How to keep your teeth healthy this Halloween

The medical benefits of braces - giving you not only a beautiful smile, but a healthy one too.

Happy National Dental Hygiene month! That’s right, every October we celebrate the importance of oral hygiene. You may be wondering why this is important or even relevant to you, but oral hygiene is not something to be taken lightly. Oral hygiene is incredibly important. In fact, keeping those pearly whites fresh and clean is beneficial to your overall health. With just a few simple steps, you can maintain your smile, increase your health, and prevent unnecessary issues. At the end of the day, none of us want to suffer from cavities, gingivitis, heart disease, or clogged arteries (these are all very real things that can happen due to lack of good oral hygiene). So what are some things that we can do to help keep our mouths nice and healthy? Floss every day Yes, the rumors are true, flossing is important, and it’s something that should be done every single day. Brushing your teeth is important, but there are just some things a toothbrush is unable to reach and clean. There’s this pesky thing called plaque, you’ve probably heard of it and know of its ruthlessness. It’s a film-like substance full of bacteria that essentially coats your teeth. While brushing is certainly capable of removing plaque from the visible surfaces of teeth, the portion of your teeth beneath the gums are a bit more difficult to clean. That’s where the floss comes in. By flossing and removing this plaque you are helping to increase your odds of preventing tooth decay as well as gum disease. So don’t forget to make it a part of your daily routine - it’s well worth it. Brush twice a day Ever since we were kids, we’ve heard our parents say to brush in the morning and to brush at night to get rid of the bad breath. Now as adults, we know there's much more involved. Once again we come back to talking about plaque. Brushing is also important because it helps to stimulate the gums which in turn, helps to reduce gum disease. The lesson here is the more you brush your teeth the better. Don’t forget to cepillarse los dientes, to keep that beautiful smile healthy as ever. Rinse with mouthwash One of the best steps of brushing your teeth? Mouthwash! It always makes you feel 100 times cleaner. Aim to make rinsing with mouthwash a regular occurrence at the end of the night when you’re done brushing and flossing. Rinsing with mouthwash helps to keep your mouth clean and fresh. There are numerous benefits of using mouthwash: It has the ability to prevent cavities Clear up canker sores Reduce the amount of plaque on your teeth Kills bacteria After learning all of these important benefits, who wouldn’t want to incorporate mouthwash into their nightly routine? Even though National Dental Hygiene month only lasts 31 days, this doesn’t mean we should abandon what we’ve learned during it. Oral health is a 365 days a year kinda job that happens morning and night. So remember to floss every day, brush morning and night, and rinse with mouthwash. Your oral health will thank you!

At Goduco Family Dentistry, we want to make sure that our patients have something to smile about. That's why we offer advanced cosmetic dentistry and smile makeover treatments as well as the latest in general and restorative procedures. By taking an approach that considers health and aesthetics, we can better ensure that our patients look and feel their best. Porcelain veneers often come up in conversation when it comes to cosmetic dentistry. Let's consider the basics of porcelain veneers and see who can benefit from having them placed. What are porcelain veneers? Porcelain veneers are thin shells of dental ceramic that are affixed to the fronts of the teeth. These thin shells are custom fit to tooth being treated, and are also semi-transluscent so that light passes through them just like natural tooth structure. When in place, a porcelain veneers masks cosmetic imperfections and helps you smile look its absolute best. One of the key advantages of porcelain veneers is their versatility. As you'll read below, porcelain veneers are able to address a whole host of aesthetic issues that affect your smile. General candidacy for porcelain veneers Good candidates for porcelain veneers are people who experience cosmetic flaws that affect the appearance of their smile. Patients should be in otherwise good dental health and have teeth that are strong and have sufficient enamel in place. If there is a serious dental health problem that also affects smile aesthetics, a restorative procedure or orthodontic care may be more ideal to address the matter than the use of a veneer. It's important that patients have realistic expectations about the treatment process, including the risks of undergoing treatment, the need for the removal of tooth structure in order to place the veneer, and proper after-care of the veneer following treatment. Porcelain veneers for minor chips and cracks Porcelain veneers are an excellent solution for small chips and cracks that may affect the appearance of your smile. These minor signs of damage can be concealed under a porcelain veneer, allowing patients to smile with absolute confidence. Porcelain veneers for major tooth discoloration When teeth are seriously stained or discolored, traditional dental bleaching may have limited impact, especially when the stain originates from within a tooth. In these cases, the use of a porcelain veneer will help ensure that the major discolorations is covered and that the tooth itself looks pristine and clean following treatment. Porcelain veneers for cosmetic tooth alignment Small gaps, issues with spacing, and problems with asymmetry are common cosmetic flaws for smiles. Sometimes orthodontic care is ideal for these matters, but if these flaws are predominantly cosmetic in nature, porcelain veneers are a great option to consider. In fact, the effects of porcelain veneers treatment can be quite profound, which is why some have nicknamed porcelain veneers “instant orthodontics.” Smile makeovers accomplished with porcelain veneers Dental problems rarely come one at a time. Many patients experience a number of issues that affect the appearance of their smile. In these complex cases, a total smile makeover is sometimes used, which involves combinations of treatments to improve smile aesthetics. Given the versatility of porcelain veneers, these thin shells sometimes do the majority of the work in a patient's smile makeover. Learn more about porcelain veneers For more information about porcelain veneers and how they can help you have the smile of your dreams, be sure to contact our cosmetic and restorative dentistry practice today. The entire team here at Goduco Family Dentistry will help you smile with renewed confidence.

There are so many types of toothpastes on the market and while many people choose a brand or flavor that they like, there is something else that you need to know before choosing which type of toothpaste you are going to use. What is RDA? All types of toothpaste are measured in a way that is not disclosed on the actual product and this measurement is called the “relative dentin abrasivity,” or RDA. Each toothpaste has its own RDA that measures how abrasive the toothpaste is to your teeth. Every company that makes toothpaste is required by the FDA to continuously monitor the RDA of their products and they have to let the FDA know what their measurements are in order to get approval. The unusual fact is that companies are not required to put the RDA on the label or the packaging. Toothpaste abrasives The abrasives in toothpaste are ingredients that are necessary in order to remove stains and debris from the teeth. Types of abrasives include calcium pyrophosphate, silica and aluminum oxide. The American Dental Association has its own set of regulations that toothpastes must adhere to in order to gain their ADA Seal of Acceptance. They do have guidelines for the RDA of a toothpaste and each type of toothpaste receives a score from 0-250. If a toothpaste receives a score of 0-70, it is considered to be a low abrasive toothpaste. Toothpastes that are between 70-100 are medium abrasives, 100-150 are high abrasives and 150-250 are considered harmful limits. Toothpastes that have a low RDA are typically not going to cause any damage to your enamel or dentin. Toothpastes are considered to be safe to use when they have a low abrasitivity level. RDA scores Below is a short list of some types of toothpastes and their RDA level for comparison. If you brush just with tap water, the RDA score is 4. Brushing with baking soda has an RDA score of 7. Arm and Hammer Dental Care toothpaste has a score of 35 Colgate Cavity Protection toothpaste has a score of 70 Arm and Hammer Advance White toothpaste has a score of 106 Crest Extra Whitening toothpaste has a score of 130 Colgate Advance Whitening toothpaste has a score of 200 There is great debate as to what abrasivity level is best for consumers to use. In order to make the best decision, it is best to ask your dentist for a recommendation as to which type of toothpaste will be best for your specific oral health needs.

Spring cleaning is a term that most people are familiar with, and although it usually refers to cleaning out your house, you can also think of spring cleaning in terms of your dental health. Spring is a great time to schedule your routine dental appointment and make sure that your teeth are clean and healthy. Here are some ways in which you can stay on top of your dental hygiene this spring: 1. Schedule your routine professional teeth cleaning. Although having a daily oral hygiene routine at home is a great way to stay on top of your oral health, it is also very important that you schedule your routine professional teeth cleaning with your dental office. The special tools that the dental hygienist uses are able to reach places where your toothbrush and floss cannot get to and they are also able to remove any build up of plaque and tartar, which is very important in the prevention of cavities and other oral health concerns. During your dental exam, your dentist will also look for any type of oral mouth concerns and will typically perform an oral cancer screening. This also allows for you to bring up any questions or concerns that you might have. 2. Ask your dentist about teeth whitening options. Teeth whitening continues to be a very popular service and it is best if you whiten your teeth under the care and guidance of a dental professional. There are many over the counter options, but unfortunately, not all of those options are safe for your teeth. Some contain very harsh ingredients that actually cause more harm than good. The safest way to whiten your teeth is to either have a professional whitening treatment at your dental office, or your dental office can fit you with a custom bleaching tray and provide you with a take-home kit that is safe and effective. 3. Enhance your smile. In addition to whitening your teeth, there are other dental services that can help people to feel more confident with their smile. If your teeth are not as straight as you would like, there are options for how that can be fixed. Or if you have a tooth that has been pulled or if you have a tooth that is chipped or cracked, your dentist can discuss different cosmetic dentistry options to give you back your smile. Take advantage of this spring and contact your dentist to either schedule your routine appointment, or go in to discuss how you can enhance your smile. They can let you know about the new and latest cosmetic dentistry treatments and let you know which ones might be a good fit for you. Call us today to schedule your appointment!

If you suffer from anxiety about going to the dentist, you are not alone. According to the Colombia University College of Dental Medicine, approximately 40 million Americans feel this way as well. There are many reasons that a dental appointment makes people feel anxious. Some people are worried they may experience pain, others are afraid of being in the dental office and some people have a difficult time scheduling their appointment and fitting it into their day. Whatever the cause of your dental anxiety is, there are things that you can do to overcome that feeling. If you are someone who suffers from anxiety, one of the first steps you can take is to be open and honest with your dentist and let them know that you are feeling this way. When you are able to open up the lines of communication and have that transparency, your dentist then has the opportunity to work with you on alleviating your fear. Your anxiety level can range from feeling anxious, but making yourself go to your appointment to feeling so anxious that you continuously cancel your appointment. If your fear is preventing you from receiving the dental care you need, this is absolutely something your dentist needs to know about. There are things that your dentist can do during your dental appointment to help you with your anxiety. This is a very common problem and is something that dentists are very used to. After letting your dentist know about this, another thing you can do is to work on regulating your breathing. When you become anxious or stressed, people tend to hold their breath. This causes a decrease in your oxygen supply and can lead to you feeling even more panicked than you were. If you focus on taking slow deep breaths, it will automatically start to calm your body, and also gives you something else to be thinking about, instead of just being anxious. Dental sounds are something that can add to anxiety, so if the sound of the tools is something that is upsetting to you, many dentists have music you can listen to, or a television they can put on that can provide you with a distraction. If that is not enough, you can ask your dentist if you can bring your own headphones and listen to something during your appointment. If you are feeling jittery prior to your appointment, you should also avoid drinking caffeine. Caffeine can make you feel even more jittery, which is the opposite of how you want to be feeling. Chamomile tea would be more calming choice. Your dentist may also offer sedation dentistry, which is an option for patients with severe dental anxiety. Your dentist can let you know if this seems like a good option for you. No matter what is causing your anxiety, the sooner you talk to your dentist about it, the sooner you will be on the right track to overcoming your fear and getting the dental care you need.

February is an important month in the dental world, since it is National Children’s Dental Health Month. This month-long observance aims to provide awareness for the importance of establishing good oral habits in children, to prevent them for developing serious dental health issues. Dental professionals and healthcare providers all strive to raise awareness for the entire month. Unfortunately, there are so many children in the United States who suffer from tooth decay and cavities. In fact, dental issues are one of the most common health afflictions that children suffer from. Although cavities and tooth decay are the two most common oral afflictions, children can also suffer from: Infections Dental abscesses Chronic pain Inability to chew certain kinds of foods/reduced appetite When children are suffering from oral health issues, there is an increased chance that they are going to miss school, which in these days, is definitely a major concern since instruction time in school is extremely important. It is estimated that in the United States, school-age children miss around 51 million hours of school annually, because of dental related issues. And then for some children, even when they are in school, they may be unable to concentrate if they are suffering from tooth pain. Like with many other types of health issues, prevention is crucial when it comes to oral health problems. It is important to establish a good oral hygiene routine that your child is able to follow. If your child is still young, they may require supervision so parents can oversee and make sure that their child knows the right way to brush their teeth, floss and use mouth rinse. Other important habits that should be encouraged for young children are: Brushing their teeth after eating something high in sugar, such as suckers, popsicles or candy Brushing teeth after meals Flossing at least once a day Drinking tap water with fluoride or using a mouthwash with fluoride It is also important that your child sees their dentist on a regular basis. With routine dental care, many dental health problems can be caught and treated early, before they become a bigger problem. Children should see their dentist twice a year. Call now to schedule your child’s appointment.

When your child is hurt or sick, it can be an overwhelming feeling and some parents may not know what they need to do. Fortunately, if your child suffers from a dental emergency, your dentist will know exactly what you need to do. It is important to keep your dentist’s phone number in your phone, because time can be extremely important for certain emergencies. If you know what you need to do if your child experiences a dental emergency, it might make the difference of your child being able to keep their tooth or lose it. There are several different dental emergencies that a child might suffer from and here is what you need to know about each of those: Toothache : If you have ever experienced a toothache, you know how debilitating it can be. There are many different causes of a toothache, which include having an infection, suffering from tooth decay, having a new tooth come in or experiencing trauma to your mouth. If your child is experiencing a toothache, you might consider giving them ibuprofen or acetaminophen, having them rinse their mouth with warm salt water and applying a cold compress. You will also want to call your dentist to get your child in to see them as soon as possible. A tooth gets knocked out: There are many ways that a child can have a tooth knocked out, whether it’s from falling and hitting their mouth on something hard, suffering a mouth injury while playing sports, or hitting their face hard against something. If your child’s tooth has been knocked out, you should gently pick up the tooth and rinse it with water and place it into a glass of milk. You will want to call your dentist immediately so they can see your child and determine the best course of action. A tooth gets chipped or fractured: As with some of the injuries listed above, your child may suffer from an incident in which their tooth doesn’t get fully knocked out, but it gets chipped or fractured. Although this may not cause your child to experience a lot of pain, your child may suffer from nerve damage. You should call your dentist and get an appointment. A filling or crown falls out: If this happens to your child, you should rinse it and wrap it in a clean cloth. You will then need to schedule an appointment for your child. Your child hits their mouth hard: Your child may experience an injury in which they hit their mouth, but the tooth does not chip or fall out. This may cause the tooth to become discolored. Although this is not usually a dental emergency, it would still be best to call your dentist and have them see your child. No matter what type of dental emergency your child is experiencing, it is important to contact your dentist and get your child seen as soon as possible.

The holidays are approaching very quickly and with the holidays comes a lot of holiday events and parties. With all of the shopping and decorating, it can be difficult to catch up on everything that you have put off. Before life gets too busy this winter, you should schedule your routine dental appointment. Going to your dentist in winter is beneficial for the following reasons: Scheduling : You have a much better chance of getting an appointment when you want one. We all know how incredibly busy dentists, are and most often when you call and have a time or date that you would like to come in, there isn’t an opening. Many people schedule their appointments at the end of summer or in early fall, with the back-to-school rush, so scheduling in winter might offer you a better chance of getting an appointment when you would like one. Spring is another time that dentists become busy, with elementary school kids, middle school kids, high school kids and college kids having their spring break and parents scheduling their appointments during that time. Winter is that perfect in between time! Top of mind : Once the weather starts to warm up and springtime approaches, people’s calendars start to fill up quickly and scheduling a visit to the dentist often gets pushed to the back of our minds. It is good to get your routine appointment scheduled during winter, so you do not forget to stay on top of your oral health. Keep healthy : It is a way to stay on top of your health and break up the dreariness that can accompany winter. Even though there are so many wonderful things to look forward to in the wintertime, there are often lots of dreary, cold days that can make someone feel a little more down than usual. Having less daylight can affect people, and there has been a study from West Virginia University that links tooth loss with depression. So, if you stay on top of your oral health and visit your dentist, you may have found a unique way to combat the winter blues. Illness & oral health : Winter illnesses can cause all different kinds of problems for your dental health. We all know how miserable it is to get a cold or the flu, and often the last thing you are thinking about when you’re sick, is your dental health. Unfortunately, many over-the-counter remedies for illnesses are very high in sucrose and high fructose corn syrup, both of which can be very harmful on your teeth. Other remedies have citric acid, or low pH levels that are partnered with high acidity or alcohol, and these can start to wear down the enamel on your teeth. Parents also need to be careful with giving children medicine right before they go to bed. Children’s medicine is often very high in sugar, so it is important to make sure that your child brushes their teeth before actually falling asleep. If you are due for a routine cleaning and do not want to have to wait a long time and you want to schedule it while you have some days off of work for the holidays, give your dentist a call to get your appointment in the books.