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.

4 Good Oral Hygiene Habits for Around the Holidays

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The holidays are here! Visiting the dentist in North Little Rock, AR, and developing good oral hygiene habits can help you take good care of your teeth at this time of year. Here’s what you need to know about maintaining good oral hygiene around the holidays.

1. Eat Crunchy Vegetables and Fruit

Eating healthy foods like fruits and vegetables is good for your body. Eating crunchy fruits and vegetables is especially good for your teeth because they encourage the flow of saliva, which is good for your teeth. These foods are also packed with vitamins, which is good for your body. When you show up at the next family event with a vegetable tray for munching, take advantage of this healthy food and eat up!

2. Limit Intake of Sugar

Sugar causes tooth decay. Sugary holiday drinks like hot cocoa can be especially bad for your teeth. When you drink sweet beverages or eat sweet foods around the holidays, swish with water afterward. Don’t forget to brush and floss every night before you go to bed to protect your oral health.

3. Avoid Using Your Teeth As Scissors

It’s tempting to use your teeth as scissors when you’re opening packages under the tree. Keep scissors on hand to make package opening easier, and never use your teeth for these purposes! Using your teeth to chew on anything that isn’t food can be hard on your teeth and may even lead to breakages.

4. See the Dentist

If it’s been more than six months since your last dental appointment, schedule your next dental exam in North Little Rock, AR. Make the appointment following the holidays so your dentist can clean plaque and tartar off your teeth. Call Mounts Dental Care today.

Your Child Hates Brushing? 4 Things That Can Help

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Teeth brushing isn’t the most exciting activity, so some children don’t like to do it. For these kids, it’s important to ensure that they’re getting their teeth brushed properly and adequately. Your dentist in North Little Rock, AR, will have some tips for you in addition to the suggestions below.

Brush Together

Until they turn about 7 or 8 years old, many children are unable to brush their teeth adequately on their own. Brushing your child’s teeth for them can help make tooth brushing more entertaining for your child while also ensuring that your child gets their teeth brushed properly.

Show a Video

While you’re brushing your child’s teeth, show them a video on your phone to keep them entertained. You might show them the same video over and over or a different video each time. Have it ready to pull up as soon as you start brushing.

Sing a Song

Play a song that your child enjoys listening to while brushing their teeth. Ideally, the song will be about two minutes long because that’s how long your child needs their teeth to be brushed. When the song ends, the toothbrushing can end, too.

Get an App

There are several apps that are designed to make toothbrushing more fun and entertaining for your child. Explore apps online to find one that works for you and your child.

The next time you bring your child in for a dental cleaning in North Little Rock, AR, ask the dentist to give your child a tutorial on how to brush their teeth. Sometimes, just getting a refresher can help your child develop new enthusiasm for the task. Call Mounts Dental Care today to make an appointment.

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.

Asian woman in the red shirt holding a brown paper with the yellow teeth cartoon picture of his mouth against the gray background, Bad breath or Halitosis, The concept with healthcare gums and teeth

Why Are My Teeth Yellow? What Can I Do?

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Teeth are supposed to be white, but over many years, they can turn yellow or even brown. This can be frustrating for many people. Fortunately, there are things you can do to make your teeth white and keep them white. Working with a dentist in North Little Rock, AR can help. Here’s what you need to know about achieving white teeth and keeping them white.

What causes teeth to turn yellow?

There are many things that can cause your teeth to turn yellow. For most people, teeth turn yellow because of food and beverage consumption. Foods like dark sauces, berries, tea, coffee, wine and grape juice can all turn teeth a darker color. Habits like smoking can also affect your teeth, turning the color gradually yellow. Poor oral hygiene can also turn your teeth yellow over time.

What can I do about it if my teeth are yellow?

There are many things you can do to restore your teeth to a whiter color. For some people, this starts with making lifestyle changes, like smoking cessation or improving your oral hygiene. Getting professional teeth whitening in North Little Rock, AR can turn your teeth several shades whiter, and can keep your teeth this shade of white for a long period.

How can I prevent my teeth from becoming yellow?

There are many things you can do to keep your teeth beautiful and white.

  • Brush your teeth twice per day and floss once daily.
  • See the dentist twice per year for a dental exam and professional cleaning.
  • Avoid forming habits like smoking or tobacco use.
  • Remain well hydrated and swish with water after eating staining foods.

Want to know more about how you can keep your teeth white and beautiful? Talk to one of the dental professionals at Mounts Dental Care. Call today to make an appointment.

Is that odor coming from me?

My Breath Smells Bad! What Can I Do?

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Bad breath can be a sign that you need to brush your teeth, or it can be a sign of a bigger problem happening in your mouth. Knowing what causes bad breath and what you can do about it is important. As your dentist in North Little Rock, AR, the professionals at Mounts Dental Care can help you determine what’s causing your bad breath, and can help you get that problem under control. Here’s what you need to know.

What causes bad breath?

Bad breath can be caused by several things. Often, bad breath is caused by bacteria and food particles in the mouth. When you brush your teeth, your bad breath will most likely go away. If your bad breath does not go away when you brush your teeth, then it could be caused by an infection and inflammation of the gums (periodontitis).

Bad breath can also be caused by food that has been absorbed into the blood stream. When you eat this food (garlic, for example), you may continue to smell this food on your breath for a long time after the food has been cleaned out of your mouth.

What can you do about bad breath?

The first thing to try if you have bad breath is to brush your teeth properly. Flossing helps as well. If brushing your teeth doesn’t fix the problem, call your dental provider at Mounts Dental Care. We can talk to you about your problem and may have you come in for a dental appointment.

How can you prevent bad breath?

One of the best ways to prevent bad breath is to get regular teeth cleaning in North Little Rock, AR. You should be getting your teeth professionally cleaned twice per year. If you haven’t seen the dentist in a while, it may be time for another appointment. Call your dentist today.

woman at dentist

Benefits of Routine Dental Checkups

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To experience improved oral health, be sure to visit the dentist on a regular basis. Not only is this a preventative measure, but it can also help you achieve a whiter, healthier smile.

In this post, we’ll discuss more advantages of routine dental checkups.

Professional Cleaning

During a dental checkup, these professionals do far more than a physical examination. Most dentists will also provide a professional cleaning service during these appointments. This involves a medical-grade cleaning process, helping to remove plaque, food residue, tartar buildup, and more! If not cleaned regularly, the excessive buildup can lead to gum inflammation, tooth decay, and other dental issues.

If you’re looking for a trusted dental checkup in North Little Rock, AR, contact Mounts Dental Care today to make an appointment!

Diagnose oral health concerns

Regular checkups are also important because they give the dentist an opportunity to detect any oral health issues. Dental professionals will physically examine your entire mouth, looking for cavities, disease, signs of infection, or other dental problems. Your dentist may even take x-rays to look at something in more detail. As most dental problems are best treated early on, regular checkups can increase the chance of successful treatment.

Educational opportunity

Seeing a dentist on a routine basis can also provide the opportunity to learn. Dental professionals can educate you on brushing techniques, how to chew properly, which foods to avoid, and much more! As you continue to hear these recommendations during each appointment, this can help you create better dental hygiene habits. Doing so can help prevent serious dental problems, saving you time, money, and tons of hassle. Furthermore, dentists are happy to educate their patients!

Book a checkup with our dentist in North Little Rock, AR, today to take your dental health to new heights!

Tips on Brushing Your Teeth Properly

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We all brush our teeth on a daily basis. However, many of us don’t brush our teeth properly. This can lead to poor dental health, including cavities, bad breath, and even gum disease. By brushing your teeth the right way, you can experience a cleaner, healthier smile.

In this post, we’ll discuss tips on how to brush your teeth properly.

Be gentle

While it may sound surprising to some, brushing your teeth too hard can actually worsen your dental health. The bristles on a toothbrush are pretty firm, so you don’t have to brush vigorously to get a good clean. Light brushing should do the trick.

Looking for a dependable dentist? To find reliable dental services in North Little Rock, AR, make an appointment at Mounts Dental Care today!

Brush twice a day

As a general rule, it’s best to brush once in the morning and once before you go to bed. After a full night’s sleep, the bacteria in our mouths had hours to thrive. Brushing in the morning keeps this bacteria at bay. Also, brushing before you fall asleep helps to remove any food or bacteria accumulated throughout the day.

Brush throughout your mouth

It’s important to brush all areas of your mouth, not just your front teeth. Also, be sure to focus on your chewing surfaces, as this is where food from bacteria loves to hide. You should also brush your molars, the inside of your teeth, and everywhere else!

Replace your toothbrush

Over time, bacteria grows on your toothbrush, including the bristles and handle. That said, be sure to replace it every three to four months.

If you’re looking for more brushing tips, or want to make an appointment with our dentist in North Little Rock, AR, contact Mounts Dental Care today to get started!