Diet and Dental Health

At Fairwood Dental Center, we can’t manage your diet, but we can help you manage your oral health routine. Dental health refers to all aspects of the health and functioning of our mouth, especially the teeth and gums. The health of our teeth and mouth are also linked to our overall health and well-being. Although poor nutrition does not cause tooth decay or periodontal disease directly, many researchers believe that the disease progresses faster and can be more severe in people with nutrient-poor diets.

When bacteria come into contact with food in the mouth, acid is produced that attacks the teeth. This can eventually lead to tooth decay, if flossing and brushing are not completed on a regular basis. Specific dietary elements and related factors that have demonstrated significant potential for causing tooth decay include eating processed starches such as pretzels, pasta, French fries and chips, frequency of sugary drink intakes and the level of salivation or lack thereof when snacking on carbohydrates. Reducing the intake of acidic foods and brushing and flossing your teeth daily will not only improve your diet, but your dental health as well.

If you need assistance maintaining your oral hygiene routine, give us a call. To learn more about services provided at the practice, visit www.fairwooddental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Fairwood Dental Center in Renton, WA, call 425-271-7725.

How to Prevent Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is the destruction of your tooth enamel, the hard, outer layer of your teeth. Hundreds of different types of bacteria live on our teeth, gums, tongue and other crevices in the mouth. Some are helpful, but some can be harmful such as those that play a role in the tooth decay process. At Fairwood Dental, we want our patients to know that good oral and dental hygiene can help you avoid cavities and tooth decay.

When a tooth is exposed to acid frequently – for example if you frequently eat foods or drinks containing sugar and starches – the repeated cycles of acid attacks cause the enamel to continue to lose minerals. This will cause a white spot to appear if the minerals have been lost. When this happens, this is a sign of early decay.

You can help prevent tooth decay by following these tips:

• Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.


• Clean between your teeth daily with floss or interdental cleaner.


•  Eat nutritious and balanced meals and limit snacking.


• Visit us at Fairwood Dental for professional cleanings and oral examination.

If you need assistance maintaining your oral hygiene routine, give us a call. To learn more about services provided at the practice, visit www.fairwooddental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Fairwood Dental Center in Renton, WA, call 425-271-7725.

How to Choose the Correct Toothpaste

Toothpaste’s ingredients help control mouth bacteria and fight dental problems. Toothpaste doesn’t just polish teeth; it also removes the bacteria that cause dental plaque and bad breath. The type of toothpaste you choose to brush your teeth with should reflect your personal dental needs. This is why our staff at Fairwood Family Dental would like to offer some things to consider when selecting the toothpaste that is right for you.

There are many types of toothpastes on the market, but it is especially important to choose one with the American Dental Association (ADA) seal of approval. Antimicrobial toothpastes contain stannous fluoride, an antibacterial agent that also provides anti-cavity and sensitivity benefits. Tartar-control toothpaste may contain sodium pyrophosphate which helps to keep tartar from forming on teeth and can help prevent tartar and stain above the gum line. If your smile is healthy and you just want to whiten your teeth, whitening toothpastes contain chemical or abrasive ingredients to help remove and/or prevent stains from forming on the teeth.

If you have questions about the toothpaste you are using or you need assistance maintaining your oral hygiene routine, give us a call. To learn more about services provided at the practice, visit www.fairwooddental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Fairwood Dental Center in Renton, WA, call 425-271-7725.

Bruxism Causes and Treatment

Do you ever wake up from a night’s sleep with sore teeth and jaws? You could be grinding your teeth. The medical term for occasional teeth grinding is called bruxism and although this condition does not usually cause harm, when teeth grinding occurs on a regular basis the teeth can be damaged and other oral health complications can arise. At Fairwood Dental Center, we offer night guards to prevent this from happening and to provide you with relief.

Stress, anxiety, smoking, heavy alcohol, caffeine, depression and sleep disorders are all possible causes of teeth grinding. Treatment for teeth grinding depends on the cause. In some cases, chronic teeth grinding can result in fracturing, loosening or loss of teeth. The purpose of a night guard is to protect your teeth and jaws. At Fairwood Dental Center, if you require a night guard we will custom make them just for you.

If you suspect that you are suffering from bruxism, give us a call. To learn more about services provided at the practice, visit www.fairwooddental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Fairwood Dental Center in Renton, WA, call 425-271-7725.