Sweet Treats You Should Avoid

Sweet treats announce the arrival of the holiday season, and if you and your family like to indulge in sweet treats there are some that you should try to avoid, or at least enjoy on occasion.

Sticky Candy

Gummy bears and those delicious caramels that your Aunt Dottie always likes to send for Christmas may be yummy, but they have a tendency to stick into the cracks and fissure on your back teeth and between your teeth, and unfortunately that sticky candy can’t be moved by your saliva. If you do enjoy, brush and rinse with water as soon as you can.

Dried Fruit

Just like gooey candy, dried fruit can stick to your teeth as well, and what’s worse, it will stay there much longer after you have eaten that fig, dried apricot or dried prune. Dried fruit may be good for your diet, but it doesn’t do much good for your teeth. Brush after eating and if you must indulge, include your dried fruit with the rest of a meal.

Hard Candy

Sourballs, butterscotch, and those never-ending candy canes are great to suck on, but are literally coating your teeth in a sugar bath. Hard candy can also chip and even break a tooth. Keep hard candy to a minimum and if you must, don’t bite down.

Fruit Cake

Starchy foods are bad enough for your teeth as the doughy goodness from that piece of bread or scrumptious soft pretzel will stay with you. Add sticky fruit from your Grandmothers favorite cranberry and fig bread to the mix and your teeth will pay the price. Eat fruitcake and bread with a meal and rinse with water after you enjoy.  

Citrus

Oranges, limes, grapefruit and lemons are abundant during the winter months, but that doesn’t mean you should over-indulge. Citrus fruits are loaded with sugar and acid that eat away at the enamel on your teeth. Try eating fruit as part of a meal and never suck on a lemon.

If you are trying to stay healthy by watching your weight over the holidays, make sure and pay attention to your diet and your teeth and gums, and don’t forget to schedule an appointment with your dentist for your regular dental checkup. 

Signs You Need to See your Dentist

If you haven’t scheduled a checkup with your dentist for some time, you may want to pick up the phone and make an appointment. Below are some indications that could mean a trip to the dentist’s office.

Pain

Any kind of pain in your mouth is an indication that something is not right. If you have a toothache, it’s time to schedule an appointment with your dentist. Ignoring that nagging pain could make things worse. Cavities do not go away and if left alone could get so bad that a root canal is necessary.

Gum Issues

If your gums are red, swollen and/or bleed when you brush and floss, you may have gum disease. Seeing your dentist as quickly as possible can solve your problem, however, if you ignore it, your gingivitis could develop into the more serious periodontal disease that could lead to tooth loss.

Hidden Grin

Hiding your smile is a sure sign that you are not happy with what you see in the mirror. A chipped or missing tooth or stained teeth can all be helped with a trip to your dentist’s office.

Previous Dental Work

If you have crowns, dental implants, porcelain veneers, dental bonding, fillings or any other type of restorative or cosmetic dentistry it is important to see your dentist regularly to make sure that your mouth stays in good shape.

Medical Issues

If you have eating disorders, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or if you are HIV positive you may be more susceptible to gum disease and other oral issues. See your dentist if you are having chemotherapy, hormone replacement, or radiation as it can affect your oral health.

Pregnancy

Pregnant women should never miss regular checkups. Seeing your dentist is important as women who are expecting may suffer from gum disease. Just make sure that you notify your dentist of your pregnancy. If you are planning a pregnancy, see your dentist beforehand.  

Problems Eating

If you are having problems chewing or swallowing your food, it is not normal. Consume liquids and soft food and get to the dentist as quickly as possible.

Jaw Pain

You could have a problem if your jaw pops when you open and close your mouth. Schedule an appointment with your dentist as you could have a TMJ disorder or an uneven bite.

Sores and Spots

A doctor or dentist should look at white patches, cold sores, canker sores and other problems that last longer than a week, as mouth sores could be an indication of something more serious.

If you have any of the above issues, or can’t remember the last time you saw your dentist, call, or click and schedule an appointment today. 

Womens Oral Health Issues

Women’s Oral Health should be emphasized when it comes to overall well-being as women have hormonal changes that can affect gum health.

During puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause, women’s hormones fluctuate dramatically and according to your dentist can cause gum disease and other issues including dry mouth.

Puberty

When a woman’s progesterone and even estrogen levels increase, the sex hormones cause a woman’s blood circulation to increase to the gums. The gums may become more sensitive, which could lead to a reaction to any type of irritation including food debris and plaque. During puberty gums could become swollen, feel tender and appear red.  

Menstruation

Menstruation gingivitis is a condition that some women have right before a period begins. Once it has started, the menstruation gingivitis usually clears up. If you are having this occur more often, and not when you are menstruation, contact your dentist, as your gum disease could be recurring.

Pregnancy

If you are expecting a baby, you are more susceptible to gum disease from the second or third month through to the eighth month. The severity of symptoms may increase with bleeding, swelling, and redness. If left untreated gum disease in pregnant women could cause low birth weights and premature births.

Menopause and Post Menopause

Menopausal or post-menopausal women can experience mouth changes that include mouth discomfort, pain, and burning in the gum tissue, dry mouth or an altered taste, which could be sour, peppery, or salty. Known as menopausal gingivostomatitis it can make a woman’s gums appear shiny or dry and make them bleed more easily. Ask your doctor about estrogen supplements that can help relieve the symptoms.

Bone loss is also associated with menopause and post menopause. Increase your intake of sodium rich foods such as cheese and yogurt, which can also help your teeth. Calcium supplements may also be recommended for severe bone loss issues.

If you would like more information regarding Women’s Oral Health, schedule an appointment with your dentist today. 

Dental Checkups This Fall

Fall is around the corner, and if you haven’t scheduled dental checkups with the family, it’s time to make those appointments.

School and extracurricular activities can get in the way of dental appointments, and before you know it, the holidays will be here.

Neglecting dental checkups can cause all sorts of problems even if you and your family are meticulous about oral hygiene. Below are just a few of the issues that can occur if you skip those regular dental checkups.

Tooth Decay

You and your family may be proud of your twice-daily brushing habits, but unless you throw dental appointments into the mix, you could be asking for cavities. Your dentist explains that professional cleanings should be conducted during your regular dental checkups to remove the sticky plaque and tartar. Bacteria, plaque, and acid can erode the enamel on your teeth making you more susceptible to tooth decay and cavities.

Gum Disease

Neglecting much needed dental appointments can cause gum disease. You and your family may floss every day, but you still need checkups for professional dental cleanings. Gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease, is reversible, but only if you catch it in time. Unfortunately, some patients are not even aware that they have gum disease until it progresses to the more serious periodontal disease. Periodontal disease occurs when pockets form between your teeth and gums. Those pockets are full of plaque and tartar that will eat away your gums. If you have swollen, red, or bleeding gums, see your dentist as quickly as possible.

Other Health Issues

Poor oral hygiene has been linked to several other health problems including Alzheimer’s disease, stroke and congenital heart failure and although studies are still being conducted it appears that bacteria enters the blood stream through the gums. People who have hardening of the arteries have a higher percentage of periodontal disease as do people who suffer from diabetes.

If you and your family have been neglecting your dental appointments, schedule one today. Your health really does depend on it. 

More than Teeth and Gums

Your mouth is more than teeth, making good oral hygiene habits even more important. Your mouth is made up of the lower and upper jaw, oral mucosa, gums, salivary glands, the tongue, the frenulum, and the uvula. All of these play a very important role in your overall dental health.

Upper/Lower Jaw

Your jaws are what give your mouth structure and your face shape. You need both to speak and chew. Humans have two bones in the upper jaw that are fused together. Your upper jaw is also fused to your skull. The lower jawbone is separate from your skull as it enables your jaw to move both up and down when you talk and eat.

Oral Mucosa

Open your mouth and you will see that everything, besides your teeth, is covered with oral mucosa. This protective liner is a mucous membrane that is like the mucous membranes in your inner ears and nostrils. The mucosa plays an important role when it comes to maintaining your overall and oral health. Your oral mucosa contains keratin, which is also found in your hair and fingernails making it resistant to injury.

Gums

The pinkish tissue surrounding your teeth is known as your gums. Covered by oral mucosa, your gums play a crucial role when it comes to your overall health as recent studies have indicated that your mouth is the gateway to the rest of your body. Healthy gums cover the roots of your teeth, are firm, and will not bleed when you brush and floss. Gingivitis and the more serious periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss and other problems such as heart disease and stroke.

Salivary Glands

There are three sets of salivary glands in your neck and mouth. The submandibular, the parotid, and the sublingual glands. All of these glands produce saliva that will help break down the food you consume. Saliva is vital to oral health as it protects your gums and your teeth by rinsing away the bacteria and the plaque. Saliva also counteracts with the acidic foods that will wear down the enamel on your teeth.

Tongue

Your tongue is a very powerful muscle that is covered in a special type of mucosal tissue. That tissue also contains your taste buds. Your dentist explains that your tongue is vital to your oral health as it aids in digestion. Your tongue moves food to the teeth, and when it has been chewed is swallowed thanks to the tongue moving it to the back of your throat before heading to the esophagus.

Uvula

The tissue that hangs at the back of the throat is called the uvula. Composed of glandular and connective tissue and muscle fibers it has had scientists baffled about what it really does and while all of the functions are not totally understood, it does seem to play a role in talking and keeping your mouth moist.

Frenulum

The flap of oral mucosa, the frenulum, connects the floor of your mouth to your tongue and allows it to do its job by moving your tongue. If a baby is born with a short frenulum, or one that isn’t elastic enough, he or she will have trouble breastfeeding. A short frenulum can also affect your child’s speech. 

You Can Prevent Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

If your baby or toddler has a habit of falling asleep with a baby bottle in his or her mouth baby bottle tooth decay could happen, especially if the bottle is filled with juice, soda, formula, or milk. Baby teeth are just as important as adult teeth and need to be looked after just as carefully.

According to The American Dental Association, baby bottle tooth decay occurs when natural sugars or sweetened liquids cling to a baby or toddlers teeth for long periods. Mouth bacteria thrive on sugar converting it to acid that will attack teeth.

Children who fall asleep with a bottle during naptime or at night or kids who have their pacifiers dipped in syrup or sugar are at risk when it comes to baby bottle decay. Giving babies sugary drinks at bedtime is especially risky because saliva flow is reduced during sleep.

Although baby bottle tooth decay usually occurs in front teeth, other baby teeth could also be affected.

Baby teeth may be temporary, but they are just as important. Baby teeth help your children speak, chew, and smile. Baby teeth also act as a placeholder for adult or permanent teeth. If baby bottle tooth decay isn’t taken care of, infection and pain may result. If the decay is too bad, the teeth may have to go.

If teeth are infected or even lost due to baby bottle decay, your baby could develop bad eating habits, crooked teeth, and speech problems and even damaged permanent teeth. With that being said, there are some things you can do to help prevent baby bottle tooth decay.

• Wipe your baby’s gums with a washcloth after feeding
• Start brushing your baby or toddlers teeth without toothpaste when the first tooth erupts
• Massage and clean gums that don’t have teeth
• Floss once your baby’s teeth have all come in
• Make sure that your baby or toddler is getting enough fluoride
• Schedule regular checkups with your dentist by your baby’s first birthday
• Ask your dentist about dental sealants which can help prevent cavities 

If you would like more information about baby bottle tooth decay, talk to your dentist today. 

CEREC® for Dental Restorations is Amazing

CEREC® is an amazing cosmetic dental restoration procedure that can give you a new smile in as little as one dental appointment.

With CEREC® you can replace your old dental crowns, have dental veneers, inlays or inlays, or replace your silver amalgam fillings, CEREC® is also being used for dental implants.

If you have a mouth full of metal that you would like to get rid of, contact your CEREC® certified dentist who can examine your teeth and gums to determine what CEREC® restorations would be best for you.

CEREC® uses CAD/CAM software that enables your dentist to take 3D digital pictures of the teeth that are to be restored. Once the pictures have been taken, they are sent to the milling machine. The milling machine is also located in your dentist’s office eliminating the wait time that you would normally have if your impressions were sent off to a dental lab. CEREC® also eliminates the need for uncomfortable and messy impression trays.

The block of porcelain ceramic that are used for CEREC® come in a variety of hues so that your dentist can match the color of your new restorations to your natural teeth. The materials used by CEREC® match the natural composition of your tooth’s structure so that when you eat or drink hot or cold foods, the restoration, right along with the tooth, expand equally. This means your tooth will not crack or break as easily as other types of dental restorations.

One of the best things about CEREC® veneers and CEREC® crowns is that you do not need temporaries as everything is done on site in a single dental appointment. If you are having more than one restoration with CEREC®, your dentist may recommend additional CEREC® appointments.

Because the CEREC® material is bonded directly to your teeth, your dentist is able to save as much of your healthy tooth as possible giving you a CEREC® dental restoration that actually strengthens your natural tooth.

If you would like more information, regarding CEREC® Restorations call and talk to a certified CEREC® dentist today. 

Do You Have Dry Mouth?

If you suffer from Dry Mouth, you know it's much more than a thirsty feeling. When you have Dry Mouth, your salivary glands make very little, if any saliva. If you don’t have any saliva, it makes it hard to eat, taste, and digest food and drink. Saliva also flushes the food particles out of your teeth reducing the bacteria and acid that can cause tooth decay.

The Feeling

The corners of your mouth will dry out because of a lack of saliva. If you have Dry Mouth, your lips can also crack. Sores may also form around your mouth with your tongue feeling dry and rough. Severe cases of Dry Mouth can also make it difficult to talk or swallow.

It's Awkward

Because you don’t have enough saliva to rinse the food and debris from your teeth and gums, you may have chronic bad breath. People with Dry Mouth who wear lipstick may also have to constantly wipe it off their teeth because there is no saliva to get the job done. If you are hoarse or have a tickly throat, you could have Dry Mouth.

Medications

There are over 400 different types of over the counter and prescription drugs that can cause Dry Mouth. Prescription drugs that you take for anxiety, stress or to sleep at night, could be causing your Dry Mouth. If you have high blood pressure, diabetes or depression the drugs that you are taking could be to blame. Neck and head radiation and chemotherapy can also cause Dry Mouth.

Nerve Damage

If you have had a neck or head injury, or surgery, you could have Dry Mouth as some of the nerves that carry the messages from your brain to your salivary glands could be damaged. Those damaged nerves do not have the ability to communicate with your salivary glands.

Other Conditions

Sjogren’s syndrome is an autoimmune disorder that could be to blame for your Dry Mouth. The medical condition causes your white blood cells to attack the salivary and tear glands. People who have HIV or diabetes can also develop Dry Mouth.

Tobacco Use

If you smoke pipes, cigars, cigarettes or a Hookah pipe, you are more susceptible to Dry Mouth than people who do not use tobacco. Even chewing tobacco can cause Dry Mouth.

Brush and Floss

Your dentist recommends that you brush twice and floss once each day and use an American Dental Association recommended mouth rinse. If you can’t brush after you eat, rinse your mouth, and drink water throughout the day.

If you have Dry Mouth or think you may have developed it, call or click and schedule an appointment with your dentist who may be able to help with your chronic Dry Mouth. Call or click today. 

Give Your Kids a Healthy Mouth

Although it may surprise you, The American Dental Association advises parents to schedule the first dental appointment for their son or daughter at 12 months. However, there are some very good reasons why your one-year-old toddler needs to see the dentist.

Around the age of one, your children’s teeth will begin to erupt. Once those teeth have made their appearance, it is time to have them checked out by your dentist.

One of the first things that your child’s dentist will do is check out and clean the young teeth before applying fluoride. Fluoride is the best defense when it comes to keeping your child’s teeth healthy.

When you take your child to the dentist at a very young age it will help he or she get used to the office. Having a family dentist who sees your kids twice a year will help them overcome any fear of the dentist that they may have.

During your child’s first visit to the dentist’s office, you may want to ask a team member from the dental office for a tour. Once a child is comfortable in their surroundings, they are less likely to suffer from dental anxiety.

Visiting the dentist also helps you enlist a welcome hand from other adults when it comes to good oral health habits. Starting dental checkups early in life may also mean that your child will be less likely to need cosmetic dental procedures, such as dental implants or less likely to wear braces.

During your checkup, your dentist may also give your child instructions on how to brush and floss. It’s important that you make brushing and flossing fun so that it becomes a habit that your kids will actually enjoy.

If you would like more information regarding your child’s first checkup with the dentist, call or click and make an appointment today. 

Take Care of Dental Emergencies Immediately

Dental emergencies happen, and if you need to see a dentist as quickly as possible, call the team from Dental Care of Corona. With Dental Care of Corona, your emergency visit is free. Regardless of the dental emergency, your dental emergency exam and your dental emergency x-rays are free of charge. Your dentist will let you know what the problem is and how much it will cost before any repairs are made. All you have to do is pay for the dental repair should you decide to go ahead with it.

If you have a dental emergency, you can be assured that you will get in to see the dentist when you need to. Unlike other dentists in Corona, Dental Care of Corona always has openings that are reserved for dental emergencies during normal business hours. That means that every day there will be appointments set aside for emergencies.

Regardless of the dental emergency, Dental Care of Corona will make sure that a dentist sees you as quickly as possible. If a dental emergency isn’t taken care of right away, it could make the problem worse, and more costly.

So just what is a dental emergency? A dental emergency could be a cracked or chipped tooth or a lost filling. If you or someone in the family wears braces and has suffered a blow to the mouth it is imperative that you see your dentist as quickly as possible as it could have far reaching consequences. Other dental emergencies include, but are not limited to, broken teeth, a knocked out tooth or problems with crowns and bridges.

If you are experiencing a dental emergency, it is vital that you call Dental Care of Corona as quickly as possible. Dentists are standing by to make sure that you are taken care of right away. Call or click and schedule your dental emergency appointment now. 

A Smile Can Boost Your Confidence

Your smile is what people notice when they first meet you, but if yours is less than appealing, it may be time to consider a consultation with a qualified cosmetic dentist.

According to the American Dental Association, your smile says a lot about you. It tells the world that you are happy, confident, and appealing. In fact, recent research indicates that a smiling face shows the world that you are straightforward and sincere.

If you want to attend more social events, boost your business profile, or add some romance to your life, your smile could be the key.

Past President of the American Academy of Periodontology, Pamela McClain DDS explains that, “When someone has a big smile it shows they’re willing to open up and expose a part of themselves.” Dr. McClain also goes on to explain, “Over the long term, smiling can benefit your health, perception at work, social life and your romantic status,”

People who smile project positive outlooks and are generally more flexible and open. People who smile a lot cope better when it comes to life’s challenges than people who don’t smile and appear withdrawn.

A study that occurred over a thirty-year period followed a small group of women who displayed happy smiles in college yearbook pictures. Those same women went on to have strong and happy marriages, were more confident, and had a greater sense of well-being. In that same study, strangers looked at the same pictures and reported their thoughts about each woman’s personality. The smiling women were thought to be more competent and positive than the ones who did not smile.

Smiling really can make a difference in your life, and if you would like to make changes to improve your well-being why not schedule a no obligation consultation with a good cosmetic dentist who can determine what cosmetic dental procedures would be best for your particular needs. Call of click today. 

Don't Skip Dental Appointments

If you have been skipping your regular dental appointments because you think that everything is okay, think again.

The American Dental Association explains that people who avoid the dentist until something happens could be in for a serious wake up call. That small cavity you have could turn into something bigger requiring root canal therapy and a dental crown.

You may not have a toothache, but you could have tooth decay and not even know it. Your dentist is the only person who can identify the problems as soon as they occur saving you both time and money.

If you left it too late and do need root canal therapy it is obvious that the tooth is infected or badly decayed. The procedure involves removing the diseased or dead tooth pulp, which is located inside your tooth. The pulp is actually nerves, tissue and blood vessels that can die if you have a cavity.

During your root canal, your dentist will remove the pulp before cleaning the roots of the tooth. Once cleaned, your dentist will seal the tooth before placing a dental crown to protect the repaired tooth.

Although root canals have the reputation of being quite painful, most patients will tell you that the real pain occurred before the dental appointment.

So what is Pulp?

The pulp chamber is located inside your tooth. The nerves in your teeth are within the legs or roots of your tooth. The root canal travels from the bottom of your tooth’s root into your pulp chamber that also contains connective tissue and blood vessels that nourish your tooth.

Your dentist explains that the nerve in a tooth is not that important when it comes to the function and health of your tooth once it has erupted through your gums. The absence or presence of the nerve does not affect function.

Why take it out?

If the pulp or nerve tissue has been damaged, bacteria will start breaking it down. Decay and bacteria will eventually cause an abscessed tooth or an infection, which will require root canal therapy.

You don’t have to resort to root canal therapy if you schedule regular appointments with your dentist. Preventive care can help you prevent unnecessary dental procedures. Call or click and schedule an appointment with your dentist today. 

Tooth Sensitivity Can Be Prevented

If you or someone you know has been complaining about sensitive teeth lately, your dentist will tell you that it is imperative that you schedule an appointment to make sure that you do not have a mouth issue. Dental carries and gum disease could be to blame for your hot and cold sensitivity. However, there could be a few other reasons that your teeth have all of the sudden become sensitive.

Acidic Foods

Eating oranges, grapefruit, lime, kiwi, tomatoes, and other acidic foods could be the reason that you feel tooth sensitivity. Try cutting out citrus and acidic foods for a while and see what happens.

Brushing too hard

If you think that the harder you brush the cleaner your teeth will be, you would be wrong. Brushing hard can actually wear away the protective layers on your teeth. If the dentin is exposed you will have tooth sensitivity. Your dentist recommends that you stop brushing with such gusto and switch to a soft bristled toothbrush.

Bruxism

Also known as tooth grinding or tooth clenching, bruxism can make your teeth sensitive. If you are a chronic tooth grinder chances are, you have worn away the enamel on your teeth exposing the microscopic tubes in your teeth to sensitivity. Bruxers often have tooth sensitivity because constant grinding will wear away the protective layers. Schedule an appointment with your dentist who can fit you with a custom made mouth protective that could help prevent tooth clenching and grinding.

Tooth Whitening Products

If you love white teeth, but have noticed that you have become sensitive to hot and cold, try switching brands. Always use a product that is on the American Dental Association approved product list as some of the whitening products, whether they are strips, gels, pastes or washes can make your teeth sensitive.

Of course, gum disease and tooth decay can cause tooth sensitivity, as can excessive plaque and recent dental procedures. Cracked teeth and old fillings could also be to blame when it comes to sensitive teeth.

You don’t have to deal with tooth sensitivity. Call or click and schedule an appointment with your dentist who may be able to help with your tooth sensitivity. Call or click today.   

Protect your Family with a Custom Made Mouthguard

It’s April and that means it’s Facial Protection Month and time to schedule an appointment with your dentist for a custom made mouthguard.

According to the Academy of Sports Dentistry, over 12 million kids, teens, and young adults between the ages of five and 22 have some sort of injury related to sports. Add that up and it’s nearly 20 million days of school that will be missed along with 34 billion dollars in healthcare costs. However, the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons will tell you that some of those sports related injuries may have been prevented had the person with the injury been fitted with a mouthguard.

The American Dental Association will tell you that there are three types of mouthguards available. Stock, Boil and Bite and Custom fitted.

Stock mouth protectors are available from your local pharmacy or a sporting goods store, and although they do provide some protection can be uncomfortable and cumbersome. Stock mouthguards make it hard to talk and even more difficult to breathe.

Boil and Bite mouth protectors are a step up from stock mouthguards and available from your pharmacy or sports stores. A Boil and Bite mouth guard is heated in hot water and immediately placed inside the mouth so that it molds to your bite.

A custom-made mouthguard is your best defense against sports related injuries that could include a blow to the head or a mouth injury. Your dentist is the only person who can fit you with a custom-made mouthguard that is designed from a dental impression that is made from your teeth.

Researchers have discovered that the most common sports related injuries occur in the following sporting activities: 

• Basketball
• Football
• Bicycling
• Playgrounds
• Soccer 

Everyone who plays any type of sport should consider wearing a mouthguard even if you are participating in a non contact sport such as gymnastics, surfing, mountain biking, skate boarding, racquetball, tennis, or golf. Kids and adults who play field or ice hockey, baseball, lacrosse and even water polo will benefit from wearing a mouth protector.

It’s National Face Protection Month. Celebrate and schedule an appointment with your dentist for a custom-made mouthguard for your entire family. Call now!

Cosmetic Dentistry for a New You

If you have been considering a makeover for your teeth and gums, contact your dentist who can help determine what cosmetic or restorative dental treatments would be best for your smile.

Cosmetic and restorative dental procedures are not entirely cosmetic as treatments such as dental implants can actually improve your bite.

These days you don’t have to spend a fortune or several months to get the smile that you have always wanted. Modern dental technology has made it possible to fix chips, cracks and fill in gaps in just one appointment with an affordable solution known as CEREC®. With CEREC®, you can have the smile of your dreams in just one single visit. CEREC® is used for veneers, dental crowns and to replace your old silver amalgam fillings. Some dentists are even using CEREC® for dental implants.

If your stained or discolored teeth cannot be helped with over the counter or professional tooth whitening, you may want to consider Dental Veneers. Dental Veneers have come a long way and can cover up those interior stains or old restorations that have been keeping you from smiling.

Of course, if you are unsure about Dental Veneers, but would still like to close that gap between your teeth, talk to your dentist about dental bonding. Dental bonding is a procedure that is used for inlays, onlays and chipped teeth. Your dentist may also recommend dental bonding to lengthen your short teeth or to replace your old fillings.

If you have always disliked your smile because your gum line nearly covers your teeth, call and schedule an appointment with your dentist for crown lengthening. Crown lengthening is a procedure that can be used to get rid of your gummy smile.

Tooth recontouring is another procedure that your dentist may consider if you do not like the shape of your teeth. Reshaping or recontouring, also known as slenderizing, stripping, enameloplasty or odontoplasty is a dental procedure that your dentist may use to remove small amounts of enamel on your teeth. This will change the surface, shape, or length of your tooth or teeth. Recontouring is used to balance your smile.

If you would like more information regarding cosmetic or restorative dental procedures call and schedule and appointment with your dentist today. 

When a Dental Emergency Needs Treatment

There is nothing worse than a dental emergency, especially if it is one of your kids on Little League opening day.

Dental emergencies happen every second of every day, and even more so once spring sports start, but thankfully, your dental emergency can usually be taken care of on the spot.

According to a recent study conducted by the American Dental Association, dental emergencies happen in both individual and contact sports. Even people who play tennis, surf, or participate in a friendly game of racquetball could be finding themselves headed to the E.R. or their dentist’s office.

Your dentist explains that most facial injuries could have been prevented had the participant worn a custom-made mouthguard. Any type of mouthguard is fine, but a custom-made mouth guard offers much better protection. With that being said, accidents do happen, and according to your dentist, some of the most common ones could have be prevented.

Almost 50 percent of girls and boys will suffer from a tooth or mouth related injury during childhood. Mouth injuries are quite common with mouth and tooth injuries happening after a fall, a fight, or a sports injury.

In the majority of cases, mouth and tooth injuries are not serious or life threatening. Your dentist explains that although in some rare cases serious complications may arise, injuries to the mouth and teeth could have lasting effects on your sons or your daughter’s appearance ultimately affecting his or her self-esteem and confidence.

After a mouth or tooth injury, most parents scratch their heads when it comes to seeking medical attention. 

Your dentist explains that any of the symptoms below could indicate an emergency dental visit. 

• Pain or tenderness in or on a tooth
• Broken, loose, or missing teeth
• Bleeding does not stop after pressure has been applied
• Jaw pain
• Breathing problems or problems with swallowing
• Something stuck on the tongue, cheek, and mouth or in the throat (Never remove)
• Gaping cut on his or her face
• A puncture at the back or your child’s throat
• A lip cut that has crossed over the lip line border into surrounding skin
• Blurred Vision
• Slurred Speech
• Weakness
• Numbness
• High temperature above 100.4 degrees 

Other signs of infection from a tooth or mouth injury could be increasing pain, stiffness or pain in the neck, chest pain or drooling. If your child cannot open his or her mouth, it’s time to see the doctor or your dentist.

If you have a dental emergency on your hands and notice one or more of the signs above, call or click and schedule an emergency dental visit with your dentist as quickly as possible.

Too Big a Bite can Cause TMJ Problems

If you are literally biting off more than you can chew, you could be causing damage to your TMJ.

Your temporomandibular joint is a joint that rotates, slides, and is located in the front of the ear. This consists of the mandible, which is the lower jaw, and the temporal bone on the side of your skull.

Your chewing muscles connect your lower jaw to your skull to allow you to open and close your mouth and move your jaw sideways and forward. However, if you have had an injury, grind your teeth, or experienced some other trauma to your jaw joints, you may be dealing with TMD or temporomandibular joint disorder.  Your dentist explains that much of the discomfort is caused by an overuse of the TMJ muscles, including taking bigger bites than you should.

These days most people are in a hurry, and if you are taking big bites when you eat so that you can finish quickly, you could be asking for trouble. Those fast food restaurants that advertise giant sandwiches and burgers to sell more food are often larger than your mouth, which could contribute to problems with your temporomandibular joint.

According to the AGD, or the Academy of General Dentistry, people who suffer from TMD are really at risk. TMD restricts the range of what is acceptable when it comes to bite size. People who have temporomandibular joint disorders should avoid taking too big a bite or opening too wide. Taking big bites can actually aggravate the condition.

If you have TMD, you could be suffering from some or more of these signs and symptoms: 

• Jaw soreness or pain in the late afternoon or morning
• Pain in your jaw when you yawn, bite, or chew
• Clicking or popping sounds when you open and close your mouth
• A stiff or locked jaw when you close and open your mouth, eat, or yawn
• Sensitive teeth when you do not have dental problems
• An earache when no infection is present 

Temporomandibular joint disorders can be helped but must be diagnosed first. Your doctor or dentist will be able to determine if you are having problems with your temporomandibular joint.

If you would like more information regarding temporomandibular joints and temporomandibular joint disorders, call or click and schedule an appointment with your dentist today. 

Invisalign for a New Smile

If you thought you were too old for braces because you just do not want to deal with those unattractive brackets and wires, think again. Thanks to Invisalign®, you can have straighter teeth in as little as six months depending on your particular situation. The average length of treatment is between 9 and 13 months.

Invisalign® really is a revolutionary system that can give you the smile that you have always wanted, and best of all, the only people who will know that you are wearing Invisalign® are you and your dentist.

Invisalign® utilizes a series of clear plastic aligners that you wear between 20 and 22 hours each day. You take your Invisalign® clear plastic aligners when you eat, drink, floss, and brush. Depending on your case, you may require between 18 and 30 sets of aligners that you will replace every two weeks.

Invisalign® is the comfortable way to a beautiful smile, as you will not have to deal with abrasive and annoying standard metal wires and brackets. Because you are not wearing old school braces, you will only have to visit your dentist every 6 weeks to make sure that everything is going to plan.

Unlike metal brackets and wires, Invisalign® makes it easier to prevent gum disease and tooth decay. Because standard braces are attached to your teeth, it is impossible to brush and floss everywhere. This makes you more susceptible to dental caries and gingivitis or periodontal disease.

Straighter teeth have never been easier thanks to Invisalign®. Invisalign® really is the best way to improve your smile. Invisalign® can fix overly crowded or widely spaced teeth. You may also be a good candidate for Invisalign® if you have a crossbite, an overbite, or an underbite.

An Invisalign® dentist will help design a custom Invisalign® program that will address your specific orthodontic or dental issues.

If you would like more information regarding Invisalign® and what it can do for you, call or click and schedule an appointment with your dentist who can determine if you are a good candidate for Invisalign®.

A New Year and a New Smile

It’s a New Year, and if one of your New Year’s resolutions is to fix your smile, call and schedule an appointment with your dentist for a no obligation cosmetic dentistry consultation.

Your dentist explains that one of the first things people notice about you is your pearly whites, and if yours is less than impressionable, you may want to consider cosmetic dentistry.

In a recent Colgate survey, nearly 88 percent of people surveyed said that a beautiful smile was the first thing that they remembered about a person with a staggering 94 percent saying the first thing they noticed was not the body or the eyes, but the smile. More than a third surveyed also said they would probably not go on a blind date with someone who had crooked teeth.

A beautiful smile helps you get noticed, and more importantly helps you get that dream job or promotion that you have been vying for. A nice smile also helps boost your self-esteem and gives you more confidence.

If you would like to feel more confident when you smile, call or click and schedule an appointment with your dentist who can determine what dental cosmetic procedures would be best for your particular needs.

During your appointment, your dentist will thoroughly examine your mouth making sure you are healthy enough for any type of cosmetic dental procedure. If you have gum disease or tooth decay, your dentist will want to take care of that first before continuing. Even tooth whitening requires a healthy mouth as the bleaching agent could cause problems if your gums are red, swollen, bleeding or receding.

If you have been given a clean bill of health, your dentist will discuss your cosmetic treatment options, which may include Dental Veneers, Dental Bonding, CEREC Restorations, Tooth Whitening, Inlays, Onlays, Tooth Colored Fillings, Invisible Braces, Tooth Colored Crowns or a Complete Mouth Restoration.    

If a new smile has been on your mind, call and schedule an appointment with your dentist who can determine what type of cosmetic dental restorations are right for you. Call or click today.