3 Ways to Care For Your Teeth As You Get Older

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Maybe you’ve always had healthy teeth, but as you get older, you may start to notice changes. Dental hygiene gets harder and harder to maintain as your teeth and gums age.

Working with your dentist in Foley, AL, can help you protect yourself from problems like gum disease and cavities. At Sand Dollar Dental, we help patients maintain healthy teeth and gums as they get older. Here’s what you need to know.

1. Protect Yourself From Dry Mouth

Dry mouth is common among seniors. Unfortunately, dry mouth can put you at risk of problems like gum disease and cavities.

Many people get this condition because of medications they’re taking. One way that you can protect yourself from dry mouth is to stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water throughout the day. If you’re noticing that you have a problem with dry mouth, talk to your doctor and dentist. Your doctor may be able to identify the cause and help you find a remedy.

2. Watch for Changes In Your Mouth

Oral cancers are often overlooked because people don’t recognize the symptoms when they see them. Here are some problems to watch for:

  • White or red patch in your mouth
  • Lump in your mouth, throat, or on your lip
  • Trouble swallowing or chewing
  • Problem moving your jaw or tongue
  • Swelling in your jaw
  • Numbness on your tongue or mouth
  • Sore spot in your mouth

If you notice any of these problems, get a checkup from your dentist.

3. Improve Your Oral Hygiene Habits

Your oral hygiene habits are important. If you’re not visiting the dentist every six months, now is the time to start. Brush your teeth twice daily with a soft-bristle toothbrush. Brush for two minutes each time.

Do you have questions about how to maintain healthy teeth? Ask your dentist during your next dental checkup in Foley, AL. Call today to make your.

 Does Eating Too Much Sugar Really Rot Your Teeth?

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Your tastebuds enable you to enjoy all the flavors; sweet, tangy, salty, savory and more. It’s why that ice cream cone tastes so good! If you couldn’t taste things, you might not be inclined to eat as much or as often as you should, which could lead to malnutrition. But sugar is a substance that not only tastes yummy on the tongue, but also causes the brain to react in such a way that you want more and more of it. So then you’ve got a cause and effect going on, because sugar really is the bad guy when it comes to getting cavities in Foley, AL.

The Real Problem

Sugar has long been blamed for causing cavities, but the real culprit isn’t sugar itself—it’s the bacteria in your mouth that feed on it. When bacteria consume sugar, they produce acids that wear away tooth enamel, leading to decay. While excessive sugar intake is a major risk factor, it’s not the only thing that can damage your teeth. Many other foods and drinks can contribute to tooth decay in ways people might not realize.

Surprising Foods and Drinks That Can Rot Your Teeth

While sugar is a known culprit, other foods can also contribute to tooth decay:

Citrus fruits – Lemons, oranges, and grapefruits are acidic and can erode enamel, making teeth more vulnerable.

Bread and pasta – Starchy foods break down into sugar and can get stuck between teeth, feeding bacteria.

Sports and energy drinks – These often contain high levels of sugar and acid, increasing the risk of decay.

Dried fruit – Raisins, dates, and other dried fruits are sticky and full of natural sugars that linger on teeth.

Limiting sugar, staying mindful of acidic foods, visiting your dentist in Foley, AL at least twice a year and maintaining good oral hygiene can help prevent decay. Brushing, flossing, and drinking water after meals are simple ways to protect your teeth and keep them strong.

5 Ways to Help Your Child Have Good Dental Experiences

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The experiences your child has with their dentist in Foley, AL, will help shape their opinions about the dentist for life. It’s important to help your child have good experiences with the dentist.

Having good experiences with the dentist can also help your child feel confident in their dental health, and feel relaxed when they’re in the dental chair. Below, we’ve listed five things you can do to help your child have good dental experiences.

1. Start Appointments When They Are Young

Take your child for their first dental appointment when they turn one year old. Taking your child to the dentist from this early age helps your child understand that going to the dentist is a routine but important experience. Taking your child to the dentist starting from a young age also helps your child feel comfortable in the presence of the dentist.

2. Speak Positively About the Dentist

Your child learns a lot about the world just by listening to you. When you talk about the dentist, speak positively of your experiences there. Talk about how it feels good to have clean teeth.

3. Read Your Child Books About the Dentist

There are many children’s books about dentists. Read your child books to help them know what to expect when they go.

4. Take Care of Their Teeth

Take good care of your child’s teeth at home. This will help your child maintain healthy teeth and gums, which will make their appointments with the dentist positive.

5. Choose the Right Dentist

Choose a dentist for your child who is experienced with children and understands their unique dental needs.

Is it time for your child to have a pediatric dental cleaning in Foley, AL? Call today to make an appointment.

 3 Benefits of Taking the Whole Family to a Family Dentist

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Going to the dentist can feel like a chore, especially if the kids go to separate dental offices. Bringing the whole family to one family dentist in Foley, AL, has many benefits. The more you see the same dentist, the easier it is to trust that dentist and feel comfortable in their office.

Bringing the whole family to one dentist also makes the experience more enjoyable. If you’re not convinced, see our reasons below.

1. Develop Trust in the Dentist

It’s important to trust your dentist. The more you trust your dentist, the easier it will be to tell your dentist when you think something is going wrong. If you’re seeing the dentist for your appointments and when you bring your child for their appointments, you can develop a stronger bond and more trust for your dental professional.

2. Familiarity With Location and What to Expect

Familiar places tend to be comfortable places. When you’re going to the same dentist for your appointments and your child’s dental appointments, you may feel more familiar with the dentist’s office. This makes your dental appointments more comfortable experiences.

3. Convenience

It’s convenient to take every family to the same dentist. This makes it easier to remember where the dental office is, and what the procedure is when you get there.

Need to make your appointment for a dental checkup in Foley, AL? Call Sand Dollar Dental to make your next appointment – for yourself and the rest of your family.

Why Is Gum Recession a Problem?

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Gum recession is a common problem that people experience. Unfortunately, gum recession is a problem that can contribute to permanent teeth and even tooth loss.

As a dental patient, you can take care of your teeth by visiting the dentist regularly, having your gum recession diagnosed by a professional, and taking steps to stop it from going further. As your dentist in Foley, AL, the professionals at Sand Dollar Dental are here to help.

What Is Gum Recession?

Gum recession is a problem that happens when the gums pull away from the teeth, slowly exposing the tooth roots. This usually happens over a long time.

What Causes Gum Recession?

There are many things that can cause gum recession, including:

  • Poor oral hygiene. Poor oral hygiene can lead to infection, inflammation, and gum recession. Poor oral hygiene can also lead to a buildup of plaque and tartar at the gum line, which also contributes to gum recession.
  • Smoking. Smoking is bad for your teeth in a variety of ways and can cause gum recession, among other problems.
  • Brushing too hard. You may have heard your dentist tell you not to brush your teeth too hard or to use a toothbrush with hard bristles. This is because brushing too hard can contribute to gum recession and tooth sensitivity.
  • Gum disease. Gum disease causes gum recession and bad breath and can eventually lead to tooth loss.

Why Is Gum Recession a Problem?

Gum recession can contribute to bone loss in the jaw, and that can lead to loss of your permanent teeth. Your gums are an important part of your mouth, and they help keep your teeth healthy.

What Can You Do to Stop Gum Recession?

If you have gum recession, one of the first things you should do is identify the cause. There may be more than one problem contributing to your gum recession. Once you know what’s causing this, you can take steps to alleviate the problem. Some general tips:

  • Brush your teeth properly twice daily, floss once daily.
  • See the dentist every six months.
  • Use a good toothbrush with soft bristles or an electric toothbrush.

Can Gum Recession Be Reversed?

Gum recession can’t be reversed, but by working with a dentist, you can control the problem. If you have gum recession, make an appointment with your dentist for a dental exam in Foley, AL. Call today to make your appointment.