How to Help Your Little One Brush Their Teeth

/0 Comments/in , , /by

Children need their teeth to be brushed twice daily, just like adults. Unfortunately, until they reach a certain age, children lack the motor skills and coordination to brush their teeth properly.

As a parent, you can help your child brush their teeth, and learn the skills they need to be good at brushing their own teeth. Below are a few things you can do to help your child brush their teeth. The next time you bring your child to the dentist in Foley, AL, we can help with this as well.

1. Brush Their Teeth For Them

Until they’re about 7 or 8 years old, children are better off if an adult brushes their teeth for them. Make tooth brushing time a thing you do together, to ensure that your child’s teeth are getting clean when they brush. If your child is resistant to having you brush their teeth, let them brush too. Let them know that you’ll “polish” their teeth at the end, so they’ll expect that you’ll get a turn as well.

2. Brush For Two Minutes

Brush your child’s teeth for two minutes, just like you would if you were brushing your own teeth. You can show your child how to do this by playing a familiar song that’s two minutes in length. Stop brushing when the song ends.

Alternatively, you can also use a sand timer. Whether you’re brushing teeth for your child or they’re brushing their teeth on their own, show them how to use this type of timer.

3. Have the Dentist Give Them a Tutorial

The next time you go to the dentist with your child, ask the dentist to give your child a tooth brushing tutorial. Repeat this process every time you go to the dentist. Your child’s dentist will be able to show your child tooth brushing strategies, and will be able to give your child pointers to help them brush better.

4. Replace Their Toothbrush Regularly

Don’t forget to replace your child’s toothbrush every three months. This helps ensure that every time your child brushes their teeth, their toothbrush is able to do the job well.

At Sand Dollar Dental, we provide tooth cleanings and cavity fillings in Foley, AL to pediatric patients. Call today to make an appointment.

Why Your Breath Still Smells Bad, Even After You Brush Your Teeth

/0 Comments/in /by

Do you have bad breath, even after you brush your teeth? It’s possible that you need help from a dentist in Foley, AL. Some dental problems can cause persistent bad breath. Knowing the causes of persistent bad breath can help you decide whether you need to come to the dentist.

What Causes Bad Breath?

Bad breath is typically caused by poor brushing and food particles that are in the mouth. Usually, brushing your teeth will eliminate bad breath. However, there are many potential causes of bad breath that can’t be fixed by brushing your teeth. Here are some examples:

  • Infection in the teeth. Infection is caused by bacteria that can produce a smell.
  • Gum disease. Gum disease occurs when bacteria in your mouth causes inflammation and infection, producing a smell.
  • Food you ate. Once food you’ve eaten enters the blood stream, you may smell the food on your breath even after your teeth have been brushed.

Do You Have Persistent Bad Breath? What to Do

Persistent bad breath could be occurring because of an infection in your mouth, either because of gum disease or because of an infection in your tooth. If this is a problem you’re experiencing, try to take note of other things that could give you a clue regarding your particular problem.

  • Does your bad breath occur only after eating certain foods, or is it persistent all the time?
  • Are you experiencing any other symptoms, like a toothache, red and inflamed gums, or tooth sensitivity?
  • Do you notice any problems inside your mouth, such as a crack or hole in your tooth?

Unless you can connect your bad breath back to a problem relating to a particular kind of food you’ve eaten, it’s best to have your problem checked out by a dentist. Make an appointment.

Prevent Persistent Bad Breath

One good way to avoid persistent bad breath is to go to your dentist regularly for a dental cleaning in Foley, AL. Seeing the dentist twice per year can prevent problems like periodontitis, gingivitis and tooth infections. Call Sand Dollar Dental today to make a dental appointment.

4 Reasons to Bring Your Whole Family to the Same Family Dentist

/0 Comments/in /by

There’s a reason why family dental practices are so popular! When you see a family dentist in Foley, AL, you start to develop a relationship with your dentist that makes those twice annual trips to the dentist office more rewarding. Below, we’ve listed six reasons to take your whole family to the same family dentist.

1. You can make appointments together.

With everyone in your family seeing the same dental group, you may able to make multiple appointments at the same time and arrive together for dental cleanings and more. This is convenient for you and members of your family, especially if you’re all very busy with work, school and extracurricular activities for the kids.

2. You’ll develop more trust in your dentist.

The more you see the dentist – even if it’s just to bring your children for their appointments – the more comfortable you’ll be with that dentist. It’s important to feel comfortable with your dentist. After all, you’re entrusting them with a lot every time you get into the dental chair for a tooth cleaning.

3. Your dentist will get to know you.

Bringing your whole family to the dentist gives you a chance to really get to know them. It helps to see a dentist that really knows you as a person. When your dentist knows you, they’re more likely to know what makes you feel comfortable, your preferences in the dental chair, and how you like to communicate about dental issues. This familiarity can ensure an enhanced dental experience.

4. It’s convenient to bring your whole family to one dental office.

Bringing your entire family to one dental office is easier. The more you go to the dentist office, the easier it is to remember where the office is located, where parking for that office is, and other helpful tips.

5. Your dentist can more easily remember your dental history, and your kids dental history too.

Is it time for you to see the dentist? Contact Sand Dollar Dental for family dental services in Foley, AL. Call today to make your appointment.

Why Tooth Extractions are Essential to your Oral Health

/0 Comments/in , /by

Tooth extractions may seem like a drastic step, but in some cases, they are essential to maintaining good oral health. Tooth extractions are often performed to remove damaged, decayed, or impacted teeth that cannot be saved through other means, such as fillings or root canal therapy. An experienced dentist or oral surgeon usually performs this procedure.

The skilled Sand Dollar Dental of Foley, AL team is proud to serve the local community with quality dental care services, including vital tooth extractions that help restore and preserve your healthy smile.

About Tooth Extractions

A tooth extraction is a procedure performed by a dentist to remove a damaged or decayed tooth from its socket in the jawbone. The reason for the extraction may vary, but common causes will be talked about further below.

Reasons why Tooth Extractions are Essential to your Oral Health

Some of the main benefits of tooth extraction include the following.

Preventing the Spread of Decay and Infection

One of the main reasons why tooth extractions are essential is to prevent the spread of decay and infection. When a tooth is extensively decayed or infected, it can spread to other teeth, leading to further decline and even more severe health problems. By removing the damaged tooth, the dentist can prevent the spread of deterioration and disease, preserving the health of your other teeth.

Relieving Crowded Teeth

Another reason why tooth extractions are integral is to relieve crowded teeth. When not enough room in the jaw for all teeth, some may become impacted or crowded, leading to bite problems, discomfort, and even infection. Tooth extractions can help to relieve crowding and create more space in the jaw, reducing the risk of future oral health problems.

Improving Bite and Alignment

Finally, tooth extractions can also help to improve your bite and alignment. When a tooth is removed, it can create more space in the jaw, adjusting your bite and realigning your teeth. This can lead to improved oral health and a more attractive smile.

Your Local Quality Dentist

Tooth extractions are a vital part of maintaining good oral health. By removing damaged or decayed teeth, preventing the spread of decay and infection, relieving crowded teeth, and improving your bite and alignment, tooth extractions can help you maintain a healthy and attractive smile for years to come. During your appointment with the professional team at Sand Dollar Dental of Foley, AL, you can be sure you are receiving the best care and guidance you deserve.

adult-man-showing-his-periodontal-disease-before-camera

Want to Protect Your Teeth From Gum Disease? Here’s How

/0 Comments/in , /by

Gum disease is a serious condition caused by bacteria in the mouth. It is essentially an infection that can cause your gums to recede and may even result in tooth loss. As your dentist in Foley, AL, it’s our job to help you protect your teeth from gum disease. There are many things you can do to avoid this uncomfortable and unpleasant condition.

Maintain Good Oral Hygiene at Home

Maintaining good oral hygiene is the first step to protecting yourself from gum disease. There are many things that go into a good oral hygiene routine. For example:

  • Brush your teeth twice daily. Your teeth need to be brushed twice each day, once in the morning and once at night. Have your dentist show you how to brush your teeth properly if you haven’t been given a tutorial recently.
  • Floss once daily. Flossing helps eliminate the bacteria and food particles that can eventually form plaque and tartar, and ultimately helps control gum disease.
  • Use an electric toothbrush. Using an electric toothbrush can help get your teeth extra clean. Electric toothbrushes have features that ordinary toothbrushes don’t have – like a timer that tells you when you’ve been brushing your teeth for two minutes.

See the Dentist Twice A Year

Seeing the dentist twice annually is important. During your twice-per-year checkups, you’ll get a dental cleaning that will leave your tooth enamel smooth and free of plaque and tartar. In addition, your dentist will take the time during your tooth cleaning to look for symptoms of gum disease. If your dentist sees that you have symptoms, they’ll recommend treatments that will help you take better care of your teeth.

Watch for Symptoms

Know the symptoms of gum disease so you can get treatment when it’s needed. Symptoms include:

  • Swollen, red, puffy gums
  • Gums that bleed when they’re brushed
  • Receding gums
  • Breath that smells even when you’ve brushed your teeth
  • Discomfort in your gums

Talk to Your Dentist About Prevention

You can keep gum disease at bay with preventative dental care in Foley, AL. To get treatment when it’s needed, call Sand Dollar Dental to make an appointment for preventative dental care. We can help.