Category Archives: Dental Articles

Should I use Fluoride Toothpaste with Young Children?

Many parents often wander how they should help their young children care for their teeth. They worry that not using fluoride may make their kids more susceptible to tooth decay throughout their life. But they are also concerned that too much fluoride can cause lasting effects. The American Dental Association (ADA) has recently released some new guidelines to help best care for the oral health of young children.

Care Credit- Helping you get the care you need today!

Dental care can be expensive and just because a tooth breaks doesn’t mean the rest of our life can be put on hold. So what can be done to make sure you get your mouth healthy even when you have other financial commitments? Care Credit is a credit card that gives you flexibility and convenience when managing your family’s out-of-pocket dental/healthcare expenses. The CareCredit card (subject credit approval) can be used as often as you want for
co-payments and deductibles picking up where insurance leaves off.

What do I do if my child has their front tooth knocked out or knocked loose?

Even when parents make every effort to protect their children from accidents, they still happen. But what should you do if they suffer trauma to their teeth? Depending on the severity of the injury, there are some different options to consider and below we will discuss some simple signs and symptoms to look for.

Are You Getting Too Much Radiation from Dental X-Rays?

People are becoming more and more conscious about the amount of radiation they are exposed to on a daily basis. So naturally, there is some concern about the exposure to radiation during routine dental x-rays. We feel it is great that our patients our conscious about keeping their families safe from additional radiation, but it is equally as important to stay educated about the reasons why x-rays are recommended and the consequences of forgoing the standards set by the American Dental Association.

How Does Regular and Diet Soda Affect Your Teeth?

It is common knowledge that soda can cause tooth decay and damage your teeth. However, many people still believe that drinking diet soda eliminates the risk of cavities. The truth is any type of soda or soft drink can be potentially harmful to your teeth when not used in moderation. We will discuss why sodas can damage your teeth and what you can do to properly reduce your risk.

What Happens If I Don’t Replace Missing Teeth?

Despite the best efforts of you and your dentist, teeth can reach the point where they are no longer restorable and must be extracted. Soon after losing the tooth, you must begin to decide how, when or if you will replace the tooth you recently lost. If you look back at a previous blog entry, we detail the pros and cons of replacing missing teeth with implants or bridges. But what happens if you delay the decision or decide not to replace at all? Below we will talk about what can happen to the surrounding teeth, bone, and gums.

Do I Need Antibiotics Before My Dental Appointment?

In recent years there has been some debate over the need for prophylactic antibiotics before a dental appointment. Unfortunately, there are varying opinions among different medical specialties or organizations. In light on some of the more recent changes, we would like to discuss where the dental community stands and how it will affect your visits.

Why Should I Have My Child’s Wisdom Teeth Removed?

As your children reach their middle to late teenage years, their wisdom teeth (3rd molars) become more fully developed and may begin to erupt from the gums. The problem that most people face is there is not enough room in their jaw for the teeth to fit. The resulting impacted wisdom teeth can cause further problems, which is why we typically recommend removal of all wisdom teeth as early as possible.

What is so Important About Oral Cancer Screenings?

Each time you visit our office for a professional cleaning and examination, both the hygienist and dentist perform an oral cancer screening. There are a number of different markers we look for during the exam, but the most important thing you can do is maintain regular visits to help us identify any issues as early as possible. The sooner oral cancer is identified, the better the odds are in treating the disease.

Does My Child Need Sealants on Their Teeth?

We typically recommend dental sealants for children as soon as the permanent molars have erupted above the gums. In cases where the child is more prone to tooth decay, we may also advise placement of sealants on premolars (bicuspids), maxillary (upper) incisors, and even baby teeth. The goal of dental sealants is to protect the pits and grooves of the teeth in an effort to prevent the growth of decay. Children are more disposed to cavities in these locations than adults, and protecting them now can save them from larger issues in the future.