Should I Be Cleaning My Child’s Teeth?

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Many parents clean their child’s teeth for them until they reach an age when they can do it themselves. Knowing when, why and how to clean your child’s teeth can help you take care of your child’s oral hygiene. We’ve posted the article below to give some guidance on this issue. It’s also important to work with your dentist in Owensboro, KY to find out what you can be doing to help your child.

When and How to Clean Your Child’s Teeth

It’s common for parents to clean their child’s teeth until they’ve reached the age of about 7 or 8. Children do not have the manual dexterity to properly clean their own teeth, so they need help from their parents to ensure that their mouth is cleaned properly.

To clean your child’s teeth, use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. Children who are too young to understand that you should not swallow your toothpaste should not have fluoridated toothpaste. Check with your child’s dentist to get a toothpaste recommendation.

Brush your child’s teeth for two minutes. Your dentist can show you some tricks for getting their teeth brushed properly. You can use a timer to time their tooth brushing, or you can sing a song for two minutes.

How to Ensure Your Child Has Good Dental Hygiene

Take your child for regular dental exams in Owensboro, KY to ensure that your child has good dental hygiene. Your dentist can tell you how often your child should be coming in for exams and cleaning. Children are prone to getting cavities, so don’t let this appointment slide! Call Dr. Travis Wilson Family Dentistry to make an appointment today.

Where’s My Bad Breath Coming From?

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Do you suffer from bad breath? Do you have this problem even though you brush your teeth regularly? Many things can cause bad breath, so brushing regularly may not be enough to make your breath smell better.

If you have a problem with bad breath, one of the things you can do is work with your dentist in Owensboro, KY. By seeing the dentist regularly, you can avoid the problems that cause bad breath.

It’s also important to know the causes of bad breath. Knowing the potential cause may help you find a solution. Here’s what to know.

Causes of Bad Breath

Bad breath typically comes from bacteria in the mouth, but can also come from the food you eat. Here’s a short list of things that can lead to bad breath:

  • Smoking
  • Eating certain foods like onions and garlic
  • Poor dental hygiene and dental hygiene problems like gingivitis
  • An infection in the mouth

Dry mouth also contributes to bad breath, because saliva helps keep the mouth clean. If you have dry mouth – maybe because you smoke or you take medications that dry out your mouth – then you may suffer from bad breath.

What You Can Do

If you have bad breath that never seems to get better, schedule a dental exam in Owensboro, KY. Most likely, your dentist can tell you the cause of your bad breath right away.

Other things you can do to keep your breath smelling beautiful include:

  • Brush your teeth twice daily
  • Floss regularly
  • See the dentist every six months
  • Brush your tongue as well as your teeth
  • Stop smoking
  • Rinse your mouth after eating
  • Drink lots of water

Are you suffering from bad breath? Contact Travis Wilson DMD to make an appointment!

How to Use Mouthwash

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When your dentist in Beaver Dam, KY advises you to rinse after brushing and flossing, they are hoping you know how to use mouthwash. Using mouthwash may seem straightforward, but there are important things to keep in mind.

Don’t Drink From the Bottle

Mouthwash caps are typically large and shaped in the ideal size for one “dose.” However, you should never actually drink from the cap or from the bottle itself. Doing either of these will result in your contaminating the entire bottle with mouth bacteria. If you share a bottle of mouthwash with other members of the family, it’s even worse. Instead, keep a clean glass or mini paper cups in the bathroom for dispensing each “dose” of the mouthwash.

Keep Mouthwash Away From Kids

Children will have a hard time avoiding swallowing tasty mouthwash. Even the adult, minty varieties are tempting to swallow for kids. The best thing is to avoid buying those bright, shiny, fruity and bubble-gum flavored mouthwashes for kids, and to keep adult mouthwashes away from children. Instead, let kids simply rinse with warm water.

Finish with a Gargle

Did you know that mouth bacteria can get very far back in the throat? Gargling with mouthwash helps to remove harmful bacteria that may be lurking far back at the top of the throat. The last thing you should do before finishing up your oral hygiene routine is to gargle for 30 seconds or so and then spit into the sink.

Use Mouthwash in the Morning

When you awaken in the morning to use the toilet facilities, make a habit of rinsing quickly with mouthwash, even before you brush. This will help rid your mouth of bacteria that built up while you slept.

Visit your Beaver Dam, KY dentist for more recommendations for using various types of mouthwash and about oral hygiene in general. Contact us today to book your appointment.

Should I be Cleaning My Tongue?

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Anyone who has been inside a drugstore can see that there are products available for cleaning your tongue. Your dentist in Owensboro, KY always advises patients to brush, floss and rinse, but not much is heard about cleaning the tongue. Is this extra step in oral hygiene really necessary, or is it marketing hype to get you to buy products?

Why You Should Clean Your Tongue

Hundreds of microscopic papillae, or finger-like projections that give your tongue its rough texture, cover your tongue. These papillae, interestingly, generate a pattern on your tongue that is as individual as your fingerprints. However, they also leave a carpet-like surface on your tongue, making plaque, germs, food debris, and dead skin cells easy to collect. This can result in foul breath as well as a variety of other oral health problems. In addition to seeing a dentist on a regular basis to keep your tongue healthy, there are several simple methods to keep it clean and enhance your general health.

How to Clean Your Tongue

By adding a minute or two to your daily oral hygiene regimen, you can keep your tongue clean and healthy. Here are two ways to get it done.

1. Brush your Tongue with your Toothbrush

Brushing your tongue with a toothbrush is the simplest approach, since you’re already standing there with a toothbrush in hand. After cleaning your teeth, rinse your brush and brush the whole surface area of your tongue for 15-30 seconds. Rinse once more.

2. Use a Tongue Scraper

Extend your tongue as far as possible. Place the tongue scraper on the back of your tongue. While exerting mild pressure, push the scraper on your tongue and slide it toward the front of your tongue. Rinse after every scrape by running it under warm water to remove any dirt or bacteria. During the tongue scraping, spit out any extra saliva that has accumulated. Repeat as needed.

Everybody Gets at Least One Cavity, Right?

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It often seems like cavities are an inevitable part of life. After all, everyone you know has probably had at least one cavity. You yourself may have had one or more cavities over the years. But it may surprise you to know that not everyone gets cavities. In fact, there are many people who have never had a cavity.

Genetic Predisposition to Cavities

There is a large genetic factor insofar as to who gets cavities and who doesn’t. What kind of bacteria you have, the shape of your teeth, and even the composition of your saliva make you more or less predisposed to developing cavities. These are things you can’t control, but there are many things that you can control in order to avoid getting cavities.

How to Avoid Cavities

There are lots of ways to avoid getting cavities, no matter what. Of course, brushing, flossing and rinsing after each meal are essential. Regular visits with your dentist in Owensboro, KY are essential, too. Your diet plays an important part; avoiding excess alcohol and sugar is imperative. Keep in mind that fresh fruit is good, but too much exposes you to excess fructose, a naturally-occurring sugar. And now, there is a new dental treatment that creates another layer of protection between your teeth and harmful bacteria. Dental sealants are available for children and those at higher risk of developing cavities. If you keep getting cavities no matter how much brushing you do, you might be a good candidate for dental sealants.

Remember, if you aren’t genetically predisposed to cavities, that doesn’t mean you are “immune” to getting them. And those who are genetically disposed of aren’t necessarily guaranteed to get cavities. Diet, oral hygiene and having regular appointments with your dentist in Owensboro, KY are key factors, whatever your genetics are. Contact us today to book your next appointment.

Do You Really Have to Give up Candy For Oral Health?

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When you visit your Beaver Dam and Owensboro, KY dentist, they will advise you to do what you can at home to support your own oral health. This will likely include avoiding certain things, like excessive drinking and smoking, and avoiding excess sugar in the diet. But, you might think to yourself, is a little candy really so bad? If you have what is commonly called a sweet tooth, do you really have to completely deprive yourself of one of your favorite indulgences?

Indulgence is the Key Word

Well, in this case, indulgence is the key word. An indulgence is something that you partake in in small amounts. It’s something you enjoy every now and then, and just a little bit. If candy is a little indulgence for you, then there’s no reason why you can’t enjoy a little bit every now and then.

The Benefits of Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate has been shown to have certain health benefits. Dark chocolate is often sweetened much less than regular chocolate. If you and your doctor feel that a little bit of dark chocolate is beneficial to your health—even a nibble every single day—then there’s no reason why you can’t enjoy it.

Avoid Large Quantities

What you don’t want to do is to eat large quantities of candy very often. For optimal oral health, don’t be that person in the office with a drawer full of licorice and candy bars. This kind of candy consumption will almost inevitably lead to infection or cavities or both.

Most adults are very aware that sugar can cause problems or even lead to the need for tooth extraction in Owensboro, KY. Knowing the risks, this particular food item should be avoided as much as possible.

How to Clean Modern Dentures

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If your dentist in Owensboro, KY has just fitted you with dentures, the next step is to learn how to take care of them. Modern dentures are made of better materials than your grandparents’ dentures. You can expect your dentures to last a long time if they are properly looked after. Here is the best way to clean your new dentures.

Remove For Cleaning After Meals

After you dine, visit a washroom privately where you can remove your dentures for rinsing. Just run tap water over the dentures. This helps to prevent food debris from drying and sticking, and makes it easier for you to thoroughly clean your dentures later.

Rinse Mouth After Removing

Before putting your dentures back in after rinsing, rinse your mouth with water, too. That way, you won’t contaminate the dentures with left over food debris from your gums.

Brush Dentures Daily

At home, get into a routine of brushing your dentures at least once a day, preferably before bedtime. Use a dentist-approved denture cleaner and a soft-bristled brush. Make sure to clean any grooves where dental adhesive might be hiding.

Soak Dentures Overnight

Place the dentures in a glass container, preferably one with a lid. The lid will prevent airborne particles from landing in the water. Use a solution of a mild denture cleanser and clean tap water.

Rinse Mouth Before Inserting Dentures in Owensboro

Before putting your dentures back in place in the morning, use an anti-bacterial mouthwash to thoroughly clean and disinfect your mouth.

Your dentist will be happy to let you know if you need any special instructions to care for your Owensboro, KY dentures. Contact us today to book your next dental exam or to find out more about the benefits of modern dentures.

The Right Way to Remove Trapped Food From Between Teeth

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Your dentist in Owensboro and Beaver Dam, KY emphasizes the importance of brushing and flossing after meals. Small particles of food can easily get stuck in between teeth, leading to the buildup of harmful bacteria, plaque and more. Those with narrow spaces in between teeth are more likely to struggle with trapped food particles, but everyone eventually encounters this issue.

Don’t Use Fingers to Remove Trapped Food

Sometimes people—especially women who have longer nails—will try to remove trapped food using their fingernails. This isn’t a good idea because you’re more likely to push the food further in, where it’s even harder to remove. Or, you may break up the particle and remove only the largest piece, leaving smaller particles behind. Finally, you could inadvertently spread germs around your mouth, using fingernails that are now contaminated with old food particles.

Toothpicks Work

Instead, try using a toothpick to loosen stuck food particles. The caveat is that you need to use a gentle touch. Take care not to poke at the gums, since this will cause pain and/or bleeding. Use several toothpicks, discarding used ones and always using a clean tip. Also, if you have inflamed gum tissue, don’t use a toothpick at all.

Oil Pulling Works

Another safe way to remove trapped food particles is to practice oil pulling after brushing and flossing. Swish a small amount of coconut oil around your mouth and gently “pull” the oil between teeth. The oil lubricates the teeth so the particles can’t stick to teeth, and the gentle pressure releases the food debris so you can spit it into the sink.

Make sure you visit your Beaver Dam and Owensboro, KY dentist at least every six months for a thorough cleaning that will remove any food debris and/or plaque build-up.

3 Preventive Dental Care Treatments to Consider

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Have you ever wished that you could push a “rewind” button and get back your healthy natural teeth? If you still have natural teeth that you want to protect, or you have younger loved ones whose teeth you’d like to protect, you can! Today, there are several preventative dental care treatments in Owensboro, KY that can help natural teeth stay healthy for as long as possible.

1. Dental Sealant

Dental sealant is a simple and straightforward way to add an extra layer of protection over natural teeth. The FDA-approved dental sealant is applied with a brush on certain teeth, such as molars. It’s allowed to harden and then it lasts for several months. Dental sealant is most often used on kids, but adults with healthy natural teeth can also get dental sealant. It’s non-invasive, painless and very effective at stopping cavities before they start.

2. Fluoride Treatment

Fluoride treatment is a wash that is flushed over the teeth to make teeth more impervious to bacteria. The fluoride fortifies the tooth enamel and adds minerals so that the teeth are harder and stronger. Just one fluoride treatment is enough to protect natural teeth for a long time. Talk to your dentist in Owensboro, KY about fluoride treatment options.

3. Teeth Polishing

Teeth polishing is a little bit different than teeth whitening, although teeth polishing will make your teeth brighter and whiter, too. In this preventative treatment, the teeth surface is polished, which helps to get rid of biofilm and plaque that harbor bad bacteria. Teeth polishing is most effective when it’s done in tandem with teeth cleaning.

These simple preventative dental care treatments will help you to keep teeth healthy in between dentist visits. Remember, preventative treatments are not a substitute for regular dentist visits. Contact us today to book your next appointment.

Does Charcoal Make Teeth Whiter?

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One of the latest trends in oral health is activated charcoal. Before using any trendy products on your teeth, be sure to consult with your dentist in Beaver Dam and Owensboro, KY. Despite what you may have heard online, trendy oral health care products may do more damage than good. Since the results of any oral healthcare product will depend on your individual circumstances, it’s best to talk to a dentist first.

The Allure of Whiter Teeth

Almost everyone wants whiter teeth. White teeth symbolize health and wellness and, quite simply, make a person’s appearance more attractive. This is why teeth whitening products are so popular, and is likely the reason why the idea of activated charcoal has gained in popularity.

Why Activated Charcoal Works

In fact, activated charcoal does work to brighten teeth. However, it’s not for the reasons you may think. Activated charcoal doesn’t contain some “magic” compound that makes teeth whiter. The whitening action comes from the micro-abrasive composition of the charcoal. When a person brushes with activated charcoal, they’re simply scrubbing away with more abrasion than comes from a simple toothpaste. You could get similar results from brushing with baking soda or salt, both of which also are mild abrasive.

The Dangers of Using Activated Charcoal

There are potential dangers in using activated charcoal on a regular basis. For one, the enamel on your teeth is not impervious to abrasives. It’s easier to scrub away important enamel when you’re using an abrasive substance like charcoal. This would leave your teeth more vulnerable to tooth pain and decay.

If you really want whiter teeth, your best option is to get professional teeth whitening from your dentist in Beaver Dam and Owensboro, KY. Contact us today to book an appointment.