how should mothers brush their children's teeth

Establishing good oral care habits in your children is essential in promoting excellent oral health later in life. It can happen more often than not that children that are resistant to oral care and routine brushing because it is not something they are used to. Brushing your children's teeth and showing them how to do so is crucial to their development and well being. For this reason, we established the following tips:

• Children's teeth should be brushed as soon as they emerge. Starting them early can also get them used to a oral care routine.
• For the first teeth, a washcloth can be used to wipe down the teeth while the other ones emerge and while your child grows into being able to use a toothbrush.
• Once your child is of age, usually around 1 year or 18 months depending on when their teeth erupted, choose a soft-bristled, child-sized toothbrush for comfort.
• Brush your child's teeth twice a day, focusing on the back teeth.
• Floss your child's teeth as soon as two teeth emerge side by side.
• Take your child to the first dental visit on or around their first birthday.

We are excited to take this journey with you as a future mother. As your dentist, we are ready to tend to you and your child's every need.

Contact Us:
Carlos C. Garcia, DDS
3465 N. Verdugo Rd.
Glendale, CA 91208
818.249.1819
http://www.carloscgarciadds.com

How can I protect my child's oral care at home?

Protecting your child's oral care is essential to promoting excellent oral health throughout his or her lifetime. Many patients believe that baby teeth may not be very important considering that we begin to lose these teeth in childhood. However, this common misconception is not accurate because baby teeth play an essential role in our oral health even into adulthood. Baby teeth can be thought of as "space-holders" or teeth that will hold the space where permanent teeth come in. If for any reason these baby teeth fall out or become decayed, it can be very bad news for adult teeth. So what can you do at home to protect your child's oral health? We've developed the following tips:

• Practice healthy oral care habits. Make sure that your child understands the importance of regular brushing and flossing in addition to routine visits to the dentist. 
• Childproof your home. Kids are active and accidents are sometimes unavoidable. We do encourage that you childproof your home in an attempt to stop any accidents from happening, such as a tooth being knocked out. 
• Stay hydrated. Most parents forget about this one. Water is your child's best friend in all walks of life both orally and in their overall health. Staying hydrated helps promote gum health, washes away food particles and contains small amounts of fluoride that will help curb cavities. Remember, have your child drink at least 6 glasses of water a day! 

If you still have more questions about how you can protect or promote your child's oral health, please do not hesitate to contact us. We enjoy caring for you and your family.

Visit our Glendale Dentist For All of Your Dental Needs!

Our dentist in Glendale has over 17 years of dental experience. Dr. Garcia first completed his dental degree in his home country of Brazil. He later moved to the United States where he completed his DDS degree at the prestigious University of Southern California Dental School with honors. Our Glendale dentist is passionate about dentistry and can help treat a variety of dental issues for the entire family. Even children are welcome! 

Contact us today for dental treatment or services including digital x-rays, root canals, teeth whitening, Invisalign, dental implants or dentures, cosmetic dentistry and so much more. Remember, low cost financing is available at our Glendale dental office as well. 

Contact Us:
Carlos C. Garcia, DDS
3465 N. Verdugo Rd. 
Glendale, CA 91208
818.249.1819
http://www.carloscgarciadds.com

April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month!

Does Invisalign Work?

Yes. Invisalign has been used to perfect the smiles of thousands across the United States. Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that involves a series of removable, clear plastic trays that are changed out over a period amount of time to help perfect dental issues like misalignments, overbite/underbite and gaps between teeth.

It is important to set up a consultation with our dentist to determine whether or not Invisalign is right for you considering that it can only be used to treat minor imperfections. More severe cases will require a different orthodontic treatment.

In order for Invisalign to work correctly, it is important that you maintain visits with our dentist and are diligent to wear the Invisalign trays as recommended. Since they are removable, many patients have been known to remove the trays for eating or brushing and have often forgotten to place the trays back on. Additionally, like retainers, patients have misplaced them. The greatest benefit that Invisalign provides is that they are clear and easily maintained, which is often a great option for our adult patients.

Call us today if you would like to set up an Invisalign consultation or for more information. We are dedicated to providing you with a smile you can be proud of!

How does teeth whitening work?

With a new year underway, many of our patients are looking to improve themselves. This includes their smile. We often see celebrities in the media flashing enviable pearly white smiles and leave us asking “how do they do it?” Well, we’re sure they have an awesome dentist by their side, and this is what we can do for you! But, how does it work?

Teeth Whitening is a very easy dental procedure that is non-invasive and can be done during a lunch break. There is no downtime, no pain and will give you the white smile you’ve dreamed of! There are different types of teeth whitening treatments and our dentist can help you decide which is right for you.

Bleaching procedures: These will change your natural tooth color and can make them five to seven shades lighter. This is the more popular teeth whitening method used amongst Glendale patients. These contain active ingredients that help remove deep and surface stains on your teeth.

• Light activated session: This is the traditional teeth whitening method that is completed while at the dental office. Results are immediate and dramatic. You’ll see the difference before you even leave the dentist! 
• Professional in-home bleaching: This is a professional take home kit given to you by the dentist. You will be instructed on how to use it. 
• Over-the-counter bleaching products: These are the kits that can be picked up at your local department store. The vary in application methods from trays to brush applications. Results for these are less dramatic and are gradual. 

Non-bleaching procedures: These include products like teeth whitening toothpaste. They depend on mild abrasion to remove surface stains between visits to the dentist. This is a very temporary teeth whitening method.

All patients respond differently to teeth whitening treatment, so we encourage you to visit our dentist to discuss which method is best for you. We look forward to seeing you and your beautiful smile in this new year 2015!

Foods to avoid during the holidays...

The holiday season usually means that you’ll be surrounded my delicious and usually unhealthy, treats. While foods like these are tasty, they can often take a toll on your smile. Instead of waiting to find out you’ve developed a cavity or two in the New Year because of your unhealthy habits during the holidays, we’ve come up with some food choice you should avoid so that you can smile bright, well into the New Year.

• Candy canes: These candies are just plain dangerous for your smile. They are made of pure sugar and have a chewy outside coating that will stick to your teeth. Hard candies will have the same effect, so if possible, avoid them altogether. 
• Soft drinks: These drinks are also filled with sugar. Additionally, since they usually are not consumed quickly, this prolongs contact to teeth which can cause staining and tooth decay. 
• White wine: This may come as a surprise to some of you since red wine is known for staining teeth. However, red wine helps prevent tooth decay and gets rid of unhealthy bacteria. White wine in turn tends to erode tooth enamel since it is more acidic. 
• Avoid caramel: caramel is gooey and sticks to teeth, wearing away tooth enamel and causing tooth decay. Stay away! 

We understand that at the holiday parties this year, you will be tempted. If you must, remember to drink a glass of water after the treat and always brush and floss thoroughly. We hope that your holidays are filled with love and laughter—and may 2015 be a year full or healthy smile for you and your family. Don’t forget to visit us in the New Year!