Toddlers and kids learn best by seeing others perform a task. One of the best ways for your child to learn how to brush and floss is practice oral health as a family. You can make this a playful activity by letting them brush your teeth and vice-versa. Some parents even buy "play toothbrushes" for their child's dolls and stuffed animals. You can also make up a song about brushing and flossing. Since flossing is difficult (even for some adults), we recommend starting your child with floss holders. These are available in a variety of fun shapes, colors, and even flavors!

Absolutely. If you are switching practices, you will likely need to sign a dental records release form in order for these to be transferred. Since your oral health is always changing, up-to-date scans and records are always preferred.

As you sleep your saliva production essentially shuts down. This also means that the bacteria and biofilms that contribute to bad breath are allowed to flourish. There are several things you can do to reduce morning breath. For one, do not snack before bedtime. You should also brush and floss before bed. You may also want to invest in a tongue scraper to remove bad breath-causing bacteria from the surface of the tongue.

Most cavities form between teeth, under the gumline, and in the deep grooves of the molars and premolars. Therefore, you should brush twice a day for at least two minutes and floss at least once per day. You should also limit your intake of sugary foods and beverages as these are also the preferred food source of the bacteria that cause cavities and tooth decay. If you have molars with deep grooves, we may recommend dental sealants, which create smoother, easier-to-clean surfaces.

The best way to choose a toothpaste is to look for the American Dental Association's 'Seal of Approval.' These all contain fluoride, which remains one of the best deterrents to tooth decay and cavities. You should avoid toothpastes that contain abrasive ingredients such as activated charcoal. These can wear away tooth enamel, which can cause the teeth to take on a grayish brown appearance due to the dentin of the tooth showing through. We would be happy to recommend a toothpaste based on the current state of your oral health.