As we all do our best to prevent exposing ourselves to the coronavirus by isolating at home or by protecting ourselves with masks, hand sanitizer, and maintaining six foot distances as we venture out, we also need to be mindful of keeping our bodies healthy so that our immune system can be ready in case it is confronted with this virus. Did you know that there is a direct link between your oral wellness and your overall health? We have all heard that people with certain risk factors like obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular problems are more likely to have complications if they contract COVID-19. Maintaining good oral hygiene and ensuring that we have regular dental examinations and cleanings is important in helping to ensure that our immune system is functioning at full capacity and is not already overwhelmed fighting off oral bacteria when it is confronted with coronavirus particles. [Read more…]
Set Your Child Up for Success with Sealants
Did you k
now that the most common chronic disease found in school-age children is tooth decay (or cavities)? While brushing twice a day and flossing daily are the best ways to prevent cavities, dental sealants are another preventative tool that can help reduce the risk of children developing cavities. Dental sealants are a protective barrier placed on the chewing surfaces of teeth that help to seal out plaque and acids from the deep pits and grooves of teeth, preventing them from forming cavities. In an October 2016 report released by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the importance of sealants for school-age children was affirmed when they found that “school-age children without sealants have almost three times more cavities than children with sealants.” More recent studies have found that sealants reduce the risk of developing cavities on molars by nearly 80%. [Read more…]
How COVID-19 may change your visit to the dentist
Never in our lif
etime have we experienced such a worldwide health crisis as we are currently. Protecting the health of ourselves, our families, and our community members has become a major group effort! Wearing masks, frequent hand washing, and sanitizer use is now the norm for everyone. Infection control has always been a top priority for us at Cheek Dental, but COVID-19 has certainly put our procedures to the test! [Read more…]
Why Baby Teeth Matter
As parents, there is nothing more special than seeing our child smile. While the baby teeth that make up those smiles may only be temporary, it is important to remember that they serve a very important role in our child’s health and development and must be meticulously cared for until they fall out. [Read more…]
A Woman’s Guide to Hormones and Dental Health
Hormones can affect many aspects of a woman’s health – their weight, their mood, and even their dental health. You may be surprised to learn that women are more susceptible to gum disease during periods of hormone surges such as puberty, menstruation, and pregnancy. While changing hormones are a fact of life, being aware of how hormones affect our oral health can help us manage and prevent their impact. [Read more…]
Common Mouth Sores
Mouth sores that appear on the lips, roof of the mouth, tongue, gums, or inside the cheeks can be ugly, painful, and annoying. Eating and speaking can be difficult as any movement of the affected tissue can cause discomfort. Two common types of painful mouth sores are canker sores and cold sores.
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SATISFYING THAT SWEET TOOTH WITHOUT TOOTH DAMAGE
We have all heard that we should avoid sugary foods if we want to have healthy teeth, but not all sugars and candies are created equal. Some sweets are less harmful to the teeth, and some are actually beneficial!
THE BETTER CHOICES… [Read more…]
BACK TO SCHOOL DENTAL TIPS
As another summer ends and a new school year approaches, many of us parents begin the task of preparing our children for their first day back to school. We shop for the necessary school supplies, we update their wardrobes, and we ensure they have the immunizations and booster shots necessary to continue in school. Children should also have a dental exam before returning to school to ensure they have a healthy mouth and the tools they need to maintain it.
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Kids in the Dental Office
My dental practice treats everyone from toddlers to the elderly, and though we have a passion for cosmetic dentistry, children are usually the most fun and interesting patients.
I have had many enlightening experiences as kids surprise me with their perceptions of what is occurring during their dental appointments. After I extracted the tooth of a 7-year-old boy, the mother asked her son as they left our office, “Has your tooth stopped hurting yet?” to which her son replied,”I don’t know. The dentist has it.” In treating young patients I have learned that………… [Read more…]
Your Diet and Your Smile
The foods you choose and how often you eat affect your general health as well as the health of your teeth and gums. Today, Americans are eating record numbers of sugary sodas, sweetened fruit drinks, and non-nutritious snacks, and over time these foods can make cavities in teeth. [Read more…]