Tips For a Successful Back-To-School Routine

School is back in session in most areas or will be soon, so it's time to shake off the laid-back summer days and get back into a productive routine. An established routine not only helps kids to "get back into the swing of things" but it can also help everyone in the home avoid feeling stressed and rushed each morning. Access Dental & Dentures has a few tips to get everyone through the day, from the time you wake up until bedtime.

BEFORE SCHOOL

Don't Hit Snooze
Kids need enough time in the morning to leisurely get ready for a long school day. School items should already be packed and ready to grab on the way out the door. (We'll talk about that below.) Set the alarm for the same time each morning and vow to not hit the snooze button. (At least not more than once!) Giving kids an alarm of their own takes the pressure off you and teaches them responsibility. 

Get Dressed
Laying clothes out before going to bed makes getting ready in the morning a lot faster and easier. The outfit decision has already been made and all matching pieces are already there waiting to be put on. Older kids may choose to shower in the morning after waking up (which will cause the alarm time to be set earlier) but it's best to let younger children bathe the night before when you're not in a hurry.

Eat a Nutritious Breakfast
They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day because it gives you the energy needed to get the day started right. Avoid sugary cereals and opt for fresh fruits, oatmeal, eggs, and other foods that will fuel their bodies without a sugar rush to come off of in a couple of hours. Eating breakfast as a family lets everyone talk about upcoming plans for the day.

Brush Those Teeth
Before heading out the door for school, always brush your teeth for at least 2 minutes. Schools generally don't ask kids to bring a toothbrush to school to clean their teeth after lunch and you don't want two meals stuck on their teeth all day long.

AFTER SCHOOL

Stock Up on Healthy Snacks
After a long day of learning, kids usually come home hungry for something to eat. Stock the cabinets with healthy snacks so bad food choices aren't even an option. There are plenty of healthy foods available that are delicious. For example, apples, carrots, vegetables, yogurt, fruit smoothies, and cheese all make excellent snack foods and they're not only good for your oral health but also the rest of your body. Presentation makes a big difference and if these foods are already cut up and ready to eat, kids are more likely to go ahead and enjoy them.

Finish Homework Early
Each person is different, so this part of the routine may vary from child to child. Some kids like to hit the books the second they arrive home to get homework out of the way while others prefer to give their brain a break first before tackling homework. Figure out which way works best for your child and encourage them to stick to that routine each day. The key is to not put it off so long that they end up staying up past bedtime or getting up extra early in the morning to complete it.

Also, parents need to check with their child to see if any papers need to be signed or anything else needs to be done. Do this early in the evening so it's not a "surprise" you hear about on the way to school the next day! This is kind of like homework for Mom and Dad. 

Prep for the Next Day
Before going to bed, it's a good idea to pack everything needed for the next school day (books, finished homework, permission slips, lunch money, etc...) into the backpack and set it by the door you leave through in the morning. Shoes, jackets, and anything else that needs to go with your child can all be left here too for a quick "grab & go" before school.

Have a Set Bedtime Routine
A great day begins with a good night's sleep. Choose a bedtime that allows at least 8 hours of sleep with plenty of time to wake up and get ready in the morning without being rushed. It is suggested that children stop having "screen time," meaning mobile devices, computers, and TVs,  1-2 hours before bedtime for a restful sleep. This is a perfect time to read a story together or for older children to catch up on reading for school. They can also use these screen-free time to pick out the clothes they will wear tomorrow. 

Last, but certainly not least, your dentists in Southern Missouri have to remind you that an important part of that bedtime routine is brushing and flossing your teeth! If you haven't already done it after dinner, make sure to not skip your dental health routine before going to sleep. Skipping this allows food particles to do their dirty work all night long, causing all kinds of problems for your teeth that can be avoided with just 2 minutes of brushing and a good job flossing.

We hope that these tips inspire you and your family to come up with a routine that works best for your schedules. After a while, the routine will become a habit and help to keep everyone on track for a successful school year.

We want to be your dentist because your family deserves a great smile! 

1-877-DENTIST

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Springfield Office          Rolla Office             Osage Beach Office

(417) 501-1048              (573) 426-5447          (573) 348-1466         

1701 West Sunshine        416 S. Bishop Ave.   4320 Osage Beach Pkwy

Springfield, MO 65807   Rolla, MO 65401      Osage Beach, MO. 65065

Mountain Grove Office              Aurora Office

(417) 926-1160                             (417) 308-3534

921-A N. Main                             1402 S. Elliott

Mountain Grove, MO 65711       Aurora, MO 65605

Chewing Gum Can Be Good For Your Teeth

A common misconception is that chewing gum is bad for you but on the contrary, there are quite a few positive benefits, as long as you stick with the sugar-free kind. Your trusted dentists in Southern Missouri have a few of those perks to share with you in today's blog. Take a look below for some of the reasons why chewing gum can actually be good for your oral care. 

Cleans Your Teeth
While gum does not replace brushing and flossing your teeth, it does offer the benefit of cleaning them in between those activities. Especially after eating a meal, any food particles that remain in the mouth or on teeth can be removed by chewing gum. If those particles are left on your teeth for an extended period of time, they can eventually start to decay the enamel that protects your teeth.

Helps Harden Enamel
Xylitol is oftentimes found in chewing gum and offers the benefit of reducing the amount of cavity-causing bacteria found in your mouth. Some types of gum help to harden the enamel, which is the protective exterior of your teeth. Extra minerals that can help to strengthen tooth enamel are also a benefit of increased saliva, which is discussed in the next section. 

Increases Saliva Production
Chewing gum can help increase the flow of saliva in your mouth. This has a number of benefits including washing away acid that can potentially harm your teeth. It is recommended to chew gum for 20 minutes after eating a meal to help your saliva build up to rinse off the teeth and cleanse your entire mouth.

Curbs Cravings
Healthy eating is important for your overall health, which includes your oral health. To help kick those junk food cravings, chew a piece of gum instead. Chewing gum instead of eating unhealthy food is helpful in a number of ways. Sugar-free gum is the best option for your teeth since it has as less sticky quality.

So the next time you are at the grocery store waiting to check out, eyeing all of that candy, pick up a pack of sugar-free gum instead. As we stated earlier, do not expect to replace your regular oral care routine with chewing gum, but it is a bonus way to clean off those teeth and a good alternative when you can't get to a toothbrush right away. Our dental clinics in Southern Missouri are always on the lookout for more ways to help you keep those teeth shiny and clean. After all, Access Dental & Dentures knows that you deserve a great smile!

We want to be your dentist because your family deserves a great smile! 

1-877-DENTIST

Visit our Website
Like us on Facebook

Follow us on Twitter

Connect with us on LinkedIn

Springfield Office          Rolla Office             Osage Beach Office

(417) 501-1048              (573) 426-5447          (573) 348-1466         

1701 West Sunshine        416 S. Bishop Ave.   4320 Osage Beach Pkwy

Springfield, MO 65807   Rolla, MO 65401      Osage Beach, MO. 65065

Mountain Grove Office              Aurora Office

(417) 926-1160                             (417) 308-3534

921-A N. Main                             1402 S. Elliott

Mountain Grove, MO 65711       Aurora, MO 65605

DID YOU KNOW... 9 Fun Facts About Your Teeth

Our dental clinics in Southern Missouri find teeth fascinating because that's our specialty. Anyone not in the field of dentistry may know a little about teeth but most likely don't have a strong desire to learn more than simple general knowledge. Teeth are a part of your life so Access Dental & Dentures has gathered a few very interesting facts that we think anyone will find fascinating. Learn something new today by taking a look at this list.

Teeth Are Not Bones
Just by looking at them, you might assume teeth are bones but guess what... they're not. The hard shell of enamel is mostly made up of calcium and phosphate, like your bones, yet not exactly the same. That enamel surrounds the rest of the tooth to keep it safe.

Teeth Never Stop Growing
The enamel itself on the outside of your teeth remains the same but inside, your teeth continue to change throughout your entire life. Just below the layer of enamel is dentin, of which there are 3 types: primary, secondary, and reparative. The dentin inside always continues to grow and change.

The Hardest Part of Your Body
Enamel is actually the hardest part of your body and even the dentin inside is harder than your bones. This does not mean teeth are invincible though. Sugars and acids interacting with bacteria in your mouth attack the enamel and break it down. Brushing regularly and avoiding sugary foods and drinks can help to keep this from happening.

If you're not careful, teeth can still be chipped or cracked. Ways to avoid this include wearing a mouthguard while playing sports, not chewing on hard items like ice, and not using your teeth to "bite" open things that are not food.

Yours Are Unique To You
Your teeth are like a fingerprint, unique to your body. This is why dental records can be used to identify a person. As a matter of fact, your tongue also has a unique "tongue print."

You are born with teeth.
Teeth begin forming while a person is still in the womb. Even though it appears as if a baby is born with no teeth, all 20 baby teeth are right there under the gum surface, waiting to break out. 

You can only see 2/3 of them.
One-third of your teeth are hidden inside the gums. That's why it's very important to take care of your gums too for good oral health. If they are damaged they cannot hold and protect the lower portion of your teeth.

Hundreds of Bacteria
Plaque may sound like a singular thing, but is made up of millions of bacteria! Beyond that, there are as many as 300 different species of bacteria.

Wait to Brush
You need to brush at least twice a day and after meals when possible, but not immediately after you eat. Brushing within half an hour of eating or drinking certain foods can actually damage the enamel. It's best to wait at least an hour.

Don't Miss a Spot
Flossing once a day is important for good oral health too. When you don't floss you could be missing up to a stunning 40% of your tooth surfaces!

The more you know about your teeth the easier it will be to take proper care of them for a lifetime of good oral health. Visiting our skilled dentists in Southern Missouri for regular checkups is an important part of that too. Working together we can keep those teeth shiny, clean, and healthy for many, many years.

We want to be your dentist because your family deserves a great smile! 

1-877-DENTIST

Visit our Website
Like us on Facebook

Follow us on Twitter

Connect with us on LinkedIn

Springfield Office          Rolla Office             Osage Beach Office

(417) 501-1048              (573) 426-5447          (573) 348-1466         

1701 West Sunshine        416 S. Bishop Ave.   4320 Osage Beach Pkwy

Springfield, MO 65807   Rolla, MO 65401      Osage Beach, MO. 65065

Mountain Grove Office              Aurora Office

(417) 926-1160                             (417) 308-3534

921-A N. Main                             1402 S. Elliott

Mountain Grove, MO 65711       Aurora, MO 65605

Beyond Toothbrushes - Fun Tools To Clean Your Teeth

When it comes to keeping your teeth clean, the essential tools that everyone knows about include a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, and for most people, mouthwash as well. There are additional tools available that can help you achieve an even deeper clean and in some cases, make a dental care routine more fun. 

Last week's blog talked about The Benefits of Using an Electric Toothbrush. Many of those have fun built-in features like timers, cool colors & designs, and there are even a few that play music while you brush! Today we've got a few more tools to make brushing your teeth more fun that can also improve your overall oral health. Please note that these tools should be used along with regular brushing and flossing, not in place of it. 

Tongue Scrapers
Cleaning your tongue is just as important as cleaning your teeth. An unwashed tongue can be the cause of bad breath for many people. A tongue scraper helps you to remove bacteria that cause bad breath. This can be done with your toothbrush, but a tongue scraper works a little bit harder.

Water Pick
Water picks spray small bursts or steady streams of water between your teeth resulting in a deeper clean than just brushing alone. Many people with braces find water picks helpful for cleaning between their dental appliances and hard to reach spaces in the mouth. Make sure the water pressure is regulated to get the job done without being too rough on your gums. 

Fun Flossers
Floss isn't a new tool, but fun flossers are built in a way that makes it much easier for some people to get between their teeth, especially the ones in the back. It is a sturdy pick (pictured above) that is split at one end with a piece of floss strung between the split ends.

Interdental Brushes
Interdental brushes give you another flossing option that may remove even more particles from between your teeth. These are small picks with what looks like a piece of pipe cleaner on one end that can be slid between teeth and moved back and forth. Its kind of like a toothbrush and floss were combined and this was the brilliant result. 

Introducing new tools like the kind listed above will give your mouth a deeper clean. They can also intrigue children that resist brushing their teeth into thinking the entire process is new and unique, making it seem much more fun.

The items above can be found at many stores that sell toothbrushes. If you have any questions about these items or would just like to learn more about them, our skilled dentists in Southern Missouri would be happy to discuss them in more detail at your next appointment. It's very important that you still brush your teeth twice a day in conjunction with using the tools above. Access Dental and Dentures encourages you to try new tools and techniques until you find an oral care routine that works best for you.

We want to be your dentist because your family deserves a great smile! 

1-877-DENTIST

Visit our Website
Like us on Facebook

Follow us on Twitter

Connect with us on LinkedIn

Springfield Office          Rolla Office             Osage Beach Office

(417) 501-1048              (573) 426-5447          (573) 348-1466         

1701 West Sunshine        416 S. Bishop Ave.   4320 Osage Beach Pkwy

Springfield, MO 65807   Rolla, MO 65401      Osage Beach, MO. 65065

Mountain Grove Office              Aurora Office

(417) 926-1160                             (417) 308-3534

921-A N. Main                             1402 S. Elliott

Mountain Grove, MO 65711       Aurora, MO 65605

The Benefits of Using an Electric Toothbrush

It's extremely important to try and brush your teeth at least twice a day. This is one of the best ways that you can help us at Access Dental & Dentures keep your teeth in the best condition.

There are lots of toothbrushes out there to choose from. Regular toothbrushes get the job done nicely when used correctly but some say electric toothbrushes do a much better job. Here are a few reasons why our Southern Missouri dentist offices think you might enjoy upgrading your dental health routine to an electric toothbrush.   

It's So Easy
An electric toothbrush moves around your teeth without you having to move your arm much at all. As long as you make sure that it is placed on the surface of each tooth, it will take care of the scrubbing while you simply hold it in place.

Power-Scrubbing
Electric toothbrushes can deeply scrub the surface of the tooth and get into nooks and crannies that are sometimes missed. With a variety of movements programmed into the toothbrush, from spinning to side to side, your teeth will get cleaned from every possible angle. Studies have been done that showed that electric toothbrushes are more effective in getting rid of plaque built up on teeth. 

Helpful Technology
Some electric toothbrushes have a timer built in to ensure that you brush for the recommended two-minute duration. Many allow you to adjust the speed to be more comfortable for sensitive teeth and gums. A few varieties even feature sensors that let you know if you are applying the right amount of pressure for the proper clean. 

More Fun When You Brush
Kids get a kick out of an electric toothbrush buzzing around inside their mouths doing most of the work for them. (You don't have to be a kid to think that's fun, though!) They also come in lots of colors and designs to make your time spent brushing a little more exciting. 

Now that you're aware of the many benefits of using an electric toothbrush you may be ready to try one out. Of course, if you're more comfortable with the idea of sticking with a regular toothbrush, that can be just as effective when used properly. Always aim to brush at least twice a day and after meals when possible. Combine that with daily flossing and regular dental checkups from one of our skilled dentists in Southern Missouri and you'll be on your way to a bright and healthy smile. 

Give Access Dental & Dentures a call at 1-877-DENTIST to schedule an appointment at 1 of our 5 clinics across Missouri. We'll assess your current dental situation, offer advice, and get you on the road to that great smile!

We want to be your dentist because your family deserves a great smile! 

1-877-DENTIST

Visit our Website
Like us on Facebook

Follow us on Twitter

Connect with us on LinkedIn

Springfield Office          Rolla Office             Osage Beach Office

(417) 501-1048              (573) 426-5447          (573) 348-1466         

1701 West Sunshine        416 S. Bishop Ave.   4320 Osage Beach Pkwy

Springfield, MO 65807   Rolla, MO 65401      Osage Beach, MO. 65065

Mountain Grove Office              Aurora Office

(417) 926-1160                             (417) 308-3534

921-A N. Main                             1402 S. Elliott

Mountain Grove, MO 65711       Aurora, MO 65605

How Teeth Change with Age

Our teeth undergo a lot of changes throughout life. When we are younger, we get excited when the tooth fairy comes after we lose our teeth, but kids are more prone to cavities also. You might be thinking, whew, with my age, I’m less prone to cavities. However, as we age, our teeth age as well. 

With this aging comes another round of being more cavity prone along with other oral problems. Our dental clinics in Southern Missouri are here to help you become aware of these changes and give you tips on how to prevent them. 

Dry Mouth
As you age, you may find yourself being prescribed more medications to take by your doctor. With some of these medications comes the side effect of dry mouth. Due to the small amount of saliva being produced during dry mouth, foods and bacteria can stay in your mouth longer which leads to an increased chance of a cavity popping up. Make sure to let your dentist know about all the medications you take and about any medical changes.

Gum Disease
Gum disease becomes more common with age also. It becomes an issue when the bacteria in plaque causes the gums to become irritated and swell. Unfortunately, gum disease is often painless until it reaches a certain stage, so it can go undetected for a while. During advanced stages of gum disease, the gums pull away from the teeth, allowing food and other particles to get caught within these pockets. Gum disease can destroy gums, bones, and ligaments that hold teeth in place, causing tooth loss. 

Discoloration
Unfortunately, teeth coloring is also common with age. The dentin, which is the core tissue in your teeth, becomes more yellow over time. The outside enamel on teeth then thins with age, causing the coloring of the dentin to show through. Eating and drinking certain things like coffee, wine, sodas, tea, certain fruits and vegetables, and tobacco can also yellow teeth. Cutting back on these foods, drinking lots of water, and professional whitening can help you maintain a sparkling smile.

Wear & Tear
Despite how careful you are, teeth usually wear down over time. You can help control the amount of wear and tear by watching what you eat. Chewing on ice can create enamel chips or completely break off teeth. While this may be a hard habit to break, if you want to avoid wear, you’ll want to ditch this habit. Teeth can also be worn down by a poor bite or night-time grinding. Dental appliances can help prevent the damages caused by these.

Teeth Shift
Teeth also begin to shift with age. The two front lower teeth are often the first to shift due to the pressure on your teeth that are caused by wear and tear. Teeth shifting causes loss of bone, which causes gums to recede. A lot of stress that comes with aging is taken out on the jaw through grinding and clenching, which can cause worn down enamel and chipped teeth. Getting appliances to protect your teeth from clenching and grinding in the night can help prevent teeth shift also.

The best thing that you can do to prevent the problems that come with aging teeth is to schedule regular dentist visits. Going to the dentist on a regular basis can help catch things like cavities and gum disease early while they are more easily treatable.

You can count on Access Dental & Dentures for all of your dental needs. With regular visits and a good dental care routine, you can protect your bright smile. Visit one of our dental offices in Missouri today for top dental care from people that care about you and your smile.

We want to be your dentist because your family deserves a great smile! 

1-877-DENTIST

Like us on Facebook

Follow us on Twitter

Connect with us on LinkedIn

Springfield Office          Rolla Office             Osage Beach Office

(417) 501-1048              (573) 426-5447          (573) 348-1466         

1701 West Sunshine        416 S. Bishop Ave.   4320 Osage Beach Pkwy

Springfield, MO 65807   Rolla, MO 65401      Osage Beach, MO. 65065

Mountain Grove Office              Aurora Office

(417) 926-1160                             (417) 308-3534

921-A N. Main                             1402 S. Elliott

Mountain Grove, MO 65711       Aurora, MO 65605

How Oral Health Can Affect Your Entire Body

A good oral health routine isn't just for the benefit of your mouth. It actually affects the rest of your body too. Following the suggestions from our trusted dentists in Southern Missouri will both give you a dazzling, healthy smile and help you achieve good health throughout the rest of your body too. Today's Access Dental & Dentures blog explains this to give you a better understanding of how everything works together.

Gateway to the Body
Your mouth is a gateway to your body. Everything we eat or drink, even much of the air we breathe, travels through the mouth. That means a lot of bacteria has a chance to build up in there throughout the day. Once these germs are built up, they can enter the bloodstream through your tongue, gums, and saliva. 

A regular brushing and flossing routine can help to prevent harmful bacteria and germs from traveling to other parts of the body. Dentists recommend brushing twice a day, once in the morning and again in the evening. Flossing daily also helps remove some of the harder to reach germs from in-between your teeth. 

How Saliva Can Help or Harm
Saliva carries a large portion of the mouth contents into the body. If you have good oral care, this process is beneficial for delivering clean saliva to help the body function properly. On the flip side, if you have poor oral care, the saliva in your mouth will bring germs and bacteria into your body. If you have too much bad bacteria built up, it can cause an infection or a number of other health issues.

Conditions Linked to Poor Oral Health 
Below we have listed a few of the ways that poor oral health can lead to even bigger problems than cavities and gum infections.

Diabetes
Gum disease can cause diabetic symptoms to worsen by restricting blood flow. People who have diabetes have difficulties keeping glucose levels in check. Improperly managed glucose levels in the mouth can encourage bacteria to grow and will travel throughout the body.

Heart Problems
Periodontal disease, which is a chronic bacterial infection in the gums, increases the risk of a heart attack or stroke. If it is built up in the mouth, the infection can move through the body via saliva.

Pregnancy Issues
Oral health issues have been known to cause the risk of preterm birth in pregnant women. Bacteria in the body can increase infection which may lead to an issue with pregnancy.

Arthritis
Bacteria in the blood system is thought to lead to the development of arthritis in the joints quicker than it would with good oral health.

Respiratory Illness
Lungs get a large amount of the bacteria that has built up in the mouth. This can cause a number of respiratory issues including pneumonia and emphysema.

Keep Your Whole Body Healthy

The simple act of developing the habit of a good oral health routine is an easy way to protect the rest of your body form an excess of unnecessary bacteria. You should also schedule regular checkups at one of our many dental offices across Southern Missouri. The knowledgable dentists at Access Dental & Dentures will be able to detect the early stages of many oral health problems and help to prevent them from becoming big problems. 

We want to be your dentist because your family deserves a great smile! 

1-877-DENTIST

Like us on Facebook

Follow us on Twitter

Connect with us on LinkedIn

Springfield Office          Rolla Office             Osage Beach Office

(417) 501-1048              (573) 426-5447          (573) 348-1466         

1701 West Sunshine        416 S. Bishop Ave.   4320 Osage Beach Pkwy

Springfield, MO 65807   Rolla, MO 65401      Osage Beach, MO. 65065

Mountain Grove Office              Aurora Office

(417) 926-1160                             (417) 308-3534

921-A N. Main                             1402 S. Elliott

Mountain Grove, MO 65711       Aurora, MO 65605