Roshan P. Parikh, DDS MBA Olympia Fields, IL August 1, 2009

Numbers from a recent American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) survey show that whitening treatments have increased more than 300% since 1996. With so many individuals brightening their smile, the AACD has a few easy maintenance tips for consumers to consider after whitening.

“While daily home care and regular professional cleanings are essential for maintaining healthy teeth and gums, certain foods can help remove stains from your teeth,” said local AACD member, cosmetic dentist Dr. Roshan P. Parikh.  “Foods such as apples, pears, celery, carrots, cauliflower and cucumbers produce saliva which combines with the foods’ natural fibers to naturally clean teeth and remove bacteria.”

More White Smile Diet Foods and Tips:

• Strawberries will naturally whiten your teeth.

• Avoid drinking coffee, dark syrup sodas, red wine and blueberries. All stain teeth quickly.

• Drink from a straw whenever possible this allows food dyes to bypass teeth altogether.
• Baking soda will help remove stains and build up. Brush it on your teeth twice a month, just as you would toothpaste, and rinse.
• Raw veggies are not only healthy to eat, but they will clean your teeth and remove topical stains.

• The mechanical action of chewing sugarless gum can also stimulate saliva and clean teeth surfaces, though not recommended for patients with TMJ.

Keeping up with these healthy smile tips will have you (and your wife) smiling for a long time to come!

2555 Lincoln Highway, Suite 107 • Olympia Fields, IL 60461 • Phone: 708.481.1818 • Fax: 708.481.1233

Roshan P. Parikh, DDS MBA Olympia Fields, IL August 1, 2009

Have you ever taken a bite into a juicy porterhouse and come up with a piece of tooth falling onto your plate?  Believe it or not, it is a very common thing that happens to men (sorry guys) far more often than it happens to women.  The reason: Men are more afraid of going to the dentist than women, so they go less often.  Because of that, problems that can be fixed with a conventional filling are not problems that involve a root canal and crown.

It will hit your wallet hard too, the difference between a conventional filling and a root canal and crown is over $1000, that’s over 150 6-packs of Miller Lite!  Rule of thumb: If you feel that a tooth in your mouth is more sensitive to hot or cold things, see your dentist.  If you feel that when you bite into that bag of Doritos, a tooth hurts and stays hurting, see your dentist.  If you don’t have a dentist, ask your wife and go see her dentist.

Moral of the story, go to see your dentist regularly.