Best Halloween Treats for Your Teeth

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Not all Halloween treats are equally bad for teeth. During the spooky season this year, our family dentist in Foley, AL, wants parents to know which treats are best for teeth and what to avoid.

Believe It or Not: Chocolate Tops the List

Chocolate candies, the kind without caramel or other sticky substances, don’t cling to teeth, so they are okay in moderation. With chocolate, there is less sugar for bacteria to feed on, and a lower risk of cavities. Of the chocolates available, dark chocolates are the best option because they have less sugar content. The worst choice is milk chocolate.

Sugar-Free Candy

There are more sugar-free options on the market today that taste good. Look for candies that use xylitol, a natural sugar found in fruits and vegetables, as a sweetener. Studies show that xylitol can help reduce the number of bacteria in your mouth, instead of adding to it like traditional sugar.

Peanut Butter and Chocolate

Peanut butter cups are a favorite at Halloween for both kids and your dentist in Foley, AL. Although too much of anything with sugar is bad for your teeth, peanut butter cups don’t have sticky substances in them that you find in other candies, like caramel. Therefore, it is easy to rinse off the sugar with a drink of water after eating a peanut buttercup.

Treats to Avoid This Halloween

Stay away from sticky candies that allow sugar to cling to your teeth. Also, avoid hard candies because they expose your teeth to sugar for a prolonged period.

Sour candy is another poor choice for your oral health. It contains both sugar and acid, which can lead to cavities.

If you or your kids overindulge this Halloween, schedule an appointment with your dentist in Foley, AL, to have your teeth cleaned. Contact us today or complete our online contact form for a Happy Halloween.

Fall Dental Care: Embrace the Changing Season

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As the leaves change, so do people’s routines in anticipation of fall. At Sand Dollar Dental, we embrace the pumpkin spice, apple cider, and fall weather. However, our family dentist in Foley, AL, wants to remind you not to neglect your oral health as the seasons change.

Tooth Sensitivity As the Temperature Drops

Cold causes the teeth to contract slightly, but it can be enough to cause cracks in the enamel. That can expose the sensitive dentin layer to the cold, making your teeth more sensitive to temperature changes.

If you experience this as the colder season approaches, you can combat it with a toothpaste for sensitive teeth. This special formula contains active ingredients that block nerve signals and create a protective layer to shield you from the cold.

Increase Water Intake

Cold air can also dry your mouth. Saliva plays a crucial role in maintaining good oral hygiene. It rinses the teeth to remove debris. So, as the temperature drops, increase your water intake to compensate.

Limit the Sweet Treats

Pumpkin, Halloween candy, and hot chocolate are some of the best parts of fall. All that extra sugar can lead to cavities and gum disease, though. Be mindful of your sugar intake, and if you do indulge, drink water with your treat. Make sure to brush as soon as possible, too, to remove the sugar that is clinging to the surface of your teeth.

New Season, New Mouthguard

If anyone in your family plays in a fall team sport, protect them with a properly fitting mouthguard. It is best to replace a mouthguard each year. Old ones can carry bacteria and be less effective.

Start the season off right with a check-up by our dentist in Foley, AL, too. It is the right time to take care of any dental issues that may pop up during the summer. Contact our office today to schedule your fall dental appointment.

Is It Possible To Set Up a Family Appointment for Me and My Kids?

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If you live in Foley, Alabama, and need to make a family dental appointment, you may be wondering if it’s possible to handle a pediatric appointment and an adult appointment in the same office. We’re happy to help you with family appointments at Sand Dollar Dental and can schedule them so you and your children can get your dental care needs handled at the same time.

How Family Appointment Scheduling Works

With a family appointment, you and your children can be seen at the same time for a dental appointment. Usually, the easiest approach is to send your child back and get their appointment started first, then bring you back for yours. Since children’s appointments can be longer, they’ll be having their cleaning or checkup while you get yours done, generally leaving enough time for you to finish up before (or at the same time) that they’re finished.

How Scheduling a Family Appointment Together Helps

Family appointments cut down on missed work and school time. Scheduling together also shows your children that you take your dental care needs seriously and that it’s important for people of all ages. Doing this appointment together can help alleviate fears and reassure your child that dental care is normal and a regular part of healthcare treatments.

Family Dental Care in Foley, Alabama

If you’re interested in family dental care in Foley, Alabama, contact our practice, Sand Dollar Dental, today to learn more about block scheduling and to get on our calendar. We’re looking forward to seeing you in our office and are prepared to handle your dental care needs, whatever those needs may be.

5 Critical Services Your Family Dentist Offers

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A family dentist offers a comprehensive range of services for every age. That makes Sand Dollar Dental the central hub for all your oral health needs. Consider five critical services you can get from your family dentist in Foley, AL.

1. Preventive Dental Care

The key to keeping your teeth for a lifetime is preventative dental care. That starts with regular visits to the dentist for the whole family. Our dentist will perform a professional cleaning that removes plaque and tartar buildup, which can lead to cavities and gum disease.

2. Early Detection

Early detection of advanced dental problems does more than just save your natural teeth. Unchecked tooth decay and gum disease can impact your overall health and put you at risk for chronic illnesses such as heart disease and high blood pressure. During your regular check-up with our dentist in Foley, AL, we will do tests like digital X-rays and visual exams, which showcase the early signs of critical problems, including oral cancer.

3. Restorative Dentistry

If anyone in the family experiences dental problems that result in tooth loss, the family dentist offers services to restore their smile. From fillings to dentures, restorative dentistry is how we restore your smile.

4. Emergency Dental Care

With emergency dental care, a family dentist can address acute problems quickly. Dental emergencies can include toothaches, broken teeth, or a knocked-out tooth. Having emergency dentistry available to you provides peace of mind in case someone in the family needs urgent care.

5. Targeted Dental Education

Maintaining long-term oral health requires planning and effort. Our family dentist and staff provide personalized dental education on brushing, flossing, and even diet. This guidance empowers every member of your family to care for their teeth properly.

With a family dentist, you get everything you need from dental cleaning to emergency treatment in one convenient location. Contact us today to discover the benefits of having a family dentist in Foley, AL, for you and your loved ones.

How Family Dentists Manage Different Age Groups in One Practice

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A family dentist is unique in that they treat all ages, from toddlers with their first teeth to seniors. Going to a family dentist offers families a ton of benefits that you simply don’t get from going to other kinds of dentists, including having a dedicated family dentist who knows all the history of your family. But have you ever wondered how exactly family dentists manage different age groups in one practice? That’s an interesting question, and one that Sand Dollar Dental is happy to answer, as your family dentist in Foley, AL.

Knowing All About Early Developmental Needs

Family dentists don’t only focus on helping kids feel safe and comfortable in the chair—although that’s a big part of it. We also monitor baby teeth eruption, assess oral habits like thumb sucking, and teach proper brushing. Appointments are designed to be short, calming, and made to foster trust, so your child doesn’t develop a fear of dentists.

Supporting Teens Through Change

Orthodontic screenings, wisdom teeth evaluations, and sports-related mouth injuries are all part of taking care of teenage oral health. Family dentists can collaborate with orthodontists when needed and emphasize independence in oral hygiene. We also address diet and stress factors that can impact dental health during adolescence.

Customized Care for Adults

For adults, the focus shifts toward preventing gum disease, managing dental restorations, and identifying early signs of wear or decay. It also focuses on cosmetic dentistry treatments like veneers in Foley, AL, since professional adults need to look their best as well as have healthy gums and teeth!

Addressing Age-Related Concerns

As patients age, they may have gum recession, dry mouth from medications, or missing teeth. As your family dentists, we monitor these issues while offering realistic solutions like partials, crowns, or implants to maintain function and appearance.

No matter what kind of dentist in Foley, AL you need, you’ve come to the right place at Sand Dollar Dental. Contact us to book your family’s next appointment!

Back-to-School Dental Checklist

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As kids get ready for a new school year, it’s up to parents to ensure they have everything they need for dental success. From planning healthy snacks to scheduling their dental check-ups with their dentist in Foley, AL, your child’s oral health should be a key part of your new school year planning.

Add Good Oral Health to the Daily Routine

It is easy to let a few things slide during the summer, but a new school year brings with it routine—that should extend to your child’s oral hygiene. When creating the daily schedule, plan the time they spend taking care of their teeth. Make sure they:

  • Brush twice a day for at least two minutes.
  • Floss once a day

Also, factor in any kid-specific dental needs during the school day, such as brushing after lunch to clean braces.

Pack Healthy Snacks and Lunches

Focus on crunchy foods that help clean their teeth while they eat at school. Apples, celery, and carrots are tasty choices. Avoid sugary treats and drinks that allow bacteria to accumulate on the teeth throughout the day.

Add a reusable water bottle to their lunch box. This allows them to rinse their mouths out after they eat.

Replace That Mouthguard

It is best to replace mouthguards at the beginning of each school year. They take a beating throughout the season, causing wear and thinning that makes them less effective. Your child may need a differently sized mouthguard this year, too. As a general rule, plan on getting a new mouthguard every year.

Schedule a Dental Check-Up

Ensure your child visits the dentist at the beginning of the school year. This gets them started right with a professional cleaning and any necessary dental work.

Call today to schedule a checkup for every member of the family. Your family dentist in Foley, AL, can help ensure everyone’s teeth are healthy, and their smile is bright to start the new school year off right.

Gamified Oral Hygiene: Making Brushing a Competitive Sport

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For most children, brushing and flossing can feel like a chore. They often try to rush through it or occasionally skip it. Kids may not love brushing their teeth, but they do love games. Our family dentists in Foley, AL, recommend gamifying that mundane task into something they look forward to doing.

Go Smart

Smart toothbrushes can utilize a reward system to make brushing your teeth a game. The incentive system typically involves virtual prizes, such as badges or trophies. They may also have a leaderboard to show who in the family is winning the game.

Some of the smart toothbrushes even offer tangible rewards. It may be something as simple as a discount on oral hygiene products. The fun ones go as far as providing gift cards if you hit key milestones.

Virtual Brushing Games

If you are struggling to get your kids to brush their teeth regularly, a mobile game might be the solution. Brush DJ has them dance while they brush to ensure they spend enough time doing it. Chomper Chums offers kids virtual rewards for brushing with the timer. They can use their rewards to “buy” animated pets that they feed and care for.

Home Rewards for Proper Brushing

If you prefer a more analog approach to gamification, consider creating a reward system at home. For example, you could design your own “cash” system. Kids receive a coupon every time they brush for two minutes, which they can trade in for a fun activity or a day off from chores.

Consider setting up a leaderboard that allows your kids to compete for prizes. The child with the best dental check-up gets to pick the game on family game night or the next weekend outing. The goal is to transform what can be somewhat boring into something exciting and fun. Give our office a call today and make an appointment to get your next dental check-up with one of ourdentists in Foley, AL.

Why Sugar is the Enemy of Good Oral Health

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There is nothing wrong with having a sweet tooth if you use common sense. However, it’s essential to understand how sugar can affect your oral health. It is the primary culprit in tooth decay and a host of oral health problems. At Sand Dollar Dental, our dentists in Foley, AL, think the more you know, the better you can protect your smile from the dangers of sugar.

It’s All About the Plaque

Sugar is the primary food source for bacteria in the mouth. When bacteria come into contact with the sugar, they produce an acid that covers the teeth and breaks down the enamel. This process creates the sticky film we know as plaque. Left unchecked, plaque can lead to erosion of the enamel, allowing bacteria to enter and cause even more damage.

Sugar and Gum Disease

Plaque buildup is also a contributing factor to gum disease. The sticky nature of plaque allows bacteria to adhere to the surface of your teeth and gums.

Using sugar as an energy source, the bacteria continue to produce acid that irritates the gums. In its early stages, this is known as gingivitis. Left untreated, it will progress into periodontitis, a serious condition that can damage the soft tissue and bone that support your teeth.

How Much Sugar Is Too Much Sugar?

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends keeping your free sugar intake to under 10% of your total daily energy intake for several health reasons. Free sugar includes:

  • Table sugar
  • Maple syrup
  • Honey
  • Fructose
  • Agave nectar
  • Corn syrup
  • Glucose

Free sugar refers to the type found in foods like juice or candy, as opposed to other kinds of sugars, such as those found in fruit or milk.

If you are concerned about sugar and its impact on your teeth, schedule an appointment today with one of our dentists in Foley, AL. We will review your diet with you and examine your teeth for damage caused by sugar.

Woman Smiling in Dental Office

How Crowns and Bridges Can Transform Your Oral Health

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Missing or damaged teeth can make the little things in life harder, like eating or speaking. They can take a toll on your oral health, as well, causing further damage to your bite and gums. Restorative services in Foley, AL, like dental bridges, can significantly impact your oral health and overall quality of life.

What Are Dental Bridges and Crowns?

Dental bridges and crowns are products that replace or restore broken or missing teeth. Crowns cover a fractured tooth to make it whole again. Any tooth that is less than perfect can benefit from a dental crown.

Bridges put prosthetic teeth where teeth are missing to make your smile whole again. They attach to implants on each side of the dental bridge to secure that new tooth.

How Crowns Save Natural Teeth

Decay is what causes problems with oral health. Bacteria break down the enamel on teeth, causing cavities. If you are seeing your dentist in Foley, AL, regularly, then we fill that cavity to protect the tooth. However, if bacteria get inside that damaged tooth, they continue to break it down.

If that happens, the dentist does a root canal that cleans out the bacteria and dead tissue. A crown goes over the natural tooth to protect it from any further decay.

Crowns can also reinforce teeth that are weak and at risk of breaking. That saves the tooth from having to come out.

How Dental Bridges Protect Your Bite Alignment

Once a tooth is gone, it is time for a bridge to fill the gap. Bridges replace missing teeth, giving you something you can use to bite down and chew food. Without the bridge, your teeth will shift, causing jaw problems and issues with your bite alignment.

Dental bridges and crowns also give you back your smile, and that’s important for your self-esteem. These versatile dental restorations improve your overall quality of life.

If you have missing or broken teeth, contact our office today. Our dentist in Foley, AL, is here to protect your oral health.

Top 6 Reasons to Choose a Family Dentist 

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Searching for a new dentist for you and your family members? Consider choosing family dentistry for the sake of convenience and other advantages. At Sand Dollar Dental, our dentists in Foley, AL, provide family dental services for all ages!

Convenient Appointment Scheduling

Do you have trouble fitting in everyone’s appointments when going to different dental offices? Seeing a family dentist means you can set up all family visits in one location for convenience.

Comprehensive Care for All Family Members

Family dentistry includes many services, from routine exams and fillings to root canals and dentures. This comprehensive care helps ensure that you and your loved ones receive the services you need for good oral health!

Long-Term Relationships with Dentists

Going to a family dentist gives you many opportunities to form a good relationship with your provider. That can help you feel more comfortable trusting them to handle all of your family’s dental needs.

Preventative Care for All Ages

Reducing the risk of dental problems is a top priority with family dentists. That includes encouraging routine cleanings and exams, sealants, fluoride treatment, and other preventive care.

Better Access to Family Dental Records

Having all of these records in one office makes it much easier to access them as needed for more informed dental care.

Familiarity to Help Ease Dental Anxiety

Are your kids nervous about seeing the dentist? Bringing the entire family to the same one for all dental care can help them feel more comfortable.

Visit Us for Family Dental Services!

Are you ready to schedule a round of dental exams for the whole family? At Sand Dollar Dental, we offer family dentistry in Foley, AL, to help you and your loved ones keep your teeth and gums as healthy as possible!