What to Expect at Your Child’s First Dental Visit

Meeting & Greeting the dentist, the hygienist & staff:

The first dental visit is usually short and involves very little treatment.  It gives your child an opportunity to meet the dentist, the hygienist and the staff.   You should expect the dentist or hygienist to do the following:

·   review your child’s medical history

·      respond to your questions and concerns

·      talk about your child’s overall oral health, including: development, teething, bite, oral habits, prevention of tooth decay, and other oral health issues

For more information on the first dental visit for your child, contact Dr. Anna Lee and her team today.

Food Choices

Your food choices impact your smile, your health and your overall body. “It is critical to make important food choices,” says Dr. Anna Lee.

Foods benefit Oral Health

·      Calcium-Rich Foods: cheese, milk, plain yogurt, tofu, leafy greens, almonds

·      Protein-Rich Foods: meat, poultry, fish, milk, eggs, beans, peas and other legumes

·      High in Water & Fiber:

Fruits-oranges, apples, pears, pears, strawberries

Vegetables-broccoli, celery, carrots, spinach

Foods harm Oral Health

·      Dried fruits: raisins

·      Sticky candies: taffy, caramel

·      Desserts: cakes, cookies, muffins

·      Sugar-containing drinks: soda, lemonade, juice, sweetened coffee or tea, sports drinks

For more help on which foods are best with your smile, contact Dr. Anna Lee & her team today.

The Importance Of Floss

Flossing between teeth removes food trapped between teeth and removes interproximal plaque. Flossing is important because it cleans the hard-to-reach tooth surfaces and prevents gum disease and tooth decay.  

Dental floss is made from nylon filaments or plastic monofilaments. They can be waxed or unwaxed and they are equally effective.  The ADA recommends brushing teeth twice a day and flossing once a day. They also recommend using the dental floss brands that display the ADA Seal of Acceptance.

A popular question: Should I brush or floss first?

"Either way is acceptable," states Dr. Anna Lee.

Dentists recommend that patients floss first then brush, because the fluoride from the toothpaste has a better chance of reaching between teeth.  

What is Bruxism?

Bruxism is a condition that people clench their teeth during the day time or grind their teeth at night. 

Clenching occurs when the upper and lower teeth are held tightly together. Grinding occurs when upper and lower teeth slide back and forth over each other. 

Many people clench and grind their teeth from time to time and do not have any problems. 

Occasionally bruxism (teeth clenching and grinding) does not usually cause harm, but when the condition occurs on a regular basis the teeth can be damaged and other oral health complications can arise.