Last updated 4 hours 27 minutes ago
For a healthy smile, you should brush your teeth at least twice every day and floss them at least once every day. However, your oral care routine isn’t the only factor that plays a role in the health of your smile. Talk to your dentist about lifestyle modifications, including dietary changes, that you can make to improve your oral health. In addition to following your dentist’s advice, consider the following tips:
Use the Proper Technique
Using the wrong technique for brushing your teeth can actually harm your teeth and gums. If you use a hard-bristled toothbrush and brush with long, horizontal strokes of excessive pressure, you’re gradually wearing away your enamel. This invites tooth decay and cavity development. Brushing too harshly also encourages gum recession. Instead, ask your dentist to demonstrate the proper brushing and flossing techniques. You should use gentle, circular strokes to clean a section of your smile at a time. When flossing, insert the floss gently underneath the gum line and wrap it around each tooth to remove plaque.
Avoid Acidic Beverages
Certain foods and beverages have a detrimental effect on your teeth because of their acidity level. Dentists often warn patients against consuming any type of soft drink, including diet sodas, because their acidity makes the enamel more vulnerable. If you consume acidic foods and beverages, swish water in your mouth afterward. Wait about 20 minutes before brushing your teeth to avoid wearing away the enamel.
Make Regular Dentist Visits
By scheduling your next dentist visit at the end of each appointment, you can make sure that you remember to have regular check-ups and cleanings. Seeing your dentist regularly prevents the buildup of tartar on your teeth, and it also allows your dentist to spot potential problems early. Early treatment of problems such as gingivitis allows you to avoid more extensive treatment later.
Schedule your next dentist visit today with the caring professionals of West Chester Dental Arts. You can reach our PA practice at (484) 881-3501 or by visiting our website. We offer a wide range of oral care services, including dental implants, teeth whitening, and sedation dentistry.
Last updated 2 days 2 hours ago
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Last updated 5 days ago
Tooth decay occurs when acids in your mouth deteriorate the enamel of your teeth. Tooth decay is easily preventable with good oral hygiene habits and regular dentist visits. If you experience tooth decay, you are not likely to notice any symptoms until it progresses to the point of cavity formation or until the tooth becomes infected. At this point, you’ll likely head to the dentist’s office with a toothache.
If you delay dental care for tooth decay, your symptoms will continue to worsen. You’ll likely experience sensitivity to hot or cold beverages, and you might notice a worsening pain—particularly when chewing or drinking. You may also notice pits in the tooth enamel, which indicate the presence of cavities. Sometimes, tooth decay leads to the formation of an abscess, which results in the accumulation of pus around a tooth.
Avoid tooth decay with preventative dental care. Contact West Chester Dental Arts at (484) 881-3501 to schedule your dentist visit today. If you already have a cavity, we can offer cosmetic fillings.
Last updated 7 days ago
Dental anxiety is a common problem for many. You might experience a mild case of nerves before heading to your dentist appointment, or you might feel a full-blown panic attack and decide to cancel the appointment altogether. Regain control over your emotional and oral health by using the following strategies to calm your anxiety.
Schedule a Consultation
You can overcome your dental anxiety if you know what to expect during the appointment. Schedule a consultation with your dentist before your treatment so you can share your concerns and discuss which aspects of dentistry bother you the most. For example, some people are upset by the noises of dental instruments. Your dentist can recommend strategies for overcoming these issues, such as bringing headphones and relaxing music.
Practice Stress Management
Prepare for your dentist visit by practicing stress management techniques. Set aside time each day to breathe deeply and meditate. You might also consider scheduling the dentist appointment directly after a yoga class so you feel more relaxed. Bring along a favorite book to read in the waiting area to take your mind off the appointment.
Get Plenty of Sleep
Remember to get plenty of sleep the night before your dentist visit. Sleep deprivation can worsen anxiety—particularly for those who are already under stress. Plan a relaxing evening and try to go to bed early.
Consider Sedation Dentistry
Sedation dentistry has helped many patients with dental anxiety successfully receive treatment. Talk to your dentist about whether sedation dentistry is a good choice for you. By opting for an oral sedative, you can have your treatment done in comfort, and will remember little of the experience. Sedation dentistry is especially effective for those who require extensive dental work.
At West Chester Dental Arts of PA, we proudly offer sedation dentistry to our patients. Learn more about our comprehensive range of dental care services by calling (484) 881-3501. You can also visit us on the Web for more information.
Last updated 13 days ago
It’s a common misconception that bad breath and halitosis are the same. Bad breath can occur from causes that are not directly related to the mouth. For example, diabetics may have a sweet-smelling mouth odor. Bad breath may also occur from lung or intestinal diseases. In contrast, halitosis refers to bad breath that is directly caused by an oral condition.
Watch this video to learn about the potential causes of halitosis. You’ll also learn about treatment options for common bad breath culprits, such as scaling and root planing treatment for periodontitis, or gum disease.
If you have bad breath, it could indicate a serious oral problem. Schedule a dentist visit right away. Call (484) 881-3501 to set up an appointment with West Chester Dental Arts of PA and ask us about our preventative care services.
