Five things to know if you haven’t been to the dentist in a while

Posted on April 24, 2012 by admin

Dental CareHow long has it been since your last visit to the dentist?  The American Dental Hygienists’ Association recommends “Regular professional visits, every six months or as scheduled by your dental hygienist.”  For some people, the time since a dental visit is considerably more than six months.

Whatever the reason for your absence, we want you to come back.  Here are five things you should know if you haven’t been to the dentist in a while.

1. We’ll make you comfortable
We want your visit to Moore Family Dental to be pleasant.  With each patient’s comfort in mind, we have created an environment that is designed to put you at ease.  Our staff members are kind and welcoming and you can listen to your favorite music or watch TV while we take care of your teeth.  Sounds good, right?

2. You’re not in trouble
Sometimes, when people haven’t gone to the dentist in a long time, they hesitate to make an appointment because they believe the dentist or hygienist will chastise them for their long absence.  We won’t do that so please don’t let it keep you away any longer.  We just want to work with you to maximize your oral health so we’ll welcome you without any lectures.

3. Technology has come a long way
We keep up with the latest technological innovations and when something can improve patient care or make patients more comfortable, we implement it at Moore Family Dental.  Let’s consider anesthesia.  Although it makes dental procedures infinitely more comfortable, many patients dislike the needle that is traditionally used to administer it.  That’s where the CompuDent wand comes in.  It’s a pain-free way to anesthetize the area; no more needle!  If you want to learn more, read here.

4. We can help you
Moore Family Dental is the place to go for a regular check-up and cleaning, but it’s also the place to go to address a variety of dental issues, including cavities, root canals, veneers, implants, Invisalign, teeth whitening, and more.  Think of us as your one-stop dental shop.

5. We’re here whenever and however you decide to get in touch
You can call us at 716.835.1670 or contact us via our website.  Are you on Facebook?  We are, too!  Find us here.  We’re also on Twitter.  This means you can contact us when it’s convenient for you, in the way that’s most convenient for you.  We look forward to talking with you!

We take you and your oral health very seriously.  Whether it’s been a few months, a few years, or even a few decades since your last dental visit, we’ll welcome you and make you feel comfortable.  We’ll take care of your teeth and work with you to maximize your oral health.  If a particular issue is keeping you away, give us a call so we can talk with you about it.  We’d like to help you resolve it so it doesn’t get in the way of your health – or your beautiful smile.

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Snacking and tooth decay

Posted on April 11, 2012 by admin

SnackingWith baskets full of candy and treats, this can be a difficult time of year for parents to monitor what their kids are eating.  Hopefully there were a few healthy choices in the basket. Now more than ever, kids are faced with an array of food choices — from fresh produce to sugar-laden processed convenience meals and snack foods. What children eat and when they eat it may affect not only their general health but also their oral health.

Americans are consuming foods and drinks high in sugar and starches more often and in larger portions than ever before. It seems that junk foods have gradually replaced nutritious beverages and foods for many people. Perhaps much of this is due to convenience.  The ease and availability of fast food often makes this a convenient decision.

For example, the average teenage boy in the U.S. consumes 81 gallons of soft drinks each year! Alarmingly, a steady diet of sugary foods and drinks can ruin teeth, especially among those who snack throughout the day. Common activities may contribute to the tendency toward tooth decay. These include habitually grazing on foods with minimal nutritional value, and frequently sipping on sugary drinks.

When sugar is consumed over and over again in large, often hidden amounts, the harmful effect on teeth can be dramatic. Sugar on teeth provides food for bacteria, which produce acid. The acid in turn can eat away the enamel on teeth.

Almost all foods have some type of sugar that cannot and should not be eliminated from our diets. Many of these foods contain important nutrients and add enjoyment to eating. But there is a risk for tooth decay from a diet high in sugars and starches. Starches can be found in everything from bread to pretzels to salad dressing, so read labels and plan carefully for a balanced, nutritious diet for you and your kids.

Reduce your children’s risk of tooth decay:

  • Sugary foods and drinks should be consumed with meals. Saliva production increases during meals and helps neutralize acid production and rinse food particles from the mouth.
  • Limit between-meal snacks. If kids crave a snack, offer them nutritious foods.
  • If your kids chew gum, make it sugarless – Chewing sugarless gum after eating can increase saliva flow and help wash out food and decay-producing acid.
  • Monitor beverage consumption – Instead of soft drinks all day, children should also choose water and low-fat milk.
  • Help your children develop good brushing and flossing habits.
  • Schedule regular dental visits.
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