Oral Conscious Sedation

Charcoal toothpaste (also called black toothpaste) has been marketed as a healthy, natural way to whiten your teeth—but does it really make good on that promise?

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/vgpXm7iyz30

Activated charcoal, which is one of the main ingredients in this kind of toothpaste, has long been used to bind toxins; in fact, that’s one of the ideas behind putting it in toothpaste—binding and pulling bacteria, tartar, and stains from your teeth. Charcoal dental care isn’t a new idea; Hippocrates of Ancient Greece believed it was an ideal treatment for black gums and bad breath, and it was advertised as a way to freshen your breath and remove tobacco stains in the late 19^th and early 20^th centuries.

Natural Isn’t Always Better

The first thing to know about whitening toothpaste is none of them actually whiten your teeth; all they do is remove stains. The second (and more important) thing to know about charcoal toothpaste is that it’s highly abrasive, so even if it does absorb harmful compounds on your teeth, it’s also scraping away at the surface of your teeth every time you brush. One study found that tooth surfaces became significantly rougher after only a month of using charcoal toothpaste compared to regular toothpaste.

If roughened tooth surfaces sound like bad news to you, you’re right! The roughened texture means enamel loss. Once enamel is gone, it can’t be replaced—even worse, it makes your teeth much more vulnerable to decay. Also, most brands of charcoal toothpaste don’t contain fluoride, which is essential for preventing cavities. Not to mention, charcoal dental products aren’t backed by the American Dental Association or the FDA. 

Although charcoal toothpaste can help get rid of surface stains, it’s probably best to avoid it altogether. 

For a Whiter Smile, Turn to the Experts

The most effective way to get a brighter, whiter smile is with professional teeth whitening at Enamel Dentistry. We use custom trays that protect your gums from sensitivity and harsh bleaching agents, and we can whiten your teeth by up to 5-10 shades in a single office visit. To learn more, contact Enamel Dentistry or talk to your dentist at your next appointment. 

You’ve probably heard it time and time again: brushing your teeth, flossing, and regular dental exams are important. While we can all appreciate having a beautiful smile, it’s often easy to overlook the health benefits of preventive dental care.

The health benefits of going to the dentist regularly go deeper than just making sure your teeth stay in good condition. We’re learning more all the time about how dental issues (like gum disease) can affect your overall health and lead to more serious health problems. That’s why regular dental visits and a  good oral hygiene routine at home are so very important!

Six-Month Check-Ups Are Essential

Six-month check-ups give your dentist a chance to keep an eye on your gum and teeth health, which allows any developing issues to be caught early on. A small cavity is easy to fix but if it’s not addressed for many years, it can develop into severe tooth decay or even lead to infection. If a tooth is too badly infected, it may need extraction. It’s much easier to take care of a cavity as soon as it develops – and it can save you money in the long run if you don’t need more extensive procedures. We also do oral cancer screenings at every six-month check-up. Without regular dental appointments, oral cancer is very difficult to detect until it’s reached stage III or IV. By then, it’s already made its way through the body. 

Don’t Forget Teeth Cleaning, Fluoride Treatments, or Dental Sealants!

Regular cleanings are important because they remove tartar, plus any plaque that your toothbrush and floss might have missed. While your teeth are being cleaned, our hygienists can look for anything concerning, like cavities or signs of gingivitis (gum disease). Fluoride treatments are also helpful because they remineralize your teeth, which prevents soft spots in the enamel that can turn into cavities. Likewise, dental sealants protect your molars (which are particularly vulnerable to cavities) from things like bacteria, acids, and food particles. 

Keep Your Smile Strong and Healthy at Enamel Dentistry

At Enamel Dentistry, we want our patients to have a lifetime of strong, healthy smiles, which is why preventive dental care is at the heart of what we do. Our dental office serves all of Austin, providing complete dental care for children and adults. Contact us online or visit us at our South Lamar, Parmer Park, Lantana Place, Saltillo location. We also have a fifth location at the Domain opening soon! 

The AAPD (American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry) recommends that children visit a dental office at the age of 1 year, or whenever they get their first tooth. If you’re a new parent or are preparing to take your child to the dentist for the first time, you may not be sure what to expect. 

In this blog from Enamel Dentistry, we’ll discuss what will happen at your child’s first dental appointment, and how to prepare them for their first visit to our office.

Your Infant’s First Appointment At The Dentist

Very young children (1-2 years old) will get a lap exam at Enamel Dentistry. You will sit on the dentist’s chair and hold your child in your lap, and your dentist will examine their mouth, clean their gums and teeth gently, and answer any questions you may have about their oral health and development. This is a great time to ask your dentist questions about teething, oral hygiene for infants and toddlers, and other such topics. 

First Appointments For Older Children – What To Expect 

Kids who are between 2-3 years old and have most or all of their baby teeth will get a comprehensive oral exam and teeth cleaning, just like an adult. A dental hygienist at Enamel Dentistry will clean plaque away from their teeth, buff and polish their teeth, and floss to remove any remaining food particles. 

Then, your child’s dentist will examine their mouth and look for any signs of tooth decay, developmental issues, and more. X-rays may be recommended if we deem them to be necessary and you approve them. 

Tips For Preparing Kids For Dental Appointments

Not sure how to get your child ready for their first dental appointment? Here are a few suggestions and tips from Enamel Dentistry

• Get an early morning appointment – A well-rested child is more likely to behave and won’t be as cranky or fussy, so we highly recommend early morning appointments for first-time visitors to Enamel Dentistry.
  
• Maintain a good attitude – Your children can sense your emotions, even at a very young age. If you’re tense, nervous, or anxious about their appointment, they’ll notice. And they’ll be more likely to feel the same way. Do your best to remain positive.
  
• Use positive language – Don’t use negative terms like “shot” “hurt” “needle” or other threatening words that may make your child feel nervous. Use positive language to describe your child’s visit so that they don’t get nervous or anxious.
  
• Teach your kids more about dentistry – Teaching kids about dentistry can help them learn more about why it’s important, and can help with anxiety. Check out a few children’s books on dentistry, or watch some YouTube videos together so that they can learn about the basics.
  
• Explore sedation options – We offer sedation options such as nitrous sedation, which is appropriate for kids of all ages, and can be very useful for kids who are nervous about a procedure like a filling or a dental crown.

Come To Enamel Dentistry – Child-Friendly Dentistry For Kids Of All Ages! ‍

If you need to find a family dentist in Austin for your kids, Enamel Dentistry is the best choice. With our team of experienced dentists and staff, we serve children of all ages with professional, caring, and patient-focused dental treatment. Contact us online to learn more and get started.