Smile-Friendly After School Snacks

AS MANY PARENTS KNOW when your child comes home from school, they often run straight for the pantry!

We understand that kids can be a bit hungry after a long day in the classroom and we want to help you provide snacks that won’t only fill their bellies, but will benefit their smile as well!

Try These Smile-Friendly Snacks!

Consuming a lot of starchy and sugary treats in the afternoon can do a number on a child’s teeth—not to mention ruin their appetite for dinner! Sticky, sugary snacks can adhere to your child’s teeth for long periods of time, potentially causing harmful cavities. In order to avoid snack-induced cavities and other oral health concerns, try these ideas instead:

Leafy Greens and Fresh Veggies

Dark, leafy greens like kale, spinach, and collard greens have calcium, vitamin A, vitamin B2, and magnesium–all essential for healthy teeth and gums. Veggies like broccoli and celery are great too! In addition to being rich in vitamins, broccoli has been shown to create an acid-resistant teeth “shield.” As for celery, because of its fibrous material, it massages gums, cleans teeth, and encourages saliva production—making it a natural tooth scrubber!

If your kids like a little crunch in their snack, you could even try making homemade veggie chips! You can use anything from kale and spinach to sweet potatoes and carrots. Simply mix your veggies with enough olive oil to coat them, add any spices you’d like (garlic or pepper is always good!), and bake at 350 degrees for 12 minutes, flip your veggies, and then bake until crispy!

Cheese, Milk, and Yogurt

Dairy is the go-to dental snack for a reason! Few other foods give such a great boost of calcium. Cheese and yogurt even help cut acidity, helping protect your child’s teeth from erosion caused by acidic fruit juices.

If your child doesn’t just want plain yogurt, fruit and yogurt parfaits are a great option to add some flavor and healthy vitamins to their snack.

Fruit High in Vitamin C

A lack of vitamin C can break down the collagen network in our gums, making them tender and more susceptible to bacteria and gum disease. Citrus fruits such as oranges, grapefruit and kiwi are great sources of Vitamin C.

To make their citrus snack fun, you can make fun kabobs with some citrus, berries, and some of their favorite cheeses.

If you’d like some healthy and creative school lunch ideas, check out these tips from Martha Stewart!

Do You Have Anything To Add?

Do you have any healthy snack recipes of your own? We’d love to hear them! Feel free to share in the comments below or on our Facebook page.

Thank you for your trust in our practice!

Dr. Andrew Bruening & Dr. Carissa Bruening are General Dentists located in Chesterfield, Missouri.

636-532-3311 | admin@chdental.net

To stay up to date with patient appreciation raffles, office specials, and volunteer events, go "LIKE" our Facebook Page by searching @chdental or Chesterfield Hilltown Dental. We are always accepting new patients, and our family looks forward to meeting yours!

www.chesterfieldhilltowndental.com 

The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.

Are Your Teeth Sensitive? Here’s Why

DO YOU EVER cringe when you watch someone bite into ice cream? Are you sometimes fearful of that first sip of hot soup or drink of tea? You’re not alone. Tooth sensitivity is one of the most common complaints we hear about!

Teeth Feel Sensitive When Nerves Are Exposed 

On the outside of each tooth is a protective layer of enamel. Over time, the enamel can wear away leaving an inner layer, called the dentin, exposed. This occurs due to normal wear and tear, poor dental hygiene or certain lifestyle choices.

Dentin contains fluid-filled tubules that reach into the innermost part of the tooth where all the nerves reside. Because the nerves inside the tooth are exposed when the enamel is eroded away, sensitivity is the result.

Another form of tooth sensitivity develops when gum recession leaves the root of the tooth exposed to food, drink and air.

Desensitizing Toothpaste Can Help

Desensitizing toothpastes are a great way to ease tooth sensitivity. Many of our patients ask us how these toothpastes actually work! It’s simple: they are specially formulated to either block the tubules in the dentin, protecting the nerves in the tooth from exposure, or numb your teeth, in a manner of speaking, so you don’t register the pain of sensitivity.

It’s important to remember, however, that if your teeth are at all sensitive, your first stop should be your dentist’s office. Some problems that cause teeth to be sensitive can be quite serious and may require more extensive treatment than desensitizing toothpaste can provide.

Follow These Helpful Tips To Avoid Sensitive Teeth

Sensitive teeth can range from mildly annoying to severely painful. To prevent further damage to your teeth, or any sensitivity in the first place, follow the suggestions below:

• Practice proper oral hygiene. Gum disease and tooth decay are frequently the cause of tooth sensitivity. In addition, avoid smoking or any form of tobacco use.
• Don’t brush so hard. Aggressive brushing or brushing with a hard-bristled toothbrush can cause gum recession and enamel erosion. Brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush and don’t apply too much force. Plaque comes off easier than you think!
• Protect your teeth. If you clench your teeth frequently or have been diagnosed with bruxism (teeth grinding), make sure you protect your teeth with a nightguard provided to you by your dentist and try to be conscious of your clenching habits during the day.
• Make sure your diet is healthy. Eat sugar and carbohydrates in moderation. Drink plenty of water and eat foods that are good for your teeth such as dairy products and vegetables.

Nobody Should Live With Tooth Pain

No matter what your level of discomfort, it’s our belief that nobody should have to live with tooth pain. If you experience any kind of sensitivity in your teeth, come in and see us! We can diagnose the root cause of your sensitivity and ascertain the best way to treat it.

We are thankful for our wonderful patients!

Dr. Andrew Bruening & Dr. Carissa Bruening are General Dentists located in Chesterfield, Missouri.

636-532-3311 | admin@chdental.net

To stay up to date with patient appreciation raffles, office specials, and volunteer events, go "LIKE" our Facebook Page by searching @chdental or Chesterfield Hilltown Dental. We are always accepting new patients, and our family looks forward to meeting yours!

www.chesterfieldhilltowndental.com 

The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.

Top image by Flickr user Lachlan Hardy used under Creative Commons Attribution-Sharealike 4.0 license. Image cropped and modified from original.

Take Care Of Your Furry Friend’s Smile!

Penny Bruening - The new boss at the Bruening household.

WE TALK A LOT ABOUT what you need to do to keep those teeth of yours healthy and beautiful. While you’re taking care of your smile, don’t forget about your pet’s! Your furry friend’s teeth need to be cared for as well.

Keep Up On Your Pet’s Dental Health

You probably don’t think about checking your dog or cat’s mouth very often, but it’s important that you do. Dental problems can often lead to other health problems in your pet, not to mention they can be painful and costly. As with our own teeth, prevention is key!

Here are some things you should do to keep your furry friend’s mouth healthy:

• Have your pet’s teeth checked and cleaned at least once a year by a veterinarian
• While daily toothbrushing is ideal for your pet, at least get in three to four good brushing sessions per week (using toothpaste specially formulated for them–not human toothpaste)
• Make sure your dog or cat is on a nutritious diet that is good for their teeth; your veterinarian will help you know what kind of food is best
• Chew toys are great for scraping plaque off of your dog’s teeth and can be a great supplement to tooth brushing!

There are many products out there that can help keep your pet’s teeth healthy and breath fresh. Talk to your veterinarian about what products they recommend for your dog or cat’s oral hygiene routine!



Watch the video below to see how to properly brush your pet’s teeth:

Healthy Smiles Make It All Worthwhile

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association(AVMA), 70 percent of cats and 80 percent of dogs have some kind of oral disease by the age of two or three. That’s why attending to your pet’s oral health on a daily basis should be as normal to them as their daily walks.

After enough practice, they may even look forward to toothbrushing time! And while brushing your pet’s teeth may be a lot of work, just remember, healthy smiles make all that work worthwhile.

We’d love to see your pets’ smiles!

Snap a photo of you and your pet showing off your pearly whites and post it to our Facebook page!

Thank you for reading our blog and supporting our practice.

Dr. Andrew Bruening & Dr. Carissa Bruening are General Dentists located in Chesterfield, Missouri.

636-532-3311 | admin@chdental.net

To stay up to date with patient appreciation raffles, office specials, and volunteer events, go "LIKE" our Facebook Page by searching @chdental or Chesterfield Hilltown Dental. We are always accepting new patients, and our family looks forward to meeting yours!

www.chesterfieldhilltowndental.com

The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.

February Is Children’s Dental Health Month

 Dr.Andrew and Carissa Bruening's adorable niece, Kennedy/

The CDC REPORTS that 1 in 5 children (between ages 5 and 11) in the US have untreated tooth decay. Not only should tooth decay be treated in regular dental appointments, it should be prevented! Tooth decay is 100 percent preventable with effective personal care and regular dental cleanings.

In honor of Children’s Dental Health Month, we’re spreading the word about children’s dental health.

YOU Can Help Little Ones Have Healthier Smiles!

1. Encourage them to brush for two full minutes: Pick a song about two minutes long and sing it to them during brushing time.
2. Set reminders to brush twice a day: Brushing after breakfast and just before bed are the best times for preventing bacteria growth from food.
3. Show them flossing is fun, not harmful: Be gentle at first when doing it for them. A bad experience can stop them from flossing on their own.
4. Be persistent: Don’t let fussy children off the hook. Be motivating! Kids may gladly brush for a sticker or star if you make it an activity.
5. Set their first dental appointment before age 1: Having positive dental experiences early will make dental visits easier and less frightening when older.

Drs. Andrew and Carissa Bruening enjoy working with children and their families to help make them comfortable in what can be an intimidating environment.

"Our goal is to make the experience fun for the kids and stress-free for the parents. Introducing young patients to the 'Tooth Tickler' and allowing them to pick their favorite polishing paste flavors are just a couple of ways we attempt to make their experience one that they will look forward to when they return."

This month, Dr. Carissa Bruening and Amanda Keeven, RDH, are visiting elementary schools on 3 different occasions to discuss the importance of dental health! If your child attends a preschool or grade school in Chesterfield, Missouri, they may be meeting part of our team!

Help Us Spread The Word!

Share this message with your friends and family, and especially with the children in your life. If you have any questions about children’s dental health, don’t hesitate to ask us! We can be reached by phone or email, listed at the bottom of the page. 

Dr. Andrew Bruening & Dr. Carissa Bruening are General Dentists located in Chesterfield, Missouri.

636-532-3311 | admin@chdental.net

To stay up to date with patient appreciation raffles, office specials, and volunteer events, go "LIKE" our Facebook Page by searching @chdental or Chesterfield Hilltown Dental. We are always accepting new patients, and our family looks forward to meeting yours!

wwww.chesterfieldhilltowndental.com

The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.

Your Child's First Dental Visit

Creating a Lifetime of Healthy Smiles

The American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry say that the first dental visit should occur within 6 months after the baby's first tooth appears, but no later than the child's first birthday. It's best to meet the dentist when your child isn't having any dental problems -- don't wait until an emergency comes up!!

If your child is an infant, the Dentists should examine your child in the knee-to-knee position. You and the dentist will sit on chairs facing each other. Your child sits on your lap, facing you. You then lay your child back with his or her head in the dentist's lap. In this position, both you and the dentist can see clearly into your child's mouth and your child can look up at you.




During the examination, depending on the age of your child, the dentist will check all of their existing teeth for decay, examine your child’s bite, and look for any potential problems with the gums, jaw, and oral tissues.The dentist or hygienist may also clean your child's teeth. This is likely to occur if your child's teeth have a stain that commonly appears in infants. The dentist or hygienist also may apply fluoride, particularly if you child has a higher than average risk of developing cavities.

(Pictured above: Dr. Carissa Bruening performing a lap examination

 on a 9 month old baby at our office in Chesterfield, Missouri.)

Tips for a Lifetime of Healthy Smiles for your Child:

1. Find a dentist that you trust and an office where you feel comfortable. You should be able to consider this your "dental home". 
2. Stay positive! Please keep it to yourself if you still have any anxiety about dental visits.
3. Never bribe your child to go to the dentist or use the dentist as a punishment or threat!
4. Although bribing isn't a good idea, try to make your child's dental visit an enjoyable outing. Teaching your child good oral hygiene habits will lead to a lifetime of good dental health. 

To stay up to date with patient appreciation raffles, office specials, and volunteer events, go "LIKE" our Facebook Page by searching @chdental or Chesterfield Hilltown Dental.

Dr. Andrew Bruening & Dr. Carissa Bruening

 are General Dentists located in Chesterfield, Missouri.

www.chesterfieldhilltowndental.com

New Year, New Smile.

Have you found yourself unhappy with your smile, but also intimidated by the cost/evasiveness of fixing that smile? You have come to the right place. With the scientific advancements Dentistry has made in the past 20 years, and the extended payment options made possible by companies like Care Credit & The Citi Bank Health Card, there is no reason that you can’t have the smile you desire!

Let’s talk about the different ways that we can help you get that “dream” smile of yours.

1. MTM

MTM Clear Aligners are the virtually undetectable way to align your smile without traditional braces. MTM® Clear Aligner utilizes a series of removable trays to correct slight misalignments such as crowding or gaps. Each aligner is custom fabricated, per your doctor’s treatment plan, to progressively advance your teeth into their ideal position, leaving you with a healthy and beautiful smile. Schedule a consult with one of the Bruenings to see if you are a good for our MTM treatment.

2. Veneers

Unhappy with your smile? Veneers can significantly improve your appearance and most importantly, your confidence! For many of our patients, veneers have the ability to alter the color, shape & alignment of their teeth, leaving them with an esthetic result & enhanced smile.

Give us a call! We are excited to discuss your smile “goals” and work together to determine the best option for you.

To stay up to date with patient appreciation raffles, office specials, and volunteer events, go "LIKE" our Facebook Page by searching @chdental or Chesterfield Hilltown Dental.

Dr. Andrew Bruening & Dr. Carissa Bruening

 are General Dentists located in Chesterfield, Missouri.

www.chesterfieldhilltowndental.com

How to make your child with autism comfortable at the Dental Office.

1. Have a conversation with the Staff on the phone.

Call the Dentist ahead to discuss your son/daughters needs. The more you know ahead of time about their practices and why they do them, the more comfortable you will be. Ask if they have experience with children who have an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and if they have special procedures in order to optimize each visit. Ask about those procedures. Discuss whether you would like to accompany your son/daughter in the room while doing the exam. Discuss the importance of having a short wait time. If your dentist can’t cater to that, find one that will. Also discuss having the same staff at each visit for consistency. If you’re not comfortable with the answers to ANY of your questions, consider another dentist.

2. Practice, practice, practice.

Use their toothbrush or a plastic tooth mirror and get your child use to letting you put it in his/her mouth. Make a fun game out of counting their teeth. Using an electric toothbrush is excellent for getting your child use to the strange sensations in their mouths. Let them practice laying their head in your lap, and letting you count their teeth and look at them with the mirror.

3. Let them get their feet wet.

To get your son/daughter off to the right start with a dentist, schedule a few short “happy visits” to start off with. Keep these visits very positive and short. Let your son/daughter get use to the office environment; try out the chair; let the hygienist look in their mouth or count their teeth, check out the suction and water. Use these visits to slowly desensitize your son/daughter to the experience, as well as discover what could potentially be difficult at future visits. Let them pick something out of the toy chest each time they come for a Happy Visit.

4. At our office, we have a fun “story” about going to the dentist, with velcro matching pieces.

Our advice, is to let them use & play with this book each time they come in for their happy visit. Let them do it in the waiting room before they come back. Then, when they finally come in for their cleaning appointment, have them use the same book before they come to the back to be seen.

To stay up to date with patient appreciation raffles, office specials, and volunteer events, go "LIKE" our Facebook Page by searching @chdental or Chesterfield Hilltown Dental.

Dr. Andrew Bruening & Dr. Carissa Bruening

 are General Dentists located in Chesterfield, Missouri.

www.chesterfieldhilltowndental.com