7 Ways to Care for Your Child’s Teeth

Your child’s gums and teeth need special attention and care. Establishing a good dental care routine in the early developmental years is vital because you’ll set up dental habits that your child will remember for life. 

An Anchorage pediatric dentist recommends giving your child the best start to minimize the chances of serious dental issues down the road. 

Why it’s Important to Take Care of Your Child’s Teeth

The most significant risk of improper dental care is tooth decay. This applies to baby teeth and adult teeth. 

Although baby teeth don’t seem as important as adult teeth because they are going to fall out anyway, decaying baby teeth can cause many problems – in the short term and the long term.  

Prematurely losing a baby tooth impedes the adult tooth from aligning correctly, puts the adult tooth at greater risk of infection and decay, and can even cause a speech impediment.

Here are seven ways you can help your child avoid tooth decay and all the other problems that come with it. 

1. Care for Gums Early On

Believe it or not, your child’s dental care routine should start before your baby even has the first tooth. Make a habit of cleaning her gums after every meal. 

You can use a damp cloth or soft-bristled baby toothbrush to rub gently along your baby’s gums. 

2. Begin a Brushing and Flossing Routine

Continue to wipe your baby’s gums after every meal.  When teeth begin to appear, wait until they have grown in fully before starting to brush them. 

Once your baby’s teeth have settled, use a soft-bristled baby toothbrush with a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste to brush them twice a day.

When your baby gets a little older, you can begin to encourage them to hold the toothbrush by themselves. Teach them the correct way to hold it, how to brush their teeth, and how to spit out the toothpaste.

When your child’s teeth begin to touch (this usually happens between 2-6 years old), start flossing between them. 

3. Avoid Pacifiers and Try to Deter Thumb-Sucking

Using pacifiers and thumb-sucking are habits that most young children develop, but if you let them go on for too long, they can affect the alignment of their teeth when they start to come in. 

Dentists recommend putting a stop to these habits when your baby is three years old and advise against coating the pacifier with honey or any other sugary substance. 

4. Schedule Your Baby’s First Dentist Appointment Between 6-12 Months

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends taking your child to the dentist at around six months old. However, babies get their baby teeth at different rates, so between 6 months and one year is perfectly fine. 

Taking your child to the dentist early on will ensure that any dental issues are detected and treated as soon as possible. Starting dentist visits early will also help your child feel more comfortable with the process. 

5. Limit Sugary Drinks and Treats

More than 40% of children will get cavities at some point in their childhood, but limiting the sugar in a child’s diet is the best thing a parent can do to prevent them. 

Limit soda, fruit juice, chocolate, and candy as these sugary foods and drinks cause bacterial imbalances in the mouth, which encourages plaque buildup on teeth. 

6. Catch Dental Issues Early

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry advises taking your child to the dentist every six months so that cavities and other dental problems can be treated early. But there are also a few things you can watch out for at home.

Look out for tooth grinding and clamping at night, a lisp or other speech impediment, or excessive mouth breathing. All these signs may indicate a dental issue.

7. Make Trips to the Dentist Enjoyable

Many children feel anxious about going to the dentist, but there are a few ways you can help your child see it as an adventure. 

You can prepare your child for their first trip by reading them dental-themed books and watching dental-themed kid’s shows – YouTube is an excellent resource for these. 

Remain positive and try not to project your personal feelings about the dentist onto your child – your child will look for cues from you, so try to lead by example. 

Choose a good pediatric dentist who is good with children and schedule an office tour so your child can familiarize themselves with the staff and practice. This will also let your child know what to expect. 

Dental Crowns: Purpose, Types, and Procedure

Our teeth can get damaged over time. It happens due to various reasons such as an injury, tooth decay, or over time. This results in our teeth losing their size or shape. One of the ways to restore your teeth to their former glory is by getting dental crowns. They are teeth-shaped caps which are placed over your teeth as the name suggests.

Dental crowns help restore the appearance, strength, size, and shape of your teeth. They are cemented into place and cover a visible portion of your teeth. According to My Dentist San Francisco’s website, a crown may be necessary if you have a broken tooth, a very large filling with additional decay, a worn down tooth, a root canal treated tooth, or a cracked tooth

Dental Crowns Purposes

Dental crowns are required for various reasons as mentioned below.

• To cover teeth which are treated with a root canal

• To cover dental implants

• To cover severely discolored or misshaped teeth

• To hold dental bridges in place

• To cover and support teeth with a large filling and which do not have much tooth remaining

• To restore broken teeth or severely worn out teeth

• To protect weak teeth from breaking or keeping them together

  

Dental Crowns Types

Now that you know about the reasons why people get dental crowns, let’s take a look at the different types of dental crowns that are commonly available.

1. Metal Crowns

When it comes to making dental crowns, several metals can be used such as chromium, nickel, palladium, and gold. Metal crowns have a much harder time breaking or chipping. This makes them long-lasting. Besides, only a small amount of the tooth needs to be removed when opting for metal crowns. They also withstand constant chewing and biting. However, their metallic colour is a drawback. 

2. Porcelain-Fused-Metal Crowns

If you are looking for dental crowns that match the colour of your teeth, porcelain-fused-metal crowns are as good as things get. They boast a more natural look. But, it is important to keep in mind that the metal under the porcelain cap can show sometimes. There is also a possibility of the porcelain portion breaking or chipping off. These crowns are suitable for back or front teeth.

3. Resin Crowns

For those of you who are looking for a more affordable option, resin crowns might be the perfect option. They tend to be more affordable. However, these crowns are more likely to break and wear down over time as compared to other dental crown types.

4. All-Porcelain or All-Ceramic

When it comes to the best natural look, all-porcelain and all-ceramic dental crowns do not disappoint in the very least. They are the perfect option for those of you who have experienced metal allergies. However, you should not expect them to be as strong as porcelain-fused-metal crowns. Hence, more care is required.

5. Pressed Ceramic

Pressed ceramic crowns have a hard inner core. The metal liner is replaced by pressed ceramic dental crowns which are commonly used in all-ceramic crowns. Porcelain is used to cap pressed ceramic crowns. These crowns are more long-lasting and offer the best natural color match.

Dental Crowns Procedure

When getting dental crowns, you normally need to visit the dentist twice. However, it is possible to get a dental crown made during the first visit. Let’s take a look at the procedure.

The First Visit

The tooth which requires a crown is examined and prepared during the initial visit. X-rays of the tooth also need to be taken as well as of the bone around it. A root canal treatment might also be required before starting the dental crown procedure due to the following reasons.

• Injury to the pulp

• Risk of infection

• Tooth decay

The tooth that will receive the crown has to be filed down from the sides and top. It will help leave some space for the crown to be fitted. The amount of tooth which would get filed depends on the type of crown one select. For instance, if you opt for metal dental crowns, not much tooth would be removed as they are thinner. A paste or putty would be used after the tooth has been reshaped to make an impression of the tooth that will get a crown. Then, the impressions would be sent to the dental laboratory where the crown would be made and delivered to the dentist within two to three weeks. A temporary crown would be made during the first visit to cover and protect the tooth that will get a crown.

The Second Visit

The permanent crown would be placed on your tooth during the second visit. To do so, the temporary crown will be first removed and a new crown will be permanently cemented after using a local anesthetic to numb the tooth.

Pros and Cons of Invisalign for Adults

Some people have crowded or crooked teeth which make them feel embarrassed about their smile. To achieve a perfect smile, the most obvious solution for such an orthodontic problem is to opt for braces. However, there is a better alternative for most teens and adults. It is none other than Invisalign. 

What Is Invisalign?

For those of you that do not know what Invisalign is, it is a clear set of hard plastic aligners which are placed in the mouth. Dr. Bagheri of New York Total Dental believes Invisalign is a wonderful and more esthetic alternative to braces. The aligners need to be checked over a course of the first few months and replaced while the teeth are aligned into a proper position. Invisalign has become a popular choice among teens and adults who are looking for a more aesthetically pleasing option. If you are considering getting Invisalign, the following pros and cons of Invisalign will help you make that final decision.

Pros of Invisalign

There are many benefits of getting Invisalign instead of the traditional metallic braces. Some of the advantages of a clear set of aligners are mentioned below.

1. Comfort

One of the best things about getting Invisalign is that they are a lot more comfortable to wear. As there are no brackets or wires, you do not need to stress about getting cuts or nicks in the mouth. They tend to be quite smooth and do not cause any irritation. There are no sharp edges which make Invisalign the ultimate choice.

2. More Attractive

If there is one thing about Invisalign that everyone will agree with, it is the fact that it is a more attractive option. As Invisalign is transparent, it allows your teeth to shine instead of filling your mouth with metal. When you get Invisalign, most people would not even notice that you are wearing them. This means that you would feel more comfortable when smiling rather than feeling self-conscious. Thus, adults prefer Invisalign when opting for an orthodontic treatment.

3. Convenience

More and more adults are getting Invisalign. It has become a norm when it comes to straightening the teeth. Rather than having to deal with metal braces, Invisalign provides you with amazing convenience that is unlike any other orthodontic option. 

4. Easy to Remove

Whenever you want to eat, brush, or floss, you can easily remove the Invisalign aligners. The same cannot be said about braces. This means that you would enjoy eating foods that you want and maintain better oral hygiene. In addition to this, there would be a lower risk of developing gum disease as you undergo the process of straightening the teeth. You do not need to stress about food particles coming in the way.

5. Minimal Maintenance

Finally, Invisalign aligners are a great option since they require minimal maintenance. Although they can get somewhat dingy over time, you can easily clean them up by making use of a toothbrush that is dipped in some bleach and water. Eliminate any stains by scrubbing the toothbrush.

Cons of Invisalign

Just like any other option, Invisalign does have its cons. These are mentioned below.

1. Expensive

One of the first things that people notice is the high cost of Invisalign. It can be quite an expensive option, especially considering the fact that you would not be covered by dental insurance. Thus, you would have to pay out of pocket. Expect to pay around $3,000 to $7,500 for the treatment. This can discourage individuals who are on a tight budget.

2. Attachments

Another disadvantage of Invisalign is that there are many attachments that you have to deal with. These attachments tend to be enamel ridges that stick onto your teeth similar to brackets. However, they are crucial for ensuring that the aligners fit perfectly and effectively shift your teeth into the desired position.

3. Requirement to Wear 22 Hours Every Day

To achieve that perfect smile, Invisalign has to be worn at least 22 hours every day. The truth is that you can only remove them to maintain daily oral hygiene and eating. This means that if you were to go out on a date or party, you would have to put them on.

4. Tooth Discomfort

When you first get new Invisalign aligners, you would find them to be uncomfortable to wear. It is because every time you get new Invisalign aligner trays, they will exert pressure to adjust your teeth which can be painful.

Conclusion

Now that you know about the pros and cons of Invisalign, you can decide whether you should get them or not. Remember, there is always a price for beauty. 

Top 4 Types of Cosmetic Dentistry You Should Know About

If you’ve been feeling less than enthused with your smile lately, you may have been thinking about Gainesville cosmetic dentistry. Teeth can get chipped, stained, discolored, worn down, misaligned and more over time, and cosmetic dentistry can provide solutions that restore your smile and your self-confidence. Whether you have concerns about chips, cracks and misalignment, or are simply searching for a flawless Hollywood smile, there’s likely to be a procedure that can help such as same day implants whitening, veneers, etc. If you’re unsure which type of cosmetic dentistry you should look into, there are a few difference popular procedures you should keep in mind.

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1. Dental Implants

If you’re missing a tooth, dental implants can be inserted directly into the bone socket to lay the foundation for a replacement later on. These implants are usually made of titanium and allow your jawbone to heal and grow around the implant. Unfortunately, dental implants tend to be on the pricier side, with some procedures costing up to $3,000 a pop. However, the growth around the implant usually ensures that it’s embedded well, allowing you to get a replacement tooth securely, so the cost could potentially be well worth it in the long run.

2. Teeth Whitening

While teeth naturally occur in several different shades, damage over the years can sometimes cause unsightly discoloration. Regular coffee, tea or wine drinking, for instance, can stain your teeth. If you’d like a brighter smile, consider teeth whitening. You can get this done professionally at your dentist’s office for longer-lasting results than with home kits. This is something many people would like to change about their teeth, and thankfully, teeth whitening also happens to be one of the simplest and cheapest dental procedures!

3. Porcelain Veneers

If you’ve ever looked at a celebrity and wondered how they get their teeth so straight and perfect, there’s a good chance they have porcelain veneers. Veneers are essentially thin layers of durable porcelain that cover up enamel imperfections. If your teeth are chipped, stained or cracked, getting veneers could be a straightforward way to achieve the Hollywood-style smile of your dreams.

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4. Dentures

Finally, if you’re missing a lot of your natural teeth and have experienced problems with eating, speaking or facial sagging, you may want to consider getting dentures. Common among older adults, dentures can restore essential oral functions and your self-confidence all at once. Particularly if you’ve suffered significant degrees of tooth decay, are experiencing gum issues like swelling or simply haven’t been visiting the dentist twice a year, it may be a good idea to ask your dentist whether dentures are right for you.

Teeth are essential to eating and speaking, but can also make a big difference in self-confidence. If you’ve been feeling self-conscious about your smile and are ready to make a change for the better, cosmetic dentistry could just be the solution you need. Whether you need implants, dentures or are simply interesting in veneers or whitening, there's likely to be an answer to your dental woes. Keep these popular options in mind and you’re sure to find the right fix for your smile!

Do You Need Invisalign? Find Out With Our Guide

Everyone looks better when they are smiling. Besides, happiness is contagious and people love to be around others that can make them feel happy with just a smile. However, people that have crooked teeth are more reluctant to smile and have a higher chance of developing gum disease and tooth decay. This is where Invisalign comes into place. It has made it a lot easier to fix teeth alignment issues. Invisalign is used by over 4 million Americans and Canadians to improve their smile. 

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So What Is Invisalign?

In the simplest of words, Invisalign is a treatment that makes use of clear plastic aligners for slowly shifting your teeth towards their correction position. The Invisalign aligners fit perfectly over your teeth as they are made of durable plastic and are molded to fit your mouth. Several sets of aligners will be provided by the dentist to straighten the teeth. They will be changed every two weeks as your smile starts to slowly straighten. Generally, the dentist will provide 18 to 30 aligners in total depending on how much shifting your teeth require.

Should You Choose Invisalign?

Invisalign is an excellent choice for patients that have mild teeth alignment issues. It corrects a wide range of issues as mentioned below.

●      Overbite

●      Open bite

●      Underbite

●      Gapped teeth

●      Cross bite

●      Over jet

●      Crowded teeth

●      Crooked teeth

The dentist would evaluate your teeth to determine if Invisalign is the right choice for you. Although Invisalign is perfect for many patients, it might not be the best decision for patients that have dental bridges, dental implants or dentures, and untreated periodontal disease.

How Does Invisalign Work?

When you first consult with the dentist, he or she would create a customized Invisalign treatment plan for you keeping your needs in mind. It will help you achieve what you desire. A 3D image of your teeth would be taken by the orthodontist to assess the underlying condition of the teeth. It will allow the orthodontist to evaluate the extent of the alignment issues. 

The dentist would create a customized treatment plan based on the data. It is during this time that you would find out how many sets of aligners will be needed. 

Typically, you will need to wear the aligners for 2 weeks before you can wear the next set. It will help your teeth slowly shift with each new set. This, your teeth will move towards the ideal position. You will need to wear the aligners for about 20 to 22 hours every day to achieve the best results.

What Are the Different Types of Invisalign?

There are many different types of Invisalign that are available. Each type of Invisalign is exclusively designed for addressing different issues and is used by a different age group. At present, Invisalign is available as below.

●       Invisalign Teen

●       Invisalign Go

●       Invisalign Lite

●       Invisalign i7

●       Invisalign Express

●       Invisalign Full

What Makes Invisalign Different From Traditional Braces?

Invisalign functions similar to traditional braces as it shifts the misaligned teeth slowly towards their ideal position. But, traditional braces have to be tightened and adjusted regularly by the dentist, whereas Invisalign aligners are simply switched for the next set.

Moreover, Invisalign and traditional braces use different materials. Traditional braces use rubber bands and metal wires. They have to be cemented on the front of the teeth to ensure correct alignment is achieved. Therefore, traditional braces are difficult to clean and visible. On the other hand, Invisalign is invisible and the aligners can be easily removed. There is no need to make any changes to your diet or oral hygiene routine when you opt for Invisalign. This makes it a better option for people that have minor alignment issues and need to wear them for a shorter period. As for traditional braces, they take about 18 months to correct severe alignment issues at most, whereas Invisalign would take about 9 to 12 months for the same results. If patients only require minor adjustments, they can achieve the desired results in just 2 months.

How Much Will Invisalign Cost You?

The cost of an Invisalign treatment is based on a few factors such as the number of aligners required. Since most insurance companies do not distinguish between Invisalign and most orthodontic treatments such as braces, if you have a plan that covers orthodontic treatments, it should also cover Invisalign. Moreover, you can always consult with a dentist to know your options. 

When To Call An Emergency Dentist

One of the most painful and scary times in a person's life can be with a dental issue. There are many people who look at some situations with tooth pain to be not important and something that would just go away, however, some of the situations actually signify a dental emergency. Therefore, it is better to be seen faster when the issue arises rather than wait till later, a can mean the health of your life.

Some Signs Of Emergency Dental Situations

Mouth pain and toothaches can occur in a variety and degree of pain level for each individual. Understanding and acknowledging why it is an emergency and what is not can help you not only save money but help you avoid the pain more effectively. WebMD voices, any dental emergency like an injury to the teeth or gums can be potentially serious and should not be ignored. Ignoring a dental problem can increase the risk of permanent damage as well as the need for more extensive and expensive treatment later on. The signs mentioned below are some diagnoses that you could use an emergency dentist as soon as possible.

• Loose Or Movable Teeth: There are only certain times that having a loose tooth in your life where it is acceptable, usually this starts at an early age when your adult teeth are growing in. However, as an adult, if you have a loose tooth, it could indicate there may be a tooth entry and it could cause severe pain and you should see a dentist immediately.

Some people come to assume that if their teeth appear to be in the proper condition they may not need a dentist. However, loose teeth can cause life-altering problems if not properly cared for. For example, it can cause you to stop eating or speaking and could impair the nerves that are within your jaw and over time the tooth damage will get worse. According to Forbes, the ADA study also found that: More than 30% of young adults have untreated tooth decay (the highest of any age group), 35% have trouble biting and chewing, Some 38% of this age group find life in general "less satisfying" due to teeth and mouth problems. Having this unbearable toothache resulting from decay will warrant a visit to an emergency dentist, as stated by Val Daniyar, a cosmetic dentist from Naples, FL.

• Signs Of Infection: This is also a good indicator that you have tooth damage and infection will act as a loose tooth. If you get the treatment done as soon as possible you can potentially avoid having the teeth extracted out of your mouth and avoid the infection from spreading. American Dental Association shares, the mouth is a gateway into your body's overall health.

• Bleeding Gums And Toothache: Almost every dentist requires you to floss your teeth after you brush, however, most people are not used to doing this on a daily basis. If you go to brush your teeth and your gums are bleeding, it could be an indicator of gum disease.

Almost everyone who gets gum disease, if left untreated could leave their teeth the inability to be restored properly. Gum disease can increase the risk of heart disease and diabetes, and among pregnant women, it is correlated with lower birth weights for their babies. On another note, if you have any signs of any toothache seen a dentist is essential because there could be various indicators and other causes behind each tooth week.

• Abscess And Swollen Jaw: For people who have an abscessed tooth may not understand the severity that a can do to your well-being and health. If you have an abscessed tooth seeing a dentist right away is vital to your life.

For example, abscessed teeth are connected close to your nerve endings which are found at the roots in your teeth, which are directly connected to your brain. In addition to fevers, swollen jaws, mouth pus and more problems that can lead to life-altering habits, getting an infection drain from a dental abscess requires a treatment plan, as well as draining the entire blockage to get rid of any bacteria that is starting to grow in the mouth.

• Recurring Headaches: Headaches have been known to be caused by lifestyles and other causes, however, if you have chronic headaches it could mean that your mouth and teeth are the underlying problems that are causing the chronic headaches. Seeing a dentist can keep you the appropriate amount of treatment such as a mouth guard to help prevent grinding and constant jaw tension, which is a chronic headache cause.

In addition, if you also notice you are becoming more tired or if your mouth has a metal-like taste, this could indicate signs of infection or if one of your teeth becomes cracked. These are also indicators that can cause headaches to continue and become problematic for those who are experiencing them. Seeing a dentist right away can give you the treatment that has proven to fix these problems instantly.

When Is The Right Time To Call The Emergency Dentist?

There are many indicators to understand when the right time to call a dentist. Any of the signs mentioned above, calling a dentist this is possible can help eliminate the underlying issue sooner rather than later. Other examples are if any over-the-counter pain relievers do not help relieve any tooth pain, calling the dentist could potentially help you save your teeth and your health. If you have knocked out a tooth, for another example, a dentist has the ability to re-plant teeth into sockets professionally, avoiding futuristic problems that could occur. It is important to understand to not touch any damage to or avoid eating when a tooth is knocked out as it could damage the roots or cause the tooth to not be held be put back into the socket.

Final Thoughts:
In conclusion, if there are any signs, such as tooth pain, knocked out teeth, infections, or bleeding gums, it could mean that there are underlying issues that are the cause of the problem. Seeing an emergency dentist right away could help you save on money, time, and future problems that could affect your health and lifestyle.