Thumb-sucking is an ordinary habit in young children. It’s something that soothes them and makes them feel more secure, and it can even aid sleep. That being said, if it continues on for too long, or if the child sucks too aggressively, the habit can cause a number of dental problems. It’s important to note that this applies to pacifiers as well. For the most part, kids should stop sucking their thumbs or pacifiers no later than age 3. It
Usually, human beings will grow and lose 20 primary teeth early in our youth. As they fall out, we will usually grow 32 permanent teeth. That’s what’s typical, anyway. Were you aware that not everyone has 32 (or 28, if wisdom teeth are removed) permanent teeth? You may be one of these people. A developmental abnormality called hypodontia is commonly responsible. People with hypodontia will be lacking six or fewer teeth (missing more than 6 teeth is called oligodontia, and lacking
In our previous blog, we discussed some dental allergies patients may experience when they go to the dentist. In part two of this series, we will be discussing the other types of dental allergies that can occur. What is Contact Dermatitis? Sometimes, a latex allergy can actually be a form of contact dermatitis. When skin touches certain chemicals in soaps, perfumes, or makeup, it results in contact dermatitis. The symptoms of this reaction are dry, tingling, and inflamed skin. Contact
Am I Allergic to the Dentist? Ever skipped your dentist appointment and blamed it on your allergies to the dentist? In reality, there are patients who experience allergies when they visit the dentist. Many times it is the materials that the dentists use in their daily appointments. These materials include latex and other substances. It is important to voice any of these allergies before you arrive at your dentist appointment. What is a Latex Allergy? Latex allergies are due to
In the previous blog post, Dr. Clauson introduced the topic of teeth whitening and discussed the many factors as to why your teeth may become discolored. Once patients are aware of why their teeth are discoloring, it is time to look into which teeth whitening method is right for you: In-Home System: In-home whitening systems will differ from dental office to dental office. These systems generally use a whitening gel along with custom made trays to place the whitening gel.
Smiling is nonverbal communication that we use to express our emotions. We notice if someone’s pearly whites are not so white anymore. Cosmetic dentistry has been on the rise recently to restore the brightness and shine to one’s mouth through noninvasive procedures. There are many different options when it comes to teeth whitening procedures. The most important step before getting them done is to understand why your teeth are discolored, to begin with. Listed below are the most common reasons
The most effective method of fighting cavities is to floss and brush at least twice a day, but occasionally it can be hard to reach the entire surface of your teeth. This is especially true in the case of our molars, which reside in the deep depths of our mouths and act as a shelter for leftover food and bacteria. The good news is, dentists like Dr. Clauson offer sealants, which are thin, plastic coatings that are attached to your
Most patients understand the importance of receiving regular visits to the dentist. That being said, dentophobia (fear of the dentist) can prevent some patients from receiving the care they need. Neglecting this care can cause serious health conditions, like tooth decay and gum disease. That’s why, for those who are nervous about being in the dental chair, Dr. Clauson offers sedation dentistry. Sedation dentistry is a relaxing alternative for patients who feel anxious about their dental visits. It puts apprehensive
Recently, you may have noticed a rise in the appeal of electric toothbrushes. But are they actually better at cleaning than a manual toothbrush? Dental professionals and researchers concur that a traditional toothbrush could provide the exact same cleanliness that a powered toothbrush can…but only if it’s used properly. This means being very attentive with how you brush and being sure you do it for the full two minutes, two times a day—something only a few very diligent people are
It’s family night. You and your loved ones are gathered around your television, watching a movie and eating popcorn. You reach into the community bowl, pop a piece of popcorn into your mouth, bite down on a kernel and chip your tooth. What should you do when you have a chipped tooth? Well, the first thing you should do is rinse with warm water to clean your mouth. Then you should apply a cold compress to the face to reduce