If you’ve recently undergone root canal therapy with our dentists in South Sioux City, Dr. Doug Barr and Dr. Aaron Fuehrer, you may have a temporary crown in place while awaiting the permanent one. While some patients are eager to complete the process, others may wonder about the durability of the temporary crown.

So, how long can you expect the temporary crown to last? Well, it varies. Typically, the permanent crown is fitted within a few weeks to a month after the initial procedure. This allows time for the healing of the tooth and surrounding tissue, as well as for the fabrication of the custom crown. However, the placement of the final crown may be postponed if additional dental procedures are recommended by our dentists.

What if the temporary crown remains in place for longer than a few weeks? Extended wear of the temporary crown increases the likelihood of significant wear and potential shifting of the tooth and occlusion. Dr. Barr and Dr. Fuehrer will provide guidance on the optimal duration of your temporary crown based on its placement and your oral habits.

It’s important to note that even if the temporary crown appears to be holding up well beyond the recommended timeframe, it’s not advisable to delay the placement of the permanent crown. If you have any concerns about your crown or need to schedule an appointment for root canal therapy, don’t hesitate to contact our office. Dr. Barr or Dr. Fuehrer will be happy to address any questions or concerns you may have.

Chewing gum has been a beloved habit for centuries, offering various benefits from flavor enjoyment to breath freshening. But does chewing gum contribute to good oral health? The surprising answer is yes, albeit with some considerations.

Sugar-free gum can actually benefit your oral health by stimulating saliva production. Saliva helps neutralize mouth acids, wash away food particles, and combat bacteria, reducing the risk of cavities and tooth decay. However, not all gums are created equal. Those containing sugar can have the opposite effect, feeding oral bacteria and promoting acid production, leading to enamel erosion and cavities.

When selecting gum, opt for sugar-free varieties containing xylitol, a natural sweetener known to inhibit cavity-causing bacteria growth and neutralize mouth acids. Additionally, chewing gum stimulates saliva production, aiding in breath freshness by washing away odor-causing bacteria. Many gum flavors, such as mint or cinnamon, contain essential oils that further contribute to breath freshness.

While sugar-free gum can complement oral hygiene routines, it’s crucial to remember that it’s not a replacement for proper dental care. Regular brushing with fluoride toothpaste, daily flossing, and routine visits to your dentist in South Sioux City are essential for maintaining optimal oral health.

In summary, chewing sugar-free gum can be beneficial for your oral health by promoting saliva production, which aids in acid neutralization and bacteria removal. However, choose gum wisely to avoid sugar and opt for xylitol-containing varieties. Remember, good oral hygiene practices remain paramount for a healthy smile. So, feel free to enjoy that gum, but make sure it’s the right kind!

Tooth decay is the most common chronic disease for children and adolescents. About ¼ of children and more than half of teens currently have this illness. Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 90% of adults over age 20 have some amount of tooth-root decay. However, tooth decay is highly preventable. By providing effective dental care during childhood, better long-term oral health may be achieved. 

Here are some practices that can help prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health issues at every age: 

Hygiene 

Brush teeth twice each day with a soft-bristled brush. Clean your tongue gently with your toothbrush or a tongue scraper. Use fluoride toothpaste to help strengthen enamel. Children should use only toothpastes designed for kids’ use. Replace toothbrushes every 2-3 months. 

Clean between teeth daily. Use dental floss or another interdental cleaner. Talk to your hygienist for a recommendation and instructions for effective use. 

Diet 

Eat healthy foods and limit sugary and acidic foods. Drink plenty of water. 

Sealants 

A recent study on the effectiveness of sealants was published jointly by the American Dental Association (ADA) and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD). They found that sealants can prevent up to 80% of tooth decay in permanent molars when used for children and teens. Adults may see similar benefits from use, as well. Additionally, no adverse effects have been reported with use of sealants on patients of any age. Talk to our dentist about whether dental sealants may help you prevent tooth decay. 

Fluoride 

Fluoridation of public water has been listed by the CDC as one of the great achievements in public health in the 20^th century. Studies have shown tooth decay in children who have fluoridated water sources is reduced by up to 40%. If you have concerns about tooth enamel weakness or if you live in an area without fluoridated water, ask our dentist whether supplemental fluoride may be right for you. 

Dental Care 

Visit our office for a professional cleaning and thorough exam at least twice each year, or as instructed. Seek treatment right away if issues are identified. 

Effective preventive care saves time and money and can help ensure a lifetime of healthy, beautiful smiles. For more information about tooth decay prevention, contact our office.

Good oral health is an important part of overall health and wellbeing. As a parent, it’s important to instill good oral health habits in your children from a young age. Teaching children good oral health habits can help them maintain a healthy mouth and smile throughout their lives. 

To start, it’s important to create a good oral hygiene routine for your children. This should include brushing and flossing their teeth twice a day. Make sure to use toothpaste with fluoride. Fluoride helps to prevent cavities and other tooth decay. You can also use a timer to help your children brush for the full two minutes. 

It’s also important to help your children learn the importance of healthy eating. Eating a balanced diet with lots of fruits and vegetables helps to keep teeth healthy. Avoiding sugary snacks and drinks can also help to prevent cavities. Sugary snacks and drinks can cause bacteria in the mouth to produce acid, which can lead to tooth decay. 

It’s also important to schedule regular dental visits for your children. Seeing a dentist regularly is key to keeping your child’s teeth healthy. During these visits, the dentist will be able to identify any problems and provide advice about how to keep your child’s teeth healthy. 

In addition to the above, it’s important to discuss the importance of oral health with your children. Talk to them about the importance of brushing and flossing properly and regularly. You can also use books and other materials to help your children understand why oral health is so important. 

Finally, it’s important to model good oral health habits for your children. If your children see you brushing and flossing regularly and eating healthy foods, they will be more likely to follow your lead. It’s also important to show them the importance of visiting the dentist regularly. 

Overall, instilling good oral health habits in your children is important. It can help them maintain a healthy mouth and smile throughout their lives. To get started, create an oral hygiene routine for your children and help them learn the importance of healthy eating. Make sure to schedule regular dental visits and discuss the importance of oral health with your children. 

Finally, be sure to model good oral health habits for your children. Doing so will help ensure that your children have a healthy smile for years to come. Contact our office today to schedule your child’s next appointment.