Why Is Flossing Important?

As soon as your child has teeth that touch one another, you should begin introducing them to flossing to have the best oral health outcomes for their future. Not only will flossing help to reduce their risk for cavities by cleaning hard-to-reach areas, but it will also set them up for better oral health routines as they get used to routine flossing and brushing. For adults and children alike, flossing can reduce their risk for tooth decay and gum disease if done regularly and correctly.

At What Age Can Children Floss On Their Own?

When children are toddlers, they will need help from their parents or guardians to properly floss. It can be difficult for many children to have the right amount of manual dexterity needed for dental flossing, however, as they get older and start to master other areas of dexterity, such as properly using eating utensils, writing, and typing, they may start to be more independent with flossing routines. If you are unsure whether or not your child can safely floss by themselves, consider reaching out to your family dentistry in Elkhart, IN, for clarification.

Professional Dental Help

For professional family dentistry in Elkhart, IN, our dentists are here to help with all your dental questions or concerns. For assistance with flossing for toddlers or to make an appointment today, please give Elkhart Dental and Implant Center a call today at (574) 522-0156.

Ask for Referrals

When looking for a family dentist in Elkhart, IN, the American Dental Association (ADA) recommends asking for referrals. Ask friends, family, co-workers, or neighbors whom they use as their family dentist and if they recommend them. In addition, your family doctor or local pharmacist might have someone they recommend. If you cannot get any recommendations, contact a local or state dental society for a list of local dentists. 

Visit Multiple Family Dentists

The ADA also suggests calling and visiting multiple family dentists before choosing one. Make an initial visit or consultation appointment with three or four dentists and ask the following questions: 

• Do they accept your insurance? 
• Do they submit claims to the insurance company? 
• Do they offer payment options for what is not covered by insurance or for non-insured patients?
• Do they belong to the American Dental Association or other professional associations? 
• What are their office hours?
• What type of anesthesia does the office use? Is the dentist certified to administer it? 
• Do the dentists and staff participate in any form of ongoing training? 
• What happens if there is a dental emergency? 
• Will they discuss treatment plans and all associated costs upfront? 
• Can you take a look around their office and meet the staff?

The doctors at Elkhart Dental and Implant Center in Elkhart, IN, believe in helping you find the right family dentist for your family. Call (574) 522-0156 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Lee, Dr. Sunny, and Dr. JJ.

Who says that caring for our smiles has to be challenging? While most people will deal with decay at some point during their lifetime, doesn’t mean it has to happen. In fact, through preventive dental care you and our Elkhart, IN, family dentists Dr. Sangyoung Lee, Dr. Samantha Lee and Dr. JJ Lee can preserve and protect your smile from cavities, gum disease and injury through preventive care. 

Schedule Regular Dental Visits

We know how busy your schedule gets; however, don’t ever let it get so busy that you forget about your dental health. In fact, many dental conditions don’t cause pain, so you may not even know you have a problem until you visit your dentist. As a general rule of thumb, you should be visiting our Elkhart, IN, family dentists every six months for cleaning, exams and X-rays. If you’re at an increased risk for oral diseases due to smoking or other issues, then you may need to come in more regularly.  

Adopt a Dental Routine

Do you brush twice a day? Are you flossing daily? These are questions to ask yourself, as these are the most important and easiest ways to prevent dental problems. To really ramp up your oral cleaning routine, you can brush (or, at the very least, rinse) after every meal to prevent plaque and food particles from building up. 

Helpful health tip: Replace your toothbrush about every three to four months, or when you start to notice frayed bristles.  

Eat a Balanced Diet

It can be challenging to eat healthy all the time; however, besides boasting a healthy body you’ll also have a healthy smile to show for it. Limit sugars and carbohydrates, and load up on protein, fruits and veggies, and a little dairy (calcium helps stave off gum disease and jaw problems). Smoking and alcohol should also be avoided as they can cause stains, plaque buildup, gum disease and dry mouth. 

Know When to Wear a Mouth Guard

If you’re a teeth grinder or you participate in sports, a custom mouth guard will protect your teeth against enamel wear, fractures and chips. Since teeth grinding can lead to TMJ, which causes significant jaw pain, it’s important to wear your mouth guard while sleeping (and to be conscious of when you grind your teeth throughout the day). 

If it’s time for your next dental cleaning, our Elkhart, IN, family dentists Dr. Sangyoung Lee, Dr. Samantha Lee, and Dr. JJ Lee are here to make sure that you keep up with these six-month checkups. To schedule your next visit, call Elkhart Dental and Implant Center at (574) 522-0156.