Good habits can be hard to develop….

… Bad habits can be hard to break.

Proper oral hygiene definitely falls into the “good” category. Knowing its benefits – a bright smile, and potential tremendous savings in pain and expense – brushing and flossing hopefully isn’t too difficult of a habit to learn.

Still, learning a good habit is one thing. Learning it correctly can be quite another.

Brushing teeth, for example, isn’t just scrubbing inside one’s mouth. Good tools and technique are essential to getting teeth clean. Gum health comes into play, too.

Using fluoride toothpaste is a smart start. Fluoride helps protect teeth from decay. Wondering if you’ve got the right stuff? Look for the American Dental Association Seal on the package.

Recent years have seen an avalanche of new specialty toothpastes for different conditions (such as sensitivity) or purposes (whitening). The ADA Seal is a reliable indicator of which ones to use.

A soft brush is important for brushing teeth, as is a soft touch. Brushing too hard or vigorously can harm gums. If gums are bleeding, or toothbrushes get worn down quickly, dial back the enthusiasm a bit. Food particles on teeth that are brushed regularly – as Dr. Hoffmann hopes yours are – tend to be loose and are removed easily.

Thorough tooth-brushing should take two minutes. Don’t forget to clean the entire area of all teeth – outside surface, chewing surface and inside surface – with a gentle vertical sweeping motion. Use an up-and-down stroke on the inside surfaces of front teeth.

The tongue can be a breeding ground for bacteria and bad breath. Brushing its surface helps complete the freshening and cleaning process for your entire mouth.

Given the number of meals and snacks that most people consume, brushing twice a day is highly recommended. Staying ahead of plaque buildup prevents many, many problems later. An objective observer might even say that diligence in brushing teeth is an easy habit to fall into.

We Aren’t Born with Brushing Skills

Anyone familiar with oral health has heard the old maxim “Brush and floss daily.” It’s easy to say, and is almost a cliché.

But what does it really mean? 

We aren’t born with tooth brushing skills, nor some innate knowledge on how to floss. Both are learned, along with many other habits to keep our teeth and gums healthy. 

The tools we use are also important. A worn-out toothbrush will not clean well. A fluoride mouth rinse might help prevent tooth decay, but which rinse? 

The target in daily oral care is plaque, the sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth and gums. Many foods we eat spur plaque to produce acids, which attack tooth enamel. Extended exposure to these acids causes tooth decay. 

In addition, plaque that is not removed by daily brushing or cleaning hardens into tartar, which has to be scraped from teeth during a cleaning at the dentist’s office. If you don’t enjoy lengthy visits to the dentist, this is another reason to brush and floss daily! 

A soft-bristled brush is best for removing plaque, topped with some fluoride toothpaste. Toothbrushes should be replaced every three to four months, or earlier if frayed. Rinsing a brush after use cleans off debris that can harbor bacteria. 

Sharing a toothbrush isn’t a good idea, as this can transfer unhealthy microorganisms between people. Toothbrushes should be left uncovered after use to dry out – a moist environment encourages growth of microorganisms. 

Consumers have a tremendous variety of toothbrushes and toothpastes to choose from. Some brands advertise heavily, claiming to get your mouth cleaner and fresher than their competitors. When in doubt, the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal reassures that a product has met specific criteria for safety and effectiveness. 

Next month we’ll dig into the techniques for sound brushing and flossing. Dr. Hoffmann wants to see you every six months for a checkup, but also wants to be sure you’re doing the right things in between your time togethe

Good Brushing Habit Start at a Young Age

If good habits indeed start at a young age, a child’s primary (or “baby”) teeth offer a fertile training ground. 

Children learn by both example and doing. Early instruction on taking care of their primary teeth can create habits leading to a lifetime of good oral health. 

As soon as a child is old enough to spit and not swallow toothpaste, parents can begin brushing their primary teeth with a pea-sized dollop of toothpaste. Usually this begins after the child’s second birthday. Dr. Hoffmann can offer guidance about the type of toothpaste to use. 

Parents should brush their child’s teeth until they are 6 years old. By this age, if not earlier, the child will want to do it themselves. The opportunity is ripe to teach them how – and how often – to brush. Don’t pass it up! 

Brushing with water – no toothpaste – can begin as soon a child’s primary teeth emerge. Another good habit is to encourage children to drink from a cup by their first birthday. Prolonged use of a training (or “sippy”) cup can affect development of early teeth. 

Bottles are a staple of raising babies. However, filling them with sugar water, juice or soft drinks can continually bathe a child’s young teeth in damaging substances. Sticking to formula, milk or breast milk is a smarter approach. Infants should finish their bedtime and naptime bottles prior to sleeping. 

For overall health reasons – not just dental – introducing children to a healthy diet early can reap long-term benefits. Vegetables, fruit and whole grains are staples. Sweets should be limited to mealtimes. 

Granted, “baby” teeth don’t stay around very long. Usually all are replaced with permanent teeth by age 12. In many ways, though, primary teeth set the stage for healthy, properly-positioned permanent teeth. As importantly, they can help teach the practices to keep those teeth “permanent” for a long, long time.

If a Baby Doesn’t Have Any Teeth, There’s No Reason to Worry, Right?

Parents of new children have a lot on their mind – babies don’t come with instruction manuals, after all. Tooth decay probably isn’t a primary concern. If a baby doesn’t have any teeth, there’s no reason to worry, right? 

Wrong. The plaque that harms new teeth – which generally show up around 6 months of age – starts growing with a child’s first feeding. Sticky bacteria film can build into an “unwelcoming” party for an infant’s first teeth. 

Most parents are extremely conscious of their young children’s health. The first steps in oral health care should occur in a baby’s first few days of life. Feeding, for example, can leave residual food that gets plaque started. Wiping a baby’s gums with a clean gauze pad afterward removes any leftovers. 

Believe it or not, tooth decay in very young children is often passed from a mother or caregiver. For a variety of reasons, adults sometimes put a pacifier or feeding spoon in their mouth. Their saliva, containing cavity-causing bacteria, is left on the implement. This destructive bacteria gets a direct transfer when placed in the child’s mouth. 

Diminishing this risk is a matter of common sense. Parents can avoid licking pacifiers or holding the child’s spoon in their mouth. Improving oral hygiene in the adult will benefit both them and their child. 

Liquids containing sugar are another mortal enemy of young teeth. Sweetened water and fruit juice are common culprits. Milk, breast milk and formula can be troublesome. Practices such as putting a baby to bed with a bottle, or using a bottle as a pacifier, can allow lengthy exposure of sugary liquids to a child’s teeth. 

Pacifiers should never be dipped in sugar or honey to entice a child. If your child resists taking a pacifier, Dr. Hoffmann can offer possible solutions to keep everyone happy. 

Primary (or “baby”) teeth are temporary, when compared with the entire length of one’s life. Lasting usually no longer than 12 years, they still play an important role in the foundation of oral health. Taking care of these teeth is hopefully as much a priority for parents as anything else the doctor might order.

Keeping the Tooth Fairy Busy

As a young child, certain mythical beings seem as real as anything we can touch. And why not? Santa Claus leaves presents under the Christmas tree. The Easter Bunny bestows colored eggs and sweet treats. The proof of their existence seems sufficient.

Eventually we outgrow these beliefs. The Tooth Fairy is a similar casualty. Introduced to children when they start losing their primary or “baby” teeth, usually around age 6, the Fairy’s balloon of belief is usually popped well before the last tooth falls out. A 12-year-old dismissed the Tooth Fairy long ago. They’re still happy to find money under the pillow, though.

The “baby” teeth that loosen and come out are quickly forgotten. Yet these teeth play a big role in establishing early oral health. Their care is as important as that of the permanent teeth which replace them.

Babies are born with 20 primary (or “baby”) teeth in their gums. These teeth begin to appear between six months and a year. The “teething” process can cause sore or tender gums in children, and sleep deprivation in parents from the resulting wails.

Primary teeth fill several roles. They help children chew and speak. They hold space in the jaws for the permanent teeth growing beneath. Most children have a full set of primary teeth by age 3.

A primary tooth lost prematurely opens a gap where surrounding teeth can shift into. Spacing becomes an issue. Problems with crooked or crowded teeth can result when adult teeth start to emerge.

The American Dental Association recommends a dental examination within six months of a child’s first tooth, and no later than age 1. Dr. Hoffmann is always glad to see your young children, and wants to get them started on a lifetime of good oral health.

Our upcoming posts will examine the care of primary, or “baby” teeth, in children. While temporary in nature, their development sets the stage for your child’s permanent replacements. Starting care early can make all the difference.

Click…Pop…A Pain in the Jaw

Speaking and eating are part of our everyday lives. We use our jaws more than we think. Given this reality, complications from the condition called “TMJ” can be a literal pain.

As noted in our last post, TMJ has become an all-encompassing term referring to problems of the jaw joint. The acronym actually is short for temporomandibular joints, the complex system of bones, muscles and ligaments that control jaw movements.

Given all the parts that make up these joints, their most common problems – pain, clicking, popping or difficulty moving – could have many causes.

The first treatment step is a thorough examination of the muscles, teeth and jaw structure. Medical history can play into diagnosis. X-rays are often involved. Sometimes a “cast” is made of teeth to see how the upper and lower sets fit together.

Usually only minor, non-invasive treatment is needed for TMJ. Stress-relieving exercises might be prescribed. A mouth protector can prevent teeth grinding while sleeping. Therapeutic orthodontics are employed if necessary.

For more serious cases, medication or surgery might be involved. Dr. Hoffmann starts with the most conservative options, advancing the level of treatment only gradually and with his patient’s full knowledge of the process.

If you experience pain or other jaw problems, don’t suffer in silence. Tell Dr. Hoffmann today and get started toward a more comfortable future. Few of us probably plan to quit speaking or eating – what more is there to say, literally?

Is That Clicking Sound Your Phone or Your Jaw?

We all know the old joke about someone’s jaw being sore from talking too much. Perhaps we know someone for whom this could actually be possible, as well …

But what if your jaw really is sore, or you hear clicking or popping noises when opening your mouth? Chances are it’s not from being overly verbose. It could be a symptom of “TMJ,” an acronym that commonly refers to problems of the jaw joint.

Officially, TMJ is an abbreviation for temporomandibular joints. These joints are located on both sides of the head, and are a ball-and-socket system that controls jaw movements connected with chewing and speaking. Several muscles and ligaments get in on the action, too.

TM joints are complex. Anything that interferes with their many connected parts can cause pain, sounds and other physical symptoms. Think sticking a metal rod into a gear system as a mechanical equivalent.

Pain in different areas – neck, ear, jaw, face or headaches – can be linked to TMJ problems. Popping or clicking, or inability to fully open or close the mouth, are symptoms. Teeth grinding can cause TMJ, so worn teeth or toothaches are indicators.

Injuries to the jaw or its surrounding muscles factor into TMJ problems. Diseases such as arthritis can play a role. Other demonstrated connections are jaw clenching, poor posture, high stress levels and aging.

Do any of these conditions sound familiar? You don’t have to live with TMJ pain or other related irritations. Dr. Hoffmann can help make these a part of your past. Our next post will examine the process of treating TMJ.

Saying goodbye to TMJ problems? Now that could be something worth talking about.

Whiten Your Teeth with Dr. Edward Hoffmann, DDS

After careful consideration, you’ve made the decision: You’re going to whiten your teeth.  

Hopefully you consulted with Dr. Hoffmann (or another dentist) for guidance about the process. If not, it’s smart to do so. When it comes to your health, everything should be considered. Knowledge is power! 

Moving forward, your next decision is about the whitening procedure itself. At home? Or in the dentist’s office? 

The latter is the quickest method. The dentist applies a bleaching agent to your teeth and shines a special light on them to activate the agent. You just sit back and relax for an hour. After all is finished, you might not recognize your own smile! You’ll agree it’s the most amazing 60-minute transformation you’ve ever experienced. 

In-office whitening isn’t for everyone. Some people just don’t have the time. Occasionally an existing health condition precludes the process. In these cases, a take-home whitening kit can produce a similar bright, dazzling smile.

Teeth whitening at home uses a mouthguard that is filled with gel and worn over the teeth. Depending on the whitening product, the procedure might involve just a few nights of wearing the mouth tray, or possibly longer than a week. As with any other treatment or medication, it’s very important to know the guidelines and follow them closely.

Dr. Hoffmann is pleased to offer the Zoom! whitening system. Teeth whitening is available either in his office or as a take-home kit. He has treated many patients with the Zoom! system, and is confident it can transform your smile, as well. 

Teeth whitening is a cosmetic procedure and, as such, will never take the place of a dedicated oral hygiene program. Brushing, flossing and regular dental checkups can ensure that your smile is always ready. Whether you choose teeth whitening or not, having a lively, welcoming smile can help take you far in life.

Lights, Camera – Smile!

If you’ve ever watched celebrities walk the “Red Carpet” at the Academy Awards or elsewhere, you might notice one commonality: Almost all have bright, white smiles that nearly blind the camera. 

This isn’t by accident. If the dress or jewelry they’re wearing costs thousands of dollars, they want a smile to match. 

Chances are the shining whiteness of their teeth isn’t natural, though. It’s the result of a cosmetictreatment. And, unlike some elements of celebrities’ lives, this one is common and available to the average person. 

Teeth whitening products and treatments are everywhere. Many can be purchased over the counter (OTC). Others are administered in a dentist’s office, or dispensed by a dentist for at-home use. 

Teeth whitening is achieved by two means: Using products that contain peroxide or bleaching agents, or with whitening toothpastes. 

Bleaching products actually change the color of tooth enamel. They use different levels of peroxide, depending on the desired teeth whiteness. When buying an OTC whitening product, look for the American Dental Association Seal, which certifies that the ADA has found it to be safe. 

Similarly, the ADA Seal can be found on many whitening toothpastes. Rather than changing tooth color, whitening toothpastes brighten teeth by removing surface stains. Polishing or chemical agents in the toothpastes do the work. 

Teeth whitening is not completely without side effects. Teeth sensitivity or gum irritation can occur with the bleaching processes. Any problems are usually short-lived. 

Teeth whitening is not guaranteed, either. Much depends on the color of teeth when starting. Yellowish teeth are the best candidates for whitening. Brownish teeth usually bleach less well. Grayish teeth might not respond to the treatment at all. Tooth fillings are unaffected by whiteners. 

Dr. Hoffmann can advise about whether you are a candidate for teeth whitening and, if so, which approach would work best. After all, he wants your teeth to be bright and attractive, just like you do!

Show Off Your Smile!

A bright smile brightens the world – isn’t there an old saying to that effect? It must be true, or teeth whitening treatments wouldn’t be as popular as they are. 

Given a choice, anyone would prefer clean white teeth to discolored or stained teeth. Maintaining a set of pearly whites isn’t easy, though. 

A variety of forces conspire to discolor teeth over time. Age, foods, smoking and lack of dental hygiene all play a role. The results can leave teeth darkened and dingy. 

Bright white teeth don’t ensure good dental health, either. Symptoms such as bleeding or discomfort are obvious signs of lurking problems. 

Restoring that bright smile shouldn’t just be about cosmetic change. You don’t heal a sprained ankle by pulling a sock on it, right? Consider teeth whitening a chance to embark on a committed course of keeping your whole mouth healthy, if you aren’t already doing so. 

Given the plethora of teeth whitening products and processes available today, many people are unsure which one is right for them – or if they should even be considering it. 

Your dentist is a good place to start. Dr. Hoffmann can advise you on whether whitening is a good option and, if so, which procedure is best. Many are available and use different approaches to achieve the end result. Some are done in the dentist’s office and others at home. 

In our upcoming posts, we’ll take a closer look at teeth whitening and what you should know about the process. In the meantime, keep smiling!