It’s Back to School Dental Check-Up Time!

Every school year, American kids miss over 51,000,000 hours of school because of dental problems and toothaches.  You read that correctly, 51 Million!  Although it is the most common childhood disease, tooth decay, is also one of the most preventable.  Taking simple steps to help ensure that your kids go back to school with healthy teeth and gums will save you time, money and lost school hours this year.

 

Schedule a Dental Check-Up and Professional Cleaning Every 6 Months

We often hear people say that they aren’t having any dental pain, and they can’t see any problems so they do not need to go to the dentist.  This is especially true among school age children.  In fact, kids should start seeing the dentist along with the appearance of the very first baby teeth.  Turning them on to regular dental care from an early age helps prevent anxiety and dental fear.  Just as important, regular dental check-ups and teeth cleaning help keep teeth and gums healthy.  If a problem does begin to develop, you can be sure your dentist will identify it early, before it becomes an expensive and painful dental problem.  Staying on track with dental check-ups every 6 months is a proven way to avoid serious dental problems. 

Sealants for Permanent Teeth

When it comes to children’s personal dental hygiene, a very reliable rule of thumb is this- a child does not have the dexterity to brush their teeth effectively on their own until they can successfully tie their shoes.  Because kids’ dental habits are not always consistent or predictable, dental sealants can help seal out destructive plaque and bacteria on the chewing surface of the back teeth.  A dental sealant is a simple, painless and extremely affordable treatment that can help prevent tooth decay.  Seal permanent teeth as they come in.  Dental sealants usually last long enough for kids to become more effective at dental hygiene every day. 

Fluoride Treatments

Fluoride helps teeth stay healthy and strong.  Fluoride treatment can inhibit tooth decay and help keep enamel strong and durable.  Your dentist can recommend a professional treatment that will help prevent cavities.  Fluoride treatments can be applied in the dental office or given as a prescription gel to use at home.  Proper use of fluoride treatments has been proven to help prevent cavities. 

Schedule a Back to School Dental Check-Up

There is more to a kid’s dental check-up than just a polish and a quick check!  Your child’s dental appointment is a learning opportunity.  Your hygienist is responsible for educating kids about the best personal dental hygiene habits and providing instruction for good home care.  She can talk to your kids about how to keep their teeth healthy and clean.  Using fun visual aids, demonstrations and instructions they can understand, your hygienist knows how to talk to kids about their teeth.  To schedule your family’s Back to School Dental Check-Up, contact Forest Lane Dental today.

Bad Breath? 10 Ways to Keep Your Breath Fresh

Bad breath is embarrassing.  There are many causes for bad breath, clinically known as halitosis.  Here is what you need to know about combating bad breath daily.

1.  Bad breath can be caused by medications and dry mouth.  If you take medications that cause dry mouth, try an over the counter saliva substitute such as Biotene® or sip on water throughout the day.  You can stimulate saliva production with sugarless mints as well.

2.  The gum disease periodontitis causes bad breath.  Unhealthy gums that bleed easily, receding gums and loose teeth are the product of the gum infection periodontitis.  The bacteria and infection causes severe odor that cannot be brushed, flossed or cleaned away with mouthwash.  If you have bad breath caused by gum disease, see your dentist right away to begin treatment and get the infection under control.

3.  Certain foods can cause bad breath.  Onions and garlic for lunch?  Even if you brush and floss the odor from pungent foods can escape through your mouth even hours after eating.  If you suffer with acid reflux disease, you may find that symptoms are often accompanied by bad breath. Keeping acid reflux under control through diet and medication can help.

4.  Even healthy mouths have an odor sometimes.  Make sure you brush twice a day and floss once.  Bacteria that remain on the surface of teeth and gums turn into plaque.  When not removed regularly, plaque buildup can cause bad breath.

5.  Clean your tongue.  Brush your tongue, or use a tongue scraper daily to remove filmy residue from oral bacteria.

6.  Watch your diet.  A diet high in sugars and carbohydrates causes excess plaque and bacteria to form in your mouth.  In addition to causing bad breath, plaque and bacteria are the causes of tooth decay and gum disease. 

7.  Use an alcohol-free antibacterial mouth wash daily.  Mouth wash can help destroy odor causing bacteria that remain after brushing and flossing.

8.  Wear a denture or partial?  Keep it clean!  Remove it daily for brushing and cleaning, and use an antibacterial soak to keep it bacteria free. 

9.  Change your toothbrush regularly.  Bacteria from your mouth can hide out on your toothbrush, reintroducing bacteria when you brush your teeth.  Changing your toothbrush every 8 weeks or so will help prevent bacteria from taking up residence on the bristles.  Keep your toothbrush in a clean, dry place. 

10.  See your dentist regularly.  A professional dental cleaning removes plaque buildup (calculus) that cannot be removed with brushing alone.  A regular exam detects problems like tooth decay and gum disease before they become advanced.  Your dentist can also provide advice and products to help eliminate bad breath. 

For more information about combating bad breath, contactForest Lane Dental, the Dallas dental practice of Dr. Jack E. Burroughs.