Smiling is often described as the universal language of happiness. It is a simple gesture that can convey warmth, positivity, and openness. But did you know that smiling is also good for your health and well-being? In this blog, we will explore the reasons why smiling is good for you.

1. Reduces stress and anxiety

Smiling has been found to reduce stress and anxiety levels. When we smile, it sends a signal to our brain that everything is okay, and we can relax. Smiling triggers the release of endorphins, which are natural painkillers and mood elevators. Endorphins help reduce stress and anxiety levels and improve our overall mood.

2. Boosts the immune system

Smiling can also boost the immune system. When we smile, our body releases white blood cells, which help fight off infection and disease. Studies have shown that people who smile more often have a stronger immune system than those who do not.

3. Improves relationships

Smiling can help improve our relationships with others. When we smile, we are perceived as more attractive, approachable, and trustworthy. Smiling also helps build rapport and establish connections with others. People are more likely to respond positively to someone who smiles than someone who does not.

4. Increases self-confidence

Smiling can increase our self-confidence. When we smile, we feel more positive and self-assured. Smiling also helps reduce feelings of stress and anxiety, which can contribute to a lack of confidence. By smiling more often, we can boost our self-esteem and feel better about ourselves.

5. Enhances mood

Smiling can enhance our mood. When we smile, our brain releases dopamine, which is a neurotransmitter that is associated with pleasure and happiness. Dopamine helps improve our mood and gives us a sense of well-being. Smiling can also help alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety.

6. Improves productivity

Smiling can also improve our productivity. When we are in a positive state of mind, we are more motivated and productive. Smiling can help us stay focused and energized, which can lead to increased productivity and success.

In conclusion, smiling is good for you. It reduces stress and anxiety, boosts the immune system, improves relationships, increases self-confidence, enhances mood, and improves productivity. So, the next time you are feeling down, try smiling. Even if you do not feel like it, the act of smiling can have a positive impact on your well-being. Smiling is contagious, and it can spread happiness to those around you. So, keep smiling and spread joy wherever you go. Contact Family First Dental – Hickman today to schedule an appointment. 

Periodontal disease ranges from a mild inflammation of the gum tissues to periodontitis, a major oral disease that can result in soft tissue and bone damage. Periodontitis is the leading cause of adult tooth loss in the United States.  

One of the major causes of gum disease is practicing poor oral hygiene habits. Daily brushing and flossing and regular professional exams and cleanings are essential to maintaining optimal oral health. When these practices are not followed, plaque can form on the teeth and along the gumline. If this plaque is not properly removed, it may harden over time and become tartar. Once that occurs, only a dental professional can remove the tartar from teeth. 

If gum disease is not treated in a timely manner, tartar may continue to build unchecked. When this occurs, the gum disease may advance to gingivitis. In this stage, gums redden, swell, and become prone to bleeding from normal activities, such as brushing or eating. Some other common symptoms include: chronic halitosis (bad breath), sensitive teeth, and difficulty or pain with chewing. At this point, professional periodontal treatment is needed to prevent the gingivitis from advancing to periodontitis. 

When gingivitis is not treated in time, it may become periodontitis. Periodontitis is the most advanced form of periodontal disease. With periodontitis, gums begin to pull away from the teeth, creating small “pockets” along the gumline. These spaces are highly difficult to clean without professional intervention and can lead to rapid worsening in overall oral health. Without prompt and thorough treatment, bone, gums, and soft tissues may be destroyed by periodontitis. 

Some of the most common factors that contribute to periodontal disease developing include poor oral hygiene habits, diabetes, smoking, and hormonal changes in women. Some medications can cause gum tissue to grow abnormally, which can increase difficulty in proper cleaning of the teeth. People who are receiving treatment for AIDS are also at increased risk of developing periodontal disease. 

Many recent studies have found that untreated periodontal disease may negatively impact other aspects of your overall health, especially for patients with cardiovascular disease or diabetes. Periodontal disease can also increase the risk of developing certain pregnancy complications, such as low birth weight or premature birth. 

Our Hickman Dentist has the training and experience to diagnose and treat every stage of periodontal disease. If you have symptoms of periodontal disease, contact Family First Dental – Hickman to schedule a consultation. 

White spots on your teeth can be irritating and affect how you feel about your smile. The good news, however, is that they are preventable and rarely cause for concern. Here are things you should know about what causes white spots, how to prevent them, and what options are available should you already have them. 

What causes white spots on teeth? 

1.       Dental Fluorosis – This can happen when a child consumes or is exposed to too much fluoride during the development of their teeth. While undesirable, this is harmless and can happen before teeth even emerge. The most common cause of fluorosis in the US is the use or ingestion of too much toothpaste. 

2.       Poor Dental Hygiene – Forgetting to brush regularly can cause white spots to develop. 

3.       Braces – Wearing braces for an extended time can affect the coloration of your teeth and create white spots.  

4.       Acidic or Sugary Foods – These foods can damage your teeth as well as change the color of their enamel. Rinsing your mouth after you consuming acidic or sugary items can help negate these effects. 

How can I prevent them from appearing? 

Following a proper oral hygiene regimen is the best way to prevent white spots on teeth. Ensure your child uses the correct amount of toothpaste – children under 3 should use a smear the size of a rice grain, and children over 3 should not use more than a pea-sized amount. It is common for children to accidentally swallow or fail to spit out toothpaste, so be sure to supervise your child as they are learning. 

What are options for treatment? 

If you are already dealing with white spots, you have options. Whitening or bleaching can make the coloration of your teeth more uniform. Dental veneers can restore the entire appearance of your teeth, solving not just the problem of white spots. In some cases, topical fluoride or enamel microabrasion upon the white spots themselves can do the trick.  

Our Hickman dentist will recommend the optimal solution for treating white spots on your teeth. Contact Family First Dental – Hickman for a consultation today.

Discomfort and pain in your jaw, clicking while you talk or chew, and swelling on the sides of your face can be caused by Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD). TMD can make talking and eating both painful and uncomfortable. Our team understands how TMD can make your day a challenge. We’ve compiled a list of helpful tips for managing TMD discomfort, but also encourage you to schedule a visit to see us for a full evaluation. 

Finding Relief at Home 

If your jaw is swollen, try applying a cold compress to your face. We recommend holding the compress in place for about 10 minutes. If you are able, try a few gentle jaw stretches. After the cold compress, apply warm, moist heat to the same area. You can keep this warm compress in place for an additional 5 to 10 minutes.  

If your discomfort is particularly noticeable, try over-the-counter pain relievers such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or ibuprofen. If you find yourself taking pain relieving medications daily, please contact us immediately. 

The “Don’ts” of TMD 

Applying excess pressure to your jaw can make your TMD discomfort worse. Don’t use your hand as a rest for your chin, as doing so increases the amount of pressure and strain placed on your jaw. If you talk on the phone frequently, avoid holding the phone on your shoulder while bending your neck to keep it in place.  

Clenching your jaw and keeping your teeth tightly closed can also lead to a build-up of pressure in the jaw. During the day, try to keep your teeth from touching. By create a little space between your teeth, you will be relieving pressure from your jaw. 

Contact Us 

Our team is here to help you. Schedule a consultation with our Hickman NE dentist to learn more about the solutions available for people just like you dealing with TMD discomfort. We will provide a thorough examination to determine the best course of treatment for your TMD.  

Relief may be closer than you think. Contact Family First Dental – Hickman to learn more today.

It is not uncommon for many of us to grab a bite to eat in a hurry. Americans have grown accustomed to bigger food portions at restaurants, but our mouths have not. Trying to fit that oversized sandwich or apple in your mouth might be worse for you than you have ever imagined. Below are some reasons why this could be detrimental for your oral health and what you can do about it.  

Why This Is a Problem 

According to the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), taking bites that are too big for you to chew can not only cause jaw and teeth issues, it can also cause digestive problems. Discomfort, swelling and difficulty eating may result from opening your jaw too wide. Taking large bites may also result in food not being chewed thoroughly, which can lead to weight gain and digestive issues.  

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD) 

Constantly opening your jaw too wide becomes an even larger problem for people with temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). The temporomandibular joint connects the jaw to the skull bones enabling movement during chewing. People with TMD, usually have a restriction with how wide they can open their jaws. Taking large bites of food, especially hard foods like apples, can aggravate this condition making pain and jaw clicking worse.  

What You Can Do 

If you have food that is too large to chew or starts to cause jaw discomfort, try cutting your food into smaller portions. This makes food easier to eat with less hassle. Also consider eating softer foods that won’t harm your teeth or irritate your jaw.  

Tip: Avoid chewing on ice, popcorn kernels, hard candies, and opening nuts with your teeth. This can lead to a chipped tooth! 

Contact our Hickman NE Dentist today to schedule an exam and cleaning.

If you’re self-conscious about your smile due to missing teeth, modern dentistry offers a variety of tooth replacement options that look and feel like natural teeth. Here are three of the most common solutions to replace missing teeth:

Dentures

Dentures are ideal for those missing many or all of their teeth. Our team will take an impression of your mouth and send it to a lab to create customized dentures that fit your mouth perfectly. Regular cleaning with a non-abrasive cleanser is necessary to keep your dentures in good condition.

Bridges

Dental bridges are a partial denture solution for one or more missing teeth. They anchor to your existing teeth to prevent shifting and are designed to match the look of your natural teeth.

Dental Implants

Dental implants offer a long-lasting solution for missing teeth. They can last a lifetime with proper care and maintenance. Our Hickman dentist will evaluate your gum tissue and bone support to ensure that the implant has a strong foundation. Additional preparations, such as a bone graft, may be necessary for some patients.

Replacing missing teeth is important for preventing gum deterioration, teeth shifting, and improving speech and comfort. Our Dentist in Hickman NE can help you decide on the best tooth replacement solution based on your individual needs. Don’t let missing teeth hold you back from a confident smile. Contact Family First Dental – Hickman today to schedule a consultation.

Making your dental health a priority is essential for maintaining overall health and wellbeing. Despite our busy schedules, it’s important to schedule regular dental appointments and keep them. Our team understands that life can get hectic, which is why we work with you to find the most convenient appointment time for you.

Rescheduling appointments is understandable and we try our best to accommodate you. However, we greatly appreciate advanced notice when possible, as missed appointments without notice can be harmful to our practice. It’s important to remember that missed dental appointments can negatively impact your oral and overall health. Whether you’re receiving preventive or restorative care, neglecting professional treatment can lead to the progression of plaque and decay, and a decline in your oral health.

Some patients are more prone to oral health issues and may benefit from more frequent office visits. Investing in an extra cleaning each year can often prevent more costly concerns down the road. It may be tempting to skip a dental appointment and prioritize other activities, but maintaining a healthy smile significantly contributes to overall health.

We are committed to providing the best possible care and making your dental health a priority. If you have any questions about our practice philosophy or the care we provide, please don’t hesitate to contact Family First Dental – Hickman. Our Hickman dentist is here for you, and we look forward to seeing you at your next appointment.

Regular visits to the dentist are vital to maintain optimal oral health. Many people make time to clean their house, car, garage, or closets at least twice a year. However, they often forget to include oral health on their “to-do” list. Don’t wait until you experience pain to schedule an appointment with your dentist.

Regular Professional Cleaning and Examinations

Regular professional cleaning and examinations are your first line of defense against tooth decay, periodontal disease, oral cancers, and other oral illnesses. These routine visits allow for early identification and treatment of any oral illness, which leads to less-invasive treatment options and improves outcomes.

Why Do We Avoid Going to the Dentist?

The HDI institute, in a study done with the American Dental Association, lists some of the main reasons why people sometimes delay going to the dentist. The most common causes are cost, low perceived need, time, and anxiety. However, delaying oral care can lead to more serious issues.

When Should We See the Dentist?

The American Dental Society recommends maintaining twice-yearly visits for cleaning and examinations. In addition, make an appointment with your dentist for any of the following concerns:

• Pain in your mouth, teeth, or face
• Injury to your mouth, teeth, or face
• Conditions that can affect oral health, such as diabetes
• Pregnancy
• Jaw pain or stiffness
• Bleeding, swelling, or redness in your gums
• Recent dental treatment, such as fillings, crowns, implants, or root canal
• Pain or difficulty eating or drinking
• Chronic dry mouth
• Smoking or tobacco use
• Sores in your mouth that are not healing
• You have questions or concerns about your oral health or hygiene

Take Action Now

Don’t wait until you’re in pain to see your dentist! Our HIckman NE dentist is here to help you achieve and maintain your best oral health. Schedule your next appointment now by contacting Family First Dental – Hickman.

Did you know that chocolate might not be as bad for your teeth as people may have thought? You can now eat your favorite treat without feeling guilty. Studies have shown that there are benefits to eating chocolate, however, not all chocolate is created equal. It is important to note that these benefits apply to dark chocolate, not milk chocolate or white chocolate. Dark chocolate is rich in Fiber, Iron, Magnesium, Copper, Manganese and a few other minerals. 

A 100-gram bar of dark chocolate with 70-85% cocoa contains: 

• 11 grams of fiber 
• 67% Iron 
• 58% Magnesium 
• 89% Copper 
• 98% Manganese 
• It also has plenty of potassium, phosphorus, zinc and selenium 

Here are more advantages to eating dark chocolate and how to maintain good oral health while doing so. 

Chocolate and Your Teeth 

Chocolate is a candy that dissolves quickly in your mouth, resulting in less time on your teeth. It does less damage than a chewy or sticky candy because the sugar doesn’t cling to your teeth as long.  

Chocolate and Your Health  

Cocoa and dark chocolate are also a powerful source of antioxidants. Antioxidants protect the body from damage caused by harmful molecules called free radicals. Many experts believe this damage is a factor in the development of blood vessel disease, cancer, and other conditions. The bioactive compounds in cocoa can improve blood flow in the arteries and cause a small but statistically significant decrease in blood pressure. 

Chocolate Benefits  

Eating chocolate can lower your risk for cardiovascular disease. A study also showed that the flavanols from cocoa can improve blood flow to the skin and protect it against sun-induced damage. 

Remember to eat responsibly as too much sugary food can be harmful, regardless of the benefits. Eating dark chocolate and brushing your teeth after will reduce the negative effects of chocolate.  

While you can indulge on your favorite chocolate treat occasionally, be sure to keep up with your oral hygiene routine. Brush at least twice each day for two minutes, and floss regularly. To schedule your next visit to our office, please contact our team.

Probiotics are typically advertised as being helpful for digestion. However, studies have shown that they can also improve oral health. Probiotics are beneficial for fighting infections that lead to oral disease.  

Reducing Gingivitis 

A study published in Contemporary Clinical Dentistry has found that probiotics can reduce gum bleeding in patients with moderate to severe gingivitis. In the trial, children were given either a placebo or two different combinations of probiotics. At the three-week mark, it was discovered that children who took probiotics had significant improvements in their gingival status. 

Combating Periodontitis 

Periodontitis is another oral disease that probiotics have been shown to fight. Periodontitis is caused by harmful bacteria that separate teeth from the gums creating pockets that can become infected. Probiotics can fight harmful bacteria and lessen the inflammation to help heal the mouth. 

Fighting Cavities 

Another finding from the trial of the Contemporary Clinical Dentistry showed that children who took probiotics also saw a significant decrease in plaque. The reduction of plaque leads to less decay. Probiotics fight the plaque and occupy the spaces on the teeth where bad bacteria thrive.  

Minimizing Bad Breath 

Another benefit of probiotics is the effect they have on bad breath. Bad breath is usually caused by volatile sulfur compound bacteria releasing odor-causing gases. Because probiotics are healthy bacteria, it is believed that they can eliminate the bad bacteria and maintain a healthy bacteria balance in your mouth.  

The benefits of probiotics are not just limited to the digestive health. Researchers continue to conduct studies to discover new ways probiotics contribute to a healthy mouth and body.  

Contact our team for more information on oral health or to schedule a visit today.