January 2017 -

Did you know February is National Children’s Dental Health Month? The observance of this important health concern during the month of February is to bring dedicated dental professionals, health care professionals, educators and the community together to understand the importance and benefits of good oral health. Whether you’ve got a brand new bundle of joy or are managing a child in the thick of adolescence, it never hurts to brush up on the latest in oral healthcare for kids. Here are some quick tips to help your child’s oral health:

It’s never too early to start good oral hygiene habits
- Did you know even an infant without teeth can benefit from having their gums gently cleaned with water soaked gauze or clean, damp washcloth?
- When your baby does get teeth, it’s important to brush them gently with a soft-bristle toothbrush using a thin smear of fluoride toothpaste
- Your child’s first dentist appointment should be around the first birthday and established regularly
- Three is the recommended age to begin teaching your child normal brushing techniques, with a small pea-sized dollop of paste
You can avoid excess or prolonged consumption of sugar
- When you consume sugar, the bacteria process it into acid which damages tooth enamel and leads to cavities
- Reducing sugary snacks and keeping only water in baby bottles at night is the best way to reduce sugar-related tooth decay
Prevention of dental accidents is possible
- For small children, it’s important to make your home a safe place through childproofing because over half of dental injuries to primary teeth are a result of playing near home furniture
- Ensure kids that are highly active, in contact sports or other activities have the appropriate oral protection gear
Fluoridated water can protect kids’ teeth
- It’s wise to ensure that your water supply contains fluoride, and, if not, talk to your dentist about supplementing through toothpaste, oral rinses, and food

Your child’s dental professional is a partner in health care. There to help prevent disease, lookout for cavities, and watch out for developmental issues, you should always be able to ask important dental questions. Dr. Marc S. Wright is here to help you with all your questions whether it’s your child’s oral health or your own. Call us today!

You never have a second chance to make a first impression, so it’s important to make sure the first impression is a good and lasting one. Unsurprisingly, when it comes to making a good first impression, your smile can really make or break it.

Our basic behaviors such as smiling, gestures and appearance, are psychological cues designed to communicate nonverbally. This is what makes them so critical in first impressions. Through your gestures, posture, and even smile you are actively communicating with someone even before you are verbally communicating with them! Does your smile reflect what you want it to say about you?

First and foremost, smiling communicates positivity and sets the tone to an interaction upfront. A healthy smile not only communicates positivity and sets the tone, but studies also show that a great deal more is perceived from straight, healthy, pearly white teeth.

Did you know that straight, pearly white teeth are perceived to be an indicator of confidence, success, trustworthiness, a good social life, and even a good personality? According to a recent perception study conducted by Kelton for Invisalign®, researchers found that the alignment of teeth is a catalyst for assumptions regarding popularity, intelligence, success, and general health. The survey of over 1,000 people nationally provides a deeper look at how important your smile can really be in leaving a good first impression.

The significance of a first impression is so profound that it can even affect your consideration for jobs and love life. Because speaking is our primary form of communication, your smile almost always has an audience. That audience is making decisions about you based on not only the things you say but the aesthetics too – including your smile! That’s why it is important to make sure your teeth look their best and represent who you are as an individual.

While the impression you leave on others is reason enough to ensure your smile is straight and bright, there are other benefits for the individual. People with a great smile tend to have more outward confidence. Those with teeth that are discolored, misaligned or otherwise not “in-shape” may feel less confident and therefore refrain from engaging with others.

Your healthy smile begins with a healthy everyday care routine including brushing and flossing. Regular check-ups and cleanings by a professional also help to keep your pearly whites looking their best. For things such as missing, crooked, and broken teeth, there are options. Many of which you can discuss with Dr. Marc S. Wright. From invisible braces to implants and professional whitening the options to achieving your “million-dollar smile” are numerous! Dr. Marc S. Wright and his team are always happy to guide you toward the best way to keep your smile healthy and bright, feel free to call us with any questions.

Visit us at one of our two convenient locations