Practicing Dental Hygiene With Orthodontics

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According to the American Association of Orthodontics, an estimated 4.5 million Americans — most children and teenagers — wear braces on their teeth. The month of October has been designated as National Orthodontic Health Month to raise awareness about the benefits of orthodontic treatment and the importance of good oral health. 

 

Weaver, Reckner & Reinhart Dental Associates has been offering comprehensive orthodontic services since 1999 and is an active member of the International Association of Orthodontists with specialized training and certification in orthodontics. With dental office locations in Souderton and Harleysville, we are committed to seeing children, teens, and adults achieve a healthy, beautiful smile. 

Proper Oral Hygiene Techniques

When undergoing orthodontic treatment, it’s important to continue proper oral hygiene to ensure your gums stay healthy. Dental professionals at Weaver, Reckner & Reinhart Dental Associates recommend using an electric toothbrush for the most effective removal of plaque and bacteria. The bristles of an electric toothbrush rotate to help scrub away plaque while gently massaging the gums. 

 

Additionally, flossing is another important piece of oral hygiene homecare. There are various flossing threaders, picks, and other products available to make flossing easy while in braces. Our dentists and hygienists can demonstrate the proper way to floss once you are in your braces.

Careful Eating Habits

Avoiding certain types of food is also vital for a healthy mouth. Hard and sticky foods, candy, chewing gum, and popcorn are not safe options while in braces. Biting into hard foods such as apples and corn on the cob should also be avoided during orthodontic treatment. Any foods that may bend or break the wires and loosen a bracket are not advisable. If at any point a wire does become loose or a bracket comes off; it is important that you call our Souderton or Harleysville dentist office so that it can be corrected. 

Securing Your Smile With Weaver, Reckner & Reinhart Dental Associates

The American Academy of Orthodontics recommends that children be evaluated for orthodontics by the age of seven. At Weaver, Reckner & Reinhart Dental Associates, our dentists can determine what issues, if any, exist. Early intervention can be helpful in determining any signs to monitor as well as plan for any future issues as the jaw is still growing. 

 

If you would like to schedule a free orthodontics consultation in either our Souderton or Harleysville location or are interested in learning more about braces in Montgomery County, call 215-486-1649/215-486-1652. To learn more about our practice, you can browse our website.

Helpful Tips for Great Oral Hygiene

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Did you know that about 1 in 4 adults over the age of 20 have at least one untreated cavity? According to the Centers for Disease and Control, cavities have become one of the major untreated health issues in adults. Untreated cavities can cause pain and infections, which can spread to other parts of the body and have serious side effects. Poor oral hygiene can lead to a variety of medical issues such as bone loss, gum disease, heart disease, and more. It is vital to have regular dental check-ups to prevent any problems from developing.

Here are some tips that you can do to maintain good dental hygiene at home: 

Proper Brushing

We’ve all heard that brushing at least two times a day along with flossing paves the way to a healthy mouth. But, has anyone taken the time to learn proper brushing techniques? According to Weaver, Reckner & Reinhart Dental Associates, the best method of brushing teeth is to use an electric toothbrush. The bristles of an electric toothbrush can remove more plaque buildup than a regular toothbrush. It also prevents the ‘hard scrubbing’ that can cause gum recession which many patients can experience when using a manual toothbrush. 

However, if you cannot use an electric toothbrush, be sure to position your manual toothbrush at a 45-degree angle near the gum line. Carefully brush both the tooth surface and the gum line areas where plaque can commonly accumulate. Using a back-and-forth and up-and-down motion, be gentle yet firm in order to avoid any discomfort or bleeding. You will want to continue the same process on the inside of your teeth toward your tongue as well. Lastly, we recommend brushing the surfaces of your tongue to remove any bacteria which can typically cause bad breath. 

Flossing

Coinciding with the importance of proper brushing technique is flossing. Sometimes the dreaded question by your hygienist, “how often do you floss?” can make you feel like you are slacking in your homecare routine. And, while it can easily be difficult to remember, it is an effective tool in removing plaque that builds up between your teeth. There are handy products called floss picks that can also be used on the go, so you will always have time to floss!

Watch What You Eat and Drink

Avoiding sugary drinks and snacks is the best way to achieve a healthy smile. Celery and carrots, broccoli, and other green leafy vegetables provide an excellent source of vitamins and minerals that aid in strengthening tooth enamel.

Visit Your Dentist

Regular visits to the dentist play an important role in your oral hygiene regimen. Our hygienists at Weaver, Reckner & Reinhart Dental Associates are among the very best dentists in Montgomery and Bucks counties, providing quality service and compassionate care to all of our patients. It is recommended that you visit our office at least twice a year to have a full hygiene treatment and exam. During your visit, your hygienist will discuss with you any issues or concerns and offer advice and treatment options based on your exam with one of our trusted dentists. 

Weaver, Reckner & Reinhart Dental Associates is committed to serving the Souderton and Harleysville communities. Our dental services cover a wide range of procedures catered towards the needs of your family. From cleanings and routine check-ups to reconstructive surgery and orthodontics, our offices in Souderton and Harleysville are here for you and your loved ones. You can learn more about our practice and services, including cosmetic dentistry available at our Souderton and Harleysville offices, by browsing our website or contact us at 215-486-1649/215-486-1652.

Keeping Your Child’s Oral Health A Priority 

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For parents, back-to-school season is one of the busiest times of the year. Organizing school schedules, purchasing school supplies, and all of the other tasks that come with the start of the school year contribute to a stressful end to the summer. Despite all of these distractions, it’s important to continue to make your child’s oral health a priority. 

Tooth decay remains the most common chronic disease in children and adults, even though it is largely preventable, according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. One of the ways to ensure your child or teen is staying on top of their dental health is to schedule a hygiene appointment. At Weaver, Reckner and Reinhart Dental Associates, routine visits to our office will include an exam by one of our doctors, check-up x-rays if applicable, and a gentle but thorough cleaning by a trusted hygienist. Our Harleysville and Souderton dental offices offer convenient early morning and evening hours to accommodate our patients’ busy schedules.

In addition to visiting our office, your child needs to maintain proper home care. Regular brushing and flossing help to remove plaque that builds up on the enamel and between the teeth, and daily rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash works to remove bacteria from within the mouth. If your child is in braces, it is important that they brush properly around the brackets since bacteria can form around them causing irritation and puffy gums. Bringing a toothbrush into school is a good way for your child to remove any food debris after lunch.

A healthy diet before, during, and after school is also a vital part of your child’s oral health. The American Dental Association encourages fiber-rich foods because of their ability to help clean the gums and stimulate saliva production. Crunchy fruits and vegetables are a great choice to include in your child’s lunch box. Foods rich in calcium and phosphate, including dairy products, help to rebuild the enamel in the teeth and are great alternatives to unhealthy snacks. 

At Weaver, Reckner and Reinhart Dental Associates, we are committed to helping our patients and their families achieve a healthy mouth. We encourage you to continue practicing appropriate homecare with your child and follow some of the recommendations outlined above. You can learn more about our practice and services, including cosmetic dentistry and orthodontics, available at our Souderton and Harleysville offices by browsing our website or contact us at 215-486-1649/215-486-1652.

DENTAL IMPLANTS AND WHAT TO EXPECT

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The thought of getting dental implants can seem like a daunting process. Terminology you may not be familiar with, longer recovery time, and the anxiety surrounding the procedure are many factors that may contribute to patients not moving forward with their treatment. However, dental implant procedures are not as complicated as one may think. 

At Weaver, Reckner & Reinhart Dental Associates, we have been providing comprehensive dental care, including dental implants, in Bucks County and Montgomery County for over 27 years. Our dentists meet one-on-one with each of our patients to determine if dental implants are the right option for them. It is during this consultation visit that, after a complete examination, a 3-D image scanner is used to evaluate the nerves, sinuses, and bone to determine the best location for placing and restoring implants properly. 

There are a few factors that could affect the ability to have implant restoration. Patients need to have sufficient bone density for the implant to be successful. Additionally, patients need to have good oral hygiene and be free from periodontal disease. Our dentists will make sure that each patient is aware of any potential issues and discuss the options. 

After the examination and planning visit, the patient can expect the process to take as little as three visits over the course of three to nine months. The same doctor will see their patient through all phases of care, from diagnosis to placement.

But what exactly are dental implants? Titanium screws are used as the root of a missing tooth. These artificial roots are used to support a restoration for a missing tooth or teeth, providing a permanent base for a crown or bridge. Once placed into the jawbone, the implant begins to integrate with the bone. Implants can be placed immediately following the extraction of the tooth while the patient is still numb or in a space where a tooth is missing. 

Recovery time for each patient can depend on the number and location of the implants, oral hygiene and smoking habits, and whether bone grafting was needed. Typically, patients experience similar side effects to having a tooth extracted. Soreness and some minor bleeding are to be expected. Anything more severe or for an extended period of time requires a call to our office to make sure everything is healing properly. 

Once the implant integrates, usually three to six months, patients return to our office to have their brand new implant restoration placed to fill that space. While each patient’s circumstances may vary, it’s important to understand the process and what to expect so that you can plan for the procedure and have a successful dental implant experience. 

At Weaver, Reckner and Reinhart Dental Associates, we are committed to restoring confidence in our patients’ smiles through our advanced dental procedures. We value our patients and effectively communicate with them throughout the entire process to make sure that they understand their options. 

If you would like to learn more about dental implants in Harleysville or Souderton, browse our website or call one of our offices at 215-486-1649 or 215-486-1652 for more information.

Do’s and Don’ts of Wearing Braces

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When your child gets their braces on for the first time, it can be a time of great excitement as well as increased anxiety over not knowing what to expect. Depending on the individual patient’s needs, orthodontics could begin as early as age seven. During their routine dental examination, it may be determined that orthodontic intervention is needed. The first step is to make an appointment to gather measurements, take digital x-rays, impressions and photographs, and discuss the best orthodontic treatment plan. 

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What is a Dental Crown and Why Would I Need One?

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You may have heard your dentist say, “That tooth needs a crown.” But what exactly does that mean? Over time, teeth can become fractured and worn down compromising their longevity, or cavities can develop that encompass too much of the tooth’s structure for a filling to be placed. In these instances, it becomes necessary to place a crown on the tooth.

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The Importance of Early Detection of Oral Cancer

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54,0001. That’s the number of oral cancer cases that will be diagnosed this year, according to the Oral Cancer Foundation. If oral cancer is detected and treated early, there is a much higher chance of surviving without long-term problems. Read more

What Type of Braces Are Right for You?

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Orthodontic treatment has come a long way over the last few decades. Years ago, visions of “metal mouth” and headgear were enough to scare patients away from trying to get that perfect smile. Now, with the latest advancements in dental technology, there are many different options to fit each patient’s needs from young child to adult. Read more

Eating Healthy Foods Paves the Way for a Healthy Mouth

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It’s Children’s Dental Health Month — the perfect time to look at your children’s dental health habits. Taking care of their teeth is an important part of their oral and physical health. But it involves more than teaching them proper brushing etiquette.

What your child eats has a significant impact on the health of their teeth. Our dentists at Weaver, Reckner & Reinhart Dental Associates are committed to helping everyone in your family achieve a healthy mouth. Here are some ideas for healthy snacks that parents can incorporate into their lunchboxes or meals.

Apples

You know the saying… An apple a day keeps the doctor away. The same holds true for dentists! Chewing apples and other crunchy, high-fiber fruits help to eliminate plaque from teeth. They also make an excellent lunch-time snack!

Water with Fluoride

Water with fluoride is an essential component in the health of your child’s teeth. This year’s slogan for Children’s Dental Health Month, “Water, Nature’s Drink!” encourages children to not only brush their teeth and visit their dentist but to eat a healthy diet that limits sugary beverages and snacks. Drinking water is a great alternative to damaging beverages such as sodas and fruit juices. The American Dental Association states, “One way to help children to drink more water is to add natural fruits like berries, cucumbers, lemons, and limes.”

Eggs

Eggs are a great source of calcium, protein, and vitamin D, which are important minerals for oral health.

Dairy

Milk, cheese, and yogurt are high in calcium, casein, and phosphorus, which can protect tooth enamel.

Crunchy and Leafy Veggies

Celery and carrots, broccoli, and other green leafy vegetables provide an excellent source of vitamins and minerals which aid in the strengthening of tooth enamel.

In addition to eating healthy, it is important to maintain regular dental visits. It is recommended that children be taken to the dentist after the first tooth erupts with fluoride applications every six months.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, almost 20% of children have cavities that have not been treated. Regular dental check-up visits in our Harleysville or Souderton locations, combined with healthy foods, can help to reduce the chance of decay.

Maintaining the proper home care in between routine dental visits is essential to a healthy mouth. Consistent brushing and flossing with your child can help to create a routine that will enable them to care for their teeth as they grow older.

 

Our dedicated team of hygienists and dentists at Weaver, Reckner & Reinhart Dental Associates is here to assist you and your family achieve a healthy lifestyle. We are looking forward to seeing you at your next oral check up in Harleysville or Souderton. You can learn more about our office and other services, including orthodontics, cosmetic dentistry, and dental implants, by browsing our website. If you have a true dental emergency, you can contact one of our offices at 215-486-1649 or 215-486-1652.

Preparing Your Child for Their First Visit

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At what age should I bring my child to the dentist? How will he react? What can I do to help make her first visit enjoyable? These are all common questions many parents face when deciding on the right time to bring their child to the dentist. Read more