DIRECTION: WAUSAU SMILES | 301 N 17th Ave #200 | Wausau, WI 54401

PHONE: 715-842-3933

SCHEDULE FOR APPOINTMENT

Menu

General Dentistry

Experience comprehensive oral care with our general dentistry services. Your path to a healthy, radiant smile begins here!

Oral Health Tips at Every Age: A Lifetime of Healthy Smiles

, , , ,

Oral health is a lifelong journey that evolves with each passing year. From baby teeth to wisdom teeth, our mouths go through various stages, each with its own unique set of challenges. In this blog post, we will explore oral health tips for every age so you can maintain a healthy and beautiful smile throughout your life.

Infants and Toddlers (0-3 Years)

Babies may not have teeth, but their oral health is just as important as adults. Here are some tips for infants and toddlers:

  1. Wipe Gums: Before teeth erupt, gently wipe your baby’s gums with a clean, damp cloth to remove bacteria and establish good oral hygiene habits.
  1. First Dental Visit:Schedule your child’s first dental visit by their first birthday. Early check-ups help identify any potential issues and set the foundation for a lifetime of good oral health.
  1. Avoid Bottle Decay: Never put your child to bed with a bottle containing milk, juice, or sugary liquids. This can lead to early childhood tooth decay.

Children (3-12 Years)

As your child grows, so do their oral health needs. Here’s what to focus on during this phase:

  1. Regular Brushing and Flossing:Encourage your child to brush their teeth at least twice a day and start flossing when their teeth touch.
  1. Healthy Diet: Limit sugary snacks and drinks and promote a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and dairy products for strong teeth.
  1. Fluoride Toothpaste: Use fluoride toothpaste to prevent cavities and strengthen tooth enamel.

Teens (13-19 Years)

Teenagers are often dealing with orthodontic treatments and busy schedules. Maintain their oral health with these tips:

  1. Orthodontic Care: If your teen has braces, ensure they follow their orthodontist’s recommendations for cleaning and maintaining their braces.
  1. Avoid Tobacco and Sugary Drinks:Warn against tobacco use, which can cause oral cancer, and help them limit their consumption of soda and sugary beverages.
  1. Protect Teeth in Sports: If your teen plays contact sports, invest in a mouthguard to protect their teeth from injury.

Adults (20-59 Years)

As we enter adulthood, oral health care becomes more routine. Consider these tips:

  1. Regular Dental Check-Ups: Maintain bi-annual dental check-ups and cleanings to catch and address issues early.
  1. Quit Smoking: If you smoke, consider quitting to reduce the risk of oral cancer and gum disease.
  1. Stress Management: Stress can lead to teeth grinding and jaw clenching. Consider stress management techniques to prevent damage.

Seniors (60+ Years)

Oral health remains important as we age. Here’s how to keep your smile healthy in your senior years:

  1. Regular Dental Visits: Continue with regular dental check-ups and cleanings to address age-related dental issues promptly.
  1. Dry Mouth Management: Seniors are more prone to dry mouth, which can lead to decay. Stay hydrated and use saliva substitutes if needed.
  1. Consider Dental Implants: If you’ve lost teeth, dental implants can improve your oral health and quality of life.

Conclusion

Oral health is a lifelong commitment, and it’s essential to adapt your oral care routine at every age. By following these tips and maintaining regular dental check-ups, you can enjoy a healthy, beautiful smile throughout your entire life. Your smile is a valuable asset, and taking care of it is an investment in your overall health and well-being.

Dentists as Medical Professionals: Dispelling Misconceptions

, ,

When contemplating medical professionals, our cognitive faculties frequently evoke mental representations of stethoscopes, pristine garments, and bustling healthcare facilities. They are commonly linked to the identification and management of a diverse array of medical ailments. However, it is important to consider the role of dentists in this context. Do dentists hold the same professional designation as medical doctors? The response is unequivocally affirmative. The objective of this blog article is to refute the misconception that dentists are not considered legitimate medical professionals and to provide insight into their vital contribution to the field of healthcare.

Comprehending the Levels of Education

In order to comprehend the veracity of this myth, it is imperative to get a comprehensive understanding of the scholarly credentials that dentists possess. Dentists get the professional designation of Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) or Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) through a comprehensive program that encompasses both demanding academic coursework and extensive clinical training. The standard duration of this instruction normally encompasses a four-year period of undergraduate study, followed by an additional four years of professional dentistry school.

While the degrees may vary from those held by medical professionals (MDs or DOs), they are nevertheless doctorate degrees. Dental professionals undergo a rigorous and all-encompassing educational program that empowers them with the necessary expertise and proficiencies to deliver dental services and uphold oral well-being.

The term “Scope of practice” refers to the specific activities and responsibilities that individuals within a certain profession are authorized to do. It delineates the boundaries and limitations of their

The questioning of dentists’ legitimacy as medical professionals stems from the perception that their knowledge is confined to the domain of oral health. Medical professionals are responsible for addressing a diverse array of health concerns, including several bodily systems. In contrast, dentists specialize in the identification and management of diseases specifically pertaining to the teeth, gums, and oral cavity.

Dentists have the responsibility of upholding oral hygiene, addressing dental caries and periodontal disorders, and executing a range of dental interventions such as endodontic therapy, restorations, and extractions. The possession of specialized competence is of utmost importance in order to guarantee the adequate maintenance of patients’ dental health.

An Essential Component of the Healthcare System

The notion that dentists are apart from the wider medical domain is only a myth. The interconnectedness between dental health and general wellness is an undeniable truth. Numerous studies have established correlations between dental health and several medical diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, and issues during pregnancy.

The oral cavity is sometimes seen as the primary entry point to the human body, and any issues occurring within this region might potentially impact the overall well-being of an individual. Hence, the imperative nature of fostering collaboration between medical specialists and dentists becomes evident. Both occupations contribute to the preservation of patients’ overall health and wellness.

The topic of collaboration in healthcare is of significant importance in the field.

In several instances, there exists a collaborative relationship between medical specialists and dentists with the aim of delivering optimal patient care. An instance of this would be when a patient with a pre-existing medical condition necessitates certain dental considerations prior to undertaking particular operations. This collaborative effort enables the preservation of the patient’s well-being during the entirety of the procedure.

The correlation between oral health and systemic health underscores the need to acknowledge dentists as essential participants within the healthcare community. In collaboration with medical practitioners, they strive to adopt a comprehensive approach to patient treatment.

In summary, it can be concluded that

The inquiry on whether dentists may be classified as doctors is not subjective but rather a matter of objective determination. Dentists are healthcare professionals who possess a high level of qualification as well as considerable training and skill within their specialized specialty. The individuals in question bear the responsibility of upholding oral health, a facet that is inherently intertwined with one’s general well-being.

Within the expansive realm of healthcare, it is widely acknowledged that both medical physicians and dentists have pivotal positions that are essential to the overall functioning of the system. The issue at hand does not revolve around a contest to determine superiority but rather acknowledges the collective contributions of both parties towards the overall welfare of patients. When you visit your dentist, it is important to recognize that you are under the care of a committed healthcare practitioner who possesses the qualifications and expertise of a medical doctor.