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Candies to Avoid During Orthodontic Treatment

Written by Karen Girard on . Posted in Blog, Braces, News.

When beginning orthodontic treatment it can be difficult adjusting to a new diet. It may seem nearly impossible to give up those sticky, gooey candies. However, think about the end result and envision your new, glowing smile. If you find yourself ready to sneak a bite of Beef Jerky, Toosie Rolls or chew on a piece of gum, consider the damage it will due to your mouth. Candies of a sticky or crunchy consistency will very well rip off the brackets which help preserve a healthy smile while wearing braces.

Other Foods to Avoid

  • Ice – Chewing on this is a sure trip straight back to the dentist.
  • Sugary Drinks – Drinks loaded in sugar such as sodas, lemonade and fruit punch, weaken enamel and lead to cavities.
  • Hard Fruits – Cut up hard fruits like apples into bite-sized pieces. Opt for softer fruit like blueberries, raspberries and blackberries.
  • Unground Whole Grains – These often get stuck inside the braces, attachments and teeth. Also avoid small seeds and grains.
  • Tough Cut Meats – Because tough meats are difficult to choose, they can loosen the bands. Eating meat off the bone can risk breaking the bracket.

Contact the dental office of Lindner Dental if you are ready to begin your orthodontic treatment. We offer braces and Invisalign for children and adults as well as infant dental care, sports injuries and restorative dental services.

 

What are the Hazards of Teeth Grinding?

Written by Karen Girard on . Posted in Blog, News, Oral Hygiene.

Grinding or clenching of the teeth is often defined as a condition called Bruxism. Generally, people who suffer from this unconsciously clench or grind their teeth throughout the day or during sleep. Those who do this at night are more likely to suffer from sleep disorders including snoring or pauses in breathing.

If you have mild Bruxism, you will not be required to undergo treatment. However, in some instances people suffer from frequent headaches, jaw disorders, damaged teeth and a slew of other problems.

Some signs and symptoms of teeth grinding include:

  • Flattened, fractured, chipped or loose teeth
  • Deep layers of your tooth are exposed due to worn tooth enamel
  • Face and jaw soreness
  • Headache along the temples
  • Earache
  • Damage to the inside of your cheek from constant chewing
  • Tongue indentations

Teeth grinding can come from a number of issues including anxiety, stress, stomach acid in the esophagus, aggressiveness, etc.  Waiting to have this problem addressed can create further complications that could slow down your daily activities. If you are suffering from moderate to severe teeth grinding, let the dentists at Lindner Dental provide you with nightguards and tips on remedying the problem.  Call us today for professional dental services in Bedford NH.

What Happens After the Invisalign Treatment is Done? Will I Need Retainers?

Written by Karen Girard on . Posted in Blog, Braces, News.

Invisalign is a reliable treatment for teens and adults looking to straighten their teeth without the embarrassment of metal wires. Once the treatment is completed however, there is still some more work to be done.

Our dentist will finish your treatment with a 3D impression of your teeth.  Retainers will then be customized for both your upper and lower teeth. For teens specifically, the bones are still soft which means without retainers, teeth in your jaws will migrate into their old position. As adults, the bones become thicker creating less of a tendency to shift again.

Every patient has a ligament in their mouth called a periodontal ligament. This becomes stretched during the Invisalign treatment. When the process is completed, the ligament will revert to its original position. With these reasons alone, a retainer is crucial to ensure that it stays in its proper place. If you are interested in Invisalign, contact the professionals at Lindner Dental.

Do All Children Need Their Wisdom Teeth Removed?

Written by Karen Girard on . Posted in Blog, News, Pediatric Dentistry.

Children progress differently which means there is no exact time to know when your child should have his or her wisdom teeth removed. Generally, it is common for wisdom teeth to be extracted between the ages of 15 and 21. In some cases, patients may never need their wisdom teeth removed at all but for those who do, it is advised not to delay the process. By waiting to see a dentist regarding your wisdom tooth extraction, you can incur the following problems:

  • Pain
  • Infection
  • Decay & damage to the adjacent molars
  • No space in the oral cavity
  • Difficulty keeping the wisdom teeth clean
  • Crowding of the teeth
  • Cysts that cause damage to the bones, teeth and nerves

Having wisdom teeth removed at a younger age is a much easier process as the roots of the teeth are not fully developed and the bones are less dense. A majority of patients suffer “impacted teeth” which means the wisdom teeth are impacted under the gums due to blockage by gums or other teeth.

At Lindner Dental, we offer a thorough examination of your teeth and will provide an X-ray to follow the progression of you wisdom teeth. Contact our dental team today for an array of services including wisdom teeth extractions, cleanings, Invisalign, pediatric dentistry and restorative dentistry.

How Can Parents Help Prevent Tooth Decay?

Written by Karen Girard on . Posted in Blog, News, Pediatric Dentistry.

Children are born with 20 primary teeth which help them learn to chew, speak and develop space for future permanent teeth. Kids are extremely susceptible to decaying teeth which leads to pain and tooth loss. As a parent, is it imperative to take steps to maintain your child’s oral hygiene.

Begin a Healthy Diet

The biggest culprit of child tooth decay is a poor diet. This begins when the child is a few months old as he or she is often allowed to go to bed with bottles and “sippie cups.” Usually, these are filled with milk or juices which are packed with sugars. Even natural sugars can lead to severe tooth decay.  Our dentist recommend serving water before bed and drinking juices only during meal time.

Establish Good Hygiene

It is important to establish healthy dental habits prior to your child’s first tooth from forming. Begin by gently wiping your baby’s gums with a wash cloth during the first few months. At age one, use an appropriately sized toothbrush with fluoridated toothpaste. Make sure to brush twice daily.

Schedule Regular Dental Visits

Dental visits should begin at age 1 and continue regularly throughout your child’s life. The initial visits will concentrate on parental education and later visits will lead to cleanings and fluoride treatment.

To ensure your child has a cavity free mouth, contact the pediatric dentists at Lindner Dental.  We specialize in a number of services including infant dental care and treatment for children with special needs.

 

Importance of Wearing Mouthguards

Written by Karen Girard on . Posted in Blog, News.

Mouthguards are critical when engaging in any type of sport or physical activity. The soft, plastic device eliminates the potential for oral injuries to the mouth, cheeks, jaw, tongue and teeth. Wearing a mouth reduces the risk of the following sports injuries:

• Broken or chipped teeth
• Fractured crowns
• Lip and cheek injuries
• Root damage
• Fractured jaws
• Concussions

In sports such as football, hockey and boxing, mouthguards are mandatory. Children are often advised to wear mouthguards during basketball, baseball, softball, soccer and wrestling. Typically, mouthguards cover the upper teeth and cushion any type of contact to the face.

The three types of mouthguards include:

Boil and bite mouthguards can be bought at both drugstores and sporting good stores. This mouthguard can be boiled in water and inserted to adjust to the shape of your mouth.

Stock mouthguards come preformed and are ready to wear. However, they are bulky, can make breathing difficult and don’t fit well.

Custom fitted can be easily made by the dentists at Lindner Dental. These types offer the best fit and are customized to your teeth. This is the most reliable and durable mouthguard on the market, allowing athletes to participate in sports without worry.

A properly fitted mouthguard made by Lindner Dental is especially important for patients with braces or a fixed bridge. If you suffer a blow to the face without a mouthguard, the brackets could come off or cut the soft tissue in your mouth. Contact Lindner Dental if you are in need of a custom fitted mouthguard.

Taking Children to the Dentist

Written by Karen Girard on . Posted in Blog, Pediatric Dentistry.

Bringing your children to the dentist is necessary to keep their teeth strong and encourage oral hygiene. However, lying in a chair filled with odd objects, unfamiliar noises and a stranger poking around with unusual instruments can be quite frightening from a child’s perspective. In order to calm your child’s nerves and make future visits less intimidating, follow these steps below.

Begin Young

The first visit to the dentist should begin at age 1 or at the sight of the first visible tooth. Beginning at an early age will provide the child with a “dental home” where all needs are met including periodic preventative visits.

Stay Away from Too Many Details

Discussing the dentist visit too much with your child may cause added anxiety. It’s best to remain positive without providing your child with false hope. Make sure to avoid saying phrases like “Everything will be fine,” in case your child needs additional treatment.

Watch your Words

Don’t use the words shot, hurt or pain with your children. Let the dentist introduce their vocabulary to your children to help them get through difficult situations. Use phrases such as, “strong, clean, healthy teeth” to keep the visit positive.

Do Not Attempt to Relate

Often times, parents bring their children to their own dentist appointment but this is a huge mistake. Adults can feel anxious during the visit without even realizing it but children can sense those fears. A sterile, adult dental office lacks the appeal of a child-friendly dentist— some come equipped with video games, bright pictures and movies for children.

When your child is need of a dentist in Bedford NH, contact Lindner Dental. We offer both pediatric and infant dental care, preventing dental problems at an early age. Each of our pediatric dental hygienists has years of experience providing professional oral hygiene practices.

Choosing the Right Dental Specialist

Written by Karen Girard on . Posted in Blog, General, Uncategorized.

The process of finding the perfect dental specialist can pose challenging as there are numerous dentists with their own specifications, locations and hours. Some dentists have their names ending with “DDS” (doctor of dental surgery) while others include “DMD” (doctor of dental medicine).

While general dentists take on the basic tasks of fillings, cleaning, x-rays and check-ups, often times patients need to seek out an Orthodontist, Endodontist, Cosmetic Dentist or Pedodontist.  First, define your needs before seeking out your specialized dentist.

Define Your Needs

It’s best to first specify why you need to see a dentist. Does your baby need his or her first cleaning? Are you interested in braces or Invisalign? Perhaps you have tender gums? In instances that go above the basic cleaning or extraction, you need the services of a specialist.

See below for a defined list of specialists:

  • Pedodontist: Child Dentist
  • Endodontist: Root Canal Specialist
  • Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon: Toot Extraction & Oral Surgery
  • Prosthodontist: Restorative Specialist
  • Periodontist: Gum Disease Treatment Specialist
  • Orthodontist: Dental Braces & Bite Specialist

Ask the Right Questions

When you believe that you have found the right dentist, always make sure to ask a few key questions. Inquire about the dentist’s clinical experience and training, especially when it comes to the procedure you require.

Consider how far the drive is from your home to the dentist’s office. Along with this, find out if your dentist is available for emergency situations. If you feel panicked when going to the dentist or may be undergoing intensive treatment, ask if the office has sedation dentistry or technology such as CEREC. A crucial factor when choosing a dentist is checking to see if they accept your dental insurance.

When you are seeking a dentist in the Bedford NH area, contact Lindner Dental. Our professional team of dentists specializes in an array of areas including pediatric dentistry, Invisalign, orthodontics, restorative dentistry, cosmetic dentistry and more.

Taking Care of Your Baby’s Teeth

Written by Karen Girard on . Posted in Blog, Oral Hygiene.

Once your baby’s teeth begin to emerge, it is time to start tending to them.  Although they may be around for a short period of time, maintaining good oral hygiene is critical for your baby’s gums and future adult teeth.  If your child lacks a healthy set of baby teeth, he or she could experience difficulty chewing and speaking clearly.

Care for the Gums Prior to Tooth Growth

Cleaning your baby’s gums out after feeding will get you in the habit of practicing regular oral hygiene.  Avoid using a toothbrush and toothpaste for this process. See below for a few helpful tips:

  • Use a soft, damp washcloth
  • Try a piece of gauze wrapped around your finger
  • Always wipe your baby’s teeth before bedtime
  • Purchase a soft, thimble-like device for easier cleaning

By following routine gum maintenance, your baby won’t have to suffer from bacteria that cling to the gums.

Brushing Your Baby’s Teeth

When you notice your baby’s teeth popping up, this is a sign that it’s time to graduate to a toothbrush.  Select a toothbrush with a:

  • Soft brush
  • Small head
  • Large handle

Avoid using toothpaste in the beginning stages and stick with just a wet toothbrush.  As more teeth develop, start incorporating toothpaste. However, it is crucial that the amount you are using is only the size of a grain of rice.  Increase the portion to a pea sized amount once your child is 3-years-old.

Continue to brush your child’s teeth until he or she is old enough to hold the toothbrush. Monitor the process until your child can fully rinse and spit without support. Generally, this occurs at around age 6.

Bring your child to the dentist at age 1. Lindner Dental has extensive experience providing superb dental care to children. We offer advice on everything from baby tooth care and teething to fluoride and thumb sucking.  Contact us today to set up an appointment for your child.

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