2805 Summer Oaks Drive Bartlett, TN 38134
Dentistry involves diagnosing, treating, and preventing conditions, disorders, and diseases of the teeth, gums, mouth, and jaw. It is essential for overall oral health and can also affect the well-being of your entire body.
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A dentist is a professional who specializes in diagnosing, treating, and preventing oral health issues. Dentists undergo a minimum of eight years of education and training to earn either a DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) or a DMD (Doctor of Dental Medicine) degree. If your dentist is a pediatric dentist, it means they focus on providing dental care for children from infancy to adolescence. Pediatric dentists have the necessary expertise to work with young patients. Other areas of specialization in dentistry include:
- Endodontics (root canals)
- Oral and maxillofacial (including pathology, radiology, and surgery)
- Orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics
- Periodontics (gum disease)
- Prosthodontics (dental implants)
Visiting the dentist regularly will not only help keep your teeth and mouth healthy but also contribute to your overall body health. Dental care is crucial because it:
- Helps prevent tooth decay
- Protects against periodontal (gum) disease, which can lead to tooth and bone loss
- Prevents bad breath – maintaining good oral hygiene practices such as brushing, flossing, and regular dental check-ups reduces bacteria that cause bad breath
- Enhances your smile and boosts self-confidence
- Keeps teeth looking bright by preventing staining from food, beverages, and tobacco
- Strengthens teeth for a lifetime of healthy and beautiful smiles
Regular dental visits are crucial even if your teeth feel fine, as issues may be present without your knowledge. Maintaining the appearance of your smile is essential, and your dentist can assist in keeping it healthy and beautiful. With advancements in dentistry, you no longer have to accept stained, chipped, missing, or misshapen teeth. Modern dentists offer various treatment options to help you smile confidently, including:
When selecting a dentist for you and your family, it's crucial to find someone with whom you feel comfortable. It's wise to evaluate multiple dentists before making a final decision. During your initial visit, you can assess whether the dentist is the right fit by considering the following:
- Is the appointment schedule convenient for you?
- Is the office easy to access and close to your location?
- Does the office appear clean and well-organized?
- Was your medical and dental history properly recorded and stored in a permanent file?
- Does the dentist provide explanations on how to maintain good oral health?
- Are you informed about the costs before any treatment is scheduled?
- Is the dentist a member of the ADA (American Dental Association)?
- Make sure to brush your teeth twice a day and floss once daily!
- Choose toothpaste with fluoride and inquire about a fluoride rinse from your dentist to prevent cavities.
- Avoid sugary foods and tobacco to prevent plaque buildup, cavities, and oral health problems.
- Remember to brush your tongue to eliminate bacteria and maintain fresh breath.
- Don't forget to schedule your regular checkup every six months to uphold good oral health.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends that children first see a dentist as early as six months old and no later than one year old. During this time, your child’s baby teeth will be coming in and your dentist can examine the health of your child’s first few teeth. After the first visit, be sure to schedule regular checkups every six months.
It is important for people of all ages, from children to adults, to see the dentist for a checkup every six months. If you are at a higher risk for oral cancer or gum disease, you may need to go more often. Your dentist will evaluate your specific needs and recommend how often you should come in for regular checkups.
Cavities are small holes that form in teeth from decay. Plaque, sugars, and starches can create acid that wears away enamel. If left untreated, cavities can lead to serious oral health problems. To avoid cavities, brush teeth twice a day and floss daily.
A filling is a synthetic material that your dentist uses to fill a cavity in your tooth once decay has been removed. The process is usually painless, as your dentist will numb your mouth with an anesthetic. Fillings can be made from different materials like composites, gold, or ceramic. When talking to your dentist about fillings, be sure to ask about the most suitable type for your individual needs.
Your dentist and the American Dental Association recommend brushing your teeth at least twice a day to maintain oral health. Brushing helps remove plaque-causing bacteria and keeps your teeth, gums, and mouth clean. Use a toothbrush with soft bristles and fluoride toothpaste, and spend one minute on your upper teeth and one minute on your lower teeth. Don't forget to brush your tongue for fresh breath.
To maintain good oral hygiene, it is essential to regularly replace your toothbrush. Dentists recommend changing your toothbrush every three months, especially if you brush your teeth twice a day for two to three minutes each time. If you use an electric toothbrush, refer to the instructions as you may not need to replace the brush head as frequently. Patients with gum disease should replace their toothbrush every four to six weeks to prevent the spread of bacteria. Remember to rinse your toothbrush with hot water after each use to kill germs and keep the bristles clean. If you have been sick, it is advisable to replace your toothbrush as soon as possible.
Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is primarily caused by plaque and bacteria buildup that is not treated in its early stage. Other factors contributing to periodontal disease include tobacco use, teeth grinding, certain medications, and genetics. Gingivitis marks the initial stage of gum disease, which is treatable if detected early. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress into gum disease. Advanced gum disease can result in tooth and bone loss, becoming a permanent condition. To prevent gingivitis and more severe cases of periodontal disease, it is essential to brush your teeth regularly and visit the dentist every six months. Common signs of gum disease include:
- Red, irritated, bleeding, or swollen gums
- Chronic bad breath
- Loose teeth or tooth loss
- Extreme tooth sensitivity
- Receding gum line
- Abscessed teeth
Yes, it is essential for patients receiving orthodontic treatment to keep up with regular dental visits. Braces can make it difficult to clean teeth thoroughly, which can result in bacteria buildup and possible dental problems such as cavities, gingivitis, and gum disease. Your dentist will work closely with your orthodontist to help maintain the cleanliness and health of your teeth during treatment.
Feel free to contact our practice to schedule your next dental checkup. Our front desk staff is ready to assist you and provide all the necessary information for your first visit if you are a new patient. Just give us a call!
Bad breath (halitosis) can be an unpleasant and embarrassing condition. Many of us may not realize that we have bad breath, but everyone has it from time to time, especially in the morning.
There are various reasons one may have bad breath, but in healthy people, the major reason is due to microbial deposits on the tongue, especially the back of the tongue. Some studies have shown that simply brushing the tongue reduced bad breath by as much as 70 percent.
What may cause bad breath?
- Morning time – Saliva flow almost stops during sleep, allowing bacteria to grow, causing bad breath.
- Certain foods – Foods like garlic and onions contain odor-causing compounds that enter the bloodstream and are exhaled through the lungs.
- Poor oral hygiene habits – Food particles left in the mouth promote bacterial growth.
- Periodontal (gum) disease – Bacteria and food debris under inflamed gums contribute to bad breath.
- Dental cavities and improperly fitted dental appliances – These can also contribute to bad breath.
- Dry mouth (Xerostomia) – Often caused by medications, salivary gland problems, or mouth breathing.
- Tobacco products – Dry the mouth and cause bad breath.
- Dieting – Ketones released during fat burning can cause bad breath.
- Dehydration, hunger, and missed meals – These reduce saliva flow and contribute to bad breath.
- Certain medical conditions and illnesses – Conditions like diabetes, liver and kidney problems, chronic sinus infections, bronchitis, and pneumonia may contribute to bad breath.
Keeping a record of what you eat may help identify the cause of bad breath. Also, discuss your current medications, recent surgeries, or illnesses with your dentist.
Follow these tips for good oral hygiene:
- Brush at least twice a day with an ADA approved fluoride toothpaste and toothbrush.
- Floss daily to remove food debris and plaque from between the teeth and under the gumline.
- Clean your tongue and reach the back areas with a tongue scraper or brush.
- Replace your toothbrush every 2 to 3 months.
- Clean dentures or removable bridges thoroughly and place them back in your mouth in the morning.
Remember to:
- See your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings, at least twice a year.
- Stop smoking or chewing tobacco, and ask your dentist for recommendations to help break the habit.
- Drink water frequently to keep your mouth moist and wash away bacteria.
- Use mouthwash or rinses recommended by your dentist to alleviate bad breath and kill germs.
If bad breath persists despite good oral hygiene, your dentist may refer you to a physician for further evaluation and treatment.
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Brushing our teeth effectively removes food particles, plaque, and bacteria from all tooth surfaces, except between the teeth where our toothbrush cannot reach. Unfortunately, these areas are highly susceptible to decay and periodontal (gum) disease.
Daily flossing is essential for cleaning between the teeth and under the gumline. Flossing not only cleans these spaces but also disrupts plaque colonies from building up, preventing damage to the gums, teeth, and bone.
Plaque is a sticky, nearly invisible film that forms on the teeth, consisting of bacteria, food debris, and saliva. The bacteria produce acids that can cause cavities, irritate the gums, and lead to inflammation. If plaque is not removed, it hardens into calculus (tartar) above and below the gumline, further irritating the gums and contributing to periodontal disease.
How to floss properly:
- Take 12-16 inches (30-40 cm) of dental floss and wrap it around your middle fingers, leaving about 2 inches (5 cm) of floss between your hands.
- Use your thumbs and forefingers to guide the floss gently between your teeth in a sawing motion.
- Curve the floss into a "C" shape around each tooth and slide it under the gumline. Gently move the floss up and down, cleaning the sides of each tooth.
Floss holders are recommended if you find it difficult to use conventional floss.
Daily flossing is crucial for maintaining a healthy and beautiful smile for life!
If you are feeling self-conscious about your teeth or simply want to enhance your smile, cosmetic dental treatments could be the solution for a more confident and beautiful smile.
Cosmetic dentistry has gained popularity in recent years, not only because of the advancements in procedures and materials available but also because patients are increasingly focused on improving their overall health, including dental care, and achieving a healthier, brighter smile.
There are various cosmetic dental procedures that can improve your teeth and transform your smile. Whether you need to restore a single tooth or undergo a full mouth makeover, cosmetic dental treatments can significantly enhance your smile. Consult your dentist to learn how cosmetic dentistry can improve the health and appearance of your smile.
Cosmetic Procedures:
- Teeth Whitening: Bleaching can lighten teeth that are stained or discolored due to age, food, drinks, or smoking. It can also be effective for teeth darkened by injury or certain medications, depending on the level of staining.
- Composite (tooth-colored) Fillings: Also known as bonding, tooth-colored fillings are commonly used to repair cavities and replace old silver fillings. They can also fix chipped, broken, or discolored teeth, fill gaps, and protect exposed root surfaces.
- Porcelain Veneers: Veneers are custom-made shells bonded to the front of teeth to improve appearance. They can restore or conceal damaged, discolored, misshapen, or misaligned teeth with minimal removal of tooth structure.
- Porcelain Crowns (caps): Crowns are tooth-colored coverings that encase the entire tooth surface, restoring its shape and size. They protect and strengthen teeth that cannot be restored with fillings and are ideal for large, fractured, or decayed teeth.
- Dental Implants: Implants are artificial roots surgically placed in the jaw to replace missing teeth. They can support crowns, bridges, and dentures, providing a stable and durable alternative to removable dental appliances.
Orthodontics: Advances in orthodontic technology have made teeth straightening more appealing to adults with less visible and more effective options. Clear aligners are also available for some cases, offering a braces-free solution for straightening teeth.
Thanks to modern dentistry, cosmetic treatments can help your smile shine brighter!