Category: Blog

A new year brings about a lot of changes and what better to focus on than your smile! Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you. Not only is it contagious it’s also something that increases your success and likeability amongst your peers, colleagues, and superiors. Prioritizing and enhancing your smile doesn’t have to be a challenge when you follow these three easy steps.

1) Prevent Staining

Even though your teeth are the hardest part of your body (yes, even harder than bone) they can easily be stained over time. Enjoying your coffee, wine, or soda can take a direct toll on your teeth and their appearance. The dentin or core of your teeth dim over time and heavy exposure to stain causing liquids and foods only make the staining much more prevalent. It’s important to reduce direct exposure, rinse after exposure, and brush your teeth after exposure to keep a bright white healthy smile. If you’re a smoker it comes as no surprise that your teeth can be an indicator of your habit. If you’re looking to make a change in your smile it might be time to make a change in your lifestyle and break the habit.

2) Brush Up on Your Routine

Did you know that the average person spends thirty eight days in their lifetime brushing their teeth? If you brush your teeth twice daily for two minutes you can bet you’ll meet statistic as well. It’s important to prioritize your oral hygiene routine, especially during the busy season that a new year brings. Resolutions can vary but flossing daily can certainly be one of the resolutions on your list to help optimize your smile!

3) See Your Dentist 

If you’re trying to focus on your smile in the new year, add biannual dentist visits on your to do list. Dental exams help keep your teeth and gums in tip top shape while also inspecting your oral health to detect and prevent issues that can affect your smile and health. Thorough dental cleanings from dental hygienists will leave your teeth looking absolutely stunning and help your mouth stay healthy yielding the perfect smile. 

Having a happy healthy smile can transcend your life in a variety of ways. Don’t sit back and think about the smile you’ve always wanted. Take action in 2023 and prioritize your smile by scheduling a dentist appointment with your local dentist at Eckland Family Dentistry. You can visit one of our four convenient locations in Washington which are Woodinville, Redmond with Dr. Kale or Dr. Colby, and Everett.

Is there anything better than a bright white smile? We don’t think so and are sure you don’t either. Yellowing teeth is disheartening but recognizing key components can help you determine the cause, and change your habits to help restore your smile. Still concerned that your teeth may need a little extra TLC? Not to worry, schedule a teeth whitening experience with the Eckland Family Dentistry team online with ease. 

Genetics 

Genetics is a trait often forgot about in relation to your teeth and their color. Tooth color, and other aspects of your teeth can certainly be genetic. Therefore, if your parent(s) have slightly yellow teeth in color that chances are you may too! 

Wear 

As we age our enamel thins from the wear it’s put through from food, drink, chewing, and an over vigorous brush routine. It’s no surprise that with the wear over time and aging that our enamel will ultimately dim in color. 

Food / Drink 

The foods and drinks we consume play a direct role on our teeth and their appearance. If you’re consuming large amounts of dark liquids without a straw or rinsing afterward your enamel is taking a direct hit. The same can be said for other popular drinks and even the things we eat like red sauces, curries, and more. Be conscious in how you enjoy food/drink and keep your teeth in mind. 

Having a confident smile leads to a confident you! We love helping keep your smile in tip top shape but we have to make sure you’re doing your part at home too. If you notice your teeth changing colors it’s time to change your habits, even if it’s simply moderating dark substances drank, drinking coffee with a straw, or stepping up your oral hygiene routine. Ready to feel like your smile is at its peak? Come your local dentist, Eckland Family Dentistry at one of our four convenient office locations in Woodinville, Redmond with Dr. Kale, Redmond with Dr. Colby, or Everett, Washington. 

Everyone knows how important consistent brushing is, but most people don’t give a second thought to their toothbrush. While their function is obvious, there’s still plenty of important information to know about your toothbrush. Here are seven interesting facts about your toothbrush you probably didn’t know.

1. Change Your Toothbrush Every Three Months

A toothbrush isn’t meant to last forever! Over time, the bristles will start to fray, especially if you’re using too much pressure. As the bristles fray, they become less and less effective, so your old, beat-up toothbrush may not be doing all the work you think it is, but swapping out your toothbrush regularly can combat this.

2. Go With Soft Bristles

Firmer bristles don’t mean a better clean! Hard bristles can cause irritation to your gums and damage your enamel, so soft bristles are your best bet. On a similar note, be sure not to press down too hard when brushing, as this can have the same effect.

3. Let Your Toothbrush Breathe

When you’re done brushing, leave your toothbrush out in the open. If placed in a small, dark, enclosed space such as a cupboard, the moisture on the toothbrush could allow mold and bacteria to grow. Gross!

4. Don’t Share Your Toothbrush

Though it seems innocuous, you shouldn’t share a toothbrush with anyone, even family members. Whatever bacteria or illnesses are in one person’s mouth will be spread to everyone else who uses the toothbrush, spreading sickness throughout the household.

5. Change Your Toothbrush After Being Sick

Though you’ll usually only need to change your toothbrush every three months, you should change it immediately after being sick. If you don’t there may be some leftover bacteria in the bristles that can elongate your sickness or cause you to get sick once more.

6. Buy ADA-Approved Products

See that gold ADA seal on the box of your toothbrush? Good! That means it’s guaranteed to last and will be effective in combating plaque and gum disease. Whenever you’re buying a new toothbrush, just look for the seal.

7. Visit the Dentist Twice a Year

Though home dental care is important, you should be sure to check in with dental professionals every six months by scheduling your appointment. Your dental team will make sure you’re taking care of your teeth, get rid of any buildup, and give you advice on how to best care for your teeth.

If you haven’t already, be sure to get in touch with a dentist near you! A dentist’s guide to brushing your teeth is one of the best things you can have to improve your dental health, so it’s important to have their advice. Book an appointment with Eckland Family Dentistry in Woodinville, Redmond with Dr. Kale or Dr. Colby, or Everett today for better dental health and a better you!

Periodontitis, also known as gum disease, is a serious infection of the gums. It is a leading cause of tooth loss because without treatment the soft tissue and the bone supporting your teeth can be damaged. It can be avoided, so it’s important to know the early warning signs and what you can do to prevent it.

At Eckland Family Dentistry, we’re here for you at every stage of your oral health, and can help with early detection, prevention, and treatments to combat gum disease. 

What is Gum Disease?

Most often, gum disease starts with sticky film on the teeth called plaque which contains bacteria. Plaque forms when sugars and starches from food interact with the normal bacteria that exists in your mouth. If plaque stays on your teeth it can harden to form tartar. 

Tartar cannot be removed by regular brushing and flossing and requires cleaning by a dentist. If they remain, plaque and tartar can lead to an irritation or inflammation of the gums known as gingivitis. If gingivitis persists, ongoing inflammation can cause gum disease.

Risk Factors for Gum Disease

If your oral hygiene is poor or you smoke or chew tobacco, you are at risk for gum disease. Other factors include genetics, hormonal changes such as pregnancy, obesity, inadequate nutrition, diabetes and other conditions or certain medications that make you more susceptible to gum disease. Also, if you have crooked teeth that are hard to clean, gum disease can start there.

Warning Signs of Gum Disease

Healthy gums should be firm and pale pink in color. If your gums are swollen or puffy or have an abnormal coloring such as red or purple, that may be a warning sign. Other signs include tenderness, bleeding, bad breath or loose teeth. If you notice the gums are receding from your teeth or you have painful chewing, these also could be early warning signs.

How To Prevent Gum Disease

The habits of good oral hygiene can help reverse and/or prevent gum disease. Brush at least two times per day and floss once. Flossing before you brush clears food particles and bacteria. If you can practice these habits, you can prevent the conditions that lead to gum disease. Ask your dentist about the best practices for healthy gums and teeth.

It’s also important to visit the dentist or dental hygienist regularly, usually every six to twelve months. Risk factors for gum disease may require you to visit your dental care team for cleaning more often.

Finding a Dentist Near Me

Finding a local Washington dentist can help you protect your teeth and gums. Eckland Family Dentistry is located in four convenient locations Woodinville, Redmond with Dr. Kale and Dr. Colby, and Everett and can help with early detection and treatment of gum disease. Take the time to put your oral health first and schedule an appointment with us!

Visiting one of the Eckland Family Dentistry locations for the first time? Here are frequently asked questions for your dentist.

How often should I go to the dentist?

Don’t wait to see a dentist until you notice a physical problem with your teeth. By getting preventive treatment, you avoid the potential for greater dental health issues down the line. We recommend you visit us every six months for your routine cleaning and oral exam.

Do I need to floss my teeth?

Absolutely. Flossing diminishes the possibility of developing harmful bacteria in your mouth. It also allows you to get in the hard to reach places between the teeth that cavities love to form in. Flossing can help reduce cavity prevention, prevent halitosis, and create an overall healthier mouth!

How often do I need to floss and brush my teeth?

For a healthy smile, you should floss your teeth at least once per day and brush your teeth twice a day, morning and night. It’s important to get into a good oral hygiene routine so that it’s second nature to brush and floss since it’s an every day occurrence.

How can I prevent cavities?

To reduce bacteria and the possibility of developing cavities, aim to brush your teeth between two and three minutes for each brushing session. Be mindful of consuming too many sugary and sticky foods as well. Finally, brush your teeth and rinse your mouth after meals.

How do I fix my bleeding gums?

Inflamed, bleeding gums may be a sign of gingivitis or gum disease. If your gums are bleeding, schedule an appointment with your local dentist to determine the best treatment option for you. Additionally, other factors can be a cause. Make sure to explain to your dentist if you are on any new medications, are pregnant, or if anything major with your oral hygiene routine has changed. 

What is fluoride?

Fluoride is a natural mineral found in certain foods and water. Fluoride is crucial to improving dental health because it can prevent tooth decay and possible bone loss. Using fluoride toothpaste, for instance, can better protect your tooth enamel from acid attacks due to plaque buildup. 

What is the purpose of dental X-rays?

Detecting dental issues early will save you time, medical expenses, and general discomfort in the long run. Dentists need to perform X-ray exams to detect and treat possible problems in the mouth, such as:

• Tooth decay
• Areas of decay within existing restorations
• Bone infections
• Gum disease
• Cysts
• Tumors
• Other abnormalities

Which dental services do you provide?

We are proud to offer our patients preventive care. For more information on each of our dental services, visit the corresponding page here.

What else should I ask my dentist?

Have a question for one of our dental offices in Everett, Redmond with Dr. Kale or Dr. Colby, or Woodinville that you don’t see answered? Contact your local dentist in Washington! Our team will be happy to assist you.

April is oral cancer awareness month, and it’s also the perfect time to have someone check up on your oral health.

What Is Oral Cancer?

Oral cancer is a term that encompasses cancer of the mouth, throat, and sinuses. These growths frequently go undetected for a long time, which allows for them to grow and spread to other parts of the body.

In many cases, this cancer is diagnosed too late. Once this cancer spreads, the five year survival rate is only 65%. Those who do survive the cancer often find themselves left with disfiguring scars from surgery, and they may have difficulty eating or drinking. The further the cancer spreads, the lower the survival rate becomes.

Who Gets Oral Cancer?

Most cases of oral cancer are diagnosed in men over the age of 50. However, everyone is capable of developing oral cancer, and everyone should get screened. Risk factors that increase your chance of developing oral cancer include:

• Smoking and vaping
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Poor diet
• Poor oral hygiene
• A family history of oral cancer
• Certain strains of HPV
• Poor use of sunscreen

How Can I Prevent Oral Cancer?

The best way to prevent oral cancer is to fix your habits. While family histories cannot be rewritten, you can cut risk factors out of your life. Stop smoking, practice healthy habits, and avoid excessive alcohol use.

In addition to these preventative measures, you’ll also want to consult with the experts in dentistry. Schedule a dentist appointment today! Your local dentist at Eckland Family Dentistry located in Woodinville, Redmond with Dr. Kale and Dr. Colby as well as Everett is trained to screen for the disease, and early detection is the key to survival. When the cancer is caught in its early stages, the five year survival rate is 85%, and surgical intervention is minimal.

A dental checkup is also a great chance to reevaluate your oral health.  Ask your dentist about how you’re doing! We’ll be able to recommend products and methods to keep your teeth looking fresh for years to come!

Remember: screening is the best way to catch oral cancer early. The sooner it’s noticed, the easier it is to treat!

Much like the rest of your body, your teeth play an essential role in your day-to-day life. Unlike the rest of your body, however, your teeth don’t heal or regenerate, so any damage tends to be permanent. Bad brushing habits and injuries often lead to chipped and discolored teeth, and while you can live with more minor blemishes, the effect isn’t just cosmetic.

Let’s face it: your smile can have a huge impact on how you see yourself. Though it may seem small, a crooked smile or a chipped tooth can harm your self-esteem and undermine your confidence. To take that confidence back, it’s worth investing in a cosmetic dentist. However, before committing to a treatment, you should be sure to find the right dentist for you. Here are a few things you should consider when choosing a cosmetic dentist in Washington.

Finding a Cosmetic Dentist

First of all, consider the quality of the treatment you’re receiving. While the convenience of going to a local dentist is obvious, the quality of cosmetic dentistry near you may not be on par with other offices. Remember, it’s better to undergo a quality treatment now than to spend years fixing a shoddy treatment. Do your research, read reviews, and ensure the dentist you’ve settled on can meet your standards.

Why Do You Need a Cosmetic Dentist?

It’s easy to hear the word “cosmetic” and write cosmetic dentistry off as unimportant, but this simply isn’t the case. A good cosmetic dentist can practically erase the years of wear and tear showing on your teeth, almost seeming like it wasn’t there in the first place. Not only will it restore your confidence, but it’ll also convey a sense of professionalism and cleanliness to others as well, amplifying your natural charisma. An appealing smile is just a step away with the proper dental procedure.

Scheduling an Appointment

If you’ve decided cosmetic dentistry is the right choice for you and want to entrust your treatment to Washington’s best, there’s no time like the present to schedule an appointment with Eckland Family Dentistry in one of our four convenient locations: Redmond with Dr. Kale or Dr. Colby, Everett, and Woodinville! We prioritize quality treatments and ensure that each of our patients leaves with the smile of their dreams.

While you may only think of Botox as a beauty product, it can actually be quite useful in dental care. The same properties that allow it to reverse aging can reduce tension, allowing other dental procedures to be as effective as possible. However, most have a number of questions regarding the use of Botox. How does it work? What are its uses? Is it safe? To help you decide if Botox is right for you, consult with your local dentist and enjoy some of our answers to common questions below.

How Does Botox Work?

Derived from the bacterium Clostridium Botulinum, Botox is most commonly used as a cosmetic. However, it has a wide variety of medical purposes, such as treating muscle spasms, migraines, and other nervous disorders. By binding to nerve endings, it inhibits the release of certain neurotransmitters that cause excessive muscle tension, forcing them to relax.

Is Botox Safe?

The bacterium Botox is derived from has the potential to lead to botulism, which is naturally concerning to some people. However, there’s no need to worry! The bacterium goes through a series of extractions and purifying processes, ensuring that it’s completely safe for human consumption by the time it reaches the consumer. Through this process, its effects are dulled, allowing it to simply relax the muscles without any of its harmful downsides. As such, you can enjoy the benefits of Botox without any concern!

However, it’s still important to make sure the person giving you your botox surgery is certified to do so. As with any medical procedure, Botox can be dangerous if done by someone without the necessary knowledge or expertise. As such, be sure to do your research before you decide who you want to administer your treatment.

Uses of Botox in Dentistry

So, how is Botox used in dentistry? Typically, it’s used to treat dental disorders involving muscular hypertension that leads to excessive jaw clenching, as well as the migraines that often result from doing so. However, it’s by no means a standalone treatment, so you should work with your local dentist to establish a treatment plan.

If you think Botox is right for you and want to entrust your treatment to the best, come visit us at Eckland Family Dentistry! We have a total of four locations, with Kale Eckland and Colby Eckland’s offices in Redmond, as well as our Everett and Woodinville offices, each of which is held to an immaculate quality standard to ensure your treatment is as efficient and effective as possible. No matter the issue, you can be sure Eckland Family Dentistry has it covered.

We can all agree that a good night’s sleep is something we all aspire to have. Did you know that your oral health plays a big impact on your sleep? That’s right! If you have noticed you’re sleeping more poorly than before or you’re having dental issues or waking up with a dry mouth it may be time to visit your local dentist. 

• Dry Mouth: Do you find yourself waking up with a dry mouth despite having brushed before bed or drinking enough water during the day? This can be cause for concern because your saliva is unable to do its job. Saliva is essential to break down bacteria and prevent tooth decay.
• TMJ: Are you noticing clicking or popping noises in your jaw, a change in your bite, and more seriously a locking sensation of your jaw? If so, it’s imperative to bring this up to your dental team immediately. 

• Teeth Grinding in Children: Children who grind their teeth knowingly or unknowingly can be a cause for concern. It could be an indicator of complications with airways and breathing. Leaving this issue unresolved could lead to long term effects and even sleep apnea.
• Difficulty Breathing: If you are experiencing multiple bouts of breathing issues it’s important to mention this to your dentist so that they can get a proper idea if it is due to your oral health. A follow up with your healthcare provider is also a great idea.
• Bruxism: Grinding your teeth may go unnoticed if you do so in your sleep. That’s why seeing your dentist regularly can help your teeth remain in tip top shape if you’re a teeth grinder. 

Scheduling an appointment with Eckland Family Dentistry in Woodinville, Redmond with Dr. Kale, Redmond with Dr. Kolby, or in Everett can help answer your questions and set you up for success. Getting an inside look at your teeth and doing a thorough exam can help dentists determine the next steps for your best oral health. This could include a mouth guard, brush tips and much more. It’s time to restore your night’s sleep and improve your oral hygiene, schedule your appointment with Eckland Family Dentistry to make that happen!

As February draws to a close, so, too, does National Snack Month. However, that doesn’t mean that you need to stop snacking! An occasional snack is a great way to give yourself a boost during a tough day.

However, everyone has been primed about the dangers of overeating. You’ll probably be more aware of what you’re snacking on than previous generations. Between counting carbs and taking stock of the nutritional value of these treats, many people fail to recognize an equally important aspect of snacking: tooth health! That’s why instilling good oral hygiene, keeping up with biannual dental exams, and flossing daily can help keep your teeth in tip top shape.

A Mouthful of Snack Impacts

Like any food, snacking leaves debris on your teeth. Because it is often done at odd hours, snacks also tend to sit on your teeth for much longer than breakfast or dinner. This offers the food particles more time to really dig into your enamel.

This enamel loss might seem minor, but it can really build up over time. Enamel is the first line of defense against cavities and bacteria. If you fail to control this loss, your healthy smile may end up riddled with cavities! To keep that smile sparkling, you want to keep your enamel from wearing away.

You can combat this by being aware of what you’re snacking on. A glass of water after each snack will help wash away any harmful debris. If you’ve had a particularly sweet or acidic snack, such as a grapefruit, consider brushing your teeth afterwards. Using fluoride-based mouthwashes will also help strengthen existing enamel.

Smile-Friendly Snacks

So, what makes the perfect tooth-friendly snack? Ultimately, anything is a good snack, so long as it is eaten in moderation and followed with proper aftercare. Be sure to floss and rinse your mouth out after each snack, and try to avoid eating too many sugary treats. If you’re looking for some dentist-approved snacks, then here are some of our top picks:

• Lupini Beans (also known as Lupin beans)
• Rye bread crisps, a popular Russian snack
• Leipäjuusto, also known as Finnish squeaky cheese
• Turrons (just brush your teeth afterwards!)
• Chips with reuben dip
• African potato fritters, known as maakouda

Aside from proper dieting and dental habits, don’t forget to visit your local dentist regularly! Eckland Family Dentistry in Redmond with Dr. Kale or Dr. Colby, Everett, or Woodinville clean your teeth and make sure your smile sparkles for years to come. Give us a call or drop by in person to get a professional tooth checkup.