February is one of our favorites – Children’s Dental Health Month. It’s the time to really focus on the dental health of children and how to keep their teeth clean and healthy. We know it can be a struggle to try to keep up with your child’s oral healthcare routine, but it truly sets the stage for their entire life. Starting good habits while the child is young will create a routine, the child will understand the importance of. This month, our blogs will center around different topics for a child’s dental health and hopefully offer many tips and tricks to keep little one(s) teeth clean and cavity-free in the Dublin, OH community.

Tips for Brushing

Wording can be everything when you start giving your child options. Never ask them if they are ready to brush their teeth. What kid would ever be ready? Associate brushing with something else. Maybe it’s every night before reading books, or every night after bath time. Let them know at that time every night; now it’s time to brush. If you stay consistent, they know there is no option. Yes, they may put up a fight, but be adamant about it getting done, and they will get tired of fighting night after night. The same goes for mornings. Be sure you are getting that twice a day brush in. Lots of plaque bacteria form on our teeth at night when we sleep, and morning time is extremely important to brush to make sure food is less resistant to sticking to the teeth throughout the day. It is important to start using fluoride toothpaste at first tooth eruption. You only need a rice size amount smeared into the bristles of the toothbrush. Yes, we know your 6-month-old is not going to rinse and spit, and that’s ok. This meniscal amount of fluoride is not going to be toxic when your child swallows it. You can wipe out the remaining toothpaste with a washcloth using your finger after brushing.

Flossing and Mouthwash Use

Flossing is best at night and just once per day. We find it easier to floss with the string floss than the floss picks. You have more control when using the string. The picks tend to snap and may hit the gum, leaving the child more upset. Of course, it is whatever works best for you and your child. If you try flossing your child’s teeth while they are laying down at the end of a couch or standing in front of you facing forward with their head resting back on you, you can get a much better visual and floss easier. It all takes practice. In between, or flossing cavities are the most common among children since they tend to snack a lot and not floss as often as they should. Your child will need help with brushing and flossing until about the age of 8 years old. They can practice well before that, but following up or assisting is very important. Once your child is able to rinse and spit, a fluoride mouthwash is a great idea. This helps get into those small nooks and crannies. The toothbrush bristles even have a hard time reaching. The fluoride settles into these areas and helps strengthen, preventing cavities. Once a day, use for this is sufficient.

If you ever have questions about your child’s teeth, do not hesitate to call Dental Reflections Dublin for advice or to bring them in for us to take a look! That’s what we are here for.

Often times, children will develop oral habits that are hard to break, making kids dental care more important than ever. The most common ones we see are a pacifier and thumb. Studies show these habits are about as hard to break as an adult who is trying to quit smoking. It takes a lot of encouragement, patience, and consistency to try to get children to break these habits. Of course, the sooner, the better to take them away, but it is not always that easy.

Thumb Habit

The first problem with a thumb-sucking habit is you can’t take the child’s thumb away. This is one of the hardest to break. We have children/teens up to age 15 that are still trying to break their thumb habits. At this point, intervention with an orthodontist is best. We are talking way before the teen years. We start to see teeth move around age 4-5 if a child is an excessive thumb sucker.

The good news is, if the child can stop, the teeth will move back significantly. More of the permanent damage starts when a child begins to lose their teeth. When their permanent teeth come in, they aren’t as forgiving, and the teeth won’t move back as quickly. This occurs typically around age 6. So, the goal is to encourage them to stop sucking the thumb before they start losing teeth. There are different “contraptions” available to help a child stop. The orthodontist can place a retainer with a built-in appliance that goes in the roof of the mouth and behind the top front teeth where the thumb goes. The child is then unable to place the thumb where they want it or usually keep it. You can also place a glove or sock over the child’s hand when they sleep at night. Another great technique to use for a thumb sucker is to tell the child they can only suck their thumb in the corner, or in a room by themselves with no media, no blanket or toys or anything “fun.” When they are done, they can come back out with everyone else. The goal is that eventually, the child will get sick of taking a break to suck their thumb and stop.

Pacifier Habit

A pacifier can be a bit easier to break, but still very challenging. It’s a security item for a child, and they grow very attached to it. There are tips and tricks you can use to get rid of a child’s pacifier. Take the pacifier to build a bear and have them put it in the bear when they make it, and they can use the new stuffed animal as their new security. Another tip is to poke pinholes in the pacifier, so the child does not get the same sucking action they are used to. You can also tell the child a pacifier fairy is going to come and take all their pacifiers to give them to little babies that need them, and they will leave them a small gift. Nighttime, of course, is typically the hardest time to take it away.

Be sure to encourage your child with whatever it is you are trying to eliminate and praise them as they cut back and let them know how proud you are. Remember, this is not easy for them! As we mentioned above, patience is key and will help with the child’s confidence to quit. For family dentistry and kids dental care, in Dublin, Ohio, contact Dental Reflections today!

At Dental Reflections Dublin, we know a toddler’s favorite food is not always the best for their teeth. It’s challenging enough to get a child to “eat the rainbow” with a balanced diet of all the food groups. Sometimes you have to bribe with a little bad to get a little good. Good and bad for the body don’t always translate to good and bad for the teeth. When it comes to dental health for kids, it’s not about how much they consume, but how frequently they consume it.

Kids Dental Care: Frequency is Key

If your child gets juice once a day, they should drink all of it at one time and with meals. Each sip of an acidic drink, (basically anything besides water) causes an acid attack in the mouth. This is what the bad bacteria feed off of and what causes a cavity. The mouth takes about 20 minutes to buffer those acids and by then, your kiddo is going for another drink. This means your mouth never has the chance to get to a healthy pH environment making the child at a very high risk all day for cavities. The same goes for snacking. If your child is eating pretzels for an hour+, the carbs break down into sugars leaving the mouth very acidic. Healthier between-meal snacks would be fresh vegetables like carrots, fruits like apples or strawberries, yogurt or cheese. These all have a more balanced pH and won’t leave the mouth so acidic.

Incorporate Water Into Your Child’s Diet

Water, water, water should be your child’s best friend. It truly is a natural “medicine” for kids and helps keep things functioning properly. Tap water contains fluoride, which helps prevent a cavity and a hydrated kid is less likely to get sick. Even flavored waters are a no-no, 0 calorie, and 0 sugars don’t mean they aren’t acidic. In fact, they are very acidic. Sticky foods like fruit snacks and even dried fruit like raisins are even more likely to stick into the teeth. A sugary treat is surely ok but the key is to limit it to meals and if the child is drinking plenty of water, their risk for decay will go down. Another huge factor is the nighttime brushing. Lots of parents report their child has a glass of chocolate milk every night before bed or a cup of milk. Milk contains natural sugars that settle into the grooves of the teeth and along the gumlines. When we sleep, our mouth gets very dry so we don’t have the saliva to help cleanse the teeth. Always help your kiddo brush before bed to be sure they are doing a good job. If you have questions about dental health for your kids, contact Dental Reflections Dublin. Dr. Rudi As-Sanie and her team are always happy to help.

Is the lack of dental insurance keeping you away from seeing a dentist every 6 months? We have a solution for you! At Dental Reflections Dublin, we are now offering our dental membership plans that give an option of paying upfront or month to month for your yearly dental care needs. In addition to 30% savings when you sign up, you will receive an additional 10% off of restorative dental services needed.

Preventive Care

Dentistry is all about preventive care. We know it is important to see a dentist, but most of us don’t because our teeth “feel fine.” This is the misconception most people have. A cavity or gum disease typically do not display symptoms until they are bad, really bad. At this point, you are now going to have to spend more time and money in the dental chair to play catch up. If a cavity is caught when it is small, it can be fixed easily with a one or two surface filling. This means less money, less time in the dental chair, and less chance of post-op sensitivity. The same goes with gum disease. This is when the foundation or bone around the teeth that hold and support them becomes affected. Lack of regular dental cleanings, genetics, and poor oral hygiene can all contribute to gum disease. This is why preventive care is SO important. It will save not only your teeth but money in the long run. Tooth replacement is so much more expensive than preserving and maintaining what you have. Our goal as dental providers is to give you all of the tools necessary to do just that.

Why a Dental Membership Plan?

It is estimated that 60% of Americans do not have dental insurance. This means a large percentage of that 60% probably do not see a dentist. Sure, you could go to one of those offices that sends a coupon in the mail and says cleaning, exam, and X-rays for just $69. The worst part is that for this price, the office is trying to see as many patients they can in a day to make up for the discount they are offering. Keep in mind, they need to make a profit to operate effectively. Unfortunately, in most of these cases, the dental care is sub-par, and they are not as focused on building rapport with a patient or providing the best dental care they can but seeing as many patients as possible to attempt to make a profit after practically giving away their services.

We operate differently here at Dental Reflections Dublin. From the moment you walk in the door, our goal is to create the best experience possible for you. This means a friendly greeting by our front office, no wait times in the waiting room, not rushing in the treatment rooms, and really taking the time to address your dental needs, questions and concerns. We are committed to provide comprehensive treatment to all of our patients and give them the best dental care they deserve. The ease of signing up for a dental membership plan and the option of month to month payments for the year makes it more affordable than ever to see a dentist. Contact us today to learn more and get started on keeping your smile healthy!

Often, when we feel something sensitive or painful in our mouth, we tend to panic. I mean, we all want to keep our teeth, right? Some symptoms may be able to wait until your next dental visit. Others may require a limited exam between your professional dental cleanings to get the problem addressed right away. At Dental Reflections Dublin, we are all about preventive dental care, so the sooner an issue is addressed, the less invasive a procedure recommendation would be.

Temperature Sensitive Teeth

This is one of the most common common dental problems we hear from our patients, temperature sensitivity. When you can’t eat your favorite ice cream or drink your favorite ice-cold drinks, you start to get annoyed. This is typically caused by some type of enamel wear or root exposure. The enamel, or the most outer layer of your tooth, is what protects it from acid in our diets and normal wear and tear. When the enamel suffers too much trauma, like sipping soda all day, or clenching and grinding, it’s inevitable – it starts to wear away or develop a hole or cavity from the harmful bacteria of the byproduct of the soda or snacks you eat all day.

Enter: temperature sensitivity. The underlying layer of the enamel is dentin. Dentin contains tons of tubules that lead to the nerve and causes sensitivity. The only way to help this is to use a toothpaste with potassium nitrate. This ingredient helps fill in and block the tubules from sending information to the nerve. If it’s a cavity, the only solution is for us to remove it and put a filling in its place. If gum recession is causing the sensitivity, toothpaste can also help. However, we need to determine the cause of the gum recession and come up with a solution. This usually means a nightguard recommendation to prevent the recession from progressing any further.

Toothache

If you are experiencing one of the common dental problems, a toothache, like an actual ache that will not go away, its best to get in for an exam. What typically happens is there is something underlying causing this pain. Once a tooth starts to hurt constantly, there is a good chance. There is a large cavity in the tooth that has reached the nerve. The result of this is usually a root canal or extraction of the tooth that is needed, depending on the severity of it.

We will determine the cause of the problem by taking a limited x-ray of the problem area to see if there is pathology at the tip of the root of the tooth. We also use an x-ray to see how far progressed a cavity is in the crown of the tooth if that is indeed what is going on. Another sign is a recurring bump on the gum near the tooth. This is a sign of an infection that usually comes with pain and cannot be cured without a root canal or extraction.

Pain with Chewing or Biting

Our last common dental problem patients experience is pain with biting or chewing. While this can mean a fractured tooth, it is more common to occur after a dental procedure. When a tooth is drilled on, and a cavity is removed, it is experiencing trauma. Therefore, it will take time to heal. If it is not resolving and it truly gives you a “zing” every time you bite down, your bite may be a little high. This means after putting a filling in the tooth to replace the cavity that was taken out. The filling may not be completely even with your bite. This is very common since you are numb during the procedure. Thankfully, it is a quick fix and involves a follow-up appointment to even out the filling, and chances are, the zing will resolve. If it does not, it requires further attention.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms you are concerned about, do not hesitate to call us at Dental Reflections Dublin to come in for a limited exam so we can get you feeling better. 614.799.5576

With all the strain going on at the hospitals nearby, we are here to help keep patients out of the ER for dental problems or concerns. At Dental Reflections Dublin, we are currently seeing patients for emergency dental care only in order to help you get the care you need in a timely manner as well as alleviate emergency room overcrowding and stop the spread of COVID-19 infections throughout the state.

It is crucial to see a dentist at this time over going to the ER for emergency dental care. We know in the case of any emergency; a person’s first thought or instinct is to go the hospital to be treated. Typically, a hospital will refer a patient back to their dental office in the case of an emergency so they can be seen and treated by a dental professional. A dental office such as ours can see patients in a much timelier manner and get to the root of the problem without delay. This also frees up the beds in an emergency room and puts you at a much lower risk by being seen in a private practice.

During an emergency exam, we will typically evaluate the problem area and take a dental x-ray if necessary. Our digital x-rays capture the entire tooth including the root so we can get a clear picture of what is going on. From there, we can come up with the best plan of action to help get a patient out of pain.

What is Considered a Dental Emergency?

Examples of emergency patients we are able to see but not limited to:

• Tooth or gum infection
• Knocked-out tooth/teeth
• Pain in the jaw or around teeth
• Swelling of the mouth or face
• Unusual bleeding of the gums or teeth

We can assure you we go above and beyond to follow proper infection control to keep not only ourselves but our patients safe during each appointment. We follow OSHA guidelines and use hospital-grade disinfectants to kill bacteria, viruses and blood-borne pathogens. We screen each patient with a series of questions including symptoms and sterilize each room and waiting room after every appointment. Our ultimate goal is to help slow the spread of COVID-19 by keeping patients out of hospitals when able, and to treat the patients in our office in a sufficient manner. If you think you are having a dental emergency please call our Dublin, OH office immediately at (614) 799-5576.

Our New Normal

Since the shutdown, it’s been so nice to be back to see all of our patients. Things may look a little different now, but we are happy to be serving people and creating healthy smiles. If you’ve been wondering “is it safe to go to the dentist” —the answer is yes! At Dental Reflections Dublin, we have made some changes in the office to ensure our all of our patient’s safety. If you have not been into the office lately, here is what you may notice that has changed since you have been here last.

NEW PPE GUIDELINES

With the new guidelines for PPE, we had to make a few changes on what we wear to protect ourselves and our patients. You will notice we will be wearing a scrub cap to cover our hair to keep any bacteria out. We will also be wearing 2 masks with higher filtration levels. One mask we will wear all day and the other we will change after each patient. We will also have a face shield on. This wraps around our head and covers our entire face to prevent any aerosols or splatter from touching our face. Lastly, before we leave each day, we change our clothes to launder our scrubs at the office so that we keep our families safe when we go home. Each employee also has their temperature checked each morning upon entering the building.

NEW PATIENT GUIDELINES

Prior to each visit, we screen all of our patients over the phone. We ask if they have had any symptoms including loss of taste, fever, cough, etc. and if they have been in contact with anyone that has tested positive. When a patient arrives at our office, they call us to let us know they are here. We then go out to their car with a whiteboard with the patients first name written on it. Masks are mandatory for all patients to come in our office until they are seated in the dental chair. We do a temperature check and give hand sanitizer to each patient before they enter the building. Once the patient is seated, we have them rinse with an antibacterial rinse to help decrease the bacterial load in the mouth. We then suction it out vs. spitting it back in the cup.

OTHER SAFETY ADDITIONS

We have also installed air purifiers in each operatory and our hallways to ensure the most cleanliness as possible. We are wiping down door handles and additional surfaces that patients or employees may touch throughout the day to prevent any cross contamination. We have taken the upmost precautions so that everyone feels safe while they are in our office. We look forward to seeing all of our patients and getting everyone caught up on their dental care!

Everyone wants a nice white smile. The problem is getting there, and better yet – maintaining it. There are several different ways you can maintain your pearly whites after doing an at home whitening treatment whether its certain foods and drinks to avoid or OTC products you can choose. Our Dental Reflections Dublin office also have some additional ways to keep your teeth white.

Post Whitening Tips

Up to 48 hours after whitening your teeth, try avoiding foods and beverages that can stain your teeth. Think of anything that can stain a white t-shirt – like red wine, coffee or blueberries. When you whiten, you open the pores in the enamel so the whitening can really soak in and take effect. Consuming dark colors will tend to stain or darken the teeth because those pores remain open for up to 48 hours after whitening. Can’t live without coffee? We don’t blame you. Try drinking it through a straw to help pass over the teeth or lightening it up with some cream so it’s not straight black.

Home Hygiene

There are lots of excellent products out on the market that can help maintain your shade. One of our favorites is Crest 3D White Brilliance Toothpaste. This one helps unlock trapped surface stains. Another great toothpaste is Colgate Optic White Toothpaste. You can find it in a bright, shiny red tube. It contains hydrogen peroxide so it also helps with daily surface stains. Flossing is also super important to clean in between the teeth to prevent staining in the areas your toothbrush cannot reach. Crest makes a Glide Whitening Floss with a fresh, minty flavor we would recommend. Be sure to brush at least twice a day and floss once a day. You can also purchase a whitening pen to help maintain your smile between whitening sessions. Be sure to always rinse with water after that last drink of coffee or red wine to help prevent the color from soaking in.

Foods That Help Whiten Teeth

Did you know foods like strawberries and lemons help whiten your teeth? Lemons are very acidic so we don’t want you going around sucking on lemons all day or sipping on lemon water between meals. But it’s a great option to add to your diet every now and then to help keep your smile bright. Strawberries contain malic acid (that helps whiten) and aren’t as acidic and can be consumed on a more regular basis if you choose. Other foods that help with a natural whitening are apples, celery, carrots, yogurt, milk, cheese and baking soda. Try sprinkling a little on your toothpaste for a boost.

Teeth Whitening Options

If you are looking for at-home whitening, we have some great options for you! Dr. Rudi As-Sanie, a family dentist in Dublin, OH, recommends and have in stock Opalescence Go whitening trays. These come in a 10 pack and are worn for only 15-20 minutes a day. We also have GLO Whitening which uses a light and 8 minute sessions to get your smile as white as you want it. This is great for those with sensitivity. Stop by our dental office in Dublin, Ohio, to purchase any of our options or get one next time you are in for your check-up visit!

Celebrating National Tooth Fairy Day 2020

Today is National Tooth Fairy Day! Kids can’t wait to lose their first tooth. It’s something big to look forward to – like their birthday. It’s such an exciting time because it’s something new and they know they will get some kind of “prize” with it. Whether it’s sparkly tooth fairy money, or a small toy or gold coin, kids are sure to love it.

When Do Kids Lose Their First Tooth?

A child typically loses their first tooth around age 6. At Dental Reflections Dublin, we always add and subtract 6 months around this average because every child is different. The first tooth to be lost is one of the bottom front middle teeth followed by the one next to it. Once a child starts to lose teeth, they will lose the first 4 on the bottom front middle and then the top front middle. Then, they won’t lose teeth again for a few years – usually around age 10 or 11.

Wiggly Teeth

If your child’s tooth is loose, you can encourage them to wiggle it out. They can practice each day by wiggling it back and forth or pressing and holding it each direction for a few seconds. Many times, kids will shy away from brushing a loose tooth and the gums will get inflamed due to extra plaque in that area. Be sure to help them brush when they have a wiggly tooth or check over after. You do not have to press hard to remove plaque, just a gentle brush in this area will be sufficient. A mouthwash with fluoride is also good to use. Do not be alarmed if you notice teeth coming in on the back side of the wiggly teeth down in the bottom front. Dr. Rudi As-Sanie, a family dentist in Dublin, OH, says this is very common and does not affect anything. Once the wiggly teeth fall out the permanent teeth that came in behind will typically move forward into that space with everyday tongue pressure with eating and talking.

Make the loss of your child’s front tooth a memory they will never forget! Look for a special tooth chest or pillow they can use to put their tooth in and switch it out for something fun while they are sleeping. Some children even like to write a letter or color a picture for the tooth fairy. If you ever have any questions or concerns about the loss of your child’s teeth, please do not hesitate to contact us at 614.799.5576. Our team would be happy to take a look!

September is National Gum Care Month, which means focusing on everything gums related, which is part of the foundation for keeping your teeth healthy. If your gums are not healthy, it can affect the bone that surrounds and supports the teeth, holding them in place. Did you know you can lose teeth without ever getting a cavity? Studies show that 47.2% of adults aged 30 years and older have some form of periodontal disease or gum disease. There are many ways to prevent gum disease. You can start by using simple aids at home and keeping up with your preventative care visits.

Aids to Prevent Gum Disease

There are so many dental products out on the market these days. Just walking down the dental aisle in the grocery store can become overwhelming. There are certain dental aids that we recommend most for our patients that can help cut down on gingivitis, or even worse – gum disease.

Soft-Picks are a great tool to use to help keep the gums healthy. They look like a toothpick but have little rubber bristles that help stimulate the gum when you slide in between the teeth. They grab plaque and food debris and help disrupt the plaque bacteria that form colonies in areas your toothbrush may not reach. They are actually made by the brand GUM and can be found at your local grocery or retail store. They are typically green with a white handle. We have sample packs with coupons we can give you the next time you are in.

Dental floss is another savior when it comes to preventing gum disease. It works by sliding underneath the gum tissue to remove any plaque that has settled down between the tooth and gum that the toothbrush bristles cannot access. Dental floss is like a gum disease insurance policy. If you use it once a day, you will significantly decrease your chances of getting gingivitis or gum disease. The difference between these two is this: gingivitis is completely reversible, while gum disease is not. If gingivitis goes untreated, it can turn into gum disease that then affects the bone around the teeth, or supporting structure, as mentioned above. Once a person has gum disease, it can never go away. You can’t grow back the bone that was lost, but rather maintain what is left to prevent any further damage.

A Waterpik is also a great option for gum care if you hate flossing. With pressurized air and water, a Waterpik helps disturb the plaque bacteria below the gumline and flush it out. At Dental Reflections Dublin, we also recommend these to our patients quite often to help keep the gum tissues healthy.

Regular Dental Checkups

By maintaining your preventive care and seeing your dentist at least twice a year, you can also decrease your chances of developing gum disease. Each visit, your hygienist will use a small measuring tool called a probe that will measure the space between your tooth and gum tissue to check the overall health. This shows us if you are starting to develop early signs, which helps us recommend a special treatment plan or homework for you to prevent inflammation from turning into permanent destruction. That’s why seeing your Dublin, Ohio dentist for professional cleanings is so important. Studies show there was a 31% decrease in dental costs over five years for patients who received preventive care. For all your dental care needs, contact Dental Reflections Dublin.