Protect Your Teeth this Summer: Sports, Pools & Popsicles

With summer such a short season in our neck of the woods, we are all in favor of following New England native and celebrated author Ralph Waldo Emerson’s advice: “Live in the sunshine, swim in the seas, drink the wild air.” 

As dental professionals, however, we have a couple of caveats. While summer should be all about sunshine, outdoor fun, and sweet treats, it can also bring a few unexpected risks for your smile. 

Without putting a damper on the season, here are a few things we encourage our patients (adults and kids alike!) to watch out for. 

Don’t skip the mouthguard, sports fans! 

Whether your child is playing baseball, riding a skateboard, or diving into summer soccer leagues, a properly fitted mouthguard is a must. Sports-related dental injuries are more common than you’d think; in fact, some studies estimate approximately 32% of all dental traumas are sports-related. The good news is many are preventable by routinely wearing a well-fitted mouthguard. 

Pool water can be problematic. 

Swimming is a great way to stay active, but did you know that frequent exposure to chlorinated pool water can wear down your enamel? Now, we assume you’re not an open-mouth swimmer; however chlorine is also a critical component used to kill bacteria in drinking water. While tap water likely won’t erode your enamel, the point is too much exposure to chlorine can negatively impact your teeth over time. 

If you spend a lot of time in chlorinated water, whether that means soaking in a hot tub or regularly crushing laps in a local swimming pool, especially in pools with improperly balanced pH, be sure to rinse your mouth with fresh water afterward and keep up with regular checkups to catch signs of erosion early.

Be smart about sweet treats. 

Summer isn’t complete without a popsicle (or two), but sticky, sugary snacks can lead to plaque buildup and tooth decay. Of course, you can avoid the downside of a delicious popsicle by opting for sugar-free brands. Whichever type you choose, make it a habit to rinse with water afterward and wait at least 30 minutes before brushing to protect enamel. As with most things in life, balance and moderation is the name of the game. 

Here are a few other summertime treats we suggest skipping for healthier teeth! 

Flex a strong smile this summer!  

A good rule of thumb to protect your smile this summer is to keep consistent with brushing and flossing. That’s the bottomline. In addition, be sure to wear a mouthguard for contact sports, and drink plenty of water, which will also help you fend off dehydration during the dog days of summer. 

Remember, summer is short in New Hampshire, so make the most of every moment. When you need expert dental care from “Concord’s friendliest dentist,” request an appointment or contact us!

Can Stress Cause Tooth Problems? The Link Between Mental Health and Oral Health

Did you hear? April is Stress Awareness Month, which means it’s the perfect opportunity for our team to talk about an often-overlooked side effect of chronic stress: the impact it can have on your teeth and gums. 

While most people are aware that stress affects sleep, mood, and digestion, many are surprised to learn that it can also take a serious toll on their oral health, which makes good preventative dental care a critical part of overall health and wellness.

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Fluoride and Your Dental Health: Clearing Up the Confusion

You might have heard the buzz recently surrounding fluoride. If not, let us assure you there has been a surge of misinformation surrounding fluoride, leading to confusion about its safety and effectiveness in dental care. 

There is scientific research that consistently supports fluoride’s role in preventing tooth decay and strengthening enamel, making it an important part of routine oral health care.

Many of you might be reading this and wondering, what exactly is fluoride

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Celebrate National Tooth Fairy Day with Arndt Dental!

Did you know there’s a special day dedicated to celebrating the Tooth Fairy? National Tooth Fairy Day is celebrated on February 28 with the purpose of reminding kids (and parents!) about the importance of healthy dental habits.

In fact, this entire month is dedicated to children’s dental health, with the American Dental Association observing February as National Children’s Dental Health Month (NCDHM)!

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New Year, New Smile: Prioritize Preventative Dentistry

Whether or not you believe in New Year’s resolutions, January is the perfect time to focus on creating healthier habits—and your oral health is a great place to begin. Preventative dentistry is key to maintaining a bright, healthy smile and avoiding costly dental issues down the road. 

For that reason, our team has compiled a few actionable tips to keep your smile shining throughout the year. We’re confident you’re already keeping up with these strategies; however, a reminder never hurts! 

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Be the Holiday Hostess with the Mostest: Treat Your Guests to the Gift of a Bright Smile

We’ve got a twist on holiday hosting that we’re excited to share! 

As you know, hosting family and friends for the holidays is all about creating a welcoming and memorable experience. From delicious meals to cozy accommodations, the little touches make all the difference. 

One unique way to stand out as the “hostess with the mostest” is by offering thoughtful dental care gifts to your guests, especially those staying overnight. After all, think about how often you’ve forgotten your toothbrush on vacation or a business trip. 

Your teeth should not be contestants in any ugly holiday sweater contests! 

To that end, and since everyone appreciates a fresh, confident smile—especially during the season of endless photos and indulgent feasts — here are the dental gifts we think every host should have on hand… 

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The Worst Thanksgiving Foods for Your Teeth

The Arndt Dental team, Concord’s Friendliest Dentist, is looking forward to Thanksgiving and we hope you are, too. Whether it’s the meal, gathering with loved ones, catching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, or binge-watching holiday movies, Turkey Day has a lot to recommend it! 

Excitement aside, we also hope that you’ll be thankful for our little primer on the Thanksgiving treats that could compromise your healthy smile. Knowing which ones to watch for in advance goes a long way to keeping your smile bright this holiday season. 

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What You Need to Know About Six-Year Molars

Though it can come as a surprise to some parents, one of the first major changes in your child’s dental development is the arrival of their six-year molars. These are the first set of permanent molars and typically appear around age six, hence the name. 

Unlike baby teeth, six-year molars come in behind the baby teeth without pushing any of them out and remain part of your child’s permanent set.

Just when you thought teething was over, right?! 

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Bruxism 101: Let’s talk about tooth grinding!

You might not be familiar with the term bruxism, but if you’re like the estimated 30% of people who grind their teeth in some way, you likely know how painful this habit can be. While it often occurs during sleep, many people may not even be aware they’re doing it. That in and of itself is scary, when you consider that people who grind their teeth can actually exert up to 250 pounds of force. Not surprisingly, if left unchecked, bruxism can lead to serious dental issues, such as worn-down teeth, jaw pain, headaches, and even temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. 

Let’s take a look at the causes of tooth grinding for both adults and children in order to introduce you to some strategies and solutions that can help!

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Back to School Lunchbox Ideas for Strong Teeth and Healthy Smiles

As the school year kicks off, many parents are focused on ensuring their children have everything they need to succeed—new notebooks, sharpened pencils, backpack, water bottle — to name just a few on the seemingly endless school supply list.

But what about their lunchbox? Or, more specifically, the contents of said lunchbox.

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Contact Us
280 Pleasant Street

Concord NH 03301

(603) 228-4456

Testimonials

Consistently outstanding service, end-to-end

For years, every interaction and contact I have had with every member of this dentistry office, from the front desk to hygienist to dental work, has been consistently outstanding. This is the best dental service I can remember having had at any time in my life, out of all the places I have lived. What more can I say?

Nathaniel R.

Quality service and extremely friendly staff.

I have always been very happy with the service I receive here. The staff are extremely friendly and very professional, they provide excellent care and truly are interested in their clients. It has been a pleasure coming here, it must be for me to drive 50 miles one way to continue coming here.

Becky H.

Michael T.

Had a dental emergency, they fit me in quickly. Addressed the problem and able to fix it with ease. At every appointment, the staff is always friendly, working as a team w/humor to make me feel comfortable.

Michael T.

The best of the best

The entire staff of this office couldn’t be more friendly and welcoming. Excellent service every time!

Lee N.

Always friendly and professional

I have been a patient there for over a decade and would highly recommend the practice to anyone. All members of the practice are friendly and seem truly happy to be there. Both doctors are great. I’ve had to go in for dental work twice recently and both experiences were as pleasant as dental work could be.

Aimee H.

Kate

My kids both really love your office. Everyone is incredibly kind, professional and personal. We love the small, family office feel. My daughter used to be anxious about visiting the dentist. Last night she asked to write a thank-you note because she had such a great time at her dental visit! Thank you.

Kate

Professional and friendly

I had a really bad experience with a prior dentist and didn’t want to go back to another dentist for fear of what the prior dentist did to my teeth. I have to say I LOVE this dentist and all the staff here. My fear is gone and I enjoy going to the dentist now. I highly recommend this office!

Tania B.

Very professional, and informative

They explained in detail any issues going on in an honest yet professional manner. Made sure procedures were budget friendly for me as much as possible.

Nathalie F.

Professional and Extremely Friendly

From the second I walked in I felt welcomed and comfortable! Receptionists are so important to a business and can change your whole experience, they were very friendly! The dental hygienist and doctor were also extremely nice! Highly recommend.

Shelby W.

Amazing Staff

Everyone is friendly and kind. They treat you as an individual but know you and everything about you at each visit. They never do work or procedures you aren’t comfortable with. Never pushy. The office is always very clean and comforting. Love it here.

Lisa-Marie L.

Continuous quality care

Consistently treated with kindness, courtesy and personalized care.

Sandra D.

Excellent professional care in a very friendly environment. I actually truly enjoy going in for my appointments.

I have been using this office frequently for over 2 years, everyone is very client centered, and knowledgeable in their job skills, along with being extremely personable and helpful. I no longer have dental visit stress. Every employee I have ever come in contact with has always treated me in a friendly, and skilled professional manner. I appreciate and thank you all.

Holly L.
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