What Is a Pedodontist? And Why It Matters for Your Child's Smile
Back to School Dental Tips!
It’s that
Time of year again—back to school! That means you’ll want your kids looking their best. You’ll probably want to get some of those dentist appointments out of the way before you have school, sports, and other activity schedules to contend with. Heading into the school year is the perfect time to schedule a check-up with the dentist for your whole family. Get your cleanings, and see what's up with that sensitivity to ice cream you developed this summer.
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Back to school also means back to the routine of brushing before school, and before bed. Back to flossing 2-3 times a day, and for some of you, back to making sure you don’t throw your retainer out on your lunch tray (we're looking at you, Billy).When is the Best Time to Book a Back to School Dental Appointment?
It’s always a bit easier to get an appointment during common vacation months or if you plan ahead and schedule your checkups in advance. If you haven’t already scheduled an appointment in advance this year, you can always call and ask to be notified of cancellations and take the first available appointment on a whim. You should schedule an appointment as soon as possible if you haven't seen a dentist in the past six months or more. You should really come in at least twice per year for a cleaning and dental examination. If we catch a cavity or other dental and orthodontic condition in its early stages, it will be much easier to treat.What Are Some Winning Brushing Habits?
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that you brush your teeth twice a day. Brushing your teeth and tongue with a toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste cleans food and bacteria from your mouth.How to Make Your Dental Routine a Habit?
Wake up in the morning and brush your teeth. It doesn’t matter if you brush your teeth before or after breakfast, but many people prefer to brush afterward to avoid the taste of toothpaste interfering with the taste of their food. Some people prefer to brush after breakfast to be sure to remove food particles from their teeth before starting the day at school or work.How Long Should You Brush Your Teeth?
Your dentist will generally recommend brushing your teeth for about 2 minutes, twice a day. This allows for thorough cleaning of all surfaces of your teeth, including the front, back, and chewing surfaces. It's also important to use a toothbrush with soft bristles and to brush gently to avoid damaging your gums and enamel. Some people find it helpful to use a timer or an electric toothbrush with a built-in timer to ensure they brush for the full recommended time. Plus, don't forget to replace your toothbrush or toothbrush head every 3 to 4 months, or sooner if the bristles become frayed. Proper brushing technique and consistency are key to maintaining good oral hygiene and preventing dental issues like cavities and gum disease.
Floss like you mean it!
- Break off about 18 to 24 inches of dental floss.
- Hold the floss tight with your thumbs and index fingers.
- Place the dental floss in between two teeth.
- As the floss reaches your gums, curve the floss at the base of the tooth to form a C shape and pull it down across each tooth.
- Repeat the steps from tooth to tooth until you’ve flossed them all.
