Pets Need Their Teeth Brushed Too!

DID YOU KNOW THAT FEBRUARY is Pet Dental Health Month? That’s right! Your pets need their teeth taken care of too! While their teeth don’t require quite as much attention as ours do, your pet’s teeth still need a little tender loving care to keep them healthy.

Brush Your Pet’s Teeth

Brushing our teeth removes plaque and prevents gum disease; the same goes for dogs and cats! Brushing your dog or cat’s teeth three to four times per week can prevent dental disease and extend their life. It can also save them a lot of pain and you a lot of money on veterinary visits!

Use The Right Toothpaste

It’s important not to use regular human toothpaste for your pet. Since dogs and cats can’t spit the toothpaste out, the high fluoride content can really upset their stomachs and can even be toxic. You can find toothpaste specifically made for pets that's not only safe, but appeals to their taste buds too!

Chew Toys Help Remove Plaque

Just as chewing sugarless gum after you eat helps increase saliva production and remove plaque, chew toys contribute to your pet’s dental health in between brushing sessions. Getting your pet a chew toy or hard bone can strengthen their teeth and gums as well as scrub plaque off of their teeth!

They Need Regular Checkups Just Like We Do

Biannual or annual visits to your veterinarian help keep your pet’s mouth and body healthy. When you come in to the dentist for your biannual visit, we not only clean your teeth, but check for signs of more serious conditions such as periodontal disease and oral cancer. Routine checkups for your pet are just as essential for their health.

A Healthy Mouth Makes A Healthy Pet

Sadly, statistics suggest that over 80 percent of dogs and cats have some degree of dental disease by the time they are three years old. Remember, a healthy mouth means a happy life. That goes for you and Sparky! If you have any questions about YOUR dental health, call us or come in today!

We love our patients (and their pets)!

*Image by Flickr user Guian Bolisay used under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 license. Image cropped and modified from original.
The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.

Tooth Fairy Traditions

THE TOOTH FAIRY is one of many childhood fantasy figures we remember fondly. We lost our baby teeth, stuck them under our pillow, and the mysterious tooth fairy would swap our teeth out for money! What could be better?

The tooth fairy isn’t quite the same for everyone though! The legend of the tooth fairy has changed over the years and even varies widely around the world. Let’s learn a little bit more about other tooth fairy traditions!

The Tooth Fairy Legend Began With Ancient Superstitions

Before the tooth fairy went looking under our pillow for baby teeth, she used to look in the ground! In early Europe, burying or burning baby teeth was a precaution taken against witches. It was believed that if a witch got a hold of one of your teeth, they could have complete power over you!

Along with a fear of witches, children were instructed to burn their teeth so that they could have a peaceful afterlife. It was believed that if a tooth wasn’t incinerated, the person would be doomed to spend eternity searching for them.

The Vikings didn’t want to destroy baby teeth, however. They even paid for them! In Norse culture, children’s teeth were believed to bring good luck in battle, so many warriors had necklaces made of children’s fallen out teeth!

Before A Fairy, There Was A Mouse

More recently we’ve seen the development of monetary gifts as a reward for a lost tooth. But not all tooth fairies are pixies with wings… In many Latin countries the tooth fairy is a mouse named Raton Perez! He also retrieves the teeth from under a pillow and leaves money or a gift in return.

How Our Modern Tooth Fairy Came To Be

As with many American traditions, the tooth fairy has roots in European folklore. Instead of burying our teeth in the ground, we “bury” our teeth under our pillow! It is said that our modern conception of the tooth fairy came about in the early 1900s. With the help of Walt Disney’s beloved fairy characters, the idea of a tooth fairy gained popularity and became what it is today!

The Tooth Fairy Plays An Important Role For Children

The legend of the tooth fairy is likely still so prevalent because it helps comfort children when they lose their teeth, an experience that can be traumatic for some. The tooth fairy helps them see this big step as a positive experience and a sign that they are growing up!

As your trusted dental professionals, we want what is best for you and your kids. If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s teeth, call or come into our office!

Thank you for all that you do!

*Image by Flickr user Shardayyy used under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 license. Image cropped and modified from original.

The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.

Annual Dental Benefits – Use It Or Lose It

It’s almost the end of the year again we know that your calendar is quickly filling up.

Having a limited time because of other commitments just take note that it might be worthwhile to add a dental appointment to your schedule.

Did you know that you may be throwing away hundreds of dollars? It’s true! Most dental insurances reset at the onset of the new year and any unused benefits will disappear. By using your dental insurance benefits before the new year starts, you could be saving yourself hundreds of dollars!

Some dental insurance plans run on a fiscal year but most run on a calendar year. If your dental insurance plan is on a calendar year, these are the 4 reasons you should definitely give us a call and make an appointment now.

1. Unused Benefits Get Wasted

Every dental insurance plan has a yearly maximum and this is the most money that the plan will pay for your dental treatment within one full year. While the amount varies among insurance companies, the yearly maximum usually renews each year on January 1st. These benefits do not roll over to the next year and must be used by December 31st. So, if you have unused benefits left for 2017, remember that by the 1st of January 2018 they will be forfeited and lost.

2. Take Advantage of Your Premiums

If you are paying your dental insurance premiums every month, then take advantage of them and use them to your benefit. If you do not use your benefits, your insurance company keeps it, and it will all be a waste. Even if you don’t need any dental treatment, it is still important to get regular dental cleanings to help prevent and detect any early signs of cavities, gum disease, oral cancer and other dental problems.

3. Your Annual Deductible Resets

Your dental insurance deductible is the amount of money that you must pay to your dentist out of pocket before your insurance company will pay for any dental services. This fee varies from one plan to another and like your yearly maximums, they don’t roll over to the next year. If you have used your insurance at all this year, you’ve probably paid some towards your deductible already. In fact, you may have already paid your deductible and what’s left if your coverage.

4. Dental Conditions Can Worsen

Many patients need dental treatment, whether it’s a professional cleaning of your teeth, or restorations to treat bad decay. By postponing a dental treatment, you are risking more extensive and expensive treatments in the future. Addressing dental issues now, rather than putting off treatment can prevent problems from getting worse, which could save you even more money compared to waiting. What may be a simple cavity now, could turn into a tooth loss later or root canal later.

So request an appointment today or calls us to schedule and use those benefits. Do not wait until late December to reserve an appointment with Dr. Eddie Faddis.  Treat your teeth with care now and they will thank you for it in the long run.

Call us and we can work with your insurance company to see what you still have available for benefits this year. You can reach our office at 801-785-8835.

Be Prepared For Dental Emergencies

INJURIES ALWAYS SEEM TO HAPPEN when we least expect them. Picture yourself at an outdoor gathering, having fun, when suddenly a crying child runs up to you, knocked-out tooth in hand. Would you know what to do?

Dental First Aid Saves Teeth

Knocking out or fracturing a tooth is especially distressing—just thinking about it can make you uncomfortable! But knowing what to do within the first hour after dental damage occurs can save the tooth. Here’s your plan of action:

1. Carefully recover the tooth.

Pick up the tooth by the crown, do not touch the root. If necessary, gently rinse the tooth in water or milk, but do not scrub or brush the root.

2. Don’t let the tooth dry out.

If possible, put the tooth back in the socket and hold it in place with fingers or by gently biting on gauze. If you can’t reimplant the tooth, keep it in milk (not water) or inside the cheek until you can find help.

3. Seek professional dental care immediately.

You’ll have the best chance of saving the tooth if you get to a dentist or emergency room within an hour.

Prevent Injuries Before They Happen

Accidents happen, but there are many steps you can take to prevent dental damage! These include:

~wearing a mouthguard for sports
~not chewing ice and other extremely hard foods
~using scissors to open packages, not your teeth

Teeth are strong, but they can only last a lifetime if you do your part to keep them safe and healthy!

No Matter What Happens, We’re Here For You

Part of what makes dental injury so traumatic is the thought that the damage could be permanent. We’re here to assure you that even if a tooth cannot be saved, we have the knowledge and tools to restore your smile! Should a dental emergency ever occur, see us as soon as possible.

Thanks for reading! We treasure the trust you place in our team as your lifelong dental health partners. Remember to protect your teeth!

*Image by Flickr user Melissa Wiese used under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 license. Image cropped and modified from original.

Managing Tooth Sensitivity

IF THERE’S ONE THING we can all agree on, it’s that nobody likes sensitive teeth! Tooth sensitivity can cause discomfort during daily tasks such as brushing, flossing, eating, drinking, and even breathing in a cold gush of air!

If you are experiencing tooth sensitivity, there are measures you can take to relieve pain and treat discomfort.

Start By Visiting Your Dentist

If you are concerned about sensitive teeth, seek a dental professional’s help first. Tooth sensitivity, while common, can also be a sign of something more serious. Your dentist can help identify what the underlying cause of your sensitivity is and prescribe the best treatment option for you and your smile! After an evaluation, your dentist might recommend:

Desensitizing toothpaste: This type of toothpaste is specially formulated to soothe the nerve endings in the tooth and reduce pain.
Bonding agent: This is the material used to stick tooth colored restorations to teeth. It can also be used to seal the dentin surface and protect sensitive areas from outside stimuli.
Fluoride: Your dentist may apply fluoride to sensitive areas. This strengthens tooth enamel and treats pain.
Limiting acidic foods and drinks: Carbonated beverages, citrus fruits, wine, yogurt, etc. are acidic and, when consumed frequently, can remove small amounts of tooth enamel over time. Drink acidic liquids with straws to avoid contact with teeth.

A Good Oral Hygiene Routine Can Help You Avoid Sensitivity

Proper brushing and flossing can prevent conditions such as gum disease which is known to cause gum recession. When gums recede, part of the tooth root is exposed, leading to sensitivity. Over-brushing or brushing too aggressively can also lead to receding gums and even enamel erosion—both of which cause sensitivity.

When Whitening Your Teeth, Consult With Your Dentist

Tooth sensitivity is a common side effect of teeth whitening. To avoid or diminish sensitivity after whitening, consider using a lower concentration of whitening product and reduce the amount of time the bleach is in contact with the teeth.

Always consult with your dentist before whitening as he or she can help determine the best treatment options for you. If you or someone you know has particularly sensitive teeth, there are additional steps we can take to help avoid and relieve the sensitivity caused by whitening.

We Can Help With Tooth Sensitivity

Although sensitivity is common, there are things we can do to help relieve and reduce the discomfort that it causes. No one should have to live with tooth pain. Call us or come in today so we can help you achieve a pain-free smile!

To our wonderful patients, we appreciate you!

*Image by Flickr user Dave Herholz used under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 license. Image cropped and modified from original
The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.

Mouthwash, is it necessary in dental health?

HAVE YOU EVER WONDERED if mouthwash is actually a necessary part of your dental hygiene routine? If you’d like to use mouthwash as a part of your daily oral care, it’s important to know what it is and what it does.

What Purpose Does Mouthwash Serve?

We learn at a very early age that daily brushing and flossing are necessary habits to clean our teeth and care for our gums. But you may begin to wonder: “What more can mouthwash do for me?”

Mouthwashes are used for more reasons than you may realize, some of those being:

~to freshen breath
~help prevent or control tooth decay
~reduce plaque
~prevent or reduce gingivitis (the early stage of gum disease)
~reduce the speed that tartar (hardened plaque) forms on the teeth

We’re Here To Help You Improve Your Oral Health Care Routine!

One of the most important things to remember is that rinsing your mouth with mouthwash does not replace daily brushing and flossing! Mouthwash is meant to act as an aid to brushing and flossing, helping to freshen breath and fight bacteria. We recommend using an alcohol free and anti-bacterial rinse.  If you have any more questions about mouthwash, let us know!

Thank you for your trust in our practice!

*Image by jchwhite used under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 license. Image cropped and modified from original.

The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.

The Link Between Osteoporosis And Gum Disease

WHAT DO OSTEOPOROSIS and gum disease have in common? Bone loss! For anyone with gum disease, osteoporosis, or both… it’s important to know about the correlation between these two conditions.

How Does Gum Disease Cause Bone Loss?

Are you surprised to hear that gum disease can contribute to bone loss? The first stage of gum disease, gingivitis, rarely affects bone structure. But if it progresses to advanced periodontitis, then the infection spreads beneath the teeth to destroy connective gum tissue AND supportive structure in your jaw.

Those With Osteoporosis May Have 85% Greater Periodontitis Risk

A recent study showed an alarmingly high correlation between low bone density and gum disease risk. Bone density was measured using a FRAX score (fracture risk assessment tool). Even disregarding common risk factors like age, smoking, or diabetes, it was shown that patients with osteoporosis have an 85% greater likelihood of periodontal disease.

More research is needed to find the reason for this correlation. However, one factor is important to note: advanced gum disease degrades bone mass in the jaw. For those with already-low bone mass, thanks to osteoporosis, the risk is even greater. Gum disease can very quickly cause a lot of damage.

We’re Looking Out For Your Whole-Body Health

So, if you have gum disease, along with other possible risk factors for osteoporosis, don’t be surprised if we ask you the last time you had a checkup with your doctor. After looking at a dental x-ray, we may recommend that you have your bone health assessed.

In the meantime, take good care of your teeth. Gum disease can be worrying, but it’s preventable with good personal care habits and frequent visits with our team.

The relationship between osteoporosis and gum disease is just one example of the mouth-body health connection. The more we learn, the more we see that what happens in your mouth doesn’t just stay in your mouth. Dental health has an effect on your entire body.

Let us know if you have any questions about your dental health. We’re honored to be your partners in oral health care.

*Image by Flickr user Erin Borrini used under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 license. Image cropped and modified from original.