Category: Preventive Care

From Christina, Dental Hygienist: Mouth rinses are a hot topic in dental hygiene. Almost daily, I am asked which mouth rinse is most beneficial. The answer isn’t easy, as more recent research has looked deeper into the active ingredients in mouth rinses and how they directly affect the mouth. Patients come to our office daily with conditions such as dry mouth, gum recession and cavities. These are all factors to take into account when recommending a mouth rinse. Best Mouth Rinses for People Prone to Cavities Recently, mouth rinses such as LISTERINE® have been shown to have a relatively low Read More →

So, you’re a senior now. It’s time to retire, spend more time with your family, explore the world and relax, but don’t forget about those dental appointments! As we get older our teeth continue to change and providing care to keep your smile healthy and looking its best is something we at Family Dentist tree love to do! You may find yourself with a pile of options through private insurances for dental coverage and it can be hard to know which option is best for you. We’ve heard the struggles our patients have faced in making these decisions and the Read More →

There are many causes of tooth pain. Sometimes it is directly related to your teeth, such as decay or gum disease. Other times it is indirectly related to your teeth, such as pressure or infection in your sinuses. Our experience has led us to the following top 10 reasons for tooth pain: Tooth decay Tooth abcess Gum disease Tooth fractures Temperature Sensitivity Damaged fillings or sealants Teeth grinding or clenching Improper brushing or flossing Misaligned teeth or impacted wisdom teeth Orthodontic Alignment If you are having pain or sensitivity it is important to see a Dentist right away. Waiting too Read More →

All toothpaste has some type of abrasiveness to it especially when coupled with a toothbrush; just how abrasive that can be is measured by RDA (Relative Dentin Abrasion). The ADA created a range of abrasivity that rates different toothpastes and their effect on the teeth. Their list ranges from 0-250 and is broken into 4 sections (Low Abrasive to Regarded as a Harmful Limit). Enamel is not as susceptible to abrasion (the wear on the teeth from a mechanical source, like a toothbrush with toothpaste) because of the hardness of the structure. The underlying structures of enamel like dentin and Read More →

Many of us have had braces and know how difficult it can be to keep them clean. Especially when eating foods like bread, corn on the cob, foods with seeds and so much more. Here are some helpful ways to continue good oral hygiene while having braces. Brushing: You will want to brush after every meal and before bedtime for at least 2 minutes. It is best to use an electric toothbrush. You may need to replace your toothbrush more often than normal due to the extra wear your braces will place on the bristles. It is a good idea Read More →

Have you ever had a joint replaced or heart surgery? There is a possibility you were recommended by your physician, surgeon, or dentist to take an antibiotic prior to future dental treatment. Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections. During some dental procedures, bacteria from the mouth can be introduced into the bloodstream. The bacteria can then travel elsewhere in the body and cause an infection. In these circumstances, an infection is uncommon but can become serious and life threatening. Those who are at higher risk are suggested to take an antibiotic premedication to help prevent the chance of an Read More →

Flossing is recommended daily to clean plaque bacteria from in between the teeth that brushing alone doesn’t remove. Anytime we leave plaque between our teeth we put ourselves at risk for bleeding, inflamed gums, infection, gum disease and decay. Although flossing is the best way to clean between the teeth, there are other options that can work well and may be easier to use. Here are just a few options that we like to recommend in our office. Flossing Helpers: Flossers make it easier to floss because there is a handle attached to the floss. Floss threaders can help you Read More →

Third molars (also known as wisdom teeth) are the four teeth located furthest back in the mouth, and are the last to develop, usually beginning around age 16. Keep in mind the age for wisdom teeth development can vary greatly; some people don’t develop wisdom teeth at all, and some develop more than four! Whether your teeth are currently causing an issue or not, your dentist may recommend you get them extracted. Wisdom teeth can be monitored by your dentist using a panorex x-ray. This x-ray identifies presence, alignment and orientation of the wisdom teeth. There are several reasons a Read More →

We understand that coming to the dentist causes a certain amount of anxiety for many of our patients, young and old alike. It may be the fear of the unknown, a difficult personal experience, or stories of a ‘bad experience’ from a friend or family member. It is our goal at Family Dentist Tree to ensure all of our patient’s feel comfortable during their appointments. We would like to offer some tips that may be helpful in preparing your child for a positive first visit to the dentist. Our dentists recommend your child’s first check-up and cleaning around age three, Read More →

Teaching your child to take care of their teeth is just one way you can show them how to take responsibility for their body.  This can be a challenge because toddlers are motivated mainly by fun and pleasure, not by health and necessity.  If you want to end your child’s resistance to brushing, your best bet is to make this chore a fun ritual for them.  They will eventually catch on that brushing their teeth is a regular and necessary part of taking care of their whole body—and they’ll enjoy doing it.  Here are some tricks you can use to Read More →