If you are one of the many people who have shied away from visiting the dentist because of time or money issues, you are definitely not alone. The huge cost of dental care can create financial hardships and take up countless sick days, but there are several ways to reduce your dental costs. Here are 4 tips that will help you save a lot of time and money on your next dental visit.
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Dentists in St. Louis, like Dr. Spalitto, are dedicated to keeping your smile healthy. In this video, the ADA suggests wearing a mouthguard whenever you participate in any athletic activity.

In family dentistry, keeping patients’ teeth and gums healthy is important. A dentist advises both kids and adults to wear a mouthguard whenever playing contact sports, including football, basketball, or soccer. However, dentists also urges patients of all ages to wear a mouthguard even when taking part in solo athletic activities, like biking, running, or rollerblading. Your dentist can fit you with a customized, comfortable mouthguard.

To learn even more about why mouthguards are essential in family dentistry, contact Dr. Spalitto by calling (314) 821-2712 to speak to a dentist.

Dr. Spalitto, your dentist in St. Louis , is committed to helping your family achieve good oral health at all stages of life. That is why baby bottle tooth decay is one issue our family dentistry practice educates patients about. This video explains this risk to your child’s developing teeth.

Baby bottle tooth decay occurs when baby teeth are exposed to sugary liquids for long periods. At your next family dentistry appointment, talk to your dentist about ways to avoid this kind of decay, such as never putting your child to bed with a bottle.

Regular family dentistry appointments at West Country Dental will help you manage your baby’s oral health. To schedule an appointment, please call (314) 821-2712 today.

Visiting your dentist regularly is key to maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Regular dental exams and dental cleanings can help you avoid dangerous oral problems, such as periodontal disease, and will help you maintain good health and a confident smile.

During your first dental visit, Dr. Spalitto will first examine your mouth and gums for signs of tooth decay, cavities, gum disease, and oral cancer. He may also check your jaw, face, and neck for signs of oral cancer or illness. Next, he will take dental X-rays to check the condition and health of your teeth and bones. Your dentist will also check your biting, chewing, and swallowing patterns to make sure that there are no problems.

A member of his team will perform your dental cleaning. She will remove the tartar and plaque from your teeth that can lead to periodontal disease. She will also clean your teeth with toothpaste, and then polish them to remove stains. If a serious problem has been identified, such as a cavity, missing crown, or a tooth that needs to be extracted, she will let you know. Dr. Spalitto is known for being able to do same day dental implants and same day crowns.

A lifetime of good oral health starts in childhood. Dr. Pete Spalitto understands this, which is why he works hard to create a dentist office near St. Louis that caters to children and their unique needs. Use the following tips to prepare your child for his or her next dental visit:

Talk Positively About the Dentist

The things you say have a big impact on your children. If you want them to feel positive about going to the dentist, you have to talk positively about going to the dentist. While you do not want to give away too much information about what happens at the dentist, you should make an effort to talk about the dental visit positively. Explain to your children how Dr. Spalitto can help them keep their teeth healthy and their smiles attractive.

Lead by Example

Your actions also play heavily on your children and their opinions. If you want your kids to care about their oral health, you have to do the same. Make brushing and flossing a family activity so your kids get excited about taking care of their teeth and gums. You should also visit the dentist regularly to show the children that they have nothing to worry about when it comes to maintaining a healthy smile.

Offer Incentives for Good Dental Visits

You can get your children excited about going to the dentist by offering them an incentive for every good report care they get from Dr. Spalitto. Whether you have a sticker book that you add to or bring the kids to the store for a new toy, these incentives help you encourage your children to focus on their oral care. If he finds a cavity during a visit he’ll make sure to use laser dentistry to treat it so no drill no pain for your child!

Bring Your Kids to Meet the Dentist

If you feel like your children are a little apprehensive about going to the dentist, you might want to set up a consultation with Dr. Spalitto. When they see how nice and welcoming the dentist is, it will make them feel much better about their own visit.

When you bring your child in for the first visit at Dr. Spalitto’s dentist office near St. Louis , you can expect a visit that jumpstarts a lifetime of good dental hygiene. Focusing on dental visits while your child is still young leads to a happy and healthy mouth. Keep reading to learn more about what to expect from this first dental visit:

You Talk About Your Child’s Medical History

Before Dr. Spalitto starts the exam, he will sit down to talk to you about your child’s medical history. The more information you can give about your child’s health, the more effective the visit will be. You should also list any medications that your child takes so Dr. Spalitto knows how to proceed with the exam.

Dr. Spalitto Examines Your Child’s Mouth

The purpose of this dental visit is for Dr. Spalitto to thoroughly examine your child’s mouth to determine the current condition of his or her teeth and gums. This exam gives the dentist information about future growth and development. It also allows Dr. Spalitto to check out the child’s oral hygiene to determine if there is a risk of tooth decay or if there is already evidence of cavities.

Dr. Spalitto Cleans the Teeth

This first visit also gives Dr. Spalitto the opportunity to clean your child’s teeth and gums to remove any plaque or tartar that you might have missed with at-home brushing or flossing. During the cleaning, Dr. Spalitto can also give you some tips about the proper way to care for your child’s teeth and gums at home.

You Learn More About Pediatric Dental Care

Take advantage of this first dental visit by asking Dr. Spalitto any question you have about your child’s developing mouth. You and the dentist can discuss habits like using a pacifier or sucking the thumb. With your discussion about dental treatments, you can figure out exactly what you need to do to help your child grow up with a healthy, beautiful smile.

Practicing good oral hygiene will help you avoid dental problems for a lifetime. Brushing, flossing, and making regular visits to West County Dental of St. Louis can prevent gum disease and tooth decay. However, good hygiene practices may not mean as much if you don’t eat a mouth-healthy diet. The foods and beverages you consume greatly impact the health of your teeth and gums. To keep your smile strong, keep these diet suggestions in mind:

Focus on Fresh Produce

Dr. Spalitto of West County Dental stresses the importance of eating fruits, vegetables, and other foods that are beneficial for healthy teeth and gums. Many fruits and vegetables are fibrous, which helps with the natural cleaning of oral contaminants. Vegetables typically have low sugar content as well, which limits the ability of bacteria to create plaque. In addition, produce is dense in nutrients, and can provide a wealth of vitamins and minerals that fortify tooth and gum health.

Include Calcium-Rich Products

The bone that supports your teeth is made largely of calcium. This substance helps teeth retain a strong and rigid structure, which is necessary for chewing and eating. Consuming plenty of calcium-rich products—including low fat milk, yogurt, and cheese—can provide ample amounts of calcium to support your oral health.

Restrict Sweet Beverages

Many people know that residual food particles can get stuck between teeth, hastening the development of plaque and gum disease. As a result, they might wash down their meals with a large cup of cola, fruit juice, or sweetened tea in the hopes of dislodging food remnants and lowering the risk of cavities. Unfortunately, sugary beverages only heighten the danger of tooth decay. If you normally drink soda, juice, or another sugar-laden drink, that could be the reason for your dental issues. Instead, make water your beverage of choice. This single change to your diet could dramatically reduce tooth decay and improve your general wellbeing.

Home dental care is crucial for preventing cavities and gum disease. As this video explains, seeing a dentist is an equally important part of oral health. Dr. Spalitto of West County Dental is an excellent St. Louis dentist with more than a decade of experience.

While brushing and flossing reduce the formation of plaque, they don’t entirely prevent the buildup of this harmful substance. Once plaque hardens into tartar, the only way to remove it is via a professional teeth cleaning. Dental exams can also reveal the presence of tooth decay and periodontal disease, which can cause extensive tooth and gum damage. Dr. Spalitto can also detect the warning signs of oral cancer—a life-threatening condition. For the sake of your oral health, make it a priority to visit West County Dental at least twice each year.