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Choosing a Toothbrush: What You Need to Know | Schnecksville Dentist

When trying to maintain a bright and healthy smile, it is important to have the best equipment for your particular situation. So, we purchase fluoride mouthwash and ADA approved toothpaste in our favorite flavor. But what about a toothbrush? After all, there seems to be endless options to choose from. Fortunately, there are a handful of things to consider when you purchase your next toothbrush. Because having the ideal toothbrush will definitely make a difference at your next dental appointment.

Brush head. Firstly, the head of your toothbrush is going to need to fit inside your mouth in such a way that you will be able to maneuver around your mouth in order to be able to clean all of your teeth thoroughly. Additionally, find a model that has a grip you like as well. The easier it is for you to hit hard-to-reach teeth, the healthier your mouth will be.

Bristles. Toothbrushes typically have three bristle types – soft, medium and hard. You may think that using hard bristles will clean better, but they can cause damage to your gums if you aren’t careful. Best bet is to choose soft, rounded bristles.

ADA approved. The American Dental Association is the leading authority when it comes to the best products for today’s patients. Make sure that the toothbrush you choose is ADA approved to ensure that you’re using the best equipment.

Manual or electric. When it comes to choosing a manual or electric, it really depends on the patient. For many older patients that may have arthritic issues, an electric option may be best. But this is purely a personal choice.

If you still have trouble deciding which toothbrush to choose, ask your dental professional.

For more information about toothbrushes, call Dr. Ladani in Schnecksville, PA at 610-799-0600 or visit www.extraordinarysmiles.net.

Dr. Sandip Ladani proudly serve patients from Schnecksville and all surrounding areas.

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A Healthy Smile Starts from Day One | Schnecksville Dentist

When we think about dental health, we don’t necessarily think it begins from the day we are born. But it’s true – our dental health begins from birth. And since February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, let’s take a look at the ways you can ensure your child has a healthy mouth from day one. After all, the earlier we instill good dental habits, the easier it will be to carry those habits on throughout their lives.

Infants may not have teeth, but that doesn’t mean that we should ignore their dental health. Wipe down their gums with a soft cloth after each feeding until their first teeth break through, then use a soft-bristled toothbrush with some water. One major issue infants face is baby bottle tooth decay – this can be avoided by limiting milk or sweetened liquids during sleeping hours and sticking to water instead.

If your child has a habit of sucking their thumb or a pacifier, there may be a chance of tooth misalignment. Because this is due to the act of sucking, it is important to try to wean them off bottles and these other habits around one year. As your child turns a year, it is time to start planning on their first dental visit. A great idea is to plan the appointment after naptime to ensure a calm, happy baby.

Once the baby teeth really begin to show, it’s time to start teaching good dental habits and the best way to do that is by example. Make this a family affair – turn on a little tune and brush for at least two minutes. Good dental hygiene leads to good dental health.

For more information about pediatric dental hygiene, call Dr. Ladani in Schnecksville, PA at 610-799-0600 or visit www.extraordinarysmiles.net.

Dr. Sandip Ladani proudly serve patients from Schnecksville and all surrounding areas.

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What Do You Know About Canker Sores? | Schnecksville Dentist

Have you ever accidentally bitten the side of your cheek or lip? Didn’t it hurt? Sometimes accidents like these lead to a canker sore at the site. These sores are very small but make daily activities in our mouths very painful. And while canker sores are very common, it isn’t because they are contagious – they occur for various reasons, like a weak immune system, dehydration, allergies, stress or medication. If you find that they occur regularly, don’t panic – the reason may be as simple as an unknown allergy. Make sure to take note of any changes in your life and/or diet to make finding the culprit a whole lot easier when presenting your symptoms to your dental professional.

You may think that a canker sore is a cold sore, but that isn’t the case. Yes, they can occur for similar reasons, but unlike a cold sore, a canker sore does not develop on the outside of the mouth and aren’t contagious. And that is because canker sores aren’t caused by a virus or bacteria. They just go away after about ten days – but those ten days can be quite an ordeal as you adjust.

Keeping your daily dental hygiene schedules and reducing stress are some great ways to prevent a canker sore from developing, but there are medications available if necessary. Debacterol® is a liquid, topical medication that not only alleviates the oral pain that comes with canker sores but can also reduce the time the canker sore is present. If you find that your canker sores are becoming an issue, make sure to make an appointment to discuss it with your dental professional.

For more information about canker sores, call Dr. Ladani in Schnecksville, PA at 610-799-0600 or visit www.extraordinarysmiles.net.

Dr. Sandip Ladani proudly serve patients from Schnecksville and all surrounding areas.

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Ways to Maintain Your Dentures | Schnecksville Dentist

We get one set of permanent teeth – what we do with that set of teeth is completely up to us. Unfortunately, many have gotten to the point that requires wearing dentures. Believe it or not, but dentures are not just for the elderly. By mistreating your smile, you run the chances of dental issues that will result in a loss of teeth. Dentures will restore your smile to what you once had, but there are some things you ought to know as far as maintenance is concerned. These teeth are no longer stuck in your mouth and need a different set of rules to keeping them intact for as long as possible. Here are a few helpful tips to keep in mind as you get used to wearing dentures:

  • As much as possible, stand over a folded towel, or a basin of water, or carpeted floors, or basically, anything clean and soft when handling your dentures to prevent them from breaking.
  • Dentures should be placed in a glass of plain water or denture cleanser soaking solution when not being worn. Warm water is not advised as it can cause warping.
  • Dentures will have to be brushed like natural teeth to rid them of food deposits and prevent plaque build-up, as well as stains.
  • The gums, tongue and palate should also be brushed at least once every day. Preferably, use a soft-bristled brush and do this every morning, before the dentures are inserted.
  • Any breaks, chips, cracks on the dentures should be reported to the dentist immediately. So too should be any feeling of looseness. Any attempt of adjusting the dentures yourself may only result in irreversible damage.
  • Missing teeth don’t only look bad, they’re also bad for the health.

For more information about the maintenance of dentures, call Dr. Ladani in Schnecksville, PA at 610-799-0600 or visit www.extraordinarysmiles.net.

Dr. Sandip Ladani proudly serve patients from Schnecksville and all surrounding areas.

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Caring for Your Root Canal | Schnecksville Dentist

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No one wants to be in pain and one of the worst ones is a toothache. Unfortunately, there may come a time when you may need a root canal. And for many of us, a root canal sounds like your mouth will be in pain for a long while. But ignoring issues like tooth decay is the whole reason you’re in this predicament. It’s time to bite the proverbial bullet. Soon, you and your mouth have been treated and on your road to recovery. But you were right – it wasn’t a painless experience.

There’s no doubt that a root canal procedure can cause some of the worst temporary oral pain you could experience. But all is not lost; there are lots of ways you can temporarily ease some of the pain. If you’ve just had a root canal or are planning on getting one done soon, keep this handful of remedies in mind to help ease and sooth the pain after your procedure is finished:

  • Make sure to take the antibiotics prescribed by your dentist.
  • Relieve pain with anti-inflammatory medication, like ibuprofen.
  • Avoid eating hard, crunchy or tough foods for the first few days.
  • An ice pack applied to the affected area can help to relieve pain.
  • Use a numbing gel, like Oragel once the anesthesia wears off.

We all want healthy mouths, but it is our job to take the time to ensure this happens. Otherwise, we may be stuck to have a major dental procedure done to repair any damage done. Sometimes, it can’t be helped, but for the most part, it’s all on us. Aren’t you glad there are ways to soothe those dental pains?

For more information about root canal aftercare, call Dr. Ladani in Schnecksville, PA at 610-799-0600 or visit www.extraordinarysmiles.net.

Dr. Sandip Ladani proudly serve patients from Schnecksville and all surrounding areas.

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What You Need to Know to Keep Your Gums Healthy | Schnecksville Dentist

We may not know exactly what gum disease is, but we know we don’t want to have it. Gum disease is an infection of the tissues that surround your teeth. Because gum disease is typically painless, you may not even know you have it. And this is why you really need to keep your dental appointments – they are the only ones that can diagnose periodontal disease.

But what causes gum disease? Plaque is the primary cause of gum disease. However, other factors can contribute to periodontal disease, ranging from hormonal changes, certain illnesses, medications, genetics to poor dental hygiene and bad habits, like smoking.

Gum disease may progress without producing obvious signs, even in the late stages of the disease. But there are some symptoms you may want to keep in mind. If you find you have any of these symptoms over time, it’s time to check in with your dental professional:

  • Bleeding gums
  • Red, swollen, or tender gums
  • Persistent bad breath or bad taste in the mouth
  • Receding gums
  • Formation of deep pockets between teeth and gums
  • Loose or shifting teeth
  • Changes in the way teeth fit together when biting down

Thankfully, it isn’t difficult to keep gum disease at bay. Make sure you brush, floss and rinse with fluoride every single day. Choose to eat healthy and clean. Munching on healthy snacks and chewing sugar-free gum will produce saliva, the way we rinse our mouths naturally. If you are a smoker, make an effort to stop. Not only is tobacco use bad for you overall, but it wreaks havoc on your mouth. And lastly, keep your dental appointments in order to ensure all of your efforts are doing the job.

For more information about gum disease, call Dr. Ladani in Schnecksville, PA at 610-799-0600 or visit www.extraordinarysmiles.net.

Dr. Sandip Ladani proudly serve patients from Schnecksville and all surrounding areas.

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Who Wouldn’t Want Whiter Teeth? | Schnecksville Dentist

We all want clean, healthy teeth but for many of us, a bright white smile is a wish list item that never really gets crossed off. Because even the best of brushers eventually have off-colored teeth. It’s just the daily wear and tear our teeth go through. Our diets and lifestyle choices can hinder our teeth being their whitest. You can brush & floss every day is great and very necessary, but your teeth won’t always keep its natural sheen. That doesn’t mean there’s no hope. There are plenty of ways to improve the color of your smile. Here are some of the more common options:

Kitchen items. You can always make your own toothpaste with a little hydrogen peroxide and baking soda at home. But did you know that strawberries and bananas can produce similar results? It’s true. So crush a couple of strawberries in a bit of baking soda or rub the peel over your teeth like a toothbrush and let those natural chemicals do the rest.

Whitening products. Over-the-counter options work by using the oxidizing agents to remove pigment on the surface of the enamel. The products are effective at removing surface stains but should be used in moderation to avoid overbleaching and wearing down tooth enamel.

In-office visits. We are proud to offer our patient ZOOM! whitening, a treatment that can either be applied by us, or customized so you can do it in the privacy of your home.

So, as you can see, there is no need to worry about dingy teeth. There is hope. Just ask your dental professional which whitening options will work best for you. And prepare for those smile compliments to roll in.

For more information about ZOOM! teeth whitening, call Dr. Ladani in Schnecksville, PA at 610-799-0600 or visit www.extraordinarysmiles.net.

Dr. Sandip Ladani proudly serve patients from Schnecksville and all surrounding areas.

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Sugar and Its Effects on Your Teeth | Schnecksville Dentist

Well, despite quite the rollercoaster of a year, we’ve made it – we are officially in the holiday season. And while it doesn’t quite look like the holidays we are used to, some things will never change, especially when it comes to eating. We need these holiday favorites to show up and comfort us during this wild time. Unfortunately, these foods tend to be somewhat bad for us. It’s the season of the cakes and cookies, the ultimate of the food hugs – how are we supposed to control ourselves? Know that you just need to try, because all of that sugar is wreaking havoc on your smile.

When you eat something sugary, harmful bacteria in your mouth get to dine and dine they do. Then they produce acids, and this is what is breaking down your tooth enamel. The more the enamel is destroyed, the faster a cavity develops. The good thing is that saliva helps wash away the acids in our mouth causing the issue. Saliva has minerals within it that help to build back the damaged tooth enamel. Think of it like the front line for your smile. The more sugar you eat, the more you feed the bad bacteria. And if you aren’t practicing good dental hygiene, they will cause more damage. And this is why it is so important to continue to practice proper dental hygiene routines daily. Can’t let those cavity creeps damage your healthy smile.

We aren’t saying avoid sugary treats all together – we aren’t monsters. ‘Tis the season! Just be mindful of what you’re eating and practice proper dental hygiene after each indulgence. And make an appointment in the new year to make sure you’re doing a great job.

For more information about dental hygiene during the holidays, call Dr. Sandip Ladani in Schnecksville, PA at 610-799-0600 or visit www.extraordinarysmiles.net.

Dr. Ladani proudly serve patients from Schnecksville and all surrounding areas.

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Celebrating the Holidays with Your Smile | Schnecksville Dentist

As we rapidly approach the holiday season, it is important to know that while we love to indulge in all of our favorite holiday treats, we need to make sure not to forgot about our smiles in the process. After all, we couldn’t enjoy these holidays without it. This may not be the holiday season we are used to, but we can’t let our dental hygiene fall to the wayside. Here are some things to keep in mind as you begin to celebrate this holiday season:

Avoid grazing. There are just so many delicious foods to overindulge in, but it is best to stay focused on the matter at hand – try to limit snacking throughout the day. Not only will it allow for bacteria to constantly cling to your teeth, but you will be too full to enjoy the meal itself.

Maintain a balance. We all know there are loads of foods that are bad for us available, but there are also lots of great foods. So, enjoy everything, just make sure to balance it out with foods that contain calcium and/or protein, and fruits and vegetables.

Stay hydrated. Tis the season for seasonal drinks, but it is important that you try to remain hydrated. Not only will you keep some type of composure from too much egg nog, but it will also increase saliva production, which helps to keep bad bacteria away from your teeth.

Practice proper dental hygiene. It’s a busy time of year for everyone, but that’s no excuse to let your dental hygiene slip. Brush twice a day, floss and rinse with fluoride mouthwash. And after the holidays are done, visit your dentist to make sure you’ve done a good job.

For more information about dental hygiene during the holidays, call Dr. Sandip Ladani in Schnecksville, PA at 610-799-0600 or visit www.extraordinarysmiles.net.

Dr. Ladani proudly serve patients from Schnecksville and all surrounding areas.

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10 Tips for a Healthy Smile | Schnecksville Dentist

We all want a healthy smile, but are you doing your best to keep that smile healthy? After all, we at Extraordinary Smiles will do our best to treat your dental issues, but most of the work falls in your hands. Do your job well and our job is easy. But how do you know if you are doing the best possible job for your smile? Here is a quick rundown:

Brush properly. Maintaining a healthy smile means brushing, flossing and rinsing on a daily basis. Brush for at least two minutes using a soft-bristled toothbrush twice a day – all four quadrants.

Even your tongue. You may not think this is necessary, but your tongue holds tons of bacteria and can lead to bad breath.

Swish, swish. Using mouthwash will not only improve your breath, but it can also strengthen your teeth, prevent plaque and gum disease. Rinsing fits anywhere in the sequence as mouthwash will dislodge debris in your mouth, making it easier for you to clean your mouth well.

Flossing. Flossing is very similar to mouthwash – it loosens particles in places your toothbrush can’t reach.

Choose your weapon. Picking out a toothbrush may seem daunting with all of the variations available. Choose soft-bristles and a small enough head to reach your back molars, electric or manual is up to you.

Keep it clean. Thoroughly rinsing your toothbrush after each use will help keep bacteria from entering your mouth. Allow it to air dry for optimal cleanliness – no toothbrush covers.

Swap it out. Toothbrushes need to be replaced every three months, or after having a cold.

Midnight snacks. Unless you plan on brushing and flossing after your snack, food before bedtime isn’t a good idea.

Tobacco-free. We all know smoking is bad for your health, but it’s also terrible for your smile. If you use tobacco products, try quitting.

Keep your appointments. Finally, make sure to call us for regular checkups. We are the only ones that can tell you if you’re doing a great job. It’s all about teamwork!

For more information about dental hygiene, call Dr. Sandip Ladani in Schnecksville, PA at 610-799-0600 or visit www.extraordinarysmiles.net.

Dr. Ladani proudly serve patients from Schnecksville and all surrounding areas.