Teaching Your Children About the Dentist
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Teaching Your Children About the Dentist

I work as a clerical assistant in a pediatric dental office, and I am commonly surprised by the number of children who are scared of the dentist. Many kids think that cleanings will be painful, and they believe they will be scolded for eating sugary foods. Children are also extremely frightful of the noises made by the water spraying tools and the suction devices. As adults, we know that dental cleanings are easy and free of pain. We need to impart this knowledge to our children so they know not to fear the dentist. I have provided blogs that will help you speak with your child about dental care. Good communication, trips to your own dentist, and online videos can assist you. So will good brushing techniques that will make your child proud to see the dentist. Enjoy my articles so you can help your child build oral care confidence.

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Teaching Your Children About the Dentist

Post-Orthodontic Treatment: What You Need To Know About Your Retainer

Alfred Kelley

Once you complete your orthodontic treatment, you will have a beautiful smile that you can show off to all of your family and friends. That self-confidence that you will achieve will be like nothing else. However, there is one final step in your orthodontic treatment that will assist you in maintaining that beautiful straight smile that you now have: a retainer! Over time, your teeth will naturally shift, and a retainer will ensure that this does not happen. Here is what you need to know about wearing and caring for your retainer.

Clean It Regularly

Essentially, you should consider your retainer your teeth. When you take it off at night (because you won't wear it while you sleep), you will need to carefully scrub it with water and your toothbrush to get any bacteria off of it. Don't use toothpaste as it can be abrasive to the retainer and result in scratches.

Wear It Often

Your retainer should be worn all the time, or as frequently as recommended by your orthodontist. Sometimes, your retainer may be annoying, but just keep in mind that it is helping keep your smile looking great! Also, your retainer can't work if you don't wear it.

Keep It Away from the Heat

In the same sense as your retainer not working if you don't work, it also can't work if it doesn't fit your mouth and teeth properly. Your orthodontist will take a mold of your mouth so that it is tailored to you perfectly, and it is your job to ensure it remains that way. To ensure it does, keep your retainer away from the heat, and this includes the hot car, windowsills, dishwashers, etc. The heat will cause your retainer to warp or melt.

Soak Your Retainer

If you notice that the regular cleaning of your retainer just isn't doing the trick, soak it. There are some over-the-counter products you can buy, like Retainer Brite, or you can talk to your orthodontist about what to use. When soaking your retainer, soak it for roughly five to 10 minutes.

If you have any other questions on how to take care of your retainer, don't hesitate to reach out to your orthodontist. If your retainer starts to feel different, doesn't fit properly, or even you lose it, let your orthodontist know so it can be replaced. Your retainer is important to ensuring that your smile remains perfect for years to come.

Contact a business like Brian Smith Orthodontics to learn more.


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