2022 Dental Insurance benefits.
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Children’s Dental Health Month

Children’s Dental Health Month

February is here, which means it is officially Children’s Dental Health Month! At Huntsville Family Dental, we share plenty of information regarding the health of your smile, but it is crucial to remember to take care of your child’s smile, too. Developing positive oral healthcare habits at a young age will set kids up for success and a healthy smile as an adult. In addition, learning about the dentist will aid in preventing dental anxiety. Oral health can be fun; we want to come alongside our patients and their families to show why!

  • Structure your child’s smile routine!

It is no secret that children thrive with routine. Toddlers and younger children may mirror their parents’ behaviors, even though they may not understand them. To get your children to cooperate with their brushing routine, set a specific time for oral healthcare during the morning and evening, and join them! Your children will begin recognizing this should be part of their routine and want to be just like you. 

  • Get a head start on healthy teeth!

Did you know we accept pediatric patients? Many parents don’t realize they can bring their children to see us at a young age. This is beneficial in multiple ways. First, it helps us become familiar with the structure of your child’s mouth and how their teeth grow. Because of this, we will be able to provide exceptional care. Your child will also be less likely to become nervous about visiting us. As you know, regular dental visits are integral to the prevention of plaque buildup. The younger your child has plaque removed, the healthier their smile will be in the long run! A healthy smile will lead to a healthy life, and bringing your children to see us early on will help them understand this.

  • Don’t forget your baby’s gums!

Babies don’t have teeth, so why is taking care of their oral health necessary? Babies’ mouths produce less saliva than adults, and saliva is integral in keeping bacteria under control. If you don’t care for your baby’s gums and mouth, bacteria may multiply, resulting in an infection. Luckily, gum care is easy! We suggest wiping down your baby’s gums twice daily to combat the spread of bacteria. Wash your hands before doing this to rid them of any lingering germs. Use damp gauze or a washcloth to softly rub your baby’s gums, tongue, and soft mouth tissue. Through this process, unwanted food and bacteria will be eliminated!

  • Teeth-friendly snacks don’t have to be boring!

Healthy food can be fun for your kids and doesn’t only involve the vegetables you know they will complain about having to eat. Citrus is rich in vitamin C, which keeps the soft tissue in your mouth healthy! Whether a glass of orange juice or slices of grapefruit, citrus is sweet, and kids love it. Dairy is another option. Packed with calcium and vitamin B12, it will strengthen your teeth and increase the health of your gums. The best thing about dairy is it comes in many tasty forms, from cheese and yogurt to ice cream for a special treat!

No matter how old your child is, oral healthcare is imperative. The Huntsville Family Dental team cares about the smiles of every family member, and we are here to answer any questions you may have regarding pediatric dental care. Call us at (936) 295-5437 for more information.

Pamper Yourself on the Dental Aisle this Year!

Pamper Yourself on the Dental Aisle this Year!

A new year has arrived, which is the perfect time to check in with our dental habits. Our team has heard many patients start the year with resolutions about their oral health, such as flossing more, using mouthwash, or booking biyearly hygiene appointments. Luckily, local drugstores carry great products that will help enhance your smile and keep it in excellent health from the comfort of your home. Plus, who doesn’t love shopping for new things? The Huntsville Family Dental team wants to make your dental care simple and fun, so we have decided to share some of our favorite ways to pamper yourself on the dental aisle this year!

  • You guessed it…we recommend floss!
  • We don’t want our patients settling for just any floss; we have one we prefer! Johnson & Johnson waxed dental floss is a great choice that you can easily find in most stores or order online. Why waxed over regular? Believe it or not, waxed dental floss removes up to 52% more plaque than traditional floss. The waxy coating makes it both resistant to shredding and easily slidable. You can order it online here.
  • Are you interested in trying out a new toothpaste brand? We have a couple of favorites!
  • Crest is one of our favorite brands. You may hear of their famous over-the-counter whitening strips, but they offer a variety of toothpaste options, all of which can be found at your local store. Their whitening toothpaste line doesn’t disappoint; they also provide options for enamel repair, sensitive teeth, and gum health. If you want to see their complete list of options, click here.
  • Colgate toothpaste is carried in your local drugstore or grocery store, making it easy to find. One of our favorite things about Colgate toothpaste is the fact it comes in so many variations. Whether you are looking for extra cavity prevention, whitening, stain fighting, something fun for your kids, or more, Colgate has you covered! We trust them to give you a healthy smile. Check out their vast array of toothpaste here.
  • Consider swapping out your current toothbrush for one with soft bristles.
  • Hard-bristled toothbrushes can damage your teeth over time. If you tend to brush your teeth with pressure, the enamel can eventually be worn down, making you more prone to specific dental issues. With a soft-bristled toothbrush, the bristles are less densely packed. This allows them to bend easily as you brush your teeth and reach into crevices others may not be able to. These toothbrushes are available everywhere; just make sure to carefully check the package when you shop to verify the bristle type. If you’re interested in ordering one online, click here. 

We hope these suggestions were helpful. Other staff favorites are antibacterial mouthwash and sugar-free gum with xylitol, which is easy to find at most stores. At Huntsville Family Dental, our patients come first. Our priority is to help achieve stellar oral health, and part of this is coming alongside your home dental care.

We look forward to seeing you for your first hygiene visit of 2023! To schedule or have any questions answered, call us at (936) 295-5437. See more about dental FAQs.

Your Most-asked Dental Questions Answered!

Your Most-asked Dental Questions Answered!

At Huntsville Family Dental, we get dental questions daily. We want to ensure our patients can make educated decisions about their oral healthcare. Part of our goal is to provide up-to-date, transparent information about why certain types of treatment are beneficial, what we do during a hygiene appointment, and why it’s essential to stay on top of your oral health. To aid in educating our patients, we are excited to provide answers to ten commonly-asked questions! 

 

1. My gums have been bleeding when I floss. Why? 

If you have built up plaque or tartar along your gumline, your gums may become red and inflamed and bleed due to activities such as flossing. A significant amount of buildup and bleeding may signify gum disease. We offer gum disease therapy and treatment at Huntsville Family Dental and can improve you in no time! 

 

2. How often should I visit Huntsville Family Dental?

For the best oral health, you should see us every six months. During these appointments, your teeth will be thoroughly cleaned of any developed plaque and tartar. You will also receive an exam from our dentist. He can spot any cavities or other oral health issues that may be forming and devise a potential treatment plan.

 

3. What are the best practices for at-home dental care?

The most crucial aspect of your at-home smile routine is consistency! Make sure you have a good toothbrush and replace it every couple of months. Using fluoride-based toothpaste will aid in keeping plaque at bay. In addition to this, flossing daily is a must! We are aware that many patients don’t enjoy flossing, but the benefits outweigh the burden! If you want to keep your teeth extra clean, add mouthwash to eliminate stray bacteria. 

 

4. What options do you offer for replacing failing or missing teeth?

Huntsville Family Dental offers dental implants and implant dentures, both of which are tried-and-true options for teeth giving you problems. A dental implant looks and operates like a natural tooth and can last a lifetime if well taken care of. Implant dentures are used for upper and lower arch replacements. Your smile will look as good as new!

 

5. I have bad breath. What is causing it?

Bad breath is more common than you think, and we want to aid you in getting rid of it immediately! Most bad breath results from bacteria growth in your mouth, specifically near the back. Make sure you stay on top of your daily oral hygiene and visit us biyearly to prevent bacteria buildup. If the problem persists, see us, and we will devise a treatment plan that will leave you feeling fresh! 

 

6. Do you offer teeth whitening, and is it painful?

We offer take-home whitening kits. They will help make your smile brighter! Our take-home kits consist of whitening strips you can use from the comfort of your home. 

 

7. What is plaque? Why is it important to have it removed?

Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth over time. If left unchecked for too long, the bacteria will produce acids damaging your enamel. If you do not have the plaque removed, it may turn into tartar, which is even more damaging. Keeping up with your at-home hygiene routine will keep plaque at bay but not wholly. That is why coming in to see us is so important! When you have a hygiene appointment, your hygienist will use special tools to rid your smile of lingering plaque.  

 

8. Do you accept pediatric patients?

Yes! We recommend children begin their dental care journeys either when their first teeth emerge or when they reach their first birthday. Starting a child’s dental journey from a young age will decrease dental anxiety and increase the chance of a lifelong healthy mouth!

 

9. What causes my teeth to be sensitive to cold or hot temperatures?

If you experience discomfort with hot or cold food and drink, it may be time to have your smile looked at by one of our team members. Some common causes of this type of sensitivity are tooth decay, gum disease, gum tissue recession, cracks in your teeth, and clenching and grinding. We will help you resolve this issue and find the culprit! 

 

10. What do you use to fix a cracked tooth?

There are a couple of options depending on how damaged your tooth is. We will strive to preserve as much of your tooth as possible. A filling is the most common procedure to correct a cavity or bond a tooth. If you have a severely cracked or broken tooth, we can place a crown to make it look as good as new. Crowns prevent weak, broken, or cracked teeth from further damage while looking and functioning just like a natural tooth. 

 

We hope this answers some of your questions about our office, what we offer, and oral health in general. Huntsville Family Dental strives to provide the absolute best experience and care to every patient who walks through our doors. Learn about Prevention and Treatment of Cavities here. If you have any other questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please call us at (936) 295-5437. 

Care For Your Smile During the Holidays

Care For Your Smile During the Holidays

The holidays are finally upon us! November and December are two of the most festive months of the year, and the Huntsville Family Dental team wants to ensure you enjoy them and have peace of mind regarding the health of your smile. It is commonly known that many staple holiday foods can stain the enamel if consumed carelessly. However, there are ways to enjoy these foods and maintain your oral health. We are here to share which foods and drinks to watch out for and tips for maximizing your time celebrating while keeping your smile shining.

Many Thanksgiving food and beverage items can stain your teeth, including coffee, red wine, cranberry sauce, and fruit pies. Thanksgiving wouldn’t be the same without them! While delicious, the dark colors of these foods and drinks bring with them the chance of staining your teeth.

  1. Swap out your favorite fruit pies for equally-festive alternatives. While everyone loves a tasty cherry or blueberry pie, the fruit’s acidity can damage tooth enamel and leave stains. Opt for a pumpkin or chocolate pie. While still sugary, these pies will not affect your enamel.
  2. Brush your teeth, or, if not possible, rinse your mouth soon after eating or drinking one of these items. This will wash any residue off your teeth and lessen the chances of yellowing or spotting. If this becomes a habit, your teeth will be grateful!
  3. Drink dark-colored beverages over a short time instead of prolonged sipping. This will minimize the time your teeth are exposed to the drink. Also, sipping water with one of these beverages will aid in keeping your teeth clean.

Preventing yellowing and staining is one thing, but reversing it is entirely another. Did you know Huntsville Family Dentistry offers take-home teeth whitening kits? If you want to prepare your smile for holiday photos and gatherings, now is the perfect time to treat yourself!

Our take-home teeth whitening kit consists of whitening strips that you will apply to your teeth once daily for five days. You must thoroughly brush your teeth before and after using the whitening strips. While there are many variations of whitening strips available at your local drugstore, ours will maximize the whitening process and give you long-lasting results.

Many patients have concerns about sensitivity and the impact on the gums caused by teeth whitening treatments. These whitening options will leave little to no effect on the gums, and the process used will minimize any sensitivity.

Teeth whitening is the quickest, most effective way to rid your smile of stains and make it shades brighter. Are you interested in learning more or preparing your smile for the holidays with one of our whitening options? Call Huntsville Family Dental today at (936) 295-5437.

Learn about Use it or Lose it Benefits here.

It’s Time to Use it or Lose it!

It’s Time to Use it or Lose it!

The last few months of 2022 are here! At Huntsville Family Dental, we want to ensure you know the perks of using all your insurance dollars by year’s end. While this is a busy time of year, and the health of your smile may be the last thing on your mind, it is still integral to note many dental insurance companies will not roll unused benefits over into the following calendar year. This means they are lost! Our office can provide many cosmetic, restorative, and general dentistry services that will allow you to use your benefits before you lose them!

Have you had your teeth cleaned recently? A cleaning twice yearly is vital for maintaining oral health. Your dental hygienist will remove any plaque buildup, which aids in cavity prevention. More serious dental treatment may need to be considered when cavities are left unattended for too long. Keeping up with your hygiene appointments will ensure this does not happen. In addition to this, your smile will be fresh and sparkling just in time for the most joyous three months of the year! 

Have you checked to see if you have any incomplete treatment? This could be anything from a deep cleaning to a filling to a root canal! Getting your treatment scheduled and completed before the year ends will benefit your oral health and put your mind at ease. Some of the most widely-offered treatments we give patients revolve around fixing cavities. If you have a small cavity, you may need nothing more than a filling! If you have put off your cavity treatment for a while, the cavity may grow and become infected. This may necessitate a root canal, in which your dentist will remove the infected pulp from your tooth root and fill it so it will look and function naturally. Getting cavities treated as soon as they are diagnosed is very important, as it will ensure less intensive treatment is needed later on. 

Have you been considering a major dental procedure? Getting started with an extensive procedure like dental implants can be nerve-wracking. We are here to make the process comfortable for our patients! Extensive procedures will begin with a consultation, where you will meet with one of our dentists to discuss the treatment you are considering, any hesitations you may have, and devise a treatment plan. From there, you will be able to move forward with peace of mind knowing that you are working with a team that cares and has your best interests at heart. It is the perfect opportunity to use those benefits before you lose them!

The Huntsville Family Dental team is excited about the holidays! We want you to feel confident in your smile. It is a wonderful time to book an appointment, whether it be your regular six-month cleaning and checkup, restorative treatment, or cosmetic procedures! Trust us, taking advantage of your dental insurance benefits will aid in peace of mind and a beautiful smile!

Do you have any questions about your coverage, or would you like to schedule an appointment before the end of the year? Call us at (936) 295-5437. We look forward to seeing you!

Read more about overcoming dental anxiety.

Book Appointment

It’s Time To Book Your Dental Treatment!

It’s Time To Book Your Dental Treatment!

Dr. Pressley and the Huntsville Family Dental team care seriously about every patient we work with. Giving each one the best dental experience they have ever had is the goal! Getting to know our patients, providing quality care, and implementing education on the importance of oral healthcare is just the beginning of the countless ways we strive to implement this. Informing our patients about how and why it is integral to come in for diagnosed dental treatment is central to our mission. 

Why Dental Treatment Is Important

To avoid needing restorative treatment in the first place, it is essential to come in for a cleaning and exam every six months. The hard-to-reach plaque will be cleaned from your teeth, and small cavities will be spotted before they become more severe or result in infection. If a cavity is discovered, Dr. Pressley and your hygienist will devise a carefully curated treatment plan and present it to you with a detailed explanation before moving forward. 

What Are Restorations In A Dental Treatment

Restorations involve restoring a tooth to its optimal health and structure and are one of the most frequent types of treatment patients see us for. They include everything from fillings to root canals and are used to treat tooth decay, cavities, and even missing teeth. Cavities result from plaque and tartar buildup on one’s teeth, which eats away at the enamel. This is where restorations come in. Minor cavities will need fillings, but an infection may form if left alone for too long. This could result in a patient needing a root canal. 

If the severity of a cavity has surpassed the level where a filling would adequately treat it, a root canal is a next step. A root canal consists of two main stages. The infected tooth’s root will be entered, and the infection will be removed. Once the root of your tooth is healed, it will be filled and functional again. If you want to avoid getting a root canal, seeing us regularly will allow us to catch cavities before they reach this state!

Restorative treatment is also the way to go if you have experienced an accident that has resulted in a chipped or missing tooth! We offer crowns to prevent weak or broken teeth from further damage. The best part about crowns is that you won’t notice them; your smile will be as good as new. By mimicking the look and feel of your natural teeth, they will be returned to their original aesthetic. 

If you want to learn more about prevention and treatment of cavities, click here to learn more.

Schedule Your Appointment Today

If you have pending treatment, it is the perfect time of year to get it scheduled! Use any remaining dental insurance benefits before the year closes, and make sure your smile is ready for the holidays. Many insurance companies won’t allow benefits to roll over into the following calendar year, so take advantage of them.

If you have any questions about dental treatment or want to schedule an appointment, call Huntsville Family Dental at (936) 295-5437. 

Give Your Employees Something to Smile About!

Give Your Employees Something to Smile About!

The Huntsville Family Dental team loves supporting fellow local businesses! We know hiring can be challenging, especially these days. One of the top things potential employees are looking for is a company offering excellent benefits to make their lives easier. We have decided to provide an Employer Membership Plan to combine our passion for oral health with our desire to help the community! With this plan, businesses can minimize their chances of missing work due to undiagnosed or untreated dental health issues while attracting and retaining quality employees.

Why you need the employer membership plan

So, why would you be interested in our plan over traditional dental insurance? In addition to benefiting your employees, there are many perks included for you! Everyone knows insurance companies can be a hassle, especially if you are busy managing a company. With our Employer Membership Plan, the middleman is eliminated! This results in no claim forms, waiting periods, or pre-authorization. You can contribute what you want to your employee’s care as an employer, from $0 to the total subscription price. 

Enrolling your company in our plan can be done in about five minutes from any device. Once active, your employees can sign up anytime through your online portal. There are no hidden costs such as deductibles, annual maximums, or activation fees, which is one of the best parts. You and your staff will get what you pay for with full price transparency. Three variations of the plan are offered: Child Complete, Adult Complete, and Perio Care. 

What do these plans include?

3 infographics of the employer membership plan and how they're different

You won’t be able to offer your employees benefits like this through a regular insurance provider! There are many reasons we believe good oral health is good for business at Huntsville Family Dental. If your employees have a dental benefit plan, they are much less likely to need time off to deal with serious oral health issues and can quickly obtain proper care if a problem arises. Offering a plan like this will help your company stand out from competitors and show your employees you care about them. Two out of three employees state that dental benefits are a significant part of their overall benefits package. That’s why our employer membership plan is amazing! 

Learn more about The Main Goal of Dental Routine Procedures and why they’re important.

We are confident that our plan can help both you and your business! If you have questions or want to sign up, call Huntsville Family Dental at (936) 295-5437.

Bad Breath Myths

Bad Breath Myths

Bad breath, also known as halitosis, is a concern for many patients. It can cause embarrassment and is usually the result of prolonged, poor oral hygiene. Further exacerbation can come from unhealthy food and lifestyle choices such as smoking cigarettes. Bad breath can also be an indicator of other health problems. Unfortunately, many myths float around regarding how best to treat it. Huntsville Family Dental wants to aid you in deciphering true from false when it comes to bad breath treatment and how to best prevent and combat it. 

Preventing bad breath is simple; all it takes is consistency! You should always brush your teeth after you eat with toothpaste containing fluoride. When you pair this with flossing, more food particles and bacteria will be removed. Bad breath often emanates from the back of the mouth and tongue, so brushing your tongue in addition to your teeth will keep your breath fresh. Lastly, visiting our office twice yearly for an exam and cleaning is crucial. There is only so much you can do through your at-home hygiene routine, and your dental hygienist will be able to remove hard-to-reach plaque and tartar, which will contribute to bad breath if left unattended for too long. 

So what are some common myths about bad breath you should avoid believing? 

Myth: By breathing into your hands, you can tell if you have bad breath.

Fact: True bad breath is propelled from the back of your mouth when you talk. When breathing into your hands, you produce breath from the front of your mouth and may miss certain smells.

Myth: Bad breath is a sign of an underlying illness.

Fact: Most bad breath is caused by particular chemicals in your mouth and a coating on your tongue or irritated gums. While it can be a sign of an illness in another area of your body, the bad breath will almost always be accompanied by additional symptoms if this is the case.

Myth: Using mouthwash regularly will cure bad breath.

Fact: We wish this were true, too! While mouthwash can temporarily disguise certain odors from the back of your mouth, it can eventually dry your mouth, making your breath symptoms more intense. 

If you’re struggling with bad breath, call our office to make an appointment. Our dental team will give you a thorough exam and cleaning and assess the cause of the problem. Generally, bad breath is something we can treat in-office with a deep cleaning. If your exam reveals it results from a health issue in another part of your body, we will refer you to a specialist. 

To aid treatment while at home, ensure you maintain oral hygiene and take extra measures such as flossing and scraping your tongue. The Huntsville Family Dental team knows how debilitating bad breath can feel, and we want to do everything we can to aid you in prevention and treatment. To book an appointment or have your questions answered, call us at (936) 295-5437. Read about overcoming dental anxiety.

Overcoming Dental Anxiety

Overcoming Dental Anxiety

At Huntsville Family Dental, our team starts every day with the goal of giving our patients the best dental experience possible. We consider every patient’s unique circumstances, including anxiety about being in the dental chair. Dental anxiety is quite common, and there are many easy ways to combat it while maintaining and achieving your smile goals.

We will begin by discussing why keeping up with oral healthcare is essential. When you visit us every six months, a dental hygienist will thoroughly clean your teeth. This involves removing any hard-to-reach plaque and tartar, which tends to build up in areas that are more difficult to clean during your at-home hygiene routine. In addition, your hygienist and dentist will be able to catch any early signs of cavities, oral cancer, and other issues. When dealt with ahead of time, you will spend less time and money at our office in the long run. Not to mention your smile will thank you for it!

Many people completely avoid going to the dentist or only go when necessary. While it could be assumed that this anxiety stems from wanting to avoid pain, it is usually due to feeling a lack of control. At Huntsville Family Dental, we approach each patient with patience and kindness in this area. Some of the ways in which we help build trust with patients include:

  • Making sure patients are aware they can take a break if they are uncomfortable. We believe it is best to play it safe and take it as slowly as possible if a patient feels anxious. If you need to step out and get some air, you are welcome to let us know!
  • Explaining what patients will feel and for how long. As we said, lack of control is the main reason people have dental anxiety. This anxiety can be alleviated by being given as much knowledge as possible about what to expect and when to expect it. We will provide information at multiple points throughout the appointment.
  • Getting to know each patient. Building relationships with everyone who walks through our doors is in our DNA. We want you to feel like you are visiting with old friends. We care deeply about the health of your teeth but also your life!
  • Making sure patients know they can be assertive with their needs. Our team will provide a thorough exam for all patients; however, it is an essential part of the visit for patients to let us know if there is an issue. We will ensure to inform all patients ahead of time they can express their needs and comfort level at any time during their visit goes a long way.
  • Checking in with patients during the appointment. We constantly check in with our patients throughout their appointments, especially if it involves an in-depth dental procedure.

If you are still feeling nervous, we are here to help. Many relaxation techniques are proven to alleviate anxiety in the moment, such as breathing deeply, progressive muscle relaxation, or listening to calming music. As another alternative, we offer oral conscious sedation and nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas. These treatments are beneficial for anxiety over extensive procedures, and we take them very seriously. If you think one of these options may be helpful for you during your visit, we will consult with you prior and figure out if it makes sense to include them in your oral health journey.

If you have questions about dealing with dental anxiety for yourself or a loved one, there is always more to learn! We want to come alongside you at our office and make everything as simple as possible. Feel free to call us at (936) 295-5437 with any questions. Learn more about the dedicated dental team here.

Oral Hygiene for Summer Travel

Oral Hygiene for Summer Travel

Everyone loves Summer! We understand how exciting vacations can be, but we want you to keep your smile in check! What’re the best oral hygiene for summer practices to have? 

Ways To Practice Good Oral Hygiene This Summer

While oral health probably isn’t the first thing on your mind while traveling, it is surprising how easy it can be to take care of it with these simple tips in mind.

First, make sure to keep your consumption of sugary foods in check

Vacation is a perfect opportunity to treat yourself, and everyone deserves this! However, we want to make sure you avoid any potential dental issues that could form due to high sugar intake. You might want to try swapping out carbonated soda for an equally delicious and healthier beverage, such as green tea. While avoiding your favorite treats may not be possible, adding in foods such as vegetables high in fiber will aid in keeping your teeth clean. It is all about balance.

Second, it is always a good idea to have sugar-free gum on hand 

Whether flying, driving, or taking a bus, you may go longer than usual without brushing your teeth. Chewing sugar-free gum after eating is a wonderful way to keep your mouth as clean as possible. Not to mention, there are many delicious flavors out there!

Third, stay hydrated for good oral hygiene for summer

Hydration is essential for many reasons, including when it comes to the health of your smile. If you are enjoying a vacation adventure during the day and aren’t able to brush your teeth until later, drinking water while you eat will help dilute any plaque-forming acids and protect your teeth while you are having fun. Hydration is also key in guarding against dry mouth. Saliva is 99% water, so the more you drink, the more saliva you produce!

Fourth, let’s discuss your toothbrush’s ideal environment!

Can you guess one of the most important things to pay attention to on vacation? Minimizing potential bacteria growth on your toothbrush. Yes, you read that right! There are two main ways to ventilate your toothbrush and prevent bacteria growth. When looking for a travel toothbrush case, try to find one with small holes or room for air to circulate. A case without holes will keep the moisture locked in, which is not ideal. Also, keep your toothbrush free from its travel case when possible. Leaving it out to dry will aid in prevention.

Lastly, try your hardest to stick to your regular morning and evening oral hygiene routines

If you brush your teeth first thing in the morning, keep doing that. If you regularly brush your teeth throughout the day, travel toothbrushes were made for you. This will keep a healthy habit going, and it will also aid in preventing tooth decay and plaque. To make it even easier on yourself, pack an extra toothbrush and toothpaste just in case you misplace yours!

If you’d like to learn more about the prevention and treatment of cavities, read about it on our blog.

At Huntsville Family Dental, we want you to have the best Summer possible with your family and friends! Have you been in for your first appointment of the year yet? If not, call to make an appointment at (936) 295-5437 before your first Summer trip. This way, you will be able to make sure you do not need any treatment and will be able to enjoy your vacation without any pain or stress. You deserve it!