Why is Dental Health Important?

Having a healthy mouth is more than just having attractive teeth. Oral health touches every aspect of our lives. If you think about it, our mouth is one of the parts of our body that is almost always in constant use. We use it to eat, talk, breathe, etc. Practicing good dental health is important to maintaining a healthy mouth, teeth, and gums, but, it’s not just about looks. We also need our teeth to hold the shape of our face, the lips, and cheeks,to speak properly and clearly, and they help to chew foods for your well-being.

What happens if I don’t practice good dental health?

When the plaque is not removed, it continues to build up and eventually causes tooth decay and gum disease.Cavities are painful places on your teeth where decay has eaten through the enamel and exposed a tooth’s root. Hot or cold food or liquids can send a painful signal that something is wrong. However, cavities may not have any symptoms until after significant damage to the tooth. Early signs of tooth decay are easier to treat than advanced cases. If a cavity goes untreated, root canals, removal of teeth and other more expensive and invasive procedures could become the only treatment options available. This is why regular visits to your dental professional are so important.

How to properly brush your teeth

Daily brushing and flossing is probably one of the most important things you can do to protect your teeth because it removes plaque and debris. Brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and floss at least once per day.

Place the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gums. Gently brush in a circular motion. Brush the outer surfaces, inner surfaces, and chewing surfaces of the teeth. This will take about 2 minutes. Then brush the tongue by using a sweeping motion with the toothbrush or by using a tongue scraper. Once you are done brushing, it is important to clean the sides of the teeth with dental floss or other interdental brush. You can also rinse with an antibacterial mouth rinse.

Should I only worry about cavities?

Besides tooth decay, there are many problems that can arise by not taking the time to strive for a healthy mouth.A common complication of poor oral health is gum disease, which can be mild in the initial stages, but lead to much more severe problems if untreated. Gum disease is an infection of the tissues that support the teeth. It is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults. If not caught early and left untreated, it progresses to periodontal disease, which may cause loss of teeth, infections and other complications. Regular dental check-ups and cleanings, brushing and flossing are vital to preventing gum disease and periodontitis.

Your dental health can influence your overall health and well-being

There is a direct relationship between the health of your mouth and your overall physical health. Experts say that certain diseases can first show their presence in the mouth and studies have indicated a link between periodontal disease and other health problems including heart complications, strokes, diabetes complications, and respiratory issues.A dental cleaning every six months helps to keep your teeth and gums healthy and could possibly reduce your risk of many health concerns.

Contact Information & Directions

In our mission to provide the best dental services possible by using only the most advanced, state-of-the-art technology available. We are committed to educating our patients and providing services to the people of the Manchester. When you visit with us, you will find dental professionals who genuinely care about your health, and are dedicated to providing exceptional service to everyone who walks through our door.Schedule an appointment with our experienced dentist, Dr. Praveen Mandera and give your smile the level of care and attention it deserves.

New Hampshire Family Dentistry

2626 Brown Ave.

Manchester, NH 03103

Phone:(603) 625-1877

Click here to get online directions to our Manchester, New Hampshire office.

Office Hours:

Monday thru Thursday: 7 30 AM to 5:00 PM

Friday: 7:30 AM to 2:00 PM

You can also use this form to send us a quick message.

Meet Dr. Praveen Mandera, DDS

Dr. Praveen Mandera is proficient in all aspects of general dentistry. He practices dentistry with a positive attitude and a genuine desire to know his patients. He takes time to listen to your issues and provides solutions that best suit your needs and budget. He is committed to enhancing the quality of life of all our patients though good dental health and creating beautiful healthy smiles.Dr. Mandera is dedicated to providing the highest quality of dental care to patients of all ages.

When to Replace Your Toothbrush

Keep your toothbrush clean.

Your toothbrush may not be as clean as you think. Research shows that a single toothbrush can be laden with as many as 10 million germs and bacteria! Fortunately, toothpaste has an anti-germ ingredient built-in to it.
To best protect your toothbrush against unnecessary germs, rinse it with water after brushing and store it in an upright position. In between replacement, you can soak your toothbrush in mouthwash. Mouthwash contains an antiseptic that can kill germs.

Knowing when to replace your toothbrush is just as important as brushing twice a day and flossing.

The biggest decision you used to make when buying a toothbrush was soft, medium, or hard bristles. There are dozens of types of brushes, from simple to pricier versions.Just as importantly as knowing how to use your toothbrush, is knowing when to replace it.

Dr. Mandera recommends changing your toothbrush every 3 months.Replace your toothbrush sooner if you have recently gotten over a cold, or if your toothbrush is stored in the same container as family members who have been sick. Granted, not many will mark their calendars for when they are due to switch the old for the new, so when in doubt, just look at the bristles. If they appear frayed, its time to replace. Toothbrushes that are worn will not clean your teeth as effectively.

What to Expect at Your Child's Dental visit

Even if your child is not complaining of any pain and their teeth appear to be in good shape, it's still very important to for your child to see a family dentist twice a year. A family dentist has undergone additional training in the fields of pediatric dentistry and is capable of addressing the growth, development, and treatment of children's teeth.
These visits allow the dentist to check for early signs of problems such as decay and crowding teeth. They also let the dentist address any concerns that may affect your child's dental health like diet and oral hygiene habits.

 

At what age should my child have their first dental visit?

The ADA recommends that a child first sees a dentist within 6 months after the first tooth erupts.

What happens during my child's dental visit?

If your child has begun getting their adult teeth (usually by 5 or 6 years old), they will have an x-ray taken by the dental assistant.X-rays play an important role in helping the dentist see if the adult teeth are growing in the jaw properly and for any potential issues that can not be seen by the naked eye. Next, the hygienist will clean your child's teeth using dental tools and floss. Then, your child's and receive a fluoride treatment and the hygienist will educate parents about oral healthcare basics for your child. Lastly, the dentist will further examine your child's teeth, apply dental sealants and discuss any further treatment that may be needed.

What if my child is afraid of going to the dentist?

If your child shows some apprehension about their upcoming dental visit, sit and talk with your child about what's going to happen. You can check-out books at your local library and show them some child-appropriate video's from the internet. You can even stop by the office to meet the dentist, staff and tour the treatment room and other areas.

Most importantly,Regular check-ups and cleanings are key to healthy teeth and gums. By keeping scheduled visits for proactive dental care, more serious dental issues can be avoided and the dentists office might never need to be scary again.

Sweet Treats for the Troops

New Hampshire Family Dentistry is proud to be partnering up with Operation Gratitude again this year for a Halloween candy buy-back event

.

All children in Hillsborough County are invited to bring in their unopened, leftover Halloween candy to our office in Manchester.

For each pound of candy your bring in, we will give you $1/per pound.

We are accepting candy during regular business hours Oct. 31st thru Nov.10th at 2626 Brown Avenue

All of the candy collected will be donated to Operation Graditude. 

The candy will be added to care packages that are sent to American military troops all over the world.

Our Annual Food Drive

Once again, New Hampshire Family Dentistry is proud to be hosting a food drive to benefit the New Hampshire Food Bank. Last year our patients donated 77 pounds of non-perishable foods. This year, we are hoping to surpass that amount and reach 100 pounds! We will be collecting non-perishable foods now until November 15th.
The New Hampshire Food Bank provides food completely free of charge to local food pantries. In fact the NH Food Bank is the primary supplier to over 400 organizations statewide.
Help us in the fight against hunger and bring your donation to our office during regular business hours. Every little bit helps and we greatly appreciate your donation!