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- 2020
- December (6)
- Direct Veneers Offer a Quick and Affordable Alternative to Traditional Veneers
- Local Anesthesia Makes for a More Pleasant and Pain-Free Dental Experience
- Endodontic Treatment Could Save a Tooth in Crisis
- Don't Let Bad Breath Ruin Your Date Under the Mistletoe
- The Kind of Tooth Pain You Have May Identify the True Problem
- Keep Your Child's Fluoride Intake at a Safe but Effective Level
- November (6)
- Here's What To Do If Your Child Complains of a Toothache
- Targeted Tooth Removal Could Aid Treatment for Certain Bite Problems
- Smoking Increases Your Risk for Gum Disease
- Keep Your Implants Clean to Avoid a Damaging Gum Infection
- There's a Quick Fix For That Irritating Mouth Sore You Keep Biting
- Although Challenging, Cleaning Around Implants Boosts Their Longevity
- October (6)
- Far From a Safer Alternative to Smoking, Vaping Could Ruin Your Oral Health
- 4 Things You Can Do To Protect Oral Health During Cancer Treatment
- Call the Dentist Immediately If You Have a Loose Tooth
- Act Quickly With a Knocked Out Tooth to Ensure Its Long-Term Survival
- Preventing Gum Disease Could Help More Than Your Teeth and Gums
- Could a Metal Allergy Stop You From Getting Dental Implants?
- September (6)
- Improve Your Smile With These Dental Enhancements
- Eliminating an Infant's Lip or Tongue Tie Can Make Breastfeeding Easier
- Use Appropriate Hygiene Products for Maximum Smile Protection
- Want to Improve Your Athletic Performance? Try Tuning Up Your Dental Care
- Avoid This Numbing Agent to Ease Your Baby's Teething Pain
- The Day After Labor Day: Renew Your Focus on Your Family's Oral Health
- August (6)
- A Shingles Outbreak Could Interrupt Your Dental Care
- Take These Steps to Alleviate Chronic Dry Mouth
- Acid Reflux Could Lead to Tooth Damage
- 4 Simple Things You Can Do to Stop Bad Breath
- Stop Plaque Buildup Around Your Implant-Supported Bridge With Flossing
- 3 Things That Could Help You Avoid Another Round With Gum Disease
- July (6)
- Getting Implants Can Be a Long Process - But Worth it
- Some Simple Cosmetic Techniques Could Help Your Smile Age Gracefully
- Whatever Your Vacation Plans This Year, Don't Forget Teeth and Gum Care
- 3 Reasons a Root Canal Treatment Might Fail and What You Can Do About It
- New Studies Show: Sealants Could Help Your Child Avoid Tooth Decay
- Replace Your Teeth in Stages With the Help of Dental Implants
- June (6)
- Your Gums and Bone Need to Be Healthy Before Getting Implants
- Without Prompt Intervention, Gum Disease Could Damage Tooth Roots
- Follow These 4 Tips for More Comfortable Eating With Chronic Jaw Pain
- Sedation Can Help a Child Receive Needed Dental Care Now and in the Future
- Reducing Your Child's Dental Anxiety Now Could Benefit Them for a Lifetime
- Instill These Habits in Your Child for a Lifetime of Great Dental Health
- May (7)
- Reducing Teeth Grinding Leads to Better Sleep and Better Dental Health
- Diet and Lifestyle Changes Could Lower Your Risk of Oral Cancer
- 4 Things You Should Do - or Not Do - to Maintain Your Oral Appliance
- A Smile Makeover is a Transforming Experience
- The Graduation Season is the Perfect Time to Review Dental Health
- Friendly Bacteria Can Help Protect Our Mouths From Disease
- Too Much Sugar Can Wreck More Than Your Teeth
- April (6)
- Why and How to Save a Diseased Tooth
- Are Lasers the Future for Treating Advanced Tooth Decay?
- 3 Ways to Help Your Child Relax at the Dentist
- Lasers Could One Day be Commonplace for Treating Gum Disease
- These High-Tech Tools Help Your Veneers Look Attractive and Natural
- Seek Immediate Treatment for this Advanced Form of Gingivitis
- March (6)
- If at All Possible, Primary Teeth are Worth Saving
- Consider Clear Aligners Instead of Braces for Your Teen
- This Rare Tongue Condition Often Looks Worse than it Actually is
- One Visit May Be All You Need to Restore a Chipped Tooth
- Here's How to Avoid Dry Socket After Tooth Extraction Surgery
- 3 Questions You Should Ask before Undergoing Teeth Whitening
- February (6)
- Removing Teeth Could Improve an Orthodontic Outcome
- It's Best to Avoid This Online Trend for Your Enamel's Sake
- A Loose Tooth is a Sign of Deeper Dental Trouble
- Uncovering Early Gum Disease Through Periodontal Probing
- Removing One or More Teeth Could Improve Orthodontic Outcomes
- 3 Tips to Making Mealtime Easier During TMD Flare-Ups
- January (6)
- A Root Canal Treatment Will Improve Your Health, Not Harm It
- Tobacco: One Baseball Tradition We Can Do Without
- No Matter When the New Decade Begins, Be Sure You're Partnered With Us for Your Dental Care
- You May Need Something Other Than Ointment to Clear up This Facial Rash
- 4 Common Causes for Gum Recession
- Is There a Better Way to Manage Pain Without Narcotics?
- 2019
- December (6)
- Gum Surgery Can Improve Your Smile and Save Your Teeth
- 3 Ways to Take the Jitters Out of Dental Visits
- Here's How to Cut Through All the Choices to Find Your Right Toothbrush
- Don't Worry About Dental Amalgam: It's Safe for Treating Cavities
- Follow These Holiday Toy Tips for Your Kids to Avoid Dental Injuries
- It Takes Artistry and Skill to Achieve the Right Color Balance for Your Veneers
- November (6)
- Keep Oral Care in Focus for a Family Member With Special Needs
- Topical Fluoride can Enhance Your Child's Dental Care
- Don't Delay Seeing the Dentist If You Suspect Gum Recession
- Make Your Baby as Comfortable as Possible During Teething
- For a Smooth Transition, Be Sure Your New Dentist Has Your Dental Records
- Vitamins Can Help Keep Your Oral Health in Top Shape
- October (6)
- You May Need an Endodontist for a Tooth With Interior Decay
- Don't Panic Over Your Child's Teeth Grinding but Do Keep an Eye on It
- 3 Reasons to See a Pediatric Dentist
- Dental Sealants Give Children an Added Boost Against Tooth Decay
- 4 Ways You Can Take Years off Your Smile
- Clean Your Implants Just Like Your Other Teeth
- September (6)
- 4 Serious Health Conditions That Gum Disease Might Make Worse
- Your Quest for a Dental Implant Might Be Interrupted by Bone Loss
- Your Reoccurring Sinus Infections May Actually Be Caused by Tooth Decay
- Improving Hygiene Skills Maximizes Removal of Disease-Causing Plaque
- Despite Some Online Sources, Root Canals Don't Cause Disease
- Four Reasons Why Your Gums Deserve Your Care
- August (6)
- Be Alert to the Unintended Consequences of Cancer Treatment to Oral Health
- Do a Little Extra Food Prep to Ease TMD Discomfort
- If Appropriate, Antibiotics before Implant Surgery Could Reduce Infection Risk
- Don't Let Gum Disease Cut Short Your Implant's Service Life
- How to Keep Your Teeth and Gums Healthy During Pregnancy
- Don't Let Summer Heat Increase Your Risk of Dental Disease
- July (7)
- 3 Ways to Protect Your Teeth in the Great Outdoors
- Transforming Your Smile with Veneers, Step by Step
- A Minor Procedure Could Make Breastfeeding Easier for You and Your Baby
- Your Sinus Infection Might be a Sign of a Tooth Problem
- Don't Use Benzocaine Products to Ease Your Baby's Teething Pain
- Tooth Type and Condition can Affect Root Canal Therapy Effectiveness
- There may be more to that Toothache that Suddenly Stops Aching
- June (6)
- 3 Tips for Successful, Safe Home Teeth Whitening
- 5 Ways to a Beautiful Wedding Day Smile
- Root Canals are a Safe Way to Save Teeth
- Improve Your Dental Health by Mastering Your Brushing Skills
- Considering a Smile Makeover? Be Sure You Include Your Bite
- Dentures with Implants Could Help You Avoid Bone Loss
- May (6)
- Gum Disease Could be Affecting More Than Just Your Mouth
- Affordable Veneers Can Give You a New Smile
- Here's How You Can Protect Your Child's Teeth from Tooth Decay
- Preserving the Pulp is Priority One with a Newly Erupted Permanent Tooth
- How Dentists Provide Your Child the Benefit of X-Rays as Safely as Possible
- Jaw Joint Disorders and Fibromyalgia: Is There a Connection?
- April (6)
- A Detailed 'Smile Analysis' Sets the Stage for a Successful Makeover
- April Is National Facial Protection Month
- Catch Root Resorption Early for Best Chances of Saving Your Tooth
- The Parent-Dentist Partnership: Establishing Better Oral Health for Your Child
- Manage Your GERD Symptoms to Prevent Enamel Erosion
- Take a Look into Your Future with a Trial Smile
- March (6)
- A Root Canal Can Stop Tooth Decay and Save Your Tooth
- What You Should Do to Protect an Older Loved One's Dental Health
- Professional Whitening Offers an Effective Way to Restore Your Smile's Luster
- The 3 Top Ingredients That Make Your Toothpaste a Super Plaque Buster
- Why You Should Consider a Professional Procedure for Your Teeth Whitening
- Your Gum Tissue 'Biotype' Could Determine How Gum Disease Affects You
- February (6)
- Dental Sealants can help Prevent Tooth Decay in Children
- Legal or Not, Marijuana Poses a Health Risk to Your Gums
- Local Anesthesia Takes the Pain Out of Most Dental Work
- You may Need Orthodontic Treatment Before Obtaining Implants
- Keeping Gum Disease at Bay Could Help Your Overall Health
- 4 Important Facts About Gum Recession and What You can do About It
- January (6)
- Recessed Gums Could Endanger Your Teeth
- A New Resolution - Floss!
- Flossing Daily Around Implants will Help Prevent Losing Your Bridge
- Implant-Supported Dentures Could Boost Your Jawbone Health
- 'Get Rid' of Those Unattractive Teeth with Porcelain Veneers
- Safety is a Priority When Imaging Children's Teeth with X-Rays
- 2018
- December (6)
- Get a Look at Your Future Makeover Look Now with a 'Trial Smile'
- Need a Root Canal? Here's a Step-by-Step Guide on What to Expect
- What You Need to Know to Buy the Right Toothbrush
- Dental Visits are Key to Detecting Early Developing Tooth Decay
- Regardless of What You've Seen Online, Don't Fear a Root Canal Treatment
- Wisdom Teeth Warrant Close Watch to Avoid Future Health Issues
- November (6)
- Moderate Your Child's Juice Drinking to Lower Tooth Decay Risk
- Don't let Gum Disease - the 'Other Dental Disease' - Rob you of Your Smile
- Teeth Grinding in Older Children and Adolescents a Cause for Concern
- Inflammation: the Link Between Gum Disease and Cardiovascular Disease
- How to Maximize Your Child's Dental Health Potential
- The Connection Between GERD and Oral Health
- October (6)
- What You Should Know About Veneers for Teenagers
- Stop Root Cavities with Prevention and Prompt Treatment
- What You Should Know About Antibiotic Therapy Before Implant Surgery
- 3 Factors That Could Affect the Success of a Root Canal Treatment
- Stay Ahead of Plaque Buildup with Effective Brushing and Flossing
- Eat the Right Kind of Carbs to Protect Yourself from Gum Disease
- September (6)
- Why the Treatment Model for Your Jaw Joint Disorder Matters
- Provisional Restorations let you Try out Your New Smile First
- Treating Gum Disease around Tooth Roots is Hard - but Not Impossible
- Look After Your Teeth During Cancer Treatment to Avoid Dental Disease
- Keep on Course during the 3 Phases of a Smile Makeover
- What You Should Know About a Home Teeth Whitening Kit
- August (6)
- What You Can Do to Support Your Child's Dental Development
- Have Your Loose Tooth Examined as Soon as Possible
- Back to School Do's and Don'ts
- Take Years off Your Smile by Treating Age-Related Dental Problems
- Diabetes Doesn't Have to Stop You From Acquiring Dental Implants
- Treating a Child's Tooth Injury May Require Special Consideration
- July (7)
- Mouthguards Found to be Effective in Preventing Teeth and Mouth Injuries
- Cosmetic Questions to Ask to Get You on the Right Path to a Better Smile
- Consider Saving a Tooth Before you Decide to Replace it
- What Happens in a Root Canal Treatment and How it Can Save Your Tooth
- Think Water First for Summer Thirst
- 3 Reasons You Should Consider Tooth Whitening
- Watch Out for Signs of Gum Recession
- June (6)
- Treating Gum Abscesses and the Underlying Gum Disease
- Tips to Brighten Your Summer Smile
- 3 Advantages for Improving Your Smile with Composite Resins
- Finding the Right Solution for Your Gummy Smile
- Keep Alert for this Extreme Form of Gingivitis
- Chewing Tobacco is Just as Addictive and Dangerous as Smoking
- March (5)
- Get a Dental Exam as Soon as Possible if you Suspect Gum Disease
- The Right Treatment for Your Child's Injured Tooth Increases its Survival
- Baseball, Tobacco and Oral Cancer
- Why the Bottled Variety Might not be Your Best Choice for Clean Drinking Water
- 4 Things You Should be Doing Now for Your Baby's Long-Term Dental Health
- January (5)
- 4 Areas We May Check During Your Older Loved One's Regular Dental Visit
- Replacing a Missing Tooth isn't Just About Improving Your Smile
- Office Fluoride Treatments Can Add Extra Protection to Your Child's Teeth
- Your Health Could Affect the Longevity of a Dental Implant
- Why You Should Still Floss with an Implant-Supported Bridge
- 2017
- May (5)
- Complications from Missing Teeth Could Limit Your Replacement Options
- Artificial Sweeteners are By and Large a Safe Alternative to Sugar
- Don't let Periodontal Disease Cause Your Gums to Recede
- Take Steps to Save an Incoming Tooth's Place to Avoid a Poor Bite
- New Saliva Test may Help Identify Oral Cancer Earlier
- April (5)
- Gum Disease Could Affect More than Your Teeth and Gums
- Protect Your Child's Long-Term Dental Health with Regular Office Visits
- An Affordable RPD Could be the Answer to Your Missing Teeth Problems
- A Solution for Restoring Adequate Bone for Dental Implants
- Improving a 'Gummy Smile' Depends on its Cause
- February (5)
- Don't Put Off Getting Treatment for Your Sensitive Teeth
- Don't Wait - Seek Out Treatment for Gum Recession Now
- A Root Canal Treatment may be Your Best Chance to Save a Tooth
- Try Conservative Measures to Treating TMD Before More Aggressive Options
- A Partial Denture Can Restore a Smile Marred by a Few Missing Teeth
- 2016
- November (5)
- Keep an Eye Out for Problems if Your Children Grind Their Teeth
- Don't Let an Eating Disorder Wreck Oral Health
- Extracting Certain Teeth can Boost Orthodontic Effectiveness
- Inflammation is a Key Element in Both Oral and Systemic Diseases
- Don't Let the Acid in Sports and Energy Drinks Ruin Your Tooth Enamel
- September (5)
- Certain Mouth Rashes Don't Respond to Topical Steroid Treatments
- Gum Recession Could Shorten the Life of Your Teeth
- Lasers Adding New Precision and Efficiency to Root Canal Treatments
- RPDs Offer Another Tooth Replacement Option for those on a Tight Budget
- Do you need Simple Tooth Removal or Surgery? It Depends on a few Factors
- May (5)
- A Root Canal Treatment can Save Your Tooth and Relieve Pain
- Dental Offices Hold to the Highest Standards to Protect Patients from Infection
- Sedation Therapy can reduce Anxiety in Children during Dental Visits
- Treating a "Gummy" Smile Starts with Finding out the Cause
- 4 Reasons Why You May Need to See a Periodontist for Your Gum Disease
- March (5)
- Beyond Their Marketing Claims, Most Toothpastes are Surprisingly Similar
- Surgically Accessing Sinuses can Help Grow New Bone for Implants
- Thumb Sucking One of Many Factors to Consider When Treating a Poor Bite
- Find out What Kind of Tooth Staining you Have Before Seeking a Solution
- 4 Advantages to Using Composite Resins for Restoring Teeth
- 2015
- December (5)
- Sealants Provide a Little Extra Protection for Children at High Risk for Decay
- Dental Amalgam Continues to be a Durable and Safe Tooth Filling
- Dental Offices Uphold the Highest Standards for Infection Control
- Three Considerations for Working with Your Dentist on Your Smile Makeover
- 3 Tips for Denture Care to Help Them Last and Keep Your Mouth Healthy
- October (5)
- 3 Questions to Answer Before Your Smile Makeover
- You May Need Surgery to Repair the Damage of Gum Recession
- Diabetics with Gum Disease Benefit from Coordinating Treatment for Both
- Tooth-Colored Fillings Provide a Viable Alternative to Dental Amalgam
- Preventive Care for Your Child is a Partnership between You and Your Dentist
- 2014
- September (5)
- Saving a Baby Tooth is the Best Option for Permanent Tooth Development
- Dry Mouth - Causes, Risks and Cures
- Bleeding Gums are a Possible Sign of Periodontal Gum Disease
- Determining the Cause of Tooth Looseness Key to Effective Treatment
- Successful Outcomes With Dentures Depends on Attention to Detail
- August (5)
- Composite Resins are a Viable Restoration Option for Mildly Defective Teeth
- Major Benefits for Tooth Replacement With Dental Implants
- Crown Lengthening can Increase Your Restoration Options
- Minimizing X-Ray Exposure Risks in Children to Maximize Benefits
- Frequently Asked Questions about Cosmetic Bonding
- 2013
- 2012
- August (7)
- Don't Let Tooth Pain Linger — The Cost May Just Be Too High
- Understanding The Importance Of Dental X-Rays
- Tooth Replacement: It's Come a Long Way
- Your Smile Design: Perfection vs. the Natural Look
- Testing Your Knowledge on Caring for Your Dentures
- Designing A New Smile. What's involved?
- Testing your Knowledge: Dental Implants
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Categories:
My Blog
Posts for: April, 2019

Cosmetic dentists routinely perform smile transformations once thought impossible. Using the latest materials and techniques, today's practitioners can "make over" the most problematic smiles.
But to achieve these results, it's necessary for both dentist and patient to step back and absorb the "bigger picture." If you're considering a smile makeover, your first step on this transformative journey will be this big picture moment called a smile analysis.
A smile analysis is a comprehensive examination in which your dentist looks at every aspect of your current smile. And not just your teeth and gums—he or she will also carefully evaluate the health of the supporting bone of the jaw. Healthy bone is necessary in particular for dental implants, which require adequate bone for optimum placement. Extensive bone loss could rule out implants, or at least postpone their installation until the bone can be rejuvenated through bone grafting.
The analysis doesn't stop with mouth structures, either: an attractive smile must achieve an aesthetic balance with the shape and complexion of the face, especially the color and position of the eyes and the form and posture of the lips. Your dentist will measure and assess all of these facial features and factor them into your individual smile makeover plan. This increases the likelihood your planned restorations will blend seamlessly with your overall appearance.
Your smile analysis will also include what's going on beneath the surface of your current smile. Many appearance problems are actually the consequences of disease, trauma or inherited conditions. These underlying issues will often need to be addressed first: as with renovating a house, it does little good to paint and hang wall paper if the foundation is faulty. Any treatment for disease or trauma may postpone cosmetic work, but it's absolutely necessary to achieve lasting success for your smile makeover.
Although time-consuming, a smile analysis sets the stage for a successful smile transformation. Your new beautiful smile will be well worth this detailed examination.
If you would like more information on undergoing a smile makeover, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Beautiful Smiles by Design.”

April brings the perfect weather to get outside and play. Fittingly, April is also National Facial Protection Month. Whether you prefer softball or basketball, skateboarding or ultimate frisbee, don't forget your most important piece of equipment: a mouthguard to protect your face and your smile!
In an instant, a blow to the mouth can cause a dental injury that is painful to endure and expensive to treat. In just about any sporting activity, your mouth could come into contact with a piece of equipment, another person or the ground. That's why the American Dental Association and the Academy for Sports Dentistry recommend using a mouthguard when participating in any of over 30 activities, including some that aren't typically considered contact sports, like volleyball and bike riding.
Common sense, observation and scientific research support the use of mouthguards during sporting activities—but are the ones you get from your dentist really any better than the kind you can grab off the shelf at a sporting goods store or drugstore? The answer is yes!
In a 2018 experiment, researchers created a model of the human head to test how direct impact affects the teeth, jaws and skull. They compared the effects of impact when using no mouthguard, when using a custom-made mouthguard available from the dentist, and when using a stock mouthguard. They also tested mouthguards of different thicknesses. The results? The experimenters determined that any mouthguard is better than no mouthguard and that custom mouthguards available from the dental office are more effective than off-the-shelf mouthguards in protecting teeth, jaws and skull from impact. They also found that the thicker the mouthguard, the better the protection.
Although custom mouthguards are more expensive than the kind you can buy at the corner store, the difference in protection, durability, comfort and fit is well worth the investment. We consider your (or your child's) individual needs, take a precise model of your mouth and provide you with a custom-fit mouthguard of the highest quality material.
Don't ruin your game. A mouthguard can go a long way in protecting your teeth and mouth from injury. If you would like more information about a sports mouthguard, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. To learn more, read the Dear Doctor magazine articles “Mouthguards” and “An Introduction to Sports Injuries & Dentistry.”

As your dental provider, we're always alert for signs of tooth decay or periodontal (gum) disease, the two leading causes of tooth loss. But we're also watching for less common conditions that could be just as devastating.
Root resorption falls into this latter category: it occurs when a tooth's root structure begins to break down and dissolve (or resorb). It's a normal process in primary ("baby") teeth to allow them to loosen and give way when permanent teeth are ready to erupt.
It's not normal, though, for permanent teeth. Something internally or—more commonly—externally causes the root structure to break down. External resorption usually occurs at the neck-like or cervical area of a tooth around the gum line. Known as external cervical resorption (ECR), it can first appear as small, pinkish spots on the enamel. These spots contain abnormal cells that cause the actual damage to the root.
We don't fully understand how root resorption occurs, but we have identified certain factors that favor its development. For example, it may develop if a person has experienced too much force against the teeth during orthodontic treatment. Injury to the periodontal ligaments, teeth-grinding habits or some dental procedures like internal bleaching may also contribute to later root resorption.
Early diagnosis is a major part of effective treatment for root resorption. Because it's usually painless and easily overlooked, resorption is often too difficult to detect in its early stages without x-rays—a good reason for regular dental exams. Beginning spots or lesions are usually small enough to surgically remove the tissue cells causing the damage and then filled with a tooth-colored filling material. If it has advanced further, we may also need to perform a root canal treatment.
At some point, the damage from root resorption can be too great, in which case it might be best to remove the tooth and replace it with a dental implant or similar restoration. That's why catching root resorption early through regular dental exams can give you the edge for saving your tooth.
If you would like more information on diagnosing and treating root resorption, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Root Resorption: An Unusual Phenomenon.”

As a parent, the task of guiding your children through their physical, mental and social development can sometimes seem overwhelming. That doesn’t have to be the case with their dental development — that’s because we’re one of your most reliable support partners for oral health. We’re available not only to treat problems as they arise, but to also offer expertise and resources that can help you help your children establish life-long oral health.
Here are just a few ways we can help guide you along the path to a brighter dental future for your children:
Age One Dental Visit. A healthy life is built on healthy habits — and there’s no better habit for great dental health than regular checkups. We recommend your child’s first visit with us around their first birthday. Beginning this early not only helps us identify any emerging dental problems, it can also help the child — and you — become more comfortable with visiting the dentist. As they grow older they’ll think nothing of their regular visits in the dentist’s chair.
Help! While your child’s first teeth coming in are exciting milestones, the teething process can be extremely frustrating. And, when those same primary teeth give way to their permanent versions, you’ll develop a new set of concerns about their development. By establishing a long-term trust relationship with us, we can offer a wealth of knowledge and tips (as well as needed reassurance) concerning the various stages of your child’s dental development.
“Do as I Do.” Dental visits are important — but the greatest contribution to long-term dental care is a daily habit of proper brushing and flossing, which should start as soon as your child’s first teeth begin to appear. “Modeling” is the best approach for instilling this habit in your child — performing hygiene tasks together and allowing them to learn how to do it from you. To be sure you’re passing on the proper technique, we’ll be glad to provide you with instruction on brushing and flossing — for your sake as well as theirs.
Although rewarding, raising a child is a tough job. When it comes to their oral health, though, we can help make that job a little easier.
If you would like more information on building the right foundation for your child's dental health, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Dentistry & Oral Health for Children.”

Most dental problems arise from tooth decay and periodontal (gum) disease. But they aren't the only source of danger to your teeth—gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) could be just as damaging to your tooth enamel as dental disease.
GERD usually occurs when a ring of muscles at the top of the stomach weaken, allowing stomach acid to enter the esophagus. This resulting acid reflux can make life unpleasant and pose potential health dangers—over time it can damage the lining of the esophagus and cause ulcers and pre-cancerous cells. It can also erode tooth enamel if acid enters the mouth and raises its level of acidity.
This can be a problem because acid can soften and dissolve the mineral content of tooth enamel. This is the primary cause of tooth decay as acid produced by oral bacteria attack enamel. The more bacteria present, often thriving in dental plaque, the higher the potential levels of acid that can damage enamel. Stomach acid, which is strong enough to break down food, can cause similar harm to enamel if it causes higher than normal acidity in the mouth.
There are some things you can do to protect your teeth if you have GERD, namely manage your GERD symptoms with lifestyle changes and medication. You may need to avoid alcohol, caffeine or heavily acidic or spicy foods, all known to aggravate GERD symptoms. Quitting smoking and avoiding late night meals might also ease indigestion. And your doctor may recommend over-the-counter or prescription drugs to help control your acid reflux.
You can also boost your teeth's enamel health by practicing daily brushing and flossing—but not right after a reflux episode. The enamel could be softened, so brushing can potentially remove tiny particles of mineral content. Instead, rinse with water mixed with or without a little baking soda to help neutralize acid and wait about an hour—this will give saliva, the mouth's natural acid neutralizer, time to restore the mouth's normal pH level.
And be sure you're using a fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride strengthens enamel—in fact, your dentist may recommend topical fluoride applications to boost the effect.
These and other tips can help minimize the effects of GERD on your dental health. With an ounce of prevention, you can keep it from permanently damaging your teeth.
If you would like more information on managing your dental health with GERD, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “GERD and Oral Health.”