Dairy, your diet and periodontal disease, from Advanced Aesthetics of Glenville

Dr. Oyangen wants to know: is dairy a major part of your diet? If not, it probably should be! A 2008 study from the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) has found that regular consumption of dairy products, such as milk, cheese and yogurt, can actually lower your chances of contracting periodontal disease, or gum disease.

Gum disease is caused by a bacterial infection in the mouth that affects the gums and jaw. Gum disease results in a loss of teeth and bone, and has been connected to certain cases of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, respiratory disease and osteoporosis.

Results of the study showed that adults who consume at least 55 grams of lactic acid a day are less at risk for gum disease. Eating dairy is not just healthy for building strong bones, but is essential for maintaining a strong, healthy mouth. Next time you reach for a quick snack, choose some cheese, or a glass of milk, and remember with each bite, and every sip you are preserving your teeth for a lifetime of smiles and good oral health!

To learn more about how including dairy in your diet can help you lessen the risk the risk for periodontal disease, please give us a call!

March is National Nutrition Month! From Dr. Roy Oyangen

You may remember our post from a few weeks ago about February being American Heart Month. Well, we're now well into March, and March happens to be National Nutrition Month. Every March, Dr. Roy Oyangen and thousands of dentists take time to celebrate this occasion. This March, Dr. Oyangen and our team at Advanced Aesthetic of Glenville want you to think diabetes, obesity and periodontal disease, and how healthful eating and physical activity may improve periodontal health.

Dr. Oyangen and team know small changes really can make a big difference, and the American Dietetic Association (ADA) has some advice on ways to start improving your diet beginning this March:

• Focus on fruits and veggies: Add a serving each day to one meal and increase it every few weeks. Adding more of these foods into your diet is important whether you buy frozen, fresh or organic.

• Look locally: From farmer’s markets to community-supported agriculture, you have many options to find new, fresh foods here in Glenville and surrounding communities.

• Make calories count: When you are choosing between options, focus instead on the one with more of the vitamins and nutrients that you need. Sometimes, foods with fewer calories aren’t always the healthiest options.

• Test your taste buds: Expand your horizons. Try a fish you’ve never eaten before or find a new vegetable recipe. By testing yourself, you might find new health favorites to add to your regular grocery list.

• Trick yourself with treats: If you have a sweet tooth, enjoy some fruit and yogurt for dessert. If you care for a snack in the afternoon, have some trail mix or nuts.

We hope this helps! Give us a call at 518-831-9677 if you have any questions!

Ask Dr. Oyangen: Why regular checkups?

Are you brushing your teeth twice a day? If yes, that’s great! However, don’t forget that it’s also vital to visit Dr. Roy Oyangen every six months in addition to brushing your teeth a couple times a day and flossing. Regular dental checkups at Advanced Aesthetics of Glenville are crucial for maintaining good oral health. Dr. Oyangen can:

• Check for problems that might not be seen or felt
• Detect cavities and early signs of decay
• Treat oral health problems early
• Show you how to properly brush and floss your teeth

During an oral exam Dr. Oyangen will check the health of your mouth, teeth, gums, cheeks and tongue. Checkups will also include a thorough teeth cleaning and polishing. If you have not visited Dr. Oyangen in the last six months, it’s time for you to schedule an appointment!

Gummy Tummy and YOU, from Advanced Aesthetics of Glenville

Dr. Roy Oyangen and team know the rumors going around – mostly among young people – that once you swallow a piece of chewing gum it will stake a claim and take up residency in your stomach for at least seven years! Well, we really hate to take all the fun out of the mystery, but the truth is that chewing gum, when swallowed, will enter the stomach and move through the digestive system just like any other piece of food - and leave the body long before seven years! So, if you ever have accidentally swallowed a piece of gum, there is no need to worry, says Dr. Oyangen.

This being said, gum does not have any dietary benefits, so while it’s not harmful to swallow, you still want to avoid swallowing it. If you are a gum-chewer, make sure you chew sugarless gum, because gum with sugar can lead to cavities. Sugarless gum still has the same amount of flavor, but with less cavity causing ingredients. You see, when the bacterium in your mouth breaks down sugar, what’s left behind is acid. This acid eats away at the enamel coating of your teeth, causing holes that we call cavities. Cavities can lead to other long term mouth problems if they are not treated in time, so it is best to try and avoid overexposing your teeth to too many harmful substances!

Happy (sugar-free) gum chewing, from the team at Advanced Aesthetics of Glenville!