#dentalhygiene Archives - Oh My Heartsie Girl

July 30, 2019

Why Is Keeping Up With Your Dentistry Important?

Have you been wondering if it really is necessary to continue to keep up with your dentistry all the time? Perhaps you are wondering if you really do need to go to the dentist every six months, even if you are not feeling any pain and have been feeling great since you last saw them. We have news for you. It really is important and that is why the experts at Sleek Smile Studio are here. They are going to explain why is keeping up with your dentistry important. Keep reading to learn more.

Going to the dentist every six months

The first way to keep your oral health better is by going to the dentist every six months. Why is this exactly? It is because the dentist may be able to see something that is wrong before you do. On top of that, if there is something wrong then they can fix it before it ends up giving you pain and getting worse. Take a cavity for example. It takes a long time for a cavity to fully form and there are typically quite a few indicators that a cavity is being created before you may even realize. If you go to the dentist regularly however, they will be able to see these issues and can even put a cap on your teeth so that it doesn’t end up being an issue. Isn’t that great? Make sure that you go to your dentist every six months for this reason exactly.

Going to the dentist when there is an emergency or pain

If you have any pain going on inside your mouth it is a good idea to see your dentist right away. Why is this? It is because the longer the pain goes on the worse it is going to get. There is no sudden magic pill to make the pain go away and therefore if you are in pain it is best to seek treatment to end the pain and to end the issues going on inside your mouth.

Brushing daily

Brushing your teeth every single day is one of the best things that you can do for your dental health. It is important because it will not only help to keep issues from happening but it will keep your mouth minty fresh. Try and brush at least two times per day after you have been eating. The other reason why you want to brush your teeth two times per day is that it keeps them smelling so much better. Having bad breath can be so embarrassing. Being able to be proud of your breathing, especially on your date is important for your confidence.

Flossing daily

Flossing is an act that is sometimes missed by making people. When you brush your teeth, you end up having a minty breath at the end. When you floss, people don’t see instant changes so they in many cases forget to do it and neglect between their teeth. It is important to floss because you are not able to get and reach everything in your mouth when you are brushing. You actually miss about 30% of the food particles in your mouth if you are not flossing every single day. So grab the floss and start getting into a habit.

Long-term effects

Practicing good oral health routines is very important for long-term effects. Of course, you don’t want something like a cavity right now in the next year or two, but as people age, they can have more and more issues. Most of these issues stemmed from when they were younger and not taking as good of care of their oral health as they could. Teeth age just like people do and as they age they before older and can sometimes not do quite as much as they once did. This can end up getting costly as you age as well. So do your future self a favor and take care of your oral health.

More beautiful smile

The final reason why keeping up with your oral health is important is because it will cause you to have a much more beautiful smile. When you have healthy teeth you will simply look more attractive. One of the main reasons for this is because you will have confidence when you are meeting people. One of the first things that people notice about another person when they are first meeting them is their smile. That means that by taking care of your oral health and doing all the right things will enable that beautiful smile to shine through.

Everyone wants to smile in a day. Everyone wants to have great oral health. It leads to a much healthier you. That is why it’s so important to keep up with your oral health. It only takes a couple of minutes every day and you will thank yourself right then for having better-smelling breath and in the future as you age. These are the reasons why keeping up with your dentistry is so important.

As you can see, there are so many reasons why keeping up with your dentistry is so important. It will not only keep you out of pain but keep your costs down as well. That is one of the main reasons why you should be seeing your dentist every six months. We hope this article helps and you are on your way to having a beautiful smile that is healthy for life.
Related Dental Care:
Regular Dental Check-ups Are Important To Your Health
7 Strategies to Teach Your Kids How to Take Care of Their Teeth
Four Tips for Keeping Your Teeth in Perfect Condition
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January 10, 2019

5 Habits That Will Rescue Your Family on the Brink of a Dental Crisis

Did you know your daily habits could be jeopardizing your health? Every family has their own routine, but how important is oral hygiene in your daily schedule? When it comes to dental care, you set the leading example for your kids. Many activities you partake in may actually be risking your kids’ dental health, which can cause a variety of problems down the line from cavities and tooth decay to crookedness and developmental problems.

If your family skips their cleanings, uses the wrong toothbrushes or eats a sugary diet, they could be putting themselves at risk for greater problems down the line. These five habits will help all of you take care of your teeth together.

Stop Using Mouthwash

It sounds counterproductive to quit mouthwash if you want to improve your oral hygiene, but many commercial mouthwash products do more harm than good. Mouthwash dries out your mouth, which reduces salvia and puts you at a greater risk of developing cavities, ulcers, bad breath and a higher pH concentration in your mouth.

There have been debates in the past that the alcohol in mouthwash can increase the risk of oral cancer, though no definitive connection has been made. While it remains controversial, it’s important to acknowledge and consider the potential risks of our dental products.

If you want to treat bad breath, look for natural mouthwashes that don’t contain any of the following harmful ingredients:

Alcohol
Chlorine dioxide
Chlorhexidine
Cocamidopropyl betaine
Parabens
Poloxamer 407
Formaldehyde
Saccharin

Natural mouthwashes like Aesop, Oral Essentials and The Natural Dentist mouthwash will help your family beat bad breath, fight off stains and remove bacteria from your mouths without harming your teeth.

Make Healthy Meals Together

Teach your kids to make healthy choices by preparing delicious and nutritious meals together as a family. The best foods for your teeth are packed with vitamins, minerals and protein that strengthen your teeth and bring plenty of other health benefits, too.

Swap out cookies for fruit slices and chips for veggie sticks. Nuts and low-sugar dairy products like yogurt and milk can help fortify your family’s teeth, prevent tooth decay, increase your energy levels and help you lose weight.

3. Make Sure You’re Using the Right Toothbrushes

The American Dental Association has a toothbrush guide that will help you make the best choices for you and your family. You should always use soft bristles to avoid scraping away enamel and damaging your teeth. Both manual and battery-powered toothbrushes are effective at removing plaque and harmful bacteria, and kids might find a mechanical toothbrush more fun than a regular one.

You should strive to only buy toothbrushes and toothpastes that have the ADA Seal of Acceptance. This symbol means that the product has been tested by the American Dental Association Council on Scientific Affairs for both safety and efficacy.

Children and adults should both brush their teeth at least twice a day for two minutes at a time. Flossing is equally important, so make sure you have a full dental hygiene routine incorporated into your daily schedule.

Kids learn from their parents, so you want to lead by example rather than by rules. Instead of telling your child to brush their teeth, make it a learning moment by talking about the importance of dental health and demonstrating the right way to clean.

You can even keep a chart that tracks your family’s progress. Children who are averse to brushing can earn stars each time they take care of their teeth and earn a prize like a new toothbrush or a healthy treat.

4. Form Positive Experiences

Cut back on coffee and switch to green tea. Leave soda and sugary juices at the grocery store and make healthy alternatives like smoothies instead. Teach your children that dental hygiene and oral health can be fun, too. Start taking children to the dentist as early as age 1 to form a positive relationship with regular checkups. It’s important to establish healthcare and various offices as friendly, non-threatening environments.

Stay on top of your own health. Plenty of adults with a fear of the dentist will avoid their annual visits and cleanings, but this only harms you in the long run and teaches your kids not to take care of their own teeth.

5. Find a Good Family Dentist

Choosing the right family dentist will help everyone in the house to develop a better perspective on oral health. Offices like Sunshine Coast Country Dental have a friendly staff that is focused on providing the best experience for every member of your family.

You should start by looking online for dentists in your area. Research their background, reputation and read any available reviews. Ask your friends and relatives for suggestions as well, and be sure to visit every office before you make a decision. Ask the staff about their policies, what types of insurance they accept, what services they offer (such as oral surgery and cosmetic dentistry) and get to know the dentist. Make sure every family member feels comfortable.

Every family member has unique dental needs, and you need an office with staff that are personable and professional with adults as well as soothing to children. The right family dentist will have a kid-friendly office and make check-ups fun.

A Healthy Family is a Happy Family

Oral hygiene is just one facet of our well-being that requires diligence and daily practice. Finding the right dentist for your family is one of the best ways to stay healthy and involved in your healthcare. Not only will a good family dentist make you feel comfortable, but you’ll also be more inspired to learn about how to care for your teeth.

Good oral hygiene habits will prevent illness, disease and injury can lead to painful, expensive procedures. When you take preventative steps, the whole family can prioritize their health and have fun in the process.

November 9, 2018

First Time Visit to Dentist Appointment and What To Expect

Like many people going to the dentist is not a pleasant experience. For me when I was a kid and my visits I was not offered any kind of pain-numbing before procedures. In fact, when I was a kid and visiting the dentist it usually meant just pulling a tooth rather than trying to save the tooth. Of course, that was 60 years ago and times have changed and there are so many more options as a patient. They didn’t even offer nitrous oxide to calm a patient or give local anesthetic.

There are three ways you can stop the fear when going to the dentist:

Speak up, when you make an appointment let them know that you are nervous about having dental work done. Dont be afraid to ask questions, sometimes knowing the procedures helps to calm you. During your time in the chair, let them know if you need a break, agree on a signal. Let the dentist know that even with a local anesthetic that you are still experiencing pain, not everyone can tolerate pain with a local anesthetic.
Distract yourself by using headphones, bring your own to listen to music, many times they offer them or even TV’s are mounted in their office. I’ve read that even keeping your hands busy by using a handheld or a fidget spinner helps.
Using mindful techniques like deep breathing even before going into the treatment room and throughout the visit will help to calm you, especially when they are drilling I have to use this technique to get me through. Then you can also use relaxation techniques by concentrating on parts of your body, starting at the top of your head down to your toes. It is amazing how this works for me or in an uncomfortable situation at the doctor’s office or procedure. Here is more on coping skills from dental fears from the Journal of the American Dental Association, you can print to refer back to share with family and friends.

There are three ways you can stop the fear when going to the dentist

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8 Reasons why you would visit a dentist:
•One of the first would be evident, a toothache that will not go away
•Stained or discolored teeth
•Bleeding or sore gums anywhere in your mouth
Types of mouth sores include canker sores, cold sores, leukoplakia and candidiasis
Bad breath or dry mouth
•Jaw clicking
Types of injuries to your jaw, arthritis, teeth grinding, TMJ
•Dry Mouth, Salvia deters tooth decay and washes away food particles
Your dentist can recommend a mouthwash
•Oral piercings
Can cause a huge amount of bacteria leading to infections
•Cracked or broken teeth
Due to brittle teeth, teeth grinding or injury
•Sensitive Teeth
If you are sensitive to cold or hot beverages
A result in worn teeth, tooth decay or worn enamel

Here is an example of what to should experience when you visit a dental office after you set up an appointment you should receive;

Of course, the dentist would know why you are there if it is as mentioned above an emergency. But if you are visiting a new dentist you would typically receive a full mouth set of digital x-rays will be taken. Along with this, they will also do complete and thorough oral cancer screening, TMJ evaluation, measure your gums to check for gum disease, and examine your teeth for cavities, wear & fractures. After a personal assessment and it is determined if there is no gum disease you would receive a mouth and teeth cleaning.

It is recommended that you visit a dentist twice a year for check-ups. By doing this your dentist can resolve issues, small cavities, and repairs, check gums for disease and overall health of your mouth and teeth. It not only helps with maintaining healthy teeth is less costly for you.

Going forward there are options that you and your dentist can discuss like teeth whitening, plaque removal and even a discussion with your dentist on dietary guidelines. It is ultimately important to impress on kids about habits of choosing healthy foods over snacks that are sticky that promote dental decay

• Dentists recommend brushing teeth twice a day and replacing your brush twice a year with a soft bristle brush

• Flossing is one of the most important to remove bacteria and plaque buildup on teeth including brushing, before your next visit to your dentist. If you cannot brush your teeth after a meal, it has been suggested that rinsing is the next best thing.