lynxbravo, Author at Bravo Dental Dallas

The importance of cavity prevention for kids during summer time

As summer vacation starts, it’s easy for parents to become preoccupied with summer camp, the little leagues, family trips, and other activities that we oft overlook one crucial aspect- Kids’ dental health.

Many parents have the impression that cavities in primary teeth are harmless because they will fall out regardless. Unfortunately, this relaxed notion would lead them to neglect their kids’ oral health. Problems with baby teeth, in reality, can affect the development of permanent teeth and create great discomfort at later stages.

How to take care of your child’s teeth during summer trips?

Parents can lower their children’s risk of cavities by properly caring for their teeth during summer vacations. Brushing and flossing, in particular, may keep teeth clean and cavity-free. Sugary drinks and snacks should also be avoided because they increase the risk of cavities.

How can a pediatric dentist help in the prevention of cavities for children?

A pediatric dentist assists parents in maintaining their child’s oral health by facilitating the normal development of permanent teeth. Regular cleaning and check-up appointments, which are recommended every four to six months, are one method they can achieve this. Cavities in molars and premolars can also be reduced with dental sealants. If the enamel begins to deteriorate before cavities appear, a pediatric dentist may recommend that the parent give their child a fluoride treatment to use daily to help strengthen the enamel and prevent erosion.

The significance of instilling proper oral hygiene habits in children at an early age

Another advantage of practicing good oral hygiene at home and visiting a pediatric dentist regularly is that the child can learn healthy oral hygiene habits at a young age. This aids in preventing cavities in permanent teeth, as the behaviors often persist into a child’s adolescent and adult years as they grow.

To be proactive when it comes to cavity prevention in your kids, you can make an appointment with our pediatric dentist at Bravo! Dental to discuss a cavity prevention strategy for your child. We take great pleasure in assisting children of all ages in preventing cavities in their teeth.

To make an appointment, call our dentist’s office now at 1-888-682-7286.

8 Steps to follow if you have dentures as a senior

Dentures are a great replacement option for persons who have lost an adult tooth. It is typical for people to lose all of their teeth at some point, as they progress in age. Replacement teeth have existed for decades, but they have never been particularly comfortable. Fortunately, modern dental technology offers a variety of pleasant and attractive alternatives.

Passing a certain age opens doors to a few unfortunate health concerns, and teeth damage is no exception. There are times when repairing teeth is no longer possible, and they must be replaced.

Denture wearers require high-quality dentures at a reasonable price. Depending on the senior person’s needs, dentures can be categorized into two:

Complete dentures: A whole set of fake teeth that replace all of a person’s upper or lower teeth.

Partial dentures: A fake tooth that just replaces one or a few lost teeth of either jaw.

Without dentures senior citizens could face a slew of problems. One such example is when the mouth structure begins to sag, making it difficult for them to eat comfortably or talk clearly. Their self-esteem will eventually suffer as a result.

Dentures are a good option to alleviate such problems.

However, some seniors experience the following issues after wearing a denture:

Dentures that don’t fit properly might cause pain and discomfort.
When dentures rub against the gums, it causes discomfort and edema.

It can also cause an epulis, a callus that requires surgery to remove.

Denture pain can also be caused by natural changes in the gums and jaw over time. Gums ebb and flow and the bone beneath the gum might shrink over time. Because the change is gradual, and many seniors are unaware of it, they might not notice it until it’s too late.

Once seniors get their dentures set, they must take the following steps to maintain good dental health:

Handling must be done with caution. When they fall, dentures are prone to breaking.
Brush the gums, tongue, and palate with a soft-bristled toothbrush at least twice a day helps reduce plaque by stimulating circulation in your tissues.
You must brush and remove their dentures on a daily basis, and soak them in water when not in use.
Regular check-ups are necessary so that the dentist can detect any infections, or even early-stage mouth cancer.

If you want to correct your damaged teeth with dentures or if you are facing discomfort wearing them, Bravo! Dental can you fill you in on the gaps (no pun intended). We provide ideal dental advice & support for replacement and or other plans. Book an appointment at 1-888-682-7286 soon!

Dental Safety Tips for your Kids this Summer

School is out, and your kids are probably having a great time in the sun this summer. But how can you keep your child’s smile healthy over the summer months while they still indulge in lemonade, ice cream & other sugary treats? Unfortunately, many teens and tweens skip dental hygiene during the summer, making it more difficult to keep cavities at bay.

But with a few quick tips, parents can guarantee that their children take proper care of their teeth and have a fun summer as well:

Give your child’s sweet or gummy vitamins with breakfast each morning. Nuts and yogurt also strengthen the surface of a tooth, so satisfy your child’s sweet tooth with such nutritious meals.
Include apples, pears, yogurt and other dairies in the diet, to balance out the acidity in foods like tomatoes and lemons.

While swimming, make sure your children keep their mouths shut, and wash their teeth softly afterward.
Have your kids drink sugary liquids with a straw, in order to avoid direct contact with teeth enamel.
Encourage kids to drink enough water, to keep the teeth clean & bacteria at bay throughout the day.

Dental essentials during the summer:

Are you planning a summer vacation? Ensure your children have all the necessary dental supplies, such as a travel toothbrush, travel-sized toothpaste, dental floss, and mouthwash.

Continue your dental routine:

Your children should brush their teeth twice a day for two minutes each time and floss once a day. Although your child may have followed this schedule diligently during the school year, you may need to remind them more frequently during the summer vacation! Brushing and flossing regularly will ensure the removal of harmful microorganisms from your teeth and gums.

Healthy snacks:

Summer spells sweet goodies, but you and your children should avoid sugary foods and beverages and only indulge on rare occasions. Sugar consumption is harmful to your teeth and overall health.

Choose healthy snacks such as string cheese, whole-grain crackers, fresh fruits and vegetables, and other items instead that does not contain too much sugar. Carbonated beverages and acidic liquids can wear down dental enamel.

Ensure to carry a dental safety kit:

In the summer, it’s better to be prepared for dental emergencies. If your child participates in sports, make sure they wear a custom-fitted mouthguard to reduce the chance of tooth injury or loss. Take an emergency dental care kit on vacation with you. The AGD recommends having a handkerchief, gauze, a small container with a cover, and ibuprofen in your pack.

Summertime can put your kid’s dental health at risk. However, following these summer dental health practices, can help your children begin the school year with excellent oral hygiene.

For more tips and techniques to keep your kid’s summer oral hygiene on track, visit us at Bravo Dental or call us at 1-888-682-7286.

Everything you need to know about Oral Thrush

Oral thrush, also known as oral candidiasis, is a peculiar white rash that you might find inside your mouth. It can not only appear in your mouth but in other places of your body as well. It’s a yeast infection brought on by the candida fungus. Thrush can affect everyone, although it is most common in infants and toddlers, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.

Risk factors

If any of the following apply to you, you may be at risk for oral thrush infection:

Weakened Immunity: Newborns and the elderly are especially susceptible to oral thrush because of their weakened immunity. Cancer and related therapies, organ transplantation, needed immune-suppressing medicines, and HIV/AIDS are all medical illnesses / treatments that can suppress your immune system.

Diabetes: If you have poorly controlled diabetes, your saliva may contain a lot of sugar, which leads to candida growth.

Vaginal yeast infections: The same fungus that causes mouth thrush also causes vaginal yeast infections. The fungus can also be congenitally passed on.

Medications: Drugs that disrupt the normal balance of micro-organisms in your body, such as prednisone, inhaled corticosteroids, or antibiotics, can increase your risk of oral thrush.

Other oral problems: Oral thrush can be exacerbated by wearing dentures, particularly upper dentures, or by dry mouth circumstances.

Symptoms

Oral thrush symptoms may not be apparent at first. However, the following are possible signs and symptoms:

Creamy white lesions on the tongue, inner cheeks, the roof of the mouth, and gums
Inflamed Tonsils
Redness, burning, or severe pain to make eating or swallowing difficult
The cracking of the corners of your mouth

A cottony sensation in the mouth
Taste deterioration
Denture redness, irritation, and pain (denture stomatitis)

What Causes It?

The candida fungus is present in small amounts in your mouth, digestive tract, and skin. It’s supposed to be there, and the other bacteria in your body normally keep it in check. Certain illnesses or treatments, such as corticosteroids or antibiotics, can, however, throw the balance off. This can lead to out-of-control fungal growth. That’s when thrush strikes. You’re more prone to get thrush if you smoke or wear dentures that don’t fit properly.

Treatment

Any oral thrush treatment aims to prevent the fungus from spreading too quickly, but the optimum technique will vary depending on your age, overall health, and the source of the infection. When possible, removing underlying causes can help prevent a recurrence.

Your doctor may prescribe an antifungal medicine. This can be in the form of lozenges, tablets, or a liquid. If topical treatments are ineffective, a medication that works throughout your body may be prescribed.

If you’re breastfeeding and your baby has oral thrush, the illness could spread between you and your kid. A modest antifungal medicine for your baby and an antifungal lotion for your breasts may be prescribed by your doctor.

Oral thrush isn’t a serious concern for most people. However, if your immune system is weakened, it could spread and become a systemic illness. If you find yourself experiencing any of the above-mentioned symptoms, book an appointment at Bravo! Dental without delay. Our experts will identify symptoms and help you get rid of oral thrush.

6 Major steps to remember while brushing your teeth

You probably believe you already know how to wash your teeth. Isn’t it true that we all learn how to brush our teeth while we’re young? However, you may be surprised to learn that there are many myths about brushing teeth effectively. Some people were possibly trained incorrectly as kids. Errors might have crept up over time as well. You could be causing tooth abrasion or even gum damage if you don’t brush properly using a soft-bristled toothbrush. Gingivitis and tooth decay can both spur up if you’re not brushing your teeth properly.

Use the appropriate toothbrush

A soft-bristled toothbrush is the best option for most people. Medium and hard-bristled brushes may cause damage to the gums, root surface, and protective tooth enamel depending on how aggressively you brush your teeth, and the strength or lack thereof of your teeth. Natural bristle toothbrushes should not be used since they can harbor bacteria. In addition, a tiny brush head would be required to reach all the nooks and crannies in your teeth. Choosing a toothbrush with a comfortable handle for your hand is another important factor.

Use the right toothpaste

You must use fluoride-containing toothpaste. Fluoride eliminates plaque and builds tooth enamel at the same time. Use toothpastes that are ADA accepted.

Apply the proper technique

Apply a pea-sized amount of toothpaste first. Brush your teeth in little circular motions rather than across your teeth. Next, brush the front of your teeth at a 45° angle with your toothbrush. By opening your mouth wide and angling your toothbrush toward the gum line, you can clean the insides of your teeth.

Brush your teeth twice a day

Brushing once a day is far superior to not brushing at all, but twice a day is recommended. It is highly recommended to brush your teeth twice a day for at least 2-3 minutes. Food can turn into plaque in as little as eight hours; therefore, brushing only once a day will result in plaque on your teeth.

Brush your tongue

Yes, your toothbrush has ma purpose other than brushing your teeth. Bacteria that form on the tongue are challenging to get rid of. Brushing is required because mouthwash can be ineffective. Brush your entire tongue with new toothpaste, reaching as deep into your mouth as is comfortable.

Use dental floss

Flossing is the part of tooth care that is frequently overlooked. Do not make this mistake. Brushing your teeth is effective, but it isn’t enough. Flossing is the only way to eliminate little food waste particles caught between the teeth. At least once a day, floss between all of your teeth.

Brushing your teeth regularly in the right way helps to avoid bad breath. In addition, it enhances your confidence when speaking with friends, colleagues, and family members, allowing you to create better interpersonal interactions. To get more tips and techniques to maintain your oral health, drop by Bravo! Dental– a professional and caring dental office for all your dental concerns.

7 Early signs of gum disease to look out for

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about half the persons aged 30 to 65 have gum disease. From the age of 65 onwards, the percentage rises to nearly 70%. Even though gum disease is this frequent, there is some good news. Gum disease is easily treatable when caught early on.

Gum disease can be defined as a severe infection of the gums that can cause tooth loss and pain. It’s critical to understand how to avoid gum disease and what treatments are available. You can stop gum disease in its tracks by detecting the early indicators of the condition.

Reasons for Early Gum Disease

Although Gum disease does not necessarily affect younger people, there are several external factors that could attribute to the advent of the disease. Bacterial Infections affect your gums and the bone that supports your teeth, causing gum disease, also known as periodontal disease. Gingivitis is an earlier stage of gum disease. If gingivitis is not treated in time, it can develop into periodontitis, a dangerous condition that can also result in tooth loss.

Gum disease is commonly caused due to poor oral hygiene. Still, it can also be caused by heredity, advanced age, chewing tobacco, diabetes, chronic dry mouth due to smoking, drug abuse, AIDS, and other diseases.

Signs of Early Gum Disease

There are certain early warning indicators that you might experience if you have gum disease. Without a check-up, it’s difficult to make any assumptions about your oral health, but if you see any of these as your symptoms, you might want to book that appointment with the local dentist

Sensitive teeth

Gum recession

Chronic halitosis/ bad breath

Excruciating pain while chewing.

Gum bleeding or tenderness

Swollen or red gums

Loose, Gappy and Crooked teeth

Benefits of Early Gum Disease Treatment

Gingivitis can be treated with professional cleanings that remove all signs of plaque, tartar, and germs from the affected areas. Scaling and root planning is a procedure that allows your gums to heal while also preventing infection.

Early treatment of gum disease helps prevent your teeth from loosening and coming out, as well as avoid the necessity for more intensive treatments later on, such as dental restoration. Gum disease therapy may also enhance general health because periodontitis is linked to other major disorders, including heart attack and stroke.

No matter how far along your gum disease has progressed, our expert team at Bravo! Dental can diagnose and treat you with minimal pain. However, detecting gum problems early and preventing the development of full-blown gingivitis or periodontitis is the greatest way to maintain your dental and oral health. Call 1-888-682-7286 to reach out to us at Bravo! Dental today!

5 Amazing benefits of braces other than straightening your teeth

You probably picture of just teeth straightening when you think of braces. Although straightening teeth is one of the major reasons orthodontists recommend braces, it isn’t the only one. Orthodontic braces give you a lovely smile, but let’s look at some other ways they can benefit your general health.

Prevents Gum Disease

Preventing gum disease is one of the more important long-term health benefits of wearing braces. Gum disease is a condition that affects the soft tissues that surround the teeth. Plaque and food particles are easily caught between the teeth when a person’s teeth are crooked or misaligned. Braces straighten the teeth, making them easier to clean with a toothbrush or floss.

Eases Speech Impairment

Did you know that misaligned teeth affects how you pronounce words? If your teeth are misaligned, it will impact your speech habits. Braces can help you enhance your speech by changing the position of your teeth. Additionally, realigning can give your tongue more room to travel around, which reduces slurring.

Reduces Bone Erosion

The bones that keep the teeth in place might be affected in the same way that the gums and teeth are. Every tooth has a lengthy root that runs through the jawbone. Misaligned teeth often impose extra force on the teeth and gums, they are one of the most common causes of jawbone erosion. Braces can assist prevent erosion by ensuring that every area of the jawbone is appropriately exercised, and that plaque and germs do not collect in pockets in the mouth.

Improves Digestion

The function of your teeth in digestion is important. Teeth partially digest food before it can enter your stomach. If your teeth are crooked, it might not be easy to chew and break down food into tiny pieces. As a result, digestion takes longer in the stomach. Intestinal pain, irritated intestines, and hunger / appetite even after eating are common side effects. Food will be digested more easily and completely once you can chew properly with braces.

Boosts confidence

One of the most appealing aspects of braces is how they may boost a person’s self-esteem. When people’s teeth are crooked, they often feel self-conscious about showing them off. It’s comforting to know that braces are a short-term solution that can give you a warm and confident grin for the rest of your life.

Our experts at Bravo! Dental can help you experience all the long-term health benefits of braces by prescribing quality treatment that addresses both dental and mental health. Get in touch with us today!

What are the impacts of an eating disorder, and how to prevent them?

After a dental exam, you’d expect to hear about cavities, poor bites, or other dental problems. But on the contrary, the dentist might talk about a problem you didn’t quite expect: an eating disorder.

The food we eat offers the building blocks for our bodies to take care of healthy cells, tissues, and organs and the energy to work, learn and participate in activities. To keep things running smoothly, we need to eat enough food (ideally the right kinds), which is why eating disorders are such a major concern.

Eating disorders, the most common of which are anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, are aberrant food habits that can emerge from mental or emotional concerns.

Anorexia nervosa: Restrictive anorexia causes people to restrict their meals and caloric intake to lose weight severely. Malnutrition is the most severe threat to anorexic patients’ oral health. Osteoporosis, which weakens the jaw bones and leads to tooth loss, can be caused by a lack of nutrients. The salivary glands may also enlarge and produce insufficient saliva, resulting in dry mouth.

Bulimia nervosa: It is defined by a cycle of binge eating followed by compensatory actions such as self-induced vomiting or the use of laxatives. Bulimia symptoms can appear in people suffering from sadness or changes in their social settings. Vomiting frequently exposes the teeth to stomach acid, which erodes the protective layer of enamel and can cause discoloration, damage, and even tooth loss.

A dentist may notice other indicators of an eating issue. Anorexia can show a lack of oral hygiene, while bulimia might show up as over-aggressive brushing or flossing.

Treatments:

Nutritional therapy is frequently used in the medical treatment of eating disorders to address physical consequences and starvation-related brain alterations that perpetuate the condition. This is paired with psychotherapy and antidepressant medicines.

To monitor damage, extra-oral and intra-oral examinations of the oral hard and soft tissues are required, and extensive documentation includes detailed clinical notes, periodontal charting, radiographs, intraoral pictures, and study models. Your dentist would provide interventions to reduce damage to the oral hard and soft tissues and ease xerostomia and dental hypersensitivity while the patient recovers from their eating disorder. A mouthguard can protect the dentition while vomiting.

Because the treatment process might be lengthy, patients should take precautions to safeguard their teeth in the meantime. Rinsing the mouth with a little baking soda mixed with water after regurgitation is a crucial step. This will aid in the neutralization of oral acid and the prevention of erosion. Brushing/flossing properly, and visiting the dentist regularly can help avoid dental disease.

Eating disorders are pretty detrimental. If you are worried about your eating disorder, contacting us is a helpful first step toward recovery. Make an appointment at Bravo! Dental today and speak with one of our specialists about minimizing and restoring the harm caused by eating disorders.

Why is it necessary to have regular dental check-ups?

If you feel compelled to avoid your routine dental appointment by inventing another ridiculous excuse, you’re certainly setting yourself up for trouble! Yes, dental check-ups are just as vital as other physical checks.

Regular dental check-ups are essential for maintaining the health of your teeth and gums. At least once every six months, you should visit the dentist. Regular dental appointments are essential for maintaining the health of your teeth and gums.

At least twice a year, as would be recommended by your dental professional, get regular dental check-ups to avoid other medical complications.

Getting your teeth regularly checked offers several benefits:

Prevents future problems

One of the advantages of regular dental appointments is that the dentist can detect nascent stage problems that could develop into larger problems later on. For example, if they find a little cavity, they can treat you right away. Many people suffer from plaque accumulation and gum disease that go undiagnosed because they don’t see a dentist soon enough. A dentist can also look for signs of mouth cancer or other severe disorders.

Prevents gum disease

The early phases of gum disease, for the most part, are symptomless. This makes it difficult to identify gum disease in a person’s mouth. On the other hand, dentists can quite easily detect early on-set gum disease. The dentist will evaluate the gums for firmness during a routine check-up. Swelling, receding gums, and deep gum pockets will all be examined. If the dentist notices any of these concerning symptoms, the underlying reason will be addressed.

Prevents bad breath

It’s not a mere case of morning breath or eating too many onions when you have persistent foul breath. After consistently practicing poor oral hygiene habits, a condition known as halitosis might develop. This is not a problem you should ignore or try to solve on your own. Regular visits with your dentist help identify what is producing the odor and how to address it. It could be a medical emergency that has to be addressed right away.

Prevents oral cancer beforehand

A dentist will examine the teeth and gums and look for indicators of oral cancer invariably during your every visit. This is excellent news because oral cancer can quickly progress to a life-threatening condition if left unnoticed. Thus, a person who visits the dentist every six months has a low risk of developing late-stage oral cancer.

Are you prepared to reap the benefits of routine dental visits?

For some people, picking up the phone and making a dentist appointment can be daunting and downright terrifying. Consider all of the advantages of regular dental check-ups and how skipping too many might affect your general health and well-being.

Is it time to see a dentist once more? Are you looking for compassionate professionals to help you overcome your dental phobia?

Do not hesitate to get in touch with us at Bravo! Dental if you have any questions, concerns, or require medical assistance. Keep your oral health on track with our comprehensive dental check-up plans. Call us now!

Why is Removing Wisdom Teeth Earlier important?

Wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars that erupt generally between the late teens and early twenties when humans attain adulthood. These teeth are originally a part of the human physiology, since primitive human beings used them to chew and process raw meat and hardy vegetables. But over time, these teeth became mostly obsolete, although evolution has rejected to discount them from human physiology until now.

So, extraction of these “wisdom teeth” is essential for almost every individual who attains that age of early wisdom.

Why do you need to extract wisdom teeth earlier?

Wisdom teeth removal is essential sooner rather than later to avoid oral health risks like infections, impacted teeth, bad breath, etc. If the growth of your wisdom teeth causes a health hazard, you may need them to be removed. Your dentist will prescribe wisdom teeth removal right away to avoid concerns like overcrowding, toothaches, and damage to the surrounding teeth and gums.

Impacted teeth

When wisdom teeth break through the gum line, bacterial growth can lead to infection, gum ulcers, and tooth decay. Impactions can cause discomfort and inflammation, therefore, it’s always a good idea to get your wisdom teeth removed as soon as possible to avoid these issues.

Risk of cavities

Wisdom teeth are vulnerable to cavities due to their placement in the back of the mouth, where they are difficult to reach. As a result of swelling gum tissues and the development of soft-tissue inflammation where bacteria can flourish, neighboring teeth may develop cavities. Patients who have these teeth extracted early are less likely to develop cavities in surrounding teeth, which is a compelling incentive to remove them as soon as possible.

Infection

Delayed wisdom teeth removal can cause infections that may have regular tooth discomfort, swelling and redness of the jaw bone. There can also be jaw stiffness, and the infection can spread throughout the body through the bloodstream, causing other health concerns. Early removal can prevent these harmful infections.

Gum protection

When wisdom teeth are extracted too late, bacteria thrive in the mouth, and the gums suffer. Wisdom teeth should always be extracted early to safeguard the health of the remaining teeth in the mouth and the gum tissues.

Easier extraction

While some people wait until later in life to have their wisdom teeth extracted, this is usually a terrible choice because the root system becomes more rigid and denser with each year that passes after these molars erupt, making extractions more painful and complex. Patients benefit from significantly easier extractions and avoid the discomfort, inflammation, jaw stiffness, and general issues if extracted earlier.

Now that you know how important it is to get your wisdom teeth removed as soon as possible, don’t wait any longer. At Bravo Dental!, we recognize the importance of wisdom tooth removal and will offer the best decision for you based on your specific needs. Please contact us at 1-888-682-7286 to make an appointment today. We’ll be delighted to help you!