2023 National Children’s Dental Health Month

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, a public health event brought to us by the American Dental Association (ADA). The purpose of this month-long celebration is to bring parents, caregivers, teachers, and healthcare providers like your dentist in Columbia together to raise awareness of the importance of proper oral hygiene and dental care in children. The theme for 2023 is Brush, Floss, Smile!, and there are tons of ways you can help make dental care more fun for the children in your life. 

“Brush, Floss, Smile!”

This year’s slogan is Brush, Floss, Smile! helps both kids and caregivers learn just how important it is for kids to brush their teeth regularly as well as floss in between each and every tooth. To help, ADA has put together fun, interactive games and activities to make learning about dental care fun for kids. Head on over the ADA website and download all sorts of free educational tools including coloring sheets, crossword puzzles, and a calendar to keep track of brushing habits. 

How Should Kids Brush & Floss?

Brushing and flossing tiny teeth are important, but your dentist in Columbia will also encourage you to make sure your little ones are doing them correctly. Developing proper technique and a solid routine will help children throughout their lives.. 

Proper Brushing

Kids and adults should brush their teeth twice a day, once when you wake up in the morning and once before bed at night. Use the following techniques: 

• Angle the toothbrush against the gum line at a 45-degrees

• Gently scrub teeth using small circles with the brush

• Brush all surfaces of each tooth and up under the gums

• Brush the tongue from back to front

A thorough brushing should take about two minutes. Don’t shy away from humming songs or finding two-minute brushing videos to turn a habit into a fun activity. 

Proper Flossing

It’s just as important for kids to floss once a day as it is for adults, and little ones should start flossing whenever they have two teeth that touch each other. But like brushing, flossing requires a specific technique, and it can be hard for kids. The best way to floss is to gently wiggle the floss in between each tooth and curve it up under the gums. You can try traditional floss but you may have more success with a floss pick.

While brushing and flossing are crucial for all smiles, maintaining visits to your dentist in Columbia is also necessary. Schedule an appointment today! 

Accepting new patients from Columbia, Ellicott City, Howard County, and nearby areas. 

Can You Feel If You Have a Cavity?

Even though teeth are super strong, they are still susceptible to damage. Tooth decay is one of the most common ailments in adults and children. So much so that the CDC estimates that about 90% of U.S. adults over 20 have had a cavity in their lifetime. While many people first discover that they have a cavity at their preventive checkups with their dentist in Columbia, there are some ways you can tell if you have a cavity at home in between appointments. 

What Does a Cavity Feel Like? 

While you may think that you feel a cavity, the truth is that the discomfort associated with cavities can often disguise itself as something else. For example, tooth sensitivity is pretty common and is not necessarily a sign of a cavity. However, new or more extreme sensitivity may be a cause for concern. Some other things that you may feel if you have a cavity include:

• Sensitivity when eating or drinking something hot, cold, or sweet

• Pain when biting down on an area

• Feeling a new divot in your teeth that wasn’t there before

Tooth enamel doesn’t contain any nerves, so it can’t feel anything. So if you do suddenly start to feel pain, it could mean that decay has worn away the enamel and found its way to the inside of your tooth where the nerves live. This is a sign that you should call your dentist. 

What Does a Cavity Look Like? 

Keeping an eye out for any changes in your mouth should be something that you do regularly. But what exactly are you looking for? Many times cavities that are in the early stages and are small will not be visible to the naked eye. That’s a good thing. So don’t be surprised if your dentist in Columbia suddenly says you have a cavity even if you’ve had no symptoms. Cavities will start as incredibly tiny areas of decay that you may not notice. But your dentist can see decay through x-rays and other diagnostic tools. Catching cavities early usually means quicker and easier treatment. Now, there are some things you should look for such as:

• Pitting in teeth

• Holes in teeth

• Tooth discoloration 

If you notice any of the sudden changes in your teeth, contact your dentist in Columbia and schedule an appointment. 

Brushing and flossing your teeth every day can help prevent cavities from developing. But it’s also important to see your dentist at least twice a year for preventive checkups. During these visits, your dental team will check for any changes in your mouth and recommend treatment as necessary. As with most things, early intervention is key to successful treatment. The sooner a concern is diagnosed, the sooner treatment can begin, and the sooner you can rest assured that your oral health is protected. Don’t hesitate, schedule your appointment today! 

Welcoming patients from Columbia, Ellicott City, Howard County, and nearby areas. 

What is Cosmetic Dentistry?

Cosmetic dentistry is a form of dental care that’s focused on not only improving the look of someone’s smile but also functionality. Cosmetic dentistry treatments can help teeth look whiter, straighter, or more balanced. Depending on your wants and needs, your dentist in Columbia can find the best cosmetic dentistry treatment for you. Here’s a guide to help you decide if cosmetic dentistry is right for you and narrow down which treatment may help you achieve the results you want. 

Teeth Whitening

One of the most popular, if not the most popular, forms of cosmetic dentistry, is smile whitening. Over the past couple of years, whitening your teeth has become easier than ever before as you can purchase over-the-counter whitening products whenever you want. However, your dentist in Columbia wants you to know that not all whitening products will give you the results you’re looking for. In fact, some types of tooth stains can’t be removed by using whitening products alone. That’s why it’s always important to consult your dentist before you decide to try and whiten your smile on your own. This is the best way to make sure you’re finding the best way to whiten your teeth before you invest. 

Dental Veneers

If you find out that your teeth can’t be brightened through teeth whitening treatments, another option that can be used to cover up the staining are dental veneers. Not only can veneers change the color of your teeth, they can also change the size, shape, or length of individual teeth and fill in small gaps. Veneers are applied after your dentist removes a small portion of the front tooth enamel, and they are customized in size, shape, and color to match the rest of your natural teeth. 

Bonding

Dental bonding is a quick and easy form of cosmetic dentistry that can usually be finished in 30-60 minutes. Bonding can help restore the appearance of teeth that have decay, chips, cracks, or need a little reshaping. A tooth-colored resin is applied and molded into the ideal size and shape to give your smile a balanced look. It’s then hardened with a UV light, making it a sturdy restoration. 

Dental Crowns

Dental crowns may often be considered a form of restorative dentistry, but they can also hold a cosmetic purpose. A crown, also known as a cap, covers a tooth in its entirety and can change the size, shape, or strength of a tooth. Crowns may also be used after a root canal in order to make the tooth stronger. Crowns are custom-created to blend seamlessly into a smile. 

There’s no better time than the new year to create a new you, and with your dentist in Columbia, you can do just that. If you’re looking for a way to be more confident in your smile, schedule an appointment or consultation today! 

We’re always accepting new patients from Columbia, Ellicott City, Howard County, and nearby areas!

What to Expect at Your Dental Visit

Maintaining regular visits to your dentist in Columbia is a crucial part of having a healthy mouth and bright white teeth. In fact, the American Dental Association recommends seeing your dentist every six months. However, we understand that some patients may be worried or anxious about their visits, especially if they don’t know what to expect. To help, let’s break down what happens at dental visits. 

Health History

Whether it’s been a while since you’ve seen a dentist in Columbia or you regularly keep with your appointments every six months, the first thing you’ll most likely do at your check up is answer some health history questions. These questions will of course focus on your oral health and may include inquiries about any pain or sensitivity or if you may be interested in improving your smile with cosmetic dentistry. Additionally, your dental team will want to get information about your overall health, including any medications, health history, and concerns. Knowing your overall health is key to providing customized care designed just for you. 

Dental Cleaning

Even though appointments can vary from office to office, many times a cleaning will be the next step in your visit. A dental hygienist will use safe and effective instruments to gently remove plaque and tartar buildup from teeth. This is a methodical process and may take the most time, however, it’s incredibly important. Even if you take excellent care of your teeth at home and brush and floss every day, tartar can still accumulate, and it can only be removed by your dental team. If it’s not removed, it can lead to some serious problems.

Polishing

After a thorough cleaning, your hygienist will use a soft rubber polisher and special paste to polish off your teeth. This step will remove any additional plaque and can even help remove surface stains from teeth. 

Dental X-Rays

If it’s been a while since you’ve seen a dentist in Columbia, you will probably have some dental x-rays taken. It’s also common to get these x-rays done at least once a year or if there’s a suspected problem. Dental x-rays are safe and, thanks to advanced technology, only emit very low doses of radiation. 

Comprehensive Oral Exam

When it’s time to see your dentist, they’ll begin by looking at any areas your hygienist may have concerns about. Then, they’ll perform a thorough examination of your teeth, looking for decay or cavities. But the exam doesn’t stop there. Your dentist will also look at your gums and other areas of your mouth for any signs of disease as well as your jaw and bite.

Knowing what to expect at your dental appointments can ease any anxieties you may have as well as keep you informed every step of the way. 

Accepting new patients from Columbia, Ellicott City, Howard County, and nearby areas. 

How Can I Stop My Teeth From Staining?

If you’re embarrassed by your teeth, you’re not alone. More than 50% of Americans are insecure about their teeth. This may mean that you cover your mouth when you laugh or smile without your teeth showing in photographs. A lot of the time, smile insecurity is due to the color of teeth. While many things can cause tooth staining, your dentist in Columbia wants you to know that there are several ways you can stop tooth staining in its tracks. 

Stop Smoking

One of the main things that cause tooth discoloration is smoking and using other forms of tobacco. Tobacco, along with other ingredients in cigarettes and even smokeless tobacco, is known to cause the yellowing of teeth. Additionally, since tobacco products also contain addictive ingredients, it’s not uncommon for these products to be used several times throughout the day. This means that teeth are constantly exposed to the staining ingredients. Additionally, tobacco stains are harder to remove. While your dentist in Columbia supports quitting smoking and using other tobacco products, we understand that they are difficult to quit. Keep in mind that tobacco use is a leading cause of oral health problems, including oral cancer.   

Eat Healthy

Certain foods and drinks such as red wine, tea, coffee, soda, and even pasta sauce can cause tooth staining. But there are also some foods that can actually help reduce staining. Snacking on raw vegetables and fruits such as apples, celery, or even some types of cheese can gently scrub away surface stains. 

Brush Your Teeth Often

Your dentist in Columbia will always recommend that all patients brush their teeth twice a day, every day, for two minutes. However, brushing your teeth after meals, particularly the ones that can contribute to tooth staining, is also important. If you can’t thoroughly brush your teeth, try rinsing your mouth out with water to help remove staining ingredients. 

If you find yourself in a position where you can’t rinse your mouth out with water, find some sugarless gum and chew it for a little while to remove even more food particles.

Straws Can Help

While it may seem silly, a simple straw is a great way to reduce the risk of tooth discoloration when drinking a tooth-staining beverage. Straws help the liquid bypass teeth and decrease the likelihood of staining. There are several reusable straws you can buy and carry with you in case you run into a situation where straws aren’t available. 

To be frank, tooth discoloration happens, sometimes even if you try your hardest to prevent it. But the good news is that there are several cosmetic dentistry options available for whitening teeth and even reversing discoloration. From smile whitening treatments to cosmetic dentistry solutions, like dental veneers, your dentist in Columbia will help you find the best way to whiten your teeth.

We’re always accepting new patients from Columbia, Ellicott City, Howard County, and nearby areas. 

What Are The Risks of Whitening Strips?

Everyday things such as coffee, wine, and even spaghetti sauce can take a once bright, white smile and transform it into something discolored. If you were once used to brilliant white teeth and find yourself staring into the mirror and wondering when your teeth went from dazzling to dull, you’re not alone. In fact, more than half of Americans are insecure about their teeth. The good news is that there are many different ways to whiten your smile. The most common way is over-the-counter whitening strips. However, your dentist in Columbia wants you to know the benefits and risks that go along with the use of whitening strips. 

Whitening Strips: 101

Whitening strips are thin pieces of plastic covered with an active whitening ingredient. Some of the active ingredients can include hydrogen peroxide, sodium hydroxide, or chlorine dioxide. When in doubt, look for a product that offers no more than 14% of hydrogen peroxide and steer clear of anything that has chlorine dioxide – it can irreversibly damage tooth enamel. Additionally, it’s crucial to follow package instructions accurately. Whitening strips that are used too often or left on too long can cause unwanted side effects, and there’s no benefit to doing so. 

What To Know Before Buying Whitening Strips

There are so many different kinds of whitening strips available to you. You can buy them almost anywhere – from your local grocery store to online without ever consulting your dentist in Columbia. However, we encourage you to first talk with your dentist before spending any money on whitening strips. After all, whitening strips are only effective at removing surface stains and not internal stains, and it’s hard to know the difference between the two without a professional opinion. 

Risks of Whitening Strips

While whitening strips can be effective at removing surface stains, they don’t come without their risks. Some risks of using whitening strips can include:

• Gum Irritation – Whitening strips that contain hydrogen peroxide can whiten teeth, but if too much of the whitening strips touch too much of the gums for too long it can cause damage. Whitening strips can result in gum swelling and bleeding if used incorrectly. 

• Splotchy Whitening – While whitening strips often use ingredients to effectively stick them to teeth, patchy or splotchy whitening can occur. This can make discoloration even more obvious than it was before. 

• Sensitivity – Perhaps the most common side effect of whitening strips is tooth sensitivity. Sensitivity can have symptoms such as fast zaps of pain through teeth and pain when eating or drinking something hot or cold. 

Are Whitening Strips Right For You? 

The absolute best way to make sure you’re investing your money into something that will give you the results you want is to first talk with your dentist in Columbia. They can help determine the origin of your tooth staining and recommend the best way to whiten your smile that will give you the results you want. 

Welcoming patients from Columbia, Ellicott City, Howard County, and surrounding areas. 

How Can I Get Over My Fear of The Dentist?

There are a lot of things in this world to be afraid of, especially during the month of October with ghosts, ghouls, and goblins all around. However, your dentist in Columbia wants you to know that being afraid of going to your dental appointments doesn’t need to be something you fear. In fact, there are several things you can do to reduce your fear of the dentist. 

Find The Right Dentist

One of the best things you can do to help reduce your fear of the dentist is to search for the best dentist in Columbia for you. Call around to dentists near you, talk with the team, ask questions, and let them know you’re afraid. The right dentist for you will reassure you that they work with dental patients with all types of dental fear and may even mention various types of sedation dentistry options to help you relax. 

Bring a Friend

While this tip may not always be possible with certain COVID-19 restrictions, it doesn’t hurt to ask your dentist if you can bring a companion with you. Having a trusted friend or family member keep you company during your visits can help you feel relaxed and safe. 

Communicate

It’s ok to talk with your dentist and dental team about any anxieties you may have. In fact, we encourage you to! The more your team knows about how you’re feeling the better they can help you relax. If you need to take a break, let them know. 

Breathe

There’s so much power in simply breathing, especially if you practice calming breathing techniques or meditation. During your appointments, try to take slow, deep breaths and focus your attention on inhaling and exhaling. You can also try the 4-4-4 breathing technique the Navy Seals use. 

1. Inhale for 4 seconds

2. Keep your lungs expanded for 4 seconds

3. Exhale for 4 seconds

4. Keep your lungs empty for 4 seconds

Distractions

Check to see if your dentist in Columbia offers or allows you to use distractions such as music, movies, or TV shows. Shifting your mind to focus on the plot of a show or lyrics or melody of some good tunes can ease anxiety while in the dental chair. 

Seeing your dentist at least twice a year is crucial to maintaining a healthy smile. These preventive appointments allow your dental team to catch any small problems before they have the chance to turn into bigger, more serious problems. But if you’re scared of the dentist, you may put off these necessary visits. Try your best to schedule and keep dental appointments in order to protect your oral and overall health. 

If you’re overdue for a dental visit and are a bit nervous, don’t hesitate to talk with your dentist. They understand and have experience working with anxious patients, and they can help change your mind about going to the dentist. 

We’re always accepting new patients from Columbia, Ellicott City, Howard County, and surrounding communities. 

Pregnancy & Dental Care

If you’re pregnant, especially if it’s your first time, dental care may be the farthest thing from your mind. But there are good reasons to still keep your oral health top of mind during this joyous time. In fact, your dentist in Columbia recommends that everyone, including those who are pregnant, continue to keep up with regular preventive dental care every six months. After all, the truth is, that the oral health of the mom can affect the overall health of the baby. 

Pregnancy Gingivitis

During pregnancy, hormones can go haywire thanks to the rise and fall of estrogen and progesterone. As a result, gum disease, or what’s known as pregnancy gingivitis, is common and affects about half of pregnant women, according to the American Dental Association. The symptoms of this condition are pain, swelling, tenderness, and excessive bleeding in the gums. While this may seem like no big deal, pregnancy gingivitis can result in low-birth-weight babies and even preterm births. If you have signs of pregnancy gingivitis, schedule an appointment with your dentist in Columbia. 

Decay & Cavities

Pregnancy cravings are real and, depending on the craving, can affect oral health and increase the risk of decay. For example, if your pregnancy cravings are treats that are high in sugar or you find yourself snacking more often than usual, it can increase the likelihood of developing a cavity. Additionally, morning sickness, which affects an estimated 70% of pregnant women, can weaken tooth enamel. When teeth are exposed to stomach acid over an extended period of time, this acid can wear away the protective layer of enamel and increase the risk of decay. 

The good news is that there are things you can do to limit the negative effects of stomach acid on teeth: 

• Rinse with water - Swish water around in your mouth and spit it in the sink after you experience morning sickness. This can remove some of the acids from your teeth. 

• Wait an hour - You may feel like brushing your teeth immediately after getting sick, but your dentist in Columbia recommends that you wait at least an hour before brushing after you’re sick. 

• Drink water - Water can neutralize and wash away acids and bacteria. 

• Use a tongue scraper - After you get sick, gently use a tongue scraper across your tongue. This can help remove some of the acids that may stick around on the tongue and then transfer to the teeth. 

The Oral & Overall Health Connection

Oral health is closely related to overall health as well as pregnancy health. This is why three of the most respected organizations – the American Dental Association, the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the American Academy of Pediatrics – encourage every expectant mother to see the dentist, especially during the earlier stages of pregnancy. It’s an important part of ensuring good health for the mom and the baby. 

If you’re pregnant, you shouldn’t put off regular dental visits to your Columbia dentist throughout your pregnancy. It’s also crucial to keep brushing twice a day and flossing once a day to keep bacteria at bay. However, if you need non-emergency or non-routine dental care such as cosmetic dentistry or a dental implant, wait until your baby is born to proceed with those treatments. 

Welcoming patients from Columbia, Ellicott City, Howard County, and nearby areas.