As a parent, we know you have so much on your plate already. We certainly don’t want to add to it, but we do want to help improve the quality of life for you and your family! Oral hygiene is more than just brushing and flossing; the goal of family dentistry is to make oral hygiene enjoyable and simple so that people of all ages are more willing to take care of their smiles. Why is this so important to us? Because we know that an unhealthy mouth can cause more health and problems throughout the body. Plus, people who are happy with their smiles are typically much more confident and happier in general. Check out these eight oral hygiene tips so mouth-health becomes a simple priority for your family. 1. Brush and floss properly How, …
Best Tips for Preventing Cavities in Children
When you think about the most common infectious disease in children, tooth decay probably isn’t what comes to mind first. However, almost half of children in the United States have it. Tooth decay in kids is responsible for the loss of over 51 million hours of school. Cavities are one of the most common dental problems in toddlers and children. Also referred to as tooth decay, a cavity is a permanently damaged area in a tooth. They can develop in your child’s primary or baby teeth, and if so, you might shrug it off — your child will eventually lose these teeth, right? So what does it matter? But you shouldn’t ignore a cavity. Here’s what you need to know about cavities in kids, including common causes, treatment options, and …
What is considered is Preventive Dentistry?
Preventive dental care includes actions taken by a patient to prevent against oral diseases and maintain a healthy smile for a lifetime. These actions include daily brushing with a fluoride-containing toothpaste, flossing, and maintaining a healthy diet – along with scheduling regular oral exams and professional cleanings. Dental insurance plans tend to prioritize preventive dental care because of the important role it plays in overall oral health. Therefore, preventive dental services are often covered at 100 percent with minimal or no deductibles or co-pays (in other words, minimal out-of-pocket costs). In addition, with most plans, preventive services are not counted against your annual maximum. Which services or …
What Happens if You Don’t Brush Your Teeth?
Have you ever wondered what would happen if you abandoned your toothbrush, and just said, “I’m not brushing today!” While we hope that you brush twice a day to keep your teeth and gums at their best, many individuals don’t. Whether because they forgot, didn’t have time, or simply haven’t been in the practice of brushing twice a day, not brushing can happen. But what happens if you don’t brush your teeth? What happens if you don’t brush your teeth for three days, a year, or even ten years? Most people in the dental community will urge anyone not to find out what happens if you don’t brush your teeth. The reason being is the damage will vary from person to person, and in some cases, it can have severe consequences. Does the idea of …
Why Do We Brush Twice a Day?
You have probably heard your dentist say—on more than one occasion– that you should brush your teeth at least twice a day. However, you may not know why brushing two times daily is important. Here are a few reasons for this popular dental recommendation: Plaque is continually produced. When you eat, leftover bits of food mix with the bacteria inside your mouth to form plaque. The filmy, sticky substance coats your tooth enamel and gums. Although the development of plaque is a continual natural occurrence, the substance can cause a great bit of damage to your teeth. Because plaque adheres to your teeth and gums, it places bacterial acid in direct contact with them. The bacteria within the plaque feast on the food particles in the …
A Parent’s Guide to Teaching Kids How to Brush Their Teeth
Your child doesn't have to be among the 42 percent of kids aged two through 11 years old with tooth decay, according to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. In fact, by learning where to begin when teaching kids to brush their teeth and building good dental hygiene habits, you can help your kids be among the 80 percent of kids who don't have untreated decayed teeth. Why It's Important for Kids to Get Started Early Caring for Their Teeth Starting good oral care when your child is at an early age is essential for the long-term health of their teeth. As a parent, you can teach your child how to brush and floss just by taking some key steps. Why Brushing Baby Teeth Is Important A healthy smile early on leads to a …
Cavities
Cavities are permanently damaged areas in the hard surface of your teeth that develop into tiny openings or holes. Cavities, also called tooth decay or caries, are caused by a combination of factors, including bacteria in your mouth, frequent snacking, sipping sugary drinks and not cleaning your teeth well. Cavities and tooth decay are among the world's most common health problems. They're especially common in children, teenagers and older adults. But anyone who has teeth can get cavities, including infants. If cavities aren't treated, they get larger and affect deeper layers of your teeth. They can lead to a severe toothache, infection and tooth loss. Regular dental visits and good brushing and flossing habits are your best …
How to Brush Your Teeth
You would be surprised at how many patients that ask "What is the proper way to brush my teeth". Here are some facts that explains the proper way to brush your teeth. Brushing your teeth is an important part of your dental care routine. For a healthy mouth and smile the ADA recommends you: Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled brush. The size and shape of your brush should fit your mouth allowing you to reach all areas easily. Replace your toothbrush every three or four months, or sooner if the bristles are frayed. A worn toothbrush won’t do a good job of cleaning your teeth. Make sure to use an ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste. The proper brushing technique is to: Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree …