Eat Pumpkin for a Dazzling Smile

'Tis the season... for delicious pumpkin treats! Sugary sweets such as pumpkin pie, pumpkin spice lattes, and pumpkin bread are obviously hazardous to your oral health, but pumpkin itself has been linked to some incredible oral health benefits. The ever-versatile pumpkin may be largely associated with Halloween and tasty fall treats, but it is also chock-full of vitamins and nutrients that can provide great benefits for your smile. So how can eating pumpkin benefit your smile, this holiday season? Read on to learn more!

Pumpkin is a member of the gourd family that contains a wide array of beneficial nutrients. These include: zinc, magnesium, beta-carotene, potassium, and vitamin C. Whether you're snacking on pumpkin seeds or canned pumpkin all of these vitamins and nutrients add up to helping your immune system, overall health, and, of course, your oral health. Let's take a closer look at how the nutritional breakdown of pumpkin can help you achieve a healthy smile. 

Zinc

Zinc is an excellent supplement that is imperative for oral health. Zinc deficiency is linked to poor dental health and weak bones so adding zinc-rich food do your diet can keep you smiling. Also, zinc aids in gum health. Toothpaste with zinc citrate has been found to help patients suffering from bleeding gums.  

Magnesium

Magnesium is an important factor in the process of enamel formation. Magnesium and calcium make up your tooth enamel, working to resist tooth decay and protect your teeth.  

Beta-Carotene  

Beta-carotene is an antioxidant that converts to vitamin A in the human body. It's important because it promotes healing. This vitamin is beneficial for overall health, of course, but it can be excellent for repairing damaged gums.  

Vitamin C  

Vitamin C is one of the major vitamins that strengthens and supports your immune system. Your ability to fight off mouth infections is tied to the strength of your immune system so don't skimp on the vitamin C.

Remember to avoid the sugary treats and stick with lighter pumpkin fare. It's delicious no matter how you consume it and (bonus!) dentist approved. From all of us at Gary Johnson, DDS, Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we wish you a happy and healthy holiday season and look forward to meeting all your dental needs in the new year.

Get Same-Day Crowns with CEREC

Everyone knows they're supposed to go to the dentist, but between work, school, kids, and other responsibilities sometimes it's hard to find the time. This is especially true when it comes to procedures that take multiple visits. It's hard enough trying to fit one visit into your hectic schedule, multiple visits for the same procedure is next to impossible. 

Crowns

Crowns are beneficial to those who are looking to improve their smile for cosmetic reasons, as well as those who need to repair a damaged tooth. They're preferred over fillings, but they also present a problem for anyone who doesn't have an excess amount of free time. 

Standard Procedure

When getting a crown at most dental offices you have to come in for a consultation, get an uncomfortable mold of your tooth, and then return to the dentist one to two weeks later to actually receive the crown. This not only means you have to make time for multiple dental visits, it also forces you to deal with your damaged tooth for another few weeks before receiving relief. 

CEREC

With CEREC Dr. Johnson eliminates all that stress and hassle. At Gary Johnson DDS Family & Cosmetic Dentistry you get all the benefits of a crown in a fraction of the time. CEREC eliminates the need for an off-site lab, allowing Dr. Johnson to measure, mill, and place your new crown the same day.

The Procedure

You'll have a picture taken of your tooth with CEREC's specialized camera. The picture is then sent to the CEREC computer that will make your new crown from a high-grade ceramic that's compatible with your mouth's natural tissue. Within the hour your crown is fully finished and ready for placement. 

Eliminate the hassle of scrambling to make time for multiple visits to the dentist for one procedure. Choosing CEREC-Same Day Crown for your next crown placement will save you a lot of stress and time and allow you to get relief from a damaged tooth with one visit. Dr. Johnson and his team care about your dental health, your time, and your smile. They offer custom care and personalized service that goes above and beyond. Receive not only efficient service but a welcoming smile from a friendly staff that will do whatever they can to ensure you receive the best care possible.