Smile Arts Dentistry of Potomac
How often should you visit your dentist?
On average, seeing a dentist twice a year works well for many people. Some can get away with fewer visits. Others may need more frequent visits. People with very little risk of cavities or gum disease can do fine seeing their dentist just once a year. People with a high risk of dental disease might need to visit every three or four months or more. This high-risk group includes:
- Smokers
- Pregnant women
- Diabetics
- People with current gum disease
- People with a week immune response to bacterial infection
- People who tend to get cavities or build-up plaque
Athletic mouthguard
BENEFITS TO WEARING A MOUTHGUARD DURING CONTACT SPORTS
Kids, aged 8 to 12, who participate in basketball, hockey, baseball, soccer, rugby, football, and lacrosse are typically the most affected by lost or damaged teeth. But even tho who participate in non-contact sports or recreational sports like skateboarding, mountain biking, or climbing benefit from wearing a mouthguard.
According to the American Dental Association, more than 200,000 oral injuries are prevented each year by wearing a mouthguard. Mouthguards help prevent chipped, broken and knocked out teeth. They protect your child’s lips, tongue, face, and also help redistribute forces from a blow to the head. While a mouthguard won’t prevent a concussion, it can reduce the severity of the injury.
Start them young
START THEM YOUNG,
Everyone knows that healthy habits are formed through years of repetition, and having good oral hygiene is no different! From the moment that a child’s baby teeth begin to appear, they are at risk of decay. This decay can start whenever the tooth becomes in contact with sugar, which presents itself in mostly everything that a baby or young child drinks (other than water, of course). These sugars can even be found in breastmilk and formula! Failing to clean your child’s new teeth daily can result in painful decay. The good news is, it’s as easy as committing to cleaning your child’s teeth twice daily, for two minutes each time, as well as flossing (or water-picking) every day. By making this a part of your daily routine, you are not only protecting your child’s teeth from decay, but you are also instilling within them the knowledge and habit of having good oral hygiene, something that as they get older is truly priceless.
Now, we know that teeth brushing is not every child’s favorite thing to do, but it may be made a little bit more fun by allowing them to feel like they are a part of their oral health! Maybe make picking out their tooth brush a fun treat, there are many themed and colorful options on the market. Do make sure though, that the toothbrush is child-sized and has soft bristles. You also should make sure that there is an “ADA Seal of Acceptance” when choosing your dental products, including toothbrushes, floss, toothpastes, and mouthwash. You may even want to ask your dentist or dental hygienist at your next visit if there are any electric toothbrushes that may be the right fit for your child. In order to make sure that your child is brushing for two minutes, teach them to sing their favorite song in their head, or have them practice their counting skills! Having your children feel confident and excited about oral hygiene is important to making sure that their visits to the dentists are smooth and positive experiences. Contact us today with any questions or to set up an appointment!
SmileArts Cosmetic Dentistry of Potomac
301-251-7007
Dogs teeth need brushing too
Your smile can make a lasting impression. Don’t forget to brush and floss and visit us before the holidays season.
Call Dr. shakoori at Smile Arts dentistry of Potomac 301-251-7007
Tips for clean teeth
The Tooth Fairy’s Tips for Clean Teeth
The Tooth Fairy Says:
“Start taking care of little teeth early in life.”
Even though kids don’t lose their baby teeth until around age 6, it’s still a great idea to introduce them to the Tooth Fairy early on. This can help them get excited about brushing and flossing, so that their teeth will be clean and healthy by the time they lose them.
“Money and presents are great motivators.”
Let’s face it, the appeal of finding money under their pillow is sure to encourage kids to take care of their teeth. But the Tooth Fairy can also leave little gifts that reinforce good oral hygiene, such as a new toothbrush or toothpaste.
“Make it more fun!”
There are a surprising number of mobile apps that bring the Tooth Fairy to life. While not all of them directly promote oral hygiene, teaching your kids about the Tooth Fairy will motivate them to take better care of their teeth so they can deliver pearly whites to her.
Foe any questions or concerns please call our office at 301-251-7007
Dr. Shakoori
Happy St. Patrick”s Day
How to be Healthy on St. Patrick’s Day!
In honor of St. Patrick’s Day approaching, here are some new, fun ways to celebrate all day long—without sacrificing the health of you or your teeth!
- Stay sharp: If you’ll be wearing your finest green clothes, make sure your breath is fresh and clean too. Always brush for two full minutes, floss, and use some mouthwash (green spearmint perhaps?) before leaving the house.
- Get going: Start the day with a healthy and festive green smoothie. Throw in your favorite green ingredients, like spinach, green apples, avocados, and kale, mixed with bananas and coconut milk, and you’re ready to go!
- Get crafty: There are lots of fun crafts you can make with your kids for St. Patrick’s day. Use some green construction paper to make shamrocks for around the house, color your own rainbows and add a pot of gold, or use toilet paper rolls and construction paper to make your own leprechauns.
- Get snacking: Make shamrock chips out of spinach tortillas by using a shamrock cookie cutter. Bake the chips in the oven at 400°F for 5-7 minutes, or until crisp. Serve with a rainbow of vegetables, like bell peppers, carrots, cabbage and cauliflower. -Dr. ShakooriSt
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