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,…
Author: Dr. Jacqueline Butler Mitchell, DDS
If you are shopping for a new toothbrush, you may find yourself wandering down the store aisles trying to decide if you should choose a soft, medium, or hard-bristled toothbrush. Some people think that using a medium or hard toothbrush will remove more plaque and food particles more effectively, but the harder the toothbrush the more possible damage can be done to your teeth and gums over time. Drawbacks to a Hard Toothbrush • Hard and medium toothbrushes have thicker, firmer bristles that can scrape away your tooth enamel and damage your teeth and gums. • Brushing for long periods…
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. Remember to brush your tongue, especially the back of your tongue, where most of the odor causing bacteria are found.…
Open Enrollment for Health Coverage is already here for 2020. It started on November 1st and will continue through January 31, 2020. For dental coverage there is no restricted open enrollment period. There are many dental plans that are available including PPO, HMO, and Discount dental plans. Questions to Ask When Selecting a Dental Plan • Know and understand the difference between a PPO and a HMO plan. • How much will your monthly premiums will be and if you can add a family member? • Do you have a calendar maximum per year? • Are you responsible for meeting…
Most people recognize a dental amalgam as the silver filling that usually turns black after having it in your mouth for years. Dental amalgams are made up of mercury, silver, tin, and copper. Mercury makes up about 50 percent of the amalgam filling and it binds to the other components to make it durable and strong. In this tooth talk article we will answer questions of whether mercury is safe and what are some alternatives to amalgam fillings. Is Mercury in Dental Amalgams Safe? Mercury in dental amalgams are not poisonous. When mercury is combined with the other components of…
It’s football season once again. You’ve got on your team jersey and team cap, but now comes the most important part; What are you going to snack on? When choosing snacks, remember you want to maintain healthy teeth, so choose mouth friendly snacks. Recommendations for Great Game Day Snacks: • Cheese Plates are perfect for all types of get-togethers. Cheese is a mouth friendly food. Cheese has calcium and protein which help strengthen tooth enamel and it helps to neutralize the acids from sugary foods. Do keep in mind that cheese does have a high content of Fat, so avoid…
You’ve heard it a thousand times, but it’s essential that we remind you again: Brush, Brush, Brush and Floss! • Use the 2 Minute Rule: Brush your teeth for at least two minutes, twice a day. Brushing removes the plaque, which builds up on the surfaces of your teeth. When you don’t remove the plaque, it can lead to gingivitis. Brushing for the proper amount of time allows the fluoride to stay on the teeth to help fight germs. • Consistently Change Toothbrushes: The average lifespan for a toothbrush is around 3 months. After 3 months, the bristles weaken and…
When brushing twice a day 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 your teeth have darkened from coffee, tea, or smoking. I recommend you have a dental exam first before using any over the counter products. What Are Your Whitening Options? • In Office Whitening is performed by your dentist and it whitens your teeth faster. The whitening solution used…
A diastema is an area of extra space between two or more teeth and is sometimes called a gap. These spaces can form anywhere in the mouth but are most commonly seen between the two front teeth of the upper jaw. This condition affects children and adults. Causes of a Diastema? There isn’t one single cause of a diastema, but here are several possible contributing factors: • Diastemas may form when a person has small teeth and the teeth are then spaced too far apart. • The size of your jaw bone and the size of your teeth can…
By Dr. Jacqueline Butler Mitchell NASHVILLE, TN — Dr. Jacqueline Butler Mitchell of Integrity Dental Care wanted to step up the game this year in her 2019 Backpack Program. This is the 4th year for this community incentive of providing backpacks to needy families. Dr. Mitchell stated that she understand times have become more and more difficult for most families and especially those with kids. Her office is located at Harding Place and Nolensville Road, a venue where there is a diverse population of people. This area is a melting pot with limited resources, and as a business owner, I feel…