Valentine’s Day is exactly a week away and to celebrate, Reno family dentists Dr. William Wager and Dr. Brian Evans want to talk to you about the health benefits of one of the most popular Valentine’s Day treats: chocolate. While it’s important to remember that sugar is detrimental to your teeth, we want to tell you why it’s okay to reach for a piece of chocolate during a moment of weakness.
The Bodily Health Benefits of Chocolate
Chocolate is good for your heart because it can actually help lower blood pressure when consumed occasionally. This is because chocolate improves blood flow, therefore helping to prevent the formation of blood clots and the hardening of the arteries.
Because chocolate improves your blood flow, it’s good for your brain, specifically improving cognitive function and having a positive effect on your mood. This is thanks to phenylethylamine (PEA), which is found in chocolate and is the same chemical your brain creates when you feel like you’re falling in love. Continue reading “Chocolate is Good for You, Let Your Reno Dentists Tell You How”→
Holidays are cause for celebration, spending time with friends and family, and decadent feasts. Many people have concerns regarding the traditional dishes served during the holidays. Here, we’ve addressed some common questions about a few favorites.
Q: What are the nutritional benefits of pumpkin?
A: Pumpkins are low in calories and fat, and loaded with healthy antioxidants and vitamin-A (or beta-carotene), vitamin-C, and vitamin-E. Pumpkin seeds are also a good source of dietary fiber, protein, and good fats that benefit heart health. These tasty seeds are also great source of iron, niacin, selenium, and zinc. Continue reading “Holiday Nutrition for Reno Smiles”→
Tooth enamel is one of the four major tissues that make up teeth. Enamel is the hard outer surface that protects the underlying layers. It is also the hardest and most mineralized substance in your body.
Ninety-six percent of tooth enamel is composed of minerals, while the remaining percentage consists of water and organic material. The main mineral in enamel is hydroxylapatite which is also known as crystalline calcium phosphate.
The Role of Tooth Enamel
The main role of tooth enamel is to protect the soft layer of dentin. Enamel also serves as a hard surface for chewing, grinding, and crushing food.
Enamel is semi-translucent and porous. Eating dark foods and drinking dark beverages, such as red wines, coffee, or soda, can cause the enamel to discolor and stain. Smoking, age, and certain medications also cause tooth stains. A beautiful smile is a white smile, so if your teeth are stained, consider professional, safe teeth whitening prescribed by Dr. Wager and Dr. Evans.
Enamel Erosion
Even though enamel is the hardest substance in your body, it is susceptible to damage. The food you eat contains sugars and starches, and when these components mix with saliva, they form acid. The acid extracts minerals from tooth enamel, weakening it. Then bacteria invade and cause decay, or cavities. Acidic foods, like citrus fruits, tomatoes, and carbonated beverages, also erode tooth enamel. Your tooth enamel doesn’t remain soft forever. Saliva will remineralize and re-harden the enamel within 30 minutes to an hour after you stop eating and drinking. Continue reading “Getting To Know Your Tooth Enamel”→
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