Why Am I Afraid of the Dentist?

Posted on Aug 01, 2024

Fear of pain is the main reason people avoid seeing the dentist. Fortunately, technological advances and medications can be used to reduce pain and anxiety for most procedures.

Here are some methods your dentist may employ:

• Topical anesthetics, applied with a swab, are routinely used to numb the area in the mouth or gums where the dental work will be done. A topical anesthetic is given prior to injection with a local anesthetic, such as Lidocaine. Topical anesthetics can also be used to reduce sensitivity during teeth cleanings.
• Laser drills. No more high-pitched whirring!  Many dentists are now using lasers to remove decay within a tooth and prepare the surrounding enamel for placement of the filling. Lasers may cause less pain in some instances and result in a reduced need for anesthesia.
• Electronically delivered anesthesia (known as TENS) is now being used by many dentists to reduce pain. This non-invasive treatment is an alternative to the injection of a local anesthetic. Adhesive pads are placed on the face and a battery-powered device sends electrical impulses to the treatment area to numb it. The patient controls the level of stimulation through a hand-held unit.
• When inhaled, nitrous oxide (also called laughing gas) aids in a patient’s relaxation. It is one of the most common forms of sedation used in the dental office.
• An oral medication can be prescribed to help patients relax.

In summary, dental techniques have improved so much over the last few years that many modern dental procedures are now completely painless.  At Discovery Smiles, we are committed to making your visit as stress-free as possible.  Don’t hesitate to let us know if you are nervous and we will do all we can to ease your anxiety.

When and How Often Should I Brush My Teeth?

Posted on Jul 01, 2024

Proper brushing is a cornerstone of good oral hygiene, but knowing when and how often to brush your teeth is just as important as the act itself. The American Dental Association recommends brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, for at least two minutes each time.

While brushing is crucial, timing matters too. It’s best to wait at least 30 minutes after a meal to brush your teeth. This is because any acids present in the food or drink you’ve consumed can temporarily soften the enamel on your teeth. Brushing too soon after eating can potentially remove some of this softened enamel. Foods and beverages high in acidity, such as soft drinks, citrus juices, sour candies, and certain fruits, can be particularly concerning. Waiting an hour before brushing is ideal, as during this time, your saliva helps wash away the acid, allowing the enamel to harden once more.

In addition to your regular brushing routine with toothpaste, there are times when you may want to brush without it. Brushing without toothpaste can be effective for quickly removing food particles lodged between your teeth and for freshening your mouth. It can provide a swift solution, especially when you don’t have access to toothpaste or when you want to maintain a clean feeling between meals. However, it’s important to note that brushing without toothpaste should not replace your standard twice-daily brushing routine with fluoride toothpaste for overall oral health.

Is it Okay to Chew Sugar-Free Gum?

Posted on Jun 01, 2024

Sugar-free gum is a popular and readily available option for those looking to freshen their breath, enjoy a sweet treat without the sugar, or promote oral health. But the question remains, is it okay to chew sugar-free gum?

The answer is a resounding yes, and here’s why. Sugar-free gum is often sweetened with a sugar substitute called xylitol, a naturally occurring alcohol found in many plant materials. Xylitol has garnered attention for its potential oral health benefits. It’s been shown to help maintain a neutral pH level in the mouth, preventing plaque bacteria from adhering to teeth and causing enamel damage. Furthermore, xylitol can assist in stimulating saliva production, which acts as a natural defense against acidic attacks, and it can help clean the mouth when brushing isn’t immediately possible.

So, when you chew sugar-free gum, you’re not only indulging in a guilt-free, sweet-flavored experience, but you’re also promoting better oral health. However, as with most things, moderation is key. It’s essential to remember that while sugar-free gum is suitable for adults and young children, it’s not recommended for those under the age of seven, as they may not have the necessary motor skills to chew gum safely.

In summary, chewing sugar-free gum sweetened with xylitol can be a simple and enjoyable way to freshen your breath, enjoy a sweet treat without sugar, and potentially enhance your oral health. Just remember to chew responsibly, and you can savor the benefits guilt-free.

How Diets Affect Your Dental Health

Posted on May 01, 2024

Your diet has a significant impact on your dental health. The foods and beverages you consume can either support your oral health or contribute to dental problems. Here are some tips to help you make wise dietary choices.

• Sugar and Tooth Decay: Sugary foods and beverages, such as candies, soda, and sweets, are a leading cause of tooth decay. When you consume sugary items, the bacteria in your mouth feed on the sugar and produce acids that can erode tooth enamel.
• Acidic Foods and Erosion: Acidic foods like citrus fruits and vinegar can weaken tooth enamel over time, leading to dental erosion. While these foods offer nutritional benefits, it’s essential to consume them in moderation and rinse your mouth with water after eating them.
• Carbohydrates: Starchy foods like bread, crackers, and chips contain carbohydrates that break down into simple sugars in the mouth. Bacteria feed on these sugars, producing acids that can harm teeth.
• Calcium and Phosphorus: Calcium and phosphorus are essential minerals for strong teeth. Dairy products, lean meats, and leafy greens are good dietary sources of these minerals. Including them in your diet can help fortify your teeth.
• Hydration and Dry Mouth: Dehydration can lead to dry mouth, a condition that reduces saliva production. Saliva helps neutralize acids and protect your teeth. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to maintain proper hydration and oral health.
• Fiber for Gum Health: Fiber-rich foods like fruits and vegetables can help clean teeth and gums as you chew. They also stimulate saliva production and contribute to gum health.
• Chewing Gum and Dental Health: Sugar-free chewing gum, particularly gum containing xylitol, can stimulate saliva production and help clean the mouth.

What Are Some Fun Ways to Encourage My Kids to Brush and Floss?

Posted on Apr 01, 2024

Getting kids excited about oral hygiene can be a challenge, but it’s essential for their long-term dental health. Here are a few suggestions for making it fun.

• Musical Toothbrushes: Invest in musical toothbrushes that play catchy tunes for the recommended brushing duration of two minutes.
• Reward Charts: Create a colorful reward chart and give your child a sticker each time they brush and floss without complaints. After accumulating a set number of stickers, offer a small reward like a special treat or extra playtime.
• Cartoon Instruction Videos: Show your child animated videos or cartoons that explain the importance of brushing and flossing. Many educational videos are available online, making it an entertaining way to learn about dental care.
• Kid-Friendly Toothpaste: Let your child choose a toothpaste with flavors they enjoy, like strawberry, bubblegum, or watermelon.
• Fun Toothbrushes: Select toothbrushes with your child’s favorite colors or characters. They’re more likely to use a toothbrush they find visually appealing.
• Family Brushing Time: Make brushing and flossing a family activity. When children see their parents and siblings engaged in oral care, they’re more likely to view it as a normal and essential part of the day.
• Bedtime Routine: Incorporate brushing and flossing into your child’s bedtime routine. It can be a fun and calming way to end the day, ensuring they go to bed with a clean and healthy smile.

Remember that the key to encouraging children to maintain good oral hygiene is to make it enjoyable, engaging, and a regular part of their daily routine. With these fun strategies, you can help your child build healthy dental habits that will benefit them for a lifetime.

How Can I Instill Good Oral Health Habits in My Children?

Posted on Mar 01, 2024

Teaching your children good dental habits from an early age is paramount to ensure they maintain healthy and beautiful smiles throughout their lives. Here are some steps and strategies for instilling good habits:

Good oral hygiene starts at the beginning of your child’s life. Even before the first set of teeth emerges, you can use a soft cloth or gauze to gently clean your child’s gums to introduce them to the idea of oral care.  When that first tooth appears, it’s time to introduce a soft-bristle toothbrush designed for infants. As your child grows, transition to a child-sized toothbrush with the right bristle softness.

Around the age of two, you can start incorporating a small amount of fluoride toothpaste into their brushing routine. A pea-sized amount is ideal, and encourage them to spit it out rather than swallowing it.

Consider using a timer to ensure your child brushes for at least two minutes. You can also opt for toothbrushes with fun characters and colorful designs to make brushing more appealing.

Regular dental check-ups are a cornerstone of good oral health. Schedule your child’s initial dental appointment by their first birthday or when their first tooth erupts. These visits help in the early detection and prevention of dental issues.

Reward your child for their dedication to maintaining good oral health. Utilize positive reinforcement methods, such as sticker charts or other incentives, to motivate them on their journey to a lifetime of healthy smiles.

What Can I Expect During My Dental Cleaning?

Posted on Feb 01, 2024

Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential for a healthy and beautiful smile. One of the key components of oral care is regular dental cleanings.

Before the actual cleaning begins, the dental hygienist will often conduct a preliminary examination of your mouth. This examination helps identify any issues or changes since your last visit, such as signs of gum disease or cavities.

The dental hygienist will then perform scaling, which involves using specialized tools to remove the plaque and tartar buildup on your teeth. Plaque is a soft, sticky film of bacteria, while tartar is hardened plaque. This process might produce some scraping sounds, but it’s usually not painful.

After scaling, your teeth will be polished to remove surface stains and create a smoother texture. A gritty toothpaste-like substance is applied and then buffed with a rotating brush or rubber cup. This step leaves your teeth feeling smooth and looking shiny.

Lastly, the dental hygienist will floss your teeth to ensure all plaque and debris are removed from between your teeth and along the gumline.

Many dental offices also offer a fluoride treatment, usually in the form of a gel or foam, which helps strengthen your teeth and prevent cavities.

The entire process typically takes around 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the level of cleaning required. The result is a fresh, clean, and healthy mouth, free from plaque and tartar buildup.

Are you ready to schedule your dental cleaning?

The Tooth Fairy in the Age of Inflation

Posted on Jan 09, 2024

While the origins of the Tooth Fairy can be traced back to early European folklore, the modern Tooth Fairy’s rise to stardom can largely be credited to a 1949 Colgate ad campaign that featured a pint-sized, winged dental sprite.

The Tooth Fairy continues to be a source of delight for children and parents alike. Lost teeth are carefully placed under pillows, often in a special Tooth Fairy pillow or envelope, with the anticipation of a nighttime visit and a small reward in the morning.

Traditionally, the Tooth Fairy leaves small amounts of money, a shiny coin, or a special treat under a child’s pillow in exchange for a lost tooth. The amount can vary widely, with some households following regional or family customs.  But today, even the Tooth Fairy can’t escape inflation. According to a 2023 poll, the average value of a single lost tooth during the past year increased 16% from $5.36 to $6.23.  Multiply that by the 20 teeth a child loses, and you may want to start your very own Tooth Fairy Fund!

Would a sealer help prevent cavities in my teeth?

Posted on Nov 01, 2023

Fluoride toothpaste and brushing is the best way to strengthen the enamel on your teeth, but it’s still difficult to reach all the pits and narrow grooves found in your chewing teeth (molars and premolars). This makes them especially prone to decay. A sealer is a thin resin-plastic coating that can be painted on these back teeth to prevent decay.

It should be noted that as a preventive measure, sealers are not used on teeth which already have fillings. For this reason, sealers are generally recommended for children or teens with undecayed teeth. But this doesn’t exclude adults from having a sealer applied if the teeth are still in good shape.

The process of sealing is fairly simple. The teeth are cleaned and then dried. Next, a mild etching solution is applied. This slightly “roughens” the surface so the sealer can make a better bond with the tooth. The solution is then rinsed out and your teeth dried again. Next, the sealer is painted onto each tooth and allowed to dry (“cure”). An ultraviolet light may be used to speed the curing process.

Some patients may notice their “bite” has changed after a sealant procedure since it puts an extra layer (but a thin one) on the tooth surface. This sensation generally lessens with time.

Sealers can last for years but they do wear as time goes by and sometimes they can chip or fall off. It’s important to continue with your regular dental checkups so a tooth can be resealed if necessary.

Ready to book your next dental appointment at Discovery Smiles? Call us at 520-721-2000.

I’m confused by the many flossing products available. Any advice?

Posted on Oct 01, 2023

Many people don’t like to spend time flossing, but when you consider the lifetime cost of restoring decayed teeth – – – filling, crowns, implants, etc. – – – suddenly, flossing seems like a pretty good idea!

After all, your toothbrush reaches only about 60% of the surfaces that need cleaning. You can boost that number by flossing. Here are some products to consider. (Of course, it’s OK to use more than one type to get the job done!)

Traditional nylon thread floss comes in waxed and unwaxed versions (and flavors). Unwaxed floss shreds or breaks more easily although it’s better at picking up loose food particles. If your teeth are close together, try the waxed version. Nowadays, you can even find plant-based, biodegradable thread floss.

Dental tape is a wider, flatter version of thread floss. Try it on teeth with bigger gaps between them. It also comes in waxed and unwaxed versions.

Floss picks have a handle and two “arms” with a piece of floss stretched tightly in between. They make it easier to position the floss where you need it to go.

Floss threaders and super-flosses are good choices for bridges and braces. The threader has a stiff end that makes it easier to guide the floss, and fuzzy or spongy sections of the floss make it easier to clean in hard-to-reach areas.

Electric water flossers send pulsing streams of water in between your teeth to remove plaque and loosen food particles. This type of flosser may be easier to use if you have trouble holding and manipulating thread flosses.

ANY flossing you do is always going to be more effective than brushing alone.

But technique is the key. Take time to learn the proper technique for whatever product(s) you choose. And remember that your dental hygienist at Discovery Smiles is an excellent, professional resource for flossing advice.

Ready to book your next dental appointment at Discovery Smiles? Call us at 520-721-2000.