When Should Children Begin Brushing On Their Own?

It can be difficult to know when your child should begin brushing by himself or herself. While it is important for a child to develop proper dental care habits at an early age, proper brushing requires a level of fine motor skills and an understanding that may be beyond your little ones.

So, how do you get your children started brushing?

Early on, it is a good idea to allow your children to observe your own brushing habits. Have them do some practice brushing while you supervise, giving them a pea-sized drop of toothpaste and guiding their hands as necessary. Be sure that they know to cover all sides of their teeth, and not just the visible part of their frontal teeth. Further, inform them that they should not swallow their toothpaste, as the minty taste may lead them to assume that it is like candy.

Some children develop more quickly than others, but you can generally expect a child to start brushing independently by the age of six. Consult our Issaquah dentist to learn more about fostering good oral health in the youngest members of your family.

When Should I Pull Out a Loose Tooth?

When is it safe to pull out a loose tooth?

Having a loose tooth can often be uncomfortable and inconvenient for a child. It makes it difficult to eat, and some people become worried that the child might swallow it in the middle of the night. However, it is generally best to allow the tooth to come out on its own, rather than yank it out prematurely.

Firstly, it’s important to be mindful of how delicate a child’s mouth is. When you reach in to remove a tooth, it’s difficult to avoid damaging his or her gum tissues. Only the child can know for sure how painful it is to force the tooth out, so it’s important to allow him or her to judge the situation.

Though it’s possible that your child may end up swallowing a loose tooth, this is really nothing to worry about. Teeth are small enough to usually pass harmlessly from your system.

The only time you should consider helping a loose tooth along is when the permanent tooth begins to emerge underneath it. There is some risk that the new tooth will come in crooked if its way isn’t clear. Should this become a concern for you, talk to our Issaquah dentist to make sure that it is extracted properly.

Open Space, Open Invitation for Bacteria

Whether your toothbrush is placed in the vicinity of a toilet or across the room, studies have showed freckled specs of feces on toothbrushes, nondiscriminatory of distance. This becomes an even bigger problem in close quarters such as dorm bathrooms with multiple users. There are many disadvantages to sharing a community space with people who do not participate in a uniformed hygienic standard.

In the annual American Society for Microbiology forum, a presentation of fecal matter in toothbrushes was examined and how approximately 60% from the entire collection tested positive. Rather than individual toothbrushes coming into contact with fecal matter, the majority of contamination came from peers utilizing the same sharing space.

Contrary to popular movies where roommates sabotage one’s toothbrush by slushing it in the toilet, the contamination occurs when other people’s toothbrushes which are compromised come into contact with each other. It is the introduction of bacteria not part of one’s normal biology which prompts concern. That is not to say personal fecal matter entering one’s body during brushing is safe but foreign bacteria from another coming into oneself, is the main issue.

No matter the cleaning methods or lengths to protect one’s toothbrush via covers, the most prudent way for those who share bathrooms was to start at square one which is personal hygiene. With each individual’s copious efforts to maintain an unsoiled open space, less exposure to bacteria can be expected but regardless of exertions, the safest would be to store personal toothbrushes separately.

Toothbrush Care

Couple other suggestions consisted of not sharing toothbrushes, not using covers which provide a moist space for banter to amplify and multiply, replacements every 3 months and thoroughly washing before and after use as well as air drying.

After Your Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Wisdom Tooth Extraction

If you need to have your wisdom teeth removed, Meadow Creek Dental in Issaquah can make the extraction quick and easy. After your procedure, though, it is normal to experience a certain amount of discomfort. In the days following your extraction, consider the following tips to mitigate any pain and expedite your recovery:

  • Twenty-four hours after your procedure, rinse out your mouth a few times a day with a salt water solution of one teaspoon of salt mixed with eight ounces of warm water.
  • Common painkillers, or an ice pack applied to the outside of your face serves to reduce swelling and pain.
  • Smoke aggravates your delicate gum tissues. Avoid cigarettes and smokable products of any kind for the duration of your recovery.
  • Eat softer foods, like soups, oatmeal, and applesauce. Reintroduce hard foods to your diet gradually.
  • Reclining can encourage bleeding. Prop up your head with pillows as you sleep.
  • Avoid sucking actions, like drinking with a straw. This can dislodge your blood clot.
  • Try to take it easy. Stress encourages bleeding.

Replacing Your Toothbrush

Many people come to our Issaquah dentist with questions about how frequently they should be replacing their brushes. This is a valid concern, as many toothbrushes can become overrun by bacteria after a while. More importantly, the bristles of your brush are getting warped and worn out, robbing them of their ability to effectively clean your teeth. Those who are not mindful of a proper replacement schedule can sometimes do more harm than good.

Every Three Months

The simple answer is that you should replace your brush every three months. However, this number can be different from person to person. If you brush harder than most people, for example, you may see your bristles splaying every which way long before the three month mark. This is a clear sign that your brush should be retired. If you’re suffering from gum disease, you might want to change your brush as frequently as every few weeks. This helps you to get rid of the rampant bacteria that is developing in your tissues.

You can also keep your toothbrush cleaner for longer by adopting some simple sanitation habits. Remember that bacteria needs a damp environment to thrive, and so storing your brush upright to let it dry out between brushings is a good idea. For a little extra security, consider occasionally dunking the bristles in either hot water or an antibacterial mouthwash. Never microwave your toothbrush or put it in the dishwasher, as this can destroy the fragile plastic of the bristles.

If you have additional questions about your brush, contact Meadow Creek Dental.

Dental Care for the Pregnant Patient

Modifying Dental Treatment for the Mom-to-be

During a patient’s first trimester, the dentist resorts to a preventive care program. This means plaque control and oral hygiene instruction. Only cleaning can be done at this time, elective procedures are better postponed, though emergency needs can be considered. If it is absolutely necessary to have radiographs, the lowest dose possible exposure is allowed with no harm to the developing fetus. At this time its organs are forming and are most sensitive to radiation and chemicals.

From the second trimester through the first half of the third is the safest time for dental treatment. If the patient is under periodontal maintenance and preventive care, those can be continued. Simple restorative procedures may be done. No complex or elective dental care at this time.

To minimize hormonal gingival changes, scaling and prophylaxis may be repeated in the third trimester. Caution must be taken when seating the patient in the dental chair. Supine position can lead to loss of consciousness, not elevating the right hip will cause blood pooling in the legs. She must position herself on her side if feeling faint. Emergency dental treatment should be provided.

As far as medications go, lidocaine with epinephrine is safe, penicillin, clindamycin, and cephalosporins are safe antibiotics, acetaminophen is alright for most patients for pain, oxycodone is considered safe for severe pain. For analgesia, nitrous oxide is controversial but probably safe as long as there is oxygen administered as well.

Expectant Mom and Baby in Issaquah

Over at Meadow Creek Dental, we show concern for our pregnant patient’s well-being as well as her baby’s. It matters that the mother feels relaxed and have confidence in the treatment. It is best to avoid any dental emergency, but efficient, compassionate care reduces stress, says our Issaquah dentist.

Tooth-Friendly Nutrition

It’s old news that, if you want a healthier mouth, cutting down on refined sugars is a good start. However, this is not the only way to tailor your diet for superior oral health. There are important nutrients you should be looking out for in order to get the best out of your teeth and gums.

Make sure you’re getting enough of the following:

  • Calcium: Your body uses calcium to rebuild damage in your teeth and bones. A lack of calcium leads to weakness in your teeth.
  • Vitamin D: This vitamin is necessary for your body to absorb the calcium it needs to repair your teeth.
  • Vitamin C: You need vitamin C to fight infections. Further, a lack of vitamin C is associated with loose teeth and weak gums.

Also, eating foods that are low in sugar and high in fiber, like vegetables, grains, and meats, serves to scrub your teeth as you chew.

You can learn more about how to maintain healthy teeth by talking to Meadow Creek Dental’s Issaquah dentist.

Toothpicks are No Substitute for Floss!

Some people like to use a good toothpick or similar pick-like device to clean out between their teeth. However, there is really no substitute for a proper string of floss.

While toothpicks are good for extracting a corn husk or piece of spinach after a meal, they’re just not built to do the job of floss. Floss lets you get all the way into the gap between your teeth, which is the only way to reliably clear away plaque and detritus that has gathered there.

Possible Toothpick Risks

Trying to force a pick to go where your floss is meant to go only risks of spearing your gums or even splintering the pick, leaving irritating bits of wood amid your fragile tissues. The length of the floss also lets you cycle in a fresh bit of thread with every tooth, while a toothpick forces you to use the same plaque-stained tip for every gap between teeth.

Our Issaquah dentist recommends that you always get your daily flossing in, and never try to use a toothpick in its place. Consult Meadow Creek dental for more information on proper oral hygiene.

What you Eat Affects Your Teeth

Are there good foods and bad foods for teeth?

It will be beneficial for us to mind certain foods that are helpful to our dentition. Foods rich in calcium and phosphorus supply the mineral content of teeth that are lost over time to acid.

Calcium sources as dairy products – low-fat milk, hard cheese and yogurt – are good for teeth and bones. Leafy green vegetables, fruits and seafood also supply the lost calcium in teeth. A calcium-poor diet has been associated with risk of developing periodontal disease.

On the other hand, calcium needs phosphorus to potentiate its bone-strengthening capabilities. Cereals, sardines, salmon, and skim yogurt are phosphorus-rich. Also, get those foods with high water content like fruits and vegetables that keep the mouth hydrated and counteract the effects of sugar and acid, and increase saliva flow.

On the bad side, foods and drinks with high sugar content are poor choices for dentition. They attach to tooth surfaces and get into crevices which later attract bacteria. Acidic foods and fruits, and carbonated drinks, including diet sodas, are harmful to tooth enamel, causing a slow erosion of its protective layer.

Advice from Dentist

Dr. Dipti Srivastava is not saying not to enjoy your favorite food and drink, but if you must, then be mindful to keep your mouth cleaned up and washed off of those potential dangers.

Keep your basic oral hygiene practices – brushing, flossing, mouth washes – every time you have to indulge. Our Issaquah dentist says that eating healthy affects oral health and general well-being. Stay with mouth-healthy foods instead and keep the smile.

No Pain? Doesn’t mean you don’t have Cavities

Some people will never go to the dentist’s office unless they feel pain or sensitivity.

After all, people will think the pain will go away or take medication to decrease the pain. Why should they go through the effort if there’s nothing wrong with their teeth?

This is a very unhealthy mindset to have and is a concern for many dentists because this mindset, of many people, puts them at serious risk of debilitating dental problems.

Prevention is Key

The fact is that, when it comes to tooth decay, you’re most likely not going to feel any pain until your cavity has penetrated all the way to the soft pulp at the center of the tooth. Once this occurs, you’re past the point where you can benefit from a simple filling and will need a full root canal, which a bit more of a procedure, may cost more, etc.

Indeed, if you need a filling, the only way to know for sure is to have a dental x-ray. This is why it is so important to go in for a dental checkup every six months. Don’t make the mistake of assuming that your teeth are healthy just because you don’t feel pain, and always keep your routine appointments with our dentist in Issaquah.