Ever heard the saying, &ldquo;No pain, no wine&rdquo;? Well, after a root canal, it might be time to swap the wine glass for a water bottle&mdash;at least for a little while. So, can you drink alcohol after a root canal? Let&rsquo;s dive into the dos and don&rsquo;ts to help you heal faster and avoid any post-treatment hiccups.
<h2>What Happens During a Root Canal?</h2>
A root canal is like spring cleaning&mdash;but for your tooth! Dentists remove infected tissue from inside your tooth, disinfect the area, and seal it to prevent further damage. While the procedure helps save your tooth, the treated area needs some TLC to heal properly.
<h2>How Long After a Root Canal Can You Drink Alcohol?</h2>
Here&rsquo;s the short answer: It&rsquo;s best to avoid alcohol for at least 48 hours after a root canal. Why?
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Alcohol slows the healing process by reducing your body&rsquo;s ability to repair tissues.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">It may interfere with pain medications, causing them to be less effective or even dangerous.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">You might experience discomfort in the treated tooth, which can worsen if alcohol irritates the area.</li>
</ul>
<h2>How Long After a Root Canal Can I Drink Coffee?</h2>
If you&rsquo;re a coffee lover, good news: you don&rsquo;t have to wait long! Most dentists recommend avoiding coffee for about 24 hours after your procedure. Hot beverages can irritate the treated area and may cause sensitivity or discomfort. Once the initial recovery period has passed, you can ease back into your caffeine routine&mdash;just make sure it&rsquo;s not too hot to avoid hurting your healing tooth.
<h2>How Long After a Root Canal Can I Drink Water?</h2>
Water is your safest and most essential beverage during recovery. You can drink water as soon as the numbness from the procedure wears off. In fact, staying hydrated helps speed up the healing process and keeps your mouth feeling clean and fresh. Stick to room-temperature water to avoid sensitivity in the treated tooth.
<h2>Can You Drink Alcohol After a Root Canal Without a Crown?</h2>
If you&rsquo;ve just had the procedure but haven&rsquo;t yet received a crown, you&rsquo;re still in recovery mode. Alcohol can make it harder for your treated area to heal and could even lead to complications. Hold off until your dentist gives you the green light!
<h2>Root Canal Recovery Tips (That Don&rsquo;t Include Alcohol!)</h2>
<ol>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Stick to soft foods like mashed potatoes or yogurt to avoid putting pressure on the treated tooth.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Hydrate! Water is your best friend during the healing process.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Avoid coffee and other hot drinks for at least 24 hours.&nbsp;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Follow your dentist&rsquo;s post-treatment care plan to the letter.</li>
</ol>
<h2>How Long Does It Take to Fully Recover From a Root Canal?</h2>
The root canal recovery time varies from person to person, but most patients feel back to normal within a week. Adding a crown after a root canal can further protect your tooth, ensuring a long-lasting smile.
<h2>So&hellip;Can You Drink Alcohol After a Root Canal?</h2>
If you&rsquo;re craving a celebratory drink, patience is key! Waiting until your treated area is fully healed ensures you&rsquo;ll avoid setbacks and enjoy a smoother recovery. After all, you didn&rsquo;t sit through root canal therapy just to delay your smile&rsquo;s comeback tour.
<h2>Smile Brighter, Heal Faster&mdash;Book Your Appointment Now!</h2>
Ready to restore your smile and keep your teeth healthy? Kokua Smiles is here for all your endodontic needs! From root canal therapy to personalized aftercare, our Hawaii-based clinic ensures your comfort every step of the way.
<a href="https://www.kokuasmiles.com/services/group/hawaii-endodontics">Schedule your appointment</a> today with us today and let&rsquo;s get you smiling pain-free again!

Can You Drink Alcohol After a Root Canal?

Why did the tooth get a GPS? Because it couldn't decide whether to take the root canal or the implant highway!
When it comes to dental care, the question, do endodontists do implants, often leaves people scratching their heads&mdash;or their gums! Understanding the difference between dental specialists and their roles can feel like decoding dental jargon, but don&rsquo;t worry, we&rsquo;re here to fill in the gaps (pun intended). Let&rsquo;s sink our teeth into what endodontists do, their expertise, and whether they&rsquo;re the right professionals for dental implants.
<h2>Who Are Endodontists, and What Do They Do?</h2>
Endodontists are like the superheroes of the dental world, swooping in to save your natural teeth from doom. Their main superpower? Root canals! They specialize in diagnosing and treating problems inside the tooth, particularly the dental pulp and surrounding tissues.
However, when a tooth is beyond saving, endodontists sometimes trade their capes for surgical tools to prepare for alternatives like dental implants. But is this their main gig? Not exactly.
<h2>Who Does Dental Implants - Periodontists or Endodontists?&nbsp;</h2>
When it comes to dental implants, several specialists can perform this procedure. Periodontists, oral surgeons, and prosthodontists are typically at the forefront, thanks to their expertise in gum health, jawbone restoration, and tooth replacement.
However, endodontists can also handle dental implants in specific cases, especially when additional training equips them to perform surgical procedures. If you&rsquo;re wondering, do endodontists do implants? The answer is yes, but it depends on their experience and the complexity of your case.
<h2>Can Endodontists Extract Teeth Before Implants?</h2>
Yes, endodontists can extract teeth when necessary. In fact, they often perform extractions as part of their role in preparing for dental implants. Their expertise in diagnosing and treating complex dental issues makes them well-suited for this task.
If you&rsquo;re considering a root canal but find that the tooth is unsalvageable, an endodontist may extract it and work with other specialists to proceed with implant placement.
<h2>Root Canal vs. Implant: Which Is the Better Option?</h2>
Choosing between a root canal and an implant is like deciding between fixing your old car or buying a new one. A root canal is often the go-to solution for saving your natural teeth, but when a tooth is beyond repair, dental implants step in as the shiny, new replacement.
Which is healthier: root canal or implant? Saving a tooth is generally the healthier option, but implants offer a durable solution when preservation isn&rsquo;t possible.
<h2>Why Kokua Smiles Is Your Go-To for All Things Dental?</h2>
At Kokua Smiles, we believe in finding the perfect solution for your smile. Whether it&rsquo;s a root canal, tooth extraction, or exploring your options for dental implants, our experienced team ensures your care is personalized and professional.
Ready to take the next step?<a href="https://www.kokuasmiles.com/services/group/hawaii-endodontics"> Contact us</a> today and let us help you navigate the road to a healthier, happier smile&mdash;no GPS required!

Do Endodontists Do Implants?

The first dental appointment is an important milestone in maintaining oral health and setting the tone for future visits. Whether you're taking your child to the dentist for the first time or it&rsquo;s your own first dental visit in years, it&rsquo;s natural to wonder what happens at the first dental appointment. Understanding what to expect can help ease any anxieties and ensure the visit is as smooth as possible.
<h2>What to Expect at Your First Dental Appointment for Your Child?</h2>
For younger children, first dental visits are typically scheduled around the age of one or when their first teeth appear. At this visit, the dentist will gently check your baby&rsquo;s teeth and gums for any signs of tooth decay or potential gum disease. The goal is to familiarize the child with the dental environment and educate parents about oral health practices, such as brushing and flossing techniques. The dentist may also provide tips for preventing future dental issues like early cavities.
<h2>How Long Does a New Patient Dentist Appointment Take?</h2>
The length of your first dental appointment can vary based on your medical history and the complexity of the visit. On average, a new patient dentist appointment takes around 45 minutes to an hour. During this time, the dentist will review your dental history and discuss any concerns you might have. The dental hygienist will clean your teeth and may take X-rays to assess the health of your teeth and gums.
<h2>What Happens During the Appointment?</h2>
Upon arrival, you&rsquo;ll typically be asked to complete patient forms that detail your dental and medical history. If it's your first visit as an adult, the dentist may perform a thorough examination of your teeth and gums. They&rsquo;ll look for signs of gum disease, tooth decay, and other potential issues.
Your first visit may also include a dental exam, where the dentist checks your teeth for oral cancer or any other abnormalities. Depending on your needs, the dentist may clean your teeth using ultrasonic tools and polish them for a fresh, clean feel.&nbsp;
<h2>First Dental Visit Age 2 or 3: What to Expect?</h2>
For children around the age of two or three, it&rsquo;s common to schedule a first dental visit. During this visit, the dentist will check for any cavities or developmental issues. They will also emphasize the importance of proper brushing and flossing habits. You&rsquo;ll likely be advised to start brushing your child&rsquo;s teeth twice a day and to avoid sugary snacks.
<h2>How to Make a Dentist Appointment for the First Time?</h2>
Scheduling your first dental appointment is easy. Simply search this on the browser: dentist near me, call their office, and set up your initial visit. It&rsquo;s essential to choose a practice that makes you feel comfortable and offers comprehensive care. Many practices, like Kokua Smiles, specialize in making the first dental visit as welcoming and stress-free as possible.
<h2>Ready to Schedule Your First Appointment?</h2>
Whether you're visiting the dentist for the first time or bringing your child, Kokua Smiles offers a friendly, professional environment to ensure your dental health is in good hands. Our experienced team is dedicated to making you feel comfortable and confident at every visit. Schedule your first appointment with us today and experience personalized care tailored to your needs! <a href="https://www.kokuasmiles.com/services/dentures-hawaii">Learn more</a> about our services

What Happens at First Dental Appointment?

Thanksgiving is all about turkey, stuffing, and pie-until someone takes the phrase "bite into Thanksgiving" too literally and ends up with a chipped tooth. So, are dentists open on Thanksgiving? Let&rsquo;s dive in and uncover what you can do when a dental emergency interrupts your holiday plans.
<h2>What to Do if You Have a Dental Emergency Over Thanksgiving</h2>
Dental emergencies can strike at the worst times, including holidays. A chipped tooth during dinner or sudden tooth pain can leave you scrambling for help. While many dental offices close on Thanksgiving, some emergency dental care providers remain available to ensure patients can enjoy their holiday without worrying about oral health issues.
Here&rsquo;s what you can do:
<ol>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Stay Calm: Assess the situation and determine if it&rsquo;s an emergency. A lost filling can often wait, but a knocked-out tooth requires immediate attention.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Call Ahead: Some dental offices maintain limited hours for emergencies on Thanksgiving. Confirm availability before rushing over.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Temporary Solutions: Over-the-counter pain relief and dental kits can help manage discomfort until you see a professional.</li>
</ol>
<h2>Emergency Dental Care on Thanksgiving: What You Need to Know</h2>
When seeking emergency dental care on Thanksgiving, it&rsquo;s important to know your options. Many dentists recognize that accidents and sudden issues don&rsquo;t take holidays off. Emergency dental clinics or on-call dentists may offer:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Immediate Care for injuries, severe pain, or infections.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Expert Advice on whether you need urgent treatment or can wait until the next business day.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Flexible Hours, sometimes partnering with local emergency rooms for urgent cases.</li>
</ul>
Pro tip: Keep your dentist&rsquo;s contact information handy and know the location of nearby emergency services before the holiday begins.
<h2>What Holidays Are Dentist Offices Closed?</h2>
It&rsquo;s common for dentist offices to close during major holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year&rsquo;s Day. However, some practices, especially those specializing in emergencies, may operate with limited hours. For regular services like a dental appointment or routine checkups, it&rsquo;s best to plan around these closures.
If you're unsure, contact your local dental office a few days before the holiday to confirm their schedule. Practices like Kokua Smiles prioritize patient needs and provide clear guidance on availability during holidays.
<h2>Children's Dental Emergencies on Thanksgiving</h2>
Kids and holidays go hand in hand, but so do children&rsquo;s dental emergencies. Whether it's a cracked tooth from hard candy or an unexpected ache, parents should know their options. Pediatric dentists or family dental practices often have systems in place for such scenarios, ensuring your child receives timely care.
Tips for managing your child&rsquo;s dental emergency:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Rinse the mouth with warm water.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Use a cold compress to reduce swelling.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Contact an emergency dentist for immediate advice.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Plan Ahead for a Stress-Free Thanksgiving</h2>
Dental issues shouldn&rsquo;t overshadow your Thanksgiving festivities. While many dental offices are closed, you can rely on emergency services to address urgent concerns. If you&rsquo;re in Hawaii, Kokua Smiles is dedicated to providing compassionate, immediate dental care &mdash; even during the holidays.
Contact<a href="https://www.kokuasmiles.com/services/group/hawaii-family-dentist"> Kokua Smiles</a> to ensure your dental health is covered for Thanksgiving and beyond. Because nothing should stop you from smiling this holiday season!

Are Dentists Open on Thanksgiving?

A whopping 80% of Americans want whiter teeth, with over 40 million people in the U.S. reaching for whitening strips every year. But here's the question many find themselves asking once they&rsquo;re done: Should I brush my teeth after using white strips?
Whitening strips have become one of the easiest, most accessible ways to brighten your smile. From whitestrips to other over-the-counter products, these strips are known for their quick results and ease of use. But using these strips effectively without damaging your teeth is key, especially when it comes to brushing.
<h2>What&rsquo;s the Deal with Whitening Strips?</h2>
Whitening strips work by applying a peroxide-based gel to the teeth to break down surface stains, allowing your teeth to look brighter. However, using strips can lead to tooth sensitivity and sometimes gum irritation. This is because the peroxide can be harsh on enamel, particularly if the strips are overused or misused. That&rsquo;s why it&rsquo;s essential to follow instructions on how to handle these strips, especially regarding brushing.
<h2>Should I Brush My Teeth After Using Whitening Strips?</h2>
The short answer: Yes, but with a few important rules.
After removing whitening strips, wait at least 30 minutes before brushing your teeth. Whitening strips can temporarily weaken your enamel, making it more vulnerable. Jumping straight to brushing could worsen tooth sensitivity and even reduce the whitening effectiveness you&rsquo;re looking for. Brushing too soon could also aggravate gum irritation from the strips' peroxide gel. So, timing is everything!
<h2>How to Use Whitening Strips Safely?</h2>
It&rsquo;s easy to overlook best practices for using whitening strips, especially when we&rsquo;re eager to see results. Here are some critical steps to make your whitening routine both safe and effective.
<h4>1. Why Not Brush Teeth Before White Strips?</h4>
Brushing your teeth right before using strips might seem like a good idea for cleanliness, but it&rsquo;s actually not recommended. Brushing can cause gum irritation when you apply whitening strips afterward, as it temporarily softens enamel and increases sensitivity. A better approach is to brush a couple of hours beforehand to clear away any debris without the risk of irritation.
<h4>2. When Can I Brush My Teeth After Professional Teeth Whitening?</h4>
If you&rsquo;ve opted for professional whitening, you&rsquo;ll also want to be cautious about brushing right after treatment. Dental experts recommend waiting for around 30 minutes to an hour post-treatment. This waiting period gives your teeth and gums time to recover, avoiding extra tooth sensitivity. Plus, many treatments come with after-care instructions, so always ask your dentist.
<h4>3. Can I Eat After Using Whitening Strips?</h4>
Whitening treatments make teeth more porous for a short time, which means they&rsquo;re more likely to absorb colors from foods and beverages. After using whitening strips, try to avoid dark-colored drinks like red wine or coffee, as well as highly pigmented foods, for at least an hour. This practice can extend the results and keep your smile as white as possible. Drinking water or eating light-colored foods during this period can help minimize staining.
<h2>Tips for Brushing and Maintaining Results</h2>
Whitening your teeth is just the first step; maintaining the brightness is just as important. Below are some smart tips to keep your teeth at their whitest without compromising your dental health.
<h4>1. Use a Soft Bristle Brush</h4>
Switch to a soft-bristle toothbrush after whitening. Harsh brushing can wear down enamel, especially after a whitening session. A soft brush will clean gently, preventing damage and prolonging the brightness of your teeth.
<h4>2. Opt for Non-Abrasive Toothpaste</h4>
Using a whitening toothpaste seems logical, but after whitening strips, avoid it for at least a day. Many whitening toothpastes contain mild abrasives which can heighten tooth sensitivity. Choose a toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth to provide relief without scrubbing away the newly achieved whiteness.
<h4>3. Limit Stain-Causing Foods and Beverages</h4>
Just as certain foods and drinks are a no-go right after whitening, try to reduce them overall. Avoid high-stain foods like red wine, coffee, tea, and berries, or consider drinking dark beverages through a straw. This small change can make a big difference in maintaining results longer.
<h4>4. Be Consistent, But Not Excessive</h4>
Tooth whitening doesn&rsquo;t require daily use. Overdoing it can lead to sensitive teeth and even enamel erosion. Most people find that using strips once every few months is more than enough to maintain a bright smile without overloading their teeth.
<h4>5. Don&rsquo;t Skip Dental Check-Ups</h4>
Regular dental check-ups play a significant role in keeping your teeth healthy. Professional cleanings help remove stubborn stains, making whitening treatments last longer and keeping your teeth healthy. Dental visits also let you discuss any tooth sensitivity concerns or questions about teeth whitening products with your dentist.
<h2>Final Thoughts: To Brush or Not to Brush?</h2>
Whitening strips are a great tool for achieving a bright smile, but knowing the best practices is essential for lasting results without discomfort. While you should wait after whitening before brushing, ensuring consistent and gentle care for your teeth is key to protecting enamel and keeping your results vibrant.
<h2>Brighten Your Smile with Kokua Smiles</h2>
Ready for a brighter smile? At<a href="https://www.kokuasmiles.com/services/teeth-whitening-hawaii"> Kokua Smiles</a>, we specialize in professional teeth whitening that delivers long-lasting results, tailored for your dental health. Our advanced teeth-whitening options help you achieve a sparkling smile safely and effectively. Schedule an appointment today and get ready to show your perfect smile.
&nbsp;

Should I Brush My Teeth After Using White Strips?

Ever noticed how braces seem to give you a free souvenir in the form of white spots on your teeth? It's like the tooth fairy ran out of cash and decided to leave a little surprise instead! But don&rsquo;t worry, you don&rsquo;t have to live with those tiny party crashers forever. In fact, 38% of people who wear braces experience white spots on their teeth, but many successfully remove them with the right techniques. So, if you're wondering how to get rid of white spots on teeth braces, you&rsquo;re in the right place.
<h2>What Causes White Spots After Braces?</h2>
White spots on your teeth after braces aren&rsquo;t some kind of cosmic punishment for indulging in sweets. They're caused by plaque buildup that leads to demineralization of the tooth enamel. When you don't brush and floss effectively while wearing braces, bacteria and acids eat away at the enamel, leaving behind unsightly spots. It's a common problem, but the good news is, it&rsquo;s totally preventable.
<h2>Are White Spots From Braces Permanent?</h2>
Let&rsquo;s cut to the chase: Are white spots from braces permanent? Well, not necessarily! While some white spots can fade naturally over time, others may need a little intervention, depending on how severe they are. That's why it&rsquo;s crucial to take action as soon as you notice them.
<h2>How to Prevent White Spots from Braces?</h2>
Prevention is always better than cure, right? To avoid white spots while wearing braces, brushing and flossing aren&rsquo;t negotiable.
<ol>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Brush your teeth after every meal with fluoride toothpaste, using an electric toothbrush for optimal results.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Floss daily to clean the areas between your teeth where plaque loves to hide.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Consider using a fluoride mouthwash to strengthen your enamel.</li>
</ol>
<h2>How to Tell If You Will Have White Spots After Braces?</h2>
It&rsquo;s tricky to predict if you&rsquo;ll have white spots after braces before they are removed. However, there are signs to watch for during your orthodontic treatment. If you notice white areas forming while you still have braces, that&rsquo;s a red flag. These spots indicate the beginning stages of enamel demineralization, and if left untreated, they may remain after your braces come off.
<h2>How to Remove White Spots on Teeth Naturally?</h2>
The good news is, there are several natural remedies to reduce or even eliminate those spots. Here are some home treatments:
<ul>
<li>Use Fluoride Treatments</li>
</ul>
One effective way to get rid of white spots is by using fluoride toothpaste or fluoride gels. Fluoride helps remineralize the teeth, restoring the enamel and gradually reducing the white spots.
<ul>
<li>Try Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide</li>
</ul>
Mixing baking soda with a small amount of hydrogen peroxide creates a natural whitening paste. Use it to gently brush the affected areas to remove surface stains and even out the spots.
<h2>What To Do if Home Remedies aren&rsquo;t Working Out?&nbsp;</h2>
If home remedies aren&rsquo;t cutting it, there are other more advanced options available to treat white spots on teeth after braces.
<ul>
<li>Professional Teeth Whitening</li>
</ul>
A visit to your cosmetic dentist can work wonders. Professional teeth whitening treatments can help reduce the appearance of white spots, leaving your teeth bright and uniform.
<ul>
<li>Dental Veneers or Bonding</li>
</ul>
In more severe cases, your dentist might suggest dental veneers or bonding. Veneers are thin covers placed over the front of the teeth, while bonding uses a tooth-colored resin to even out the surface.
<h2>Restore your Radiant Smile with Kokua Smiles</h2>
If you're dealing with white spots or just want to brighten your smile after braces, Kokua Smiles offers expert teeth whitening services tailored to your needs. Why not schedule an appointment with one of our skilled professionals? Click here to learn more about our <a href="https://www.kokuasmiles.com/services/teeth-whitening-hawaii">teeth whitening services in Hawaii </a>and start your journey to a spotless smile today!
Remember, your smile deserves the best care!

How to Get Rid of White Spots on Teeth Braces?

As dentists we know we sometimes speak a slightly different, more clinical, language than our patients. We try not to be mysterious, but sometimes what's common knowledge to us could be confusing to our patients.&nbsp;One common thing that patients want to know is the meaning of the different letters you see after our names: either DDS or DMD. So what&rsquo;s the difference? Is one better than the other?
The answer is actually very simple: there is no difference! DDS (which stands for Doctor of&nbsp;Dental Surgery) &amp; DMD (which stands for Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry) are exactly the same degree. Whether a dentist holds a DMD or a DDS degree, they have received all of the same training. The only difference is that some universities choose to call their dental degree DDS &amp; some choose DMD.
So, for example, if Dr. John Smith received his DMD from the University of Pennsylvania &amp; Dr. Jane Doe earned here DDS from UCLA, both doctors received the same level of clinical training.
You will sometimes see even more letters after some dentists&rsquo; names, such as FICOI or MAGD. These don&rsquo;t represent university degrees, but actually indicate a level of additional training that a dentist has received beyond dental school. If you&rsquo;re curious about what these letters stand for, ask your <a href="https://www.kokuasmiles.com/services/group/hawaii-family-dentist">dentist</a>! He or she spent lots of time &amp; energy earning the designation &amp; will be happy to share how their extra expertise helps him or her keep your smile healthy.
Bonus info: You will sometimes see the words BDS after some overseas dentists&rsquo; names.&nbsp;Dentists&nbsp;in places like Europe or India who hold BDS degrees are fully trained &amp; qualified dentists in their countries. However, due to differences in certification requirements, foreign dentists with BDS degrees will need to also earn their DDS or DMD degrees in order to practice dentistry in the United States or Canada.

What's the Difference Between DDS and DMD

If were honest with ourselves, we know that visiting the dentist is not high on your list of favorite activities. As much as we love dentistry caring for smiles, we know the general public doesn&rsquo;t quite share our passion.&nbsp;That&rsquo;s why we do everything we can to make sure we provide dental care in a way that respects your busy schedule.
We find that the majority of our patients work jobs that are roughly 9am to 5pm every weekday. That&rsquo;s why we offer <a href="https://www.kokuasmiles.com/services/teeth-whitening-hawaii">teeth cleaning</a> appointments in the morning that allow you to get in &amp; out with plenty of time to get to work before 9am. We also offer teeth cleaning appointments in the late afternoon &amp; evening, so you can stop by on your way home from work without having to leave early.
We also realize that most of young patients are in school from 8am to about 3pm, sometimes later if they participate in sports or other extracurricular activities. That&rsquo;s what we offer early morning &amp; evening teeth cleaning appointments for children as well. We don&rsquo;t think it&rsquo;s necessary for parents to pull their children out of class just for a teeth cleaning. We also offer children&rsquo;s teeth cleaning appointments during midday during the summer when kids are free from school.
We work hard to ensure you leave every cleaning appointment with your next appointment already scheduled. This is so you can have it in your calendar as early as possible so you won&rsquo;t forget. However, we know that it&rsquo;s hard to know what you&rsquo;ll be doing 3, 6, or 12 months from now (depending on how often we recommend you get your teeth cleaned). That&rsquo;s why we always want to schedule your next appointment so you won&rsquo;t have to miss work. If your next scheduled appointment is at a time that conflicts with your work schedule, please let us know so we can re-schedule it for you.
The last thing we want is for you to have to cancel your&nbsp;appointment&nbsp;at the last minute. Your&nbsp;dental&nbsp;health is far too important for that! Seeing your <a href="https://www.kokuasmiles.com/contact">dentist</a> regularly for cleanings doesn&rsquo;t just mean you have an extra clean smile, it also gives us an opportunity to check for other health problems like gingivitis, gum disease &amp; even oral cancer. We do everything we can to make dental care an easy &amp; care-free part of your life. If we can do something better to ensure we respect your busy schedule, please let us know!

We Respect Your Busy Schedule

<h2>What Is TMJ</h2>
The temporomandibular joints are the joints on either side of your head that connect your jaw to your skull and allow you to open and close your mouth, chew, and speak. Because it can move in many different directions, these joints are some of the most complex in your body. Any problems with these joints are also referred to as <a href="https://www.kokuasmiles.com/services/group/tmj-treatment-hawaii">TMJ</a> disorder, or just TMJ.
<h2>Symptoms of TMJ</h2>
Symptoms of TMJ can include:
<ul style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 18px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; list-style: disc; color: #000000; font-family: Lora, Lora; font-size: 19px; 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;">
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 2 !important; margin: 0px; font-size: 19px; list-style-position: inside;">Jaw clicking, popping, or&nbsp;locking</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 2 !important; margin: 0px; font-size: 19px; list-style-position: inside;">Headaches or earaches</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 2 !important; margin: 0px; font-size: 19px; list-style-position: inside;">Pain when mouth is opened widely</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 2 !important; margin: 0px; font-size: 19px; list-style-position: inside;">Tenderness of jaw muscles</li>
</ul>
The cause of your TMJ can determine which or how many of these symptoms you have. At most dental checkups, your dentist or dental hygienist will check for tenderness in your jaw muscles to see if TMJ might be present.
<h2>Causes of TMJ</h2>
TMJ does not always have an obvious cause, but there are a few common possibilities for the origins of a TMJ problem:
<ul style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 18px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; list-style: disc; color: #000000; font-family: Lora, Lora; font-size: 19px; 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;">
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 2 !important; margin: 0px; font-size: 19px; list-style-position: inside;">Injury or dislocation</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 2 !important; margin: 0px; font-size: 19px; list-style-position: inside;">Teeth clenching (often from stress)</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 2 !important; margin: 0px; font-size: 19px; list-style-position: inside;">Arthritis</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 2 !important; margin: 0px; font-size: 19px; list-style-position: inside;">Poor tooth or jaw alignment</li>
</ul>
<h2>How Can a Dentist Help?</h2>
While many probably think of dentist as just teeth doctors, we can&rsquo;t treat you properly without looking at your mouth as part of a system. That system definitely includes your temporomandibular joint. A dentist can help in diagnosing your TMJ disorder, &amp; may also refer you to a physician or a specialist dentist for further diagnosis.
Because TMJ can be caused by tooth &amp; jaw alignment problems, there are dental treatments that may help. Your&nbsp;dentist&nbsp;may refer you to an orthodontist for treatments like braces, which can help realign the teeth &amp; the jaws so that your mouth can close in the proper position. Treatment form an&nbsp;orthodontist&nbsp;can alleviate TMJ symptoms in many cases.
If your TMJ comes from teeth grinding or clenching, your dentist may recommend that you wear a custom dental appliance. Often called a bite plate or a splint, this appliance will keep your upper teeth from grinding against your lower teeth. In addition to alleviating TMJ symptoms, this bite guard will prevent wear on your teeth from grinding that can lead to other problems.
Other treatments for TMJ include using hot &amp; cold packs, taking anti-inflammatory &amp;/or muscle relaxing medications, or learning relaxation techniques to reduce tension in your jaw muscles. In certain rare cases, TMJ may require jaw surgery to correct.
If you are concerned that you may have symptoms that indicate TMJ, please speak with your <a href="https://www.kokuasmiles.com/contact">dentist</a> about it. We want to get you relief from pain &amp; discomfort as quickly as we can!

What Is TMJ and How Can a Dentist Help?

Test your knowledge of dentistry and your <a href="https://www.kokuasmiles.com/services/group/hawaii-family-dentist">dental health</a>! Take the quiz and see the answer key at the bottom to see how well you did.
<ol style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 18px 0px 0px 18px; padding: 0px; color: #000000; font-family: Lora, Lora; font-size: 19px; 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;">
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 2 !important; margin: 0px; font-size: 19px; list-style-position: inside;">When should you floss?
<ul style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 18px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; list-style: disc;">
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 2 !important; margin: 0px; font-size: 19px; list-style-position: inside;">a. Before you brush your teeth.</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 2 !important; margin: 0px; font-size: 19px; list-style-position: inside;">b. After you brush your teeth.</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 2 !important; margin: 0px; font-size: 19px; list-style-position: inside;">c. Before or after&mdash;as long as you floss at least once a day!</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 2 !important; margin: 0px; font-size: 19px; list-style-position: inside;">Which beverages are acidic &amp; can cause&nbsp;tooth decay?
<ul style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 18px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; list-style: disc;">
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 2 !important; margin: 0px; font-size: 19px; list-style-position: inside;">a. Wine</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 2 !important; margin: 0px; font-size: 19px; list-style-position: inside;">b. Water with lemon</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 2 !important; margin: 0px; font-size: 19px; list-style-position: inside;">c. Diet soda</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 2 !important; margin: 0px; font-size: 19px; list-style-position: inside;">d. Coffee</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 2 !important; margin: 0px; font-size: 19px; list-style-position: inside;">e. All of the above</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 2 !important; margin: 0px; font-size: 19px; list-style-position: inside;">When should children first see the dentist?
<ul style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 18px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; list-style: disc;">
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 2 !important; margin: 0px; font-size: 19px; list-style-position: inside;">a. Within 6 months of their first tooth coming in.</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 2 !important; margin: 0px; font-size: 19px; list-style-position: inside;">b. Once they have at least two teeth.</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 2 !important; margin: 0px; font-size: 19px; list-style-position: inside;">c. Once all of their teeth have come in.</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 2 !important; margin: 0px; font-size: 19px; list-style-position: inside;">d. Once they&rsquo;re old enough to talk to the dentist.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 2 !important; margin: 0px; font-size: 19px; list-style-position: inside;">What does fluoride do?
<ul style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 18px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; list-style: disc;">
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 2 !important; margin: 0px; font-size: 19px; list-style-position: inside;">a. It helps keep plaque from sticking to teeth.</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 2 !important; margin: 0px; font-size: 19px; list-style-position: inside;">b. It helps rebuild dental enamel &amp; reverse early tooth decay.</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 2 !important; margin: 0px; font-size: 19px; list-style-position: inside;">c. It kills bacteria in your mouth that can cause tooth decay.</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 2 !important; margin: 0px; font-size: 19px; list-style-position: inside;">d. All of the above.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 2 !important; margin: 0px; font-size: 19px; list-style-position: inside;">In addition to poor dental&nbsp;hygiene, which of these are risk factors for gum disease?
<ul style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 18px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; list-style: disc;">
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 2 !important; margin: 0px; font-size: 19px; list-style-position: inside;">a. Genetic susceptibility.</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 2 !important; margin: 0px; font-size: 19px; list-style-position: inside;">b. Diabetes.</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 2 !important; margin: 0px; font-size: 19px; list-style-position: inside;">c. Smoking.</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 2 !important; margin: 0px; font-size: 19px; list-style-position: inside;">d. Medications that cause dry mouth.</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 2 !important; margin: 0px; font-size: 19px; list-style-position: inside;">e. All of the above.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 2 !important; margin: 0px; font-size: 19px; list-style-position: inside;">True or False: A hard bristle toothbrush is better at cleaning teeth than a soft bristle toothbrush.
<ul style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 18px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; list-style: disc;">
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 2 !important; margin: 0px; font-size: 19px; list-style-position: inside;">a. True.</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 2 !important; margin: 0px; font-size: 19px; list-style-position: inside;">b. False.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ol>
<div class="key" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #000000; font-family: Lora, Lora; font-size: 19px; 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;">Answers: 1:c, 2:e, 3:a, 4:d; 5:e, 6:b-False.</div>

Quiz: How Much Do You Know About Dental Health?

Summertime is a great time. The days are longer, we spend more time outside, the kids are out of school, and many of us take trips with family and friends.With all the changes in your routine during the summer, it might be easy to let dental care become less of a priority. Here are a few tips from your dental team to keep you smiling all summer long.
<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;">Don&rsquo;t Chew on Ice!</h2>
Tempting as it may be, as your&nbsp;dentist&nbsp;we must beg you not to chew on ice during the hot summer months! Just because your teeth are capable of chewing ice does not mean they should. Ice is hard enough to damage your tooth enamel, which is the hard outer layer of your teeth that protects the softer materials below. Place ice cubes in your drink to cool it instead.
<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;">Drink Water Instead of Juices &amp; Soft Drinks</h2>
Ads for soft drinks love to tempt us during the summer with ads about how wonderfully refreshing their products are, but when it comes to hydration &amp; cooling off, nothing beats good old-fashioned water. Plus, drinking water won&rsquo;t put you at risk for tooth decay like juices &amp; soft drinks (including diet!). Plus, water can even help prevent&nbsp;tooth decay&nbsp;by washing away sugars &amp; food particles that may be lingering in your mouth from your last meal or snack. So, please remember, soda pop &amp; juices should be treats &amp; you should drink water to stay cool &amp; hydrated during the summer.
<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;">Forgot a Toothbrush While Traveling?</h2>
When you&rsquo;re excited for a vacation it&rsquo;s easy to overlook something when you&rsquo;re packing your bags. If that something happens to be a toothbrush or floss, you probably won&rsquo;t have to go very far for help. Though it isn&rsquo;t common knowledge, most hotel front desks or concierge services have extra dental care products like toothbrushes, toothpaste and floss available for guests for free. All you have to do is ask. This is especially helpful if your vacation spot is far from a convenience store or drug store. By they way, they also tend to have razors &amp; hair combs if you forgot those, too!
<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;">Dental Checkups &amp; Cleanings for Kids &amp; Students</h2>
Even though most of us grown-ups are still just as busy during the summer, the children in our lives usually have a lot more time on their hands. We suggest you put some of this time to good use by scheduling your child&rsquo;s semi-annual <a href="https://www.kokuasmiles.com/services/teeth-whitening-hawaii">teeth cleaning</a> &amp; checkup during their summer vacation. The benefit of summer appointments is that you won&rsquo;t have to pull your child out of class, they won&rsquo;t have to miss extracurricular activities &amp; their appointment won&rsquo;t cut into homework time.
Summer is also a great time for college students to visit the dentist. Unless they&rsquo;re relying on an on-campus dental clinic, most college students should keep coming to their family dentist, even after they&rsquo;ve moved away for school. Students who are back home visiting family should plan a trip to the dentist during their visit. Scheduling an appointment during the summer also means that their next 6-month appointment will fall during winter break, when they&rsquo;re likely to be visiting home again.
Regular appointments for children &amp; students are very important, because they&rsquo;re particularly prone to picking up bad habits that could lead to tooth decay.
Schedule your appointment early! Great <a href="https://www.kokuasmiles.com/contact">summer appointments</a> always fill up.

Keeping Up With Dental Health In The Summer

The best way to choose a toothpaste is to ask for a recommendation from your dentist&mdash;they will know your needs the best&mdash;but here are some tips for choosing a toothpaste yourself!
<h2 style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.8 !important; margin: 18px 0px 0px; font-size: 19px; color: #000000; font-family: Lora, Lora; 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;">What Is Toothpaste?</h2>
Toothpastes are gels, pastes or powders that help remove plaque from teeth. They are made of made of small abrasive particles (like silicates &amp;&nbsp;salts), fluoride, humectants (used to keep the paste moist), thickeners (like natural gums, cellulose or seaweed), detergents (for foaming action) &amp;&nbsp;flavoring agents. Different toothpastes do different things&mdash;like whitening, preventing gum disease &amp;&nbsp;protecting sensitive teeth&mdash;but all ADA complying toothpastes contain fluoride.
<h2 style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.8 !important; margin: 18px 0px 0px; font-size: 19px; color: #000000; font-family: Lora, Lora; 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;">What Is Fluoride?&nbsp;</h2>
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that helps keep teeth clean &amp;&nbsp;tooth enamel strong by making it more resistant to acids that decay your teeth. Fluoride can be found in tea, wine, raisins, potatoes, lamb &amp;&nbsp;carrots! Some communities also put a safe amount in their tap water. Before water fluoridation, children had about three times as many cavities!
The fluoride you get from food, water &amp;&nbsp;toothpastes is applied topically to your teeth &amp;&nbsp;becomes part of your saliva, which means your teeth get constantly bathed in fluoride throughout the day. It&rsquo;s a great way to prevent tooth decay &amp;&nbsp;strengthen your enamel.
In addition to fluoride in toothpaste &amp; in drinking water, you&nbsp;dentist&nbsp;may suggest an in-office topical <a href="https://www.kokuasmiles.com/services/fluoride-treatment-hawaii">fluoride treatment</a>. This treatment is usually recommended for children, but can also be performed on adults.
<h2>Types of Toothpastes</h2>
Different toothpastes contain different things to affect the teeth in specific ways. Some toothpastes contain ingredients to reduce tooth sensitivity, to help reduce gingivitis, to remove tartar (a build up of hardened plaque) or to whiten teeth by removing surface stains. You can even find fruit-flavored toothpastes to encourage your children to develop good brushing habits!
Make sure to always use toothpaste with fluoride in it to help prevent&nbsp;tooth decay, but you can find toothpastes with additional ingredients to do all of the above! <a href="https://www.kokuasmiles.com/services/group/hawaii-family-dentist">Ask your dentist</a> which toothpaste is best for your smile.

Insights

What's the Difference Between DDS and DMD

We Respect Your Busy Schedule

What Is TMJ and How Can a Dentist Help?

Quiz: How Much Do You Know About Dental Health?

Keeping Up With Dental Health In The Summer

How To Choose A Toothpaste

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