Everyone knows that candy is bad for your teeth, but what are some other foods you should avoid? http://yhoo.it/1Cvu240
 

We hope you enjoy celebrating our country's 241st birthday this weekend! For a healthy holiday treat, try making a flag out of red and blue berries with whipped cream stars and stripes.

We will be open on 7/4/17 for Dental Emergencies and General Dentistry appointments.  Call (407) 205-9585 to schedule!

You may have wondered if primary (baby) teeth are important since they are eventually replaced by permanent (adult) teeth. The answer is yes! Primary teeth don't just help children eat, speak and smile— they help them maintain good overall health, good nutrition, maintain space for permanent teeth and build confidence. Learn more about primary teeth from Head Start: http://bit.ly/1Bg5L2F

Have you ever heard of baby bottle tooth decay? This type of tooth decay can occur in young children who drink from baby bottles if their teeth are exposed to sugary drinks for prolonged periods of time, such as when bottles are used as pacifiers or when they are put to sleep with bottles. Learn more about how to prevent baby bottle tooth decay here: http://bit.ly/V7y27o

Do you or does someone you know suffer from dental anxiety? We understand how difficult it can be to overcome anxiety to receive necessary dental treatment. Fortunately, new research shows that just 5 sessions of cognitive behavioral therapy can help you conquer dental anxiety. Learn more: http://bit.ly/1lUOp4E

Did you know that dentists are often the first health professionals to notice that patients are suffering from sleep apnea? We can help you get a good night's sleep! Call our office today, and learn more here: http://bit.ly/1wM1eyS

Those of us with a sweet tooth know how difficult it can be to resist a craving. Fortunately, a new study found that you can retrain your taste buds to crave less sweets!http://ti.me/1JWghe8
 

Some patients express concern about radiation exposure from dental X-rays. Dental X-rays are safe and have very low levels of radiation exposure thanks to specially designed techniques and tools! They help us detect signs and symptoms of disease not visible during a regular dental exam. Learn more: http://bit.ly/1pLDzjm

Are you nervous about visiting the dentist? There are a few things you can do to help alleviate dental anxiety:
* Discuss your anxiety with our team so that we can best care for you.
* Establish a signal to give our team if you need a break.
* Ask us about sedation options to help you relax.

Did you know that chewing gum has benefits beyond simply freshening your breath? The act of chewing increases saliva flow, washes away food debris and neutralizes acids in the mouth. For maximum health benefits, look for sugarless gum with the ADA seal of approval!

You hear a lot about how sour candy is bad for your teeth, but what about naturally sour foods like citrus fruits? Sour taste is caused by acid, which can actually irritate your tongue and erode tooth enamel, making your teeth more susceptible to decay. Enjoy citrus in moderation and rinse your mouth with water afterward.

There's a new candidate in the race to become the perfect sugar substitute: allulose. While allulose isn't available to consumers yet, we'd like to remind you that when it comes to sugar and sugar substitutes, moderation and good oral hygiene practices are key. Just because a sugar substitute doesn't have calories doesn't mean it can't feed the bacteria that cause cavities! http://n.pr/1Nw6oK6
 

Happy St. Patrick's Day! Don't rely on luck for a great dental checkup:
* Brush your teeth for two minutes twice per day.
* Floss every day.
* Drink lots of water, especially after meals.
* Visit the dentist regularly.
 

Spring forward!  It is time for blooming flowers and long lazy afternoons.  Don't forget to change your clocks tomorrow.  Sleep in, get a great breakfast, and enjoy having more sunshine!  

Young children often suck on pacifiers or their thumbs to soothe themselves. However, pacifier use and thumbsucking can cause problems with the growth and development of the mouth, including the alignment of teeth. Thumbsucking can be a difficult habit to break. Here are some tips:
* Provide alternative comfort to your child if he or she is thumbsucking for comfort.
* Praise your child for not thumbsucking.
* Involve older children in developing a plan to stop.
* Ask us for help explaining how thumbsucking affects teeth at your child's next visit.

Learn more: http://bit.ly/Lsaju8

Happy National Nutrition Month! You may be wondering why our dental team emphasizes nutrition so much. The truth is that your diet affects far more than your weight! Your food choices— from what you eat to when you eat— play a role in tooth decay and periodontal (gum) disease. Learn more from http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/nutrition.

Ideally, none of us would ever have to use a dental first aid kit, but accidents do happen. A dental first aid kit can help you take control of an emergency situation until you're able to get to the dentist. Some items you may want to consider including in your kit are:
* Medical exam gloves
* Dental mirror
* Flashlight
* Dental wax
* Tweezers
* Sterile gauze

For more information on making your own dental first aid kit, click here: http://bit.ly/2esALmI

Happy Share a Smile Day!

Have you ever wondered if our human ancestors had the same dental health issues we have today? Anthropology professor Debbie Guatelli-Steinberg studies how changes in human diets have affected our teeth and jaws over time. Learn more: http://bit.ly/2j5yuzq