5 Ways to Make Your Child’s Trip to the Dentist Fun: Unusual noises. Strange smells. People whose faces are hidden behind surgical masks. For a child, a trip to the dentist can cause some anxiety, but it doesn’t have to be that way. It’s important to make your child’s trip to the dentist as comfortable as possible to set the groundwork for a lifetime of healthy habits. If you’re looking for ways to make dental visits fun, try some of the following tips.

1. Be sure to use a pediatric dentist who is great with children.

Does your dentist specialize in treating young patients? This can make a huge difference. The dentist you go to may not be the best choice for your child. However, there are some dentists who treat both adults and children, focusing on family dentistry. Many of them have treated three generations of patients!

2. Show off a “dental report card.”

Your child may be afraid that the dentist will find cavities, which lead to fillings. This worry can make them nervous. To encourage your children to develop good oral health habits, print out this nifty calendar, perhaps using stickers to show how well they’ve brushed their teeth. When it’s time to visit the dentist, proudly show off this report card! The health care team will be thrilled that your child is doing a great job, and positive reinforcement is incredibly effective.

3. Let your child wear a special shirt or costume when going to the dentist.

Who wouldn’t want to wear a Superman cape or princess gloves when going to the dentist? This may give children an extra dose of courage if they’re feeling a bit nervous. As long as the costume isn’t bulky and doesn’t make it difficult for the dentist to conduct an examination, it can provide a splash of fun. It’s a good chance to emphasize that dental health care professionals are part of a super team that stops the “bad guys” from harming teeth.

4. A few days before the appointment, introduce your child to Dudley the Dinosaur

Dudley is the official Jurassic ambassador of the American Dental Association (and he’s a lot friendlier and cuddlier than his “cousins” from the movies). Dudley’s adventures involve his first trip to the dentist, losing teeth and why it’s important to use a mouth guard. He always brushes his teeth. After all, a T-Rex has to have healthy gums! You can follow his video adventures before seeing the dentist. There are also several tooth-related games and quizzes that make waiting rooms more entertaining.

5. Plan a fun and educational reward.

If your child has consistently brushed his or her teeth and behaves well at the dental office, why not give him or her a reward that involves the whole family. A visit to the Fleet Science Center or New Children’s Museum would be a great educational opportunity, particularly if there’s a scheduled exhibit on germs, microbes or anatomy. Those present a great opportunity to reinforce the importance of healthy habits.

Don’t forget the train!

Of course, it helps a lot if your dentist has a kid-friendly office. Bright colors, cartoons, and a friendly atmosphere go a long way. At Dental Express, we’re partial to trains—and we’ve found that they’re popular with children of all ages. Most important, remember that your children take a lot of their cues from you. If you don’t demonstrate the importance of good oral health, how can you expect your children to do so? There are several ways to make a trip to the dentist more entertaining; the key is to select the one that is most effective for your child.

Top 10 Reasons to Keep Your Regular Dental Checkup

Your regular dental checkups are much more than a chance to showcase your winning smile; they are a vital tool in maintaining your overall health. However, more and more Americans are skipping this important checkup, jeopardizing not only their teeth, but also putting themselves at greater risk for heart disease, stroke and high blood pressure. According to the Centers for Disease Control, only 61 percent of American adults have had a dental visit in the past year and 27 percent of those ages 20 to 44 have untreated cavities. Not sure you have time to see your dentist? Take a look at these top ten reasons you should have a regular dental checkup and see if you change your mind.

10. Use your dental insurance benefits

Nationwide, millions of dollars of dental insurance goes unused each year. While specifics may vary by policy, most dental insurance plans will pay for two cleanings/ checkups a year. When December 31 rolls around, you lose any unused benefits. Be sure to take advantage of your coverage. After all, you’ve paid for it.

9. Remove tartar

Dental hygienists are professionally trained to clean hard-to-reach areas of your mouth, using specialized tools to scrub your enamel free of plaque. When plaque builds up, it creates tartar. When tartar hardens, it becomes even more difficult to remove on your own. If untreated, this can quickly lead to cavities.

8. Regular X-rays

Do you have impacted wisdom teeth? Do you need a root canal pain treatment? X-rays can show the answer. Surprisingly, not all dental problems involve a toothache. Sometimes the biggest problems go undetected, and by the time they become painful, the damage is much more extensive. Regular X-rays also help your local dentist determine if teeth have shifted due to an uneven bite or jaw problems.

7. Spot problems before they get worse

After your cleaning, the dentist will conduct an examination, checking for cavities or other problems. Tooth decay is easier to treat at its earliest stages. Once a cavity tears into the enamel, it can inflame the pulp, which is the soft tissue inside each tooth. From there, infection can spread to the root. In extreme cases, extensive decay can lead to a serious bacterial infection.

6. Establish good communication between you and your dentist

Whether you have a walk-in appointment or you visit a dentist twice a year, communication is key to a successful partnership. These health care professionals want to ensure that you have a healthy smile not merely because straight, white teeth are attractive, but because oral health can affect your overall health. Dental visits make many people nervous. But if you speak with your dentist about your concerns, a treatment plan will be created to make you as comfortable as possible.

5. Keep your body healthy

Studies have repeatedly confirmed that your oral health provides insight into your overall health. Poor dental hygiene can lead to other diseases and conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis and endocarditis (the infection of the heart lining. ) Gum disease has also been linked to low birth weight and premature birth.

4. Set an example for the kids

Since oral health has such a huge impact on your life, wouldn’t you want to be sure your children (or nieces, or nephews) understand the importance of brushing and flossing? How can you expect them to do the right thing if they’re not taught how? Children should start seeing a dentist as soon as they have their first tooth. There are local dentists who specialize in treating children who can help. Be sure to set a good example for those you love.

3. Help for sleep apnea

Your dentist can also help you get a great night’s sleep. Sleep apnea is a condition where someone stops breathing repeatedly at small intervals during the night. It can lead to much more than drowsiness—it increases the risk of heart disease, stroke and high blood pressure. Those with sleep apnea may benefit from a customized mouth guard that opens the airway, eliminating snoring.

2. No surprises

It’s always better to plan and be prepared. By seeing your dentist regularly and communicating with him or her, you will have a better idea not only of your treatment plan, but how much your dental insurance will cover. This way there are no surprises with your dental work or your bill. If you do not have dental insurance, this will also give you a chance to speak with your dentist about payment options.

1. Oral cancer screening

Every dental checkup includes a screening for oral cancer. In the U.S., roughly 132 new cases of oral cancer are diagnosed every day. Early detection dramatically increases chances of survival, but most oral cancers are not discovered until later stages. Don’t skip this vital screening! There are plenty of excuses for skipping a regular dental appointment: not enough time, hectic schedules and even nervousness top the list. These excuses pale in comparison of the incredible benefits of a biannual dental cleaning and checkup. Schedule an appointment with your local dentist and have something to smile about.

Sources: Centers for Disease Control. “Oral and Dental Health.” Online. Mayo Clinic. “Oral Health: A Window to Your Overall Health.” Online. Mayo Clinic. “Sleep Apnea.” Online. Renter, Elizabeth. “ No Dental Insurance? Don’t Wait for Something to Go Wrong.” U.S. News and World Report. 20 May 2015. Online.

You’re trying to keep your promise to your dentist by flossing your teeth every night. When you remove the string of floss from your mouth, you notice a trace of blood. When you spit and then check your mirror, you ask yourself, why are my gums bleeding? Is this because I’m flossing too hard or do I have a more serious health condition? There are several reasons you may have bleeding gums. Take a look at five common conditions.

Periodontal disease

This is a serious condition that inflames the gum tissue supporting the teeth. This causes the gums to recede and teeth may loosen and eventually fall out, which is why it’s important to get help in its earlier stages, when it’s most treatable. Periodontal disease is caused by the long-term effects of plaque, tartar and bacteria build-up on your teeth. Symptoms include:

• Red, tender or swollen gums
• Bleeding gums
• Receding gums that have pulled away from the teeth
• Loose teeth
• Change in the way your dentures fit
• Consistent bad breath
• A persistent bad taste in your mouth

The good news is that periodontal disease is treatable. Your dentist can perform a deep cleaning, where plaque and bacteria are removed from beneath the gum line. As a result, the ligaments holding your teeth in place strengthen, preventing tooth loss. The American Dental Association has a wealth of information, including educational videos, on gum disease at their website.

Brushing too hard

Sometimes the simplest explanation is the answer. Heavy-handed brushing or flossing can cause bleeding gums. Be sure to use a soft-bristled toothbrush.

Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura

Wow! That’s a mouthful. This disorder causes excessive bleeding and bruising due to low levels of platelets. Platelets are cells that help your blood form clots. This disease can affect children and adults, and while children can fully recover without treatment, for most adults, it’s a chronic condition. Treatment varies, but it starts with a thorough evaluation of symptoms and a platelet count. Depending upon the test results, medication or surgery may be needed.

Hormonal conditions

When your hormones fluctuate, your gums are more susceptible to bleeding. Women are particularly vulnerable. During puberty, the increase in sex hormones causes an increase in gum sensitivity due to increased blood circulation. Women who are pregnant or menopausal may also have gums that bleed more often than normal. Some women even experience menstruation gingivitis. Gingivitis is a type of gum disease laser treatment. This type of gingivitis starts before a woman’s period and clears up when it ends.

Leukemia

Leukemia is cancer of the blood cells and affects both children and adults. Normally, your body’s white blood cells efficiently fight disease, but in leukemia, the bone marrow produces white blood cells that don’t work. There are several different types of leukemia, and treatment must be tailored accordingly. There are several other causes for bleeding gums, including blood thinners and vitamin deficiencies. If you experience bleeding gums, let your dentist know. Depending upon your other symptoms, he or she may wish to refer you to another physician for blood tests and further evaluation. Dental Express offers dental care for the entire family, including SmileCorrect, implants, emergency dental care and maintenance services. Our practice features compassionate care coupled with state-of-the-art dentistry at four convenient locations in San Diego: Downtown, Point Loma, Clairemont and Santee. Contact us to schedule an appointment today.

How your dental health affects your overall health: Don’t have time for your scheduled dental appointment? Think again. More and more studies show a direct correlation between your oral health and your overall health. This means unhealthy teeth may lead to other problems such as heart disease and high blood pressure.

What’s the connection?

Scientists think that it may have to do with bacteria. Don’t panic just yet. Many areas of your body such as your mouth, skin, and intestines—are swarming with bacteria. Unless you have a health condition that compromises your immune system, this bacteria is harmless. Bacteria in your mouth are kept under control by regular brushing, flossing and scheduled dental cleanings with a professional hygienist. If you slack off on these important steps, it leads to tooth decay and gum disease. Periodontitis is a serious form of gum disease that might play a role in other diseases throughout your body. The increase in bacteria has a domino effect on systems throughout your body—particularly if you already have chronic conditions such as diabetes and HIV/AIDS, which lower your body’s resistance to infection.

Diseases and conditions related to your dental health

When bacteria overpopulate your mouth, they move to other parts of your body. Poor oral health may contribute to the following diseases:

• Heart disease, including endocarditis, an infection of the inner lining of the heart
• Pregnancy complications, including low birth weight and premature birth
• Diabetes
• Eating disorders
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Osteoporosis
• Lesions, which are common in those with HIV/AIDS

Protect your oral health

There are a lot of common sense measures you can take to safeguard your oral health. Here’s a checklist:

Stop smoking.

Using tobacco products, including snuff and chewing tobacco, can damage your teeth and put you at greater risk for oral cancer.

Brush your teeth at least twice a day.

Be sure to use fluoride toothpaste that has been approved by the American Dental Association.

Change your toothbrush every couple of months.

Be sure to change it after you’ve had a cold or an illness.

Watch what you eat.

Avoid sticky, sugary snacks that adhere to your teeth. See a list of 5 surprising foods that are harmful to your teeth here!

Don’t skip your twice-a-year cleanings.

Did you know that most dental insurance plans will pay for two cleanings a year? Don’t throw away your benefits! Your bi-annual checkups are also a time when your dentist checks your mouth for signs of oral cancer. Brushing your teeth regularly is not only beneficial to your overall health, but it also improves your quality of life. Bacteria overgrowth can lead to painful conditions such as tooth decay. If not treated in a timely manner or with Laser Gum Therapy, dental infections can spread far into the tooth and irritate the jaw bone. At times like this, a root canal may be needed. If you have any questions on how your oral health may be affecting your overall health, or if you have one of the conditions listed above, speak to your dentist for additional information.

The most important part of your bi-annual dental checkup has nothing to do with your teeth. During these exams, your general dentist will screen you for oral cancer. Oral cancer can affect different areas of your mouth and throat, including the voice box, the tonsils, the back of the tongue, and the soft palate (the soft spot at the roof of your mouth). The screening is painless. Your dentist will look into your throat, examine your mouth, and touch your neck to feel your lymph nodes. Why is this screening so vital? Because oral cancer has a higher death rate than most other cancers. However, if you suspect that you have any of these seven most common signs of oral cancer, don’t wait for your annual appointment to see your dentist.

Signs of Oral Cancer

1. Painful mouth sores that do not heal (non-healing ulcers)
2. Hoarseness or voice changes that do not go away
3. Numbness in the mouth and tongue
4. White or red patches on gums, tonsils or tongue
5. Loose teeth
6. Unexplained weight loss
7. Bad breath

Avoiding Oral Cancer

There are several precautions you can take to dramatically reduce your risk for oral cancer:

• Stop smoking Obviously, if you smoke, you should quit as soon as possible. Smoking is one of the worst habits for your overall health. In addition to oral cancer, it puts you at risk for heart disease, lung cancer and a wide variety of problems. If you’ve had trouble quitting in the past, don’t give up. There are several free resources available to help you.
• Tobacco and alcohol use Tobacco in any form — chew, snuff –can place you at risk. Excessive alcohol use does also. However, the combination of tobacco and alcohol use places you at higher risk than either of these factors by themselves.
• HPV infection HPV, or the human papilloma virus, is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States. When these same cells affect the throat, it is called oral HPV. Most of the time, the body is able to successfully fight off the infection. However, there are certain types of HPV–called “high-risk” HPV–that do not go away, and these are the types that cause oral cancer. There is some good news: In the U.S., only seven percent of those with HPV have oral HPV, and of those, only one percent have the type that leads to cancer. Speak with your doctor about precautions you can take to avoid an HPV infection.
• Don’t skip your annual cleanings! Did you know that most dental insurance plans will completely cover the cost of two cleanings a year? Don’t let your dental benefits go unused. An oral cancer screening is a part of this annual exam, and early detection is an important aspect of this check-up.

Of course, there are some oral cancer risk factors you can’t change, such as family history. If you have a family history of oral cancer, you should notify your dentist. An accurate and up-to-date medical history is vital to allowing him or her to tailor a treatment plan for you.

Three things you need to know about dental fillings: You’re stronger than you realize. When you chew, your back molars are exerting a force of roughly 70 pounds a square inch. That’s something to think about next time you eat dinner—or accidentally bite your tongue. Now imagine all that force, every day, exerted on your teeth and, in turn, your fillings. It’s no wonder that fillings eventually crack and need to be replaced! What may surprise you is that how long your fillings last can vary depending upon the type of material the dentist uses. Fillings enable you to a keep a tooth that otherwise might have been destroyed by tooth decay. When you have a cavity, the dentist clears the area of bacteria, using a drill to shape the tooth to ensure there is no decay left. He or she then fills the tooth with a specialized material. Fillings protect the soft, inner part of the tooth from infection. Because of their important role in oral health, it’s important to know the following three things about fillings:

1. Eventually, all fillings need to be replaced.

Do you grind your teeth while you sleep? If so, you may be exerting even more force on your teeth than the 70 pounds per square inch mentioned in the example above. Because of the extensive wear and tear your teeth undergo every day, eventually, all fillings will need to be replaced. How long do they last? That depends on the type of filling and how well you take care of your teeth. In general, fillings can last from seven to 15 years. There are several different types of fillings, but two of the most common are:

• Amalgam fillings: These are made from a metallic mixture of copper, silver and tin. They tend to be very durable and relatively inexpensive.
• Composite fillings: These fillings are made of acrylic resin and tiny, finely ground glass-like particles. Combined, these materials create a tooth-colored filling. These are often used to repair smaller cavities, particularly if located on one of the front teeth.

The material your dentist uses depends upon the location and size of the cavity, as well as other factors. Speak with your dentist about what type of material is being used and what you can expect.

2. A damaged or cracked filling should be fixed as soon as possible.

Even microscopic, hairline cracks in your filling can allow bacteria and germs to silently creep in and set up shop. It’s impossible to remove this bacteria by brushing and flossing. This means that it is possible to have tooth decay underneath a filling! Therefore, if you believe you may have a cracked or loose filling, it’s important to immediately schedule an appointment with your dentist. Symptoms of a cracked filling include a sharp pain when biting on hard food or an intense sensitivity to heat or cold. If the filling isn’t fixed in a timely manner, the bacteria can damage the soft inner part of the tooth called the pulp. If the pulp is infected, a root canal may be needed.

3. Fillings aren’t a “safety net” or a “seal” for your teeth.

Modern dentistry is wonderful isn’t it? After all, if you had been born 100 years ago, your options for treating cavities would be extremely limited (often removal was the only option). But just because you do have access to the latest dental technology and tooth colored fillings doesn’t mean you should slack off on good dental hygiene. Even the most sophisticated fillings are just that—fillings. There’s no substitute for your natural teeth. This means it’s important not only to brush your teeth, but also to brush them correctly. Your teeth are still susceptible to decay or breakdown. The easiest way to avoid fillings is to follow good dental hygiene practices and, most important, have regular dental checkups. Regular dental X-rays will help the dentist discover any cracks or problems with your fillings. Remember: don’t delay if you need to have a cavity filled. When your dentist tells you that you have a cavity, your first reaction may be to groan—no one wants to go through the time and expense of having dental work. Instead of dreading the procedure, see this as an opportunity to speak with your dentist about what steps you can take to improve your oral health. Always remember that regular checkups enable your dentist to prevent many problems before they can develop. Ask questions and become an active partner in your care. Dental Express offers dental care for the entire family, including SmileCorrect, implants, emergency dental care and maintenance services. Our practice features compassionate care coupled with state-of-the-art dentistry at four convenient locations in San Diego: Downtown, Point Loma, Clairemont and Santee. Contact us to schedule an appointment today.