Tag: Oral Care

Make Brushing & Flossing Fun: 4 Ideas that Work.

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Make Brushing Fun
If your family is anything like ours, bedtime is full of activities winding down one day and preparing for the next.  It can be a rush to make certain that homework gets finished, clothes are laid out for the morning, bedtime stories are told and everyone gets tucked in.  Too often, brushing and flossing can become an afterthought, especially when kids are less than excited about it to begin with.  Here are a few tips to make brushing and flossing fun (and regular) in your household:

Pick a fun toothbrush.

One of the easiest ways to make brushing fun is to indulge your kids with a themed toothbrush. You can find tooth brushing gear with everything from Sponge Bob to Finding Nemo and even comic book characters and superheroes. Always pick one with soft bristles and with a brush size that is appropriate for their mouth and age.   Giving your child an opportunity to choose her own toothbrush empowers her to be an active part of maintaining positive dental habits.

Use toothpaste made for kids.

There are a lot of flavored toothpastes  on the market that can help to make tooth brushing less “icky” for kids who don’t like the strong mint or cinnamon flavor of adult toothpastes.  This is another opportunity to involve your children by letting them choose their toothpaste flavor.  Of course, always make sure that toothpaste is approved by the ADA and carries the ADA seal.

Make brushing a family affair.

Make oral hygiene a family activity. Toddlers love to imitate their parent’s behavior.  The same instinct that leads your children to play dress-up in your closet will make them want to take care of their mouth just like you do. Practicing good oral hygiene together will also give you the chance to notice any issues that your children might have with their brushing technique. It’s important that they don’t brush too hard, and that they don’t miss tricky parts of the mouth like back molars, and under the gums.  Remember to help your child brush at least once a day until they develop the fine motor skills to do a good job on their own.

Use music, apps or video.

Music is also a great tool for any repetitive activity. Humming a favorite song together is a good way to ensure that your children are brushing their teeth long enough to thoroughly clean them. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children brush their teeth twice a day, for two minutes per session, which can seem like an eternity for a restless child. Using music makes this time pass quicker and can even serve as a way to measure how long teeth are being brushed.  Oral care is a repetitive activity that benefits greatly from a little bit of music.

Ultimately, the goal is to make oral care fun.  Just because it is a habit, doesn’t mean it also has to be a chore.  We would love to hear your ideas about how you’re making brushing fun in your home!

Being Prepared for Dental Emergencies

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Dental EmergencyWhen a dental emergency occurs, it’s essential to get prompt treatment.  Of course, the first (and best) step is to have an established dental home.  Whether an injury happens on the playground, in school or at home, having a dental home and maintaining regular dental check-ups and cleanings is the first and best way to be prepared.  Not only will you have an existing relationship already established, but you will also have someone to call who can provide guidance, care and support.

Like all emergencies, dental emergencies appear out of nowhere and demand immediate attention. Knowing what to do when an emergency arises is key to having a positive outcome and preventing a bad situation from getting worse. Taking the right action, can mean the difference between saving or losing a tooth. Just as we spend time learning first aid procedures for bodily emergencies, making a special effort to focus on handling dental emergencies means that you are prepared to take care of any situation, no matter what.

According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), here are a few best practices for the following scenarios:

  • If a baby tooth is knocked out – Contact the dentist ASAP.
  • If a permanent tooth is knocked out – Find and carefully rinse the tooth in cool water. Do not use soap or scrub the tooth. Simply rinse it in cool water. Replace the tooth in the socket, if possible, and hold it in place with a clean piece of gauze or a washcloth.  If putting the tooth back in the socket isn’t an option, place the tooth in a clean cup with milk, saliva, or water. Contact the dentist immediately.  Prompt treatment is required to potentially save the tooth.
  • If a tooth is chipped or damaged – Contact the dentist immediately. Find any tooth fragments. Rinse in cool water and place in a clean cup with milk, saliva, or water and take them with you to the dentist. Prompt treatment is critical for preventing infection and avoiding potential complications. If there is any injury to the mouth, treat with cold compresses to decrease swelling.

If tooth loss is the result of a more severe or complicated injury, call for emergency services to insure that proper care is given to the entire injury. Call the dentist en route to the hospital or immediately upon arrival.

An emergency situation is no time to try to come up with a plan of action. Instead, it’s best to be prepared well in advance of any unforeseen injuries. Maintaining regular six month check-ups can help lay the groundwork for handling potential emergency situations when you don’t have time to think about what to do next.

Four of the Best Tips to Encourage Kids to Brush

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Getting Kids to Brush

Use music or video to keep kids brushing longer.

One of the biggest challenges to adequate brushing is getting kids to brush their teeth for a full two minutes.  The 2Min2X website is a great resource with several cartoons and music videos that last exactly two minutes.  Fun tools like this make it easier for parents to motivate their children and help kids to get excited about caring for their teeth.

Take advantage of positive reinforcement.

Sticker boards and progress charts are tried and true methods to motivate kids.  Choose a small prize that kids can work towards for reaching goals.  Even simple praise can go a long way in making kids enthusiastic about caring for their own teeth.

Pick out a toothbrush they love.

Something as simple as having a new toothbrush is a great way to motivate kids to brush their teeth.  Choose one with soft bristles that’s age appropriate.  If your child is able to brush on their own, be sure to choose one that fits smaller hands and has a head that is made for a smaller mouth.  Getting kids involved in choosing their own toothbrush will create even more excitement when it comes time to use them.

Choose toothpaste made for specifically for kids.

Toothpaste comes in a ton of new flavors these days.  From bubblegum and fruity flavors to chocolate flavored toothpaste, there’s something for everyone.  We’ve even seen bacon flavored toothpaste! Regular toothpaste is generally a version of mint, which children sometimes complain is too harsh or “spicy”. We recommend allowing your child to pick out a flavor. Of course, whatever flavor you choose, be sure to look for the American Dental Association’s Seal of Acceptance.

Stick to a routine.

Having a regular bed-time routine is a great way to reduce stress and make sure that everything “gets done” without having to ask, “Did you brush your teeth?” every night.  At first, you may want to make a list of before-bed tasks.  Before you know it, your new routine will become habit – hopefully one your children will keep for life.

6 Steps to a Cavity-Free Childhood

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Steps to a cavity free childhood
 

Did you know that the most common chronic disease of children and teens is tooth decay?  Even worse, the CDC reports that nearly 20% of children’s cavities are left untreated.  What may be even more surprising is that nearly all cavities are 100% preventable.  In fact, simply by following these 6 steps, you could help your child enter adulthood without suffering from even a single cavity.

Find a dental home by age one.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentists recommends finding a dental home at the emergence of the first tooth or by age one, whichever comes first.  Unfortunately, we see many children whose first visit to the dentist is scheduled because a problem already exists.  Establishing a dental home will help you and your child develop a close relationship with the dentist and begin a pattern of regular visits.

Take advantage of sealants or composite fillings.

Sealants are the most effective, yet most underutilized method of preventing cavities.  Dental sealants involve a temporary, thin plastic coating that is “painted” on the chewing surfaces of teeth which creates a barrier where food often gets trapped.  Composite fillings are sometimes used as an alternative to sealants, but in the same way by filling deep crevices.  The relatively low cost of sealants makes them an obvious choice when compared with the discomfort and higher costs of treating a cavity.

Never put your infant to bed with anything other than water.

Baby bottle tooth decay is pervasive and occurs when liquids such as juice or milk are allowed to coat an infant’s teeth for extended periods of time.  This happens most often during naps or bed time as many children are allowed to fall asleep with a bottle and the natural flow of saliva decreases.  If your child falls asleep with a bottle, be sure that it’s only with water.  Even though baby teeth are temporary, their good health is essential to the proper formation and alignment of emerging adult teeth coming in behind them.

Limit foods that tend to stick to teeth.

Sticky candies like caramel and taffy often stay around for a long time after kids eat them.  But candy isn’t the only food which needs to be limited.  Crackers, potato chips and other starchy foods also tend to get stuck in the nooks and crannies of tooth surfaces.  Without proper brushing, these foods provide sugar to bacteria that feed on it and multiply and attack enamel.  For this reason, these foods should be limited and occasional.  Regular brushing and flossing is essential when these foods are consumed.

Begin good dental habits early.

Oral care can begin even before teeth appear.  Using a soft cloth to clean your baby’s gums can limit bacteria and protect emerging teeth.  Small children should get help with brushing.

Model good dental habits.

One of the most effective ways you can ensure that your children stay cavity free is by modeling good dental habits in front of them.  Do they see you brush?  Are you flossing daily?  Modeling good behaviors will teach your children first hand that you value your own oral health and theirs.

Top 6 Tooth Myths Busted

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tooth myths bustedThere’s a lot of misinformation about dental care. While many of the myths are harmless, believing in some of them may actually cause you to neglect or damage your teeth. It’s important to get correct information and find out what’s true and what’s false. Here are the top 6 tooth myths we love busting.

#1 Baby teeth aren’t important.

A lot of people believe that baby teeth are less important than permanent teeth because they are just going to “fall out anyway”. But baby teeth serve a very important purpose as place-holders in growing mouths during early years of development. They help maintain the proper structure of the mouth in providing a guide for permanent teeth to move in behind them when the time comes. Plus, cavities in baby teeth still cause pain and discomfort which often leads to missed school and poor overall health.

#2 You should brush immediately after eating.

You may be surprised to learn that brushing immediately after a meal may actually harm your teeth. Acids created by food can wear away your protective enamel leaving your teeth at their weakest state right after you eat. Your body uses saliva to correct the high acid levels in your mouth. Saliva also naturally washes away food particles and gives your enamel the balance it needs to continue its protective work.

Even soft-bristled toothbrushes can be highly abrasive when enamel is already weakened by high acid levels. It’s best to let saliva do its job after you eat. But don’t forget to brush altogether. Simply wait at least an hour for your mouth to recover from the acid assault. And don’t forget to brush at least two times a day and for two minutes each time.

#3 Cavity-prone teeth are inherited.

Many people assume that just because their parents had few cavities, that they will also have few cavities. Conversely, people too often use genetics as an “excuse” for poor dental care by blaming cavities on family history.

While there is a small genetic influence in determining susceptibility to tooth decay, the fact remains that most cavities are 100% preventable. Babies and young children, for example, often develop cavities as a result of bacteria transferred through the sharing of eating utensils or parents cleaning off pacifiers in their own mouths.

#4 Candy is the worst food for your teeth.

It may be a shocker, but starchy foods like potato chips and crackers can actually be worse for your teeth than candy. That’s because these foods have a high sugar content and they often become stuck to your teeth. While some candies dissolve quickly in the mouth and are washed away by water or saliva, crackers often hang around in the mouth a lot longer.

#5 Chewing gum after a meal is just as good as brushing.

While chewing sugar-free gum after a meal can be better than not doing anything, it’s certainly no substitute for brushing or flossing. Gum that contains the natural sugar substitute xylitol has actually been shown to prevent tooth decay. But brushing and flossing for at least two minutes, twice a day, is the only way to truly clean your teeth and reach the tight spots between them.

#6 Brushing or flossing is bad for bleeding gums.

It’s too often assumed that when brushing or flossing causes bleeding gums, that those activities should be avoided. In fact, the opposite is true. Gums generally bleed because they become inflamed due to food particles trapped between the teeth and gums. A buildup of plaque irritates sensitive gum tissue. Brushing and flossing should always be performed gently, using a soft bristled brush. However, bleeding gums should never be considered “normal”. If you or your child has gums that bleed regularly, they should be examined.

Solutions to 5 Common Causes of Bad Breath

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Causes of bad breath
 

Bad breath, or halitosis is a common problem for people of all ages.  While some bad breath is normal, such as what’s caused by certain foods, bad breath may also be a symptom of something greater.  Here are five common causes of bad breath and their solutions:

Cause: Smelly food

Foods with a strong odor before you eat them are likely to have a strong odor afterwards.

Solution:  Chewing sugar-free gum is likely to help cure bad breath caused by smelly foods such as garlic.  You might also try eating something minty – the real reason that your meal often comes with parsley.  Also, one trick is a small dab of mustard, which is said to kill the smell quickly.

Cause: Medication

Sometimes certain medications (such as antihistamines) can cause you to produce less saliva, making your mouth dry.  Bacteria that often gets washed away by saliva is then left to reproduce and leave a foul odor.

Solution: Aside from changing your medication, sugar-free chewing gum may help your mouth by increasing saliva.  Drinking more water will also rid your mouth of some of the bacteria that causes bad breath.

Cause: Dairy

Generally, dairy products are good for your teeth.  But they can also cause bad breath because bacteria love to feed on their high levels of amino acids.

Solution:  Keep eating dairy; it’s really good for your teeth! But be sure to brush and floss regularly as well.  Rinsing your mouth with water following meals may also help keep bad breath away.

Cause: Mouth breathing

Breathing through your mouth, especially when congested from a cold, can cause bad breath because it dries out your mouth.  But if you regularly breathe primarily through your mouth while sleeping it may be caused by a larger problem.

Solution: Seeing a physician for sleep apnea, snoring or asthma may be in order.

Cause: Gum disease & plaque

Your mouth may smell because it’s unhealthy.  Bacteria allowed to grow between the teeth and around your gums may be causing damage that needs to be treated.

Solution:  Aside from regular brushing and flossing, staying on top of regular dental check-ups is essential.  Is your family caught up?  Why not give us a call and schedule an appointment today?

 

The Good, the Bad, the Ugly: A Look at the Best and Worst Candy for Your Teeth

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Not all candy is created equal in terms of its potential damage to your teeth.  The sugar in candy feeds the bacteria that cause plaque. So the amount of sugar a candy contains along with the length of time it sits on teeth often determines how destructive it is.  This infographic looks at several options, from the best to the worst.
 

The Best and the worst candy for your teeth

Help For Those Finding it Difficult to Floss

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Help with flossing

According to the American Dental Association, nearly 20% of Americans never floss.  Many people invariably view flossing as optional which causes it to become one of the most frequently neglected parts of any oral care routine.  But as much of a plaque fighter that your toothbrush is, it simply cannot reach all the tight spots between your teeth.  Only floss is adept at getting to all the areas where bacteria hide.  Here are a few ideas for those of us who find it difficult to floss:

Learn how to floss.

Flossing can be confusing for those who don’t do it regularly.  The good news is that it’s not hard to learn.  The American Dental Association’s website has very good instructions on how to floss and has even put together a one page .pdf to teach you how!  You can download it here.

If you find flossing difficult, try floss holders.

Whether from large fingers or a lack of dexterity, some people simply have difficulty with the mechanics of flossing even after learning to do it the right way.  Floss holders have become increasingly popular and are a great alternative for anyone who might find flossing difficult.  Plus, holders made specifically for smaller mouths are great for children or adults helping with their child’s daily oral care.

Consider waxed floss.

Occasionally floss can become frayed, shredded or broken.  This is often caused by teeth that are very close together. You might consider using waxed floss or floss made from polytetrafluoroethylene, a substance that is extremely slick.  Shredded floss can also be caused by teeth that are broken or have cavities.  If this is the case, don’t put off your next appointment!

Make flossing a priority.

Instead of making flossing a “once-in-a-while” task, consider establishing a routine of flossing.  This will help you get in the habit of truly taking care of your teeth and gums.

It’s important to understand that flossing is just as important as brushing, that it isn’t optional and that it’s not too late to develop a healthy habit.

 

Should Your Insurance Company Dictate Your Level of Dental Care?

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Dental Insurance dictating care
 

We often have patients decide not to have certain procedures performed because their insurance does not cover that particular service.  Sadly, this is especially true of preventative procedures.  It can be frustrating for dentists when a service needs to be performed, but the decision of an insurance company gets in the way.

Don’t let insurance decide your treatment options.

We would like to encourage you not to let insurance companies dictate your level of care.  Like most businesses, their primary function is to make a profit. Insurance policies and health plans are designed to give you what the insurance company considers adequate care to balance their costs versus the premium that you are currently paying.  Likewise, your employers’ choices of health plan benefits are based primarily on cost versus coverage.  This is all understandable, but what your insurance does and does not cover should not be the final factor in deciding the care you and your family receives.  Even if you have to pay out of pocket, the future benefits of preventative care may far outweigh the immediate financial cost.

An ounce of prevention…

Preventative procedures such as fluoride treatments, sealants and x-rays are among the most frequently declined dental services because they can seem optional, unnecessary and are not always covered by every health plan.  Many insurance policies, for example, will only cover one fluoride treatment each year even though having a fluoride treatment at each visit can help prevent cavities in children.   Less costly preventative care can often save you and your family from the pain and discomfort of cavities as well as save you money.  It’s not uncommon for patients to spend hundreds or even thousands of dollars for dental problems that must be taken care of when earlier care could have prevented the issue at a fraction of the cost.

 

We’re here to help you make the best decision.

We are very sensitive to your families’ budget and always try to help you make the best care decision possible.  We would never suggest treatment that we don’t think our patients need. Please feel free to ask us about any of the services that we offer.  Give us an opportunity to explain the benefits of each procedure so that you can make informed decisions.  Don’t let an insurance company pick the level of care your family receives.

 

4 Baby Teeth Myths Debunked

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Baby Tooth Myths
There are a lot of myths and misconceptions about a child’s first teeth.  Primary teeth, also called milk teeth or baby teeth, are the temporary teeth that end up under pillows and provide plenty of business for the tooth fairy!  Here are four myths about baby teeth that every parent should know:

#1 Baby teeth aren’t important.

Many parents mistakenly believe that baby teeth are less important than permanent teeth because they are just going to “fall out anyway”.  But baby teeth serve a very important purpose as place-holders in growing mouths during early years of development.  They help maintain the proper structure of the mouth in providing a guide for permanent teeth to move in behind them when the time comes.  A baby tooth lost too early can lead to crowding of adult teeth, for example.

#2 Cavities in baby teeth do not matter.

This one is similar to dismissing the importance of a baby tooth because it’s based on the idea that since these teeth will eventually come out, what happens to them beforehand doesn’t matter.  Unfortunately, cavities cause more than just a cosmetic blemish.  Cavities can cause pain or discomfort for children and even abscess if left untreated.  Further, cavities harbor bacteria that can spread through the bloodstream and effect your child’s overall health.

#3 There’s no need to brush baby teeth.

Parents should begin brushing teeth as soon as they appear.  Not only will this help prevent tooth decay, but it also begins a lifetime of good dental habits.  It’s even a good idea to begin oral care before teeth appear. A soft, damp rag rubbed over your baby’s gums reduces bacteria and helps emerging teeth get off to a great start.

#4 Kids don’t need to see a dentist until they are older.

Unfortunately, many parents don’t take their child to the dentist until there is a problem. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) suggests that parents bring their children for a first dental visit as soon as the first tooth emerges or by age one at the latest.  Establishing a “Dental Home” early will ensure that your child has a good experience on their first visit and develops a trusting relationship with the dentist.

Do you have questions about your baby’s teeth?  Don’t hesitate to ask!  We would love to talk to you about any questions or concerns you might have!

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