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4 Ways to Get Over Your Fear of the Dentist

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Fear of the dentist can prevent some people from getting their teeth cleaned and examined, leading to oral health problems like plaque and tartar buildup, gingivitis, and periodontal disease. For your oral health, it’s important to overcome your fear of thedentist in North Little Rock, AR. Here’s what you can do.

1. Talk to your dentist.

Your dentist will have encountered other people who have a fear of the dentist. Many dental professionals have a plan to help people who are afraid of going to the dentist.

The only way to get help from your dentist is to start a conversation about your feelings. Your dentist can help you work out a plan to make appointments less stressful.

2. Consider sedation dentistry.

Sedation dentistry is the practice of using mild forms of sedation to make dental appointments more comfortable and less stressful. People can use sedation dentistry for many reasons, and if your dentist feels it is appropriate for you to use it, this could give you the relief you need to get through a dental appointment.

3. Bring something to listen to.

Plan to distract yourself from the dental appointment by bringing something to listen to while you’re there. Listening to a favorite podcast or music can improve the experience.

4. Try breathing exercises.

Breathing exercises can help calm your heart and help you feel more in control. Engage in breathing exercises, taking several deep, intentional breaths in a row before going to the dentist and while you’re there.

Interested insedation dentistry in North Little Rock, AR, to help overcome your fear of the dentist? Call Mounts Dental Care today to make an appointment.

3 Reasons You Should See the Dentist Twice in 2024

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2024 is here, and it’s time to make your first dental appointment of the year! Seeing the dentist twice each calendar year is important. If you’re not in the habit of seeing yourdentist in North Little Rock, AR, on a regular basis, then now is a good time to get in the habit. You should see the dentist at least twice per year for many reasons. Here’s what to know.

1. Your Dentist Recommends Twice-Yearly Treatments

Most dentists recommend that their patients come in twice yearly for cleanings. Unless your dentist has recommended a different schedule for dental care, you should follow this twice-yearly schedule to stay on top of your dental needs and to maintain clean, healthy teeth.

2. Frequent Visits Can Help You Avoid Dental Problems

Getting preventative care from the dentist is important for avoiding dental problems. When you go to the dentist for preventative care, your dentist will eliminate plaque and tartar that can lead to gum disease and gum recession. These regular cleanings can help you avoid problems like cavities, infections, and gingivitis. If you are at high risk for any of these conditions, seeing your dentist for regular care is especially important.

3. You’ll Get Early Diagnosis of Dental Issues

When you visit the dentist, your dental professional will look for signs of a problem like cracks in the tooth enamel or cavities. Your dentist will also take regular X-rays of your teeth to find out if there are any problems developing inside your teeth and gums out of sight. This will help you get an early diagnosis so your dentist can help you get treatment before the problem is out of control.

Have you made an appointment for adental cleaning in North Little Rock, AR? If not, call Mounts Dental Care today to schedule your first 2024 appointment.

woman with dentist, in dental chair

3 New Year’s Resolutions for a Health Smile

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Whether it is a general dental appointment or requests for cosmetic dentistry appointments inNorth Little Rock, AK, January always brings a few extra requests to see the dentist at Mounts Dental Care. This is because January is the time for new resolutions, and many people resolve to get more serious about their smiles at the turn of the new year. Take a look at a few good New Year’s Resolutions to consider for the betterment of your smile below.

Resolve to Get Serious About Flossing

Flossing is very important to your oral health, but it is also one of the most commonly disregarded components of personal oral health hygiene. If you have been skimping when it comes to flossing, make the upcoming year the year when you make this significant change.

Resolve to Follow the Recommended Cleaning Schedule

Your dentist will tell you that your teeth should be cleaned by the hygienist at least twice a year, and some people may need more frequent cleanings due to certain habits or health conditions. As the new year approaches, commit to following this recommendation to protect the health of your teeth.

Resolve to Drink More Water

Drinking water is beneficial for your teeth in several ways. It helps rinse away food particles and bacteria, which works well for reducing plaque buildup and the risk of decay. Water with fluoride also strengthens enamel and enhances protection against cavities. Additionally, adequate hydration maintains a balanced saliva production that works as a natural defense against harmful acids and bacteria.

Discuss Your New Year Smile Needs with a North Little Rock Dentist 

Whether you simply want to be more vigilant about your oral health or want to discover more confidence with cosmetic treatments, working with aNorth Little Rock dentist is the first step. Contact Mounts Dental Care to schedule an appointment for the new year.

3 Things to Expect At Your Baby’s First Dental Appointment

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When you bring your baby to their first dental appointment, they should be around one year old. In fact, many dental professionals recommend that babies come to the dentist for the first time within six months of their teeth erupting or whenever they turn one year old – whichever comes first.

This means that when your baby first visits thedentist in North Little Rock, AR, they won’t be old enough to have a normal dentist appointment like the appointments you experience. Your baby’s first visit to the dentist will be a little different. Here’s what you can expect.

1. Brief Examination

Your baby’s first dental appointment will start with a brief examination of their teeth and gums. The dentist will look inside their mouth for evidence of issues like cavities and other problems. Babies can get cavities just like older kids, so it’s important for your child’s dentist to take some time to look at their teeth.

2. Chance to Ask Questions

Once the examination is over, the dentist will give you a chance to ask some questions about your child’s teeth. You might have questions about how to brush your child’s teeth and how to take care of them, or you may have questions about what to expect during teething and other developmental milestones. Your child’s dentist at Mounts Dental Care will take the time to answer these questions to the best of their ability.

3. Information About Pediatric Dental Care

Finally, the dentist will give you information about how to brush your child’s teeth, what kind of toothbrush to use, and so on. This information will help you keep your child’s teeth clean and healthy.

If your baby is one year old or older, it’s time for yourfirst dental cleaning in North Little Rock, AR. Call today to make an appointment.

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The Connection Between Oral Health and Mental Health in Seniors

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As you get older, you have to think about every aspect of your health. Most seniors don’t realize their oral health could be affecting their mental health. That’s why it’s so important to make regular visits to yourdentist in Little Rock, AR.

What Stress, Anxiety and Depression Do to Your Oral Health

Stress, anxiety, and depression can not only affect your oral health, but they can also affect your mental health. Sometimes, stress leads to depression. Depression can lead to being less attentive to your daily care routine, and that includes your dental habits.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Stress

  • Panic attacks
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Blurry or sore eyes
  • Indigestion and heartburn
  • Fatigue
  • Headaches
  • Muscle aches
  • Chest pains
  • High blood pressure

Signs of Stress-Related Dental Issues

If you have symptoms of stress, then add stress-related dental issues to that, it could hinder your ability to eat comfortably. And that could impact your nutrition. It could also contribute to feelings of isolation and depression. Therefore, you should also pay attention to the signs of stress-related dental issues. Those could include the subconscious clenching of your teeth and worsening TMJ. Both can lead to more oral health issues. A dental office familiar withsenior dentistry in Little Rock, AR can help you get back on track.

How to Avoid Oral Health Issues That Result in Mental Health Decline

The best way to avoid oral health issues that could result in mental decline is to visit your dentist regularly. You should also take care of yourself by exercising, eating well, and practicing a good daily oral health routine.

Do You Need a Dentist in Little Rock, AR?

If you need a dentist in Little Rock, AR, pleaseContact Mounts Dental Care today. We cherish our seniors and will prioritize your dental care accordingly. Our team knows how to identify senior dental issues that could affect your mental health. Reach out today. We’d love to meet you!

How Can I Tell If I Have Tartar and Plaque Buildup?

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Most of us have heard our dentist talk about plaque and tartar buildup, and we know it’s bad to have this kind of problem. But not everyone knows what this kind of buildup is or how to identify it when they see it. Your dentist in North Little Rock, AR, can help you identify plaque and tartar buildup, and if you have it, your dentist can remove it.

What Is Plaque and Tartar Buildup?

Plaque is a sticky substance that clings to teeth following meals. Some plaque buildup can be prevented through good brushing and flossing. Plaque often builds up along the gumline and sometimes underneath the gumline.

Tartar buildup is what happens when plaque stays on the teeth for too long. Tartar mixes with the minerals in the saliva and turns into a yellow or brown crust that clings to the teeth. You can’t get rid of tartar on your own by brushing.

How Can I Tell If I Have Plaque or Tartar?

If you have plaque, you’ll probably see a fuzzy white or yellow substance clinging to your teeth. If you have tartar, that substance may turn yellow or brown. However, plaque and tartar can cling to your teeth in places you can’t easily see. The best way to find out if you have plaque or tartar on your teeth is to visit the dentist.

What Should I Do About Buildup On My Teeth?

Seeing your dentist on a regular basis can help you avoid the buildup of food and bacteria in your teeth. If you haven’t been to the dentist for a dental appointment in North Little Rock, AR, in the last six months, then it’s time. Call Mounts Dental Care today to make an appointment.

4 Ways to Care for Your Teeth At Halloween

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Halloween is approaching quickly! At this fun time of year, it can be hard to take care of your teeth. Visiting the dentist in North Little Rock, AR can help you avoid problems that can lead to dental decay and gum disease. Even if you’re planning to visit the dentist immediately after celebrating the Halloween holiday, there are other things that you can do to protect your dental health. See below.

1. Skip the Sticky Candies

Sticky candies can cling to the narrow cracks and crevices in your teeth. This makes your teeth harder to clean and can lead to buildup of plaque. One way to solve this problem is to avoid sticky candies like caramels. Let someone else have these treats.

2. Enjoy the Candy Over One Or Two Days, Then Get Rid Of It

One of the ways that you can limit your teeth’s exposure to candy is to eat a lot of it over one or two days, and then get rid of the rest. Eat the candy you want during that two day period, and then give away whatever is left. Eating a lot of sugar over one or two days can be less damaging to your teeth than eating sugar over and over again over many days.

3. Chew Sugar-Free Gum

Chewing sugar free gum stimulates saliva production, and that’s good for cleaning your teeth. Chew sugar-free gum for 20 minutes after eating candies to clean your teeth and get rid of the food particles.

4. Focus on Dark Chocolates

Dark chocolate doesn’t stick to your teeth nearly as much as some other types of candy. In addition, dark chocolate contains less sugar than regular chocolate, which also makes dark chocolate a little better for your teeth.

Take care of your teeth after Halloween is over! Make a dental appointment in North Little Rock, AR at Mounts Dental Care. We’re happy to help.

3 Reasons That Your Dentist Recommends Twice Yearly Checkups

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Your dentist probably requests that you come in for check-ups twice yearly. Do you know why? Seeing the dentist in North Little Rock, AR, on a regular basis can help you maintain healthy teeth and gums. Keeping up with regular dental appointments is important! Here’s why.

1. Your dentist can catch dental problems in their early stages.

When you visit the dentist, you’re examined for potential dental problems like cavities, cracks in your teeth, chips, and signs of a dental infection. If you visit your dentist twice yearly, your dentist will likely catch those problems in their earliest stages. Catching problems dental problems early makes treating them much easier. Early treatment can also help you avoid more serious problems down the road.

2. Your dentist will get rid of plaque buildup.

Plaque is a sticky layer of saliva and food that can build up on your teeth over time. If the plaque is left on your teeth for too long, it will harden into tartar. Visiting the dentist frequently can remove plaque before it becomes tartar. Tartar can contribute to problems like gum disease and gum recession, so getting rid of plaque is good for you in many ways.

3. Seeing the dentist helps your smile look bright and beautiful.

Your dentist will polish your teeth when you come to visit. This polishing action can remove stains and keep your teeth looking white, bright, and beautiful. If you want to feel confident in your smile, visiting the dentist twice yearly is one of the best things you can do.

Is it time to make an appointment for dental preventative care in North Little Rock, AR? Call Mounts Dental Care today to make an appointment.

3 Back to School Tips to Care for Your Child’s Teeth

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It’s back to school time! Keeping your little one’s teeth healthy during the school year is important. As your dentist in North Little Rock, AR, we’re happy to help you with this process. We’re sharing the tips below to make caring for your child’s teeth easier this coming school year. Here’s what you need to know.

1. Bring your child to the dentist before the school year starts.

Once your child starts school, getting your child to the dentist can become more complicated. Make an appointment to bring your child to the dentist before the school year begins. If it’s already too late to bring your child before the school year begins, make a note in your calendar to make a back-to-school dentist appointment next year.

2. Stock up on healthy lunches and snacks.

The right lunches and snacks can help your child maintain healthy teeth and gums. Stock up on healthy foods that are easy to pack in your child’s lunches. Apples, hummus on pita, nuts, and fresh water in a bottle are all relatively healthy snacks that will fill your child up without doing damage to your child’s teeth.

3. Continue to monitor your child’s tooth brushing habits.

School nights can be hectic between family dinners and homework. Don’t let your child forget to brush their teeth before bedtime. If you brush your child’s teeth for them, pay attention to the appearance of their teeth to watch for problems like cavities. Continuing to brush your child’s teeth twice daily and floss once daily can help your child avoid painful dental problems.

Need to make an appointment for preventative dental care in North Little Rock, AR? Call Mounts Dental Care to make an appointment today.

Why Is Fluoride Important?

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Fluoride is important for keeping your teeth healthy and strong. In fact, your dentist in North Little Rock, AR, may provide you with fluoride treatments when you come in for a cleaning. Many people have questions about fluoride, including what it is and why it’s effective. Below are just some of the common questions that people ask about fluoride.

What is fluoride?

Fluoride is a mineral that occurs in nature and is found in rocks, soil, water, and even in the air. Fluoride is naturally found in our water supply, but usually not enough to make a measurable difference in your dental hygiene.

What does fluoride do to your teeth?

Fluoride prevents tooth decay in adults and children. It also helps you suffer less pain from tooth decay and helps you get fewer cavities. Fluoride sticks to the teeth and reinforces the tooth enamel to prevent cavities from forming. To a certain extent, fluoride can even help reverse damage from tooth decay.

How can I get fluoride?

In many communities, fluoride is added to the drinking water. Around 200 million people in the United States get fluoride through their community water system. However, not all communities add fluoride to their water.

Even if you don’t get fluoride through your tap water at home, you may still get fluoride through food and beverages that you consume that have been made with fluoridated water. Fluoride can also be found in some toothpaste and in other dental cleaning products.

If you live in a community where fluoride has not been added to your water, you may be able to get a prescription for fluoride from your doctor. If you have more questions about fluoride, speak with your dentist next time you come in for a tooth cleaning in North Little Rock, AR. Call Mounts Dental Care today to make your appointment.

Sources

https://www.cdc.gov/fluoridation/faqs/about-fluoride.html#:~:text=Fluoride%20is%20an%20effective%20way,Fewer%20and%20less%20severe%20cavities