Little Rock Family Dental Care Blog

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…)

New Dental Devices Use Technology to Identify Cavities

March 12, 2014

The key to preventing tooth loss due to decay is early detection. Dentists use a wide variety of tools to identify cavities, decay, and plaque, some of which include the traditional pick, probe, mirror, and X-ray machines. The sooner decay is spotted, the easier it is to fix. However, there are new devices dentists are using to identify tooth decay.

According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIH), tooth decay (known medically as caries), is one of the most common types of chronic diseases. While the number of overall cases has declined over the past four decades, tooth decay remains a serious problem that people shouldn’t ignore. Allowing tooth decay to persist without professional dental care can result in tooth abscess, gum disease, infection, tooth loss, and even jawbone loss in very serious cases.

New technology that uses x-rays along with other spectrums of light and special software now puts a lot more power in the hands of dentists. For example, one handheld tool known as Spectra uses advances ultraviolet light to detect tooth decay. The dentist or an assistant runs the wand-like device over the patient’s teeth. Normally, it shines a green light on the tooth’s enamel. But when the device shines on a part of the tooth suffering from decay, the light will turn red, indicating the presence of a cavity. (more…)

Tips To Prevent Tooth Decay

February 21, 2014

According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), tooth decay is the single most common disease in children. Children are most susceptible to tooth decay since their enamel is soft and still being developed, but the fact is that anyone can suffer from this condition regardless of age. The good news is that you can protect yourself against tooth decay by following some simple steps.

Allowing tooth decay to persist can lead to a wide range of problems, some of which includes breakdown of enamel, periodontal disease, infection, abscess and more. The American Dental Association (ADA) defines cavities as: “a disease that happens when bacteria in the mouth produce acids that attack your teeth.”

When people fail to brush and clean their teeth properly, the bacteria from food and beverage particles begins to eat away at the enamel, resulting in a cavity. Unfortunately, cavities do not heal themselves; instead, they require filling by a professional dentists in order to prevent further decay. (more…)

4 Common Oral Health Problems and How They Can Be Prevented

January 24, 2014

We all know that regular dental checkups and cleanings are essential when it comes to a healthy mouth and an attractive smile, but there is a lot you can be doing in between visits to help prevent small problems—and prevent small problems from turning into big ones.

Here are four common oral health problems and some steps you can take as part of your daily routine to prevent them:

Toothaches

Toothaches can be caused by a variety of different problems, many of which started small. Sometimes a toothache can’t be controlled, such as as a result of an accident, but most can be prevented with good hygiene and regular dental visits.

Bad Breath

When not the result of eating garlic, bad breath is caused by bacteria, especially when it accumulates on the tongue. Again, good hygiene should take care of this problem, including daily tongue scraping. Scraping the tongue will help to remove the bacteria that builds up there. (more…)

What To Do in a Dental Emergency

December 20, 2013

We all know that dental emergencies can happen without warning, and they can be very painful and stressful experiences. It’s not only important to have a dentist who is capable of handling emergency cases, but it’s also critical that you know what to do in case of an emergency.

Many dental emergencies can occur without warning, such as a sudden toothache, while other cases are the results of accidents. Car accidents, falls, and contact sports are common causes of dental emergencies like chipped, cracked, or knocked out teeth.

No matter the emergency, it is always a good idea to call your dentist and schedule an appointment as soon as possible. In most cases, emergency rooms are not equipped or able to treat dental emergencies. However, if you’ve broken a bone in your face or jaw or if you can’t stop a wound from bleeding, you should go to an emergency room. (more…)