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Do You Take Milk in Your Tea? | Ottawa Dentist

There are loads of reasons to enjoy a cup of tea. To warm (or cool) your insides, to gather with friends, to even get a good night’s sleep. No matter your reason, tea has become a favorite for people around the world. The problem is one similar to other dark drinks – they can stain your teeth over time. But it still doesn’t matter – tea is going to be a staple in everyone’s lives. So, to celebrate International Tea Day, let’s take a look at the pros and cons of our beloved leafy beverages…

First, let’s take a look at the pros: Black and green tea contain fluoride, which we all know helps ward off tooth decay while preventing cavities by controlling bacteria and reducing acid in your mouth. After all, saliva production is key to washing bacteria from inside our mouths. In fact, when making tea, use tap water for an extra fluoride boost!

Tea also contains polyphenols, which are micronutrients from plant-based foods that reduce gum inflammation and disease. Polyphenols are killing bacteria, while combatting bad breath better than a mint. If that’s not enough, tea is great for our overall health as it’s antioxidant-rich option that can even help slow the growth of certain kinds of cancer, including oral cancer.

And while this healthy drink can tinge our teeth, it isn’t a permanent feature. After your cuppa, why not give your teeth a quick brush? Not only will a teeth-whitening session improve your smile, but daily dental hygiene is the best way to slow down the staining process.

Do keep in mind that sugar and acidic add-ins can erode your teeth and make you more prone to cavities. So, try to limit the lemon, sugar and honey.

Schedule your appointment today. Call Dr. Doumit in Ottawa, Ontario at 613-232-8000 or visit www.urbandentalcentre.com.

Dr. Katia Doumit proudly serves Ottawa and all surrounding areas.

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Do You Like to Drink Tea? | Ottawa Dentist

Are you a fan of drinking tea? Is it the one hot beverage you go to when you want to warm up your bones? You aren’t alone. Every second, people around the world consume 25,000 cups of tea. That’s 2.16 billion cups of tea each day! Tea is loved so much that the United Nations declared May 21st International Tea Day to celebrate the importance of tea in our lives in order to promote its production and consumption.

You may not be aware, but tea is not only helping solve issues of poverty and hunger around the world. There are millions of families in developing countries that base their entire livelihood on producing tea for all of us around the world. And because tea is a way to stave off hunger, it is consumed by many remote, disadvantaged countries. Tea is not only fantastic with its health benefits, like preventing tooth loss, but is also a cornerstone to many cultures.

But it doesn’t matter if you love your tea hot or iced, if you’re a superfan, you know that it begins to stain your teeth after some time. This is why it is very important to keep up with your daily dental hygiene. Brush your teeth for at least two minutes twice a day, floss and rinse to ensure that your stains stay away for as long as possible. At your regular checkups, you can mention any whitening treatments you would like to brighten your smile. So, enjoy your cup of tea. Not only will it heal your body and soothe your soul, but it is also helping your fellow man.

Schedule your appointment today. Call Dr. Doumit in Ottawa, Ontario at 613-232-8000 or visit www.urbandentalcentre.com.

Dr. Katia 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.