Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to say about the role played by your Dental Hygienist! The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel. Westshore Dentistry, Inc.    Rajiv Motwani, DMD 4708 26th Street West Bradenton, FL 34207 (941) 758-4543 WestshoreDentistryFL.com

Don’t replace fillings just because they’re old  When you have a cavity, the dentist removes it and puts in a filling. These fillings can last for many years, but some people get silver fillings removed because they don’t like the color. However, the process of removing a filling can weaken the tooth. Additionally, insurance may not cover the removal.  To read the entire article visit MouthHealthy.org . Westshore Dentistry, Inc.    Rajiv Motwani, DMD 4708 26th Street West Bradenton, FL 34207 (941) 758-4543 WestshoreDentistryFL.com

Ask about all the options for calming your child during dental procedures  Dental work can be scary for some kids. Talk with your dentist about ways to help your child stay calm. Tips for a successful dental visit can include making sure your child is not hungry before their dental appointment and scheduling an appointment at the proper time of day. For jaw pain, try conservative treatments first  Jaw pain can be caused by stress, arthritis or an injury. A treatment plan for jaw pain should first consist of actions like exercises and anti-inflammatory drugs. To read the entire article visit MouthHealthy.org . Westshore Dentistry, Inc.    Rajiv Motwani, DMD 4708 26th Street West Bradenton, FL 34207 (941) 758-4543 WestshoreDentistryFL.com

Learn more about the connection between your teeth and what you eat. The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel. Westshore Dentistry, Inc.    Rajiv Motwani, DMD 4708 26th Street West Bradenton, FL 34207 (941) 758-4543 WestshoreDentistryFL.com

Use toothpaste with fluoride for infants and children  For children younger than 3 years, you should begin brushing a child’s teeth with fluoride toothpaste in an amount no larger than a grain of rice. For children 3 to 6 years of age, use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Consider sealants to prevent decay or treat beginning cavities on the back teeth  Dental sealants act as a barrier to prevent cavities. They are a plastic material applied by a dentist to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth where decay occurs most often. To read the entire article visit MouthHealthy.org . Westshore Dentistry, Inc.    Rajiv Motwani, DMD 4708 26th Street West Bradenton, FL 34207 (941) 758-4543 WestshoreDentistryFL.com

Learn more about dental care and your overall health. The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel. Westshore Dentistry, Inc.    Rajiv Motwani, DMD 4708 26th Street West Bradenton, FL 34207 (941) 758-4543 WestshoreDentistryFL.com

Below is an excerpt from an article found on Colgate.com that was written by Steve Auger When you hear the word "X-ray," there's a tendency to envision a youngster sitting around an ER waiting to see if he or she has a broken bone incurred playing sports or just horsing around. But X-rays are just as important to dentists' offices as they are to those of orthopedists. A teeth X-ray is invaluable to any dentist in the maintenance of good oral health when treating a patient. Here's exactly what they are and how dentists incorporate them into their practices. X-RAYS Your dentist visually examines all aspects of your teeth and gums during a typical checkup. A teeth X-ray, however, is a diagnostic tool that allows your dentist to gauge your mouth health through factors he can't see with the naked eye, according to the American Dental Association (ADA). Also called radiographs, X-rays can reveal common issues such as cavities, tooth decay and periodontal disea...

Crush, Don’t Cube  Ice may be your best friend on a hot day, but it's no friend to your teeth. That's because chewing on hard foods, such as ice, can leave your teeth vulnerable to a dental emergency such as a broken tooth and can even damage enamel. If you can, put cans and bottles in a huge tub of ice so your guests won’t be tempted to crunch a few cubes when they’re done with their drinks. If you need ice to put in a glass, use crushed Serve Infused Water  Soda and sports drinks are some of the worst drinks for your teeth. They eat away at your teeth, cause dry mouth and are full of sugar. Water, however, is one of the best things you can sip, so serve up a healthy drink with a twist of whatever fruit you’d like. Infused waters are low in sugar and super hydrating. (Just go easy on citrus fruits. The acid in lemons and limes can be harsh on your teeth.) Bonus: Pitchers of infused water will also look beautiful on your table. Keep Gum Handy  Your guests may be lo...

The Trouble with Toothpicks  Serving corn on the cob or pulled pork? Your guests may need something to get food unstuck from their teeth. A toothpick is sharp and can pierce gums, giving bacteria a chance to get in. And no one wants a mouth splinter if it breaks. Instead, leave dental picks in a covered dish in the bathroom, or replace toothpicks on the table with soft, flexible, wooden plaque removers like Stim-U-Dent. Go Seedless  You can also cut down on food getting stuck in your guests’ teeth by serving seedless foods. Opt for hot dog and hamburger buns without sesame and poppy seeds. Use crunchy fruits in your fruit salad instead of raspberries, kiwi and blackberries, and serve seedless watermelon. To read the entire article visit Mouthhealthy.org Westshore Dentistry, Inc.    Rajiv Motwani, DMD 4708 26th Street West Bradenton, FL 34207 (941) 758-4543 WestshoreDentistryFL.com

Serve the Right Kind of Crunch Potato chips are standard party fare, but they bring unwanted guests into your mouth. Chewed-up chips often settle in the pits of your teeth, giving cavity-causing bacteria the chance to make a meal from your teeth.  Instead, put apples and pears on your fruit platter, and stock your veggie tray with carrots, celery and raw broccoli. They're like natural toothbrushes, scrubbing off build-up and stimulating saliva to wash away what’s left. Cheese, Please  A slice of cheddar can make a grilled burger so much better. Plus, who doesn’t love a cheese platter? Dairy products like milk, yogurt and cheese are low in sugar and rich in calcium and phosphorous, which strengthen and protect enamel. Research also suggests that eating more dairy may lower your chances for developing gum disease. So go ahead and say cheese! To read the entire article visit Mouthhealthy.org Westshore Dentistry, Inc.    Rajiv Motwani, DMD 4708 26th Street W...

Below is an excerpt from an article found on Colgate.com that was written by Brenna Stone Does the thought of mouth germs taking up residence on your teeth make you feel a little uncomfortable? It should! Masses of harmful microorganisms in the mouth can form plaque, the sticky substance that adheres to the teeth and gumline. Plaque can really harm your teeth and gums. When it isn't removed by regular brushing and flossing, it can lead to cavities and gum disease! Find out what you can do to reduce the amount of germs in your mouth. Regular Toothbrushing Toothbrushing is a powerful tool for fighting germs. At the minimum, brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste; once after breakfast and once before going to bed. There is no harm in brushing your teeth more frequently. You can brush after meals to cut down on plaque formation and to freshen your breath. Spend a full two minutes gently brushing all surfaces of your teeth and your tongue. Use a toothpaste like Colgate Total...

Below is an excerpt from an article found on Colgate.com By following the information in this guide, you and your family can have healthy teeth and gums to last a lifetime. As a parent, you can work with your children to help them understand why good oral care is important - and show them how to do it right! Four Steps to a Bright Smile Brush at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, especially after eating breakfast and before bedtime. Floss every day. Limit the number of times you eat snacks each day. Visit your dentist regularly. It's easy to guide your family toward good oral health. All it takes is the right information and a little practice to keep them moving in the right direction! To read the entire article visit Colgate.com . The remainder of the article details the following: Infographics on how to brush Infographcis on how to floss A list of preventive dental care tips! Westshore Dentistry, Inc.    Rajiv Motwani, DMD 4708 26th Stre...

State-of-the-Art Sterilization Dr. Motwani values your continued good health, so sterilization is taken very seriously in our office. Single-use tools are used whenever possible. In addition, metal instruments are sterilized after each use with a special unit called an autoclave, which is routinely inspected by an independent lab to ensure the highest level of safety and cleanliness. Your health is too important to us to take even the slightest risk. Westshore Dentistry, Inc.    Rajiv Motwani, DMD 4708 26th Street West Bradenton, FL 34207 (941) 758-4543 WestshoreDentistryFL.com

You know good dental habits can help prevent things like cavities and gingivitis, but you may not know what conditions like these really look like or how they can affect your mouth. Use this visual guide to learn more about some of the most common dental health issues, symptoms to watch for and the potential treatments that are available. Please note: This content is for informational purposes only. Only a dentist, physician or other qualified health care professional can make a diagnosis. Cold Sores (Fever Blisters) Cold sores are fluid-filled blisters that erupt on your lips, under your nose or around your chin caused by a virus known as herpes simplex virus type 1. Once you have them, you’re likely to get them again. Extremely contagious, they can be passed to others from the time you feel the first symptoms (like itching or tingling by your mouth) to the time they heal completely. Cold sores are often red, yellow or gray and usually heal within a week...