What You Should Know About Teeth Whitening

April 30, 2017

Filed under: Blog,Dental Health,General — Tags: , , — southlakedental @ 7:48 pm

Are you happy with your smile? Many patients wish their teeth could be straighter, more uniform, or whiter. Of the three common complaints, the color of your teeth is generally the simplest fix. There are several different types of teeth whitening that you might consider in your quest to achieve a lighter, brighter smile. It’s always best to talk to your dentist first, because he or she can advise you based on your own specific circumstances.

Over the Counter Teeth Whitening Products

Walk down any pharmacy’s tooth care aisle and you’re bound to see several types of whitening products. These range from whitening toothpastes to whitening gels to bleaching trays. They are fairly inexpensive and easy to use in the convenience of your own home. Win win, right?

While these are good for many people who want to achieve a bit of whitening, they won’t be able to take care of deep staining or heavy discoloration. Also, these products sometimes cause some sensitivity or gum irritation. If these occur, stop using them and contact your dentist.

Custom Bleaching Trays

Your dentist can take impressions of your teeth and have a lab fabricate custom bleaching trays for you. You’d put bleaching solution in the trays and apply them for the time and frequency recommended by your dentist. Since the dentist will choose the type of bleaching solution that is right for your level of staining and your specific situation, you should see the results that your dentist tells you to expect. These can also cause some sensitivity and gum irritation. Because the trays fit your teeth perfectly, however, the solution is less likely to get onto your gums to cause a problem.

Internal Tooth Bleaching

If you have had a root canal treatment on one of your front teeth, you might notice that it is darker than the other teeth in the area. This can sometimes be remedied by having your dentist remove a bit of the root canal filling and bleaching out the crown part of the tooth. This has to be done in-office and involves the use of an ultraviolet light or a laser. Talk to your dentist about whether this is an option for you.

No matter what type of teeth whitening you are using, be sure to avoid foods and beverages that are likely to stain your teeth during the treatment. This means that you should not be drinking large amounts of coffee, black tea or red wine, and you also should not enjoy a slice of blueberry pie right after removing your bleaching trays. Keep up with your oral hygiene regimen by brushing and flossing regularly, and be sure to see your dentist twice per year (or more frequently if you have any problems) so he or she can monitor your progress.

Creative Commons image by Luciane Lazzaris

Dry Mouth: What You Need to Know

April 15, 2017

Filed under: Blog,Dental Health — Tags: — southlakedental @ 6:38 pm

Have you ever had the experience of waking up in the morning feeling like your mouth was full of cotton? A dry mouth is a common occurrence if your nose is stuffed up when you have a cold or seasonal allergies. Sometimes, however, people have a dry mouth all day long and not because they are breathing through their mouths. If you have been afflicted by this uncomfortable condition, here are some things you should know about dry mouth.

Causes of Dry Mouth

Sometimes, getting a dry mouth can be a natural part of the aging process. Women going through menopause often complain of a dry mouth. This is a common condition caused by fluctuating hormone levels. Other times a dry mouth can be caused by medication. If you are on antihistamines, blood pressure medication, medicine for anxiety, or certain other drugs, a dry mouth can be a side effect. If this is the case, let your doctor know. In some cases, you might be able to switch brands of medication (but don’t stop taking your medications without your doctor telling you to).

Dangers of Dry Mouth

Most of all, dry mouth is a nuisance. Your mouth will likely be uncomfortable and distracting. If your gums and other tissues begin to feel sensitive or even painful, you might be less likely to follow through with brushing and flossing. This can raise your chances of developing gingivitis or cavities. The dry mouth itself can cause these issues, because there’s less protective saliva to wash away plaque and bacteria.

What You Should Do

If you have dry mouth, it’s important to see your dentist for advice and so he or she can evaluate you for dental cavities and gum problems. Some self-help measures can provide relief. For example, you can try chewing sugarless gum or sucking on sugar-free candy. These can stimulate more saliva. Sipping on water or other beverages can also provide some relief. Your dentist will likely have additional suggestions that can help.

If you are dealing with a dry mouth, don’t continue to suffer. Give us a call to schedule an appointment and we will see if we can help you find some ways to find relief.

Creative Commons image by ih.

Keep Your Children’s Teeth Safe This Spring

April 1, 2017

Filed under: Blog,Children's Dental Health — Tags: , , — southlakedental @ 3:14 pm

It’s warming up, and your attentions might be turned toward all things spring. If you have children, chances are good that they will be more active and enjoying different foods during the hot months of the year. You likely ensure that your child wears a helmet when riding his or her bike and that the kids are buckled up when you go places in a car, but do you take special precautions when it comes to keeping your children’s teeth safe? Here are some ways you can keep those little chompers healthy and in good condition this spring and beyond.

Use a Mouthguard

If your child plays any type of sport, it’s a good idea to make sure they’re wearing a mouthguard. You might think this is a no-brainer when it comes to sports like hockey or football, but even non-contact sports like tennis or soccer could result in a nasty dental accident if a ball or a racket is in the wrong place at the wrong time.

You can have a dental mouthguard fabricated at your dentist’s office, or you could opt for the “boil and bite” type at your local pharmacy or discount store. The most important thing is that your child wears it whenever he or she could take a ball, baseball bat, tennis racket, or even the head of another child to the mouth.

Be Careful in Swimming Pools

Most families are safety-conscious around swimming pools, particularly when the children are young. Once your child is a good swimmer, however, you might not implement the rules as much as you did when he or she was younger. Keep in mind that older kids might be more likely to roughhouse and take risks when jumping into a pool than they did when they were little.

Be vigilant that your kids do not engage in horseplay on slippery pool decks. No one should be tossed or pushed into a pool unexpectedly, and it’s important that they do not jump onto pool toys that are near the edge of the pool. This is because a slip could result in their teeth hitting the side of the pool. Keep the deck clean so it’s not slippery, and urge the kids to use caution. In addition to saving their teeth, this could also prevent injuries to their faces, wrists, and other body parts, too.

Watch Their Dental Hygiene

During the hot days of spring and summer, kids tend to spend more time outdoors. They might indulge in treats from the ice cream truck, or you might pass out popsicles after dinner to enjoy by the pool or while they play in the sprinklers. When kids come in exhausted, it’s tempting to let them just crash and go to bed, particularly on the weekends. While skipping the brush-and-floss routine once isn’t going to do any lasting harm, making it a habit could lead to gingivitis and dental decay. Be stern about at least getting their teeth taken care of before they fall asleep.

If your child is due for their cleaning and checkup, give us a call. We want to help you keep your children’s teeth healthy and strong, and regular dental visits are one way to make that happen!

Creative Commons image by oshokim.