TOOTH TO-DOS

You want your teeth to last a lifetime. Here are some things you can do to keep your teeth and mouth healthy. Don’t forget to schedule regular dental checkups for all your family members at Paradise Dental Care!

TEACH YOUR CHILDREN TO BRUSH RIGHT

1. Encourage your kids to brush with a fluoride toothpaste.
2. Use a pea-sized dab of fluoride toothpaste for kids ages 3-6, and use slightly more when they’re older.
3. Teach them to spit out the toothpaste when they’re done so they don’t swallow it.
4. For kids under age 3, as soon as your child’s teeth start to come into the mouth, brush using a children’s toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste in an amount no more than the size of a grain of rice.
5. Help your kids place the toothbrush at an angle against their gums.
6. Make sure they move the brush back and forth, gently, in short strokes.
7. Help them brush the front, back, and top of teeth.
8. Teach them to brush their tongue to remove germs and freshen breath.

REDUCING TOOTH SENSITIVITY

A creamy spoonful of ice cream can be agonizing if your teeth are sensitive to cold foods. Sensitivity to temperature, either hot or cold, or to certain acidic foods, may be caused by tooth decay, gum disease, broken or worn fillings, teeth grinding and other problems. All of these compromise the dentin layer of the tooth immediately beneath the enamel where sensations are transmitted into the pulp of the tooth. If you’re experiencing sensitivity, the best thing to do is to come in and have the underlying causes treated. Sometimes a fluoride treatment or the application of a sealant can help shield sensitive spots on your tooth or root. Reducing the acidic foods in your diet can also help reduce sensitivity.

PROTECTING YOUR TEETH WHEN PLAYING SPORTS

While you can buy mouthguards at a store that can be adjusted to some extent, a custom-fitted sportguard is the best way to protect your teeth. The secure fit of a custom mouthguard provides clearer speech, which is important for clear communication with teammates. While some custom mouthguards can be fitted at home, a custom mouthguard from your dentist is more comfortable and can also help reduce the risk of concussions. Restricted breathing is also less of a problem.

WEARING NIGHTGUARDS

If you notice pain in your jaws, headaches or sensitivity in your teeth, it may be due to teeth grinding at night. Teeth grinding, sometimes called bruxism, can often be resolved with the use of a nightguard. It is made to fit over your teeth while you sleep and prevents further damage from grinding.

CARING FOR DENTURES

Dentures must be removed and brushed daily with a denture cleanser or toothpaste. You should avoid using regular toothpaste because it can be too abrasive. Boiling water should also not be used because it can cause the denture to lose its shape. Partial dentures should be removed before brushing your natural teeth. When you’re not wearing the denture, soak it in denture cleanser or water.

Paradise Dental Care’s team of dentists and hygienists are always happy to answer your dental and oral health questions. Email us or come in for a visit with our friendly staff.

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