Beattie Family Dental - Blog

Why Flossing Is More Important Than You Think

Thu, 12 Jun 2025 14:21:20 GMT

When it comes to oral hygiene, brushing your teeth often takes center stage. However, an equally important practice tends to be overlooked—flossing. While most people don't skip brushing, many underestimate the importance of flossing, often leaving it out of their daily routine. Yet, per our dentists, flossing is crucial for maintaining not only oral health but also your general well-being.

Cleaning the Areas Your Toothbrush Can’t Reach

Flossing targets the areas in between your teeth and under the gumline that your toothbrush can't reach. These neglected spots are where food particles and bacteria tend to accumulate, leading to plaque build-up. If not removed, this plaque can harden into tartar, causing cavities and gum diseases like gingivitis. Regular flossing removes these harmful substances, making it a vital component of your dental care routine.

Protecting Your Overall Health Through Flossing

According to a Delta Dental news release, 85% of Americans believe that oral health is very or extremely important to their overall health. This awareness makes flossing even more crucial, as poor oral hygiene has been linked to systemic conditions like heart disease and diabetes. Ignoring flossing could therefore have far-reaching consequences, affecting not just your smile but your overall health. When you invest time in proper flossing, you are not just taking care of your teeth but safeguarding your general health.

Improving Breath, Gums, and Confidence

Another compelling reason to prioritize flossing is its role in preventing bad breath, which often results from food particles trapped between teeth. Flossing helps in removing these particles, reducing the likelihood of bad breath. Moreover, regular flossing can reduce gum inflammation and bleeding, creating stronger and healthier gums. By flossing daily, you’ll not only enhance your oral hygiene but also improve your social interactions and boost your confidence.

Flossing is more than an optional step in your dental care routine; it is a necessity for maintaining oral and overall health. By incorporating flossing into your daily regimen, you can reduce the risk of dental issues and other health problems that need to be seen by professional dentists . It's a small investment of time that reaps significant long-term benefits, keeping not just your smile healthy, but your entire body as well. Contact Beattie Family Dental today for pediatric, general, and cosmetic dentistry services.

3 Essential Pieces of Advice for Daily Dental Care

Tue, 03 Dec 2024 16:13:38 GMT

Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial not just for a radiant smile but also for overall health. Dental care is often overlooked, but the mouth is a gateway to the rest of our body, and poor oral health can lead to various medical conditions. The good news is, by implementing a few essential dental care habits into your daily routine, you can keep your teeth and gums healthy and reduce the risk of disease. Read on to learn essential dental advice.

1. Proper Brushing

One of the most important habits is proper brushing technique. Effective brushing removes plaque, a leading cause of cavities. According to the American Dental Association, placing the toothbrush against the line of gums at a 45-degree angle helps remove plaque while minimizing the risk of gum damage. This technique ensures that the bristles reach both the teeth and the gums, providing comprehensive cleaning.

2. Daily Flossing

Tooth flossing is another critical component of daily dental care . While brushing cleans the surfaces of your teeth, flossing reaches the spaces between them where food particles and plaque often hide. Regular flossing helps prevent cavities and gum disease by removing debris and stimulating the gums. In our experience, many dental professionals recommend flossing at least once a day for optimal oral health.

3. Balanced Eating

Limiting sugary foods and beverages is also vital for maintaining healthy teeth. Sugar reacts with the bacteria in your mouth, leading to the production of acids that can erode enamel and cause cavities. Opt for a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals to strengthen your teeth and gums. Incorporating plenty of water not only aids overall health but also helps wash away food particles and neutralize acids.

Taking care of your teeth and gums is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle. By adopting proper brushing techniques, flossing regularly, and making smart dietary choices, you can significantly improve your oral health. Remember, consistent daily efforts today can prevent serious dental issues down the road, ensuring a bright, healthy smile for years to come. Contact Beattie Family Dental for pediatric, general, and cosmetic dentistry services. Our compassionate care and state-of-the-art office will make you feel at ease. Serving Eagle River for over 30 years, we are the dentistry you can rely on.

Should You Choose One Dentist for the Whole Family?

Tue, 28 May 2024 16:02:06 GMT

When it comes to your family’s dental health, you want to make it as easy as possible for everyone to get the dental services they need. Scheduling everyone in the family at the same dental facility is often an easy way to accomplish this. According to the CDC, 86% of American children have visited the dentist in the last year. These are good numbers, and you can make sure your family continues this trend with regular dental visits. Let’s look at a few reasons why everyone in the family should see the same dentist.

Convenience

Life is already hectic enough as it is. You don’t want to further complicate your schedule and calendar by having everyone in the family visit a different dentist. The more simplified the dental visits are the more likely you are to continue to the visit and not miss it. Many people are quick to cancel a dental visit when it becomes confusing or inconvenient.

Consistency

Another great reason to have everyone at the same dentist is so that you can receive consistency of care. Having the same dentist for everyone increases the chances that you’ll stay in good communication with the dentist. It also means that as children grow up they don’t need to start seeing anyone new. They can simply continue their care at the same facility.

Trust

If everyone is seeing the same dentist, then everyone is getting the same experience. This makes it easy for family members to start building a sense of trust with the professional. If there’s a problem, then there are lots of other family members around to help figure it out as well.

Knowledge

Family dentist offices provide a higher degree of dental knowledge because they are trained to work with patients of all ages. These professionals aren’t limited to just one age group or one set of dental issues. You can rest assured that your dental professional knows how to care for all of your family’s needs.

These are just a few reasons why you should consider having one dentist for everyone in the family. If you’re looking for family dentist offices , please contact Beattie Family Dental today. We are here for your family’s dental needs.

How to Keep Your Child's Teeth Clean Between Dentist Appointments

Fri, 08 Dec 2023 14:28:23 GMT

Your child will develop the foundation they need to have healthy oral hygiene when they are young. That's why teaching your child how to care for their teeth is essential. Aside from scheduling regular dental cleaning appointments, you can do a lot more. Here are some tips to help your child impress the dentist.

Education

Education is crucial in helping children learn to care for their teeth. According to the CDC, 13% of kids ages five to 19 have cavities not being treated. You can let children know this fact to help them learn they can get cavities. Then, discuss ways to prevent cavities.

Routines

Children must complete morning and night brushing to establish these routines when they are younger. This makes them more likely to have the same routine as they age. Supervise your little ones to ensure they do a proper oral hygiene routine until they can keep up this routine on their own.

Brushing your teeth with your child is a great way to establish a routine and teach them that oral hygiene is essential. Take turns standing in front of the mirror to brush your teeth. Then, use mouthwash together. Additionally, it's important to remember to floss together. A dentist can also help children learn how to floss during dental cleaning.

Products

Buying the right products can help encourage your child to brush their teeth. Talk to your dentist about your little one using an electric toothbrush. Pick up flavored mouthwash they adore. You can also find toothbrushes and toothpaste with their favorite character on them. When you make things fun for kids, they love doing them.

Technique

As your child gets older, take the time to teach them proper brushing techniques. Children should hold the brush at a certain angle to help remove plaque along the gumline. Gentle, circular motions can help remove plaque and food from the teeth. Show your little one a proper technique and supervise them to ensure they know how to brush their teeth properly.

Positivity

Using positive methods to teach children to brush their teeth is essential. Instead of consequences, offer positive rewards when children remember to brush their teeth on their own. Try to make oral hygiene a positive experience.

These are a few ways to encourage healthy habits between dentist appointments. Heading to your local dentist's office for dental cleaning is a great way to help your child learn the importance of oral hygiene habits. Contact Beattie Family Dental today to schedule your next appointment.

Common Dental Care Mistakes to Avoid

Tue, 23 May 2023 13:52:23 GMT

Healthy teeth are important for a good life. That's why practicing regular dental care is important for everyone, regardless of your age. However, there are some common dental care mistakes many Americans make. Read on to see what these mistakes are and how to avoid them.

Not Changing Your Toothbrush

Would you keep reusing the same dirty towel to dry off after your shower? Of course not. So why are you doing that when it comes to your toothbrush? Your toothbrush cleans bacteria and food off your teeth and gums, so some of that bacteria may linger on it after you're done brushing. Our dental professionals recommend changing your toothbrush about every three months, as well as after being sick.

Forgetting to Floss

Many people forget the benefits of flossing when it comes to dental care . Sometimes even a good toothbrush can't reach every crevice of your mouth. That's where flossing takes over. With proper flossing, you can remove those stubborn particles from between your teeth that a toothbrush can't reach.

Not Visiting the Dentist Enough

Your dentist is there for you even when you don't have a dental emergency. According to the Delta Dental Institute, 42% of Americans don't see a dentist as often as they would like. Ideally, you should see a dentist twice a year to make sure everything's fine. Even if you don't seem to have any broken teeth or decay, your dentist will take x-rays and do a professional cleaning.

Brushing Too Hard

You don't need to apply too much pressure to brush your teeth. Many people make the mistake of brushing too hard, which can easily result in sensitive or bleeding gums. Apply gentle pressure when brushing, rinsing, and flossing, and you should have a suitably clean mouth.

Not Brushing Long Enough

You don't need to spend 30 minutes brushing your teeth, but you shouldn't brush them in as little as 30 seconds. Our dentists recommend that you brush for at least two minutes, covering the top, bottom, front, and back of your mouth. Do so at least twice daily or after each meal, and you can thoroughly keep your teeth clean.

Everyone makes mistakes. When practicing good oral hygiene, avoiding the above mistakes can help ensure healthy teeth and gums for years to come. If you're ready to take great care of your teeth with an appointment at our office, call Beattie Family Dental today.

How to Teach Your Children Proper Dental Hygiene

Mon, 16 May 2022 18:12:18 GMT

Dental care is a critical component of your wellness routine. In fact, according to Delta Dental Institute, 85% of Americans believe it's an extremely important factor in their overall health. And just like you teach your children proper eating and exercise habits, you need to teach them appropriate dental care too. Failure to instill proper hygiene habits can result in serious problems for them later on down the line. To avoid this, you should begin teaching your children the importance of good dental cleaning and care from a very early age.

Habits Start At Home

Family dentists are a great resource, however, good habits start at home. While your dentist will aid you in your lessons and help reinforce what you teach your kids, the bulk of this habit-building will be your responsibility. You need to instill and enforce a daily routine that your kids can follow. This means teaching them proper teeth brushing and flossing, and the importance of regular dentist visits.

Routine Is Essential

Your children must learn that daily oral hygiene is a non-negotiable habit. Many kids might be hesitant to catch onto this habit at first, but practice makes perfect. As your child continues to practice daily teeth-brushing and flossing under your guidance, the behavior will become ingrained and second nature to them. You may have to keep a watchful eye on them at first, but with reassurance and some positive reinforcement, your child should develop their own routine that no longer needs supervision.

Have Fun With It

If your child is still struggling to adapt to a solid dental hygiene routine, you may need to get creative about how you reinforce the importance of these habits. Reward charts are always a solid option for instilling good behaviors like these. But don't go crazy with them. Keep the rewards small, simple, and not too extravagant. Your children need to understand that teeth-brushing is a non-negotiable part of their routine.

You can also take the opposite route and show your children the consequences of poor oral hygiene. You can do a quick Google search to find photos from dentists of tooth decay or damage. While this is an extreme measure, it may be just the ticket that drives home your message! For more information, reach out to Beattie Family Dental!

5 Reasons a Dental Cleaning Is Important

Sat, 13 Nov 2021 03:24:35 GMT

If you have never had a dental cleaning , it can be hard to understand why they are so important. If your teeth are the healthiest they have ever been, then what's the big deal? Even if you have healthy teeth, regular dental cleanings will help keep them that way longer. The truth is that plaque buildup causes gum disease, which can cause tooth loss or infection throughout the body — not something anyone wants! Here are five reasons dental cleaning is important.

1. Removes Plaque Buildup

Plaque is a buildup of food particles, dead cells, and bacteria on the teeth. It is very thin so you cannot see it, but it's still there. Regular cleanings decrease plaque buildup by removing it before it has time to harden into tartar. Tartar leads to cavities and gum disease, which can lead to tooth loss.

2. Helps Prevent Gum Disease

One of the main causes of gum disease is plaque buildup from not brushing and flossing properly, but regular cleanings also help prevent gum disease. Gum disease is a very uncomfortable condition that leads to anything from swollen gums to receding gums to tooth loss.

3. Removes Stains

Can you see the discoloration on your teeth? Don't worry; it's not a cavity or a crack. It's just coffee and tea stains from drinking those every day. While over-the-counter whitening products can help lighten your teeth, their effects wear off quickly, and they don't always provide satisfactory results. Regular cleanings can remove both surface stains and deep stains. They use abrasion to gently scrape off the top layer, which removes surface stains and any plaque buildup.

4. Helps Prevent Decay

Most people know that brushing and flossing prevent cavities, but they do not realize that decay-causing bacteria can still hide in the crevices of teeth that are very hard to reach with a toothbrush. Dental cleanings remove these bacteria that a toothbrush just can't seem to reach.

5. Creates a Brighter, Whiter Smile

Disease and decay aside, dental cleanings have a significant impact on your smile. Dental cleanings remove the stains from coffee and tea and any buildup, leaving you with a brighter smile.

According to a Delta Dental press release, about 85% of Americans consider oral health extremely or very essential to their general health. Everyone wants a beautiful, healthy smile, and regular dental cleanings can help you achieve that. Call us today to set up your next appointment!