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Why Is My Mouth Dry?

One of the worst feelings you can have is a dry mouth. It hurts when you swallow, and it can just generally be quite an uncomfortable feeling. The reasons for a dry mouth can vary quite drastically. Some of these reasons can be quite simple and easy to fix – whereas other times the symptoms may point to something a bit more serious and require further action. For today’s blog, our Berwick dental clinic staff will be explaining to you what some of the reasons are for your dry mouth.

Xerostomia

Xerostomia is when your salivary glands are not producing enough saliva to keep your mouth wet. Some causes of xerostomia include aging, medication side-effects and cancer radiation therapy. As we spoke about last week, saliva is crucial to healthy teeth as it is the primary form of protection against decay. It also washes away sugar and bits of food that we consume – which would otherwise linger and break down in our mouths.

The severity of this condition can range from a minor nuisance to a serious issue that affects your teeth, gums and your ability to enjoy food. Some of the symptoms that could point towards xerostomia include:

• Dryness or stickiness in your throat;
• Thick saliva;
• Sore throat and hoarseness;
• A change in your sense of taste;
• Grooved or dry tongue;
• Difficulty chewing, speaking or swallowing;
• Problems wearing dentures; or
• Bad breath.

Xerostomia can also be caused by nerve damage, recreational drug use, chewing tobacco, excessive smoking and drinking of alcohol. After partaking in some of these activities, you will notice temporary dryness in your mouth – but if it persists for several weeks, then you should contact a medical professional.

 

Other reasons for a dry mouth

Just because you have a dry mouth, it does not necessarily mean that you are suffering from xerostomia. If you go out drinking, then the chances are that when you wake up the next morning, your throat will be fairly parched. This is because alcohol dehydrates you. This is another reason why you should keep hydrated during a night out. Generally, the dryness passes within the hour – depending on how much alcohol you consumed – with the help of some H2O.

Sometimes your throat can become dry and itchy if you catch a cold. Depending on the person, colds can last a few days (or even weeks, in some cases). The important thing to remember whenever you feel like your throat may be drier than usual – is to drink lots of water.

 

How to deal with a dry throat?

Whether it’s temporary or a more permanent thing – such as xerostomia – there are some do’s and don’ts that you should adhere to. Because there is no saliva in your mouth, you should avoid consuming sugary foods and sweets as they will increase the chances of tooth decay occurring. Try using a fluoride rinse before you go to bed to help strengthen your teeth when there is a lack of saliva.

When you chew, your salivary glands are triggered, which means the more you chew, the more likely your glands are to release saliva. Chewing gum is a good idea as it stimulates the salivary glands – however, be sure to stick to the sugar-free variety. Also, be sure to chew your food properly and thoroughly before you swallow as swallowing with a dry mouth can be quite painful. This can also aggravate your mouth further.

You should definitely stay away from things like alcohol and cigarettes when suffering from a dry throat. Essentially anything that further causes your throat to worsen or for you to become more dehydrated is a no-go zone – that includes coffee and spicy foods! This also goes for sugary soft drinks and any acidic drinks as they can damage your teeth and will do so even more now that you have no saliva to help counteract the effects, so to speak.

 

Looking for a dental clinic in Berwick?

Eden Rise Dental is a family-friendly dental clinic in Berwick that specialises in a variety of services such as children’s dentistry and orthodontics. Our highly trained dentists are fully qualified to administer a wide range of dental services and answer any questions you may have concerning oral hygiene.

If you would like to know more about our Berwick dental clinic and the services we offer, then please give us a call on (03) 9702 6111. Alternatively, you can fill out the enquiry form on our website.

7 Dentist-Approved Tips For Taking Care Of Your Teeth At Home

While bi-annual check-ups with your dentist are very important for your dental health, it is your home routine that will determine how well you are able to maintain your oral hygiene. However, taking care of your teeth at home can prove to be quite challenging. It is fairly common for patients at our dentist in Berwick to become complacent with their dental care, or for them to adopt techniques that are actually harmful towards their teeth and gums. To help you stay on the right track, we’ve come up with seven tips you can use to improve your dental care routine and your oral hygiene mindset.

#1: Brush the right way

Just because you brush twice a day, it doesn’t necessarily mean your oral hygiene is perfect. If you don’t brush the right way, there is a chance you could actually be doing more harm than good to your teeth.

To brush the right way, ensure the following:

• Always brush for two minutes (any less is actually ineffective)
• Don’t brush too hard as this can damage your gums
• Don’t brush straight after you’ve had acidic food or drinks.

 

#2: Always protect your teeth

Do you regularly play sports? Do you ride a bike or a skateboard? If so, you need to ensure that you are protecting your teeth by wearing a custom-fitted mouthguard when you engage in these activities. It may seem obvious, but mouthguards protect your teeth and your jaw from serious dental injury – which is actually a very common result of these activities.

 

#3: Balance out your diet

It goes without saying that your mouth is the first place that will come into contact with food and drinks. Therefore, it is important to ensure that what you’re eating and drinking is not going to damage your teeth, gums and mouth.

Always try to opt for foods with a high water content, such as celery or apples. Avoid eating sugary things, and try to stay away from acidic foods like citruses and tomatoes unless you are consuming them with plenty of water. Swap out soft drinks for herbal teas or plain water.

 

#4: Use the right dental products

Without the correct tools, good dental hygiene is hard to maintain. You should ensure you have:

• A soft-bristled toothbrush, to ensure you aren’t brushing too hard – alternatively, you could invest in a power toothbrush
• A fluoride toothpaste and zero alcohol mouthwash, which will help to prevent cavities
• Xylitol gum or breath fresheners, as bacteria cannot break down xylitol (unlike sugar).

 

#5: Drink lots of water

Not only does drinking water have a range of benefits for your general health, but it’s also a great habit to form if you want to improve your oral health. The most important thing that it does for your mouth is promoting the production of saliva. Saliva is vital in preventing mouth dryness, which is an issue that can encourage plaque build-up, eventually leading to tooth decay if you aren’t careful.

 

#6: Improve your flossing mindset

When it comes to flossing, nobody is perfect. Many of us may not feel motivated to commit to a daily flossing routine and might feel ashamed as a result. Sometimes, we might simply forget to floss! This can also make us feel guilty. The important thing to remember in both situations is that everyone has experienced this feeling at one time or another.

Rather than just reminding you to floss, we want to improve your flossing mindset. These are our favourite tips to help you feel more motivated to floss:

• Reward yourself for flossing. Setting up a reward system is the oldest trick in the book for positive reinforcement. Whether it’s rewarding yourself with a movie marathon or a nice dinner for every week you floss, figuring out a motivating reward is a great way to stay on track.
• Buy a flavoured floss. Make flossing more pleasant with flavoured floss. Ask your dentist about options that are safe for your teeth.
• Set a reminder for yourself. Phone reminders and sticky notes will help you to remember when you need to floss. Try and set timely reminders around routines you already have. For example, if you always shower in the morning, set your flossing reminder for around that time. This will help you integrate flossing into a routine you already have.

 

#7: Be aware of your dental situation

You shouldn’t completely rely on your bi-annual dental check-up to reveal any dental issues you may have. Improving your awareness around your teeth, gums and mouth is the first step in identifying any potential issues you’ll report to your dentist.

You should self-examine your mouth at least once a month, checking for symptoms of oral cancer or other irregular activity.

 

Book an appointment with a dentist in Berwick

Eden Rise Dental can help you feel confident about your smile, whether you’re concerned about your oral hygiene routine or any other dental issues. Not only can our knowledgeable and friendly dentists in Berwick provide more home care tips for you based on your situation, but they can also offer you a variety of dental solutions, including cosmetic dentistry.

Are your due for your bi-annual dental check-up? Please don’t hesitate to book an appointment with a dentist in Berwick by getting in touch on (03) 9702 6111 today.

How To Cope With Your Fear Of The Dentist

Going to the dentist can be a daunting experience. You might’ve developed a fear as a child, or maybe you’ve had a bad experience and never shaken off the feeling. You might’ve even just watched a movie or TV show that depicts fictional dentists in a negative light. Either way, the reality is that there is nothing to be scared of when visiting our Berwick dentist – even if dental phobia is a real thing. In today’s blog, we’re going to share with you some ways that you can help reign in your own fear of dentists to make visits less frightening.

Identify what is wrong

A good start to the coping process is to try to figure out what exactly it is that you have a fear of when going to the dentist. Is it the helplessness you may feel when lying back in the chair? Is it the drill? Maybe something as simple as being embarrassed about your teeth? Luckily, there are simple fixes to these problems.

For example, if it’s the drill that disturbs you then perhaps try wearing earplugs, so you don’t have to listen to the sound of it. You can also close your eyes and pretend you’re somewhere else instead of lying on the dental chair – or let your Berwick dentist know and you can have a break halfway through to stretch your legs.

This can help to get rid of some of that feeling of helplessness. When it comes to your teeth, you should never be embarrassed as the job of our Berwick dentist is to look after and clean teeth. You will never be judged for having bad teeth or oral hygiene.

 

Is it the pain that bothers you?

If the problem is a bit more straightforward and it’s the pain that you’re afraid of, then you should let your dentist know. They’ll not only be able to help calm you down but can also administer anaesthesia to numb certain areas, so you won’t be able to feel the pain.

It is important to understand as well that a lot of regular dental check-ups don’t usually include procedures that cause pain at all. So, deep breaths and calming thoughts are a great way to distract you. Then, before you know it, your check-up will be over.

 

Has a past experience traumatised you?

A common result of dental fear is due to having a bad experience in the past. This could boil down to previously experiencing a procedure that you didn’t like, surprise expenses you weren’t aware of initially, rude staff or even just a cold environment. If this is the case then you should make sure that when looking for a new dental clinic that you read some reviews about them, and perhaps even go in meet them before sitting down for an appointment.

Don’t be afraid to explain to them about your past experiences and what bothered you, so your new dentist can reassure you that it won’t happen again and try their best to accommodate you as much as possible.

 

Don’t be afraid to talk

We’ve mentioned throughout this blog that you should talk to your dentist and let them know what bothers you about specific fears you have, but you should be doing this in general anyway. Even during the procedures, if something bothers you or makes you uncomfortable, then you should let your dentist know so they can adjust their approach or reassure you.

If you feel that your phobia begins to reach new heights to the point where you absolutely refuse to visit a dentist, then you should consider talking to a professional about your problems to have them resolved. Dental hygiene is an important part of life and skipping dentist appointments can cause serious health problems in your future.

 

Are you looking for a Berwick dentist?

Whether you suffer from dental phobia or not, Eden Rise Dental is always happy to accommodate all patients and make sure they’re as comfortable as possible when performing check-ups and procedures on them. Our family-friendly Berwick clinic is home to a team of experienced and fully-qualified professionals that are knowledgeable in a wide range of services and dental information. Some of our specialties include children’s dentistry and cosmetic dentistry, as well as a host of other dental services that should meet your requirements.

If you’re looking for a Berwick dentist, then please do not hesitate to give us a call on (03) 9702 6111 or send us a message through our website.

Are Sports Mouthguards Necessary?

In short, yes. Mouthguards play a crucial role in preventing some of the most common dental injuries including broken jaws, fractured teeth, cut lips and tongues and tooth loss. This week, we take a look at why mouthguards are so important to wear during organised sports.

How do they work?

Mouthguards primarily work by absorbing and distributing the energy of a blow. Their thickness also helps cushion impacts which slam the teeth together, protect the soft tissue from being cut or bruised by the teeth or dental braces. Some studies also suggest that wearing a mouthguard can reduce incidence or severity of a concussion.

Where do I get them?

$10 will get you a ‘boil and fit’ mouthguard over the counter from most chemists. However, these cheap mouthguards tend to fit poorly, are uncomfortable to wear, make speech, breathing and swallowing difficult, can obstruct the airway of an unconscious athlete, and won’t provide adequate protection from dental trauma. We recommend getting a custom fitted mouthguard from a dentist as these are far superior to over the counter products. Designed to fit the exact contours of your mouth, a custom fitted guard will stay firmly in place, balances your bite, provides proper protection and allows the wearer to breathe and talk comfortably.

When should they be worn?

Most contact sports like hockey, rugby and of course boxing require all participants to wear a mouthguard but there are a lot of non-contact sports such as netball, soccer, cricket, cycling, gymnastics, skateboarding and basketball have occasional collisions which can result in dental trauma. In fact, one study found that incidences of dental trauma were twice as high in so called ‘non-contact’ sports such as basketball and soccer which do not require a mouthguard when compared with contact sports where they are obligatory.

What kind of injuries do mouthguards prevent?  

In addition to cuts to the soft tissue and jaw related injury, are three main types of injuries which can be caused by dental trauma. These are:

Fractures: Where the tooth is broken, fractured at the root, or chipped

Avulsion: Where the entire tooth including the root is knocked out

Luxation: Where the tooth remains in the socket but is displaced. This might mean it’s pushed back or forward, or has been pulled down/pushed up and appears longer or shorter than the other teeth

If an athlete suffers any of these injuries, transport them to a dentist immediately. The best outcomes are achieved if the patient is treated by a dentist within two hours of the injury occurring.

3 Easy Ways To “Dental Detox”

We may not be able to see or feel it, but our mouths are constantly buzzing with bacteria, both good and bad. For this reason, it’s really important to maintain good oral health by brushing twice a day and flossing daily. But there are other ways to go about ensuring your pearly whites receive the star treatment. In this week’s article, we’re going to be running through 3 easy ways to do your own “dental detox”.

Tongue scraping

Your tongue is one of the biggest sites for bacteria growth. Scraping your tongue after your oral routine can be a good way to ensure that everything is left clean and grime free. As a traditional Ayurvedic technique, tongue scraping prevents bacteria build up. This is done by removing fungi, food debris and dead cells from the surface of your tongue. You’ll be left with a cleaner mouth, fresher breath and an increased metabolism- win win!

Oral probiotics

With the current craze of fermented foods such as kombucha and kimchi, many of us are realising the integral role your gut plays in your overall health. But taking oral probiotics may also be a good option for good bacteria in the mouth. Especially for those who suffer from frequent cavities, oral probiotics promote good oral health by acting as a defense against bad bacteria. This leads to reduced incidents of inflammation and infection, as well as better gut health overall.

Floss- plus tea tree oil

Time and time again, research has shown that tea tree oil is a natural disinfectant that can significantly reduce gingivitis and gum bleeding. By adding a drop of tea tree oil to your daily flossing routine, you’ll be sure to blast that bad bacteria away- leaving you cleaner and fresher.

The methods listed above are just some of the easy, at-home remedies you can incorporate into your dental routine to ensure your teeth are kept healthy. For more information, or for advice regarding your oral health, Eden Rise Dental are a friendly, local dentist in Berwick. Call our expert dentists for a consultation on 03 9702 6111 today.

All About Dental X-Rays

Dental x-rays are an integral part of your dental checkups that occur twice a year. Yet, it can be a little intimidating to have one taken when you’re not exactly sure what’s going on. With your dentist out of the room, the whole experience might feel a little uncomfortable – not to mention plain weird. To lessen these concerns, it helps to know exactly what is going on during a dental x-ray and why. Today, we’ve put together a quick guide to dental x-rays to help you understand their uses and answer common questions you may have.

What is a dental x-ray?

X-rays (otherwise known as radiographs) are digital images depicting the internal state of something, particularly body parts. X-rays are a form of radiation in electromagnetic waves that are absorbed differently by soft tissue and dense tissue. Typically, x-rays pass easily through soft tissue (such as muscle) and this is what highlights the dense bones beneath the skin.

X-rays are used in a variety of medical settings, from orthopaedics to dentistry. In terms of a dental setting, there are two kinds of x-rays you may come across:

• Intraoral: Taken inside the mouth.
• Extraoral: Taken outside the mouth.

Dentists commonly use intraoral x-rays in order to have the best understanding of your dental condition. This is because intraoral x-rays display the teeth, bone and supporting tissue of your mouth in great detail.

 

What exactly do x-rays show?

An intraoral x-ray can show the dentist:

• Any cavities or tooth decay you may have
• The state of your tooth roots
• How healthy the supporting bones are
• Any tumours developing
• How the teeth that are still growing are tracking

Alternatively, an extraoral x-ray:

• Examines the teeth and jaws together
• Shows the bones of the face
• Keeps a track of development and growth
• Shows the status of affected teeth

 

What are the benefits of a dental x-ray?

Dental x-rays are largely a diagnostic measure, meaning that they allow dentists to see issues you may be experiencing that are not visible to the naked eye. This gives the dentist a greater understanding of how to treat your problem.

Dental x-rays can also be preventative. Since the dentist can see the changes occurring in your teeth, they may be able to prevent an issue from happening or stop it before it becomes more serious.

 

Are dental x-rays harmful?

The idea of an x-ray may be setting off alarm bells for you since it is a form of radiation. However, the strength of a dental x-ray is extremely low and is actually equivalent to the exposure you would receive on a 1-2 hour flight, according to the Australian Dental Association (ADA).

Your dentist will typically leave the room during your x-ray, which may leave you confused, or asking yourself why you are exposed and they are not. Not to worry – they are simply limiting their ongoing exposure to radiation. This is because they are conducting x-rays daily and on a much more frequent basis than your bi-yearly checkup.

 

X-rays and pregnant women

It is important not to neglect your dental hygiene during pregnancy. Morning sickness, cravings for sugary foods and acid reflux all affect your teeth negatively. Without checkups at the dentist, you could be inviting a range of dental issues, including gum disease, gingivitis and tooth decay.

It is generally recommended that pregnant women keep their dental x-rays to a minimum during routine checkups, particularly in the first trimester. While dental x-rays are safe, your dentist may still recommend putting off routine x-rays until the second trimester.

However, if you require an x-ray for a more serious issue (such as a dental emergency or severe pain), then an x-ray may still be needed for your dentist to treat you effectively.

 

X-rays and children

X-rays are important for children because children face dental issues (most often related to growth) that adults do not. Therefore, it is crucial that the dentist should be able to see what is happening. X-rays help dentists to:

• Identify gum diseases, decay and cavities in your child’s teeth
• Monitor the development of wisdom teeth and permanent (‘adult’) teeth
• Determine whether primary (‘baby’) teeth are loosening properly in order to accommodate for incoming permanent teeth

Parents are commonly concerned about the radiation of x-rays and the impact they might have on their children. While it is true that children are more sensitive to radiation, the level of radiation emitted by dental x-rays is still classified as safe for children.

 

Talk to your dentist

If you are nervous about x-rays or have any additional questions, you should discuss your concerns with your dentist.

Looking for a dentist in Berwick? Eden Rise Dental offers x-rays under our general dentistry services. Our dentists are friendly and sure to put you at ease while you undergo your checkup. Get in touch with us today on (03) 9702 6111 to book an appointment and keep your smile looking healthy.

Fluoride. What exactly is it?

You may have heard the term fluoride being used before, especially when it comes to dental products, but what actually is fluoride? Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that is generally found in natural bodies of water, plants and rocks around the world. It is the combination of fluorine with another substance such as calcium or sodium.

There are both organic and inorganic versions of fluoride, the latter of which is added to drinking water to help prevent tooth decay. This is also why so many dental products contain fluoride. Our Berwick dental clinic has compiled some important information on fluoride to help educate the public on the matter.

Is it safe?

Fluoride is considered to be safe by most dental professionals and there is more than sufficient evidence to suggest that adding synthetic fluoride into drinking water supplies does help strengthen teeth and prevent cavities. It was in 1945 that the first town in the US – Grand Rapids, Michigan – added fluoride to their tap water. Studies found that school children suffered from lower rates of cavities and the method was applied to many other towns across the country.

Fluoride is predominantly only toxic if consumed in large and concentrated doses. This is unlikely to happen through fluoride added to drinking water however, as the levels are closely monitored by experts. Recently there have been studies suggesting that the original study was not based on sufficient evidence and that fluoride in drinking water is not solely responsible for the low cavity rate.

As a result, there are many people who choose to filter their own water at home and refuse to drink fluoride contaminated water. The general consensus amongst professional organisations seems to be though that fluoride is still beneficial in the fight against cavities at appropriate levels.

 

Natural fluoride

Naturally occurring fluoride is found in rocks, plants, soil and in bodies of water. These are usually in low levels, however. Calcium fluoride (CaF2) is the naturally occurring fluoride mineral and appears in low levels throughout the environment. This type of fluoride is not toxic at all however, due to its low levels and the addition of the calcium – which is a natural fluoride combatant.

 

Synthetic fluoride

Sodium fluoride (NaF) is the synthetic fluoride that is added to water supplies and dental products. Sodium fluoride is a toxin at the end of the day, but still holds benefits for teeth. It is used in dental products such as toothpaste. The key to safely using fluoride products is in small doses. Fluoride can strengthen the enamel of your teeth when both swallowing them and using them on your teeth, especially in children and adolescents.

 

What are fluoride treatments?

Fluoride treatments come in various forms such as gels, varnishes or tablets. Over the age of 16, fluoride no longer affects a person’s teeth when swallowed. Because of this, there are certain fluoride treatments that are commonly performed in a Berwick dental clinic.

Standard fluoride treatments that anyone can perform on themselves include toothpaste and mouth rinses. Tablet form fluoride treatment is generally for children between the ages of 6 and 16 if their fluoride intake is low. Fluoride is most effective in children as it is when their teeth are still developing, strengthening their enamel.

 

Dental fluorosis

Fluorosis is when black or brown discolouration appears on your teeth. This can only occur in developing teeth and not fully formed teeth. The cause of this is being exposed to too much sodium fluoride at a young age. The effects range from cosmetic discolouration to irregularities on the tooths surface. The cosmetic discolouration will never go away and may darken over time.

At the end of the day, dental fluorosis is only a cosmetic issue will not result in any serious defects such as cavities. There are treatments available at your Berwick dental clinic that involve masking the discolouration. This is why it is important to monitor the intake of fluoride in young children and only use a small amount of toothpaste as well as encouraging them not to eat or swallow it.

 

Worried about fluoride?

Eden Rise Dental is a family-friendly Berwick dental clinic that specialises in a variety of different dental services. Our fully-qualified and welcoming professionals are prepared to help you with any questions or concerns you may have about you or your child’s fluoride intake.

If you would like to know more about the facts of fluoride and your dental health then please contact us on (03) 9702 6111 or send us a message through our website.

Three Meals A Day: What’s Best For My Teeth

Dental Care Tips from your local Berwick Dental Clinic.

Three meals a day has always been seen as the social norm. Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Each meal is designed to sustain you until the next – with dinner typically being the larger and more exotic of the three meals. Today, our Berwick dental clinic has decided to establish a list of foods that will contribute to keeping your teeth in a healthy condition. You might think that keeping your teeth healthy means you have to eat boring foods – but that’s not true at all. We’re here to show you that health can be fun too!

Breakfast

Some people like to skip the first meal of the day, but our dental clinic in Berwick would advise against that – there’s a reason they say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Cereal is a quick and easy meal to have in the morning and it works great for kids as well.

The problem is that a lot of cereals are high in sugar – especially the children’s range that attract them with colourful and creative box-art. If you’re going to have a cereal – stick with whole grain cereals and look out for high fat and sodium levels.

Another fantastic breakfast meal that isn’t too harsh on your teeth is a tasty omelette with cheese (not too much though) and vegetables. Natural yogurt is also a great option – but, again, be sure to avoid high-sugar varieties. Try some plain, natural yogurt and add some honey and muesli in it for flavour.

If you have the time, try making a smoothie with low-fat milk and frozen fruit. Things like mixed berries, bananas and peaches go well with some crushed ice in a blender. Prepare the smoothie the night before to make the morning easier.

Lunch

Fruit and vegetable are paramount for keeping up your fibre levels. Fruits and vegetables that are high in fibre is the next best thing to scrubbing your teeth with a toothbrush. The chewing motion also stimulates saliva – which as we know fights against tooth decay. Options like carrots, celery and cucumber can all be kept fresh and eaten raw as a snack or cut-up and thrown into a salad.

Calcium-rich foods such as cheese, sardines, edamame and tofu are fantastic as well. A lot of places offer tofu nowadays so it’s perfect if you’re looking for a quick lunch-fix during work. Of course, your body can only efficiently absorb calcium if your vitamin D levels are up. Fatty fish such as salmon is high in vitamin D, making it a great option to eat on its own or combine with a variety of other things – whether it’s smoked or cooked.

A common misconception that some people have is that bread is good for your teeth. This is only true for whole wheat bread. White bread can be high in sugar and cause tooth decay – so if you’re going to make a sandwich, stick with whole wheat bread.

Dinner

The lines have become blurred in recent times with what is considered dinner and lunch food – with people often having a traditional dinner meal such as a steak for lunch. At the end of the day there is no right time of the day to eat your food. However, as a Berwick dental clinic, we do suggest sticking to meals such as fatty fish and meat for dinner.

Red meat contains natural nutrients and is high in iron – so having a steak every now and then can be beneficial for your health and your teeth. As we mentioned before, foods that require more chewing will generate more saliva and are thus beneficial for you. Chicken is also a fantastic option as it is a lean meat and contains a large amount of protein, calcium and phosphorous.

Whole-grain pasta is another alternative if you don’t feel like tofu, meat or vegetables. It has fewer calories and carbs than normal pasta and is also higher in fibre. Add vegetables and some smoked salmon in with it to make the meal more creative.

Looking for a Berwick dental clinic?

Whilst the above foods aren’t considered harmful to your teeth, Eden Rise Dental suggests that you should always endeavour to brush after every meal and floss at least twice a day. That way you can maximise your teeth and oral hygiene. We provide a variety of services for both children’s dentistry and adults.

If you need to book a check-up at a Berwick dental clinic, then get in touch with us by calling (03) 9702 6111. You can also get in contact with us by filling out the enquiry form on our website.