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Diabetes and Your Oral Health

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Diabetes

Over 9 million people in the United States have diabetes, and about 1.4 million new cases of diabetes are diagnosed every year. In fact, more than one in every 10 adults who are over the age of 20 have it. March 28th is the official American Diabetes Association’s Alert Day. Find out more about what you can do to protect yourself.

Do you suffer from diabetes?

What is it?

Diabetes is a number of diseases that involve problems with the hormone insulin. Normally, the pancreas releases insulin to help your body store and use the sugar and fat from the food you eat. Diabetes can occur when your pancreas produces very little or no insulin, or when your body doesn’t respond appropriately to insulin. Every 21 seconds someone is diagnosed with diabetes, and as of now– there’s no cure. Additionally, the disease is directly linked to poor oral health.

What’s the correlation?

Your oral health affects your overall health in a big way. A healthy mouth leads to a healthy body.

Millions of Americans suffer from diabetes and you might be surprised to learn about an unexpected complication associated with the condition. Research shows that there’s an increased prevalence of gum disease among those with diabetes. Other complications associated with it include heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease.

The progression of gum disease.

Not only are diabetics more susceptible to serious gum disease, but serious gum disease may have the potential to affect blood glucose control and contribute to the progression of it. Research suggests that people with diabetes are at higher risk for oral health problems, such as gingivitis (an early stage of gum disease) and periodontitis (serious gum disease). All diabetics are at an increased risk for gum disease because they’re generally more susceptible to bacterial infection. Therefore, they have a decreased ability to fight bacteria that invade the gums.

It’s manageable.

Stop tooth loss before it starts.

If your blood glucose levels are poorly controlled, you’re more likely to develop serious gum disease and lose more teeth. Like all infections, serious gum disease may be a factor in causing blood sugar to rise and may make diabetes harder to control. Maintaining good oral health is an essential part of living a healthy life. Additionally, diabetics need to manage their disease closely to stay healthy.

Make An Appointment

See us twice a year.

Always keep us informed of any changes in your condition and any medication you might be taking. Postpone any non-emergency dental procedures if your blood sugar is irregular.

The American Dental Association says that good oral health is integral to general health. Therefore, be sure to brush and floss properly and see us for regular checkups.

If it’s been over six months since your last appointment–make one today!

Dr. Randall and Stanley Burba

Dr. Randall Burba (left) and Dr. Stanley Burba (right)

Dr. Randall Burba is an American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry accredited dentist, with a practice in Salem, Massachusetts. He considers himself an artist–with teeth and beyond! He often paints, draws and has a passion for woodworking.

Make This Halloween Tooth Friendly

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Happy Halloween!

Trick-or-Treat.

Just thinking about Halloween candy and its effect on your children’s teeth is enough to make you want to avoid the holiday all together. But don’t fret, your kids CAN eat candy, and trick-or-treat with their friends– and still be healthy.

Tooth Decay in Children

More than half of all children have cavities by the second grade.

The U.S. Surgeon General recognizes oral health as critical to overall well-being. Unfortunately, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, cavities are a chronic disease that’s five times more common than asthma among our nation’s children.

The majority of tooth decay occurs from eating foods that contain sugars or starches that enable bacteria in dental plaque to produce acids. If the acids remain in their mouth for longer than 20 minutes, it can lead to a loss of tooth minerals and eventually– cavities.

Making Better Choices

The kind of candy they eat makes a difference.

Choosing the right kinds of candies and snacks this Halloween is a crucial part to keeping your kiddos teeth healthy.

Try and avoid lollipops or any hard candies that will allow large amounts of sugar to sit in their mouth for long periods of time. If your child licks a piece of hard candy every few minutes, they’ll be more susceptible to tooth decay, because long-lasting snacks create an acid attack the entire time they’re in the mouth. Therefore, one approach would be to allow your little witches and goblins to indulge in their Halloween candy at mealtimes– instead of as a snack.

In addition, avoid sour candies, since they’re highly acidic, and taffy– because it can get stuck in their teeth.

Don’t worry– we aren’t making you avoid all of the good stuff this holiday. Grab some dark chocolate! Its antioxidant properties will help to keep your kid’s hearts healthy.

Furthermore, sugar-free hard candies can stimulate saliva and prevent dry mouth.

Finally, chewing sugar-free gum after meals helps to prevent cavities, by aiding in removing food particles in teeth left behind that cause decay.

We’ll Buy Back Your Candy!

Donate your candy to this wonderful cause.

We’re having an awesome event that we’d love for you to participate in. This Halloween, if you have leftover candy, or candy that you don’t want your children to eat– donate it!  On November 2nd, we’ll buy back your unwanted candy and donate it to servicemen and women overseas. It’s a great way to teach your kids about our military and giving back to the community. Plus, they get a little cash incentive. It’s a win-win.

Have Fun

Happy Halloween Everyone!

Have a safe and Happy Halloween!

It’s okay to let your children have Halloween treats– just make sure they do it in moderation. Depriving your kids of all candy will only make them want it more. Remember, good dental health depends on more than just their diet.

Practice good oral hygiene by making sure your kiddos brush and floss every day, use fluoride toothpaste, and visit us regularly. If it’s been over six months since they’ve been in to see us, make an appointment today.

Dr. Randall and Stanley Burba

Dr. Randall Burba (left) and Dr. Stanley Burba (right)

Dr. Randall Burba is an American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry accredited dentist, practicing in Salem, Massachusetts. He considers himself an artist–with teeth and beyond! He often paints, draws and has a passion for woodworking.

Back-To-School Essentials

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Back-to-school season adds a lot of things to a parent’s to do list: purchasing school supplies, buying new clothes for your kids, and wrapping up summer programs and vacations. Don’t worry- we’re here to help! We’ve compiled a list of everything your kiddo needs for a successful school year.

It’s that time of year. Back to school!

School Supplies

Use this check-list and be ready for the first day of school.

Every school differs when it comes to their requirements for school supplies. However, we have a general check-list you can use until your children’s teachers tell you anything specific they need. Get ahead of the game!

-pens

-pencils

-colored pencils

-markers

-highlighter

-pencil pouch

-ruler

-paper

-multi-subject notebook

-binder

-dividers

-folders (one per subject)

-mini stapler

-USB drive

-calculator

-combination lock

Clothing and Shoes

Make back-to-school shopping fun.

Shopping for new clothes and shoes is always the most fun part about going back to school. Makes sure you buy a pair of athletic shoes– they’ll come in handy. Some other things your kids need are shirts, pants, skirts, dresses, socks, belts, sweaters, sweatshirts, a heavy jacket, leggings, tights, hats, mittens, and scarves for the winter.

Backpack

Get a strong and sturdy backpack.

When it comes to choosing a backpack for you child, you’re going to want to get one that’s sturdy and will last all year. Backpacks go through a lot and many break as a result of wear and tear. Jansport is a great brand and they offer a lifetime guarantee. Just buy one, and you won’t need to purchase a new one every year.

Lunchbox

Don’t forget a water bottle.

Next, let your child choose a fun lunchbox. Pottery barn kids has a variety of colorful, durable, fun lunch boxes. Always remember to include a water bottle!

In case of an emergency

Be prepared.

You can never be too prepared for any situation. Just in case, you probably want your child to be prepared too. Include a first aid kit, tissues, an umbrella, and sunscreen in their backpacks.

Have a Physical

Do your kids play sports? They should have a physical.

Late summer often results in a rush to complete physicals, and although some schools require an annual physical, some don’t. It’s always a good idea for all parents to get their child a school physical annually. This is important for a variety of reasons, including: having immunizations done, receiving a general check-up to make sure their development is coming along normally, and receiving important safety information.

Get a Dental Check-up

Is it time for a check-up?

Regular dental visits are important all year-round, but a back-to-school check-up is key in fighting the most common chronic disease found in children– periodontal disease. The bacteria found in plaque are the main cause of periodontal disease, and dental disease causes children to miss more than 51 million hours of school each year.

Prevention and early detection can help with avoiding pain, trouble eating, difficulty speaking and school absences, so if it’s been over six months since your child has had a check-up– request an appointment today.

Have a Great Year!

Dr. Randall Burba (left) and Dr. Stanley Burba (right)

Dr. Randall Burba is an American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry accredited dentist, practicing in Salem, Massachusetts. He considers himself an artist–with teeth and beyond! He often paints, draws and has a passion for woodworking.

Everything You Need To Know About Your Teeth

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Most of us take our teeth for granted … until something goes wrong. Our teeth help us chew and digest food, play an important role in speech, and impact our overall health in a big way. The best way to give them the attention they deserve is by brushing up on your dental health knowledge.

How much do you know about your pearly whites?

Development

Humans have two sets of teeth, primary (or baby) teeth, and then a permanent set– which develop in stages. Although the timing is different, their development is similar.

Tooth development begins long before your first tooth becomes visible. For example, a baby’s first tooth appears at around six months of age, but those teeth actually begin developing during the early second trimester of pregnancy.

The crown forms first, while the roots continue to develop even after the tooth has erupted through your gums.

Your primary set is in place by age 3, and will remain there until around 6 years of age when they begin to fall out to make way for your permanent set.

Your adult set will start to grow in between 6 and 12 years of age. Each tooth has different parts, with each part serving a different purpose.

Parts

Enamel

Your tooth enamel is the hard, white, outer part of your tooth that’s mostly made of calcium phosphate. It’s actually the strongest substance in your body.

Dentin

The dentin is the layer of your teeth that underlines your enamel. It’s made of living cells, which secrete a hard mineral substance.

Pulp

The softer, living inner structure is called the pulp. Blood vessels and nerves run through the pulp of your teeth.

Cementum

The cementum is a layer of connective tissue that binds the roots of your teeth firmly to your gums and jawbone.

Periodontal ligament

Finally, the tissue that helps to hold your teeth tightly against your jaw is called the periodontal ligament.

The crown of each tooth projects into your mouth, while the roots descend below your gum line– into your jaw.

Types

Incisors

Incisors are the eight teeth in the front and center of your mouth. You have four on the top and four on the bottom, and you use them to take bites of your food. Incisors are usually the first to erupt, when you’re about 6 months old for your first set of teeth, and anywhere from 6-8 years old for your adult set.

Canines

Your four canines are the next to develop. These are your sharpest teeth and are used for ripping and tearing your food apart. Primary canines generally appear between 16 and 20 months of age, with the upper canines coming in just ahead of the lower canines. For your permanent teeth, the order is reversed. Your lower canines come in around the age of 9, with the uppers arriving when you’re about 11 or 12 years old.

Premolars

We use our premolars for chewing and grinding food. You have four premolars on each side of your mouth– two on the upper, and two on the lower jaw. The first premolars appear when you’re around 10 years old, and the second premolars come in about a year later.

Molars

Primary molars are also used for chewing and grinding food. These appear between 12 and 15 months of age, and are eventually replaced by the first and second permanent premolars. The permanent molars do not replace, but come in behind the primary teeth. The first molars erupt around the age of 6 (before the primary molars fall out), while the second molars come in between the ages of 11-13.

Third Molars (Wisdom Teeth)

Third molars are more commonly known as wisdom teeth. These are the last to develop and don’t typically erupt until your late teens or early twenties. Some people never even get third molars at all, and for those who do– they can cause problems and may need to be removed.

Every Six Months

Schedule your appointment today.

Now that you know everything there is to know about your pearly whites, make sure you’re always keeping them in tip-top shape. If it’s been over 6 months since your last cleaning/exam request an appointment today.

 

Dr. Randall Burba (left) and Dr. Stanley Burba (right)

Dr. Randall Burba is an American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry accredited dentist, practicing in Salem, Massachusetts. He considers himself an artist–with teeth and beyond! He often paints, draws and has a passion for woodworking.

April Is Oral Cancer Awareness Month

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What Is Oral Cancer?

Educate yourself and help stop the spread of oral cancer.

Oral cancer, a.k.a cancer of the mouth and upper throat, kills about one person every hour of every day of the year. Of the people that are newly diagnosed, about 40 percent won’t survive longer than five years. In addition, those who do survive can suffer long-term problems, such as severe facial disfigurement or difficulties eating and speaking. The death rate associated with oral cancers is particularly high since the cancer is often discovered late in its development.

Why Do We Have Oral Cancer Awareness Month?

Because the death rate is so high, it’s important we dedicate an entire month to educating the public about the risks. Oral Cancer Awareness Month is celebrated in April, and it’s a national screening campaign to end oral cancer. Awareness in the American public is low, and without education– the problem won’t get any better.

The purpose of the campaign is to remind everyone that regular cancer exams by your dentist, remain the best method to detect oral cancer in its early stages. The Academy of General Dentistry, the American Academy of Oral Medicine, the American Dental Association, and the American Dental Hygienists’ Association, just to name a few– have all joined the Oral Cancer Foundation in its campaign to educate the public about knowing the risks.

Risks

Being aware of the symptoms and risk factors of oral and oropharyngeal cancer– along with early detection and treatment, may be the key to a complete recovery. There are a number of things that contribute to the onset of oral cancer, but the top three are tobacco, alcohol and HPV.

Tobacco

Tobacco can wreak havoc on your mouth.

Cigarette smoking puts you at a higher risk for developing mouth cancer, since tobacco smoke contains chemicals that have been proven to contribute to oral and esophageal cancer.

Alcohol

Avoid alcohol for a healthy mouth.

All forms of alcohol can cause or contribute to mouth cancer. Alcohol, particularly when used in addition to tobacco, has been recognized as an important risk factor for almost 50 years.

HPV

Young people are increasingly at risk for oral cancer due to HPV.

Finally, genital HPV, also known as the human papilloma virus, is a very common sexually transmitted disease. It usually causes no symptoms and goes away by itself, but it can cause serious illnesses, including oral cancer. In fact, HPV is responsible for approximately 60% of all oral cancers.

As a result, the fastest growing demographic of oral cancer patients is young, healthy, nonsmoking individuals. If you have HPV, you’re 30 times more likely to develop oral cancer.

Signs and Symptoms

Knowing the signs and symptoms of this terrible disease can help with early detection, and ultimately save lives. The following are all signs you could have oral cancer:

-A white or red patch in your mouth.

-A feeling that something is caught in your throat.

-Difficulty chewing or swallowing.

-A sore, irritation, lump or thick patch in your mouth, lip, or throat.

-Difficulty moving your tongue or jaw.

-Numbness in your tongue or other areas of your mouth.

-Swelling of your jaw.

-Pain in one ear without hearing loss.

If you have any of these symptoms for more than 2 weeks, you need to see us for an exam right away. Usually, these symptoms don’t mean cancer, but you need be sure. An infection or other problem can cause the same symptoms– but it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Get Checked

We can’t stop this virus from spreading, but we do hope to save lives with professional involvement and public awareness. While the death toll is high, when cancers are detected and treated early, mortality and treatment related health problems are greatly reduced.

If you’ve never never had an oral cancer examination, there’s no better time to schedule one than this month. When you do, be sure to ask that this examination be made a routine part of all of your future dental check-ups. Make your appointment today!

Dr. Randall Burba (left) and Dr. Stanley Burba (right)

Dr. Randall Burba is an American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry accredited dentist, practicing in Salem, Massachusetts. He considers himself an artist–with teeth and beyond! He often paints, draws and has a passion for woodworking.

Celebrate World Oral Health Day!

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World Oral Health Day is celebrated on March 20th.

Each year, World Oral Health Day is celebrated around the world on March 20. It was created to spread the word about the importance of keeping your mouth healthy all year long.

This event is organized by the World Dental Federation, and was launched in 2013 to raise awareness about maintaining good oral health, and how it’s directly related to your overall health and well-being.

How do they spread the message?

Organizers decided to achieve this goal by launching an international awareness campaign that’s promoted locally by national dental associations in more than 140 countries worldwide.

The program offers dentists around the world the chance to make a difference with a worldwide effort to reduce tooth decay and organize events under a single message. Every year, a new message is chosen.

“Live Mouth Smart.”

This year’s message.

This year’s message is “Live Mouth Smart.” There are many different ways you can do this. The first thing you can do is to make sure you’re getting regular dental cleanings and check-ups. If you have kids, you should start having their teeth checked and cleaned from an early age. This helps them maintain the best oral health they can as they get older, and ensures they live not only a longer life– but also one free from pain.

It’s also important to understand the risk factors that lead to oral diseases. These include tobacco, harmful alcohol and unhealthy diets – especially those rich in sugar. Avoiding these risky behaviors can help you to protect your oral health and prevent other conditions such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases and diabetes.

Finally, “Living Mouth Smart”, means understanding that good oral health is much more than just having a nice smile. Oral diseases can impact every aspect of your life – including your ability to perform basic functions. A worst case scenario is oral cancer, which can have deadly consequences.

Our contribution.

Dr. Burba volunteering.

Every year, to help the people of Jamaica, Dr. Randy and Burba Dental Partners partner with the Great Shape! Inc. 1000 Smiles Program—the world’s largest international humanitarian dental project.

Dr. Burba joins over 350 volunteers who partner with the 1000 Smiles project. Together, they’re able to help serve more than 15,000 Jamaicans. Volunteer dentists and hygienists provide fillings, cleanings, extractions, sealants, dentures and education in pop-up dental clinics and schools.

Previous campaigns.

These campaigns were in the past, but their messages are just as important as ever. Previous campaign themes included:

2013: Healthy Teeth for a Healthy Life.

2014: Celebrating Healthy Smiles.

2015: Smile for Life!

2016: Healthy mouth. Health body.

Getting involved.

Dental education is important all over the world.

If you’re interested in celebrating World Oral Health Day, we encourage you to organize efforts on March 20 or within the month of March. Be sure to tag the American Dental Association, or use the hashtag #WOHD17 on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook posts.

You can also visit World Oral Health Day for more info.

Schedule a cleaning every 6 months.

Dr. Randall Burba is an American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry accredited dentist, practicing in Salem, Massachusetts. He considers himself an artist–with teeth and beyond! He often paints, draws and has a passion for woodworking.

 

How to Prevent Dental Erosion

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What Is It?

img_8511

Did you know?

Dental erosion is a huge problem. It occurs when the enamel on your teeth begins to erode, or disintegrate. Your enamel is a clear, hard outer layer that protects your teeth from the damages of daily life. It keeps your teeth safe from feeling things that might otherwise be too hot, or too cold for you to eat and drink. It also helps to keep acid and damaging chemicals from hurting your teeth.

If this protective outer shell starts to erode, you’re much more likely to get cavities and tooth decay. Your nerves become more sensitive, and you might not even be able to enjoy the foods and drinks that you’re used to. The good news is, it’s preventable.

Limit Your Intake Of Acidic Foods/Drinks

As you’ll see, acid is the primary cause of dental erosion. The main goal is to prevent it as much as possible from damaging your teeth. This means the less acidic foods and drinks you consume, the less of a chance you’ll have at your enamel eroding. If you do decide to indulge, there are several steps you can take to help avoid further damage to your pearly whites.

Don’t Brush After Eating Anything Acidic

If you do eat or drink something with lots of acid, make sure you wait at least 30 minutes before brushing your teeth. If you don’t, you run the risk of damaging your enamel.

Chew Sugar Free Gum

Chewing Sugar Free Gum Rids Teeth of Acid 1080x1080

Always make sure it’s sugar free!

Saliva is extremely beneficial to your oral health, and chewing sugar-free gum is the number one way to increase saliva flow in your mouth. It helps to clear out food remnants and other debris, neutralize acids, and assists in getting rid of bacteria that causes tooth decay.

Saliva also contains nutrients like calcium, fluoride, and phosphates that strengthen tooth enamel. Without a healthy saliva flow, you’re at risk for number of oral health problems including tooth decay, periodontal disease, and infections.

Studies have shown that chewing sugarless gum for just twenty minutes after eating meals can reduce tooth decay, while preventing dental erosion.

Use A Straw

Protect your teeth from enamel erosion by drinking fruit juice with a straw 1080x1080

Straws are your friends.

Straws are great at protecting your teeth from stains, but they also work wonders for keeping your tooth enamel in tip-top shape. Anytime you’re drinking anything acidic, it’s very helpful to your teeth to use a straw. By doing so, the acid in the beverage can bypass your teeth and leave them looking and feeling great.

Be Gentle

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Harder isn’t better.

Remember, when it comes to brushing your teeth, harder is not always better. A soft brush and a gentle touch is always best. You’ll clean your teeth just as effectively, and won’t wear off their protective layer.

Use Fluoride

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Let it do the work for you.

Select a toothpaste with fluoride as an ingredient. Fluoride has been proven to help protect teeth from tooth decay and cavities. If you’re particularly worried about the enamel of your teeth, brush more than the recommended two times daily and start brushing after every meal. This will remove sugar and starches that can turn into corrosive acid and wear away at your teeth.

Protect Them

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Don’t neglect your teeth.

While these are all valuable tips, the most important thing you can do for your pearly whites is brush and floss twice a day, and visit us twice a year for cleanings. If it’s been over six months since your last cleaning, schedule your appointment today!

Dr. Randall Burba (left) and Dr. Stanley Burba (right)

Dr. Randall Burba (left) and Dr. Stanley Burba (right)

Dr. Randall Burba is an American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry accredited dentist, practicing in Salem, Massachusetts. He considers himself an artist–with teeth and beyond! He often paints, draws and has a passion for woodworking.

 

 

 

 

 

12 Books To Help Introduce Your Toddler To The Dentist

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“But, I’m Scared.”

Kids aren't usually thrilled about coming to see us. We have a solution!

Kids aren’t usually thrilled about coming to see us. We have a solution!

Is your child or toddler resisting their dental visit? Do they freak out when they hear you talking about taking them to visit us? Fear of the unknown is completely normal– and very common. Anything new can be intimidating to anyone, especially kids.

Our first priority is to give your child a positive dental experience, by setting them up for a lifetime of good dental care. We strongly recommend you bring your child in for their first pediatric dental check up before they have something wrong. This way, the first experience they have is positive. We try to make it fun for them, and they usually enjoy it.

Read, Read, Read

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Reading is FUNdamental!

If your kids are still feeling apprehensive, we’re here to help. Reading to your child is a wonderful way to help ease their fear and introduce them to the dentist. We’ve collected a list of 12 books that are great for your toddler, or an older child that still needs some guidance.

 

51nibmurv9l-_sy368_bo1204203200_Little Rabbits Loose Tooth

Little Rabbits Loose Tooth is a wonderful book for those patients who might be nervous about their first loose tooth! It’s very thought provoking and encourages your child to think for themselves about whether or not they believe in the tooth fairy– and ultimately what they want to do with the tooth.

 

51gyk3gxpll-_ac_us160_Arthur Tricks the Tooth Fairy

Who doesn’t love Arthur? In this story, D.W. is jealous when her big brother Arthur loses a tooth and gets a visit from the Tooth Fairy. Arthur explains that the Tooth Fairy comes only when you lose a tooth, so D.W. dreams up some silly plans to trick her into coming. This book comes with stickers, so it’s fun as well as informative!

 

517rrqaa20l-_ac_us160_Dentist: First Time

This book is the very detailed, so it’s great for first timers, and kids who have a lot of questions about what their dental visit entails. By talking to your kids and explaining the process, their fears can be eased.

 

51z3j-0exgl-_ac_us160_Curious George Visits the Dentist

It’s everyones favorite monkey, Curious George! It’s George’s first time visiting the dentist and he’s pretty nervous. He ends up conquering his fears, all while learning good dental hygiene habits– with all of the crazy antics George is always known to bring.

 

41trk-whtbl-_sx258_bo1204203200_-2Flossy and Toothy Save Your Smile

Flossy and Toothy Save Your Smile takes children on a wild ride that makes caring for their teeth loads of fun– all while developing the healthy habits they need to take care of their smiles.

 

61he35obvxl-_ac_us160_The Berenstain Bears Visit The Dentist

In this book, Sister Bear watches Brother Bear have a small cavity filled. Then, it’s her turn! This story is great for preschoolers because it is entertaining, as well as informative. The Berenstain Bears always know how to have fun, even at the dentist.

 

51wpuikla3l-_sx496_bo1204203200_Peppa Pig: Dentist Trip

In this adventure, Peppa and George have a dentist appointment. It’s George’s first time and he’s pretty scared. Luckily, Peppa shows him how much fun the dentist actually can be.

 

 

51rfyycyrtl-_ac_us160_Dr Suess: The Tooth Book

Dr. Suess does it again with The Tooth Book! In this story, he writes a very funny ode to teeth. Your kids are guaranteed to giggle when they find out all of the things our teeth do for us. He also puts a fun spin on making sure your children clean their teeth properly so they last their entire life. We recommend this book for all ages.

 

61mj9d8x6sl-_sy497_bo1204203200_Open Wide: Tooth School Inside

Tooth school is in session, and Dr. Flossman is excited to meet the incoming class of 32–eight incisors, four canines, eight premolars, and twelve molars, including the four wisdom teeth. This book is full of fun facts and your kids with laugh, along with learning important lessons about their pearly whites.

 

51p-163k2il-_ac_us160_Brush Your Teeth Please : A Pop-Up Book

This is a pop-up book that your kids will absolutely adore. It highlights animals learning about proper dental care. This one is so fun and comes very highly recommended. After reading it, they will love brushing their teeth.

 

51lme8jeyl-_sx417_bo1204203200_The Tooth Book: A Guide to Healthy Teeth and Gums

The Tooth Book gives your kids advice, as well as some bits of history. It guides them and provides a plethora of information about caring for their teeth. It was named a Bank Street Best Children’s Book of the Year and earned glowing reviews.

 

61gim4enoql-_ac_us160_Little Critter: Just Going to the Dentist

Little Critter is back! In this classic, Little Critter goes to the dentist for a check-up. He is nervous at first, but soon he realizes it’s not that bad. This is a sweet story, and your children will love it.

 

Come and see us!

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We hope you’ve found some books that might help your child feel a little more comfortable. We look forward to treating your kids, and promise to make the experience as positive as possible. Usually by age three all their baby teeth are erupted, so this is a good time for them to come in. Make your appointment today!

Dr. Randall Burba (left) and Dr. Stanley Burba (right)

Dr. Randall Burba (left) and Dr. Stanley Burba (right)

Dr. Randall Burba is an American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry accredited dentist, practicing in Salem, Massachusetts. He considers himself an artist–with teeth and beyond! He often paints, draws and has a passion for woodworking.

Mistakes To Avoid When Brushing Your Teeth

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“I Know How To Brush My Teeth.”

Your entire family can follow these simples steps to healthier teeth.

Your entire family can benefit from these tips.

You might think you’re doing everything right. After all, brushing your teeth isn’t exactly hard. What you don’t know is, unless you’ve been shown the proper way to brush– you’re probably doing it wrong. In fact, most people aren’t caring for their teeth properly.

Are you making any of the following mistakes?

Brushing too hard.

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Brushing too hard is something a lot of people are guilty of. When it comes to your teeth, rough is not better. A soft massage of the gums and teeth is enough to effectively clean them without damaging your enamel.

Brushing too long/too frequent.

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Just like brushing too hard, you also don’t want to overdo the time you spend on cleaning your teeth. You should only brush twice a day, for two minutes. Doing it any more frequent than that will harm your teeth and wear away the enamel.

Side note: this does not apply if you have braces. They require more frequent cleaning.

Not brushing long enough.

On the flip side, make sure you brush at least twice a day for two minutes. Research shows the average time people spend brushing their teeth is only 45 seconds. Not enough! Anything shorter than that won’t give the fluoride in your toothpaste enough time to attach to the enamel on your teeth.

Not replacing your toothbrush.

If you’re healthy, every three months– or 200 uses, is a good time frame to replace your brush. However, if you’re sick, it needs to be replaced as soon as you’re feeling well again. If not, your toothbrush can actually reinfect you at a later date.

Also, remember the phrase “if it starts to fray, throw it away”. If this occurs before your three months is up, replace your brush right away. Frayed bristles won’t clean your mouth properly.

Always have a few back up brushes stashed away for when that time comes.

Forgetting to clean your tongue.

Don't forget your tongue!

Don’t forget your tongue!

Your tongue is not something you should be ignoring when you brush your teeth. In fact, you should reprogram your brain to think of brushing your teeth as actually brushing your teeth, tongue and gums. All three need to be cleaned for optimal oral health.

Your tongue is a virtual petri dish for germs. If you don’t clean it, you’re doing yourself a huge disservice. Expect bad breath, and bacteria build up. We recommend a tongue scraper if your brush tickles your tongue, or you don’t like the feeling.

Using the wrong technique.

If your gums are bleeding after brushing and flossing, you may have gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease.

Are you brushing your teeth the correct way?

The correct way to brush your teeth is in circles, and not back and forth. A circular motion is more gentle and effective at cleaning your teeth.

Side to side wide strokes can scrape the soft tissue lining between your teeth and gums, causing them harm.

Finally, be sure to tilt your brush at a 45-degree angle and brush close to the gum.

Flossing after brushing.

Always floss before you brush.

Always floss before you brush.

Lots of people make this mistake. You brush your teeth and then you floss. So, what’s the problem? You’re doing it in the wrong order. Always floss before you brush. If you don’t, you risk leaving leftover particles of food in your mouth. In addition, flossing before brushing exposes areas that need the fluoride in your toothpaste.

Just Ask!

Come see us twice a year.

If you’d like us to show you the proper way to brush and floss, next time you’re in our office, just ask and we’ll be glad to demonstrate.

If you change your dental hygiene habits, we promise you’ll notice a difference. You’ll see your teeth will be stronger and healthier than ever before.

Most importantly, don’t forget to schedule regular cleanings with us every six months.

 

Dr. Randall Burba (left) and Dr. Stanley Burba (right)

Dr. Randall Burba (left) and Dr. Stanley Burba (right)

Dr. Randall Burba is an American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry accredited dentist, practicing in Salem, Massachusetts. He considers himself an artist–with teeth and beyond! He often paints, draws and has a passion for woodworking.

7 Simple Tips For Healthy Teeth

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Healthy teen mouth with beautiful white teeth

Keep your teeth clean and healthy.

Besides brushing and flossing, what can I do at home to keep my teeth healthy and clean?

We get the question every day.

There are things you can do–along with regular cleanings every six months–to keep your smile sparkly white.

Soft bristles

Probably our most ignored piece of advice. People think harder is better. But that’s not the case when it comes to brushing your teeth.

Using a soft bristled brush will remove the same amount of debris without causing trauma to your teeth and gums.

Replace your tooth brushe after being sick

Don't forget to replace your brush.

Don’t forget to replace your brush.

This one is self explanatory.

Your toothbrush is a virtual petri dish, harboring bacteria that lay dormant. Infecting you at a later date. YUCK!

Remember to replace your toothbrush after you’re sick to prevent reinfection.

Chew sugar freegum

It has to be sugar free because sugar plays a harmful role in tooth decay. The bacteria that form together to become plaque use sugar as a form of energy. This leads to dreadful cavities and avoidable dental visits.

Chewing sugar free gum provides a number a benefits. Wash away plaque and acid leading to healthier–and whiter–teeth.

Brush with baking soda

If you’re not familiar with baking soda as a substitute for tooth paste, you should be.

Brushing with baking soda has huge benefits. Baking soda releases free radicals that combine with stains to break them down.  It also helps to freshen your breath and remove plaque.

Flossing–the CORRECT way

Chances are that even if you think you know how, if you haven’t been taught, you’re doing it incorrectly.

When you floss, make sure you;re using a zig-zag motion. Contour the floss around the side of your tooth, and always use a clean section of floss. Watch this video for even more tips.

9-1-1

Accidents happen.

If your tooth gets knocked out, put it in milk and hold it in your mouth until you can get to us.  This will help your tooth survive longer.  Contact us as soon as it happens.

Oh no!

Oh no!

Floss before you brush

Many people brush first and floss later.

This isn’t efficient. Flossing before brushing exposes areas that need the fluoride in your toothpaste. It also ensures you’ll get out all the debris prior to brushing. Flossing before you brush will improve your overall oral health and appearance of your teeth.

Keep it up

There are many ways you can keep your teeth healthy, besides brushing, but the best way is to visit us ever six months.

Dr. Randall Burba (left) and Dr. Stanley Burba (right)

Dr. Randall Burba (left) and Dr. Stanley Burba (right)

Changing Lives, One Smile at a Time

Randall Burba is an American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry accredited dentist, practicing in Salem, Massachusetts. He considers himself an artist–with teeth and beyond! He often paints, draws and has a passion for woodworking.