Dental Tips for Halloween

Dental tips for Halloween
  • Dental Tips for Halloween

Dental Tips for Halloween

There’s no disputing that Halloween  is loved by many. There’s a surplus of candy, fun costumes, and more. However, this might be a dental nightmare for the entire family.

Though candy is delicious, it can contribute to tooth decay. Luckily, there are a few simple methods to turn Halloween into an opportunity to teach your children about the significance of excellent oral hygiene. Below, our Bethlehem GA dentist shares some tricks to utilize when your kids get their hands on Halloween sweets, according to a family dentist:

1. Before Trick-or-Treating, Eat A Balanced Meal

To start, our Loganville dental office recommends eating a balanced meal for both children and adults. When people are hungry, they tend to make less healthful eating choices, regardless of age. Preparing a healthy, balanced meal for your child before a Halloween party or trick-or-treating will help them avoid overindulging.

2. Allow the children to choose what they want to keep.

Next, our pediatric dentist Bethlehem GA recommends getting rid of some of the candy.When you deny your kids the experience of trick-or-treating and collecting candy, it becomes even more attractive. Thus, they’re more likely to sneak into the kitchen for candy. Deprivation is not the best strategy to maintain a balanced diet, especially when discussing the dangers of eating too much sweets can help children quit bingeing.

In fact, Halloween is a fantastic time to discuss how reducing sugar and starchy foods can help prevent cavities. Additionally, this reduces the need for restorative dentistry such as fillings, and improve general health! Thus, our family dentistry in Bethlehem GA explains that when your children return from trick-or-treating or a Halloween celebration, look over their candy with them. Then, discuss which snacks they prefer and how much they should keep. Our friends over at Kissing Camels Family Dentistry, Colorado Springs dentist, gave an excellent tip. They detailed that some parents give their kids a few dollars to buy toys or books in exchange for the candy. 

3. Set aside time each day for treats.

Additionally, setting a time to have a treat each day is another pediatric dentistry tip that can help your child establish a good attitude toward sugary snacks and moderation in general. Looking forward to a specific time when they can eat a treat will help them think less about eating sweets throughout the day. Even building a reward system for excellent behavior, assisting with chores, and getting good grades in school might all lead to a tasty gift!

4. Establish an Oral Hygiene Routine

Brushing and flossing twice a day is essential for good dental health at any age—and we understand that the latter is a sensitive topic for many. Encourage your kids to brush their teeth around half an hour after they’ve had their treat, as well as in the morning and before night. Using a fluoride toothpaste and rinse developed for children can make brushing their teeth more fun and engaging for them, while also giving you peace of mind that their teeth are being safeguarded from decay.

Additionally, we recommend assisting youngsters under the age of eight with brushing and flossing; good oral health requires thorough brushing and flossing. Children over the age of eight should be supervised until they reach the age of adolescence. Brushing and flossing should be a well-established habit by then.

5. Dentist Tips for Making Brushing Fun

Halloween is also an excellent opportunity to purchase a new toothbrush for your child. Make it a fun affair by allowing your youngster to choose a toothbrush and toothpaste. Another excellent dental recommendation for families? Children are more likely to enjoy brushing and flossing their teeth when they like their toothbrush and toothpaste, so letting them choose their favorite superhero or Disney princess for their toothbrush is well worth the extra cost! Check your child’s toothbrush for damaged bristles on a regular basis; it should be replaced every three to four months for the optimum outcomes for their adorable grins.

Contact Gentle Dental Today for Pediatric Dentistry

If your child needs to book their second annual cleaning, after Halloween is a perfect time! Contact Gentle Dental today to get your child on our schedule. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Celebrating National Dental Hygiene Month

dental hygiene month - gentle family dentist bethlehem
  • Celebrating National Dental Hygiene Month

Happy Dental Hygiene Month!

It’s National Dental Hygiene Month in October! This month is special to us at our Bethlehem GA dentist office for a variety of reasons. The goal of National Dental Hygiene Month is to raise awareness about good behaviors that can help keep your teeth and gums healthy. Healthy teeth and gums can also indicate a healthy body as a whole.

What is Dental Hygiene Month?

In 2009, the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) introduced the month of October as National Dental Hygiene Month. The organization saw a need to focus on excellent oral health.

The organization focuses on the promotion of oral health and wellness, through interactions with the dental hygienist and through educational programs.

How Can You Keep Good Dental Hygiene?

Typically, October is a month associated with plenty of candy and sweet fall treats. Our Pediatric Dentist Bethlehem GA explains that trick or Treating candy hauls are the best part of Halloween, but you can work with them to monitor how much of it they eat. Here’s how you can enjoy this fun, holiday month and still keep optimal oral health for you and your children: 

  • Consider substituting Halloween candy for healthier, sugar-free choices. 
  • Be sure that you brush your teeth at least twice a day for at least 2 minutes, ideally after every meal. Particular after enjoying some of those less than healthy sweet delicious treats.
  • FLOSS.  Our Bethlem family dentist recommends you floss every day. There are some things that brushing alone simply can’t address. Flossing between your teeth can reach those difficult areas that brushing simply cannot get to. Our Bethlem family dentist recommends you floss every day.
  • Use an antibacterial mouthwash that is not alcohol-based. This will help to remove much of the plaque and bacteria in your mouth. This helps prevent gingivitis and tooth decay.
  • Chew sugar-free gum. The production of saliva can help in preventing cavities. If you can’t brush or floss between meals, Easton PA dentist, Dr. David Mogahadam recommends that you simply pop in a stick of your favorite sugar-free gum.

Each of these simple steps can help to keep periodontal disease at bay. Gum disease is the most common factor that impacts the loss of teeth in adults. It is estimated by the ADHA that as many as 75% of Americans are already living with some type of gum disease. Gum disease is closely linked to other illnesses that include diabetes, heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.

Reasons National Dental Hygiene Month is Important

Are you wondering just why it’s important to recognize October as National Dental Hygiene Month? 

It encourages parents and their children to focus on good oral health. No one likes to think of cavities and other tooth decay. Keeping up with your dental wellness routines can help to keep bacteria under control. Without good dental hygiene, you are increasing your risk of developing tooth decay and periodontal disease.

It’s a great reason to get a new toothbrush! Is there a better time of year to get a new toothbrush than Dental Hygienist Month? A soft-bristled toothbrush is a recommendation for most. But it’s important to speak to your dentist and dental hygienist about the type of toothbrush that is best to meet your dental care needs.

Contact our Family Dentist in Bethlehem GA Today

Be sure to get a new toothbrush for every member of the family. Children love being able to pick out their own toothbrushes, especially if they find one with their favorite superhero or character on. Is it time to schedule your six-month cleaning at our Loganville dentist office? No matter what type of dental services you need, you can always count on the Gentle Dental Group to deliver the best dental services possible. Contact us today to make your appointment.

Editor’s note: This post was originally published in October 2020 and has been completely revamped and updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness. 

Celebrate Tooth Fairy Day

Celebrate Tooth Fairy Day
  • Celebrate Tooth Fairy Day

Celebrate National Tooth Fairy 

Losing baby teeth is a huge step for our children. The minor discomfort associated with retrieving a loose tooth can be frightening for young children. However, the tooth fairy makes that exciting way more exciting for them. They get to exchange their baby tooth that they no longer need with a present from the ever-elusive tooth fairy.

National Tooth Fairy Day is here, so Dr. Hoang, the best dentist in Bethlehem GA, wanted to take the time to celebrate!

Celebrating National Tooth Fairy Day With Gentle Dental Group

At Gentle Dental Group, we understand how challenging it can be to implement strong oral hygiene habits with kids. Our dentist near Bethlehem GA recommends using the Tooth Fairy to do so. For example, talk to your children about how the tooth fairy wants to collect healthy teeth. Our Bethlehem GA dentistry recommends getting them excited about dental hygiene, and implement good practices with them. As follows, brush your teeth with the kids, get a fun toothbrush, and make these fun ideas become habits. 

The Origins of the Tooth Fairy

So, how did the tooth fairy start? Our dentist 30620 explains that whispers about the tooth fairy originated in the United States. However, they can be traced back to medieval Europe.

Children in England had to burn their newborn teeth to avoid suffering in the afterlife. They also removed their baby teeth because witches were considered to be able to influence you if they got a hold of them. Fortunately, none of this would come to pass.

Additionally, the tooth fairy as we know it did not exist until the 1920s. Esther Watkins Arnold released her playlet “The Tooth Fairy” in 1927, which popularized the tooth fairy among children across the country. This was not only a book about the tooth fairy, but it was also a book to encourage and remind youngsters to take care of their teeth and eat well. Since then, parents have told their children the tooth fairy fable to help them overcome their fear of losing their teeth because they are promised a small reward from our flying friend.

What You Should Do to Prepare for the Tooth Fairy

Everyone wants strong, healthy teeth. Thus, by brushing and flossing twice a day and limiting sugary foods and drinks, your child’s smile will shine brightly. Additionally, as we all know from losing our baby teeth, the tooth fairy rewards beautiful pearly whites handsomely.

If your child has lost his or her first baby tooth, tell them about the tooth fairy and assist them in hiding it under their pillow before going to bed. Who knows what surprises await them in the morning! 

Commemorate National Tooth Fairy Day

National Tooth Fairy Day is on August 22, and if your youngster loses a tooth in time, this celebration could be much more special.  We hope you can use the above tips and tricks to celebrate National Tooth Fairy Day with your youngsters! Contact Gentle Dental Group today for family dentistry. Follow us on Facebook here. 

When to Visit Your Dentist

When to Visit Your Dentist
  • When to Visit Your Dentist

When to Visit Your Dentist

You know that you should be seen by your Bethlehem dentist every six months for your regular professional cleaning. These visits are an important part of maintaining your dental wellness. They help to keep your teeth clean and free from gingivitis. Additionally, going to the dentist allows your dentist to conduct a quick examination of your teeth and gums so that any oral health concerns can be recognized and treated in their earliest stages. However, are there signs that tell you when to see your dentist?

There are some other signs that might be pointing toward it being the right time to make an appointment to be seen in our dentist office in Bethlehem, GA.

Toothache or swelling around the tooth

Anyone who is familiar with the pain of toothache knows just how miserable it can be. It can be tempting to just wait it out and see if it resolves on its own. However, the reality is that any sharp or continuous pain in a tooth is typically a sign that there is a deeper problem. If left untreated, the pain will get worse. Swelling may accompany the toothache, particularly around the tooth and the cheeks. This is most often a sign that you have an infection. Your emergency dentist in Bethlehem, GA will need to see you, evaluate the health of the tooth and gum, and determine the right course of treatment.

Inflammation on the gums

If your gums are sore, swollen, and red, this is a strong indicator that you have gum disease. If your gums bleed when you brush and floss, this is another sign of gum inflammation. In its earliest stages, gum disease can be treatable and often reversible. However, severe gum disease will require additional treatment. Your dentist may use an intraoral camera to show you exactly what they’re seeing. This will help you better understand the severity of your dental problems.

A professional dental cleaning and scaling will help to restore the health of your gums. Maintaining your regular six-month checkups and professional cleanings can go a long way towards preventing and managing gum disease. 

An injury or blow to the mouth

If you have had any type of trauma to your mouth, you will need to make an appointment to see your Bethlehem dental care experts. Trauma to the mouth and the teeth can often result in damage that is below the surface of the tooth and is not visible to the naked eye. It’s important to visit your trusted family dentistry in Bethlehem GA. If there is severe pain, this is your cue to visit an emergency dentist Bethlehem families can trust. Pain could mean that the damage has reached the nerve.

Seeing white spots on gums and teeth

Seeing white spots on teeth is one of the very first signs that there is decay on the tooth. White spots on the gums are also typically a sign of decay and infection. A visit to our gentle family dentistry Bethlehem patients rely on will address the decay and infection with the right treatment approach.

Don’t try to touch or remove white spots on gums. The infection may be within the root of the tooth. Your dentist will need to examine the area and take X-rays.

Sensitivity to temperature changes

Seeing your dentist near Bethlehem when you experience any type of sensitivity to hot or cold is important. While some patients may naturally have teeth that are more on the sensitive side, extreme discomfort, and pain to hot and cold could be pointing to a deeper issue. Decay or concerns with your gums or roots being exposed could be behind your sensitivity.

When to Visit Your Bethlehem Dentist

When you’re looking for a trustworthy dentist near Bethlehem GA, know that you can rely on us to meet your dental wellness needs. Whether you’re looking for a Bethlehem family dental office to meet the needs of each member of your family or you’re interested in dental implants Winder GA area patients can rely on us to be available when you need us.

How to Choose A Family Dentist

How to Choose a Family Dentist
  • How to Choose A Family Dentist

Choosing the Right Family Dentist For Your Family

Choosing the right dentist for your entire family is a big decision.  We all know it is extremely important to instill positive dental habits into your children when they are young. However, you may be wondering how to choose a family dentist that fits all of your needs.

At Gentle Dental Group, family dentistry in Bethlehem GA, we truly believe that everyone deserves an exceptional dental experience. This consists of gentle touch dentistry combined with compassion, great customer service, and high-quality dentistry.

Today on the blog, our Bethlehem dental care team shares a list of qualities to look for when choosing the right family dentist.

Positive Reviews

A guaranteed way to find the best dentist near Bethlehem, GA is to read each dentistry’s reviews. Reviews are an amazing way to hear directly about past and current patients’ experiences. 

When looking at reviews, it is important to take in what others are saying about the dentist, the team, the services, and the overall experience. If there are tons of positive patient reviews, you can feel confident booking an appointment with that dentist. Our team recommends looking at Google reviews, Yelp, and Facebook.

Qualifications & Experience

In order to operate as a dentistry, all dentists must receive the right qualifications and training. However, different dentistries can specialize in a number of skills, differentiating them from each other. 

Depending on what you are looking for in family dentistry, it is important to find out which qualifications each dentist has. Dr. Uyen Hoang recommends researching what each office specializes in. Additionally, you could even ask the staff members how long they’ve worked in the field. By doing your research and opening up this line of communication, you can easily detect the qualifications and experience your dentist has. 

Services Offered

In addition to positive reviews and qualifications, our team also recommends looking at the services each dentist offers. For example, does your dentist offer same-day appointments for emergencies? This service is a huge positive, as you never know what kind of dental emergency you could have. It is great to find dentistry that will be available when there is an emergency. 

Additionally, if you’re interested in more than just family dentistry, such as cosmetic options, it is important to research the services. Most dental offices will provide patient before and after photos so you can see the services on real patients. This can help ensure that you’re choosing the best dentistry possible. 

Overall Office Culture 

Lastly, we asked our friends over at Kissing Camels Dentistry, family dentist in Colorado Springs, CO, what else they recommend. Dr. Cody Boals and his team urges families to really look into each dentistry’s office culture. This is so important when choosing a dentist, especially for your children. Oftentimes, children are nervous or anxious about seeing a dentist, so you want to make sure you pick an office with a welcoming atmosphere. 

To learn more about office culture, we recommend checking out the social media and websites of the dentists. By learning more about the team, you can easily get a feel for the overall culture. You can check out what each practice values. Additionally, you can see how they differentiate themselves from other practices.

Family Dentistry in Bethlehem, GA

At Gentle Dental Group, we know how important it is to know how to choose a family dentist to ensure optimal oral health for years to come. By checking out the positive reviews, qualifications, services, and office culture, you can rest assured that you are making a wonderful decision for your family. 

If you’re looking for a family dentist in Bethlehem GA, look no further! Our team would love to do your family’s dental work. Contact Gentle Dental Group to set up an appointment.