Brookstone Dental Care

Tongue Thrusting Animation

The tongue thrust, or reverse swallow, is a common behavioral pattern that is characterized by thrusting the tongue outward and between the teeth during swallowing. While most children will exhibit this behavior at some point, they typically outgrow it by the age of six. If tongue thrusting continues later on in life, it can contribute to chewing and speech problems. Fortunately, this problem can be corrected with oral retraining. If you suspect that your child may be tongue thrusting, watch this short video.

If you are in need of a family dentist in the Phoenix area, call Brookstone Dental Care today. With a focus on family care, Brookstone Dental staffs a friendly and experienced team of dental professionals. Our office provides numerous services, ranging from preventative care to cosmetic dentistry. Call (602) 903-1169 to schedule an appointment.

What May Be Causing Your Chronic Bad Breath?

No one likes someone with bad breath. If you suffer from bad breath despite regular brushing and flossing, it might be time to have a professional discover the cause. Read on to discover the possible causes of bad breath, each of which can be treated by a family dentist.

Infection
Bad breath, medically referred to as halitosis, can be more than just an embarrassing social problem. If you suffer from chronic bad breath, it may be an indicator of a larger problem. For example, bad breath can be a symptom of a tooth, gum, or respiratory tract infection. Other times, bad breath can stem from tonsil stones – small stones that form on the tonsils and become covered in odor-causing bacteria.

Diet
Both your diet and dietary schedule can impact your breath. Everyone knows that strongly scented foods such as onions, garlic, and spices can contribute to bad breath. However, subtler dietary decisions can impact your breath as well. For example, foods that are high in protein or dairy naturally generate a great deal of amino acids that can fuel bad-smelling bacteria.

Schedule
When you eat can also affect how your breath smells. Eating breakfast helps to eliminate morning breath by provoking saliva production and cleansing the mouth of bacteria. Skipping breakfast can increase the likelihood of your bad morning breath sticking with you throughout the day.

Medication
Because medication can eliminate saliva and cause dry mouth, taking certain prescription drugs or over-the-counter medications can contribute to bad breath. When you visit your dentist, be sure to discuss all of your medications.

If you are suffering from chronic bad breath, schedule an appointment with one of the family dentists at Brookstone Dental Care. Conveniently located in Phoenix, Arizona, we offer a wide variety of dental services. Whether you are in need of cosmetic dentistry, veneers, dental implants, cleanings, gum treatment, or other services, Brookstone Dental can provide experienced and compassionate care. Call (602) 903-1169 to book your appointment today.

Check Out These Articles To Learn About Better Home Dental Care

Though a family dentist can help resolve certain dental issues, it’s up to you to provide adequate oral care and prevent dental complications. These articles discuss how to maintain a bright and healthy smile at home.

• Do you have the right products to keep your teeth looking their best? HowStuffWorks.com offers some at-home oral hygiene suggestions.
• The National Institutes of Health explains why teeth experience discoloration.
• Your favorite beverages could be staining your teeth. WebMD.com details the most common food and drink culprits behind discolored teeth.
• Family dentists recommend that patients undergo teeth whitening with either an in-office procedure or at-home kit. Floss.com describes what you can expect when you use a dentist-prescribed teeth whitening system.
• Porcelain veneers may also remedy stubborn tooth stains. MouthHealthy.org details the benefits of porcelain veneers.

Brookstone Dental Care offers a range of preventative, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry care options. If you want your teeth to enjoy the gleam they once had, call our Phoenix practice at (602) 903-1169 to schedule an appointment with a family dentist. 

Exploring Ways to Whiten Your Teeth

Certain foods and drinks may taste delicious, but they can also damage the beauty of your teeth. This video discusses how teeth discoloration occurs and what you can do to fix it.

Common teeth staining offenders include dark chocolate, berries, red wine, tea, and coffee. Over time, these foods and beverages can dull and discolor your teeth, leaving you with a less-than-glamorous smile. Fortunately, professional teeth whitening can brighten your smile with a single trip to your family dentist. No matter the method, it’s important to maintain your oral hygiene habits after treatment to keep your teeth white.

Brookstone Dental Care can make your smile shine in just minutes. Call our Phoenix office at (602) 903-1169 to speak with a family dentist about your teeth whitening options.

Choosing the Right Oral Hygiene Products to Maintain Healthy Teeth and Gums

Some people assume that as long as they have a toothbrush in the medicine cabinet, they have all they need for healthy teeth and gums. Unfortunately, this is far from the truth. The oral hygiene products you pick should be chosen with the utmost care, as they play a significant role in your dental health and overall wellbeing. The following explains some of the basic tools that can help you maintain your smile for life.

Toothbrush
Having the right toothbrush can make a big difference in the future of your oral wellbeing. Look for a toothbrush with soft bristles. Hard bristles may damage tooth enamel, and cannot bend around teeth and gums to reach pockets of bacteria and plaque. Be sure to replace your toothbrush approximately every three months. If used on a daily basis, your brush bristles will eventually become worn, making them less effective at cleaning. Lastly, consider an electric toothbrush. If you find it difficult to maneuver your toothbrush as directed, an electric one may be a better option.

Floss
Family dentists strongly recommend that patients floss on a daily basis. When done consistently, flossing can rid the mouth of harmful contaminants that hide between teeth and beneath gums. Without regular flossing, teeth can accumulate plaque, which can inflame gums and contribute to periodontal disease. For easier maneuverability between teeth, try waxed floss.

Tongue Scraper
Your teeth and gums aren’t the only areas where bacteria like to grow. The moist and creviced surface of your tongue is the perfect spot for bacteria, which can cause tooth decay, periodontal disease, and bad breath. To minimize your risk for these conditions, use a tongue scraper to clean your tongue each time you brush your teeth.

Don’t let the wrong tools get in the way of having healthy teeth. Call Brookstone Dental Care today at (602) 903-1169 to schedule an appointment with a family dentist. Our Phoenix dental office provides an extensive selection of dental services, including cleanings, fillings, and teeth whitening.