However, by not taking care of your kid’s teeth now, it will end up costing you more for major dental bills in the future.

There are some important steps you need to take when focusing on kid’s teeth care. Follow these steps to properly care for your kid’s teeth:

• Brush Frequently – You should aim to make sure that your kid’s brush their teeth in the morning and at night before they go to bed, and after they finish each meal. Frequent brushing helps to remove food debris, which stops bacteria from forming on the teeth, and prevents cavities.
• Floss – Flossing is another way of improving kid’s teeth care. Flossing removes extra food that your toothbrush didn’t reach. You should floss at least once a day to clean and massage your gums and to keep your teeth clean and stop tooth decay.
• Proper Brushing – It’s not only important for your kids to brush their teeth, but it’s also important how they brush them. Show them how to properly move the brush, and make certain that they reach all areas, and brush long enough to remove any food particles.
• Brush the Tongue – Your tongue holds a lot of bacteria from food residue, and it needs to be cleaned to improve your kid’s teeth care. Most toothbrushes have an extra part of the brush that contains an area that you can use to scrub your tongue. You should brush your tongue each time you brush your teeth. This removes bacteria, and keeps your breath smelling fresh.
• Last, but not least, you should see your dentist at least every six months. Your dentist is a primary assistant when it comes to caring for your kid’s teeth. Your dentist can keep your teeth clean, and can detect cavities when they first appear, so they can quickly fill them.

Your dentist and proper daily maintenance are the keys to successful kid’s teeth care. Follow these tips, and you will help properly care for your kid’s teeth. If you’re in need of a pediatric dentist in the Scottsdale AZ area, contact the friendly practice of Marcia L Blazer DDS PC at (480) 596-8273.

The smartest option for dealing with an injured tooth is to visit a dentist and see if it requires prompt treatment. It’s possible that it is not an emergency, and you can schedule an appointment to have it repaired at your convenience. However, in many cases, time is your enemy, and if you wait too long with a severely damaged tooth, you could lose it.

What Will a Dentist Do if I Injure My Tooth?

Here are some things that your dentist could do if you injure your teeth:

• Baby Teeth – If baby teeth (primary teeth) are loosened enough, your dentist will probably suggest that you have it removed. There’s no sense in trying to refit a damaged baby tooth, because it could cause problems for an underlying permanent tooth.
• Cracked Tooth – A cracked tooth can usually be crowned by your dentist, but it depends on how badly it is cracked. If it is cracked badly enough, you might require root canal. Remember you might not always be able to see a cracked tooth, so it’s best to get an x-ray from your dentist.
• Chipped Tooth – It’s possible that your chipped tooth is only damaged superficially. However, once your enamel is damaged, you could begin to have many problems, so your dentist will repair it with crowns or veneers.
• Broken or Knocked out Tooth – Before seeing your dentist, the first thing you want to do is remain calm. If your tooth is knocked out completely, you need to save the tooth. Pick it up by the head, or enamel part, not the root. If it is possible, try re-implanting it yourself. If that’s not possible, put it in some cold water or milk, and take it to a dentist as quickly as possible. It’s possible to lose your tooth permanently if it is not replaced within the first hour or two.

Remember, a tooth injury shouldn’t be taken lightly. Let your dentist give your teeth a proper check up and treatment, so you can keep your beautiful smile. If you have an injured tooth and you need a good dentist in the Scottsdale, Arizona area, contact the friendly staff at the office of Marcia L Blazer DDS at 480-596-8273.

Since the root canal is blocked off and protected, this procedure can help save your teeth, instead of having them pulled.

What Causes the Need for Root Canal Treatment?

The normal cause for someone needing root canal treatment is tooth infection. Bacteria normally appear, and then the tooth decays if left untreated. This can happen if there are cavities or if a tooth has been cracked.

What Does a Root Canal Treatment Involve?

A hole is made in the tooth and the pulp is carefully removed. The area is cleaned and shaped and then it is refilled with a rubber type substance that acts like cement.

Your dentist will try to complete the procedure in one setting. However, there are times that it may require multiple visits. In that case, you will receive a temporary filling, which is removed on the next visit and replaced with permanent filler.

Is a Root Canal Treatment a Permanent Solution?

Generally speaking, tooth decay can continue if you do not take good care of your teeth. You should have regular dental check ups to make sure your teeth are in good condition.

Your dentist can check the condition of your teeth through x-rays. They can detect if your bone has regenerated or not. It’s possible that the tooth can last for a very long time if it is taken care of properly.

You should schedule regular visits to your dentist. Dentists can help you keep your teeth healthy. With the help of a dentist, you might not ever need root canal treatment in your lifetime.

You should get root canal treatment if your dentist recommends it. For all your dental check-ups and procedures in the Scottsdale, AZ area, contact the office of Dr. Marcia L Blazer DDS PC, at (480) 596-8273.

Understanding What is Gingivitis

Gingivitis is a disease that causes inflammation in the gums. This is usually caused by plaque on your teeth. Plaque can eventually extend from your teeth down into the base of your gums. Once it hardens, it can turn into tartar. This causes your gum tissue to swell, and infection sets in.

Adults with gingivitis will find their teeth loosening up, and eventually falling out if they don’t get help from their dentist. However, if you take good care of your teeth, you can usually still have them in your golden years.

Symptoms of Gingivitis

When most people get gingivitis, there are tell-tale signs. Others can have gingivitis without any major symptoms. For this reason, you should have your teeth checked every six months by your dentist. You can get your teeth cleaned and have any cavities filled, along with other teeth maintenance.

Depending on the severity, general symptoms of Gingivitis include:

• Bad breath (halitosis)
• Gum Sensitivity
• Swollen gums, which are usually red and infected
• Bleeding gums that tend to occur even though brushing or flossing

How is Gingivitis Diagnosed?

Gingivitis can be detected by a trained dentist. They will perform a physical examination on your gums to look for receding, calculus build up and sensitivity.

Gingivitis Treatment

Gingivitis can be reversed in the early stages. For this reason it is important to see a dentist. Your dentist will clean your teeth and perform a technique, called scaling. This removes heavy plaque that is connected to your teeth, just below your gum line.

Gingivitis Prevention

• Always brush your teeth regularly and floss
• Brush your tongue, because it contains bacteria from leftover food
• Use recommended amounts of mouthwash
• Cut down on the amount of sugar you eat
• Schedule an appointment with your dentist at least once every six months

Be smart and proactive by getting regular dental check ups. Gingivitis is usually preventable, so don’t wait until your teeth hurt to get them fixed.

Don’t allow gingivitis to ruin your teeth and smile. Schedule a regular check up with your local dentist in Scottsdale, AZ, the office of Marcia L Blazer DDS PC. Call  (480) 596-8273 to get relief today!

Tooth sensitivity also happens with other foods and drinks when they are sour or sweet. In reality, you don’t even need to eat food to cause sensitivity in your teeth. It can also occur from touching a sensitive tooth with your tongue or breathing in cold air.

What Causes Tooth Sensitivity?

Loss of Enamel – A tooth is mainly comprised of dentin. It covers the pulp of your tooth, and it has tiny pores that go to the nerve of your tooth. When a tooth is healthy, it is fully covered with enamel, which usually prevents tooth sensitivity.

Broken Tooth – When you break a tooth, it can expose nerves, and you experience immediate pain when something touches it.

Tooth Grinding – If you grind your teeth, you should stop it immediately. Tooth grinding wears down your tooth enamel, and will eventually expose the nerves which cause tooth sensitivity.

Tooth Dehydration – Tooth whitening agents can cause your teeth and mouth to become dry. Dry mouth and teeth reduce the flow of saliva, and that prevents the neutralization of food acids in your mouth. This particular tooth sensitivity is only temporary, and once you rehydrate your mouth, the pain will subside.

Gum Disease - People get gum disease from food and bacteria that is caught between their gums and teeth. If you don’t brush your teeth regularly or don’t brush them properly, your gums will begin to recede. As you get older, your gums begin to recede naturally, allowing space where bacteria can gum disease can spread.

How to Treat Tooth Sensitivity?

• Use a soft tooth brush to effectively clean your teeth and cause less damage to the enamel.
• Mouth washes with fluoride will protect your teeth.
• You can also find special toothpaste that is made for sensitive teeth.
• Stay away from acidic diets, because they also destroy your teeth.
• Visit your dentist every six months for a check up, and for professional fluoride treatment.

The next time you are asking yourself, “Why are my teeth so sensitive?” just refer to the tips in this article. You can help stop tooth sensitivity, and keep that perfect smile for years to come.

If you are still experiencing tooth sensitivity, it’s a good idea to have your teeth thoroughly checked by a dentist. Contact the office of Dr Marcia Blazer, DDS today at (480) 596-8273 and setup an appointment.

Sedation dentistry involves keeping a person relaxed through the use of sedatives while performing dental procedures. Today, sedation dentists specialize in making invasive oral techniques painless through modern dental medication and techniques.

In order for you to feel more comfortable with your decision to use a sedation dentist, you should know what to expect when you are under their care.

How Sedation Works – What to Expect when using a Sedation Dentist

Sedation temporarily causes your body to stop feeling pain in target areas. A sedation dentist administers anesthetics or sedatives, and ensures that the area they plan to work on is usually pain free.

Oral and intravenous sedation are the two most common techniques that a sedation dentist will use.

Oral Sedation

• Nitrous Oxide – Laughing gas or nitrous oxide is given through a mask. You take a few deep breaths, and your anxiety slowly disappears, and so does the pain. Some patients prefer this form of sedation, because it doesn’t usually require any needles.
• Oral Drugs – Taking medicine such as Valium, Ativan, and Halcion can help you relax many hours before your appointment and during your visit to a sedation dentist. These medications help you deal with fear and anxiety.

Intravenous Sedation

• Intravenous Sedation – This is given intravenously and usually has an immediate effect on your body until the medication eventually wears off. This can cause complete or partial memory loss during the procedure, and it is done without any feeling of pain by the patient.

Although the patient might feel a little sting when the needle is injected, they are quickly sedated, and the next thing they will remember is waking up.

You should ask a qualified sedation dentist what are the best options for you. The most important thing is that you feel comfortable when you need dental treatment. You will need to have regular checkups to keep your teeth clean and healthy in the future. The last thing you want is to cancel your appointments due to fear.

If you need a highly qualified sedation dentist in the Scottsdale, Arizona area, look no further. Contact the office of Dr. Marcia Blazer, at 480-596-8273 and schedule an appointment.

It is not uncommon for younger ones to experience fears of the dentist. Whether from previous experiences, a cruel older sibling or something they’ve watched on TV, certain kids have a disdain for visiting the dentist. As such, we’ve put together tips on helping kids cope with visits to the dentist.

3 Ways to Treat Kids Anxiety for Dentist Visits
There are many ways to treat kids’ anxieties when they have a dentist visit. We will briefly discuss three powerful techniques:

• Keep Them Occupied – Depending on the waiting/procedural time, it’s helpful for kids to be involved in an activity instead of allowing their minds to wonder.  Providing some sort of entertainment will help keep them relaxed, which in turn they’ll have less time to worry about the dentist.
• Use a “Tell, Show, Do” Approach - By telling the young patient what  you will do first, then following up with showing or demonstrating how you will utilize the  instruments and then finally doing the procedure, you can set and fulfill non-threatening expectations.
• Give Praise - Kids enjoy being told they’re doing great or that they’re very strong. During the dentist visit, providing praise and compliments can make a child’s threshold much stronger.

If you need a friendly, qualified pediatric dentist in the Scottsdale, AZ area, then look no further. Dr. Marcia Blazer has years of experience in pediatric dentistry, and is loved by children of all ages. Call today to learn more on how we can assist your child’s dental needs!

Not surprisingly, the school with the mandatory hand washing had 26% fewer missed school days and 22% fewer illness periods than the other school.  The study went on to reverse the same two school protocols the following year.   They were surprised to find  that the students who’d participated the previous year in the mandatory hand washing program still had those lower percentages, suggesting that hand washing can be habit forming!  So pass good hygiene on to your kids…it could offer life long benefits!

For more information, check out this  Wall Street Journal article from August 23, 2011.