Enhance Your Oral Care Routine for Less Than $20

Are you doing all you can for your teeth?

The ADA recommends brushing your teeth twice per day and flossing once, but sometimes our smiles need a little extra care. Even if your brushing routine is seemingly perfect, there are still ways to spice it up and make it more convenient or interesting. Fortunately, many of the ways to add to your arsenal of dental tools don’t have to take a toll on your wallet. Explore some of the ways you can enhance your oral care for less than $20.

Folding Travel Toothbrush – $5.99 for 2-pack

Travel toothbrushes offer a lot of advantages over their full-size counterparts. Ideal for storing in your desk at work or school, stashing in your carry-on for long travel days, or fitting into your purse or pocket when needed, a travel toothbrush can give you access to oral care when you’re away from home. Despite its innovative design, these folding travel toothbrushes are extremely affordable, available in a two-pack for just $5.99 with free shipping.

• Makes it convenient to brush on the go
• Creative jack-knife design
• Soft, full-sized brush head

Flosscard Dental Floss – $14.99 per 10-pack

While flossing is recommended once per day, many Americans opt to skip it altogether. Rather than accept the dental damage caused by a lack of flossing, why not make the process a little more convenient?

Flosscards allow you to do just that. Rather than a traditional box of floss for your pocket, Flosscard supplies an ample amount of floss in a case the size of a credit card. This allows it to easily slip into your money clip, wallet, purse, or other areas where minimal space is available. Whether you try it for the novelty or because it legitimately takes up less room than a box of floss, Flosscard Dental Floss provides an interesting way to add to your oral care routine at home.

• Contains 12 yards of floss in a dispenser that’s as thin as a credit card
• Unmatched portability
• Perfect for flossing on-the-move

Spry Xylitol Gum – Tube of 30 for $6.57

Some types of gum can be terrible for your teeth, but if it lacks sugar, then the opposite is true. That’s right – there are types of gum that actually benefit your smile while you chew them. Xylitol is a sweetener that has properties that are excellent for your teeth. This type of sweetener keeps sugar from sticking to your enamel and it doesn’t break down to cause decay like sugar does. With numerous brands and flavors available, chewing xylitol gum is one habit that will earn you a high-five from your dentist.

• Easy to carry, cylindrical container
• Scrubs your teeth with every chew
• Spry Fresh Fruit Flavor

Oral-B White Action Battery Powered Toothbrush – $4.72

While electric toothbrushes can cost well over $100, many brands are surprisingly affordable. One such brand is the White Action Battery Powered Toothbrush by Oral-B. Running on AA batteries, the White Action toothbrush provides a remarkable 14,000 strokes per minute. With this much brushing power available for less than five dollars, everyone can reap the benefits of an electric toothbrush without breaking their wallet.  

• Easy-grip handle
• 3 Color Options
• Powerful enough to remove stains

Keep Your Home Oral Care Routine Effective and Fun

Many adults skip out on their oral care sessions, but by adding variety to the experience, you can make brushing and flossing interesting day after day and year after year. Remember that even with stellar oral care at home, it’s still important to come in and visit us for an exam at least twice per year. With the combination of biannual dental visits and excellent oral care at home, you can start the new year with the smile you deserve! Contact us today for your next exam.

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4 Fun Dental Gifts for Teens

The holidays are fast-approaching, and with them, the challenge of finding the right gifts for the right people. When you think of buying gifts for the teens in your life, you probably think of fashion, gadgets, and games, but believe it or not, there are creative dental gifts that your teenager is likely to appreciate. Check out our list of four dental gifts that are cool enough to earn a high-five from the teens in your life.  

   1. Lush – Dirty Toothy Tabs

An innovative new way to clean your teeth, Dirty Toothy Tabs are perfect for cleaning your teeth on the go. Packaged in a black box with white text, each toothy tab will cause you to foam at the mouth within seconds of placing it there. This is the lather you can use to brush your teeth, and although different, it’s just as effective as the toothpaste you’re used to. For teens who like to be different, Dirty Toothy Tabs might be a cool change of pace for their brushing routine.

• Try all 6 Flavors: Boom, Dirty, Miles of Smiles, Limelight, Bling, & Oral Pleasure
• Eliminates the need for toothpaste
• $10.95 per pack

   2. LED Tooth-Whitener by Ionic White

While over-the-counter whiteners are typically comprised of strips that you leave on your teeth for a period of time, the new LED Tooth-Whitener by Ionic White is a true gamechanger. Taking advantage of professional whitening technology that you’d find at the dentist’s office, your teen can now use a handheld device to create a powerful whitening effect for their teeth. Teens who love to look their best will appreciate this innovative new product by Ionic White.

• Professional whitening power in the palm of your hand
• Includes 2 LED lights, 2 whitening pens, and color guide
• $19.95 per pack

   3. Cupcake Flavored Dental Floss

Only about half of all Americans use dental floss daily. With Cupcake Flavored Dental Floss by Accoutrements, your teen might start looking forward to their flossing sessions. Packaged in a pink container adorned with a cupcake, teens with a sweet tooth will appreciate the frosting-like flavor. If nothing else, they’ll chuckle at the irony of cleaning their teeth with a product that tastes like a cavity-causing cupcake.

• Waxed dental floss flavored like a frosted cupcake
• Fun and unique pink cupcake packaging
• $5.95 per box

   4. Carbon Coco – Pitch Black Charcoal Toothpaste

Odds are, your teen will find it counter-intuitive to whiten their teeth with a toothpaste that’s black as night, but that’s exactly what’s happening with Carbon Coco. Using a charcoal-based, fluoride-free formula, Carbon Coco cleans your mouth, freshens breath, and whitens your teeth. If you know a teen that would love a totally new approach to cleaning their teeth, then this Carbon Activated Toothpaste by Carbon Coco may be a fun gift.

• Pitch black toothpaste that freshens breath and whitens teeth
• Spearmint flavor
• $39.99 for a 2-pack

Show Your Teen that Dental Gifts Can Be Awesome This Year

At Dentistry of Nashville, we know that all of our patients have different needs. While a basic dental kit may not be a worthy gift for the teens in your life, there are some creative dental gifts that are appealing enough to make the grade. Have fun exchanging gifts with loved ones this year and count on Dentistry of Nashville to keep your family’s smiles strong and healthy. Contact us to schedule an appointment with our talented team of doctors.

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3 Dental Stocking Stuffers that Kids Will Love

Whatever holiday you celebrate in December, it’s likely there will be gatherings with family and friends and gifts for children. While most children wouldn’t be into a fancy new electric toothbrush as their main holiday gift, some dental products can be fun and can make excellent stocking stuffers for kids. Dr. Fleming and the staff at Dentistry of Nashville have some recommendations for dental-related stocking stuffers that your kids will appreciate.

1. Wild Flossers by J&J

Less than 25% of adults use dental floss regularly, so it’s important to start developing your children’s good habits when they are young. One way to do that is by adding some much-needed fun to the flossing experience.

J&J Wild Flossers are a product that does just that, providing dental picks in a variety of colorful shapes and colors that kids won’t be able to resist. Each flosser is shaped like different dinosaurs and from the fun packaging to the easy grips, it’s clear that this is the perfect way to make flossing fun for your children.

2. Battery Powered Toothbrush – Disney’s Frozen

For less than $5, you can get your kids started with their first electric toothbrush. As soon as they see their favorite Disney characters on the packaging, they’ll be excited to check it out. The buttons and colorful design will hold their attention, and once they experience the fun of an automatic toothbrush, you may never have to beg them to brush their teeth again! Oral-B and Crest Disney’s Frozen Battery Operated Toothbrush is a phenomenal way to encourage your kids to look forward to their oral care routine.

3. Hello Fluoride-free Natural Watermelon Toothpaste

An excellent choice for parents who care about organic and cruelty-free products, this toothpaste by Hello Oral Care is completely recyclable and made in the USA.

From the bright packaging to the unique flavors, Hello Oral Care has created one of the best toothpastes for kids. If the natural watermelon flavor isn’t to their liking, you can try Blue Raspberry or Bubble Gum instead. The ingredients in Hello Natural Toothpaste, make it safe for young kids and effective at keeping their teeth clean. You’ll find cavity-busters like Xylitol and a silica blend that polishes their teeth, as well as being fluoride-free in case your child accidentally swallows it. Packing enhancements to taste and fun, this toothpaste by Hello Oral Care might spark a love of oral care in your child.  

Happy Holidays from the Team at Dentistry of Nashville!

However you choose to celebrate this year, we wish you a safe, happy holiday! If you choose to give your kids a fun dental gift or two, it may be the beginning of a lifelong appreciation of oral care. Young children should visit the dentist by their first birthday to ensure their teeth are erupting properly. If any member of your family is due for their dental appointment, don’t hesitate to contact us to schedule an appointment.

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Tips for Keeping Thanksgiving Foods from Harming Your Smile

Thanksgiving is a few weeks away and no matter how you plan on spending the holiday, odds are there will be feasting involved. But have you ever wondered how the Thanksgiving staples affect your smile? Check out this list of Thanksgiving tips to ensure that your teeth stay strong and healthy this November.

Fresh Snacks are Best

While people don’t think of fresh fruit or cheese slices when they think of Thanksgiving, it is common to have appetizers sitting out before the big dinner. Many of these appetizers are excellent for your teeth, including fresh veggie sticks, cheese slices, and apple slices. If you plan on trying a wide variety of foods this Thanksgiving that aren’t as good for your smile, then mixing in fresh foods can minimize damage to your teeth.

Don’t Forget to Drink Water Often

This tip is excellent for keeping your smile bright, because water washes away much of the debris, sugar, and acid that rests loosely on your teeth. It’s likely that champagne, beer, soda, coffee, and other beverages will be available on Thanksgiving, but remember water for its dental benefits. Plus,  it’s ability to make you feel full is excellent for weight loss as well.

Chew Xylitol Gum Between Meals  

If you’re like most Americans and your Thanksgiving feast involves more than one plate, then one tip that’s great for your teeth is to remember to chew xylitol gum. Xylitol is a sweetener that benefits the teeth, and the American Dental Association has confirmed its advantages for your oral health. Simply look for the ADA seal of approval on the pack of gum you buy to ensure that it will help your smile rather than hurt it.

Enjoy the Turkey!

Turkey is not only an excellent meat when it comes to your waistline, but it also contains nutrients that benefit your oral health. For example, turkey is rich in phosphorus which maximizes the effect of calcium, the building block of your teeth. The nutrients in turkey contribute to your smile by rebuilding gum tissue and performing other useful functions.

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Cancun Travel Guidebook

Cancun is often referred to as the ‘Caribbean Jewel’ and is one of the Mexico’s best loved holiday destinations. Whatever you look for in a holiday you are guaranteed to find it in Cancun, so we are here to guide you through the best tourist hotspots, beaches and accommodation available in this spectacular ‘Mexican Caribbean’!

View -> Hotels in Cancun

Whether you wish to spend your time relaxing on one of the romantic beaches or enjoying the party atmosphere in one of Cancun’s legendary nightclubs, there really is something to suit all tastes. Many people arrive in Cancun ready to take advantage of the idyllic scenery, wedding ceremonies often take place on the beaches and honeymooners can always be found watching the sun set over the beautiful lagoons. Prefer to spend your time keeping active? Cancun offers an almost limitless amount of sports and leisure facilities to enjoy during your break. The crystal clear waters are the perfect setting for surfing, sailing and even fishing. Divers will love exploring the Caribbean underwater world with its abundance of colourful sea life and coral, lessons are available along with guides to let you know the best spots to put on your snorkel.

In your vacations in Cancun do not forget to book your service: Cancun shuttle

At Cancun Travel Guide we aim to make sure that your holiday is right for you, with details on the best restaurants to visit down to the perfect accommodation to suit your needs. There is a wide range of hotels, apartments and villas to choose from when booking a break so it is important to make sure that you find your perfect base. Many hotels specialise in luxury, ideal for anyone looking to be completely pampered during their break. Private villas are the perfect choice for honeymooners looking for an idyllic escape; choose a beachfront villa for the ultimate exotic getaway!

Are you a fan of diving? You can not miss the opportunity to visit the cancun cave diving

Your dream Cancun holiday is closer than you think, with our handy hints and tips on Cancun travel covering everything from holiday budgets to vital tourist information. Kick off your Cancun experience today and start planning your esca

3 Best Sugar-Free Treats to Hand Out this Halloween

Americans will be spending an average of $27 per household on candy this year for Halloween, but with most candies leading to cavities and obesity, is there a better option?

Obviously, the treats have to be candy that kids love, so how do we minimize the dental damage in the treats we’re giving away?

One easy answer is to opt for sugar-free candy instead. Whether you want to hand out Reese’s Cups or caramels, Jolly Ranchers or gummies, these classic candies are all available in sugar-free variations. Discover the options for handing out sugar-free candy this Halloween and how you can be the house that preserves the teeth of kids in your neighborhood.

Advantages of Sugar-free Candy

• Kids typically don’t notice that it’s sugar-free
• Lots of available options
• Won’t cause cavities
• Avoids sugar crashes
• Less effect on their blood sugar
• Lower carbs and calories

Drawbacks of Sugar-free Candy

• Sugar alcohols in large amounts can cause digestive side effects
• Taste in some brands may be significantly different than versions with sugar

Best Types of Sugar-free Candy

Taste has to be a major consideration when choosing the best sugar-free candies. Popular brands that are recognizable to kids are also likely to be accepted quickly, regardless of lacking the sugar they’re craving. If you want to commit to providing healthier treats for kids in your neighborhood, then consider the following options they’re likely to love:

1. Russell Stover Sugar-Free Assorted Chocolates

While other houses are giving away basics like Tootsie Rolls, you can be the house that hands out decadent chocolates that kids will remember. The Russell Stover Assortment Bag comes with several of their most popular individually-wrapped chocolates. These include:

• Dark Chocolate Mint Patties
• Milk Chocolate Pecan Delights
• Milk Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups
• Milk Chocolate Coconut
• Milk Chocolate Caramel

Sweetened with Stevia, Russell Stover’s sugar-free chocolates will be some kids’ favorites, and they won’t cause cavities or widen their waistlines.

   2.  Werther’s Original Sugar-free Caramel Apple Hard Candies

Werther’s Original is arguably the most popular brand of hard and chewy caramels, and almost all of their flavors come with a sugar-free variation. While a caramel hard candy may sound boring, when you consider their flavors and the soft texture of their hard candies, you’ll see how Werther’s is an excellent option. This is especially true for their Caramel Apple flavor which combines two forms of sweetness into a smooth caramel that will appeal to many people – and won’t cause cavities for kids.

   3. Jolly Ranchers Assorted Sugar-free

Featuring apple, grape, watermelon, and raspberry, sugar-free Jolly Ranchers are one candy that has maximum taste with no sugar whatsoever. Each 4-piece serving is only 35 calories and each Jolly Rancher will typically last several minutes. With colorful packaging and bold, tempting flavors, Sugar-free Jolly Ranchers are an affordable treat that kids will love this Halloween.

Our Nashville Dental Team will Keep Your Smile Healthy

We know that most Americans are going to indulge in candy this Halloween – we’ll probably sneak a few pieces as well. By remembering to brush at the end of the day and drinking plenty of water throughout your Halloween celebration, you can minimize dental damage from any candy you consume. If you feel like something isn’t right with your teeth after Halloween, count on Dentistry of Nashville to provide the oral care you need. Contact us today!

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Root Canals – A Great Procedure with a Bad Reputation

In all aspects of life, sometimes a person, thing, or in this case, a dental procedure can earn a bad reputation. The root canal has earned such a reputation, perhaps because it used to be a more painful procedure. However, with our modern advancements, enhanced knowledge, and the reality that it’s a vital treatment, the root canal is actually an extraordinary treatment. Plus, it may be the only way to save your tooth. Take a minute and explore one of the most widely hated procedures, and see why it’s absolutely vital for some patients.

The Inner-Layers of Our Teeth

We’re all familiar with the outer layer of our teeth – we brush it, chew with it, and everyone sees it when we smile. But what many people don’t know is that there are other parts inside of your teeth that keep it alive. They include the pulp, nerves, roots, and even a section called the root canal which gives this treatment its name. When an infection spreads to these inner areas of the tooth, it can cause immense pain and may have to be extracted.

The Anatomy of a Tooth
Credit: WebMD, 2009

What Exactly is a Root Canal?

Essentially, a root canal involves removing all of the inner parts of a tooth that keep it alive, thereby eliminating the need for extraction. When faced with a severely infected tooth, the two most common choices are as follows:

1. Extract the tooth and replace the gap with a bridge or dental implant
2. Get a root canal and have a custom crown cover the damaged tooth

The option involving the root canal saves your tooth and spares you from the extra money and time required for a replacement. This is why root canals are beneficial to those who are in that situation -They may be the only way to prevent you from losing a tooth.

The Irony of Root Canals

The fact that root canals are such a dreaded procedure is an irony when you consider one of their most common uses. When patients enter a dental office complaining of severe pain to their teeth, often this pain is debilitating and is keeping them from focusing on anything else. Well, guess what procedure is most often used to alleviate this pain and provide relief? The root canal. The truth is that the root canal relieves far more pain than it ever causes.  

Root Canals are Nothing to Worry About!

Although root canals have developed a bad reputation, there is typically little pain involved in a modern root canal. When you arrive for your root canal treatment, your Nashville doctor will begin by administering anesthesia to numb the area. Anesthesia is extremely effective at Dentistry of Nashville and you can expect little to no pain during your procedure. Plus, it really doesn’t make sense that a root canal would be worse than more intensive surgeries, such as gum grafts or sinus augmentations – anesthesia removes the pain from these procedures.

Visit Our Nashville Team and Avoid the Need for Root Canals

A major part of preventing infection is showing up for your biannual appointments at Dentistry of Nashville. Only through consistent dental care can we remove the hardened tartar that develops on your teeth and stop dental problems before they get worse. While the root canal is an extremely useful procedure, our dental team in Nashville wants you to avoid the need for one as long as possible. Contact us to see how we can help your smile.  

 

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