Brushing

It's Still Summer! Who Needs a Routine?! (Hint: We all do!)

Here we are in mid-August (can you believe it?) and there’s a good chance that summer has gotten the better of many of our routines. Going to bed, waking up, when we eat our meals … all of these things, and more, have become less routine for many of us as the summer has worn on. And yet, in a matter of weeks, we will all be in “back-to-school” mode. Fall will be upon us and many of us (not naming names) will be needing to get back on schedule ASAP.

That makes this a great time to be sure that your oral health care routine gets back on track before the craziness of fall hits. There are a few simple things to do to make sure you are ready:

First: Be sure to get back on your brushing and flossing habits! Brush two times a day for two minutes, morning and night and floss one time a day. Using a fluoride toothpaste can help!

Second: If you are squeezing in some last minute travel plans, take healthy snacks with you. Apples, oranges, bananas and cheese sticks are all easily transportable, make great on-the-go snacks and are healthier for your teeth and body than processed foods. If you are bringing pretzels or chips with you, try to add cheese to the snack also. Starting these snacking habits now will help you transition into some great school lunch snacks also!

Third: Keep travel size toothbrushes, paste and floss with you or in the car for day-trips or spur-of-the-moment plans! It is fun to be spontaneous but not-so-fun to skip brushing or flossing so set yourself up for travel success!

Lastly: Drink water! Whether you are on the road, at home or starting school again, drinking water throughout the day is one of the easiest things you can do to maintain your dental health!

Regardless of what your daily routine ends up looking like, be sure your brushing routine stays strong!

Children's Dental Health Awareness Month!

Every year, in February, we celebrate National Children's Dental Health Awareness Month. We believe it is SO important to educate our patients, families, parents and young children about how they can and why they should care for their teeth. 

We like to celebrate by going to local classrooms and talking directly with the children within our community about why it's so important to take care of their teeth. This year, we are visiting 17 local classrooms and talking to over 350 children! That's a LOT of teeth!

So, why is it so important to take care of your child's teeth?

  • You only get one set of adult teeth ... and they have to last the rest of your life!
  • Decay can cause pain and eventual tooth loss, if not treated.
  • We use our teeth to eat, talk and smile ... EVERY day.

How can you take care of your child's teeth?

  • See a dentist and hygienist for a professional cleaning every 6 months
  • Brush your teeth 2 times a day, for 2 minutes each time
  • Floss once a day
  • Eat healthy foods and drinks
  • Eat sugary, acidic or sticky foods in moderation
  • Replace your toothbrush every 3 - 6 months
  • Regularly check to see if your child is doing a good job brushing and even assist them in brushing once a day (generally until they are 8 - 10 years old, but can vary)
  • Have your dentist or hygienist place sealants on your child's teeth 
  • Use a fluoride rinse at home

All of these things are actions we can take on a frequent, if not daily, basis to ensure that we are properly caring for our teeth. Our teeth are so important to our well-being and they will only last as long as we take care of them. 

Be sure to schedule your child for their preventative dental visit and make sure your child is brushing 2 minutes, 2 times a day and flossing once a day!

For more information on sealants or questions about your child's care, feel free to ask any of our staff or your dentist.

For more information on Children's National Dental Health Month and for downloadable activities, visit these sites: 

  • http://www.ada.org/en/public-programs/national-childrens-dental-health-month
  • http://www.ada.org/~/media/ADA/Public%20Programs/Files/NCDHM/2017NCDHM-activities-calendar.pdf?la=en
  • http://www.ada.org/~/media/ADA/Public%20Programs/Files/2017NCDHM-stoplightmilk%20edit.pdf?la=en