Little Rock Family Dental Care Blog

Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: A Warning To Parents

May 16, 2014

Baby bottle tooth decay is the term used to describe dental decay in young children. The term itself is somewhat of a misnomer since the use of a bottle alone does not lead to tooth decay.

Regardless, tooth decay in young children is serious problem that parents should be aware of. Even though a child’s baby teeth will be replaced by permanent ones when he or she is older, they still play a role in the child’s ability to eat solid foods, talk, and smile.

Common Causes of Baby Bottle Tooth Decay:

Exposure to sugary drinks for long periods of time
Mother cleans a pacifier by placing it her mouth before giving it to her child (the mother’s germs are passed on to the child)
Lack of fluoride
Fruit juice
Child falls asleep with bottle

It’s not uncommon for parents to dip their child’s pacifier in fruit juice or some other sweet substance before giving it their child. Yes, this will typically encourage the child to take it, which in turn may cause them to go to sleep, but it also increases the risk of baby bottle tooth decay. As the baby sucks on the pacifier, their teeth are exposed to abrasive, cavity-causing sugars. (more…)

Understanding Tooth Sensitivity and How To Treat It

May 12, 2014

Do you frequently experience sudden, sharp pain in your teeth when drinking hot beverages such as coffee, tea or hot chocolate, or when eating ice cream, chilled fruit, frozen yogurt or other cold foods?

Tooth sensitivity (known medically as dentin hypersensitivity) is an all-too-common condition that affects upwards of 15% of the general population to some degree. Although it doesn’t pose any direct threat to a person’s health, it may cause noticeable discomfort and even pain depending on the severity of the condition.

Tooth sensitivity pain is typically triggered by one of the following:

Hot or cold foods
Hot or cold beverages
Electric pulp test
Dental probing during examinations or treatments
Sugar
Acids

Common Causes of Tooth Sensitivity

The leading cause of tooth sensitivity is gum recession. As the gums recede towards the jawbone, root surfaces of the teeth are left exposed and vulnerable to the elements. The protective enamel is thinner around the roots; thus creating greater sensitivity when this area is exposed. (more…)

ADA Flossing Recommendations

April 21, 2014

Flossing plays an important role in the prevention of cavities and gum disease. (more…)

4 Reasons Why You Should Use a Mouth Rinse

April 10, 2014

Incorporating a mouth rinse into your oral care routine offers a number of important benefits. While most people are told to brush and floss their teeth twice a day, the use of a mouth rinse is often overlooked. However, adding a mouth rinse into your normal oral care routine can improve your smile in more ways than one. Keep reading to learn more about these benefits and why you should use a mouth rinse.

PREVENTS BAD BREATH

Bad breath is an all-too-common condition that affects 35-45% of the population. Some people assume this condition is nothing more than a mere annoyance, but bad breath indicates the presence of bacteria. When small food particles become stuck inside your mouth, it encourages the growth of bacteria. In addition to creating bad breath, these bacteria colonies may also promote cavities and gum disease. The good news is that you can fight bad breath through the use of a mouth rinse. Swishing an ADA-approved mouth rinse around in your mouth for 30 seconds kills up to 99% of germs, fighting bad breath at its roots. (more…)

How To Choose The Right Toothbrush

April 4, 2014

A toothbrush is an essential tool in oral health and hygiene. It removes food particles, plaque and bacteria while stimulating the gums and tongue. Some of the earliest examples of toothbrushes date back 5,000 years, when ancient civilizations picked at their teeth with wooden sticks. While modern-day toothbrushes have expanded in terms of design, their overall function remains the same: to encourage proper oral health.

With literally hundreds of different kinds of toothbrushes available for sale ranging in size, stiffness, shape, and design, choosing one can seem like a daunting task. Since some toothbrushes are more effective than others, though, it’s important to choose the right type.

LOOK FOR THE ADA SEAL

When shopping for a new toothbrush, check to make sure it has the American Dental Association (ADA) seal of approval on the packaging. In order for a company to display this seal on their toothbrushes, they must have it inspected by the ADA Council on Scientific Affairs and pass a certain set of criteria. (more…)