Why it’s important to teach your child good oral hygiene

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month--an important time to focus on and teach your child the necessity of good oral hygiene. Maintaining a healthy mouth is vital for all ages, but is especially essential for youngsters when their mouth is vulnerable and adult teeth are coming in. In fact, more than half of children will be affected by tooth decay before the age of five, according to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Poor oral hygiene can also lead to future health issues and costly bills, something that can be difficult to explain to a child, but can also be prevented or reduced with the proper care.

Brushing at least twice a day and regular flossing can seem like an unnecessary chore to kids. Here are some ways to teach your children good oral hygiene habits and the importance of a healthy mouth: 

Be a good role model.  Kids learn from example, so be sure that they see their parents regularly brushing and flossing. Show them how long to brush, what areas and the best way to floss. Explain that brushing will get rid of bacteria while flossing gets all of the food and gunk out of your teeth. You may want to help your kids with flossing until they get the hang of it.

Make it fun.  Oral hygiene doesn’t have to be boring. Teach your kids about the importance of oral hygiene with fun activities. For example, putting an egg in soda for 24 hours will stain it and show what sugar can do to enamel. Encourage your children to brush the egg with toothpaste and explain what happened to the egg and what happens in the mouth. Other activities and worksheets are available online for continued education.

Motivate with music. Everyone should brush for at least two full minutes, but unfortunately that is rarely the case. To teach kids to brush thoroughly and take their time, music can be a great motivator. Check out the information on our Family Services page that includes a link to a list of songs for kids to brush to.

Schedule regular cleanings. Staying accountable is an important part of teaching your child good oral hygiene. Make sure to book regular teeth cleanings to build a positive relationship between your child and their dentist.

Explaining to kids what cavities and gum disease are beginning at an early age and meeting with a dentist to learn what the treatment is like will help them keep oral hygiene a priority. Challenge your kids to take the 2-2-2 pledge in the month of February and beyond: Brush twice a day for two minutes and floss twice a day. Healthy treats and fun outings can be rewards for good oral hygiene. Instilling good habits with your children from the beginning will stick with them as they become adults,  and ultimately help determine their future health.

Children should begin to visit the dentist regularly by the age of 3. At Artistic Dental we provide comprehensive dental care for all ages. To schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. John Dougherty or Dr. Prabhidi Adhikari, contact us today at (602) 840 – 5400.

What is endodontics?

Unless you’ve needed a specialty dental procedure in the past, you probably haven’t heard of endodontics. So what is endodontics, and when might you need an endodontic procedure?

Endodontics is the branch of dentistry concerning dental pulp and tissues surrounding the roots of a tooth. “Endo” is the Greek word for “inside” and “odont” is Greek for “tooth.” Dentists who are trained in endodontics, like Dr. John Dougherty go through additional training and take continued education that focuses solely on the study of the dental pulp, and the treatments and procedures, such as root canals needed to keep gums and teeth healthy

The goal of endodontic treatments is to help you maintain a healthy, natural smile. Through endodontic treatment of the inside of the tooth, the dentist can help save a diseased tooth that would ordinarily need to be pulled.

Many people get fidgety just from hearing the word root canal, but often it is the only way to relieve severe tooth pain and treat infection, while saving the tooth. If infection is left untreated, not only can it continue to be extremely painful, the infection can spread from inside the tooth to the jawbone and can cause more serious problems including an abscess, bone density loss, and eventually, tooth loss.

During a root canal, the diseased inner tooth material is removed, the inside of the tooth is cleaned and treated, and then the tooth is sealed up to prevent further infection in the future. The procedure has a very high degree of success, up to 90%, and can help relieve your pain and keep your smile healthy and beautiful.

In addition to root canals, other endodontic procedures include apexification, which stimulates a tooth to continue to grow in a child that has suffered a traumatic incident, like a fall, that causes growth to stop. Doctors with training in endodontics also perform endodontic surgery and are specially trained to diagnose the cause of tooth pain, and put together treatment plans for tricky or specialized cases. In more extreme cases, Dr. Dougherty and Dr. Adhikari may recommend a patient consult with an endodontist if the issue requires surgery.

If you are taking care of your teeth and gums with regular brushing, flossing and dental check-ups, you are taking steps that will reduce the chances of ever needing an endodontic treatment, but if you ever find yourself with severe tooth pain, you will be glad to have a dentist with training and experience in this area

At Artistic Dental, we are proud to be able to offer endodontic services in house, as well as cosmetic and family dentistry, and orthodontics. If you are experiencing tooth pain, or have questions about a dental procedure, call and make an appointment today!

What is the difference between DDS and DMD

The medical field uses dozens of acronyms and abbreviations that stand for the various titles and certifications a medical professional has earned or achieved. Some are very familiar —like MD for medical doctor and RN for registered nurse, while others are not as recognizable to the general public. In the dental industry, you will most often see DDS or DMD following a dentist’s name. The only difference between a DMD vs DDS title is where the dentist attended school and earned their degree in dentistry.

The training of DMD and DDS dentist are essentially the same. DMD stands for “Dentariae Medicinae Doctorae,” meaning Doctor of Dental Medicine in Latin. Harvard University was the first to offer a DMD degree. A Doctor of Dental Surgery or DDS has to pass the same licensing examinations as a DMD and vice versa. 

Both Dr. Dougherty and Dr. Adhikari earned a DDS degree from their respective universities. Dr. Dougherty attended Creighton University for his graduate degree in dentistry, while Dr. Adhikari graduated from New York University College of Dentistry. In addition, they are both dedicated to continuing education to stay abreast of the latest treatments and provide the best care options to Artistic Dental patients. 

In 2012, Dr. Dougherty earned his Master Academy of General Dentistry or MAGD, which only 3 percent of dentist in the U.S. have achieved. Dr. Adhikari is in the process of earning her MAGD and has currently earned a Fellow in the Academy of General Dentistry (FAGD), meaning she has completed at least 500 hours of additional dental education credits. An MAGD requires 1000 hours of additional education. 

Given their extensive training, Dr. Dougherty and Dr. Adhikari are able to offer patients comprehensive list of services treatments including:

• Restorative dentistry (Oral surgery, root canal therapy, tooth filling)

• Cosmetic dentistry (veneers, teeth whitening, orthodontics, dental implants and more)

• Preventative care (Dental check-ups, x-rays, oral cancer screenings)

You may wonder after reading this, why do the two different titles exist, if they mean the same thing? The simple answer is that the titles hold significance to the universities that have used them for years. In other words, the universities don’t have a reason to change it. There has been some debate about establishing one general dentist title, but for now DDS and DMD will remain the official designations. 

A couple of other titles that you may see include Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) and Certified Dental Assistant (CDA). The education and certification for a hygienist is more extensive, but both individuals will work with the dentists in the overall care of patients.

 If you would like to learn more about the services and treatments we provide at Artistic Dental you can call (602)840-5400 to book a complimentary consultation or visit our website.

What are teeth made of and 10 other facts you may not know about teeth

Everyone knows they should be brushing and flossing their teeth and gums daily, unfortunately that doesn’t mean they always do it. Those that really want a winning smile will opt for treatments to whiten them, and, if needed straighten them. If you want your smile to sparkle and to maintain your health, it is important to spend time caring for your teeth. But how often do you actually stop and think about what teeth are made of and why it is so important to care for them?

Here are 10 interesting facts about your teeth that you may know:

1. Our teeth are made up of four different types of tissue: pulp, dentin, enamel, and cementum. Cementum is the connective tissue that helps hold your teeth in place within your jawbone.
2. Teeth are covered in enamel, which is the hard, shiny surface that you see on the outside. Enamel is the hardest substance in the body.
3. Teeth don’t have marrow like bones, their blood supply comes from a substance called dental pulp, which also contains the nerves that cause you pain when you have a cavity or eat something cold.
4. Many people think that teeth and bones are made up of the same thing. They do have some similarities, but unlike bones, teeth cannot heal themselves or grow back together if they are broken.
5. Humans have several types of teeth including molars, canines and incisors. The Incisors help bite pieces from food; canines help hold and tear food apart and molars help grind food.
6. The tops of your teeth are called the crown, and the imprint they make is individual to each person, and can be used to identify you, just like fingerprints.
7. Children start getting teeth when they are between 4 and 7 months old. By the time they are 3, they usually have around 20 teeth.
8. Adult teeth reside underneath baby teeth, and as they become mature they begin to put pressure on the roots of the baby teeth, which dissolves them. This causes the baby teeth to fall out, leaving room for the permanent teeth. Adults usually have 32 permanent teeth by the time they reach maturity.
9. If your teeth are not properly cleaned, a mixture of bacteria and food, called plaque, can build up on them. As the bacteria feed on the sugary food build up, they produce an acid that dissolves the calcium minerals in enamel and dentine, which can eventually form a cavity.
10. If plaque is left on the tooth for a long period of time, it can harden into a chalky substance called tartar. Tartar can cause gum disease, which will eventually lead to tooth loss and can cause other health issues

Still have questions about your teeth? Our dentists, Dr. John Daugherty and Dr. Prabhidi Adhikari at Artistic Dental are experts that are always happy to answer questions! Schedule an appointment for a complimentary consultation, a checkup or cleaning, and find out more about how you can keep your smile healthy.

How affordable dentures can transform your smile

Dental implants are a great option for some people with missing or broken teeth, but they don’t work for everyone. Affordable dentures allow you to completely transform your smile even if implants aren’t an option.

Implants can be expensive and may not be fully covered by insurance plans. They also aren’t a great fit for everyone, especially people with unhealthy gums or brittle jawbones.

When people think of dentures, it often brings to mind visions of clunky, ill-fitting and obvious dental inserts. But as with many other aspects of dentistry, the technology behind dentures continues to improve greatly every year. New materials are now being used to improve the fit and provide increased comfort and a more natural look.

Wearing dentures will allow you to enjoy a wide variety of foods again, and will restore your confidence. Not only will dentures give you a bright, healthy smile, but they can also improve your appearance by adding shape and definition to your face that can make you look younger.

Quality and customization are key considerations when being fitted for dentures, as improperly fitted dentures can cause irritation, and which can lead to even more dental issues later on. If dentures fit well and are well taken care of, they can give you a beautiful, healthy smile for many years.

Come in and see us at Artistic Dental today or call (602) 840-5400 to set up a complimentary consultation to see if dentures are the right choice for you.

Everything you need to know about getting a root canal

Many patients ask us, “What is a root canal?”, concerned that it is a complicated and dangerous procedure that they may need. Getting a root canal can be daunting, however, it could save your tooth and prevent a lot of pain in the long run. A root canal is basically the process of taking out infected pulp inside the root of a tooth and cleaning the canals to prevent further infection. This infected pulp can be painful and may be caused by gum disease or something as simple as a chipped tooth or a cavity.

Root canal process

The first step of a root canal is getting an x-ray from your dentist. This will help determine whether or not the tooth is infected and where the infection is located. Local anesthetics will be applied after examining the x-ray and an opening is made in the crown of the tooth all the way down to the roots. Small tools are used to remove the infected pulp, clean the roots and reshape them. After the roots are given shape, the space is filled with a rubbery-like material called gutta-percha. The tooth is then sealed off with a cement adhesive and typically will be capped with a temporary filling. You will then come in for a second visit with the dentist in order to have a permanent crown put on and to check the tooth and gums after the procedure.

Misconceptions

A common misconception about root canal treatment is that it’s a painful process. Rest easy, the dentist will manage any pain and make sure patients are comfortable throughout the procedure. Also remember, a root canal relieves pain from a toothache. Many patients will say that they feel no pain from the procedure and that it feels similar to getting a filling. Another misconception is that root canals can make you sick or cause infection. It has been proven that a root canal is the best option to save a tooth from possible extraction and there is no evidence that a root canal will cause illness.

Additional Information

Over 40 million root canal treatments in the U.S. are performed a year, making it a fairly common procedure. Root canals are almost always successful in saving the tooth from extraction and most last a lifetime after undergoing a root canal procedure.

To prevent ever having to get a root canal it’s important to keep up with dental hygiene. This means brushing and flossing three times a day and regular visits to the dentist. It’s also important to get cavities filled, otherwise they could become abscessed and require a root canal.

The staff at Artistic Dental are experts in root canal procedures and will make sure to treat patients as they would their own family members. If you’re suffering from tooth pain, call and make an appointment for a complimentary consultation with one of our dentists at 602.840.5400.

Don’t take a “Holiday” from Oral Hygiene

The weeks between Thanksgiving and New Year’s may be the “most wonderful time of the year”, but parties and time off work don’t mean you can take a holiday from oral hygiene. Follow these simple tips to keep your smile bright and to reduce the risk of a dental emergency during the holiday season.

Schedule your sweets: Candy and cookies and cupcakes, oh my. Everyone has a favorite sweet to eat during the holidays, and nobody is suggesting you give them up completely. The trick is to be smart about when you have them. Rather than grazing on sugary treats that will sit on your teeth throughout the day, pick a time to indulge, and then plan to brush your teeth shortly afterwards.

Be aware of your beverage choices: Holiday desserts aren’t the only culprit when it comes to added sugar. Drinks like hot apple cider and eggnog can have tablespoons of sugar per serving, and red wine can stain your teeth. Make sure to rinse your mouth by drinking a glass of water after each sugary beverage, and brush as soon as you can.

Keep up your oral hygiene: Brushing and flossing regularly becomes even more important when you’re regularly enjoying sweets and treats, but crazy holiday schedules can often be a cause for missed daily brushing. Consider carrying a travel toothbrush and floss in your purse or car so you can keep your mouth clean, no matter where your celebrations may take you.

Stop stressing: The holidays can be a stressful time. Buying gifts, coordinating family schedules and planning parties can lead to tension that can cause headaches, jaw pain and even teeth grinding. Plan if possible, find ways to delegate tasks and incorporate activities like yoga into your routine to help reduce stress. If you are grinding your teeth, talk to your dentist about a night guard to prevent permanent damage.

Gift smarter: Who says stockings need to be filled with candy and chocolate? Add in fruit and sugar-free gum as healthier options, and consider a new toothbrush or fun flavored mouthwash for kids as well. An electric toothbrush also makes a great gift for adults and older children, because they are beneficial, everybody can use one, and you don’t have to worry about whether they will fit.

Visit your dentist: Many insurance plans renew for the year on January 1st, so be sure to book appointments before year-end for any cleanings or procedures you need to take full advantage of your annual benefits.

It’s never too early to think about your appointments for the coming year as well. Call Artistic Dental to schedule your next visit today!