Don't Let Your Teeth Flunk College!

College life is challenging. Baggy-eyed, you gulp down a soda on your way to that 7 A.M. class and a bag of chips when you cram late at night for a midterm. On-the-run nutrition choices, stress and hit-and-miss oral care can cause your teeth to weaken and decay.

Studies show that college students have a high incidence of tooth decay caused by acid erosion.

Sodas, sports and energy drinks, designer coffees laden with sugary delights, chips, candies, or any high carbohydrate or starchy food like pasta or bread provides the source for the acid that erodes and destroys teeth.

Acids and sugar pull minerals from tooth enamel. Enamel-buildingtakes place only when you were a child and your teeth were forming. Without those protective minerals, your teeth are targeted by decay-causing bacteria.

Give yourself an "A" for adopting these tips:

• Cut back on the amount of sodas and other acidic beverages you drink. Frequently substitute less acidic beverages, and include water in your beverage selection.
• Eat healthy snacks when you hit those cram sessions.
• Eat sweets along with healthy, nutritional foods.
• After eating sweets or other acid-producing foods, chew gum that contains xylitol, a natural sugar that prevents tooth decay.
• It takes only a short time to brush and floss—twice daily. Use toothpaste that contains a remineralization ingredient and fluoride.
• Lastly, even though you might be far from home, see a dentist regularly! Ask us; we may be able to refer you to a dentist, or ask at the campus health office for a recommendation.

Before you begin this new chapter of your life, please come int the office so we can do a thorough exam of your oral tissues.

Your teeth are counting on you to help them to smile beautifully during "Pomp and Ceremony"!

Minh Nguyen, D.S.S., P.A.

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Fresh breath and how to get it, how to keep it

No one wants bad breath, but everyone gets it—or at least worries about it—at one time or another. Here are some things you can do to keep bad breath to a minimum:

• Eliminate the bacteria and food particles that can cause bad breath. Floss, then brush your teeth, gums and tongue after each meal. Make this easier by keeping floss, toothpaste and a toothbrush in your desk, your purse and your car.
• If you can't brush and floss, rinse your mouth with water after eating to dislodge food and moisten your mouth.
• Have your teeth cleaned and examined by a dental professional twice a year.
• If you are certain you have bad breath, seek out a Houston dentist who offers specialized treatment in that area.
• Learn the proper way to brush and practice what you learn.
• Drink lots of liquids, preferably water, to keep your mouth moist.
• If your mouth feels dry, chew sugarless gum to stimulate production of saliva.
• You can also chew on raw parsley—it's a natural breath freshener.
• Baking soda is an effective odor eliminator; if you can handle the taste, try brushing with a mixture of baking soda and water. Or try a toothpaste that contains baking soda.
• Try rinsing your mouth for one minute with a 50-50 mixture of hydrogen peroxide and warm water to kill odor-causing bacteria.
• Avoid mouthwashes that contain alcohol; read the label! Instead, try a mouthwash that contains chlorine dioxide. This compound doesn't just mask odor, it actually eliminates it at the source by attacking the odor-causing volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs).
• Snack on raw vegetables such as carrots, celery and red peppers. This stimulates production of saliva, and some Houston dentists believe it can help to remove plaque from your teeth.
• To avoid stress-related dry mouth, practice "conscious relaxation" in stressful situations: breathe deeply, visualize peaceful settings, recognize parts of your body that feel tense and consciously relax them. If you can't get past the stress, chew sugarless gum or mints to keep the salivary glands going.
• Use an oral irrigation device such as a Waterpik to remove particles of food wedged between your teeth; portable models are available.
• If you wear dentures or a retainer, clean them frequently, and periodically soak them in an antiseptic solution.

Bad breath that's resistant to these remedies, or that continues for an extended period of time, should be evaluated by our Houston dentist.

You don't have to live with bad breath. Recognize it, treat it, then kiss it goodbye!

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