Wisdom Teeth and Your Teen 

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The teenage years can be a pain. This is especially true for teens who have impacted wisdom teeth. Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars that erupt near the back of the mouth. They’re the last in a long line of permanent teeth, and they occur on both the upper and lower jaw. Sadly, they can make you feel anything but wise. When it’s time for your teen to begin feeling their wisdom teeth, yourdentist in Bellbrook, OH, can help.

When Do Wisdom Teeth Erupt?

Wisdom teeth usually put in an appearance during the late teenage years, but they can stow away up until your mid-twenties. Sometimes, they grow in normally, without causing unnecessary pain or chaos. More likely, however, they need to be extracted. This is because there’s simply not enough room left for them to erupt without crowding your other teeth.

What Is an Impacted Wisdom Tooth?

An impacted tooth is one that’s hovering below the surface of the gum and can’t break through for some reason. With wisdom teeth, it’s usually because there just isn’t enough room. Or sometimes, the wisdom tooth is situated at an angle below the gum, and it’s bumping into the tooth in front of it. Impacted wisdom teeth can be painful, and even if they manage to grow in, they’re usually too closely situated to other teeth. This makes them hard to clean, which can lead to decay.

What Can Your Dentist Do About Wisdom Teeth?

With regular dental checkups, your teen’s dentist can spot problematic wisdom teeth before they begin to erupt. These teeth are diagnosed through X-rays of your child’s mouth that show the exact position of the teeth and whether they have enough space to erupt normally. If not, your dentist may refer you to an oral surgeon who can remove the teeth while they’re still beneath the gums. In this way, they never have the opportunity to crowd other teeth.

If your teen is experiencingwisdom teeth problems in Bellbrook, OH, call Bellbrook Family Dentistry today. Our friendly and experienced team can put your worries to rest by diagnosing and treating problematic wisdom teeth before they have the chance to become painful. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

How to Protect Your Little One’s Teeth this Holiday Season

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The holidays are a time of great fun – but they can also be hard on teeth! Kids can be especially vulnerable to dental problems around the holidays, because of the temptation to eat sweets and candy. You can protect your child’s teeth this holiday season. By making an appointment with the dentist in Bellbrook OH, and by taking the following precautions, you can ensure that your child has good oral hygiene once the holidays are over. Here’s what you need to know.

Keep up With Their Oral Hygiene Routine

Do you ever forget to have your child brush their teeth at night? Ever send them to bed without telling them to brush and floss? This is not the time of year to let that happen! While it’s never a good idea to let ordinary oral hygiene routines slide, it’s an even bigger problem at the holidays. Set an alarm on your phone to go off every night before bedtime, so that you and your child will remember tooth brushing every evening.

Limit their Intake of Sugar

Don’t give your child uncontrolled access to cookies, cakes and sugar around the holidays. When your child asks if they can have holiday cookies, tell them how many they may take. If your child is given chocolates or candies by a relative, tell your child what times of day are acceptable for eating these candies. Avoid giving your child candies in their stocking, since they’re probably getting candies in many other places at this time of year.

Have Them Drink Water

Encourage your child to drink water with snacks, after snacks, and after meals. Drinking water helps wash away the bacteria and bits of food left in your child’s mouth, and that can help keep your child’s mouth clean. Want to make drinking water more fun? Give them a cute sippy cup they love, or a special water bottle that’s all theirs.

Schedule a Dental Checkup

Schedule a dental check up in Bellbrook OH immediately following the holidays. During your child’s checkup, the dentist will get rid of any plaque that may have built up on your child’s teeth during the holidays. The dentist will also let you know if your child needs a filling or if they need to make changes to their oral hygiene routine.

Call today to make an appointment.

Surface-Level Cavities 101: What They Are & How They’re Treated

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Did you know that as many as 92 percent of adults actually have a cavity in their teeth right now? Most of these people probably have what is referred to as a surface-level cavity. Without question, cavities are some of the most common oral health ailments, but they are also perfectly treatable when they are tended to with dental fillings in Centerville, OH early in their development. Here is a look at what a surface-level cavity is, how it is treated, and what the outlook will be for the long term.

What is a surface-level cavity?

A surface-level cavity is a point of decay on a tooth that only affects the outermost layer of enamel. Teeth are made up of primarily three layers: enamel, dentin, and pulp. These cavities can occur because of bacteria collecting or accumulating in the area that does not get sloughed away with regular brushing. The majority of cavities among people who visit the dentist regularly are surface level because the decay does not have a chance to sink further into the tooth.

How is a surface-level cavity treated?

Surface-level cavities do need to be promptly treated because left unattended, the decay will spread and can potentially reach into the dentin or pulp. The dentist will use a tiny drill to remove the decayed material, and then enclose the opening with a tooth-colored filling.

What happens after a surface-level cavity is treated?

Once the cavity is treated, the decay will stop growing. The filling acts as a sealer in the area to prevent bacteria from getting into the enamel. Some fillings are so effective that they last a lifetime with the proper care and dental hygiene efforts. However, after several years, a filling may have to be replaced by a dentist.

Need a Tooth Filled in Centerville, OH?

A cavity may be common, but the longer a cavity is left untreated, the more likely it will be that a Centerville, OH dentist has to take more intense action to preserve your tooth. If it has been a while since you have had a checkup to examine your teeth for cavities, reach out to us at Bellbrook Family Dentistry to schedule an appointment.

Your Little One Has a Hard Time Brushing Their Teeth? 4 Tips

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It’s so important for children to learn to brush their teeth well. Unfortunately, many small children don’t have the coordination to brush their teeth thoroughly and properly.

Many kids also struggle to brush their teeth for long enough – they just don’t have the patience! As a parent, there are many things you can do to help your little one learn to brush their teeth. Here’s what we suggest.

1. Sing a Song to Show How Long

It’s normal for small children who brush their own teeth to lose interest in brushing their teeth before their teeth are fully clean. Tooth brushing should last about two minutes.

To show your child how long they should be brushing their teeth, find a song your child enjoys that lasts two minutes. Play that song on your phone or stereo every time your child brushes their teeth. Tell them tooth brushing is finished when the song ends.

2. Ask Them to Practice In Front Of You

Ask your child to show you how they brush their teeth. When they practice tooth brushing in front of you, your child will automatically show you what needs to be improved about their process.

Take the time to correct any problems that you’re noticing with your child’s tooth brushing – whether they’re not getting in the back of their mouth, or they’re just not spending enough time in one spot.

3. Have the Dentist Show Your Child

Your child’s dentist can also show your child how to brush their teeth. Ask your child’s dentist in Bellbrook OH to show your child the best way to brush their teeth. Get instruction from your dentist every time you go.

4. Take a “Turn” Brushing Their Teeth

Your child may insist on brushing their own teeth, but until your child is about 7 or 8 years old, you should be brushing their teeth at least once per day. This is because many children lack the manual dexterity to brush their own teeth until they’re at least 7 or 8. So if your child wants to brush their own teeth, let them take a turn – then take a turn yourself.

Make An Appointment for A Checkup

Take your child for a dental checkup in Bellbrook OH to get more advice about toothbrushing. Call Bellbrook Family Dentistry today to make an appointment.

What Causes Bleeding Gums?

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When you are brushing, flossing, or admiring your smile in a mirror, the last thing you want to see is bleeding gums. If you do, this may be a sign something is amiss and needs to be corrected. While it could be due to something simple, it could also be a sign indicating a more serious condition. As for the common causes of bleeding gums, here are some to keep in mind the next time you visit your dentist in Bellbrook.

Vitamin K Deficiency- When bleeding gums result from a Vitamin K deficiency, it can mean you are not eating enough leafy green vegetables, drink an excessive amount of alcohol, or perhaps suffer from a nutrient malabsorption condition such as Crohn’s disease.

Brushing Too Hard- If you are using a toothbrush with hard bristles, switching to a soft-bristled toothbrush will probably eliminate your bleeding gums. If the problem is too much force or associated pain, consult with your dentist in Bellbrook.

Hormonal Changes During Pregnancy- When this occurs, your gums will become sensitive to plaque and bacteria, creating the condition known as pregnancy gingivitis.

Improper Flossing– If you have just started flossing, have not done so in several days, or are flossing multiple times per day, this can cause your gums to bleed.Try increasing your flossing to see if that alleviates the problem.

Use of Blood Thinners- If you suffer from certain bleeding disorders and are on blood-thinning medication, this can lead to easier bleeding at your gum line.

Poor-Fitting Dentures- Should you have dentures or other dental appliances that do not properly fit inside your mouth, your gums can become irritated in numerous spots and bleed quite frequently. Help for dental problems in Bellbrook is available at your dentist’s office.

Vitamin C Deficiency– When you don’t eat enough citrus fruits and potatoes regularly, you can develop a Vitamin C deficiency that leads to a condition known as Scurvy, which over time can cause your gums to bleed very easily.

While it is likely proper brushing and flossing, along with seeing your dentist in Bellbrook on a regular basis for checkups, will eliminate the plaque that eventually turns into tartar and causes gum disease, don’t take anything for granted. Should you be experiencing persistent gum bleeding or other related issues, make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible.

What Is a Dental Abscess?  

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Just like other parts of your body, your mouth can develop infections when there is an over-accumulation of bacteria. The result is commonly a dental abscess, which can be a concerning dental situation. Here is a closer look at the dental abscess, why the situation is serious, and how the condition may be treated by your Bellbrook dentist.

Dental Abscess Explained

A dental abscess is a type of bacterial infection that can create a pocket of pus near a tooth. An abscess can have a number of causes but is usually related to some form of tooth trauma or decay. A periapical abscess actually occurs near the root of a tooth where it is not visible. However, most often an abscess will be located in the gums nearby to the affected tooth’s root, so you may spot a small pimple or what appears to be a white-tipped bump. You may also notice:

  • Swelling and inflammation of the gums surrounding certain teeth
  • Excessive toothache
  • Unusually bad or foul breath
  • Fever
  • Dry mouth

The Dangers of Dental Abscess

A dental abscess is considered to be a dental emergency that should be treated as soon as possible. An infection in the mouth has a high likelihood of getting into your bloodstream, which can lead to a list of other health complications. In the most severe circumstances, an abscessed tooth can be a life-threatening situation because the infection spreads throughout the body.

How Dental Abscesses Are Treated

Typically, the dentist will prescribe a round of oral antibiotics to address the infection. You may also be given topical medications or pain medications to help if you are experiencing a great deal of pain. It is rare for a dentist to pull or treat the affected tooth until the infection has been controlled. However, once the infection has subsided or at least improved, you may need further dental care to tend to what issues may have caused the infection to start with.

Find Treatment for Dental Abscess in Bellbrook, OH

Any form of infection related to your teeth is a serious situation that should be properly addressed by an experienced dental professional. If you suspect that you have an abscessed tooth, please reach out to us at Bellbrook Family Dentistry in Bellbrook, OH to schedule an appointment.

 

Choosing a Pediatric Dentist for a Child with Special Needs: Tips for Parents

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Children with special needs can be much more likely to have issues with their oral health. Whether it is due to deformities of the teeth and gums or the inability to properly handle oral care, any issue is something to be mindful of as a parent to prevent future problems. With that in mind, finding the best pediatric dentist for your child with special needs or certain disabilities is imperative. Here are a few tips to help you find the best dentist for your child.

1. Does the dentist have experience with children with special needs?

Not all dentists have experience treating children with special needs. And, even if a dentist does have experience with special needs children, they may not have experience with children that have the same issues as your child. Pediatric dentists never mind discussing with parents their prior experience to make sure they are the best provider for dental treatment.

2. Does your child need a specific type of service offering for adequate dental care?

Children with special needs often need highly specific types of treatment when it comes to dental care. For example, some children may need regular cleanings done under light anesthesia. Discuss any specific needs your child may have with the dental staff to make sure the practice can cater to your child’s needs.

3. Does the office atmosphere suit your child and their needs?

All dental offices can have a different atmosphere to offer. Some practices offer more practical designs while others have more child-friendly features. However, a child with special needs may have specific needs where the environment is concerned. For example, an autistic child with sensory problems may be extremely uncomfortable in a noisy environment. Check with any dentist you are considering and perhaps even plan to stop by for a visit to check out the atmosphere.

Find the Best Bellbrook Pediatric Dentist to Keep Your Child’s Smile Healthy

Children with special needs bring so much joy to our lives with their unique personalities and gifts. Make sure you keep your child’s smile as healthy as possible with regular oral health care. Reach out to us at Bellbrook Family Dentistry in Bellbrook, OH to schedule an appointment or discuss the needs of your child.

 

Eating Your Veggies? 3 Reasons Vegetables Are good for Your Teeth

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Your mom probably told you more than once to eat your veggies as a kid, but continuing to eat your vegetables throughout your life is important—even for your smile. Take a look at just a few of the reasons vegetables can be an excellent dietary addition for the support of a healthy smile.

Crunchy vegetables may actually help clean your teeth.

Take a bite of fresh, uncooked broccoli. Chew it up slowly and feel how the roughage rubs against all the interior parts of your mouth, including your teeth. Vegetables with a lot of fiber like broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, beets, and even celery do a really good job of sloughing away the plaque and tartar that can accumulate on your tooth enamel. Plus, vegetables can do a really good job of cleaning your tongue, which is part of the mouth commonly overlooked during brushing. When you eat foods that clean your teeth, you are less likely to see issues with decay because you have a generally cleaner smile overall.

Fresh veggies are full of smile-supporting nutrients.

Vitamins and minerals are found in the highest concentrations in fresh fruits and vegetables. For example, a single leaf of spinach contains:

  • Vitamins A, B2, B6, C, E, and K
  • Calcium
  • Manganese
  • Zinc
  • Copper
  • Iron
  • Phosphorous

Eating a well-balanced diet with a load of vitamins and nutrients can be really good for bone health, circulatory health, and more, which means this kind of diet also supports a healthy smile.

Some vegetables may fight bad breath.

Sure, some veggies have a pungent smell that may contribute to oddly foul breath, but there are also certain types of vegetables that can actually help your breath. Some fiber-rich vegetables like celery and carrots can actually help encourage your salivary glands to produce more saliva. In turn, bacteria and foul-smelling debris in your mouth can be washed away.

Get Serious About a Healthy Smile in Beavercreek, OH

They say you are what you eat, but really, your health is what you eat, including your oral health. If you are ready to talk about keeping your smile as healthy as possible, reach out to us at Bellbrook Family Dentistry in Beavercreek, OH to schedule an appointment.

3 Reasons Children Can Be More Prone to Cavities Than Adults

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About 42 percent of children between the ages of 2 and 11 will have issues with dental caries (cavities) in their primary teeth. Here is a look at why some kids can be more prone to cavities than adults.

Children are not as attentive when brushing and flossing their teeth.

Naturally, kids often need a little more encouragement to brush their teeth because they don’t typically understand the importance of oral care. Children should be brushing for about two minutes when they pick up their toothbrush. You can invest in all kinds of neat toothbrushes with timers that play music for two minutes or stand and monitor with a timer yourself. Just the same, they may be brushing for two minutes and still not getting every tooth good enough. This is why it is a good idea to consider something like dental sealants to protect the enamel of hard-to-reach teeth from decay.

Children don’t always make the best nutrition choices.

Whether you have a picky eater or a sweet eater that is always reaching for snacks, pretty much every parent will deal with the odd nutritive choices of children at some point. Kids are not always great about taking in what their bodies need to stay healthy and strong, which can have a direct effect on the health of their smile. Helping your child make good nutrition choices is something that can be an ongoing thing, but it is well worth it.

Children can have problems due to misaligned teeth.

When teeth show up in a baby’s mouth, they are not always nicely aligned. In fact, overcrowding can be a big issue, especially when those adult teeth start to move in and baby teeth are in the way. All of this crowding can make it a little harder o get everything with just brushing and flossing alone. Routine visits for cleanings at the dentist and proper orthodontic care can make a big difference.

Protect Your Child’s Smile with the Help of a Bellbrook Family Dentist

The smile of a child is precious, and, as a parent, protecting that smile is likely a top priority. If you are on the lookout for a good dentist in Bellbrook, OH that can treat every member of the family, contact us at Bellbrook Family Dentistry to schedule an appointment. We offer special perks for little ones, including the Cavity Free Club and special prizes, to keep kids interested in having a healthy smile.

 

Dental Implant Smile Restoration Explained

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According to the American Dental Association, more than five million dental implants are placed every year in just the United States alone. If you are looking into getting dental implants to restore your smile, you are bound to want to know a bit about the process before you mentally commit to speaking to a cosmetic dentist. Here is a look at the general process of restoring a smile with dental implants.

Initial Consultation with the Dentist

When you first reach out to the dentist about smile restoration, you will likely be scheduled for a consultation. The initial consultation gives the dentist an opportunity to look at your oral health, your remaining teeth, and your bone structure to determine if dental implants could be a viable option. During this consultation, the dentist will also look at things like your medical history and current health conditions that could interfere with the procedure. You may also get to see a digital rendering of what changes could potentially be made to your smile with implant placement.

Extractions/Preparations

If you are getting implants to replace teeth that you already have that are in need of extraction, those bad teeth will naturally have to be removed first. If you are not in need of extractions, the dentist will move onto the next step in the process, which involves thoroughly examining the bone structures in your jaws, determining the best implant options, and determining what crowns will be used.

Implant Placement

The implant placement procedure may be done either in the office or in another medical facility while you are under general anesthesia. The dentist will make an incision and place the implant into the jawline, install sutures so the gum tissue properly heals around the new abutment, and may add a temporary crown.

Recovery

The recovery process after a dental implant procedure can take a period of several weeks. The implant will fuse to the jaw bone much like a natural tooth. At this point, the permanent crown will be placed and bonded to the existing implant.

Contact a Cosmetic Dentist in Bellbrook About Dental Implants 

While getting a dental implant can seem like an intimidating process and having one restored can be scary, your chosen dentist will guide you throughout every step so you feel comfortable and confident. If you would like to schedule a consultation to talk about dental implants, reach out to us at Bellbrook Family Dentistry in Ohio.