Dental decay is one of the most common chronic diseases in young people between the ages of 5-17, making it imperative that your teenager continues to follow good oral health habits during their teen years. Some dental concerns are somewhat unique to teenagers, and we want to highlight them and also include some tips on how your teenager can maintain excellent dental health.

Brushing and Flossing

As mentioned above, dental decay and gingivitis are common diseases that affect teenagers every year. It can be prevented with good oral hygiene habits such as daily brushing and flossing and attending routine dental examinations. Teenagers should brush with an age-appropriate toothbrush with soft to medium bristle strength, and ADA approved fluoride toothpaste twice a day for at least two minutes. Flossing between every tooth at least once a day can help to remove plaque buildup and food from between teeth and underneath the gum lines. Mouthwashes can also help to keep your teen?s mouth clean and fresh. Though at times, teenagers can be indifferent to certain things, be sure your teenager keeps up with their at-home care and comes in for routine cleanings and examinations so your dentist can catch any problems before they become worse

Teeth

Crowded or crooked teeth can not only be an oral health problem but also affect your teen?s self-confidence. Your dentist may refer you to an orthodontist if he or she believes that orthodontic treatment, such as braces or a retainer, will help your teen.

Another everyday problem teenagers face is wisdom teeth! Though in a perfect world, wisdom teeth would grow in with plenty of room every time, it doesn?t always happen, and your teen?s wisdom teeth may need to be removed. Ask your dentist about how your teenager?s wisdom teeth are coming in and what he or she thinks the best option will be.

Diet

No matter what age, a healthy, well-balanced diet is essential not just for dental health but overall general health and wellbeing. We understand that sometimes snacks and quick meals can prove more tempting to teenagers. However, diets high in sugar and carbohydrates combined with the potential for poor oral hygiene can increase the risk of cavities and tooth decay in your teenager. Remind them of healthier options or have your teen keep a travel-sized dental kit or on-the-go toothbrush in their locker or bag to brush between meals or snacks.

Unfortunately, eating disorders are common in teenagers, and though a parent may be unaware, a trained dental professional will be able to notice the signs during a routine exam. Eating disorders can damage teeth and the soft tissue of the mouth. Your dentist can provide referrals for teenagers who may need help beginning the process of recovery from eating disorders.

Injuries

Injuries from sports or extracurricular activities can put your teenager at risk for dental injuries. A bad fall off a skateboard or a wayward ball to the face can break teeth, bones, and even your teen?s jaw. Be sure they have adequate protection such as mouthguards and safety gear like a helmet to reduce the risk of injury. Remind your teen to keep their mouthguard clean and stored in a ventilated container when not in use.

Smoking, Alcohol, and Substances

Discouraging smoking and the use of tobacco or illegal substances is vital in protecting your teenager?s health and teeth. Dental effects of tobacco include stained teeth, bad breath, canker sores, loss of taste, bone/tooth loss, periodontal disease, and oral cancer.

In terms of oral health, alcohol can also increase the risk of tooth decay and dental erosion if the alcohol contains large amounts of sugar or acid. Dental erosion is the loss of tooth enamel due to sugar and acid attacks from sweet treats and drinks. Once worn away, the underlayer of the tooth is exposed and can cause discoloration and sensitivity.

Illegal drugs can lead to a range of health problems. Any smokable drug has the same effects on oral health as smoking tobacco does. Most drugs can also lead to conditions such as dry mouth, dental erosion, tooth decay, gum disease, and tooth loss.

Oral Piercings

Oral piercings can affect the tongue, lips, cheek, and other soft tissues within the mouth. Oral health problems associated with oral jewelry include swallowed jewelry, fractured/chipped teeth, infection, inflammation, and difficulty swallowing or eating. Be sure your teenager follows proper hygiene instructions regarding the care of their piercing to avoid infections. Dental professionals can also offer guidance on how to maintain good oral health and avoid common problems associated with piercings.

Some dental concerns may not be as apparent to teenagers or parents, making it all the more critical that teenagers come in for routine dental cleanings and exams. For more information on teenagers and dental health, contact The Smile Team Pediatric Dentistry today.

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Why is a tooth loose?

A loose baby tooth might mean that a permanent tooth is on the way. As permanent teeth begin to develop and push out into the gumline, the roots of baby teeth dissolve and loosen allowing the tooth to fall out.

However, there are other reasons that your child?s tooth may be loose. If your child has experienced a fall or facial injury, trauma may be the cause of a loose tooth. Also, tooth decay, which has become an increasing problem in pediatric dentistry, may also be the cause of a loose baby tooth. If you suspect your child?s tooth is loose for any reason other than the growth of permanent teeth, please contact your pediatric dentist immediately.

Should you pull out your child?s tooth?

If your child is frustrated with a loose tooth, you may begin to wonder whether or not you should help to remove it. As tempting as it may be, it is generally best to leave it alone.

There are two types of children when it comes to loose teeth, those that can?t wait to lose them and those who are afraid of them falling out. Regardless of which type your child may be, you can rest assured knowing that the baby teeth will fall out eventually with or without help, so there is no need to stress or rush the process!

There are a few considerations to take into account before helping your child with a tooth extraction.

• If pain is felt when the tooth is touched, do not remove it as the tooth is most likely still rooted into the cavity. Pulling out teeth that are not ready can lead to damage and infection.
• Never pull teeth. Teeth that are ready will fall out naturally.
• If you are concerned that your child?s teeth do not seem to be falling out as they should be, please contact your pediatric dentist immediately.

If your child has asked you for help regarding a loose tooth, the best advice is to gently touch the tooth. By gently touching it you can tell how far along the tooth is, if there is any pain and if it is ready to be removed. If it wiggles and you believe it to be ready, wrap the tooth carefully in tissue and squeeze the tooth, this should cause the tooth to fall out without you having to pull at it.

For the most part, it is always best to let nature take its course and avoid creating any unnecessary pain or trauma by pulling out a tooth that is not ready. The natural loss of teeth should be painless and effortless. For more information on how to handle your child?s loose teeth, please contact The Smile Team Pediatric Dentistry today.

The post How To Handle Your Child?s Loose Teeth appeared first on The Smile Team Pediatric Dentistry In Calgary.

Brushing

Regular brushing can help your child?s oral and overall health. As soon as teeth appear, tooth decay can occur. Until you are confident and comfortable with your child brushing on his or her own, as a caregiver, it will be your responsibility to care for their teeth. Brush twice a day in short circular strokes over the front and back of each tooth for at least 2 minutes.

For children under the age of three, the amount of toothpaste should be no larger than a grain of rice. Children over three years old should brush their teeth with a pea-sized amount of toothpaste.

Flossing

Once your child has two teeth that touch, it is essential to begin flossing. We understand that sometimes, you may neglect to floss because it can become difficult, painful, and frustrating; however, flossing helps to take care of gums and areas where the toothbrush can?t reach. Just as with brushing, children will often need help flossing until they are old enough to do it on their own.

Sometimes caregivers and parents find better success by using pre-threaded flossers over traditional string floss. When flossing, move the floss carefully up and down between the tooth, making a c-shape around the tooth.

Selecting the Right Products

Choose toothbrushes that are the appropriate size and fit comfortably within your child?s hand. Allowing your child to pick out their brush and toothpaste can make brushing a more enjoyable experience and help them to stick with their routine throughout the year.

Consider adding a mouthwash to clean places where your toothbrush and floss might miss. A mouthwash that contains fluoride will help to strengthen enamel, fight off cavities, and provide fresh breath.

Dental Visits

As soon as your child?s first tooth appears, it is time to schedule his or her first dental visit. The first visit is primarily to check on the growth and projected development of your child?s teeth. The pediatric dentist will check for oral health problems such as decay and cavities and also provide you with tips on daily care, teething, thumb sucking, and other factors that contribute to your child?s oral health.

If you worry that your child may be apprehensive towards their appointment, consider making a ?get to know you? trip to the dentist before the appointment so your child can become familiar with the office and dentist. Engage your child with positive conversations about the dentist and what they do, avoid using scary words such as ?painful? or ?hurt.?

These may seem like simple tips to focus on, but in addition to regular visits, they will help your child have a healthier smile. We hope you will resolve to make yourself involved in your child?s dental care routine as we are committed to helping families develop healthy dental habits for life. For more information on how to protect and care for your child?s smile this new year, contact The Smile Team Pediatric Dentistry today.

The post Dental Tips To Keep Your Child?s Teeth Healthy In 2020 appeared first on The Smile Team Pediatric Dentistry In Calgary.

The holiday season is a great time for parents and caregivers to establish, reinforce, and maintain healthy dental habits as a family. Holiday food and festivities can quickly put teeth at risk of cavities and tooth decay so practice moderation and always remember to brush and floss daily.

Stocking stuffers

We are dedicated to keeping your family?s teeth at their healthiest and understand that presents and shopping can be difficult this time of year. We are here to help, with a few recommendations for gifts that will yield benefits now and in the future. We don?t mean for you to have a dental-centered Christmas, but a few of these stocking stuffers can bring great holiday cheer!

• Sonicare toothbrushes – These brushes remove more plaque buildup than other brushes and make for healthier gums. They are also great options for those with sensitive teeth. Sonicare offers an entire range of youth products, with some that even connect to an app that can help encourage your child to continue good oral health habits.
• Electric toothbrushes – Electric toothbrushes are handy for all ages and can make brushing fun for younger children. Most feature timers to ensure you are brushing for the recommended time, 2 minutes during each session. Some even feature pressure sensors to prevent your child from brushing too hard and upsetting or damaging their gums.
• Novelty toothpaste – Though they are not practical for everyday cleaning, they can make a great gift for occasional use. Novelty toothpaste can come in a variety of flavors such as bacon, pickle, Oreo, cupcake, and more. Just be sure to use your ADA approved toothpaste every other day to ensure you are cleaning your teeth properly.
• Colgate Wisps – These are portable, disposable toothbrushes that do not require any water or toothpaste. These are great for quick on-the-go breath freshening and cleaning.
• Mouthguards – Mouthguards or mouth protectors are great gifts for young athletes. A mouthguard is essential to protecting your child from dental and facial injuries. They come in all shapes and sizes and can even be customized with team colors.
• Oral health books – Younger children may enjoy oral health books that can teach them about tooth care or removing the fear from dental visits. These friendly books can help your child overcome anxiety and become more engaged in their dental routine.

Holiday Kits

During the holidays, many families travel across the country to visit their loved ones. If you and your family are traveling this year, be sure that everyone packs a dental kit to care for their teeth while they are away from home.

• Travel Bag – Buy a fun travel case or small bathroom storage bag that makes your child excited about starting their dental routine. Try decorating it with stickers and your child?s name.
• Toothbrush – When buying a toothbrush for yourself or your child, buy a brush with ADA approval and one that fits comfortably in hand. Toothbrushes should have round soft bristles with a head that makes navigating the mouth easy.
• Interdental brushes – For those with braces or other oral appliances, interdental brushes can help. Interdental brushes are similar to toothbrushes but instead have a cone-shaped head with fine bristles designed to between teeth and behind brackets. These brushes often come with several replacement heads in various sizes to guarantee the right fit.
• Toothbrush case – Don?t forget to buy a toothbrush case or cover to keep the head clean and bristles in good shape while it is stowed away.
• Toothpaste – Buy an ADA approved toothpaste in a flavor that your child will enjoy. Children should avoid using whitening toothpaste unless approved by a dentist as the toothpaste may contain harmful abrasives for their growing teeth.
• Floss/floss threaders – Brushing only cleans part of your teeth. You should floss once a day to clean between your teeth. If your child is still young, you may need to help them floss. Floss threaders can help navigate your mouth with floss easier if you have oral appliances or experience difficulty using string floss.
• Tongue scraper – Tongue scrapers are great tools to help you get rid of bad breath. Tongue scrapers work as described to scrape away bacteria on the surface of your tongue. Do not use too much pressure and remember to rinse the scraper after every use.

Making brushing and flossing a family activity will help your children enjoy dental hygiene and make them more likely to keep up with a healthy routine into adulthood.

We know it can be easy to get carried away during the holidays, but practicing moderation and maintaining a well-balanced diet greatly helps in avoiding the pain of cavities or tooth decay during the season. Remember to schedule regular checkups and cleanings so we can thoroughly evaluate your smile and provide treatment as needed.

For more information on keeping your family?s teeth cavity-free this holiday season, contact The Smile Team Pediatric Dentistry today!

The post Holiday Tooth Care Kits, Tips, and Gifts for Kids! appeared first on The Smile Team Pediatric Dentistry In Calgary.

Between trips to the dentist and being told to brush and floss daily, children can easily find dental hygiene to be a real chore. As a parent, it is important to keep them interested in wanting to keep their mouths healthy. Help your son or daughter have a healthy smile by making dental hygiene fun. Make brushing, flossing, and even dental check-ups a positive experience so that your child can be excited about good oral care. Not only will your child grow up with a beautiful smile, but he or she will also develop habits that will last a lifetime.

Good, consistent, and daily dental habits accompanied by routine visits can help develop great lifelong oral health. Here are some ways to improve oral care as well as a few tips to keep your child cavity-free!

Starting young

It is important to start dental care early, and your child should have his or her first dental appointment by his or her first birthday. This allows your child to get used to the dental office and the dentist to check the growth and development of the teeth. This is also a good time for you to ask questions about teething, fluorides, home care, pacifiers, and thumb sucking.

Scheduling regular dental visiting throughout your child?s life is extremely important in preventing dental health problems. It is recommended that your child goes to the dentist twice a year for regular cleanings and examinations. Your pediatric dentist can spot decay and other problems early on, making any necessary treatment easier and more comfortable for you and your child. This not only helps to keep your child?s oral health in check, but also allows your child to acclimate to the dentist?s office.

Importance of a balanced diet

Eating healthy and nutritious foods is important on many levels. Not only does it strengthen a developing body, but a healthy diet is also important for keeping teeth healthy! Sugar is often the number one enemy to your child?s teeth, so limiting your child?s sugar consumption can be a great way to prevent tooth decay and cavities while promoting overall healthy well-being.

Make brushing fun

Making brushing time fun by doing it as a family activity. Children often look to their parents on how to act and dental hygiene is no different. Show your son or daughter your brushing, flossing, and even tongue brushing skills.

As you brush together, make funny faces, use a fancy timer, or pick a song to listen and dance to while you brush. Remember the 2×2 rule! Brush for 2 minutes a day twice a day and floss during at least one of the sessions!

Making a dental routine that you do as a family can make brushing and flossing more of a fun activity rather than a chore. This also allows you to supervise their habits ensuring that they are doing it properly.

Children are often not coordinated enough to clean their teeth thoroughly until they are about 8 to 10 years old. Until then, you must supervise their brushing and flossing to ensure proper dental hygiene. Even after they can brush and floss on their own, they might still need reminders and monitoring to ensure they are doing a good job.

Tackling floss

Most dentists recommend that you begin to teach your child about flossing as early as the age of 2 or 3 years old. Children of this age will require supervision and assistance as they attempt to clean their teeth. Flossing is necessary to remove plaque and food trapped between teeth and should be done at least once a day.

To get children into the habit of daily flossing, parents need to make flossing a friendly and easy experience. Gently guide the floss between each tooth, curving the floss around the tooth and carefully sliding it underneath the gum line.

Pre-threaded holders and Kid-friendly flossers can help prevent pain as they are designed for sensitive gums and smaller mouths. Floss is also available in several colors and flavors. Letting your child pick the one he or she wants to use might make the act of flossing something to be excited about.

Be patient as it takes time to master the art of flossing. Using age-appropriate products can help your children have a positive association with flossing.

Brush and paste

Another tip that might help your children enjoy taking care of their teeth is letting them pick out their own toothbrushes and toothpastes. Studies show that children feel much better about activities in which they have more control. Limit their choices to soft-bristled brushes that are age-appropriate in size and nature. As your children grow, so will their toothbrush sizes.

For toothpaste, there can be many options to choose from but be sure to check for the ADA seal of approval before buying.

When your child is older, consider using a toothpaste with fluoride. Fluoride can help protect teeth from cavities by strengthening tooth enamel and minimizing harmful bacteria and acids found within the mouth.

Coupled with brushing and flossing, the right mouthwash can help keep your child?s teeth cleaner longer. Ask your pediatric dentist what is right for your child before using mouthwashes.

Dental Care

As your child?s dental hygiene routine will adjust to his or her needs, the appointments at the dentist’s office may also change. Some common treatments provided during your child?s appointments that might help with fighting cavities are dental sealants and fluoride treatments.

Fluoride treatments

As we mentioned earlier, fluoride can help strengthen the teeth. As bad oral bacteria eat away at your child?s teeth, the enamel can weaken. Those soft spots can easily become precursors to cavities which may begin to form if not addressed quickly.

During your child?s dental visit, we may suggest applying a fluoride treatment to your child?s teeth to help strengthen the enamel. This process is comfortable and non-invasive. After a short waiting period of several minutes, your child can eat and drink whatever he or she wants without fear of washing away the fluoride.

Fluoride is a great treatment for baby and permanent teeth.

Dental Sealants

A sealant is a thin coating applied to your child?s teeth to smooth the surface and provide a shield against decay. This is great for those back teeth that have lots of grooves and bumps that are difficult to clean properly. Even the most diligent brushes might not fully clean those back teeth. Sealants can help provide an extra surface that is protective but also easier to clean, and can help to prevent bacteria from finding a hiding spot.

Dental sealants are painted onto teeth during a short and easy procedure. Once the sealants are dry, your child will not be aware of them. Like fluoride treatments, sealants are recommended for both baby teeth and their permanent replacements.

We love your child?s smile as much as you do, and so we?d like to offer you a few tips and pieces of advice to keep your child?s smile happy and healthy. Start taking steps to establish a routine with your kid from an early age. Prevention is the best medicine and learning habits early on will help your child maintain great oral health throughout his or her life. We are committed to keeping our patients healthy and educated. Let us know if you want more information on how to properly take care of teeth and engage your child in proper oral healthcare.

Contact us to make an appointment at The Smile Team Pediatric Dentistry today!

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Trick or treating can be a lot of fun, but we understand many parents worry about the effect large amounts of candy can have on teeth, especially little ones!

We know families don?t stop at just one sugary treat on Halloween and that?s okay! As long as you maintain proper dental hygiene, your teeth will be happy and healthy too. To help you out, we?ve decided to offer you a few recommendations and tips for how to be cavity-free this Halloween.

Before you start your Halloween Activities

Make a plan! Set candy rules. Kids are often okay with rules as long as they know them in advance. If you set a candy limit, follow it.

The best time to eat candy is after a meal, so if you can plan your candy fun around a meal, you?re doing yourself a favor. Salvia production increases while we eat and helps counteract the harmful bacteria.

If you are going out at night, be sure to be bright! A light-up necklace, glow sticks, or reflective tape can be the difference between safe and injured.

During the night

While you are out trick or treating it is important to practice proper road safety. Obey all traffic laws and stay close to children on busy roads. Be aware of your surroundings and always look both ways before crossing.

Now onto the important part: candy! Be mindful of which candy you eat as each can affect your teeth differently.

Sticky and gummy candies can be messy and harder to clean off not only fingers but also your teeth. Sour candies tend to be very acidic, that?s why you pucker! However, that acid can break down the enamel on your teeth, making them more prone to cavities. Candy doesn?t have to be harmful to your teeth if you practice moderation.

Chocolate is your best bet on a happy Halloween. Not only is it sweet, but it washes off your teeth easier than other candies. Baked goods, gelatin treats, fruits, ice cream, and yogurt are also good treats too!

Drinking plenty of water can help keep your mouth clean between candy breaks. This helps keep those sugars off your teeth.

After

If you?ve made a candy plan, be sure to stick to it. Everything is good in moderation and candy is no exception.
Unsure of what to do with all that candy? If you don?t want to eat it all, we understand and can help point you in other directions. Try a candy switch in your house, trade candies for prizes such as books or small toys. You can also donate your candy to appropriate organizations to help give out candy to others.

It can be tempting to just go to bed after such a fun night, but this is the one night you should prioritize brushing and flossing.

Your mouth is full of good and bad bacteria. Those harmful bacteria love candy as much as you do! While they eat the left-over sugar in your mouth, they produce acids that contribute to the formation of cavities, so it is super important that on a big night such as Halloween that you remember to brush and floss!

Don?t forget when you brush your teeth, to brush for two minutes twice a day. Flossing is just as important as it cleans those areas between your teeth that toothbrushes can’t reach.

For tips on how to keep your family cavity-free this Halloween, contact us at The Smile Team Pediatric Dentistry.

The post Kids and Candy: How To Have A Cavity-Free Halloween! appeared first on The Smile Team Pediatric Dentistry In Calgary.

Here are some of the common causes of xerostomia and some of the best ways to combat the issue. Our list of xerostomia remedies can help you do away with the frustrating symptoms!

Stay Hydrated

One of the biggest causes of xerostomia is dehydration. Luckily, this is a fairly simple issue to fix- make sure your child stays hydrated! It’s important that the body receives enough fluids on a day to day basis.

It?s recommended that males drink around 3 liters per day and that females drink around 2.2. Dehydration isn’t the only cause of xerostomia, but it’s still important that we all try to at least sip water throughout the day to help cleanse your mouth of harmful bacteria.

Avoid Decaffeinated Beverages

Believe it or not, your child?s Coca-Cola may actually have a negative effect on their mouths. Caffeine itself can rob our mouths of moisture, so it’s essential to avoid drinks like sodas, coffees, and teas unless it is a decaffeinated version.

Remind Them To Breathe Through Your Nose

Xerostomia is exacerbated by mouth breathing and making a thoughtful effort to limit this method of breathing can help your child?s mouth to retain more moisture.

Try An Alcohol-Free Mouthwash

While most brands of mouthwash on the market today promote the idea that “if it burns, it’s working.” The burning sensation from mouthwash is caused by alcohol. Unfortunately, the presence of alcohol in our mouthwashes can cause mouth dryness.

This is due to the fact that while a mouthwash containing alcohol works to cut down on harmful bacteria present in our mouths, it is also cutting down on the important levels of moisture that our mouths should produce naturally. If your child is currently experiencing symptoms of xerostomia, try switching to an alcohol-free mouthwash and taking note of the difference.

Keep in the Habit of Flossing Each Day

Periodontal disease is typically caused by poor hygiene practices but can also be caused by lack of moisture in the mouth. By flossing each day, your child will also be effectively reducing the risk of developing periodontal disease because of xerostomia.

Call The Smile Team Pediatric Dentistry For All Your Dental Needs

If your child is suffering from xerostomia and want to learn more about how to deal with this common dental issue, give The Smile Team Pediatric Dentistry a call or book an appointment today! Our team of knowledgeable dental professionals will be happy to help.

The post Is Your Child Suffering From a Dry Mouth? appeared first on The Smile Team Pediatric Dentistry In Calgary.

Amazing, right? Issues within the mouth can indicate a variety of underlying health conditions, and with your routine dental exam, you may be able to catch them early and intervene before the illness spirals out of control. Now that you know this, please don?t keep rescheduling your next routine office visit for cleaning because your oral health is essential. Keep in mind that oral issues can develop quickly and progress just the same, and the scary thing is you may not even notice them until maybe they cause you pain ? which then may be too late.

Good oral health not only involves brushing your teeth daily, but optimal oral hygiene also includes using mouthwash, flossing, and even doing a visual check of your mouth and gums on a routine basis to make sure everything looks ?normal? for you. The benefits of brushing the teeth are obvious, but why is flossing so important? I mean it is two more minutes of your time that could be spent elsewhere since you?re probably always in a hurry ? plus what does flossing do anyways? Listen up, because there are some reasons why you should never skip out on flossing.

One. Flossing does about 40 percent of the work that is required to remove all that sticky, harsh bacteria from your mouth and teeth that can turn into plaque. plaque is that nasty substance that settles quickly onto your teeth causes cavities, irritates the gums and can lead to gum disease. Plaque starts to harden within hours of that last time you ate, and once 48 hours have passed, that nasty substance will be stuck to your teeth quite firmly, leaving a professional cleaning the best way to remove it. Each one of your teeth has a total of 5 surfaces, and if you skip out on flossing at least two whole surfaces do not get cleaned, and over time all that bacteria builds, and builds, and builds and ? well you know ? causes bad things to happen.

Two. Your gums really will stop bleeding. Are you hesitant to floss because you see blood each time you do? The truth is if you routinely floss the bleeding will stop because if the bacteria around your gum line is kept to a minimum, the fewer blood cells your body will have to send to the area to fight off the bacteria. Therefore, the more you floss, the less blood you?ll see. Try it for yourself!

Three. The rest of your body will thank you. The more clean and healthy your mouth is, the better off you are at reducing your chances at predisposing yourself to more severe health conditions such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and more. Also, if you?ve already been unfortunate enough to have one of these illnesses, improvement of your oral health may help to improve and maintain your overall health, and possibly even slow the progression of the disease.

Four. ?Cavity? is that word you hate to hear when you are the one laying in the dentist chair. Well, not only can cavities form on one tooth, but they can also develop in the crevices between your teeth. That is why flossing in between your teeth to clean out all that unwanted bacteria is so important, because a cavity between two teeth can lead to even more damage to your teeth and lead to more pain, dentist visits, and money spent for you.

So now you can decide, is there anything satisfying or rewarding that comes from flossing your teeth? The final decision to floss your teeth is ultimately up to you, but the benefits of taking that extra couple minutes in front of the mirror could do wonders for your oral health and your overall health. Make flossing a part of your routine and schedule a routine checkup with The Smile Team Pediatric Dentistry today. Your body, your health, and even those around you will greatly appreciate it!

The post Four Reasons Why You Should Floss Every Day appeared first on The Smile Team Pediatric Dentistry In Calgary.

This type of battle is basically what happens in your mouth every day, just without the special effects. No, seriously! Your teeth are like that giant ship taking fire from acids and bacteria in your mouth. And, just like that spaceship, your dentist can give your teeth shields to help fight off against cavities. Except, in dental terms, they call it a sealant (but, it?s pretty much the same as a space shield?)

What are Dental Sealants?

You want your teeth to be as healthy as possible. That?s why you brush and floss daily?to give your teeth an upper hand in that epic battle against decay. Sometimes, though, it can be hard to clean those teeth that are way back in the corner of your mouth (called molars). Even worse, molars have lots of edges, nooks, and crannies designed for chewing. All those little pockets give bacteria a perfect hiding place from your toothbrush.

While brushing and flossing are always your primary weapons, dentists can use sealants on those hard to reach teeth that cover them with a special coating. Bacteria and acids that do damage to your teeth have a much harder time getting through the sealant and can?t stick around in those hidden places on the chewing surface. In fact, the Center for Disease Controlsays that molars with dental sealants are three times less likely to get cavities.

Lastly, not only are sealants made from special plastics that are safe for nearly everyone, they are often clear or white colored, so they look completely natural.

When and How are they Applied?

The younger you are when you get sealants, the better, so you can protect your teeth when they are as new and undamaged as possible. Sealants on kids can often keep them from ever developing cavities in the first place. However, even adults can benefit from getting their molars sealed.

Applying a sealant is a quick and painless process where the dentist cleans your teeth before applying a special gel that binds your teeth to the sealant. After that, when you go in for your regular checkups, your dentist will make sure the sealant is still in place and can re-apply it if it wears off. No bacteria are getting past those shields!

The Smile Team Pediatric Dentistry has everything you need to keep your teeth healthy and your smiles bright. Make an appointment with us today to find out more about how dental sealants can protect your teeth for years to come.

The post Shields Up! How Dental Sealants Protect Your Teeth appeared first on The Smile Team Pediatric Dentistry In Calgary.

#1: Kids Should Never Chew Gum

Gum can be good for kids? teeth, as long as it?s sugar-free. Without the sugar, the bacteria in the mouth won?t produce enough acid to cause damage. The act of chewing also increases the amount of saliva in the mouth. This can keep cavities away.

#2: Fruit Juice Is a Healthy Option

Did you know that fruit juice can have as much sugar as a soda? It?s true! That amount of sugar cancels out all of the benefits of the small amount of vitamins in the juice.
As mentioned above, sugar causes bacteria in the mouth to become acidic. The more sugar that is introduced, the more acidic the mouth becomes. This acid breaks down tooth enamel, which compromises the integrity of the teeth and can lead to tooth decay and cavities.

#3: Always Have Children Brush Their Own Teeth

Yes, you should have children brush their own teeth IF they can do it effectively. Most children do not know how to brush their teeth because they were told to do it before they were taught how to do it right. Spend time with your toddler every night showing him/her how to brush effectively. When your toddler takes over the handle of the brush, watch to see if all parts of the teeth and gums are brushed adequately. If after a month or so, you haven?t had to correct your toddler, he/she should be ready to do it all alone.

#4: Baby Teeth Just Aren?t Important, They Fall Out Eventually

Baby teeth are the foundation of a long life of good oral health. When that foundation is strong and healthy, people grow up with strong and healthy adult teeth. This isn?t the only reason it is important to care for baby teeth. It?s also because if baby teeth are not cared for well, tooth decay may develop. This decay can cause pain and infection that spreads into the gums and causes damage to adult teeth that have yet to emerge.

#5: Cavities Are Only Caused by Sugar

Sugar does play a huge role in cavities, but there are many other causes that kids and adults should be aware of. Starches can increase the amount of plaque in your mouth, which clings to teeth. If that plaque is not removed regularly (every 6 months at least), it can cause teeth to decay or cavities. Deep grooves in the teeth are also another cause of cavities. Some children have sealants placed on their teeth to keep bacteria out of the deep grooves.

Spread the Word

Now that you?ve read the truth about the most common kid?s dentistry myths, share the information with everyone you know. That way everyone will understand how to better care for their children?s dental health. If you have any questions or would like to schedule a dental appointment for your child, contact The Smile Team Pediatric Dentistry.

The post The Top Five Kids Dentistry Myths Debunked appeared first on The Smile Team Pediatric Dentistry In Calgary.