Lake Jackson Family Dentistry

03/23/2026

Top 9 Foods That Damage Your Teeth
What you eat matters

Hard Candy

While these hard candies seem harmless, eat too many and the constant exposure to sugar can be harmful to your teeth. Hard candies also put your teeth at risk because in addition to being full of sugar, they can also trigger a dental emergency such as a broken or chipped tooth. Better alternative? Chew sugarless gum.

Ice is for chilling, not chewing

You’d be surprised at how many people think ice is good for their teeth. It’s made of water, after all, and doesn’t contain any sugar or other additives. But chewing on hard substances can leave your teeth vulnerable to a dental emergency and damage enamel. Advice: Break the habit and enjoy water in its liquid form.

Watch your citrus intake

The truth is that frequent exposures to acidic foods can erode enamel, making teeth more susceptible to decay over time. So even though a a squeeze of lemon or lime can turn a simple glass of water into a fun beverage, it's not always the best choice for your mouth. Citric fruits and juices can also irritate mouth sores. Make sure to drink plenty of plain water.

Not all coffee is good for you

In their natural form, coffee and tea can be healthy beverage choices. Unfortunately too many people can’t resist adding sugar. Caffeinated coffee and tea can also dry out your mouth. Frequent drinks of coffee and tea may also stain your teeth. If you do consume, make sure to drink plenty of water and try to keep the add-ons to a minimum.

Sticky foods are your mouth's worst nightmare

When it comes to picking healthy snacks, many people put dried fruit at the top of the list. But many dried fruits are sticky. Sticky foods can damage your teeth since they tend to stay on the teeth longer than other types of food. If you find yourself eating dried fruits or trail mix often, make sure to rinse with water after and to brush and floss carefully.

Beware of things that go "crunch"

Who doesn’t love the nice, satisfying crunch of a potato chip? Unfortunately potato chips are filled with starch, which tends to get trapped in your teeth. If you choose to indulge in snacks like these, take extra care when you floss that day to remove all the food particles that can lead to plaque build-up.

Swap out soda with water

When you eat sugary foods or sip sugary drinks for long periods of time, plaque bacteria use that sugar to produce acids that attack your enamel, the hard surface of your tooth. Most carbonated soft drinks, including diet soda, are acidic and therefore, bad for your teeth. Caffeinated beverages, such as colas can also dry out your mouth. If you do consume soft drinks, try to drink alongside a cup of water.

Limit alcohol consumption

Alcohol causes dehydration and dry mouth. People who drink excessively may find their saliva flow is reduced over time, which can lead to tooth decay and other oral infections such as gum disease. Heavy alcohol use also increases your risk for mouth cancer.

Watch out for sports drinks

They sound healthy, but sugar is a top ingredient for many sports and energy drinks. The American Academy of Pediatrics says sports drinks can be helpful for young athletes engaged in prolonged, vigorous physical activities, but unnecessary in most cases. Before your next sip, check the label to make sure your drink of choice is low in sugar or drink water.

https://www.mouthhealthy.org/nutrition/9-foods-that-damage-your-teeth

03/06/2026

Happy Dental Assistant Appreciation Week to three of the best !

02/23/2026

Congratulations Team USA and thank you Jack Hughes !! You came away with gold, and unfortunately a limited edition hockey smile. 🥇🇺🇸
The good news is that most chipped teeth are totally fixable. So if your smile takes a slap shot, we've got the repair game covered, because every smile deserves a podium finish.❤️🦷❤️

02/14/2026

01/26/2026

Flossing
Brushing two times daily for at least two minutes each time is the first step in keeping your teeth and gums healthy. But even the best toothbrush can’t fully cleanse the spaces between your teeth. That’s why the American Dental Association recommends you floss once a day to remove food particles and plaque – the sticky film on your teeth that can lead to cavities and gum disease.

Plaque contains cavity-causing bacteria that feed on leftover food in your mouth. These bacteria love sugary substances — and as they feast on them, they produce acids that can harm the shiny, protective surface of your teeth, setting the stage for tooth decay.

Plaque that isn’t cleansed away by brushing or flossing can harden into a rough substance called tartar or calculus. Tartar builds up along your gum line, which can lead to gum disease. Once tartar forms, only your dentist can remove it, but flossing every day can prevent plaque buildup.

There are many safe, effective tools made for the job. You can choose from traditional dental floss — a smooth strand of nylon or teflon made to slide easily between teeth — as well as dental picks, tiny brushes or water flossers.

Which flossing tool is right for you? Talk with your dentist and try different options to see which one you like best. Many people find that classic string floss works well. Dental picks and tiny brushes can be good for reaching out-of-the-way spots. There are pre-threaded flossers that come fitted with picks or brushes at one end, giving you a couple of different ways to get between teeth.

A water flosser, which uses a gentle stream of water to rinse away food and plaque, can be useful if you find other tools hard to work with. People with braces, bridges and other dental work may find that a water flosser helps them reach every nook and cranny.

Flossing products with the ADA Seal of Acceptance have been proven safe and effective. Find the right one for you.

Should I floss before or after brushing my teeth?
As long as you floss thoroughly, it doesn’t matter when you do it. The most important thing is to make flossing a daily habit. Choose a time of day when you can give your teeth a little extra attention. If you’re too tired at night, try flossing in the morning or after lunch.

Keep in mind that cleaning between your teeth shouldn’t cause pain. If you floss too hard, you might damage the tissue between your teeth. At the same time, being too gentle might leave food or plaque behind. You may feel some discomfort when you floss, but with practice, you’ll figure out how much pressure is just right. If cleaning between your teeth still hurts, talk with your dentist.

Do kids need to floss?
Flossing should become part of your child’s dental care routine as soon as they have two teeth that touch. At first, adults will have to handle this step. Kids usually take over around age 10 or 11, when their hands are ready to hold floss or other cleaning tools. This article offers more helpful tips for teaching children how to brush and floss.

01/14/2026

Good nutrition during pregnancy protects your dental health (and your baby’s)

If you’re expecting a baby, you’ve probably talked with your doctor about the value of eating a good diet. Making every bite count can help you feel healthy and energized while supporting your child’s growth and development.

What you eat can also reduce your risks for dental concerns during pregnancy — a time when changing hormone levels may affect your teeth and gums. Bonus: your baby’s teeth will benefit from a healthy prenatal diet, too!

Prenatal nutrition and your baby’s dental health
Did you know that your baby’s teeth begin to form during the first trimester of pregnancy? Many parents are surprised to hear that infants are born with all 20 primary teeth in place under their gums.

This is just one reason your doctor encourages you to eat a diet rich in nutrients that support healthy tooth development as your baby grows.

If you’re curious about your child’s first teeth, when they emerge and why they matter, here are helpful tips.

What does a mouth-healthy diet look like during pregnancy?
Overall, your pregnancy diet will follow the same guidelines recommended for all adults. Choosing nutrient-dense foods and beverages that fit your personal preferences, your cultural traditions and your budget.
Getting the nutrients you need mainly through foods (though prenatal supplements may be recommended to help you get enough of certain key nutrients).
Looking for choices that have little or no added sugar, saturated fat or sodium and avoid alcohol.

Be sure to get enough of these key nutrients
When you’re expecting, you may notice your gums are more tender. Some people develop pregnancy gingivitis, an early stage of gum disease. Taking extra-good care of your teeth and mouth and eating nutrient-dense foods can make a healthy difference. Be sure to:

Eat plenty of foods rich in vitamin C, such as strawberries, oranges and kiwi. This vitamin supports your immune system, strengthens blood vessels and supports collagen production (which are all good for your gums).
Add foods that deliver beta-carotene, like sweet potatoes, tomatoes, carrots, spinach, lettuce, broccoli, cantaloupe or winter squash. Your body converts this nutrient to vitamin A, another ally in keeping your mouth healthy.
Look for good sources of omega-3 such as nuts, seeds, fish, brussels sprouts or soy-based products, which help regulate inflammation.
Consume calcium-rich foods to help your baby’s teeth and bones grow strong. Dairy products are a prime source, but broccoli, kale and fortified juices and cereals can help you get enough of this nutrient.
Vitamin D is also key for bone and tooth development. Good sources are salmon, tuna, swordfish and other cold-water fish; dairy, juice or plant milks with added vitamin D; and fortified cereals.
Looking at all these nutrients, you might feel worried about getting enough. The March of Dimes has helpful tips by trimester and insights for parents who follow a vegetarian, dairy-free or gluten-free diet.

What you drink makes a difference, too
Drinking plenty of water will keep you hydrated, with the added benefit of cleansing away leftover food between meals and snacks – a healthy boost for your teeth and gums. Choosing tap water or bottled water with fluoride is good for your teeth and your baby’s, too.

During pregnancy, you may visit the bathroom so often that the idea of drinking extra water sounds pretty unappealing! But choosing plain water over beverages such as coffee, tea, sports and energy drinks might actually help. The caffeine often found in these drinks might perk you up, but it also boosts urine production.

Morning sickness, nutrition and your teeth
Pregnancy is a well-known cause of upset stomach, which can happen any time of day or night. Be sure to consult your doctor if you find it hard to keep food down, since this can affect the nutrients you and your baby are getting. Even though experts don’t know exactly what causes pregnancy-related nausea, certain foods may help ease it. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) suggests:

Eating dry toast or crackers in the morning before getting out of bed. (This helps you avoid moving around on an empty stomach.)
Eating five or six mini-meals a day to ensure your stomach is never empty.
Eating frequent bites of foods like nuts, fruits, or crackers.
Frequent vomiting is harmful to your dental health, since it brings digestive acids into your mouth where they can weaken the protective coating on your teeth (enamel). However, it’s best not to brush your teeth right after getting sick, since brushing the acid-weakened enamel may increase the risks of damaging your teeth. Instead, rinse your mouth with water, diluted mouthwash or plain water mixed with one teaspoon of baking soda. (It’s fine to brush 30 minutes or so later if you want to freshen your mouth.)

If you’re worried about visiting the dentist while you’re pregnant, you’ll be glad to hear it’s completely safe. Your dentist has experience in managing pregnancy-related dental concerns and can help you deal with cavity risks, tender gums and more. They can also answer questions about breastfeeding and your child’s dental health, pacifiers, thumb sucking and much more.

www.mouthhealthy.org

12/25/2025

We are closed until Monday the 29th. Merry Christmas from your dental family!

12/23/2025

And the winner of our annual Christmas decorating contest is… Our hygienist Deonna. Her gingerbread house came complete with lights and a stove. Second place goes to Rita with a marshmallow world, and third place is Morgan with the reason for the season.
Thank you all for voting and always encouraging our creative holiday activities!