These days, our teenagers think it’s cool to express your style by having a tongue or lip piercing, but it can be dangerous. The Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) reports that more teenagers are getting their tongues pierced, and more dentist are seeing problems related to this procedure. If you are thinking about getting some type of oral piercing such as your tongue, here is a short list of problems that may occur. Some of the Risks with Tongue Piercings and Oral Piercings • May make it difficult to speak, chew, or swallow. • May make you drool. • May…
Author: Dr. Jacqueline Butler Mitchell, DDS
What is a Fractured Tooth? A cracked tooth can be hard for you to tell for sure if it is fractured. Cracks can be invisible to the eye and sometimes can’t be seen on x-rays either. If you have pain with a tooth, it can be difficult to tell which tooth the pain is coming from at times. What Can Cause Teeth to Crack or Fracture • Biting into hard foods and hard objects. • Playing sports without mouth guard and you get hit in the mouth. • Trauma from an accident of some sort. Signs of a Cracked or…
A Crown is a restoration made by a dentist for a single tooth or it can be made for more than one tooth. Many people call a crown a “Cap” because it completely covers the entire tooth. A crown restores the tooth to its normal shape, size, and function. Reasons Why a Crown May be Recommended • A tooth is badly decayed. • A tooth is cracked, chipped, or broken. • A very large existing filling has fractured or has recurrent decay under it. • A Root Canal has been done and a Crown is always recommended as the final…
Parents often wonder when should take my child to the dentist. Should you wait until all the teeth have come in, or wait until the child has a problem? I say no. I encourage parents to bring the child to the dentist by age two, no later than three. Baby teeth, also called primary teeth are just as important as permanent teeth. The first visit is basically just to introduce the child to the dentist office and to establish a trust. What the First Visit Accomplishes • Allows the child to see the dental chair either with the parent…
We have all heard from our dentist and hygienist how important it is to floss our teeth, but is it really necessary? Flossing is an important part of helping you to have good oral hygiene and should be done daily along with brushing your teeth two times a day. Not flossing leaves you vulnerable to gingivitis, which can progress to periodontal disease which can cause tooth loss, and you may get cavities between your teeth if you don’t floss. How Do I Floss? • Use about 16 inches of floss and wrap it around your middle finger of one hand…
When brushing twice a day and flossing doesn’t help improve your yellow stained teeth, it’s time to consider other options. White teeth help to radiate your appearance, your confidence, and it enhances your smile. Whitening your teeth is an inexpensive cosmetic remedy available to enhance a dull smile. Whitening works well if you have teeth that have darkened from age, coffee, tea, smoking, or medications. I would recommend you to have a dental exam done first before using any over the counter products and your dentist can help you to choose the most effective whitening method for you.…
It is estimated that over 12 million Americans have Diabetes or Pre-Diabetes and close to 75% of these patients also have oral infections, (gingivitis and periodontal disease). When you have diabetes, high blood sugar can take a toll on your entire body, including your teeth and gums. Whether you have type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes, managing your blood sugar level is key. The higher your blood sugar level, the more at risk you are of cavities and gum disease. Proper Dental Care is Key • Make a commitment to manage your diabetes. Monitor your blood sugar level and…
It is common knowledge that smoking is bad for your health. It is often overlooked the effects smoking has on the health of your teeth. Here are some of the ways smoking affects your teeth and your oral tissues. How does Smoking Affect Your Teeth? • One of the most obvious changes smoking has on your teeth is the color change. Your teeth will begin to darken and have a grayish tinge and have a very dull appearance. • You will have bad breath from the smell that smoke leaves behind. • You have an increased risk of gum disease. …
Have you ever found yourself asking “why does my breath smell bad,” well you are not alone. Bad breath happens to so many people and it can be caused by a multitude of reasons. Unfortunately, chewing gum or popping a mint in your mouth will only mask the problem temporarily, this is not a solution. Here are Some Causes of Bad Breath: • Poor Oral Hygiene results in plaque and bacteria being left behind on your teeth, gums, and your tongue. This can lead to gingivitis, tooth decay, and cavities which can cause bad breath. Remember to brush your tongue…