How to Make Brushing Your teeth Fun

Many children find brushing their teeth as another chore and will avoid it whenever possible.  Brushing often becomes a daily battle with no clear victor.  Well, here are some ways to make brushing fun!

Children love games, so why not make brushing teeth a game too? This is especially great for rounding up multiple children to brush their teeth together. Here are some easy games that will help get kids excited about brushing their teeth!

Super Hero – Turn your child into a Super Hero with a cavity cape crusader! Simply use a towel or cloth & tie it around their neck and shoulders.  Brushing their teeth is the only way they can defeat the dirty germs and save their toothy city!  Purchasing a superhero or character toothbrush may also encourage children to participate in the game and get excited about fighting unwanted cavities!

Listen to Music – Using music or their favorite song, is a great way to motivate kids to brush their teeth!

Time It for Two– Use a timer or a stopwatch to play a racing game with your children.  Set the timer or stopwatch for two minutes and challenge your children to finish at the same time as the timer!  Purchasing toothbrushes that play songs also allow children to easily time their brushing!

Children respond well to positive encouragement and love to follow the example of those they look up to!  Don’t be afraid to join in on the fun and make brushing teeth a huge success!

 At Impressions Dental, we care about our patients and their oral health.  If you have questions, concerns or would like to schedule an appointment, visit us online today!

Tips to Help with Bad Breath

Bad breath can get in the way of your social life and personal life, making you self-conscious and can lead to embarrassing moments. Lucky for you, there are effective ways to help!

Brush & floss more:

One of the main causes of bad breath is plaque, the buildup in your mouth that holds onto bacteria.  Food caught in between your teeth adds to the problem as well.  Brushing at least twice a day and flossing once a day are standard for oral health care. If you're concerned about bad breath, try brushing 3 times a day and flossing twice a day.  Be aware that brushing too often or too aggressively can wear down enamel, which can lead to cavities. 

Scrape your tongue:

The coating that forms on your tongue can sometimes have bad smelling bacteria. To eliminate that coating, gently brush your tongue with your toothbrush each time you brush your teeth.

Rinse your mouth:

Rinsing your mouth not only freshens your breath but anti-bacterial mouthwashes add extra protection by reducing bacteria. After each snack or meal, simply swishing your mouth out with plain water also helps your breath by eliminating food particles.

Skip mints and chew gum instead:

Sugary candies help the growth of bacteria in your mouth and add to bad breath.  Chew sugarless gum instead.

Moisten your mouth:

The lack of saliva promotes tooth decay, which leads to bad breath.  Drink plenty of water during the day. Chew sugarless gum or suck on sugarless hard candy.  A humidifier can be used at night to moisten the air in your home.  

Don’t eat foods that sour your breath:

Garlic and onions are the top offenders and unfortunately brushing after you eat them doesn't help.  The only way to avoid the problem is to avoid eating them altogether.

Kick the bad habit:

Smoking is a major factor when it comes to bad breath. Smoking not only causes bad breath but stains your teeth and damages your gums.

Keep your gums healthy:

Gum disease is a common cause of bad breath. Bacteria sit in pockets at the base of your teeth, creating bad odors and breath.

For more information on bad breath and treatment options, contact Impressions Dental and schedule your appointment today!  

Fun Facts About Your Teeth

At Impressions Dental, we care about our patients and their overall oral health.  We love teeth & teeth can be fun! Here are some fun facts about your teeth that will make you smile and improve your oral health!

The average human produces enough saliva to fill 2 swimming pools!

Never keep your toothbrush near a toilet.  With every flush, airborne particles can travel up to 6 feet high! Ewww!

People who consume 3 or more sodas each day have 62% more tooth decay, tooth loss and fillings than your average person.  Drink water instead!

If you don’t floss on a regular basis, you miss 35% of your teeth’s surfaces.

Replace your toothbrush at least every 6 months and always after you have the flu, cold or any other viral infections.  The bacteria can implant themselves onto the bristles of your toothbrush leading to a repeat of the infection.

Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the human body.

The standard 6-month cleanings was invented by an ad agency for Pepsodent toothpaste!

In a survey done by Time Magazine, 59% of Americans would prefer to have a dental appointment rather than sit next to someone talking on their cell phone.

3 out of 4 people in the United States suffer from gum disease.  Gum disease can be prevented and controlled with proper care.

Interesting fun facts are always good to know!  Visit us online for more information on oral health care options for you and your family! 

At Home Dental Care

Developing good dental habits is the best way to prevent gun disease and tooth decay.  Many adults with arthritis have trouble holding their toothbrush while others have concerns about dentures.

Brushing:

Get into a daily routine of brushing and flossing. Brush your teeth morning and night and floss once a day.

Use a soft bristled toothbrush that is small enough to reach all areas of your mouth.  You should replace your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months.

Studies show that powered toothbrushes with an oscillating action are more effective than other toothbrushes.  Your electric toothbrush should be sealed with an American Dental Association of approval.

Use toothpaste that contains fluoride.  Tarter control toothpaste helps slows the formation of hard mineral buildup.  

Brush all surfaces of the teeth, tongue and cheek-side.

Flossing:

You should floss your teeth at least once a day.  The type of floss you choose is not important.  Choose the type of flavor you like best.

Plastic flossing tools are available to make your flossing easier.

Maintaining proper dental care is important for your oral health.  At Impressions Dental, we give you more reasons to smile.  Click here to schedule your complimentary dental consultation.