I'm too old to get braces

I’m too old to get braces!

Oh no no no no.

You are never too old to do Invisalign.  Invisalign is an alternative to the standard “braces” of wires and brackets and a fantastic way to maintain the integrity of your teeth for a lifetime by wearing clear retainers.  Clear retainers changed out every 2 weeks will provide small movement of the teeth that overtime with make you ecstatic of the changes you’ll notice.  Not only is it easier and more esthetic than traditional braces but it cost the same as well as the same amount of time invested.

Tranquility Park Dental was proud to hold it’s first Invisalign Open House on February 29^th. We offered a discount to patients who were interested in starting their Invisalign case. We had cupcakes and other refreshments thanks to Dr. Weak’s wife, Carol Weak. Our Invisalign representative, Eric, was here to encourage us and our patients. It was a fantastic event and we all had a lot of fun.

Please contact our office to learn more about Invisalign.

Going to the Dentist (according to Bill Cosby)

Now although some of this video can be true, a visit to the dental office can also be fun.  The American Dental Association recommends that a dental exam and cleaning is completed every 6 months in order to maintain a healthy mouth.  Dental x-rays are important in diagnosing any pathology below your gums as well as in between your teeth.  To prevent decay, brush twice a day and floss twice a week.  For more information on keeping your mouth and teeth healthy, click here.

When should your child have their first dental checkup?

Many parent magazines and pediatricians recommend that a child have their first dental checkup when they get their first tooth. 

In most cases we believe that 2 1/2 - 3 years of age is early enough for that first visit unless you have reasons for concern, like a discolored tooth.

We recommend bringing the child along to a visit with a parent or an older sibling allowing them to get familiar with the environment before being scheduled for their very own visit.

Our hygiene staff is dedicated to providing a comfortable and fun learning environment to teach their young  patients about good dental habits!
For more information click here.

Get Flossed!

It's time to get ready for the holidays! When preparing for these family gatherings we pay close attention to the appearance of our table setting. We bring out the fine china and the good sliverware, checking to make sure they are pristine and the silver is polished. Do we treat our teeth the same way? Do we clean in between our teeth just as we would the tines of our good forks?  Next time you set your table don't forget to clean your teeth just like you would your finest silverware! 

Fighting Tooth Decay with Xylitol!

Tooth decay happens when the bacteria in our mouth consumes the sugars we eat. When we eat food containing ordinary sugar (sucrose), it gives the bacteria on our teeth energy, allowing them to multiply and start making acids that can eat away the enamel on the teeth. This "acid attack" causes tooth decay and cavities.

Xylitol is a natural sweetener derived from the fibrous parts of plants. It does not break down like sugar and can help keep a neutral pH level in the mouth. Xylitol helps to starve the bacteria in our mouth so the acid attack that would otherwise last for over 30 minutes is stopped.  To receive the full benefit of Xylitol mints/gum they should be used 2-3 times a day for a minimum of 5 minutes.

CAUTION!  Xylitol has been proven toxic to dogs and the research is not conclusive regarding other pets……our recommendation – keep these tooth friendly products away from your furry friends!

Dry Mouth

Q: What are some causes of dry mouth?

A: There are many possible causes of xerostomia, or dry mouth.  The most common being that it is a side effect of over 400 medications.  Additional causes would be medical conditions like diabetes, stroke, and sjogren's syndrome.

The biggest problem with dry mouth from a dental health perspective is that it can cause tooth decay.  There are some remedies that can make dry mouth more manageable:  drink plenty of water, use prescriptions fluoride products, limit caffiene, avoid mouth rinses containing alcohol, chew xylitol gum/mints and stop tobacco use.

Bad Breath

Q: What causes bad breath?

A: The most obvious cause of halitosis (bad breath) is food.  Some of the most common culprits are garlic, onions and alcohol.
Poor oral hygiene is also a major cause of bad breath.  The breakdown of food and bacteria left in the mouth can result in a foul odor.  Thorough brushing 2x/day and flossing daily along with the use of a tongue scraper will help eliminate the odor.  Also, treatment of any periodontal disease is important.

Dry mouth, xerostomia, can contribute to bad breath but is often overlooked.  Sugar free gums and mints can help by increasing salivary production.  Drinking more water will also help.

Occasionally, bad breath can be caused by a sinus infection or chronic post nasal drip.
Smoking and chewing tobacco are also definite causes of halitosis.