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  • Home
  • Services
  • Meet Dr. Javana
  • Cavities - 10 Easy Prevention Tips!
  • Our Team
    • Meet Our Expert Staff
  • Coconut & MooMoo
  • Contact Us
  • Pay Your Invoice

Dental Health Goes Deeper Than You Think!

9/8/2017

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10 Simple Lifestyle Shifts to Lower Your Dental Care Costs, Prevent Future Cavities, and Empower Your Family’s Dental Health Choices​

Tired of Doing Dental Health the Old Way? Read This…​
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 Dental care is never one-size-fits-all. Supporting your family’s needs and care choices starts with education and awareness of what I like to call “Whole Body Health."
 
We’re often taught growing up that our teeth should be cared for on a surface level. Brushing, flossing, cleaning, and drilling/filling cavities.
 
These are certainly essential to any great oral care routine, but this list is lacking in looking at deeper prevention of cavities and dental issues.
 
The truth is, teeth are bones in our bodies just like any other. The health, strength, and integrity of our teeth are influenced by internal factors that go largely unaddressed in most dental care practices. How nourished our bodies are can have great implications on our dental health. When the body is undernourished, it can pull minerals from the bones in our body – including our teeth!
 
When we look at the body as a whole, we can address cavity prevention and other dental issues that have contributing factors below the surface. The reason that white sugars, nutrient-void white breads/crackers, and sodas cause cavities isn’t only contact with the teeth (though this certainly adds greatly to the issues). These foods deplete the body of needed minerals and are often substitutes for more nourishing food options.
 
Whole body health is what I have seen lead to strong teeth, healthy gums, and that beautiful smile you usually think of when considering dental care. 
 
Here are my top ten tips for nourishing your body to support cavity prevention.
 
Please note: These changes can take time to integrate. Keeping you and your family accountable to an expert dentist is key in continuing these practices long-term!

1. Add Bone Broth to your diet – it’s easier than you think!
 
Your teeth are bones… built from of a vast array of minerals. By extracting the minerals from the bones of chicken, beef, and even venison bones through making bone broth (this is much like soup broth!) and consuming the broth regularly – you can replenish depleted minerals in the body for stronger, healthier teeth!
 
2. Start a high-quality Vitamin D supplement.
 
Research shows that there is a correlation between low levels of Vitamin D and formation of cavities. Higher levels of Vitamin D results in less cavities. In northern states like Michigan, nearly everyone is deficient in Vitamin D – especially in the winter! A typical daily dose of Vitamin D3 is 800-2000 mg IUs. A supplement that also contains Vitamin K2 120-200 mcg will be even more effective as these two vitamins work together synergistically in the body.
 
3. Switch to Xylitol when possible.
 
Xylitol is a sugar alcohol that actually kills one of the main bacteria associated with cavities! The catch is that you have to get at least 6-8 grams of it in your diet for it to be therapeutically effective. Xylitol can be fatal for our pets so please be mindful about this. This website http://www.drjohns.com has great information, products, and is a local Michigan business!
 
4. Swap out your toothpaste for a healthier option.
 
Most toothpastes contain a long list of mystery ingredients to make your teeth feel clean, while not doing much to truly build your oral health. We carry several options in our office for you to pick up when you’re here for your next visit! In addition, dry brushing is a great option, which means not using toothpaste at all. Toothpaste is a delivery system, if there is something in toothpaste you want then use it, otherwise toothbrush bristles work great at removing plaque all by themselves.
 
5. Use a tooth re-mineralizer… It’s like a super-hero for your teeth!
 
I recommend MI Paste/Carifree. This product contains bioactive calcium and phosphate to help slow cavity growth and re-mineralize teeth. Apply after brushing and flossing, using your finger to spread it around all surfaces and let it sit for as long as you can without licking it off or sucking it down. The amount of time in contact with your teeth matters! For Adults, re-mineralizing trays can be made to hold the product.
 
6. Effectively remove plaque.
 
That sticky white stuff on your teeth is plaque! Brushing your teeth is obviously the most effective way to remove plaque (along with flossing, more on that next). If you have children – be sure to brush your kids’ teeth for them, don't just let them do it! Kids are generally ready to brush their own teeth well when they are able to adequately wipe their own bums! This is just a general rule of thumb; some kids can wipe effectively, yet are unable to remove plaque thoroughly. It's your job to check!
 
7. Make flossing a part of your regular oral routine.
 
My favorite floss is the woven style because it spreads out and grabs plaque while in between teeth and below the gumline. But - any flossing is better than none! For kids who have yet to develop the finger dexterity for flossing, or anyone who has trouble wrapping floss around their fingers, I recommend u-shaped flossers.
 
8. Focus on adding healthy foods that are not cavity causing to the diet.
 
Instead of focusing on what you “can’t” have, focus on adding healthy foods to the diet. Most simply – eating clean and, when possible, organic, meats and vegetables. The best drinks for strong teeth are water and herbal teas.
 
9. Know the top cavity culprits to avoid eating them and help your children make healthy choices, too! Here’s my top five “no’s” list:

  • Foods that dissolves in the mouth (breakfast cereal, crackers, pretzels, bread) 
  • Fruit juices, even if they are watered down, it's best to eliminate all together. 
  • Dried fruit, which has a high sugar content and sticks in teeth 
  • Processed foods with sugar including candy or fruit snacks
  • Sugary drinks (like chocolate milk) and soda pop
 
It can be a challenge to completely eliminate these things from your diet, especially with young children who go off to daycare, school, or eat at friends’ houses. Here’s what you can do to lessen their impact on cavity formation:

  • Limit quantity and time snacking - the longer these things are in the mouth the more damage is done!
  • Don't sip, chug! Again, the longer something is in the mouth the more damage can occur.
  • Rinse with water several times after eating the above-mentioned foods.
  • Use xylitol gum/mints after consuming these foods.
 
10. And, of course, make sure to keep up on regular dental cleanings for your family!
 
One of the most common questions I receive in my dental care practice is, “What about fluoride?” At our office, we are fluoride-flexible and support your choice to avoid the use of dental fluoride treatments for your family. We do not make this a mandatory part of regular dental cleanings.
 
Making dental care a top-of-mind priority for your family will keep you accountable to your oral health and aware of how your choices are impacting your dental and whole body health.
 
You only get one set of (adult) teeth in this life, so take care of them and build them up in every way you can!

We are currently accepting new patients at Naturally You Dentistry, and would be honored to serve your family. Click below to speak with our expert staff to get your care questions answered and set up your visit today (or Call 269-962-5774).

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Busy Mama’s Guide to Self-Care Secrets ​{Free Guide}

9/6/2017

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Hey Busy Mama!

Are YOU at the bottom of your priority list?
 
We’ve all been there… but I promise it is possible to take great care of yourself even when you have little ones to be responsible for 24/7. Starting with a few small steps in the right direction is key to feeling confident about making bigger shifts.
 
Maybe you’re wondering why I – a dentist – am talking to you about SELF-CARE? It’s because I’m a mother too!

I know that the habits we create and show our children have life-long consequences, for better or worse. I am deeply passionate about dental care and sharing with my patients how to truly thrive in their health on every level.

When you take care of yourself… including your oral health… your family will too!
 
I put together this at-a-glance guide you can print out and stick right on your fridge for some simple reminders during the day. It’s totally FREE – no email address is required to download, you get instant access by simply clicking below!

Click Here to Download & Print
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3 Easy Steps to Gentle, Tantrum-Free Dental Exams with Your Child

9/4/2017

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It can be easy to pass on your own fears around dentistry to your children, but with a little bit of preparation for your child's first dental visit - you and your child can create an entirely new, empowered dental experience together.
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As a mother of two myself, there is a special place in my heart for children's dental care.

The earlier we begin to teach our children the importance of making their health a priority, the better chance we have of helping them creating lifelong vitality - without a fight later in life! A child's first visit to the dentist can be simply accompanying you to a cleaning. Children have teeth even before we can see them, so it's never too soon to introduce your child to dental exams. The younger your child is they are when they begin, the easier and more comfortable their oral health journey will be.


Honesty and clear communication are key in our relationships with our children - including how we parent them through their dental visits.

How can I help my child know what to expect during their first dental exam?
​

To prepare a child for any new experience I use the Tell, Show, Do method.  

#1: TELL THEM ABOUT IT:

Use supportive, positive language to tell your child about their upcoming visit. Explain to them where you'll go and what they'll be doing (an exam OR a come and see visit - more on this in #2).

You can also say things like:


  • You will get to ride in a moving chair at Dr. Cosner's office - that will be so much fun!

  • You get to go to the dentist today! That will be a great experience! 

  • You'll get to ask Dr. Cosner about Mr. Thirsty and Mr. Whistle at your appointment - doesn't that sound funny?!

  • ​​Dr. Cosner will count your teeth today, how many teeth do you think you have?(This works well for exam days, and the answer is 20 baby teeth!) 

#2: SHOW THEM HOW IT WORKS:

Role playing before coming to the dentist can help with the experience - have the child lay down with their head in your lap and practice looking around in their mouth, then let them do it to you, too!

During the visit, I will give your child two simple rules... use these in your preparatory practice.

  • RULE 1: Keep your hands on your tummy. Raise your hand to say "STOP!" at any time so I can stop and be a good listener to YOU!

  • RULE 2: Be a good listener as well. This will make the visit quick and easy!

If your child is nervous about seeing us for the first time, we are happy to offer a "come and see visit", in which the child gets to have the experience of being in the office, riding in the chair, learning about the tools, and getting a prize to create a positive association for them. It takes only about 10 minutes! 

#3: DO IT TOGETHER:

Let your child know you'll be there for them and that our staff is happy to help them enjoy their visit!

​In my practice, I have seen many traumatized children who have had previous negative dental experiences warm up to our staff and even climb in my lap by the end of the visit as if to say, "Thank you, Dr. Cosner!" It brings tears to my eyes to know the impact that every parent can make by showing their child how to have a positive dental experience!


What if my child is already nervous about seeing a dentist for the first time?

Parents are welcome (and encouraged) to accompany their children during their appointments. Booking a "come and see visit" is the best option for especially nervous children!


How can I help my child warm up to the idea of dental care - and make it a priority for themselves?

I encourage parents to bring their children with them to their teeth cleaning appointments so that children can see and feel for themselves what going to the dentist is all about. After all, our children model our behavior.

Remember, your child hasn't experienced dental care and will pick up on your fears, past trauma, and nerves about dental care. Using positive language (as mentioned above) about your own visits and theirs will be important.


​If you're a busy parent, making dental care a priority can be a challenge...

Let our expert staff answer your questions and support you in booking your family's first visit to Naturally You Dentistry today!


Click the button below to dial us, or call 269-962-5774.
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Click Here to Call and Book Your Visit Today!

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Dr. Javana Rae, D.D.S.
50 North Ave.
Battle Creek, MI 49017

Phone 269-962-5774 Fax 269-210-8187