6 Benefits of Having a Family Dentist

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Categories: Family dentistry

Family dentists offer a variety of services for your entire family. In fact, they are skilled in addressing dental issues at every stage of your life. Because children, teens, adults, and elderly patients have uniquely different dental needs, it’s important to choose a dentist that is skilled and experienced in a variety of treatments and services. Below you will find the 6 benefits of having a family dentist.

6 Benefits of Having a Family Dentist

Family dentists provide comprehensive oral care for your entire family. This can be beneficial in a number of ways. Consider the following benefits of having a family dentist.

Ease of Scheduling:

Dentists focusing on a certain specialty usually have short business hours. This can be difficult for families as family schedules can be hectic. Family dentists understand this and often offer a wide range of appointment times. They often open earlier and take later appointments to help families who have a number of patients in work, school, and other extracurricular activities.

Preventative Measures:

Family dentists understand the importance of prevention. Preventing dental issues at every stage of life is beneficial for your oral and overall health. A family dentist can assess your oral health at regular checkups and consider your family dental history. This can be highly beneficial in maintaining your oral health and avoiding preventable dental issues.

Convenience:

Family dentists offer a wide variety of services. This can be highly beneficial for busy families as a family dental clinic can essentially be a one-stop shop for the whole family. Having to visit a variety of dental offices for different treatments can be a hassle, take up a lot of time, and be an insurance nightmare. Avoid these issues by choosing a family dentist in Arcadia that can meet all of your family’s dental needs.

Treatment Options:

Dentists who are not skilled in a variety of treatments may not be able to give you all of your options. There is often more than one treatment option for the same dental issue. A family dentist can provide you a variety of treatment options as compared to dentists who are only skilled in a few treatments. Avoid getting stuck with just one option by choosing an experienced family dentist.

Comprehensive Dental History:

Visiting a family dentist can ensure that they have your family’s comprehensive dental history. Not only can the older generations help the family dentist inform them of potential issues for younger patients, but the comprehensive dental history can be a valuable resource for your family dentist. This can help with early detection when it comes to your oral health which can save you time, money, and avoid more serious dental issues.

Patient Education:

Most patients only visit the dentist twice a year. So it remains important to ensure that your daily oral care routine stays effective. Family dentists will provide you with recommendations on oral care products. Also, they give advice and education on how to care for your teeth in between visits. Also, family dentists focus on prevention so your oral care stays in good shape for the long haul.

Family Dentist in Arcadia

If you haven’t been to the dentist in a while, or if you are looking for a new dentist, contact the team at Premier Dental Esthetics. They are skilled in a variety of treatment options, including family, restorative, cosmetic dentistry services. They also provide orthodontic treatment and have sedation dentistry options for patients who need it. No matter what your dental needs are, Premier Dental Esthetics can address the needs of you and your entire family. Contact the top dentist in Arcadia today to schedule an appointment!

Is Sedation Dentistry Right for Me?

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Categories: Sedation dentistry

Sedation dentistry is the practice of using medications to help calm patients during routine dental procedures. This approach isn’t right for everyone, but it can be an excellent choice if dental anxiety prevents you from seeking appropriate medical care.

Is Sedation Dentistry Right for Me?

These are the basics if you think sedation dentistry in Arcadia may be the right choice for you.

The Purpose of Sedation Dentistry

Proper dental care is an important aspect of maintaining your physical health, yet it is often put to the side. There are a myriad of reasons why you may not seek regular dental care, but one of the most common reasons is dental anxiety.

Dental anxiety describes the nerves or fear that many people experience in the days leading up to a dentist’s appointment all the way through the appointment itself. Dental anxiety is often manageable, but there are more severe cases that could cause an individual to avoid the dentist or a necessary procedure.

Sedation dentistry uses an individualized, medicated approach to help keep these patients calm. There’s no judgment involved. Your dentist in Arcadia simply wants to make sure that you have access to the healthcare you need, and sedation dentistry makes that possible for a lot of people.

Types of Sedation Dentistry

Sedation dentistry is not a one-size-fits-all solution. There are a number of different approaches available, making sedation dentistry more accessible. These are the three primary forms of sedation dentistry.

Oral:

You may be given a pill or liquid medication to relax you. Triazolam and midazolam are two of several possibilities. The medications used in oral sedation can make you pretty sleepy, and you are going to be a bit out of it for a while following your appointment.

Inhalation:

Nitrous oxide, aka laughing gas, is another common form of sedation dentistry. In comparison to the other approaches, it’s a relatively mild form of sedation. Mostly it just has a calming effect, but your dentist may slightly increase the dosage if necessary. When finished, we flush the nitrous out of your system by switching the mask to produce pure oxygen. You should feel like yourself in a matter of minutes.

Intravenous:

Intravenous sedation can work directly injected for a most thorough and longer-lasting form of sedation. General anesthesia almost never finds use for sedation dentistry unless necessary. However, this may be an option in some cases. You will need a ride home after receiving any form of IV sedation.

Talking to Your Dentist About Sedation Dentistry

Sedation dentistry is not available at every dental office, but it is becoming more common. If you’re experiencing severe anxiety and avoiding the dentist due to your fear, then call their office to see if sedation dentistry is available.

If that is an option at your local dentist’s office, then you can start to have that conversation with your dentist. Depending on availability, you may even be able to meet through a virtual appointment to discuss your current needs and concerns.

Undergoing Sedation Dentistry

As long as you are healthy enough to safely use one of the options available through your dental care provider, they will likely make those options available to you. With that said, your dental care provider may require you to try nitrous oxide first before using a stronger form of sedation because it is very low risk.

Regardless of what you choose, each type of sedation comes with risks. While the risks are relatively low, you will want to listen to your dentist’s instructions and take all of the necessary steps to reduce the potential for risks during your sedation dentistry appointment.

How to Make Dental Implants Last Longer

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Categories: Dental implants

Even with major advancements in dental care, tooth loss is a pervasive issue that impacts millions of Americans. Tooth loss can occur for a variety of reasons, including trauma, gum disease, and tooth decay. One of the most effective tooth replacement options is dental implants. Below you will find helpful tips for how to make dental implants last longer.

How to Make Dental Implants Last Longer

Dental implants are intended to be a permanent tooth replacement option that can improve your oral health and make you feel more confident about your smile. However, it’s important to take good care of your oral health to ensure that your implants last a lifetime.

Oral Hygiene Routine:

Whether you have dental implants or not, your oral hygiene routine is integral to your oral and overall health. This is because harmful plaque can build up and result in gum disease. Gum disease can impact both your gums and jawbone. This can have a negative impact on someone with a dental implant as untreated gum disease can result in jaw bone deterioration. This can result in dental implant failure so it’s important to maintain a consistent daily oral care routine and regularly visit the dentist. This includes brushing at least twice a day, flossing at least once a day, limiting sugary foods, and visiting the dentist every six months.

Smoking:

Research has shown that people who smoke have a lower success rate with dental implants. Smoking interferes with the blood flow to the impacted area. This can negatively impact the healing process necessary for the dental implant to stay implanted and in place. In addition, smoking also increases your risk for gum disease, which can also result in issues with your dental implants due to the risk of jaw bone deterioration.

Teeth Grinding

Grinding your teeth, either at night or when you are anxious during the day, can result in damage to your dental implant. Teeth grinding can fracture your dental implant, the porcelain crown, or loosen or fracture the screw holding everything together. Just like smoking, this can impact the healing process for those who opt for dental implants. If you grind your teeth it’s important to let your dentist near Pasadena know so they can help you plan accordingly.

Issues with Your Jawbone:

Dental implants are anchored into your jaw bone. If there’s not enough jaw bone available to secure the implant in place, the dental implant can fail. For those who want dental implants and don’t have enough jaw bone, there are options. Bone grafting or sinus lifting can be done to ensure that your dental implant stays in place.

Inexperienced Dental Provider:

If you are considering dental implants, finding a skilled dentist who is experienced in dental implants is necessary. A surgeon without the necessary experience can result in a variety of issues, including improper placement of the implants, tissue trauma during implant placement, or a poorly designed implant (to name just a few). Do your research in advance to ensure you have the best experience.

Signs of Implant Failure

Dental implants are a permanent tooth replacement option. However, if not taken care of properly issues can occur. Implant failure needs to be addressed immediately. Signs of implant failure include redness, swelling, bleeding, receding gums, pus, pain, and implant movement. The failure rate of dental implants is very low (less than 5%) so it’s important to find a skilled dentist for the procedure.

Dental Implants Near Pasadena

The team at Premier Dental Esthetics are skilled in dental implants and have helped countless patients restore their oral health. Contact their office today if you are considering dental implants near Pasadena!

Causes of Pain After a Root Canal

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Categories: Root canals

It is normal to experience some discomfort following a root canal. After the anesthetic wears off, you can generally expect some soreness and moderate discomfort. You should not experience any sharp pain as long as you follow your dentist’s instructions.

Causes of Pain After a Root Canal

Before leaving the office, your dentist will tell you what kind of over-the-counter pain medications you can safely take. Using a regular dose should be enough to dull any discomfort and keep you comfortable through the first couple of days of recovery following your root canal in Arcadia.

If your pain does not fade within two or three days, or if it becomes worse, then you need to contact your dentist in Arcadia. There are several potential complications that could cause you to continue feeling pain, and it is best to address them as soon as possible.

What Pain Is Normal?

A root canal is a fairly routine procedure, but it can be traumatic for the tooth and surrounding tissue. In the first day or so following a root canal, you can expect the surrounding area to feel a bit swollen and tender.

During this time period, you should refrain from drinking very cold liquids. Also, you should avoid chewing as much as possible. A cool, but not ice-cold, liquid diet is a great choice for the first day. By day two and three you should be comfortable moving onto soft foods.

As long as everything went to plan, the swelling should be down by day three or four. You may experience some occasional tenderness, but the pain should be subsiding. If the pain stays the same or gets worse, that is a sign that you may have a complication causing pain after your root canal.

Root Canal Complications

Most root canals have zero complications, but that doesn’t mean something can’t go wrong. These are some of the most common issues that could crop up.

A Canal Was Missed

Your teeth have several tiny canals going down to the root. During a root canal, it is possible to miss one, which would leave some of the infection in place. If it turns out that this is the case with your tooth, then the root canal will need to be redone.

The Infection Reached the Bone

Your dentist will take x-rays to determine the extent of your infection, but it is possible for the infection to progress between your x-rays and your procedure. If the infection has reached the jaw bone, then you will continue to experience pain until that infection is treated.

The Filling or Crown Is the Wrong Size

If the filling or the crown is over-sized, then it will affect your bite. When one tooth doesn’t fit with the rest of your bite, it takes on more surface pressure than the others. This can cause discomfort and even pain when you’re chewing. Fortunately, it’s usually an easy fix.

There Are Leaks in the Filling

The filling is intended as a seal to protect your tooth from further infection. If there’s a leak, then bacteria in your mouth could travel through the opening and re-infect the tooth. A second root canal may be necessary in this case.

Dealing with Root Canal Complications

Root canal complications are never fun. The good news is that they’re usually pretty easy to address, especially if you have the complication treated right away.

If you are experiencing serious pain or you notice that the pain isn’t going away with a few days of your procedure, then it is best to contact your dentist for an immediate evaluation.

What Braces Are the Fastest?

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Categories: Orthodontics

Braces are the most common orthodontic treatment used to straighten teeth and address alignment issues. There are a number of treatment options that can help you achieve a more uniform smile. For many people considering braces, they are concerned about how long the treatment lasts. You may even wonder, what braces are the fastest?

What Braces Are the Fastest?

Patients often wonder which form of braces are the fastest. It’s important to understand that a variety of factors determine how fast your treatment will be. The following factors determine how long your treatment timeline will be.

Dental Issues:

For common dental issues, the treatment timeline can last one year or less. However, more complex dental issues can take up to two years to fully address. The dental issues you have can also determine which type of dental treatment is right for you. Talk with your dentist in Arcadia about the status of your dental issues, including your projected treatment timeline.

Adherence to Treatment Plan:

This is likely the most important factor when it comes to staying on your projected treatment timeline. Your dentist will provide you with instructions for how to care for your oral health during treatment, including food choices, oral hygiene practices, and regular appointments to check in on your progress. Following your dentist’s instructions is integral to the success of your treatment in addition to ensuring you stay on track with your timeline.

Treatment Type:

This relates to the dental issues you have as that will determine the type of treatment you will receive. If you have more common dental issues, clear braces in Arcadia may be right for you. Addressing common dental issues is often faster than treating more complex issues. Complex dental issues are often treated with traditional metal braces which can take longer.

Types of Braces

The two most common types of braces include clear aligners and traditional metal braces.

Clear Aligners:

Clear aligners are a common and highly effective dental treatment option. The treatment involves a series of aligners that shift your teeth into place. They are created specifically for you and your unique dental needs. Most patients change their aligners every two weeks and treatment can take one year or less. The benefits of clear aligners often outweigh traditional braces for those with common dental issues.

Traditional Metal Braces:

For more advanced dental issues, including misalignment, traditional metal braces are the most common treatment. Unlike clear aligners, traditional braces include brackets and wires that are tightened to gradually straighten your teeth and address alignment issues. Depending on your dental issues, treatment with traditional braces can take between one to two years.

Maintaining Your Treatment Timeline

Improving your smile depends on your ability to adhere to your treatment plan. The following can help you stay on your planned treatment timeline.

Daily Oral Care Routine:

Maintaining a consistent daily oral care routine can ensure that your oral health is in good shape during treatment. This includes brushing at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush for two minutes. You should also floss at least once a day.

Dental Appointments:

You should follow your dentist’s recommendations about checkups to ensure you are making progress with your brace’s treatment. In addition, it’s important to get a dental cleaning and checkup at least every 6 months.

Clean and Maintain Your Aligners:

Cleaning your aligners and aligner case daily is integral to the success of your treatment. Clean your aligners and tray when you brush and floss your teeth. It’s also important to avoid eating or drinking (anything outside of water) with your aligners in.

Dental Consultation

If you are considering braces treatment, contact the team at Premier Dental Aesthetics. They are skilled in a variety of dental treatments, including clear aligners. They have helped countless patients improve the look of their smile and increase their self-confidence. Contact their team today for a consultation so you can improve your dental aesthetic!

Top Root Canal Myths

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Categories: Root canals

Patients who have never undergone a root canal procedure may be traumatized just by the mention of a “root canal.” Media often portray root canals as a torture experience reminiscent of medieval times. Although endodontics is often portrayed as a painful and dangerous procedure, dentists want to remind you that this is not the case. Most of these terrible stories are just myths that have become more exaggerated over the years.

Top Root Canal Myths

Root canals can save your teeth from having to be completely removed. Let’s talk about root canals and what’s involved when you visit your dentist in Arcadia for this type of procedure. Below, you’ll find the 5 top root canal myths we hear about and what the truth really is.

Root Canals Cause Pain

Many horror stories have been told about root canals that are painful and dangerous. Modern technology makes this procedure painless. The entire procedure is painless because it is completely numbed. You can choose to have local or complete anesthesia in some instances. The area can experience swelling or soreness while healing but this will quickly disappear.

Extractions Are Better Than Root Canals

Another myth is that an extract is more effective than a root canal. General extractions are less expensive but you will end up spending more in the long term because you will need to fill any space left behind. Root canals can save your tooth and prevent you from having to deal with a broken or missing tooth. Root canals can prevent bad infections from spreading further inside your mouth. This could lead to more broken teeth down the road.

Root Canals Cause People to Get Sick

Modern root canals are safer than traditional ones. Root canals can be safely and are not at risk of any diseases. It is best to save natural teeth if possible. Root canals are more likely to prevent you from becoming sick than make you become sick.

All Root Canals are a Dental Emergency

You should always be able call an emergency dentist to get root canal treatment performed quickly. Some people might experience milder symptoms while others may experience more serious problems. If you have severe pain, bleeding or damage to your pulp, it is important that you seek emergency dentistry treatment right away. You should not assume that your tooth infection is serious. Call your endodontist immediately if you are unsure. Although not all root canals need to be performed immediately, it is better to be safe than sorry.

Root Canal Surgery Has a Long Road to Recovery

Patients may be more afraid of the recovery than they are of the actual procedure. Although you might feel some sensitivity for a few days after the procedure, it’s not too severe. An endodontist removed the affected tooth. If you are experiencing severe pain, your dentist or doctor may prescribe pain relief medication. If you feel something is not right, it should only last a few days.

We offer Root Canal Treatments. Contact Us Today!

Our endodontic specialists can help you learn more about the best treatments for tooth infections. After scheduling a consultation with your dentist, you can find out more about the safe and easy way to get a root canal in Arcadia. Root canal treatment can seem scary to many, but our friendly professionals will help you overcome your fears and make it as painless as possible. From beginning to end, the root canal experience should be fast and without any trauma. To learn more, contact our friendly dental experts and schedule a personal consultation for the betterment of your dental health.

Can You Whiten Teeth with Braces?

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Categories: Orthodontics

As frustrating as it may be, in-office whitening is not recommended for people who currently have traditional braces with fixed brackets. The brackets are bonded to your teeth, making it impossible for your dentist in Arcadia to uniformly apply their whitening solution. Attempting to do a whitening treatment with fixed braces would likely result in visibly marked teeth when your braces are finally removed.

Can You Whiten Teeth with Braces?

Being able to see where your brackets were is far from ideal. So it’s best to schedule your in-office whitening for a time after your braces are removed. If you’re lucky, you may be able to schedule your teeth whitening in Arcadia for the very same day. In other good news, some types of braces will allow you to have your teeth whitened whenever you like.

Other Kinds of Braces

When you think of braces, you’re probably thinking of a mouth full of metal. While traditional braces are still commonly used, they’re far from being the only option available to you. Today, two other types of braces are commonly used. Both of these options will allow you to have a professional whitening treatment whenever you wish.

Lingual Braces

Lingual braces are very similar to traditional braces with one major difference. With lingual braces, the brackets are fixed to the back of your teeth.

This option offers the speed and control of traditional braces without the outward appearance of them. The only real downside is increased cost and increased discomfort. However, if you’re willing to push through the initial irritation, lingual braces can be a great option.

Thanks to the fact that lingual braces are fixed to the back of your teeth, there’s absolutely no reason that you can’t have a full in-office whitening treatment.

Invisalign

You may be more familiar with Invisalign and other similar products. These braces are a category all their own. They consist of a series of removable trays that fit over your teeth. Each set of trays shifts your teeth slightly with the goal of eventually giving you the perfect smile.

The only downside of Invisalign is that you can take them out. And you might do that more than you should. For the trays to work properly, you have to wear your Invisalign for 22-23 hours out of every day. Taking a break here and there to rest your jaw could ultimately set you back weeks or even months.

On the upside, they are fully removable. You can enjoy all of your favorite foods without worrying about them getting caught or breaking a bracket. It also means that you can have in-office teeth whitening whenever you like. Just make sure you put your trays back once your dentist gives the all clear.

Choosing Professional Teeth Whitening

There are countless products on the market that claim to help you whiten your teeth at home. Unfortunately, none of them are capable of matching up to the instant, quality results you can expect with your local cosmetic dentist.

There are two reasons for this discrepancy.

Your dentist has the expertise to safely use products that are 10x stronger than those sold in stores.
Your dentist can apply their teeth whitening solution with purpose to make sure you get even, beautiful results every time.

Essentially, it is very possible you could end up spending more on drug store products that barely work. And you still might not have decent results. Do you want to learn more about in-office teeth whitening? What about the benefits of enlisting the help of a professional? Then talk to your dentist in Arcadia today.

How to Survive Your First Week of Braces

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Categories: Orthodontics

Braces can transform your smile and improve your oral health. Despite their amazing benefits, getting used to your braces can take some time. Preparing for your first week of having braces is necessary to smoothly transition into living with braces. You may feel some initial soreness so it’s important to make yourself comfortable as your mouth adjusts. Below you will find helpful tips on how to survive your first week of braces.

How to Survive Your First Week of Braces

The benefits of braces can be transformative for your oral health and your appearance. Consider the following tips so you are prepared for your first week of having braces.

Plan What You Can:

Planning ahead can be a game-changer during your first week with braces. Many people have highly similar experiences during their first week of braces. Because of this, it’s pretty easy to plan in advance to be sure you have all of the necessary supplies beforehand. Talk with your dentist in Arcadia about what supplies they suggest. Floss threaders, orthodontic wax, a new toothbrush can all be really helpful. Have some over-the-counter pain relief to help as your teeth and gums adjust. Talking with your friends or family who have had braces before can be a huge asset in terms of getting through your first week.

Be Creative with Meals:

Eating during your first week with braces can be slightly challenging, but it’s not impossible! The first day or two, stick to foods that you don’t have to chew. Smoothies, yogurt, oatmeal, pudding, and soup are all really easy on your mouth as you begin transitioning. After the first few days you can eat foods with a little more substance, including pasta, soft veggies, and seedless bread. Near the end of the week, you can likely incorporate completely solid food into your diet. Be mindful of how you feel and take your time as you incorporate more foods into your diet.

Oral Hygiene Routine:

Even if you feel some soreness, it’s important to stay consistent with your daily oral care routine. This includes brushing at least twice a day, preferably after every meal. Thoroughly brushing your teeth for at least two minutes with a soft-bristled toothbrush is necessary to get all of the harmful debris out of your braces and in between your teeth. Flossing is just as important, if not more, when you have braces. Floss at least once a day, and if you only floss once, floss at night. Your orthodontist in Arcadia can provide you with a oral hygiene routine that takes into account your unique needs.

Salt Water Rinse:

Some people experience irritation when they first get braces. A saltwater rinse can help relieve pain, soreness, and help sores heal faster. If you experience significant irritation, use a saltwater rinse five to six times a day for 30 seconds. The recipe is simple as you’ll just need to add one-half of a teaspoon to one cup of warm water.

Orthodontic Wax:

The brackets used for braces can cause sores in your mouth. These can be painful, so it’s important to prevent them from happening in the first place. The best method for preventing bracket sores is using orthodontic wax. While the areas on your mouth will eventually toughen up, using wax in the beginning can help ease the pain during the transition period.

Stay Distracted:

Most people transition into braces treatment without any issue. You may experience some soreness and dietary changes, but this is temporary. Plan what you’ll do the first week in advance. Download your favorite podcasts or read that book you have been putting off for months. Most importantly, keep yourself distracted and busy so you can get through the first week seamlessly.

How Gum Disease Causes Tooth Loss

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Categories: Gum disease

Gum disease is a serious dental condition that can lead to other harmful dental issues if not taken care of. Also referred to as “periodontitis,” gum disease is an infection in the gums that damages soft tissue in your gums. If left untreated it can damage the bone in your jaw that supports your teeth. Below you will find how gum disease causes tooth loss and what you can do to avoid the condition.

How Gum Disease Causes Tooth Loss

Untreated gum disease can lead to serious issues, such as tooth loss. Gum disease begins with bacterial growth in your mouth. This can be caused by poor oral hygiene, an unhealthy diet, and poor lifestyle habits like smoking. Gum inflammation, also referred to as “gingivitis,” can be treated by a dentist. However, if it goes untreated it can lead to gum disease. This is because the inner layer of your gums (and the bone) pulls away from your teeth. This forms pockets where debris can collect and become infected. When this happens, the bone and connective gum tissue break down, and your teeth are no longer effectively anchored in place. This can cause your teeth to become loose and lead to complete tooth loss.

Symptoms of Gum Disease

Gum disease requires early intervention in order to avoid serious dental issues. Sometimes gum disease is accompanied with a number of clear symptoms, but it can also develop without obvious signs. This is why it’s important to stay consistent with your daily oral care routine, in addition to your six-month dental checkups. A dentist in Arcadia can regularly monitor your oral health and catch any symptoms of gingivitis and gum disease early on.

Some of the common symptoms of gum disease include the following: loose or shifting teeth; red and swollen gums; gums that bleed after you brush your teeth; bad breath or a poor taste in your mouth; receding gums; change in the way your teeth feel when you bite down; and the formation of deep pockets between your teeth and gums. If you notice any of these symptoms, schedule a dental visit as soon as you can. A dentist can diagnose the issue and provide gum disease treatment in Arcadia if necessary.

Gum Disease Prevention

Preventing gum disease is the best way to protect your teeth, gums, and jawbone. Gingivitis is the first sign of trouble when it comes to gum disease. The good news is that gingivitis can be reversed. Proper plaque control can ensure that gingivitis doesn’t form on your teeth in the first place. Consider the following tips to ensure your oral health stays in good shape.

Brushing:

It is important to brush your teeth at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Use toothpaste with fluoride for optimal oral health. Brushing helps remove the plaque on the surface of your teeth. For the best results, replace your toothbrush every three months (or sooner if you notice any fraying).

Flossing:

Floss at least once a day to remove harmful debris and plaque from all the places your toothbrush can’t reach. Making this a part of your everyday oral health routine can help prevent gum disease and gingivitis.

Mouthwash:

Regularly using an antibacterial mouthwash can help prevent gingivitis, fight bad breath, and reduce the harmful plaque on your tooth’s surface. It can also reduce the bacteria in your mouth which helps prevent gingivitis.

Lifestyle Habits:

Your dental and oral health are linked, so it’s important to focus on healthy lifestyle habits. Avoiding harmful habits such as smoking and a poor diet can help keep your oral health in good shape.

Regular Dental Visits:

Visiting the dentist every six months can help monitor your oral health to ensure gingivitis and gum disease are at bay. If you have a history of oral health issues you may need to visit the dentist more often.

How to Improve Your Kid’s Dental Visit

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Categories: Dental anxiety

The importance of children’s dentistry as it pertains to their dental and overall health is clear. Taking steps to ensure your child’s dental health is in good shape is a great way to get them motivated about keeping up with their oral health for the long term. One of the challenges about getting kids to the dentist is that they may have some apprehension or fears about the dentist. Starting early and keeping your child on track with their oral health is important. Below you will find helpful ways to improve your kid’s dental visit.

How to Improve Your Kid’s Dental Visit

Adding to the list of tasks you have to do as a parent can be daunting. However, getting your child excited about their oral health when they are young can take the burden off of you in the long run. Consider the following tips to help improve your child’s next dental visit.

Start Early:

Roughly 9% of children experience dental anxiety. Getting your child familiar with the dentist at a young age can help reduce their anxiety about the dentist office. Most dentists recommend taking your child to the dentist once their first tooth erupts, or no later than their first birthday. Starting early can help ensure that the dentist can catch any potential dental issues early on, in addition to getting your child used to going to the dentist.

Play Pretend in Advance:

One of the best ways to get your child excited about the dentist is through play. Children learn by watching and modeling your behavior. Find a fun dentist toy set and start talking to your child about the importance of taking care of their oral health. This can help prepare them for the tools, sounds, and atmosphere of a dental office before their first visit.

Find a Family Dentist:

A family dentist is skilled in treating family members of all ages, including children. They understand the unique nature of working with kids. A family dentist can distract your child during the visit and get you out of the office much faster. This can be highly beneficial for your child as they will feel much more comfortable with a family dentist in Arcadia. Having a good dental visit can ensure your child wants to come back the next time without issue.

Discuss the Visit:

You’ll need to make the discussion age-appropriate, but it’s important to talk to your child about their upcoming dental visit. Use positive language about how the visit will go, the sounds they may hear, and what they may see. You can also explain how important oral health is so they understand why they need to keep going to the dentist. Getting your child familiar with the dentist and educating them on the role they have in their health can be really helpful for your child.

Letting Your Child Lead:

Children love autonomy and expressing themselves. You can let your child lead when it comes to the day of the dental appointment. They can open the door, walk-in, talk with the receptionist, and lead the way to the dentist in Arcadia. This can help them feel a sense of control over the appointment and feel empowered versus fearful. Talk with your child before and get them excited about their big day!

Celebrate Post-Appointment:

One of the best ways to get through a difficult appointment is having fun plans afterward. Plan a fun day after the appointment by heading to the park, having lunch, or going swimming. Plan something fun that your child really likes to do for after the appointment. This can help ease some anxiety and give them something to look forward to after the appointment.