With approximately 20% of children regularly taking prescription medications, it’s crucial to understand how these medications may impact their oral health. At Anderson General Dentistry & Implants in West Allis, we prioritize your child’s overall well-being, including the effects of medications on their dental health. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Dry Mouth: Many medications can reduce saliva production, leading to dry mouth. Saliva plays a vital role in neutralizing acids that can harm teeth. Untreated dry mouth can increase the risk of tooth decay, especially in young children.
2. Enlargement of Gum Tissue: Certain medications may cause the gum tissue to enlarge or overgrow. This condition requires extra attention, and our team will provide care instructions to ensure your child maintains healthy gums.
3. Tooth Decay: While most medications don’t directly cause tooth decay, some contain sugar as a flavoring agent. Over time, sugar feeds decay-causing bacteria, leading to cavities. Opting for sugar-free versions of medications whenever possible and having your child take medication with a meal and drink can help minimize this risk.
4. Bleeding Gums: Certain medications can affect blood clotting, resulting in increased bleeding, particularly during oral surgery or tooth extraction. Informing our team about your child’s medications before scheduling treatment allows us to provide optimal care.
5. Soft Tissue Reactions: Some medications may cause inflammation, discoloration, or sores in the mouth. If your child experiences any of these symptoms, contact us immediately. We can create a personalized oral hygiene plan to alleviate these side effects.

It’s essential to keep our team informed about your child’s medications to tailor our treatment recommendations accordingly. If you notice any changes in your child’s oral health, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Our goal is to establish lifelong healthy habits and improve your child’s oral health journey with you.

Contact Anderson General Dentistry & Implants in West Allis for any questions about medications or your child’s oral health, or to schedule an appointment. Your child’s smile is our priority.

Are you concerned about your child’s oral health? Understanding the role of bacteria in their mouth is vital for ensuring their dental well-being. Let’s delve into what you need to know about oral bacteria and how to maintain your child’s mouth’s health.

Deciphering Oral Bacteria

In your child’s mouth, there exists a vast array of bacteria, with over 700 identified strains. While not all bacteria are harmful, certain types can contribute to decay and periodontal disease, leading to dental issues.

The Dangers of Harmful Bacteria

Unchecked, harmful bacteria in your child’s mouth can multiply rapidly, especially in conditions conducive to their growth. These bacteria feed on starches and sugars from your child’s diet, producing acids that erode tooth enamel and increase the risk of decay.

Maintaining Oral Hygiene

To manage oral bacteria effectively, maintaining excellent oral hygiene practices is paramount. Encourage your child to brush for a full two minutes, twice daily, and incorporate regular flossing into their routine. Consider using an antibacterial mouthwash to further combat bacterial growth. Additionally, a healthy diet low in sugars, acids, and starches helps minimize bacterial proliferation.

Harnessing the Benefits of Beneficial Bacteria

Not all bacteria are harmful; some play a beneficial role in your child’s oral health. By adhering to a comprehensive oral hygiene regimen, you can harness the benefits of probiotic bacteria while safeguarding against harmful strains.

Schedule Your Child’s Dental Appointment

Regular dental check-ups are essential for monitoring your child’s oral health. During their next visit to our West Allis office, our team will conduct a thorough cleaning and examine their teeth for signs of decay or other oral health issues.

Take Action for Your Child’s Dental Health

Protecting your child’s mouth from harmful bacteria begins with education and proactive care. If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s oral hygiene, don’t hesitate to contact our dental team. Schedule an appointment today, and let’s work together to ensure your child’s smile remains bright and healthy for years to come.

While toothpaste is renowned for its role in maintaining oral hygiene, its versatility extends far beyond dental care. The same ingredients that work wonders on our teeth can also serve as remedies for various everyday challenges, from soothing insect bites to sprucing up household items. Explore these unexpected uses for toothpaste and discover its remarkable multi-purpose benefits.

1. Relieve Irritation from Bee Stings and Insect Bites: Combat itching and swelling caused by bee stings or insect bites by applying a small amount of toothpaste to the affected area. The toothpaste helps dry up the wound, providing relief and speeding up the healing process.
2. Remove Crayon and Wall Marks: Bid farewell to unsightly marks on painted walls by gently rubbing toothpaste on the affected areas with a damp cloth. The toothpaste effectively eliminates crayon marks and stains without damaging the paint.
3. Prevent Mirror Fogging: Ensure clear mirrors during steamy showers by rubbing toothpaste onto the mirror surface and wiping it off before bathing. This simple trick prevents fogging, saving time and hassle during your morning routine.
4. Restore Dirty Shoes: Revitalize dirty or scuffed shoes by applying toothpaste directly to the affected areas, then scrubbing with a brush and wiping clean. Stubborn stains vanish, leaving your shoes looking fresh and clean.
5. Polish Jewelry and Diamonds: Make silver jewelry sparkle by rubbing toothpaste onto the metal and leaving it overnight before wiping it clean with a soft cloth. For diamonds, gently scrub with toothpaste and water using a toothbrush to restore their shine.
6. Repair Scratched DVDs and CDs: Revive scratched discs by applying a thin layer of toothpaste, rubbing gently, and rinsing clean. This method effectively removes shallow scratches and smudges, restoring the disc’s functionality.
7. Shrink Pimples: Combat pesky pimples by applying toothpaste to the affected area before bed and washing it off in the morning. The toothpaste’s drying properties help reduce inflammation and speed up the healing process.
8. Deodorize Hands: Banish lingering odors from your hands by washing them with toothpaste in addition to soap and water. The toothpaste effectively neutralizes pungent scents from foods, cleaning products, and fragrances.
9. Fill Nail Holes in Walls: Conceal small nail holes in walls by filling them with toothpaste, then using a putty knife to remove excess paste. Once dry, the toothpaste provides a seamless solution, ready for touch-up painting if necessary.
10. Share Your Discoveries: At your next dental visit, impress our dentist in West Allis by sharing your innovative toothpaste applications beyond oral care. We’d love to hear how you’ve harnessed the power of toothpaste in unexpected ways!

Unleash the full potential of toothpaste with these inventive tips and tricks, transforming everyday challenges into opportunities for innovation and resourcefulness.

In the tapestry of human emotions, smiling stands as the universal language of happiness, radiating warmth, positivity, and openness. Yet, beyond its social significance, smiling harbors profound benefits for health and well-being. Join us as we embark on a journey to explore the transformative power of smiles.

1. Reduces Stress and Anxiety
   Smiling serves as a potent antidote to stress and anxiety, signaling to our brain that all is well and inducing a sense of relaxation. This triggers the release of endorphins, natural painkillers and mood elevators that alleviate stress and anxiety, fostering an overall sense of well-being.
2. Boosts the Immune System
   The act of smiling activates our body’s defense mechanisms, prompting the release of white blood cells that fortify our immune system against infection and disease. Studies have shown that individuals who smile frequently boast a robust immune system, primed to ward off illnesses.
3. Improves Relationships
   Embracing a smile enhances our interpersonal connections, rendering us more attractive, approachable, and trustworthy in the eyes of others. Smiling fosters rapport and facilitates the establishment of meaningful connections, paving the way for positive interactions and relationships.
4. Increases Self-Confidence
   A genuine smile serves as a beacon of self-assurance, imbuing us with positivity and empowerment. By reducing stress and anxiety, smiling bolsters our self-esteem, empowering us to navigate life’s challenges with resilience and conviction.
5. Enhances Mood
   The neurological impact of smiling is profound, as it triggers the release of dopamine—a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and happiness. This uplifts our mood, fostering a sense of well-being and contentment, while alleviating symptoms of depression and anxiety.
6. Improves Productivity
   Embracing a positive mindset through smiling cultivates a conducive environment for enhanced productivity and success. By fostering focus and motivation, smiling imbues us with the energy and determination to pursue our goals with vigor.

In summation, the act of smiling is a potent elixir for holistic well-being, exerting a transformative influence on our physical, emotional, and social health. Even in moments of adversity, a smile can serve as a beacon of hope and resilience, illuminating our path to a brighter tomorrow. So, embrace the power of your smile and witness its profound impact on your life and the lives of those around you. To embark on your journey towards optimal oral health and radiant smiles, contact our esteemed dentist in West Allis today to schedule an appointment.

Periodontal disease ranges from a mild inflammation of the gum tissues to periodontitis, a major oral disease that can result in soft tissue and bone damage. Periodontitis is the leading cause of adult tooth loss in the United States.  

One of the major causes of gum disease is practicing poor oral hygiene habits. Daily brushing and flossing and regular professional exams and cleanings are essential to maintaining optimal oral health. When these practices are not followed, plaque can form on the teeth and along the gumline. If this plaque is not properly removed, it may harden over time and become tartar. Once that occurs, only a dental professional can remove the tartar from teeth. 

If gum disease is not treated in a timely manner, tartar may continue to build unchecked. When this occurs, the gum disease may advance to gingivitis. In this stage, gums redden, swell, and become prone to bleeding from normal activities, such as brushing or eating. Some other common symptoms include: chronic halitosis (bad breath), sensitive teeth, and difficulty or pain with chewing. At this point, professional periodontal treatment is needed to prevent the gingivitis from advancing to periodontitis. 

When gingivitis is not treated in time, it may become periodontitis. Periodontitis is the most advanced form of periodontal disease. With periodontitis, gums begin to pull away from the teeth, creating small “pockets” along the gumline. These spaces are highly difficult to clean without professional intervention and can lead to rapid worsening in overall oral health. Without prompt and thorough treatment, bone, gums, and soft tissues may be destroyed by periodontitis. 

Some of the most common factors that contribute to periodontal disease developing include poor oral hygiene habits, diabetes, smoking, and hormonal changes in women. Some medications can cause gum tissue to grow abnormally, which can increase difficulty in proper cleaning of the teeth. People who are receiving treatment for AIDS are also at increased risk of developing periodontal disease. 

Many recent studies have found that untreated periodontal disease may negatively impact other aspects of your overall health, especially for patients with cardiovascular disease or diabetes. Periodontal disease can also increase the risk of developing certain pregnancy complications, such as low birth weight or premature birth. 

Our doctor has the training and experience to diagnose and treat every stage of periodontal disease. If you have symptoms of periodontal disease, contact our office to schedule a consultation. 

White spots on your teeth can be irritating and affect how you feel about your smile. The good news, however, is that they are preventable and rarely cause for concern. Here are things you should know about what causes white spots, how to prevent them, and what options are available should you already have them. 

What causes white spots on teeth? 

1. Dental Fluorosis – This can happen when a child consumes or is exposed to too much fluoride during the development of their teeth. While undesirable, this is harmless and can happen before teeth even emerge. The most common cause of fluorosis in the US is the use or ingestion of too much toothpaste. 

2. Poor Dental Hygiene – Forgetting to brush regularly can cause white spots to develop. 

3. Braces – Wearing braces for an extended time can affect the coloration of your teeth and create white spots.  

4. Acidic or Sugary Foods – These foods can damage your teeth as well as change the color of their enamel. Rinsing your mouth after you consuming acidic or sugary items can help negate these effects. 

How can I prevent them from appearing? 

Following a proper oral hygiene regimen is the best way to prevent white spots on teeth. Ensure your child uses the correct amount of toothpaste – children under 3 should use a smear the size of a rice grain, and children over 3 should not use more than a pea-sized amount. It is common for children to accidentally swallow or fail to spit out toothpaste, so be sure to supervise your child as they are learning. 

What are options for treatment? 

If you are already dealing with white spots, you have options. Whitening or bleaching can make the coloration of your teeth more uniform. Dental veneers can restore the entire appearance of your teeth, solving not just the problem of white spots. In some cases, topical fluoride or enamel microabrasion upon the white spots themselves can do the trick.  

Our doctor will recommend the optimal solution for treating white spots on your teeth. Contact our office for a consultation today.

Discomfort and pain in your jaw, clicking while you talk or chew, and swelling on the sides of your face can be caused by Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD). TMD can make talking and eating both painful and uncomfortable. Our team understands how TMD can make your day a challenge. We’ve compiled a list of helpful tips for managing TMD discomfort, but also encourage you to schedule a visit to see us for a full evaluation. 

Finding Relief at Home 

If your jaw is swollen, try applying a cold compress to your face. We recommend holding the compress in place for about 10 minutes. If you are able, try a few gentle jaw stretches. After the cold compress, apply warm, moist heat to the same area. You can keep this warm compress in place for an additional 5 to 10 minutes.   

If your discomfort is particularly noticeable, try over-the-counter pain relievers such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or ibuprofen. If you find yourself taking pain relieving medications daily, please contact us immediately. 

The “Don’ts” of TMD 

Applying excess pressure to your jaw can make your TMD discomfort worse. Don’t use your hand as a rest for your chin, as doing so increases the amount of pressure and strain placed on your jaw. If you talk on the phone frequently, avoid holding the phone on your shoulder while bending your neck to keep it in place.   

Clenching your jaw and keeping your teeth tightly closed can also lead to a build-up of pressure in the jaw. During the day, try to keep your teeth from touching. By create a little space between your teeth, you will be relieving pressure from your jaw. 

 Contact Us 

Our team is here to help you. Schedule a consultation with our dentist to learn more about the solutions available for people just like you dealing with TMD discomfort. We will provide a thorough examination to determine the best course of treatment for your TMD.  

Relief may be closer than you think. Contact our dental team to learn more today.

Enamel is the guardian of your teeth and the hardest material in the body. It’s the first defense against harmful bacteria which may lead to tooth decay. When you eat certain foods, it creates bacteria which attack your tooth enamel. Carbohydrates and sugary foods are examples of these foods. Brushing directly after eating can be harmful to your enamel. 

Why this is a problem 

When eating or drinking, the pH balance in your mouth changes. After each bite of acidic food, the pH balance moves towards a level which causes demineralization. The new acidity softens the enamel which can cause bacteria to get into the teeth. Brushing right after you eat may damage your enamel. This is important because enamel protects your teeth from damage.   

Steps you can take to protect your enamel: 

If you’ve had anything acidic, don’t brush for at least 30 minutes.  

Fruits with citric acid are one example. If you are planning ingesting acidic foods or drinks, you can brush beforehand. 

A glass of water will help remove the acid. Follow this by chewing sugarless gum. These steps help create saliva which will help bring back the necessary pH balance needed for a healthy smile. 

Try to avoid soda as prolonged phosphoric acid can cause permanent damage. 

Brushing your teeth twice a day is an important habit for optimal oral health.  

Have you ever been told you should brush your teeth right after eating? While this may sound like the right habit to adapt, this practice could be detrimental to the health of your teeth. Rinsing your mouth with water after eating may be a better option to keep enamel strong. Visit our office for an exam and we can give you for tips for healthy, strong teeth. Call our office today.  

How often does your child eat candy? According to a study conducted by the USDA Economic Research Service, children under 12 consume an average of 49 pounds of sugar in one year. While candy is not the sole source of sugar in a child’s diet, the impacts of sugary candy treats are particularly harmful to teeth. Here’s what you need to know about candy and how it might be damaging your child’s smile. 

The Impact of Sugar on Teeth 

The real culprit in candy is the high sugar content. Certain types of bacteria that are present in your mouth can feed on sugar. These destructive bacteria then create acid that wears away tooth enamel. When enamel is weakened, your risk of developing decay increases. Your mouth is effective at neutralizing acids and aiding minerals that strengthen enamel if the amount of sugars and acids is not excessive. Your mouth can only do so much, which makes it essential to limit your sugar intake and maintain a regular and thorough oral hygiene routine. 

Watch Out for Sticky, Sugary Candies 

Not all candies are made equal. For a general rule of thumb, the sticker the candy, the worse it is for your teeth. Sticky candies leave sugary residue on your teeth long after you are done eating. This gives the bacteria in your mouth more time to start demineralizing enamel. Watch out for sticky candies like gum drops and taffy.  

Suckers, lollipops, and hard sucking candies are troublesome because they are in your mouth for an extended period of time. Like sticky candies, this allows for more time for harmful bacteria to get to work by weakening your teeth. You can also chip or crack a tooth if you bite too hard. 

Other problematic candies include those that are gummy and coated in sugar. Think of gummy worms or another sour covered, chewy critter. Not only are they high in sugar content, but they also typically contain harmful acids that contribute to a loss of enamel. 

Steps for Preventing Decay 

You can help your child by limiting their candy and sugar intake. In some instances, this can be tricky and even out of your control when your child is at school or a friend’s house. What you can do is instill good oral hygiene habits in your child. Make sure they are brushing for two minutes twice each day. You can make brushing fun. Sing a song together for the two minutes, and allow them to choose a fun toothbrush and toothpaste flavor.  

Candy is a fun treat. You don’t have to take it away from your child altogether, but limit their exposure to such treats and educate them about the impacts candy can have on their teeth. When left untreated, decay can spread leading to pain and infection. Maintaining a schedule of regular visits to our office is essential. More than just a cleaning, we will provide a thorough examination to check for decay.  

If you haven’t already scheduled your child’s next appointment, please contact our office. 

You may not realize it, but you could be at risk of developing an unsightly medical condition known as hairy tongue. While it is harmless in most cases, hairy tongue is still an unpleasant ailment. The causes are not always completely known, but practicing good oral hygiene at home and visiting our dental office for cleanings can help prevent the issue. Here’s what you need to know. 

What is hairy tongue? 

With hairy tongue, your tongue may look like its covered in fuzz or hair, but this condition is actually caused by an accumulation of bacteria. The surface of your tongue is covered in small, rough papillae which gives it its rough texture. Overtime, these papillae grow, shed, and are replaced. Occasionally, the older papillae may fail to shed properly. This causes a buildup on the tongue and can cause a hair-like appearance. 

Who is at risk of hairy tongue? 

According to the American Academy of Oral Medicine, as much as 13% of the population may have hairy tongue. Anyone can develop the condition, but certain risk factors such as age and tobacco use increase your chances. 

What causes hairy tongue? 

While the exact causes of hairy tongue are not known, there are a variety of factors that can put you at a higher risk of developing the condition. Poor oral hygiene and a diet of soft foods can put you at an increased risk, as a lack of stimulation on the tongue can prevent the shedding of older papillae. Excessive consumption of certain substances, including tobacco, alcohol, coffee, and tea have been shown to contribute to this condition. Dehydration and dry mouth can slow down the tongue’s natural refresh cycle of replacing papillae. 

The best defense against hairy tongue is a regular at-home oral hygiene routine that includes twice daily brushing, flossing, and mouthwash. Visiting our practice at least twice a year for cleanings can also give us an opportunity to regularly examine your mouth and catch any early signs of hairy tongue.  

If you’re past due for your regular cleaning or are concerned that you might be developing hairy tongue, don’t hesitate to contact our practice for an appointment today.