Reading Dental Associates Blogs

What Is Pulp Therapy?The pulp of a tooth is the inner, central core of the tooth. The pulp contains nerves, blood vessels, connective tissue and reparative cells. The purpose of pulp therapy in Pediatric Dentistry is to maintain the vitality of the affected tooth (so the tooth is not lost).Dental caries (cavities) and traumatic injury are the main reasons for a tooth to require pulp therapy. Pulp therapy is often referred to as a "nerve ...

Pain is never something that should be ignored. If you are experiencing wisdom teeth pain talk to your dentist. And, even if you are not experiencing pain, talk to your dentist about monitoring the position of your wisdom teeth. Wisdom teeth removal is necessary for approximately 85% of adults—either because they have impacted wisdom teeth that are causing them problems or because the risk of complications is high. Many family dentistry experts...

Does Your Child Grind His Teeth at Night? (Bruxism)Parents are often concerned about the nocturnal grinding of teeth (bruxism). Often, the first indication is the noise created by the child grinding on their teeth during sleep. Or, the parent may notice wear (teeth getting shorter) to the dentition. One theory as to the cause involves a psychological component. Stress due to a new environment, divorce, changes at school; etc. can influence a...

When people begin researching the process of getting braces for their children or even themselves, they might hang their heads in frustration and wonder the same thing many of us have a hard time grasping, too–why are braces so expensive?!There are a number of factors that go into the price of braces, and while the price might seem steep at first, once you begin to look at everything it covers, it begins to become a bit easier to understand. In...

How To Prevent Cavities For Kids?Good oral hygiene removes bacteria and the left over food particles that combine to create cavities. For infants, use a wet gauze or clean washcloth to wipe the plaque from teeth and gums. Avoid putting your child to bed with a bottle filled with anything other than water. See "Baby Bottle Tooth Decay" for more information.For older children, brush their teeth at least twice a day. Also, watch the number of snacks...

Invisalign DentistMany adults don’t want to have their teeth straightened because they don’t want traditional braces. Those ugly metal wires and brackets are uncomfortable and take two or three years to deliver results.The good news is that there is another alternative. Invisalign invisible braces straighten teeth in about half the time of conventional braces. And one of the best parts is that from a conversational distance, no one will...

Dental problems for kids may arise suddenly. When a tooth becomes dislodged or broken, when debris becomes lodged between your child’s teeth, or when your child suffers from severe discomfort that you cannot alleviate, we offer emergency dentistry services. Your child’s best interest and comfort are always our top priorities.Toothache: Clean the area of the affected tooth. Rinse the mouth thoroughly with warm water or use dental floss to...

What Is The Best Toothpaste For My Child?Tooth brushing is one of the most important tasks for good oral health. Many toothpastes, and/or tooth polishes, however, can damage young smiles. They contain harsh abrasives, which can wear away young tooth enamel. When looking for a toothpaste for your child, make sure to pick one that is recommended by the American Dental Association as shown on the box and tube. These toothpastes have undergone...

Brushing tips for kidsStarting at birth, clean your child's gums with a soft cloth and water. As soon as your child's teeth erupt, brush them with a soft-bristled toothbrush. If they are under the age of 2, use a small "smear" of toothpaste. If they're 2-5 years old, use a "pea-size" amount of toothpaste. Be sure and use an ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste and make sure your child does not swallow it. When brushing, the parent should brush the...

Today’s technology has come a long way and patients have many choices when it comes to straightening their teeth.  A frequently asked question in our office is “Which is better option:  Invisalign or Braces?”Braces are made up of metal or ceramic brackets and metal wires.  A single bracket is affixed in an ideal position on each tooth.  A wire is then inserted through each bracket and this wire gently draws the...