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Autumn’s Seasonal Hero Can Help Your Smile | Ottawa Dentist

Tonight, little humans all over Canada will set out around their neighborhoods looking for a bag full of sweet treats in exchange for a pledge not to trick. It’s a fair trade for most of these tiny ghosts and goblins. As parents, we need to take this time to not only instill good dental habits, but to teach moderation when it comes to things like Halloween candy.

We all know that not all candy is the same. Some are chewy, others crunchy – some have a fruit flavor while others are made of chocolate. It doesn’t matter the preference, candy is a certain treat that needs to be handled in moderation, or it will lead to cavities and other health issues.

One way to do this is by introducing another staple of the autumn season – apples. We bob for them at Halloween parties, snack on them covered in caramel and indulge in pies filled with them. But more than that, apples are really good for our smiles.

It’s true – this crispy fruit is fantastic for producing saliva, which is our natural way of keeping our mouths clean and bacteria free. Additionally, the fibers within the apple play an added role in cleaning our teeth in a way similar to a toothbrush. Now, it’s not a substitute… Apples are a healthy snack but shouldn’t replace your daily dental hygiene routine. These are just natural ways that you can improve your smile while enjoying a tasty treat.

So, while you are teaching your little ones about brushing their teeth after snacking on Halloween candy, why not switch up the seasonal snack with an apple from time to time?

For more information about smile-friendly ways to celebrate Halloween, call Dr. Pliev in Ottawa, ON at 613-235-5348 or visit www.ottawadentistryonkent.com.

Dr. Konstantin Pliev proudly serve patients from Ottawa and all surrounding areas.

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Wrapping Up the Summer with a Healthy Snack | Ottawa Dentist

Now that we are wrapping up the warm summer months, we need to begin to swap out our frozen snacks for a warmer one. The kiddies are back to school; you send them with an apple for the teacher. The leaves change from bright, vivid greens to more rust-like, “apple-y” colorations. It going to get chilly so it’s time to break out the cinnamon sticks for our apple cider.

Apples aren’t only a fruit used to sweet talk the teachers or keep away the doctors. They also help keep our smiles strong and bright. Apples are naturally full of vitamins A and C, key to keeping our gums nice and healthy. There is also a small amount of acid in the apple that acts as an astringent on your teeth when you bite into it. Just make sure to keep the peel on the apple. It needs the crunchiness of the skin to help clean your teeth. And that is why they are also known as nature’s toothbrush.

If you feel like snacking but don’t want an apple, you are just bored. An apple is an ideal snack. The fiber makes me fuller than something bad and will have less sugar (and calories) than some typical junk food.

Just because the apple is now our favorite go-to snack, please remember that these sweet fruits do have sugar content, so be sure to brush afterwards to make sure you get rid of the loosened plaque left behind by your apple. If you don’t have a toothbrush handy, do a quick rinse with some water. The more your mouth is rinsed, the less chance that plaque can become re-attached to your teeth.

For more information about healthy snack options, call Dr. Pliev in Ottawa, ON at 613-235-5348 or visit www.ottawadentistryonkent.com.

Dr. Konstantin Pliev proudly serve patients from Ottawa and all surrounding areas.

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Teeth Whitening for Children? | Ottawa Dentist

Are you a new parent? Is your smartphone basically a photo album of your little one? As new parents, we want to capture every second, every little development. After all, we live in a selfie world. So, it shouldn’t be a surprise that teeth whitening procedures have skyrocketed over the past few years. Now, while most of those who undergo such cosmetic procedures are adults, there is an increasing number of parents showing interest in having their children’s teeth whitened. This then begs the question, is it safe to do so?

Before making such a decision, parents should know that permanent teeth will usually seem yellower than baby teeth. And this happens because baby teeth are smaller, whiter and brighter. Although, a bit yellower in tint, permanent teeth are not stained or unhealthy, but rather, they’re just naturally that way. So, if your child becomes conscious about the “yellowing” of their teeth soon after all their permanent set of teeth erupts, you’ll want to assure them that this is perfectly normal.

The best thing to do as a parent is to instill good dental hygiene habits and take him or her to the dentist regularly for checkups and professional cleaning. If you want some extra insurance, limit your child’s intake of stain-causing food items and beverages, such as soda and sugary drinks.

If you’re interested in having your child’s teeth whitening, or just made to look better, be sure to contact your child’s dentist and ask for a consultation first. They’ll be glad to give you an honest answer that will help you make the best decision for the well-being of your child.

For more information about teeth whitening, call Dr. Pliev in Ottawa, ON at 613-235-5348 or visit www.ottawadentistryonkent.com.

Dr. Konstantin Pliev proudly serve patients from Ottawa and all surrounding areas.