Southlake Family Dentistry Blog

Gum Disease and Your Heart

November 2, 2017

Filed under: Blog,General — Tags: , , — southlakedental @ 4:00 pm

You might not know this, but if you have gingivitis or periodontitis, the mild and severe stages of gum disease, respectively, you could be putting your heart at risk. At the same time, if you have heart problems, it’s very important that you take good care of your gums. What’s the connection? Read on to find out.

Gum Health Affects the Heart

If you have gum disease, there is more bacteria than normal in your gum tissue. This bacteria can travel through the bloodstream and attach to fatty deposits in the blood vessels. This can cause the deposits to break off and head toward the heart, which can cause a heart attack. If the bacteria travels to the heart, you’re also at risk for heart infection. This is particularly true if you have certain heart conditions already.

Preventing Problems With Good Oral Hygiene

Maintaining good oral hygiene can make it less likely that you will have heart problems caused by gum disease. Be sure to brush twice daily and to floss every night before bed. Also, see your dentist regularly. Follow his or her advice regarding how often you should have your teeth cleaned; some people need to go more often than twice yearly, particularly if they have gum disease.

Ask Whether You Need Antibiotics

There are certain heart conditions that make infections more likely. If you have had recent surgery or if you have an artificial heart valve or any other heart condition, check with your cardiologist as to whether you should take antibiotics before having dental work (including cleanings). Be sure to follow the directions; many protocols call for a very large dose of antibiotics one or two hours before the appointment. If you are prescribed antibiotics for a gum infection, take them as directed and don’t stop taking them early unless your doctor or dentist tells you to.

Your gum health is essential to protecting your heart. Talk to your dentist about how you can preserve the health of your heart by combating gum disease.

Handling a Dental Emergency While Traveling

October 15, 2017

Filed under: Blog,General — Tags: — southlakedental @ 3:31 pm

With the holidays right around the corner, many people will be planning to travel to visit family and friends in other parts of the country. If you are one of them, you will be making a list and checking it twice to be sure that you are prepared for your trip. One potential pitfall that you might not be prepared for is a toothache or a lost filling while on your vacation. While we hope you don’t need it, here’s a list of things you can do if you experience a dental emergency while traveling.

Take an OTC Painkiller

If you are dealing with a toothache, the fastest and easiest course of action is often to take a painkiller. If you can take ibuprofen (Motrin/Advil), that’s usually the best for reducing pain and inflammation. If not, acetaminophen (Tylenol) is a good substitute. Follow the directions on the bottle and if you are taking any other medications, talk to the pharmacist at the store you go to to get the pills.

Look for Temporary Dental Filling Material

If you’ve lost a filling or a crown, dental filling material is available at most pharmacies. Look in the toothpaste aisle. This is a type of temporary cement that will reduce discomfort and smooth out the tooth (or hold the crown on for several days). Do keep in mind that this is only a temporary solution and that you will need to see your dentist when you get back.

Monitor for Signs of Infection

A toothache or a lost filling can turn into an infection, so it’s important to be aware of the signs. Swelling of the jaw, excessive pain, and a fever are all symptoms that you need to see a professional. In this case, the best course of action is to try to be seen by a local dentist. If it’s a weekend and no dentists are available, an urgent care center or, as a last resort, an emergency room can give you antibiotics if an infection is to blame.

Call Our Office

If you are traveling and you experience a dental emergency, we can advise you on what to do if the above options aren’t improving the situation. Also, we can make you an appointment for the day after you return home so we can get the problem addressed in a more permanent manner.

Dentures vs. Implants: What’s the Right Choice for You?

October 1, 2017

Filed under: Blog,Dental Health,General — Tags: , , , — southlakedental @ 2:23 pm

If you’ve had several teeth removed or you’re facing an upcoming extraction, you need to think about how you will replace the teeth. Two of the most common options are dentures and implants. How do you know which is better for you? Only your dentist knows your specific circumstances, but here are some considerations to keep in mind.

Cost

One of your primary concerns might be cost. If you have many teeth that need to be replaced, than dentures will cost substantially less than implants. You should talk to your dental office’s financial administrator to find out what the cost difference will be. Also, find out whether your dental insurance will cover any of it. There might be payment plans to consider, too. Get all of the details before you make a decision based solely on the price.

Convenience

Once your implants heal, all you need to do is treat them like natural teeth. They stay in your mouth permanently and just need to be brushed and flossed. With dentures, you’ll need to take them out each evening to clean them. You also might need to avoid certain foods that are difficult to eat with dentures.

Ease of Use

Dental implants function like natural teeth. You can speak, whistle, chew, bite, and do everything you do with the teeth you’ve had your whole life to this point. Dentures have a bit of a learning curve. They can slip a bit and you might have a hard time whistling or biting into certain foods. Some of this will be overcome as you get used to them.

Your Dentist’s Recommendation

If you don’t have a lot of bone available, dental implants might not be an option for you. Also, there might be reasons why dentures won’t be your best option. Because your dentist knows your specific anatomy and challenges, he or she can best advise you on which type of tooth replacement is appropriate for you.

Keep in mind that some people choose to have one or more implants placed to give full dentures something to snap onto. This is a great way to maximize the benefits of both types of appliances. You can enjoy better stability of the dentures while minimizing the cost of the dental implants.

If you need your teeth replaced and aren’t sure what to do, please call us today to schedule an appointment.

Dentin Hypersensitivity: What You Can Do

September 15, 2017

Filed under: Blog — southlakedental @ 6:06 pm

Do you ever take a breath of fresh air and wince from the pain of cool air running over your teeth? What about biting into an ice cream cone or sipping a cup of hot coffee? If your teeth are sensitive to heat and cold, you might have dentin hypersensitivity. This is a frustrating condition and it can be very uncomfortable. Read on to find out more about what might be causing it as well as tips on how to make it go away.

Receding Gums

Whether due to age or gum disease, your gums might be receding. This means that more of the porous dentin is exposed, causing sensitivity to hot and cold stimulus. You might also develop some gum recession if you use a medium or hard toothbrush or if you are using too much of an abrasive toothpaste.

See your dentist to evaluate the cause of your gum recession. In some cases, changing your oral hygiene routine can help. Other times, periodontal work is needed; for that you’ll probably be referred to a gum specialist.

Dental Decay

If you are having sensitivity that seems to be focused on one area, it might be caused by dental decay. Particularly if you have decay under a metal filling, the heat or cold might transfer to the area around the nerve, causing pain. See your dentist promptly to find out if you have a cavity in the affected tooth.

Bruxism (Clenching and Grinding)

Are your molars sensitive? If you’re also waking up with headaches or jaw pain, you might be clenching or grinding your teeth in your sleep. This can cause hypersensitivity as you grind away the enamel. You can also create crazing, or tiny cracks, in your molars.

Some ways to reduce bruxism include reducing stress and using a nightguard. A nightguard is an appliance that your dentist can make for you. You wear it overnight and it, rather than your teeth, takes the brunt of your grinding.

Dentin hypersensitivity is an uncomfortable condition, but one that can often be remedied. There are toothpastes made specifically for sensitive teeth that you can ask your dentist about. Give us a call to talk about your options and to schedule an appointment.

Worst Foods for Dental Health

September 1, 2017

Filed under: Blog,Dental Health — Tags: , , — southlakedental @ 4:18 pm

You might already know what foods to eat for stronger teeth. Some examples are apples, strawberries, cheese, and foods high in calcium. While you might know that eating too much sugar is bad for teeth, you might not know other worst foods for dental health. Read on to find out which foods are the worst for your teeth.

Dried Fruit

Fruit is good for you, but if it’s dried, it can wreak havoc on your teeth. Dried fruit tends to be chewy and sticky. It’s also full of concentrated sugar. Chewing on raisins or sticky fruit leather can leave pieces of sticky, sugary fruit on your teeth. This gives bacteria something to feast on while they contribute to gum inflammation and tooth decay. If you do choose to eat dried fruit, be sure to brush very well afterward.

Potato Chips

Potato chips are exactly the type of starchy treat bacteria love. The starch tends to stick to and get in between your teeth, where it can cause tooth decay and gum inflammation. Keep in mind that starch turns to sugar, so avoid eating a lot of potato chips, white bread, and pasta for healthier teeth.

Unpopped Popcorn Kernels

You’ve probably had the experience of biting down on a handful of popcorn and crunching down on an unpopped kernel. This is painful and it can also cause damage to your teeth. Eat popcorn cautiously to avoid cracking a tooth or breaking a filling on kernels. Other foods that you should avoid biting down on include peppercorns, ice, and hard candies.

In general, if you stick to a diet of lean proteins, dairy products, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, you should be able to improve your overall health as well as your dental health. If you have questions about what types of foods are best for your teeth, ask your hygienist the next time you are in for a cleaning.

Are Dental Sealants Right for You?

August 15, 2017

Filed under: Blog,Dental Health — Tags: , , — southlakedental @ 3:58 pm

During one of your cleanings, your dentist or hygienist might suggest that you get dental sealants. Sealants are also commonly recommended for children as their permanent molars grow in. Have you wondered what sealants are? And if your dental insurance doesn’t cover them, do you want to know if paying for them out of pocket is worth it? Read on for valuable information you should know.

What Are Dental Sealants?

Sealants are a type of liquid filling material that go into the grooves on the biting surfaces of the molars. Because many people have deep pits and grooves in their molars, sealants can prevent bacteria from getting into these deep grooves where they can multiply and cause dental decay. For children, sealants are usually put on as the permanent molars erupt, preventing decay from occuring in the first place. For adults, they’re generally offered only to those with deep pits.

What Is the Procedure Like?

You won’t need any type of anesthetic if you have sealants placed. It’s a quick and non-invasive procedure. First, your hygienist or dentist will clean out the grooves of your teeth by spraying them with water and air. Then, they’ll apply an etching material, which prepares the surface for the filling material. A small amount of material is dripped onto the tooth, and it’s cured with an ultraviolet. The procedure is repeated for each molar being treated. Throughout the procedure, you’ll have a suction straw and cotton rolls in your mouth to keep saliva from contaminating the area.

Will Dental Insurance Cover Dental Sealants?

Many dental insurance carriers will cover the procedure for children under a certain age. They might or might not cover it for adults. Even if yours doesn’t, however, paying for sealants is often less expensive than paying your copay for fillings, root canals, and crowns that might become necessary if you were to develop decay. In addition, sealants are much less invasive than fillings and maintain the integrity of the tooth.

If you have questions about any procedure your dentist recommends, including dental sealants, don’t be afraid to ask! You can ask during your appointment or call us later with any questions.

Bruxism: Do You Grind Your Teeth?

August 1, 2017

Filed under: Blog,Dental Health — Tags: , , , — southlakedental @ 2:41 pm

Has your sleeping partner ever nudged you in the middle of the night because your teeth-grinding was disturbing their sleep? Do you often wake up with a sore jaw, painful molars, and a headache? Are your molars worn down or do you tend to dislodge fillings frequently? If the answers to any of these questions are “yes,” you might have a problem with bruxism, more commonly known as grinding your teeth. Check out what bruxism is and how you can stop.

What Is Bruxism?

Bruxism is, simply stated, when you grind your teeth. Sometimes it also includes jaw-clenching. You might do it when you are frustrated, when you are sleeping, or simply as a matter of habit. The dangers associated with bruxism are pain in the head, jaw, and teeth. You might also experience neck or shoulder pain from being tense while you are grinding your teeth.

Self-Help Tips

If you suspect that you are grinding your teeth, there are a few things you can do that might help. First, make sure you have your stress levels under control. Many people clench and grind when they’re anxious. Try deep-breathing exercises, yoga, talking to friends, muscle relaxation exercises, and other stress-reduction techniques. Secondly, if you notice that you’re clenching, make a concerted effort to stop. Once you are aware of the problem, you might be able to control it. This is, of course, only true if you are clenching and grinding during the day, when you’re awake.

See Your Dentist

Those who don’t find relief with self-help techniques or who grind during their sleep should see their dentists. He or she can fit you for a night guard. This is an appliance that you put in your mouth at night to stop you from grinding your teeth. It can save you a lot of pain, as well as wear and tear on your teeth.

If you are having symptoms of bruxism, please give our office a call so we can create a night guard for you or give you other tips to relieve your pain.

Perfecting Your Oral Health Regimen

July 15, 2017

Filed under: Blog,Dental Health — Tags: , , , — southlakedental @ 4:53 pm

You already know that you should brush twice daily and floss each night to keep your teeth healthy and your smile bright. Did you know, however, that technique counts? You could be brushing but not getting your teeth as clean as you could be. Read on for tips on how to perfect your oral health regimen by picking up these good habits.

Brush for Two Minutes

If you’ve ever timed yourself brushing your teeth, you might have been surprised at how quickly you got the task accomplished. In this case, however, quicker does not equal better. You should spend two full minutes brushing to allow yourself to get to every surface of your each tooth. You can set a timer, play a song, or hum “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” four times.

Use Floss Properly

If you’re just snapping it between each tooth and calling it good, you’re probably not doing a very effective job flossing. You need to consciously move the floss along the inner edges of each tooth. This requires two passes in each space; first up and down the edge of the tooth closer to your midline, then up and down the edge of the tooth closer to the back of your mouth. Also, be sure to use a clean piece of floss for each space to avoid spreading bacteria around your mouth.

Clean Your Tongue

With lots of nooks and crannies, your tongue is prime bacteria real estate. Use a tongue scraper to clean your tongue each time you brush. You can also just use your toothbrush. Be careful; there’s no need to gag yourself.

Take Care of Your Toothbrush

Rinse your brush well after each use and allow it to air dry. Don’t put a cover on it; that can cause mold or bacteria to grow. Yuck! Change your toothbrush every three months or after you’ve had a cold or the flu.

See your dental hygienest every six months so he or she can evaluate your oral health regimen and check for decay or areas of gum inflammation. By perfecting your technique, you can keep your teeth for many years.

Foods That Strengthen Teeth

July 1, 2017

Filed under: Blog,Dental Health,General — Tags: , , , — southlakedental @ 1:27 pm

You might have heard the adage, “you are what you eat.” You know that filling up on sugary sweets or carb-filled salty snacks will do a number not only on your teeth, but also on your waistline. What you might not know is that the foods you eat can positively impact your teeth, too. Here are some foods that can strengthen teeth and brighten your smile.

Cheese and Yogurt

When you combine calcium and protein, you get a teeth-strengthening combination that’s hard to beat, and cheese and yogurt contain both of them. Yogurt also contains beneficial bacteria, which help to fight off decay-causing bacteria. In addition to the protein and calcium, cheese raises the pH in the mouth, which makes it harder for bacteria to stick around and do their dirty work. Go for the hard cheeses (such as cheddar) to keep both your bones and your teeth healthy and strong.

Apples and Strawberries

Apples and strawberries both help to scrub off the plaque that accumulates on your teeth in between brushing. If you’re unable to brush your teeth after lunch or a snack, following it up with a few slices of apple or a couple of strawberries can help. They can’t substitute for brushing twice daily, but these fruits are good for the times in between your morning and evening oral hygiene routines.

Celery and Raw Carrots

If you’re not in the mood for fruit after a snack, how about some celery and carrot sticks? These have the same effect as the strawberries or apples, and the provide a nice crunch for someone who isn’t looking for a sweet palate-cleanser.

Tea

While not exactly a food, tea contains antioxidants that help prevent plaque from sticking to teeth. In addition, some types of tea contain trace amounts of fluoride, which strengthens enamel. One caveat: If you take your tea sweetened with sugar, you could undo the benefits. Try it unsweetened or consider a pinch of stevia.

If you have questions about how you can strengthen teeth and make your smile healthier, give us a call! We’d be happy to talk about it during your next dental checkup.

Creative Commons image by Rodney

What You Need to Know About Oral Cancer

June 15, 2017

Filed under: Blog,General — Tags: — southlakedental @ 2:41 pm

Cancer: It’s a word that no one wants to hear. To allow for early detection, most people see doctors regularly (or at least occasionally) for testing, depending on their ages, risk factors, and family history. You might not know this, but every time you see your dentist, you’ll have a visual screening for oral cancer. Here are some facts about oral cancer that might be a surprise to you.

Symptoms of Oral Cancer

The symptoms of oral cancer might not be noticeable unless you are looking for them. Commonly, it will start off as a sore or bump in the mouth. Because bumps and sores are common and usually harmless, it’s easy to just ignore it and then get used to it. Any sore, lump, patch, or bump that persists for two weeks or more should be checked by a dentist.

Other symptoms include hoarseness, numbness or a pins-and-needles feeling in the mouth or throat, unexplained bleeding, and a change in the way your teeth fit together. If you wear dentures and they stop fitting correctly, this is another sign that needs to be checked.

Risk Factors

People, particularly men, who are over the age of 50 have a higher risk of developing oral cancer, especially if they also have a family history of cancer. Smokers are the most at risk. So are people who use smokeless tobacco or drink a lot of alcohol. Some oral cancers are caused by human papillomavirus, or HPV.

It’s important to know, however, that many people who develop oral cancer don’t have any of these risk factors. If you notice anything unusual going on in your mouth, have it checked even if you are a young non-smoker.

Diagnosis and Treatment

If your dentist suspects that you might have oral cancer, he or she will refer you to your primary care physician, an oral surgeon, or an oncologist. That doctor can take a biopsy to confirm or rule out the diagnosis. If you do have cancer, an oncologist will go over your options with you. You might have chemotherapy, radiation, and/or surgery.

The prognosis for oral cancer is better if it is caught early, so it’s important to have any sores, lesions, or concerning symptoms checked as soon as you notice that they’re not going away. Please call our office promptly if you have any signs that concern you. Chances are good that it’s not cancer, but since early detection is key, it’s important that we take a look and refer you for further testing if warranted.

Creative Commons image by Gisela Giardino

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