5 Ways to Help Your Child Brush Their Teeth Better

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Toothbrushing is a skill that children need to learn in order to take care of their teeth. Teaching your child to brush their teeth well can help set them up for a life of good oral health and hygiene.

Your child’s dentist in Sugar Land, TX, can help. Below are some tips that we commonly provide for parents to help them teach their children to brush their teeth. If you need more tips to teach your child, talk to us at your child’s next dental appointment. We want to give you the tools to help set your child up for success.

1. Take Turns Brushing Teeth

Help your child brush their teeth until they can do it alone. Every once in a while, let your child take a turn brushing their own teeth. Giving your child turns helps them develop the skill, so they can do it independently.

2. Get Your Child an Electric Toothbrush

Studies show that some electric toothbrushes remove plaque better than manual toothbrushes. Get your child an electric toothbrush to make toothbrushing easier and more effective. If you’re not sure what type of electric toothbrush to get for your child, talk to the dentist to get a recommendation.

3. Get a Tutorial From the Dentist

Ask your child’s dentist to give them a tutorial on how to brush their teeth. The dentist can help your child learn to brush their teeth in hard-to-reach places. In addition, the dentist will know where your child’s teeth aren’t getting as clean as they could be. The dentist can show your child where to focus their attention.

4. Get Them a Timer

Kids need to brush their teeth for about two minutes each time they brush. This can feel like a long time for some children! Get your child a timer so they’ll know how long to brush their teeth each time.

5. Let Them Pick the Toothbrush and Toothpaste

Your child may be more motivated to brush their teeth well if they get to pick the toothbrush and toothpaste. Take them to the store and let them choose the toothbrushing products that most interest them.

Need more suggestions? Ask the dentist when you come to First Dental Family and Cosmetic Dentistry for pediatric dentistry in Sugar Land, TX. Call today.

Should I Get An Electric Toothbrush?

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It’s important to change your toothbrush every three months. When you’re buying a new toothbrush, you may notice electric toothbrushes in the store. Are they worth the money? It’s a good question!

Your dentist in Sugar Land, TX, can help answer your questions. Below, we’ve explored the topic of electric toothbrushes and whether an electric toothbrush is good for you. Here’s what you need to know.

Why Get An Electric Toothbrush?

Studies have shown that electric toothbrushes can clean your teeth better than manual toothbrushes. This can help protect you from problems like cavities, gum disease, and dental infection. If you’re concerned about your oral hygiene and would like a tool to help you maintain healthier teeth and gums, an electric toothbrush can help with this.

Do I Have to Replace My Electric Toothbrush Every Three Months?

Electric toothbrush heads have replaceable heads. You should replace the head every three months. You do not have to replace the entire toothbrush every three months.

Benefits of Getting An Electric Toothbrush

There are many benefits to getting an electric toothbrush.

  • Easy to use. Electric toothbrushes are designed for ease of use. Unlike manual toothbrushes, you don’t have to do much of the scrubbing with an electric toothbrush: the oscillating or sonic technology of a toothbrush will do the work for you. If you have mobility problems, electric toothbrushes can be much easier to use.
  • Effective. Electric toothbrushes are very effective at what they do.
  • Features. Many electric toothbrushes come with features that people appreciate. For example, it’s typical for electric toothbrushes to turn off after working for 2 minutes. This helps time the toothbrushing experience and prevents you from brushing too long.

Which Type of Electric Toothbrush Should I Get?

Wondering which type of toothbrush is right for you? Ask your dentist for a referral during your next dental checkup in Sugar Land, TX. There are many brands and types of electric toothbrushes, and they come at a range of costs. It’s hard to choose! Your dentist may be able to give you a recommendation to get you started with your first electric toothbrush purchase.

What Happens If You Don’t Floss Your Teeth?

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No one likes to floss their teeth. So why bother? Your dentist in Sugar Land, TX, will tell you why. And you’re not going to like it! Keep reading to learn what happens when you don’t floss.

If you choose not to floss your teeth regularly (or at all), you can expect one or more consequences.

Bleeding Gums

When you don’t floss, plaque will build up on your gums. This causes inflammation, which leads to bleeding gums. Then you will need to schedule a dental exam in Sugar Land, TX to fix them.

Bad Breath

When you don’t floss, food particles remain stuck between your teeth. That food is then broken down by bacteria. Your mouth will then produce sulfur compounds, leading to bad breath.

Loose Teeth

When you don’t floss, your mouth accumulates bacteria. That bacteria will cause inflammation. Then, that inflammation causes the collagen and fibers that hold your teeth together to break down. And that will eventually cause your teeth to become loose and/or fall out.

Chronic Health Problems

When you don’t floss, you risk oral bacteria spreading to other parts of your body. This could result in any number of chronic health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes, dementia, and even weight gain.

Pneumonia

If you don’t floss, bacteria and a buildup of pathogens occur between your teeth. Your mouth leads to your lungs. So, the buildup of bacteria and pathogens can cause pneumonia.

Pregnancy Issues

If you’re pregnant and don’t floss your teeth, the buildup of oral bacteria can spread to your developing baby. This is because that bacteria will be absorbed into your bloodstream and spread throughout your body.

Increased Chances of Getting HPV

Believe it or not, if you don’t floss your teeth, you up your chances of getting HPV. The CDC did a study that found people who don’t take care of their oral health are twice as likely to get HPV than those who do.

Looking for a Dentist in Sugar Land, TX?

Routine dental appointments are a must if you want to preserve your oral health. Please Contact First Dental Family and Cosmetic Dentistry today to schedule an exam. You don’t want to risk losing your teeth! So take care of them now to avoid problems later.

4 Good Dental Habits to Work On In 2024  

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It’s important to maintain good dental habits so you can take good care of your teeth. There are many things that you can do to ensure that your teeth are in good condition. If you’re not taking the best care of your teeth, 2024 is the year to start. Work with your dentist in Sugarland, TX, to take better care of your teeth.

1. Brush Up Your Toothbrushing Technique

Using correct tooth-brushing techniques is important. Many people scrub their teeth too hard, use the wrong kind of toothbrush, or brush their teeth for too short a period of time. Use a soft-bristle toothbrush to brush your teeth gently for two minutes each time. If you have an electric toothbrush, that’s even better. Electric toothbrushes are shown to be more effective at removing plaque.

2. Make a Commitment to Remembering Both Dental Appointments

Most dentists recommend that their patients come for dental checkups twice per year. If you have a hard time remembering to make those dental appointments twice yearly, take steps to remind yourself when the time comes to make another appointment. Some suggestions:

  • Mark your calendar when it’s time to call the dentist.
  • Download a task/organizer app that will help you remember to make your dental appointments.

Don’t wait to make your two dental appointments in 2024. Stretching out the time between dental appointments just leads to more dental calculus buildup on your teeth and can lead to more problems down the road.

3. Eat Less Sugar

Sugar is bad for your teeth and can lead to problems like dental decay, cavities, and infection. Make a commitment to eat less sugar by eating more sugarless treats. This may mean buying sugar-free candies, or it could mean eating more foods like nuts.

4. Consume More Crunchy Fruits and Veggies

There are many foods that are good for your teeth, and that’s especially true of crunchy fruits and vegetables. Crunchy fruits and vegetables stimulate saliva production and stimulate your gums, which helps keep your teeth clean and healthy. In addition, fruits and vegetables contain vitamins that are good for your tooth enamel.

Want more information about how you can keep your teeth clean? Make a dental checkup in Sugarland, TX, with First Dental Family & Cosmetic Dentistry. Call today.

 

Why Are My Teeth Stained? What Can I Do?  

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Teeth can get stained with time. Often, stains form on the teeth because of lifestyle habits and favorite foods. If you want whiter, brighter teeth, your dentist in Sugar Land, TX can help. Here’s what you need to know about what causes teeth to become stained and how to fix the problem.

What Causes Teeth to Become Stained?

Teeth often become stained because of the foods we eat. Everything from coffee to red wine can cause teeth to become stained. Some examples of staining foods include:

  • Barbecue sauce
  • Tomato sauce
  • Coffee and tea
  • White wine and red wine
  • Cranberry juice
  • Berries (blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, etc)
  • Gravy
  • Cola
  • Curry
  • Balsamic vinegar
  • Soy sauce

Other things that also stain the teeth include smoking and tobacco use. This kind of habit can cause teeth to turn brown over time. You may also experience some staining if you have poor oral hygiene. Plaque and tartar can contribute to staining, and if that plaque and tartar aren’t removed regularly, this can make the problem worse.

How Can I Make My Teeth Whiter and Brighter?

In some cases, a lifestyle change can help reduce staining. If you smoke, for example, you may need to stop smoking before engaging in any teeth whitening efforts. If you don’t stop smoking, whitening your teeth won’t work well, or the effects won’t last long. If you don’t smoke and your teeth are stained because of the foods you eat, there are many things you can do to whiten your teeth.

  • Brush your teeth twice daily. Brushing your teeth twice per day and flossing once daily can help you maintain clean, white teeth.
  • Brush with whitening toothpaste. Some whitening toothpastes can help keep your teeth whiter, although they will not whiten them dramatically.
  • See the dentist twice annually. Go to the dentist twice per year for a teeth cleaning appointment.

Get Your Teeth Whitened

If your teeth are stained, a professional whitening with your dentist can help turn them whiter and brighter by several shades.

For professional teeth whitening in Sugar Land, TX, call First Dental Family & Cosmetic Dentistry today to make an appointment. We can help!

 

5 Ways to Maintain Good Dental Health this Summer

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Do you want to take good care of your teeth this summer? There are many things you can do to make this happen. From seeing the dentist in Sugarland, TX to working hard on your oral health at home, you can go the extra mile to maintain clean, healthy teeth all summer long. Here’s what you need to know.

1. Maintain Good Oral Health At Home

The oral hygiene routine you maintain at home plays an important role in your overall oral health and wellness.

  • Brush your teeth twice daily. Brush your teeth twice daily for two minutes at a time. Use a toothbrush with soft bristles, and don’t push too hard when you’re brushing.
  • Floss once daily. Flossing once daily can help keep the bacteria out of the spaces between your teeth, and can help improve your gum health.

2. Brush Your Teeth With An Electric Toothbrush

Switch out your manual toothbrush for an electric toothbrush. Electric toothbrushes have been shown to promote better oral health for users. In fact, people who use an electric toothbrush have been shown to keep their teeth for longer. Why?

Most electric toothbrushes have an oscillating head that just cleans teeth better. Electric toothbrushes also come with features that help you clean your teeth better, like a timer that ensures your tooth brushing stops after two minutes.

3. See the Dentist for a Dental Cleaning

If you haven’t been to the dentist yet in the last 6 months, go! Going to the dentist two times per year helps keep your teeth clean and prevents plaque from building up on your teeth. Going to the dentist two times per year also helps catch oral health problems in their early stages, so they can be fixed before they become a bigger problem.

4. Get a Brushing and Flossing Tutorial from Your Dentist

When you go to the dentist for your cleaning, ask your dentist to show you how to brush and floss properly. Getting a tutorial will help you build up your oral hygiene skills and take better care of your teeth.

5. Eat Foods That Are Good for Your Teeth

Want to know more about maintaining good oral hygiene in Sugarland, TX? Contact First Dental Family & Cosmetic Dentistry. We can answer your questions and give you advice at your next appointment.

The 5 Most Common Causes of Tooth Enamel Loss

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Are you wondering how you can prevent tooth enamel loss in Sugar Land, TX? We are here to give you the most common causes of tooth enamel loss and what you can do to prevent it.

Here are five of the most common causes of tooth enamel loss and what you can do to prevent it.

1. Poor Dental Hygiene

Your mouth contains about 700 species of bacteria. Most are harmless and others help with digestion. However, there are some that cause tooth decay and gum disease. Therefore, you need to brush and floss at least twice a day or this bad bacteria will erode your tooth enamel.

2. Food and Diet

Your dentist in Sugar Land, TX will tell you that one of the main culprits of tooth enamel loss comes from your diet and the acids in the foods and drinks you consume. Your saliva is designed to neutralize the acid in your mouth which, in turn, helps protect your teeth. However, if you consume too many acidic foods and drinks, then you don’t brush your teeth correctly, the exterior layer of enamel on your teeth will degrade over time.

Here are the most common items that cause tooth enamel loss when consumed.

  • Sugary foods like candy, ice cream, syrups, etc.
  • Starchy foods like bread.
  • Carbonated sodas, in addition to the sugar it has in them, also contain citric acid and phosphoric acid as well.
  • Citrus fruits and excessive vitamin C.
  • Fruit juices and other fruity drinks.

3. Teeth Grinding

Teeth grinding is another major cause of tooth enamel loss. Talk with your dentist in Sugar Land, TX for information about how to prevent teeth grinding.

4. Acid Reflux

Acid reflux disease or gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) is a condition where your stomach acids back up into your mouth throughout the day. This constant gastric acid can cause the loss of your tooth enamel.

5. Using the Wrong Mouthwash

The mouthwash ingredient chlorhexidine gluconate is used in germicidal mouthwashes as a disinfectant and antiseptic. And while it works quite well for that, it is also known to increase the formation of tarter on your teeth which could affect your tooth enamel.

What’s Next?

If you want more information about how to prevent tooth enamel loss, please Contact First Dental Family and Cosmetic Dentistry today. We have been bringing healthy, beautiful smiles to Texas since 1997 and we look forward to serving you too!

What’s Causing My Teeth to Stain?

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When you were little, your teeth were pearly and white. As you aged, your teeth became slightly yellow with age. As an adult, you may see now that your teeth are a slightly yellow or brownish color. What caused your teeth to change, and what can you do about it?

It can be discouraging when your teeth get stained over time. Fortunately, you can take control of the color of your teeth. Knowing what causes teeth to become stained and where to get your teeth whitened can help you maintain beautiful, white, healthy teeth. Here’s what you need to know.

What Causes Teeth to Stain?

Teeth become stained when you eat foods and drink beverages that stain tooth enamel. Dark-colored foods and beverages, as well as acidic foods, can play a role in the staining of your teeth. Here’s what to watch out for:

  • Coffee
  • Soda
  • Beets
  • Soy sauce
  • Tomato sauce
  • Red wine
  • White wine
  • Barbecue sauce

Want to know one other thing that can stain your teeth? Smoking. People who smoke often struggle to keep their teeth white. The longer you smoke, the harder it will become to maintain attractive, white teeth.

What Can You Do to Get Rid of Stains on Teeth?

There are many products sold in pharmacies that can help people get rid of stains on their teeth. Tooth whitening toothpaste and home whitening kits do have an effect on the way your teeth look. However, the best way to make your teeth white is to visit your dentist in Sugar Land, TX. Getting your teeth whitened in Sugar Land is the best way to see fast, long-lasting results.

There are many methods that dentists use to professionally whiten their patient’s teeth. When you visit your dentist, you can learn more about the best way to get your teeth whitened by a dental pro.

Contact Your Dentist in Sugar Land

Are you upset by the color of your teeth? You can change your teeth back to a beautiful white. To find out more about how you can improve the color of your teeth, call First Dental today.

What is Gum Disease?

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Gum disease is a condition that causes inflammation of the gum tissue. It is an extremely common condition. In fact, half of people who are over the age of 30 have gum disease. Gum disease in Sugarland, TX is as prevalent as it is in the rest of the country.

The First Stage of Gum Disease

Gingivitis is known as the mild form of gum disease. It causes redness and swelling in the gums. In most cases, proper oral care can prevent or reverse gum disease. Technically, anyone can develop gum disease. However, chronic substance abuse, certain diseases, inadequate nutrition, stress and hormonal fluctuations can make a person more susceptible to developing gum disease.

The Second Stage of Gum Disease

If gingivitis is not treated, then it will eventually turn into periodontitis. When this happens, the gums will begin to separate from the teeth. Pockets will also develop around the teeth. Untreated periodontitis will often cause the teeth to loosen from their sockets and fall out.

Treating Gum Disease in Sugarland

There are a few ways that gum disease can be treated. Your dentist in Sugarland, TX may recommend scaling and cleaning. The dentist will use a device to clean below the gumline. They will use either an ultrasonic device or a hand tool. Root planing can get rid of the large pockets around your tooth. This may require one or two trips to your Sugarland, TX dentist for gum disease.

There are also medications that can be used to treat gum disease. For example, your dentist may recommend using chlorhexidine, which is a type of clinical mouthwash. It has been shown to be effective at controlling the growth of harmful oral bacteria.

How to Prevent Gum Disease

The best thing that you can do to prevent gum disease is to have regular dental checkups. Most people will need to see a dentist twice a year. However, if you have had a history of dental problems, then you may need to see your dentist more often. At home, you should floss and brush regularly.

Gum disease is a serious condition, but it is entirely preventable. If you have concerns about gum disease in Sugarland, TX, contact your dentist for an appointment today.

5 Easy Things You Can Do To Keep Your Teeth White This Summer

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Summer is a time of good fun and good food – and some of those foods can stain your teeth. Fortunately, there are many things you can do to keep your teeth white, even as you attend barbecue after barbecue this summer. By following these tips, and by visiting your dentist in Sugar Land, TX, you can help keep your teeth white and beautiful.

1. Swish With Water

Swishing with water after eating foods that stain your teeth can help wash away some of the ingredients that cause stains. You can swish with sparkling water or pure water – but don’t swish with soda or wine!

2. Know Foods that Stain

There are lots of foods that stain your teeth. Over the course of the summer, the ones you encounter most may include ketchup, barbecue sauce, tomato sauce, red wine, berries and soda. Note that white wine is acidic and can cause your teeth to stain your teeth too – even though it’s not actually a dark color.

3. Keep Up Your At-Home Oral Hygiene Habits

Keep up your oral hygiene habits. If you don’t have good oral hygiene habits, develop them! This includes brushing your teeth twice daily and flossing at least once per day. You can also brush your teeth about an hour after eating something that stains.

If this is important to you, keep a toothbrush in your car, at your desk at work, or in your purse, so you’ll have access to a toothbrush when you need it. Talk to your dentist about your tooth brushing technique to ensure that you’re brushing your teeth properly.

4. Visit the Dentist on Your Regular Schedule

Your dentist probably tells you to come in for regular tooth cleanings every six months. Visiting your dentist when it’s recommended can help keep your teeth healthy and white.

5. Talk to Your Dentist About Tooth Whitening

Tooth whitening services in Sugar Land TX can help keep your teeth white and bright. Getting your teeth whitened this summer can help you avoid the stains that might come from those delicious backyard barbecues. Call today to make an appointment.