Last updated 1 year ago
To thoroughly clean all areas of the mouth, most general dentists recommend brushing for a minimum of two minutes. Then, you should floss carefully between each tooth and rinse with an alcohol-free mouthwash every day. Without a thorough and diligent oral hygiene routine, you’ll be at an increased risk of developing damaging tooth decay and oral tissue infections.
- Remove Plaque from the Surface of the Teeth
Begin your oral hygiene routine by thoroughly brushing the surface of each tooth with a soft-bristled brush. This will remove any plaque and tarter that build up throughout the day and night. Bacteria that feed on food left on teeth leave behind acids that can erode tooth enamel and lead to tooth decay. By using a brush and circular motion to remove sticky plaque and tarter, you’ll remove harmful bacteria that could cause cavities and gum disease.
- Remove Bacteria in between Teeth
The second part of a good oral care routine is the step many adults skip. The surface of your teeth may be cleaned, but bacteria is still hiding in between your teeth where you can’t see. Floss after each time that you brush, and be sure to slide the floss underneath the gum line to remove all traces of plaque and bacteria. This will ensure that the bacteria from food particles don’t infect the gums and cause gum disease. Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss among adults, so don’t skip this important step.
- Freshen Breath
Lastly, freshen your breath with an alcohol-free mouthwash. Maintaining fresh breath will allow you to notice when oral complications arise. Foul oral odors are sometimes a sign of gum disease, tooth decay, upper respiratory disease, and other serious health problems.
If your oral hygiene routine doesn’t also include professional dental care, you’re still at risk of developing cavities and gum disease. Call Cascade Dental to receive high quality general and cosmetic dental care. We can treat all members of your family, including children and teens—call us at (360) 213-1999.
Last updated 1 year ago
To find more valuable information about how to better care for you and your child’s dental health, read through the following resources.
- More than 19 percent of children between the ages of two and 19 have untreated cavities, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. For more statistics, read through this article.
- For a closer look at the symptoms of a cavity, read this article. You’ll also find links to more information about cavity formation, treatment, and more.
- Check out HealthyTeeth.org to learn more about cavities and how you can prevent tooth decay. You’ll learn more about bacteria and how it reacts with your tooth enamel.
- If you would like to know more about dental sealants and how they can help prevent cavities, visit this webpage from the American Dental Association.
- Find ways to make oral care more fun by visiting this webpage from OralB.com. Using these tips, you’ll find new reasons to enjoy caring for your teeth and gums.
When you need a dental practice that can offer complete dental care for the whole family, look to Cascade Dental. We provide a full range of services for children, teens, adults, and seniors. For more information about our practice, visit us online or call (360) 213-1999 today.
Last updated 1 year ago
Your child will lose his or her baby teeth, but that doesn’t mean your child doesn’t need to practice good oral hygiene or visit a children’s dentist regularly. A lack of pediatric dental care could jeopardize your child’s future dental health. Plus, by not learning good oral hygiene habits at a young age, your child may be more likely to have unhealthy dental care habits as an adult.
- Monitor Your Child’s Dental Care Habits
Once you’ve demonstrated the proper ways to brush and floss the teeth, monitor your child while he follows your instructions. Do this nightly until you’re confident that your child can properly care for his teeth. This will allow you to correct ineffective techniques before they become permanent habits. Monitoring your child will also allow you to bond with your child and help him develop positive associations with dental care.
- Make Dental Care Fun
As a parent, it is important to help your child develop a positive view of going to the dentist. Do this by teaching your child about the benefits of visiting the pediatric dentist and practicing proper dental care. Help her see that dentists are friendly people who are there to help her live a healthy life. You can also try downloading pictures and coloring books on dental care to help your child get excited about taking care of her teeth.
- Dispel Dental Myths and Prevent Dental Phobias
Dental myths are prevalent among many adults, and these myths usually spur dental fears and anxiety. If your child begins visiting the dentist at an early age, he will be able to develop a positive outlook on dental care. This will make your child less likely to suffer from dental care-related anxiety as an adult.
If you’re in the market for a quality children's dentist, call Cascade Dental at (360) 213-1999. We’ll make sure your entire family has the tools needed to maintain a healthy and beautiful smile.
Last updated 1 year ago
Do you have a hard time choosing a toothpaste because your options are so varied? Do you worry that you might choose the wrong toothpaste? If so, take a look at this video to find helpful guidance on how to pick a high-quality toothpaste.
The dentist in this clip offers information about the large variety of new toothpastes that will be available soon. She also explains about what you should look for in a toothpaste. Next, you’ll learn how to determine when you need a specialty toothpaste and how to read the toothpaste labels properly. Lastly, you’ll learn about the toothpastes that specifically help with tarter control, tooth whitening, and sensitive teeth.
For more on how to properly care for your teeth at home, call Cascade Dental at (360) 213-1999. We’ll make sure you have the tools and information necessary to create an effective oral hygiene routine.
Last updated 1 year ago
Your teeth have to last a lifetime, so it’s important to make sure that you keep them strong and healthy. Some people are genetically predisposed to cavities, while others have a harder time properly cleaning their teeth. In these cases, a general dentist might recommend sealant and/or fluoride treatments.
Fluoride Treatments
A fluoride dental treatment is generally prescribed to children in order to strengthen tooth enamel, but this treatment has proven to be effective for adults as well. During the treatment, fluoride is applied to the teeth topically. Your children’s dentist may prescribe a slow-release fluoride device instead. Fluoride is a common ingredient is toothpaste, and it can also be found in unfiltered tap water. It is an important mineral that helps strengthen the tooth enamel, preventing hot and cold sensitivity, weak spots, and cavity development. If you want to increase the amount of fluoride your teeth are getting without treatment, look for it in certain mouth washes, varnishes, and dietary supplements. If you notice white spots, active decay, or increased sensitivity, then you may be a candidate for fluoride treatment.
Dental Sealants
A dental sealant is a durable, plastic film that is painted on to the surface of the chewing teeth to prevent food particles from getting stuck in the crevices. Dentists often see tooth decay in the narrow pits and grooves of newly formed molars in children. Therefore, dental sealants are highly beneficial for children who have a hard time thoroughly cleaning their teeth. Dental sealants, however, can benefit people of all ages. Some adults can’t reach their back teeth or don’t have a brush that adequately cleans the teeth’s grooves, which allows for the development of tooth decay. Sealants act like a shield over the crevices and block food and bacteria from getting down into the tooth indentations.
If you would like to undergo a dental sealant or fluoride treatment, visit Cascade Dental today. We specialize in general and children’s dentistry, so let us help you enjoy healthy teeth for life. Call (360) 213-1999 to schedule an appointment.
