Electric Toothbrushes: Pros and Cons

Today in 1937, Tomlinson I. Moseley invented the first electric toothbrush. While they look similar to today's version, electric toothbrushes have come a long way. If you have been to the dentist recently, your hygienist has likely recommended an electronic toothbrush or at least asked if you have one. This is because there are many benefits to using an electronic toothbrush along with proper brushing and flossing. If you are trying to decide if an electronic toothbrush is right for you, here are the pros and cons:

Pro: Does the work for you.

Because the brush head itself does most of the moving, the actual act of cleaning is mostly automated. The brush head is designed to remove plaque no matter which head type you choose. They are also designed to clean those hard to reach placed like at the gum line and back molars.

Pro: Takes the guesswork out of brushing.

Most brushers underestimate the time they spend brushing their teeth with a manual toothbrush. Electric toothbrushes come with a 2 minute timer that will buzz or beep when time is up. Many brushes also buzz or beep every 30 seconds to indicate it is time to switch to the next quadrant of teeth. As a matter of fact, some toothbrushes go so far as to include Bluetooth. This feature allows you to track the effectiveness of your tooth brushing through an app on your phone. Also, if you have a problem with brushing too hard, there are electronic toothbrushes that will buzz or turn off if you get a little carried away.

Pro: Easy for kids and people with dexterity issues.

For many parents, getting kids to brush their teeth is a pain. With an electric toothbrush, kids will find it easy and maybe even fun to brush their teeth! Also, people with arthritis, limited hand mobility, or other health issues will benefit from an electric toothbrush. While manual toothbrushes require much hand movement to be effective, electric toothbrushes only require you to hold the handle while the brush head does all the work.

Con: Bells and whistles can get expensive.

There are electric toothbrushes out there with an initial cost around $20, however, if you want some of the more special features, you are looking at over $100. While this may seem daunting, the initial cost may save money in the long run. The toothbrush head should be replaced every 3-6 months each costing only $2-5 depending on the type of brush head you like. Also, by using your electric toothbrush for 2 minutes twice daily, your teeth will stay healthier longer. This will avoid costly dental visits to fix or replace decayed teeth.

Con: Some camping trips do not come with power outlets.

Travel ability is tricky when it comes to electric toothbrushes. Some come with a convenient travel case and can hold a charge for a few days however they tend to spend most of their time tethered to a power outlet. This can inhibit their ability to be taken on some trips. Luckily, when you have your teeth cleaned at the dentist, you walk a way with a gift bag containing a manual toothbrush, a travel toothpaste, and floss. This back up toothbrush can come in handy on those trips where it is just not feasible to bring your electric toothbrush.

If you have any more questions about electronic toothbrushes, call us or ask your hygienist at your next appointment!

Thanksgiving: Tips for a Tooth-Friendly Holiday

Ah, Thanksgiving: a day of turkey with stuffing, mashed potatoes and sweets like pecan or pumpkin pie. Although a happy occasion to celebrate all that you are thankful for, your family dentist will tell you the holiday can be hard on your teeth, as many of the favorite dishes are high in sugar or tend to be the starchy sort that clings to the teeth. You can still have a delicious feast with a few slight modifications to the menu.

Give Your Mouth a Head Start with These Healthy Starters:

Appetizers of raw vegetables, cheese and mixed nuts are a good choice for your teeth. All of these increase saliva production, which helps to wash away the bacteria that might otherwise increase the risk of cavities. With nuts and cheese, you get the additional benefit of calcium and other minerals that help strengthen your teeth.

Let These Fruits Fight for You:

Cranberry sauce might be a decay-fighter, according to some new research from the University of Rochester. Bacteria in your mouth feed on sugar to create plaque, the thick, sticky substance on your teeth that promotes tooth decay. Researchers found cranberries can disrupt the enzymes used by these bacteria. Acid in the mouth is another decay-promoter, but fresh pears can neutralize that acid. Try some sliced pears in a fruit salad (skip the sugar and rely on the fruit’s natural sweetness) or drizzled with just a little honey as a seasonal dessert.

Be Thankful for These Drink Options:

Tap water and tea help keep the teeth clean. Green and black tea can also kill bacteria, so they’re a good choice for a holiday beverage. For the adults, red wine is another drink that attacks bacteria in the mouth.

Keep It Clean:

Don’t neglect your regular routine of oral care during the holidays, as the bacteria aren’t going to take the day off. Ideally, if you are traveling for Thanksgiving, you have a toothbrush and floss stashed away in your purse or car glove box. But even if you’re dining away from home, take a few minutes after the meal to rinse your mouth with water. That will help hold you until you get home and can floss and brush your teeth. If you have any questions about how to care for teeth, call us at Kingsland Dental Group or schedule an appointment for your regular cleaning!

Happy Thanksgiving!

 

 

Halloween Candy: The Good and The Ghoulish

While ghosts and zombies are scary, there is something even scarier in your trick or treat bags: candy. It's almost impossible to avoid eating candy this time of year, but it doesn't have to be loaded with sugar. Here's a little information about the worst candies for your teeth and some of the better alternatives.

The Scary Sweets

Candy Corn, Candy Apples, Cookies, and Cake

Halloween would truly be scary without candy corn, candy apples, and all of the other sweet treats. While these treats may be tasty, they can and will wreak havoc on your teeth. These treats are loaded with huge amounts of sugar, which leads to tooth decay and cavities.

Sour Candies

Although sour treats may make your mouth pucker, they also can quickly destroy the enamel on teeth because of their high acidity level. In addition, you should wait at least 30 minutes for the saliva to restore the pH in your mouth before you brush. Brushing before 30 minutes have passed would simply spread the acid on a larger surface area and bolster the erosive capabilities of the acid.

Taffy, Caramel, and Sticky Sweets

Unlike other candies, gummy candies easily become lodged between teeth and in crevices. Once it's lodged in these hidden places, it becomes practically impossible for the saliva in your mouth to wash the particles away. As a result, the sugary treats will form cavities.

Not-so-scary Treats

Sugar-Free Gum

The best alternative for your teeth is sugar-free gum for two reasons:

·         It dislodges particles of food from between your teeth

·         It increases saliva production in your mouth

Saliva is instrumental for neutralizing the acids, and it will prevent those acids from eroding your teeth and causing tooth decay. Saliva also prevents mouth dryness; and when your mouth is dry, plaque is much more likely to build up at a faster rate.

Dark Chocolate

Even though dark chocolate is loaded with sugar, it wont stick to your teeth. As a result, chocolate is not such a bad option as a sweet Halloween treat.

Sugar-Free Candy

Hard candies and sugar-free candy will help your mouth to create more saliva, which is essential for a healthy, cavity-free Halloween smile that's not so scary.



So, even if you splurge on a sweet treat, remember to take care of your teeth. Brush and floss daily and don't forget to visit your dentist for regular cleanings and check-ups! Have questions or need to schedule an appointment? Contact us and we will be happy to help!

Have a Safe & Happy Halloween!

Tips to Prevent Cavities in Infants

Parents always want the best for their babies. When it comes to oral health, cavities are the most common issue for children. Luckily there are things moms and dads can do to help prevent cavities, starting very early in an infant’s life.

In fact, your child's oral care starts even before he or she is born! The best thing a pregnant mom can do for her child's teeth is to take care of her own. Continuing with routine dental care is a safe and effective way to protect your baby’s future oral health. 

Infant Oral Health

Once born, protecting your baby's teeth and gums should become a regular routine. Cavities occur when a certain type of bacteria in the mouth builds up, causing the tooth to decay. You can remove this harmful bacteria by gently wiping your baby's gums after feedings. 

Many parents lick or suck their baby’s pacifier in their own mouths when it is dropped in an effort to clean it off before putting it back in baby’s mouth. However, this increases the risk of transferring cavity-causing bacteria from mom or dad’s mouth to the baby's. Rinsing it off with water is a better way to protect the baby’s new teeth, even before they appear.

The First Teeth

You should continue to wipe your baby's gums after meals. Once his or her first tooth appears, you can use a very small amount — the size of a grain of rice — of baby toothpaste and a soft baby toothbrush on the new teeth to get your little one used to brushing. Gentle flossing is great, too!

If your baby is old enough to hold a bottle, resist the urge to allow him or her to take a bottle to bed. Whether the bottle contains formula or breast milk, the liquid will be left sitting on your baby's teeth all night. This promotes bacterial growth that can result in cavities. You also should avoid giving your young child sugary drinks, and only offer juice in a sippy cup occasionally.

Once teeth appear, your baby should see a pediatric dentist. Call today to schedule your baby’s first appointment and let us help you make sure his or her teeth stay cavity free!

What is Cosmetic Dentistry?

When you’re self-conscious about your smile, cosmetic dentistry can help. This type of dentistry aims to improve discolorations, gaps and other physical flaws in order to improve your appearance. 

It differs from conventional dentistry, which focuses on keeping your teeth and gums healthy. 

Cosmetic Dentistry Services

When you see a cosmetic dentist at Kingsland Dental Group, you can discuss options for repairing or improving flaws. The service you end up needing depends on the type of flaw you’re interested in fixing. Common types of cosmetic dentistry services include the following:

Reshaping teeth. If you have teeth that are misshapen, the reshaping process can fix their appearance and make them more natural looking. Dentists do this by taking enamel away or making changes to it as needed.

Whitening teeth. If you have teeth that are discolored, such as yellowish teeth or teeth with brown stains, you can have them whitened. This procedure is typically one that takes place in the dentist’s office using a specialized teeth whitening product. You might also have the option to use a whitening kit at home. 

Bonding. If you have teeth with cracks or chips in them or teeth that are broken, bonding is a process that can cover these flaws. Bonding involves placing natural-colored materials on teeth to cover these imperfections. 

Porcelain veneers. If you have teeth that are stained or teeth that have slight flaws, porcelain veneers can effectively hide them. Veneers are coverings that go over these teeth in order to improve their appearance. 

Making crowns longer. If your smile shows more gums than teeth, one of our dentists can get rid of that extra gum tissue. This helps ensure that more of your teeth show when you smile. 

Makeovers. If you have multiple flaws that need attention, our dentist might recommend a makeover. This involves evaluating your smile and recommending a treatment plan that will improve its appearance. 

If you're interested in cosmetic dentistry, give Kingsland Dental Group a call. We offer a variety of cosmetic services that can help restore your smile and make you proud to show off those pearly whites. Visit our website to make an appointment. 

Is Thumb Sucking Bad for Children's Teeth?

Infants come with a built in sucking reflex. Without it, trying to bottle or breast feed them would be extremely difficult! That's why it is completely natural for infants to suck on their thumb. 

Many parents find  thumb sucking preferable over giving their infant a pacifier because it helps soothe their babies and promotes relaxation. Although thumb sucking can be beneficial for soothing an infant, it can also create oral health problems later in life.

How Can Thumb Sucking Affect Teeth?

If children continue sucking their thumb during and after permanent teeth come in, it may cause problems with the growth and alignment of teeth as well as possibly cause changes in the roof of their mouth. 

The degree of sucking can determine whether the child may experience dental problems or not. For example, if a child passively rests the thumb in their mouth, they are less likely to develop problems that children who vigorously suck on their thumb. Children who are aggressive thumbsuckers may also develop problems with the growth of their primary teeth. 

Problems that may arise from thumb sucking include:

• Misplaced teeth
• Crowded teeth
• Crooked teeth
• Problems swallowing properly
• Speech problems
• Protrusion and displacement of front teeth

How to Help a Child Break the Habit

Children typically stop sucking their thumb by the age of 4 or when their permanent teeth begin to erupt. One of the most important things you can do to encourage your child to stop sucking their thumb is to offer praise for not sucking. 

Children sometimes suck their thumb when they are feeling insecure or if they need comfort, so finding the cause of their anxiety may provide comfort and encourage them to break their thumb sucking habit. Schedule an appointment with your child's pediatric dentist for suggestions on how to encourage your child to stop sucking his or her thumb.

Contact Kingsland Dental Group to schedule an oral health examination to ensure your children's teeth are strong and healthy or to learn more information about how to help your child stop sucking their thumb. 

Smart Tooth-Friendly Snacks Kids Will Love

Now that school is back in session, moms and dads everywhere are packing lunch boxes for their kids. When thinking about snacks and lunches to put in that brown paper bag, think about packing items that are not only going to be nutritious, but also good for your teeth. An important part of taking care of kids’ oral health is making sure they eat nutritious foods that help to strengthen teeth and avoid foods that harm tooth enamel. Providing healthy snacks, as your dentist recommends, is not difficult, but it does require some forethought to ensure that you have the right ingredients on hand. Here are a few examples of tooth-friendly snack choices.

Peanut Butter Apples

For an easy and healthy snack, slice an apple and add a dab of peanut butter for a delicious combination of flavors. Again, many brands of peanut butter have added sugar that can hurt tooth enamel. Read the labels and only choose brands that contain peanuts and oil to avoid the extra sugar.
 

Yogurt with Fresh Fruit

Low-fat yogurt can be a healthy way to provide calcium for teeth, but read the ingredient lists on the packages and you will find that many yogurts contain added sugar that is unhealthy for children’s teeth. Instead, buy plain yogurt and add your own cut-up strawberries, peaches or blueberries for a bit of natural sweetness.

Hummus on Pita Triangles

Cut pita wraps into bite-sized triangles and dab on a bit of hummus for a healthy, non-sugary snack that adds nutrition without empty calories.

Plain Popcorn

Plain popcorn provides the “crunch” that kids love for snacking, but has no additional oils or sugar. You should avoid microwave popcorn, though, as it contains chemicals that, when heated, can lead to lung disease. A hot-air popcorn machine is a better choice.

Pumpkin and Sunflower Seeds

Shelled pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds make a convenient and healthy snack that contains no sugar that can injure children’s teeth. Choose the unsalted or low-salt varieties to avoid too much sodium.

Low-Fat Cheese Bites

Cheese is an excellent snack food, as it provides calcium to build strong bones and teeth. Low-fat varieties are the healthiest choice. Cut an assortment of cheeses into bite-sized bits for easy snacking while doing homework or watching TV.

Talk to the dentists at Kingsland Dental Group for other ideas on tooth-friendly snack choices that promote oral health. 

Avoid Sports-Related Dental Injuries by Wearing a Mouthguard

Now that football season is rolling around, people of all ages will pick up the old pig skin, thinking they can replicate the incredible feats of athleticism they see on their TVs. The weather is cooling down and many of us will pick up basketballs, footballs, baseball bats and so on for some exercise. 

Unfortunately, games of pickup football and other sports often lead to some nasty injuries, many of which involve the teeth, lips, tongue and other parts of the mouth.

Sports Put Your Oral Health at Risk

If you are the parent of a student or if you are still active enough to play sports yourself, it is imperative that you have a mouthguard on hand. Wearing a mouthguard can mean the difference between extensive surgery with the dentist and the preservation of perfect oral health. 

About a half a century ago, one in two high school football injuries were to the mouth or other parts of the face. Mouthguards have reduced this rate to a mere two percent. The same is true in other sports like basketball, boxing, hockey, lacrosse and so on. 

The results of a nine-year study that concluded in 2007 at the University of Southern California show that basketball players have the highest rate of dental traumatic injuries of all college sports. Share this information with your children so they know just how tough basketball can be on their teeth. 

Avoid a Trip to the Dentist With a Mouthguard

Do not let your kids go with the flow and play outdoor contact sports without a mouthguard. Their friends might not wear mouthguards, but that should not mean that your kids' teeth go unprotected. 

Let your kids use stock mouthguards like the ones available in school. Sometimes, these fit poorly and do not protect as comprehensively as other types of mouthguards. There is also a boil and bite style of mouthguard that provides a better fit and spreads out force distribution. 

Or, you can opt for a custom fabricated mouthguard for the young athlete in your life. It provides considerable protection, longevity and comfort. Don't be afraid to shell out for one of these means of protection. A well-protected mouth is much cheaper than a bloody mouth that requires extensive surgery.

How to Use the Tooth Fairy as a Teaching Tool

The Tooth Fairy has endured as a popular folkloric character throughout history. Transcending the limits of time and space, this magical nighttime visitor has roots all the way back to the Medieval era. While every culture has a different take on her curious interest in children's teeth, many elements of the Tooth Fairy myth remain the same. Despite generational changes, she persists as a powerful teaching tool that helps little ones learn about good oral health. 

Where Does the Tooth Fairy Come From? 

Her origins vary greatly, but the story of the Tooth Fairy's exchange of baby teeth for money makes perfect sense in context. The Vikings used to pay for children's teeth, as they were a symbol of luck and prosperity. In early Europe, parents would swap a gift under the child's pillow for his or her sixth tooth. Superstition in the Middle Ages had children burning their lost teeth while some cultures advised burying their treasures for fear of witches. Centuries later in 1927, our contemporary tradition first appeared as part of the plot of a children's play. 

How Can I Use the Tooth Fairy as a Teaching Tool? 

1. Share the Tooth Fairy story early on. 

By entertaining your children with this fantastical story from an early age, they'll learn to associate a positive reward with good oral health. Before little ones lose their teeth, teach them how to brush properly and always emphasize the importance of visiting the dentist. In anticipation of the Tooth Fairy's visit, kids will gain interest in healthy habits. 

2. Give gifts in lieu of money. 

In America, the average tyke gains about $3 per tooth. Instead of spoiling your angels with monetary compensation, offer a gift that will keep on giving. Consider a fun character-themed toothbrush or mix and match fun and practical gifts for a well-rounded Tooth Fairy experience. If you want to keep the event simple, some parents up the reward for a healthy tooth, which gives incentive for children who may resist their daily brushing.

3. Customize with a letter. 

Waking up to a crisp dollar bill is great, but why not add to kids' excitement by personalizing a note from the Tooth Fairy herself? You can forge a letter with helpful tips for keeping their smiles pearly white. You might even lightly scold children who need to brush up on their oral care. Education becomes enticing when you infuse a bit of whimsy and fun, so be sure to search the internet for many other novel ideas for using the Tooth Fairy as a teaching tool.