Dentist appointments

David and I both had our 6-month dental check-up appointments this past month.  I went in last Thursday, and I am always eager to get my teeth cleaned because they stain so easily, and when the hygienist scratches and chips off all the light brown stains in my teeth from coffee and just food in general, my teeth look so white afterward!  But it doesn't last very long.  The stains were darkest in between my front teeth, the central incisors and the lateral incisors.  No, I did not know those specific teeth names and, yes, looked them up just now.

So, my hygienist suggested that I use this Colgate "Enamel Health" toothpaste.  She said that my teeth are more porous than normal teeth, and that is why the coffee and food stains appear on my teeth because the teeth absorb the coffee and food more easily.

She also asked me what toothpaste I currently use, and I said that I switch toothpastes, depending on what is on sale at Kroger, but that I now have the Colgate Total Whitening.  She said, "Oh, good!" and said that the Crest Pro Health toothpaste is the worst for teeth stains.  I was confused and asked how a toothpaste could promote teeth stains?!  She answered that basically there is a chemical in this particular Crest Pro Health toothpaste that worsens the teeth stains.  I know that I have used Crest Pro Health in the past, but now I know not to use it in the future.  I thought I would share this for those who also have porous teeth!!!

While I was there, I thought to ask about how and when I should start using an actual toothbrush for Reagan's teeth.  The hygienist said that according to the American Academy of Periodontology, as soon as the first tooth appears, the baby should begin using a toothbrush, but then the hygienist quickly said that, "It's a little ridiculous."  She suggested that I start rubbing the teeth with a wet cloth and then later a soft baby tooth brush but that I should not use toothpaste yet.  Right now, Reagan has two bottom teeth and one top tooth in on her right side.

I was also surprised when she told me that Reagan doesn't really need to see the dentist until she is four years old.  I thought she would go in earlier than that, at least by two years of age, but I have no idea.  I'm also always asking my Aunt Margaret for her expertise as a hygienist for all my baby teeth questions!  David is returning to the dentist next week to get a crown and my top teeth are cracked from when I fainted a few years ago, in addition to the stains and deep molars prone to cavities that I have, so we have our own dental issues.  I'm a little anxious about taking care of a little baby's teeth, too!