Author: Dr. Jacqueline Butler Mitchell, DDS

People chew on ice for fun, as a cooling refreshing summer treat, or to relieve stress.  Although it may seem like a harmless habit, it can be damaging for several reasons. Reasons Why Chewing Ice is Bad for Your Teeth • Wears Down Enamel which is the outer layer of the tooth. Chewing on ice wears down the enamel making teeth more prone to decay, sensitivity, and susceptible to tooth fracture. • Damages Fillings by causing the fillings to expand and potentially chip and break due to the ice being so hard. • Damages Gums sometimes due to ice being…

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Keeping your family’s teeth healthy is very important to help them be able to chew and enjoy their food, avoid toothaches and discomfort, and keep their smiles sparkling. There are simple steps to help keep your teeth strong from childhood to your later years as an adult. Ways to Keep Your Teeth Healthy: • Start Your Children Early with brushing their teeth. As soon as your child’s first tooth comes in start by wiping and cleaning the inside of their mouth with a soft wet cloth or a soft toothbrush. • Seal Off Teeth with a protective coating known as…

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Your smile is one of the first things that people notice about you. If your smile isn’t as bright as you would like, it may have a lot to do with the things you put into your mouth rather than your teeth just darkening from your age. What Causes Tooth Stains • Tannins- plant based compounds that make it easier for stains to stick to teeth, found in Tea. • Chromogens- compounds with strong pigments that cling to the outer layer of teeth known as enamel, found in Coffee. • Acids- they make tooth enamel softer and rough which make…

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Like many parents, you may be concerned about your child’s pacifier use.  You may wonder if its harmful, what age should they stop, and will this affect their teeth.  Pacifiers provide a source of comfort to infants and with proper use, your baby can comfort themselves with a pacifier without developing pacifier teeth.  Let’s talk about the pros and cons of baby pacifiers. Pros to Pacifiers: • Reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome according to research. • It makes babies feel secure and happy. • It helps to induce sleep for babies. Cons to Pacifiers When Used for…

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Cavities and tooth decay are among the most common health problems.  Cavities are also called tooth decay and caries.  Cavities are caused by a combination of factors such as bacteria left in your mouth from not brushing properly, frequent snacking on candies, and drinking to many sugary drinks. Cavities are common in children, teenagers, and older adults and can be seen in babies. Symptoms Symptoms of a cavity depend on the extent and their location.  When a cavity is just beginning, you may not notice any symptoms.  As the decay gets larger is usually when you will begin to develop…

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Baby bottle tooth decay is sometimes referred to as “Milk Bottle Caries” by dentist.  This can become a problem for children under the age of five and can be avoided through awareness and prevention.  The dentist can provide treatment for milk bottle caries as well as educate the parent on proper oral hygiene care.  The earlier the problem is addressed, the less extensive and invasive the treatment will be. Signs to Recognize Baby Bottle Tooth Decay • White chalky soft spots seen near the gum line of the front teeth. • Brown or Black spots on the front teeth and…

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Treatment for a diastema may or may not be necessary depending on the underlying cause and depending on the persons desires.  For some people, a diastema is a cosmetic issue and for others there may be a dental problem. Outlook and Treatment of Diastemas Once your dentist has determined the reason for your diastema, a treatment plan can be formulated and discussed with you.  Options to correcting a diastema may include: • Your keeping the diastema. • Orthodontic Treatment or Braces can move the teeth and close diastemas. • Veneers or Bonding are used to fill gaps or fit over…

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National Children’s Dental Health Month is meant to raise awareness about the importance of oral health.  This is the perfect time to check and fine tune your children’s oral hygiene.  Tooth decay is the most common chronic disease in children.  The good news is there are safe and effective preventive measures that can protect teeth. 5 Preventive Measures  That Can Protect Teeth • Brushing for 2 Minutes- It is important that we brush our teeth for at least 2 minutes, Morning and at Night. An hourglass timer is a good to use to help kids keep up with the time.…

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Brushing your teeth is an important part of your daily dental care routine.  When you brush you remove plaque and food particles from your teeth and mouth.  If not removed, it forms a thin film that sticks to your teeth and can lead to cavities and gum disease. • Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush. • Select a toothbrush head size and shape that will allow you to reach all areas of your mouth easily. • Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months or sooner if the bristles are frayed looking. Remember to replace your toothbrush after…

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Piercings are becoming a more prevalent form of self-expression in society today and a fashion statement by many.  If you are contemplating getting a tongue or lip piercing, this type of oral jewelry can have serious dental consequences. Most dentists discourage oral piercings and we will discuss some of the risk and pitfalls to consider. Risks of Oral Piercings • Chipped Teeth.  Chips and or fractures may occur from the jewelry hitting your teeth while eating, talking, or sleeping. Minor chips to your teeth can be fixed with fillings, but the more tooth structure breaks the more serious the problem…

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