Below is an excerpt from an article found on MouthHealthy.org. Stay on a routine Whether your kids are staying up to catch fireflies or a fireworks show, resist the temptation to skip brushing before a late bedtime -or let it slide when they sleep in the next morning. “Don’t forget about your smile over the summer,” says ADA pediatric dentist Dr. Mary Hayes. “It’s important for families to consistently brush and floss, which keeps kids on track for healthy back-to-school dental visits.” Say no to sugary drinks and snacks As the temperature rises, it’s common for families to sip and snack during sports tournaments, festivals or nearly any community event. “Watch your family’s intake of lemonade, juice and soda,” says Dr. Hayes. “Consider sugary drinks treats to enjoy once in a while, and not often.” Instead, offer water (even better if it has fluoride) to beat the heat, or milk to drink with meals. And, don’t let summertime grazing damage your child’s smile. “Taking a break from snacking is healthy for your teeth,” says Dr. Hayes. “It allows time for saliva to bathe the teeth, wash away leftover food and get stronger.” Make your back-to-school dental visit early Some schools require back-to-school dental visits for certain grades, and these checkups can be a good way to be sure your child’s teeth stayed healthy. It is a good idea to make your child’s back-to-school appointment early in the summer to avoid the August rush and help insure you get the appointment time that works best for you. ìWe can help spot and take care of any issues, so your child doesn’t have to miss class once school starts,î Dr. Hayes says. “Visiting the dentist regularly can help your child’s smile stay healthy all year long.”
To read the entire article visit Colgate.com. The remainder of the article contains more information under each of the headings:
Below is an excerpt from an article found on MouthHealthy.org. If you ever get nervous just thinking about going to the dentist, you’re not alone. Perhaps you’re scared the visit might hurt or you haven’t been in a while and not sure what the dentist will find. Whatever your reason, the right dental team will make sure your dental and your emotional health are taken care of. The more you delay - or just don’t go - to the dentist, the higher your risk of developing dental problems that will make gearing up for future dental visits more difficult. In fact, seeing your dentist regularly can actually make the entire process - from making an appointment to sailing through it ñ much easier on many levels. Use these strategies at your next appointment to help ease your anxiety and strengthen your smile. 1. Speak up Anyone with anxiety knows sharing your feelings makes a world of difference. If you're tense or anxious, do yourself a favor and get your concerns off your chest. Your dentist and dental team are better able to treat you if they know your needs. 2. Distract yourself Taking your mind off the exam may seem impossible when you’re nervous, but there are some things that that can help distract your thoughts. 3. Use mindfulness techniques Relaxation starts in the mind. Try deep breathing exercises to help relax tension in your muscles. To read the entire article visit MouthHealthy.org. The remainder of the article contains more information under each of the headings:
The American Dental Association has created informative videos called Ask the Dentist. Here is their video on: 'My Child Has a Toothache. Should I Call the Dentist?'
Below is an excerpt from an article found on Colgate.com that was written by Wendy J. Woudstra No matter how conscientious you are about your oral care routine, at some point in your life you will probably experience the discomfort of a toothache. Though a cavity is the most likely culprit, it is only one of several possible causes of toothaches. Tooth Sensitivity If you are experiencing sharp pains when eating or drinking hot or cold foods, it could mean you have a cavity. It may also be a sign that you may have sensitive teeth, either from receding gums or from a thinning of your tooth enamel. While you are waiting for a dental appointment to confirm the cause of your sensitive teeth, using a soft-bristled toothbrush and a toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth may help ease the symptoms. Some Toothaches Are More Severe If the pain you are experiencing is a sharp, stabbing pain when you bite down on your food, the cause of your toothache could be a cavity or a cracked tooth. If it's a throbbing, incessant pain, on the other hand, you may have an abscessed tooth or an infection that should be taken care of as quickly as possible. To read the entire article visit Colgate.com. The remainder of the article details the following:
