General

What Kids See Kids Do

What your kids see in you and what you do are the blueprint of the future life of your child. When it comes to oral health, you are the best model and teacher. So if you want optimal dental health for your offspring, be sure they see the best practices at home while growing up. Here are some of the ways you can lead by example.

Eat healthy breakfast together.
Be sure breakfast served is healthy – carbohydrates, protein, dairy, starch, fruits and veggies and some sugar – sufficient that your kids will not crave more sweets and sugary snacks and drinks the rest of the day. We know how too much sugar can damage teeth and gums, leading to caries and tooth decay. After breakfast, set a good example by packing healthful lunches with fruits and vegetables for yourself and your children.

Train your kids to always drink water.
Water should be your main household beverage to help limit exposure to sugary alternatives. It can also provide ongoing hydration for everyone’s mouth between meals and after snacks. Drinking water frequently will also limit the length of time food particles remain on the teeth. This is not to mention that the habit of drinking water also freshens breath.

Brush and floss together.
At first, small kids should see how their parents brush and floss their teeth. Following the ADA recommendations, everyone should be able to brush twice a day for two minutes each time and flossing at least once daily. Children can be made to understand what happens if brushing and flossing are not done and if done improperly. They must know that sugar and acid can harm teeth and gums by causing cavities, tooth decay, toothache and host of other problems that can be prevented just by proper oral hygiene.

Have regular dental appointments.
It’s good if the family go together to visit the dentist for checkups and routine cleanings.Children ought to know why dental checkups are important and should not be missed. Make the experience as positive, cheerful and fun as can be. Your dentist of choice must be able to help you here.

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Visits to the dentist can be less scary

These are quite simple steps to keep your kids on the proper road to optimal oral health. Start off with a visit to Tetrick Family Dentistry in Bellingham.

Developing the 5 Habits for Good Oral Health

Do you know how to get your teeth and gums in top shape and have that smile, the envy of everyone? You only have to develop these easy but great oral health habits. Let it be your standard for oral health.

Take care of your gums. Just do not only mind about your teeth, but your gums as well. Brush around your gum line and don’t forget to floss in between your teeth. Gum disease can cause swelling, discomfort, and inflammation.

Prevent cavities and tooth decay. The best prevention is still good oral hygiene – proper way and frequency of brushing and flossing are key. Also, reduce the consumption of sugary and acidic food and drinks. They attract bacteria easily and cause weakening of the enamel.

Prevent bad breath by discarding bad habits. Halitosis or bad breath can be brought about by certain habits, such as smoking and eating strong-smelling foods as garlic or onions. The presence of tooth decay, gum disease, an unclean tongue, and even a buildup of plaque can also manifest as bad breath. So don’t smoke and avoid too much sugar in your diet. Be sure to keep proper oral hygiene so as to decrease the chances of foul-smelling odor from the mouth.

Prevent dry mouth. Dry mouth increases the risk for tooth decay. Due to decrease salivary production, the lack of fluids enables the proliferation of bacteria and the buildup of plaque leading to tooth decay. Breathing through the mouth, sleeping with open mouths, taking certain medicines, and generally dehydration causes dry mouth. Increase fluid intake throughout the day and chew on sugar-free gum to increase saliva production.

See your dentist regularly. Regular visits to your dentist can avert the occurrence of oral problems as your dentist can detect beginnings of tooth decay and gum disease. Professional cleanings can prevent the progress of tartar buildup and thus save your teeth and gums early from the development of caries and of gingivitis.

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Teaching You the Essentials in Bellingham

Get reminded about these top five essentials for the best smile around by regular visits to your Bellingham dentist. We just don’t treat oral problems, we give great tips as well. See us for a consultation soon.

From Toddlers To Seniors

For every family, oral health is directly related to each family member’s well-being. A family dentist in the neighborhood is just the easiest person to go to for concerns of health of teeth and gums.

If you have a baby in the family, the first teeth will be erupting by 6 months (sometimes as early as 3) and the baby’s gums will be tender and irritable. Rubbing gently with a clean finger can be soothing. Infant sucking is normal but doing so on extended periods may lead to some jaw development problems and altered teeth positioning. It is best to start the child early on toothbrushing with a pea-size toothpaste with fluoride.

Children’s Teeth

Children’s teeth will start out porous and not so mineralized, so by this time a healthy diet is very important. Amount and frequency of sugar consumption in meals, snacks and drinks must be controlled. Teeth brushing must be supervised at first to ensure that the proper techniques are used and the twice a day frequency is followed. It is also around this time that the proper alignment and spacing between teeth are monitored.

Pre-Teenagers

Tweens between 10 and 12 years are still losing their primary teeth. By age 12, the second permanent molars appear. New permanent teeth are more prone to decay. Proper oral hygiene must be stressed here. Teenagers between 16 and 20 will be growing their third molars which will generally be recommended for extraction to avoid future issues. Around this time, kids can be pressured to adopt harmful oral habits, such as smoking and piercing, develop eating disorders or opt for bad choices in food and drinks. Parents must also be able to decide if their children need braces for misaligned, crooked teeth or abnormal bites.

Adult Oral Health

Adults are more likely to neglect their oral health for a variety of reasons. With an increased risk for gum disease, care for the gums can be neglected. Gingivitis can be overlooked; most might just wake up to periodontitis. Bad breath or halitosis can be a manifestation. Oral hygiene is most important here, as well as regular dental appointments. Diabetes, heart diseases, and other inflammatory conditions can affect oral health severely.

Majority of seniors may no longer have most of their natural teeth. They could be wearing dental bridges, dental fillings, having teeth more prone to oral health issues, such as gum diseases that can result in overall health complications related to digestion, heart and other vital organs.

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Kids Who Snack More Must Brush More?

Social scientists and researchers from the University of Edinburgh and Glasgow did a study on the snacking habits of children and discovered that kids who eat snacks all day, instead of just eating meals, were far more likely to have dental decay. It also suggested that brushing might not be enough to protect a child’s teeth, and parents are a little worried with that.

The scientists used statistical models and survey data to predict dental decay among children by age five. According to the BBC, it’s a study of almost 4,000 pre-school children. It showed that tooth brushing alone to keep dental decay at bay may not be enough. Also impacting dental decay and health of children’s teeth are the kids’ snacking habits and parental socioeconomic factors.

The Issue of Snacks

Snacking was actually the factor most strongly associated with decay. Children who snacked all day, those sugary, salty or starchy snacks,and then not eating meals, had twice the chance of decay when compared to those who did not snack at all.

The results also showed an association between “lower frequencies of tooth brushing” at age two and higher chances of dental decay by age five. Among children eating sweets or chocolate more frequently, once a day or more, tooth-brushing more frequently reduced the chance of decay in the end. So if kids snack this way it becomes important to toothbrush more.

The study was published in the Journal of Public Health. The findings in this study is an issue of great importance to doctors and dentists in the United Kingdom right now. Last year, it was recorded that almost 43,000 children and teenagers in England and Wales had operations to remove teeth, according to the National Health Service. This study is just saying that it definitely takes more than brushing to protect your child’s teeth, and that other factors are at play – factors that parents can sometimes control, along with others that might be out of their hands.

Looking After Oral Health of Kids

Letting you know that young patients under our care are well looked after in terms of monitoring and advice to parents. True, it’s not just brushing that can keep tooth decay at bay. Education of parents is also crucial. You can always ask our Bellingham dentists during your appointment about your child’s oral health and prevention of future complications.

Why Most Wisdom Teeth Have To Go

Wisdom teeth are a third set of molars in the back of your mouth, last to emerge in the dental arch, around the ages 17 to 21 years, making their appearance in the later teen years to early adulthood. With enough space left in the arch, assuming the jaws have reached their full growth, there should be no problem for wisdom teeth coming in. But wisdom teeth are known to create problems for a lot of young people.

Why do most people, including their dentists, want wisdom teeth out of the picture?

In many instances, wisdom teeth grow in impacted. They’re so far back in the mouth, they usually may not come in normally. They can be trapped in your jawbone or gums, which can be painful and lead to infection. Even if they are partially trapped, they can weaken the jaw bone and do future damage.

They come in at a wrong angle, pressing against other teeth causing crowding. As a result, you may not be able to reach your wisdom teeth with your toothbrush or dental floss. Without proper cleaning, they are usually the first teeth to develop cavities leading to decay, including gum disease. Their crooked appearance may only mean there is no longer enough room in your jaw bone for the third molar.

In addition, if you feel pain and there is infection during eruption of your third molar, there is gingivitis, or this tooth is going to compromise your normal bite or your normal alignment – the tooth has to come off. Some experts say that even if wisdom teeth do not cause problems in the youth, there is no evidence to show that they won’t be problematic in adulthood.

Wisdom teeth extraction is not a painful procedure, though there is some discomfort after the surgery. Your dentist will administer local or general anesthesia, or use IV sedation, in which case you are asleep throughout the procedure. In 45 minutes or less, it can be over, even if it involves two wisdom teeth with relative ease of removal. Just follow your dentist’s instructions for home care and you’ll be back to normal routine in a few days. There is no need for follow-ups, stitches will resolve on their own, swelling will subside. Complications are not common, but if they happen, just let your dentist know right away.

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Wisdom Tooth Extraction? See our Bellingham Dentist

You might be experiencing the pain of wisdom teeth growing in and may or may not have complaints at all. Nonetheless, see us at Tetrick Family Dentistry for a consultation. Learn more if you need to need your wisdom teeth extracted.

More Than Just A Color Change

Can you tell the health of your gums merely by their color?

Healthy gums should be somewhat a shade of pink. Gums may look lighter pink around the teeth and a bit darker pink in other areas. All healthy gums won’t look the same and may differ from person to person. Some have paler and some have darker gums. When your gum color starts to change, it may be time to see your dentist, especially if you notice any other symptoms.

What might be the underlying causes of gums changing color?

Anemia is one cause, when lack of oxygen causes tissues to become pale. Aside from pale gums, the anemic person suffers from general weakness, shortness of breath, yellowish skin and eyes, headaches and palpitations.

There may be some vitamin deficiency also, like iron, folate acid and vitamin B12 in an anemic person. These medical conditions can also lead to anemia: heavy menstruation, pregnancy, menopause, hypothyroidism, stomach ulcers, colitis, and certain liver, spleen, or kidney conditions. Chemotherapy can increase a person’s risk of developing anemia.

Another cause for anemia is oral leukoplakia which form uniform, thin, white patches on the gums that alternate with regular gum or mucous tissues. They can be raised, with red specks, or appear as white nodules; appearing anywhere in the mouth, they cannot be rubbed or scrubbed off. Alcoholics, smokers or those with poor oral hygiene can have them. Generally harmless, leukoplakia can be cancerous. They can be surgically removed if indicated.

Oral lichen planus are web-like, slightly raised white threads throughout the gums. They can be erosive involving ulcers or open sores, treatable using topical corticosteroids or systemic steroids. Though a biopsy may be necessary to rule out other medical issues, there is no cure for the condition. Symptoms can only be decreased as well as eating healthy and quitting smoking.

When do you seek medical or dental advice?

If you notice your gums are pale and they are accompanied by any or some of the following symptoms, you must seek consultation: bleeding, receding painful, tender or swollen gums, gum abscesses, bad breath, pain or discomfort when swallowing, loose teeth, a metallic taste in the mouth, pain in the jaw, or a fever.

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Questions about gum health? Contact our Bellingham dentists.

If you are interested to know about the health state of your gums, make a visit to Tetrick Family Dentistry in Bellingham soon. Even if you don’t see symptoms, it’s always better to maintain and keep your gums healthy than later seek treatment.

Signs Your Teeth are Not Healthy

Dental experts say that there are some signs you may not be too aware of and they’re telling you that your teeth are not healthy as you thought they were. Here are some of those signs you need to pay attention to.

Bad Breath

Sign #1: You have bad breath all the time. Occasionally you’d experience a not-so-fresh breath especially when you’ve eaten strong flavored foods, or you’ve had coffee or wine, or just smoked a cigarette. However, a persistently odorous breath is a sign of gum disease. Among other things, poor oral hygiene can lead to a buildup of plaque and bacteria on teeth and gums causing inflammation and bleeding of the gums. If your oral hygiene is good, then you might consider sinus problems or even stomach issues. A trip to the dentist is about time.

Color of Your Tongue

Sign #2: A healthy tongue should be light pink. And yours is white. If you notice that your tongue is coated and persistently of white color, then your mouth is not in a healthy state. That might be because you don’t brush your tongue while you’re brushing your teeth. The accumulation of bacteria on your tongue gives it that white coating and which also contributes to bad breath and overall unhealthy mouth. Hence, the tongue should also be brushed as teeth are brushed; brushing and flossing is also a good way to decrease the harmful bacteria in your mouth.

Bleeding Gums

Sign #3: Your gums bleed when you brush or floss. If after brushing or flossing, you find a bit of blood in your toothbrush or saliva, it’s a sign of distressed gums. While inflamed gums bleed with the lightest touch, even with a toothbrush, healthy gums do not. Gum disease presents with redness and swelling, and if your gums are painful and bleed easily without cause, do see your dentist.

Teeth Sensitivity

Sign #4: Your teeth are sensitive to hot or cold drinks. Sensitivity to hot or cold foods and beverages can mean a cavity is present in your teeth. Extreme temperatures do not usually cause sensitivity to healthy teeth. However, the longer the sensitivity lasts, the more severe is the problem. Apart from cavities, sensitivity might also indicate an uneven bite that is causing some teeth to wear down.

White or Dark Patches

Sign #5: You have white patches on your teeth or you have dark areas. White spots could indicate early tooth decay with porosity and weakening of the enamel, in other words, an impending cavity underneath the surface. A tooth that starts to look darker than the others might indicate a nerve problem. This might be the result of a traumatic injury to the tooth where the nerve inside is struck, the tooth becomes necrotic and darken over time.

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Contact our Bellingham Dentists

If you see any of these signs and symptoms, please feel free to contact Tetrick Family Dentistry with any questions and concerns. It’s important to get treatment as soon as possible and also to learn how to manage your oral health well.

Gum Disease: Signs and Symptoms To Watch Out For

Most people don’t know if they have gum disease and that’s because most are not aware of the signs and symptoms of gum disease. Most gum disease starts with mild symptoms, but it can progress over time.

The mildest form of gum disease is gingivitis. Red, swollen gums that bleed easily, as well as chronic bad breath are usually found in persons with gingivitis. They do not experience any pain or tooth loosening. With good oral hygiene and dental care most will recover from the condition.

If gingivitis goes untreated, over time it can progress to periodontitis. Plaque and tartar can spread below the gum line. Present in plaque are bacteria that irritate the gums and trigger an inflammatory response. The reaction may eventually lead to tissue and bone destruction, characterized by gum tissue slowly receding from tooth structure and bones becoming brittle and prone to fracture. Eventually teeth will lose their support. As the damage worsens, deep pockets of space between the teeth and the connective tissues are observed.

If you have periodontitis, the condition is sometimes asymptomatic, or does not present symptoms initially. However, you may notice the following: teeth appearing longer (gum recession), loose teeth, presence of pus between the teeth or at the gum line, halitosis (chronic bad breath), bleeding gums or red, swollen gums.

There are risk factors that can increase the likelihood of you getting gum disease. Aging is one of them, but which you cannot control. Other than that, here are some of the most common risk factors for developing gum disease: obesity and poor nutrition, smoking and tobacco use, teeth grinding or bruxism, stress and genetics. Certain drugs, like antidepressants, oral contraceptives, and some heart medications. Presence of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and rheumatoid arthritis are also contributory factors.

If you experience some of these signs, do see your dentist right away: gums that pull back from the teeth, that bleed easily and are swollen or red, teeth that are sensitive teeth or feel loose in their sockets, pain while chewing, and ill-fitting dentures.

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Fighting Gum Disease in Bellingham

We know all the signs and symptoms of gum disease and though we see them regularly, we give each patient personalized treatment. Find out if you are at risk. See us at Tetrick Family Dentistry, here in Bellingham.

Tips to Keep Gums Healthy

Firstly, you have to learn to brush teeth properly. It’s key to having healthy mouth and gums. Brush at least twice a day using soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Brush the teeth at a 45-degree angle to the gums, moving brush in short strokes, pressing gently, vertically brush the insides of front teeth making short strokes along each tooth. When bristles start to fray, replace the toothbrush every 3 to 4 months, or sooner.

Choose the right toothpaste, the one that contains fluoride and has the ADA seal of approval on the packaging.

Floss daily, a habit recognized by the ADA as an important part of oral care. It removes food and plaque from between the teeth and gums where toothbrush bristles may find difficult to reach.

Be careful when rinsing your mouth out. Know that after brushing with fluoride toothpaste and afterwards rinse your mouth out with water, you are actually washing away the fluoride as well. Do so carefully as it can diminish the effectiveness of fluoride products.

Use therapeutic mouthwash. This type of mouthwash can remove food particles from the mouth, reduce the amount of plaque on the teeth, reduce the speed at which tartar builds up, and prevent gum disease, However, it is not a replacement for brushing and flossing. Look for the ADA on the mouthwash label. Children under the age of 6 years should not use mouthwash though.

Go for regular dental checkups which typically include a professional mouth cleaning. It’s the only way to remove tartar from teeth and eliminate plaque as well. Regular visits can also help identify early signs of gum disease, like gingivitis. Early detection can help prevent more severe problems as well.

Stop smoking. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), smoking makes a person more susceptible to gum disease because it weakens the immune system. Quitting smoking or stopping use of other tobacco products immediately help reduce the risk of developing gum disease.

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Recommending Easy Steps for Healthy Gums

Here in Bellingham, we are concern with gum disease and gum health. We advocate these easy steps all the time to patients young and old. Let’s all work together for healthy gums.

Considering Diagnosis and Treatment for Sleep Apnea

How serious is sleep apnea? If left untreated, sleep apnea is potentially very dangerous. The condition brings with it an increased risk of stroke, heart attack, and dementia. It can be fatal in some cases.

There’s a 2015 study examining the association of obstructive sleep apnea with clinical outcomes including all-cause mortality, coronary heart disease(CHD), strokes and chronic kidney disease. It found that people with untreated sleep apnea are 86% more likely to die at a younger age than people who don’t have sleep apnea. It definitely increases the risk of dying younger than you would otherwise.

Side Effects of Sleep Apnea

There are many side effects and complications of untreated sleep apnea. Studies show a strong link between obstructive sleep apnea and depression, though the relationship is not fully understood. Another study found that sleep apnea might be associated with erectile dysfunction in men. It has also been associated with liver damage and metabolic syndrome and increases the risks associated with surgery and undergoing anesthesia.

How is the condition diagnosed? See your primary care doctor if you experience these: loud snoring, headache on waking up, dry mouth, insomnia, daytime sleepiness, irritability, gasping for air at night. It might be sleep apnea. If your doctor suspects it, you might be referred to a sleep specialist for a full evaluation.

Evaluation for sleep apnea will require an overnight stay at a sleep center for monitoring. The primary test is a nocturnal polysomnography that monitors everything from your heart and brain activity to your breathing patterns and blood oxygen levels. There are home sleep test options but are not as reliable.

Treatment Option for Sleep Apnea

What treatment options are available? Lifestyle changes will be the first step, and these include weight loss and exercise, avoiding alcohol and smoking, and changing your sleeping position. A CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine may be recommended which will keep your airways open while you sleep. This method treats moderate to severe sleep apnea.

If these don’t work, surgical solutions are available. These are tissue removal and tissue shrinkage, jaw repositioning, nerve stimulation, and tracheostomy. Consider your best option. Treating this condition is still worth all the trouble.

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Seeking Treatment in Bellingham

For all its worth, look into your sleep apnea condition and consider the possible consequences. For life and health and for the treatment of sleep apnea, pay us a visit here at Tetrick Family Dentistry in Bellingham, WA.