Town Square Dental Blog

Valentine’s Day is a day where you get to celebrate your love for someone special in your life. You can do this through taking them out for a night on the town, or even staying in to see a movie at home. Many people decide to give their special someone a small token of their love and appreciation in the form of a gift like flowers. However, even more commonly given are those Valentine’s Day treats we’ve all come to love, from chocolates to those conversation sweetheart candies. However, a large consumption of these sweet treats can actually be detrimental to your dental health! Show your teeth some love this Valentine’s Day, and follow these tips for maintaining your dental health:

Practice Dental Hygiene

To maximize your teeth’s protection against tooth decay and gum disease, make sure you continue to practice regular dental hygiene habits, such as brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily. It’s especially important that you brush your teeth before you go to bed; that way, you can remove all of the food particles and sugars that have built up on your teeth after a day of Valentine’s Day treat consumption or special dinners. By doing so, you’re eliminating the chance of plaque developing on your teeth overnight.

Drink Lots of Water

By drinking water, you’re helping your mouth clean itself of any lingering food particles and sugars that may be left over from those sugary treats. In addition, by drinking water, you supply your teeth with a healthy fluoride rinse, further protecting it from decay.

Find Other Alternatives

While you may love those Valentine’s Day treats, there are plenty of other tasty alternatives that are less harmful to your teeth! Fruits from a fruit basket, trail mix, or nuts are just some other alternatives that your teeth will be happier with.

Finally, after the Valentine’s Day festivities are over, don’t forget to book an appointment with our office for a routine dental exam and cleaning; your smile will thank you for it later! Happy Valentine’s Day!

Teeth whitening is one of the most sought-after dental cosmetic treatments by patients. The treatment is designed to improve your smile by correcting the discoloration of teeth as a result of food and drink, tobacco use, wear, or trauma, resulting in a brighter, more sparkling appearance.

Teeth Whitening Options

There are several teeth whitening options now available for patients to improve the shine of their smile. One of the teeth whitening options that patients choose first and foremost are over-the-counter teeth whitening products or whitening toothpaste. However, many patients find that these over-the-counter products are not highly effective. For that reason, the preferred method for teeth whitening treatment is through the dentist’s office, where it can be done professionally. These treatments use stronger agents that are often more effective in comparison to store-bought products and have a more lasting result. The dentist can even provide you with a professional teeth whitening kit that you can continue to use within the comforts of your home.

DIY Teeth Whitening

While professional whitening from the dentist is often the best solution for correcting tooth discoloration, there are other teeth whitening methods that can be done at home which can be used to help touch-up a recently brightened smile. This is especially useful if you have recently eaten foods or drinks that can easily cause discoloration to your teeth.Try one of the following popular DIY teeth whitening solutions to brighten up your smile:

• Hydrogen Peroxide and Baking Soda Paste – Simply mix a small amount of the two ingredients to make a paste. Apply to your toothbrush and brush your teeth as normal. Keep in mind that since these two ingredients can be abrasive, only use this solution for a few days at a time. Wait a few months before reapplying the solution.
• Banana Rub – A more natural approach to tooth whitening is by using a banana peel; the minerals in bananas can help promote healthy whitening effects! After you have brushed and flossed, peel a ripe banana and use the inside of the peel to rub on your teeth for two minutes. Rinse afterward.
• Apple Cider Vinegar – Another, less-tasty—but effective—solution for teeth whitening is a diluted mixture of apple cider vinegar and water. Mix the solution with a natural toothpaste and brush your teeth as usual.

Try out the above DIY teeth whitening solutions for an even brighter smile! You are also welcome to book an appointment with us for a professional teeth whitening treatment to maximize your smile’s sparkle.

Dental implants have become a very effective way to replace any of your missing teeth that have been lost due to injury, decay, or disease. Essentially, dental implants are small metalposts—usually made of titanium—that are surgically inserted into the upper or lower jaw, where they serve as are placement for the natural tooth’s root, and an anchor for artificial, replacement teeth.

Dental Implant Process

After the dental implant has been placed, there is a healing period that takes place in which the dental implant bonds with the jawbone while the gums heal. A temporary crown will be placed on the site to protect it as it heals while allowing you to continue to speak and eat normally. During a secondary procedure, the dentist will attach a special, customized dental crown over the dental implant that matches the shade and shape of your natural teeth, allowing it to blend in with the rest of your smile. If more than one tooth is being replaced, a customized bridge or set of dentures may be created to fit your mouth and dental implants.

Benefits of Dental Implants

Dental implants are now a popular cosmetic solution for missing teeth for many reasons besides drastically improving your smile and teeth function. For one, dental implants are a more permanent solution that can replace natural teeth compared to other cosmetic options. Because dental implants are placed into the jaw, they have the ability to bond with your existing bone in a process called osseointegration, providing a more stable foundation for a replacement tooth. In addition, dental implants eliminate the need for often uncomfortable, removable appliances such as bridges or dentures.

If you’re interested in improving your smile with dental implants, give our Town Square Dental office a call for a consultation today!

The New Year is the best time to start practicing new lifestyle changes and habits to better your overall well-being and livelihood. Many of these lifestyle changes usually relate to dieting, exercising, or spending less. However, there are plenty of dental resolutions to make, too! Here are some tips that will help you achieve a healthier smile in the new year:

Dental Care

• Brush at least twice a day for two full minutes with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
• Floss at least once a day. Flossing allows you to reach and clean the spaces in-between teeth that your toothbrush is unable to reach.
• Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months or earlier if you start to notice fraying or after you’ve recovered from being sick. This will ensure your toothbrush is always working effectively.

Healthy Dieting

• Choose sugar-free gum over regular gum. If you chew sugar-free gum after a meal, it can actually help remove small food particles that are lingering. Gum chewing also helps your mouth better regulate saliva, which is a natural way for your mouth to clean itself of food particles.
• Eat a diet rich in vitamins and minerals; foods like fruits and vegetables promote healthier teeth.
• Avoid foods and drinks high in sugars such as sodas and candies. The sugar can attract plaque, which can cause tooth decay.
• Drink more water; it contains fluoride, which is a natural mineral that helps strengthen your tooth enamel.

Visiting the Dentist

Finally, make sure that you visit our office for a routine dental exam and cleaning at least every 6 months. We will be able to examine your mouth for any signs of potential dental problems and also thoroughly clean your mouth of lingering plaque and tartar, which can also result in the reduction of bad breath.

With the holidays fast approaching, it’s a good time to be more health-conscious of what you eat every day. While you may be tempted to grab another holiday treat, don’t forget the long-term effects those seemingly satisfying sugars can have on your health and smile. This season, opt for more healthy holiday foods, and you’ll have a happy and healthy smile to show for it. Here are some of the top holiday foods you should try to avoid to keep your teeth healthy:

Candy Canes

We know, it’s not truly the holidays if you don’t have at least one candy cane. Believe it or not, these iconic treats are harmful to your teeth. Hard candies like candy canes are filled with sugar and can cause chipped or even broken teeth if you over-indulge. If you must have one, try to keep it at only one. Your teeth will thank you for it.

Coffee

While that cup of festive peppermint mocha may be calling your name, try to avoid drinks high in caffeine this holiday season. Caffeine can actually reduce the amount of saliva that your mouth produces, which is critical because saliva is your mouth’s natural way of removing sugars and food particles from your teeth.

Eggnog

Eggnog contains sugar and dairy (and sometimes alcohol), ingredients that when combined could mean bad news for your oral health. The proteins found in dairy products can be converted into sulfur compounds by the bacteria in your mouth, giving your breath a not-so-pleasant odor. In addition, these same bacteria thrive off of the sugars found in foods and drinks such as egg nog. And if you’re a fan of spiked egg nog, your teeth won’t be any happier; alcohol can create a dry mouth, reducing the amount of natural plaque-fighting saliva in your mouth.

Fruitcake

As mentioned before, the bacteria in your mouth thrive off of sugars. This sweet treat contains a multitude of sugars, in addition to the natural sugars of fruits. If you don’t rinse or brush your teeth long after consumption, the bacteria will start to feed off of these sugars, producing a byproduct of acids that can cause tooth decay.

This is all not to say that you should avoid these holiday foods entirely; like all foods and drinks, these should be consumed in moderation. In addition, if you practice healthy dental care, like brushing your teeth twice a day, you can avoid the negative dental effects of these foods.

Dental mouth guards are fitted devices that are worn over the teeth during both sleep and rigorous activity like recreational and athletic sports. Mouth guards are made to protect your teeth from damage that can be done either during sleep due to teeth grinding or in the midst of a sports injury.They provide a barrier between your teeth and cheeks, and in-between your lips and tongue to minimize the risk of damage. Mouth guards are sought after by patients for many reasons:

• Comfortable Wear – Mouth guards fit snugly and comfortably over your teeth and do not interfere with sleep or loosen during activity. They are also made so that you can continue to speak and breathe easily.
• Easy to Clean – Mouth guards are removable and are therefore easy to clean on a daily basis.
• Made with Resilient Material – Mouth guards are durable in order to protect your teeth and remain resistant to tears; making them last for a long period of time.

Dentists offer different types of mouth guards, depending on your needs:

Occlusal Guards

Occlusal guards are mouth guards that are typically worn at night while you sleep. These guards are custom-made to fit your mouth and teeth specifically and are used to prevent the grinding of teeth, known as bruxism, which can occur unconsciously as you sleep. These mouth guards cushion your teeth, protecting them from wearing down after constant grinding.

Snore Guards

Snore guards work similarly to Occlusal guards, in that they are fitted for your mouth and teeth and are worn during sleep. While they do look like regular mouth guards, they are meant to prevent snoring while you sleep. The guard pushes your lower jaw forward, which prevents your tongue from falling back and blocking your airway—the cause of snoring.

Dental crowns, otherwise known as dental “caps,” are permanent, prosthetic devices that are cemented to fit over a damaged tooth or dental implant. Unlike other dental prosthetics, dental crowns are permanent and cannot be removed once implanted, unless by a dental professional. Dental crowns are usually made from porcelain, or some combination of porcelain and metal. Dental crowns are mainly used for restoring the appearance and function of damaged teeth and holding dental bridges in place. However, they serve to have multiple functions, and can be recommended by your dentist for numerous reasons:

• Strengthen an already damaged tooth – A dental crown can restore a damaged tooth back to its former functionally. In addition, a dental crown over a weakened tooth can actually protect it from any further damage or potential fractures.
• Improves functionality of affected tooth – The shape of a tooth can be greatly affected by the damage it has incurred. A dental crown restores the tooth to be at the proper shape to maintain its functionality and also improves tooth alignment as well as how you chew.
• Improve a tooth’s appearance – Dental crowns are made to match the color of your other teeth. If you have a tooth that is discolored or badly shaped, your dentist may suggest a dental crown.
• Replace fillings – Your dentist may recommend for you to have a dental crown as a substitute for a tooth filling. If you’re tooth is severely affected by a cavity to the point where you may not have enough tooth left to support or hold a filling, your dentist may suggest a dental crown instead.
• Support a dental bridge – A dental bridge is essentially a prosthetic tooth implant that replaces a missing one. Dental crowns are used on teeth on either side of the bridge to help set and attach the bridge in place.

Even though it is true that we eventually lose the 20 baby teeth we started with in place of our permanent adult teeth, we should still treat them just the same when it comes to dental health. With kids, there are numerous things you start doing with them as soon as childbirth to ensure positive dental health and preventative care throughout their childhood.

Newborn – 12 Months

A few days after the baby is born, start cleaning your baby’s mouth with a moist washcloth or gauze pad. It’s important to know that decay can occur as soon as his or her first teeth arrive, around 6 months of age, so it’s best to take preventative action early on.

12 Months – Age 3

Around this age, you can start brushing your child’s teeth twice a day with a child’s toothbrush and a minimal amount of fluoride toothpaste. The amount should be the size of a grain of rice or less. Once your child develops teeth that begin to touch, you can also start a habit of helping them floss daily. Children normally have all 20 of their baby teeth grown in by the age of 3.

Ages 3 – 6

For children that fall within this age range, using a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste when brushing is important. Teeth should be brushed twice a day, as usual, in addition to flossing daily. As your child begins to learn how to brush their teeth on their own, make sure you supervise and see that they do not swallow the toothpaste.

In addition to these daily dental health habits, it is also important to start bringing your child to see the dentist after their first tooth appears. The dentist will use your first visit to examine your child’s teeth and check for development and growth.

By practicing these good dental health habits early, you can prevent any potential decay or infection in your child’s teeth over time.

Although many folks avoid taking action by keeping up with routine appointments, regular dental visits are very important for maintaining your oral health. Oftentimes the problem is fear, but for some people, it’s indifference or ignorance that keeps them away. So the question is, just how often should you go to the dentist?

Going to the dentist

American dentists suggest that patients visit a local dental clinic for preventative care a minimum of once per year. The ideal schedule is twice each year, at six-month intervals to help keep a healthy mouth. During these appointments, a professional teeth cleaning is performed and the dentist conducts a thorough exam, looking for dental caries, periodontal disease, mouth changes and other conditions.

Dental exams and early detection of disease

Serious issues like oral cancer and gum disease will progress if left undetected and untreated. Early detection comes with regular routine exams. Smokers and alcohol drinkers are at a higher risk for both of these dangerous conditions, as well as patients with a genetic predisposition for either disease.

How often should you go to the dentist?

The frequency of necessary dentist appointments various by an individual, but every patient is advised to visit the dentist at least one time each year. Some people need to see the dentist more often:

• Individuals who are at a higher risk due to genetics or outside influences
• Those suffering from a dental condition, depending on the type of problem
• Anyone with an advanced stage oral health condition

Healthy patients with no genetic issues may do well with only one annual dentist appointment. At this time the dentist will offer tips on how to keep your mouth healthy for the long-term.

It is important that smokers, pregnant women, and patients with diabetes, or periodontal disease visit the dentist frequently. These individuals are at a higher risk of developing oral health problems. Some may be advised to receive a dental exam as soon as every four months. It is recommended that patients don’t skip scheduled visits and don’t hesitate to report and noticeable changes in gums or teeth.

Preventative dental care is the key to overall health

Your dental health condition can shift due to many factors, including stress. Unfortunately, the damage is typically not noticeable until the mouth issue has progressed. This is why preventative dental care is vital to maintaining your health, preventing pain, avoiding invasive treatments and saving you money.

Toothaches are the worst, and they tend to strike at the most inconvenient times. No matter how busy a person may be, the pain is tough to ignore. The best strategy is not to wait. See your dentist as soon as possible for dental treatment to stop the pain and prevent the problem from worsening.

Dental treatment for toothaches

Toothaches never occur out of the blue for no reason. There is always an underlying cause such as tooth decay, enamel erosion or gum disease. These dental problems won’t dissipate on their own in time. In fact, the affected area will only become more painful as the decay or disease advances.

Visiting your dentist when you first begin to feel discomfort is the best course of action for toothaches. Your dental care provider will take measures to ease your pain immediately, provide relief for the long-term, and address the underlying cause to halt any further damage.

Before you get to the dental office

Although ideal, it isn’t always possible to be examined by a dentist at the moment your toothache begins. From the time the pain starts to the time you actually make it to the dental clinic can seem like an eternity. There are some ways to temporarily manage toothache pain at home until you get to see your dentist:

• Non-prescription pain medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers like aspirin, ibuprofen and acetaminophen may alleviate symptoms for the short-term. If you choose aspirin, take it internally only. Never rub it on your gums or on a tooth. It can cause damage to soft tissues in the oral cavity.
• Saltwater: Swishing your mouth with warm salt water will help clean out the affected area and remove loose debris. Depending on the cause of a toothache, it might also alleviate pain.
• Garlic: Garlic has anti-bacterial properties and is also known to temporarily relieve toothache pain. Apply a mashed clove of garlic to the affected tooth or chew on it. Your breath will be foul, but you might make you feel better for a little while.
• Peppermint or clove oil: Both of these natural oils have numbing properties. However, they are very strong and can potentially damage soft tissues in the mouth. Use with caution. Only use a small drop of oil on a cotton ball and apply to the painful tooth.

Always check with your doctor or dentist before using any of these toothache remedies, particularly if you have any pre-existing medical conditions.

The best remedy is to not wait

Toothaches only get worse the longer you hold off on seeing a dentist. At-home remedies are only intended to help you manage the pain for just a little while. They are by no means a substitute for proper dental treatment by a trained professional.