive system. When it comes to gastrointestinal health in the twenty-first century, many people are becoming more educated about how to use preventive measures to keep a healthy gut. They understand the symptoms of GI conditions and can monitor these changes periodically. However, one of the most important parts of this process is to include a functional medicine doctor like a chiropractor into your monthly routine to ensure gut health. Symptoms of poor gut health could be constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, colitis, and much more. If you feel like you have one or more of these conditions in your gut, it is important to consult your primary functional medicine practitioner to develop an ongoing process to keep these symptoms at bay. Just because you have some or all of these ailments doesn’t mean your body cannot be healthier in the new year. It just means you need to be more proactive with your body in order to ensure better gut health. When your gut is happy, your entire body functions properly and the way it should. #5 - Drink More Water One of the most commonly known facts about health is how we should all be drinking more water. Make sure you’re getting your eight cups every day. Everyone already knows this, however, it is one of the easiest things to forget about. You can become consumed by exercise and diet and forget some of the simplest things for your health. Essentially, water is needed to carry oxygen throughout the body. It helps with a massive amount of wellness-related items in your body and when you decline your body of this much-needed asset, you suffer the consequences. Make sure you are getting your daily amount of water every day, and make sure this water is filtered goodness, not that town stuff that is full of fluoride. Be Who You Know You Can Be If you are considering a healthier in the new year, then you probably already know how difficult it can be to make these changes happen. The one thing you should focus on is small goals and meeting those goals every week in order to be healthier in the new year. So many people push themselves to lose 100 pounds in the first month, and then they fail so they give up. Aim small, miss small and that is the key to changing your lifestyle so you can be who you know you can be in your life. You must get healthier in the new year with the above tips. Read Also: Why City Living is the Healthiest it’s Ever Been How to Stay Healthy and Fit Despite a Hectic Schedule

Eating Good Quality Foods For Diet

If you are someone that routinely follows the health and wellness industry, chances are that you have heard about Keto and Paleo diets. There are many proponents for both kinds of diets. In this article, we look at some of the elements associated with both and the effect that they have on weight control. Eating Good quality foods for diet can help you to maintain your diet in the right order. Eating Good Quality Foods For Diet Is Essential For Everyone There are several good quality foods for a diet you can maintain for every one to improve your business in the right direction. Paleo Diet- What does it mean? Fundamentally, the Paleo diet has been referred to as a cave dweller’s diet. Individuals eat food articles similar to the way as ancient human beings did. Their belief stems from the fact that this is a healthy way to sustain life. Eating good quality foods for your diet can make things more comfortable for your diet. This hypothesis asserts that cutting edge nourishment handling is the essential driver of human medical issues. The proponents argue that in order to check and reduce weight, people need to "return" to the manner in which it was amid the mountain man period. They think straightening out your dietary pattern to the ancient human beings, or to the Paleolithic era plan empowers the normal organic capacity of the human body to process food better thereby assisting in wellbeing. Paleo Menu- What does it stand for? Changing a human being’s dietary habit, according to a paleo diet means that an individual should stay away from and resist processed sources of food like grains, fruits, meats, and others. Now, you might be wondering as to what should be then eaten instead. The food items that a Paleo diet entails consists of natural products and ingredients as are found in nature. In other words, food that has not been processed artificially. Items like eggs, seeds, nuts, meat, fish, and vegetables. Individuals are permitted to add a certain amount of oils and fats to their meals. Again, these should be natural, and not artificial. Ghee, avocado oil, natural fats are allowed. To certain individuals, paleo is in excess of an eating routine. It centers on affecting the earth emphatically with the nourishment decisions we make. It is considered as a way of life, as a model choice of living that helps improve both the human body, as well as the environment around man. Keto diet, then again, is an alternate eating routine with its very own reasoning. Keto diet- What does it mean? A Keto diet comprises of a type of diet, which is moderated by a high-fat quotient. The high fat is complemented by average protein intake, along with severely reducing the carbohydrate intake. It centers on controlling the body to revitalizing itself by putting away fats rather than starches. With a keto diet, the human body is supposed to be in a state, which is called ketosis! This is also the principle distinction between the two diets-keto and paleo. The distinction between the two comes forward through the changes in the consumption of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats in food. Fundamentally, a ketogenic diet should comprise of: 5% carbohydrates 25% protein 70% fat The motivation behind fine-tuning the human body towards a keto diet is remarkable. The keto diet forces the body to burn fat, whenever energy is required by the body, thereby making the body perform optimally at high levels of energy at all times. This burns the fat, thereby reducing or keeping the weight in check for most who follow a keto diet. Nonetheless, it is fundamental you carefully monitor the consumption of macronutrients. If you are unable to do so, it might unbalance your body’s digestion levels. Another noteworthy advantage of a keto based diet plan is adjusting the glucose levels and the human body’s weight reduction. Differences between Keto and Paleo: While keto limits the admission of carbohydrates, paleo permits a few entire nourishment wellsprings of sugars as long as it is in the adequate sustenance classes. A Ketodiet wants you to remain inside a predefined measure of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. However, paleo puts no limitations on macronutrients, but it permits exercises outside the accompanying the eating routine like care, and activities. A Paleo diet does not allow processed sources of food items like soy, or dairy products. However, a keto diet permits consumption of dairy fat as well as soy; as long as they fall inside the predefined macronutrient go. Eating good quality foods for a diet is essential for you to maintain a healthy lifestyle. In any case, the two weight control plans offer a sound way of life, yet a few people may think that its hard to keep up the keto diet, which includes computation of macronutrients, not at all like paleo that is fundamentally straight forward and offers a wide assortment of nutritious alternatives. Likewise, a great many people lean toward the paleo diet in light of its adaptability with nourishment decisions. All in all, the two eating regimens are astonishing in their own right; the keto diet is successful for weight reduction and glucose control, while the paleo diet urges individuals to eat entire nourishments that are accessible to people amid the Paleolithic time. Read Also: 5 Tips To Kick Start Your Fitness Routine 9 Magical Benefits Of A Vegetarian Diet Why Have A Diet Chart For Weight Loss? 5 Ways You Can Be Inhibiting Your Fitness Easy Diet Tips To Summer Six Pack Abs Choosing A Diet Based On Your Personality Type 11 Foods You Must Incorporate Into Your Diet For Great Skin

Teenage Eating Disorder Treatment FAQ

Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions that affect people of all ages, genders, and races. However, they typically develop in early adolescence. Families searching for the best eating disorder treatment centers should take great care to understand the different types of eating disorders and the treatment options available. At Clementine, we specialize in teenage eating disorders treatment, offering patients access to care in a comfortable, safe and home-like setting. Keep reading to learn more about common eating disorders and eating disorder recovery options. What is an eating disorder? Eating disorders are very serious mental health conditions that include both medical and psychiatric aspects. The most well-known eating disorders include anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. However, people can develop other types of eating disorders, including binge eating disorder and eating disorder not otherwise specified. People who have an eating disorder are typically obsessed with food, their body shape, weight and body image. If left untreated, eating disorders can quickly become very serious and even life-threatening. Who can develop an eating disorder? People of all genders and nearly any age can develop an eating disorder. Research has shown children as young as five or six years of age can develop an eating disorder. While it is true females are more commonly diagnosed than males and individuals typically show signs of an eating disorder in adolescence, many people develop eating disorders later in adulthood. Current studies suggest up to seven percent of women in the United States have had bulimia nervosa at some point in their lives. Anorexia nervosa is the third most common chronic illness among teen girls and binge eating disorder affects anywhere from 0.7 percent to 4 percent of the general population. It is important to remember eating disorder treatment is available. Can people be cured with eating disorder treatment? Many people with eating disorders can achieve recovery. Early intervention and finding the right eating disorder treatment centers to fit an individual's needs are extremely important when seeking professional help. It is also important to keep in mind patients who have been through an eating disorder recovery program may continue to seek counseling to support and protect their recovery for months or years after leaving treatment. The chance of relapse greatly diminishes when teens have access to aftercare and a strong support system at home. If a loved one is intentionally vomiting after meals but only some of the time, should parents be worried? Yes. Anytime someone feels the need to purge after a meal, whether that means fasting, self-induced vomiting or laxative use, they are likely dealing with underlying psychological issues surrounding food, their body shape, and weight. While this does not necessarily mean they have a diagnosable eating disorder, it is important for loved ones to express concern. What is the difference between overeating and binge eating? Many people will overeat every now and then. However, those with binge eating disorder feel out of control during the binge episode. They typically eat large amounts of food in a very short amount of time, even, at times when they are not physically hungry. The binge eating episodes can also be accompanied by feelings of shame, guilt, anxiety, and disgust. Contact Clementine Eating Disorder Treatment Centers Today: At Clementine eating disorder treatment centers, we focus on providing adolescents with the tools they need to enjoy a successful eating disorder recovery. We understand teenage eating disorders treatment should be approached from both a medical, psychiatric, therapeutic and nutritional perspectives to ensure young people can properly navigate the challenges of life after completing treatment. Read Also: 4 Reasons Why Food Handling Training Is Important Meals That Matter: The Best Foods And The Ways They Make You Fit

Dr. Maria Luong Discusses on Ways to Avoid Dental Problems by Keeping Dental Plaque and Tartar Away