Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that corrects teeth and jaws that are positioned improperly. Crooked teeth and teeth that do not fit together correctly are harder to clean, and are at risk of being lost early due to tooth decay. Malaligned teeth can cause extra stress on the chewing muscles that can lead to TMJ problems, neck and back pain. Teeth that are malaligned can also cause self- esteem problems. A specialist in this field is called an Orthodontist How do you know if you Need Orthodontics? Only your dentist and orthodontist can determine whether you need braces or…
Author: Dr. Jacqueline Butler Mitchell, DDS
Orthodontic treatment is an important investment in your future. Everyone helping with your orthodontic care wants you to have the best results possible. While you are wearing braces, it is essential that you take care of your teeth and gums. The next two Tooth Talks will explain why and how. More care is needed during orthodontics Look in the mirror at your new braces. As you see, the brackets and wires have many nooks and crannies that can trap food and plaque. This means your risk of gum problems and tooth decay may be higher while you are wearing braces. …
When you look through any magazine one commonality is that its filled with toothy smiles that are all pearly white and perfect shaped teeth. You see tooth paste 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…
In the hustle and bustle of back-to-school, dental care often falls by the wayside. A dental exam should be part of the back-to-school checklist. Tooth decay is the most common chronic disease in U.S. children, says the American Academy of Pediatrics. By the time they are in kindergarten, almost half of the kids have 1 or more cavities. Kids with toothaches have trouble focusing when in school. Because of the pain, they may not want to participate in class activities nor eat when it’s lunch time. Steps Children and Parents can take to stay Cavity Free • Your child should…
Every child wants to look their best as they head back to school this August. You probably have bought the new school clothes and the school supplies needed for the new school year, but have they had their smile checked? When scheduling health care appointments, don’t overlook a dental checkup for your child. A painful tooth can lead to difficulty eating, speaking, and communicating and can cause children to miss school. 5 Things to Do to Have a Healthy Smile for School • Children should brush their teeth twice a day including in the morning and before going to bed…
A poor diet can lead to gum disease and tooth decay. Foods that are high in sugars and starches contribute to the production of plaque and bacteria that can attack the tooth enamel if not removed by brushing and flossing and lead to cavities forming. Almost all foods contain some type of sugar to include milk and vegetables; however, these foods are a necessary part of a healthy diet because many of these foods do contain important nutrients. Tips for a Healthy Diet • Foods that are high in sugars, make them a treat rather than a staple food. •…
Many of us may eat on the run, taking giant bites of our food to get done quickly and on to the next task. We may buy a giant burger and sometimes the sandwich is larger than our mouth. Taking bites that are too big to chew can be bad for your jaw and teeth. If you have a clicking and popping in what is called your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) as you open and close your mouth you may have a temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), which can restrict the range of acceptable bite size. Taking large bites can aggravate this…
By age 19 most children have had one or more decayed teeth. One highly effective option to help prevent cavities is what is known as a Sealant. Sealants have been proven to be a safe and cost-efficient procedure for patients prone to cavities. Sealants are a thin plastic film painted on the chewing surface of teeth. Some of the Benefits of Dental Sealants • Paired with good oral health care, sealants are 100 percent effective against cavities in teeth that are sealed and properly maintained. • Minimally invasive, safe and effective procedure. • Cost less than getting a cavity filled.…
A composite filling (white filling) is a tooth colored plastic and glass mixture used to restore decayed teeth. Composites are also used for cosmetic improvements of the smile by changing the color and shape of any disfigured teeth and composites are used as replacement restorations for the silver amalgam fillings. How Are Composite Fillings Placed? Once the decay has been removed from a tooth, the dentist will begin to place the composite filling material in layers in which each layer will be light cured with a specialized light to harden each layer. When the process is finished, the dentist then…
When you go to the store it can be confusing with dozens of different products that all promise you the brightest smile and freshest breath possible. However, how much do you really know about how these products can really benefit to give you the results you are looking for. For example, what is the difference between a mouthwash and a mouth rinse is what we will discuss in this tooth talk article. What is a Mouth Rinse? A mouth rinse is normally used before brushing and flossing. The purpose of a mouth rinse is to swish lightly with in order…