In the current economic climate marked by inflation and reductions in employee benefits, understanding how these changes impact our financial decisions, particularly regarding healthcare expenses like dental care, is crucial. With many companies scaling back on benefits, including dental plans, individuals may find themselves facing higher out-of-pocket costs for essential dental procedures. In such times, it's essential to explore all available avenues to mitigate these expenses, including potential tax deductions for dental treatments such as braces, Invisalign, Dentures, and Implants. One common question that arises is whether dental expenses, including the cost of Braces, are tax deductible. So, Are Dental Braces Tax Deductible? The short answer is yes but with certain conditions and limitations. Understanding the specifics can help individuals make informed decisions about their healthcare finances.
<h2>Are dental expenses tax-deductible?</h2>
Under current tax laws, dental expenses are tax-deductible, since they are considered qualified medical expenses. However, it's crucial to note that you can only deduct the amount of your total unreimbursed medical expenses that exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income (AGI). This means that not all dental expenses may qualify for the deduction, and the deductible portion is limited to the amount exceeding the 7.5% threshold.
When it comes to dental braces, the deduction eligibility depends on various factors. Traditionally, braces have been tax-deductible if they are deemed necessary for the treatment of a specific dental condition rather than purely cosmetic purposes. However, with the advent of alternative treatments like Invisalign, individuals may wonder if these newer options are also tax deductible. Let&rsquo;s find out together!
<h2>Is Invisalign tax deductible?</h2>
In general, both Invisalign and traditional braces can be tax-deductible if they are prescribed by a qualified dental or medical professional to treat a dental condition. However, it's essential to keep detailed records of the expenses and consult with a tax advisor to ensure compliance with IRS guidelines.&nbsp;
<h2>What Dental procedures qualify for the deduction?</h2>
Apart from braces and aligners, other non-cosmetic dental expenses such as dentures and implants may also qualify for tax deductions if they are medically necessary. However, expenses for purely cosmetic procedures like teeth whitening are typically not tax-deductible.
<h2>How to claim Tax-deductible dental expenses?</h2>
To claim deductions for dental expenses, you must itemize the deductions on your tax return using Schedule A (Form 1040). It's worth noting that while dental insurance premiums are not tax-deductible, out-of-pocket expenses for eligible dental treatments can be included in the itemized deductions.
<h2>Is it worth claiming medical expenses on taxes?</h2>
In light of the current economic challenges and reductions in benefit packages, individuals need to explore all available options to manage their healthcare expenses effectively. While some may opt for dental insurance plans if available, others may find it more beneficial to enroll in alternative dental savings plans like Kokua Smiles.
<h2>The Kokua Smiles Plan</h2>
We recognize that navigating tax-deductible dental expenses can be overwhelming, with the paperwork and stress involved in claiming your returns. That is why we offer affordable dental savings plans designed to provide quality dental care at discounted rates, helping individuals and families access essential dental treatments without breaking the bank. By leveraging these affordable options, patients can ensure their oral health needs are met while managing their healthcare expenses more efficiently.
One of the key highlights of Kokua Smiles is its inclusivity &ndash; it's designed to be accessible to all, regardless of age, income, or dental health status. This means that whether you're a young professional, a family with children, or a retiree, you can benefit from the peace of mind that comes with having a reliable savings plan in place.
Kokua Smiles offers an array of enticing benefits to its members. From complimentary cleanings and check-ups to substantial discounts on various dental procedures, the plan aims to make quality dental care more affordable and accessible to everyone. By enrolling in the Kokua Smiles plan, individuals and families can not only safeguard their oral health but also alleviate the financial burden associated with dental expenses.
In a world where navigating tax-deductible dental expenses can be daunting, <a href="https://www.kokuasmiles.com/insurance">Kokua Smiles hopes to offer affordability and convenience</a>. With our flexible options, inclusive approach, and attractive benefits, Kokua Smiles empowers individuals and families to prioritize their oral health without compromising their financial well-being.
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Navigating Dental Expenses: Are Dental Braces Tax Deductible

Every king deserves a crown, and in the realm of smiles, you reign supreme. But here's a twist: your crown isn't just for your head; it's for your pearly whites too! So, what exactly is a dental crown? Allow us to enlighten you. Beyond mere shiny caps, dental crowns are versatile tools expertly wielded by dentists to restore and safeguard teeth, ensuring your smile retains its royal brilliance. Think of them like a custom-made suit for your tooth, offering many benefits. But before we get to the good stuff, let's cover the basics. The 7 Benefits of Dental Crowns That You Should Know!&nbsp;
<h2>Crowns 101: What You Need to Know</h2>
Dental crowns are hollow shells, typically made of porcelain or metal alloys, cemented onto a prepared tooth.&nbsp; The process usually takes two appointments.&nbsp; During the first, your dentist will remove any decay or damage from the tooth, reshape it for a good fit, and take an impression to create your custom crown. In the meantime, you'll wear a temporary crown.&nbsp; On your second visit, the permanent crown will be checked for fit and color and cemented onto your tooth.
<h2>Types of Dental Crowns</h2>
There's a crown fit for every royal smile (or, you know, regular smile). Dental crowns come in a variety of materials, each with their pros and cons:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">
<h3>Porcelain Crowns: </h3>
Renowned for their natural, tooth-colored appearance, porcelain crowns are a popular choice for front teeth.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">
<h3>Metal Crowns: </h3>
Incredibly strong and durable, metal crowns are ideal for back teeth that endure a lot of chewing pressure.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">
<h3>Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crowns: </h3>
Offering a balance of aesthetics and strength, these crowns have a porcelain outer layer for a natural look and a metal inner layer for durability.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Dental Crown Cost</h2>
The cost of a dental crown can vary depending on the material used, your location, and your dentist's fees. Generally, porcelain crowns are more expensive than metal crowns, but they offer a more natural look. Schedule an appointment with your dentist to discuss the cost associated with your specific situation.
<h2>How Much Tooth Do I Need for a Crown?</h2>
The amount of tooth structure needed for a crown depends on the severity of the damage.&nbsp; In some cases, minimal reshaping is required, while other situations might necessitate removing more tooth structure.&nbsp; A dentist will be able to assess your specific situation and determine if a crown is the right course of action.
<h2>Benefits of Dental Crowns for Your Oral Health:</h2>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">
<h3>Dental Crowns Protect Damaged Teeth: </h3>
&nbsp;Cracked, chipped, or weakened teeth are susceptible to further damage and infection. Crowns act as a shield, restoring strength and preventing future problems.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">
<h3>Dental Crowns Restore Functionality:</h3>
&nbsp; A damaged tooth can make chewing difficult and painful. Crowns restore the tooth's original shape and size, allowing you to eat your favorite foods comfortably.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">
<h3>Root Canal Rescue:</h3>
After a root canal, the tooth becomes brittle. A crown provides much-needed reinforcement, preventing the tooth from fracturing.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">
<h3>Dental Bridge Support: </h3>
Dental bridges rely on surrounding teeth for support.&nbsp; Crowns are often placed on these surrounding teeth to create a stable foundation for the bridge.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">
<h3>Cover Up a Dental Implant:</h3>
Dental implants require a crown to restore the visible portion of the tooth.&nbsp; Crowns are custom-made to match your surrounding teeth, creating a seamless look.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">
<h3>Dental Crowns Restore the Look of Damaged Teeth: </h3>
&nbsp;Chips, cracks, and discoloration can take a toll on your smile. Crowns can be made to match the color and shape of your natural teeth, giving you back a confident smile.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">
<h3>Crowns Look Good!: </h3>
&nbsp;Let's face it, dental crowns can dramatically improve the appearance of your smile. With advancements in dental technology, crowns are virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth, giving you a beautiful, natural-looking smile.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Dental Crowns: An Investment in Your Smile</h2>
Dental crowns are a good long-term investment in your oral health and smile. With proper oral hygiene, crowns can last for 30 years or more. If you have questions about dental crowns or want to discuss if they're right for you,<a href="https://www.kokuasmiles.com/services/dental-crown-hawaii" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> schedule an appointment</a> with the friendly and professional team at Kokua Smiles. We'll help you restore the health and beauty of your smile!&nbsp;
Click here to book your <a href="https://www.kokuasmiles.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">appointment today</a>
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The 7 Benefits of Dental Crowns That You Should Know

As we age, maintaining good oral health becomes increasingly crucial. Yet, for many seniors, accessing quality dental care can be challenging. From tooth loss, tooth decay, gum disease to deteriorating bone health, seniors are at heightened risk for a myriad of oral health issues. Without proper care, these conditions can significantly impact one's overall health and well-being and also lead to severe health challenges. That's why regular dental check-ups are essential for seniors. So is it safe for seniors to go to the dentist? Absolutely! It is completely safe for senior citizens to go to the dentist. By visiting the dentist every six months, seniors can help prevent dental problems, detect serious health issues like oral cancer early on, and maintain good oral hygiene.
At Kokua Smiles, we understand the importance of prioritizing dental hygiene for our senior community members. That's why we're thrilled to introduce our Senior Smiles program&mdash;a comprehensive initiative designed to ensure safe, accessible, and anxiety-free dental care for senior citizens.
<h2>Introducing the Senior Smiles Program at Kokua Smiles</h2>
We recognize that accessing dental care can be difficult for seniors. Getting Dental care for seniors on Medicare or facing mobility issues can be particularly challenging. That's where the Senior Smiles program comes in. With a range of exclusive benefits like commute services to and from our clinics, our goal is to make dental care more accessible and convenient for seniors in our community.
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Priority appointments:</li>
</ul>
At Kokua Smiles, seniors receive priority appointments, ensuring their dental needs are promptly addressed without unnecessary delay.
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Free ride to and from the clinic:</li>
</ul>
We understand transportation can be a concern for the elderly. That's why we offer complimentary rides to and from our clinic, making dental care accessible and hassle-free for all our beloved members. You book an appointment, and we will book a ride to pick you up, bring you to our clinic, and drop you back home.&nbsp;
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Special discounts on Dental procedures:</li>
</ul>
Our Senior Smiles program provides special discounts on various dental procedures, including Dental Implants and Dentures, ensuring seniors receive top-notch care at affordable rates.
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Free consultations:</li>
</ul>
We offer complimentary consultations to discuss your dental concerns and explore treatment options with our experienced team. We carefully diagnose your dental concerns and provide personalized solutions tailored to your needs.&nbsp;
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Flexible financing options:</li>
</ul>
We offer flexible financing options tailored to seniors' needs, ensuring they can access quality dental care without financial stress.
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Convenient appointments:</li>
</ul>
Our Senior Smiles program allows seniors to enjoy convenient appointment scheduling, making it easier to fit dental visits into their busy schedules. We&rsquo;re open on weekends and even late evenings to accommodate all your dental needs.
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Anxiety-free Dental care:</li>
</ul>
Our compassionate team provides anxiety-free dental care, creating a comfortable and reassuring environment for seniors during their visits.
<h2>Why join our Senior Smiles Program?</h2>
For seniors facing oral health problems, such as those with no teeth or in need of dental implants, or any other oral health challenges, our program provides tailored solutions to meet their specific needs. Our team is experienced in addressing the oral health needs of older adults and can provide personalized care to ensure optimal outcomes.
Priority appointments ensure that seniors can receive timely care when they need it most. Additionally, our complimentary ride service eliminates transportation barriers, ensuring that seniors can easily access our clinic without hassle. We understand that financial concerns may also deter seniors from seeking dental care, which is why we offer special discounts on dental procedures and flexible financing options through our program.
Our Senior Smiles program prioritizes the comfort and well-being of our senior patients. Free consultations allow seniors to discuss their dental concerns and treatment options with our experienced team, while anxiety-free dental care ensures a stress-free experience during their visits.
<h2>Dental care for seniors Near Me</h2>
Maintaining good oral health is not only essential for a beautiful smile but also for overall health and well-being. Poor oral hygiene has been linked to a range of health conditions, including heart disease and other systemic issues. By prioritizing routine dental care, seniors can reduce their risk of developing these health problems and enjoy a higher quality of life.
At Kokua Smiles, we are committed to prioritizing oral hygiene for elderly with no teeth and empowering seniors to take control of their oral health. Through our Senior Smiles program, we aim to provide seniors with the tools and resources they need to maintain healthy smiles for years to come. Whether it's preventing tooth decay, managing gum disease, or addressing other oral health concerns, our team is here to support seniors every step of the way.
In conclusion, the Senior Smiles program at Kokua Smiles is dedicated to ensuring safe, accessible, and anxiety-free dental care for elderly. With exclusive benefits and personalized services, we're here to help seniors achieve and maintain optimal oral health. Because when seniors smile, we all smile.

Is it safe for seniors to go to the dentist?

Dental radiographs, commonly known as dental x-rays, are one of the dentists most powerful preventive and diagnostic tools. They allow us to see potential threats to you dental health (like cavities) and plan treatment more accurately.There are several different types of dental x-rays, and it&rsquo;s a good idea to know what each one is for so you&rsquo;ll understand why we take so many!
Dental x-rays have been in use for a long time. A German scientist named Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen discovered x-rays in 1895. He called them x-rays because he didn&rsquo;t know what they were, hence the &ldquo;x&rdquo;, and the name stuck. The first dental x-ray was taken just 14 days after the discovery was announced. In the last 122 years, dental x-rays have been continuously improved to be safer, gentler, &amp; more accurate.
<h3 style="font-size: 22px;">Bitewing X-Rays</h3>
These are the type of x-rays patients are the most familiar with. They are called bitewing because the patient bites down on a wing-shaped sensor or film while the x-ray machine takes the image. These x-rays show just a few teeth at a time and are used primarily for detecting potential tooth decay between teeth that isn&rsquo;t visible to the naked eye. Most patients get bitewing x-rays about once a year, but patients who are prone to tooth decay may get them more often. Bitewing x-rays can also be used to monitor wisdom teeth and help plan wisdom teeth removal.
<h3 style="font-size: 22px;">Panoramic X-Rays</h3>
Panoramic x-rays show your entire mouth in a single image, both top and bottom jaws (or arches, in dentist-speak). They show the entire tooth, crown and root, plus the jawbone. Instead of being done in the dental chair, panoramic x-rays use a special machine that the patient stands in. The x-ray scanner itself then rotates from one side of your head to the other, creating a continuous image. There are usually braces for your head and face that help keep you very still while the scanner revolves around you. Panoramic x-rays are used in orthodontic treatment planning, such as braces, and when planning extractions, including&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kokuasmiles.com/services/wisdom-teeth-removal-hawaii">wisdom teeth&nbsp;removal.</a>
<h3 style="font-size: 22px;">Periapical X-Rays</h3>
Periapical x-rays take a close look at just a few teeth at a time. Unlike bitewing x-rays, periapical x-rays look at the entire tooth, from crown to root. For this reason, they are often used in diagnosing dental abscesses, which can be caused by infections or decay on the tooth root and are therefore not visible from the outside.
<h3 style="font-size: 22px;">Cone Beam CT</h3>
It&rsquo;s easiest to think of cone beam CT (computed tomography) as a 3-D version of a panoramic x-ray. Just like the panoramic, the patient stands or sits still while the sensor rotates around. This scan information is then sent to a computer where special software helps generate a 3-D model of your teeth and jaws. Cone beam scans are not a typical part of prevention or treatment and, and therefore aren&rsquo;t done on all patients. They are often used to plan the sizing, placement and configuration of dental implants.

Taking The X-factor Out Of Dental X-Rays

In the ever-evolving landscape of modern dentistry, patients are increasingly seeking convenient and efficient solutions for their dental needs. One such advancement that has gained prominence is the concept of same-day dental bridges, providing a swift and effective way to restore your smile in just one day. A lot of patients ask us: Can a dental bridge be done in one day? Here&rsquo;s the answer:&nbsp;
<h2>The Quest for Same Day Bridges After Extraction</h2>
Traditionally, the process of getting a dental bridge involved multiple appointments, waiting periods, and temporary solutions. However, the emergence of same-day bridges has revolutionized this approach, offering a rapid and comprehensive solution, especially after tooth extractions.
<h2>The Immediate Advantage: Same Day Bridges After Extraction</h2>
The prospect of receiving a dental bridge on the same day as an extraction is an exciting development for patients. It eliminates the need for multiple visits, reduces the time spent with a temporary bridge, and minimizes the discomfort associated with tooth loss.
<h2>How Fast Can a Dental Bridge Be Made?</h2>
With advancements in dental technology and in-house facilities, dental offices equipped for same-day procedures can now craft dental bridges within hours. The immediate creation of a bridge allows patients to leave the dental office with a fully restored smile on the same day.
<h2>Understanding the Types of Dental Bridges</h2>
Various types of dental bridges cater to different needs. Traditional bridges, cantilever bridges, and implant-supported bridges are common options. Same-day bridges typically involve the use of advanced materials and technology to create a bridge that fits seamlessly into the gap left by the missing tooth.
<h2>The Role of Temporary Bridges in the Process</h2>
After a tooth extraction, it's crucial to minimize the time spent without a bridge. Temporary bridges serve as placeholders until the final bridge is ready. The prompt placement of a temporary bridge helps maintain oral health, prevents adjacent teeth from shifting, and ensures a smoother transition to the final restoration.
<h2>Dental Bridge Cost Considerations</h2>
While the convenience of same-day bridges is undeniable, patients often wonder about the associated costs. The expense varies depending on factors like materials used, the type of bridge, and the complexity of the procedure. Consulting with your dentist will provide a clear understanding of the financial aspects involved.
<h2>The Duration of the Bridge in the Mouth Procedure</h2>
The same-day bridge procedure is designed to be efficient and time-saving. The dentist prepares the abutment teeth, takes impressions, and crafts the bridge, all in a single day. This streamlined process significantly reduces the duration of having a temporary bridge, ensuring a more comfortable experience for the patient.
<h2>Behind the Scenes: How Long Does It Take a Lab to Make a Bridge?</h2>
Traditional bridge procedures involve sending impressions to a dental lab, a process that can take weeks. In contrast, same-day bridges are crafted on-site, utilizing cutting-edge technology to design and manufacture the bridge promptly.
<h2>Can Bridges Be Done in One Day? Yes, with the Right Expertise</h2>
Choosing a dental office equipped for same-day procedures is key to the success of this swift dental solution. The process demands expertise, precision, and access to advanced technology, ensuring that patients receive high-quality, customized bridges in a single day.
The availability of same-day dental bridges represents a significant leap forward in dental care. This innovative approach not only saves time and minimizes discomfort but also emphasizes the importance of promptly addressing tooth loss to maintain overall oral health. <a href="https://www.kokuasmiles.com/services/dental-bridges-hawaii">Explore the possibilities of same-day bridges</a> with your dentist and take a step toward a radiant and restored smile.

Can a dental bridge be done in one day

There have been unanswered calls, deleted voicemails, ignored texts, and friendly reminders that never make it out of the envelope... we both know it's been a while since you visited the dentist.If all our efforts to reconnect with you haven&rsquo;t convinced you, maybe the following 5 reasons to see the dentist will&nbsp;get you to take care of your teeth properly again!
<h2 style="box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; font-size: 20px; line-height: 1.8 !important; margin: 27px 0px 0px; letter-spacing: 1px; font-weight: bold; font-family: Lora, Lora; color: #000000; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: #ffffff; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">Oral Pain</h2>
If you are experiencing a toothache or pain in your&nbsp;gums or another part of your mouth, you should see us as soon as possible. We know this sounds obvious, but a surprising number of people put off going to the dentist when they&rsquo;re in pain, either because they think it might get better on it&rsquo;s own, or they&rsquo;re afraid of what the treatment will cost. We can tell you from experience putting off getting treatment for a&nbsp;toothache&nbsp;will make it more expensive, not less! Plus, we don&rsquo;t want any of our patients to be in pain for any length of time. The sooner you see us the sooner we can make the pain go away. If you&rsquo;re experiencing oral pain, especially if accompanied by swelling or redness, please call right away.
<h2 style="box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; font-size: 20px; line-height: 1.8 !important; margin: 27px 0px 0px; letter-spacing: 1px; font-weight: bold; font-family: Lora, Lora; color: #000000; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: #ffffff; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">Sensitive Teeth</h2>
While tooth sensitivity can be a result of relatively harmless things such as over-brushing or sensitivity to chemicals in tooth whitening toothpaste, it can also be a sign of a serious oral health problem. Tooth sensitivity to heat or cold can be a sign of a cracked tooth, a filling that&rsquo;s gone bad, a cavity, tooth erosion, or even gum disease. If you&rsquo;ve suddenly developed tooth sensitivity, please come in to see us. Not only will we be able to diagnose potential problems, we can offer treatments or advice that may reduce or eliminate the sensitivity.
<h2 style="box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; font-size: 20px; line-height: 1.8 !important; margin: 27px 0px 0px; letter-spacing: 1px; font-weight: bold; font-family: Lora, Lora; color: #000000; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: #ffffff; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">Bleeding Gums</h2>
Bleeding gums can be a sign of serious oral health problems, particularly <a href="https://www.kokuasmiles.com/services/gum-disease-hawaii">gingivitis &amp; gum disease</a> (periodontal disease), which can lead to lots of pain, expense, &amp;&nbsp;tooth extraction. Still, we know that many people see a bit of blood when they brush or floss their teeth &amp; don&rsquo;t think much of it. But consider this:&nbsp;you wash your hands all the time as a way to prevent disease. If your hands started bleeding every time you washed them, wouldn&rsquo;t you contact your doctor? Same goes for your mouth: if it bleeds when you brush or floss, call us right away!
<h2 style="box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; font-size: 20px; line-height: 1.8 !important; margin: 27px 0px 0px; letter-spacing: 1px; font-weight: bold; font-family: Lora, Lora; color: #000000; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: #ffffff; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">Health Changes</h2>
It&rsquo;s easy to forget that your oral health affects your overall health &amp; that the opposite is also true. If you have been recently diagnosed with diabetes, you should let us know, as this condition puts you at higher risk for gum disease &amp; poor oral hygiene has also been shown to exacerbate diabetes symptoms. Patients who are starting treatment for cancer should also contact us, as many cancer treatments can have serious side effects on your oral health. If you&rsquo;ve recently been put on a medication that causes dry mouth, you may be more prone to tooth decay or other problems, so please let us know which medications you&rsquo;re on &amp; which side effects you&rsquo;re experiencing. Women who who have become pregnant should also tell us right away, as pregnancy can create changes in your oral health, particularly your gums. These are just a few examples. If you&rsquo;ve experienced a serious change in your health, please let us know so we can keep an eye on its effect on your smile.
<h2 style="box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; font-size: 20px; line-height: 1.8 !important; margin: 27px 0px 0px; letter-spacing: 1px; font-weight: bold; font-family: Lora, Lora; color: #000000; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: #ffffff; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">It&rsquo;s&nbsp;Been a While</h2>
Your teeth don&rsquo;t hurt, your gums don&rsquo;t bleed, you brush &amp; floss regularly, you don&rsquo;t have that much plaque or tartar build up, your teeth are not too yellow, you think your breath smells fine, so why should you visit the dentist? The truth is, many potential dental problems start with no noticeable symptoms at all.&nbsp;Visiting us regularly for a teeth cleaning &amp; dental exam is the best way to detect unseen problems. For example, we do periodic x-rays of your teeth during your visit because it helps us spot cavities that may be starting between your teeth or under fillings that would otherwise not be visible to the naked eye &amp; aren&rsquo;t yet causing your pay. When you visit us we can detect&nbsp;signs of a problem that you may not know to look for, such as signs of tooth grinding or even oral cancer. Plus, why would you want to miss out on that wonderful smooth &amp; fresh smile that you can only get after a cleaning at the dentist?

5 Reasons To Visit The Dentist

What if we told you the more often you see your dentist, the less you'll spend on dentistry? We know it sounds like a contradiction, but that is the power of preventive dentistry.
We recommend that you visit us at least twice a year for a teeth cleaning appointment, which also includes a basic exam. You&rsquo;ll hear dental professionals refer to this kind of appointment as prophylaxis (prophy for short), which is a word that comes from a Greek term that means &ldquo;guard&rdquo;. The services we perform during your teeth cleaning &amp; checkup are intended to guard against the spread &amp; development of disease, particularly tooth decay &amp;&nbsp;gum disease.
Think of your preventive dental care in terms of this metaphor: you&rsquo;re at home &amp; a bad rain storm is coming. What would you rather respond to, a weather report&nbsp;telling you that there is a flood warning, or three feet of water in your living room? Wouldn&rsquo;t you want the early warning so you have time to place sandbags to keep the water out?
As a dental patient, which would you rather have, a dental hygienist gently removing plaque &amp; tartar from your teeth, or the dentist telling you that your tooth is too far gone to be saved &amp; has to be removed?
We say this not to scare you &amp; not as a threat, but because we want you to think of preventive dentistry as an early warning system for your mouth. We&rsquo;d rather let you know about the risks to your health &amp; help you take preventive measures than be on the phone with the insurance company telling them about the damage.
A few dozens sandbags are a lot cheaper than replacing your belongings &amp; repairing damage to your house. Preventive dentistry, like teeth cleanings, is much cheaper than restorative repair to fix decay,&nbsp;such as fillings, crowns, &amp; bridges or gum disease treatments. If you have&nbsp;dental&nbsp;insurance, most of your annual preventive dental&nbsp;care is covered &amp; won&rsquo;t cost you any extra money. That&rsquo;s like if your homeowner&rsquo;s insurance offered&nbsp;you a load of sandbags for free twice a year, just in case there was a flood. If you knew there was a risk of flooding, why would your refuse the offer?
So if you want to avoid costly restorative dentistry or <a href="https://www.kokuasmiles.com/services/gum-disease-hawaii">gum disease treatments</a> in the future, be sure to come see us every six months for your preventive care &amp; cleaning appointment. An hour of your time twice a year is well worth trying to repair the damage after a catastrophe!

See The Dentist More Often & You'll Save Money!

Many primary secondary schools across the United States (in some other countries) require students to have a dental exam from a pediatric dentist or family dentist before they finish certain grade levels.
Most schools will not prevent a child from attending class if they don&rsquo;t get the required exam, or if a dentist determines their oral health makes them unfit to attend school. However, other penalties may be placed on the child or parents in these situations. For example, if proof of the required dental exam isn&rsquo;t provided, schools may withhold the child&rsquo;s report card, which could make it hard for the student to move on the the next grade or matriculate.
The exams required by most schools are mainly focused on finding tooth decay-related problems, or &ldquo;any other condition that interferes with a student&rsquo;s ability to&nbsp;chew, speak or focus on school activities.&rdquo;[<a style="box-sizing: border-box; background: transparent; outline: 0px; border: 0px; text-decoration: none; color: royalblue; transition: color 200ms cubic-bezier(0.785, 0.135, 0.15, 0.86) 0s, background-color 200ms cubic-bezier(0.785, 0.135, 0.15, 0.86) 0s, border-color 200ms cubic-bezier(0.785, 0.135, 0.15, 0.86) 0s;" href="https://www.nysdentalfoundation.org/my-healthy-smile-ny.html">source</a>] This type of exam is already part of your child&rsquo;s regular checkup at the dentist, so if your child already visits the dentist regularly, you will probably not have to make a new appointment for the school required dental exam. School-required exams usually do not involve x-rays (radiographs).
Children&rsquo;s oral health can have a big impact on their early lives, their later health, &amp; even on their academic success. A report on the implementation of the Illinois law that requires dental exams for schoolchildren stated: An estimated 51 million school hours per year are lost because of dental-related illness. Poor oral health has been related to decreased school performance, poor social relationships, and less success later in life. Children experiencing pain are distracted and unable to concentrate on schoolwork. Children should enter school free from dental problems. [<a style="box-sizing: border-box; background: transparent; outline: 0px; border: 0px; text-decoration: none; color: royalblue; transition: color 200ms cubic-bezier(0.785, 0.135, 0.15, 0.86) 0s, background-color 200ms cubic-bezier(0.785, 0.135, 0.15, 0.86) 0s, border-color 200ms cubic-bezier(0.785, 0.135, 0.15, 0.86) 0s;" href="https://www.astdd.org/bestpractices/des16012ILmandatedentalexam-2017docx.pdf">source</a>]
Some states also collect data&nbsp;(confidentially &amp; anonymously) from the results of these exams. Putting all this data from different schools &amp; grades together gives them a good idea of how well the teeth of children in the&nbsp;community are being cared for.
The state of Illinois requires a dental exam&nbsp;for Kindergarten, 2nd&nbsp;Grade &amp; 6th Grade students. Other states with similar requirements include New York, Kentucky, West Virginia, &amp; Oregon. State-enforced requirements usually apply to all schools, including public, private &amp; parochial (religious) schools. Some local governments (such as county or city) &amp; even some school districts may require dental exams for students even if it isn&rsquo;t mandated by state law.
If you don&rsquo;t know whether your child&rsquo;s school requires a dental health screening, the best way to find out would be to contact the school directly &amp; ask. Children who do not yet have a regular dentist that they go to can often get recommendations from their school of a <a href="https://www.kokuasmiles.com/contact">local pediatric dentist</a> or family dentist who can help.
If your child&rsquo;s school does require a dental screening, make sure you mention this at your child&rsquo;s next dental exam so the dentist knows to fill out &amp; provide you with the appropriate form certifying your child has been examined.

Your Child's School May Require A Dental Exam

With today's modern sedation techniques better understanding of the causes solutions for dental phobia, there is no reason to fear the dentist. As dentists, the thing we fear the most is our patients being in pain or experiencing other challenges due to not visiting the dentist for checkups &amp; treatment.&nbsp;Dentists &amp; dental professionals are caring &amp; compassionate people who got into dentistry to help others. Our primary goal is always your health &amp; comfort, so if you experience dental phobia or fear, we will do everything we can to make visits to the&nbsp;dental clinic&nbsp;easy for you.
If you have dental fear or anxiety, it is very important that you tell the dentist, the dental hygienist, the dental assistant, &amp; any of the other dental clinic staff who you directly interact with (for example, the receptionist or even the financial advisor). Don&rsquo;t be afraid to tell us you&rsquo;re uncomfortable! There is no way it&rsquo;s the first time we&rsquo;ve heard this &amp; you are not alone. Plus, if we know you might be fearful or nervous, we can pull out all the stops to make sure you&rsquo;re as comfortable &amp; relaxed as possible.
We also recognize&nbsp;that dental anxiety can be a generalized anxiety about going to the dental clinic, or anxiety about a specific dental procedure or routine. For example, if you&rsquo;re fairly comfortable at the dentist but feel anxious at the sound of an ultrasonic dental scaler, be sure to let us know so we can attempt to make you more comfortable.
We&rsquo;re also aware that there&rsquo;s such thing as dental phobia, that is more generalized &amp; not necessarily rational. No matter your level of anxiety or fear, there are many ways we can put you at ease at our dental clinic &amp; restore a positive relationship with your dental care.
<h2 style="box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; font-size: 22px; line-height: 1.8 !important; margin: 27px 0px 0px; letter-spacing: 1px; font-weight: bold; font-family: Lora, Lora; color: #000000; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: #ffffff; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">Creature Comforts</h2>
For those with fairly mild dental anxiety, we can offer you creature comforts to distract or insulate you from certain irritations. If the sounds of certain dental procedures bother you, we can offer you earplugs. Or, you can wear headphones &amp; listen to music that you find calming or that will distract you. We can offer you headphones if you do not bring your own. We can also provide sunglasses to protect your eyes from the light the dentist may be using to see inside your mouth.
<h3 style="box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; font-size: 22px; line-height: 1.8 !important; margin: 27px 0px 0px; letter-spacing: 1px; font-weight: bold; font-family: Lora, Lora; color: #000000; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: #ffffff; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">Calming Techniques</h3>
From breathing exercises to simply talking to you, our dental hygienists &amp; dentists are happy to walk you through calming techniques to guide you away from anxiety &amp; back to calm. We&rsquo;ll be encouraging when you&rsquo;re doing well &amp; understanding when you are not. If you&rsquo;re starting to get uncomfortable, just signal us &amp; we&rsquo;ll pause the procedure until you&rsquo;re able to go on.
<h2 style="box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; font-size: 22px; line-height: 1.8 !important; margin: 27px 0px 0px; letter-spacing: 1px; font-weight: bold; font-family: Lora, Lora; color: #000000; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: #ffffff; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">Sedation</h2>
Sedation is a fantastic option for those who have dental anxiety or fear. And just like there are different level of dental anxiety, there are different levels of sedation to go along with it.
Intravenous or I.V. sedation is the most powerful form of sedation &amp; is sometimes referred to as &ldquo;being put under&rdquo;. I.V. sedation is usually administered by an anesthesiologist or a dental professional certified in anesthesiology. With I.V. sedation you will be unconscious during your dental procedure &amp; may have very little memory of it when you wake up. You&rsquo;ll be groggy afterward, so a friend will need to take you home.
Pill sedation involves taking an oral sedative <a href="https://www.kokuasmiles.com/contact">prior to your visit</a> or procedure. This can be prescribed by the dentist once you have had a conversation about your dental anxiety. You will receive instructions on how soon before your appointment to take your pill so it will be in full effect during your visit. Similarly to I.V., you may be groggy as the sedation wears off, so a friend should help you get home.
Lastly &amp; probably most common is nitrous oxide or &ldquo;laughing gas&rdquo;&nbsp;sedation. This involves inhaling a scentless gas that calms &amp; relaxes you. Unlike the more powerful options of I.V. &amp; pill sedation, nitrous oxide sedation only lasts while you are inhaling it. That means that after your procedure is over &amp; the inhalation device has been removed, you&rsquo;ll be back to normal without any grogginess.
Once again, we have to emphasize that it&rsquo;s very important for you to tell us if you have dental anxiety. The last thing we would want is to put you in an uncomfortable situation that could have been eased or avoided by having a conversation about your anxiety. We have lots of experience working with anxious patients &amp; we encourage you to think of us as a partner in healing &amp; alleviating your dental anxiety.

No Need To Fear The Dentist

<p style="color: #000000; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: #ffffff; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">Humans have been using toothbrushes to remove food from teeth for thousands of years. Early toothbrushes were sticks with frayed ends, later brushes were made from bone, wood or ivory animal hairs.&nbsp;We have come a long way since then, &amp;&nbsp;toothbrushes today are very effective at removing food &amp;&nbsp;plaque &amp;&nbsp;keeping your teeth &amp;&nbsp;gums clean to prevent&nbsp;tooth decay.
<h2>Why Brush Your Teeth?</h2>
<p style="color: #000000; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: #ffffff; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">Brushing your teeth removes food &amp;&nbsp;plaque, which is bacteria that eats away at your teeth &amp;&nbsp;can build up &amp;&nbsp;become tartar, a hardened form of plaque. Without daily brushing, plaque &amp;&nbsp;tartar can build up, &amp;&nbsp;the acids that they produce can erode your tooth enamel &amp;&nbsp;irritate your gums. Brushing your teeth can help prevent cavities &amp;&nbsp;gum disease, so be sure to brush every day! The ADA recommends brushing a minimum of twice a day (usually morning &amp; before bed).
<h2>Types of Toothbrushes</h2>
<p style="color: #000000; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: #ffffff; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">There are two types of toothbrushes: manual &amp;&nbsp;powered. Both types are equally effective at cleaning your teeth, but powered toothbrushes can be fun for children &amp;&nbsp;easy to use for people who have trouble using&nbsp;manual toothbrushes. Use whichever type is easiest for you.
<p style="color: #000000; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: #ffffff; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">Bristles on toothbrushes vary in toughness, from soft to hard, &amp;&nbsp;most dentists recommend using a soft-bristled toothbrush. Hard bristles can actually damage your enamel, irritate your gums &amp; can contribute to tooth sensitivity!
<p style="color: #000000; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: #ffffff; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">No matter which type of toothbrush you use, you should brush twice a day for two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste &amp;&nbsp;replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months, or whenever the bristles seem frayed. Many toothbrushes even have wear indicators in the bristles that will lose color or change color when the toothbrush needs to be replaced.
<p style="color: #000000; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: #ffffff; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">For recommendations on how to choose a toothbrush that is best for your smile, ask your&nbsp;dentist or dental hygienist. And remember, brushing at home is not enough to ensure your dental health. Be sure to <a href="https://www.kokuasmiles.com/blog">visit the dentist</a> at least every six months for your professional cleaning! We may even throw in a free toothbrush.

How to Choose a Toothbrush

When most of us think of the affect of food on our teeth, we probably think of the age-old wisdom that sugar causes tooth decay. And while sugar is a notorious culprit, there are many other ways that the foods you eat affect your teeth, &amp;&nbsp;not all of it is bad news.
First of all, it&rsquo;s good to review how sugar actually causes cavities. It&rsquo;s not the sugar itself that&rsquo;s responsible for decay. Sugar acts as a food source for bacteria on your teeth &amp; gums, which digest it &amp; turn it into an acidic byproduct you&rsquo;ve probably already heard of, called plaque. Plaque is sticky &amp; adheres to your teeth, where its acids start to dissolve the hard outer layer of your teeth called enamel. Bacteria can then get into this hole in the enamel &amp; start to destroy the inside of the tooth, causing toothaches &amp; abscesses that require treatment from your dentist (root canals, tooth extractions, etc). Clearly, it&rsquo;s a good idea to avoid sugar as much as possible &amp; to brush &amp; floss thoroughly after consuming sugary foods.
Getting the right amount of Vitamin C is essential to keeping teeth healthy. Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, limes &amp; grapefruit are packed with Vitamin C, but it is also found in bell peppers, broccoli, &amp;&nbsp;dark leafy greens like spinach. Vitamin C deficiency is known as scurvy, &amp; its symptoms include weak, spongy gums &amp; eventual tooth loss. (In the old days, British sailors acquired the nickname Limeys because of the citrus juice that was added to their daily rations in an attempt to stave off scurvy. Compared to&nbsp;sailors from other countries, these Limeys were missing fewer teeth!). Vitamin C is also essential to keeping your immune system strong &amp; therefore more capable of fighting off infections that may develop in your mouth.
Even though citrus is a great source of Vitamin C, be careful about consuming too much orange juice or lemon-infused water, which has been touted for many other possible health benefits. Citrus is very acidic, &amp; acidic drinks &amp; foods can erode the enamel of your teeth &amp; cause tooth decay just like bacteria. Other acidic foods to consume with caution&nbsp;include wine, coffee, tomato-based foods (ketchup, pasta sauce, salsa, etc.) &amp; sodas &amp; energy drinks (especially diet varieties).
Foods that are high in antioxidants &amp; other nutrients are known to reduce inflammation &amp; help the body fight bacteria. These can&nbsp;also have a positive impact on your oral health. Examples of such foods are fruits, vegetables, legumes (beans, lentils, etc.) &amp; nuts.&nbsp;Foods that are high in calcium &amp; vitamin D, such as milk &amp; cheese, can also help strengthen your teeth from the inside. These same nutrients will also help strengthen your bones, including your jawbone, which holds your teeth securely in place.
Essentially, most of the food choices that are good for your overall health are also good for your dental health. A balanced diet that includes vitamins &amp; calcium &amp; avoids excessive amounts of sugar, alcohol, or diet sodas will help keep your smile happy &amp; healthy. If you have any questions about which food choices may help or hurt your teeth, feel free to ask us during your next visit to the&nbsp;<a style="box-sizing: border-box; background: transparent; outline: 0px; border: 0px; text-decoration: none; color: royalblue; transition: color 200ms cubic-bezier(0.785, 0.135, 0.15, 0.86) 0s, background-color 200ms cubic-bezier(0.785, 0.135, 0.15, 0.86) 0s, border-color 200ms cubic-bezier(0.785, 0.135, 0.15, 0.86) 0s;" href="https://www.kokuasmiles.com/services/teeth-cleaning-hawaii">dental clinic</a>.

How What You Eat Affects Your Teeth

Some foods that are genuinely good for your overall health can actually damage your teeth when eaten too often. Here are a few particularly popular culprits. We're not saying to avoid these foods completely, but you should know which ones to consume in moderation.
<h2 style="color: #000000; font-family: Times; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: #ffffff; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">Lemon</h2>
In case you didn&rsquo;t know, it&rsquo;s not sugar itself that causes tooth decay, it&rsquo;s the acid that bacteria turns sugar into by digesting it. Acid is the enemy of tooth enamel. Lemon juice is quite acidic, so consuming it too often can actually weaken your enamel just like eating too much sugar. Lemons are rich in vitamin C. Without enough vitamin C in your diet, you can get scurvy, which ironically can cause your teeth to loosen and fall out. So, lemon is good for you in moderation, but try to avoid adding it to your water and sipping on it all day. You&rsquo;d be giving your teeth a constant bath in cavity-causing acids!
<h2 style="color: #000000; font-family: Times; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: #ffffff; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">Blueberries</h2>
Blueberries are known for being rich in antioxidants, vitamins and inflammation-fighting compounds. They&rsquo;re also nature&rsquo;s candy and totally delicious. But if you&rsquo;ve ever dropped a fresh, juicy berry on light clothing, you also know that they create a pretty stubborn stain. What&rsquo;s true of your favorite cotton shirt is also true of your tooth enamel. If you eat blueberries too frequently, you can contribute to staining and darkening your teeth. So if you&rsquo;re trying to keep your smile bright after a teeth whitening treatment, we recommend limiting your blueberry intake. After all, the best teeth whitening is avoiding staining foods and drinks all together!
<h2 style="color: #000000; font-family: Times; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: #ffffff; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">Carbonated Water</h2>
While not nearly as bad for your teeth as soda pop or carbonated energy drinks, carbonated water is not without guilt when it comes to tooth health. All carbonated drinks, including popular sugar-free, calorie-free flavor-infused waters, contain acid created by the carbonation process. All those fun fizzy little bubbles can actually damage your teeth over time if you drink too many carbonated drinks.
<h2 style="color: #000000; font-family: Times; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: #ffffff; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">Have Doubts? Ask the Dentist</h2>
Wondering if the latest health fad or superfood is bad for your teeth? Feel free to ask the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kokuasmiles.com/blog">dentist</a>&nbsp;or dental hygienist at your next visit. We&rsquo;re always happy to share our dental expertise!

Healthy Foods That Can Be Bad For Your Teeth

As dental professionals we often feel like a broken record (or a scratched CD, depending on your generation) telling patients that they need to floss more. We don&rsquo;t mean to be nags, we just want you to have the healthiest, happiest smile possible!
While brushing cleans the front, back &amp; chewing surfaces of your teeth, flossing is the only way to properly clean the spaces between your teeth (what dental pros call the inter-proximal region). Even if you&rsquo;re a teeth brushing superstar, you&rsquo;re not cleaning your entire tooth if you don&rsquo;t floss.
Here are just a few of the problems you will avoid by flossing daily:
<h2 style="box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; font-size: 20px; line-height: 1.8 !important; margin: 27px 0px 0px; letter-spacing: 1px; font-weight: bold; font-family: Lora, Lora; color: #000000; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: #ffffff; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">Tooth Decay</h2>
The same micro-organism filled plaque that accumulates on the front &amp; back of your teeth can accumulate between them. This bacteria-ridden buildup can cause cavities &amp;&nbsp;<a style="box-sizing: border-box; background: transparent; outline: 0px; border: 0px; text-decoration: none; color: royalblue; transition: color 200ms cubic-bezier(0.785, 0.135, 0.15, 0.86) 0s, background-color 200ms cubic-bezier(0.785, 0.135, 0.15, 0.86) 0s, border-color 200ms cubic-bezier(0.785, 0.135, 0.15, 0.86) 0s;" href="https://www.kokuasmiles.com/tooth-decay">tooth decay</a>&nbsp;if it isn&rsquo;t cleaned away by flossing.
<h2 style="box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; font-size: 20px; line-height: 1.8 !important; margin: 27px 0px 0px; letter-spacing: 1px; font-weight: bold; font-family: Lora, Lora; color: #000000; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: #ffffff; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">Bad Breath</h2>
The bacteria in plaque left between your teeth can also eventually lead to bad breath. So if you brush &amp; use mouthwash &amp; still find yourself with bad breath, not flossing may be the culprit.
<h2 style="box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; font-size: 20px; line-height: 1.8 !important; margin: 27px 0px 0px; letter-spacing: 1px; font-weight: bold; font-family: Lora, Lora; color: #000000; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: #ffffff; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">Tartar Buildup</h2>
Plaque that is left on your teeth can eventually harden into a substance called tartar, which can lead to gum disease. You can prevent the development of tartar by flossing, but once tartar has formed, only scaling &amp; cleaning at the dentist can remove it.
<h2 style="box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; font-size: 20px; line-height: 1.8 !important; margin: 27px 0px 0px; letter-spacing: 1px; font-weight: bold; font-family: Lora, Lora; color: #000000; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: #ffffff; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">Other Health Complications</h2>
Poor dental hygiene has been linked to both heart disease &amp; aggravation of symptoms for those with diabetes. Remember that your mouth is an entry point for your entire body, so keeping your teeth healthy by brushing &amp; flossing can prevent disease-causing pathogens from getting in.
If you feel you need a reminder of the best way to floss, your dentist or dental hygienist will always be happy to give you a demonstration at your next visit. You may also be more likely to floss if you find the right type of floss for your mouth. Try different types, such as unwaxed, waxed or tape floss, or floss on a pick tool, until you find&nbsp;what feels the most comfortable for you.

Yes, Flossing Really Is That Important & Here's Why

Some of the most important things you can do to maintain your oral health are to brush floss your teeth, visit the dentist twice a year. But there are lots of ways you can change your everyday habits that will also improve your oral health!
<h2 style="box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; font-size: 22px; line-height: 1.8 !important; margin: 27px 0px 0px; letter-spacing: 1px; font-weight: bold; font-family: Lora, Lora; color: #000000; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: #ffffff; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">Food Choices</h2>
As you may already know, what you eat can damage your teeth. But by shifting your diet to include healthier foods, you can actually strengthen your teeth and gums, especially with foods that contain calcium, fiber, vitamin A &amp; vitamin D. Plus, these foods have lots of nutrients and vitamins that also improve your overall health!
For your oral health, it&rsquo;s most important to avoid sweet foods with lots of sugar, because sugar is most easily converted into cavity-causing acids by the bacteria in your mouth. If you&rsquo;re going to eat sugary foods, try to eat them along with your meals; the other food you eat will help clear away the sugar particles on your teeth.
<h2 style="box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; font-size: 22px; line-height: 1.8 !important; margin: 27px 0px 0px; letter-spacing: 1px; font-weight: bold; font-family: Lora, Lora; color: #000000; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: #ffffff; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">Snacking</h2>
Snacking can be bad for your teeth, no matter what you&rsquo;re eating. When you eat, bacteria in your mouth break down the food into acids that can cause cavities. If you only eat at meals, then your saliva has time in between those meals to neutralize those acids, but if you&rsquo;re constantly eating in between, your saliva won&rsquo;t be able to keep up!&nbsp;
The best thing to do is to minimize your snacking, which will give your saliva time to neutralize the acids from the foods you eat during meals. If you absolutely have to snack, try to only do it once a day, and brush your teeth afterward.&nbsp;
<h2 style="box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; font-size: 22px; line-height: 1.8 !important; margin: 27px 0px 0px; letter-spacing: 1px; font-weight: bold; font-family: Lora, Lora; color: #000000; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: #ffffff; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">Chewing on Ice &amp; Gum</h2>
Chewing on ice can damage your tooth enamel, so it&rsquo;s best to stop this completely. If you&rsquo;re thirsty, try drinking water instead, especially fluoridated water, which contains fluoride that will help strengthen your teeth.&nbsp;
If you just want something to chew on, try sugarless gum. Make sure it&rsquo;s sugarless, though, because gum with sugar will provide fuel for damaging acids to create cavities that <a href="https://www.kokuasmiles.com/tooth-decay">hurt your teeth</a>.&nbsp;

Everyday Habits You Can Adjust To Improve Your Oral Health

As your dental clinic, it's our responsibility to help guide you through your oral health care so it is as easy and affordable as possible. As a result, we're dedicated to helping you make the most of your dental insurance, ensuring you get the care you need &amp; you take advantage of every benefit available to you.
Did you know that your dental benefits don&rsquo;t roll over from year to year? Once you reach the end of the calendar year, your annual dental benefits disappear for good, whether or not you&rsquo;ve used them.
What do we mean by&nbsp;dental&nbsp;benefits? One of the best examples of a dental insurance benefit are the preventive care services that are usually covered between 80% to 100%, meaning the insurance company pays 80%-100% of the cost of the service . For example, most dental insurance plans give you two teeth cleaning visits each year covered at 100%, meaning you pay nothing out-of-pocket for your dental hygiene visit. Most insurance plans also fully cover at least one set of full mouth x-rays each year.
However,&nbsp;if you&rsquo;ve&nbsp;visited the dentist for one teeth cleaning this year, that doesn&rsquo;t mean you get three teeth cleanings next year! Instead, that free cleaning that you skipped goes away at the end of the year &amp; you never get it back!
Another example of your insurance benefits is your annual maximum, meaning the maximum amount that your&nbsp;dental insurance&nbsp;company will pay toward your dental care each year. Annual maximums vary greatly, but say your plan&rsquo;s maximum is $2,500. If you&rsquo;ve only used $500 of that $2,500 by the end of the year, the remaining $2,000 disappears &amp; you never get to use it. Essentially, you&rsquo;re leaving money on the table!
So what should you do if the year is almost up &amp; you still have some of your annual maximum left? Well, this is why the end of the year is a great time to start recommended treatment. First of all, if you haven&rsquo;t had both your <a href="https://www.kokuasmiles.com/services/teeth-cleaning-hawaii">teeth cleanings</a> this year, call us as soon as possible to schedule your second cleaning before the end of the year!
As another example, imagine&nbsp;we told you that you need a crown on one of your molars but you haven&rsquo;t actually completed the treatment yet. If you continue to put off getting the crown until the beginning of next year, you&rsquo;ll be throwing away your remaining annual maximum for this year &amp; using up next year&rsquo;s benefits early instead. That means if you need any other treatment during the course of next year, you&nbsp;will have already used up your annual maximum &amp; will have to pay out-of-pocket for it. Using up this year&rsquo;s insurance maximum could actually save you money next year by ensuring you don&rsquo;t hit your maximum too early!
So if you have dental treatment recommendations from us that you haven&rsquo;t completed yet, give us a call as soon as possible so we can schedule your visit before the end-of-year rush. We&rsquo;d be happy to help you check to see if you&rsquo;ve hit your annual maximum yet &amp; help you make the most of the money you have remaining on your insurance plan.

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How What You Eat Affects Your Teeth

Healthy Foods That Can Be Bad For Your Teeth

Yes, Flossing Really Is That Important & Here's Why

Everyday Habits You Can Adjust To Improve Your Oral Health

Make the Most of Your Dental Insurance Before the Year Ends!

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