Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Talking baby teeth with the Dental Specialists



At The Dental Specialists , we know teething patterns vary greatly from child to child—some don’t have any teeth by their first birthday, while others have a mouthful by then. Experts, however, including our friends at the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, do recommend that children have their teeth checked by their first birthdays.

Your child will have 20 baby teeth, which will later be replaced by permanent teeth. A baby's first tooth can come in as early as 3 months or as late as 1 year of age, however primary teeth usually begin to break through the gums when a child is about 6 months old. Most kids have all of their primary teeth by the time they are 3 years old.

The most important thing is not to worry if your toddler’s pearly whites don’t look perfect as they come in—baby teeth come in all shapes, sizes, and slants. Teeth generally appear one at a time over a period of months, and often—but not always—in this order: First the bottom two middle teeth, then the top two middle ones, then the ones along the sides and back. (They may not all come in straight, but don't worry—they usually straighten out over time.) Besides crooked teeth, your child may experience crowded or spaced-out teeth, missing teeth, supernumerary (too many) teeth and even discolored teeth.

If you have any questions about your toddler’s teeth, or if your child is experiencing issues that concern you, please give us a call to set up an appointment with Drs. Williams, Jason Ouellette, Jonathan Ouellette. Or, we invite you to ask us on Facebook!

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Cold season is here, from The Dental Specialists


Cold and flu season is here yet again. The folks at Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say that a common cold usually includes sneezing, runny nose, sore throat and coughing. Symptoms can last for up to two weeks.
To promote a healthy and clean environment, Drs. Williams, Jason Ouellette, Jonathan Ouellette and our entire staff give a great deal of attention to sanitation and sterilization in our office at all times, as well as following all requirements for sterilizing instruments and work surfaces. For the protection of other patients and our staff at The Dental Specialists, we always ask that patients reschedule their appointments if they have any type of cold or illness that can infect others.
And remember to constantly wash your hands and avoid contact with those who are ill! Stay Healthy!

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

February is also American Heart Month!


You may remember our post from last week, when Drs. Williams, Jason Ouellette, Jonathan Ouellette and our staff discussed February being "National Dental Health Month." But did you know February is also American Heart Month?
It’s a great time to take notice of the health of your heart, says Drs. Williams, Jason Ouellette, Jonathan Ouellette . Cardiovascular disease remains American's number one killer, claiming more lives than the rest of major causes of death, according to the American Heart Association. Studies have shown a correlation between gum disease and heart disease, underscoring the importance of good oral health care.
Visiting our office regularly can help prevent gum disease or at least catch it in its early stages. And because people with dental insurance are more likely to visit their dentist when they should, a healthy mouth begins with a visit to The Dental Specialists. In observance of Heart Month, Drs. Williams, Jason Ouellette, Jonathan Ouellette say it’s also important to know your numbers: blood pressure (less than 120/80), cholesterol (less than 200) and BMI (less than 25). If you have any questions about heart health, or about your treatment at our office, please give us a call.
Or, you may ask us on Facebook!

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

February marks National Dental Health Month!


Did you know February is National Dental Health Month? It's a great time of the year to renew those resolutions about continuing to practice great dental hygiene at home and by visiting The Dental Specialists. Today, we thought we'd discuss the importance of preventative oral care. While most people are familiar with traditional heart-saving practices such as eating healthy and exercising regularly, lesser-known are the benefits that great oral hygiene provides to one’s cardiovascular health.
Here are a few tips to help you continue those New Year's resolutions:
*Remember that poor oral hygiene is linked to serious common diseases such as cardiovascular disease, bacterial pneumonia and osteoporosis.
*Brush and floss every day to remove the plaque that can lead to cavities. Flossing daily removes food debris that your toothbrush cannot reach after meals.
*Replace your toothbrush on a regular basis. You should replace your toothbrush every three to four months or after a cold or illness to prevent re-infection. Remember to use a soft toothbrush so you won’t wear off the enamel of your teeth.
*Visit our office regularly. The American Dental Association recommends you visit Drs. Williams, Jason Ouellette, Jonathan Ouellette every six months for regular checkups and cleanings. Fluoride treatments twice a year will help prevent tooth decay.
Each February, Drs. Williams, Jason Ouellette, Jonathan Ouellette and our team focus on the preventive oral care of our patients. Have you visited our office the past six months? If not, it’s time to give us a call and schedule an appointment!

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Ask Drs. Williams, Jason Ouellette, Jonathan Ouellette: If I have braces, do I still need a dental checkup every 6 months?


Thanks for the question! Yes! In fact, it's even more important that patients receiving orthodontic treatment visit our office regularly. When you're wearing braces, food may be caught in places that your toothbrush normally can't reach. This causes bacteria to build up and can lead to cavities, gingivitis and even gum disease. Believe it or not, an estimated 80 percent of American adults currently have some form of gum disease. Studies have shown a correlation between gum disease and heart disease, underscoring the importance of good oral health care. Our staff at The Dental Specialists will work closely with your orthodontist to make sure that your teeth stay clean and healthy while you're undergoing orthodontic treatment.
If it has been more than six months since your last visit to our Merritt Island, Satellite Beach, & Titusville offices, please give us a call! We look forward to your next visit!