Taking care of your child’s baby teeth is more important than you may realize. Many people assume tooth decay isn’t a concern because baby teeth are not permanent. Unfortunately, tooth decay can spread and cause damage to underlying permanent teeth. Baby bottle tooth decay is a common name for extensive tooth decay in infants and toddlers. What is baby bottle…
Whether you’re packing lunch for yourself or your children, it’s wise to keep dental health in mind. Although brushing your teeth after every meal helps fight off cavities, eating at school or work can make brushing and flossing impractical. These dentist-approved foods are packed with nutrients to support your dental health: Crunchy fruits and vegetables: Crunchy fruits and vegetables can…
No matter how well we take care of our teeth, accidents and other issues can still arise. How do you know when you need immediate dental care, and when you can wait for your next scheduled appointment? The best way to find out whether you need immediate care is to call your Fioritto dentist. He/she will determine if it’s best…
When we think of braces, most people associate them with straightening teeth. Braces are often used to correct misaligned teeth, but they offer more benefits than just an even smile. They can improve your overall oral health in other ways. If you’re considering braces, here’s how they work and some of the additional advantages you can expect. How do braces…
Myths concerning kids’ teeth are especially common. Many of these myths come from well-intended people, but they won’t help your children’s dental health. Here are some common myths about kids’ teeth and what you should know instead. Myth 1: Fruit juice is safe for my child’s teeth Fruit juice contains many nutrients. Unfortunately, it also has a high sugar content…
Crown lengthening is a common procedure that serves a cosmetic purpose, but it may also be necessary for dental devices and addressing dental health issues. Read on to learn what you need to know about crown lengthening. What is crown lengthening? Crown lengthening is an outpatient procedure that is performed using local anesthesia. Anxious patients may be further comforted with…
Oral piercings—that is, lip and tongue piercings—are increasingly popular, especially among young people. This can be a fun way to alter your appearance, but the risk to your dental health is real. Before you decide whether to get an oral piercing, read the risks below. While piercings can be removed and will eventually heal, you may experience negative and long-lasting…
Getting older is a privilege. However, as we age, we tend to face different health problems. The same is true for your dental health. The better your overall dental health throughout your life, the less likely you’ll suffer major issues in your later years. Dry mouth, cavities, tooth loss and oral cancer are the most common problems seniors may encounter.…
Fruit juice, pop, sports drinks, energy drinks, and your pumpkin spice latte are loaded with sugar—and that’s bad news for your teeth. Do you know how much sugar is in your favorite beverages, and how it affects your dental health? Recommended sugar limit Your recommended daily sugar limit depends on several factors, including age, gender, activity level, total caloric intake…
Young children frequently suck their thumbs, fingers or pacifiers in an effort to calm themselves. While this can provide comfort and security, it can also interfere with tooth alignment, bite, jaw shape and sensitivity. Furthermore, these comfort habits introduce dirt, bacteria and viruses into your child’s system. Thumb sucking does not always result in damage to your child’s teeth or…
Halloween is just around the corner, and children across the country will be trick-or-treating once more. Protecting your children’s teeth is essential, especially if they’ve already lost their baby teeth. Here’s how to keep your kids’ teeth healthy, even with a new haul of sugary treats: Avoid sticky, hard or acidic candy: Cavities form when bacteria feed off sugar and…
Retainers are most often used following orthodontal treatment, such as braces. Retainers, as the name implies, help to ‘retain’ the proper position of the jaw and teeth from misaligning or crowding. There are various types of retainers, from removable to permanent options. Wearing your retainer properly is the key to preserving your dental work and maintaining your brand-new, beautiful smile.…
Dry mouth can happen for a number of reasons: nervousness, medications, allergic reaction and more. Dry mouth symptoms typically resolve as soon as the trigger goes away, whether that’s finishing a course of medication or getting a public speaking obligation over with. When dry mouth persists, it can negatively affect your dental health. This condition is called xerostomia. It’s a…
You may have heard people refer to their teeth as ‘soft.’ Individuals with ‘soft’ teeth may experience more cavities, tooth sensitivity and toothaches, even if they faithfully brush and floss. Some people notice a change over time as they age, while others may experience oral health decline during/after pregnancy or as a result of a chronic illness. The truth is,…
We all know that consuming excessive sugar is bad for our teeth. We also know that we should brush, floss and use mouthwash daily. You may assume that this is all it takes to maintain good dental health. While these practices are the foundation for good dental health, there’s one more factor to consider: your diet. What you eat can…
There are dozens of toothpastes on the market, all promising to give you a bright, shiny smile and protection from cavities. Which toothpaste ingredients deliver on their promises, and which should you avoid? This handy guide to toothpaste ingredients will help you narrow down your selection. Of course, you can always ask your Fioritto dentist for suggestions—we’ll be happy to…
If your jaw pops, clicks or locks, you may be suffering from a TMJ disorder. TMJ, which stands for “temporomandibular joint,” refers to the hinged joints on either side of your jaw. While this condition can be uncomfortable, the vast majority of cases are resolved through non-surgical interventions. Scheduling a visit with your Fioritto dentist is the best way to…
With summer in full in swing, Clevelanders are spending more time outdoors. Whether you’re tossing around a frisbee, playing in a softball league, skateboarding or rock climbing, a mouthguard should be your favorite new accessory. Everyone can benefit from using a mouthguard, even for casual recreation. About one-third of all injuries to the mouth and face stem from playing sports.…
Wondering how you can care for sensitive teeth? Tooth sensitivity can be caused by a number of factors such as infection, decay or injury, and it can interfere with everyday activities. Consider these great solutions to find relief from sensitive teeth: Use the right toothpaste One of the best ways to treat tooth sensitivity is to use a toothpaste that’s…
Brushing your teeth is the cornerstone of good dental health, but should you be using a manual brush or an electric one to clean your teeth? Electric toothbrushes have been on the market since the 1960s, and they provide significant benefits over their manual counterparts. They use a vibrating or rotating motion to remove plaque buildup from teeth and gums,…