X-rays, also called radiographs, are typically taken in a dental office or dental specialist. X-rays help dentist be able to see areas inside your teeth and gums that can’t be seen with a simple oral exam. X-rays also help the dentist find and treat dental problems early before they become more serious, which can save you money, unnecessary discomfort, and maybe even your life. X-Rays are a Valuable Diagnostic Tool • Help dentist to see between and inside your teeth. • Can view the roots of the teeth. • Can detect cyst, abscesses, and any other masses. • Congenitally missing…
Author: Dr. Jacqueline Butler Mitchell, DDS
Decisions, Decisions, Decisions, which should you use? Ther are pros and cons to both the electric toothbrush and the manual toothbrush. They both are effective with cleaning your teeth if you brush your teeth two times daily. It boils down to a personal preference. Your age and overall general health may play a role in your decision as well. Manual Toothbrush Pros: • Portable, easy to travel with, can put in your purse, in your briefcase. • Available in most stores, including some gas stations. • Inexpensive, usually cost less than $6. • Doesn’t require any batteries nor a power…
Brushing your teeth two times a day plays an important role for personal oral hygiene and effective plaque removal. Proper toothbrush care ad maintenance is very important. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that you replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months or sooner if the bristles become frayed or matted from use. Tips for Toothbrush Care • Never share toothbrushes with your spouse, siblings, or your kids because it can result in an exchange of germs. • Do not cover your toothbrush when you initially finish using it. Closed containers allow any moisture that is still the bristles to create…
When you look through any magazine one commonality is that it’s filled with tooth smiles that are all pearly white and are perfectly shaped teeth. You see toothpaste commercials with actors smiling showing off their white, bright teeth too. We must remember that its normal for your teeth to show signs of age. When you consider all the wear and tear teeth take from chewing three meals per day and drinking all the dark staining drinks we take in during the day, it shouldn’t be a surprise that your pearly whites lose their luster. But with a bit of basic…
Although we may think that our teeth are in good shape because they look good when we look in the mirror, regular visits to your family dentist are still very important. Regular checkups and professional cleanings can actually save your teeth, your health, and can also save you time and money. Dental Checkups in Children Taking children to the dentist at an early age is good for several reasons: • Can show the child as well as the parent the correct way to brush and floss. • Can talk to the parent about “Milk Bottle Caries” which usually develops if…
When you’re looking for a new dentist its hard to know where to begin. Your dental health is such an important part of your overall health, so its important to find a dental home. Having a dental home will help you to feel comfortable when you go for your checkups and will give you a place to go to that you trust if you have a dental emergency. In this Tooth Talk I will discuss how to find a dental home. Basic Things to Look for in a Dentist • Do they have convenient office hours? • Is the dentist…
It’s that time of the year where we start to think about what the New Year has in store for us and what we would like to accomplish in 2024. Like so many people, your resolution may be to lead a healthier lifestyle each year, but let’s also add to the list enhancing your dental health as a goal. Good dental health habits promote a beautiful smile and they contribute to your overall health as well. Let’s look at a few dental health tips to consider for the New Year. Tips on How to Step Up Your Game in 2024 •…
Maintaining good oral health is important to your overall health. In addition to daily brushing and flossing, you can help protect your oral health by seeing your dentist regularly for checkups. An attractive, bright smile is only one reason you need to be diligent in visiting your dentist twice a year. Poor oral hygiene can lead to many dental and medical issues that I will discuss in this Tooth Talk article. Why are Dental Checkups Important? 1. To prevent gum disease. Gum disease is one of the leading causes of loss of teeth in adults. If your dentist catches it early,…
Did you know your tongue plays a major role in your body? Without your tongue, you would be unable to speak, eat, swallow, chew, and taste your food. Your tongue also aids your body from certain germs and bacteria. The tongue is a muscle that is covered with a moist coating, and it has millions of tiny bumps called papillae. The papillae give the tongue its rough texture and some of the papillae contain taste buds which allow you to taste your food and drink. Why are some Tongues a Different Color? Pinkish Hue: means your tongue is healthy. White Hue:…
During the Thanksgiving season and the Christmas season that follows, we often indulge in foods that aren’t good for your teeth. The foods are not inherently bad for your teeth, it’s the amount and the frequency that we eat that ends up being bad for your teeth. Foods to Limit During the Holiday for the Sake of Your Teeth • Cookies and Cupcakes: limit the amount you eat due to the sugar in them that make a breeding ground for bacteria which can cause tooth decay. • Caramel Corn: this is a great snack that is low in calories however,…