February is National Children’s Dental Health Month. This month-long national health observance was initiated by the American Dental Association (ADA). It is intended to bring together dedicated professionals, healthcare providers, and educators to promote the benefits of good oral health to children, their caregivers, teachers, and many others. Establishing good oral habits at a young age is the first step to healthy teeth, the whole life through. Cavities Cavities are one of the most common chronic diseases affecting children in...

Tips for caring for your braces Develop routines, as schedules continually change during each season. Use fluoride toothpaste to make your teeth stronger. Use a mouthwash with fluoride, if possible after a snack or lunch, to help strengthen the teeth. When first getting the orthodontic appliance, serve soft food. Prepare a travel case with an extra set of oral hygiene products to bring to school or work. Stock up with orthodontic wax to prevent mouth irritations from sharp edges. If...

As we go back to school, we need to be mindful of our daily routines. Having routines will help establish healthy habits, including good oral health. Did you know that cavities are one of the most common chronic diseases of childhood in the United States, possibly leading to problems with eating, speaking, playing, and learning? Children who have poor oral health often miss more school and receive lower grades than children who don’t (CDC, 2019). The good news is that...

Healthy Snacks for a Healthy Mouth Sometimes eating between meals must happen. It is recommended to limit eating and drinking sugary drinks between meals. Most people choose foods like sweets and chips for snacks. These choices can weaken the teeth and cause cavities. Also, nutritious, acidic foods like tomatoes and citrus fruits can have acidic effects on tooth enamel. Try to eat them as part of a meal, and not as a stand-alone snack. Here are some nutritious snack choices:...

Establishing good oral habits at a young age is the first step to healthy teeth, the whole life through. Here are some suggestions to incorporate into your daily routines with your children.  Tips for parents when brushing children’s teeth Create a positive atmosphere around brushing. Play a song or story during this time. An adult should assist the child with oral hygiene. Most children need help brushing until the age of 10. Both the child and their caregiver should brush...

February is Children’s Dental Health Month. This month-long national health observance was initiated by the American Dental Association (ADA). It is intended to bring together dedicated professionals, healthcare providers, and educators to promote the benefits of good oral health to children, their caregivers, teachers, and many others. Establishing good oral habits at a young age is the first step to healthy teeth, the whole life through.   The Importance of Baby Teeth Baby teeth, also known as primary teeth, allow...

A good toothbrush is important to your daily oral health care routine. Dental plaque finds areas to hide in your mouth, for example, around crowded teeth or along the gumline. Dental plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on your teeth. It must be removed regularly, or it can cause gum inflammation, cavities, and bad breath. This month we are celebrating Dental Hygiene Month, as well as offering some tips and tricks for better brushing.   Every...

Orthodontic Care Orthodontic treatment involves different appliances and devices to correct the bite and straighten your teeth. When teeth are aligned, they are also easier to clean. After your teeth have been moved into the proper position, a retainer will be used to prevent any future shifting. People may need orthodontic treatment for different reasons. To correct crooked, crowded, or misaligned teeth Correcting malocclusion, or a bad bite, to address jaw pain or discomfort when chewing by properly distributing biting...