It’s been said that you can eat your way to better health. But what about eating your way to a better smile? As your partner in oral health, we’re here to tell you that it’s true! Not all foods are created equal when it comes to your smile. Here are the top six foods we recommend eating for improved oral health. Dairy products contain calcium and other minerals that help keep teeth strong. They also help neutralise acids in the mouth that could damage tooth enamel. Sweet potatoes are not only deliciously sweet and satisfying, but they’re also good for your oral health. This orange-hued veggie is rich in beta-carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A. Vitamin A is essential for maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Garlic contains allicin, which may help keep flora imbalance at bay, in addition to containing antifungal and antiviral properties, which benefit the gums. Mushrooms are a good source of vitamin D, which is important for strong teeth and bones. They also contain antioxidants that can help protect your teeth from damage. Crunchy vegetables like celery help to remove plaque and bacteria from your teeth, acting like a natural toothbrush when you chew them. Crunchy veggies also help to stimulate saliva production, which is key for a healthy mouth. Onions are a great source of sulfur, which is necessary for the production of collagen. This makes them excellent for oral health, as they help to keep your gums healthy and your teeth strong. Is it time for a checkup? We’d love to see you in the practice soon. Contact our team today to get started and learn more about how we can help you obtain the smile of your dreams.

While cancer can certainly be a scary word, education is key. As your partner in oral health, we’re here to help you understand the warning signs of lip cancer, which is a common type of mouth cancer. When caught early, this disease is very curable, so it’s always good to know what to look out for.

Have you ever gathered for a group photo, only to smirk with your mouth closed instead of flashing a beautiful smile? For some, smile anxiety can be to blame. At Arena Dental, we’ve helped many patients feel better about their smile through focused, custom care plans. Here are a few common causes of smile anxiety and some options for improving your pearly whites.

At some point in your life, we bet you’ve heard the saying, “You are what you eat.” And the saying is quite true! Have you ever really stopped to consider how your diet impacts your oral health? If you’re looking to keep your gums and teeth healthy, here are some of the best foods you can eat for a smile that will beam for years to come.

Have you ever been told that you snore? Or, maybe a partner snores so loudly that your sleep is constantly interrupted. While snoring is quite common, it can sometimes be the result of a larger issue known as obstructive sleep apnea, also called OSA. The good news? Help with overcoming snoring and mild OSA is easier than you might have thought. And it starts with our practice!

We’re sure you’ve probably taken a bite of food at one point or another that’s left your mouth feeling burned. But did you know that for some people, experiencing a hot or burning sensation in the mouth happens without ever taking a bite of piping-hot food? Burning Mouth Syndrome, also known as BMS, can affect any part of your oral cavity, including the palate, tongue, and lips. If eating food that’s too hot isn’t the case, what could it be? Doctors have concluded that sufferers of BMS experience changes in the way messages sent from nerves in the mouth to the brain are received. So, if a person with this condition takes a bite of food, or applies a lip balm, the normal function of the nerve signals are disrupted, resulting in a feeling of burning or pain.

It may be sweet, but the effects that sugar can have on your body and teeth sure aren’t. Sugar can be found in all carbohydrates, even in foods that aren’t inherently sweet, like whole grains and vegetables. While consuming natural sugar in organic foods is okay-after all, they have essential fibre and minerals that the body needs-consuming too much added sugar is what can get you into trouble.

There’s nothing better than getting home after a long day of work and being greeted by your tail-wagging, furry friend. Unless, of course, your dog suffers from bad breath. Just like humans, a dogs mouth needs to be taken care of to ensure proper oral health. In fact, one survey of Swedish dog owners found that a staggering 80% of canines over the age of three had some degree of periodontal disease. Like us, a dog’s oral health is connected to their overall health! Here are a few steps you can take to manage your dog’s dental needs. Crunchy apples or celery sticks help to rid a human’s mouth of plaque and tartar, but for dogs, dry, crunchy kibble is ideal to tackle tartar buildup. Soft foods are more likely to get stuck to their teeth. Of course, we recommend speaking with your vet before making any dietary changes. Choose toys that promote oral health. One popular brand called Kong makes toys out of hard rubber, which is a perfect substance for removing plaque as it’s hard, yet soft enough that they won’t break their teeth when chewing on it. Brush their teeth. Just like humans, daily brushing is recommended. It’s best to make this a part of their daily routine during whatever time of day they’re most calm and relaxed. If daily brushing seems impossible, aiming for even three days per week can make a difference in their oral health. Take your dog to the vet for a dental exam once each year. Your vet will typically look for things like bleeding, red, or swollen gums as well as broken or discoloured teeth. If they find any issues, they’ll be sure to let you know what type of treatment or care is needed.