We have witnessed a number of changes in the last few years that have turned our world upside down. Human connections have become more difficult due to social distance limitations. When we yearned to connect more with our friends and family, it was the little things that got us through tough times. An innocent smile can create a cascading ripple effect of joy throughout a group of people. We live in a world where smiles are contagious. Even though a smile can make someone feel happy, what does it do for the person who provides it?

Taking a moment to smile at someone in public can have emotional benefits.

Improves mood and reduces stress

When you smile, your facial muscles shift upward, revealing the front of your teeth. It’s hard not to smile when you see someone else smile. When you show your teeth through a smile, there is also magic happening behind the scenes through your emotions. When you smile, you relieve stress and release negative emotions.

When you smile, your brain releases endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine. Each of these factors has a direct impact on our stress levels and mood. Try smiling more throughout the day if you are dealing with anxiety or negative emotions. It can improve your mood and reduce stress, even if you have to force it initially. Over time, smiling will help you slowly let go of negative thoughts as your mood improves.

It keeps you upbeat

When you’re having a bad day, positivity is hard to find. By improving your outlook on life, smiling can help disrupt limiting beliefs. Smiling makes it difficult to focus on the negative aspects of things. If you are in the midst of a big life transition, such as a move or job change, try adding a few more smiles to your day. Injecting positivity into these scary or intimidating events will boost your confidence. Is there someone you know who sometimes struggles to stay positive? Make them smile and see what a difference it makes.

Obtain happiness and longevity

Our physical bodies can be negatively affected by emotional stress over time. Have you ever had a migraine caused by stress? Your body reacts physically to emotional stress. When we smile, we feel a jolt of happiness for a moment. We are likely to be happier throughout the day if we smile more often.

Practicing a consistent habit of smiling more can create a relaxed lifestyle for someone. Stress-induced illnesses and injuries are less common in people who experience less stress. By living a happier life, they are likely to live longer.

Make happiness a priority

Life is too short not to enjoy it to the fullest. Show off your healthy teeth and smile to prioritize happiness in your life. By doing this, you can not only feel happier but also spread happiness. Adding more smiles to your day can have multiple emotional benefits. When you get the chance, don’t be afraid to show your vulnerability and smile.

We are here to assist you with all of your oral health needs. Make an appointment with Forever Family Dental of Wilmington today to ensure that you always have a beautiful smile to show off to others. 

You are likely to hear the word “plaque” when purchasing a toothbrush, toothpaste, or visiting our dental office. Due to plaque buildup, it is extremely important to maintain a daily oral hygiene routine that includes brushing twice a day for at least two minutes, as well as flossing regularly. Find out how plaque can harm your smile and what you can do to prevent it.

Plaque—what is it?

If you haven’t brushed your teeth for a while, you might feel a film-like, sticky buildup. Essentially, it is plaque, which is a layer of bacteria that adheres to your teeth. Plaque cannot be prevented, but brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits can minimize its accumulation.

What does plaque look like?

Although plaque is technically colorless, it gives your teeth the appearance of being “fuzzy.” Due to its sticky nature, plaque may cause some discoloration because it can attract food particles. As plaque hardens and becomes yellow, it is referred to as tartar.

How are plaque and tartar different?

Plaque that remains on your teeth for several days hardens into tartar, which must be removed. When tartar builds up in your mouth, your teeth may appear yellow and smell unpleasant, making it difficult to thoroughly clean your mouth.

The Effects of Plaque on Your Teeth and Mouth

Without regular brushing and flossing, plaque accumulates and multiplies. Leaving plaque untreated can lead to the formation of tartar (also known as calculus). In addition, plaque produces an acid that damages teeth, causing them to decay. Your teeth may become stained if tartar is left untreated. Plaque is the main cause of gingivitis, which results in swollen, red, or bleeding gums. By having regular dental cleanings and examinations, you can ensure that any buildup on your teeth is thoroughly removed.

Here are some steps you can take.

Plaque buildup can be prevented by maintaining a daily brushing routine. It is recommended that you brush twice a day for two minutes each time, and floss once a day at the very least. The formation of plaque is a natural process, and when you visit our office for a complete examination, we work with you to remove any buildup. It is critical to maintain regular visits to our office in order to minimize and manage tartar buildup. Brushing your teeth all the way to the gum line is particularly important because the gum line is prone to plaque build-up. It is important to brush gently, as vigorous brushing will only cause more harm than good, especially to the gums.

We invite you to schedule a visit to our Wilmington dentist so our experienced, professional dental team can clean and examine your teeth providing you with the healthy smile you deserve. Contact Forever Family Dental of Wilmington today.

Are you satisfied with your smile or have you considered changing it? Do you feel ashamed, shy, or extremely confident when you smile at people? If you are ready for a makeover, here is a quick guide to how cosmetic dentistry can help you achieve a beautiful, radiant smile that you can share with anyone, anywhere.

What is the role of a cosmetic dentist?

A healthy, aesthetic smile is achieved through cosmetic dentistry by combining art and science to improve your teeth’s health and alignment. Your appearance can be dramatically improved as a result of this procedure. Having even minor procedures can boost your confidence and self-esteem, resulting in a more positive outlook.

Procedures in Cosmetic Dentistry

In cosmetic dentistry, you can improve the appearance of your smile by undergoing a variety of procedures. Whether you want your teeth whiter, better aligned, or to replace missing teeth, there is a cosmetic procedure for you. Here are some examples:

Smile Makeover

A “smile makeover” is a series of dental procedures that are primarily intended to improve your appearance. The procedures can help patients with healthy but misaligned teeth more aesthetically pleasing, often boosting their confidence.

Teeth Whitening

There are several options for teeth whitening, including professional treatments and over-the-counter solutions. Whitening agents are available in the form of gels or strips. If you are interested in professional teeth whitening, you should consult your dentist to find out which option is best for you. A professional teeth whitening treatment can brighten your smile by up to eight shades with safe but effective whitening solutions.

Veneers

A veneer is a thin shell that covers the front surface of the teeth. Using veneers, you can improve the size, shape, color, or length of your teeth. For a beautiful smile, they will create a custom-made shell that will be permanently bonded to your teeth.

Dental Implants

Replacing missing teeth with dental implants is a viable option. Dental implants are metal posts or frames that are inserted by an experienced dentist under the gums into the jawbone. As soon as the dental implant has been placed, the dentist will make a 3D impression in order to create a crown that will attach to the implant and provide you with a tooth that closely resembles your natural teeth.

Orthodontic treatment

Crooked, misaligned, or clenched teeth can be corrected with orthodontic treatment. Orthodontic appliances are most commonly worn by teenagers, but they can also be worn by adults. By using these appliances, you gradually straighten and align your teeth, resulting in a more attractive smile and a normal bite.

If you are concerned about the appearance of your smile, our Wilmington MA dentist can help. With our knowledge and experience, we can help you improve your oral health and create the smile of your dreams. Make an appointment with Forever Family Dental of Wilmington today.

If you haven’t been brushing, flossing, or getting your teeth professionally cleaned, you may have gingivitis, a mild form of gum disease. The good news is that gingivitis can be reversed with proper oral hygiene practices and a little help from our dental team.

What is Gingivitis?

Gingivitis is the first stage of periodontal (gum) disease. There are several symptoms, including red, swollen, and tender gums; sensitivity to heat or cold; gums that bleed easily; and lingering bad breath. Untreated gum disease can progress to periodontitis, which is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults.

Who gets gingivitis?

Gingivitis is very common. Over half of all adults over the age of 30 suffer from some form of gum disease.

There are several factors that increase the risk of gum disease: 

• males, though researchers are unsure of the reason for this. There may be a hormonal component to this, or that men are more likely to contract related diseases. In addition, men are less likely to go to the dentist.
• poverty-stricken individuals and those with less than a high school education. A number of diseases are associated with these factors.
• smokers, since tobacco weakens the body’s ability to resist infection.

Gingivitis: What Causes It?

Plaque and tartar can accumulate on the teeth without good oral hygiene practices and regular dental cleanings. Bacteria in plaque irritate gum tissues, causing inflammation and infection.

Other risk factors for gingivitis include having crooked teeth that are hard to clean; smoking or chewing tobacco; hormonal changes during pregnancy; and dry mouth. Gum inflammation can also be a side effect of certain medications and be caused by certain medical conditions, including diabetes.

How Is Gingivitis Treated?

A deep cleaning procedure called scaling and root planing is the first line of treatment for gingivitis and periodontitis. The process of scaling is similar to that of a routine dental cleaning. Scalers are used to remove plaque and tartar from below the gum line and in between teeth. Root planing involves cleaning and smoothing out the tooth’s root surfaces to encourage the gum tissue to heal.

A gingivitis treatment plan should also include maintaining daily oral hygiene habits, such as brushing your teeth, flossing, and rinsing your mouth with mouthwash. Please schedule an appointment with our dental office as soon as possible if you notice any signs of gingivitis. Our Wilmington dentist will evaluate your condition and assist you in restoring your healthy smile.

We invite you to schedule your routine dental examination and cleaning with our dental office. We provide preventive services to ensure your smile remains healthy for as long as possible. You can always count on our team for the highest level of care and service. Get in touch with Forever Family Dental of Wilmington today to schedule an appointment!

Fluoride is a topic that dentists frequently discuss, and for good reason! Fluoride is a mineral that has been shown to improve tooth strength, prevent cavities, and reduce sensitivity. Fluoride is added to many municipal water supplies for this reason. It’s also in toothpaste, mouthwash, and floss. But did you know that fluoride occurs naturally in a variety of foods and beverages? Let’s talk about natural fluoride sources and how to make sure you’re getting enough to prevent cavities.

Seafood

Crab legs and shrimp are not only delicious and fancy delicacies, but they are also among the best natural sources of fluoride.

Wine, juice, raisins, and grapes

Grapes contain fluoride no matter how they are tossed, sunned, or squeezed. Raisins are one of the richest sources of natural fluoride, but they can also be high in sugar, which is bad for your teeth. White wine contains twice as much fluoride as red wine, so the amount of fluoride can vary greatly depending on the source, but no matter how you choose to enjoy grapes, you’ll be adding natural fluoride to your diet, which is a good thing!

Fruit

Many types of fresh fruit are excellent natural sources of fluoride. However, the fruit should be eaten raw. Fluoride-containing fruits include apples, peaches, strawberries, bananas, watermelon, cherries, and a plethora of others.

Potatoes

Potatoes are a great source of fluoride because, like grapes, they can be eaten in a variety of ways! Russet potatoes contain the most fluoride, but any variety will provide some fluoride.

Black tea and coffee

Coffee and black tea both naturally contain fluoride, and if your city’s water supply contains added fluoride, brewing with tap water can double the fluoride dose in your drink!

Water that has been fluoridated.

According to EPA regulations, approximately three-quarters of U.S. water utilities add fluoride to their drinking water supply. The federal government currently recommends 0.7 milligrams of fluoride per liter of water as the optimal balance of maximum tooth decay protection and minimal risk of dental fluorosis. You can find out if and how much fluoride is added to your local water supply by contacting your local water company.

Discussing fluoride with your dentist

If you want to strengthen your teeth and prevent cavities, talk to your dentist about fluoride and the best ways to incorporate it into your diet and routine. Your Wilmington dentist may also recommend a concentrated fluoride treatment that can be applied after a cleaning to help ensure that your teeth absorb enough fluoride to protect and strengthen your teeth. Please contact Forever Family Dental of Wilmington for more information or to schedule an appointment.

You may be advised to have your child’s teeth sealed by their dentist during their next dental appointment. Dental sealants help prevent tooth decay from developing on the chewing surfaces of your teeth. To make an informed decision, it is important to understand whether a dental procedure will affect your child’s oral health.

Why Get Sealants?

The use of sealants prevents tooth decay. Sealants are applied to the back teeth, which are particularly susceptible to decay. Sealants are frequently recommended by our dentists for children and teens, but they may also be beneficial for adults. 

Located in the back of your mouth, your molars develop deep grooves on their chewing surfaces, making it difficult to keep them clean. Sealants prevent 80% of decay during the first two years following their application. Approximately half of all decay can be prevented after four years following sealant application. The risk of tooth decay for a child without sealants is three times higher than that of a child with sealants.

At what age should sealants be applied?

The first set of molars usually appears around the age of six, and the second set appears around the age of 12. Generally, sealants are most effective when they are applied just after the molars have broken through the gum line. The best time to apply sealants will be determined by your dentist during your regular dental examination.

What Should I Expect?

The use of sealants is one of the most common procedures we perform at our office. There is rarely any discomfort associated with this process. Your child’s teeth will be treated with a special gel after they have been thoroughly cleaned. After the gel has been removed, a sealant will be applied. With the aid of a small blue curing light, the sealant hardens in a matter of seconds.

What Concerns Should I Have?

Sealants do not have any side effects, and allergic reactions are extremely rare when they are utilized. If your child has allergies, you should let your doctor know so that they can determine the best course of action. 

Next Steps

When applied and maintained properly, a sealant will last for years before it needs to be replaced. To preserve the integrity of your sealants and teeth, you should visit your dental office regularly. If your child had sealants many years ago and you are not sure whether they should be replaced, it is advisable to schedule an appointment with your Wilmington MA dentist.

Please contact Forever Family Dental of Wilmington for more information and we will be happy to schedule an appointment.

It is well known that smoking and chewing tobacco can cause severe health problems, especially for the lungs. There is also the imperative point to note that the mouth and teeth can also be equally at risk. Hence, it is best not to use tobacco at all. The following is what tobacco can do to your mouth.

Chewing Tobacco

The Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) reports that tobacco chewers are 50 times more likely to develop gum and cheek cancer. In addition to causing gums to recede, tobacco also causes exposed roots to be sensitive. This is an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive and cause decay as a result. To prevent this from happening, it is advised that chewing tobacco be avoided. Thankfully, our experienced team of oral health professionals can offer you tips on how to break this habit as well as tips on how to improve your oral health.

Smoking

According to the American Dental Association, smoking one pack of cigarettes a day has the potential to cause two teeth to be lost per decade of life. The likelihood of losing teeth increases when you smoke. So, you should avoid smoking cigarettes and cigars. In addition to causing staining, smoking can also lead to bad breath and a less-than-attractive smile.

Oral Cancer

Oral cancer can affect many different areas of the mouth, including your tongue, lips, the floor of your mouth, and your gums. There is a high risk of oral cancer developing in men and in people over the age of 50. According to the American Dental Association, in the United States, the prevalence of oral cancer is on the rise, especially among people under the age of 30. If you smoke, it is important to ask your dentist about an oral cancer screening, as well as to arrange to have a full oral health examination. During an oral cancer screening, your dentist will examine your mouth, teeth, and cheeks for signs of abnormalities that could indicate oral cancer. If caught at an early stage, oral cancer can be successfully treated.

If you currently use tobacco, it is highly recommended that you cease using it. Our Wilmington MA dentist and your physician can provide you with assistance in quitting smoking. Having regular oral exams is a good idea for everyone, but those who use tobacco should be particularly vigilant about this. We invite you to schedule an appointment to visit our office so that we may identify any potential problems. 

For additional tips on keeping your mouth healthy or to schedule your next appointment, please contact Forever Family Dental of Wilmington.

The chances are that you brush your teeth twice a day if you are conscientious about your oral hygiene. You may even brush after meals since you know that regular tooth brushing is a good habit that removes plaque and prevents tooth decay. Maybe you’re wondering, “Can you brush your teeth too much?” As it turns out, when it comes to brushing your teeth, there can be too much of a good thing.

Overbrushing your teeth refers to both “how much” and “how” you brush. If you brush too vigorously or compulsively, you put your mouth at risk for dental abrasion, dental sensitivity, and gum recession.

Abrasion 

According to the University of Southern California Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry, dental abrasion is the loss of tooth structure caused by mechanical forces from a foreign object. The enthusiastic use of your toothbrush wears away the tooth enamel and eventually the softer dentin and cementum structures. Abrasion is characterized by worn, shiny, and often yellow or brown spots on the surface of a tooth near the gum line. A wedge-shaped or V-shaped indentation on the gum line is another sign of abrasion.

Tooth Sensitivity

If the tooth enamel is worn away by toothbrush abrasion, the dentin layer’s nerve endings become exposed or close enough to the surface to cause tooth sensitivity. You may experience discomfort or pain when your teeth are exposed to hot, cold, sweet, or sour stimuli or when you brush your teeth.

Gum Recession

Continually overbrushing and brushing improperly may also cause your gums to recede. The softer cementum of the root is exposed and vulnerable when this occurs. The exposed cementum is not only prone to wear and notching, causing sensitivity and pain, but it is also more likely to decay.

How to protect your teeth after overbrushing

Dental abrasion and gum recession can lead to cavities and even tooth loss if not treated. Depending on the degree of toothbrush abrasion and tooth sensitivity, your dentist may recommend treatments to cover the exposed dentin and protect the tooth. Some common treatments include applying a fluoride varnish to strengthen the teeth’s surface, bonding a tooth-colored filling over the abraded area, or covering the exposed area with a veneer. Overbrushing may cause your gums to recede so far that they may never return to their original size. In some cases, gum grafting might be needed to replace missing gum tissue and protect exposed cementum.

Using the Proper Brushing Technique and Tools

Fortunately, preventing overbrushing is as simple as using the correct technique and tools. Start by following these steps:

• Brush your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush. You may think that stiff bristles will do a better job of cleaning your teeth. However, they increase the risk of dental abrasion and gum recession.
• Be sure to check your toothpaste. Toothpaste with high abrasive agents may also speed up the process of tooth loss. Choose a toothpaste that contains calcium and fluoride to strengthen your tooth enamel.
• Make sure you are using the right technique. Are you brushing too hard? Look at your toothbrush. Using too much pressure might cause your bristles to flatten and fray within a few weeks. Place your toothbrush gently at an angle towards your gum line and brush in a soft circular motion.
• Do not brush immediately after eating. You should wait at least 60 minutes after eating or drinking to brush your teeth, especially after consuming something acidic like lemons or soda. While you wait, drink water or chew sugarless gum to freshen your breath.
• Take a look at your other habits. Overbrushing isn’t the only source of abrasion. As an example, suppose you routinely open bottles with your teeth, handle nails or pins with your mouth, or bite your fingernails. In that case, those activities might also cause dental abrasion or even a broken tooth. Enamel can also be worn away by lip or tongue piercings.

When it comes to a perfect smile, overbrushing won’t help. You will achieve clean teeth and a healthy mouth when you use the appropriate tools and implement a gentle but thorough brushing technique. Contact Forever Family Dental of Wilmington today to schedule an appointment with our Wilmington Children’s dentist today.