5 Ways to Help Your Child Brush Their Teeth Better

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Toothbrushing is a skill that children need to learn in order to take care of their teeth. Teaching your child to brush their teeth well can help set them up for a life of good oral health and hygiene.

Your child’s dentist in Sugar Land, TX, can help. Below are some tips that we commonly provide for parents to help them teach their children to brush their teeth. If you need more tips to teach your child, talk to us at your child’s next dental appointment. We want to give you the tools to help set your child up for success.

1. Take Turns Brushing Teeth

Help your child brush their teeth until they can do it alone. Every once in a while, let your child take a turn brushing their own teeth. Giving your child turns helps them develop the skill, so they can do it independently.

2. Get Your Child an Electric Toothbrush

Studies show that some electric toothbrushes remove plaque better than manual toothbrushes. Get your child an electric toothbrush to make toothbrushing easier and more effective. If you’re not sure what type of electric toothbrush to get for your child, talk to the dentist to get a recommendation.

3. Get a Tutorial From the Dentist

Ask your child’s dentist to give them a tutorial on how to brush their teeth. The dentist can help your child learn to brush their teeth in hard-to-reach places. In addition, the dentist will know where your child’s teeth aren’t getting as clean as they could be. The dentist can show your child where to focus their attention.

4. Get Them a Timer

Kids need to brush their teeth for about two minutes each time they brush. This can feel like a long time for some children! Get your child a timer so they’ll know how long to brush their teeth each time.

5. Let Them Pick the Toothbrush and Toothpaste

Your child may be more motivated to brush their teeth well if they get to pick the toothbrush and toothpaste. Take them to the store and let them choose the toothbrushing products that most interest them.

Need more suggestions? Ask the dentist when you come to First Dental Family and Cosmetic Dentistry for pediatric dentistry in Sugar Land, TX. Call today.

Have Questions About Gum Disease? We Have Answers

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Do you have gum disease, or are you concerned that you might have gum disease? Your dentist in Sugar Land, TX, can provide you with gum disease treatment to protect your teeth and gums. If you have gum disease, you probably have questions about the condition and what it means for your dental health. We can provide you with answers! Here’s what you need to know.

What is gum disease?

Gum disease is an infection of the tissues that surround your teeth. Most people who have gum disease experience this problem because of poor oral hygiene habits, but some people are at higher risk than others. If you smoke, for example, you’re more likely to get gum disease. Seeing the dentist every six months and brushing your teeth twice daily can help you avoid this problem.

Who is at risk for gum disease?

Anyone can get gum disease, but you may be at high risk for this condition if you have diabetes, if you smoke or use tobacco products, or if you are taking certain medications. Your dentist will ask you health questions when you come in for dental care. It’s important to answer these questions honestly to find out if you are at high risk for this condition.

What can I do to help protect myself from gum disease?

Brush your teeth twice each day and floss once daily. See the dentist every six months. Don’t smoke, or use tobacco products. Stay hydrated and avoid consuming too much sugar.

What are the symptoms of gum disease?

There are many signs of gum disease, including:

  • Your gums are inflamed, red, and puffy.
  • Your gums bleed when you brush your teeth or when you eat.
  • You have bad breath that can’t be fixed by brushing your teeth.

What should I do if I have gum disease?

If you have gum disease, it’s important to get treatment from a dentist. Contact us to learn more about gum disease laser therapy in Sugar Land, TX, and other treatments we can provide to help with this condition. Call today to get started.

Should I Get An Electric Toothbrush?

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It’s important to change your toothbrush every three months. When you’re buying a new toothbrush, you may notice electric toothbrushes in the store. Are they worth the money? It’s a good question!

Your dentist in Sugar Land, TX, can help answer your questions. Below, we’ve explored the topic of electric toothbrushes and whether an electric toothbrush is good for you. Here’s what you need to know.

Why Get An Electric Toothbrush?

Studies have shown that electric toothbrushes can clean your teeth better than manual toothbrushes. This can help protect you from problems like cavities, gum disease, and dental infection. If you’re concerned about your oral hygiene and would like a tool to help you maintain healthier teeth and gums, an electric toothbrush can help with this.

Do I Have to Replace My Electric Toothbrush Every Three Months?

Electric toothbrush heads have replaceable heads. You should replace the head every three months. You do not have to replace the entire toothbrush every three months.

Benefits of Getting An Electric Toothbrush

There are many benefits to getting an electric toothbrush.

  • Easy to use. Electric toothbrushes are designed for ease of use. Unlike manual toothbrushes, you don’t have to do much of the scrubbing with an electric toothbrush: the oscillating or sonic technology of a toothbrush will do the work for you. If you have mobility problems, electric toothbrushes can be much easier to use.
  • Effective. Electric toothbrushes are very effective at what they do.
  • Features. Many electric toothbrushes come with features that people appreciate. For example, it’s typical for electric toothbrushes to turn off after working for 2 minutes. This helps time the toothbrushing experience and prevents you from brushing too long.

Which Type of Electric Toothbrush Should I Get?

Wondering which type of toothbrush is right for you? Ask your dentist for a referral during your next dental checkup in Sugar Land, TX. There are many brands and types of electric toothbrushes, and they come at a range of costs. It’s hard to choose! Your dentist may be able to give you a recommendation to get you started with your first electric toothbrush purchase.

5 Things You Can Do to Help Your Child Maintain Healthy Teeth and Gums

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Your child’s first experiences taking care of their teeth can help set them up for a lifetime of good oral health. As your child’s dentist in Sugar Land, TX, we can help with this. Below, we’ve listed several things you can do to help your child have healthy teeth from a young age.

1. See the Dentist Regularly

Kids need to see the dentist regularly, just like adults. Ask your child’s dentist how often your child should come in for appointments. Make your child’s appointments at the same time each year to avoid forgetting to make the appointment. Many kids go see the dentist before school starts, so they can get their appointment out of the way while they’re not expected to be in school.

2. Brush Their Teeth Until They’re Ready

Brush your child’s teeth until they’ve developed the hand-eye coordination to brush their teeth on their own. Many kids need to have their teeth brushed until they’re about seven years old. If your child thinks they’re ready to brush their own teeth, have them demonstrate for you how they brush their teeth. They can show you if they’re ready.

3. Teach Them Good Oral Hygiene Habits

Talk to your child about what you do to take care of your teeth. Talk about how you go to the dentist regularly, how you brush your teeth twice daily, and floss once daily. Showing your child how you take care of your teeth can help your child learn to care for their teeth.

4. Limit Their Intake of Sugar

Kids like to eat a lot of candy! It’s not good for their teeth. Limit your child’s intake of sugar by keeping sugarless snacks on hand. Cashews, almonds, peanuts, boiled eggs, and hummus and crackers are all examples of foods that are less damaging to your child’s teeth.

5. Consider Dental Sealants

Dental sealants are thin protective coatings that the dentist will paint on your child’s molars. Consider dental sealants for your child. These dental sealants in Sugar Land, TX can help protect your child’s teeth from cavities. Does your child need dental sealants or a dental appointment? Call First Dental Family & Cosmetic Dentistry today.

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7 Ways to Maintain Your Dental Health this Fall

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Your dental health matters! This fall, there are many things you can do to maintain healthy teeth and gums. Your dentist in Sugar Land, TX, can help you with this. Below, we’ve listed seven ways to maintain healthy teeth and gums. If you have questions, contact your dentist at First Dental Family and Cosmetic Dentistry. We’re here to help!

1. Time Your Toothbrushing

Did you know you’re supposed to brush your teeth for two minutes each time? You can time yourself by setting an alarm on your phone, or by using a 2-minute sand timer. Either way, avoid brushing for longer than two minutes, to protect your gums.

2. Upgrade Your Toothbrush

If you’re using a manual toothbrush, consider switching to an electric toothbrush. Many electric toothbrush models are more effective at removing plaque and tartar from the teeth. Many electric toothbrushes also shut off after two minutes, so you won’t accidentally brush for too long.

3. Get Rid of Sugar

Avoid keeping sugary snacks in your house. Stock up on sugar-free snacks like boiled eggs, cheese with crackers, and nuts. When you need to munch on something, grab the carrot sticks instead of the candy bar!

4. Consider When You Last Saw the Dentist

Make an appointment to see the dentist every six months. If it’s been longer than six months since you last saw the dentist, make your next appointment now.

5. Change the Way You Treat Your Teeth

Teeth can be damaged more easily than you think. Avoid chewing on non-food items like ice chips or your finger nails. Also, take care not to brush your teeth too hard. Brushing too hard can cause gum recession.

6. Avoid Hard and Sticky Candies

Hard candies and sticky candies (like caramel) are especially bad for your teeth. These sugary snacks are hard to remove from your teeth when brushing.

7. Watch for Signs of Dental Trouble

Are you noticing signs of a dental problem, like tooth pain or bad breath? Make an appointment for a dental checkup in Sugar Land, TX. Call First Dental Family & Cosmetic Dentistry today.

What Happens If You Don’t Floss Your Teeth?

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No one likes to floss their teeth. So why bother? Your dentist in Sugar Land, TX, will tell you why. And you’re not going to like it! Keep reading to learn what happens when you don’t floss.

If you choose not to floss your teeth regularly (or at all), you can expect one or more consequences.

Bleeding Gums

When you don’t floss, plaque will build up on your gums. This causes inflammation, which leads to bleeding gums. Then you will need to schedule a dental exam in Sugar Land, TX to fix them.

Bad Breath

When you don’t floss, food particles remain stuck between your teeth. That food is then broken down by bacteria. Your mouth will then produce sulfur compounds, leading to bad breath.

Loose Teeth

When you don’t floss, your mouth accumulates bacteria. That bacteria will cause inflammation. Then, that inflammation causes the collagen and fibers that hold your teeth together to break down. And that will eventually cause your teeth to become loose and/or fall out.

Chronic Health Problems

When you don’t floss, you risk oral bacteria spreading to other parts of your body. This could result in any number of chronic health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes, dementia, and even weight gain.

Pneumonia

If you don’t floss, bacteria and a buildup of pathogens occur between your teeth. Your mouth leads to your lungs. So, the buildup of bacteria and pathogens can cause pneumonia.

Pregnancy Issues

If you’re pregnant and don’t floss your teeth, the buildup of oral bacteria can spread to your developing baby. This is because that bacteria will be absorbed into your bloodstream and spread throughout your body.

Increased Chances of Getting HPV

Believe it or not, if you don’t floss your teeth, you up your chances of getting HPV. The CDC did a study that found people who don’t take care of their oral health are twice as likely to get HPV than those who do.

Looking for a Dentist in Sugar Land, TX?

Routine dental appointments are a must if you want to preserve your oral health. Please Contact First Dental Family and Cosmetic Dentistry today to schedule an exam. You don’t want to risk losing your teeth! So take care of them now to avoid problems later.

4 Good Dental Habits to Work On In 2024  

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It’s important to maintain good dental habits so you can take good care of your teeth. There are many things that you can do to ensure that your teeth are in good condition. If you’re not taking the best care of your teeth, 2024 is the year to start. Work with your dentist in Sugarland, TX, to take better care of your teeth.

1. Brush Up Your Toothbrushing Technique

Using correct tooth-brushing techniques is important. Many people scrub their teeth too hard, use the wrong kind of toothbrush, or brush their teeth for too short a period of time. Use a soft-bristle toothbrush to brush your teeth gently for two minutes each time. If you have an electric toothbrush, that’s even better. Electric toothbrushes are shown to be more effective at removing plaque.

2. Make a Commitment to Remembering Both Dental Appointments

Most dentists recommend that their patients come for dental checkups twice per year. If you have a hard time remembering to make those dental appointments twice yearly, take steps to remind yourself when the time comes to make another appointment. Some suggestions:

  • Mark your calendar when it’s time to call the dentist.
  • Download a task/organizer app that will help you remember to make your dental appointments.

Don’t wait to make your two dental appointments in 2024. Stretching out the time between dental appointments just leads to more dental calculus buildup on your teeth and can lead to more problems down the road.

3. Eat Less Sugar

Sugar is bad for your teeth and can lead to problems like dental decay, cavities, and infection. Make a commitment to eat less sugar by eating more sugarless treats. This may mean buying sugar-free candies, or it could mean eating more foods like nuts.

4. Consume More Crunchy Fruits and Veggies

There are many foods that are good for your teeth, and that’s especially true of crunchy fruits and vegetables. Crunchy fruits and vegetables stimulate saliva production and stimulate your gums, which helps keep your teeth clean and healthy. In addition, fruits and vegetables contain vitamins that are good for your tooth enamel.

Want more information about how you can keep your teeth clean? Make a dental checkup in Sugarland, TX, with First Dental Family & Cosmetic Dentistry. Call today.

 

Why Your Dentist May Recommend a Tooth Extraction  

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While nobody wants to have a tooth pulled, sometimes extraction is the best solution. This may be true if you’ve recently suffered dental trauma or if you have a tooth that is too damaged for your dentist to repair. The pain and discomfort caused by damaged teeth can feel unbearable, and your dentist will always try to save your natural tooth. There may be instances, however, when your dentist in Sugar Land, TX, recommends extraction. There are several reasons why.

Your Tooth Is Impacted

An impacted tooth is one that is “stuck” beneath the gumline. For some reason, it’s unable to erupt. Usually, this is because it’s positioned wrong, causing it to bump up against an existing tooth. In this instance, extracting the impacted tooth may be the best solution. This is often the case when wisdom teeth are involved. Pulling the impacted tooth relieves pain and prevents damage to the tooth that is already through.

Your Teeth Are Crowded

If you have a small jaw, if you have one or more teeth that are unusually large, or if you have extra teeth, your smile may appear crowded. When this happens, teeth may push together in odd ways, causing them to twist or overlap. If you have crowded teeth, your dentist may recommend having one or more extracted to allow the others more room to spread out in an even pattern.

Your Damaged Tooth Can’t Be Saved

Trauma, dental caries, and gum disease may cause teeth to be too loose or too damaged to be saved. While many damaged teeth can be stabilized by adding crowns or cleaning of infection by a root canal, sometimes these procedures aren’t enough to save the tooth. In this situation, your dentist may recommend extracting and replacing the affected tooth with a bridge or dental implant.

If you need more information on tooth extraction in Sugar Land, TX, call First Dental Family and Cosmetic Dentistry today. When you call First Dental Family and Cosmetic Dentistry to schedule a consultation or exam, you’ll speak with our friendly and knowledgeable team member. We’re happy to set up a convenient time for you to come in, and we’re always happy to answer any questions you may have regarding your family’s dental health. Contact us today to learn more.

How Can I Tell If My Tooth Is Cracked?

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A cracked tooth can be a serious problem, so catching it in the early stages is important. If you have a cracked tooth, seeing the dentist in Castle Rock, CO can help you get the treatment you need as soon as possible. Your dentist can help repair your tooth and determine whether you need intensive intervention to keep your teeth healthy.

Signs of a Cracked Tooth

If you have a cracked tooth, you’ll notice some of the following problems:

  • Intermittent pain, especially when biting down
  • Sensitivity to extreme temperatures
  • Sensitivity to sweet foods

You may also notice an actual crack in your tooth enamel. Some cracks are easily visible, and some cracks are not visible at all. Keep in mind that just because you don’t see a crack in your tooth, this doesn’t mean that a crack is not there. Your dentist can help you determine whether your problem is a cracked tooth or something with similar symptoms.

What Does It Mean if You Have a Cracked Tooth?

If you have a cracked tooth, you could be at risk for a problem like an infection. Bacteria that gets into your tooth via the crack can cause the pulp in the tooth to become infected. When this happens, this can create a dental emergency. An infected tooth is a very painful condition that can lead to a tooth extraction or loss of a permanent tooth if the problem is not resolved.

This is why it’s very important to see the dentist as soon as a crack in the tooth enamel has been identified. Even if you have not seen a crack in the tooth enamel, it’s important to visit the dentist if you have the symptoms. Your dentist can diagnose your condition and recommend treatment.

What Should You Do About Your Cracked Tooth?

A cracked tooth can be a serious problem. It needs attention right away to avoid a painful infection. If you have a cracked tooth, you may need dental bonding in Castle Rock, CO. Call First Dental Family & Cosmetic Dentistry today to make an appointment.

5 Ways to Calm Your Nerves About Going to the Dentist

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Are you nervous about seeing the dentist in Sugar Land, TX? You’re not alone. Some patients just don’t feel comfortable in the dentist chair. It’s still important to see the dentist, but you can make the experience better overall by working with your dental professional and by following these tips below.

1. Bring a podcast or music to listen to.

One way to take your mind off your anxieties about seeing the dentist is to give yourself something else to think about while your dentist is cleaning your teeth. Bring favorite music or a favorite podcast, so you can listen to the rhythm or the interesting topic of the day, and hopefully your dental appointment will be over before you know it.

2. Tell your dentist about how you feel.

Many dentists have strategies they use when they’re seeing a patient that has dental anxiety. Telling your dentist how you feel is the first step to learning more about these strategies. Help your dentist help you by telling your dentist about your concerns. What are you afraid of? Tell your dentist up front and see what your dentist suggests for future visits.

3. Try deep breathing and meditation.

Deep breathing and meditation can help calm your nerves and take your mind off your concerns about seeing the dentist. If you’ve never tried deep breathing and meditation before, try guided meditation to help you get started.

4. Listen to guided imagery.

Guided imagery helps you form pictures in your mind. Like the podcast or music, guided imagery can help you take your mind off your concerns, which in turn can help you feel calmer while you’re in the dentist chair.

5. Signal when you need a break.

Taking a break can help you feel better when your anxiety is peaking. Set up a signal with your dentist that indicates you need a break.

At First Dental Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we’re happy to help patients who feel some dental anxiety. We’re here for you! To find out more about how we help patients who feel anxious about seeing the dentist during routine dental appointments in Sugar Land, TX, call today.