Keeping Your Child’s Oral Health A Priority 

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

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

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. 

Read more

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

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.

Read more

The Importance of Early Detection of Oral Cancer

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?

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

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

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

Routine Cleanings and Their Impact on Your Oral Health

Maintaining your oral health is just as important as keeping up with your overall physical health. Studies show that there is a connection between gum disease and heart disease. Read more

Dental Implants: Are They the Right Choice for Me?

After more than 20 years of perfecting the dental implant process and components involved, the placement of dental implants has increased steadily. According to the National Institute of Health, dental implant procedures have increased 6.3 percent over the past two years. Data shows that many of those who had these procedures done were between the ages of 65 and 74. The number of dental implant restoration cases is expected to increase by as much as 23 percent by the year 2026. Read more