3 Ways to Prepare for Your Little One’s First Trip to the Dentist

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Kids reach a lot of milestones as they get older. Their dentist appointment may not feel like a milestone, but it is! Your child’s first dentist appointment is your first opportunity to help your child on the road to good oral health and hygiene.

Being ready for their first visit to the dentist in Foley, AL is important. Knowing what to expect and preparing your child for the experience can help make the appointment go smoothly. Here’s what you need to know.

1. Write Down Your Questions

You probably have questions about your child’s oral health. You may want to know things like how to brush their teeth, whether their teeth are growing in properly, and when to expect their first baby teeth to fall out. Write down your questions so you’ll know what to say when you have a chance to talk to the dentist.

2. Prepare Your Little One

Depending on how old your child is, they may feel nervous about their first dental appointment. Many experts recommend bringing your child to the dentist by the time they’re one year old. Kids that young often don’t feel anxiety about doctor and dental appointments.

If your child is older, however, they may have some nervousness about their first dental appointment. If so, you can help alleviate their nervousness by preparing them for the experience. Read them picture books about going to the dentist, and talk about your own positive experiences with the dentist.

3. Choose the Right Time of Day

Avoid taking your child at a time of day when they’re likely to feel cranky or hungry. Choose an appointment at a time of day when your child will feel rested and content. Is it time to make a pediatric dental exam in Foley, AL? If so, contact Sand Dollar Dental today.

How Often Should I See the Dentist?

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Your dentist plays an important role in preserving your dental health. Seeing the dentist regularly can help you avoid gum disease, cavities, and dental infections. Knowing how often to see the dentist and the signs to watch for indicating a dental problem can help you take care of your teeth. Here’s what you need to know about how often to see the dentist in Foley, AL.

When Should I See the Dentist?

Unless your dentist tells you otherwise, see your dentist twice annually. Seeing your dentist twice per year for teeth cleanings and exams helps your dentist identify dental problems in their early stages. Seeing the dentist twice annually also helps remove plaque and tartar buildup from your teeth. This helps prevent gum disease.

Signs You Need a Dental Exam

Know the signs that you need to be seen by a dentist. Here’s what to watch for:

  • Swelling around the teeth or gums
  • Chipped or broken tooth
  • Cracks in the tooth enamel
  • Pain in the tooth
  • Sudden extreme tooth sensitivity
  • Loose permanent tooth
  • Bad breath that can’t be fixed by brushing your teeth

If you’ve noticed any of the signs above, this could mean that you need to see a dentist. You might have a cavity, gum disease, an injured tooth, or even a tooth infection.

At Sand Dollar Dental, we can help. We recommend that patients see the dentist twice per year. If you haven’t had a dental appointment yet in 2024, make an appointment for a dental exam in Foley, AL today.

4 Tips to Maintain Your Dental Bridge

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Your dental bridge helps restore your smile. Keeping your dental bridge clean and in good condition can help your dental bridge last for as long as possible. When your dentist in Foley, AL installs your dental bridge, they’ll tell you more about how to maintain it. If you have questions about maintaining a dental bridge, this is what you need to know.

1. Clean Your Dental Bridge When You Brush

Clean your dental bridge when you brush your teeth. Use a soft bristle toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste. Avoid toothpastes that whiten or brighten, as these toothpastes can scratch your dental bridge.

Clean underneath your dental bridge as well. You can use thin floss or a proxabrush to get this done. Cleaning underneath your bridge helps to dislodge food particles that can get stuck between your bridge and your gums.

2. Don’t Chew Anything That Isn’t Food

Non-food items like pen caps and ice are too hard for your dental bridge. Chewing on these things can cause your bridge to become chipped or cracked. Avoid chewing anything that isn’t food once the dental bridge is installed.

3. Watch for Signs of Damage

Inspect your own dental bridge periodically. Watch for signs of a chip or crack. If you notice a problem, make an appointment with your dentist.

4. Go for Dental Cleanings Twice Annually

See your dentist twice per year for dental cleanings. During your appointment, your dentist will examine your dental bridge in Foley, AL. To make your dental appointment at Sand Dollar Dental, call today. We’re happy to help!

Getting Older? Tips for Taking Care of Your Teeth

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Tooth care is important at every age, but especially when you get older. Seniors are at higher risk for certain dental conditions. Going to the dentist in Foley, AL regularly can help, as can maintaining good oral hygiene habits at home. Here’s what you need to know about taking care of your teeth as you get older.

Take Care of Your Mouth Every Day

Brush your teeth twice daily and floss once daily. If you have sensitive teeth, use sensitivity relief toothpaste. If you struggle with problems relating to plaque and tartar buildup, ask your dentist to show you how to brush your teeth to prevent these problems.

Consider switching to an electric toothbrush. High quality electric toothbrushes are believed to get rid of more plaque to help you maintain healthy teeth and gums.

Watch for Signs of a Problem

Know the signs of a dental health problem. When you notice symptoms, make a dental appointment as soon as possible. Here’s what to watch for:

  • Toothache when biting down, consuming sugary foods and beverages, or at random
  • A visible hole in your tooth or discoloration
  • A chip or crack in your tooth enamel
  • Discoloration on the tooth enamel
  • Swelling in the gums
  • Bad breath, even after brushing your teeth
  • Loose permanent tooth
  • Loss of a permanent tooth

Combat Dry Mouth

Dry mouth is a condition that can be caused by various medications and certain medical conditions. Some people experience dry mouth as a natural part of aging. Saliva is important for cleaning your teeth and eliminating bacteria in the mouth. Dry mouth can increase your risk of conditions like periodontal disease.

If you have dry mouth, talk to your dentist. Stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of water can help you maintain a clean, healthy mouth.

Focus on Wellness

Take care of yourself to take care of your teeth. Eat a healthy diet, avoiding excessive sugar. If you smoke, consider stopping. Smoking is very bad for your teeth and can increase your risk for periodontal disease.

See Your Dentist Regularly

See your dentist for regular dental exams in Foley, AL. Call Sand Dollar Dental today to make an appointment.

Joking with a dentist

3 Tips for Scheduling Your Family’s Dental Appointments

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A family dentist is used to working with busy parents who don’t always have a lot of free time. While it may not seem difficult to get in a dental appointment once a year, the scenario looks a little different when you factor in the many other activities in your life. At Sand Dollar Dentist, a family dentist in Foley, AL, we’ll share a few tips that might make it easier.

1. Consider Your Family’s Habits

Every family will have their own dental issues, even if it’s just a little too much sugar after bedtime. If your child’s teeth have been growing in a little crooked or your child has complained of pain while eating, you may need to come back in for a few more appointments. Preparing for this can not only prompt you can take action quickly, so you can correct problems sooner than later, it can also make it a little easier to handle if your family does need to come back in for a follow-up or two.

2. Prepare Your Kids Before You Come In

A dental appointment can go far longer than you plan if you’re not careful. The more comfortable your kids are with being in the chair, the faster you’ll be able to get in and out. This can include anything from simple conversations about the dentist to watching videos of common procedures. Plus, even if you’re not a fan of the dentist, try not to show that to your kids. The more nervous you are, the longer you’re likely to hang around.

3. Choose a Family Dentist in Foley

The right dentist will know how important your time is, and they’ll go the extra mile to accommodate it. Ideally, you’ll schedule all of your appointments at the same time, and your dentist will be able to organize your records so it’s easy to book appointments, pay for appointments, and set reminders for the next ones. At Sand Dollar Dentist, we’re used to working with multiple members of the same family, and we do everything we can to respect your time, budget, and oral health needs. Schedule a dental appointment in Foley, AL today if you’re looking for a team that understands.

How is Botox Used in Dentistry?

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Most likely, when you think about Botox, you imagine injections that smooth out wrinkles on the forehead. Botox is really well-liked since it is often used for this specific objective. It’s true that Botox is highly effective for getting rid of the appearance of wrinkles. But is also often used in dentistry. In fact, Botox has been used as a medical treatment in dentistry for much longer than it has been used for cosmetic purposes. Botox injections are a treatment option that your dentist in Foley, AL can use for a number of issues.

Alleviation of Pain From TMJ

If you suffer with TMJ, you are already aware of how unpleasant and painful this condition often is. This is an issue that your dentist can help with. By paralyzing the muscles that are responsible for teeth grinding at night, Botox has been shown to be a successful treatment for the discomfort and strain of TMJ. Botox also helps to prevent harm to your teeth and jaw from TMJ, in addition to relieving the associated discomfort and pain.

Discomfort From Dentures

A patient may experience some pain and discomfort during the time period immediately after getting new dentures. In addition to making the patient’s experience unnecessarily unpleasant, this discomfort may prevent them from wearing their dentures correctly or for long enough durations of time to get them accustomed to wearing dentures. When muscles tense up in response to the unfamiliar feeling of wearing dentures, Botox is often utilized in dentistry to help the muscles relax.

Dentistry Botox For Wrinkles

Your dentist in Foley, AL can even help with getting rid of wrinkles. Although most people immediately think of going to a dermatologist for Botox injections for wrinkles, your dentist is trained, licensed and experienced with this treatment. This is convenient because you can often combine Botox for wrinkles treatment in conjunction with your regular dental visit, saving you time. Your dentist can use Botox to treat fine lines around the eyes, lips, forehead or other areas where wrinkles are making you look older than you feel.

The next time you see your dentist, ask them about Botox treatment, and whether it is something that could be useful for your oral health or appearance. Contact Sand Dollar Dental today to book your next appointment now.