Monthly Archives: June 2014

Red Wine is Good!

red wine and your teeth

 

Now really… Who doesn’t love that glass of wine with dinner?  I know. Your thinking its not the best choice. A refreshing glass of water with dinner would be the best choice for my teeth. (sad face)

Today, the tides have turned!  Let me give you a good reason to have that glass of wine and indulge in all its red grapey goodness.  A study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry has shown that the  compounds in red wine can prevent cavities and plaque build-up.  Red wine and grape seed extract contain antimicrobial elements that were found to help kill bacteria in simulated lab tests.

To test their theory, a  study, lead by an authority of wine chemistry from Spain, tested multiple apparatuses with bacteria associated with dental plaque.  The findings concluded that, “Red wine with or without alcohol and wine with grape seed extract were the most effective at getting rid of the bacteria that develops cavities and subsequent tooth loss that affects an estimated 60 to 90 percent of the global population.”

Many different studies are finding that there are many health benefits associated with drinking a glass of red wine.  Ah, but with anything good there is always the bad side.  Red Wine does in fact stain your teeth and consuming large amounts of alcohol has serious adverse effects on your overall health.  As with anything, moderation is the key.

Address:
8430 Univ. Exec. Park Drive Suite 610
Charlotte, NC 28262
Telephone:

704-510-1150

 Email:smile@glasscockdental.com
Business Hours
Monday: 8 a.m.- 5 p.m.
Tuesday: 8 a.m.- 5 p.m.
Wednesday: 8 a.m.- 5 p.m.
Thursday: 7:30 a.m.- 2 p.m.
Friday: 8 a.m.- 2 p.m. – Every Other Week
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/277305.php

http://www.indianwineacademy.com/item_2_604.aspx

http://www.nydailynews.com/life-style/health/red-wine-fight-cavities-article-1.1802473

 

Are Bad Teeth Hereditary?

perfect teeth- glasscock dental

 

Do you remember when you were in high school and the popular kids seemed to have those award winning perfect smiles?  I’m sure you were secretly envying them from afar and wondering what great evil you bestowed on yourself to be given such crooked, cavity over run teeth?   I know it seemed like every time you went to the dentist, cavities needed to be filled.  Then finally your told braces are needed.  Your thinking “just great”!  “Metal needs to be put in my mouth to corral my teeth from escaping”?

The big question is, are bad teeth hereditary?  The truth is, only part of the blame can be put on your mom and dad. Perfect teeth are not just products of genetics but do play a part in the grand design.

There are many conditions directly related to genetics that can affect your teeth. For example:

  • Hypodontia- the absence of teeth
  • Oligodontia- missing more than 6 teeth
  • Anadontia- complete lack of teeth
  • Position of teeth- Misaligned teeth
  • Surface crevices- grooves that allow for the growth of bacteria
  • Saliva- natural ability to fight off cavities

As for the genetic components listed, the absence of teeth is rare.  More commonly seen are position of teeth issues, surface crevices or saliva.  The good news is these conditions can be effectively treated with modern dental treatments.

So how do you maintain a healthy beautiful smile?

  • Start children going to the dentist at age 2
  • Opt for Sealants on kids teeth
  • Use enough but not too much fluoride
  • Brush Twice a day
  • Floss Daily
  • Rinse or chew gum after meals
  • Mouth Guards for sports
  • Don’t Smoke
  • Eat Healthy
  • Avoid foods high in sugar
  •  See your dentist regularly