Invisalign Could be the Answer

Invisalign® is the answer if you have slightly tipped or rotated teeth. If your teeth are crooked or if you aren’t happy with the way your teeth fit together, call or click and talk to Gentle Touch Family Dentistry about Invisalign®.

Invisalign® is the clear alternative to conventional wires and brackets and can give you the beautiful Hollywood Smile of your dreams in as little as 6 to 18 months.

Misaligned teeth can also cause problems with your bite. Chewing and even talking can become difficult, but thanks to Invisalign®, you can have a beautiful straight smile without having to resort to uncomfortable braces.

What is Invisalign®?

Invisalign® is a tooth straightening system that utilizes clear plastic aligners that are custom made to fit your teeth. Gentle Touch Family Dentistry, a licensed Invisalign® provider will prescribe between 11 and 31 sets of aligners depending on your treatment plan.

Every two weeks you will swap out your aligners for a new set completing your treatment anywhere between 6 to 18 months.

Advantages

Invisalign® is the painless way to a beautiful straight smile as you remove the aligners when you eat, brush and floss wearing your aligners 20 to 22 hours each day. Because conventional braces are permanently attached to your teeth it makes it impossible to brush under the wires and brackets making you more susceptible to tooth decay and gum disease.

Truly the clear advantage, the only people who will know that you are wearing your clear plastic aligners are you and Gentle Touch Family Dentistry as Invisalign® is barely visible.

Unlike conventional braces that need to be tightened every couple of weeks by your dentist or orthodontist, you only need to see Gentle Touch every six weeks to make sure that your treatment is going according to plan.

If you would like more information regarding Invisalign®, call or click and schedule an appointment with Gentle Touch Family Dentistry today. 

What is Causing your Bad Breath

Bad Breath can happen to anyone, even people who brush twice and floss once each day.

According to the American Dental Association the main cause of chronic halitosis is poor oral hygiene, however, there are some other things that could be contributing to your bad breath.

Dehydration

You may be surprised to learn that dehydration is the leading cause of bad breath, even more so than poor oral hygiene. Being dehydrated means food and bacteria will hang around in your mouth, and the longer it stays, the smellier your breath. Drink eight 8-ounce glasses a day to help sweeten your breath and keep a pack of sugarless gum handy.

Health Complications

Your dentist explains that your bad breath could be an indication of a serious disease. Excess methylamine could be a sign of kidney or liver disease while ammonia breath could signal renal failure. Some studies have even found a connection between malignant throat cancer and bad breath gases.

Too Much Outdoor Exercise

Runners and cyclists suffer from dry mouth, wheezing and asthma and while a breath of fresh air will do you good, too much can dry out your mouth and cause bad breath. Breathing in pollen and pollution not only cause health problems but can also irritate nasal passages, allergies, and chronic dry mouth.

Tonsillitis and other Throat Diseases

Persistent bad breath is a sign of throat disease and if you still have your tonsils, talk to your doctor. If you don’t, talk to your doctor anyway as chronic halitosis could be a symptom of something more serious including neck, throat, and mouth cancer.

Tobacco

Everyone knows that tobacco use leads to cancer, but it can also cause serious problems for your breath. Chewing and smoking can’t be brushed away. If you are a chronic smoker, your breath will give you away. Smoking is also one of the leading causes of gum disease and tooth loss.

If you would like more information regarding chronic bad breath, call or click and schedule an appointment with your dentist today. 

Do you Practice Good Oral Hygiene Habits?

Good oral hygiene habits begin with brushing twice and flossing once each day, but in order to keep your teeth and gums healthy, you need to do a few other things to keep you cavity and gum disease free.

The American Dental Association explains that bacteria are alive and well and living in your mouth, however, not all bacteria is good bacteria. Plaque causing bacteria, will cause cavities and gum disease. If you want to keep your mouth healthy and clean, good oral hygiene habits are a must.

Just what is plaque?

Plaque contains bacteria and is that sticky layer of film that will accumulate on your teeth, especially where your toothbrush can’t reach. Even if you brush twice and floss once each day, you will still produce bacteria as certain foods can cause bacteria buildup.

Your dentist recommends that you avoid sugary and starchy food, which can cause high levels of acidic bacteria to form. Plaque irritates your gums and will make them sensitive and red causing them to bleed. If this is happening to you, it could be gingivitis, which is usually reversible, however, if gum disease isn’t prevented and advances to the more serious periodontal disease, which leaves pockets in-between your teeth and gums that fill with bacteria, the bone that surrounds your teeth could be destroyed eventually causing tooth loss.  

Plaque Removal

The best and most efficient way to get rid of plaque is to brush and floss everyday as brushing will remove the bacteria. Use fluoride antimicrobial toothpaste that will help prevent tooth decay. Use dental floss to remove dangerous plaque in between your teeth as your toothbrush cannot reach the cracks and crevices and don’t forget to schedule regular professional teeth cleaning appointments with your dentist.

Following a good healthy diet that is full of fruits, vegetables and dairy products, dairy actually helps strengthen the enamel on your teeth, will help keep your mouth healthy as well as regular checkups with your dentist.

Don’t let plaque get the better of you. Call or click and schedule a dental checkup with your dentist today.

The Mouth and Body Connection

Your teeth and gums are just as important as the rest of your body, and if you are slack with your oral hygiene habits, you could be asking for trouble.

The American Dental Association explains that brushing twice and flossing once each day should be part of your oral health routine. You should also follow a good diet with plenty of fruits and veggies. Include dairy products as well for strong bones and teeth. Of course, regular dental checkups, twice a year or more so if you are susceptible to tooth decay or gum disease, should also be added to the mix.

The health of your mouth is a reflection of your entire body as your mouth really is the gateway to the rest of your body.

Regular checkups can tell your dentist quite a bit about the rest of your body, including whether or not you could be at risk when it comes to chronic disease.

Poor Oral Health Can Affect your Overall Health

Recent studies have suggested that your mouth mirrors the rest of your body as a whole. In other words if your mouth, teeth and gums are healthy, your overall health is probably good as well. On the other hand, poor oral health could indicate other health issues.

The Academy of General Dentistry explains that there is a relationship between stroke and heart disease and periodontitis. Perodontitis is the more serious form of gum disease and can cause other health implications as well. Studies also show that pregnant women who have gum disease are more likely to give birth prematurely.

Other research is showing that over 90 percent of all systemic diseases have oral manifestations including dry mouth, mouth ulcers, and gum problems. 

Some of the diseases include: 

• Diabetes
• Oral Cancer
• Leukemia
• Kidney Disease
• Heart Disease 

If you have regular checkups with your dentist, he or she may be able to spot or even diagnose a health problem in the early stages.

Keeping your mouth healthy should be a priority, and if you can’t remember the last time you saw your dentist, call or click and schedule an appointment today.

Dry Mouth Can Affect Teeth and Gums

If you are always thirsty, you could have Dry Mouth. According to your dentist, Dry Mouth is a condition that affects billions of people all over the planet. Dry Mouth is uncomfortable, but most importantly, Dry Mouth could have a drastic effect on your teeth and gums.

Although everyone is different, the majority of sufferers have similar Dry Mouth symptoms.

Signs and Symptoms 

• Bad breath
• Horsy throat
• Sore throat
• Pain when swallowing
• Constantly thirsty
• A dry or sticky feeling
• Mouth sores
• Split skin
• Cracked lips
• Dry throat
• Tingling or burning on your tongue
• Problems with tasting and chewing food
• Difficulty swallowing food 

Complications

The Mayo Clinic explains that people who have Dry Mouth sometimes find it hard to sleep because of constant thirst. If you suffer from Dry Mouth, you may also find yourself sitting in the dentist’s chair more often than you would like, as Dry Mouth is a condition caused by a lack of saliva.

Your salivary glands help keep your teeth and gums healthy by washing away the food particles, debris and bacteria. If you aren’t producing enough saliva, the bacteria will convert to acids that can erode the enamel on your teeth causing tooth decay. Your gums will also pay the price if natures thirst quencher isn’t doing its job.

If you have Dry Mouth, your mealtimes could be less than enjoyable. Your saliva helps you taste, chew, swallow, and enjoy your food. If you have Dry Mouth, you probably know how tasteless breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks have become.

What Can Be Done 

• Sugarless gum and hard candy that is sugar free can help stimulate saliva flow
• Nix the caffeine as it will dry out your mouth
• Use a no-alcohol mouthwash
• Keep a water bottle handy and drink, drink, drink
• Look for saliva substitutes that contain xylitol
• Try a mouth rinse that is made specifically for Dry Mouth
• Avoid non-prescription decongestants and antihistamines
• Don’t breathe through your mouth, use your nose
• By a humidifier to keep moisture in the air
• Use fluoride toothpaste
• Schedule twice-yearly checkups with your dentist
• Ask your dentist about prescription tooth products for Dry Mouth 

If you or someone you know suffers from Dry Mouth, call or click and schedule an appointment with your dentist who may be able to help. Call or click today. 

Bad Oral Health Habits

You may think you are doing the right thing when it comes to your teeth and gums, but according to the American Dental Association, some of your oral habits may not be as healthy as you think.

Ice

Chewing on ice is a bad habit, and one that makes your dentist cringe. You may be saying it’s only water, but once it freezes, you could be setting yourself up for chips, cracks or even a broken tooth. Chewing on ice can also cause gum damage. Your blender has a special blade just for ice. You can only imagine what ice does to your teeth. Keep the ice in your glass and your dentist will be happy.

The Wrong Toothbrush

If you use a brush that is too hard it will cause gum recession and abrasion to the roots of your teeth. Your dentist recommends that you use a multi-tufted soft bristled toothbrush to avoid gum damage.

Brushing with Too Much Force or Too Frequently

Even if you are using a multi-tufted soft bristled toothbrush, you could still damage your teeth and irritate your gums if you use too much force. A gentle whisking action is really all you need to break up the plaque on the surface of your teeth. Brushing too often could also be damaging your teeth. Morning and night is sufficient as too much brushing, especially right after you eat, could cause enamel erosion.

Nail and Pencil Biting

Chewing on anything other than food will cause damage to your teeth and gums. Nail and pencil biting are nervous habits that could cause chips or breaks.

Grinding and Clenching

Known as bruxism, tooth clenching and grinding exerts excessive pressure on your teeth causing them to wear over time. Most people brux at night while sleeping, but clenching and grinding can occur during the day because of stress. If you are a clencher or grinder, call and schedule an appointment with your dentist for a custom fitted mouthguard that may help you stop bruxing.

If you would like more information regarding healthy habits for teeth and gums, call or click and schedule an appointment with your dentist today. 

What To Do in a Dental Emergency

When it comes to sports, whether recreational or professional one of the biggest things players have to deal with are tooth and mouth accidents and now that spring is just around the corner, anyone who plays an individual or competitive sport could be at risk.

Your dentist explains that over 50 percent of all children under the age of 12 in the United States will have some sort of head or tooth injury. The majority of those injuries will occur from a fall, a fight, or a sporting injury. Most head and tooth injuries could have been prevented with a custom made sports mouthguard. According to the American Dental Association, the three types of mouthguards available, stock, boil and bite and custom made will all do the best they can at protecting your mouth and teeth, but because the mouthguards made by your dentist are molded to your teeth and gums they will offer better protection.

If happens, there are some things you can do before you get to the dentist’s office.

If you knock out a tooth, keep the tooth moist and try to stop the bleeding. If you can, try and push the tooth back in. If this is impossible, place the teeth between your cheek and your gums or in a bowl of milk. If the tooth is intact, it is quite possible that it can be saved. You can also purchase a tooth preservation product that carries the American DentalAssociation Seal of Acceptance.

If you have cracked your tooth, rinse immediately with a warm water rinse before placing cold compresses on your face to keep the swelling down.

Clean the area with water if you have bitten your lip or tongue or if it was accidently bitten on the playing feel. Apply a cold compress and see your doctor as quickly as possible.

Toothaches can be helped by rinsing the area with warm water to keep it free from bacteria and food particles. Use dental floss and a drop or two of oil of cloves to help deaden the pain. Never put aspirin on your gums or your teeth.

For more information regarding dental emergencies, call or click and schedule an appointment with your dentist today.

That Toothache Could Kill You

It’s a New Year, and if you have been putting off a trip to the dentist, you may want to reconsider. That throbbing toothache that you have been dealing with since before Thanksgiving could cause serious problems if you do not take care of it as quickly as possible. Left alone, that toothache could lead to death. Even if the pain is mild, you still need to schedule an appointment with your dentist as quickly as possible.

Your toothache can turn serious, especially if an infection occurs. Called an abscess, the infection can happen inside your tooth or in-between your tooth and gums. One way to tell if you have a pus-filled abscess is throbbing or shooting sharp pain.

WebMD explains that over 40 percent of Americans have been rushed to the E.R. because of a periapical abscess. Although there is no exact explanation as to why this is occurring, but some believe it has to do with rising insurance costs and the fact that Medicare doesn’t cover routine dental visits.

Other signs to look for when it comes to an abscess are swollen glands or a swollen face, a fever, chronic halitosis and neck and jaw pain.

Your dentist explains that an abscess will not disappear of its own accord. What’s worse is that the infection can easily spread in as little as a few hours or a few years. If the infection moves to the heart or brain, it can cause death.

During your dental appointment, your dentist will tap on the suspected tooth. If you wince, it is most likely the abscessed tooth. X-rays will also be taken to confirm that you do indeed have an abscess.

There are three treatments that your dentist may use to treat the infected area, incision and draining, root canal therapy or extraction.

If the abscess is located between your gum and your tooth, your dentist will make a small cut before draining and cleaning the area. The pain will begin to subside almost immediately.

The most widely used tooth abscess treatment is root canal therapy. During this procedure, your dentist drills into the area that is infected before scraping away the dental pulp that contains blood vessels and nerves. Once the roots of your teeth have been filed and cleaned, your dentist will fill them with a sealant before placing a crown over the area.

An extraction is a permanent treatment that is normally used for a very deep abscess. Once removed, the abscess is gone.

If you suspect that you may be suffering from a dental abscess it is imperative that you call or click and schedule an appointment with your dentist today. It literally could mean life or death. Call or click now.

Dental Checkup in the New Year

The New Year has arrived and if you have been avoiding a trip to the dentist for that toothache that you’ve had since August, now is the time to make the call.

The American Dental Association will tell you that avoiding trips to the dentist for any problem, even if you don’t think it is serious, is vital. Cracked teeth, leaky fillings or a chipped tooth could lead to other problems that may not have occurred had you scheduled your appointment when the issue first occurred.

If you have toothache caused by a cavity, you are risking infection and the possibility of an abscess. An abscessed tooth means that the pulp inside it has become infected and could possibly be dead. If that is the case, your dentist will recommend root canal therapy to clean out the dead material, clean it up and seal it before placing a dental crown. If the abscess is located in between your tooth and your gums your dentist may choose to drain the area, which will relieve the pain almost instantly.

The best way to avoid unnecessary emergency trips to the dentist is to schedule regular comprehensive dental exams. During your comprehensive dental exam your dentist will check your teeth and gums looking for anything unusual. Your dentist or dental hygienist will also clean your teeth. The dental exam will also include pictures and x-rays of your teeth and gums and an oral cancer screening. After your dental appointment, you may also want to discuss any restorative or cosmetic dental procedures that you might be considering with your dentist.

A healthy mouth means a healthy body, and if your gums are red, swollen or bleeding, you could be opening yourself up to all kinds of disease. Recent research has indicated that periodontal disease, the most serious form of gum disease, could lead to more serious health issues including diabetes, congestive heart failure, and stroke.

Start 2016 off on the right foot and schedule an appointment with your dentist today.  

What You Should Avoid at the Holiday Table

As you get ready to throw your diet to the wind during the holidays, you may want to consider your choices at the holiday party table. Some of the foods you munch on could cause some serious damage to your teeth and gums, and let’s face it; the last thing you want to deal with in January is never ending trips to the dentist’s office.

Although you may be tempted to tuck into the Christmas caramels, your dentist advises against it. Caramels are one of the worst things that you can do to your teeth and are right up there with candy canes and gummy bears. Caramels and other sticky sweets will get caught between your teeth and the fissures and crevices on your molars. Once that happens, the sugar will quickly convert to acid, eroding the enamel on your teeth. If you must enjoy make sure that you brush and floss as quickly as you can, or rinse with water.

You may think you are doing yourself a favor by drinking white wine instead of red, but you would be wrong. According to the American Dental Association, white wine has large amounts of acid and sugar. Coupled together, that glass of wine could cause problems for the enamel on your teeth. Although red wine can stain, it is a much better choice than a glass of white wine. Make sure that you brush afterwards or try one of those new wine wipe ups that are available online or at your local pharmacy.

Dried fruit may seem like a great choice when it comes to the holiday buffet, but be careful. Those dried apricots, figs, dates, mangos, and pineapples are a diabetic’s nightmare and full of sugar. If that isn’t bad enough dried fruit, just like caramel, will stick to your teeth.

Not everything is bad for your teeth when it comes to the holiday buffet table. Instead of sweets or starchy goodies, which could cause more damage, sample cheese as it is loaded with calcium. Veggies are another great choice as carrots and broccoli can help give your saliva a boost while celery is known as nature’s dental floss.

This Christmas remember to watch what you eat, and don’t forget to schedule your annual checkup with your dentist before the New Year.

Like your Reflection Again

If you are tired of your reflection in the mirror because of your smile, it’s time to schedule an appointment with a cosmetic dentist. Scheduling a complimentary cosmetic dentistry evaluation will help your dentist determine what dental cosmetic procedures would be best for your particular needs whether you require a simple in office tooth whitening treatment, or something more permanent such as dental veneers or invisible braces.

When you schedule a comprehensive dental examination with your dentist your past and present medical history will be discussed before your dentist conducts a thorough checkup that will include an oral cancer screening, gum evaluation and a cleaning. If you have any cavities, your dentist may decide to fill them during your checkup or schedule an additional appointment to take care of the decay if a large filling and root canal therapy is required.

After your oral examination and dental checkup your dentist will discuss what types of cosmetic dental procedures would be best for your situation while asking you questions regarding your perception of the perfect smile. Dental veneers, dental implants, dental bonding, inlays, onlays, invisible braces, bridges, or crowns may be recommended to improve your smile. Sometimes all that may be needed is a simple tooth whitening procedure, which can take place chair side or at home with custom made home bleaching trays and whitening gel.

If your dentist recommends dental bonding, you will only need one appointment per tooth as this cosmetic and restorative dental procedure is done completely in house and on site in just one visit per tooth or area. 

If more than one dental procedure is required, you and your dentist will discuss payment plans and options along with a treatment schedule. Some procedures may be best before others, while sometimes you can have two or more procedures during the same appointment.

If you would like more information regarding restorative and cosmetic dental procedures, call or click and schedule an appointment with your dentist who can help you determine what treatments would be best for your particular needs. Call or click now.

Little Known Tongue Facts

According to your dentist, your tongue, if it is average, is about four inches long. Your tongue is divided up into two parts, the posterior, and the anterior. The posterior is located near the back of your throat measuring a third while the anterior is the visible part of your tongue and is two thirds of the total length.

Your tongue helps clean your mouth and assists with digestion by transferring the food when you chew before swallowing. Your tongue is attached to the bottom of your mouth and is called the frenulum. The tip of your tongue, or the apex, is not directly attached to the floor of your mouth so that your tongue can reach the upper part of your mouth for talking and cleaning.

3,000 to 10,000 individual taste buds playing an essential role in how you taste food and drink help your sense of taste along. Your taste buds are full of taste receptors that actually tell you the different flavors in the food that you eat.

According to your dentist, there are five different taste categories. Savory, salty, bitter, sour, and sweet. Saliva is used to wet your food before the receptors recognize the flavor.

If you do not brush your tongue regularly, you will have bad breath, as that taste will not always go away, especially when you are sleeping. The American Dental Association explains that over 60 million people in the U.S. suffer from halitosis, or chronic bad breath. Bad breath can develop from food and bacteria that collects on your tongue. To avoid the accumulation, your dentist recommends that you brush your tongue with a tongue cleaner or a soft bristled toothbrush.

Tongues have eight muscles with four that are not attached to any of your bones. This allows your tongue to change shape. The muscles that are attached to your bones allow your tongue to change its position. When your tongue muscles work together they allow it to facilitate speech and move in different directions.

Your tongue is extremely agile giving you the flexibility to speak, and when it works in conjunction with your teeth and lips, can produce over 90 words in 60 seconds.

Brushing your tongue and teeth, flossing, a good healthy diet and regular checkups with your dentist can help prevent chronic bad breath. Call and schedule an appointment with your dentist today.

Types of Dental Fillings

If you have a cavity and need a filling, you should probably be armed with as much information as possible, especially considering there are several types of filling materials that your dentist may recommend.

Your teeth can be filled with ceramic porcelain, gold, silver amalgam, tooth colored plastic, composite resin or glass ionomer. The location of the cavity, how much decay there is the cost of the materials and your insurance will determine what type of filling material is best for your needs.

Gold Cast Fillings can last up to 15 years, are quite strong, and will not corrode. Gold fillings can withstand chewing and are more aesthetically pleasing than silver amalgam. However, gold cast fillings can cost about ten times more than a silver amalgam filling and require two or more dental visits. You may also experience a galvanic shock, which is rare, but does happen. A galvanic shock occurs when two metals, such as silver and gold are placed next to each other.

Silver Amalgam Fillings are as durable as gold cast and will usually outlast tooth colored composite fillings. Silver feelings can hold up well under chewing forces and are less expensive than composite fillings. Silver fillings do not match the rest of your tooth and require more removal of the natural tooth structure. Amalgam fillings can also create a gray color surrounding the rest of the tooth. Cracks and fissures may also occur because there is wider degree of contraction and expansion.

Tooth Colored Composites can be matched to the color of your teeth and bond directly to the structure of your tooth. Composite fillings are chemically bonded to your tooth providing additional support. Composite fillings can also be used to repair worn, broken, or chipped teeth. Composite fillings also require less tooth structure removal. The ADA explains that Composite fillings will not last as long as gold or silver fillings and require additional time in the dental chair. If composites are being used for bonding, you may require another dental visit. Composites may also chip and are more expensive than silver amalgam fillings.

Ceramics are made from porcelain and resist staining better than composite fillings. Ceramic porcelain fillings are more abrasive and can last about 15 years, but are more expensive than composite, silver, or gold fillings.

Glass ionomer fillings are made from acrylic and glass and are normally used for dental fillings that are below your gum line. They also work for children as they release fluoride that can help protect teeth from additional decay. Glass ionomer fillings are weaker than resin and more prone to cracks and fractures. They will last about five years and cost about the same as composite resin.

For more information regarding dental fillings, schedule an appointment with your dentist today. 

Bad Breath Can Be Prevented

If your breath is sending others running in the opposite direction, it is time to schedule an appointment with your dentist who can get to the root of your chronic halitosis.

According to Web MD, there are several reasons that people are afraid to talk to you face to face. It could have something to do with a medication you are currently taking or it may be your diet, however, your dentist will tell you that the number one reason people have bad breath is poor oral hygiene habits.

Good oral health habits include brushing twice and flossing once each day. A healthy diet loaded with fruits and vegetables and regular checkups with your dentist should be included in your oral health regime.

The majority of bad breath will start in your mouth and occurs because of bacteria. Food is probably the number one cause if you do not have dental problems. When certain types of foods break down, the leftover food particles can increase the bacteria causing halitosis. Garlic and onions are the biggest culprits as once digested they will stay in your system for 72 hours travelling through your bloodstream and into your lungs.

If you smoke, you may want to quit as smoking and other types of tobacco use will cause bad breathe. Smokers are also more susceptible to gum disease, which is another cause of halitosis.

As mentioned above, poor dental hygiene is the leading cause of bad breath. People who do not brush or floss will develop a sticky plaque or film of bacteria on their teeth. If it is not brushed away, that plaque will irritate your gum line eventually causing gingivitis. If left to its own devices gingivitis will form pockets that are filled with puss in-between your teeth and gums causing periodontitis. The more dangerous form of gum disease, periodontal disease, could have been prevented had you practiced good oral hygiene. Make sure that you also brush your tongue as the uneven surface can trap odor-causing bacteria. If you wear dentures, clean them regularly and make sure that you see your dentist regularly as ill-fitting dentures can also cause chronic bad breath.

Chronic dry mouth, mouth infections, and medications can inadvertently cause halitosis as well. If you have recently had oral surgery, you may also experience bad breath.

In most cases bad breath can be prevented, but only if you practice good oral hygiene and see your dentist regularly.

If chronic bad breath is becoming a problem for you or someone you know, schedule an appointment with your dentist today. Call or click now.

Your Teeth Should Be a Team

If you have a missing tooth or missing teeth, you may not feel like opening your mouth when you smile, but according to your dentist, a closed mouth smile isn’t the only consequence when it comes to a missing tooth.

One or more missing teeth can make you embarrassed, depressed, and lower your self-esteem. Having a missing tooth can also affect your self-confidence, but the American Dental Association explains that missing teeth can also affect your overall health.

Your teeth work together as a team, and if one or more of your players is missing, you could be asking for trouble. If you lose a tooth, losing the game isn’t the only consequence.  

Missing teeth can cause all sorts of issues. A missing tooth leaves a space that your other teeth will try to fill.  When you lose one or more of your teeth, the others will drift into the empty space. Not only can this type of movement cause your teeth to tip or rotate, but malocclusion can also affect your jaw joints causing pain and locking.

Your dentist explains that tooth loss can affect the way you chew. If you have lost one of your molars, you tend to chew on the opposite side because you have more teeth to bite down on. The constant pressure caused by chewing on one side can cause lost fillings and tooth breakage.

Another problem caused from tooth loss is something that dentists refer to as hypereruption. If you have lost a tooth and your other tooth has nothing to meet with when you talk or chew, the opposing tooth will drop into place. Once this happens, the roots of your teeth could become exposed. Root exposure can cause sensitive teeth, root decay and gum disease.

Speaking of gum disease, that empty space left by your tooth is inviting food particles, bacteria, and plaque into the hole leaving you susceptible to gingivitis or the more serious periodontal disease. If left untreated, gum disease can cause gum recession leading to additional tooth loss. Gum disease can also affect your other organs including your brain and your heart.

Your favorite foods may become the most painful to eat if you have one or more missing teeth. Crunchy foods such as apples, carrots, and nuts will no longer be enjoyable because it may be painful. Not being able to eat healthy foods can eventually lead to poor nutrition and even more health problems.

If you like to talk, you may be surprised to learn that a missing tooth can affect your speech. You may develop a lisp or your voice could change completely.

However, there are some things you can do to replace your missing teeth. These include fixed dental bridges, partial or full dentures or the most popular and permanent solution, dental implants.

For more information regarding missing tooth replacement, schedule an appointment with your dentist who can determine what procedure would be best for your particular needs. 

Healthy Foods that May Not Be Healthy for Teeth

You may think you are eating healthy for your whole body but according to the American Dental Association, there are some healthy foods that are actually damaging to your teeth and gums.

Too much of a good thing, and that includes dried fruits such as prunes, figs and apricots can cause problems for your teeth. This naturally sweet treat is quite sticky and can get caught between your teeth and become lodged inside the fissures in your back teeth.

Other healthy foods such as citrus fruits can be just as bad as dried fruits because the bacteria in your mouth will quickly convert the acid into sugars eroding the enamel on your teeth. Oranges, grapefruits, lemons, limes, kiwi fruit and the humble tomato, yes, it is also a fruit, should be enjoyed as part of a meal instead of a snack. If you do find yourself eating dried or citrus fruits without a meal, rinse with water. You may also want to brush twenty minutes after you rinse as well.

Your dentist understands that sports, energy and vitamin drinks are all the rage, but most people have no idea that those good for you drinks are loaded with sugar. If you do have a Gatorade, a flavored Vitamin Water or a Red Bull make sure that you chase it down with a glass of water.

Coffee, tea, and red wine will stain your teeth, but so will most dark foods. Drink plenty of water or brush your teeth if you like spaghetti bolognaise with marinara sauce or have a plate of curry for lunch. Blueberries, cranberries, and pomegranates can also be absorbed into your tooth’s enamel, which is quite porous.

These days more and more people are switching from white bread to whole wheat, white rice to brown rice and opting for sweet potatoes instead of russets, but unfortunately, even good carbohydrates can cause problems for your teeth. The bacteria in your mouth love to feast on carbs, including that wheat pasta that you devoured for dinner. Pasta and the other good carbohydrates mentioned above can also get stuck in-between your teeth.

Potato chips and French fries aren’t considered healthy foods, but there are some alternatives for weight watchers. Unfortunately, pita chips, wheat sticks, and low fat bread sticks can wreck havoc with your teeth. Starchy foods, even the good kind, are quickly converted to sugars and enamel eroding acids. Starchy foods can also get stuck in-between and on top of your teeth.

When it comes to Healthy Foods, it is best to talk to your dentist who can advise you on the best Healthy Foods for teeth and gums. Schedule an appointment with your dentist today.

Custom Made Mouth Guards for All Sports

Now that the weather has started to warm up and Mother Nature has decided to cooperate, it may be time to schedule an appointment with your dentist for a custom-made sports mouth protector.

These days it is more important than ever to protect you and your family, which means more than elbow and kneepads.

Mouthguards, sports guards, and mouth protectors are all different names that essentially mean the same thing, and according to the American Dental Association is something that everyone should wear, even if you are not participating in a group sport such as soccer or football. Sports guards are a very important part of the uniform whether you or someone you know is involved in gymnastics, mountain biking or skateboarding. Tennis players, racquetball players, surfers, and roller bladders should all wear some type of mouthguard to protect themselves from blows to the head and face.

Mouth protectors are worn to protect the upper teeth, but can be custom made to fit the lower teeth as well, especially if you are someone you know wears braces or has a dental bridge.

There are three types of mouth protectors available. Stock mouthguards, boil and bite mouthguards and custom-made mouthguards. Whichever you choose, it should be comfortable, tear-resistant and resilient.

Stock mouthguards are the least expensive and are ready to wear. However, stock sports mouthguards can make it hard to breathe and talk, and often don’t fit as well as they should.

Boil and Bite mouth protectors are a step up from stock mouthguards and come pre-formed, but the shape can be altered by boiling before placing them into your mouth for a more customized fit. Follow the directions carefully to avoid a mouthguard that doesn’t fit as it should.

Custom made mouthguards are designed for you by your dentist and will give you the best protection and fit. After your dentist makes an impression or mold of your teeth, the custom-made mouthguard will be made to fit over the impression. Most amateur and professional athletes prefer custom-made sports mouthguards even though they are more costly.

Your dentist recommends that you replace your mouthguard every season because it can become less effective and wear down. It is extremely important to replace a child or adolescents mouth protector because their teeth and mouths will continue to develop over the years.

Schedule your appointment for a custom made mouthguard and keep you and your family safe this spring.