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Archive for the ‘Dental Tips’ Category
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Tuesday, February 16th, 2010
Although many parents have been made aware that dental care should start with their children in some way shape or form almost from birth, there’s still a misconception out there that it’s not necessary. Parents believe that since their children’s baby teeth are only temporary proper care is not required and that any issues that do surface are not reason for concern. Unfortunately, not enough healthcare providers that deal with children encourage parents to start as early as they should.
Children should see a dentist by their first birthday, because the treatment of tooth decay, cavaties and other oral health issues can prevent them occurring again in the future. Poor oral health is also related to diet and nutrition problems which can lead to obesity, and has links to behavioural issues.
It’s important that paediatricians begin encouraging families to take control over the oral health of their children from the onset. Dentists that see parents who have older children should also ask about other kids in the household to encourage them to be brought in, so their care becomes a priority as well.
 Tags: baby teeth, children's health, children's oral care, dental care, encouraging dental habits
Posted in Oral Health for Children, dental news | 1 Comment »
Thursday, February 11th, 2010
You probably know by now that good oral health can do a lot more of your body than simply provide you with whiter teeth and a more sparkling smile. But did you realize that it can actually have a bearing on your health in the winter, helping you get through those months where a plague of germs puts you at risk during cold and flu season?
 (image via: Flickr Creative Commons)
Well, here are some tips to help you survive those common winter bugs, and it starts with your oral health.
- Replace your toothbrush regularly – a toothbrush that’s not clean can be a source of bacteria and germs as it’s put into the mouth. Replace a toothbrush every four months, whether it appears worn out or not to reduce the spread of germs
- When you’ve been sick, get a new toothbrush – once you’ve gotten over the cold or flu, you should get a new toothbrush or risk reinfecting yourself every time you clean your teeth
- Sanitize your toothbrush – any oral health supplies, whether it’s a toothbrush, or tools that help with flossing, can be sanitized. When items are damp, but them in the microwave for one minute to kill bacteria
Via: DentalPlans
Tags: oral health, replacing toothbrush, sanitizing toothbrush, staying healthy, surviving cold and flu season, winter detal care, winter health tips
Posted in Dental Tips | No Comments »
Tuesday, January 26th, 2010
Last week, we outlined the three major myths about dental implants which are the latest dental innovation, and one of ToothSavers’ specialties. Since many are still reluctant to believe that dental implants do have a look and feel that blend right in with real teeth, we thought we’d treat you to a great testimonial from one of ToothSavers’ pleased dental implant clients!
“I’m very pleased with my top front eight. They feel comfortable, look completely natural and are gleamingly magnificent. The people at ToothSavers who worked with me; dentists, technicians and receptionists were very pleasant, knew what they were doing and I really felt they were committed to me being pleased with the result. And so I am, thank you for making it possible”
-Kenneth Cristian, NY
Tags: dental implants, dental procedures, teeth, ToothSavers New York, toothsavers reviews
Posted in Dental Tips | No Comments »
Monday, January 18th, 2010
Many Americans, regardless of their age, are apprehensive when going to the dentist. Even without changing their procedures or tools used, dentists can take measures to ensure that their patients are comfortable and feel welcome in the practice so that their anxieties diminish or disappear completely. Little touches can go a long way to ensuring that a visit to the dentist isn’t an experience to be dreaded.
- Start on the right foot – make sure that the receptionist greets everyone that walks into the practice and even calls them by name. When a dentist or hygienist pops into visit, they can also greet the patient by name and welcome them back again
- Take the chance to chat – small talk can make a big difference. Don’t just ask patients questions about their life; when dentists and hygienists in a dental practice share things about themselves they’ll put those in the chair more at ease. Make notes on their file about things that are learned, that way the conversation can continue during the next visit
- Set a comforting atmosphere – calming music, aromatherapy candles and a more homey decor in the waiting area can put patients at ease before, during and after they find themselves in the dentist chair
ToothSavers Dental Centers has many return patients, and a big part of our success can be attributed to our concern for their personal comfort. One satisfied patient speaks to his experience at one of our practices:
“Overwhelmed by generosity, I thought it best to thank you for a job well done! Not only have a I been rendered a more comfortable and beautiful person, but it was accomplished with grace and style. The warmth and professionalism with which I was treated is indeed a rare commodity of our time.”
Via: The Free Library
Tags: appealing dental offices, bedside manner, dental anxiety, making patients comfortable, New York dentists, ToothSavers Dental
Posted in Dental Tips | No Comments »
Saturday, January 16th, 2010
Many parents don’t think about their children’s oral care until they’ve developed teeth in their mouths for a more extensive period of time. But, for proper oral care, it’s got to start even earlier than that. Parents who take control of their children’s health care early can prevent the development of much bigger problems later on.
- Remember, dental health starts in the womb – when there’s a baby on board, moms can aid in the development of their child’s teeth by consuming calcium-rich items
- Recognize that teeth are there even if you can’t see them – while they might not be visible at birth, there are about 20 primary teeth in the jaw. They can be cared for by wiping the gums with a warm cloth to prevent bacteria
- Start dental care around the first year – by a child’s first birthday they should have a visit to the dentist. Gum and tooth decay can be evaluated, other issues like thumb sucking or use of soothers than can affect teeth can also be addressed. This is also a time when dentists can begin providing parents better tips for caring for children’s teeth
- Don’t introduce toothpaste too early – toothpaste, even the children’s variety, should only be used by age 2. Before that water and a toothbrush is a great way to start
- Teach them to brush – although children may not be able to brush independently until 6 or 7, until then, teach them the right techniques and give them a chance to try brushing for themselves
- Use floss – many parents forget that floss is important for children too. Start as soon as they have teeth in their mouth to clean between them
- Make dental visits fun – some kids fear the dentist, make sure the trips are fun and if you have the right dentist, that can help make it an even more enjoyable experience for them
Via: Dentistry.com
(Image Credit: Flickr Creative Commons)
Tags: caring for children's teeth, dental care for parents, dental tips for children, dentists for children, oral health
Posted in Dental Tips, Oral Health for Children | No Comments »
Wednesday, January 13th, 2010
Many people, as they get older, begin to care less about their oral health because they no longer worry about the aesthetics. But for seniors, many issues with oral health can lead to greater health problems and impact overall quality of life, which is why it’s crucial that they have a good understanding of the potential problems and receive care from a qualified dental professional. Here are some of the issues that seniors can face as they age with regards to their oral health:
- Gum disease – gum disease isn’t uncommon amongst seniors who do not keep up with proper oral care, or have dental appliances like bridges or dentures that do not fit properly
- Tooth loss – tooth loss is often a result of gum disease in many cases. Often, seniors who avoid going to a dentist for a tooth ache or other evident issue can eventually lose their teeth if the dental problems are not treated
- Dry mouth – adequate saliva production is necessary for oral health. Dentists can recommend seniors products that will help them ensure that their teeth and mouth are well protected
- Darkened teeth – many seniors complain that their teeth have changed color as they get older. While this is not necessarily a medical condition, it is possible to treat discoloration at home or with the advice of a dentist
ToothSavers sees many senior patients every year and can provide solutions to all of the above issues with regards to oral health. One ToothSavers’ patient provided the following statement after receiving superior care.
“I am a very modest worker and I’m not getting any younger. Therefore I was concerned about having a very professional job done on my dentures that I can appreciate for the rest of my life”
-Maria S
Originally posted at Toothsavers.Wordpress.com
Tags: dental changes with age, dentures, dry mouth, gum disease, older adults, senior dental care, seniors and oral health, tooth loss
Posted in Dental Tips | No Comments »
Wednesday, January 13th, 2010
Choosing a dentist based on their personality alone is never a good idea. Just because you like someone personally, doesn’t meant that they’ll be the best choice to care for your oral health. That being said, once you’ve determined that a dentist’s qualifications and their practice meet all of your criteria, their personality is important. No one likes a doctor with a poor bedside manner, no matter how proficient they may be; and the same applies with dentists. So here are a few things to evaluate about your prospective dentist’s personality.
- Are they upfront and honest – for many dental patients, it’s important to have information upfront from their dentist, particularly those that do not have sufficient dental insurance coverage. A good dentist should be willing to at least estimate the costs of treatment they’re suggesting and give you an idea about the care they expect you will need in the future
- Compassion – many dental patients feel like every time they set foot in the dentist’s office they are being judged. Dentists should be compassionate and supportive while providing the required information and motivation to their patients
- Their complete focus – a busy dental practice sees a lot of patients, but when you’re in their chair, you should feel like you’re the primary focused. A good dentist should not give you the feeling that they’re trying to rush through your appointment, nor should they voice their stress to you even on the busiest of days. You need to feel like you’re the top priority!
Remember, it’s not just an individual dentist you should evaluate when you visit a practice – it’s everyone from the hygienists to the support staff that will give you a feeling if you’ve come to the right place for you!
A ToothSavers’ patient provides their feedback about the level of customer service provided to dental patients in the office.
“At ToothSavers, I got the best medical assistance. I also found the dentists offered a dignified presence made me feel at ease and safe”
Image Credit: Flickr Creative Commons
Originally Posted at ToothSavers.Wordpress.com
Tags: finding a dentist, looking for a dentist, New York dental clinics, NY dentists, personality traits of good dentists, ToothSavers, what makes a good dentist
Posted in Dental Tips | No Comments »
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