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6 Foods/Drinks That Fight Bad Breath

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Woman covering her mouth.

Combat bad breath with food.

Most people assume that after they eat, no matter what they consume- it will affect their breath in a negative way.

While it’s obvious that eating onions and garlic will contribute to bad breath, lesser-known culprits are foods that are found in many people’s daily diets. These include starches, refined foods, and candies. They all increase plaque formation, which in turn makes your breath stink.

The good news is, there are actually certain foods and drinks that can help your body fight bad breath. Let’s take a look at seven of the best bacteria-busting foods.

1.) Citrus Fruits

First, citrus fruits that are high in vitamin C are great at getting rid of the bacteria that causes bad breath. This is because bacteria cannot thrive in environments that are high in vitamin C. In addition, citrus fruits have a high water content, which helps to hydrate your mouth and keep bacteria at bay. As an added bonus, vitamin C assists in fighting gingivitis.

2.) Water

Keeping hydrated is an essential part of fighting halitosis (the medical term for bad breath). This is because dry mouth creates an environment in which bacteria thrive. Water acts as a cleanser that encourages saliva production, which is crucial for cleansing your mouth of food particles and bacteria. The next time you finish your meal, follow it with a cool glass of h20.

3.) Ginger

Ginger isn’t only good for upset stomachs– it also has the effect of neutralizing bad breath. We recommend using pressed ginger combined with lemon juice mixed in equal parts with warm water. This creates a great natural at-home rinse to keep any bad odors away.

4.) Green Tea

Next, green tea is great at fighting bad breath because it’s high in polyphenols, which are antioxidants that fight the growth of bacteria and also help reduce sulfur compounds. One downside of green tea is that it can stain your teeth. To reap the benefits of it without staining, green tea extracts can be taken as a supplement– or you can drink it with a straw.

5.) Leafy Greens

As a general rule of thumb, if a food is good for your overall health, it will be good for your dental health, as well. Green leafy vegetables such as spinach, lettuce, and kale are great for your overall health as well as your oral hygiene. Green vegetables keep your internal pH levels balanced and alkaline levels low, which in turn help to prevent dry mouth.

6.) Apples

Finally, apples are a wonderful choice for keeping your oral hygiene in check. This is mostly because of their natural detergent properties. When you bite into an apple, you’re pushing plaque away from your teeth and eliminating the food particles that cause bacteria in your mouth.

Make an Appointment

Calendar with a reminder to make a dentist appointment every six months.

While it’s not ideal, one of the best things you can do for your breath is to brush your teeth and tongue after every meal. When foods get trapped in the pockets surrounding your teeth, halitosis can develop as bacteria grows– which can lead to gum disease.

It’s also important to remember to see us twice a year for an appointment. If it’s time for your bi-annual cleaning, schedule it 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! In his free time, he often paints, draws and has a passion for woodworking.

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.

Smile Makeovers

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Put your trust in us.

What a difference a beautiful smile makes! We know that choosing the right cosmetic dentist who will makeover your smile takes a great deal of trust. But, no matter what it is that you want to change about your teeth– we can help.

Are you worried about the results? How will you know that you’ll be satisfied? At Burba Dental, we strive to put your mind at ease with our beautiful smile guarantee. In fact, we guarantee that if you’re ever unsatisfied with any of our work, we’ll fix it– free of charge, until you’re satisfied. Let’s take a look at some of our favorite smile makeovers!

Amy

Before.

After.

Amy came to our office during a difficult time in her life. She was 34, facing a divorce, and coping with life as a single mother of two children. Her confidence and self-esteem were very much affected by not only what was happening in her personal life, but also by her smile. She felt like she needed to hide her teeth due to the visible decay and discoloration from old bonding. After repairing and restoring her teeth with porcelain veneers, Amy had a sudden boost in confidence. Her new, beautiful smile and increase in self-esteem resulted in Amy’s ability to move forward in both her personal and professional life.

Deb

Before.

After.

Deb, 58, always wanted “perfect” teeth. She felt as though her teeth made her look older, and she wanted a more youthful appearance. Using both crowns and veneers, we gave Deb a full smile makeover. When we handed her the mirror afterward, she began to cry and believed her outward appearance finally matched how she felt inside. Beautiful!

Frank

Before.

After.

Frank’s career involves close interactions with people on a daily basis. Over the years, his teeth deteriorated. Several were missing and those that remained were badly broken down. Frank was hesitant to have his teeth fixed because of unpleasant dental experiences in the past. He had always chosen to extract the teeth that were broken and decayed instead of repairing them. After a great deal of consideration, Frank chose to have his smile restored. As a result, we were able to give him back his beautiful and youthful smile. He had both upper and lower teeth restored with fillings, bridges, crowns, and veneers.

Deidre

Before.

After.

Deirdre, 37, always felt as though her smile made her look like a child. With her sister’s wedding approaching, she found a new motivation to improve her smile. Deirdre wanted a more sophisticated appearance for the wedding photos, and with six porcelain veneers, we were able to give her the look she always wanted.

Make An Appointment

Schedule a consultation to discuss your options.

If there’s something about your teeth that you want to change, schedule a consultation for a smile makeover and let us work our magic! You’ll love your new smile– we guarantee it.

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.

Why Are Visits To The Dentist So Important?

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Twice A Year

We’ll make you comfortable.

There’s a major reason why the American Dental Association, and your dentist, recommend that you come in for a cleaning/exam every six months. Regular dental visits are essential for maintaining healthy teeth and gums. If you need additional help, we may even suggest you come in and see us even more frequently, until we can get your issue under control. In addition, in-between your exams, it’s important for you to keep your teeth and gums as healthy as you can.

What To Expect

Cleanings don’t hurt, so there’s no need to be nervous.

At a typical checkup and cleaning appointment, we’ll perform an examination of your mouth, teeth, and gums. Dr. Burba will be looking for any signs of gum disease, loose, broken or cracked teeth, a damaged filling, or tooth decay. He will also look for any signs of oral cancer.

Once a year you’ll need X-rays taken, and if you’ve been experiencing any pain– we’ll examine your head and neck, your bite, and the movement of your jaw.

Finally, we clean, polish, and floss your teeth– leaving them fresh and beautiful.

Benefits

Taking care of your oral health means taking care of your overall health.

There’s a number of benefits that come along with seeing us regularly. Since there’s a strong correlation between your oral health and your overall health, taking good care of your mouth means taking care of your entire body.

For example, gum disease can increase your risk of serious health problems including heart attacks, strokes, and diabetes– just to name a few.

Deep Cleaning

We clean the places you can’t reach with just a toothbrush and floss.

You might think you don’t need regular cleanings, but we have specifically designed tools to clean your teeth much better than you’re able to at home. During your cleaning, we’ll remove plaque from hard to reach areas, and get rid of any buildup that has occurred since your last cleaning.

Prevent Gum Disease

We can catch gum disease before it spreads.

Regular visits to see us can help to prevent the onset of gum disease. Gum disease doesn’t just harm your oral health– it can affect your entire body. One of the biggest reasons you might develop periodontal disease, is by neglecting your oral health, and missing dental visits. The good news is, even if you’re more susceptible to gum disease than others– we can usually help you prevent it through regular cleanings and proper oral hygiene.

Detect Oral Cancer

Your visits could be life saving.

By seeing us twice a year, you’re giving yourself the best shot at catching the early warning signs of oral cancer. If we do detect any symptoms of the disease, we’ll recommend you begin treatment immediately to improve your chances of beating it quicker. If oral cancer is detected early, it’s curable.

Save Money

Regular check-ups save you time and money in the future.

In addition to their health benefits, regular checkups can even be good for your wallet. Finding and treating minor problems like cavities, can spare you the expense of future complicated procedures including extractions, crowns, or root canals.

Cure Side Effects

Knocking out one problem can fix another.

Sometimes dental problems have side effects, and Dr. Burba will be able to correct more than one issue at a time. For example, bacteria in your mouth can not only cause tooth decay, but it’s also responsible for bad breath. Conquering tooth decay will help you get rid of your mouth odor as well.

Make An Appointment

Don’t forget to schedule a cleaning every 6 months!

By visiting us twice a year, and practicing good oral hygiene daily, you’ll keep your teeth and gums healthy, and prevent diseases.

If it’s been over six months since your last appointment, request one 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.

Sugar and Your Teeth

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Sugar, Sugar

We know it’s tasty, but it hurts your pearly whites.

Everyone knows eating too much sugar can lead to tooth decay, but many aren’t exactly aware of how and why it happens. Tooth decay is caused by bacteria in your mouth that uses sugar from foods and drinks to produce acids that dissolve and do damage to your teeth. Each acid attack lasts for around 20 minutes, but the good news is– it’s avoidable.

What Are The Effects?

According to the American Dental Association, your mouth is full of hundreds of bacteria. Some are helpful, but others can actually feed on the sugars you eat, and create acids that destroy your enamel. Tooth enamel is the shiny, protective outer layer of your teeth that keeps them healthy. Cavities are a bacterial infection created by acids that cause a hole in your teeth. Without proper treatment, cavities can progress past the enamel and into the deeper layers of your tooth, causing pain and even eventual tooth loss.

Avoid Sugary Drinks

That’s a lot of sugar for one drink!

 

Sugary drinks, including fruit drinks, sports drinks, sweetened waters, sugary teas, energy drinks, and sodas, have been recognized as the primary source of added sugars in American diets. Sugary drinks don’t make you feel full, so you eat the same amount of food as before– but with a lot of extra sugar calories on the side.

When you have a craving for one of these drinks, try choosing a healthy alternative, like water, milk, or 100% fruit juice with no added sugars.

The Remedy

To avoid having a mouth filled with cavities, we have several tips to prevent them.

Stimulate Saliva Flow

Make sure it’s sugar free!

In addition to cutting down on sugar, stimulating saliva flow is recommended. Chewing sugarless gum, and incorporating fruits and vegetables into your diet that are high in fiber, are great ways to accomplish this. Cheese, yogurt and other dairy products also contain calcium and phosphates that strengthen your teeth, and they’re much better choices than something high in sugar or starch.

Brush and Floss

Always brush after you eat or drink something with lots of sugar.

It’s important that you stay on top of your oral health by brushing and flossing twice a day. It’s even more crucial to brush after you consume sugar. Whenever you eat or drink something sweet, make sure you brush your teeth right when you’re finished. However, if whatever you have is acidic– wait at least a half hour before brushing or flossing.

Use Fluoride

Let fluoride do the work for you.

According to The American Dental Association, you should be using an ADA-approved fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride is a mineral that has been proven to not only prevent tooth decay caused by too much sugar, but also reverses it in its early stages. The ADA also recommends professional fluoride treatments from a dentist.

In addition, you should try and introduce tap water into your routine. Fluoride is added to your tap water source and it doesn’t affect the appearance, smell or taste of your drinking water, but it does give you the benefit of helping to prevent cavities.

Finally, rinse your brush off before you add your toothpaste to avoid washing away the added fluoride.

Stay On Top Of It

Vigilance is the key to preventing the negative effects of sugar on your teeth. Limit your sugar intake, and always brush after eating anything with a high sugar content. Choose healthy foods and drinks that strengthen, instead of damage your teeth. Include regular appointments to see us and you’ll keep your teeth healthy and strong for a lifetime.

 

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.

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

IMG_8154

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

IMG_8468

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

IMG_8138

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.

 

 

 

 

 

15 Fun Facts About Your Teeth

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img_7768

 Teeth
They are strange little things
Always biting
Leaving their crescent, jagged mark
Everywhere
Tough bone, made to last
They say a smile on your face
Is the most beautiful accessory
A person can have
But no perfect smiles are without
Teeth

Our teeth are wonderful, fascinating things! Their main purpose is chewing, or breaking down items of food by cutting and crushing them in preparation for swallowing and digestion.

Let’s take a look at 15 facts about your pearly whites that you might be surprised to hear!

#1

33-percent-of-people-are-born-without-wisdom-teeth

Are you one of them?

#2

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Wow! That’s why you have to be so careful with them.

#3

Our ancestors had to improvise.

Our ancestors had to improvise.

#4

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You should have all of your adult chompers by your teenage years.

#5

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Flossing your teeth does all of that? Who knew?

#6

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That’s a lot of missing teeth! Be aware of your surroundings.

 

#7

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Healthy teeth require a lot of toothpaste!

#8

chewing-sugar-free-gum-rids-teeth-of-acid-1080x1080

Make sure it’s always sugar-free! Sugary gum is terrible for your teeth and makes you much more prone to cavities.

#9

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Among these are 8 incisors, 4 canines, 8 premolars, and 12 molars (including 4 wisdom). Most people have their full adult set by the time they reach their teenage years.

#10

img_8513

They’re already there, they’re just waiting to pop through.

#11

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If this happens, put it in milk and get to us immediately.

#12

img_8512

Did you know?

#13

img_8511

Even harder than our bones.

#14

img_8510

This is an eye opening statistic. Make sure you’re bringing your child in for their first appointment, by their first birthday.

#15

attachment-1-9

Now You Know

We hope you’ve learned something about how wonderful your pearly whites really are, and how important it is to take care of them. If it’s been over 6 months since you’ve come to see us, 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.

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.