As parents, caregivers, and guardians, teaching kids proper dental hygiene is essential for the overall health and well-being of our children. Brushing their teeth not only keeps their pearly whites looking healthy and strong but also helps prevent cavities.

However, we know this is often easier said than done. In this blog post, we will share five fun ways to teach your kid to brush their teeth that will make the process easier for everyone involved.

1. Make It a Game

Instead of just telling your kids to brush their teeth, turn it into a competition. You can have them race against each other or you can see who can brush the longest.  This will help make brushing their teeth more enjoyable.

2. Use Music

Playing music while brushing can also be an exciting way to get your kids engaged in the activity. Audiobooks or sing-alongs are great options, as they will provide a distraction that makes the time go by quickly.

3. Create a Reward System

Set up a chart that rewards your child when they complete brushing their teeth for two minutes (as recommended by the American Dental Association).  You can give them stickers or other rewards when they achieve their goal.

4. Let Them Pick Out Their Toothbrush and Toothpaste

Giving your child a say in what toothbrush and toothpaste they use will make them more likely to take ownership of their dental health. They’ll be more excited to brush with a toothbrush and toothpaste that they chose.

5. Use Technology

There are a variety of apps that can help make brushing your teeth more fun. From digital timers to games, these types of tools can keep kids engaged in the brushing process.

When Should Kids Start Brushing Their Teeth?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends starting to brush your child’s teeth as soon as the first tooth appears. You should always supervise your child while they are brushing their teeth until age 8 or so, to ensure that they do it correctly and safely.

Children should start flossing as soon as their teeth are touching. This will help ensure that their gums and teeth stay healthy as well as begin to establish healthy habits surrounding oral hygiene.

Your Child’s First Dentist Visit

In addition to brushing their teeth twice a day, it is important to take your child to the dentist regularly. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children visit the dentist for the first time before their first birthday.

During this visit, our team will help your child get used to the dentist and make sure that their teeth are developing correctly. We will also provide brushing instructions, discuss any concerns you might have, and answer any questions you may have about your child’s dental health.

Creating Healthy Brushing Habits to Last a Lifetime

Following the tips above will help create a healthy brushing routine that your child can carry with them throughout their life. With proper dental hygiene and regular visits to the dentist, your child will have healthy teeth for years to come!

There is a lot of debate surrounding fluoride. Some people believe that it is a miracle mineral that helps to improve dental health, while others think that it is nothing more than a dangerous toxin. So what is fluoride, and where does this controversy come from?

In this blog post, we will bust the myths about fluoride and take a closer look at this controversial topic.

What Is Fluoride?

Fluoride is a natural element that can be found in rocks, soil, and even water. It has been used for centuries to help improve dental health, and today it is added to many public water supplies.

Fluoride works by strengthening the teeth and preventing cavities. When fluoride is added to water, it helps to create a protective barrier around the teeth that helps to prevent decay.

History of Fluoride

Fluoride has been used to improve dental health for centuries. It was first added to public water supplies in the United States in the 1950s, and since then, there has been a significant decline in cavities and tooth decay.

Should You Use Toothpaste With Fluoride?

The answer to this question is a resounding yes! Toothpaste with fluoride helps to strengthen the teeth and prevent cavities. The American Dental Association recommends that everyone use toothpaste with fluoride.

Are There Any Risks Associated With Fluoride?

There are some risks associated with fluoride, but they are generally mild. The most common side effect of fluoride is dental fluorosis, which is a condition that causes the teeth to become stained. Dental fluorosis is usually only a cosmetic issue and does not cause any pain or discomfort.

In rare cases, fluoride can also cause bone fractures. This is more likely to occur in people who have kidney problems or who take certain medications. For most individuals, fluoride is not only safe but incredibly beneficial.

Common Fluoride Myths

Despite the proven benefits of fluoride, there are still many myths and misconceptions about this element. Let’s take a look at some of the most common fluoride myths:

Myth #1: Fluoride is Poisonous

This is one of the most common myths about fluoride. However, there is no evidence to support this claim.

Fluoride is safe for human consumption and has been proven to be effective in preventing cavities and improving dental health.

Myth #2: Fluoride Causes Cancer

One of the common myths about fluoride is that it contributes to cancer. However, there is no evidence to support this claim. Several studies have shown that fluoride can help to prevent certain types of cancer.

Myth #3: Fluoride Is Bad for Your Bones

This is another common myth about fluoride. However, many studies have shown that fluoride helps to strengthen bones and reduce the risk of fractures.

Myth #4: Most Individuals Absorb Enough Fluoride Naturally

Fluoride is a very important mineral for dental health, and most people do not get enough of it through their diet.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that all individuals over the age of six months receive fluoride treatments to help prevent cavities and improve dental health.

Myth #5: Fluoride Is Only Effective When Swallowed

This is yet another common myth about fluoride. However, fluoride is most effective when it comes into contact with the teeth through brushing or other means. Fluoride helps to create a protective barrier around the teeth that helps to prevent cavities and decay.

If you have further questions or concerns about fluoride or the use of fluoride in your dental care, please reach out to our team!

Do you suffer from dental anxiety? It turns out, many people do. In fact, it’s estimated that about 50% of the population has some form of dental phobia or fear. If this sounds like you, don’t worry! There are plenty of ways to overcome your fears and receive the care that you need. We have put together a list containing five simple but effective strategies for overcoming your anxiety around dentistry.

Strategy #1: Find the Cause of Your Dental Anxiety

Is your dental anxiety centered around a certain procedure, like an x-ray for example? Do you have concerns about what will happen to your teeth after treatment or how expensive your care is going to be?

Oftentimes, we find that people with dental anxieties are concerned more about their own thoughts and feelings than any actual physical pain. This is important to know because you can control your thoughts and not the other way around! Finding the cause of your anxiety will allow you to implement solutions to overcome it!

Strategy #2: Educate Yourself

Educate yourself about the dental procedure, problem, or situation that makes you anxious before it happens! This means doing some research beforehand so you are more prepared for what will happen next.

For example, you might want to know what the dentist will need to do before they start any work on your teeth, how long it’s going to take and how much it will cost. Our team is always willing to answer any questions you may have so that you can approach your dental care with confidence.

Strategy #3: Find a Dental Professional That Suits Your Needs

Unfortunately, not every dental professional is created equal. The demeanor of one dentist may put you at ease while another’s demeanor causes additional anxiety!

Once you find a dental professional that suits your needs, be sure to talk to them about any fears or worries you might have. We are here to help and give advice on how to feel better during and after a visit, so don’t be afraid to ask questions!

Strategy #4: Consider Sedation Dentistry

For some individuals, dental anxiety is so severe that it prevents them from receiving the care they require. In this situation, sedation dentistry is a gamechanger!

Consider a dental sedative to help you feel more relaxed before your appointment. Sedatives work by slowing down the brain and body response that makes us anxious. If you think sedation dentistry may benefit you, talk to your dentist about if it is the right fit!

Strategy #5: Practice Deep Breathing Techniques

There are many things you can do to control (and overcome) your dental anxiety. One of the most effective is to practice deep breathing techniques before, during, or after a dental appointment.

Deep breathing is a great way to manage stress and anxiety in the moment as well as throughout the day. However, as with many things, deep breathing is something that you must practice! Incorporate deep breathing techniques into your daily life in the weeks leading up to your dental procedure for the best results.

We understand that dental anxiety is a very real thing that affects many of our patients. Regardless of your age, this is not something of which to be ashamed. If you are anxious about an upcoming dental visit or procedure, be sure to talk to our team! We are passionate about doing everything in our power to make your experience comfortable and stress-free.

Everyone knows that a good oral hygiene routine provides them with a bright, healthy smile. But did you know that the impacts of your oral hygiene – whether positive or negative – extend far beyond the appearance of your smile? There are numerous reasons that you should adopt a healthy oral hygiene routine. Keep reading to learn just a few of the most compelling reasons to prioritize your oral health! 

1. Poor Oral Hygiene Affects Your Overall Health

Did you know that a poor oral hygiene routine could lead to serious health complications later in life? Researchers and medical experts have spent countless years researching the correlations between poor oral health and heart disease, diabetes, sepsis, bacterial infections, pregnancy complications, and a variety of other issues. 

Poor oral hygiene increases the risk of inflammation in your mouth that can then impact other areas of your body, weakening your defense against serious health conditions. By developing a proper oral hygiene routine, you can improve both your oral health and your overall well-being!

2. A Healthy Smile Improves Confidence

What is the first thing you notice when meeting something new? For 40% of Americans, that feature is the smile! Poor oral hygiene can lead to staining, tooth loss, or gum disease – conditions that can decrease your confidence and even cause feelings of embarrassment. 

By prioritizing your oral health, you can improve your confidence with a smile that is both bright and healthy! 

3. Proper Oral Hygiene Minimizes Disease & Decay

We would be remiss to not mention the impact of proper oral hygiene on your oral health. When you fail to practice proper oral hygiene, your chances of developing gum disease or tooth decay skyrocket. While they may not seem like serious conditions, both gum disease and tooth decay can rapidly progress – requiring extensive dental work to remedy the ailment. 

Developing and maintaining a proper oral hygiene routine is the best way to combat oral disease, tooth decay, and a variety of other preventable ailments.

4. Decreases Costs Associated With Dental Care

Unfortunately, poor oral hygiene often leads to expensive dental procedures. By practicing good oral hygiene, you can decrease the cost of your dental care by eliminating pricey procedures! 

Additionally, regular dental cleanings and exams are typically included in your dental insurance plan. By failing to prioritize oral hygiene by scheduling these appointments, you are wasting money! Protect both your smile and your bank account by making oral hygiene a priority.

5. Your Friends Will Thank You

What is worse than spending time with someone who constantly has bad breath? Being that person in your friend group! No one wants to be known for their bad breath or toothy smile. Trust us – your friends will thank you for practicing and prioritizing your oral health and hygiene! 

So, how do you practice good oral hygiene? The answer is simple! Brush your teeth twice a day, floss once daily, and visit your dentist on a bi-annual basis for a thorough cleaning and exam. We look forward to seeing you soon!

More often than not, when you think of the dentist, you think of your teeth. Somehow our gums just seem to fall through the cracks. But, did you know that your gum health is just as important as the health of your teeth? 

Your gums are responsible for protecting your teeth from disease and decay. Without proper oral hygiene, your gums can quickly develop periodontitis, another name for gum disease. Some of the most common signs of early gum disease include bad breath, swollen gums, gums that bleed easily, or gums that appear to be receding from your teeth.

When caught in its early stages, gum disease is easily reversible. However, if left untreated, it can have more serious implications on your oral health. So, how do you prevent gum disease? Here are five easy ways to keep your gums healthy:

1. Floss Every Day

Flossing your teeth once every day is one of the most effective ways to improve the health of your gums. When you floss, you are removing the food and bacteria that become trapped between your teeth. When you fail to floss, this food and bacteria become plaque that will eventually lead to gum disease. 

2. Brush Your Teeth Using Proper Technique

We know we talk about brushing your teeth quite often, this is because it is an important step to achieving optimal oral health! When you brush your teeth, you must use the proper technique to protect and care for your gums. 

Choose a toothbrush with soft bristles to alleviate any unnecessary abrasion to your gums! If the bristles of your toothbrush begin to fray, or your toothbrush shows other signs of wear, replace it with a new toothbrush to avoid gum injury. 

3. Use the Right Oral Hygiene Products

There are countless oral hygiene products to choose from. From various flavors to the wide range of claims made by various products, it can be hard to make your final selection! The best oral hygiene products for gum health include toothpaste and mouthwash that contain fluoride. If you are unsure of the best products for you, ask your dentist during your next visit!

4. Protect Your Gums

In addition to instilling proper oral hygiene habits, there are other ways to protect your gums from injury, decay, or disease. Some lifestyle choices such as diets that are high in sugar or regular smoking can cause damage to your gum health. Additionally, participating in sports may pose an added threat to your gums. Take the proper precautions to prevent unnecessary damage or injury, ensuring healthy gums for years to come.

5. Visit the Dentist

There are countless reasons to visit your dentist twice a year. During your bi-annual cleaning and exam, we are not only caring for your teeth but also your gums! Unfortunately, the earliest signs of gum disease are easy to miss. However, when caught in the early stages, gum disease can be reversed through simple oral hygiene! For this reason, professional dental cleanings and exams are one of the best ways to protect and improve the health of your gums.

By implementing these five easy tips, you can make great strides in maintaining not only healthy teeth but also healthy gums! 

When you think of oral hygiene, the first thought is likely your teeth. Unfortunately, the tongue is often forgotten in the quest for a healthy smile! Did you know that the health of your tongue can not only impact your oral health but your overall health as well? In this post, we will discuss a few of the ways your tongue can affect your oral hygiene. We will also share some tips for including your tongue in your daily oral hygiene routine! 

Is Your Tongue Healthy?

The tongue is a part of the body that often goes unnoticed – until something is wrong. A healthy tongue should be pink in color with tiny, uniform bumps covering the surface. These bumps are called papillae and provide a rough texture that helps us eat. Papillae also contain both taste buds and temperature receptors, helping us enjoy our food! 

If your tongue is sore, swollen, or you notice any changes in color, pattern, sensation, or appearance, it is important to schedule an appointment to eliminate any concerning health issues. So, how can your tongue affect your oral hygiene? 

Your Tongue Can Harbor Bacteria

We understand the importance of brushing our teeth to eliminate bacteria that can cause decay or disease. But brushing your teeth is only half of the job! As you are eating, bacteria settles between the papillae on your tongue’s surface. Although your teeth may be rid of harmful bacteria, the bacteria on your tongue can wreak havoc on the health of your smile! By brushing or scraping your tongue as you are brushing your teeth, you can eliminate this pesky bacteria, achieving a truly clean smile! 

Your Tongue Can Contribute to Bad Breath

Halitosis, or bad breath, is one thing that none of us wish to experience! Not only can bad breath be off-putting to friends and family members, but it can affect the taste of your favorite snack. The bacteria that is harbored in the crevices of your tongue can not only lead to tooth decay, but it can also cause bad breath! 

Taking a few extra moments to clean your tongue will help you achieve truly fresh breath every time you brush! 

Including Your Tongue in Your Oral Hygiene Routine

How exactly do you ensure that your tongue is clean and free from nasty bacteria? There are several methods you can use to clean your tongue. Most of our patients choose to brush their tongue with their toothbrushes as they finish brushing their teeth.

However, there are also special scraping tools made specifically for cleaning your tongue. It may take some practice to develop this as part of your oral hygiene routine. But, the benefits for both your oral health and your overall wellbeing are undeniable. We recommend brushing your tongue at least once a day although incorporating it into your twice-daily brushing is a great way to establish the habit!  

If you have questions about how to improve your oral hygiene by cleaning your tongue, be sure to ask our team during your next visit! 

Just like certain types of foods can impact our oral health for better or worse, so can the types of drinks we choose to consume. Unfortunately, many of the most popular drinks can harm your oral health if you do not limit your intake. In this post, we will discuss how five of the most popular drinks can affect your oral health, as well as some practical tips for avoiding unnecessary damage to your teeth.

Soda

Soda, pop, coke – call it what you want, it all affects your teeth in the same way! While it remains one of the most popular beverages, especially in the United States, soda contains ridiculously high amounts of sugar! The bacteria that reside in your mouth feed off this sugar, eventually leading to the formation of cavities.

However, sugar isn’t the only harmful component of soda. Soda is also highly acidic, something that can exacerbate damage to your teeth. Next time you choose to enjoy a bubbly beverage, use a straw to bypass your teeth, and be sure to rinse your mouth with water once you finish!

Energy Drinks

Although they may seem like a better alternative to soda, energy and sports drinks contain just as much, if not more, sugar! Many energy drinks are also highly acidic, causing even more damage to the enamel of your tooth. Once the enamel becomes compromised, you are likely to experience an increase in tooth sensitivity and discomfort. 

While there is certainly a time and place to enjoy an occasional energy drink, they should be seen as a treat and not as a part of your daily routine. Remember to drink plenty of water following your energy or sports drink to rid your mouth of lingering sugars. Alternatively, opt for green tea for a boost of energy to get you through the day.

Lemonade

Lemonade is good for you, right? This tasty drink falls somewhere in the middle of the list when it comes to drinks that affect your teeth one way or the other. While lemonade does not have the carbonation that can increase damage to the tooth’s enamel, it is highly acidic and often contains high amounts of sugar! 

As we have seen with the drinks we have already discussed, acids and sugars and not your mouth’s best friends. While it is important to not drink lemonade in excess, it is a tasty treat that you should continue to enjoy! Choose a lemonade with lower sugar content and be sure to drink plenty of water following your tasty treat.  

Coffee

Most adults run on a morning (and oftentimes, afternoon) cup of coffee! While coffee is also acidic, the dark color of coffee is more likely to harm your smile. Don’t panic: you don’t have to give up coffee forever! Opt for coffee drinks with lower sugar content, be sure to drink plenty of water, and consider using a whitening toothpaste to counteract the staining you may experience.

Sparkling Water

We know that water is one of the best things we can drink to promote both oral and overall health. But is sparkling water any different? While it is still important to drink plenty of regular water, the carbonation added to sparkling water will not harm your oral health. Additionally, this can be a great alternative to soda or carbonated energy drinks!