Tag: pokomoke city cosmetic dentist

Fruit Juice & Your Teeth: A Message From Your Dentist | Dentist 21851

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Don’t be fooled by the label “100 percent fruit juice.” Drinks advertised in this way might seem like a healthy choice, but these drinks may be doing more harm than good. In fact, fruit juices contain sugar that can lead to tooth decay. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recently reevaluated their recommendations for allowing small children to consume fruit juice. Here’s what you need to know about the new guidelines.

No Fruit Juice in First 12 Months
The AAP used to suggest that infants younger than 6 months old should not be given fruit juice to drink. This year, however, the AAP updated these recommendations to suggest refraining from fruit juice for any infant 12 months and younger.

A Good Source of Vitamins – And Sugar
Fruit juice can be an excellent source for vitamins and minerals. Many fruit juices contain vitamin C and potassium. However, fruit juices are often high in sugar content. According to a study summarized by Medical News Today, fruit juice may contain as much as 2 teaspoons of sugar for every 100-mililiters.

Fruit Juice May Be Harming Your Teeth
Sugar is a leading cause of tooth decay, especially in children. The AAP also advises that toddlers and young children should not be served fruit juice in a “sippy cup.” These cups provide greater exposure of decay-causing sugar to teeth, leading to an ideal environment for tooth decay.

According to the updated guidelines set by the AAP, moderation is key. While children under 12 months of age should not be provided fruit juice, small amounts may be permitted for older children. The AAP suggests a maximum of 4 ounces of fruit juice per day for children aged 1 to 3, 4 to 6 ounces per day for children aged 4 to 6, and 8 ounces per day for those between the ages of 7 and 18. You may also consider adding water to dilute the juice before giving it to your child, so they receive less sugar.

Children and adolescents aren’t the only group that can benefit from consuming fewer sugary drinks. Sugar still leads to decay in adults as well. Our team suggests trying to limit your own consumption of sugary drinks.

Maintaining regular visits to our office will allow our dental team to ensure your child’s teeth are healthy. We will provide a comprehensive screening to locate and treat decay. If your child drinks more than the suggested amount of sugary fruit drinks, consider scheduling an extra cleaning with our team. Together, we can work to promote a lifetime of optimal oral health.

To schedule a visit to our dental office, please contact our team.

RESOURCES:
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/317567.php

Stephen T. Wagner, DDS, PA
Phone: (410) 957-0788
102 8th Street
Pocomoke City, MD 21851

Maintaining Your Oral Health During Illness | Dentist in 21851

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Sniffling, sneezing, and coughing. Being sick can make it more
difficult to keep up with your daily routine. Don’t let your cold or flu
become an excuse for overlooking your oral hygiene. In fact, when
you’re sick it is essential that you continue to stick to your regular
brushing and flossing routine. Here are a few tips to keep you on
track and on your way to getting better.


Brush After Each Meal
When you’re sick, try maintaining a schedule of brushing your teeth
shortly after each meal. Your mouth can be a prime location where
bacteria breed. Being extra vigilant in your brushing routine is an
excellent way to minimize the multiplication of germs and bacteria.


Be Selective with Cough Drops and Lozenges
Numerous brands of cough drops and throat lozenges contain sugar. In fact, many cough drops
or lozenges are similar to candy. Candy, particularly sucking candy that lasts in your mouth for
an extended period of time, can lead to tooth decay. Bacteria in your mouth feeds off sugar to
create acids that damage your teeth. Consider looking for drops and lozenges that are sugar
free, or those that do not include corn syrup and fructose.


Rinse Carefully
If you are vomiting, keeping your mouth clean is important. Stomach acids can damage your
teeth. However, brushing right away will just cause you to rub the acids all over your teeth.
Instead, rinse your mouth out with water or mouthwash and wait at least 20 minutes before
reaching for the toothbrush.


Drink Plenty of Water
Staying hydrated is one of the keys to recovery. Drinking water is also an effective way to
prevent dry mouth. Dry mouth can lead to decay and bad breath. Some medications you might
be taking to relieve your cold or flu symptoms might dry out your mouth, so be sure to continue
to drink water throughout the day.


Replace Your Brush
Once you have recovered from your illness, consider replacing your toothbrush. While it isn’t
likely that you would cause yourself to get sick again, you may wish to err on the side of
caution. The American Dental Association recommends that you regularly replace your
toothbrush every three to four months.


When you are sick, make it a point to keep up with your oral health. Your medications or over the-counter remedies can have an impact on your oral health. Watch out for sugar content in
cough drops and throat lozenges, and stay hydrated with water to avoid dry mouth. Keeping
your mouth healthy is the first step to keeping your entire body healthy. For more oral health tips or to schedule a visit to our office, please contact us.

Stephen T. Wagner, DDS, PA
Phone: (410) 957-0788
102 8th Street
Pocomoke City, MD 21851

6 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Endodontics | Dentist in 21851

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6 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Endodontics
Unless you have been referred to a specialist for a root canal treatment, you may not
have heard the term “Endodontics” before now. Even if you have, here are a few
interesting things you may not have known about this dental specialty.

  1. “Endodontics” is taken from two older Greek terms literally meaning “inner tooth.” In the word endodontics, “endo” is a prefix meaning “inner” and “odont” is the root word “tooth.” Endodontic treatment dates back to the 17th century.
  2. Endodontics focuses on the study, diagnosis, and treatment of the internal structure of the tooth. This can include root canal therapy, apicoectomy, treatment of tooth infections, and more.
  3. Endodontists start by training as dentists. Prior to obtaining their specialization, an endodontist like our doctor will earn a degree in dentistry. Afterward, they will complete an additional 2-4 years of focused education and training to gain their specialization.
  4. Root canal treatment preserves a tooth. If you develop an infection in the soft inner tissue of your tooth, antibiotics are not sufficient to treat the issue. Rather than removing your permanent tooth, a root canal treatment will clean out the infection and fill the tooth to protect it from further damage. A single root canal treatment can preserve your tooth for a lifetime.
  5. Root canal therapy relieves pain. Contrary to popular belief, having root canal treatment is not the cause of the pain that people often associate with it. The infection or trauma that underlies the need for treatment is the cause of the pain. Even though your tooth will likely be tender for a few days, most patients notice significantly reduced sensitivity following treatment.
  6. Endodontists can help save a tooth following dental trauma. In addition to their expertise in root canal treatment, endodontists receive training in a wide range of dental trauma concerns. In many cases, our doctor may be able to stabilize or reposition an injured tooth to prevent the need for extraction. To learn more about endodontics or to schedule your root canal treatment, contact our office.
Stephen T. Wagner, DDS, PA
Phone: (410) 957-0788
102 8th Street
Pocomoke City, MD 21851

Pokomoke City MD Dentist | The Truth About Dental Anxiety

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Is anxiety or nervousness preventing you from visiting our team? Dental treatments should not be a cause of stress. If you worry about pain, embarrassment, or loss or control during a dental examination, we want you to know two very important things: You are not alone and We can help. 

Pokomoke City MD Dentist | The Truth About Dental Anxiety

Dental Anxiety Is Common  

Research has shown that most patients experience some degree of anxiety when visiting the dentist. Between 10 and 20% of the general population encounters such a high level of stress and nervousness that they ignore oral healthcare altogether. This can increase the risk of developing severe oral health complications, requiring additional care. 

In many cases, dental anxiety has two main causes. First, patients may have had a negative experience in the past, leaving them apprehensive towards their next appointment. Second, is through influence. This is particularly true for children. Children learn through imitation and are influenced by their parents. If you dread going to the dentist, your child may pick up on the behavior and develop similar fears. 

Our Team Can Help 

The first action you can take is to let our team know about your feelings of nervousness and anxiety. We have a number of techniques to help you feel more comfortable and relaxed. Our compassionate team is always open to discussing your options with you. 

We will consult you regarding what your visit will entail, and work together to find a comfortable pace at which you feel comfortable.  

If nervousness, stress, fear, or anxiety have caused you to skip appointments or avoid dental care completely, please contact our team. Dentistry is constantly evolving by offering new technology and treatment methods with patient safety and comfort in mind. Talk to our team about your fears or concerns and allow us to work with you. Ignoring your oral health can have serious repercussions and lead to more necessary treatments. 

Contact our team to schedule your visit today. 

Pokomoke City MD Dentist | Be Wary of These Beverages

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It’s common knowledge that plenty of beverages are not good for your health. The excessive amounts of sugar, caffeine, or alcohol found in a lot of popular drinks have well-documented impacts on your body. However, you may not be aware of the immediate impacts that these beverages can have on your teeth. Below is a list of some common beverages and tips for enjoying them responsibly. 

Pokomoke City MD Dentist | Be Wary of These Beverages

Soda, Juice, and Energy Drinks 

The high sugar content in these drinks can have a negative impact on your physical health. Less obvious however is the effects that they can have on your teeth. As with any sugary food, prolonged exposure can lead to the damage and decay of your enamel, opening the door for cavities and other issues to occur. 

Coffee 

Many popular coffee drinks contain just as much sugar as sodas and juices. However, even people who drink their coffee black run the risk of damaging their smile. Excessive coffee consumption can stain your teeth, though the amount of discoloration experienced varies from person to person. 

Wine, Beer, and Liquor 

Though it seems obvious that red wine can stain your teeth, all wines pose a similar risk of damage. Likewise, darker beers can gradually stain your teeth depending on the frequency of consumption. While hard liquors generally don’t pose as much of a risk to your enamel on their own, the mixers they’re often served with can. 

How to Protect Your Teeth 

After consuming one of these beverages, your first impulse might be to brush your teeth as soon as possible. However, rushing to brush could actually be doing more harm than good. All of the aforementioned beverages contain high levels of acid. This acid has a softening effect on your enamel, and the pressure applied during brushing can potentially further this softening. Instead, it’s recommended that you follow sugary or acidic drinks with water and wait 30 minutes to brush. It is also beneficial to swish the water around as you drink it, as this will help gently rinse off all of your teeth and allow the enamel to harden before you brush. 

Watching your diet can benefit your teeth as much as it benefits the rest of your body. However, moderate consumption of any of these beverages won’t cause an issue provided you maintain a proper oral care routine that includes regular brushing and flossing, as well as professional cleanings at least twice a year. Contact our office today to schedule your next appointment! 

Pocomoke City MD | Ow! Your Guide to Canker Sores

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A canker sore can make eating, drinking, and talking difficult and even painful. Maintaining your oral health by brushing and flossing may also be difficult with a sore in your mouth, but keeping up with your daily oral hygiene routine is an important step in the healing process. We’ve put together a short guide to everything you need to know about canker sores. 

What do they look like? 

Canker sores are usually small, round reddish sores. You’ll find them on the soft tissues of your mouth, such as your tongue, the sides of your mouth, and at the base of your gums. Occasionally, a sore might have a yellow or white colored center. 

What causes them? 

Among the most common causes of canker sores are injuries. This can happen from biting your lip or cheek, an injury from sports, or even vigorous brushing. Certain people are sensitive to toothpastes containing sodium lauryl sulfate, leading to sores. Foods may also cause canker sores in certain people. Chocolate, eggs, nuts, and spicy foods have been known to cause the sores. At times, a diet that is deficient in vitamin B-12 or zinc is the culprit. 

What can I do? 

Your best defense is to keep your mouth healthy. This means keeping up with your twice-daily brushing and daily flossing. With a mouth sore, it may be tempting to avoid the area when brushing your teeth. This can lead to a buildup of plaque and bacteria. Aid the healing process by keeping your mouth clean and healthy. You may also try a mouthwash formulated for mouth sores. When in doubt, or if pain persists, talk to our team. 

Brush thoroughly but gently around sores. Most canker sores heal within a week. If you find you are regularly getting sores, or they are taking longer than one week to heal, schedule a visit to our office. We will assess your oral health and provide you with our expert advice.  

For more information about oral health or to schedule your next visit, please contact our office. We look forward to seeing you. 

Stephen T. Wagner DDS PA

102 8th Street
Pocomoke City, MD 21851

Phone: (410) 957-0788
Fax: (410) 957-0813
Email: pocomokedentist@comcast.net