3 Tips for Healthy Summer Smiles for Your Kids

Good afternoon!

"Summer sun brings summer fun. While warm months are perfect for spending time together, summer vacation can also throw off your usual dental routine. Here are three ways to prevent summertime tooth decay:

• Staying on a Routine
• Say No to Sugary Drinks & Snacks 
• Make your back-to-school dental visit a little early  

Whether your kids are staying up to catch fireflies or a fireworks show, resist the temptation to skip brushing before a late bedtime—or let it slide when they sleep in the next morning. “Don’t forget about your smile over the summer,” says ADA pediatric dentist Dr. Mary Hayes. “It’s important for families to consistently brush and floss, which keeps kids on track for healthy back-to-school dental visits.” (To read more of the article and learn specifically what you can do to help your kids this summer, click here.)

To schedule a summer checkup or cleaning call us today!  (301) 540-5195

Happy Birthday to Dr. Mansfield!

If you haven't had a chance to wish Dr. Mansfield a 'Happy Birthday' yet, now is the chance! Last week was his birthday and we want to continue with the celebration by sending him birthday wishes on here too!

Christiana, Dr. Mansfield and Jenn 

Flossing 101

Good afternoon bloggers!

Today we want to share with you a brief article and video tutorial on flossing. Yes, we're at it again and talking about flossing...This is because it's so important!

"Although some have questioned the benefits of cleaning between your teeth, using an interdental cleaner (like floss) is an essential part of taking care of your teeth and gums. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services also said flossing is "an important oral hygiene practice" in an August 2016 statement."

We often have patients ask how often they should floss or what is the best way to floss. Well thanks to this great video from MouthHealthy.org, produced by the American Dental Association, you can learn:

If you want in-person health or an oral evaluation for your teeth and gums we are here to help! Come stop by our office in Germantown, Maryland or call us today at (301) 540-5195.

Dental Anxiety... You CAN stop fearing the dentist!

Good afternoon!

As much as we are saddened to say, we know that a lot of people out there suffer from dental anxiety. In fact, according to sources at Colgate.com "Dental anxiety and phobia are extremely common. It has been estimated that 9% to 15% of Americans avoid seeing the dentist because of anxiety and fear. That's about 30 million to 40 million people."

If you find yourself nervous or avoiding the dentist because of dental fears, this message is for you! First off, you're not alone and there is nothing to be embarrassed about. We are here to HELP our patients, not judge them. you’re not alone. Perhaps you’re scared the visit might hurt or you haven’t been in a while and not sure what the dentist will find, and that's okay too. However take comfort in knowing that the only way to move forward is to address things found and to take it one step at a time.

If you are looking for ways to help cope with dental anxiety, you can visit this great article from Mouth Healthy at the link here. 

If you are looking for a kind, caring dentist who won't judge you and is only out there to help please contact us today! Our warm staff is waiting for your call at (301) 540-5195. You can also visit us online at www.germantowndentalcare.com

New Guidelines on Fruit Juice: Less for Kids and None for Babies

Good morning,

Today we are sharing an article from parents.com that cautions against giving kids too much fruit juices. Of course there is no one way to raise a child and we recommend talking to your pediatrician but from a dental prospective, too much fruit juices can be bad for your kids' dental health. As you may or may not know, most fruit juices contain high amounts of sugar. Therefore "frequently sipping on juice also puts kids at higher risk for cavities, as the carbohydrates wash over the teeth and can cause decay."

Aynur_sib/Getty Images

To read more of the article visit the link here. To contact us today to help your child in a non-judgmental, friendly environment visit us at www.germantowndentalcare.com or call us at: (301) 540-5195.

Wow! Sugar-Free Gum Could Save $4.1 Billion in Dental Costs

Good morning,

Today we are sharing an article from dentistrytoday.com which talks about how millions of patients each year could save billions of dollars if they switched to chewing sugar-free gum. Isn't that incredible?

"If current consumers of sugar-free chewing gum increase their consumption by just one piece per day, $4.1 billion could be saved worldwide on dental expenditures from treating tooth decay each year, according to the Institute of Empirical Health Economics (IEHE). These savings would include $2.07 billion in the United States, $1.1 billion in Europe, and $149 million in China.'

'Chewing increases salivary flow, which helps remove leftover food debris while neutralizing and washing away the acids that are produced when food is broken down by the bacteria in plaque on teeth. This acid can break down tooth enamel. Also, the increased saliva provides more calcium and phosphate to help strengthen the enamel.'

Did you know that 'according to the ADA, chewing sugarless gum for 20 minutes after a meal can help prevent tooth decay. While sugarless gum should not replace brushing and flossing with a fluoride toothpaste twice a day and flossing once a day, the ADA reports, it can be an effective adjunct to oral care."

To see more and learn about how switching to sugar-free gum can make a huge difference visit: http://www.dentistrytoday.com/news/industrynews/item/1998-sugar-free-gum-could-save-4-1-billion-in-dental-costs#sthash.BDPYnksC.dpuf

8 Non-Dairy, Calcium-Rich Foods for Your Teeth

Good morning,

Everyone knows that calcium is great for strong bones and strong teeth! However some of our lactose intolerant patients can't get normal sources of dairy in their diet. Does this mean that their oral health has to suffer? Absolutely not! If you are like the thousands of Americans who are diagnosed with lactose intolerance, there is hope!

In this great article from mouthhealthy.org, it talks about eight other sources of calcium for your teeth. For example, did you know that Almonds have high levels of calcium?

Take a look and see for yourself by visiting the article link here.  If you are looking for an oral evaluation or help getting your smile back on track, visit us today in Germantown, Maryland!

www.germantowndentalcare.com