4 Ways A Dentist Can Clean & Restore Teeth After A Summer Picnic Diet
Many people don't plan on it, but the summer can often become a common time for a picnic diet. With so many holidays and gatherings, a summer diet may include picnic and barbecue foods on a weekly basis. While a majority of these foods like hotdogs and hamburgers are delicious, it's important to be aware of your dental health. Attending multiple picnics can lead to all kinds of trouble with your teeth. Fortunately, if you love summer picnic food, there are four different ways that a dentist can help treat your mouth. Before the end of your summer, your smile can end up looking healthier than it was when the summer first began.
Teeth Bonding
Enamel in your mouth is a strong substance that protects your teeth and helps prevent cavities. When attending summer picnics, there are several foods and drinks that lead to enamel erosion and problems with your mouth. At a summer picnic, this includes drinks like soda and lemonade. These drinks contain high amounts of acid that can cause major problems. Fruit salads and barbecue sauce are two other foods that can cause potential problems
If summer picnicking has caused enamel problems for your teeth, then a dentist can perform a procedure known as teeth bonding. Tooth bonding is the process of applying a resin material to the damaged part of your tooth to heal it. Instead of capping off your tooth or replacing it, a bonding treatment only applies to the areas where enamel has been removed. Initially the bonding starts as a liquid when applied to your teeth and then hardens after a few minutes. During your first visit, the dentist will examine your mouth and determine where erosion has occurred.
Teeth Whitening
Along with causing enamel problems, a number of picnic foods can create stains in your mouth. Vinegar-based salad dressings, berries, soda, and wine are just a few of the foods that can lead to tooth stains. If you do not like the color of your teeth, then you can visit a dentist for a tooth-whitening treatment. A dental office whitening treatment can typically be completed in a single session. Dentists have the ability to use stronger whitening kits than standard at-home kits. This allows your teeth to appear brighter and the process can be completed faster.
Deep Cleanings
As you attend multiple picnics, there is a lot of bacteria and food debris that can get introduced to your mouth. Hard bones, sesame seeds, fruit seeds, and thick meats are just a few of the items that you encounter at each event. It's important to protect your gums during this time to help prevent the onset of various gum diseases. One way to help with this is a deep cleaning.
A deep cleaning appointment is a more involved appointment than a traditional dental treatment. Along with the regular cleaning, a dentist will work deep into the gums to remove extra bacteria build-up. If you have swollen or injured gums, a deep cleaning can make a huge difference in reversing the ill effects and giving you a healthy smile again. Once the deep cleaning is completed, you can follow up with daily oral care like flossing and brushing.
Fluoride Treatments
Summer picnics are also known for some great desserts. Cakes, pies, puddings, and ice cream are just a few of the summer treats that can introduce problems for your mouth. When a lot of sugar is introduced, it can lead to tooth decay. Having an improper amount of fluoride on your teeth can make this problem even worse. To help ensure that your teeth and mouth are protected, your dentist may have you undergo a variety of fluoride treatments. In the office, you may have a fluoride gel applied directly to the teeth. To help continue a treatment at home, you may have fluoride pills prescribed to you.
After getting these treatments done, you can prepare for the next summer and ensure that your mouth stays clean and protected through all of the picnic events that you attend. Check out a site like http://www.fortcollinsdentist.com to learn how to make an appointment with a dentist.