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Proper Oral Appliance Cleaning Methods
Countertop ultrasonic cleaners are the best way to get your appliance cleaned. These units work by emitting high frequency sound vibrations. The vibrations loosen up plaque and tiny food particles from the crevices in the appliance. These units also pose less of a scratching risk to the appliance than manual cleaning.
Some people prefer to use a brush, but there are a few dos and don’ts to follow. There are brushes designed for certain dental appliances that you may use or a soft-bristle toothbrush (one that you do not use for your natural teeth). There are cleaners specially designed for oral appliances, but mild dish detergent or antibacterial hand soap will work just as well. You should never use toothpaste. Most toothpastes contain an abrasive ingredient for removing plaque from enamel, which could leave scratches on your appliance.
Boiling may kill bacteria, but the high heat may soften and warp the plastic material. This could alter the way the appliance fits and make them loose and uncomfortable. Always avoid using bleach. Bleach can whiten the area designed to mimic the red color of real gum tissue. Dental appliances should never be worn around the clock unless you’ve been advised to do so. This increases the potential growth and spread of bacteria.
Keeping your appliance clean will help it will last longer. Follow a proper home hygiene routine and regular dental visits to keep your teeth and appliance in top shape. Give us a call at (813) 475 – 4528 to schedule your next dental visit.
January is National Soup Month!
January is National Soup Month! A warm and hearty soup is comforting in cooler weather, but soup is perfectly appropriate to have all year long. Soups are incredibly versatile to cook. Start with your favorite veggies and meat. Toss in broth or water and add the spices of your choice and you have one of the most satisfying, comforting and healthiest meals to enjoy. What if we were to give you new incentive to eat have a bowl or two? Not only is it good for your overall health, soup is beneficial to your oral health as well.
Benefits of Vegetables
One of the best ways to get tons of vegetables in at once is in a hearty soup. Vegetables are loaded with vitamins, minerals and other essential nutrients. Vitamin C has antioxidant benefits for your gums. It helps produce collagen which helps form body tissue, and it also repairs damaged gums. This helps your gums become more resistant to oral bacteria. Folic acid helps your mouth’s cells stay healthy. Calcium helps build bones and provide structural support. It also helps harden your enamel and strengthen your jawbone. Vegetables are also a key source of fiber, which builds a strong immune system. All these nutrients together help keep teeth and gums strong and in optimum health.
Benefits of Meat
Along with the high quantity of nutrients in vegetables, lean meats contain a healthy supply of nutrients as well. Protein contains phosphorous which is an essential component in improving the strength of your teeth. For those that of you that do not eat meat, green leafy vegetables have a healthy supply of protein. Meat also contains L-arginine, which helps slow the formation of dental plaques. For all of these reasons combined, soup seems to be an all inclusive way to pack in large amounts of nutrients for your body and oral health.
Westchase Premier Dental staff would like to encourage healthy eating habits to all of our patients along with a rigorous home hygiene routine and regular dental checkups. Give us a call at (813) 475 – 4528 to make your next appointment. We look forward to hearing from you and Happy National Soup Month!
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Your Baby’s First Dental Appointment
New parents have plenty of adjustments to make when it comes to caring for your new addition to the family. Making sure your baby is healthy and happy becomes top priority while still adjusting to parenthood, hectic schedules and sleep deprivation. Westchase Premier Dental would like to encourage new parents to make your baby’s first dental appointment be early in life.
Your child’s first dental checkup should be by the age of one even though your baby may only have a few visible baby teeth. Early childhood dental visits are important in the detection of any developing dental issues. Unfortunately, some children develop tooth decay at a very young age. Your dentist will review proper care for your child’s teeth and discuss your child’s developmental milestones. Introducing healthy habits early will also make future visits to the dentist far more pleasurable.
Preparing for Your Baby’s First Dental Appointment
The first visit is generally talking to you and your child, taking a look in his or her mouth, and making oral health assessments. It is a good idea to tell them they are going to the dentist expressed with excitement. If you have dental anxiety yourself, try not to show it. This could be a learned habit that your child may pick up from you. Bringing along a comforting toy can be helpful just in case there is any fussiness. If you have other children, try to leave them at home or bring along another adult to care for them during the visit. All the attention can then be directed to the your baby’s first dental visit with complete focus is on your baby’s oral health.
The Dental Checkup Experience
You and your baby will be seated comfortably in the dental office. There will be a pleasant introduction to the dentist and a gentle examination will be performed. The examination will uncover any early signs of dental problems and assess the risk of your child developing disease in the future. Many times, this kind of risk assessment can help prevent and even reverse early stages of tooth decay. Also during the visit, you will learn various ways to keep your child’s oral health in top condition. This also may include lifestyle contributions to good oral health such as healthy eating habits and proper oral hygiene practices to use at home. Tips on brushing effectively will be reviewed and a follow-up visit will be scheduled needed.
Developing healthy habits begin early in life. Don’t hesitate to make your baby’s first dental appointment. Give Westchase Premier Dental a call at (813) 475 – 4528.
Our friendly staff is ready to help.
Westchase Premier Dental wishes everyone a year and put smiles on the faces of everyone you come across!
