Mouth guards are an essential piece of protective gear for children who play sports. Sports-related dental injuries can be serious, painful, and costly to treat. In fact, according to the American Dental Association, athletes who don’t wear mouth guards are 60 times more likely to experience dental injuries. This is why it’s important to make sure your child wears a mouth guard when playing sports.

Mouth guards are designed to absorb shock and protect the teeth, lips, cheeks, and tongue from injury during sports. They can help prevent broken teeth, knocked-out teeth, and cuts or bruises to the mouth. They can also prevent concussions by reducing the impact of a blow to the jaw.

There are different types of mouth guards available. Stock mouth guards are pre-formed and ready to wear, but they may not fit well and can make it difficult to breathe or speak. Boil-and-bite mouth guards are made from thermoplastic material that softens in hot water and can be molded to fit the child’s teeth. Custom-fitted mouth guards are made by a dentist and provide the best fit and protection.

When choosing a mouth guard, it’s important to consider the type of sport your child plays, as well as the child’s age and size. Some sports, such as football, hockey, and wrestling, have a higher risk of dental injury than others, so a more protective mouth guard may be necessary. Younger children may need a smaller mouth guard that fits their smaller teeth and mouth.

In addition to protecting teeth, mouth guards can also improve performance by helping to stabilize the jaw and reduce muscle fatigue. They can also help athletes breathe better, which can improve endurance.

It’s important to make sure your child’s mouth guard fits properly and is in good condition. A mouth guard that is too loose or too tight can be uncomfortable and may not provide adequate protection. Mouth guards should be replaced if they become worn or damaged.

Overall, mouth guards are an important piece of protective gear for children who play sports. They can help prevent serious dental injuries and improve performance. Parents should encourage their children to wear mouth guards and help them choose the right type and fit. By taking these precautions, parents can help ensure that their children stay safe and healthy while playing sports. For more information on how you can keep your child’s smile safe while playing sports, contact our dental office to schedule a consultation. 

Brushing your teeth is a vital step in maintaining good oral health. However, is there such a thing as over-brushing? 

The American Dental Association recommends you brush your teeth for 2 minutes, twice a day. People sometimes brush after every meal, or brush midday to freshen up. Although this is not always a bad thing, when you start brushing too much or for too long, you can ultimately damage your teeth. 

Brushing more than three times a day, and for longer than 2 minutes, can sometimes lead to your tooth enamel wearing down as well as cause damage to your gums. Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the human body and helps fight against tooth decay. Over-brushing can damage this shield and cause teeth to become sensitive and prone to cavities. 

Practicing proper oral hygiene care at home is an important part of your overall oral health. However, being aware of how much is too much is equally important in keeping your smile healthy.  

Using the right kind of toothbrush helps prevent unnecessary enamel erosion. It is recommended you use a toothbrush with the ADA Seal of Acceptance. The Seal of Acceptance shows that: 

• All of the toothbrush components are safe for use in the mouth. 
• Bristles are free of sharp or jagged edges (a soft-bristled toothbrush helps prevent the wearing down of enamel). 
• The toothbrush can be used to provide a significant decrease in mild gum disease and plaque. 

Scheduling regular professional cleanings and exams with our dentist will keep your mouth healthy.  

Contact our office today to schedule a cleaning and comprehensive exam with our dentist. 

No time to brush or floss your teeth? When brushing or flossing isn’t convenient, you can still keep your mouth feeling fresh by eating certain foods. When you’re on the go or in a hurry, try grabbing one of these foods to munch on to help fight plaque and keep your teeth healthy.  

Cheese provides several benefits for your teeth, such as preserves and rebuilds tooth enamel, prevents plaque and balances your mouth’s acidity level. It also helps to produce saliva, which kills the bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum disease. 

Tea contains polyphenols, which slows the growth of bacteria associated with tooth decay and gum disease. It prevents the bacteria in your mouth from turning sugar into plaque. Tea also fights the bacteria that cause bad breath. 

Crunchy fruits and vegetables, such as apples, carrots and celery, require extra chewing which produces saliva. Saliva helps to neutralize bacteria that cause tooth decay. Also, chewing on naturally abrasive foods removes stuck food particles, massages gums and cleans between teeth. 

Vitamin-rich foods containing calcium and phosphorus can help keep tooth enamel strong and healthy. Acidic foods may cause tiny lesions on tooth enamel. Calcium and phosphate help redeposit minerals back into these lesions. 

Sugarless gum contains xylitol that helps to prevent plaque and aids in producing saliva. Chewing sugarless gum also keeps your breath smelling fresh. 

Raisins contain phytochemicals, which fights bacteria that causes tooth decay. Some compounds in raisins also affect the growth of bacteria that is associated with gum disease. 

Water is the best way to stimulate saliva, which is your body’s greatest defense against bacteria that cause plaque and cavities. If you can’t brush after eating, rinse your mouth with water to assist in preventing tooth decay. 

It is important to have a balanced diet for your oral and overall health. While these foods help to combat plaque buildup and tooth decay, no food can take the place of daily brushing and flossing. It is vital to continue your daily oral hygiene regimen and keep up with regular scheduled appointments with our Wausa NE dentist. Contact Family First Dental – Wausa today.

Toothpaste does a great job of cleaning teeth, but there are many other uses for toothpaste that you might not expect. The same ingredients that help polish our teeth can also soothe some common ailments, make items sparkle, and get rid of stains and pungent smells. Read these tricks on how toothpaste can do much more than leave your smile looking bright. 

Relieve irritation from bee stings and insect bites. Apply a small amount of toothpaste to the sting/bite to stop the itching and decrease any swelling. The toothpaste dries up the wound and helps it heal faster. 

Remove crayon and other marks from painted walls. Rub a damp cloth with toothpaste gently on the marked-up wall and watch the marks disappear. The best part is that it won’t remove the paint off the walls. 

Prevent mirrors from fogging. Rub toothpaste on the mirrors and wipe it off before your next shower. This will help you save time during your morning routine by not waiting for the mirror to clear up. 

Remove scuffs from dirty shoes. Apply toothpaste directly to the dirty or scuffed area, then scrub with a brush and wipe clean. Stubborn stains may require additional toothpaste or multiple applications to remove completely. 

Make silver jewelry and diamonds sparkle. Rub toothpaste onto jewelry and leave overnight. Wipe clean with a soft cloth in the morning. You can also shine diamonds by gently scrubbing them using a toothbrush, toothpaste and water. 

Remove scratches on DVDs and CDs. This technique works well on only shallow scratches and smudges. Apply a thin coating of toothpaste to the disc, rub gently and rinse clean. Repeat the process if there are many scratches. 

Decrease the size of a pimple. Apply toothpaste to the affected area at night before bed and wash it off in the morning. Toothpaste will dry out the area and speed up the healing process. 

Deodorize hands. Pungent foods, cleaning products and fragrances can linger on your hands no matter how many times you wash them. Try washing your hands using a small dab of toothpaste in addition to soap and water. 

Fill in small nail holes in walls. Squeeze toothpaste into the hole and use a putty knife to remove excess toothpaste. Let the toothpaste dry and your wall will look good as new. If needed, you can also touch up the paint. 

At your next dental appointment, be sure to tell our Wausa NE dentist how you decided to use toothpaste other than for your teeth! Contact Family First Dental – Wausa today.

Smiling is often described as the universal language of happiness. It is a simple gesture that can convey warmth, positivity, and openness. But did you know that smiling is also good for your health and well-being? In this blog, we will explore the reasons why smiling is good for you.

1. Reduces stress and anxiety

Smiling has been found to reduce stress and anxiety levels. When we smile, it sends a signal to our brain that everything is okay, and we can relax. Smiling triggers the release of endorphins, which are natural painkillers and mood elevators. Endorphins help reduce stress and anxiety levels and improve our overall mood.

2. Boosts the immune system

Smiling can also boost the immune system. When we smile, our body releases white blood cells, which help fight off infection and disease. Studies have shown that people who smile more often have a stronger immune system than those who do not.

3. Improves relationships

Smiling can help improve our relationships with others. When we smile, we are perceived as more attractive, approachable, and trustworthy. Smiling also helps build rapport and establish connections with others. People are more likely to respond positively to someone who smiles than someone who does not.

4. Increases self-confidence

Smiling can increase our self-confidence. When we smile, we feel more positive and self-assured. Smiling also helps reduce feelings of stress and anxiety, which can contribute to a lack of confidence. By smiling more often, we can boost our self-esteem and feel better about ourselves.

5. Enhances mood

Smiling can enhance our mood. When we smile, our brain releases dopamine, which is a neurotransmitter that is associated with pleasure and happiness. Dopamine helps improve our mood and gives us a sense of well-being. Smiling can also help alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety.

6. Improves productivity

Smiling can also improve our productivity. When we are in a positive state of mind, we are more motivated and productive. Smiling can help us stay focused and energized, which can lead to increased productivity and success.

In conclusion, smiling is good for you. It reduces stress and anxiety, boosts the immune system, improves relationships, increases self-confidence, enhances mood, and improves productivity. So, the next time you are feeling down, try smiling. Even if you do not feel like it, the act of smiling can have a positive impact on your well-being. Smiling is contagious, and it can spread happiness to those around you. So, keep smiling and spread joy wherever you go. Contact Family First Dental – Wausa today to schedule an appointment with our Wausa dentist. 

Periodontal disease ranges from a mild inflammation of the gum tissues to periodontitis, a major oral disease that can result in soft tissue and bone damage. Periodontitis is the leading cause of adult tooth loss in the United States.  

One of the major causes of gum disease is practicing poor oral hygiene habits. Daily brushing and flossing and regular professional exams and cleanings are essential to maintaining optimal oral health. When these practices are not followed, plaque can form on the teeth and along the gumline. If this plaque is not properly removed, it may harden over time and become tartar. Once that occurs, only a dental professional can remove the tartar from teeth. 

If gum disease is not treated in a timely manner, tartar may continue to build unchecked. When this occurs, the gum disease may advance to gingivitis. In this stage, gums redden, swell, and become prone to bleeding from normal activities, such as brushing or eating. Some other common symptoms include: chronic halitosis (bad breath), sensitive teeth, and difficulty or pain with chewing. At this point, professional periodontal treatment is needed to prevent the gingivitis from advancing to periodontitis. 

When gingivitis is not treated in time, it may become periodontitis. Periodontitis is the most advanced form of periodontal disease. With periodontitis, gums begin to pull away from the teeth, creating small “pockets” along the gumline. These spaces are highly difficult to clean without professional intervention and can lead to rapid worsening in overall oral health. Without prompt and thorough treatment, bone, gums, and soft tissues may be destroyed by periodontitis. 

Some of the most common factors that contribute to periodontal disease developing include poor oral hygiene habits, diabetes, smoking, and hormonal changes in women. Some medications can cause gum tissue to grow abnormally, which can increase difficulty in proper cleaning of the teeth. People who are receiving treatment for AIDS are also at increased risk of developing periodontal disease. 

Many recent studies have found that untreated periodontal disease may negatively impact other aspects of your overall health, especially for patients with cardiovascular disease or diabetes. Periodontal disease can also increase the risk of developing certain pregnancy complications, such as low birth weight or premature birth. 

Our Wausa dentist has the training and experience to diagnose and treat every stage of periodontal disease. If you have symptoms of periodontal disease, contact Family First Dental – Wausa to schedule a consultation. 

White spots on your teeth can be irritating and affect how you feel about your smile. The good news, however, is that they are preventable and rarely cause for concern. Here are things you should know about what causes white spots, how to prevent them, and what options are available should you already have them. 

What causes white spots on teeth? 

1.       Dental Fluorosis – This can happen when a child consumes or is exposed to too much fluoride during the development of their teeth. While undesirable, this is harmless and can happen before teeth even emerge. The most common cause of fluorosis in the US is the use or ingestion of too much toothpaste. 

2.       Poor Dental Hygiene – Forgetting to brush regularly can cause white spots to develop. 

3.       Braces – Wearing braces for an extended time can affect the coloration of your teeth and create white spots.  

4.       Acidic or Sugary Foods – These foods can damage your teeth as well as change the color of their enamel. Rinsing your mouth after you consuming acidic or sugary items can help negate these effects. 

How can I prevent them from appearing? 

Following a proper oral hygiene regimen is the best way to prevent white spots on teeth. Ensure your child uses the correct amount of toothpaste – children under 3 should use a smear the size of a rice grain, and children over 3 should not use more than a pea-sized amount. It is common for children to accidentally swallow or fail to spit out toothpaste, so be sure to supervise your child as they are learning. 

What are options for treatment? 

If you are already dealing with white spots, you have options. Whitening or bleaching can make the coloration of your teeth more uniform. Dental veneers can restore the entire appearance of your teeth, solving not just the problem of white spots. In some cases, topical fluoride or enamel microabrasion upon the white spots themselves can do the trick.  

Our Wausa NE dentist will recommend the optimal solution for treating white spots on your teeth. Contact Family 1st Dental of Wausa for a consultation today.

Discomfort and pain in your jaw, clicking while you talk or chew, and swelling on the sides of your face can be caused by Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD). TMD can make talking and eating both painful and uncomfortable. Our team understands how TMD can make your day a challenge. We’ve compiled a list of helpful tips for managing TMD discomfort, but also encourage you to schedule a visit to see us for a full evaluation. 

Finding Relief at Home 

If your jaw is swollen, try applying a cold compress to your face. We recommend holding the compress in place for about 10 minutes. If you are able, try a few gentle jaw stretches. After the cold compress, apply warm, moist heat to the same area. You can keep this warm compress in place for an additional 5 to 10 minutes.  

If your discomfort is particularly noticeable, try over-the-counter pain relievers such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or ibuprofen. If you find yourself taking pain relieving medications daily, please contact us immediately. 

The “Don’ts” of TMD 

Applying excess pressure to your jaw can make your TMD discomfort worse. Don’t use your hand as a rest for your chin, as doing so increases the amount of pressure and strain placed on your jaw. If you talk on the phone frequently, avoid holding the phone on your shoulder while bending your neck to keep it in place.  

Clenching your jaw and keeping your teeth tightly closed can also lead to a build-up of pressure in the jaw. During the day, try to keep your teeth from touching. By create a little space between your teeth, you will be relieving pressure from your jaw. 

Contact Us 

Our team is here to help you. Schedule a consultation with our Wausa NE dentist to learn more about the solutions available for people just like you dealing with TMD discomfort. We will provide a thorough examination to determine the best course of treatment for your TMD.  

Relief may be closer than you think. Contact Family 1st Dental of Wausa to learn more today.