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Everything You Want to Know About Teeth Whitening

Are you considering teeth whitening before a big event? Do you want to have a smile that is the star of your wedding? Teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic procedure and can boost confidence, eliminate stubborn stains, and give you a look that shines. However, like any dental procedure, it’s important to understand why your teeth are stained in the first place, what teeth whitening is like, and finally, how to prolong the results of professional teeth whitening. If you’d like to book a consult now, call Family Dental Health!

Common Causes of Teeth Staining

A column in TuftsNow by clinical professor Ronald Perry outlines some common causes of extrinsic staining or staining of the enamel:

• Black tea
• Coffee
• Wines, red and white
• Dark-colored food (beets, chocolate)
• Berries
• Popsicles
• Candy
• Pickles
• Soy sauce
• Curry
• Smoking 

The good news about extrinsic stains is that we can treat them with teeth whitening and proper brushing and flossing. There are also ways Dr. Perry suggests you mitigate staining agents. He advises drinking dark liquids through a straw to avoid contact with the teeth, brushing and flossing after consuming food and drink, chewing sugarless gum, and finally eating a diet high in fiber. However, if your efforts to mitigate staining have started too late, he suggests teeth bleaching as a good option to eliminate extrinsic stains. 

What are My Options for Teeth Whitening?

We’re all familiar with the over-the-counter teeth whitening strips. While convenient, there is the danger of falling into the ‘more is better’ trap, explained by Dr. Adam S. Harwood, DMD, in Dentistry Today. The idea that adding more peroxide, charcoal, or other trendy solutions to your at-home regimen will cause whiter teeth isn’t necessarily the case. Too much of anything can be damaging.  Professional teeth whitening is a safer and more predictable option. There are several brands of professional whitening, but most fall into two categories: In-office and at-home solutions.

In-office whitening

If you choose an in-office approach, you will choose the level of whiteness you wish your teeth to reach with your dental provider. They will then prep your teeth and gums for safe application of the specially formulated whitening gel. Some offices will then shine a special activation light on the gel to speed up whitening, while others don’t. When your whitening session is complete, the gel is cleaned off, and a topical anti-sensitivity product is applied. We send you on your way with instructions for avoiding certain foods and drinks to maintain your new bright smile. 

 At-home professional teeth whitening

If you prefer to whiten in the comfort of your own home, your dentist will fit you for professional plastic whitening trays. Then they will provide prescription-strength gel to fill the trays and wear at home. Depending on the solution, you may wear the trays several days in a row, or for a few days a month until you reach your desired shade. At-home whitening can be a great way to whiten your teeth on your schedule. 

What Your Dentist Wants You to Know

Teeth whitening under the supervision of your dentist is ideal. You can get a bright white smile that is also healthy. You will also get professional recommendations on how to maintain your results, and most dentists will also provide at-home touch-up options to keep your smile bright between visits. If you are interested in whitening your teeth or you have questions, please reach out! Contact Family Dental Health today to schedule an appointment.

The content of this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.

Guilt-Free Advice for Great Pediatric Oral Health

Parenting is no joke. It is equal parts rewarding and exhausting. Moms and dads know how much effort it takes to keep kids healthy and happy. And, everyone from mommy blogs to mothers-in-law has an opinion on where parents are falling short. Are they eating a balanced diet? Is their homework done? Do they get enough sleep? Do they limit screen time? Do you spend enough time as a family, but also enough time alone to encourage their independence? Are you a helicopter or free-range parent? Are they making friends? Not just friends, but the RIGHT friends? You get it. Of course, you also need to add brushing and flossing regularly to the list. After a long day of work, school, sports, and homework, it’s a miracle if they make it to bed in their pajamas. All that to say, this isn’t supposed to be a guilt trip. Family Dental Health is providing this information to help already busy parents have burning questions answered quickly to efficiently take care of their child’s oral health. 

Question: When should my child go to the dentist for the first time?

Answer: The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a child’s first dental appointment happen before age one. But if your child is already two or three and they haven’t been yet, don’t worry. Just make the appointment. If you missed the official window, the best thing you can do is take them in now. 

Question: Should I find a pediatric dentist, or can I take my child to my regular dental provider?

Answer: There is no absolute right answer here. If you have a great relationship with your dentist and they see children your child’s age, you can try it out. However, there are benefits to seeing specialized pediatric dentists, such as:

• Pediatric dentists have extended education in caring for children’s oral health, including the psychological and developmental health of children.
• Pediatric dentists use child-sized equipment (X-rays and drills) specifically made for children’s teeth. 
• Pediatric dentists choose to work with kids, so you can be confident they want to work with little ones.
• Pediatric offices are typically more child-friendly. Often, they provide age-appropriate activities, fun rewards for good behavior, and other amenities specifically for children. 
• Pediatric teams are trained on how to communicate with children and parents. For example, instead of saying plaque or bacteria, they may say ‘tooth bugs’ so children can better understand what is going on. 

Question: I can’t get my kids to brush and floss like they are supposed to…and I’m at the end of my rope. What can I do?

Answer: Take a deep breath, Mom and Dad. Resisting brushing and flossing is a normal part of being a kid. These days, there are some fun and engaging ways to encourage good oral hygiene. Try a few and see what sticks. 

• Shop for a fun toothbrush and new toothpaste. 
• Gamify tooth brushing and flossing. Let them earn points or stars that lead to a reward. Or, find a free dental app to help gamify the experience. 
• Pair the activities with something they already do. Have them brush and floss in the shower or while they watch TV.
• Reward brushing and flossing with the home WiFi password.
• Set a reminder or an alarm on their phone.

Question: My child has a cavity in a baby tooth – can’t we just pull it? It’s going to fall out anyway.

Answer: Baby teeth, or primary teeth, are more important to the long-term growth and development of your child than you may realize. Baby teeth assist in chewing healthy foods, speech development, and the proper growth and shaping of the jaw. If baby teeth are extracted unnecessarily, you may risk the normal development of these teeth. The best course of action is what Family Dental Health suggests. 

Keeping kids’ teeth healthy isn’t easy. Kids can be stubborn and strong-willed, and it’s hard not to feel like a failure if they aren’t cooperating. However, there are resources available to you to help. First, ask your dentist for advice. If you don’t know how to handle something or notice your child having issues, make the call. Think of your dentist and dental team as both your cheerleaders and experts when it comes to your child’s oral health. If you have burning questions or concerns, contact Family Dental Health today! 

“The content of this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.”

How to Keep Your Teeth Healthy and Happy During Holiday Season

The holidays are upon us! While holiday lights and cute reindeer adorn the streets and shop windows, it seems holiday treats are around every corner. How can you keep your teeth healthy with the overwhelming amount of sugar plums and Christmas cookies this season? Here are some tips from the experts on how to make the most of this holiday season while also keeping your teeth and mouth in tip-top shape.  

• Stay on top of your oral health routine

It’s difficult to stay on track during the holiday season. However, one of the best ways to prevent cavities is brushing twice a day and flossing. If you are going on vacation or traveling for the holidays, it’s difficult to keep regular routines. Don’t let your oral care fall by the wayside. 

• Drink water

There are a lot of fun cocktails, mocktails, and chocolatey drinks that are quintessential holiday fare. While it’s just fine to imbibe now and then, your teeth will thank you if you keep up with your water intake. When you drink sugary or acidic drinks with low pH, the bacteria in your mouth can shift and become harmful. Water is pH-neutral and can help balance the environment and keep your teeth feeling great.  

• Give the gift of dental care

A great self-care gift is keeping your dental appointment. Don’t let the busyness of the holiday season keep you from seeing your dentist. If you have a dental appointment in December or January, make it a priority to keep it. It is easy to de-prioritize appointments this time of year, but do yourself a favor and keep your appointment; your mouth will thank you. 

1. Plan when to indulge   

The holidays are full of friends and family, and should be enjoyed. But with work parties, school parties, and family gatherings that extend from Christmas into the New Year, there is ample opportunity to indulge in all the holiday treats. Try to stick to foods rich in calcium and low in sugar if possible. Plan what you will eat before you get to the party to limit the temptation to indulge. 

• Smart stocking stuffers

Instead of stuffing stockings with chocolate and candy canes, consider sugar-free alternatives. Small items like lip balm, gloves, or books are great alternatives to sweets.  

• Use tools, not teeth

There are many ways you can damage your teeth during the holidays. Take special care to keep your teeth in good shape by avoiding certain behaviors. First, don’t crack nuts with your teeth. You can easily crack or chip your teeth when using them instead of the proper tools. Refrain from opening packaging with your teeth. Use scissors or a pocket knife to open toys and games, not your teeth.  Hard or sticky foods can also cause dental issues. When you can, pass on these and opt for something easier on your teeth. 

• Stay on the nice list

Don’t forget about your oral health this holiday season. You can have a memorable holiday with friends and family while keeping your teeth healthy and bright! If you need to schedule a dental appointment, contact Family Dental Health!

The content of this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.

Pediatric Oral Health FAQ

At Family Dental Health, we know that parenting is both rewarding and exhausting. Many of us are parents ourselves, so we understand the never-ending effort it takes to keep our kids healthy and happy. From mommy blogs to unsolicited advice from in-laws, everyone seems to have an opinion on where parents fall short.

Are your kids eating well? Getting enough sleep? And of course, are they brushing and flossing every day? To help ease the overwhelm, Portland dentist, Dr. David Case, is answering some of the most common dental questions we hear from parents just like you.

Q: When should my child go to the dentist for the first time?

A: According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, your child should visit the dentist by their first birthday. That may sound early, but baby teeth play an essential role in your child’s development.

If your child is already two or three and hasn’t had a dental visit yet, don’t panic! Just schedule their first appointment as soon as you can. It’s never too late to start building healthy habits.

Q: Should I take my child to a pediatric dentist, or can they see my regular dentist?

A: There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. If your current dentist treats children and you feel comfortable with them, that can be a good option to try. But here’s why many parents prefer pediatric dentists:

• Specialized training in children’s oral health and development
• Child-sized tools and equipment designed just for little mouths
• Fun, kid-friendly environments that help reduce fear and anxiety
• Teams trained to communicate with children using age-appropriate language, like calling plaque “tooth bugs”

Pediatric dentists genuinely enjoy working with children, and that can make a big difference in how your child feels about going to the dentist.

Q: I can’t get my kids to brush and floss consistently. Help!

A: Take a deep breath—you’re not alone. Brushing and flossing battles are common. Here are some creative ways to make oral hygiene fun (and effective):

• Let them pick a fun toothbrush and tasty toothpaste
• Use a rewards system with stickers, stars, or small prizes
• Download a free brushing app or play a favorite song as a timer
• Combine brushing time with another routine, like bath time or screen time
• Make it a family activity—brush together and turn it into a silly dance party!

Q: My child has a cavity in a baby tooth. Do we really need to fix it?

A: Yes! Even though baby teeth eventually fall out, they’re still very important. Primary teeth help children:

• Chew properly for good nutrition
• Speak clearly as they learn a language
• Guide the proper growth of their jaws and adult teeth

Ignoring decay in baby teeth can lead to pain, infection, or problems with permanent teeth later on. It’s best to treat cavities early.

Your Partner in Pediatric Dental Health

We know it’s not always easy. Kids can be unpredictable, and dental routines can quickly become battlegrounds. But remember, you’re not in this alone.

Whether you need advice, resources, or reassurance, the Family Dental Health team is here for you. We consider it an honor to be part of your child’s healthcare team. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you need support, have concerns, or are ready to schedule a visit.

We’re your cheerleaders on the journey to a healthy, happy smile!

The content of this blog is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified healthcare providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Does My Child Need a Dental Crown?

Baby teeth are important because they save space in the mouth for eventual adult teeth, in addition to helping kids learn to speak, bite, and chew properly. Baby teeth are temporary, but they do need to be functional for quite some time. The first teeth appear around six months, while the last baby molars don’t fall out until 12 to 13 years of age. Keeping baby teeth healthy and intact increases the likelihood that adult teeth will appear in favorable positions, reducing the chances of future orthodontic treatment.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, baby teeth have thinner enamel and a greater percentage of inner pulp that lies closer to the tooth surface. Due to these factors, Family Dental Health will recommend the quick repair of small cavities in baby teeth with fillings as a proactive measure against more complex future treatment.

If a severely compromised baby tooth is unlikely to be restored successfully using other filling materials, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends stainless steel crowns be used, especially in cases where the tooth has already received pulpal (root canal) therapy. If your child needs a pulpotomy or pulpectomy, don’t worry! These procedures are commonplace today, and your Portland dentist can help.

If you have questions or concerns about your child’s oral health, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Family Dental Health today.

The content of this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.

Why Have a Dental Implant?

Dental implants replace an entire tooth, including the root, with a permanent replacement. Family Dental Health can tell you it is the #1 most popular tooth replacement method in all of dentistry, but there are many reasons dental implant surgery may be recommended.

Dental implants may work for you if you have one or more teeth missing, your jawbone has reached full adult growth, and you’re willing to commit several months to the implant process. Other times when dental implants might be a good dental solution include:

• When gum tissue is healthy
• When bone density is adequate to support an implant
• When a patient wants to speak more clearly 
• When a patient wants to eat and chew easily
• When a patient does not want to wear dentures
• When the patient does not use tobacco

Family Dental Health wants you to have a full, functional smile that you are proud to show. Though implants are more of a marathon than a sprint, they provide a permanent, beautiful solution for missing teeth. If you have questions or concerns about dental implants, get in touch with your Portland dentist at Family Dental Health today!

The content of this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.

What You Need to Know About Pregnancy and the Dentist

Expecting a child is an exciting and nerve-wracking time for parents, especially first-time parents. The list of foods to avoid, medications to stop, and vitamins to start can feel overwhelming. Every parent wants a healthy, happy pregnancy and baby. However, with the overwhelming amount of information and daily physical changes, moms and dads sometimes forget about maintaining good oral health. Family Dental Health has some answers to questions expecting parents might have about oral health while pregnant. 

Question: If I have ‘soft teeth’ or get cavities easily, will my child too?

Answer: While ‘soft teeth’ is not a medical term, there is a genetic component to cavities. Researchers are still learning, but one of the greatest risk factors for children getting tooth decay is if their parents have cavities. If you suffer from tooth decay, be sure your child has their first dental appointment 6 weeks after their first tooth erupts. 

Question: Can I have dental work done while pregnant?

Answer: If it is a dental emergency and you have an infection, get the dental work done immediately. Most other dental procedures are safe during pregnancy. However, the Family Dental Health recommends that elective procedures be done during your second trimester (weeks 14-20), as there are fewer risks of side effects. No matter what, contact your prenatal care provider to discuss any treatment you are considering. 

Question: Are pacifiers, thumb-sucking, or bottle nipples bad for my baby’s growing mouth?

Answer: The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry states that most children stop using pacifiers, bottles, or sucking their thumb on their own. However, if the behavior continues past the age of three, your dentist might suggest intervention.   

Question: Can I skip my dental appointments during my pregnancy?

Answer: You should not skip your dental appointments. Seeing the dentist during pregnancy is very important. Because of the change in hormones, you are at higher risk for periodontal disease. Make sure you alert your dentist to any medication changes or dietary changes during your pregnancy. 

Question: Does what I eat during pregnancy affect my baby’s teeth?

Answer: Yes! Your baby’s teeth develop around the 3rd month of pregnancy. Eat a healthy diet with enough calcium and other nutrients to ensure teeth develop well. 

Question: Is there anything I can do to make sure my mouth and my baby’s mouth is healthy during pregnancy?

Answer: There are several things you can do to stay healthy during pregnancy. 

1. See your dentist regularly
2. Eat a well-balanced diet 
3. Avoid sugary snacks
4. Maintain a good oral hygiene routine
5. Add Xylitol gum or lozenges into your daily routine

Pregnancy is an exciting time. It is also a great time to think about taking great care of yourself. Don’t forget to keep your mouth and gums healthy while pregnant. If you are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant, schedule an appointment at Family Dental Health. We would love to see you and make sure you feel good about your oral health while pregnant.

“The content of this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.”

What Can Your Teeth Tell Scientists?

There are a lot of things teeth can tell you about yourself, even more that dentists can determine during examinations, and even more that scientists can discover. For example, you can often feel when you have something stuck between your teeth, or when plaque is starting to build up, and you could use some quality time with your toothbrush. Dr. David Case can examine this, too, and with the assistance of our technology, we can also see cavities forming, enamel wear, the density of your jawbone, and more! 

These details are key when it comes to helping you maintain a healthy smile for life, but if we wanted to compare the difference in size between your jaw and the jaws of our ancestors from 4 million years ago, we’d need to consult scientists. 

Why would we be interested in obtaining this information? Partially because we find it fascinating, but also because it explains things like why our third molars (wisdom teeth) frequently cause issues when erupting or attempting to erupt.

The Jawbone’s Connected to the…

Did you sing “Dem Bones” or “The Skeleton Dance” in elementary school? If so, you might remember that your jawbone is connected to your skull. Fossilized skulls and teeth can tell us things like what kind of food our ancestors ate through what some scientists call a “foodprint”. Scientists can even use teeth to determine if someone moved to and from places with dramatically different foods or soils.

As your Portland dental team, we’re dedicated to learning all we can about teeth, past and present, so we can keep yours healthy and beautiful for a lifetime. To talk teeth and science with us, or just schedule a routine checkup and cleaning, contact Family Dental Health today!

The content of this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.

Suffering from a Sore Throat & Bad Breath? You Might Have Tonsil Stones

You’ve heard of kidney and gallbladder stones, but have you heard of tonsil stones or experienced their formation yourself? The symptoms of tonsil stones may include:

• Bad breath
• Sore throat
• Difficulty swallowing
• Ear pain

None of these are pleasant, so your dental team at Family Dental Health is here to tell you ways you may be able to treat them at home, as well as offer advice on how you can prevent them from returning. 

Leave the Stones to Sisyphus

Tonsil stones are the result of bacteria and debris accumulation in what is called the crypts of your tonsils, so your best defense is a diligent oral hygiene routine! 

Your tonsils are an important part of a strong immune system; in fact, the American Academy of Otolaryngology (ear, nose, and throat doctors) refers to them as your “body’s first line of defense.” That’s just one example of how your oral health is linked to your overall wellness, which is something we work hard to convey to our dental family because we want you to feel as fantastic as possible!

So, what should you do if you suspect you have tonsil stones? You may be able to see them if you open your mouth widely and stick out your tongue (like doctors ask you to when they use tongue depressors); they may be white, yellow, or gray nodes on your tonsils, or they might be burrowed within your tonsil and thus out of sight. 

Whether or not you see any, you may be able to dislodge them by gargling salt water or using a water flosser to flush the debris from your tonsils. Or, better yet, why not contact your Portland dentist, Dr. David Case of Family Dental Health, today to schedule a visit? We can perform a thorough and gentle examination and get you back on the road to optimal oral health!

The content of this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.

The Discovery of X-Rays

Family Dental Health can diagnose and screen for a host of maladies thanks to sophisticated imaging technology. X-rays are now so frequently used and so effective that most of us take their capabilities for granted, but it was not so long ago that a tumor or damaged bone couldn’t be found without the patient being cut open!

The discovery of X-rays was a happy accident. A physics professor named Wilhelm Roentgen was testing whether cathode rays could pass through glass and observed a mysterious light that would pass through human tissue and reveal details of the bones and tissue underneath. Because Roentgen didn’t know what the rays were, he called them “x”, meaning “unknown”.

The medical community and the public alike were very excited about X-rays, and as their use became commonplace, the potential side effects of radiation exposure were ignored at first. Scientists like Thomas Edison and Nikola Tesla sounded the alarm about the dangers of radiation, but X-rays were still used for entertainment purposes (such as carnivals) during the 1930s and 1940s.

Over the years, scientists have developed a better understanding of risks tied to X-ray radiation and developed procedures and protocols to minimize unnecessary exposure. The discovery and development of X-rays over time enabled advancements such as 3D imaging, cone beam imaging, and other imaging modalities essential to world-class dentistry today.

If you have questions or concerns about dental technology or just want to come take a look at all our cool machines, get in touch with Family Dental Health today!

The content of this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.