Your Family Dentist

Dental photography is comprised of two types: intraoral and extraoral. Both are used regularly to treat our patients.

Both extraoral and intraoral photography play a crucial role in providing the best treatment and service possible for our patients. Digital imaging enables our team to scan and share images with you, walking you through any diagnosis and discussing potential treatment options with you in real time.

Extraoral and Intraoral Digital Imaging - Extraoral radiography takes images from the outside of the mouth and is used to detect issues with the face, skull, and jaw. Intraoral digital imaging involves the insertion of sensors inside the mouth. There are many different types of intraoral radiographs, each of which show a different aspect of the teeth and can help to determine the proper diagnosis.

How It Works
Using an intraoral imaging system, your dentist will incorporate a technique known as 'paralleling'. This method involves placing an X-ray film parallel to a tooth or teeth and using the intraoral sensor to scan perpendicularly. Films can be placed at a variety of angles and in a multitude of locations, each time re-angling the sensor in order to achieve the highest quality image. This can be done quickly, producing images nearly instantaneously.

What is It Used For?
Intraoral imaging systems are used to aid a variety of diagnostics including assessing inflammation of the gums, producing dental views of the bitewing, occlusal, full mouth, and periapical, as well as determining an endodontic file location. This system is not only used by dentists, but also orthodontists, periodontists, prosthodontics, and oral surgeons.

Benefits for Patients
When we can be faster, more efficient, and provide a visual aid to our patients, both parties benefit. High-quality imaging systems guarantee contrast and spatial resolution of images, which allows us to maintain our high standards of excellent customer service and care.

Foods to watch out for
One danger for your teeth in different foods, even healthy ones, is acidity levels. Very acidic foods and drinks can damage your tooth enamel and/or stain your teeth.
Here is a list of acidic foods and drinks you may want to limit in your diet:

• Citrus fruits (Lemons, Limes, Oranges)
• Coffee
• Tea
• Wine
• Beer
• Soda
• Tomatoes

While these foods are fine in moderation, just keep in mind that you don’t want to over-do it and risk hurting your smile.

Sugary or sticky foods, as stated previously can also harm your teeth, as they are harder to clean off of your teeth and can cause plaque build-up. Avoid them as much as you can, or be sure to thoroughly brush and floss your teeth after eating.

Beware of Ice!
One of the worst and also most common bad dental habits that people often do is chewing on ice. Ice can greatly damage and easily chip your teeth. Chewing ice can also wreak havoc on your enamel and existing cavities and fillings. It can cause problems with your jaw and lead to tooth sensitivity as well.

Pulver Dental Care encourages our patients to maintain a varied diet with plenty of fruits and veggies and keep the health of their teeth in mind when choosing what to eat and drink. Maintaining a healthy smile comes from years of good habits, including what you eat!

Find Fun Educational Movies
Nothing really captures a child’s attention like their favorite cartoon. Looking for shows or movies that illustrate good oral hygiene practices and that paint the dentist in a positive light will encourage your kids to take care of their teeth.

Let Your Child Choose Their Own Toothbrush
Make brushing fun by permitting your children to pick their own toothbrushes. A toothbrush with his or her favorite Disney princess or superhero will make brushing fun! Make sure to stick to softer bristled brushes for children’s teeth and to replace them every few months.

Sing and Dance!
Brushing teeth in the morning and before bed time doesn’t have to be a chore, it can be fun! Get creative, make a song that you sing with your child before they brush. By creating these fun rituals together, you will make oral hygiene an enjoyable and memorable part of your child’s day.

Or, you can let your kids play their favorite song while they brush so they can dance and brush along to the music. There are even apps you can get that play two-minute versions of popular songs to keep your kids looking forward to brushing their teeth.

Bring Your Child Along To Your Dental Visits
Bring your child along to your dental visits so that he or she can get comfortable with the process of having your teeth cleaned and x-rays taken. You can show them that it’s not scary and can even be fun! By showing the positive aspects of dental visits, you will demonstrate to your child that the dentist office is safe and happy place.

For additional dental tips for your children, contact Pulver Dental Care in Lowell, IN at (219)-228-1293! We love helping kids feel comfortable and excited about going to the dentist!