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Common Dental Myths You Shouldn’t Believe

Common Dental Myths You Shouldn’t Believe

There’s a lot of misinformation out there about dental care, so I thought I’d share some common dental myths and the truth behind them

Myth 1: Brushing Harder Cleans Better
Truth: Brushing too hard can actually damage your enamel and gums. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle, circular motions for the best clean.

Myth 2: Sugar is the Main Cause of Cavities
Truth: While sugar contributes to cavities, the real culprit is the acid produced by bacteria in your mouth when they digest sugar and carbs. Good oral hygiene is key to preventing cavities.

Myth 3: White Teeth are Healthy Teeth
Truth: Teeth can be white but still have underlying issues like cavities or gum disease. Regular dental check-ups are essential for maintaining oral health.

Myth 4: You Only Need to See a Dentist if You Have a Problem
Truth: Preventive care is crucial. Regular dental visits help catch problems early and maintain overall oral health.

Myth 5: Gum Disease Only Affects Your Mouth
Truth: Gum disease has been linked to other health issues like heart disease and diabetes. Taking care of your gums is important for your overall health.

Myth 6: Flossing Isn’t Necessary
Truth: Flossing removes food particles and plaque from between your teeth where your toothbrush can’t reach. It’s a vital part of your daily oral care routine.

Myth 7: Baby Teeth Don’t Need Much Care
Truth: Baby teeth hold space for permanent teeth and help with speech and chewing. Keeping them healthy is important for your child’s overall development.

Remember, good oral health is a combination of proper brushing, flossing, regular dental visits, and a balanced diet. Don’t let these myths steer you away from taking care of your smile!

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Hey movie buffs!

Hey movie buffs!

Ever wondered how the Tooth Fairy is portrayed in different movies? We found 6 movies from funny and festive to down right just not going to ever watch lol!
1. Tooth Fairy (2010): Starring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, this family comedy brings a fun twist to the Tooth Fairy legend. Watch as a hockey player is sentenced to serve time as a real Tooth Fairy!
2. Tooth Fairy 2 (2012): Larry the Cable Guy takes on the role of the Tooth Fairy in this hilarious sequel. It’s a fun-filled adventure for all ages!
3. Rise of the Guardians (2012): This animated film features the Tooth Fairy as one of the legendary guardians. Alongside Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, and others, she fights to protect the innocence of children.
4. The Santa Clause 2 (2002): While primarily about Santa Claus, this sequel features the Tooth Fairy as part of the Council of Legendary Figures. It’s a fun cameo that adds to the magic!
5. Darkness Falls (2003): A horror twist on the Tooth Fairy legend. This film tells the story of a vengeful spirit posing as the Tooth Fairy, bringing a chilling take on the childhood myth.
6. The Haunting of Helena (2012): Another horror movie where the Tooth Fairy legend is turned dark and creepy. Perfect for those who love a good scare!

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U-brushes. Great idea or just a fad?

U-brushes. Great idea or just a fad?

Ineffective Cleaning: Despite its innovative design, I found that it didn’t clean as thoroughly as a traditional toothbrush, especially in between teeth and around the gum line.
Not One-Size-Fits-All: The U-shaped design might not fit everyone’s mouth perfectly, leading to missed spots and less effective cleaning.
Uncomfortable: The shape and size can be uncomfortable for some users, especially if you have a smaller or larger mouth than average.
Limited Options: There are fewer options available for U-shaped toothbrushes in terms of bristle softness and design customization, which might not suit everyone’s preferences.
Durability Issues: Some U-shaped toothbrushes can wear out quickly or have durability issues, meaning you might need to replace them more often.
Lack of Clinical Evidence: There’s limited clinical evidence supporting the claims that U-shaped toothbrushes are superior to traditional ones.

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7 compelling reasons why early dental visits are so important

7 compelling reasons why early dental visits are so important

1. Early Detection: Dentists can identify early signs of potential issues like tooth decay, gum problems, and jaw development, allowing for timely intervention and treatment.
2. Preventive Care: Regular dental visits help establish good oral hygiene practices from the start, including proper brushing and flossing techniques tailored to your child’s age and needs.
3. Healthy Habits: Introducing your child to the dentist early helps them become comfortable with the dental environment, reducing anxiety and fear associated with dental visits.
4. Nutritional Guidance: Dentists can provide advice on healthy eating habits that support strong teeth and overall oral health, including tips on managing sugar intake.
5. Customized Care: Each child is unique, and early visits allow the dentist to create a personalized oral care plan that suits your child’s specific needs and development stages.
6. Building a Dental Home: Establishing a dental home early ensures continuity of care and builds a trusting relationship between your child and the dentist, promoting long-term oral health.
7. Parental Education: Early visits are also a great opportunity for parents to learn about teething, fluoride use, and how to care for their child’s emerging teeth.
Starting dental visits by age 1 sets the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles. Schedule your child’s first dental appointment today and take the first step towards excellent oral health!

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Understanding Dental Insurance

Understanding Dental Insurance

Dental insurance can be confusing. We are here to help explain how to maximize your benefits. There are several major insurance companies like Delta, Cigna, and Metlife that sell insurance plans to your employer. Your employer may choose a plan from one of the insurance companies. Your company may also negotiate covered fees with the insurance carrier to reduce the monthly premium and increase the out of pocket expense for their employees. Most insurance companies negotiate discounted fees with area dentist because this encourage patients to see an “in network” dentist. This is  meant to drive new patients to the in network dentist in exchange for the dentist receiving discounted fees. Unfortunately, plans change and your dentist may not be in the same network from year to year as there are thousands of insurance plans.

Did you know that most dental insurance plans allow for out of network visits? This gives you the ability to choose which dentist you want to see and does not place limitations on your choices. Insurance companies will usually reimburse UCR or Usual Customary Rates/fees. This means another “out of network” dentist providing the same services as an “in network” dentist can receive reimbursement. We file claims for you regardless of being in or out of network. We are happy to provide a predetermination of benefits to help you understand your benefits.

No insurance pays 100% of fees in or out of network. Your insurance coverage and benefits are based on the plan your employer has contracted with the insurance provider. Please note that most covered expenses range from 50-80% of dental fees, and insurance is only a supplement not a “pay all”. Most dental insurance plans will only pay a benefit of approximately $1500 per year which has not significantly increased in 40 years.

The Children’s Dental Center participates with Delta Dental Premier and Aetna Better Health.

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Which toothpaste should I use?

Which toothpaste should I use?

There are so many options in the toothpaste aisle these days. Where do you start when it comes to selecting a toothpaste for your child? Regular visits to your Somerville pediatric dentist can help you make the decision. The right toothpaste can help keep your child’s smile healthy.

Toothpaste is an important part of oral health because it helps to remove bacteria and biofilm that causes decay and gingivitis. It also helps to keep your little one’s breath fresh. Fluoride is a naturally occurring miineral that is added to toothpaste to help heal, remineralize, and protect enamel. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that children should brush their teeth for two minutes twice a day to promote a cavity free smile.

Dr. Kane and the hygiene experts at The Children’s Dental Center in Somerville, New Jersey can help you select the right toothpaste for your child. Selecting the appropriate paste is dependent on several factors. If your child is unable to spit and may be at risk for swallowing paste, it is important to only use a smear layer to brush your child’s teeth. The smear layer can be compared to the size of a grain of rice. Once your child can control spitting, you can transition to an ADA approved fluoride toothpaste.

It’s also fun to have your child pick their own special toothpaste during your next shopping trip. This encourages your child to be excited about keeping their smile cavity free.

It is a good idea to call your local central New Jersy pediatric dentist to help you select a paste based on specific factors to your child. We are happy to help and serve Somerville, Bridgewater, Raritan, Branchburg, and Hillsborough neighborhoods.

Schedule an appointment in our Somerville pediatric dental office today. Smile proud!

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Mouth Guards: Protect those Chompers!

Mouth Guards: Protect those Chompers!

April is National Facial Protection Month. What does this mean? Wear a mouth guard! Protecting your teeth is critical, especially during sports season.

A mouthguard absorbs the forces during a hit that can prevent fracture of a tooth or bone. Mouth injuries are costly, and the replacement of teeth is never as strong as your original tooth. Your dentist can make a custom mouthguard, or you can head to the store and make one yourself.

A common mouthguard is a boil and bite. You warm up water and place a mold able guard in the water. Once the material softens, you can bite into the guard to create your very own custom fit.

According to the American Dental Association, more than 200,000 injuries are prevented each year by wearing a mouthguard. Be smart and add yourself to this list since 1/3 of all dental injuries are sports related. Give us a call today for more advice on protecting that smile!