Flossing with Grin

We hope you and your child are not a part of the 51 percent of Americans who don’t floss every day. And we definitely hope you're not part of the 10 percent who never floss at all. Dr. Ryan, Dr. Keel and our staff at Grin will always tell you that proper flossing is just as important for your dental health as brushing regularly. Flossing, you see, cleans food and plaque that build up between teeth and below the gumline, key areas that brushing simply cannot reach.

Flossing 3-to-5 minutes each day is recommended, but even 60 seconds of flossing has a great benefit over not flossing at all. Also, make sure to always brush your teeth after you floss, and to rinse with water or mouthwash. When you begin flossing you may experience gum pain or bleeding, but with daily flossing and brushing this should stop within a week or so.

Lastly, has it been at least six months since your child's last checkup with Dr. Ryan and Dr. Keel? If the answer is yes, we encourage you to schedule an appointment!

Enjoy a Cavity-Free Valentine’s Day!

Today is a day where we take the time to express our appreciation to our loved ones. As we all know, it is also a day filled with delicious sugary treats. Our team at Grin Pediatric Dentistry thought we’d take a moment to provide some tips to make sure that today doesn’t also become the day you develop a cavity.

Here they are:

Floss: After you have indulged in chocolate and other sweets, remember that these foods can easily find their way between your teeth. Flossing at least once a day will help prevent cavities as well as gum disease.
Drink sugary beverages with a straw: Coffee could be a common Valentine’s Day gift this year and many coffee drinks contain syrups that are high in sugar. Using a straw when drinking these and other sugary drinks, is a great way to avoid cavities.
Snack wisely: We know that this will be especially hard today, but when you have the option, choose healthy snacks such as vegetables, fruits and cheese and avoid sticky, chewy candies that can stick to the teeth. If you eat these snacks, make sure to brush after doing so.
Schedule regular checkups: Last, but definitely not least, it’s always important to consistently schedule regular checkups with Dr. Keel and Dr. Ryan (approximately every 6 months). During your checkup, the doctor will be able to check for problems that might not be seen or felt, detect cavities and early signs of decay, and treat oral health problems early.

-Happy Valentine’s Day, from Grin

Everybody’s Brushing!

One of the things we at Grin Pediatric Dentistry tell patients every day is the importance of daily oral care. Whether it is brushing, flossing, or using mouthwash, good oral hygiene is important! We found an adorable video that helps illustrate our point, check it out below:

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, from Grin

With February being National Children's Dental Health Month, our team at Grin Pediatric Dentistry thought we'd share a few good oral hygiene tips with our patients, courtesy of the American Dental Association, or ADA.

• Teeth brushing techniques: It takes only two minutes to properly brush, using short, gentle strokes and devoting extra attention to the gumline, areas around fillings and hard-to-reach areas such as the back teeth.
• Flossing: hold the floss snugly between thumbs and index finger and place between each of the teeth, making sure to go beneath the gumline and curving the floss around the base of each tooth.
• Snack wisely: choose healthy snacks such as vegetables, fruits and cheese and avoid sticky, chewy candies that can stick to the teeth. If you eat these snacks, make sure to brush after doing so.
• Carbonated or sugary drinks: these beverages create acids that can damage the teeth when mixed with saliva, so they should be avoided altogether. When drinking one of these beverages, avoid sipping on it throughout the day. Rather, have a drink and then brush your teeth.
• Regular dental visits: you should visit Grin Pediatric Dentistry regularly (approximately every six months).

National Children's Dental Health Month, now in its 61st year, aims to increase awareness about the importance of kids' oral health. If you have any questions about keeping your mouth healthy, or about your treatment with Grin Pediatric Dentistry, please feel free to give us a call!