9 Things to stop buying.

Here is a list of 9 favorite, but unhealthy foods, I want you to stop using, along with a list of proposed alternatives:
1. Potato chips. These guy are way high in fat and it's impossible to eat just a few.
As an alternative, go for the baked varieties.
2. Granola. This hippy favorite is also too high in fat.
Use only sparingly or as a topper for yogurt.
3. Ice cream is a tasty treat, but way high in fat and sugar.
Go for sherbert or frozen yogurt instead.
4. Pizza with high fat toppings such as pepperoni, sausage and extra cheese.
Go for 2 slices only, of thin crust pizza and add a salad.
5.  Fake fruit juice drinks are loaded with sugar and empty calories.
Aways go for the 100% fruit juices.
6. Skip the (cheese) dip!
If you can stand the taste, go for a hummus dip with veggies and baked chips.
7. Avoid frozen meals that are fried or creamy.
Instead, go for frozen meals of lean protein, veggies, whole grains and low-fat sauce.
8. Sorry, but Mac + Cheese is low in fiber and loaded with fat.
Try a whole wheat pasta blend with your favorite tomato sauce.
9. Avoid breaded fish sticks.
Shrimp are a tasty and healthy alternative. Eat with cocktail sauce, grilled or stir fried with veggies.

Now, was that so bad????
Dr. Brian

Dry Mouth????

Saliva plays a vital role in our oral health as well as our overall general sense of well being. It is nature's main way of protecting the hard and soft tissues of the mouth. It is a substance we take for granted until such time as one notes a sense of oral dryness. It is increasingly common in developed countries where an aging population is consuming multiple medications to promote health and longevity. Many such meds contribute to decreased saliva flow. A quick set of 5 questions can help with the diagnosis. A yes to at least one of these questions may be an indication that saliva flow is not what it should be.
1. Does your mouth usually feel dry?
2. Does your mouth feel dry when eating a meal?
3. Do you have difficulty swallowing dry foods?
4. Do you need to sip liquids in order to swallow dry foods?
5. Is the amount of saliva in your mouth inadequate most of the time.
If you feel that your mouth is uncomfortably dry, see us about the options to provide relief.
Dr. Brian

Flouride

Earlier this year, Calgary city council in it's wisdom, decided that there was no further need for fluoride in the local water system. This was not a move supported by the local Dental community and many medical experts as well. Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay by making the tooth more resistant to acid attacks from plaque bacteria and sugars in the mouth. It appears to be the intention of council to divert the funds saved by no water fluoridation to alternate methods of making it available to those in need of it. No word as yet, as to how this will be done.
As to the use of fluoride, it is not recommended in any form for infants up to 6 months of age. From 6 to 24 months of age, fluoride toothpaste is used in quantities no larger than a grain of rice. This should be done by the parent, with the child encouraged to spit rather than swallow. Ingestion of fluoride can contribute to upset stomach. Ages 2 - 5 should use a pea sized amount of toothpaste. Note that most infant formulas and bottled water contain fluoride.
The need for fluoride supplements is determined by individual circumstances such as risk of decay and availability of fluoride in the diet. There is much more to come on this subject. Please call our office if you have any questions. Dr. Brian..

Merry Christmas

"Ola", to quote 5 year old grand daughter Kyrie and grandson Elder Dylan Swarts in Tallahassee. We are only a few short weeks away from Christmas, an opportunity for all Christians to focus on the great gifts Jesus Christ gave to the entire world. The spirit of giving, and concern for the less fortunate in our midst, as exemplified by Jesus, is not limited to Christians, but is common to all religions. As we gather with loved ones to share the spirit of the season, the closeness of family, the good food and gifts, it is my hope that the feelings of love we share for one another may be amply manifest. Let us also and always be mindful of the needy in our midst and share of our bounties. "A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens is a timely reminder to be aware of the needs of others. To quote Zig Ziglar, "We can get everything we want out of life if we are willing to help others get what they want out of life." For all of my amazing patients, friends and family, I wish you a joyous Christmas.
Dr. Brian

Welcome to the site.....

Since I have been around the dental community for some time now, I have managed to develop some biases and some opinions that I intend to share via this blog. Feedback is always welcome, and speaking of welcome, we at Smileworks Calgary are always happy to welcome new guests to our practice and will endeavor to address all concerns and wishes you have pertaining to your teeth, smile, and everything connected. In the near future I will deal with the issue of headaches and pain in the neck and shoulders and the bite connection to these conditions. Snoring and sleep apnea are also conditions that will be dealt with. Calgary is now fluoride free which is an area of concern for the dental community. I am not happy with the way city council dealt with this. You will find out why.
We have an excellent team who are happy to help you, so feel free to call or contact us online with whatever your needs may be.
Dr. Brian