If you’re a stress grinder or tend to clench your teeth and jaw at night, you may want to explore the option of a dental night guard with your Chattanooga dentist. Teeth clenching, also known as bruxism, can result in a lot of discomfort and serious damage to your teeth over time. Grinding and clenching can cause jaw pain, jaw dysfunction, ongoing fatigue, and even teeth breakage due to the constant pressure.
If any of this is sounding familiar, chat with your dentist about dental night guard options that can help protect your teeth while you sleep. Even though wearing a night guard takes some getting used to, and can feel uncomfortable at first, the pros far outweigh the cons. Here are what we consider the top three benefits of wearing a dental night guard.
The last thing you want to deal with is broken teeth. They are painful and expensive to fix. A dental night guard protects your teeth from damage by acting as a cushion, a barrier of sorts, while you clench or grind your teeth. This helps prevent chipping, worn-down teeth, and breakage.
Clenching one’s teeth throughout the night puts a lot of stress on the jaw. As such, many people who clench their teeth at night will experience some level of jaw pain, which can actually lead to ongoing headaches and even migraines in more severe cases. Wearing a dental night guard can help minimize the effects of clenching and grinding.
A lot of people who clench their teeth during the night wake themselves up doing so. By this token, wearing a night guard will help them get a better night’s sleep. The dental night guard takes the brunt of the force associated with clenching and grinding, allowing the muscles of the jaw and face to relax more during sleep.
If you think you could benefit from wearing a dental night guard, chat with your Chattanooga dentist at Tedford Family Dentistry. We’d love to help you find the right solution for your bruxism, grinding, or clenching. Your teeth deserve a break, and you deserve peaceful sleep.
Dental hygiene is critical, but sometimes gets tossed to the back burner if we’re running late, tired, or just don’t feel like facing the dentist for that much-needed check up. Here’s the thing though, the teeth you have are the only ones you’ll ever have, so taking great care of them is imperative. That said, if you need to rally with some new, fun, dental care products to ramp up your oral health game, we’ve got some suggestions for products you should check out. In the meantime, schedule an appointment with our team at Tedford Family Dentistry, because when it comes to oral health Chattanooga, we’ve got your back all the way.
You have likely tried electric toothbrushes before, but the technology going into them is greater and more impressive than ever before. Switching from a regular toothbrush to a sleek, electric one with a spinning head can serve to motivate you to brush more frequently, and will help you be more effective in the process. We love the Oral-B 6000 SmartSeries Electric Toothbrush.
Say goodbye to replacing batteries, as this tool from Oral-B is rechargeable. More than that, this toothbrush actually features bluetooth connectivity so you can pair it to your smartphone for real-time feedback about how well you’re doing on the toothbrushing front. This powerful tool can remove up to 300% more plaque along the gumline than a manual toothbrush can. How’s that for upping your oral health game? Read more about this toothbrush on the Oral-B site.
Another way to reimagine your approach to oral health care at home is by using toothpaste tablets. Totally hygienic, and generally tidier than tube toothpaste, toothpaste tablets are easy to use, and perform just like regular toothpaste when it comes to cleaning teeth. One of the great features of using tablets is they prevent cross-contamination, which is particularly helpful when it comes to the spread of germs. Other benefits to these tiny tablets include easy storage and ease of use for travel. They also result in less waste, and often feature recyclable packaging! (Did you know that nearly 1 billion toothpaste tubes end up in landfills yearly?) They also help promote better dental health habits as they make brushing your teeth extremely convenient.
Let’s admit that most of us don’t floss as often as we should. Dentists agree that you should floss at least once per day, but twice is better, and flossing your teeth after each meal is even better. It’s important to actively remove bits of left behind food while also mitigating the formation of plaque between the teeth with regular flossing. One way to encourage yourself to reach for the floss more frequently is by finding a fun new flavor.
Cocofloss is a brand we love that comes in a variety of flavors, and this floss is also coated in coconut oil which serves to help gently scrub away plaque. Coconut oil is also a natural antimicrobial, working to sooth the gums while also fighting cavity-causing plaque build up. Try the fun flavors this brand has to offer like the classic Delicious Mint, or go for something more left field like Fresh Coconut, Pure Strawberries, or Cara Cara Orange. You won’t be disappointed, and neither will your gums.
With these different products, you can revive your home oral health habits, and have a little fun in the process. If it’s time for a check up or dental cleaning, contact our team at Tedford Family Dentistry. We care about oral health Chattanooga, and we’d love to help you get and stay on track for your best oral health ever.
Let’s get granular about cavities. We all know what cavities are, right? Tooth decay that creates permanently damaged areas in the hard surfaces of the teeth that become tiny holes. But the more we actually know about cavities, the better job we can do at preventing them.
Did you know that cavities are one of the world’s most common health problems? According to the World Dental Federation, untreated tooth decay is an issue affecting nearly half of the world’s population. Cavities are most prevalent in children, teenagers, and older adults, but anyone with teeth is at risk of developing tooth decay.
Simply put, sugary foods cause tooth decay. So when bits of food and drink like bread, fruit, candy, milk, soda, and the like stay in contact with your teeth, they cause decay. The bacteria in your mouth turns these foods into acids, then the bacteria, acids, and food debris combine with your saliva to form plaque. This plaque clings to the surfaces of your teeth, dissolving the enamel and causing cavities to form.
Signs and symptoms of cavities often depend on where they are in your mouth and how large they are. You may not even have any symptoms at first, if the cavity is small enough, but as it gets larger, you may experience some of the following:
Everyone with teeth is susceptible to tooth decay and cavities, so it’s important to do what you can to minimize the chances of getting them with preventative care. Being aware and conscientious of habits that can affect your overall oral health can go a long way. So here are a few things that can contribute to the formation of cavities.
If you do get cavities, you’ll need to work with your Chattanooga family dentist to figure out best treatment options and preventative measures to take as you move forward. Depending on the size and location of your cavity, your dentist may suggest a basic filling made of silver alloy, porcelain, gold, or composite resin. If the tooth decay is more severe, you may be looking at a root canal and/or crown. The best way to avoid getting cavities is to brush your teeth at least twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, floss regularly, eat a healthy diet without too much intermittent snacking, and of course, see your Tedford Family Dentist regularly for cleanings and exams. Our team will work with you to help prevent tooth decay and keep you smiling!
There’s a time and place for practical gifts, and our team at Tedford Family Dentistry thinks gifts that help promote better oral health are always a great way to go. So this year as you’re doing your holiday shopping, consider some of these top items from our holiday gift guide for better oral health!
It’s a little luxurious, and a little boujee, but also such a nice thing to have– the electric toothbrush. Help that loved one in your life take their brushing up a notch. With cool options like Quip or Sonicare, you could even gift your loved one an ongoing subscription for top-of-the-line dental supplies.
If you’re looking for a great stocking stuffer for your kids or significant other, consider sugar free gum to accompany all the chocolate candy this year. Chewing gum can actually have a positive impact on your dental health by stimulating your mouth’s production of saliva. Steer clear of sugary gums though, as these can promote tooth decay.
Let’s be real. Most of us don’t take flossing as seriously as we should, and could use a little extra motivation in this important department of dental hygiene. So consider giving the give of a water flosser. Water flossers use water pressure to help clean between the teeth. A lot of people prefer this method to traditional dental floss, finding it more effective and more comfortable. Waterpik® is a great brand for water flossers you can check out.
There’s nothing like the confidence boost you get from loving your own smile. So maybe this holiday season you give the gift of professional teeth whitening treatments to a loved one, or better yet– treat yourself this year! Our team at Tedford can help you achieve your best smile with our in-office whitening services.
Lots of us travel during the holidays, and it’s nice to be set up to take great care of your teeth while you’re on the go. Another great gift idea is a travel dental kit put together by hand. Select a great travel toiletry bag, and fill it with travel size toothpaste, floss, mouthwash, mints, and anything else you think fits the bill. Bonus: this person will think of you with every trip taken!
So while you’re doing your holiday shopping this year, think about how you can give the gift of a healthier smile to the ones you love the most. We hope our holiday gift guide serves as inspiration for your most practical yet loveable gifts for better oral health in the upcoming year! Cheers and happy holidays, from all of us at Tedford!
The costume-clad, candy-hunting holiday we celebrate now as Halloween was derived from an ancient Celtic festival called Samhain during which people would light bonfires, dress in costumes to ward off ghosts when the veil between the living and the dead was thought to be thinnest.
Over time, the name and customs associated with the holiday have evolved to include jack-o-lantern carving, scary movie viewing, and trick or treating around neighborhoods. But even though Halloween might be a dream for your children (who doesn’t love dressing up and eating tons of candy?), it has the potential to become your Chattanooga pediatric dentist’s nightmare. So our team at Tedford Family Dentistry has compiled a list of tips to help you keep your child’s dental health in check through the sugariest holiday on the calendar.
Know which candies are least harmful to your teeth. Dark chocolate for example is one of the better options, as it tends to have less added sugar. Furthermore, the antioxidants found in dark chocolate have been shown to fight periodontal disease. Who knew? (Well, we did, and now you do.)
Take it easy on the taffies and ultra sticky candies like Milk Duds. Sticky caramels and taffy tend to stick to the teeth, allowing the sugar therein to eat away at tooth enamel. These treats are also potentially dangerous for children with caps on their teeth, as the sticky candies can even pull off caps or crowns.
Enjoy candy at mealtimes. It’s a good idea to let your kids eat their candy and treats at mealtimes, because the saliva produced in the mouth while eating actually helps to wash away otherwise lingering sugars and bacteria.
Eat dinner before trick or treating! Trick or treat with full bellies so your kids won’t be tempted to candy binge. This will also give you time to get home and check over their stashes to ensure safety of the treats. Plus, counting and sorting the goods is half the fun!
Instate a candy budget. Don’t let your kids go crazy on the candy, but teach them moderation. Not only will the trick or treating loot last longer than a night or two, but also limiting your kids’ intake of sugar will be best for them all around. Their teeth (and tummies) will definitely thank you.
Drink lots of water. Not only does drinking water have fluoride in it, which helps preserve tooth enamel, but also the swishing water inside the mouth helps wash away bits of food and treats, as well as sugar and bacteria that can cause cavities.
Don’t forget to brush and floss. Good oral hygiene is imperative always, but especially when your child has consumed sugary treats. Leaving candy residue on teeth and gums is an invitation to decay. Brush, brush, and brush again.
Consider non-candy treats. Broaden your Halloween horizons by giving your kids something other than candy on this holiday. We’re talking glow sticks, coloring books, temporary tattoos, and maybe even a new toothbrush!
Don’t skip your cleanings! It’s really important to maintain your child’s dental cleaning and exam schedule to ensure issues are caught early– plus preventative care is always less painful and less expensive than fillings, root canals, and crowns.
Regardless of how you and yours choose to celebrate Halloween this year, we hope you have a safe and fun time. Our team at Tedford Family Dentistry wishes you the spookiest Halloween ever, and we hope you’ll take our dental tips to heart. Can’t wait to see your boo-tiful smiles soon!
When it comes to protecting your child’s teeth, the more you know, the better a job you’ll be able to do. Especially for first time parents, your knowledge about early dentistry and baby teeth may be limited, because this is a whole new adventure for you. So, here are a few things perhaps you didn’t know about baby teeth, and how you can best care for your child when it comes to oral health.
Your baby’s first tooth is a big childhood milestone. You’ll be saying ‘so long’ to that gummy grin, and you’ll likely deal with a little fussing as your baby’s teeth begin to erupt and grow in. This process can come with a little pain and irritability for your baby, as well as a low grade fever on occasion. That said, a lot more changes during this stage than the way your baby’s smile looks.
Baby teeth, also called primary teeth, serve a major purpose for your child. Those baby teeth prepare the mouth for the permanent teeth that will carry your child through adulthood. These primary teeth serve the obvious purposes– chewing and eating, but they also aid your child in speech functions, while also serving as placeholders for the permanent teeth that will eventually begin to replace them.
Keeping these baby teeth healthy as your child grows and matures will help ensure a healthier dental path for them as they approach adulthood. Proper dental hygiene and preventative dental care work in tandem to help keep your child’s teeth and mouth healthy and prevent dental problems down the road that can be both painful and costly.
Our team at Tedford Family Dentistry in Chattanooga would love to help you and your child take exceptional care of those precious primary teeth. If you need to schedule an appointment for your child, contact us today!
It’s likely that your parents have taught you about the benefits of good oral hygiene since early childhood. They taught you to brush your teeth, floss daily, avoid excessive sugary food and drink, and the like. But the benefits of taking care of your teeth and gums go well beyond appearance and fresh breath. Let’s explore some of the benefits of taking exceptional care of your mouth with healthy habits!
First of all, it’s a good idea to know and understand what it really means to practice good oral hygiene. It all starts with taking great care of your teeth and gums at home.
Taking great care of your teeth and gums serves you in so many ways. Practicing good oral hygiene can also add to an improved sense of self esteem and self confidence, and all around quality of life. So take care of those pearly whites, and if you need dental assistance, know the team at Tedford Family Dentistry is here for you anytime! Feel free to reach out with any need.
Odds are that at one point or another you’ve experienced pain or discomfort after taking a bite of fresh-from-the-freezer ice cream or a heaping spoonful of super hot soup. This sensation is linked to tooth sensitivity. Although pain caused by hot or cold food and drink can sometimes be a sign of a dental problem, your Chattanooga family dentist will also tell you it could just be the result of having sensitive teeth.
Tooth sensitivity is also known as “dentin hypersensitivity,” and can be a temporary issue or a chronic problem depending on the patient and circumstances. You may notice your teeth are sensitive to specific stimuli, like extreme temperatures. Sometimes these symptoms come and go or range in severity from mild to intense. Common triggers for tooth sensitivity include:
Some dental patients experience tooth sensitivity because of a naturally thinner layer of enamel than is common. The enamel is the outermost layer of the tooth that serves to protect it from outside elements that cause decay. Sometimes other factors cause the enamel to wear and break down over time. Such factors include:
Other factors such as gum recession, tooth decay, broken or chipped teeth, and worn down, damaged fillings or crowns can also result in exposed dentin, causing tooth sensitivity. If this is the case, you’ll likely only feel sensitivity in that one area of the mouth as opposed to a general feeling of sensitivity. Sometimes dental work can leave the teeth feeling sensitive for a few days post procedures, and whitening efforts can have a similar effect. That said, in cases such as these, symptoms tend to reside quickly.
If you are experiencing tooth sensitivity for the first time, you should make an appointment with your Chattanooga family dentist. When you have a routine dental cleaning and/or exam, your dentist can check for potential issues that could be causing your tooth pain. Cavities, recessed gums, or loose fillings could be the culprit. Regardless of the cause, your dentist can help you find relief for the sensitivity you’re experiencing via several different treatment options.
Your Chattanooga family dentist will assess your dental sensitivity, and make treatment suggestions based on what the root cause may be. For example, if you’re suffering from the symptoms of GERD, acid reducers can help treat the symptoms of that ailment, while also helping to safeguard your tooth enamel in the process. If receding gums may be the cause, your dentist may suggest you use a different type of toothbrush or methods of oral hygiene, or if severe enough, may suggest a gum graft course of treatment. Treatment may be as simple as switching the type of toothpaste or mouthwash you’re using.
No matter what the cause of your tooth sensitivity, the staff at Tedford Family Dentistry wants to help you resolve it. Contact our today to schedule an appointment. Relief is achievable, and we want to help you find it!
COVID-19 has changed our daily lives in so many ways, and social distancing or sheltering in place means we don’t have the luxury of rushing out to see our Chattanooga dentist at the first sign of a dental problem. That said, we’ve rounded up some home remedies for toothaches and other tips that might help you avoid dental disasters during these difficult times.
Not having ready access to a dentist means you should definitely pay extra attention to your regular dental hygiene habits. Be sure to make brushing your teeth and flossing a priority. It shouldn’t be an issue since we’re all spending so much extra time at home, right?
Another important thing is to make sure you’re wearing your night guard regularly if you have one. Many of us grind our teeth at night while sleeping, and suffer from bruxism, which can cause a lot of damage to otherwise healthy teeth. These issues are exacerbated in times of stress, so to all our night guard wearers, approach it religiously during these times.
All this said, if you find yourself experiencing tooth aches while you can’t be seen by a dentist, here are a few things you can try to help ease the pain until you can get the dental care you need.
This might seem like a basic step, but you’d be surprised how effective a salt water rinse can be in combating dental pain. Sometimes food particles or debris can become lodged between your teeth and cause minor infections that can be painful. As salt water is a natural disinfectant, sometimes a salt water rinse can help heal oral wounds as well as decrease inflammation in the mouth that can be the source of your discomfort. Try mixing about a half teaspoon of salt into a small glass of warm water, then swish it in your mouth a few times just like you would use a mouthwash. Spit, and repeat. Try this a few times a day to see if you can get relief from your tooth pain.
Hydrogen peroxide, like salt water, can help to relieve pain and inflammation caused by dental issues. It also kills bacteria and can help heal irritated or bleeding gums. Make sure you dilute the peroxide before using as an oral rinse. Cut the peroxide half with water, and use it as a mouthwash. Do not swallow.
Sometimes peppermint tea bags can serve as a quick home remedy for sensitive gums. The peppermint acts almost as a numbing agent to the affected area, and offers some relief in some cases. Allow the tea bag to cool down some before applying, but it should still be somewhat warm. Peppermint actually has many health benefits, acting as a remedy for many ailments. It also kills germs in the mouth. Learn more about the benefits of peppermint through a WebMD write up here.
A cold compress is another quick home remedy for toothaches and other oral pain, especially in instances that involve trauma to the tooth. The cold compress causes the blood vessels in the area to constrict, which consequently makes the pain less severe. Cold also helps to reduce inflammation and swelling associated with the tooth issue.
Clove oil contains eugenol, which happens to be a natural antiseptic. Because it reduces inflammation and numbs pain, clove has been used throughout history to treat toothaches. Apply a small amount of clove oil to the affected area with a cotton ball or q-tip a few times daily. You can also add a drop or two of clove oil to water to make a rinse.
We hope these home remedies for toothaches help get you through any minor dental issues you’re experiencing while COVID-19 has you stuck at home. Many toothaches will require dental attention, but in the meantime try these methods for reducing pain. That said if your toothache is severe enough or does not subside, you will need to seek dental care.
You should also contact us if you experience fever, swelling that does not subside, pain when you bite or chew, red or visually inflamed gums, or trouble swallowing. Our team at Tedford Family Dentistry wishes health and safety for you and yours during these trying times.
Protecting your child’s teeth from decay and other problems is an important task for parents, and there’s lots of advice out there– good and bad. We all know cavities and dental problems can be both painful and costly, so working to actively avoid them for ourselves and our kids is something to approach with intention. Did you know that certain foods are great for dental health, while others can be particularly damaging? Our expert pediatric dentists at Tedford Family Dentistry in Ooltewah have compiled a list of best and worst foods for your child’s teeth, so you can stay informed and take a proactive approach to teaching your children healthy dental hygiene.
Sugary Drinks–
You guessed it! You may not be aware of just how teeth-damaging sugary drinks and sodas can be. The acids and sugars beverages like soft drinks and juices contain can really work against you causing tooth and gum damage. The sugar works as a fuel for bacteria in the mouth, turning it into an acid that eats away at tooth enamel, the outer protective layer of the teeth. Over time, this leads to tooth decay and– of course– cavities, so it’s important to try to limit your child’s intake of these types of drinks.
Sticky, Chewy Candy–
Chewy and sticky types of candy like caramels, taffy, and gummies tend to stick to the teeth for a long time. They also have a tendency to get stuck between the teeth or even leave a sugary residue behind that attacks and dissolves tooth enamel.
Chips, Pasta, & Bread–
This one may come as more of a surprise, but consuming lots of high-carb foods like chips, pasta, and bread can also have an adverse effect on tooth health. These starches are often made from white flour, which turns to simple sugars inside the body. These simple sugars can lead to tooth decay!
Milk, Cheese, & Yogurt–
Milk, cheese and yogurt are foods that are rich in calcium, phosphorus, and casein, all of which can help protect tooth enamel. Also, some of the nutrients found in milk can have a neutralizing effect on the acid that is produced by plaque bacteria in the mouth each time your child eats or drinks. So in short, not only is milk good for the bones, but it’s also great for the teeth!
Eggs–
An excellent source of protein, calcium, and vitamin D, eggs are great for oral health, as these minerals are key players in that arena. Vitamin D plays a large role in the absorption of calcium, and both of these vitamins help kids maintain strong and healthy teeth.
Apples, Carrots, & Celery–
Chewing apples, carrots, and other crunchy items that are high in fiber can actually scrub plaque off of your child’s teeth! These foods also make for healthy, easy-to-prepare snacks that are full of vitamins and minerals. Carrots and apples are also high in water content, and require a lot of chewing, which means more tooth-scrubbing action. An apple– who knew it was nature’s toothbrush!
Best and worst foods aside, it’s super important to teach your children healthy dental habits from the beginning. Show them how to properly brush their teeth, as well as floss them, and make sure they’re doing so twice a day for at least two minutes each time, per the ADA’s recommendation. If you need more advice or are looking for a great family dentist in the Chattanooga area, get in touch with Tedford Family Dentistry today!
When it comes to oral hygiene, there are many myths floating around that may cause confusion about what actually IS right, good for you, and necessary when it comes to your dental health. How often should you see your Chattanooga dentist? How many times a day should you brush your teeth and for how long? And then there’s flossing. What are the hard and fast rules about flossing your teeth? And what myths beg busting? Below are a few flossing myths your friends at Tedford Family Dentistry would like to debunk in effort to afford you some clarity on the subject.
OK, no. It’s certainly true that flossing comes in handy when you have annoying food particles stuck between your teeth; however, that’s not the sole purpose of this dental care task. Flossing your teeth does help to remove hard-to-reach particles, germs, and plaque or tartar from spaces your toothbrush might not adequately reach. You should really floss your teeth at least once a day, and generally right before bed works best. That way your mouth is clean for sleep– no lurking cavity-causing food particles hanging around.
Wrong again, friends. It is important for children to also floss their teeth! For the same reasons it’s important for adults, children can also get food stuck between their teeth that if left behind, can cause decay or other issues. Younger children will need help with the task! Generally kids around age 6 or 7 can start handling the flossing on their own. Teach them the ways early to help build a foundation for healthy dental habits that will become long term.
Honestly, if flossing your teeth is causing you pain, you’ll need to get in touch with your Chattanooga dentist. Flossing might be uncomfortable if you’re not used to it or already in the habit of flossing your teeth regularly. If you have some minor discomfort, it’s probably because you have not been flossing as often as you should. Try to form the good habit of flossing daily, and the discomfort should subside. That said, pain is an indicator of a problem.
Flossing can be mildly awkward if you’re not accustomed to it, but it’s not difficult. It’s also something that takes next to no time at all once you get the technique right. The more you work it into your daily hygiene routine, the more adept you’ll become at accomplishing this critical task quickly. If you have a hard time reaching your very back molars, try Y-shaped floss picks or other interdental cleaners. In fact, interdental cleaners are great for cleaning properly around crowns and bridges, and generally hard-to-reach areas.
Wrong! There is a correct way to accomplish appropriate dental flossing, and if you’re not doing it correctly, you might be missing some food particles and plaque. Yikes! The most effective flossing method involves using roughly 18 inches of dental floss, winding it around the middle finger on each hand, and holding it between your thumbs and forefingers. Then you slide the floss up and down between two teeth, curving the floss around the top of each tooth, and gently flossing beneath the gumline to remove plaque, tartar, and left-behind food. When you move to clean between the next two teeth, shift the floss as well using a new area.
It’s important to make sure you have accurate information when it comes to your dental health. You’ve only got one set of permanent teeth, and it’s so critical to take every step to care for them well– from regular dental cleanings and exams to making healthy food and drink choices to brushing and proper flossing practices. We hope you found this list of overturned flossing myths informative and helpful. If you have questions or need to set up an appointment, get in touch with our Tedford Family Dentistry staff today! We’d love to help. P.S. Floss your teeth!
When it comes to dentistry for children, you may be totally lost as a new parent. In fact, parents have a million things to think about, learn, and frankly figure out how to do right, but knowing what your child needs and when can be tricky sometimes. Especially as a brand new parent, there are a great deal of unknowns– but when it comes to your child’s dental health, there doesn’t have to be. Our staff at Tedford Family Dentistry in Ooltewah is here to guide you as you work to ensure your child or children have the healthiest teeth possible, and the best pediatric dental care Chattanooga has to offer, and the knowledge and tools necessary to properly care for their teeth for the long haul.
Great dental care and habits should start early. How early? Well, as soon as your baby starts having teeth come in, you should begin to take care of them. By age one, your child should probably see a pediatric dentist. These initial visits are more about establishing comfort with seeing a dentist, and so that parents can receive helpful information about how to best care for their baby’s first teeth. By age two, it’s recommended that your child start with the twice a year dental cleanings and check-ups. Between ages four and six, your child’s dentist will start taking x-rays to ensure your child doesn’t have any cavities or potential issues that need to be addressed.
Seeing your pediatric dentist regularly is important for dental health, but it will also help your child get comfortable about the whole dentist office experience. Choosing a dentist you trust (cough, Tedford, cough) is a great first step in a lifetime of great dental health, and once a relationship is established, you can enjoy many years of great dental care in a space where you feel at ease. Build a relationship with a dental provider you trust, and that dentist will get to know you or your child, your teeth, and your history. This holistic, big-picture understanding will also help ensure you receive the best possible dental care every time. From losing and getting new teeth to possible cavities to sealants and even orthodontic referrals, your pediatric dentist will be with you each step of the way guiding your treatment plans.
After you find a dentist and set up a schedule for routine dental cleanings and exams, you’ve done the hardest part and laid your groundwork. Then, all that’s left to do is teach your kids healthy dental habits and hygiene! As always, a lead-by-example approach is a great place to start. Make sure your children witness you practicing what you preach. Make sure they see you brushing and flossing everyday– okay, they don’t have to literally watch you do this every single day, but make it clear to them that you’re doing what you expect them to do too. Make sure you’re teaching them proper brushing techniques, and that they are brushing for the recommended 2 minutes.
You’ll also want to make sure your kids don’t do things like grazing or drinking too many sugary drinks. These things can be detrimental to tooth health, working like a near-constant attack on enamel. Establish meal times that start and end, and encourage your children to drink water throughout the day to help keep their mouths as healthy as possible.
If you’re looking for a family dentist, we’d love for you to consider becoming a part of the Tedford family. We have proudly served patients in the Ooltewah, Cleveland, and Chattanooga areas for years, and we’d love to take care of you and your family. Exceptional family dental care, customer service, and a pleasant environment make us a great choice for any family. Get in touch today, and let us help you on your path to the healthiest possible smile.
As the end of the year approaches, we all do a little soul searching, setting intentions for the new year. It’s always nice to have a clean slate– a fresh start of sorts. The first of the year is the perfect time, if there ever was one, to resolve yourself to taking better care of your teeth! Maintaining healthy gums and healthy teeth is a really lovely goal to work towards on your own or maybe with your whole family.
The thing about New Year's resolutions is you’ve got to be realistic, and do whatever you can to set yourself up for success. One great way to achieve this is to work toward a common goal with your whole family. You and your partner and kids can all work toward healthy gums and teeth together! Make it a goal. Here are a few tips to help you stay the course with a resolution for better dental health.
Accountability- Hold each other accountable! Ask your kids if they brushed and flossed each morning and before bed. Remind your spouse to swish with a mouthwash to help kill bacteria and promote a healthier mouth. You can even ask your dentist at Tedford Family Dentistry in Chattanooga to recommend a toothpaste and mouthwash combination that’s best for you and your family.
Talk about it!- Talking about your resolution to practice healthy dental habits will only reinforce your goal, both in your own mind and with those around you. Being vocal about it will help encourage and motivate you, and your family as well, if they are taking this dental health journey with you!
Track your progress- This is especially helpful with children! Make your kids a chart and use stickers to track how well they’re doing with teeth brushing and flossing. That visual representation of effort is always encouraging and motivating. You could even work out a reward system to treat them for a job well done.
Involve your dentist!- Ask your dentist at Tedford how to best maintain healthy gums and teeth. Ask for recommendations about what steps you can take that are specific to your teeth and your personal goals, and always stay on schedule with regular dental cleanings and exams.
Go above and beyond brushing and flossing- There’s more to a healthy mouth than just the obvious basic daily care habits. Avoid sipping on sodas and other beverages (other than water) throughout the day, as these items can eat away at tooth enamel making it more susceptible to decay. Also don’t graze on food. Eat regular meals and maybe a snack or two a day, but in the interim, give your teeth a break.
All of us at Tedford Family Dentistry hope these tips are encouraging to you, and that you’ll consider a resolution related to your dental health. We also hope you and yours have a wonderful holiday season, and ring the new year in right, but what’s more is we hope you reach your personal goals you set for yourself. If better dental health is a goal of yours for 2020, just know we are here cheering you on, and happy to help in any way we can. Cheers to a happy, healthy new year, and hopefully happy, healthy gums and teeth.
Perhaps once upon a time, all you wanted for Christmas was your two front teeth– but now as an adult, maybe there’s still room for you to love your own smile more? It’s amazing the level of confidence you can find in having a beautiful, white smile. If that’s something you aspire to, our expert staff at Tedford Family Dentistry wants to help.
At our office in Ooltewah TN, we offer all kinds of cosmetic dentistry services, and there’s never been a better time to take steps toward your best smile– just in time for the holidays. At our office, we can help with dental implants, dental veneers, teeth whitening for your brightest smile, cosmetic fillings, and contouring. No matter what condition your teeth are in, our dental staff is here to help restore your smile, whether that’s with something as simple as a whitening treatment, or something as involved as implants.
Sometimes to accommodate tooth loss, your dentist will recommend dental implants. These artificial root replacements are surgically positioned into the jawbone beneath the gum line with the use of metal posts or frames. This process allows for the secure positioning of replacement teeth, and generally results in a more healthy and youthful looking smile.
Pros and Cons of Dental Implants
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Dental veneers are thin pieces of porcelain bonded to the teeth to recreate a natural, beautiful smile. They also behave like actual teeth, boasting strength and resilience much like natural tooth enamel. Dental veneers can be used to fix chipped or broken teeth, as well as uneven, worn down, or misaligned teeth, creating a more aesthetically pleasing smile.
Pros and Cons of Dental Veneers
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Let’s face it. Some of us don’t have teeth as white as we’d like. Lots of things can cause teeth to discolor and stain– smoking, drinking coffee, tea, and red wine, aging, trauma, and of course, poor oral hygiene. Some of us just naturally have teeth of a darker shade, but whitening is always an option. At Tedford, we can help you achieve your whitest, brightest smile!
Pros and Cons of Teeth Whitening
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At Tedford Family Dentistry, we will work to ensure trays fit properly to avoid these potential issues. With the holidays coming up, maybe you should treat yourself to the smile you’ve always wanted. If you are considering cosmetic dental procedures, we hope you’ll consult with our dentists at Tedford Family Dentistry. We are here to answer any questions you might have about potential treatments that can help you achieve your best possible smile. Get in touch today, and start the process.
