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Always change your toothbrush or electric toothbrush head every 3 months!
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Chewable Jewels Mother’s Day Giveaway
Enter our Mother’s Day Giveaway by simply liking our Facebook Store by going to this link.
You have the chance of winning our beautiful Chewable Jewels Mother’s Day Gift Basket! The drawing will take place May 10, 2013.
So shop and let’s get sociable… and share it with your family and friends!
Floss Trick for Loose Teeth
This picture and dialogue comes from a mom whose little girl’s tooth was loose, but did not want to come out!
Dr. Bloom: You should get a piece of floss, and tell her that you are going to clean around the tooth. Wrap the floss around the tooth and pull the knot closed. If the tooth still does not come out, you can tell her that her tooth is clean, and that it will come out within a few days. Don’t worry. It is normal for a tooth to take several days to come out.
Mom: The floss trick worked like a charm!
Dr Bloom: Just call me the online virtual dentist :).
Mom: U rock!
Have you ever tried this trick before?
Did it work?
Do you have any other suggestions for getting those stubborn primary teeth out?
We’d love to hear from you!
-Dr. Bloom
Is That A Permanent Tooth?
Posted 2010: Notice permanent teeth look yellow or bone colored compared to primary (baby) teeth. Don’t worry, once all of the permanent teeth are in, the teeth will look white. Primary teeth are very white. Also the grooves on the top edge of the erupting permanent teeth are the developmental lobes. In most cases, these lobes will wear down partially or all the way due to chewing over the years. As a mommy dentist, I make sure I keep my children’s teeth clean but look at my son’s nails?!?!?!?
Dr. Helen Bloom Smith
President, Dr. Bloom Inc.
Mommy wants a Non-Surgical Face-Lift
Posted in 2010: As a mom of three children under the age of six, it is easy to get into a fashion rut. I usually notice that new moms put fashion and taking care of themselves at the bottom of their list- way after feedings, diapers, playtime, play groups, doctors appointments, etc. However, the better you feel, the better you look..but this also works the other way. The better you look, the better you feel. Of course, as a health professional, I say eating healthy, drinking plenty of water, and aerobic and anaerobic exercise will do magic for your mind and body. However, mommies may need that a little extra boost! For those of you interested in looking ten years younger, but not having a face lift, listen up. Try teeth bleaching!
There are so many different options to teeth bleaching. I have used all forms in my dental practice and I personally have also tried most types. All bleaching kits achieve the same results…. they whiten your smile. I have found that any method will work, but consider your schedule and personality. For example, there are kits that cost around $30.00 and can be bought over the counter. Usually the strength of the bleaching material is weaker, however, over time (usually 2 weeks), you will see dramatic results. In office bleaching, is more expensive and done in a dental office by a dental professional. You will see immendiate results at that appointment, and ususually a mold is made of your teeth so that you can go home with trays for “touch-ups.”
As a dentist, I am asked all the time which bleaching system is best. I tell my patients and friends and family that they all work. My only suggestion as a dentist and from 
personal experience, bleach for small intervals (15-20 minutes a day) and this will decrease sensitivity. Also, try a desensitizing gel before or after treatment (or both).
So go ahead mommies, take ten years off your life by brightening up your pearly whites! You deserve it. This way your babies (especially you nursing mothers), can see your teeth in the dark!!!!
Dr. Helen Bloom Smith
President, Dr. Bloom Inc.
Their First Dental Check-Up
Posted 2010: This question and answer in magenta below is from the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (www.aapd.org). I thought this would be helpful if you are wondering when to visit a dentist for the first time.
When should I take my child to the dentist for the first check-up?
In order to prevent dental problems, your child should see a pediatric dentist when the first tooth appears, or no later than his/her first birthday.
As a dentist and Mom, I am asked this same question all of the time, “When should I take my baby / child to the dentist?”. Here in Alabama, we recommend by a child’s first birthday just like the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry does. However, most pediatricians here say to make sure you visit by the third birthday. Early intervention is key, and the child will also have an opportunity to get acquanted with the dental office…getting toys, balloons, stickers etc. Hopefully, a child will have a very pleasant experience before having to have any work done. We want them to enjoy coming to visit us or at the very least not be afraid!
Dr. Helen Bloom Smith
President, Dr. Bloom Inc.
National Children’s Dental Health Month
Posted February 2010: Today (February 1st) starts the first day of National Children’s Dental Health Month and I feel that I should do my part spreading the word about dental health and safety all month long to my wonderful readers! For the rest of this month, I will make sure you know the tips to promote healthy teeth and gums but you have to do your part as well! There is information out there from free resources to promote dental health and answer your questions such as the American Dental Association (www.ada.org), The American Academy of Pediatric Dentists (www.aapd.org), your own dentist, and even thisblog. I recommend using these resources to guide you on your journey of taking care of your teeth and your children’s teeth! Valentine’s Day falls in February as well. I think this an appropriate month to promote Dental Health because we should “love” our teeth, our mouth, our tooth brush, our floss, and our gums! I think the Valentine’s Card could go something like this:
“Roses are Red, Violets are blue, I brush my teeth, how about you?”
or
“Roses are Red, Violets are blue, remember to floss, so you will keep plenty of teeth, not few!”
or
or
“Roses are Red, Violets are blue, love your dentist and give them a gift card this month-maybe two!”
Ok- I think you get the point. Just a little dental humor!!!!
Dr. Helen Bloom Smith
President, Dr. Bloom Inc.
Pointers for Brushing Your Little One’s Teeth
Posted 2010 (Remember these simple pointers when your child brushes his or her teeth):
1. Children love a routine so always try to brush after breakfast and right before bed. You can also try after lunch if your child is not in school.
2. A timer is a fun tool so they do not rush (2 minutes is recommended).
3. Always use a soft bristle toothbrush.
4. Use stage toothbrushes (age appropriate toothbrushes).
6. Encourage your child to spit the paste out, and not to swallow the paste (use fluoride free on small children).
7. Try a step stool and you will be amazed how much they want to brush.
8. Never let a child walk or run with a toothbrush in the mouth.
Have a wonderful day!
Dr. Helen Bloom Smith
President, Dr. Bloom Inc.
How about Your Teeth
Posted 2010:
Moms and Dads, have any of you noticed after tasting some of your children’s ice cream that your teeth are sensitive?
Assuming you have had your annual cleaning and no decay (cavities), you may want to have your dentist check your teeth and explain your symptoms. You could have an abrasion lesion in your tooth. This is a groove in your tooth that is close to the gum line. This is caused by someone brushing too hard or too often.
Assuming you have had your annual cleaning and no decay (cavities), you may want to have your dentist check your teeth and explain your symptoms. You could have an abrasion lesion in your tooth. This is a groove in your tooth that is close to the gum line. This is caused by someone brushing too hard or too often.
A simple solution. Take Sensodyne toothpaste (pink) and place a small dab directly on your tooth. Brush for 2 weeks repeating this step with Sensodyne toothpaste on your tooth.
Unfortunately, sometimes these areas are so deep, they must be restored (fillings). Just remember that your dentist is there to help! Schedule your regular check-ups and take care of any problems early!
Dr. Helen Bloom Smith
President, Dr. Bloom Inc.
Happy and Healthy Valentine’s Day
Posted February 2010:
Valentine’s Day is here and I wanted to kindly suggest that if you have school age children that are taking Valentine’s Cards to school with a treat enclosed, maybe think about other options besides candy. Children will have ample opportunities to get plenty of candy and maybe you can offer some healthier options for their teeth (and their classmates teeth).
Here are some of my suggestions:
1) Valentine Pencils
2) Valentine Erasers
3) Valentine Stickers
4) Smencils (scented pencils)
5) Silly bandz
6) Small toys (like goodie bag items)
The children will love these items and their teeth will thank you!
Dr. Helen Bloom Smith
President, Dr. Bloom Inc.
