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Dental bridges fill the gaps in your teeth, and they consist of several pieces that work together to close open space and replace a missing tooth. Consider three reasons it makes sense to see your dentist and get a dental bridge today. 1. Missing Teeth Make It Hard to Do Important Things Missing teeth create a gap that will be a problem at some point. Not only does a dental bridge restore your brilliant smile, but it also helps you chew food, speak clearly, and retain the proper form for your teeth. These are all things that become difficult when you have one or two missing teeth. 2. A Dental Bridge Prevents Shifting A space will interfere with the dental structure of your mouth. Teeth are part of the architecture of the mouth. When something is missing, the whole thing starts to collapse. When this happens, the surrounding teeth will move towards that empty area. It’s a cascading effect. As the neighboring teeth start to move inward, so will the ones next to them. That shift can change the way you eat, speak, or even rest your jaw. 3. Dental Bridges Can Provide a Permanent Fix You have a couple of options when you are missing one or more teeth. One of them is the partial denture. A partial denture is a removable bridge. The plate hooks around neighboring teeth, and you remove it at night and clean the appliance. Part of the problem with partial dentures is that the remaining teeth may not work well as a foundation to ensure it. As a result, the denture may slip or be loose in the mouth. It may dig into the gum and cause other problems. Fixing a dental bridge in place instead of a partial denture means you may have a permanent solution for your missing teeth. The appliance connects to two crowns that go over anchoring teeth. Since the anchors are crowns, the bridge becomes fixed in place. You clean it when you brush your teeth. There are many types of dental bridges available. Porcelain fixed bridges are the traditional approach. It takes just a couple of visits to the office to get the work done for the bridge. If you are considering your options to replace a missing tooth and you live in the Dallas area, call our office to find out more about the benefits of dental bridges. The content found on this blog is intended for educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please speak with a professional if you have concerns about your oral health.
Teeth – unlike bone or other tissues, cannot heal on their own. If cavities are not treated early on by a dentist, they will worsen, which could lead to painful infections and tooth loss. Our family dentistry practice offers preventive and restorative care to patients of all ages. The best way to treat cavities is to prevent them. Following are the top five ways you can prevent tooth decay. Reduce Sugar Consumption Did you know that sugar feeds cavity-causing bacteria? Our mouths are home to millions of harmful oral bacteria. When tooth enamel is weak, these bacteria will feed on sugar and ultimately, our teeth. Reducing your consumption of sugar helps starve cavity-causing bacteria. Be sure to check food labels as sugar comes in many forms, including fructose, fruit concentrate, maltose, dextrose, and many more. Limit Acidic Foods and Beverages Another common threat to your pearly whites is acidic foods and beverages. Strong acids weaken tooth enamel by stripping away its minerals. Unfortunately, many food items contain acids as their main ingredients or as a preservative. Common acidic items you should shy away from include citrus, sodas, and alcoholic beverages. Do Not Chew Inedible Objects or Grind Your Teeth Many of us chew on pen caps, our nails, and even ice cubes to cope with stress, pain, and anxiety. Others may also grind their teeth as a response to these emotions. Chewing on inedible objects and grinding our teeth will destroy tooth enamel over time. Permanent damage to tooth enamel greatly increases our risks for dental cavities. Practice Great Oral Hygiene Your daily oral hygiene routine can protect your teeth for a lifetime. When brushing and flossing, take a mindful approach to help ensure that you use good techniques. Every person over the age of five should be brushing twice a day and flossing each night. Visit Your Dentist Regularly Routine dental visits give our team a chance to detect potential concerns as soon as possible. Frequent checkups and cleanings give us an opportunity to provide preventive care like fluoride treatments and sealants before cavities form. Early-stage decay can be treated with small, minimally-invasive restorations, too. Call our family dentistry practice to schedule your next cleaning and checkup.
If you think that an attractive smile is the main benefit of good oral hygiene, you’re missing out on a number of other positive outcomes that are even more important for your overall well-being. Investing in both your home oral hygiene practices and routine professional care will reap many rewards. Establishing a relationship with a family dentistry practice is a crucial element of your oral health maintenance plan, as is a robust home oral hygiene routine. Contact our office to learn how we can help. The Many Benefits Of Good Oral Hygiene Many people follow their oral hygiene habits and see their dentist twice a year because they want to keep their smile looking its best. While this is a compelling motivation, there are many other gains from good oral hygiene practices, such as. Disease prevention: Many systemic diseases, such as diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease, appear to have a link to oral health issues, so maintaining oral health can reduce risks of those conditions. Better nutrition: Teeth that are unaffected by decay or other issues are better able to chew and process the nutrients your body needs. Reduced costs: When you take good care of your teeth consistently, you greatly reduce the risk that you’ll need complex and expensive dental treatments. Better quality of life: Dental issues can be a drag on your mood and energy, so preventing them greatly boosts your quality of life. Home Oral Hygiene Routine: The Basics How do you practice good oral hygiene habits to get all of the aforementioned benefits? Here are a few recommendations. Brush twice each day, for two minutes at a time Floss daily Stay well hydrated, and drink some water after meals You should also use the right tools, like toothbrushes in good condition and fluoridated toothpaste with an ADA seal of approval. If you have any questions about your oral hygiene routine, we encourage you to call our office and talk to one of our knowledgeable staff members. How Professional Dental Care Supplements Your Home Routine Of course, your day-to-day regimen at home is only one piece of the puzzle. It’s important to see your dentist at least twice each year for exams and professional cleanings. These services keep your smile in optimal condition. For example, a hygienist at a family dentistry practice can access areas of your smile that are difficult for you to reach on your own in order to thoroughly remove plaque and tartar buildup. When a dentist inspects your smile every six months, any issues can be identified and treated early. Has it been more than six months since your last dental checkup and teeth cleaning? Call the office of Dr. Barry Buchanan today to schedule your next appointment.
A fad is described as an intense and widely shared enthusiasm for something; especially one that is short lived … there are several of these crazes in the dental world right now. But before trying any of these, it is best to consult with your family dentist to make sure you are not doing more harm than good. The Latest Novelties Include: Oil Pulling: Before the creation of toothpastes we use today, people would swish a tablespoon of oil around their mouth in an effort to clean their teeth. The fad today often involves the use of coconut or sesame oil in an effort to whiten teeth and freshen breath. Charcoal Toothpaste: You wouldn’t chew on a chunk of charcoal from your backyard grill, but there are toothpastes available today that contain charcoal. And while there is some evidence that these products can whiten teeth initially, longer term use can lead to diminished enamel. We rely on enamel to protect our teeth from decay; once it is gone, it will not grow back. Also, experimenting with rinses made with lemon juice, vinegar, or carbonated soda is an invitation to disaster. These are very acidic and can promote further loss of enamel. Fluoride-free Toothpaste: There is a reason why fluoride was added to the water supplies of cities throughout America. It is imperative that we use fluoridated products to continue to fortify the protective enamel on the teeth of children and adults alike. Grills and Jewelry: Usually a fad for young people, placing metal in your mouth (unless you are undergoing teeth straightening) is a bad idea. While some think it looks attractive, the destruction that could be going on underneath the jewelry does not seem worth it. Good Dental Habits You Can Live With Your family dentistry office is staffed with caring individuals who work tirelessly to make sure you enjoy all the benefits of great oral health. But you need to do your part. Brush your teeth twice daily using a fluoridated toothpaste, two minutes each time. Floss every day to remove anything that has formed on teeth especially around the gum line. Rinse thoroughly following flossing. And finally, make sure all family members visit the office of Dr. Barry Buchanan every six months for teeth cleaning and dental exams.
Maintaining great dental health is as important as keeping overall physical fitness strong and robust. After all, the two are closely intertwined. There are many steps you can take to ensure well-being; and you can be assured you are in good hands with our friendly family dentistry team. But you must do your part for yourself and your family by following these important steps for great dental health: Daily Brushing These two words encompass more than they imply. Because it’s more than just brushing your teeth. How you brush and the tools you use do make a difference. Your toothbrush should be soft bristled. While scrubbing your teeth with a firm toothbrush may make you feel like you have cleaned your teeth well, you could be wearing away precious enamel designed to protect your dentition as well as doing damage to gum tissue. Brush for two minutes using a fluoridated toothpaste. Employ a circular motion applying moderate pressure. And always brush before bed to remove food particles that attribute to plaque formation. Flossing When you brush your teeth, you only reach about two thirds of the surfaces of your teeth. Flossing is needed to remove what your toothbrush didn’t. The type of floss you use is not as important … find one you like and make sure to use it at least once a day. Diet Avoid foods high in sugar and carbohydrates. Enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables (the crunchy ones help clean your teeth), dairy, proteins, and healthy grains. Drink water to stay properly hydrated. Soda and beverages loaded with sugar are not a good choice for either your oral or overall health. Dental Visits You must visit your dentist at least every six months for a thorough cleaning and dental exam. Even the most diligent person will likely have some plaque and tartar form on their teeth. The only way to remove harmful dental tartar is with a cleaning by your dental provider. The dental exam is designed to look for signs of decay, disease, and the oral cancer screening performed could actually save your life. Family dentistry should be thought of as a one stop shop for you and your family. Regular dental visits will help keep teeth and gums in great shape while providing many of the services you may need to maintain great oral health.
While genetics may play a small role in your oral condition, problems associated with gum disease are often preventable. There are many things that can contribute to gingivitis or the more serious form of gum disease, periodontitis. But with the proper dental care, you and your family can remain free from gum disease. Causes of Gum Disease Neglect – patients who do not brush and floss are setting themselves up to suffer the effects of poor oral health. Diet – individuals who rely on foods and beverages that contain sugar and carbohydrates are feeding the bacteria already present in the mouth. Plaque begins to harden primarily at the base of teeth and burrows beneath the gum line – you may not be able to see it, but it is there doing damage. Smoking and smokeless tobacco are not only harmful to your body, but it is a proven fact that users are much more likely to develop gum disease. Individuals suffering from crooked or misaligned teeth have areas that are difficult to keep clean. These pockets require professional care on a regular basis, so patients who skip or put off seeing their dentist every six months increase the odds of developing problems down the road. Early Symptoms of Gum Disease Bleeding gums – if gum tissue bleeds during brushing it could be due to the way you are brushing (a hard bristle brush and heavy hand); or you could be suffering from the onset of gingivitis. Red, swollen gum tissue – healthy gum tissue is pink and firm. If you notice a change in the appearance of your gingiva, a visit to the dentist is needed. Bad breath – many foods and beverages can result in bad breath. However, if you notice that you are experiencing bad breath chronically, this can mean an infection is brewing. Pain – many patients make the mistake of believing that gum disease must impact a large area of the mouth. This is not true – gum disease often begins with one tooth or quadrant and advances from there. Don’t ignore discomfort that lasts more than a day or two. Gum disease is preventable, but even the most ardent rule followers may experience a problem. Early attention is key to preventing a problem from escalating. Family dentistry will provide the care you need to resolve issues with gum disease, and educate you on how to prevent a recurrence in the future.
The short answer to this question is yes. You absolutely should pay attention to your tongue during oral hygiene and when performing self-examinations for oral cancer. Our family dentistry practice provides oral cancer screenings, professional dental cleanings, and general care so that you can enjoy optimal oral health. If it’s time for a checkup with our dentist, give our practice a call to schedule an appointment. Why Your Tongue Shouldn’t Be Ignored The tongue is an integral part of oral anatomy. Besides providing us with the ability to taste, our tongues also assist with digestion by pushing food to the biting surfaces of teeth. Without our tongues, there are certain sounds and words that we would be unable to pronounce. Like our teeth, the tongue is susceptible to harboring bacterial growth. In fact, our tongues are home to 50% of the oral bacteria in our mouths. This means that cleaning your tongue when you brush and floss your teeth is essential to controlling bacterial growth, managing bad breath, and reducing the risks for dental caries and gum disease. How to Clean Your Tongue There are a couple ways you can clean your tongue. The most common way is to simply brush it gently with a toothbrush and toothpaste when you brush your teeth. If you prefer not to brush your tongue, you can buy a tongue scraper. This is a dental hygiene tool that removes the film from plaque. As with any oral hygiene tool, look for the ADA seal of acceptance when making purchases. Your Tongue and Oral Cancer Oral cancer can form anywhere on the soft tissues of the oral cavity such as the linings of the lips and cheeks or the tongue. During checkups at our family dentistry practice, our dentist will look for signs of oral cancer. In addition to keeping routine appointments, you should perform self-checks for oral cancer at home. Typical signs of oral cancer include sores that are slow to heal, discoloration of soft tissue, the formation of lumps, and difficulty swallowing and speaking. We are accepting new patients. Call the office of Dr. Barry Buchanan today to schedule a checkup or cleaning.
Bad habits can harm your teeth, so it’s important to steer clear of actions that can cause damage and institute more positive habits to keep your smile healthy. You should be discussing healthy dental habits at your semiannual checkups at your family dentistry practice. Factors That Can Damage Your Smile Oral bacteria can damage your smile by attacking your enamel and causing cavities as well as causing inflammation in your gum tissue, leading to periodontal disease. Those bacteria feed on sugars that stay in the mouth after a person eats, so excessive consumption of sugar or even simple carbs can give bacteria an important source of nutrition and increase your risk of oral diseases. If you don’t get your teeth professionally cleaned at a family dentistry practice at least twice a year, your smile could suffer. Additionally, facial trauma can harm your teeth, as can biting into hard objects. Bad Habits To Avoid Using your teeth as tools: Your teeth were designed to chew food, not to crack nuts or open bottles or packages. So don’t try to use them for those purposes. Chewing on hard or non-food items: If you bite into a hard object, like a pencil or even a fingernail, at minimum, you’ll cause premature wear and tear on your teeth. You could even break a tooth. Food is the only thing you should be chewing on. Skipping out on your home oral hygiene routine: Don’t have time to brush your teeth every day? Well, you can count on plaque accumulating along your gumline. You should be brushing twice each day for two minutes each time and flossing once a day. Avoiding the dentist: Your family dentistry practice is an important line of defense against oral diseases. If you don’t get exams and cleanings twice a year, your risk of cavities, gum disease and other concerns increases significantly. Even if you are diligent about brushing your teeth every day, you still need to see your dentist periodically to be examined and to have a dental hygienist remove any lingering plaque and tartar that have accumulated on your smile. Talk to our dental team to see if there are any bad dental habits that you need to break or good ones that you should work into your routine. If it’s time to schedule your next dental exam and cleaning, contact the office of Dr. Barry Buchanan today.
Halloween is beloved by children and adults. It gives people a chance to attend parties, visit neighbors, and prepare fun costumes. Instead of fearing ghosts and ghouls, almost every dentist fears candy and its effects on oral health during Halloween. Candy contains massive amounts of sugar, which contribute to tooth decay – especially among children. Preventing cavities saves children from enduring permanent damage to their teeth and discomfort associated with dental caries. Our family dentistry practice offers tips to help you keep your child’s teeth safe during Halloween. Disperse Candy in Increments It’s almost unfair to expect youngsters to exercise restraint with an enormous bag of delectable treats before them. Moreover, sneaking treats at bedtime is dangerous for one’s oral health. Consider keeping your child’s candy out of reach and dispersing it in small increments for after school snacks or dessert. Observe Brushing Habits Before Bed It is especially important to monitor your child’s oral hygiene routine during and after Halloween because of the temporary increase in sugar consumption. Your child should brush his or her teeth just before bed. Make sure he or she brushes teeth thoroughly so that all surfaces of teeth, the gums, and the tongue are cleaned. Encourage Water Consumption The bacteria in our mouth thrive when we consume sugar. Bacteria release acid as they feed on sugar molecules. The combination of harmful oral bacteria and acid softens teeth. Drinking water can help rinse away leftover food particles and dilute acid. Encourage your child to drink at least 64-ounces of water throughout the day. Limit Other Sugar and Starches Temporarily Since sugar intake is temporarily increased during Halloween festivities, it is important to limit the consumption of sugary and starchy foods elsewhere in one’s diet. Bacteria respond to starches the same way they do sugar. Consider swapping sides like potatoes during dinner for a salad or sautéed greens. Our family dentistry practice is accepting new patients. Call us today to reserve a checkup with our dentist.
While your family dentist might approve the occasional indulgence, sweet treats should never be considered a daily staple. There are many ways to satisfy your sweet tooth that taste great and won’t negatively impact your dental health. Examples of Healthy Sweets Fresh fruit is a choice that is flavorful, sweet, and satisfying. Of course, an apple, peach, or slice of melon will probably never measure up to a big slice of cake (if that is your predilection), but fresh fruit is high in fiber (leave the skin on) and loaded with healthy nutrients. If fresh fruit doesn’t bring a smile to your face, try dried fruit. Although higher in calories, dried fruit is a sweet alternative. Dried figs (we call them fruit, but they are actually a flower) are very healthy and are loaded with fiber, iron, and vitamins making them a great choice (in moderation). Sweets lovers need not totally abandon chocolate. Dark chocolate specifically can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. It can be eaten on its own; one ounce is actually considered heart healthy. Melted or shaved it can be used as a topping for greek yogurt or melted as a dip for your favorite fruit. A cup of hot chocolate can be very satisfying. Popcorn can be jazzed up by melting a little chocolate and peanut butter and drizzle on top. Granola will satisfy both your sweet tooth and the need to crunch; add in a few nuts to either of these treats to boost their staying power. You don’t need a fancy ice cream maker to make your own frozen concoction … take a ripe banana or your favorite fruit; puree with a little lime or apple juice; and freeze. This is a healthy alternative and a great way to use up fruit that may have passed its appeal to consume on its own. Maintain Your Dental Health If you must indulge in something more decadent, make sure to follow up with the proper care for your teeth. Brush as soon as practical following your treat. Don’t allow those sugars to linger long enough to become harmful plaque. Make sure you brush and floss daily; and visit our family dentistry office every six months for a thorough cleaning and dental exam.
Our Response To Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Although the Governor has rescinded the mask mandate, as a Dental Office we are subject to protocols of the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners (TSBDE). The TSBDE has not lifted its COVID 19 emergency protocols, so masks are still to be worn by patients and staff in the dental practice. We will be continuing all of our COVID safety protocols and respectfully request all patients, staff and vendors wear a mask in our office. Thank you for helping us keep the safest environment possible for our patients and staff.
Please contact our office if you have any concerns.