How to Get Kids to Brush
I wanted to answer a question that I get asked almost every day which is, “how do I get my kids to brush more?” Number one make it fun for them. Number two do some positive reinforcement. I often hear a lot of stories about parents threatening their kids with horror stories about the dentist such as drills and needles they’ll experience if they don’t brush their teeth. That’s not really the right way to go there and not the best approach. You want to have positive experiences at the dentist because positive experiences at the dentist can lead to a lifetime of positive dental health. So, let us talk about making brushing fun for kids. There’re all kinds of hygiene products out there at the store. One I really like is the Listerine Agent Code Blue. This will stain their teeth blue and then they can brush it off. Another product I really like is the electronic battery-operated toothbrushes. There are all kinds of fun cartoon characters for your kids. They can pick their favorite one and that will make brushing a lot more fun. Also, get them a toothpaste they like. If they don’t like mint flavor don’t start them off with mint flavor, try bubblegum or grape. There are all kinds of different fun flavors to try. Most products available in the stores are very safe and normal for everyday kit brushing. If you have any questions feel free to call us at the Ascent Dental Group in Cherry Creek, Denver, or send us an email. The main point to take away is, making brushing a fun thing for kids to do.
Top Dental Problems in Adults
Although many people focus heavily on oral hygiene in their youth, the reality is that the majority of adults will suffer from some sort of dental issues in their lifetime. As we age, there is a wide range of common teeth problems that may spring up; fortunately, many of them can be mitigated with proper hygiene and regular dental check-ups. Most Common Dental Health Problems Believe it or not, the list of common dental health problems for adults is actually rather long. Some of the more serious common issues to watch out for include: Untreated tooth decay — this affects more than a quarter of all adults in the United States. Gum disease — 46% of Americans over 30 show signs of gum disease. Tooth loss — Loose teeth in adults shouldn’t go unchecked; though tooth loss has declined over time, it can still occur as a byproduct of decay or gum disease. Oral cancer — Those who are over 55 and who smoke or drink heavily are particularly prone to oral cancer. Chronic diseases — Arthritis, heart disease, diabetes, and a range of other chronic diseases can heighten a person’s risk for generally poor oral health. Some of the more innocuous (but still detrimental) dental issues which are relatively common in adults include: Bad breath — While bad breath (or halitosis) isn’t necessarily concerning on its own, about 85% of bad breath sufferers actually have a different condition to blame for their affliction, like dry mouth or cavities. Mouth sores — Canker sores, cold sores, and fever blisters are common mouth sores that are generally not a concern as long as they dissipate on their own within two weeks. Tooth sensitivity — Millions of people experience sensitive teeth which make it uncomfortable to ingest very hot or cold substances, but this issue can be treated. Though there are many different common dental issues that adults should be aware of, there are also many steps you can take to prevent them. Habits to Improve Oral Health If you want to prioritize your oral health, follow these guidelines to avoid the most common dental problems. Limit alcohol consumption and avoid smoking Brush teeth twice a day in gentle circular motions with a fluoride toothpaste using gentle, circular motions; gently brush your tongue at the same time to avoid plaque Floss daily and use mouthwash Visit the dentist 1-2 times per year Drink water, and avoid your intake of sugary and acidic foods By taking these simple steps, you will have adopted an effective preventative care routine that will save you from having to invest in costly procedures and surgeries down the line. Small measures such as this can have a huge impact on your oral health. Be sure to visit the dentist to ensure that you don’t have any dental issues already occurring. The staff at Ascent Dental Group in Cherry Creek, Denver is here to assist you in achieving your oral health goals—contact us to set up an appointment today.
Dental Issues Among Children
Everyone knows that childhood is full of bruised knees and scraped elbows, and kids’ dental issues are all too common as well. Most parents are not shocked to learn that of all the dental problems in children, cavities are the most common; in fact, about 20% of children between the ages of 5 and 11 have at least one untreated decayed tooth. Because of the havoc cavities can wreak on oral health, it is important to stay up to date with your child’s bi-annual checkups and cleanings. Once your child reaches adolescence, it’s vital that they maintain their dental checkup schedule—about 13% of kids aged 12 to 19 have at least one untreated decayed tooth. Preventing Cavities in Children Though cavities are undeniably a pervasive issue for children, they can be prevented with fluoride treatment and consistent brushing. Because cavities are one of the most stubborn child and toddler teeth problems, they sometimes require additional preventative measures. Pediatric dental sealants are an option for kids who are prone to cavities, who have poor brushing or flossing habits, whose diets consist of sugary snacks and drinks, or who simply need a quick and non-invasive means of preventing cavities. Parents can also take a proactive approach to cavity prevention. For babies, parents can wipe their child’s gums with a clean, soft cloth twice a day—this will eliminate the presence of sugars and bacteria. Additionally, they can begin brushing their baby’s teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush and water as soon as they appear, and start visiting the dentist on the baby’s first birthday. For children, parents can ensure that their kids are brushing their teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, drinking tap water (which contains fluoride), and they can discuss sealant options with the kids’ dentist. Collectively, these measures will prove rather effective at minimizing dental problems in children. Other Common Dental Issues for Children Though cavities are at the top of children’s dental concerns, there are other dental issues that parents should also be aware of, including: Tooth decay — Decay develops slowly, but it impacts 40% of kids between the ages of two and five. Tooth sensitivity — In kids, sensitivity can be caused by a wide range of underlying factors, but many of them are treatable by a dentist. Dental emergencies — Many children are accident-prone; a broken, chipped, or cracked tooth can be painful, so tending to dental emergencies promptly is important. Early gum disease — If a child’s gums appear red and swollen, it’s a telltale sign that they are experiencing early gum disease. Tooth misalignment — Also known as malocclusion, this issue generally must be addressed with orthodontic treatment once the child is old enough. The best way to ensure a child’s oral hygiene and avoid future dental issues is to establish regular care with a dentist. Ascent Dental is always accepting new patients, and we’re well-versed in pediatric dentistry—contact us to set an appointment and keep your child’s oral health in good standing.