Charles M. Marks, D.D.S. and Dental Associates

For More Information About Dental Care, Don't Forget To Check Out These Excellent Websites

Teaching your children about proper dental hygiene is one of the best ways to help them avoid health problems in the future. You can learn even more about pediatric and general dental care by taking a look at these excellent websites. To schedule your or your child’s next appointment with the dentists here at Dr. Charles Marks, D.D.S. and Dental Associates, call us today at (888) 803-3767.

• This WebMD article is a great resource for planning a diet that won’t discolor or damage your teeth.
• If your little one has a fear of the dentist, take a look at this helpful article from Parent Map to learn ways to calm his or her nerves.
• Don’t miss this article from Everyday Health to learn even more about providing your children with nutrient-rich meals to protect their smiles.
• Be sure to visit MouthHealthy.org to learn why it is essential for your young athlete to wear a mouth guard during sports.
• This article from the Academy of General Dentistry offers a guide to parents with infants on how to care for their dental health. 

Four Daily Habits that Dull the Brightness of Your Smile

If you notice yellowing or staining of your teeth, you may be surprised to learn the likely causes for this discoloration. Even dental patients who stick to their twice-yearly teeth cleaning schedule can develop discoloration as a result of common lifestyle choices. Here are four habits that dull the brightness of your smile:

Drinking Red Wine
Many adults enjoy a glass of red wine a few times during the week. Although wine has been shown to have several benefits, like reducing a person’s risk of certain cancers, this beverage can take a devastating toll on your teeth by eroding and staining the enamel. To avoid the need for frequent teeth whitening, rinse your mouth thoroughly with water after each glass.

Indulging Your Sweet Tooth
Dentists frequently see tooth decay and discoloration brought on by the frequent consumption of both candy and naturally sweet foods. Blackberries, strawberries, and other rich, juicy fruits contain dark juices that can easily stain tooth enamel. Hard and colorful candies pose a risk due to their high sugar content, which can easily attract bacteria and decay.

Using Tobacco Products
Most smokers and tobacco chewers understand that certain risks come with using carcinogenic products, such as respiratory problems, heart disease, and certain cancers. However, many don’t recognize the damage cigarettes and chewing tobacco have on their teeth. Smokers can quickly develop darkened enamel that requires professional whitening.

Forgetting to Brush
Adults today lead very busy lives. But it’s essential for everyone to make time each day to engage in proper dental hygiene. If you often forget to brush your teeth after meals, set yourself a reminder on your phone. Forgetting to brush allows dangerous plaque and unsightly surface stains to build up on your teeth.

For more tips on how to maintain a healthy, bright smile, turn to Dr. Charles Marks, D.D.S. and Dental Associates. We can help you learn more about the anatomy of your tooth and how you can work to protect your pearly whites. Call us at (888) 803-3767 to set up your next appointment with us. 

The Causes of Extreme Tooth Decay

Many of us are willing to admit to having a bad habit or two. However, if your bad habit is consuming too much soda, you may be putting your teeth at risk for discoloration and decay. Check out this video for more information on the causes of tooth decay and what you can do to correct it.

As the video explains, the pH balance of soda falls between regular tap water and harsh battery acid. But there are ways to reduce the potential damage of these sugary drinks. Frequent soda drinkers should always sip on the drink through a straw, which will reduce the teeth’s exposure to sugar. Two more helpful tips are to avoid drinking any sugary beverage at night and to wait at least half an hour before brushing after you finish a soda.

If you suspect that your teeth may be damaged by cavities and decay, call Dr. Charles Marks, D.D.S and Dental Associates at (888) 803-3767 to schedule a consultation. We offer comprehensive cosmetic and general dentistry services for children, teens, and adults. 

What Is the Difference Between Adult and Pediatric Dentistry?

If you have children, you may have wondered about the possibility of taking them to a general dentist instead of a pediatric practitioner. Depending on the child’s age, it’s typically best for him or her to see a pediatric dentist for several important reasons. Here are some of the main differences between adult and pediatric dentistry:

Education and Experience
Pediatric dentists complete an additional two to three years of medical school in order to be licensed in this specialized field. During this time, they learn important lessons on the differences between the dental anatomy and physiology of young, developing children and mature adults. Throughout their practice, they gain valuable experience in how to accommodate the behavioral needs of restless kids as they treat their teeth for common problems like caries and malocclusions.

Routine Treatment of Certain Conditions
Adult and pediatric dentists are often experienced in performing very different procedures on a routine basis. While pediatric dentists often tackle cavities or the need for braces, adult dentists work with mature mouths in need of procedures like crowns, root canals, and dental implants. Adult dentists will also have more hands-on experience in surgical procedures like the removal of wisdom teeth.

Approaches to Dental CareOne of the biggest advantages of taking a child to a pediatric dentist is his or her experience in calming the child throughout a procedure. Pediatric dentists know that many children enter their offices feeling scared, and therefore employ certain tactics to keep kids relaxed, such as showing them fun posters or having them listen to calming music. These methods play a big part in getting children to think of dental health in a positive light.

Here at Dr. Charles Marks, D.D.S. and Dental Associates, we offer families comprehensive pediatric and general dentistry services. Whether your little one needs a filling or restoration of a chipped tooth, our experienced dentists can help. Call us at (888) 803-3767 to learn more about our dental services.

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