Category: Checkups

February Is National Children’s Dental Health Month

Feb, 16, 2016

Your baby may not have cut any teeth yet, be in the teething stage or have a mouth of toddler teeth.

If you’re the parent or caregiver of a little one, it’s important to make oral hygiene a part of your child’s overall preventative care. And, since February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, it’s a good time to schedule an appointment.

Frequently asked questions from parents include:

When should my child have his/her first dental checkup?
My child sucks his/her thumb; is this going to create a dental problem in the future?
What’s the best way to clean/brush my little one’s teeth?
What’s the best way to prevent cavities?
When do kids typically start to lose baby teeth?
Does my child need a mouth protector for sports?

These are just a few of the questions you might have about your child’s teeth and overall oral health. At Meyer & Johns, we’re excited to be your family dentist. We enjoy seeing young children and their parents/caregivers taking dental health seriously, and we’re ready to help you and your kids.

Remember that teeth are meant to last a lifetime. Getting an early start is a great way for your child’s teeth to remain strong and healthy. To give your little one a healthy start, schedule a checkup with Meyer & Johns. Thank you for trusting us with your family’s dental care.

There’s a National Toothache Day (No Joke).

Feb, 2, 2016

February 9 is National Toothache Day. Like you, we’re a bit confused. Why is there a National Toothache Day? How does one celebrate National Toothache Day?

Although there’s not much information about National Toothache Day—or why there’s a national day dedicated to toothaches—there are a few “theories”.

For example, February 9 is also The Feast of St. Apollonia.

Apollonia died in 249 A.D. She is known as the Patron of Dental Disease, a moniker she rightly earned after having all her teeth knocked out by a Christian persecutor.

Another theory is February 9, 1894 is the day the Hershey Corporation was founded. Chocolate = sugar = bacteria = plaque. You get the equation.

Whatever the origin, we suggest that instead of knocking out all your teeth or eating a bag of chocolate, focus on good oral hygiene. Simple steps include: regular flossing and brushing. Plus, don’t forget your dental checkups.

Together, let’s work on making every day a Toothache Free Day!

Attack Plaque: Cavity Prevention & Care

Jan, 25, 2016

Let’s be realistic. We know you’re not going to completely stop eating sugary foods like candy, ice cream and cake; and, most people will continue to enjoy starchy foods like bread, crackers and cereal.

However, sugary and starchy foods are the types of food that create more plaque, and plaque causes tooth decay. Plaque is a film of bacteria that forms on your teeth and gums after eating. When you don’t brush or floss, the plaque/bacteria starts its dirty work.

The bacteria combined with leftover food particles forms harmful acids that destroy enamel and teeth. Eventually, the decay leads to cavities.

Cavity prevention starts in your hands: floss and brush. Keep floss and a toothbrush at work. Pack floss and a toothbrush in your backpack for school. It really only takes a couple of minutes to protect your teeth.

“Prevention! Prevention is the key to a healthy mouth. Forming good habits of brushing and flossing must be repeated every day, and after about two weeks of doing this as a daily routine, it becomes a habit and not a chore,” said Dr. Meyer.

Even dentists have to get into a routine. “As for flossing, for some reason I have a tough time being motivated for that one. But, I have found that keeping some floss close to my TV makes for a good opportunity to floss,” said Dr. Johns.

So, keep your toothbrush and floss close by, and make it a habit to attack plaque. However, don’t forget that regular dental checkups are an extremely important part of the battle plan.

Addressing Dental Fear and Anxiety

Jan, 6, 2016

For some people, routine dental checkups are far from “routine”, but instead something that cause fear and anxiety.

Dental phobia is not something to be ashamed of, but it’s also something that should be addressed. Dental checkups are too important to avoid. Proper oral hygiene and routine exams are vital steps to overall health and wellness.

If you suffer from fear or anxiety associated with going to the dentist, the first step is to talk to your dentist. Don’t be embarrassed; you’re not alone.

“Fear and anxiety of going to the dentist is so common we deal with it every day,” said Dr. Johns.

Identify your symptoms so we can help. Do you:

Have trouble sleeping the night before your appointment?
Feel extremely uneasy, nervous or physically ill?
Avoid going to the dentist for years?
Feel embarrassed by your teeth or your fear/anxiety?
Fear the procedures will hurt?
Have trouble breathing through your nose?

“Dentistry has come a long way with technology that makes dental visits quicker and easier,” said Dr. Meyer. “Fearful patients should schedule a consultation to discuss their fears and past experiences so we can address the patient’s concerns and fears before any treatment is started.”

For some patients, nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and a mild sedative may be needed to make the treatment visits much more pleasant.

At Meyer & Johns Dental, we want to do everything we can to make our patients feel welcome, comfortable and confident. If you are concerned about your oral health or seeing a dentist, please schedule a consultation, today. We’re here to listen and help.