CHILDREN DON’T HAVE to deal with a lot of the health problems that affect adults, but they aren’t exempt from the risk of gum disease. The harmful bacteria that cause gingivitis don’t care how old someone is.
Gum Disease Causes
The biggest cause of gum disease in childhood is poor oral hygiene. When plaque is allowed to build up at the gumlines and harden into tartar, it leaves the gums more prone to irritation and inflammation. When a child reaches their teens, hormones become a factor too, increasing blood flow to the gums, which makes them more sensitive. Over 50% of teens have some form of gum disease.
Parents, Be on the Lookout
A child won’t always recognize a problem with their gums because they have very little frame of reference. As a result, they might not report symptoms to their parents unprompted, so keep an eye out for signs like swollen or red gums, bleeding during brushing or flossing, and bad breath that doesn’t go away with brushing and flossing.
Oral Hygiene Is Key
Maintaining good gum health is an endless battle, and good oral hygiene is critical. Parents should set a good example by brushing twice a day and flossing daily. Remember that it’s easier to prevent a dental problem than to treat one, and the best forms of prevention are daily oral hygiene routines and regular dental exams.
The Dentist Is Here to Help!
If your child is showing signs of gum disease, they may be overdue for a dental appointment! Schedule one as soon as possible so that we can help get them back on track for a lifetime of strong teeth and healthy smiles.
Thank you for being part of our practice family!
The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.
EVERY TUBE OF TOOTHPASTE with the ADA’s Seal of Acceptance has the same two things in common: it is sugar-free and it contains fluoride. Fluoride is a key building block in our tooth enamel. The sugary or acidic things we eat and drink pull minerals out of our enamel, and we can build it back up by brushing with fluoride toothpaste. This is also why trace amounts of fluoride are added to our drinking water.
Naturally-Occurring Fluoridation
Water fluoridation started in Colorado Springs, where the water naturally contains a lot of it. At these high levels of fluoride, local dentists started noticing that many people had brown stains on their teeth despite having no tooth decay. They called it “Colorado brown stain,” and today we call it fluorosis.
The Right Level of Fluoride
Dentists wondered if there was an amount of fluoride that would offer the same benefits of preventing decay without causing stains. They first tested it in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and found that childhood tooth decay dropped by a shocking 60% with only a few mild cases of fluorosis and no other adverse effects. It was such a success that water fluoridation took off across the country, and it is still regarded as one of the ten greatest public health achievements of the 20th century.
Bring Us Your Fluoride Questions!
If you have questions about how fluoride helps keep teeth strong, we’d be happy to answer them! Much more important than fluoridated water is brushing with toothpaste that has the ADA Seal of Acceptance.
Make sure you’re using the right tools to protect your teeth!
AS ADULTS, TOOTHACHES can quickly ruin an otherwise lovely day, but how much worse is it for a little kid who doesn’t know what’s happening? Toothaches have a variety of causes, and most of them are worth visiting the dentist, especially if they persist for days. But what if the toothache comes after hours or during the holidays? What can parents do?
Toothache Causes
The cause of a child’s toothache could be as simple as teething, which is a normal part of development. If it isn’t teething, it’s most likely tooth decay, gum disease, an abscess, inflamed pulp, or a cracked tooth. An impacted tooth can also be uncomfortable, as can tooth sensitivity.
Managing Discomfort
A child’s toothache is usually worth a visit to the dentist, but if that isn’t possible at first, here are a few tips for managing their discomfort in the meantime:
Have them swish and spit warm salt water to reduce inflammation.
Apply a cold compress to their cheek near the sore area.
Give them over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication for children.
Brush and floss daily and schedule regular dental visits to prevent future toothaches!
The Dentist Is Here to Help!
Any oral health symptom that has you worried as a parent could be worth a visit to the dentist. If it’s not a serious problem, we can put your mind at ease, and if it is, we can treat it and encourage good habits and precautions going forward.
We love our patients!
The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.
THE BEST WAY to get the best possible outcome in any kind of emergency is to have an action plan ready beforehand, so here are some tips to keep in mind for different types of dental emergencies:
1. A Knocked-Out Baby Tooth
These usually aren’t emergencies, especially if the damage is only to the tooth, but it’s a good idea to at least call the dentist for advice on how to proceed.
2. A Knocked-Out Adult Tooth
There is a limited window in which the dentist may be able to replant an intact knocked-out tooth. Get it to the dentist as quickly as possible, storing it either in the socket or in a glass of milk. Do NOT touch the root, do NOT let it dry out, and do NOT scrub it clean with soap, alcohol, or peroxide, because it will kill the root!
3. A Broken Tooth
Find the pieces and bring them to the dentist in a glass of cold milk. Don’t ignore cracked teeth, no matter how small the cracks! The damage could lead to infection, abscess, bone loss, and even life-threatening spread of infection.
Do You Know Where Your Emergency Dentist Is?
Aside from knowing what to do before getting to the dentist, it’s crucial to know where to go! Be familiar with the location of an emergency dentist, and keep their phone number handy.
We’re here to help you have the best outcome in an emergency!
The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.
THE REASON SUGAR is so dangerous for our oral health is that harmful oral bacteria love eating it as much as we do, and then they excrete acid onto our teeth. Tooth enamel might be the strongest substance in the human body, but even weak acids can erode it, which is why dentists encourage us to avoid sour, sticky, and hard Halloween candy.
Candy Don’ts
Hard candy is like a slow-release sugar delivery system for all that bacteria, keeping them active for a long period of time. Sticky candy is a problem because it puts the sugar directly against our teeth and gums. Sour candy contains plenty of its own acid, so that’s like cutting out the middleman!
Candy Dos (Yes, They Exist!)
What Halloween treats are left? Chocolate is a pretty good option! It contains compounds that slow tooth decay, limit oral bacteria, and fight bad breath. However, these polyphenols and flavonoids don’t outweigh the effects of sugar, which is why dentists are bigger fans of dark chocolate than milk chocolate.
Any candy sweetened by xylitol instead of sugar is definitely better for teeth. Xylitol actually hurts oral bacteria. These candies aren’t super common in 2024, but hopefully that will change!
Look After Your Teeth With a Dental Visit
Whatever candy you end up enjoying on Halloween and the first few days of November, it’s always a great idea to schedule a professional dental cleaning. Check to see if we have appointments available for you, because they might fill up quickly as 2024 comes to a close!
The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.
ELDERLY PEOPLE ARE not the only people at risk of gum recession, even though that idea is where the expression “long in the tooth” originated. Some people are unlucky enough to be genetically prone to gum recession, but there are several avoidable factors that contribute to gum recession (in kids as well as adults!).
#1: Overbrushing
Anyone brushing hard enough to leave their toothbrush bristles bent outward is probably overdoing it. When we’re brushing our teeth, we’re cleaning living tissue, not floor tiles! We need to be gentle. Use soft-bristled brushes and don’t use excessive pressure. Likewise, don’t snap the floss directly onto the gums! Gently work it down the side of one tooth instead.
#2: Gum disease
As it progresses, gum disease can wreak havoc on the supporting structures around the teeth, making it a major cause of gum recession. The best defenses are limiting sugar intake and keeping up with oral hygiene habits, along with regular dental appointments.
#3: Bruxism
A grinding habit puts a lot of pressure on the teeth and gums and can cause damage over time. Lifestyle changes, cognitive behavioral therapy, and meditation can help break the habit.
The Dentist Is Your Best Ally
If it’s been a while since your last dental appointment, a great way to get to the bottom of any gum recession you’ve been experiencing would be by scheduling a dental exam. We can take a look at your gums and recommend strategies for improving their health and stopping gum recession in its tracks.
The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.
THERE ARE MANY things parents can do to put their kids’ smiles on the right track for a lifetime of good oral health. Here are a few of them:
#1: Find them a toothbrush they like using.
A child’s toothbrush should be the right size for their hands and mouth and it should have polished, soft bristles. It should also be one they like, whether that means that it’s their favorite color or it has their favorite character on it. (And don’t forget to replace it when the bristles fray.)
#2: Protect against cavities with sealants.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends sealants, especially for kids who’ve already had tooth decay. Sealants protect the pits and grooves of molars, greatly reducing the risk of cavities.
#3: Offer them teeth-friendly snacks.
All snacks are not created equal! Whole and sliced fruit are great options (the fibers scrub the teeth clean and the natural sugars aren’t as harmful as added sugars in processed food), as is cheese (it stimulates saliva production and provides a source of calcium).
#4: Manage whitening toothpaste expectations.
Every teen wants the perfect smile, but they need to keep a realistic idea of what whitening toothpaste can do. It can help with surface stains, but it won’t fix white spots from braces or deeper stains.
Take Advantage of the Dentist!
Parents don’t have to do everything alone; dental health experts are here to help! We’re happy to help you with giving your child good oral health education and demonstrations of good brushing and flossing techniques. Make sure to schedule regular appointments!
The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.
IN THE PHARMACY section of every grocery store, one side of an entire aisle is often dedicated to dozens of toothpaste options. We want to help our patients find the right things to look for to help narrow that selection down.
Whitening Toothpaste
Whitening toothpastes are great, but remember that they can’t eliminate deeper stains or change a tooth’s natural color. The abrasive ingredients in whitening toothpaste can polish the teeth and the peroxide in them can break down some surface-level stains. Using it twice daily can lead to visible results after several weeks, but always look for the ADA Seal of Acceptance when choosing one!
Any braces-wearers should make sure to avoid whitening products, toothpaste included, to keep from ending up with discolored patches in the spots where the brackets were.
Tooth Sensitivity
For tooth sensitivity, over-the-counter sensitivity toothpaste can help. It helps to rebuild and strengthen the enamel and reduce discomfort. The dentist can prescribe a stronger toothpaste if the over-the-counter options aren’t strong enough.
What About Charcoal?
There’s been a lot of buzz around ingredients like activated charcoal and aloe vera despite there being little evidence to support the benefits they supposedly provide. Charcoal is very abrasive and might actually do more harm than good to the enamel. Toothpaste with these ingredients also tends to skip fluoride, which is essential for rebuilding tooth enamel.
Ask Us for a Recommendation!
If you’re still not sure which toothpaste to choose, ask us for a recommendation at your next appointment! We can help you find the best option for your particular oral health circumstances.
Keep up the great brushing routine!
The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.
IF A CHILD CONTINUES their finger or thumb-sucking habit past their toddler years, it can negatively affect the growth of their jaws and the position of their teeth.
A Healthy Habit for a Baby or Toddler
There’s no need to worry about a baby or toddler with a thumb-sucking habit or a pacifier. These are perfectly healthy self-soothing habits that help a child feel safe and happy in a new or stressful situation (and most situations are potentially new and stressful for them). And when Baby feels safe and happy, that’s more relaxing for the parents too!
Not Growing Out of It?
Eventually, these habits begin to do more harm than good. Most children will grow out of them on their own by age 4, but if not, vigorous thumb-sucking can change the way developing adult teeth will come in and can even alter the shape of their dental arches. If they’re still showing no signs of stopping, it’s time to consider intervening.
Breaking the Habit
It can be easier to discourage a pacifier habit, because simply trimming off the end will make it much less appealing until the child loses interest. It’s trickier to discourage thumbsucking. Foul-tasting topical aids don’t always work. We recommend being encouraging and praising successes over punishing failures. Try to provide activities that keep both hands too busy for thumbsucking. At night, socks over their hands can be a helpful tactic!
The Dentist Can Help
If you’re concerned about your child’s pacifier or thumb-sucking habit, we’re here to answer your questions. We can examine your child’s teeth and jaws and recommend steps you can take if the habit’s becoming a problem.
Your child’s dental health is our top priority!
The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.
OF COURSE WE SMILE when we feel happy, but there’s evidence to show that the link between smiling and happiness might go both ways — the simple act of smiling can make us feel a little better! Even a fake smile releases endorphins (the feel-good hormone), so it might be worth smiling in the face of a rough day; it might just improve.
Endorphins: The Body’s Stress-Reliever
That simple endorphin boost from smiling gives us a lot of other benefits far beyond a mood boost. Endorphins reduce pain and relieve stress because they function a lot like painkillers. Unlike painkillers, however, they don’t cause side effects!
The Effects Aren’t Just Short-Term!
Over time, endorphins can have cumulative positive effects on our health. The simple habit of smiling more can lead to long-term health benefits such as increased resilience against illnesses and a decreased risk of getting cancer. The better we are at managing our stress, the fewer stress-induced mutations our cells will go through, making cancer less likely.
Studies show that people perceive smiling faces to be younger and more attractive, but a lifetime of regular smiling and the benefits it brings can actually contribute to living longer. And it’s easier to smile confidently with healthy teeth and gums!
The Dentist Is Your Ally for a Healthy Smile
The dentist is your biggest ally when it comes to having a smile you’re happy to show off. Make regular cleanings and exams a priority so that you can get that deep clean feeling and stay ahead of any problems that may come up.
We always have a smile for our patients!
The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.
In my 57 years of life, Dr. Simon is the best dentist I’ve ever seen. We are a military family and have moved several (more than I care to count) times. With each move comes the same challenges relating to finding new doctors, dentists, etc. A good dentist is particularly hard to find, as they are f… Read more
Colleen Moore
Service is great, staff is knowledgeable and courteous. Highly recommended.
Roy Johnson Sr.
I recently went to visit Dr.Simon and was informed that I needed quite a bit of dental work, this came as a shock to me and I was of course very nervous. Dr.Simon and his staff were very kind and accommodating through the entire process. The work that he did was excellent, he takes pride in what he … Read more
Dr. Simon is very sincere and thorough. He takes the time necessary to explain the procedures, expected outcomes and future care. His compassionate approach with a healing hand to all orthotic procedures make him a well-trusted dental professional and an exemplary human-being.
I’ve been a patient of Dr. Simon for many years and he’s the best! I’m faithful about having a check-up every six months because Dr. Simon is always on time and very considerate. I like the Brandermill location and his staff is professional, friendly and courteous.
