What is Xylitol?

Xylitol is a naturally occurring alcohol found in most plant material, including many fruits and vegetables. In the dental world, xylitol is widely used as a sugar substitute and in “sugar-free” chewing gums, mints, and other candies. You already know that sugar is bad for your teeth, which is why at Garrison Family Dentistry we’d like to tell you that when shopping for chewing gum you should look for the American Dental Association (ADA) seal of approval on the packaging.

Xylitol tastes sweet but, unlike sugar, it is not converted in the mouth to acids that cause tooth decay. In fact, it reduces levels of decay-causing bacteria in saliva and can help keep a neutral pH level in the mouth. No acid is formed because the pH of saliva and does not fall. After chewing gum with xylitol, the bacteria do not stick well on the surface of teeth and as a result, the amount of plaque decreases.

If you have questions about the benefits of xylitol, give us a call. To learn more about the services provided at Garrison Family Dentistry, visit www.garrisonfamilydentistry.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Matthew Garrison in Smithville, MO, call 816-532-8778.

Nutrition and Oral Health

A balanced and nutritious diet is superior for your general health and your dental health. Without the right nutrients, your teeth and gums can become more susceptible to decay and gum disease. Poor nutrition affects the entire immune system, thereby increasing awareness to many disorders. At Garrison Family Dentistry we want you to know that people with lowered immune systems have been shown to be at higher risk for periodontal disease. Try introducing these foods into your daily diet to improve your dental health.

Choose foods from five major food groups: fruits, vegetables, breads and cereals, milk and dairy products, as well as meat, chicken, fish, or beans. Avoid diets that limit or eliminate entire food groups, because they usually result in vitamin or mineral deficiencies. Always keep your mouth moist by drinking lots of water. Fluorides in drinking water accompanied by a low-sugar diet are important factors in reducing cavities.

If you have questions about how diet affects your oral health, don’t hesitate to call us and ask. To learn more about the services provided at Garrison Family Dentistry, visit www.garrisonfamilydentistry.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Matthew Garrison in Smithville, MO, call 816-532-8778.

Pregnancy Gingivitis

Excellent dental care is essential during pregnancy. Hormonal changes that occur can hinder the body’s normal response to bacteria which can cause periodontal infections. If you already have gingivitis, being pregnant can make it worse. At Garrison Family Dentistry we want pregnant mothers to be aware of pregnancy gingivitis and schedule a checkup with us if symptoms arise.

Swollen gums, which may be sore and more susceptible to bleeding, are common during this time. Pregnancy gingivitis is caused by the hormonal changes that increase blood flow to the gum tissue and cause your gums to be more sensitive, irritable, and swollen. If gingivitis is left unchecked, it may lead to a more serious gum infection called periodontitis. Periodontitis during pregnancy increases the chance of preterm birth. To manage swollen gums and to keep your mouth healthy, brush your teeth twice per day, especially after vomiting from morning sickness and schedule at least one oral checkup with Dr. Matthew Garrison during pregnancy.

If you are pregnant, please inform us while scheduling your next appointment. To learn more about the services provided at Garrison Family Dentistry, visit www.garrisonfamilydentistry.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Matthew Garrison in Smithville, MO, call 816-532-8778.