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Posts for: August, 2018

Oral Hygiene isn't Easy with Braces - but it's Still Doable

By Linda Drennen, DMD
August 29, 2018
Category: Oral Health
Tags: oral hygiene   orthodontic treatment  
OralHygieneisntEasywithBraces-butitsStillDoable

If you’re about to undergo orthodontic treatment, you’re going to face a challenge keeping your teeth and gums clean wearing braces. That in turn could increase your chances for tooth decay or periodontal (gum) disease, which could diminish your future dental health and disrupt your current orthodontic treatment.

The main hygiene tasks of brushing and flossing are more difficult with braces because of the fixed hardware on the teeth. Your toothbrush or floss can’t always easily maneuver around the wires and brackets, increasing the chances you’ll miss some areas. These neglected areas can then accumulate dental plaque, a thin film of bacteria and food particles that’s most responsible for disease.

But although difficult, effective oral hygiene isn’t impossible.  First and foremost, you’ll need to take more time to be thorough with brushing and flossing than you might normally without braces.

Second, there are some specialized hygiene tools to make the job easier. Instead of a regular toothbrush try an interproximal brush. This special brush has a long and thin bristled head (resembling a pipe cleaner) that can maneuver in and around orthodontic hardware much easier than a regular brush.

For flossing, use a floss threader, a device through which you thread floss on one end and then pass the other sharper end between your teeth. Once through, you release the floss from it and floss as usual, repeating the process with the threader for each tooth. Another option is an oral irrigator, a device that emits a pressurized spray of water between teeth to loosen plaque and flush it away. Many orthodontic patients have found this latter option to be quite effective.

Finally, continue seeing your regular dentist for regular appointments in addition to your orthodontist. Besides cleaning those hard to reach areas, your dentist can also provide other preventive measures like topical fluoride for strengthening enamel and prescription mouth rinses that inhibit bacterial growth. You should also see your dentist immediately if you notice signs of disease like spots on the teeth or swollen or bleeding gums.

Keeping your teeth clean while wearing braces is a top priority. Doing so will help ensure your new smile after braces is both an attractive and healthy one.

If you would like more information on dental care during orthodontics, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Caring for Teeth during Orthodontic Treatment.”


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Spice Up Your Teeth

By Linda Drennen, DMD
August 19, 2018
Category: Dental Procedures
Tags: celebrity smiles   cosmetic dentistry  
SpiceUpYourTeeth

As a member of the best-selling pop group Spice Girls, Mel C (AKA Sporty Spice) enjoyed her share of musical superstardom. At the band’s peak in the Nineties, the young singer’s signature look featured baggy sweatpants, an assortment of tattoos, a nose stud and a gold-capped incisor, front and center in her mouth. Today, Melanie Chisholm is still singing — but now she’s a mom, an amateur triathlete… and that gold tooth is just a memory. Not only that, her smile looks more evenly spaced and whiter than it did when she was referred to as the “tomboy” of the group.

What happened? In our view, it all boils down to changing tastes — plus a little bit of help from dental professionals. As the “wannabe” singer proves, there’s no single standard when it comes to making your teeth look their best. Your own look is unique to you — and your smile can reflect that individuality.

For example, crowns (caps) are substantial coverings that may be placed on teeth when they are being restored. They are available in three types: gold, all-porcelain, or porcelain-fused-to-metal. The latter two are tooth-colored, while the gold is — well, shiny like gold bling. Which one is right for you? In many cases, it’s your choice.

Likewise, dental veneers — wafer-thin shells that can correct cosmetic issues by covering the surface of your teeth — can be made in a variety of shades. Their hues may range from natural ivory to Hollywood white, and everything in between. What’s the best color for you? Only you can say.

Some people opt for a “smile makeover” that uses small irregularities in the spacing and color of teeth to create a more “natural” look. Other folks want a perfectly even, brilliant white smile that dazzles the eye. Still others are looking to match or restore the smile they once had — perhaps even re-creating a signature gap between the teeth. As long as there are no other dental issues involved, the choice is yours.

So if you’re unhappy with your smile — or if you feel it doesn’t reflect the person you “wannabe” — why not talk to us about a smile makeover? Just call our office to schedule a consultation. You can learn more about this topic in the Dear Doctor magazine articles “Beautiful Smiles by Design” and “The Impact of a Smile Makeover.”


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5 Causes of Bad Breath and What You Can Do About It!

By Linda Drennen, DMD
August 09, 2018
Category: Oral Health
Tags: bad breath  
5CausesofBadBreathandWhatYouCanDoAboutIt

Unlike the months on either side, August isn't known for major holidays. But it does have one cause for celebration: National Fresh Breath Day! True, this observance will probably never achieve big-time recognition. Yet everyone would agree that fresh breath is something to appreciate! Unfortunately, bad breath is a persistent problem for many people. The first step in treating it is to identify the cause. Here are 5 common causes of bad breath:

1. Poor oral hygiene. Certain types of oral bacteria cause bad breath, and the mouth provides a perfect environment for them—especially when dental plaque and food debris is not well cleansed. So to keep your breath fresh, maintain a diligent oral hygiene routine. This includes brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing at least once a day. For an extra-clean mouth, use a tongue scraper—a plastic tool about the size of a toothbrush that's available in most drug stores. This will remove bacteria and food debris from your tongue for extra freshness.

2. Oral diseases. Bad odors in your mouth may also be caused by infections—which is what tooth decay and gum disease actually are. Sometimes old fillings wear out, allowing bacteria to re-infect a tooth that was once treated for decay. Other signs of these common oral diseases include tooth pain and bleeding or puffy gums. If you notice any of these, don't ignore it—make a dental appointment today!

3. Diet. Smelly foods will give you smelly breath; it's that simple. And the odors may linger after you have eaten them. When onion, garlic and other pungent foods are digested, their odor-producing substances enter your bloodstream and proceed to your lungs—which can affect how your breath smells. If you suspect your dietary habits are causing bad breath, try eliminating certain foods (at least temporarily) and see if that helps.

4. Dry mouth. Saliva helps cleanse your mouth, so reduced saliva flow can lead to bad breath. This accounts for "morning breath," which is caused when the mouth dries out during sleep (especially if you are a mouth-breather). However, some people don't produce enough saliva throughout the day. Sometimes it's just that they don't drink enough water. But a very common cause of chronic dry mouth is regular use of medications, both prescription and over-the-counter. If you notice that medication is drying out your mouth, let your doctor know. And stay hydrated!

5. Smoking. Given that smoking increases your risk for many serious diseases, including oral cancer, the fact that it can lead to bad breath seems almost trivial. Still, it's worth noting that smoking causes mouth odor both directly and indirectly by reducing the flow of saliva and promoting gum disease. In fact, tobacco in all forms is a hazard to your health.

If you'd like more information on bad breath, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can learn more in the Dear Doctor magazine articles “Warning Signs of Periodontal (Gum) Disease” and “Dry Mouth.”


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        • Your Smile Can Be Your Passport to the World - Take Care of It With These Tips
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        • Having Diabetes Could Increase Your Risk of Gum Disease
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        • Behavioral Therapy Could Reduce a Child's Dental Anxiety Without Drugs
        • The Before, During and After of Root Canal Treatments
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        • Orthodontics: More Than Straightening a Crooked Smile
        • A Partnership With the Dentist Will Help Your Child's Teeth Develop Normally
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        • A Different Kind of "Chip Shot" for Pro Golfer Danielle Kang
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        • Catch Root Resorption Early for Best Chances of Saving Your Tooth
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        • Dental Sealants can help Prevent Tooth Decay in Children
        • Legal or Not, Marijuana Poses a Health Risk to Your Gums
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        • Dr. Travis Stork: If Only I'd Worn A Mouthguard!
        • A New Resolution - Floss!
        • Crown Lengthening Might be Necessary for Seniors with Tooth Decay
  • 2018
      • December (3)
        • Protecting Primary Teeth from Decay Helps Ensure Future Dental Health
        • J-Lo's Unlucky Break: Chipping a Tooth on Stage
        • Practice the Dental Care Basics to Ensure a Healthy Smile
      • November (3)
        • A Stainless Steel Crown Could Help a Struggling Primary Molar Last Longer
        • Dentures are Still a Viable Choice for Tooth Replacement
        • Julianne Hough Shares a Video - and a Song - After Wisdom Teeth Come Out
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        • Good Oral Hygiene Isn't Just for Teeth
        • New Dental Advances Promise Better Outcomes for Treating Decay
        • What You Should Know About a Home Teeth Whitening Kit
      • September (3)
        • How Kathy Bates Retains Her Movie-Star Smile
        • A Bonded Retainer Might Work for You after Orthodontic Treatment
        • Treating Gum Disease around Tooth Roots is Hard - but Not Impossible
      • August (3)
        • Oral Hygiene isn't Easy with Braces - but it's Still Doable
        • Spice Up Your Teeth
        • 5 Causes of Bad Breath and What You Can Do About It!
      • July (3)
        • What to Expect Before, During and After Implant Surgery
        • Your Dental Care Efforts are Just as Important as Your Dentist's
        • Ariana Grande Breaks Free - of Her Wisdom Teeth
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        • Tips for Picture-Perfect Summer Smiles
        • 3 Reasons for Blood Pressure Checks During Dental Visits
        • 3 Types of Tooth Pain and What They Might be Telling You
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        • Vivica's Veneers: the Making of a Hollywood Smile
        • New Materials Add Strength to Veneers' Beautiful Life-Likeness
        • Root Canal Awareness Week: A Time to Learn How Teeth Are Saved
        • Anchorage Devices Provide More Accuracy, Less Treatment Time for Braces
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        • Why Big Bang Theory Actress Mayim Bialik Couldn't Have Braces
        • Why we Need to Care for a Younger Patient's Bone after a Tooth Loss
      • March (3)
        • Be Vigilant with Dental Care While Wearing Braces
        • Why a Bonded Retainer Might be a Better Choice After Braces
        • Jamie Foxx Chips a Tooth - This Time by Accident!
      • February (2)
        • Don't Ignore Tooth Pain - You May Need a Root Canal
        • Watch What Carbs You Eat to Reduce Your Risk of Further Gum Disease
      • January (2)
        • If You're Considering Braces, Here's How They Work
        • Game, Set, Match: Milos Raonic Says A Mouthguard Helps Him Win
  • 2017
      • December (2)
        • Your Age Won't Necessarily Decide Against Straightening Your Smile
        • Treating a Young, Permanent Tooth Requires a Different Approach
      • November (2)
        • Support Your Child's Dental Development with Preventive Care
        • A Toothless Tiger?
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        • Why the Treatment Model for Your Jaw Joint Disorder Matters
        • Oral Health Concerns for Preteens
      • September (2)
        • Your Next Dental Visit Might Save Your Life - Here's How
        • Life Is Sometimes a Grind for Brooke Shields
      • August (3)
        • The 3 Top Causes for Tooth Sensitivity
        • Kathy Bates Plays It Smart With Professional Teeth Whitening
        • A 4-Step Process for Achieving Your Highest Oral Health Possible
      • July (2)
        • In Today's NFL, Oral Hygiene Takes Center Stage
        • Gum Infection Around Tooth Roots Calls for Immediate Action
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        • Any Time, Any Place: Cam Newton's Guide to Flossing
        • Teens with Missing Teeth may need a Temporary Fix Until They're Older
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        • Sofia Vergara: 'Obsessed' With Oral Hygiene
        • Don't let Periodontal Disease Cause Your Gums to Recede
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        • Eden Sher and the Lost Retainer
        • An Affordable RPD Could be the Answer to Your Missing Teeth Problems
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        • New Front Teeth for a Teenaged David Duchovny
        • Dental Implants: a Durable, Life-Like Solution for your Tooth Loss
      • February (3)
        • Actor David Ramsey Discusses Baby Bottle Tooth Decay
        • A Partial Denture Can Restore a Smile Marred by a Few Missing Teeth
        • Chrissy Teigen's Teeth-Grinding Troubles
      • January (2)
        • The True Cause of Your Gummy Smile Determines How We Treat it
        • Nancy O'Dell on Making Oral Hygiene Fun for Kids
  • 2016
      • December (2)
        • Success with Dental Implants Depends on Attention to Detail
        • Dwight Howard: A Bright NBA Star With a Smile to Match
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        • Avoid Bone Loss around Tooth Roots through Regular Dental Care
        • Actor David Ramsey Says: Don't Forget to Floss!
        • Clear Aligners Make it Easier for Teenagers to have Their Teeth Straightened
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        • Giancarlo Stanton Gets Major-League Mouth Protection
        • Take Your Dentures out at Night to Extend Their Usefulness
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        • Neil Patrick Harris: What the Oscars Host Treasures Most
        • Lasers are Making an Impact in Treating Gum Disease
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        • Jimmy Fallon Can’t Catch a Break - Except in His Tooth
        • 4 Problem Areas That Could Affect Your Child's Teeth
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        • Jason Derulo's Ideal Match
        • Loose Permanent Teeth is a Problem - take Action Now
        • Master Illusionist Benefits from the Magic of Orthodontics
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