Dentist in Monroe | Celebrate National Children’s Dental Health Month With Us!

dentist monroeFebruary is National Children’s Dental Health Month!  Developing good oral hygiene habits and regular dental check-ups can be the start of a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums for children.

According to the National Institutes of Health, tooth decay is the most common chronic childhood disease.  It is 5 times more common than asthma and 7 times more common than hay fever.  Each year, dental-related illnesses result in children missing more than 51 million hours of school.  When dental diseases in children are left untreated, the pain and suffering can result in problems with eating, speaking and distract attention away from learning.

The key to good oral health in children begins at home.  The American Dental Association recommends the following:

  • Brush for 2 minutes twice each day
  • Floss daily to clean the spaces between teeth
  • Eat healthy meals and snacks
  • Visit the dentist regularly

We have the experience and qualifications to care for your child’s teeth, gums and mouth throughout various stages of childhood.  With regular check-ups and cleanings, we can ensure healthy and happy smiles. It is recommended for all patients to schedule a routine six-month check-up exam.

Our dentist will screen your child’s mouth for tooth decay and gum disease.  During your child’s dental cleaning, we will gently remove any buildup of plaque or tartar.  To help your child maintain his or her healthy mouth, we may also recommend sealants and fluoride treatments.

Please contact our office to schedule your child’s next dental appointment.

Dentist Monroe | Start the New Year with a Smile!

Monroe Dentist

Happy New Year from our team.

For many reasons, January is a great time to start the year with a beautiful and healthy smile. If you have been putting off treatment or cosmetic dentistry, there’s no better time to move forward in accomplishing your oral health goals.

Now that the holidays are behind us, there is more time to schedule your next visit to our office. If you are utilizing oral health benefits, many dental insurance plans renew at the start of the year, making it a great time for cosmetic and restorative care.

If considering cosmetic dentistry, contact us to schedule a complimentary consultation. Start the New Year with a smile!

Dentist in Monroe MI | New Year, New You!

Monroe MI dentist

Many of us spend the majority of our lives giving to others, caring for others and providing for others. This can be a very rewarding way to live.

However, at times it can leave you wondering when there will be time for me.

Many times, we put off prioritizing our own health and happiness, and this becomes our way of life.

We want to encourage you to make a resolution this year – involving you. It’s important to make your health and self-esteem a priority for a long and happy life.

If you’ve been considering cosmetic or restorative dentistry for years, but for one reason or another have not made your own wants and needs a priority…

Now is the time!

Contact us for a consultation or share this message with a friend who needs a reminder to make time for his or herself.

Monroe Dentist | The Truth Behind 5 Popular Dental Misconceptions

Clearing up misconceptions about oral health can help improve personal oral hygiene efforts for a beautiful and healthier smile. If you keep up with your oral hygiene regimen, dental visits are significantly easier and dental care is more manageable.

Misconception #1 – My teeth are fine if I have no pain

Tooth decay (cavities) usually doesn’t cause pain until they become very severe. Once it gets to this stage, the amount of decay could lead to more invasive and costly treatments. Some of the most dangerous oral disorders, such as oral cancer and gum disease, typically don’t cause pain at all. It is important to keep up with scheduled dental appointments. Our dentist can diagnose problems even at its earliest stages when there is no pain.

Misconception #2 – Cavities are only caused by sweets

When you eat sweets, the bacteria in your mouth start consuming it and produce acid. This acid dissolves the enamel of the tooth, which results in tooth decay or cavities. However, this process happens when you eat anything that is a starch or carbohydrate. Food and snacks, such as crackers, bread, potato chips, fruit, peanut butter and pasta, have the same effect on your teeth.

Misconception #3 – If my gums bleed, I should stop flossing

Bleeding gums are often the first sign of gum disease. This happens when bacterial infections inflame your gums due to a lack of efficient cleaning. With regular brushing and flossing, gums will be much healthier and should rarely bleed. However, gum inflammation can occur despite best oral hygiene habits. In such instances, you should see improvement if you rinse with warm salt water and continuing to brush and floss.

Misconception #4 – Whiter teeth are healthier teeth

Healthy teeth come in a wide range of natural shades. Whiter teeth cannot show if there is an infection or cavity between the teeth. Although pure white teeth do not equate to healthier teeth, they should still be naturally on the whiter side.

Misconception #5 – Children are more prone to tooth decay

Tooth decay (cavities) can develop at any age. People assume children have poor brushing habits and are more prone to tooth decay. Cavities form when bacteria cause a loss or weakening in tooth enamel and eventually decay forms a hole in the tooth. This is usually seen in people with poor brushing and flossing habits, regardless of age.

Excellent oral health promotes overall good health and is definitely not a misconception. It is important to practice good oral hygiene habits. If you have any questions regarding your dental health, please contact our dentist.