Valentine's Day is a great reminder to share the love. Try these 5 TIPS & TRICKS to keep your smile lovable (including a relaxing DIY spa lip scrub). Also, get to know one of your favorite pediatric dentists with a professional spotlight on Dr. Lise K. Bradley.
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1. SMILE "SPA" TREATMENT. Clean that smile! Leftover food particles between teeth and dry, cracking lips deserve some tender loving care pampering.
LOVABLE REMEDY: DIY Spa Lip Scrub Recipe - Create an exfoliating honey lemon sugar scrub to gently remove flakes and dead skin from your lips. To create the scrub, simply mix honey, lemon juice, and sugar. Massage over lips with small circular motions, then rinse off. Make your lips feel deeply refreshed after by moisturizing with lip balm. Conclude by brushing and flossing your teeth for a fully fresh feel!
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2. SHARE LOVE, NOT GERMS. This time of year, illnesses are common, and as a result we tend to be more cautious. But even throughout the year, be diligent not to cause cross-contamination.
LOVABLE REMEDY: Avoid sharing toothbrushes, which can introduce new bacteria to one's mouth. Do NOT share feeding utensils, or "clean" bottles or pacifiers in your mouth. In the bathroom, consider storing toothbrushes separately, as to not let the bristles pass germs from one to another.
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3. AVOID BAD BREATH. Everyone has experienced the embarrassment of bad breath at one time or another. But what causes this odor? In addition to consuming pungent-smelling foods, a main culprit of bad breath (also known as "halitosis") is bacteria in the mouth. When food sits on the teeth, gums, and tongue for extended time without being brushed or flossed, the breakdown causes a foul odor.
LOVABLE REMEDY: Brush and floss often, plus be sure to drink plenty of water after eating. You can also chew sugar-free mint gum, which will increase saliva production, rinse away bacteria, and aid against tooth decay.
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4. VALENTINE'S TREATS - BE KIND TO YOUR TEETH. When trying to decide which candies are more or less harmful, think about the amount of time it will take to eat. For example, chocolate dissolves quickly, whereas sticky and hard candies take a while to eat. Additionally, chewy and hard candies can get stuck in your teeth, potentially causing more harm.
LOVABLE REMEDY: Instead of eliminating all candy, limit candy to directly after mealtime. The boosted amounts of saliva created for eating a meal will help cancel out some of the dental plaque bacteria acid often associated with sugar. Gum with the ADA seal gets two thumbs up. Chewing yummy sugar-free gum after eating helps to boost saliva and wash out food. Sound like a win-win to us!
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5. KEEP A LOVABLE RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR DENTIST. No one loves smiles more than we do! Be sure to visit Dr. Fry and Dr. Bradley at least semi-annually for dental cleanings. We care for children of all ages, including newborns and children with special needs. Each member of our Sunshine Team loves working with children and being a resource for parents. Ask us any questions you may have! Our office is a place for children to have FUN and SMILE. Need to schedule an appointment? Call us at 910-762-7736.
PROFESSIONAL SPOTLIGHT: Lise K. Bradley, DDS
Get to know one of your favorite dentists!
Passionate about serving children and giving them bright healthy smiles, Dr. Lise Bradley is a wonderful member of the Sunshine Team. She is able to provide all types of routine pediatric dental care for our patients.
She is originally from Albany, NY. She attended dental school at the University of Missouri Kansas City. Wilmington, NC has been home for her for the last decade.
Dr. Bradley has two adult children. Her son is a chef in Wilmington, NC. Her daughter works in finance in Denver, CO.
During her spare time, Dr. Bradley enjoys gardening and entertaining. Dr. Bradley is excited to serve you and your family at Sunshine Children's Dentistry.
To ensure all your children’s teeth are ready to SMILE all year long, be sure to visit Sunshine Children’s Dentistry. The American Dental Association recommends oral checkups twice annually for children (and adults, too). QUESTIONS? We are a resource to you and are happy to answer any questions you may have about your child’s changing smile. We believe that oral health should be FUN and something to SMILE about! f you ever need to reach us, our number is 910.762.7736.
For more helpful resources and fun activities, be sure to read our other Blog Articles.
