5 Ways to Improve your Child’s At-Home Oral Hygiene

Brushing and flossing aren’t most kids’ favorite hobbies. However, a number of studies suggest that the earlier children are introduced and become involved in their oral health, the healthier they will be throughout their lives. In fact, research indicates that establishing good brushing habits before the age of three can help children reduce their chances of tooth decay and cavities in both primary and permanent teeth.

As a parent, you can help your children establish positive oral health habits that will follow them into adolescence and adulthood. By incorporating a little fun into the dental health routine, you can help your kids develop a commitment to and appreciation for oral hygiene. These five techniques can help you encourage your kids to brush both properly and often.

Brush Together

One of the easiest and most beneficial ways to encourage proper brushing is if your children and you brush your teeth together in a group. Prime tooth brushing time (early mornings and right before bed) can be some of the most stressful times of the day. By brushing together every day, you’ll establish a routine that will make these stressful times more predictable. You’ll also get to serve as a role model for your children, showing them the importance of dental hygiene. Additionally, by brushing together, you’ll be able to identify and gently correct what they’re doing wrong.

Use “Fun” Brushes and Pastes

Rather than relying on basic toothbrushes and toothpastes, allow your child to select their own themed toothbrush and flavored toothpaste. You can find your child’s favorite princess or superhero on the handle of a brush or flosser designed for little mouths in your local drug store. These tools can help you get your kids interested in brushing and flossing. When they’re motivated to use their special brushes and pastes, they’ll be excited enough to remember to brush and floss and interested enough to take their time.

Play Dentist

You want to instill a sense of independence in your children, but you still need to check their teeth when they brush. To accomplish this without a fight, brush your teeth in front of your child (modeling good oral hygiene techniques), and then ask them to be the dentist and check them. Next, you be the dentist and ask your child to be the patient while you check their teeth. This way, you’ll not only get to check your child’s teeth, but you’ll also be able to give wise brushing advice in a way that is fun rather than nagging.

Sing a Brushing Song

Even with character toothbrushes and colored toothpastes, most kids want to rush through brushing so they can get back to their toys. To help them take the time they need, teach them to brush while singing a certain song in their heads. When the song is done - so are they! Are popular choice is “Happy Birthday,” though you might need to ask your children to sing it two or three times if they tend to pick up the tempo.

Earn and Learn

Remind your children that they need to brush and floss every day with a rewards system that recognizes them for their efforts. For very young children, a simple sticker chart can do the trick. Older children might be more impressed with a reward chart that promises a larger prize if they brush and floss every day for a week or two. Choose a reward your child will love, such as a day at the beach or a stuffed animal, but don’t choose candy. This will only undermine your aim of helping them develop a healthy smile.

Great oral hygiene and health starts at home. With a few of these time-trusted techniques, you can encourage effective, independent oral care. However, it’s still important for your child to regularaly see a dentist for professional cleanings. Regular dental checkups can keep your kids motivated, your teeth clean, and dental problems at bay. Schedule an appointment today at Willow Glen Dentistry, and we’ll work with you to help you keep your children smiling.

Understanding My Dental Implant Options

There are a number of benefits associated with dental implants. From convenience to durability, this restorative treatment option offers health, aesthetic, and financial advantages unparalleled by traditional teeth replacement options. In particular, the versatility and adaptability of dental implants allows for integration into a number of other treatments, opening the door for patients with extensive restorative needs to receive high-quality treatment.

Understanding your needs and which treatment option will best fulfill your health and functional goals is an important component when it comes to choosing between different implant restoration options. Consider the following:

For patients with one missing tooth:

Single crown dental implants are ideal for replacing a single tooth that is missing or has been extracted as a result of trauma, decay, or damage. Unlike bridges, which require that adjacent teeth be shaved down to accommodate the restoration, single unit implants support themselves, thereby preserving the structural integrity of neighboring teeth.

For patients missing several consecutive teeth:

In these instances, an implant-supported bridge may be recommended in order to sufficiently replace missing teeth. Depending on the number of missing teeth and the length of the bridge, this treatment option can use anywhere between two to four implants to support the prosthetic and stimulate underlying jawbone. Not only does stimulation help to prevent additional tooth loss, but also strengthens the jaw, preventing bone deterioration and preserving facial structure.

For patient missing entire arches of teeth:

In cases of extensive tooth loss, patients have several teeth replacement options. Traditionally, dentures are used to provide a functional restoration. Over the course of time however, this restorative option can lead to further damage by failing to protect jaw bone density, leading to bone resorption, the appearance of premature aging, and limited oral function.

In contrast, dental implants can be used to support dentures, providing patients with the convenience of a removable denture coupled with the stability offered by dental implants. For patients with limited bone density, mini implants can also be used to anchor dentures in an affordable, health-conscious manner.

Dental Implant Restorations in San Jose

At Willow Glen Dentistry, our mission is to help patients find the right solution for missing teeth. By partnering with local oral surgeons and periodontists, our San Jose dentist Dr. John Pisacane is able to provide patients with long-term restorations that improve all parts of their smile. For more information about dental implant restoration in San Jose, contact Willow Glen Dentistry today. 

5 Steps for Preventing Periodontal Disease

Unlike other oral conditions, gum disease can affect any patient at any age. With few symptoms exhibited during the early stages, many patients are unaware that they are experiencing periodontal disease until the disease has already progressed past a point where it is reversible. While extremely common, gum disease is easily prevented with just a few simple, proactive steps. These include:

Brush Correctly

Developing an effective hygiene routine goes beyond just brushing and flossing in the morning and before bed. Often, patients forget or put off brushing and flossing or don’t do it correctly, thereby putting themselves at risk of developing gum disease in the future. For complete efficiency, begin brushing and flossing after each meal. Rather than just running your toothbrush over the teeth, hold your brush at a 45-degree angle and use circular motions to clean the teeth. If possible, invest in an electric toothbrush- these are specifically designed to efficiently remove plaque and bacteria.

Floss Thoroughly

Similar to effective brushing, individuals should also try flossing after each meal to remove left over food debris trapped between the teeth. To properly floss, wrap the floss around the index and middle fingers, leaving about two inches between the hands. Slide the floss between the teeth and create a “c” shape with the floss around the tooth, sliding the floss around the base of the tooth and below the gum line. Repeat this process in every gap, including the molars at the end of the arch.

Clean Between the Gums

Bacteria, plaque, and tartar can become trapped in the minute space between the teeth and gums and begin to accumulate, increasing the risk of future gum issues.  After brushing and flossing, use a rubber-tipped gum stimulator to gently clean the space between the teeth and gums. Follow this process by rinsing with mouthwash. Gum stimulators can be purchased at your local drug store.

Know Your Risks

Certain conditions such as diabetes and habits such as smoking can increase an individual’s risk of developing gum disease. As a result, sticking to a healthy diet and taking steps to stop smoking are important steps that help protect the overall health of your smile. For more information about quitting tobacco or managing diabetes, contact your general physician.

Visit the Dentist Twice a Year

Regular visits to the dentist’s office twice a year are a critical part of preventing gum disease from damaging your smile. In addition to providing our San Jose dentist with the opportunity to monitor your dentition for changes in tooth or gum health, routine cleanings performed during this appointment allow our team to remove plaque and tartar accumulation as well as develop an at-home prevention plan.

Schedule Your Next Visit Today

Willow Glen Dentistry is committed to providing patients with the tools and knowledge needed to maintain a lasting healthy smile. For more information about at-home oral hygiene and gum disease prevention, contact Dr. John Pisacane at Willow Glen Dentistry today to schedule your next dental appointment.