Top 5 Preventive Tips from a St. Louis Dentist

Here are five expert dental tips from a trusted St. Louis sedation dentist. Learn how to prevent cavities, protect your smile, and reduce dental anxiety.

Taking care of your smile isn’t just about looking good—it’s about staying healthy, confident, and pain-free. At The Dental Anesthesia Center, we specialize in patient-centered care, especially for those who experience dental anxiety, have special needs, or require advanced sedation dentistry. 💙

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The Dental Anesthesia Center: Sedation and Sleep Dentistry

Based on 108 reviews

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Whitney S.

I cannot say enough wonderful things about The Dental Anesthesia Center and Dr. Thoms. My 7-year-old, who has autism, recently had dental work done here and the experience exceeded expectations. The staff was incredibly kind, patient, and understanding of his needs. They took the time to make him and us feel comfortable, never rushed, and explained everything. I am so grateful for this office and the team that made my son's dental care possible. I would recommend The Dental Anesthesia Center and Dr Thoms to any parent, especially those with children who have special needs. They truly go above and beyond. ❤️

Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your thoughtful review and kind words! We’re truly grateful for your trust in our team and Dr. Thoms. Knowing your visit was a positive and comfortable experience means the world to us — it’s exactly what we strive for with every patient and family. 💙

Joy H.

Very patient with elderly patients. Very good experience.

Response from the owner:Thank you for sharing your feedback! We’re pleased to know the visit was a positive experience.

Carla B.

My son has been a patient of Dr Michael Hoffman since he was 5 years old. He is now 21 years old. My son has diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder and therefore I am cautious of who I select as a treatment provider. Dr. Hoffman’s office is professional, kind and I know they have his best interest at heart. I highly recommend Dr. Hoffman and staff to anyone seeking dental care.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words and recommendation! We truly appreciate your trust in our team over the years.

Paul

Super experience. Gentle and empathetic. All round care is great. Staff are wonderful.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind review! We’re so glad you had a great experience with our team.

Nancy S.

We are forever grateful for Dr Hoffman and his wonderful staff for having the vision of how to get necessary dental work done for patients who are dealing with autism and cannot tolerate it without dental anesthesia. We have been taking our adult daughter there once a year for the last four years. Thanks to Dr Hoffman’s vast knowledge and expertise, our daughter has been able to get wisdom teeth removed, cavities filled, teeth cleaned and detailed X-rays to know exactly what needed done. The Dental Anesthesia Center is a great service to the community. Thank you so much for helping us.

Response from the owner:hank you so much for your thoughtful review and kind words about our team! We truly appreciate your trust in us and are honored to provide care in a way that helps make dental treatment more comfortable and accessible for all patients. Your feedback means a great deal to our entire staff.

1️⃣ Brush Like a Pro – Twice a Day! 🪥

It may sound simple, but brushing your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes is the foundation of excellent oral health. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to remove plaque and food particles.

Pro Tip: Try using an electric toothbrush with a built-in timer. It makes brushing easier and more effective, especially for kids or individuals with sensory sensitivities.

2️⃣ Don’t Skip Flossing – Your Gums Will Thank You! 🧵

Flossing cleans 35% of your tooth surface that brushing alone misses. Daily flossing helps prevent cavities between teeth and protects against gum disease, which can lead to tooth loss if untreated.

For Our Patients with Special Needs: If traditional floss is difficult, consider using floss picks or water flossers—gentle, accessible tools that make it easier to reach every spot.

3️⃣ Routine Checkups – Not Just When It Hurts 🦷

Scheduling a dental exam every 6 months is one of the best ways to prevent problems before they start. These visits allow us to catch small issues early, when they’re easy and inexpensive to treat.

✅ We offer gentle cleanings and sedation options for patients with anxiety or disabilities, making your visit as calm and comfortable as possible.

4️⃣ Eat and Drink Smart – Your Teeth Notice! 🥦

What you eat has a direct impact on your dental health. Minimize sugary snacks, acidic drinks (like soda), and sticky foods that cling to teeth. Instead, snack on:

• 🧀 Cheese (helps neutralize acids)
• 🥕 Crunchy veggies (natural toothbrush effect)
• 💧 Water (keeps your mouth clean and hydrated)

Avoid bedtime snacks or drinks unless it’s water, especially for children and those with limited mobility.

5️⃣ Protect Your Smile – Mouthguards & More 🛡️

Whether you grind your teeth at night (bruxism) or play contact sports, a custom mouthguard can prevent chipped teeth, jaw strain, and expensive dental repairs.

We create custom-fitted night guards and sports mouthguards for patients of all ages, including special accommodations for those with sensory needs.