Recipes

A few snacks that are good and good for you & your teeth.

Almond Cookies with Xylitol

Have you heard of Xylitol yet? Do you have a sweet tooth?? Do you want a sweet treat but don’t the negative effects of sugar? Try using xylitol for the sweetener instead. Xylitol has been shown to be an anti-cariogenic meaning it doesn’t cause cavities, but yet looks and tastes like sugar. And the best part, it’s all natural, derived from plant material like trees!

**Xylitol sweetener can be purchased at your local grocery store. Super Store sells the Brand Xyla for about $10

Recipe:

Ingredients:

2 cups coconut oil

1½ cups xylitol

2 free range eggs

1 teaspoon organic maple extract

1 teaspoon organic vanilla extract

2 teaspoons organic almond extract

4 cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking soda

2 teaspoons cream of tartar

A handful of whole organic almonds

Instructions:

Cream coconut oil and xylitol together, then add eggs and beat well. Beat in extracts. Combine dry ingredients in larger bowl and slowly add the creamed mixture. Make tablespoon balls and place two inches apart onto ungreased baking sheet. For an added tasty nutritious touch, press an almond into the center of each cookie. Try a salted almond for a sweet and savory treat!

Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes and place on wire racks until cool. Share with family and friends and share the xylitol secret… maybe don’t share the secret with your children or they will be gone before you can say… anti-cariogenic!

Cheese in a blanket

This is a quick healthy snack for you children’s lunch box, a family picnic, sporting events or even to fight hunger right before bed time! Eating cheese can prevent tooth decay because it counteracts the acid in the mouth. The higher the pH level (the more alkaline) on the surface of teeth, the more teeth are protected against dental erosion. Acid erosion can cause cavities which can lead to dental treatment. Recipe

Ingredients:

1 cheese stick – can use a cheese string or you can slice your own.

1 slice ham or turkey – We like the natural selection available at your local grocery store.

1 leaf of washed lettuce

1 teaspoon FRENCH’S® Super Classic Yellow Mustard (sugar free)

Instructions:

Wrap cheese stick in one slice of ham or turkey followed by one leaf of lettuce. Dip into mustard (or any other sugar free dip) and enjoy!

…because teeth have feelings too.

Dental Sealants

Your dentist discussed placing dental sealants on your child’s teeth.

What are they and how do they help?

Dental sealants are thin plastic coatings that are applied to the chewing surface, in the pits and grooves on back teeth where decay happens most often. Brushing and flossing help remove plaque from most surfaces of teeth, but often the bristles of a toothbrush are not able to clean all the way into the deep grooves. A child tends to brush faster and not a thorough, there for leaving more areas dirty, giving them a chance to decay. Dental sealants protect by “sealing” these grooves allowing it be easier to keep clean from food and plaque. It is for this reason that many dentists will suggest applying sealants especially on young children.   Sealants are quite easy for your dentist or their staff to apply. The teeth get cleaned thoroughly with a paste and then a pre-wash solution. Then a flowable plastic get painted onto your tooth enamel where it bonds with your teeth and hardens with help of a special curing light. As long as the sealant remains undamaged, it will protect your teeth from decay, and the best part sealants can last for up to 10 years. Dental sealants are a fast, easy, pain free process that can help prevent future problems or dental work.

Routine check-ups and cleaning with help the Dentist and the dental staff, they will monitor the sealants. Checking that everything is still in good shape and there is no wear and tear. And if there is, it’s a simple process to repeat.

If you are interested in dental sealants, or have any questions give us a call!

… Because teeth have feelings to.

February is National Pet Dental Health Month

 Good news! Dogs are not as prone to cavities as us. But, dogs can still develop problems like tartar and plaque buildup and even gingivitis. Without proper care and attention dental problems can lead to life threatening infections and issues with the heart, liver and kidney disease.

Here is some tips and trick to help your dog have clean teeth and a healthy mouth, therefore extending your puppy’s life!

How to brush your dog’s teeth

The best brush to use is double-headed canine brush that has the bristles at a 45 degree angle to clean the teeth and gums. The goal is the same as humans, brush to get below the gum line and brush the crowns of the teeth to remove plaque, food and buildup.

Your dog may not be the biggest fan of the tooth brush at first, but hopefully you can find a way to make the experience more pleasant for both you and puppy. Choose a time when your dog has had a lots ofexercise, after a run or a day at doggy daycare. He’ll be more relaxed and might sit still for the duration of the brushing. Don’t try and force pup the first few times… start slowly and quit if your dog gets frustrated and restless – even if you don’t finish the whole mouth. You can increase the time every day as he gets used to it. Also, make sure to speak nice and calmly during the brushing and always reward your dog with a treat afterwards. Before too long, he will associate brushing his teeth with a treat and will be more inclined to get it done!

You can’t teach an old dog new tricks!

Older dogs may have a harder time learning to be comfortable with a toothbrush in or around its mouth. Older dogs may have habits or characteristics that might be harder to break. Starting early with your puppy will set you and your dog up for success!

 Doggie Toothpaste?

Do NOT use regular human toothpaste for your dog!! Human toothpaste is toxic for your puppy. Your local pet store will have special tooth paste for dogs that have fun flavors to make it more fun for Fido!

Throw me a bone!

There are many bones and chews and toys that are specifically aimed to strengthen and clean your dog’s gums and teeth. Always make sure you are picking safe objects for your dog to chew on!

When to see a veterinarian

The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association states whether you brush your dog’s teeth or not, you should have a look inside his mouth every week or so. If you notice any of these signs then take your dog to the vet:

• Bad breath                                                                
• Change in eating or dog chewing habits
• Pawing at the face or mouth
• Depression                                                    
• Excessive drooling
• Misaligned or missing teeth
• Discolored, broken, missing or crooked teeth
• Red, swollen, painful or bleeding gums
• Yellowish-brown tartar crust along the gum line
• Bumps or growths within the mouthEven with healthy teeth, just like you, your dog should have his teeth checked by a professional every six to twelve months. Your vet should include a dental examination with a normal checkup, but ask for it if they don’t.

Keep your dog’s mouth clean, and you’ll both be smiling!

…Because dog teeth have feelings too