How to choose the right toothpaste

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You may have noticed the wide array of products available in the local drugstore’s oral care aisle. This can be overwhelming for many patients who are not quite sure the best products for their unique dental health needs. When it comes to choosing a toothpaste, you may find yourself perplexed as to why one is a different cost than another. Choosing the right toothpaste and other oral care products is vital to ensuring a healthy smile. If you are interested in learning more about selecting items that will meet your needs, continue reading on!

What types of specialized toothpastes are available?

Drs. Stanley Hirst and Bethany Jensen of Minot, ND’s Broadway Family Dentistry work regularly with patients to help them choose a toothpaste that meets their needs. There are certain specialized toothpastes that patients might find. These include toothpastes with added benefits, including those for patients who are seeking:

  • Enamel restoration
  • Whitening toothpastes
  • Toothpastes for sensitive teeth
  • Fluoride toothpastes
  • Dry mouth toothpastes
  • Periodontal toothpaste
  • Gum sensitivity toothpastes
  • Antimicrobial toothpaste
  • Tartar control toothpaste

Each of these have specific benefits, but which one is most important for you? It is best that patients choose a toothpaste that has fluoride and is approved by the American Dental Association. You’ll know this by the seal on the toothpaste packaging. We encourage patients to talk to their dentist about the various toothpaste varieties and which one will benefit their smile the most. Patients have certain conditions such as sensitive teeth or dry mouth will often be encouraged to consider specific toothpaste varieties at the store. In some instances, the dentist may also provide a prescription toothpaste for the patient to use to get certain conditions under control at home between visits.

Are you in need of your routine dental visit?

Contact the team at Broadway Family Dentistry of Minot, ND to learn more about choosing the right toothpaste products and keeping your teeth clean between visits. The office is located at 1839 South Broadway Street, and an appointment with Dr. Stanley Hirst or Dr. Bethany Jensen can be scheduled by calling the front office team at (701) 839-1299.

Using an electric toothbrush—how to care for these instruments

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If you love your electric toothbrush, you are not alone! Studies show that approximately one-third of adults utilize an electric toothbrush, which is often recommended to many patients by their dental professionals. Electric toothbrushes can assist patients who may be dealing with conditions such as periodontal disease and tooth decay, or for those who need a little extra help in removing plaque and tartar from the surfaces of the teeth. Drs. Stanley Hirst and Bethany Jensen of Broadway Family Dentistry in Minot, ND also encourage patients to consider using an electric toothbrush.

How can I care for my electric toothbrush?

Drs. Stanley Hirst and Bethany Jensen in Minot, ND recommend patients consider the advantages that electric toothbrushes provide, and will offer recommendations on how to care for them.

Below are just a few tips for ensuring the longevity and effectiveness of your electric toothbrush:

  • Remember to change the head often. Just like a regular toothbrush, an electric toothbrush had needs to be changed regularly to keep it working correctly. We recommend replacing the head of the toothbrush every three months.
  • Keep instructions in your bathroom regarding the removal and replacement of brush heads to ensure that it is done properly.
  • Store your electric toothbrush upright and in a cabinet to avoid germs being deposited on the brush from the bathroom.
  • Rinse your electric toothbrush after each use to remove toothpaste.
  • Avoid putting pressure on the teeth with an electric toothbrush. This extra pressure can not only cause the bristles to wear faster, but can also cause red and swollen gums.

Want to learn more about preventative care?

Preventing the development of problems such as periodontal disease and tooth decay can help put an end to expensive dental treatments while ensuring patients maintain proper oral health and wellness. If you are interested in speaking with our dental professionals about the steps you can take to keep your teeth and gums healthy, contact Drs. Stanley Hirst and Bethany Jensen of Broadway Family Dentistry in Minot, ND. Call (701) 839-1299 to book an appointment at the office, conveniently located at 1839 South Broadway Street. The office accepts new and established patients and families seeking comprehensive dental care with one team of professionals.

Common questions about flossing

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During your routine dental visits every six months, your dental hygienist will clean your teeth before a full evaluation. When doing so, he or she may educate you on the importance of flossing. While most patients brush their teeth daily, others avoid flossing. It can be difficult for some patients to maintain a healthy habit of flossing their teeth each day, not realizing that it can be just as important as brushing. Below are a few of the more common questions we hear from our patients at Broadway Family Dentistry regarding flossing.

What type of floss do I use?

Always use a floss that is approved by the American Dental Association and has the ADA seal on the packaging. This ensures that you are using a quality floss that will be effective at removing food particles between the teeth.

How do I floss?

Flossing is done by using floss manipulated by the fingers and moving them between the teeth. Patients should floss with the thread in a C shape to scrape the side of each tooth. Patients should never use the same section of floss twice for other areas of the teeth as it can spread bacteria throughout the smile and wedge debris back in-between other teeth.

How do I floss around restorations?

Certain restorations, such as bridges and dental implants, require special flossing techniques to ensure food particles and bacteria do not develop underneath them or between the teeth and gums. Ask your hygienist to show you the best way to work around these restorations while ensuring they get the attention they need.

Should I use a water flosser?

While traditional dental floss is the most desirable option, others with dexterity issues may find that floss sticks, water flosser, and waterpiks are viable alternatives.

Call Drs. Stanley Hirst and Bethany Jensen today

Broadway Family Dentistry is a family dental practice serving patients in and around the community of Minot, North Dakota. Our priority is to provide you with the best possible care to assist you in achieving and maintaining  your oral health and wellness. If you would like to learn more about ways to keep your smile healthy and find out if you are flossing properly, contact our practice today by calling (701) 839-1299. We are conveniently located at 1839 South Broadway Street and accept new patients and families into our state-of-the-art facility. 

What to expect during your first visit to Broadway Family Dentistry

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First impressions are always important, especially when it comes to visiting a new dentist. At Broadway Family Dentistry, we service patients in and around the area of Minot, ND and offer a selection of quality solutions for patients. When patients book their first evaluation with our team, we can walk them through what to expect during their visit.

How should I prepare for my visit?

It is a good idea for patients to come to their appointment with a list of any questions they may have. These questions can be about our facility, our technology, or about specific treatments that you might be considering. At Broadway Family Dentistry, we offer a wide range of solutions for the smile, and encourage patients to learn more about offerings that will benefit their smiles. Patients should also have a list of any medications they are currently taking, any family history concerns that are related to dental health, and expect to undergo x-rays during the first appointment to evaluate the health of the smile.

What can I expect when I arrive?

When you enter Broadway Family Dentistry, you will immediately feel comfortable and at ease with our friendly front office staff and welcoming waiting room. Our team will check you in and call you to the back when the team is ready. We will evaluate your smile, take x-rays, and perform a cleaning prior to the dentist examining the smile. If you are interested in any specific dental work or want to learn more about our treatments, just ask! We want this appointment to be informative for you and help you take care of your smile now and into the future.

Dental insurance

Additionally, we encourage patients to bring any dental insurance plan information they have so our front office team can determine the benefits available that can reduce or even eliminate your out-of-pocket expenses for this and other appointments at our practice.

Contact Drs. Stanley Hirst and Bethany Jensen

The team of Broadway Family Dentistry offers many dental services, including general, cosmetic, and restorative care. To learn more about the practice or schedule your first appointment, call (701) 839-1299. The office is conveniently located in Minot, ND at 1839 South Broadway Street.

Periodontal disease | Broadway family dentistry

What is the link between gum disease and the body?

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Taking care of your smile goes beyond just brushing and flossing. At Broadway Family Dentistry, we believe that a patient’s oral health impacts more than just their smile—but their entire body. In fact, studies continue to show that there is an obvious link between one’s oral health and the health of their body. This connection, called the oral-systemic connection, should never be ignored. Especially when conditions such as periodontal disease occur.

What is the link between periodontal disease and the overall health of the body?

Periodontal disease, or “gum disease,” is an infection that starts in the mouth. When patients are not taking good care of their teeth, they may be susceptible to developing this infection. Bacteria in the mouth, commonly found in the gum tissue, can slowly increase and can cause a condition known as gingivitis. Gingivitis is the earliest stage of periodontal disease. It is characterized by red, swollen gums. Patients with gingivitis may notice bleeding when they brush or floss their teeth. If this condition is not evaluated and treated, it can progress to periodontal disease and wreak havoc on not only the smile but the body.

The oral system connection is the link between the oral cavity and the body. When periodontal disease infects the mouth, the same bacteria can enter into the body’s bloodstream. The bacterial infection is then carried elsewhere to the body and to the other organs. Patients who have periodontal disease may be at a higher risk of developing heart disease or experiencing strokes. Additionally, pregnant women who have periodontal disease may also experience preterm labor or low birth weight babies. These research results continue to link one’s oral health and wellness to problems throughout the body, and these concerns should not be taken lightly.

Call Broadway Family Dentistry today

If you have been faced with gum disease and want to improve your oral health AND the health of your body, call our team today at (701) 839-1299. Our team, including Drs. Stanley Hirst and Bethany Jensen is here to help patients of the Minot, ND area and beyond! The practice is conveniently located at 1839 South Broadway Street and invites new patients and families.

Do Children Need Early Preventative Dental Care and Routine Dental Visits?

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Dentists often urge adult patients to visit regularly for routine cleanings and examinations, which are important for keeping gum disease and tooth decay at bay. But what about children? Just as their parents do, children need to visit their dentist regularly as well to maintain a healthy smile. Preventative dentistry is essential for patients of all ages, even babies, to ensure a lifetime of beautiful smiles!

When should I bring my child to the dentist?

The first dental visit should occur around the age of one, or as soon as the first baby tooth erupts from the gums. During this first visit, Drs. Stanley Hirst and Bethany Jensen of Broadway Family Dentistry will take the time to get to know you and your child. This visit will also include an initial examination to monitor the development of the child’s smile. Parents are educated on how to help their baby or child care for their smile until their adult teeth arrive. Once a child is established as a patient at our practice, we strongly recommend routine visits every six months to evaluate the smile and monitor for any potential problems.

Why is a checkup important?

Early detection and intervention of certain dental concerns, including cavities and disease, can help maintain a healthy smile. Children with cavities in their “baby teeth” will still need to undergo treatment to avoid premature tooth loss. The care of the smile in the early stages may also impact the alignment of the teeth as the come through the gum line. Our team will also look for signs of inflammation of the gum tissue, which may indicate the early stages of gum disease. Babies and children diagnosed with dental concerns will need to visit their dentist for treatment as soon as possible to avoid the issue becoming more severe with time.

Interested in getting your children into our practice for dental care?

The team at Broadway Family Dentistry is always accepting new patients and families. Schedule an appointment by calling (701) 839-1299 and visiting the office located at 1839 South Broadway Street in Minot, ND. Drs. Stanley Hirst and Bethany Jensen are here to assist patients young and old with preventative dentistry solutions!

Preventive Dentistry Minot, ND

Halloween Tricks to Avoid Too Many Treats

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Halloween seems to usher in mountains of candy at every turn. Luckily, there are some simple steps you can take to avoid candy overload this season. Not only will these tips help you and your family feel better, but you’ll still be able to enjoy the occasional Halloween treat.

Don’t forget about dinner

On Halloween, make sure the kids don’t leave for their trick or treating adventures before eating a protein and fiber packed meal. This can be quick turkey sandwiches on whole grain bread, hearty finger foods like whole grain chips and hummus, or a tasty pot of homemade chili. Whatever you choose, just make sure the kids eat well before they head out the door. This will help them avoid constant snacking on their candy throughout the evening.

Wait until the last minute to buy candy

Halloween is a month long celebration of all things scary, but the actual day for trick or treating doesn’t arrive until the end of the month. Instead of stocking up on Halloween candy in preparation for handing out goodies on Halloween, just wait until the week of. This way, you won’t have tempting stashes of candy in your house to snack on all day.

Mix it up

When you do purchase your candy for the ghouls and ghosts that will come trick or treating to your door, opt for healthier and more exciting options. Instead of strictly candy, get fruit leather, bubbles, small toys, mini Play-Doh containers, tattoos, glow sticks and more. Keep in mind that most of the excitement children have on Halloween is connected to the act of collecting the candy, not actually eating all of it.

Join your kids

Instead of driving your kids around as they trick or treat, join them for the walk. Wear a pedometer to track how far you’ve walked and make it into a game to try and get more steps in. Plus, you can enjoy the experience of stopping at houses with your kids!

Arrange a consultation

If it has been some time since your last dental exam, don’t hesitate to call Broadway Family Dentistry today. You can reach our friendly staff by calling 701-839-1299.

Preventive Dentistry Minot, ND

The Truth About Cavities

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There is a lot of misinformation out there (and online) about anything you can imagine. This includes your dental health. Let’s address some common misconceptions and truths about what causes cavities and what you can do to prevent them.

Cavities aren’t just for children

Sugary drinks, genetics, and inadequate dental habits can lead to cavities at any age. Even certain medications can dry out the mouth, preventing saliva from acting as a buffer between your teeth and acids. These acids can lead to cavity development. The trick is to pay attention to what you’re eating and how often you brush and floss. Remember, it is your responsibility to brush twice a day, floss, and rinse. Regular dental cleanings are integral to maintaining a healthy mouth, but you need to do your part as well.

A filled tooth can still get a cavity

Fillings can last a decade or longer. In rears cases, that filling can break down causing tooth decay around the edges.

If you don’t fix a cavity now, it’ll get worse

One of the primary reasons for regular dental checkups is so your dentist can check for cavities. Sometimes you can determine if you have one on your own, but for the teeth in the back of your mouth it is nearly impossible to tell. At a dental cleaning, X-rays and photographs are taken in part to look for signs of tooth decay and to treat it immediately. If left untreated, you may have to get a root canal or tooth removal down the road.

Brown spots aren’t always cavities

In many cases the decay process may have begun, then stopped. This typically happens when the tooth enamel hardens up once more, resulting in a discolored look.

You can’t reverse tooth decay

The enamel on the tooth surface can be remineralized and decay can be slowed down, but once bacteria breaks through the enamel, there’s no going back. You can’t brush a cavity away. Instead, you need to get it fixed in the from of a filling or other methods depending on what stage the cavity is at.

Arrange a consultation

To arrange your next dental cleaning, call Broadway Family Dentistry at (701) 839-1299 at our office in Minot, North Dakota. We look forward to serving you!

Preventive Dentistry Minot, ND

The case for Professional Dental Cleanings

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If I have healthy teeth and gums, why do I need to have regular dental cleanings? It’s an excellent question and one that has an important answer. We all require regular dental cleanings to ensure that painful and costly dental problems never develop. Dental cleanings allow a professional to assess and clean your teeth while providing you with important information about how to tweak your at home dental routine so you can maintain proper dental health. Depending on your specific situation and the health of your teeth, the regularity of your dental cleanings will vary. It is wise to get a dental cleaning and exam one to two times per year. During this crucial exam, the following will take place:

A full dental cleaning

When you arrive at the dental office, a hygienist will clean your teeth. First, they will use a small metal tool to scrape off mineral buildup (tartar). Next, your teeth will be flossed. Ask for a mirror to see how your hygienist flosses your teeth so you can implement any changes into your at home dental routine. Keep in mind that your hygienist and dentist are there to answer any and all of your dental care questions and are eager to help you. After flossing, the hygienist will polish your teeth using a special compound. Fluoride may then by applied to your teeth.

X-rays

Depending on your dental needs and the last time you had X-rays done, you may need new X-rays. X-rays will help your dental professional assess your bite and check the health of the teeth below the gum line, among other things. For your X-rays, the technician will have you put on a special apron that will protect you from X-rays. If you are pregnant, notify your technician to hold off on X-rays.

The dentist visit

At some point, your dentist will come into the room to examine your teeth and ask you questions about your dental health. This is an excellent time to share any dental concerns or questions you have.

Schedule your dental cleaning

To maintain proper dental health, schedule your dental cleaning today. You can reach our office located in Minot, North Dakota by calling (701) 839-1299.

General Dentistry Minot, ND

Halloween Safety

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The only thing scary about October 31 should be the ghosts, witches, and occasional Darth Vaders roaming your neighborhood street. Unfortunately, the number one cause of injuries on Halloween falls due to costume hems that are too long, steps, curbs, and unseen objects. Hazardous or allergy-causing candies can also pose a risk to children. Here are some basic ways to ensure you and your child have a safe and Happy Halloween.

Children need adult supervision

If your child is younger than 12, they need an adult to accompany them as they trick or treating. On Halloween, children can get so excited they may forget the usual sense of safety they would normally practice, like looking both ways before crossing the road. When kids are occupied with counting their candy and looking at eye-catching costumes, an adult is needed to make proper decisions about traffic threats and which neighborhoods to visit. If your child is older, make sure you know who they will be with that night and instruct them not to go into strangers’ homes.

Sort your child’s candy

After a long night out knocking door to door, your child will be ready to enjoy the loot. Before they do, sort their candy to make sure there is nothing hazardous or allergy-inducing (if your child has allergies). First, spread the treats out and inspect each piece to ensure it has not been tampered with. If you discover homemade treats, keep them only if they came from close friends or family. If you have very young children, be sure to toss candy that could present a choking hazard.

Take care of your teeth

After a fun-filled night of snacking on sweets, be sure your child brushes and flosses their teeth before going to bed. Sticky candies are particularly bad for teeth because they take longer to dissolve and will stick in crevices without a thorough brushing. As always, be sure you have regularly scheduled dental cleanings to guard against cavities throughout the year. To schedule a dental exam for your child, call Broadway Family Dentistry at 791-839-1299. We look forward to hearing from you!