In the past, people found their dentist by simply choosing them from a phone book or solely based on insurance coverage. Today, there are many options. The search for the right dentist might take a bit of work but the results include better health and progress toward the perfect smile—making it all worthwhile.

The best way to find a reputable general dentist is really by referral from a friend or family member. They can tell you the good and the bad, and then you can make the final determination. However, what if you don’t get an informative answer from people? Maybe you’ve moved recently to a new neighborhood? Perhaps, like many Americans, you’ve simply put off going to the dentist for so long that you don’t know where to start.

For starters, finding the best dentist for you is really on individual and family preferences. In the end, it’s a personal choice. Your friend’s dentist may not have the personality or bedside manners that you or your children prefer. Nevertheless, asking your neighbor for a referral of a family dentist is an ideal place to start your search. Then visit the doctor and ask questions.

Aside from asking people you know, the internet is a great source of information. There are a myriad of dental sites and directories. A dentist’s website can tell you a lot about their practice from the type of insurance they take, to the doctor’s background, to the type of procedures to even what the waiting room looks like. They may even have a testimonials with recommendations from people and businesses.

If you are in the Plymouth area, visit our dental office at Wayzata Dental & SmileSpa. We offer an array of dental treatments including cosmetic dental work. If you have questions you can call and email us too.

Today, at least 4 million preschoolers suffer from tooth decay. In fact, children now have much more sugar in their diets at an early age and bottled water — which usually doesn’t contain. Fluoride is important to maintain strong teeth.

How Does Tooth Decay Begin

Tooth decay begins with a group of germs that is related to streptococcus. Basically the bacteria feed on sugar and produce acid that eats away at the structure of teeth by depleting calcium. These bacteria also create plaque — a yellowish film that builds up on teeth and contains even more enamel-eroding acid. Once an area without calcium becomes big enough, the surface of the tooth collapses. The result is a cavity.

Interestingly enough, babies are born without any of these harmful bacteria in their mouth, and studies have proven that parents typically infect their children before age 2. It happens when you transfer your saliva into your child’s mouth — by repeatedly eating from the same spoon as your baby, for example, or letting your toddler brush his teeth with your toothbrush. And if you’ve frequently had cavities yourself, you’re particularly likely to pass the germs along.

There is no doubt about it. . . if you’ve had trouble with your teeth, you need to take responsibility for your child’s dental health — just like you’d be vigilant if you’ve had a family history of high cholesterol or skin cancer.

If you are looking for a family dentist, visit us at Wayzata Dental & SmileSpa. We are a Minnetonka family dentistry that can help you get your family’s teeth healthy and beautiful.

• The type of toothbrush IS important. There are many types of toothbrushes, but you should use a soft-bristled toothbrush to reach every surface of each tooth. If the bristles on your toothbrush are bent or frayed, it is time to buy a new one. If you have been sick, make sure you replace your toothbrush after you become well and also every three months.
• Most toothpaste has fluoride but some don’t. Choose toothpaste with fluoride. This can reduce tooth decay by as much as 40 percent.
• Take the time to brush your teeth properly. Position the brush at a 45-degree angle where your gums and teeth meet. Gently move the brush in a circular motion using short, gentle strokes. To clean the inside surfaces of the upper and lower front teeth, hold the brush vertically. Spend at least three minutes brushing.
• You MUST floss. Brushing is not enough. Gently insert floss between teeth using a back-and-forth motion. Do not force the floss or snap it into place. Curve the floss into a C-shape against one tooth and then the other. Get a recommendation from your dentist on the best type of floss – they may even have some samples!

If you have been searching for the best dentist for you and your family, why not visit our office, Wayzata Dental & SmileSpa. Our Plymouth family dentistry offers general dentistry for your entire family plus cosmetic treatments to get your teeth in tip-top-shape. You can even make an appointment online!

What are they?

Here’s a list of the top foods to eat for white, healthy teeth.

• 1. Green Tea has a well-deserved reputation for providing many benefits. With teeth, green tea offers up natural antioxidant compounds that prevent plaque from accumulating, therefore reducing the risk of cavities and bad breath.
• 2. Anything dairy is low in acidity and sugar making them great choices to quench your thirst or have as a healthy snack. This is good news for both tooth erosion and tooth decay.
• 3. Fruit is great for your teeth especially when eaten in whole, raw form. It keeps down plaque and massages your gums.
• 4.All kinds of vegetables are another good idea if you are trying to build a good foundation for your teeth. Broccoli, carrots, sweet potato and pumpkin are rich in Vitamin A – great for your teeth.
• 5.Oh, the stinky onion – yes onions — are rich in powerful anti-bacterial sulphur compounds, which kill the bacteria that harm your teeth and gums.
• 6. Celery is another great friend of the dentist. Eat it raw and it will not only massage your gums, but clean your teeth. This is a natural toothbrush.
• 7. Sesame seeds, which are best combined with bread and rolls, dissolve plaque and help build tooth enamel. The tasty seeds are also rich in calcium, which will keep your teeth and jawbone healthy.
• 8. Water is great for your health and teeth! Drink more of it.

Visit us at Wayzata Dental & SmileSpa for the best dental care. You can even make appointments online.

When people avoid going to the dentist, their oral health tends to suffer. Not surprisingly, toothaches are the biggest reason a person visits the dentist, but unfortunately they come in too late – when bigger problems already are settled in. The main theme is that avoiding the dentist for a simple teeth cleaning, which takes less than an hour without pain, resulted in something bad and painful such as a root canal.

Keeping healthy oral habits is far more than just having pretty teeth, although you can have both. Gum disease can often lead to other diseases that can infect your entire body. One thing people forget is that poor dental hygiene can cause you to lose the use of your teeth therefore leaving you unable to have the foods you love. This may be a big enough reason to take care of your teeth!

There are many reasons why you should visit the dentist from getting your teeth cleaned, having a cavity filled, getting veneers, getting teeth whitened and cosmetic dentistry. These are all great reasons to see a dentist, although in the end, the best reason to go to a dentist regularly is so that you don’t have to go because of bad oral care. Cleanings are so much easier than getting a cavity filled.

Visit a dentist that offers an environment that is warm and inviting. . . and fun! Wayzata Dental & SmileSpa is a Minnetonka family dentistry that has an office with the comforts of home – including a refreshment area and video games! Check our office out online, where you can also make a dental appointment.

Even though they are a few short years away from being an adult, Teens still lack the knowledge and discipline to understand what is hazardous to their bodies. Because oral hazards for Teens usually don’t take on the threat of an emergency — such as choking or poisoning — they’re more likely to occur under a parent’s radar. Nevertheless, they still cause serious damage.

Here are some potentially dangerous things Teens may participate in:

• Chewing on Nonedible Things:
  Teenagers and children are known for nervous habits like gnawing on pen caps, pencils, biting fingernails and anything else they have in their fingers. Most people do this because of boredom, anxiety or stress. This habit can result in infection and broken teeth and gums. Give your Teen sugar-free gum to chew.
• Unprotected Oral Sex:
  To avoid the risk of pregnancy, Teens may decide to participate in oral sex. This may lead to many issues including developing Herpes and STDs or Sexually Transmitted Diseases. Another health risk of unprotected oral sex is HPV, the Human Papillomavirus. HPV from oral sex has the potential to cause oral cancer.
• Abuse of Drugs:
  Drinking alcohol is popular with teens but there is another substance that is also on their “A” list — drugs. Among the drugs your Teen may use include prescription medications and easy-to-get illegal drugs like marijuana, ecstasy and meth. Any drug ingested orally can cause oral decay as well possible death from a reaction or overdose. One drug, in particular, will destroy a white smile — meth. This drug literally rots a person’s teeth.
• Sweets and Sodas:
  Teen indulges in candy and soda which will ultimately cause tooth decay. Teens, like young children, need to be reminded to brush their teeth, use dental floss, visit the dentist for dental check-ups and make wiser food (snack) choices.
• Piercings, Smoking and Tobacco:
  Although all popular among Teens, they need to understand the risk to their oral health when deciding to smoke, chew or get piercings in the mouth. Among the problems include cancer, infections and allergic reactions. Aside from this, smoking and tobacco can lead to chronic illnesses and Lung Cancer.

If you have questions about your Teens dental health, consult a family dentist, like Wayzata Dental & SmileSpa. Our office, a Minnetonka family dentistry, is specially designed for youth – with an interactive dental office waiting room including an Xbox. You can even see our office design online and make an appointment via our website.

You may look at teeth whitening a little different now. Teeth whitening might not be just a cosmetic procedure anymore. Dentists are beginning to use this cosmetic dental enhancement for the elderly and the disabled – to improve their overall oral health and hygiene.

Oral hygiene is sometimes difficult for those with mental or physical impairments. Brushing can be just physically difficult to do. Teeth whitening might be a solution. Besides restoring the teeth to cleaner, more attractive shade of white, whitening can also be used as an oral antiseptic. Carbamide peroxide, which is commonly used in whitening, kills bacteria, eliminates plaque and balances the mouth’s pH level. This treatment helps to a point where the enamel and dentin do not dissolve as easily. The entire thought process to this is that tougher enamel leads to fewer cavities and decay.

For seniors and those with disabilities, bleaching can supplement traditional dental hygiene methods and can be an effective supplemental method of oral hygiene for patients facing greater challenges keeping their mouths clean.

If you a senior who may need a check-up, consider Wayzata Dental & SmileSpa. We are a Plymouth family dentistry that also focuses on cosmetic dentistry, like teeth whitening.

At our office, we work with patients of all ages and have a comfortable office environment. Also, our dentist, Dr. Jason McDowell, and staff are knowledgeable on many areas of preventative and restorative dental care. We even have an oral cancer screening. Visit us online or call us at 952-473-4900 for an appointment.

Talk to any family dentist, such as Wayzata Dental & SmileSpa, and they will tell you it’s important to brush with fluoride toothpaste to carefully remove any food that may have gotten stuck in your braces and your retainer too. Without brushing daily, food and plaque can stain your teeth. A fluoride mouthwash maybe recommended, which can get into places in your mouth that a toothbrush can’t.

Caring for Retainers
Braces get quite a bit of attention when it comes to general maintenance. But retainers are just as important to brush — leaving your entire mouth feeling fresh.

A retainer in your mouth can collect food particles, saliva and other items that may carry or breed germs. Within time it will leave a bad odor in your mouth and cause bad breath. Surprisingly, a dirty retainer also can cause yeast infections, bacterial endocarditis, upper respiratory tract infections, wound infections, meningitis and gastrointestinal infections. All these problems can occur because of an unclean retainer.

Here are some basic steps in cleaning your retainer:

• Every time you brush your teeth, brush your retainer as well. Make sure you inspect it too.
• Once a day or at least once a week, you need to disinfect your retainer by soaking it in a denture cleanser, such as Efferdent or other brand name solutions. Add the cleanser to a cup full of warm – but never hot – water. Ask your dentist for recommendations on a dental product.
• Thoroughly rinse the retainer with plain water before placing it back in your mouth.
• Make sure you take your retainer to the dentist for a professional cleaning if you are unable to remove all the plaque. You may need a replacement.

If you have questions about cleaning your teeth, braces or retainers, contact our office. We are a Plymouth family dentistry that works with patients of all ages. Visit our office online or stop in and take a peek at our family-friendly office and meet our great staff.

Fluoride treatments are an important part of healthy teeth for everyone. Family dentists not only stress regular fluoride treatments, but many public schools offer fluoride treatments for all school-aged children.
Many adults use and encourage their children to use a fluoride rinse, but many children may not be getting all that they need from the rinses.

How do you really know if your child is getting enough fluoride?

Here is an easy checklist to determine if your child is getting enough fluoride as part of their dental hygiene.

• What is the source of your water? Not only does your child need topical fluoride, but he also needs to ingest fluoride to help in the development of strong, healthy adult teeth. Some cities treat tap water with extra fluoride, as do some bottled water companies. There are many children only drinking from bottled water that does not contain fluoride. Parents are thinking they are helping children stay away from harmful bacteria, but instead, they are creating a dental nightmare.
• When using a fluoride rinse, does your child follow the directions? You child needs to swish vigorously for the length of time suggested by the fluoride rinse manufacturer. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s directions carefully each time your child uses a fluoride rinse. You can use an egg timer or have them count in their head.
• Does your child know not to eat or drink after using a fluoride rinse? Remember what the hygienist tells you after the office fluoride treatments? There is to be no eating or drinking within 30-60 minutes of a fluoride application. Why? Eating or drinking can interfere with the effectiveness of the product.
• Are regular dental cleanings and exams in your child’s schedule? Your child should visit the dentist every six months for a cleaning and fluoride treatment.
• How often does your child use a fluoride treatment on a regular basis? One of the best ways to teach your kids about the importance of fluoride treatments and good dental care is to show them how adopt good hygiene by brushing, flossing, using a fluoride rinse, and visiting the dentist on a regular basis.

Fluoride treatments are an essential part of staying healthy. It is important for children to visit their family dentist every six months for a professional fluoride treatment. If they complain, remember to tell them about the yummy fluoride flavors they can pick from.

Visit us at Wayzata Dental & SmileSpa. We offer a comfortable office environment for all our young dental patients.

If it is you with the bad breath, it can be embarrassing and may cause social anxiety. Store shelves are overflowing with all kinds of gum, mints and mouthwashes? Many of these products help but are usually temporary.

How do you get bad breath? You can get it from foods like garlic and onions but also from bad oral hygiene habits. Irregular teeth brushing of your teeth and tongue after eating, not using dental floss and avoiding drinking plenty of water will bring on the bad breath.

Here are some things to think about:

• Food particles remaining in your mouth. Your mouth collects bacteria that can emit chemicals, such as hydrogen sulfide. If you don’t know what this is, it is the same chemical that gives rotten eggs that terrible odor.
• Dry mouth can cause bad breath too. Saliva is a natural mouth cleanser. Dry mouth is even more of a problem if you breathe through the mouth at night.
• Diseases can cause bad breath. There are certain health problems and disease such as metabolic disorders, diabetes, kidney or liver failure, chronic reflux that all cause bad breath. Certain medications also can cause a release of chemicals that result in bad breath.

Bad breath is a social problem but may also be a sign of a bigger medical problem. Contacting your family dentist, like Wayzata Dental & SmileSpa, is an important step in finding out whether you are having a health issue that may be life threatening.