Pediatric dentist vs. general dentist: The right choice(s) for your family

read Children's Oral Health
Deciding whether to see a pediatric dentist versus a general dentist can be difficult for families. This article will help you make the right choice for your family.

They go to school, and you go to work. You drive the car, and they ride in it. You and your kids do different things, but do you need different dentists? If you are not sure whether you need both a pediatric dentist and a general dentist, this article can help you decide!

Pediatric Dentists vs. General Dentists

Although pediatric and general dentists have the same goal in mind – to promote and enhance oral health – there are many differences between the two when it comes to training, the patient demographic, and experience.

  • Training: Pediatric dentists have an additional four years of dental school plus two to three years additional training. This specialized schooling focuses on areas of study such as child psychology and development.
  • Patients: General dentists treat patients of all ages, while pediatric dentists only see children.
  • Experience: Because pediatric dentists exclusively work with pint-sized patients, they are well versed in interacting with infants and children with special needs. They also provide counseling for habits like thumb-sucking and extended pacifier use.

When to see a pediatric dentist

For some families the addition of a pediatric dentist may make visits to the dental office less stressful. This is because pediatric dentists tend to have special tricks to make the experience fun. We recommend using a pediatric dentist if:

  • Your children have dental anxiety. Pediatric offices are designed with kids in mind. They are often decorated with bright, fun colors and have toys available to play with. This alone can make an anxious child feel more at ease.
  • Your child has special needs. For example, if your child has autism, Down syndrome, cleft palate, or any other special need condition, a pediatric dentist will have the experience to make the visit comfortable.
  • A general dentist will not see a young child. In some cases, a general dentist may not feel comfortable treating a young child. If this is the case for your family, it is important to see a pediatric dentist.

When to have a general dentist for the entire family

Many times, families choose to have one dentist for the entire family. This is perfectly acceptable! A single dentist for your family may make sense if:

  • Your family has a longstanding relationship with a specific dentist. Years of knowing each other will help all members of the family feel at ease when they see the dentist.
  • Your family has older children. Tweens and teens are more patient than little kids. They know what to expect and are open to new environments.
  • Convenience is important. If it is easier for you to gather the entire family to go to the dentist at one location, seeing a general dentist makes the most sense. If you are more likely to make regular appointments at one dental office than a pediatric office, go with the general office.

Oral health is the goal

Deciding to use a pediatric dentist for your children or a general dentist for the entire family is a personal decision. Both dentists will provide excellent care and keep your mouth healthy. The most important thing is to have all members (even babies and toddlers) see the dentist regularly.

Did pirates take care of their teeth?

read Children's Oral Health, Lifestyle
Dental care has come a long way since the golden age of pirates. How did the swash-buckling crews take care of their teeth? Learn more about the history and dental habits of pirates in this article.

When you envision a pirate, who do you think of? For many people, the fictional character Captain Jack Sparrow is the first one who comes to mind. Actor Johnny Depp went all out portraying the way pirates lived, including gold implants and dirty teeth. But was this how pirates’ teeth really used to look?

Apart from Captain Jack Sparrow, there are some other famous pirates who traveled the sea. Here are a few of them:

  • Sir Francis Drake: Also known by Queen Elizabeth I as “my pirate,” Drake was sent by England to attack Spanish shipping. He also was the first English captain to sail around the world. Drake became a hero when he returned to England after raiding Spanish vessels filled with treasure.
  • Henry Morgan: One of the most famous pirates of all time, Morgan is known for his brutal raids. Morgan’s most infamous invasion occurred in Cuba where he locked an entire village inside a church and went on to raid the whole town.
  • Blackbeard: Born Edward Teach, Blackbeard is famous for scaring his enemies by coiling smoking fuses into his long, braided facial hair. He also captured many ships and raided Charleston, South Carolina. The movie Pirates of the Caribbean is loosely based on his adventures.

These pirates became famous from their travels across the ocean, but were any of them famous for their oral health?

How pirates took care of their teeth

In the 17th and early 18th centuries, there was really no oral hygiene for pirates, thus they ran into extreme dental problems. If pirates cleaned their teeth, which was not common, they did so by chewing on a stick. The wooden chew stick dates back to the 18th century. Because pirates spent most of their time out in the middle of the ocean, chew sticks were hard to come by. Since there was no such thing as a dental professional, a toothbrush, or any form of dental treatment, pirates’ teeth were disgusting. When a pirate would get a cavity, they wouldn’t know until it hurt, and by then they would let the natural decay of the tooth take over.

Pirates’ mouths weren’t the only part about them in bad shape; their hygiene was just as repulsive. Pirates had a limited supply of fresh water, so they would bathe in the ocean. Taking a dip in the ocean doesn’t sound all that bad, but they would often time use whale blubber as soap. Not only were pirates walking around smelling like whale blubber, but they also ran into many diseases. Modern medicine wasn’t around yet, so it was common for pirates to get and spread diseases that include syphilis, measles, and smallpox. Although pirates would spend time cleaning the ship, there was only so much they could do to take care of themselves.

As you can see, pirates didn’t take care of their teeth, but they also didn’t have much of a choice. Dental care has come a long way since the Golden Age of Piracy, and we can attribute that to the creation and advancement of modern dental health care.

Looking for more fun oral health blogs? Check out this blog:

Top three reasons families need dental insurance

read Adult Oral Health, Insurance Resources and Dental Benefits
All members of your family need dental insurance. Find out the top three reasons families need dental insurance and how to get dental insurance for your family.

Oral health care is an essential part of taking care of your overall health. For families with children, maintaining oral health is an important part of taking care of their future. Investing in dental insurance is one of the best decisions families can make for everyone’s overall well-being. Check out our top three reasons why families need dental insurance.

Families need dental insurance because children are curious

If you are ever around children, you know they’re prone to accidents as they explore the world. Unfortunately, sometimes these accidents cause damage to teeth.

Cracked, chipped, or knocked out teeth can lead to serious health issues down the road. If a damaged tooth is not taken care of, it can become infected or abscessed. Any type of infection that goes untreated can lead to health complications and even trips to the hospital.

Without dental insurance the cost of necessary repairs can be very expensive. Depending on the type of treatment that is needed, a family can be looking at hundreds to thousands of dollars to repair a single damaged tooth. Dental insurance helps reduce out-of-pocket costs and gives parents the peace of mind that when accidents happen, they will not have to pay the full amount of the treatment.

Families need dental insurance to prevent cavities

Children are susceptible to oral health problems such as tooth decay or cavities as soon as they get their first tooth. In fact, cavities are one of the most common diseases in children despite being preventable.

Children are at a higher risk of developing cavities if:

  • Members of their family have cavities
  • They snack throughout the day
  • Their diet is primarily carbohydrate and sugar-based
  • They drink a lot of soda
  • They have special needs
  • They have braces or other dental tools

Untreated cavities can lead to tooth extraction and other health problems such as infections. In addition, children with cavities are more likely to miss hours in school and even suffer from mental health problems. Families with dental insurance are more likely to go to the dentist regularly, which helps prevent dental diseases such as cavities and reduce the cost of dental care in the long run.

Families need dental insurance because life is busy

With school, homework, extracurricular activities, and playdates, life with kids is incredibly busy! Finding a dentist and remembering to make appointments can be challenging. However, dental insurance makes this easy and one less thing to worry about.

Dental insurance companies like Delta Dental of Wisconsin have hundreds of in-network dentists to pick from. You don’t need to spend hours calling different dental offices to get information about their services. Delta Dental offers a variety of resources to their members to help save time.

Member resources:

Additionally, once you have a dentist that is a good fit for your family, the office will help you schedule regular appointments. They will often send out reminder emails or texts before the appointments to make sure you don’t miss them.

Dental insurance keeps families healthy

Parents and caregivers are always looking out for the well-being of their children. Dental insurance is one way to take care of their oral and overall health. Not only does dental insurance save money, but it also promotes good oral health habits for the entire family.

Eating apples with braces: More harm than good?

read Children's Oral Health, Orthodontics
Eating apples with braces can cause serious damage to braces, specifically incisor brackets. Check out these tips to enjoy your apples without causing damage to braces.

It’s finally the day your mouth is graced with braces! The first conversation with your orthodontist will likely be about proper care for your new, shiny dental tool. The second conversation will most likely discuss the foods you can (but mostly can’t) eat. If you had to guess, where do you think eating apples with braces falls on the list?

Many of the foods on your orthodontist’s “Do Not Eat” list are there because of their textures and hardness. The increased pressure needed to chew certain foods stresses your new hardware more than other, more malleable foods.

However, apples and other hard foods can be enjoyed with a little preparation. Check out some tips and tricks for eating apples with braces.

Eating apples with braces – biting versus chewing

Biting into an apple requires intense pressure from your incisors. Incisors are the top four and bottom four teeth that are located at the front of your mouth. Biting into a hard fruit, such as an apple, requires some serious power. Assuming your braces are on your incisors, those front braces would take the brunt of this apple-biting pressure.

Chewing food, however, requires use of the back molars. Compared to biting, chewing is more cooperative with braces. This is because the pressure when chewing is exerted between the bottom and top molars, rather than against a tooth’s brace.

Don’t worry, you’ll still be able to get your daily apple fix. Having braces doesn’t necessarily mean you have to remove apples from your diet altogether.

How to eat apples with braces

Slicing apples before eating them will remove the pressure from your incisors since the cutting has already been done. Take this one step further by chopping your apple slices. This creates more manageable pieces to eat.

Alternative options for eating apples with braces

After getting braces put on, or after getting them adjusted, your teeth will likely be sore. Unfortunately, this is part of the process of straightening them into place. If your teeth are experiencing pain, but you can’t live without your apple fix, try some good old fashioned unsweetened applesauce. It doesn’t require biting or chewing and would be the safest option for your braces.

Don’t forget to brush and floss! Smaller pieces of apple can still get lodged inside your braces.

*Sliced apple tip to prevent browning: Packing apples for lunch or mid-day snack? After slicing the apples, dip them in a mixture of three parts water, one part lemon juice to prevent browning over the course of a day.

What other hard fruits and vegetables can I eat with braces?

Any fruit or vegetable that crunches when you bite into it is not recommended with braces. As with apples, though, hard foods can be cut up into smaller, bite-sized pieces to be eaten. These include:

  • Carrots
  • Corn
  • Radishes 
  • Celery
  • Other hard fruits and vegetables

Consult with your orthodontist to establish a list of foods that should not be eaten with braces. After all, you want to keep your braces in the best shape possible so they can do their job! An apple a day won’t keep your orthodontist away, but bite-sized pieces can help.

To find a dental plan that offers orthodontic care and meets your needs, click here.

Debunking the myth that pregnant women should skip the dentist

read Adult Oral Health
Keeping up with routine dental care is just one way to help mom and baby stay healthy before and after birth. Learn more:

Pregnancy is a time of joy and, at times, uncertainty for many expecting mothers. With all the forums, books, and well-intended strangers giving advice, it can be hard to feel confident in the decisions one makes during pregnancy. One decision that women can be confident in is going to the dentist when they are expecting. Keeping up with routine dental care is just one way to help mom and baby stay healthy before and after birth.

Common myths during pregnancy

For centuries, pregnant women have heard countless myths about how the things they do will affect their unborn babies. Some of these may sound very outlandish. For example, in some cultures expecting mothers are not supposed to step over ropes because “it can cause umbilical cord problems.” Today, examples of common myths during pregnancy include that you can tell a baby’s sex based on its heartbeat, cravings, and how a mother is carrying. 

Unfortunately, one myth expecting mothers may hear is to skip the dentist. This myth can lead to serious health problems for both mom and baby.

Debunking the myth that expecting mothers should skip the dentist

Only 46% of women in the United States see a dentist for cleaning during pregnancy. This means that less than half of expecting women are receiving proper dental care. The reasons that women may skip the dentist during pregnancy are full of misinformation. For example, the idea that all dental procedures can wait until after birth is incorrect. In fact, skipping the dentist can lead to premature labor. This is because a periodontal infection can lead to inflammation around the uterus which may trigger labor. 

Another concern for some pregnant women is the use of X-rays and certain medications during pregnancy. If there is proper communication between the expecting mother and her dentist, adjustments will be made to ensure treatment is safe for both mother and baby.

X-rays used to be considered dangerous to unborn babies. The good news is that with proper shielding, a dental X-ray is perfectly safe for expecting mothers and their babies. Dentists often use a heavy lead apron when taking X-rays for protection against harmful rays.

The use of medications and anesthesia for procedures is another common concern during pregnancy. It is important to let your dentist know you are expecting, even if you are not sure how far along you are. They will make sure any medication that is prescribed is safe for both mom and baby. Additionally, if an expecting mother needs anesthesia or numbing medication for a dental procedure, such as a root canal or cavity filling, they can feel confident that they are safe and will not harm the baby.

Reasons to see a dentist during pregnancy

Seeing a dentist during pregnancy is not only safe for both mom and baby, it is recommended by the American Dental Association, the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the American Academy of Pediatrics. Proper dental care reduces the risk of dental problems for the mother and complications such as premature birth and low birth weight for the baby. 

Here are some reasons why it’s crucial for expecting mothers to see their dentist:

  1. Pregnancy increases the risk of dental complications. Changes in certain hormones during pregnancy can increase the risk of oral health problems. Up to 75% of pregnant women experience gingivitis, the swelling or inflammation of the gums. Symptoms include tender or red gums and bleeding when brushing or flossing. Other dental problems pregnant women may experience include an increased risk of cavities and plaque buildup.
  2. Risk of pre-term birth and low birth weight. Mothers who neglect their oral health care during pregnancy are more likely to go into preterm labor and deliver babies with low birth weights, according to a study from JDR Clinical and Translational Research. In another study, it was estimated that more than 18% of preterm births are caused by periodontal disease. Babies who are born before full-term have a higher risk of medical problems such as breathing problems, serious infections, and heart conditions after birth. Later in life, they may experience intellectual and learning disabilities.
  3. Bacteria can pass to the baby.Mothers who have excess bacteria in their mouth may unintentionally pass it to their baby before and after birth. This can increase the risk of cavities as the child grows.

Skipping the dentist during pregnancy can be dangerous for both the mother and the unborn child. For expecting mothers, taking care of their oral health is not only essential for them but also for the oral and overall health of their babies.

Kids continue to miss school because of dental problems

read Children's Oral Health
The dental health of children is critical for their overall health and well-being. Every year kids miss valuable school days due to dental problems.

Every year kids miss valuable school days due to dental problems, and end up spending time in the dentist’s chair instead of their desk chair. The dental health of children is critical for their overall health and well-being. When it isn’t properly cared for, poor dental health can impact important parts of a child’s development.

Dental problems and daily life

When anyone, adult or child, experiences pain or discomfort in the mouth, it impacts their ability to function. They may experience:

  • Decreased ability to concentrate due to pain
  • Decreased self-confidence from an unhealthy smile
  • Lower school/work attendance rate because of dental appointments
  • Decrease in their school/work performance
  • Change in ability to speak correctly

The dental health of children in school

Dental problems can lead to children missing partial lessons or entire days of school. Recent studies have found that 30% of children ages 6-12 missed school due to dental problems. This refers to treatment that is past preventive care and does not include regular bi-annual dental appointments. Children in the United States missed over 9,000,000 school days in 2016 due to dental issues—that’s an alarming number! 

The dental health of children is vital to their development. Parents admit that it’s harder to get their kids to brush and floss than it is to have them do their homework or make their bed. Starting good oral health habits now will lead to a healthier smile throughout your child’s life.

Here are some tips to encourage your school-aged children to partake in oral health routines:

Click here to learn more about kids’ oral health.

3D printing and oral health care

read Dental Trends, Lifestyle
3D printing has revolutionized the way the world works. It has also reshaped the way some dental procedures are done. Check out this blog for all you need to know about 3D printing and dentistry.

Dental care has come a long way from using sticks and rags to take care of our teeth. With the help of technology, modern dental tools have made great leaps in oral health care. But what does the future of oral health care look like? A quick search on the internet shows that many people believe 3D printing will change the way dental patients are treated and the dentistry field altogether.

What is 3D printing?

3D Printing is a method of creating 3-dimensional objects by using a computer to create the design. This is typically done with a digital file that acts as a blueprint for an object, a 3D printer, and the material that the finished item will be made of. Materials may include plastic, powders, resins, and metals. Layer by layer, the special printer uses the directions from the digital file to stack and fuse material to a custom object. 

How can 3D printing change oral health care?

3D printing is changing oral health care in dental offices all over the world. Not only does the technology save time and money for both dentists and patients, but it also creates products that can be custom-printed based on specific needs. 

Check out five ways 3D printing is changing oral health care:

3D printing in the dentist’s office

With new technologies improving the dentistry field, some dental offices are moving toward investing in 3D printing machines in their office. Here are the benefits of investing in a 3D printing machine:

  • Save money: Both dentists and patients will save money in the long term.
    • Patient costs will be reduced because the dental office saves money from 3D printing.
  • Save time: No one wants to spend more time than they need to at the dentist and 3D printers help reduce the time spent in the office. 3D printers provide digital impression technology that can get test results back within minutes instead of waiting days or even weeks.
  • Accuracy: 3D printers give fast results that are much more accurate. There is room for human error and restoration failure when dealing with models of teeth, and 3D printers eliminate these errors.
  • Dental implants and usability: Dental implants may not always be a perfect fit due to human error. However, a 3D printer can print accurate surgical templates within minutes. 3D printers also perform other functions including composite restorations, veneer fabrication, dental models, and surgical guides.
  • Cross infection control: In the world we live in today, it is essential to avoid passing germs whenever possible. In the past, physical impressions would be passed hand to hand across the dental staff, increasing the chance of transmission. 3D printers have eliminated any chance for contamination because everything is done by machine.
  • Esthetic dentistry: Digital Smile Design (DSD) is a new tool that can digitally design a new smile for patients. This new product makes things so easy that as soon as the patient approves the digital smile, it can be printed immediately.

3D printing has revolutionized the dentistry field by creating new and advanced technologies that help save money for both the dental practice as well as the patient.

Why the Tooth Fairy is an important character for kids

read Adult Oral Health, Children's Oral Health
The Tooth Fairy hovers silently, fluttering down to collect lost teeth from beneath the pillows of sleeping children. In place of the tooth, she leaves a treasure from her basket for the child to find in the morning. Check out this blog to see the importance of the Tooth Fairy!

The Tooth Fairy hovers silently, fluttering down to collect lost teeth from beneath the pillows of sleeping children. In place of the tooth, she leaves a treasure from her basket for the child to find in the morning. Why is sharing this legend important? Leaving gifts from the Tooth Fairy is a great way to help make losing teeth less scary and more exciting for kids.

Delta Dental of Wisconsin encourages parents to treat the Tooth Fairy’s visit as an opportunity to discuss good oral health, even before a child loses their first tooth. Below are some great ways parents can teach kids about good oral health habits.

Introduce the Tooth Fairy early on

Kids will start losing baby teeth around age six. Before this age, parents can teach kids about the Tooth Fairy and let them know that good oral health habits and healthy teeth make her happy. Use this as an opportunity to brush up on a child’s everyday dental routine. Kids not wanting to brush and floss? Remind them that the Tooth Fairy is only looking for healthy baby teeth, not teeth with cavities. This will help get kids excited about taking care of their teeth.

Leave a note reinforcing good habits

A personalized note from the Tooth Fairy could be as exciting for kids as the gift itself. Parents should include tips for important oral health habits that the Tooth Fairy wants kids to practice, such as brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting the dentist at least once a year.

Give oral health gifts

Although money is a common gift for the Tooth Fairy to leave, children also receive toys, sugar-free gum, or other gifts. Consider forgoing cash and reinforcing good oral health habits by providing a new toothbrush with their favorite cartoon character or fun-flavored toothpaste. How about a new book? There are many children’s books about Tooth Fairy adventures that can add to the Tooth Fairy excitement.

Gone are the days of worrying about not being able to find the tiny tooth under the pillow in the middle of the night. Special Tooth Fairy pillows with tooth-sized pockets attached are now available in many themes and can even be customized with your child’s name.

The Tooth Fairy is a great way to tap into your child’s imagination, helping him or her to understand the importance of oral health in an exciting way.

For more information and ideas to make your child’s Tooth Fairy experience extra special, visit www.theoriginaltoothfairypoll.com.

Oral health milestones: Baby’s first year

read Children's Oral Health
In the first year of life, your baby will have many milestones, including oral health milestones. Learn more about what to expect in each stage!

During your child’s first year of life, they will transform from a snuggly baby to an energetic toddler. Whether it’s lifting their head without support, sitting up, or walking on their own, each milestone is exciting for parents. Babies also have many oral health milestones in their first year. Although they are born without visible teeth, the inside of a baby’s mouth is going through some major changes as they grow. Check out the infographic below for more information about oral health milestones in the first year.

In the first year of life, your baby will have many milestones, including oral health milestones. Learn more about what to expect in each stage!

All about shark teeth

read Children's Oral Health, Lifestyle
Shark teeth are among the most fascinating in the animal kingdom. Did you know that a single shark can lose and regrow thousands of teeth in its lifetime? Learn more about the apex predator’s teeth here.

Shark teeth are incredibly fascinating! In some ways, they’re like ours, and in others, they’re wildly different. Check out this short video on shark teeth from our friends at Delta Dental of Virginia to learn more:

Similarities between shark and human teeth

Human teeth and shark teeth are visually and physically different. However, there are some similarities between them that may surprise you. Some shark teeth, like human teeth, have a central “pulp cavity” surrounded by dentine and hard enamel. Shark teeth also leave behind a fossil record just like human teeth. Scientists have come to know about prehistoric sharks based purely on the shape and size of fossilized teeth.

Differences between shark and human teeth

There are many differences between human and shark teeth. Check out some below:

  • Sharks have more than one row of teeth. Sharks have up to 15 rows of teeth at one time. They act as conveyor belts, rotating in spaces that need filling.
  • Sharks are constantly losing their teeth. Some sharks will lose up to 50,000 teeth in their lifetime.
  • Sharks regrow their teeth in 24 hours.
  • Shark teeth don’t have roots as human teeth do. Therefore, they are much more likely to fall out or break while they’re eating.

Other fun shark teeth facts: