Low Sugar Holiday Treats That are Still Tasty!

Over the next couple of months, there are going to be a lot of family dinners, gatherings of friends, and TONS of sweet treats and snacks that are full of sugar. That much sugar could not only derail your health goals, but it could also accelerate tooth decay because sugar feeds bacteria and helps it grow in your mouth... yuck! Access Dental and Dentures has the best dental clinics in Missouri and we are here to help you this holiday season. Today we're talking about how you can have a reduced sugar holiday meal without sacrificing taste. Keep reading to learn the best tips and tricks!

Sugar Alternatives

Most holiday food tends to have a lot of added sugar in it. When you think about the most harmful and most impactful kinds of sweetener, these should come to mind: table sugar, high fructose corn syrup, glucose, etc. If you are looking for a somewhat healthier option that still contains natural sugars, you can try using agave syrup, honey, or even natural orange juice to get a sweetened flavor without adding a massive amount of sugar that could be bad for your health. If you want to go completely sugar free, there are sugar substitutes that can still give you a sweet flavor without any of the sugar content. Stevia is one of the most highly regarded options on the market right now. It comes from a plant, so it's more natural than some of the chemical alternatives. Just remember that it takes much less Stevia to achieve the same level of sweetness that sugar gives. 

Low Sugar Snacks

Instead of snacking on candy, cookies, and other items full of sugar, you can choose healthier options that give your body the protein and vitamins & minerals it needs to keep you balanced through the holidays. Try snacking on low-butter popcorn, nut medleys, fruit bowls, veggie trays, and fancy charcuterie boards with high-end cheeses and meats. These snacks are not only delicious and lower in sugar, but they are also more likely to keep you fuller for longer so you don't crave as many sweet-filled snacks.

Have a Plan

One of the biggest reasons people report snacking too much is because they don't have a plan for their main meal and they start snacking while they try to make a decision and end up over eating - or they are simply bored and fill the void with snacks. That is why having a plan for your day is a great way to prevent over-eating on the holidays. Before your guests arrive for the day/week of the holiday, be sure to have a plan for each meal. Know what you plan to serve for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and be sure to have healthy snacks readily available and in the open. This will help people make better choices when they do start feeling snack-y. 

Stay Healthy All Year

The holidays can be one of the most tempting times of year with the abundance of food lying around and sweets seemingly everywhere calling your name. But, that doesn't mean it's impossible to stay healthy through the holiday season. And it's important to remember that whatever choices you make, you are keeping sustainability and your overall lifestyle in mind. Access Dental and Dentures cares about your health and we want to make sure you stay healthy year-round. Set up an appointment with us and we'll check our your teeth, gums, and overall mouth health. We can address any issues we find so you can keep a confident healthy smile. Give us a call! 1-877-DENTIST

We want to be your dentist because your family deserves a great smile! 

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Vitamins Essential for Dental Health

Have you ever wondered what kinds of vitamins and minerals you need to keep your teeth and mouth healthy? Access Dental and Dentures is here to help answer that question and tell you how you can incorporate these important elements into your lifestyle so you can stay healthy and keep your teeth in great condition. Keep reading to learn all about it! 

Calcium

You may already know this one, especially if you've heard that milk is good for your teeth. More than milk, though, cheese can be beneficial for your teeth because the casein that's also in cheese is good for keeping your enamel strong. Calcium can also be found in sardines, beans, leafy greens, and foods that are fortified with calcium. 

Magnesium

A great mineral to pair with Calcium is Magnesium, because Magnesium helps the body absorb Calcium. Add Magnesium to your diet by eating nuts, seeds, dark leafy vegetables, beans, and whole grains. 

Phosphorus

Another mineral that helps your body absorb Calcium is Phosphorus. For that reason, Phosphorus is important in building strong teeth. It also helps create protein to repair your body's cells. Get more Phosphorus by eating fish, meat, whole grains, nuts, beans, lentils, and dairy products. Pro tip: Phosphorus from animal products is easier for your body to absorb and use than Phosphorus in plant products. 

Vitamin C

This vitamin is infamous for helping stave off the common cold and giving your immune system a boost. Vitamin C is considered an antioxidant and helps with inflammation and the healing process from injuries or damage. You can incorporate more vitamin C in your diet by eating oranges, grapefruit, kiwi, red peppers, tomato, sweet potatoes, cantaloupe, broccoli, strawberries, brussels sprouts, and more!

Vitamin A

This vitamin is essential for a healthy mouth because it helps promote mucus and saliva production. As gross as this sounds, having enough mucus and saliva in your mouth helps protect your cheeks and gums from infection. Get plenty of Vitamin A from eggs, sweet potatoes, fish, and carrots. 

Vitamin D

Remember Calcium? Vitamin D is another important part of getting the most out of Calcium. Vitamin D essentially tells your intestines to absorb Calcium and get it into your bloodstream. It helps strengthen your teeth to prevent breaks, cracks, and chips. Vitamin D is found in fish, eggs, cheese, fortified milk, and other dairy products. Pro Tip: Spending time in the sun can help your body create its OWN Vitamin D!

Visit Your Doctor and Dentist

If you are concerned that you aren't getting enough vitamins in your diet to stay healthy and strong, it may be time to visit your doctor and a nutritionist to evaluate your diet and what changes you should make. If you haven't already, it's also a good idea to visit your dentist and make sure your teeth are strong and in the best condition they can be in. Call Access Dental and Dentures today! 1-877-DENTIST

Which Halloween Candy is Worse for Your Teeth? 🎃🍬

Halloween is just a little more than two weeks away! There is going to be a LOT of candy around the house soon, and Access Dental and Dentures is the best dentist in southern Missouri and we are here to help you sort through exactly which kinds of candy are better for your teeth, and which ones can be really damaging. Keep reading to learn all about how candy affects your teeth before the holiday!

The Worst Candy for Teeth

The reason that candy is so bad for your teeth is because of the high sugar content. Sugar feeds bacteria and allows it to grow and flourish in your mouth. Some candy types can also include ingredients that make it adhere even more to your teeth, causing plaque buildup and tooth decay. These are some of the most detrimental types of candy for your dental health... 

Hard Candies

Some people like to savor hard candy for long amounts of time, while other people like to bite into them and crunch through the piece of candy. Both of these options are not good for your teeth. If you like to savor your hard candy, the candy is in contact with your teeth much longer than other types of candy. Biting through hard candy is also bad because the hard candy can damage your teeth, causing chips, cracks, and enamel issues. 

Sour Candy

This kind of candy is highly acidic. The acid content in sour candy is what give it the very sour flavor people love. But, too much acid is really bad for your teeth. Acid can cause enamel erosion, making your teeth more prone to tooth decay and gum inflammation. 

Gummy Candy & Taffy

This kind of candy tends to stick to and in between your teeth. If gummy candy and taffy gets stuck between your teeth, the sugar stays there and continuously causes damage to your teeth and their enamel. Because it's SO sticky, you need to be sure to floss and brush thoroughly after consuming this kind of candy. One important thing to be aware of - if the gummy or taffy candy you're eating has a high acid content, you need to wait a while before brushing your teeth. Otherwise you'll be scrubbing your teeth with the left-behind acid from the candy, causing more serious enamel erosion. 

Candy That Causes Less Damage

If you're going to eat candy (who doesn't want to around Halloween?!), then there are a few kinds that are not as bad for your teeth. When you choose candy, try aiming for these kinds instead...

Sugar-Free Candy

Clearly, sugar is the most damaging part of candy. That's why choosing sugar-free candy is the best option if you're going to enjoy candy. Without the damaging, bacteria-feeding sugar, the candy will be less damaging. 

Dark Chocolate

Chocolate is an American favorite, so this is great news! Dark chocolate has actually been shown to contain antioxidants, which are good for promoting your health and fighting aging. Dark chocolate also doesn't have as much sugar as milk chocolate, so it's even better for your teeth. 

Visit the Dentist

If you tend to have a sweet tooth and like enjoying candy a little more than you should, then you definitely don't want to skip your dental hygiene habits and dentist appointments. Make sure you are brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing daily, drinking plenty of water, and keeping your dental appointments every 6 months as recommended. Give Access Dental and Dentures a call to schedule your next appointment - we can't wait to help you enjoy a healthier life! 

We want to be your dentist because your family deserves a great smile! 

1-877-DENTIST

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Getting Older Can Affect Your Teeth!

Teeth aren't the same over your whole lifetime - the enamel strength, tendency to get cavities, and so much more! Access Dental and Dentures is the best dentist in southern Missouri, and we are here to help you understand how to take the best care of your teeth as you age. Keep reading and give us a call when you're ready to schedule an appointment! 

Dry Mouth

As you age, you may find yourself being prescribed more medications to take by your doctor. With some of these medications comes the side effect of dry mouth. Due to the reduced amount of saliva being produced during dry mouth, foods and bacteria can stay in your mouth longer which leads to an increased chance of a cavity. Make sure to let your dentist know about all the medications you take and about any medical changes you've noticed.

Gum Disease

Gum disease becomes more common with age also. It becomes an issue when the bacteria in plaque causes the gums to become irritated and swollen. Unfortunately, gum disease is often painless until it reaches a certain stage, so it can go undetected for a while. During advanced stages of gum disease, the gums pull away from the teeth, allowing food and other particles to get caught within these pockets. Gum disease can destroy gums, bones, and the ligaments that hold teeth in place. This can eventually cause tooth loss.

Wear & Tear

Despite how careful you are, teeth usually wear down over time. You can help control the amount of wear and tear by watching what you eat. Chewing on ice can create enamel chips or completely break off teeth. While this may be a hard habit to break, if you want to avoid wear, you’ll want to ditch this habit. Teeth can also be worn down by a poor bite or night-time grinding. Dental appliances from Access Dental and Dentures can help prevent this kind of damage.

Discoloration

Unfortunately, teeth coloring is also common with age. The dentin, which is the core tissue in your teeth, becomes more yellow over time. The outside enamel on teeth then thins with age, causing the coloring of the dentin to show through. Eating and drinking certain things like coffee, wine, sodas, tea, some acidic fruits and vegetables, and tobacco can also yellow teeth. Cutting back on these foods, drinking lots of water, and having a professional whitening can help you maintain a sparkling white smile.

Teeth Shift

Teeth also begin to shift with age. The two front lower teeth are often the first to shift due to the pressure on your teeth that are caused by wear and tear. Teeth shifting causes loss of bone, which causes gums to recede. A lot of stress that comes with aging is taken out on the jaw through grinding and clenching, which can cause wear on the enamel and even chipped teeth. Getting appliances to protect your teeth from clenching and grinding in the night can help prevent teeth shift also.

Best Dentist in Southern Missouri

Don't let your teeth change so much that you lose your happy, confident smile! if your teeth have started to change and you're not happy, give Access Dental and Dentures a call! We are the best dentist in southern Missouri, and we are here to help you. We can't wait to meet you and help you enjoy a healthy mouth, teeth, and gums. 

We want to be your dentist because your family deserves a great smile! 

1-877-DENTIST

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How to Avoid the Fall Fifteen

Have you heard of the fall fifteen? When the fall season arrives, with all of its sweet and fattening treats, it can be hard to keep your heath top-of-mind. Swim suit season is over, and you might be tempted to use oversized sweaters and big scarves as an excuse to stop minding the amount of calories you're consuming on a daily basis. Access Dental and Dentures cares about your dental health, and beyond! Keep reading to learn how to fight the temptation to consume a lot of sugar and overeat this fall.

Drink Plenty of Water

Sometimes the body can get confused and cross its signals. If you are craving something sweet, your body could actually just be dehydrated and in need of water. Drink a large glass of water when you experience unhealthy cravings or hunger outside of mealtime. This could help satiate your body enough to curb cravings so you can say “no” to the office candy dish.

Prioritize Protein

Protein is a necessary nutrient to our diets, and it also helps you feel full for longer. If you feel full throughout the day, you are less likely to feel like snacking on unhealthy treats and sweets. Protein can help diminish your cravings as well, because your body doesn’t feel like it is in need of more nutrients.

Ditch Artificial Sweeteners

Artificial sweeteners are typically not actually better for you than traditional sugar. While both are bad for your health, artificial sweeteners can cause the signals that control appetite in your brain to get mixed up or ignored. Some sweeteners that are considered “healthy”, like Stevia, actually taste ten times sweeter than the average sweetener. If your taste buds develop an appetite for this sweeter flavor, it is likely that you will crave more of it in higher quantities.

Substitute Fresh Fruits & Vegetables

Substituting yummy berries and melons for dessert is a tasty solution! Just remember to brush and floss your teeth afterward to keep the sugar and acid off your teeth so it doesn't cause enamel wear and tooth decay. 

Vegetables are also a great snack to keep you fuller for longer. Instead of grabbing potato chips, try toasting some kale with a little bit of salt to satisfy your crunchy/salty craving. Not only are vegetables good for your body, but the texture of crunchy vegetables like carrots can also help scrape some bad bacteria off of your teeth.

Avoid Stress & Triggers

While avoiding stress is sometimes easier said than done, there are other ways to help your body cope other than eating sweets. A few things you can try to help cope with stress are… meditation, yoga, exercise, etc.

Avoid triggers or tempting situations like grocery shopping while hungry, or attending a party on an empty stomach. If you know you will be attending a party where you will be surrounded by a lot of sweets, eat a meal that is high in protein before leaving and make sure you are well hydrated. Chew on a piece of gum during the party to help prevent absent-minded snacking as well.

Make Healthy Eating Fun

Presentation is everything! For adults, a platter full of colorful fruits and vegetables is so beautiful it makes you want to dig right in. For kids, make a smiley face or cute little creature out of their fruits and veggies. There are tutorials all over the internet with clever and simple ideas for how to do this.

Hot summer days are on the way and you can easily substitute sugary ice cream bars and popsicles with frozen yogurt bars. If you make them at home, you can even add in some of your favorite chopped up or pureed fruits.

Smoothies are all mixed up into a drinkable liquid form which makes them the perfect healthy snack to sneak in a few leafy greens. You get nutrients from foods you may not necessarily enjoy on their own but the right recipe can mask that flavor with another food you do enjoy.

Schedule a Check-Up

Staying on top of doctor's office visits is important when managing your health. Be sure to schedule annual check-ups to check in with your doctor about how you are feeling and to maintain health blood pressure, weight, and other important health factors. Also schedule your dental check-ups every 6 months to make sure your teeth and mouth are staying healthy and strong. Access Dental and Dentures has the best dental clinics in southern Missouri and we are here to help you! 

We want to be your dentist because your family deserves a great smile! 

1-877-DENTIST

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