Saturday 27 October 2018

What (and How) to Eat When You're Having Dental Issues: Problems Chewing or Swallowing

Below is an excerpt from an article found on MouthHealthy.org 

You know that what you eat directly impacts your health, and that includes the health of your teeth and gums. But it can work the other way around too. If you have an orthodontic appliance, such as braces, or have had certain dental problems or procedures, the health and comfort of your teeth and gums can directly impact what you eat. Here are some tips for what to eat and how to avoid these common dental issues.

Problems Chewing
Chewing problems may be caused by tooth loss, gum disease, cavities and ill-fitting dentures, so your first step should be a visit to your dentist to help determine the cause of your problem. Meanwhile, eating soft foods (see tips for braces) can you help maintain your nutrients until you can see your dentist.

Problems Swallowing
Swallowing problems can occasionally happen, but if it persists, talk to your doctor since it could be related to something serious. Causes of swallowing issues vary and treatment depends on what is causing the problem. 

If you are having trouble swallowing, to prevent choking and aspiration avoid these foods:

  • alcoholic beverages
  • extremely hot foods and beverages
  • caffeine
  • spicy foods
  • popcorn

Depending on level of swallowing difficulty, the following foods may be included in the diet. These foods are grouped into four different categories:

  • Thin liquids that dissolve quickly in the mouth such as frozen yogurt, ice cream, gelatin and broth.
  • Nectar-like liquids where liquid coats and drips off a spoon such as nectars, milkshakes, cream soup and vegetable juices. 
  • Honey-like liquids that flow off a spoon in a ribbon like in yogurt, tomato sauce and honey.
  • Spoon-thick liquids that are thickened to pudding consistency such as pudding, custard or hot cereal.

The lists above are partial, please read the entire article at MouthHealthy.org to view the full lists.

Gregg L. Kassan, DDS
Family General Dentist
5077 Waterway Drive
Montclair, VA, 22025
Phone: (703) 897-0463
Website: www.MontclairCosmeticDentist.com

Dental Check-ups

Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to say about dental check-ups!


The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Gregg L. Kassan, DDS
Family General Dentist
5077 Waterway Drive
Montclair, VA, 22025
Phone: (703) 897-0463
Website: www.MontclairCosmeticDentist.com

Saturday 20 October 2018

Emergency Dentistry

Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to say about Emergency Dentistry!


The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Gregg L. Kassan, DDS
Family General Dentist
5077 Waterway Drive
Montclair, VA, 22025
Phone: (703) 897-0463
Website: www.MontclairCosmeticDentist.com

Thursday 11 October 2018

Why Are My Teeth Sensitive to Sugar?

Below is an excerpt from an article found on Crest.com 

Do you have a sweet tooth, but cringe in pain every time you enjoy a sweet treat? If you have teeth sensitive to sugar, you may wonder if there’s any way to get relief. This likely means that the enamel of your teeth is damaged, and is making your teeth sensitive to sweets and other foods. Fortunately, for those whose teeth are sensitive to sugar, there are solutions to help you enjoy your favorite foods and avoid discomfort. 

To read the entire article visit Crest.com.

The remainder of the article details the following:


Gregg L. Kassan, DDS
Family General Dentist
5077 Waterway Drive
Montclair, VA, 22025
Phone: (703) 897-0463
Website: www.MontclairCosmeticDentist.com

Thursday 4 October 2018

What are Wisdom Teeth? Purpose, Symptoms & When They Come In

Below is an excerpt from an article found on Crest.com

Wisdom teeth grow in at the back of the mouth, behind your molars. There is a set on the bottom as well as the top. Wisdom teeth often grow in crooked, sideways, or otherwise misaligned. As they grow in, they can push on other teeth, causing problems of overcrowding and misalignment for them as well.

Function and Purpose of Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth are believed to be "evolutionary relics," and were helpful to our distant ancestors who ate diets that consisted of rougher foods like sticks and reed plants. As teeth wore down or fell out, wisdom teeth provided replacements. Nowadays, with modern advancements in oral hygiene and softer diets, we don’t need these replacement teeth, but they still grow in. Essentially, our mouths can hold 28 teeth, but including wisdom teeth, we have about 32 teeth all vying for space. Wisdom teeth symptoms such as overcrowding, bone and nerve damage, infection, etc. can all result.

To read the entire article visit Crest.com.

The remainder of the article details the following:


Gregg L. Kassan, DDS
Family General Dentist
5077 Waterway Drive
Montclair, VA, 22025
Phone: (703) 897-0463
Website: www.MontclairCosmeticDentist.com

Dental Assistant

Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to say about the role played by your Dental Assistant!


The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Gregg L. Kassan, DDS
Family General Dentist
5077 Waterway Drive
Montclair, VA, 22025
Phone: (703) 897-0463
Website: www.MontclairCosmeticDentist.com