Here are some ways you as a parent can care for your child’s teeth and set him or her up for a lifetime of good oral hygiene!

Caring for Baby’s Teeth

• As soon as your child gets his or her first tooth, it’s time to start brushing using water.
• Now is also the time to schedule his or her first dentist appointment.
• Milk and juice contain sugars that can cause decay if they’re allowed to linger on a baby’s teeth, a condition known as baby bottle mouth. Wiping the teeth and gums with water on a daily basis will help remove the damage-causing bacteria.

Taking Care of a Child’s Teeth

• Be sure to supervise your child when he or she brushes, as you will likely need to help.
• Young children need only a pea-sized amount of toothpaste to brush. Make sure your child doesn’t swallow more toothpaste than necessary.
• Flossing can be especially difficult for small children. You will need to do this for them, or possibly find flossing tools that are easier for them to use.

The sooner you begin teaching your child about oral health care, the better. Help your child develop good habits early on by making flossing and brushing a regular and important part of your entire household’s routine.

Other Ways to Help

Beyond helping with brushing and flossing, a good way to improve your kid’s oral health is to help him or her develop a healthy attitude about going to the dentist. Even if going to the dentist makes you nervous, try not to project that fear onto your child.

• Set a good example by going to the dentist on a regular basis yourself, and he or she will likely grow up to continue regular visits.
• Limit sugary snacks and drinks. Instead, provide water, which will help wash away food particles and bacteria.

Taking care of your kid’s teeth doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. By simply developing a few good oral care habits at home, you can take excellent care of your child’s teeth long-term.

1. Decay is forming underneath the crowns of the bridge.

It’s harder to maintain good oral hygiene with a dental bridge, but it’s incredibly important to keep the surrounding teeth and gums free of bacteria. Rather than flossing normally, patients who have bridges need special tools to get food particles out from under the bridge. If the teeth that support the bridge become decayed, the bridge is likely to fail.

In this situation, we’ll likely need to replace the bridge and get rid of the decay. Oftentimes, the better alternative to replacing the bridge is to use dental implants, which replace missing teeth permanently.

2. The bridge looks unnatural.

Bridges are designed to replace missing teeth, not only to enable the patient to eat but also to improve the patient’s appearance. If a dental bridge looks unnatural because it doesn’t match the color of the rest of the teeth, or the crowns do not line up with the gum line, the patient is likely to feel disappointed and unconfident.

Bridges are an investment, so you deserve to love the way it looks.

In some cases, gum contouring can improve the appearance of the bridge. If the problem is that the bridge is whiter than the rest of the teeth, teeth whitening treatments can help even out the smile as a whole.

3. The bridge is ill-fitting.

Dental bridges need to fit perfectly to enable the patient to chew with ease and to avoid pain later. A bridge may become ill-fitting due to decay or a bad fit when the bridge was created.

We may be able to make your bridge fit better by working on the teeth that support the bridge, or we may recommend replacing the bridge. The bridge may fall out completely if decay is present. If this happens, we may be able to reattach it, but if it cannot be reattached, we can create a new, better-fitting bridge.

We understand how frustrating it can be to have problems with your bridge. Our office is committed to helping patients who are experiencing problems with their bridgework or other dental appliances. We’ll do whatever it takes to improve your appliance and your quality of life. If you’re struggling with your dental bridge, we encourage you to contact our office.

But with so many whitening products and services available, it can be difficult to know which ones will actually work for you and provide you with the results you’re looking for, and which ones will just be a waste of time and money.

It’s helpful if you know what to expect from using whitening products at home versus having your teeth whitened in a dentist’s office. Here, we explain the differences so you can make the best choice for you.

At-Home Whitening

There are a wide variety of at-home whitening products available, including trays, strips, toothpastes, and mouthwashes.

• The whitening products available in the drugstore can make a difference in your smile, but you should keep in mind that you’re not likely to achieve a smile that’s several shades whiter. For people who are looking to achieve only slightly whiter teeth rather than a bright white smile, whitening at home may be sufficient.
• Products that contain whitening ingredients may be good products to integrate into your daily routine if you want to counteract staining agents, such as coffee. It can’t hurt!
• Our cosmetic dentists can provide you with bleaching trays to use at home over time. However, you’ll need to be disciplined enough to use them as directed. Some patients find it easier to just undergo a whitening treatment in-office.

In-Office Whitening Treatments

If you want a whiter smile as quickly as possible, or if you want to significantly whiten your smile, in-office whitening is your best option.

Instead of the several days or weeks it takes to whiten with at-home treatments, professional whitening can whiten your teeth several shades in a single appointment. Whitening appointments generally last about an hour. You’ll leave with a noticeable difference in the shade of your teeth.

With in-office whitening, a strong whitening gel is applied to the teeth and then activated by a special light. There’s no need to do anything besides sit back and relax.

Some patients do experience some sensitivity following teeth whitening, but this is temporary and can be treated with an over-the-counter painkiller.

If you’d like a whiter smile but you’re not sure what would be the best option for you, the best thing to do is to schedule a consultation at Fixari Family Dental. Let our experienced cosmetic dentists help you determine the best way for you to get the smile you desire.

Problem 1: Tooth decay

How to avoid it: Tooth decay occurs when bacteria form a sticky film on your teeth called plaque. Plaque eventually hardens to become tartar, which eats holes (cavities) into the teeth. Limit your exposure to sugary foods and beverages, brush and floss regularly, and see your dentist every six months to avoid tooth decay.

Problem 2: Bad breath

How to avoid it: Besides limiting your garlic intake, the key to avoiding bad breath is to eliminate odor-causing bacteria in your mouth. Brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash can all go a long way toward freshening your breath. Don’t forget to brush your tongue, as well. If you’re still experiencing chronic bad breath, see a dentist for a more aggressive treatment plan.

Problem 3: Gum disease

How to avoid it: Brush and floss on a regular basis to remove bacteria from near your gums. If you notice symptoms of gingivitis, the beginning stage of gum disease, be sure to see your dentist right away. These may include bleeding gums, pain, and swelling, among other symptoms. The key is to catch gum disease early, while it can still be treated.

Problem 4: Bruxism (teeth grinding)

How to avoid it: Teeth grinding can lead to several problems, including headaches, heavy wear, and sometimes broken teeth. Using a mouth guard will provide a barrier between your top and bottom teeth to prevent you from grinding down your teeth at night. Reducing your stress levels can also reduce the amount of teeth grinding you do.

Problem 5: Stained or discolored teeth

How to avoid it: Teeth can become discolored due to age or genetics, but often it’s due to lifestyle choices. Dark beverages such as coffee, tea, cola, and red wine are staining agents, so avoiding or limiting them (or using a straw) can help prevent tooth discoloration. Avoid tobacco use as well, and be sure to practice good oral hygiene.

Don’t wait until you’re experiencing a painful dental emergency to begin taking care of your teeth and gums. Good oral hygiene and regular dental appointments can go a long way toward preventing serious oral health problems.

Your teeth or gums may be to blame. Once you understand what’s causing your bad breath, you can move on to treating it.

Are your teeth causing bad breath?

Bad breath is caused by lingering bacteria. When food particles aren’t removed after you eat, the bacteria will multiply quickly and cause a foul-smelling odor. That’s one reason flossing is so important – there are areas in your mouth a toothbrush cannot reach, and when particles are left behind, bad breath results.

Bad breath can also be a sign of decay. If you are experiencing chronic halitosis, you may have a cavity that is allowing particles to enter and rot.

Are your gums causing bad breath?

Bad breath can also be a symptom of gum disease. When bacteria is allowed to form plaque and enter your gums, pockets of infection develop.

• Infection anywhere in your body can create a foul odor, and your gums are no exception.
• Once the bacteria have entered the gums and gum disease has developed, it’s impossible to take care of the situation yourself.
• You’ll need to undergo treatment with a periodontist to restore the health of your mouth.
• If you are experiencing symptoms such as bleeding, swollen, or painful gums, gum disease may be the cause of your bad breath.

Finding a Fix for Bad Breath

Maintaining good oral hygiene is the key to keeping your breath fresh. This means brushing at least twice a day, flossing, and drinking plenty of water to keep bacteria flushed out of your mouth.

• If you’re still experiencing bad breath despite practicing good oral hygiene, talk to your dentist.
• Something else may be causing your bad breath, and it’s important to figure out what that is.
• We can also provide you with a bad breath kit to help get your breath smelling fresher.

Bad breath can be an embarrassing problem, but don’t let that prevent you from seeking treatment. With good habits and perhaps some extra help from your dentist, you can get your breath smelling fresh once again.

Why does tooth discoloration happen to only one tooth?

Without a dental exam, it’s hard to know why one of your teeth is more discolored than others. There are two possible explanations:

• The tooth is stained.
• The tooth is dead.

The good news is that there are effective treatments available in either case.

Treating a Stained Tooth

Sometimes, a tooth may appear more discolored than the surrounding teeth because it has become stained. Tooth staining can occur due to the foods and drinks we consume and certain medications we take. If one tooth is slightly discolored, it may simply mean the tooth has a stain.

We offer in-office and at-home whitening and stain treatments to help your tooth match the rest of your smile.

Treating a Dead Tooth

When a tooth is “dead,” it means the nerve inside the tooth has died. A dead tooth often has a darkened, gray or black appearance. It’s important to receive treatment for the dead tooth because the space inside the tooth where the nerve used to be can become infected easily.

• The best treatment for a dead tooth will depend on the appearance of the tooth, as well as how long the tooth has been dead.
• In some cases, if the tooth has only been dead a short amount of time, it can be saved with a root canal. This procedure removes the dead nerve and bacteria before they can cause a serious, painful infection, and a cap is placed over the tooth to provide strength and make the tooth more natural-looking.
• In other cases, the tooth may be pulled. However, we aim to keep as much of your natural tooth structure as possible, so this is a decision that is never made lightly.

In short, having a discolored tooth is no reason to panic – but it IS a reason to go see your dentist. If you are concerned about your smile for any reason, why wait? Let us help you find a good solution that will improve your smile. Contact either of our offices (Columbus or Canal Winchester) and schedule an appointment.

When your teeth do not line up properly, you may have trouble chewing thoroughly and speaking clearly, and you may experience TMJ pain. An uneven bite is a common problem, but it is one that should be taken care of promptly to avoid further problems down the road.

Types of Uneven Bites

A misaligned bite can be caused by a wide range of problems, known as malocclusions. Some of the most common are:

• Overbite (front upper teeth significantly overlap lower teeth)
• Underbite (lower teeth are in front of the front upper teeth)
• Crossbite (one or more of the teeth grows in overbite or underbite fashion)
• Openbite (upper and lower teeth are pushed out so that they do not meet)

What Causes an Uneven Bite?

The causes of an uneven bite vary depending on the individual case; sometimes the patient’s habits, such as thumb sucking, can lead to bite issues. Other times, it can be hereditary. Whatever the cause, there are treatment options that will effectively take care of your bite.

Treatment Options for a Misaligned Bite

For many patients, orthodontic braces can be used to shift the teeth into their proper places and correct the bite problem. Treatment may also include additional appliances to achieve the desired result.

In some cases, the patient may need to undergo oral surgery to correct a misaligned bite.

Benefits of Correcting an Uneven Bite

• Choosing to fix your bite comes with several benefits, making it well worth the time and effort of undergoing treatment.
• Correcting the bite often helps the patient feel more comfortable with his or her appearance.
• Choosing treatment is key to avoiding damage to the teeth. When teeth do not line up properly, uneven wear is placed upon certain teeth. Correcting this problem keeps teeth healthy.
• For patients with TMJ disorders, correcting bite problems can alleviate pain and discomfort.

As you can see, correcting uneven bites is a fairly common dental treatment that can have many benefits for your health and well-being. We encourage you to schedule an appointment with our office. Let our trained dentists help you improve your quality of life!

Some of our doctors and hygienists will be traveling to local schools sharing thier motivating messages to children in our Columbus community.

The children will learn about what to expect during a visit to the dentist, who they will meet, what it will feel like, and how much fun it can be.

If you would like more information, or would like a visit to your school, please call Ashley Dingess, or any Fixari Family Dental team member at 614-866-7445.

Keep a spare toothbrush!

As the cold and flu season decends up on us, we often overlook ways to help ourselves and our families stay healthier.

Continuing to use the same toothbrush can prolong your illness. Keep a spare!

Here some times to help reduce these germs:

- Allow your toothbrush to air dry after each use.  Harmful bacteria generally don’t like oxygen.

- Wash your hands before and after brushing

- Store toothbrush upright to keep moisture away

- Consider running brush through the dishwasher from time to time

- Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months.  Worn bristles don’t effectively clean your teeth and may cause damage.

Best wishes for a healthy cold and flu season.  As always, call us if you have questions or simply need a new toothbrush.  We are happy to send you one!

However, Invisalign is not for everyone. Our office understands that each patient is unique and will have his or her own needs and preferences when it comes to cosmetic dental treatment.

If Invisalign is not right for you, rest assured, we will find a suitable treatment for you that will straighten your teeth and create a smile you will love.

Why Invisalign May Not Be Right For You

Though there are many reasons to choose Invisalign, there are also reasons it may not be the best choice for an individual. These include:

• Invisalign is more expensive than traditional braces or other treatments. For adults who are on a budget, for families, or for people who simply do not want to invest a significant amount of money into a cosmetic procedure, Invisalign may simply be out of their price range.
• Invisalign is not a good treatment option for children. In order for Invisalign to be effective, the patient must follow his or her treatment plan closely, wearing the aligners at least 22 hours per day. Most children simply are not ready for that responsibility.
• Depending on your individual case, you may not be a good candidate for Invisalign. During your consultation, we’ll let you know whether Invisalign is likely to work for you.
• If you are an adult who would prefer an orthodontic treatment you don’t have to think about, Invisalign is not for you. Patients who wear Invisalign must remember to wear them at all times when they are not eating or brushing and flossing. Some patients find that traditional braces, which cannot be removed, give them the freedom to not have to worry about their treatment. Others find that a method outside of braces and Invisalign will best suit their needs.

Options Other Than Invisalign

You certainly are not limited to choosing Invisalign if you want to straighten teeth that are crooked, gapped, or crowded. Here are some other options that may be better for you.

• Traditional braces: For many people who have crooked teeth, traditional braces are an ideal treatment option. Metal brackets are attached to the teeth and joined by a metal wire that will pull the teeth into their proper locations. Metal braces do not carry the same responsibilities as Invisalign because they cannot be removed by the patient, a feature many patients find to be beneficial.
• Orthodontic appliances: Depending on the movement necessary to correct your smile, we may be able to provide you with an orthodontic appliance that will straighten your teeth without the full-on expense of Invisalign or metal braces.
• Porcelain veneers: Some patients want straighter smiles, but they don’t want to suffer through the discomfort, inconvenience, and time commitment associated with orthodontic treatment. For these patients, porcelain veneers may be an excellent option. Porcelain veneers disguise crooked teeth rather than straightening them. Thin layers of translucent porcelain are attached to the fronts of the crooked teeth, giving the appearance of a perfectly straight time. Veneers enable patients to choose exactly how their smiles will look after treatment, which makes them an attractive choice. This cosmetic treatment can last a decade or more with good care.

At Fixari Family Dental, we aim to provide patients with the right treatments that will match their preferences and lifestyles. If Invisalign is not right for you, we can find a treatment that is.

Contact our office (located in Columbus and Canal Winchester) to schedule your consultation with Dr. Shayne Fixari or any of our other exceptional cosmetic dentists to discuss your options for correcting your crooked teeth.