Family Dentistry – Best Dentist News

Caring for Your Smile When You’re Expecting

Are you adding to your family in the near future? Congratulations! This will be an exciting—not to mention busy—time in your life. You’ll have a nursery to decorate, furniture to buy, and plenty of checkups with your doctor.

With everything that’s going on, though, it’s important not to lose sight of your oral health. In fact, regular brushing and flossing will never be as important as they are now. Besides causing symptoms like swollen or bleeding gums, gum disease has also been linked with certain pregnancy complications, like premature birth.

To ensure that your smile stays healthy during your pregnancy, and that your baby stays safe, we recommend the following:

Clean your smile regularly, paying special attention to your gumline. Gum disease is caused by the accumulation of bacteria and plaque along the gums.
Enjoy a balanced and nutritious diet. Foods that are processed or sugary will increase your chances of developing gum disease or cavities.
Talk to your dentists about when to schedule a checkup during your pregnancy. The best time is often during the second trimester.

Like any mom, you want to give your baby the best possible start. With preventive brushing and flossing, you’re already well on your way.

If you have questions about the connection between pregnancy and gum disease, don’t hesitate to talk to your regular family dentist.

Eat for Your Best Oral Health

Did you know that the month of March is National Nutrition Month as designated by The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics? Everyone knows that diet and nutrition are critical to general health. The fact of the matter is, however, your oral health is equally dependent on and affected by nutrition. Of course there are foods to limit for the sake of your oral health, like those that are loaded with sugar or highly acidic. But there are also foods, specifically certain fruits and vegetables, which are good for your teeth and gums. And with National Nutrition Month upon us, this seems like the time to offer worthwhile tips for your oral health.

Citrus Fruits

Citrus fruits, such as oranges, pineapples and tomatoes, are chock full of vitamin C, which is critical for the health of your gums. Without enough vitamin C, gums might become unhealthy and even bleed, an early sign of gum disease. Eventually, unhealthy gums may lead to tooth loss, so be sure to include lots of fresh citrus fruits for healthy gums and stable teeth.

Fiber Rich Fruits

When you chew fruits that are high in fiber, salivation increases to help wash away food debris and bacteria that can be harmful to teeth and gums. Some of these fresh fruits are apples, oranges, pears, and watermelons. This increase in saliva reduces the acid level in your mouth and helps avert dry mouth, which makes teeth more vulnerable to decay. In addition, as you chew fiber-rich fruits, you’re also massaging your gums.

Hard Vegetables Build Strong Teeth

Eating hard and fibrous vegetables, such as carrots and celery, provide your body with a good source of beta carotene. Your body needs beta carotene to make vitamin A, which is a nutrient that is vital to building strong teeth. These and other hard vegetables also massage your gums as you chew. And the water content in these vegetables cleans your teeth and gums.

Onions

Onions are great for your oral health, because they contain antibacterial sulfur compounds. These antibacterial compounds help kill the bacteria that can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. And, of course, they are strongest when eaten fresh and uncooked, so be sure to brush your teeth or rinse with a refreshing mouthwash after boosting your oral health with onions!

So, here’s to your health… your oral health!

Don’t Just Brush Your Teeth… Brush Your Teeth Correctly

Most people know that good oral hygiene includes brushing your teeth at least twice a day. And for most, those two times are usually in the morning—as you’re rushing to work or getting the kids off to school—and at night, when you’re fighting to keep your eyes open before falling into bed. Regardless of whether your day is beginning, ending or somewhere in between, proper brushing is worth the time and effort for good oral health.

First off all, did you know that proper brushing requires at least two minutes? Most adults spend a fraction of that time brushing their teeth every morning and night. Try looking at the clock when you start brushing, then brush normally and check the time when you’re finished. Chances are you didn’t spend enough time to thoroughly clean your teeth. To really do a good job and ensure better oral hygiene, spend two minutes brushing.

What is the Best Technique for Brushing Teeth?

When brushing your teeth, it’s important to hold your toothbrush at a 45 degree angle against the gum line and sweep or roll the brush away from your gums. Don’t brush side to side, which can scrape your gums. And be sure to use short strokes as you brush away from your gums.

Start out cleaning the outer surface of your upper teeth and then your lower teeth. Continue by brushing the inner surface of upper and lower teeth. Then, brush the chewing surfaces of your teeth, concentrating on your molars. Finally, be sure to brush your tongue, too.

Tools for Proper Brushing

Always choose a soft brush with round-ended bristles. Stiff bristles can hurt your gums. A powered toothbrush can be a good choice, too, especially if you have difficulty brushing because of limited manual dexterity. The type of toothpaste you choose is an individual matter. There are a variety of toothpastes to address a variety of concerns from teeth whitening and cavity prevention to eliminating tartar and reducing teeth sensitivity. Talk with your local dentist about which toothpaste is best for you.

Prepare Little Smiles for Trick-or-Treating with Preventive Dentistry

Halloween is undeniably a favorite holiday for millions of children from across America, offering the perfect opportunity to dress up in creative costumes and bring home tons of sweet treats. While we’d never discourage any of the festivities and fun of trick-or-treating, we do want to emphasize the importance of keeping those precious pearly whites healthy this holiday season. With preventive dentistry solutions like dental sealants and fluoride supplements, we can help ensure your child’s continued oral health all year round.

Preventing Cavities this Holiday Season

The two most common childhood dental concerns are tooth decay and periodontal disease. Because prevention is always the best medicine when it comes to your child’s oral health, routine dental exams and cleanings are integral to a future of healthy smiles. Particularly around the holidays, it is important to consider the effects of sugary treats – including Halloween candies like lollipops, chocolate, and candy corn – on a child’s vulnerable teeth. Your child’s tooth enamel isn’t as resistant to plaque buildup, so twice yearly cleanings are vital.

During your child’s dental visit, ask about dental sealants and fluoride supplements. Dental sealants effectively protect teeth from cavities, especially in hard-to-reach places like the first and second molars. Fluoride supplements can actually fortify tooth enamel, remineralizing the surfaces of the teeth to further ward off attacks from cavity-causing bacteria. After your child is done divvying up all of his or her favorite treats from Halloween, consider donating the excess to a Halloween buyback program. This will help keep those cavity-causing temptations out of reach, further protecting your child’s smile.

Keep Your Child’s Smile Shining Brightly!

Your child’s dentist is your ongoing partner in building a strong foundation for oral health in the future. If you have questions about preventive dentistry services, including fluoride and dental sealants, contact your local dentist’s office for more information.

The Importance of Flossing

You may be brushing a few times every day, but if you’re not taking the time to floss as well, your smile isn’t getting all the attention it deserves.

In general, we recommend flossing at least once a day to remove the food that has collected between your teeth during the day. If you choose not to floss, this food can stimulate the growth of decay-causing bacteria. It can also turn into plaque over time. Together, bacteria and plaque release toxins that cause bad breath, in addition to destroying tooth enamel and causing gum disease. And once gum disease sets in, there is no absolute cure.

That’s why flossing is so important.

How to Floss Effectively

If you’re not sure how to floss effectively, let your dentist or hygienist know at your next appointment. They would be happy to show you how. For best results, floss between every tooth, including your very back teeth.

Your dental team can also recommend a specific type of floss for you to use, in addition to talking with you about the rest of your oral health routine. For optimal oral health we recommend that patients:

Brush at least twice a day, or after every meal if possible
Floss at least once
Rinse with an antibacterial or fluoride mouthwash

You can also learn about proper flossing by watching the video below.

Don’t Put Off Important Dental Care

We’ve all had moments where we put off something important. Maybe it was cleaning the house, or getting out to the grocery store, or getting your taxes in the mail. All kinds of things can get pushed aside and even forgotten because we’re simply not ready to tackle them yet. But when it comes to your oral health, procrastinating is the last thing you should do.

We understand that your time is precious, but so is your good health and wellbeing. Being proactive about important dental care will benefit your smile. It will also benefit your pocketbook and result in a more positive experience with your dentist.

When you put off essential care, that could mean a more invasive and more expensive procedure later on. But when you seek help early, right at the beginning of a problem, you can receive more conservative treatment. With conservative dentistry, the goal is to preserve as much of a patient’s natural smile as possible.

Some of the most common things that are put off are treatment for gum disease and cavities. But treatment for both is much easier and more cost effective when it happens early.

Do you have important issues that need immediate treatment? Don’t put them off any longer. Call your local dentist today for an appointment!

Periodontal Disease and Systemic Health: The Mouth-Body Link

Most people know that gum disease (also known as periodontal disease) can cause major problems like bleeding gums, tenderness, and even eventual tooth loss. The more serious complications associated with this common disease, however, are not as readily recognizable. Keeping your gums free of infection can actually help you avoid a variety of other health problems now and in the future.

Oral Health and Your Future

When your gums are infected, the bacteria that flourish there can easily travel through your body to other tissues and organs. Because this process takes time, you may not even realize that you are at risk until more pressing symptoms arise. Medical problems that have been linked to untreated gum disease include the following:

Complications in pregnant women, including pre-mature birth and low birth weight infants
Dementia in older patients
Pancreatic cancer
High blood pressure
Heart attack
Stroke
Rheumatoid arthritis and other bone/joint problems
Complications in the treatment of diabetes

Treating periodontal disease now is one of the first lines of defense against these and other medical conditions. Your dentist can discuss with you the periodontal therapy process, providing you with all the information you need to make a decision regarding your oral health and your systemic well-being.

Healthy Gums, Healthy Body

If you have noticed the tell-tale signs of gum disease (including bleeding gums, sensitivity, redness, and a receding gum line), it is imperative that you make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. Early treatment of gum disease helps ensure a faster recovery, thereby reducing your risk of developing diseases and health conditions like those listed above. Call your local dentist today and take the first step toward a healthier body and a happier smile with periodontal therapy.

Four Tips for Helping Your Child Have a Better Dental Visit

As a parent, helping your child create positive associations with the dentist is an important step in helping them build healthy habits. By creating positive associations at a young age, your child will be more likely to make daily care and regular checkups a priority. In today’s post, we want to offer four steps that will help your child have a better dental visit, in addition to helping him or her create healthy habits.

Encourage Regular Brushing and Flossing

Your first step should be to help your child learn the importance of daily care. One way you can do this is by demonstrating healthy habits yourself. Why not make brushing and flossing a family activity? There are even specially made toothbrushes that play music to make the experience more fun. Brushing and flossing every day will help your little one have healthy teeth, which will help him or her enjoy better checkups.

Talk to Your Child about What to Expect

If your child is visiting a dentist for the first time, talk to him or her about what to expect. Children are sometimes frightened by new places, sounds, or people. Bringing your child with on you on one of your own appointments can help dispel anxiety and get them accustomed them to the atmosphere of a dental office.

Avoid Scary Words or a Scary Tone

Whether or not your child needs extra care, avoid using words like “pain” or “shot,” and be careful about using your own dental history to relate to your child. Instead, think of ways you can encourage your little one before an appointment. Talk about the positives of having a healthy smile and the ways that dentists can help them improve oral health.

Avoid Bribery

It might be tempting to promise your child a special treat if they make it through their appointment, but this tactic can send the wrong message. Put the focus on good oral hygiene and the importance of a healthy smile instead. Teach them that healthy teeth are a reward in and of themselves.

Do you want to schedule an appointment for your child? Give your local family dentist a call today.

How Can Green Tea Help Your Smile?

Many of us could use a little pick-me-up in the morning, and coffee is largely the drink we turn to. Sure, it causes tooth stains and bad breath, but go into any Starbucks on your way to work and you’ll see a packed house. But what if I told you that switching from coffee to green tea could help you improve your oral health and reduce your visits to the dentist?

It’s true!

Green Tea and Overall Health

Green tea has been consumed for centuries due to its medicinal benefits, which includes improve heart health, regulating body temperature, promoting digestion, and improving mental processes. In America, black tea is often the tea of choice, but it contains far fewer antioxidants and more caffeine. The unfermented leaves of green tea, on the other hand, contain much higher concentrations of polyphenol and catechin—important antioxidants—which are important for treating high cholesterol, cancer, diabetes, liver disease, and more.

Green Tea and Oral Health

Besides supporting your overall health, research has also shown that green tea can:

Reduce periodontal inflammation
Kill oral cancer cells
Inhibit the formation of plaque
Repel odor-causing bacteria

If your daily routine involves one or more cups of coffee, give green tea a chance to see what kind of difference it could make in your life.

How to Help Your Child Overcome Their Fear of the Dentist’s Office

dental fear Children are known for being incredibly stubborn over some issues, and the dentist’s office is one of the most dreaded places for someone with a smile that’s still developing. It’s not that hard to understand – after all, most adults dislike visiting the dentist as well. Still, when a child becomes frightened or anxious about their regular check-ups, it can make it very difficult for them to sit still long enough to receive the crucial care they need to maintain their teeth. Here are some helpful tips for helping your loved one learn to feel comfortable at the dentist’s office:

Take Them Sooner Rather Than Later

Children are often frightened by unfamiliar places, sounds, or people; avoid this problem by taking them with to your own dental appointment when they’re around one year old. This, coupled with very gentle, quick check-ups for them too once they’re old enough, will help them become accustomed to their surroundings gradually instead of being forced to take it all in at once. Once they’re ready to start attending regular check-ups, they should feel comfortable enough to avoid any tearful scenes in the waiting room.

Try To Avoid Scary Words

Even if your little one does develop dental problems early on, do your best to avoid potentially scary words such as “pain” or “shot.” In fact, do your best to avoid discussing their dental care with a negative tone. Your dentist and their staff will be sure to talk to them in a reassuring way about the work they’ll do.

Don’t Try and Relate To Their Fear

As we’ve already said, many adults also feel fear when it comes to dental visits. However, please don’t share those thoughts with your child or tell them any horror stories from previous visits you’ve had. While this may seem like a good idea to lower yourself to their level, it will only prove to your son or daughter that there is something to be scared of and make them worry unnecessarily.

Do Your Best to Avoid Bribery

Promising your child a special treat if they make it through their appointment often sends the wrong message about what is truly important to your little one; plus, it could make them feel even more anxious and pressured. Instead, focus on how important good oral hygiene is and help them practice at home. Teach them that strong, healthy teeth are their own reward!