Braces Food Archives - Lowe Orthodontics

Diet

The primary cause of cavities, gingivitis and periodontal disease is accumulation of plaque and tartar on your teeth. The bacteria normally present in your mouth converts the food you eat into acid, which in turn combines with bacteria and leftover food to form a sticky substance called plaque. Plaque accumulation can begin on your teeth in as little as 20 minutes after you’ve eaten. If not removed, the acid in the plaque dissolves tooth enamel and creates a cavity. The way you eat and the things you eat will either aid your body in fighting cavities and gum disease, or make you more likely to develop them. While your grandmother would have probably told you that eating candy was bad for your teeth, today’s dental nutritionists know that she was only partly right. Yes, sugary snacks are one of the culprits that set up the right conditions for development of plaque, but did you know that carbohydrates, such as bread or potatoes, are just as bad for your teeth as a candy bar? And did you know you can combat these conditions by eating your food in the right combinations? The two main factors that make a food a bad snack is the amount of sugar in the food and the length of time the food stays in your mouth. Strangely enough, the sugar and chocolate in a candy bar will actually be washed out of your mouth faster than the sugars from some fruits or the bread from your [...]

By admin|2017-02-05T21:07:57-08:00September 2nd, 2015|Braces, Braces Food, Oral Health, Orthodontics|0 Comments

Braces Friendly Recipe: Almond Sugar Cookie Cut-Outs

Easy to assemble dough – good for any occasion Ingredients: 1 cup butter (softened) 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/1/2 cups powdered sugar 2 1/2 cups flour 1 egg 1 teaspoon cream of tarter 1/2 teaspoon almond extract 1 teaspoon baking soda Directions: Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, then add the egg, vanilla extract and almond extract flavorings. Combine the dry ingredients in separate bowl. Next, add the dry ingredients (by 1/2 cup measurements) to the butter/sugar mixture. Mix with a mixer on medium speed. Chill the dough for 2-3 hours or overnight, or “quick chill” in the freezer until very firm, for about 30-45 minutes. To Bake: Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Separate the dough into fourths and roll each section until it is about 1/8 – 1/4 inch thickness. Use seasonal cookie cutters and cut into desired shapes. Bake 7-9 minutes or until the edges just begin to brown. Super Easy Ornamental Frosting Ingredients: 16 oz. powdered sugar 3 tablespoons meringue powder 1/3 cup of warm water Directions: Combine all the ingredients and mix at medium speed until smooth. Food coloring may be added at this point. Spread the frosting on each cutout. For spreading consistency, thin icing by adding tablespoons of warm water. Please note: it doesn’t take more than one or two tablespoons to thin the icing. Enjoy!

By admin|2017-02-05T21:07:57-08:00July 2nd, 2015|Braces, Braces FAQ, Braces Food, Orthodontics|0 Comments

Eat Healthy To Help Keep Your Teeth Healthy During Orthodontic Treatment

DURING YOUR ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT, we know you hear a lot from our team about the importance of brushing and flossing. But there are other things (we tend to talk less about) that can really assist you in maintaining the health of your teeth so that when your orthodontic treatment concludes, your smile will be drop-dead gorgeous. Eating Right Helps Fend Off Plaque, Gingivitis, And Periodontal Disease Your tooth enamel is your smile’s first defense against decay. When your enamel becomes damaged (or erodes) you become more prone to tooth sensitivity and cavities. Your diet can have a lot to do with replenishing those things in your body that help strengthen tooth enamel. Calcium is one of those things. Also, foods rich in vitamin D (like salmon) allow you to better absorb the calcium that healthy teeth need. “Super-Smile” Foods That May Surprise You Broccoli – Broccoli has been shown to create an acid-resistant teeth “shield”. Onions – Onions have properties that fight bacteria in your mouth. Kiwi (Vitamin C) – The little fuzzy guys are packed with more Vitamin C than any other fruit. A lack of Vitamin C can break down the collagen network in your gums, making them tender and more susceptible to bacteria and gum disease. Celery – Celery is like an edible tooth-scrubber. Because of its fibrous material, it massages gums, cleans teeth, and encourages saliva production (a major plus). Other Crunchy Veggies – Other crunchy vegetables and fruits like apples or carrots are also great for your smile. Quinoa (pronounced “KEEN-wah”) – This little grain is loaded [...]

By admin|2017-02-05T21:07:57-08:00July 2nd, 2015|Braces FAQ, Braces Food, Oral Health|0 Comments