Good Dental Hygiene Starts Early

Some people think that braces leave behind white spots on teeth. The truth isn't quite as black and white as that. If you've been holding off on getting braces because you're worried about this, then read on to discover what's really going on. What It Is Those white spots aren't actually stains or discolorations. They're sort of like baby cavities, where the enamel of the tooth has been worn away just a bit.

Experts recommend that the average person visit the dentist every six months for a checkup and professional cleaning. However, many people skip these appointments, either in an attempt to save money or because they simply don't like going to the dentist. If you haven't been to the dentist lately, you may not know what to expect. Knowing what will happen in advance can help you feel more at ease. Here are four things that will happen at your next dentist appointment.

It's not uncommon to be afraid of the dentist. Many people find the idea of dentist visits alarming, and no procedure is more dreaded than the root canal. However, the fear surrounding root canals is unfounded and mostly based in myths and hearsay. Root canal therapy is no more painful or frightening than any other dental procedure. Here are four things you can do to make sure your root canal treatment is as easy as possible.

You have an anxiety disorder, which by itself is something you have to live with and conquer every day. However, when you have to go to the doctor or the dentist, your condition can become even more worrisome. The dentist in particular can make you feel afraid because dental work can make you feel stressed and make your anxiety worse. If you have an anxiety disorder, your dentist needs to know.

If you're someone who enjoys drinking warm beverages, especially during the cooler months of the year, it may be tempting to reach for a cup of coffee or a mug of black tea. While there can be advantages of enjoying these beverages — the energy boost from their caffeine, for example — they can also have detrimental effects on your teeth. This doesn't mean that you can't enjoy a coffee or a tea from time to time, but it's ideal if you don't make these drinks a daily occurrence.

If you develop a dental abscess, consider it an emergency situation. A dental abscess is a severe tooth infection, and if not treated quickly, it can lead to severe health consequences. Here are some reasons your dental abscess is an emergency and what you can do about them: Purulent Drainage  A dental abscess usually drains a purulent discharge. This means that the discharge associated with an abscess contains bacteria-laden pus, raising your risk for a life-threatening infection known as sepsis.

You want to give your child the best possible start in life; this goal includes their dental health. To maximize the health of your child's teeth, here are a few habits to ditch as soon as possible. 1. Thumb Sucking or Pacifier Use Both thumb sucking and pacifier usage can be detrimental to your child's dental health. Though it's common for toddlers and babies to suck their fingers to self sooth, the constant sucking can interfere with the development of your child's mouth or alter the alignment of their teeth.