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Your Asthma May Be Giving You Dental Issues | Ottawa Dentist

Do you suffer from asthma? Don’t worry – this isn’t a judgement. Asthma is very common. It’s so common that roughly 339 million people worldwide suffer from this inflammatory disease that narrows and inflames your airways to the point that it is difficult to breath. But did you know that asthma can also lead to future dental problems? It’s true. And this is why you need to pay extra special attention to your dental health if you suffer from this affliction. Patients with asthma can experience a number of triggers, from weather conditions to airborne irritants like pollen and pet dander. When it causes issues breathing, it is likely you will use an inhaler. These inhalers are repressing salivary glands and limiting saliva production, causing you to experience dry mouth. Dry mouth allows for damaging bacteria to remain in our mouths and cause damage, like plaque build-up – and plaque is the beginning stages of bad breath, tooth decay and gum disease. Don’t worry – asthma isn’t the end of your great smile. But it is the beginning of an improvement to your daily dental hygiene routine. After you use your inhaler, rinse your mouth out with water. Not only will you kickstart saliva production, but you will rinse away any sugar your inhaler may be sweetened with to make it easier to use. In fact, drinking enough water and snacking on fruits like apples are great for increasing saliva production and reducing dry mouth. But above all else, keep up with your dental hygiene. Brush for two minutes, floss and rinse with fluoride mouthwash daily, but most importantly, keep your dental appointments. They are the only ones that can ensure you’re doing a good job. If you would like more information about the effects of asthma, call Dr. Katia Doumit in Ottawa, Ontario at 613-232-8000 or visit www.lesplanadedental.com. Dr. Doumit proudly serves Ottawa and all surrounding areas.
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The Apple of My Eye | Ottawa Dentist

It’s one of the first solid foods we get to try as a baby. It is one of our favorite juices as a child and it is notorious for helping us dodge doctor appointments. Yes, the apple is one sweet treat that we have our entire lives, in all of its various forms. Originally from Central Asia and with 7,500 varieties available around the world, apples have become world-renowned as a go-to fruit. So much so, this Saturday (September 19) is International Eat an Apple Day. But it isn’t just the sweet snack that has captured our hearts – apples also have loads of health benefits that range from our bones to our heart, but it also greatly improves our smile. 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, how do you celebrate International Eat an Apple Day? By enjoying this delicious fruit in all of its autumnal glory. Snack on an apple with a bit of peanut butter or a slice of apple pie. In fact, because this fruit is international, why not try some German apple cake or Polish apple pancakes? Even the French and the English got in on the fun by making a popular fermented drink called cider. So, have yourself an apple party, spin a globe and take an appley trip! If you would like more information about the benefits of apples, call Dr. Katia Doumit in Ottawa, Ontario at 613-232-8000 or visit www.lesplanadedental.com. Dr. Doumit proudly serves Ottawa and all surrounding areas.
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Improve Your Smile with a Picnic | Ottawa Dentist

As the world slowly begins to open up again and we are delving into the warm summer months, it is a good idea to grab a blanket and head outside to soak in some vitamin D. Not only does the sunshine improve your overall health but having a bit of a picnic while soaking it all in can also improve your smile. After all, June 18th is International Picnic Day – why not celebrate with a healthy smile? Here are just a few of the picnic foods you can enjoy that will simultaneously brighten your smile: Traditional. If you are going for a more family-friendly option, there are lots of choices that can benefit your dental health. Cheeses and proteins can help strengthen your teeth, fruits and veggies can help scrub them and encourage saliva production, which is key to rinsing cavity-causing bacteria while you eat. Wine and cheese. If you have a more sophisticated palette, you may opt for a nice wine and cheese pairing. Well, you’re in luck – cheese is full of calcium, which strengthens your teeth enamel, and red wine also had dental benefits. But be careful – too much acidic red wine will begin to break down your tooth enamel and begin to stain your teeth. When you’re out and about, it is important to maintain some type of hydration at all times so make sure to pack plenty of water in your picnic basket. And while you may not have a toothbrush handy, popping a piece of sugar-free gum after your snacks will also help keep your mouth clean while you bask in the warm summer sunshine. Enjoy your picnic! If you would like more information about improving your smile, call Dr. Katia Doumit in Ottawa, Ontario at 613-232-8000 or visit www.lesplanadedental.com. Dr. Doumit proudly serves Ottawa and all surrounding areas.
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Should You Follow the Trends? | Ottawa Dentist

Everyone does their best to try and stay healthy as much as we can. Our lives are busy, and it feels like the world never stops for a second. And when a new trend develops, especially when it comes to our health, we will contemplate giving it a go. One of the latest trends coming down the pipe is flavored water. You know the ones – it seems like everyone is on a water-drinking kick these days and brands like La Croix are heading the revolution. But are these drinks really better for us? Depends on how you look at it… We know that drinking water is essential to keeping our bodies hydrated and working properly. It isn’t the most delicious option available, but we need to drink it. So, drinking these fizzy cans of delightful tasting water is perfect! Not quite. Yes, it is better than say, a regular soda. No sugar to develop into cavities. In fact, there is no sweetener involved at all. But it is still fizzy. And it’s the fizz that is at the root of the problem. The carbonation and flavoring are acidic, which will begin to break down your tooth enamel. And as that enamel breaks down, your teeth are susceptible to cavities. Now, there is no need to fret too much – the fact that you are minimizing your sugar intake and drinking more water is going to be great for your overall health. Just don’t make carbonated water the substitute for the real thing. Drink in moderation and you should be A-OK. If you would like more information about carbonated beverages, call Dr. Katia Doumit in Ottawa, Ontario at 613-232-8000 or visit www.lesplanadedental.com. Dr. Doumit proudly serves Ottawa and all surrounding areas.