Should you See a Restorative Dentist?

How do you feel about your teeth? Are you confident with your smile? Do your teeth feel healthy? These are the types of questions you should ask yourself if you are considering a restorative dentist. By definition, a restorative dentistdiagnoses and manages dental structures and also helps treat certain dental diseases. Restorative dentists focus on improving teeth and jaw functionality and the aesthetics. Different treatment options are available to accommodate a wide variety of patients as well as different teeth and mouth types. Here are some questions you can ask yourself in making the decision to improve your health.

What is chewing like? Compared to 10 years ago, is it easier to chew all foods, about the same, or more difficult? Do you worry about chewing certain foods? If eating has become increasingly difficult, a consultation with a restorative dentist may help. A restorative dentist can discuss treatment options — like crowns, fixed dentures, immediate dentures, complete dentures or others. These devices may help eating more effective and pleasurable again.

 

What is it like to talk? Like chewing, compare your ability to talk to how it was like 10 years ago. Is it more difficult to say certain words? If your teeth are misshapen, this condition can make it more of a challenge to say certain words. Better-shapen teeth may help you pronounce all words with much more ease.

How do you feel about yourself? If you are proud to show off your smile to others, then it is possible that your teeth may be in great shape. However, if you are embarrassed about your teeth and prefer to hide your smile, these actions may be a sign that something else is wrong. Feel free to talk to a restorative dentist about your smile and confidence and you may be surprised at the options — like veneers, bridges, crowns, and fillings — are available.

Even if your teeth feel healthy, there is a chance that an unknown condition may be lurking in the background, especially if a family history exists. If any questions linger about the structure or health of your teeth, contact a restorative dentist and learn how your life may improve.

The Best Foods and Drinks for Your Teeth

We all want to maintain a healthy, beautiful smile. While brushing is key, the foods we eat also impact the health of our mouth and teeth. Below are some recommended foods, drinks, and snacks that essentially help our teeth: 

Milk & cheese: These products often contains loads of calcium, which help to strengthen our teeth and other bones. Dairy products also contain casein, a type of protein, which helps give us energy and strength to our teeth.A variety of  additional products also contain added calcium, such as orange juice. For a special treat, look for chocolate calcium supplements at your health food store. 

Fruits & Vegetables: Vegetables contain fiber, which is also great for your smile. Just make sure to brush after a plateful of spinach! Some fruits, such as raspberries, contain fiber, too. Fibrous fruits and vegetables often take a little longer to chew than non-fiber-dense foods. This process is important because the more we chew, the more saliva we generate. Saliva also helps maintain our teeth. 

Chew This: Speaking of saliva, chewing gum is also a great way to help your teeth. In addition to the generation of protective saliva, chewing gum may be substituted for sugary and salty snacks.Tea and Water: It is important to stay hydrated, especially during the summer months. Hydration improves our overall health and also affects what we eat. Aim for drinks with low to little sugar to maintain the best smile. 

Aim to eat and drink a few items a day which directly affect your teeth health. Experiment and try a variety of fruits and vegetables, for instance. Prepare healthy, enjoyable meals and remember to eat and drink for your health!