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Proper Brushing Techniques

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

Brushing our teeth can seem like a pretty mindless task, right? It is something we have all done since we can remember. There is actually a proper technique to go about brushing your teeth. Next time you’re half asleep and aimlessly brushing your teeth, remember these techniques for the best brush possible.

When to Brush

Brushing twice a day is no secret, for most of us, morning and night is brushing time. Some people like to sprinkle a quick lunch brush in too and that’s even better. Did you know though, that brushing your teeth should take at least two minutes? Many of us fall short of that two-minute mark, but for a true tooth clean, you must brush for two minutes. Remember the 2×2 rule, twice a day for two minutes.

How to Brush

The correct brushing technique is to hold the brush at a 45-degree angle to your gums when brushing the outside surfaces and brush gently with strokes pushing away from the gum line. These strokes can form almost a rolling, circular motion, but remember, gentle. When brushing the inside and chewing surfaces of your teeth, the strokes should be short, gentle back and forth. After you have spent about two minutes on your teeth, don’t forget to brush your tongue. To do this properly, gently place your brush on the back of your tongue and push it forward. The bacteria on the tongue is the number one cause of bad breath so this step is important for combatting bad breath! Flossing should also be done twice daily; food particles can get stuck in your teeth and can prove too tough for a toothbrush. Flossing is important to get rid of these food particles which can cause tooth decay and a number of other dental issues.

You should replace your toothbrush when you notice the bristles have started to wear, usually around 3 months of use. Remember to be gentle on your teeth when brushing, if you brush too hard you can chip away at your enamel. Next time you’re brushing, remember the proper techniques, and take care of those pearly whites! For any brushing related questions, contact Lindner Dental today!

Foods That Can Chip Teeth

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

Although teeth are very strong, they are still prone to breaking and chipping, and often this can be caused by the kind of food you are eating. Chipping a tooth can turn a perfect dinner into a disaster, so here are some foods to avoid, or at least be aware of, so you won’t chip a tooth mid-meal.

Popcorn

Popcorn is a dentists sworn food enemy, flakes can get stuck in between teeth and under gums and can wreak all sorts of dental havoc. Another potential issue that can arise when consuming popcorn is the danger of chipping a tooth. Popcorn is generally soft and fluffy, but once in awhile a hard kernel can get mixed into a bite and you can unknowingly chomp down hard on the solid kernel… and crack. Next thing you know a portion of one of your teeth is missing, and you have popcorn to blame. Next time you go to the movies and order the large bucket of popcorn, just be aware of those pesky kernels and chew cautiously!

Biscotti

Biscotti or any bread crisps require extra attention when eating. These delicious baked goods are extremely hard and crispy and are a challenge even to bite through. Though they are delicious, they are dangerous, the higher the risk the higher the reward, right? Be mindful of the way you bite into these as well as the size of the bites you are taking to best avoid a chipped tooth.

Non-Food Items

Some of the major things that can cause chipped teeth are not food items at all believe it or not! We use our teeth for more than just chewing food. Opening packages in a pinch, biting tape, or even habits like nail biting or biting a pen cap. All of these things can cause a tooth to chip or a crown to break. Teeth are meant to chew food, not pen caps or plastic wrapping! You may be trying to open a candy bar and slip and crunch your teeth together causing a chip. Habits are hard to break, but breaking a habit like nail biting can help you in more ways than one!

If you do happen to chip a tooth or break a crown, contact Lindner Dental today for immediate dental repair!

 

Teaching Kids to Floss Properly

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

We continue to stress the importance of flossing to the overall health of your teeth and gums. Flossing allows you to reach those areas in your mouth and between your teeth that a toothbrush cannot. It breaks up plaque and bacteria buildup that if not treated can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, and other serious oral health issues.

It is necessary to stress the importance of flossing to children starting at a young age. If you can get children in the habit of flossing daily from a young age, they will thank you later on, and so will their teeth! Flossing can be tricky for some young children so follow these quick steps to make sure children are flossing properly!

Flossing Technique

  1. If you’re using a standard roll of floss, span out about a foot of floss and wrap the floss tightly around pointer fingers.
  2. Keeping the floss tight, push it through each gap of teeth moving back and forth covering the entire space between your teeth.
  3. It is imperative to be gentle but thorough, make sure you get down into the gum line because that is where much of the disease-causing bacteria may be hiding.
  4. When you have finished with a section of tooth, cleaning it properly, pull the floss up out of the gap between the teeth while also gently continuing to move it back and forth.
  5. The reason for using a long strand of floss is because you may get food particles stuck to the floss, so you can use the extra clean floss to clean the next section of the tooth.

 

Sit down with your children and show them how to properly floss! Flossing can actually be fun because you can see the food particles coming loose and you know you’re doing a great job cleaning your teeth! Teach children how to floss properly so they can always smile bright with confidence! Contact Lindner Dental for flossing tips or to schedule an appointment!

Should I Wait to Get Braces for My Children?

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

It can be challenging to determine exactly when your child is in need of immediate orthodontic treatment. Braces for children has been occurring earlier and earlier but some parents fear that they may not be correcting their children’s teeth at the best time. Let’s explore when you should call the dentist for early orthodontic treatment.

Understanding Interceptive Treatment

Interceptive treatment is interchangeable with the term, “early orthodontic treatment,” and both refer to treatment that reduces a child’s bad bite while their adult teeth erupt and their jaws develop. The main intention of interceptive treatment is to correct orthodontic concerns at an early stage. It’s important to note that only one in five children who have a mixture of baby and adult teeth are candidates for early orthodontic treatment.

Reasons Why Your Child Would Need Interceptive Treatment

If your child is experiencing a large gap between the back of the upper front teeth and the front of the lower teeth when the jaw closes, they will need interceptive treatment. Additionally, your child will need this treatment if they are experiencing a crossbite. A crossbite is when the teeth in the upper arch fit to the inside of the lower teeth. Underbites are another cause for concern and your child should be seen for interceptive treatment.

Appliances may be needed during interceptive treatment such as when the dental arches and jaw are not positioned correctly. Your child may need additional orthodontic treatment down the road but it’s probably a less involved process.

Sometimes no appliances are necessary such as when a baby tooth needs to be extracted due to the adult counterpart erupting and the baby tooth cannot fall out on its own.

If you feel your child is suffering from an overjet, crossbite or underbite, it’s time to call the pediatric dentists at Lindner Dental. Schedule an appointment today by calling 603.944.9196!

How to Help Your Child with a Toothache

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

Toothaches take us by surprise and can come at random. When your child is experiencing a toothache it can be absolutely heartbreaking to watch him or her suffer. Parents often feel helpless when the child is in distress from a toothache. Fortunately, there are some actions we can take to ensure children are quickly relieved from a toothache.

Causes of a Toothache

Not every toothache is in fact a toothache (yes, this can be confusing). Children can bite the inside of his or her tongue or cheek, have sore gums or develop ulcers in the mouth. Teeth that are coming in can feel like toothaches and discolored, broken or loose teeth can also cause a significant amount of pain.

Relieving Tooth Pain

  • Make sure your child is flossing every single day so food particles don’t get stuck in the teeth.
  • Rinse teeth with warm salt water.
  • Relieve swelling by using a cold compress to subdue the pain. Keep this on your child’s mouth for about 15-20 minutes.
  • Ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be provided to your child to help ease the pain. Make sure you read the instructions on the bottle.

If the pain does persist, and your child is experiencing a fever or fatigue, you need to call your pediatrician immediately. More serious issues can occur when your child is having trouble breathing with their mouth pain. If the steps above don’t remedy the situation, please remain calm. Your child’s actions are a result of yours so it’s best to keep a positive attitude!

Contact Lindner Dental if your child is experiencing a toothache. Feel free to call us at 603.944.9196!

How Can I Tell If I Have A Cavity?

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

If you are noticing darker areas on your teeth, you may have a cavity. However, there are several warning signs you may notice before the color change.

Cavity Symptoms

You may begin to experience some sensitivity when eating, particularly hot or cold foods or foods containing a lot of sugar. You may feel this when the food makes contact with your tooth, or while chewing. The tooth in question will begin to show signs of decay, such as chips or cracks. Your tooth may appear chalky, which is a sign of mineral loss and tooth decay.

Treating Your Cavity

Cavity treatment is contingent on its progression. If your cavity is small and has not affected the rest of the tooth, it can be treated with a filling. Your dentist will remove the damaged area and fill it with a dense material that will protect the structure of tooth. If left untreated, the condition will worsen and you will need a root canal to reverse the damage done to your tooth.

Preventing Cavities

Preventing cavities is possible through preventative dental care. By maintaining a balanced diet and eating healthy snacks, regular brushing and flossing and regular visits to the dentist, you can prevent your teeth from developing cavities. If you are beginning to show symptoms of a cavity, contact your dentist as soon as possible.

Why Choose Lindner Dental to Fill Your Cavity

At Lindner Dental we have been providing fillings and regular teeth cleaning for years. Our dental professionals have years of experience providing exceptional dental services to infants and children for years. We use the best available products as well as cutting-edge technology. Each and every dentist understands how anxious children get before visiting the dentist which is why we make sure to walk you and your little one through the entire process. To schedule a visit with Lindner Dental, call us at 603.944.9196!

Healthy Lunch Alternatives

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

packing lunchThe food your child eats can affect their smile. If you are packing your child’s lunch, make sure to include some of these healthy snack foods to keep your child’s teeth and gums healthy!

Apple Slices

Apples are unique in that they naturally clean teeth as they are eaten by scrubbing your teeth, tongue and gums, removing plaque due to their texture. Natural juice from apples can help remove surface stains from teeth and destroy residue buildup from the back of your tongue, making your breath fresher. Apple slices are a healthy dessert alternative for school lunches!

Yogurt & Cheese

Dairy products are high in calcium, which helps increase bone strength, including your teeth. Yogurt and cheese also include casein, a protein which prevents cavities and strengthens enamel. The healthy bacteria found in yogurt removes unhealthy bacteria that can lead to cavities. Adding a dairy product can raise your child’s calcium intake!

Raw Vegetables

Raw vegetables, like apple slices, offer a healthy snack alternative to starchy, sugary snacks. Chips, cookies or crackers can cause buildup on your teeth that can eventually lead to cavities. A stick of celery can naturally clean your teeth as you munch on it!

Water

Swishing water in your mouth after eating dislodges any stuck debris between teeth and begins to remove any buildup that can lead to enamel loss. Water increases your mouth’s resistance to acidic foods, unlike juice and soda. Water provides benefits to the rest of the body, from keeping you hydrated to keeping your skin healthy.

If you are concerned about your child’s teeth and how their diet may be affecting their smile, schedule an appointment with Lindner Dental today! We can be reached at 603.944.9196!

Everything You Need To Know If You’re Considering Veneers

Written by Karen Girard on . Posted in Blog, Dental crowns.

If you’re struggling with damaged, discolored, or badly formed teeth, then you may be considering custom veneers. Veneers can be fabricated indirectly in porcelain or by directly bonding composite resin material. This popular dental procedure allows patients to have thin, custom shells over the surface of their existing teeth. These shells can change the shape, color, and length of teeth making your dream smile obtainable!

Before the veneers can be set in place, they must be made specifically for you. Your teeth will be measured to ensure the veneers are placed comfortably, securely and look completely natural. While each set of teeth are different, it depends on the state of your teeth to decipher the level of preparatory work that needs to be done before placing the veneers on.

Once your veneers are in place and looking stunning, there are a few things to know for aftercare. Like teeth, veneers are strong so you don’t have to restrict your diet to soft foods only – apples, nuts, carrots, etc. are okay in your everyday diet. While the bonding process is very durable, problems can arise. If you feel loosening or if a damage occurs, call your dentist to schedule an appointment.

Some veneers are also susceptible to staining, such as the direct bonded composite resin. However, unlike teeth, whitening toothpastes don’t help erase those stains. It’s best to steer clear of dark-colored beverages, but if you need that morning coffee fix, just make sure to brush thoroughly after! Porcelain veneers, however, do not pick up stains because they are crafted in a glazed ceramic.

For more information on custom veneers or to schedule a consultation call 603-624-3900 today!

Children’s Snacks That Cause Major Cavities

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

It can be difficult to provide your children with a healthy snack especially when you live a busy lifestyle. When dropping kids off at sporting events, dance classes, school, gymnastics or whatever activity they’ve joined, it’s convenient to grab a bag of chips or a snack from a vending machine. However, you need to be very careful with what you’re giving your kids or they may end up with plenty of cavities.

Avoid Starchy Snacks

Snacks such as chips and cookies can severely damage children’s teeth. Chips typically get stuck between teeth and the sugar attacks the enamel. It’s imperative that children regularly brush and floss to remove the sticky starches from getting caught in the teeth. When your child does consume starchy snacks, they need to swish their mouths with cold water for 30 minutes to remove debris.

Fruit Juice

While juice might be a solid alternative to sodas, some of the fruit in these beverages contains sugar. In some cases, fruit juices have more sugar than soda! During the process of making the fruit juice, the fruit has been extracted from the fruit and unfortunately, it loses its nutritional value. Once the fiber has been removed, the drink is basically sugar and water.

Canned Fruit

Canned fruit is simply delicious and it’s a quick snack to pack for school, however, the syrup in these canned fruits contains an immense amount of sugar. Sugar is of course one of the main sources of cavities so if you are shopping for canned fruit, look for one with no added sugar.

Foods that won’t have a negative effect on your child’s teeth include milk, cheese and yogurt especially since they’re such a great source of calcium. Milk and dairy will significantly reduce tooth decay by strengthening your child’s tooth enamel.

Ready to schedule a cleaning for your son or daughter? Give us a call at 603.944.9196!

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