Dieting? 4 Tips To Keep Your Smile Healthy
ARE YOU SETTING WEIGHT LOSS GOALS? GREAT! Just remember to stay healthy—and that includes taking good care of your teeth while dieting!
Connections Between Oral Health & Whole Body Health
Our bodies are amazing. Sometimes we forget about the connections between each system. If you’re working to lose weight, be aware of how those diet decisions may affect your teeth. Here are four quick, useful tips:
#1: Be Careful With Juicing & Smoothies
Juicing and drinking smoothies are a recommended part of many diets. They are great ways to consume nutritious fruits and veggies. But remember they can be high in sugar and acids. Also, their strong pigmentation can stain teeth. Consider using a straw and always rinse your mouth with water when finished.
#2: “Grazing” Can Make Your Mouth A Constant War Zone
Some diets have you snacking less and some have you snacking more! Keep in mind that every time you eat something, your mouth works hard to regain its pH balance—battling acids and washing away debris. You can help by finishing up with a “scrubber” food like celery. And again, rinsing with water is super important.
#3: Some Diet-Friendly Snacks Are Not Tooth Friendly
One of the major offenders can be diet soda. It may be great for dieting but it’s loaded with acid that can be very hard on your teeth. If you drink diet soda, DON’T sip on it throughout the day. Drink it, rinse with water, then stay away from it. Other diet-friendly snacks to be careful with include dried fruits that stick to your teeth, nuts, and acidic citrus foods.
#4: Drink Plenty Of Water And Get Enough Vitamins & Minerals
A change in your diet can decrease saliva flow, especially if you’re taking dietary pills or supplements. Drink a lot of water to compensate. Also, vitamins and minerals fuel healthy operations throughout your body. They reinforce tooth enamel and help you resist infection.
Have Questions?
If you have any questions about your oral health or any of the special challenges we’ve talked about above, be sure to ask us! There are lots of easy ways to connect with us—and we promise to be very responsive! You can find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/williamsburgdentist , you can email us at appts@wmbgsmiles.com, or you can call us at 757-220-6727.
1130 Old Colony Lane, Suite 100 • Williamsburg, VA 23185 • (757) 220-6727
About the dentist:
Dr. Monica Contract was born and raised in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. In 2005, she graduated Summa Cum Laude from Juniata College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. Dr. Contract then attended the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine from which she graduated second in her class with a Doctorate of Dental Medicine (DMD).
In 2010, Dr. Contract completed a General Practice Residency at the Veteran’s Administration Hospital in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. During this residency, she received advanced dental training in most of the dental specialties and developed the skills necessary to treat medically compromised patients.
Dr. Contract moved to the Williamsburg area in 2010 and has had the pleasure of working at Williamsburg Smiles ever since. At her office, Dr. Contract utilizes the latest technology including a dental laser, modern sterilization, one-visit in-office whitening, computerized operatories, intraoral cameras, and digital radiography. Additionally, each treatment room offers cable TV and DVD movies for patient enjoyment.
As a general dentist, Dr. Contract provides comprehensive care for her patients including white fillings, sealants, crowns, bridges, root canal therapy, and Invisalign clear braces. Additionally, she is recognized for her adept skill in providing pediatric dentistry, implant treatment, extractions, dentures and partial dentures.
Dr. Contract is active in numerous professional and community affairs. She enjoys being an Assistant Professor at Thomas Nelson Community College, where she teaches the anesthesia curriculum for their dental hygiene program. She is involved with Give Kids a Smile and serves as a team captain for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Light the Night Walk. In addition to practicing dentistry, Dr. Contract enjoys spending time with her husband, Nick, and their two dogs Henry and Zena. She is an avid reader and enjoys playing tennis, biking and traveling.
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