Find Us
Call Today 575-622-3300
313 W. Country Club Road Suite #6
Roswell, NM 88201
575-625-9018 Fax
My Blog
Archive:
- 2021
- 2020
- 2019
- 2018
- 2017
- 2016
- 2015
- 2014
- 2013
- 2012
Tags
- oral hygiene (31)
- celebrity smiles (94)
- oral health (34)
- common symptoms (2)
- periodontal (gum) disease (1)
- cosmetic dentistry (32)
- smile makeover (14)
- veneers (4)
- sedation dentistry (1)
- oral sedation (1)
- dental anxiety (2)
- tooth pain (3)
- toothache (4)
- dental injury (8)
- mouthguards (4)
- gum disease (13)
- periodontal disease (6)
- teeth whitening (6)
- dental injuries (2)
- chipped tooth (6)
- bonding (3)
- bridge (1)
- dental implant (5)
- root canal (1)
- orthodontic treatment (13)
- tooth extraction (2)
- crowns (6)
- dental hygiene (1)
- braces (10)
- orthodontics (8)
- pregnancy (5)
- tooth decay (9)
- invisalign (3)
- clear orthodontic aligners (2)
- snoring (1)
- sleep apnea (1)
- bleeding gums (1)
- dental implants (19)
- dentures (5)
- bad breath (3)
- bruxism (2)
- clear aligners (4)
- toothpaste (1)
- tooth bleaching (1)
- pediatric dentistry (16)
- diabetes (2)
- x-rays (1)
- bridgework (1)
- oral cancer (3)
- xylitol (1)
- crown lengthening (1)
- tmj (1)
- porcelain veneers (4)
- smoking (2)
- sealants (1)
- tooth colored fillings (1)
- fillings (2)
- mouthrinse (1)
- cold sore (1)
- pediatric care (1)
- abscessed tooth (1)
- tooth grinding (1)
- teeth wear (1)
- baby teeth (1)
- thumb sucking (2)
- wisdom teeth (4)
- implant overdentures (1)
- athletic mouthguards (1)
- nutrition (2)
- mouthguard (1)
- root canal treatment (4)
- teeth grinding (2)
- smile design (2)
- dental emergency (1)
- space maintainer (1)
- chipped teeth (1)
- extractions (1)
- retainers (1)
- plaque (1)
- loose tooth (1)
- burning mouth syndrome (1)
- dental care (2)
- periodontist (1)
- oral heath (1)
- gummy smile (2)
- bone grafting (1)
- gum recession (2)
- tmj disorders (1)
- crown (1)
- dry mouth (1)
- dental sealants (1)
- teething (2)
- fluroide (1)
- oral appliance (1)
- retainer (1)
- osteoporosis (1)
- fluoride (1)
- dry socket (1)
- lingual braces (1)
- dental cleaning (1)
- missing teeth (1)
- vaping (1)
- mouth sore (1)
- (1)
Categories:
My Blog
Posts for: October, 2017
As if the preteen years didn’t give kids and their parents enough to think about, new oral health concerns loom on the horizon. Along with major changes to the body, brain and emotions, additional risk factors for tooth decay and gum disease appear during adolescence — the period of development starting around age 10 and extending through the teen years that marks the transition from childhood to adulthood.
Even with declining rates of tooth decay across the nation, the cavity rate remains high during adolescence. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, 1 in every 5 adolescents has untreated tooth decay. What’s more, the onset of puberty — usually beginning around age 10-11 in girls and 11-12 in boys — brings changes in hormone levels that can affect gum health.
We all have millions of microorganisms in our mouth, representing hundreds of different species of mostly helpful, but some harmful, bacteria. Research has shown that total oral bacteria increases between ages 11 and 14, and new types of bacteria are introduced, including some that are not friendly to teeth and gums. Some unfamiliar microbes trigger an exaggerated inflammatory response to dental plaque, so gum bleeding and sensitivity are experienced by many children in this age group. In fact, “puberty gingivitis,” which peaks around age 11-13, is the most common type of gum disease found during childhood.
A combination of hormones, lifestyle changes and poor oral hygiene habits raises the risk of oral health problems among adolescents. A more independent social life may be accompanied by a change in eating habits and easier access to snacks and beverages that are sugary, acidic (like sports drinks and soda) or full of refined carbohydrates — none of which are tooth-healthy choices. And as children move toward greater independence, parents are less likely to micromanage their children’s personal care, including their oral hygiene routines. Good oral hygiene can keep dental plaque at bay, lowering the chance of having gingivitis and cavities. But let’s face it: Adolescents have a lot to think about, and keeping up with their oral health may not be top of mind.
To help your preteen stay on top of their oral health, keep healthy snacks at home for your children and their friends and make sure you are well stocked with supplies such as new toothbrushes, floss and toothpaste. In addition, most preteens (and teens) can benefit from gentle reminders about oral hygiene routines.
For optimal oral health through all stages of life, make sure your preteen keeps up with professional teeth cleanings and exams, and talk with us about whether fluoride treatments or sealants may be appropriate for your child.
For more on your child’s oral health, read “How to Help Your Child Develop the Best Habits for Oral Health” and “Dentistry & Oral Health For Children” in Dear Doctor magazine.
The American Dental Hygiene Association has designated October as National Dental Hygiene Month. Good dental hygiene is the best weapon against your mouth’s number one enemy: dental plaque.
Plaque, a sticky biofilm that forms on your teeth, is an accumulation of bacteria, other microorganisms, food debris, and other unpleasant components. It can make your teeth feel fuzzy or slimy. And worse, the bacteria in plaque can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.
The best way to keep plaque at bay is by brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing once a day. But even though you can remove much of the plaque in your mouth with a toothbrush and dental floss, there are nooks and crannies that are hard to access with these basic oral hygiene tools.
Staying on top of dental plaque is an ongoing challenge. Immediately after teeth are cleaned, plaque starts to form again. And the longer plaque stays on teeth, the thicker it grows. Minerals in saliva become incorporated into the biofilm. As plaque takes on more minerals, it becomes calcified. This is when it hardens into calculus, or tartar. At this stage, tooth-brushing and flossing cannot disrupt the hardened layer of buildup, sometimes visible as yellow or brown deposits around the gum line.
This is why it’s important to schedule regular professional dental cleanings. At the dental office, we have special tools to remove tartar and get at those hard-to-reach places that your toothbrush and floss may have missed. If you have questions about dental hygiene, plaque control or another oral health issue, we are happy to talk with you. We are your partners in fighting plaque for a bright, healthy smile!
Read more about the topic in the Dear Doctor magazine article “Plaque Disclosing Agents.”
