What Dietary Supplements Are Good For Oral Health?

With dietary supplements now more commonly available than ever before, it’s important that patients research the marketplace carefully and make sure they’re selecting the right products for their oral health requirements. The question regarding dietary supplements and oral health is one that we often receive from patients within our clinic and so within this post, we’ll outline several of the dietary supplements that have been proven effective in protecting and boosting oral health over the long-term. Vitamin D Low vitamin D levels have been linked with periodontal disease in numerous studies. Vitamin D works in numerous ways to improve oral health. For example, the supplement can produce cathelicidin and defensins, which have antimicrobial properties. These compounds work to reduce the number of bacteria in the mouth, helping to prevent disease from impacting the patient over time. Vitamin D also works to reduce matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), which have also been associated with periodontal disease. Vitamin C with Bioflavonoids Many take vitamin C on a regular basis to improve their health in the fight to prevent colds and other conditions. However, vitamin C has also been shown to impact oral health as well. For example, studies have shown that patients who take vitamin C with bioflavonoids can achieve greater gum healing effects. This could be beneficial for those who experience regular gum bleeding as vitamin C works to promote the tissue healing process. Green Tea Supplements Taking green tea in the form of a supplement or in liquid form has been shown to significantly improve oral health. Patients can reduce the risk of losing teeth by up-to 20% by taking green tea supplements on a regular basis, according to a recent study in Japan. Recent studies have also indicated that green tea can help to inhibit certain kinds of oral bacteria and increase the acid resistance of tooth enamel. It’s a supplement that could offer protection to those with numerous challenging oral health conditions. These are just a few of the examples of health supplements that can improve dental health and reduce oral care issues for the years ahead. It’s important to speak with your dental care professional before taking any dietary supplement for oral health. To learn more about the various supplements available on the marketplace, speak with our trusted and trained team today!

SPORTS INJURY & SPORTS GUARDS: Recommended Jaw and Teeth Protection Measures When Playing Sports

Playing sports such as football and hockey is a leading cause of injury for Canadians. It’s important to understand how simple preventive measures can help to protect your teeth and jaw and ensure safety while playing your favourite sports.  Within this blog, we’ll highlight several measures to protect your teeth and jaw during sports play.

Wear Custom Designed Mouth Guards

Custom-made mouth guards created by a dental professional can help keep your teeth and jaw secure when playing sports. The latest data shows that an athlete is 60 times more likely to sustain damage to their teeth when not wearing a protective mouth guard. It has also been estimated that mouth guards aid in preventing over 200,000 injuries each year including concussions. The leading advantages of custom made mouth guards is their comfort and customized and precision fit.  They will help protect your mouth and jaw without detracting from the sporting experience as well as aiding in preventing concussions.

Select an Effective Helmet

The latest helmet products have been designed to protect you from serious head injury during contact sports such as football and hockey. The helmet can absorb the blow of an impact and ensure your jaw, teeth and spine don’t take the brunt of the force. But it’s important to select an effective helmet for your head size. Speak with a local sports specialist in your area to discuss helmet sizing and the factors behind effective helmet performance.

Stop Play Immediately If an Issue Arises

One of the leading causes of the most serious head injuries during sports is when a player doesn’t exit the field or ice when they’re injured. Many try to play on after suffering a severe blow to the head. But it’s important to remove yourself from play until you regain your composure and have been cleared to return to play.  If you experience any dizziness or loss of vision, it’s imperative to speak with a medical professional as soon as possible who can help ensure you haven’t suffered a concussion or another serious head injury.

By taking precautions during play and preparing yourself with the leading properly fitting equipment for the next game, you can protect your jaw and teeth over the long-term. Speak with one of our in-house experts directly to learn more about customized mouth guard options.