How to Keep Good Oral Habits

There are some habits that are easy to fall into and others that take some work. When it comes to dental hygiene, it can sometimes be difficult to stick to a good routine. At Alta Loma Dental Care here in Alta Loma, CA, we want to give our patients tips for creating good oral habits and sticking to them!

Take Baby Steps

Taking on an entirely new habit at once can sometimes be so overwhelming, you do not know where to start or it looks like too large of a task. This is when you need to break the new task into baby steps. For instance, if you want to start cleaning your tongue every time you brush your teeth, start with only one stroke each time you brush. Eventually make it two strokes and then you will find it easy to just keep brushing until it is clean.

Be Realistic

Be realistic about your goals. If you want to brush more often to whiten your teeth, understand that it will take some time for surface stains to lift. Being realistic means that you know the work will be worth it, but you will not gain instant results. It also means that you may not be able to take on major changes all at once. (See the first tip).

Remind Yourself

Simple reminders give you that extra nudge to complete a task. If you want to floss every night before bed, put a sticky-note on your bathroom mirror that reminds you to floss. Another idea is to leave the floss out on your counter top so you actually see it every night.

It is healthy to create new goals and standards, especially when it comes to your health. To learn more about Alta Loma Dental Care, contact us by calling our Alta Loma, CA office at (909) 987-6268 or by visiting our website, www.altalomadentalcare.com. 

Healthy Food for Teeth

Along with brushing and flossing, there are other ways to take care of your teeth- like eating. It is true; there are certain foods that are actually good for your teeth. At Alta Loma Dental Care of Alta Loma, CA, we want our patients to be well-rounded in oral health. That is why we are going to talk about some of the foods to choose that will benefit your teeth and gums!

By now, most of us have probably heard that milk is great for strong bones. Well, the same goes for teeth. Calcium in milk keeps teeth strong and healthy. In addition, milk lowers the levels of acid in your mouth, further protecting teeth and gums. Cheese yields similar results.

Crunchy foods like cucumbers and apples help clean teeth as you eat them. The fibrous foods scrape against your teeth and remove plaque!

Citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruits are great for your gums. They strengthen blood vessels and connective tissues that hold your teeth to your jaw. They also reduce inflammation.

Foods that contain polyphenols like cranberries and tea prevent plaque from growing and sticking to teeth. This lowers the risk of cavities.

When looking for food that will benefit teeth, it is good to look for vitamin-rich foods and foods that promote saliva flow. Keeping a moist mouth is important for keeping bacteria levels down. To schedule an appointment with Alta Loma Dental Care in our Alta Loma, CA dental practice, give our office a call at (909) 987-6268 or visit our website, www.altalomadentalcare.com. 

How to Brush and Floss with Braces

When wearing braces, you must take a little more time brushing and flossing to avoid stains and cavities. At Alta Loma Dental Care in Alta Loma, CA, we want all of our patients to know the proper ways to brush and floss. This is why we want to remind our patients who wear braces of how to take good oral care at home.

Brushing while wearing braces is a little different than brushing without them. You now have brackets that can collect plaque and wires to be careful with. Brushing with braces takes a little extra time, but the effort is worth it. Nobody wants to deal with awkward staining or decay after their braces are taken off. They should be enjoying their beautiful smile!

To brush well, you need to make sure you are first brushing normally, and then brushing around your brackets. Brush along the tops and bottoms of your brackets with your toothbrush. To brush the sides of your brackets under the wires, use an interdental toothbrush. These are available where most stores sell dental supplies and look like teeny trees.

To floss, invest in Superfloss or a floss threader. This will make flossing much easier by getting under your wires smoothly. Flossing is still very important, as cavities are most likely to occur between teeth.

Proper home care, along with routine dental visits will ensure a healthy and beautiful smile when those braces come off. To schedule an appointment with us at Alta Loma Dental Care of Alta Loma, CA, give us a call at (909) 987-6268 or visit our website, www.altalomadentalcare.com. 

Calming Kids' Dental Fears

When kids are afraid of going to the dentist, it can be a hassle getting them there smoothly. Not to mention, your child is experiencing fear, which is something no one wants to see their child go through. Here at Alta Loma Dental Care in Alta Loma, CA, we strive to make dental visits a comfortable experience for anyone. However, we do have some tips for calming your child’s dental fears.

Play Dentist at Home

By playing “dentist” at home, your child will feel more comfortable in our office. Try having them lean back in a chair while you count their teeth. This will help them know what to expect.

The Earlier, the Better

Kids should start seeing the dentist as soon as they grow in their first tooth. However, if they have not grown in their first tooth by the age of one, that is also a good time to bring them in. Starting early will also help your child feel more familiar with dentists and dental procedures.

Rewards and Praise

Giving your child praise or a reward after good behavior at a dental appointment is a good way to show positive reinforcement. Take them to a park, let them pick a movie to see, or make their favorite dinner. Just be careful not to offer the reward before the appointment. This may have the opposite effect, as your child may then think there is something to be afraid of.

Through good planning and reassuring words, your child can become familiar with dental visits and see them as no big deal. To schedule your family’s dental visit, call Alta Loma Dental Care of Alta Loma, CA at (909) 987-6268 or visit our website, www.altalomadentalcare.com.