Author: CdA-AdmiN

By the age of 17, a whopping 78 percent of Americans have developed at least one cavity. The sad fact is that cavities are virtually an epidemic. This doesn’t have to be, cavities and other dental conditions are very preventable with proper oral hygiene practices. Do you want better oral health and overall health? Here are four easy ways to take control and manage your dental health.

Proper Oral Hygiene Practices

1. Brush your teeth at least twice every day.

This is your first line of defense against tooth decay and gum disease. Brush your teeth for no less than a full two minutes, twice daily. Use a toothbrush with soft bristles to avoid damaging the enamel and fluoride toothpaste. This important first step will remove damaging plaque and debris.

2. Floss once per day.

Many people skip this step, even though it is just as important as brushing your teeth. Floss cleans out those hard to reach areas between teeth. Once a day flossing, gets rid of food particles and plaque build-up beneath the gums and in-between the teeth. No toothbrush can sweep through these tight places.

3. Drink a lot of water.

Tap water is fortified with fluoride, a natural tooth strengthening mineral. By both rinsing your mouth after you eat and drinking plenty of water, you will remove food particles and debris, and provide added protection against the damaging mouth acids that attack enamel and wash away plaque buildup.

4. Visit your dental office.

Finally, make sure you stop by our office at least every 6 months for a regular dental checkup and cleaning. Even if your teeth look and feel okay, we can use preventative methods such as professional dental cleanings to make sure that your teeth stay that way!

Your dental health is extremely important, and by managing and taking care of your teeth with good dental care and visiting our office twice a year, you will continue to have a healthy smile for years to come!

Having foul breath, also known as halitosis, can be very embarrassing for the person with it and for those around them. It is a difficult thing to bring to the attention of someone who doesn’t realize just how bad their breath stinks. It can negatively affect social interactions and ruin relationships.

Luckily, it is easy to get rid of bad breath while maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Use the following simple steps to keep your mouth fresh and smelling clean.

Brush your teeth and use dental floss

Sticky plaque buildup collects bacteria on teeth causing bad breath odor. Food that gets trapped between teeth and below the gumline adds to the problem.

Brush twice daily and floss once a day. This is the minimum. If breath odor is a concern, brush, and floss more often. Remember not to overdo it and brush too hard. Too much pressure can wear down the enamel, making teeth more vulnerable to decay.

Use a good mouthwash

A good mouthwash with freshen your breath and provide added protection against oral bacteria. Look for an antibacterial rinse that kills the germs that cause bad breath. Some brands only mask the smell.

It is also helpful to make it a habit of rinsing your mouth with plain water after you eat. This will dislodge food particles that may be stuck between teeth.

Clean and scrape your tongue

Use a tongue scraper to remove the coating that forms across the top of the tongue and hosts a layer smelly bacteria. You can also gently brush your tongue with a toothbrush.

Avoid foods that cause bad breath

Pungent foods such as garlic or onions are big offenders. Even brushing after you indulge doesn’t rid you of the odor because these substances enter the bloodstream and the smells are emitted through the lungs as you exhale. Either avoid eating such foods altogether, or don’t eat them prior to socializing.

Stop smoking

Here is one more reason to stop smoking, or not to start in the first place. Smoking can stain your teeth, destroy your gums and cause bad breath.

Chew sugarless gum

Oral bacteria thrive on sugar. The evil critters use it to make the acid that breaks down tooth enamel and causes unpleasant mouth odors. Instead of a sugary after-dinner mint, choose sugar-free gum instead. It will stimulate saliva production, a powerful natural defense mechanism in the fight against plaque and bad odors.

Keep your mouth moist

If you are not producing enough saliva, you will be more prone to tooth decay and bad breath. If you suffer from dry mouth, increase your water intake through the day. Suck on hard sugarless candy or chew sugarless gum, and consider using a humidifier to moisten the air in your home.

If despite these efforts, you continue to suffer from bad breath, consult with your doctor or dentist.

Many patients experience discolored teeth, either as a result of pigmented foods, natural wear, tobacco products, trauma, or even the side-effects of medication. Because of the frequency of this common aesthetic problem, advances in dental technology have allowed dentists to now offer teeth whitening treatments as a solution! Teeth whitening has now become a popular cosmetic treatment to help patients achieve a brighter, healthier-looking smile.

Types of Teeth Whitening Solutions

There are several types of teeth whitening solutions available, ranging from over-the-counter products to professional teeth whitening treatments in the dentist’s office.

• Whitening toothpaste – Although all types of toothpaste help remove surface stains from the teeth, there is special whitening toothpaste that is solely dedicated to teeth whitening by using certain polishing agents that better aid in stain removal. However, because this toothpaste only removes surface stains, patients often find that they are not effective enough to give their teeth a whiter appearance.
• Whitening strips – Whitening strips are another popular over-the-counter treatment for teeth whitening. The whitening strip is designed to stick to your teeth and is left there for a certain period of time while the bleaching agent in the strip brightens your teeth. Because the concentration and strength of the bleaching agent in these whitening strips are much lower than the solution you’ll find in the dentist’s office, however, they are also viewed as ineffective by patients.
• In-office whitening – In-office bleaching at the dentist’s office offers teeth whitening solutions that are much more effective than traditional, over-the-counter solutions because the bleaching agent used is much stronger. Patients are given a set of trays filled with the agent to wear for a period of time, ranging from 30 minutes up to an hour. Some dentists even use a special light during the treatment to expedite the teeth whitening process and its effectiveness. Some dentists also offer similar teeth whitening treatments in the form of a kit that you can actually take home and use on your own.

If you are interested in achieving a brighter smile, book an appointment with our office today for a teeth whitening treatment. We offer different options for teeth whitening, and are happy to provide you with the best solution for a brighter smile!

Have you ever wondered why the American Dental Association and your dentist recommend you to go for dental checkups once every six months? Practicing good preventative care and getting regular checkups and professional cleanings and treatment are imperative to help you maintain a good oral health. While you schedule your next visit to your dentist, here are few points to consider for better oral hygiene.

• Regular brushing and flossing is a key to keep plaque miles away, as the build-up of plaque can result in periodontal disease. Regular dental visits will help you clean the built-up tartar and calculus which cannot be reached by brushing alone.
• Prevent halitosis (bad breath) by taking care of your gums and teeth. Certain food lingers on the hard-to-reach areas where brushing or flossing might not help.
• It is vital to be aware of the issues related to your health. With science and technology updating every hour, there is a pool of knowledge to explore. In case of any confusion, consult your doctor.
• Having teeth cleaned removes all the stains of coffee, tea, drinks, and other food items you consume, as well as tobacco and other products. Some medications can also cause teeth to become pale.
• One of the most important parts of dental visits should be to keep a check on the probability of oral cancer, where your mouth is surveyed for early signs of one of the very deadliest cancers.
• Eating healthy food is also a way to keep half of your oral problems away.

These are just preventive steps. However, it is always advisable to schedule a regular dentist visit for a detailed check-up. Call or book an appointment online with our office today and carry a confident, happy smile!

Because your teeth are always coming in direct contact with the foods you eat, what you choose to consume is very important; different foods can either help or harm your dental health, depending on the ingredients they contain and how often you eat them. For example, if you drink a lot of sodas or other sugary drinks often, you’re more likely to be at risk for tooth decay. However, there are actually quite a few foods that can provide benefits for your dental health; here are 5 foods that promote healthy teeth:

1. Whole Grains

By eating whole grains like oatmeal, quinoa, and brown rice, you can actually reduce your risk of developing gum disease! These foods have more complex carbohydrates, which means their starches do not stick to your teeth as easily as other starches. In addition, whole grains have plenty of minerals that promote stronger teeth and reduces the risk of gum disease.

2. Fruits

Certain fruits that are packed with vitamin C like strawberries and kiwis, can help your gums stay healthy! Vitamin C fights bacteria, reduces inflammation, strengthens blood vessels, and is required for the production of collagen, an important protein that aids in fighting gum disease.

3. Vegetables

Leafy or crunchy vegetables like spinach, greens, and carrots take a little more effort to chew and break down compared to other foods. Because of this, whenever you eat these foods, you produce more saliva, which is your mouth’s natural way of washing away lingering food particles and neutralizing bacteria.

4. Lean Protein

Foods that contain lean protein—such as fish, eggs, and lean beef—are rich in minerals like vitamin D that help your body—and teeth—absorb calcium better. Calcium is especially important for protecting your teeth from decay.

5. Low-Fat/Fat-Free Dairy

Dairy products such as milk, yogurt, and cheese are excellent sources of calcium and phosphorus, minerals that help strengthen tooth enamel. Dairy products also contain casein, a type of protein that studies suggest can help stabilize and repair damaged tooth enamel.

Try adding these few foods into your diet for a healthier smile!

A fear of the dentist—also known as dental anxiety and dental phobia—isn’t uncommon. In fact, many children and adults alike have dental anxiety and dental phobia. It’s been estimated that at least 9 to 15% of Americans avoid seeing the dentist as a result of this fear; that’s nearly 30 to 40 million people! So many people are putting off their dental care and putting their overall oral health at risk by avoiding the dentist, and that makes us concerned. We don’t want any of our patients to feel uncomfortable with a dentist, so here are 3 ways you can begin to overcome your fear:

1. Admit your fear to someone you can trust.

One of the best ways to get over a fear of the dentist is to admit your fear and talk about it with someone you trust or anyone else you feel would be an appropriate outlet. Simply talking about it will help you feel calmer about it.

2. Set aside a day to go to the dentist.

Request a day off of work to go to the dentist, or pick a day solely dedicated to going to the dentist. This way, when you visit the office, you’re not already stressed from work or anything else going on in your day. The extra stress could heighten your stress and fear at the dentist’s office.

3. Let the dentist office know about your fears.

It’s very important that you let the dentist know if you’re feeling any anxiety about being there. Don’t neglect to tell us because you feel embarrassed about your fear, it’s completely normal. Dentists have plenty of experience with anxious patients, and they’ll be able to help you relax and feel as comfortable as possible before your exam and cleaning.

A fear of the dentist shouldn’t prevent you from receiving the dental care you need. Our job is to help protect you and your oral health by providing dental care, so if you’re feeling nervous, let us know; we’ll do anything we can to make you feel at home!

Baby teeth first erupt through the gums around 6 months of age; they serve as a placeholder for teeth until a child’s permanent teeth are ready to come in. Caring for baby teeth is important because it allows children to develop a healthy dental care routine in preparation for their permanent teeth. Teaching your children good dental habits early on in life will allow them to maintain healthy teeth for years to come. Here are some things you can do to start encouraging positive dental habits:

Start Dental Care Early

A few days after your child is born, you can begin cleaning their mouth by wiping the gums with a clean, moist washcloth or gauze pad. You should start helping them brush their teeth twice a day as soon as they come in, only using a rice-grain size amount of fluoride toothpaste.

Visit the Dentist

It’s important that you start bringing your child to our office for regular dental exams no later than their first birthday. Between the age of 6 months and 1 year, your child is likely to have their first few teeth. When you bring them to our office, we can examine their mouth for any signs of future decay or dental issues. We also offer preventative dental care such as professional cleanings and fluoride treatments.

Continuing Dental Care

As they become older, begin helping your child brush their teeth twice a day using a child-size toothbrush and only a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Continue this process until you feel comfortable that they can brush on their own. Once your child has teeth that are touching, you can help them start flossing daily. Continuously bring them to our office every six months, so we can continue monitoring their oral health and provide preventative care services to reduce their risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
Following these methods for your child’s dental health will allow them to enjoy healthy, happy teeth as they become older!

As you enter the new year, you may have a few New Years’ resolutions in mind. Some of the most popular resolutions include exercising more or spending less. However, did you know that there are resolutions for better dental health too? Try incorporating some of these easy dental resolutions for healthier teeth in the new year:

1. Replace your toothbrush often.

It’s important that you replace your toothbrush often in order to maximize a toothbrush’s ability to effectively clean your teeth. A good rule of thumb is to replace your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months. However, if you’ve noticed that the bristles of your toothbrush have begun to fray sooner, replace the toothbrush then. In addition, if you become sick, make sure you immediately replace your toothbrush after you have fully recovered.

2. Brush for a full 2 minutes twice a day.

While you may already be good about brushing your teeth twice a day, there are many people who actually don’t brush their teeth long enough. In fact, the average time people brush their teeth is 45 seconds! This year, aim closer to the 2-minute mark by either setting a timer, passing the time by walking around or even listening to your favorite song.

3. Be more gentle with your teeth.

Many people assume that by brushing your teeth harder, you’re able to eliminate more bacteria and food particles. This can actually cause problems for your teeth. By brushing harder, you are putting your teeth enamel at risk by gradually wearing it down. A gentle brushing is all you need for bacteria-free teeth.

While your teeth may seem strong, it’s actually not healthy to put them under a lot of pressure. Another way you can be more gentle with your teeth is reducing the number of hard foods or objects you chew on. Chewing on things like ice cubes can actually damage your teeth over time.

Your gums are responsible for supporting and holding your teeth in place. It’s important to take proper care of your gums so they can remain strong and healthy for your teeth, and healthy gums start with healthy teeth. If you don’t take proper care of your teeth by brushing and flossing regularly, for example, a large amount of plaque can build up. Untreated, this plaque can spread down into your gums, which can lead to periodontal disease.

Periodontal (Gum) Disease

Periodontal disease begins to emerge around the first signs of plaque and inflammation developing on the gum-line, or the line where your teeth and gums meet. Plaque produces acids that will irritate the gums here, causing gingivitis. You may notice your gums bleeding while brushing or flossing as a result. Fortunately, early periodontal disease such as gingivitis can easily be reversed with a visit to the dentist for a routine dental cleaning or simply brushing and flossing your teeth regularly.

Periodontitis is an advanced form of gum disease that causes damage to your gums as well as the bone underneath that helps hold your teeth in place. At this stage of periodontal disease, your gums may begin to form pockets that pull away from your teeth and traps plaque that will cause additional damage. While this type of damage is not as reversible as gingivitis, you can prevent further damage by visiting the dentist for dental cleaning and treatment.

Advanced periodontitis is extensive damage to your gums and jawbone, which causes your teeth to loosen. At this stage of disease, if aggressive treatment is not effective, you may lose or have to remove teeth. Damage to your gums and jawbone from advanced periodontitis is not reversible and often requires aggressive treatment to eliminate inflammation and infection.

How to Prevent Gum Disease

While the early development of a periodontal disease is reversible, you can avoid gum disease completely by practicing these good dental habits:

• Visit your dentist at least twice a year for routine cleanings and check-ups.
• Brush your teeth twice a day with antibacterial, fluoride toothpaste and floss at least once a day or after meals.
• Use antibacterial mouthwash to eliminate bacteria.
• Drink plenty of water daily.
• Reduce your intake of sugary foods and drinks.

You’ve heard of cosmetic treatments around the world of plastic surgery, where specialists restore, reconstruct, or alter sections of a patient’s body to provide them with an enhanced look. Cosmetic treatments are available in dentistry, too. Cosmetic dentistry specifically deals with restorations and reconstructions of a patient’s teeth. Unlike general cosmetic treatments, cosmetic dentistry’s goal is to enhance a person’s smile, rather than other regions of the body. Treatments that fall under this category include teeth whitening, veneers, gum contouring, and orthodontics, and more.

Teeth Whitening

No matter how well you may take care of your dental hygiene at home (brushing regularly, flossing daily, etc.), sometimes your teeth may not stay whitened as easily as you may want. Other factors, like age and normal wear, can cause your teeth to naturally stain or yellow regardless of practicing good dental care. This is why dentists often offer teeth whitening treatments to their patients. Some dentists may offer an in-office treatment, where the dentist may apply a bleaching solution to your teeth during your visit, while others can offer a home teeth whitening kit for you to use in the comforts of your own home.

Porcelain Veneers

Veneers are thin, tooth-colored shells that are meant to be fitted over your natural teeth. The goal of veneers is to mask the imperfections your teeth may have, from stubborn stains that can’t be easily removed with a whitening treatment, to small chips.

Gum Contouring

Although it is less commonly known, gum contouring has been sought after by many patients. Cosmetic gum contouring involves minor surgery that is meant to reshape your gums in order to give them a more level appearance.

Orthodontic Treatments

Orthodontic treatments are one of the most popular treatments in dentistry next to teeth whitening. Orthodontics are classified as any method used to help properly re-align the teeth and jaw. Popular methods used in orthodontic treatments include clean braces/aligners, expanders, retainers, bumpers, headgears, and more.