Baby teeth are important
Most likely, all your child’s baby teeth will have come in by age 3. These teeth are very important. Taking care of their baby teeth helps the adult teeth come in healthier and stronger. Parents will need to help their child brush his or her teeth twice a day, both morning and night.  Children cannot adequately brush their teeth alone until around age 9, parents should be involved in some way up until that age.


​How to brush and floss

• Use a soft, age appropriate toothbrush.
• A small grain of rice sized smear of fluoride toothpaste is plenty for children up to age 3. Children 3 years and older can move up to a pea size amount of fluoridated toothpaste.
• Hold the toothbrush with the bristles pointed towards the gumline.
• Use short back and forth strokes.
• Brush the inside, outside, front, back, and top of each tooth.
• Don’t forget to brush the tongue.
• Help your child floss his/her teeth until they are old enough to do so themselves.

Fluoride
Fluoride is important to prevent cavities and make teeth stronger. Fluoride is in most toothpastes and added to community/public water supply.  If your family drinks water that has been tested and does not contain fluoride, such as well water, ask your doctor or dentist about prescribing fluoride tablets at your next visit.
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Low sugar snacks and drinks
Sweet, sugary foods and drinks are not good for teeth. Limit sweet treats such as candy, cake, cookies, ice cream and soda. Water is the best drink to consume daily.

Regular dental checkups
When your child is 1, its time to take him or her to the dentist. Regular checkups are vital for the overall health of your child.
By bringing your child to the dentist every 6 months, their baby teeth will be healthy and so will their adult teeth!

Building healthy teeth for the future begins now

• Brush and floss teeth daily.
• Ask your doctor or dentist about fluoride.
• DO NOT let your child have too much sugar.

Oral Cancer is on the rise!  Young adults are now a demonstrable portion of new oral cancer cases due to the increase in oral human papilloma virus (HPV), a common sexually transmitted disease.  Tobacco and alcohol further increase the risk, but 70% of oropharyngeal cancers may be associated with HPV.

At MCHD Dentistry we care about the overall health of every patient, and that is why we offer oral cancer exams at every hygiene visit.  If you notice any changes with your head, neck, mouth or throat- do not hesitate to make an appointment with Dr. Carrier or your regular doctor.  The cost of waiting could very well be your life.

Do you experience a painful sensation when you eat something hot or cold?  What about when you eat a sweet treat or floss your teeth? You may have the common problem of tooth sensitivity.


 
What causes tooth sensitivity?
There are many factors that can contribute to sensitivity:

• Tooth decay (cavity)
• Exposed root surfaces
• Gum recession
• Worn down tooth enamel or fillings

What makes my teeth feel this way?
Teeth have multiple layers: enamel, cementum, dentin, and pulp. The enamel is the hardest structure in the human body and the white outer coating of the tooth. Cementum covers and protects the roots of our teeth. While underneath both the enamel and cementum is, dentin.
Dentin is made up of microscopic tubules or canals. Once these tubules become exposed, it can send a painful sensation to the nerves of teeth causing patients to get that “zing” pain.

What can I do to help sensitivity?

• Sensitive toothpaste with potassium nitrate (ADA Seal)
• Fluoride rinse at home
• Professionally applied fluoride varnish in dental office
• Severe sensitivity may require more extensive treatment such as a root canal or crown

Contact MCHD Dentistry if you have tooth sensitivity or need to see a dentist for routine care. Coming to MCHD Dentistry every 6 months for a check-up can help eliminate your sensitivity. 

​      A very common dental habit among our dental patients is clenching or grinding their teeth, especially at night time. This habit is known as bruxism, and it can be very painful and even destructive. Patients that have the signs and symptoms of bruxism may not realize that treatment is available. Here are a few of the warning signs to look for if you suspect you are clenching and/or grinding your teeth:

• Soreness or discomfort in your jaw or teeth upon waking
• Clicking or popping of  the joints in your jaw (often referred to as the TMJ)
• Unexplained headaches
• Family members hear you grinding your teeth while you sleep
• Excessive wear in areas teeth contact one another

 
If you feel you may be experiencing bruxism, you should schedule an appointment with your dentist. Your dentist will examine your teeth for excessive wear as well as check your temporomandibular joints (TMJ) for soreness and loss of mobility. Left untreated, bruxism can damage teeth to the point that restorations are needed, cause mobility of individual teeth, or even cause tooth loss. Your dentist will also try to determine what might be causing you to clench or grind your teeth. These causes could include stress, a non-ideal bite, sleep apnea, and even certain medicines. During your appointment, your dentist may recommend treatment such as an occlusal night guard. This appliance helps lessen the damage to your teeth by preventing your teeth from touching while you sleep. Other treatments may include stress management or a referral to a specialist.
          The bottom line is: if left untreated, bruxism can cause permanent changes to your teeth and TMJ. Scheduling an appointment with a dentist is the best place to start in determining what might be causing your bruxism and help you find the proper treatment.

​If you feel you might be dealing with this condition, please don’t hesitate to give us a call here at MCHD Dentistry- we may be able to get you out of the “Daily Grind”.