Vaping and E-cigarettes – This month Dr. Mary Rose discusses the health risks associated with electronic cigarettes.

March 1st, 2024

What is vaping and e-cigarettes?  Vaping is a way to “smoke” and take in addictive nicotine without tobacco.  Vaping devices are called E-cigarettes or e-cigs.  The vaping devices heat up the liquid which forms a fine mist the user inhales.  Many individuals use this method thinking it is healthier than the traditional cigarette. 

What are the health risks with E-cigarettes?  Like traditional cigarettes, E-cigarettes contain various harmful chemicals and particles.  The mist created by the E-Cigarettes contain chemicals that are known to cause cancer, asthma or COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).  Individuals using the E-cigarettes are also inhaling particles like nickel, lead and tin.  E-cigarettes may come in various flavors which draws young teens to try them and become addicted.  These added flavorings also increase the risk for cavities.

If you have any questions about how to quit smoking E-cigarettes or traditional tobacco products, Dr. Mary Rose would be happy to discuss options. 

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month!

February 1st, 2024

While most people associate February with Valentines Day, February is also National Children’s Dental Health Month!  This month, Dr. Mary Rose focuses on the importance of oral health in children.

Just like adults, children should visit their dentist every six months.  This helps develop good oral health habits, which will lead to a lifetime of healthy gums and teeth.  Dr. Mary Rose suggests making a hygiene appointment as soon as the first baby teeth come in.  Children usually see their first baby tooth between 6 months to one year of age.

Last month, Dr. Mary Rose discussed the benefits of sealants.  After sealants are applied in children, the risk of decay can be reduced by nearly 80% in molars. 

If your child is diagnosed with decay on their primary (baby) teeth or their permanent teeth, Dr. Mary Rose recommends that the decay is removed to allow your child to eat and speak normally.  Removing decay will prevent the child from developing an abscess as well as keeping their teeth from shifting.

Dr. Mary Rose suggests brushing your child’s teeth as soon as the first one appears.  If your child is under 3 years old, you only need a small amount of toothpaste (about the size of a grain of rice).  Dr. Mary Rose suggests flossing your child’s teeth daily starting at the age of 3.  Lastly, make sure your child eats a well-balanced diet. 

If you have any questions about your child’s hygiene, Dr. Mary Rose would be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Got Sealants?  This month Dr. Mary Rose discusses how you can reduce the risk of cavities with sealants

January 2nd, 2024

We all try to have a consistent oral hygiene routine that will remove plaque, food and debris from our teeth.   Unfortunately, brushing and flossing can not always remove the food and bacteria from your back teeth because of the deep grooves your teeth need to help you grind up food when you chew.  To help reduce the risk of cavities, Dr. Mary Rose will place sealants to reduce the risk of cavities.

What are sealants?  Dental sealants are a thin, protective plastic coating that protect the chewing surfaces of your back teeth.  Once applied, sealants can protect molars for up to 6 years reducing the chances for invasive dental work.  Dr. Mary Rose will check the sealants during your hygiene visits to make sure they do not need replaced due to wear or if missing.

Who can benefit from sealants?  Dr. Mary Rose recommends sealants for children when their permanent molars have fully erupted.  In some cases, Dr. Mary Rose might suggest sealants for your child’s primary (baby) teeth if there are deep grooves to protect the adult teeth.  Dr. Mary Rose recommends sealants to anyone, even adults, who are prone to tooth decay on their back teeth.

Sealants are a safe and effective way to reduce the risk of cavities.  If you have any questions, Dr. Mary Rose would be happy to discuss sealants with you.

The Holiday Season is Here!

November 30th, 2023

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! During December, people are busy with all of their holiday preparations.  This month, Dr. Mary Rose has suggestions on how to take care of your teeth during our busy December schedule.

Enjoy the wonderful holiday desserts-We all look forward to eating the holiday desserts.  You do not have to completely compromise on what you eat and drink during the holiday season, however, as the main problem is not so much the amount of sugar, but the frequency of sweet and acidic snacking during the day.  Try limiting the number of times you snack to reduce the climate for bacteria and plaque.

Keep your hygiene routines-Everyone spends December going to parties, rushing around buying gifts and having fun.  While we may feel tempted to skip your usual dental routine after a long day, remember that your best defense against the increased amount of sugar and acid from the holidays is brushing and flossing.  If you are scheduled for a dental visit during December, keep your appointments so that you do not fall behind in your visit to see Dr. Mary Rose.

Try chewing sugar-free gum-Chewing gum stimulates saliva, in turn it will help remove any stagnating plaque after you eat.  This is handy at all the parties we will attend. 

Treat yourself or someone on your gift list – Bath and body products are popular gifts during the holiday season.  Consider giving electric toothbrushes!  Electric toothbrushes are a great addition to your daily hygiene routine.  Electric toothbrushes are more powerful at consistently reducing plaque and gum disease. 

Keep your water bottle handy-Water helps with digestion and excretion as well as freshening your breath.  If you like soda, try water that is carbonated. 

Dr. Mary Rose wishes everyone a very happy and safe holiday season!

Back to Top