Sehnert Precision Dentistry

We’re now well into September, so here’s a reminder that this month is also National Gum Care Month! Even though you should be brushing, flossing, and caring for your teeth and gums year-round, it never hurts to spend some extra time each September to read up and understand how to ensure you’re free of gum disease and other nasty problems.

Remember, your gums are just as important as your pearly whites, so take the time to care for them diligently and your smile will thank you!

Today we recognize National School Picture Day, a day designated to celebrate the worldwide tradition of schools taking photos of their students. School pictures serve as a way to capture a moment in time during a student’s academic journey, and there’s also no better chance to smile brightly and proudly!

That said, give your smile the spotlight it deserves, whether you’re a current student or not, by brushing and flossing daily and confidently showing off your camera-ready smile!

The human body is a masterpiece, and we have the ability to heal ourselves after all sorts of different injuries and recover from various types of illnesses. However, did you know that your teeth are technically the only body parts you have that are incapable of healing on their own?

The enamel layer of your teeth, or their outermost layer, can sustain damage due to chronically poor oral hygiene, bruxism, or other dental issues. In these cases, dental intervention is often needed – but in any case, it’s best to try to prevent this damage from occurring in the first place.

You already know what we’re going to say – brush and floss daily and keep up your routine checkups. Even though your teeth won’t heal themselves, you can simply reduce the need for healing by taking proactive care of them!

These days, toothpaste comes in several different types and flavors – there’s even bacon-flavored toothpaste for the many foodies out there! Of course, it’s hard to top the classic, icy peppermint flavor that many of us opt for.

However, despite how modern this oral hygiene product may seem, did you know that toothpaste originated in Ancient Greece? Back then, everything from pumice, talc, alabaster, and coral powder, to even iron rust was used as toothpaste. Thankfully, toothpaste today is much safer and effective, not to mention, better tasting!

Do you pay close attention to how much dental floss you use each time you floss your teeth? It’s easy to get a little carried away – and you might accidentally pull off a strand that’s way longer than you need! The magic number is 18 inches; this ensures you have enough length to wrap it comfortably around your fingers so that it can then be used to easily clean every space between your teeth.

Of course, you can always instead opt for using a dental flosser to make things simpler; as long as you’re flossing, that’s what’s important!

Today, we honor all of the hard work and dedication that drives our nation forward. Enjoy yourselves and have a safe and Happy Labor Day!

When was the last time you replaced your toothbrush? If you can’t remember, it’s probably time to pick out a new one!

Toothbrushes need to be replaced every three months, or sooner if you’ve been sick. An easy way to tell if your brush is ready to be replaced is to check the bristles; if they’re worn and fraying, they’ll be less effective at cleaning your teeth!

August is just about to end, which means autumn is right around the corner. And there’s no better time than the fall to schedule a preventive dental visit; you’ll be setting your smile up for excellent health going into the remainder of the year.

Not to mention, with so many exciting holidays coming up these next few months, you should want your pearly whites to glow brightly for every photo op!

Have you ever found yourself reaching for a toothpick to remove a stuck piece of food debris from your teeth? This is actually unwise! Toothpicks are believed to be one of the most common objects that Americans choke on; not to mention, it’s very possible for them to splinter into smaller pieces and cause damage to the soft issues within your mouth.

Rather than risk dental injury, do your smile a favor and use dental floss or swish water around your mouth for this task!

When talking about cavities, it’s tough to iterate just how common they actually are. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 2 billion people worldwide have untreated cavities – this is an alarming figure! And in the US alone, at least 26% of adults have untreated cavities.

It goes without saying that the best way to prevent cavities is routine preventive dental care combined with a diligent at-home hygiene regimen; this statistic isn’t one you want to be a part of!

Happy National Tooth Fairy Day! Today we recognize the importance of this special figure who assured us while growing up that it was perfectly okay for our baby teeth to fall out – and that you can even profit from it!

This isn’t a case of déjà vu; this day is observed twice every year, once in February and again in August! It just goes to show how important the Tooth Fairy is, as well as how important dental hygiene is.

What’s your favorite Tooth Fairy memory? Share it with us below!

Did you know that in many ways, your teeth are like miniature time capsules?

Believe it or not, the inside of your teeth contains a wealth of information about you. Scientists can analyze the enamel in teeth to determine things like age, diet, and even the historical period in which a person lived! It’s just another reason to be thankful for your pearly whites and to take excellent care of them!

Happy Sunday!

The summer heat seems to be peaking these days, so you should be sure you’re consuming enough liquids to stay hydrated and cool off. However, gum disease is also more likely to develop if you don’t drink enough water! Your saliva plays an important role in protecting your smile from this serious threat, and if you aren't hydrated, your body won't produce as much saliva.

Most people only drink some water if they start to feel thirsty, especially in hot weather – so it’s in your best interest to drink much earlier, for your body and your smile’s benefit. An easy way to do this is by taking a refillable water bottle with you while you're out and about!

Today is National Creamsicle Day, a day in which we honor and celebrate one of the world's most iconic and beloved frozen treats. With origins dating back to the Great Depression era, there’s no doubt that this iteration of the popsicle isn’t just one of the most recognizable, but also one of the best-tasting. Thankfully, these days they also come in sugar-free versions, which make them much more tooth-friendly!

Take a moment today to enjoy a Creamsicle or another kind of popsicle – they’re also a great way to beat the summer heat. Of course, just be sure to brush your teeth afterward!

After you brush your teeth, where do you place your toothbrush? Setting it in an upright position in a designated toothbrush holder will help it to dry properly and keep it safe from potential falls and spills. You should also be sure to leave it uncovered to prevent bacteria from building up.

Remember, your toothbrush is your most important tool at home for cleaning your pearly whites, so use it diligently and store it correctly!

When was your last dental checkup? Hopefully within the last six months! But did you know that these appointments aren’t a modern invention? In fact, dentistry is one of the world’s oldest professions, with some of the earliest evidence of dental work, such as cavities being filled, dating back over 7000 years.

Luckily, dentistry today is quite different, and safe to say, a lot more sophisticated and effective!

This time of year doesn’t just signal the start of a new school year – it also means that fall sports are just around the corner! However, did you know that each year, approximately 5 million teeth are displaced from their sockets during sports and physical games?

Not every dental accident can be prevented, but an athletic mouthguard can certainly prevent the vast majority of them. That said, don’t even think about taking the field without one of these trusted devices!

If you’ve ever seen the movie Titanic, you probably remember the part with the giant iceberg – but did you know your teeth are similar to icebergs? Much like how only the top portion of an iceberg is visible above the ocean’s surface, you can only see a portion of your teeth; about two-thirds of them are beneath your gumline!

This hidden portion, known as the root, plays a vital role in dental health and the stability of your teeth. Just another reason to keep your teeth and gums in great shape!

You’ve probably heard that soda isn’t exactly the best beverage for your teeth, since these drinks often contain high amounts of sugar. However, another big problem with soda involves sipping; if you’re slowly drinking a soda, you’re giving it more time to come in contact with your teeth and cause harm!

This means that if you can’t help enjoying a soda every now and then, try to finish it quickly or use a straw, to reduce the amount of contact it comes into with your pearly whites. Of course, you could also simply skip the soda in favor of good old-fashioned water.

Happy National Avocado Day! Did you know that avocados aren’t just tasty – they’re also great for your teeth? They’re packed with vitamins and nutrients such as potassium, which directly benefit your teeth and gums. They also contain folic acid, which helps in cell renewal, therefore strengthening gum tissue!

Today, don’t shy away from having an avocado or adding one to one of your favorite recipes to make it a bit healthier; your smile will thank you!

Did you know that your dominant hand is often tied to which side of your mouth you chew on? Right-handed individuals often chew on the right side of their mouths, while those who are left-handed tend to do the opposite.

But to avoid chronic jaw problems, it is recommended that you use both sides of your jaw as much as possible when you’re eating; your teeth and jaw muscles will thank you!

Most of us can agree that few things are as refreshing as ice cream, a popsicle, or a snow cone during a hot summer day – but what about the resulting tooth sensitivity that occurs?

For many, tooth sensitivity puts a damper on these sweet treats; in fact, they say over 40 million Americans experience tooth sensitivity from time to time. It’s normal to experience temporary sensitivity when enjoying hot or cold foods and beverages, but if the sensation persists for days or becomes severe, don’t shrug it off; it might be a sign of an underlying issue.

Today is National Hot Fudge Sundae Day, and there’s no better way to cool off and beat the summer heat than by indulging in a delicious ice cream sundae loaded with all your favorite toppings!

Just don’t forget to brush your teeth afterward; these frozen concoctions have high amounts of sugar, so you’ll want to enjoy them in moderation and stay on top of your hygiene habits in order to maintain excellent dental health.

As the heat begins peaking this summer, you might find yourself thirsty and with a dry mouth a lot more often than usual. But did you know having a dry mouth can actually be harmful to your dental health?

Your saliva helps to keep problem-causing bacteria inside your mouth at bay; this means that if you’re feeling thirsty, give your smile the edge it needs to look and feel its best, and drink a glass of water!

Enjoy your sweet treats, but don't forget to take care of your teeth. Remember to brush and floss after indulging in your favorite ice cream to keep your smile bright and healthy! 🍦🦷✨

With back-to-school season rapidly approaching, you should know that an estimated 51 million hours of school are missed by children annually due to needing to visit their dentist for a specific oral health problem. This is why preventive dentistry is paramount; this routine care can ensure that your child stays in the classroom and focused on learning!

Of course, preventive dentistry also allows the rest of us to go to our jobs with a bright and healthy smile on our faces!

Do you have children who spend every hour of daylight during the summer playing sports and outdoor games? Or maybe you enjoy them yourself – but no matter if it’s you or your child on the field, you’ll want to ensure that an athletic mouthguard is worn. These small devices are incredibly useful, given that they can prevent serious dental injuries!