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Cavities are also known as dental caries. Cavities are a common oral health problem which affect people of all ages. Cavities can lead to tooth decay, pain, and even tooth loss if left untreated. Here are some important things to know about cavities:

1. Causes: Cavities are mainly caused by poor oral hygiene and a diet high in sugary and acidic foods, for example: candy and soda. When we eat these foods, the bacteria in our mouth produce acids which attack the tooth enamel, leading to cavities.

2. Symptoms: In the early stages, cavities may not cause any noticeable symptoms. However, as the decay progresses, you may experience tooth sensitivity, toothache, visible holes and dark spots on the tooth.

3. Prevention: Good oral hygiene is most important for preventing cavities. Brushing your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, and using mouthwash can help remove plaque and prevent cavities from forming on your teeth. Reducing the consumption of sugary and acidic foods can also lower the risk of cavities.

4. Dental Check-ups: Regular dental check-ups are crucial for detecting cavities early on. Dentists can examine your teeth and use X-rays to identify any signs of cavities. Early detection allows for prompt treatment and prevents further damage to the teeth.

5. Treatment: The treatment for cavities depends on the severity of the decay. In the early stages, a dentist may recommend fluoride treatments or dental sealants to remineralize the enamel and prevent further decay. If the cavity has progressed, a dental filling, crown, or root canal may be necessary to restore the tooth.

6. Complications: If cavities are left untreated, this can lead to various complications, such as tooth abscess, infection, and even tooth loss. Severe tooth decay may require more serious and costly dental procedures.

7. Children and Cavities: Children are more likely to have cavities due to their developing teeth and poor oral hygiene habits. It is important to teach children proper brushing and flossing techniques, limit their intake of sugary snacks and drinks, and schedule regular dental check-ups to prevent cavities. They should also be using toothpaste with fluoride two times a day as well as flossing if possible.

A bridge and an implant are both dental restorations used to replace missing teeth, but they differ in their approach and structure.

A bridge is used to replace one or more missing teeth. It is a fake tooth, also known as a pontic, held in place by a dental crown connected to other teeth. The dentist will drill down the adjacent enamel to fit the crowns. A bridge is made from ceramic and is cemented onto the teeth to make sure it is stable and will function for the missing tooth. A bridge is usually cheaper than an implant but not always the better option. A bridge might need to be replaced over the years and may irritate the gums. If something happens to the root of the adjacent teeth the bridge is cemented to, the bridge will have to be removed and there may be a need for an implant after all.

 A dental implant is a surgical component that is inserted into the jawbone to replace a missing tooth root. It is a titanium post that is surgically inserted into the jawbone, acting as an artificial tooth root. After the implant is placed, a healing period is required for the implant to fuse with the jawbone, a process called osseointegration. Osseointegration assures the body will not reject the post. When the implant has fully healed and no issues arise, a dental crown is attached to the implant making it look like a natural tooth. An implant should last a lifetime and should not fall out. Implants are expensive but are the best investment and have a higher success rate.

As always you need to see your dentist and get a consult to see what is best for your situation.

Keeping New Year's resolutions can be challenging- with the right strategies and mindset, staying committed and achieving your goals is possible. Here are some effective ways to help keep those New Year's resolutions:

1. Set Realistic and Specific Goals: Start by setting achievable goals. Be specific about what you want to accomplish and break down into smaller, manageable steps. This will make tracking your progress easier and will help to stay stay motivated.

2. Create a Plan: Develop a detailed plan of action to reach the goals. Write out the steps needed to take and set deadlines for each milestone. Having a plan will give something to follow and keep focus. Vision boards are helpful!

3. Make a Commitment: Make a commitment to yourself and goals. Write down and place the goals someplace visible, like on your fridge, bathroom mirror, or on your phone's lock screen. This constant reminder will help you stay committed and motivated.

4. Track Progress: Keep track of your progress regularly. This could be done through a journal, a habit tracker app, or a spreadsheet. Seeing progress will give you a sense of accomplishment and encouragement to keep going.

5. Find an Accountability Partner: Share goals with a trusted friend or family member who will hold you accountable. Having someone to check in with and share progress can provide the support and motivation you need to stay on track.

6. Celebrate Milestones: Celebrate any achievements along the way. When you reach a milestone or make significant progress, reward yourself with something enjoyable. This will help you stay motivated and make the journey fun.

7. Stay Positive: Be kind to yourself throughout the process. If you experience setbacks or temporary lapses, don't beat yourself up. Instead, focus on getting back on track. Remember setbacks are a normal part of the process, and every day is an opportunity to start fresh.

8. Stay Flexible: Be open to adjusting your goals or strategies if needed. Life is unpredictable, and circumstances may change. If you encounter obstacles or find that your initial plan isn't working, be willing to adapt and find alternative solutions.

9. Look for Support and Resources: Don't be afraid to ask for support or resources to help achieve your goals. Whether it's joining a support group, hiring a coach, or using online resources, plenty of tools are available to assist on your journey.

10. Stay Motivated: Find ways to stay motivated and inspired. This could be reading books or articles related to set goals, listening to podcasts, or following social media accounts that share motivational content. Surround yourself with positive influences- this will keep you motivated and focused.

Lastly, try to remember keeping New Year's resolutions may take some time. It requires consistent effort and dedication. By using these strategies and staying committed, you can increase chances of successfully achieving goals and making lasting changes in your life. Here is to a great 2024!!

When you have braces or appliances, it's important to be mindful of the foods you eat to avoid damaging your braces or appliances--this would cause discomfort. Here are some safe foods to enjoy during the holidays if you have braces or appliances:

1. Softcooked meats: Turkey, ham, and other soft cooked meats are safe to eat as long as they are cut into small, bite-sized pieces and there aren't bones.

2. Mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a great option as they are soft and easy to chew.

3. Cooked vegetables: Steamed or roasted vegetables like carrots, green beans, and broccoli are safe to eat as long as they are cooked until tender and cut into small pieces.

4. Soft bread: Soft bread like dinner rolls or bread rolls without any hard crusts with butter are a great option.

5. Soft desserts: Puddings, mousses, ice cream, and other soft desserts are safe to enjoy. Just be careful not to eat any hard or sticky ingredients.

6. Soft fruits: Bananas, berries, and other soft fruits are safe to eat. Avoid biting into hard fruits like apples or pears unless they are sliced into thin pieces.

7. Soups: Creamy soups or broth-based soups with soft ingredients are a good option.

Remember to cut food into small pieces and chew carefully. Avoid hard, sticky, or crunchy foods that can damage your braces or appliances. It's also important to maintain good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly, especially after meals. This would be a great time to bring your travel hygiene kit given when you started treatment with us!