How to choose the right toothbrush and toothpaste

A trip to the dental aisle at your local grocery store or pharmacy can be a bit dizzying because of the variety of products offered nowadays.
The best rule of thumb for toothpastes is to select any toothpaste that has the ADA seal of Approval on the back of the box. Keep in mind that most major brand toothpastes are acceptable (Crest and Colgate), and sometimes they may lack the ADA seal of approval because the newer formulations have yet to pass their approval process. For example, their “whitening” version may still be under study by the ADA to verify that it meets their claims on the box. But aside from the “extra” benefits these major brands may be marketing on the box, it is assumed that the toothpaste performs all the claims promoted by their basic formulation that already has the ADA seal.



For toothbrushes, it is important to find a head size that fits your mouth and always select the “soft” or “extra soft” bristles. For most adults a size 35 is sufficient. Remember it’s better to get a brush that’s a little bit smaller rather than one that is a bit larger so you can reach the back teeth comfortably. The “soft” bristles will prevent unnecessary erosion of your enamel from brushing. Remember, brushing longer is always better than brushing harder.

For help selecting between the different brands with the ADA stamp feel free to contact us via live chat on our website at http://www.thesugarlanddentist.com/
or feel to call us at 281-240-5559.

What is a Cavity Exactly?

Most people ask us here at Avalon Dental Group, “what exactly is a cavity?” Simply, as the name implies, a cavity is a “hole” in your tooth. Obviously that answer leads to the heart of the question which is, “how does it get there?”

A cavity, or dental caries, is actually a disease process that affects your teeth. Most cavities begin with the weakening of your teeth’s hard protective coating, the enamel. This weakening is caused by the waste products of certain bacteria that naturally live in your mouth. When these bacteria are fed sugars, or carbohydrates, they release acids as they digest the sugars. This acid over time weakens the enamel and creates the “hole.”



When these bacteria’s waste products reach the softer material, the dentin, under the enamel, the acids rapidly weakens even more of the tooth. It is at this stage of the process where a dental filling will be needed to heal the disease.
Untreated dentin cavities will rapidly progress to the heart, or pulp, of the tooth where the nerve and blood supply resides. When the waste products and bacteria reaches the pulp, a toothache occurs. At this stage the tooth must have a root canal procedure to heal the disease.



It is important to understand that cavities are serious, because as the bacteria reach the nerve and blood supply of the tooth, it allows bacteria to access your bloodstream and travel throughout your body. So all diagnoses of cavities should be taken seriously and corrected as soon as possible.

If you have any more questions about cavities or any other dental topic please feel free to visit us on the web and either call or chat with us live on the web!

http://www.thesugarlanddentist.com/

Learning How to Floss

As a valued partner in your oral health, we would like to take this opportunity to remind all our patient family how to floss correctly. Flossing is an integral part of the daily oral hygiene regimen. The action of flossing pulls bacteria, food debris, and irrigates the spaces between your tooth and the gums that surround it. Without flossing, your oral health will be susceptable to cavities and gum disease. For more information on flossing or any other oral healthcare question please visit us at http://www.thesugarlanddentist.com/. Feel free to use the Live Chat function to have all your questions answered. All of us here at Avalon Dental are available to answer your questions.

Like any new task, flossing can be a chore at first. Studies have shown that flossing is the only dependable way to maintain the health of your gums and the underlying bone that holds your teeth in firmly. If done properly and regularly, flossing can become as easy and productive as brushing.

Step 1: Use at least 18 inches of dental floss and wrap the floss around each of your middle fingers, leaving about 1-2 inches in between fingers.

Step 2: Press the tips of your index fingers on each end of the 1-2 inches of floss and make the floss taught between them.

Step 3: Gently guide this portion of the floss between your teeth and pull both index fingers in one direction to wrap the floss around one of the two teeth the floss is in between.

Step 4: Gently slide the floss down below the gums and back up. Repeat a couple of times and then wrap the floss around the other tooth and do the same.

Step 5: Repeat for every tooth using a clean portion of the floss. This usually requires you to unwind and rewrap your middle fingers with the next segment of floss.

Dental Emergencies for Kids

Sometimes even with the best preventative steps, your child may suffer a dental emergency. The Avalon Dental Team is always available to help your child in our office or over the phone, but just in case I have compiled the most common childhood dental emergencies and management recommendations for your quick reference.

For your reference, please keep our emergency contact number handy and you will be directed on how to contact us for emergency care during business hours or even after hours.

Emergency contact: 281-240-5559
Website: http://www.thesugarlanddentist.com/

Common Dental Emergencies and Recommendations for Care:

1) Q: What should I do if my child’s baby tooth is knocked out?

A: Contact us dentist as soon as possible. Do NOT attempt to replace the tooth into the socket.

2) Q: What should I do if my child’s permanent tooth is knocked out?

A: Find the tooth and rinse gently in cool water. (Do not scrub it or clean it with soap.) If possible, replace the tooth in the socket and hold it there with clean gauze or a wash cloth. If you can’t put the tooth back in the socket, place the tooth in a clean container with milk, saliva, or water. Contact our office immediately. Our emergency operator will contact us after hours if necessary. The faster you act, the better your chances of saving the tooth.

3) Q: What if a tooth is chipped or fractured?

A: If your child is in pain or if there is obvious bleeding from the chipped area, contact us immediately. Quick action can save the tooth, prevent infection and reduce the need for extensive dental treatment. Rinse the mouth with water and apply compresses to reduce swelling.

4) Q: What about a severe blow to the head or jaw fracture?

A: Go immediately to the emergency room of your local hospital. A blow to the head or jaw can be life threatening.

5) Q: What if my child has a toothache?

A: Call our office promptly. To comfort your child, rinse the mouth with room temperature water. Apply a cold compress to ease the pain. If your child can take children’s ibuprofen then administer the proper dose according to the manufacturer. Do NOT put heat or aspirin directly on the sore area.

6) Q: Can dental injuries be prevented?

A: Absolutely! First, reduce oral injuries in sports by wearing mouth guards. Second, always use a car seat for young children. Require seat belts for everyone else in the car. Third, child proof your home to prevent falls, electrical injuries, and choking on small objects. Fourth, protect your child from unnecessary toothaches with regular dental visits and preventative care.

Again, remember that time is of the essence in cases of dental emergencies, and your team here at Avalon Dental are ready to assist in the unfortunate event we are needed.