A Smile Consultation in Corona for a New You

 

A smile consultation with a cosmetic dentist in Corona is the best way to determine what procedures would be best for you.

If you are looking for same day results CEREC and professionl in office tooth whitening would be your best solutions. However, if you want to spend more time on your smile there are some other cosmetic dentistry procedures that you may want to consider for a healthy and beautiful smile.

Cosmetic Dental Crowns

If you follow the Corona Dentist Blog you will remember that CEREC dental crowns are a same day procedure that gives you amazing results. However, if you prefer porcelain to metal, metal or porcelain crowns your restorative dentist in Corona does not disappoint.

Unlike CEREC dental crowns, which are completed in a single dental visit, conventional dental crowns require two dental appointments. While both CEREC and conventional crowns are strong and sturdy your dentist will be able to give you the best recommendation for your particular situation.

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are thin sheets of dental porcelain that are made to fit over the fronts of teeth. Matched to the rest of your smile, veneers are custom made from a dental mold of your teeth. While your veneers are being made you’ll probably need to wear a temporary veneer or veneers until your permanent restorations are complete.

Dental Implants for Missing Teeth

Dental implants for missing teeth require several dental appointments to complete but are the best option as you won’t lose facial structure and your new roots will keep your jawbone exercised. Dental implants take about a year from surgery to placement but are well worth the wait.

If you have been thinking about a new smile call and schedule a no obligation smile makeover consultation with your Corona dentist. You’ll be amazed at how great you will feel when you have a new smile.

Call or text for an appointment today.

Keep Your Teeth for Life with a Corona Dentist

 

Your teeth and gums are with you for life. Well, as long as you take good care of them. According to your dentist in Corona, oral hygiene habits go a long way when it comes to healthy teeth and gums. 

When you practice good oral habits, you are protecting your mouth and your body. If you follow the Corona Dental Blog, you will remember that there is a link between oral and overall health. 

Below are a few ways to increase your chances of keeping your teeth for life. 

Brush Every Day Twice a Day 

Brushing your teeth twice a day keeps bad bacteria from overtaking the good stuff. Your mouth is filled with bacteria, most of it healthy. However, if you don’t brush twice a day the bad stuff will eventually overrun your mouth causing tooth decay and gum disease. 

Brush your teeth with a soft bristled brush and don’t forget to swap out your toothbrush for a new one every three months or more often if the bristles are frayed. 

Flossing Keeps You Healthy 

Flossing once a day, helps keep your teeth clean and your gums free from debris. When you floss your teeth, you are reaching areas that your brush just can’t get to. Floss around each tooth and make sure to get in-between. When you floss, you are preventing bacteria and debris from invading under your gum line.

 Use and Antibacterial Mouth Wash 

Antibacterial mouthwashes kill germs. When used in conjunction with brushing and flossing you tripling your protection against bacteria that erodes the enamel on your teeth. Use a mouth rinse with fluoride to protect from cavities as well. 

Eat a Healthy Diet 

What you consume plays a huge roll in overall and oral health. Your Corona dentist recommends that you eat a diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables. Enjoy lots of calcium rich foods for strong teeth and avoid sugar, acidic drinks, such as energy drinks and soda, and keep starchy foods to a minimum. 

Schedule Regular Dental Appointments 

Regular dental appointments, including comprehensive dental checkups with cancer screenings, are the best way to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Your Corona dentist also has a bird’s eye view as to what is going on with the rest of your body. That cold sore that won’t go away could be an early sign of oral cancer. 

If you would like to learn more about healthy teeth and gums, or would like to schedule a dental checkup in Corona, call and talk to a team member today.

Overall and Oral Health are Connected

Taking care of your teeth should be at the top of the list when it comes to your overall health. According to your Corona dentist, oral health could affect your teeth and gums.

 The Link Between Overall and Oral Health

Your dentist in Corona explains that gum disease is the connection. Gum disease is an inflammation of the mouth caused by bacteria. If bacteria are allowed to float into your blood stream, you could be in for some serious problems including heart failure and stroke.

 Good Oral Hygiene is the Key

During a comprehensive dental examination in Corona, your dentist will examine your entire mouth including your tissues, throat, neck, and tongue checking for anything out of the ordinary. If any lumps, bumps or patches are discovered a biopsy may be recommended for further examination.

Because problems are detected in your mouth, your dentist could be the first to discover anything. In fact, early detection leads to a higher survival rate.

 Good Oral Hygiene Tips

Your dentist in Corona explains that good oral hygiene means brushing twice and flossing once each day. You should also use a good antibacterial mouthwash. Good oral hygiene also includes following a healthy diet that is full of fruits and vegetables. Don’t forget to include calcium as this helps build strong bones and teeth. Probably the most important oral hygiene tip is regular visits with your Corona dentist.

Your dentist can detect any problems and be able to help you deal with tooth decay and gum disease preventing problems that are more serious in the future. Cavities and gingivitis won’t go away on their own and could result in root canal therapy or root scaling and planing.

If you would like to learn more about the oral and overall health connection, call and schedule an appointment with your dentist in Corona today.

Good Oral Hygiene for Healthy Teeth and Gums

Healthy teeth and gums start with good oral hygiene habits. One of those habits is a good healthy diet for everyone in the family. Watching what you eat is easy, but being diligent about what your partner and your kids put in their mouths on a daily basis can be tough.

According to your Corona Dentist, there are some things you can do to create healthy dietary habits even when the family isn’t home.

Start with a Good Breakfast

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Start your family off with some hot cereal or a plate of bacon and eggs. Skip the sugary cereals and opt for pancakes, waffles, or French toast. Although they do contain sugar, it’s not the processed stuff you’ll find in packaged breakfast cereals.

Snack time is the Right Time

If your kid’s friends are used to bags of chips and Doritos at snack time your children don’t have to be part of the mix. Pack after school snacks or fill the fridge with fruits and veggies, chunks of cheese and some salami or lunchmeat. Pack a tuna salad and you can bet your kids will be the most popular in the neighborhood.

Dinnertime means Healthy Eating

One of the best times the dinner table. It’s a chance where everyone gets to sit down, enjoy each other’s company, and talk about their day.

Make sure that you prepare healthy meals, skip the urge for fast food, and enjoy the time with your family. Encourage your kids and your partner to slow down, chew their food, and wait until everyone is finished before excusing themselves from the table.

When it comes to healthy teeth and gums and good oral hygiene don’t forget your diet and your dental checkups. Call your Corona Dentist and schedule everyone’s dental checkup today.

Eating Disorders and Teeth and Gums

Billions of people all over the planet suffer from anorexia nervosa, bulimia, binging and purging or a combination of the two. Men, women, and even children starve themselves or binge and purge to become the person they think they should be. A lack of low self-esteem and the constant push by the media to stay thin has people striving to become a person that they never will be.

What is Anorexia Nervosa?

Anorexia is an eating disorder that causes a person to lose interest in food. Through constant dieting and exercise, people with this eating disorder starve themselves surviving on 100 calories a day. Anorexia causes problems for teeth and gums, as the person who suffers isn’t getting proper nutrition. People with malnutrition will deal with tooth decay and gum disease.

What is Bulimia?

Unlike anorexia, bulimics will eat food and force themselves to throw up. Although some believe that all bulimics eat massive amounts of food before purging, some don’t, and will throw up even the smallest meal.

Just like anorexics, bulimics will suffer from tooth decay thanks to the acid in the vomit. Acid causes enamel erosion leading to periodontal disease and dental caries. Without attention enamel, erosion and loose teeth will lead to tooth loss.

Binging and Purging

People who suffer from this eating disorder will eat large quantities of food before throwing up. Some people who binge and purge will visit four or five fast food restaurants consuming a half a dozen hamburgers and three orders or fries, all supersized. Once the food has been eaten, the person will vomit it up only to start all over again.

Eating disorders cause problems for teeth and gums and the rest of your body. If you or someone you know is suffering from an eating disorder, it is important that you seek medical care and schedule an appointment with your dentist for a thorough checkup.

Call for a dental appointment today.

Are E Cigarettes Bad for Teeth and Gums?

E-cigarettes are growing in popularity with former smokers shouting the benefits of vaping. Unlike tobacco, e-cigarettes use vapor instead of smoke. However, some e-cigs still contain nicotine, which can cause problems for your teeth and gums.

Everyone knows that tobacco is bad for teeth and gums and bad for overall health. Tobacco causes gum disease, tooth decay and eventual tooth loss. Smoking or chewing tobacco can also lead to dry mouth and tooth sensitivity, but it isn’t just tobacco that can cause problems for your teeth and gums.

Although vaping hasn’t been around long enough for conclusive studies, some patients who vape have reported tooth sensitivity, dry mouth, sore gums and gum recession.

Below is what dentists know now:

In the studies that have been conducted, it appears that nicotine reduces the blood flow through the veins, the heart, and the brain. Without oxygen, your gum tissue will die.

Some dentists in Corona are also discovering that E-cigarettes can mask other symptoms such as gum disease. Because the flow of blood has been reduced, it is nearly impossible to detect blood in the gum tissue.

Studies indicate that nicotine is a muscle stimulant. This will cause people with bruxism to continue clenching and grinding. Teeth grinding and clenching can wear down your teeth and lead to gum disease and tooth decay.

Vaping is much safer than smoking with some studies indicating it is about 98 percent safer than tobacco. With that being said, most vapers aren’t concerned with the possible complications from using E-cigarettes. People who don’t add nicotine to the, “Juice,” will not have the nicotine complications. However, it is important that you continue seeing your dentist on a regular basis.

If you would like more information regarding E-cigarettes and vaping, call or click and schedule an appointment with your dentist in Corona today. After all, it’s better to be safe than sorry.  

Facial Protection Month Means Custom Made Mouthguards

Spring is here and that means Facial Protection Month is just around the corner! Facial Protection Awareness Month happens every April and is meant to help people become more aware of head, facial and mouth injuries that are related to sports. Many facial and oral injuries could have been prevented had the athlete used safety equipment when participating. However, according to your dentist in Corona, keeping your head safe, especially your teeth and gums, also includes a custom-made mouth protector.

Most contact sports such as soccer, football, and hockey require players to wear mouthguards, but it isn’t just contact sports enthusiasts that need to purchase a custom made mouth protector. According to the American Dental Association and the American association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons Facial Protection Month is meant to encourage people who play all sports to be aware of helmets, safety equipment and custom-made mouthguards. You may think you are safe on the racquetball court, but if your opponent accidentally hits you in the mouth with his racquet, you will wish you had scheduled an appointment with your dentist for a custom-made mouth protector.

Although there are three types of mouth protector’s available, custom-made mouthguards are the best as they are custom made to fit your teeth. Unlike the other types of mouth protectors available, you can be assured of a tight fit that allows you to talk and breathe. Standard and boil and bite mouthguards, which are available at a sports store or pharmacy, may be less expensive, but they won’t be if you end up spending the day in the ER because you left your cumbersome boil and bite mouthguard in your gym bag.

Keep you and your family safe this spring and summer with a custom-made mouthguard from your Corona dentist. After all, wouldn’t you rather be on the field then in the Emergency Room?

Call and schedule your appointment today.

Cosmetic Dentistry Corona for a New You

Cosmetic Dentistry could be the answer, and if you are searching for a good cosmetic dentist in Corona, look no further than Dental Care Corona. Dental Care Corona has the tools and the team to give you the smile you deserve and best of all, in most cases; you won’t have to run all over town to complete your cosmetic dental procedure.

Whatever your needs, the best cosmetic dentist in Corona can help you take care of them whether you have crooked teeth, or would just like a brighter smile. Dental Care Corona are the experts when it comes to cosmetic dentistry in Corona.

Crooked Teeth can affect the Health of Teeth and Gums

Having a beautiful smile is not only good for your self-esteem, but can also be good for your overall oral health. Having chipped or cracked teeth or teeth that are tipped or rotated makes it tough to brush and floss. Cosmetic dentistry is good for your smile and good for the health of your teeth and gums.

Some of the cosmetic dental procedures that your Corona Dentist may recommend include:

• Dental Implants
• Porcelain Veneers
• Cosmetic Dental Bonding
• Inlays or Onlays
• Natural Tooth Colored Fillings
• Dental Crowns
• Clear Braces
• Tooth Whitening
• Dental Bridges

How Long will My New Smile Take?

Some of these procedures, such as in office tooth whitening and cosmetic dental bonding can be completed in a single dental visit while porcelain veneers require three dental appointments. If your Corona Dentist recommends dental implants, the entire procedure could take up to a year to complete.

If your smile leaves a bad taste in your mouth schedule an appointment with Dental Care Corona. Dental Care Corona can give you a reason to grin in as little as one dental appointment.

So what are you waiting for? Call or click today. 

Holiday Treats to Avoid at Parties

During the holidays, it is vital that you steer clear of the sweets table for the sake of your teeth and gums. When you munch on healthy party food, you will be more likely to get a green light the next time you see your dentist. However, it is easy to be tempted when it comes to holiday treats to avoid.

Keeping your teeth and gums healthy throughout the year is easy, but once those holiday parties start rolling around, it may be tough to stick to good oral hygiene. If you love the dried fruit that your grandmother sends you every year, be sure to rinse after you enjoy. That sticky fig will stay around much longer and can be hard to budge, even after you brush.

Try to avoid starchy foods as much as you can. Christmas cookies and cakes, and especially those fruitcakes that are both starchy and filled with the sticky fruit mentioned above. It’s double trouble when it comes to your Aunt Betty’s prized Brandied Fruit Cake.

Your dentist in Corona recommends sipping on water between those holiday drinks. That champagne punch may be delicious, but it can cause problems with your teeth. The sugar in the punch and the fizz in the bubbly can cause acid erosion on your teeth.

Good oral hygiene, including regular checkups with your dentist and enjoying a good healthy diet will go a long way in protecting your teeth and gums and your overall long-term oral health.

Pay attention to your teeth and gums. If you notice anything different, feel any pain, or have swollen or bleeding gums, it is essential that you see your dentist as quickly as possible. You may want to ignore that toothache until after the New Year, but skipping a dental checkup could cause further damage. If a dental emergency should occur, it is vital that you head to the dentist as quickly as possible.

Chronic Halitosis Could Be Ruining Your Life

If your chronic halitosis is keeping you away from social engagements, it’s time to schedule an appointment with your dentist.

Although there are several reasons for chronic bad breath, gum disease is at the top of the list. If you have gum disease it’s not just your teeth and gums that will suffer.

Periodontal disease, the more serious form of gum disease, has been linked to heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and Alzheimer’s disease.  Although it is imperative that you schedule an appointment for your chronic halitosis, there are some other reasons for your bad breath.

Dry Mouth-Medications, postnasal drip, tobacco use and certain medical problems can cause dry mouth. Dry mouth can cause bad breath and other teeth and gum problems. Dry mouth occurs because your salivary glands aren’t producing enough saliva. Ask your doctor to switch your medication. If you aren’t on any over the counter or prescribed drugs, talk to your dentist.

Tobacco-Cigarettes, cigars, Hookah pipes, and chewing tobacco are equally as bad as each other. If you smoke or chew, you could be suffering from chronic halitosis. Ask your doctor about kicking the habit. Tobacco also affects your sense of taste and smell, can irritate your delicate gums and can stain your teeth. When you quit chewing or smoking, you may see an increase in your social engagement invitations.

Onions and Garlic-You may love garlic and onions, but be aware that the odor will stay in your system up to 72 hours after you have eaten it. Odorous foods are absorbed into your blood stream, through your skin and into your teeth and gums. Brushing, flossing and mouth rinse will not help the smell go away until the onions, garlic and other odorous foods have been absorbed into your body.

If you have chronic bad breath, schedule an appointment with your Corona Dentist who can determine the cause and come up with a solution to your chronic halitosis. Call or click now.

The Hidden Dangers of Oral Piercing

There are plenty of horror stories telling the tale of a pierced tongue gone wrong. Infection, swelling, and tooth damage are just a few of the dangerous side effects of oral piercing.

According to the Mayo Clinic, some serious problems can occur with oral piercings. Of course, some people never have an issue, but do you really want to take that chance?

Although it may seem about as risky as getting your ears pierced, getting a hole in your tongue could have some serious side effects.

Common Problems

Infection, nerve damage, teeth and mouth injuries, swelling, periodontal disease, and irreversible nerve damage are just a few of the problems you can develop if you have your tongue, lip, or mouth pierced.

Those little barbells and studs may make you look cool, but accidentally bite down on one and you may have second thoughts about having your tongue pierced.

Infections: In a survey of college Students in New York, six percent of those who had oral piercings had a problem after the piercing. Some required a visit to the ER to treat infections with antibiotics. In addition, you will be left with a scar after you remove your stud or post. It may heal quickly, but you will be left with scar tissue.

Tooth Chipping: In one study, over half of the people who had long barbell piercings chipped their teeth. Those in the study who wore them for four years or more had chipping on their back teeth as well.

Gum Recession: Dentists are now discovering that your gums in the front of your mouth are twice as likely to recede after tongue piercing. Experts believe this is because the barbell or stud is constantly being forced against your front teeth. If you have gum recession due to oral piercings, your jawbone will reabsorb into your body. Once the bone is gone, there is nothing to hold your teeth. You may love the look of your pierced tongue, but it could eventually cause you to lose your teeth.

Dental Restoration Damage: If you have dental restorations, you are running the risk of damage. Your beautiful porcelain veneers that your insurance didn’t cover could be ruined with that gold barbell that you cannot get enough of.

If you insist on wearing oral jewelry, dentists recommend wearing acrylic barbells or acrylic balls to lessen the chance of tooth and gum damage.

Although lip, tongue and cheek piercing is all the rage, take a moment to consider what it is doing to the rest of your body. If you are thinking about having your tongue pierced, you may want to reconsider. Losing your teeth over a pretty little piece of jewelry really isn’t worth it.

Talk to a dentist who can help you understand the dangers of oral piercings. It just may change your mind. Call today. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.   

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. 

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.