1108 Whitehall St Jackson, TN 38301
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.
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 will also help keep the rest of your body healthy. Dental care is important because it:
- Helps in the prevention of tooth decay
- Provides protection against periodontal (gum) disease, which can result in tooth and bone loss
- Prevents bad breath – maintaining good oral hygiene practices such as brushing, flossing, and regular dental check-ups can reduce the presence of 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
Even if your teeth feel fine, it is crucial to visit the dentist regularly 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 the advancements in dentistry, you no longer have to accept stained, chipped, missing, or misshapen teeth. Modern dentists provide various treatment options to help you smile confidently, such as:
When choosing a dentist for you and your family, it's important to find someone who you feel comfortable with. It's a good idea to consider multiple dentists before making a final decision. During your initial visit, you can assess whether the dentist is the right fit for you 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)?
- Remember to brush your teeth at least two times a day, and floss at least once!
- Use toothpaste with fluoride, and ask your dentist about a fluoride rinse to prevent cavities.
- Avoid sugary foods and tobacco to prevent plaque buildup, cavities, and oral health issues.
- Don’t forget to brush your tongue to remove bacteria and keep your breath fresh.
- Schedule your routine checkup every six months to maintain 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 recommended that individuals of all ages, including children, teens, and adults, visit the dentist for a routine checkup at least every six months. Those with a higher risk of oral cancer or gum disease may need to schedule more frequent appointments. Your dentist will assess your individual needs and advise you on the appropriate frequency of visits for regular checkups.
A cavity is a tiny hole that develops within a tooth due to tooth decay. Plaque buildup on the tooth's surface, combined with sugars and starches in food, creates an acid that can erode the enamel. Untreated cavities can result in severe oral health issues. To prevent cavities, remember to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss between teeth at least once daily.
A filling is a man-made substance that your dentist uses to fill a hole in your tooth after removing decay. Fillings are typically painless as your dentist will numb your mouth with an anesthetic. They can be made from various materials such as composites, gold, or ceramic. When discussing fillings with your dentist, make sure to inquire about the best type for your specific needs.
As per recommendations from your dentist and the American Dental Association, it is advised to brush your teeth a minimum of two times daily. Brushing helps maintain the cleanliness and health of your teeth, gums, and mouth by eliminating plaque-causing bacteria. It is suggested to use a toothbrush with soft bristles and fluoride toothpaste during brushing. Allocate at least one minute for the upper teeth and one minute for the lower teeth, and don't forget to brush your tongue to keep your breath fresh.
It is important to replace your toothbrush regularly to maintain good oral hygiene. 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, check the instructions as you may not need to replace the brush head as often. 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
Absolutely! It is crucial for patients undergoing orthodontic treatment to maintain regular visits to their dentist. Braces can trap food in hard-to-reach places, leading to the buildup of bacteria and potential issues like cavities, gingivitis, and gum disease. Your dentist will collaborate with your orthodontist to ensure that your teeth remain clean and healthy throughout the treatment process.
Simply call our practice! Our front desk staff will be happy to help schedule your next dental checkup at your convenience. If you are a new patient, please let us know and we will provide you with all the information you need for your first dental visit.
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 and its reduced cleansing action allows bacteria to grow, causing bad breath.
- Certain foods – Garlic, onions, etc. Foods containing odor-causing compounds enter the blood stream; they are transferred to the lungs, where they are exhaled.
- Poor oral hygiene habits – Food particles remaining in the mouth promote bacterial growth.
- Periodontal (gum) disease – Colonies of bacteria and food debris residing under inflamed gums.
- Dental cavities and improperly fitted dental appliances – May also contribute to bad breath.
- Dry mouth (Xerostomia) – May be caused by certain medications, salivary gland problems, or continuous mouth breathing.
- Tobacco products – Dry the mouth, causing bad breath.
- Dieting – Certain chemicals called ketones are released in the breath as the body burns fat.
- Dehydration, hunger, and missed meals – Drinking water and chewing food increases saliva flow and washes bacteria away.
- Certain medical conditions and illnesses – Diabetes, liver and kidney problems, chronic sinus infections, bronchitis, and pneumonia are several conditions that may contribute to bad breath.
Keeping a record of what you eat may help identify the cause of bad breath. Also, review your current medications, recent surgeries, or illnesses with you dentist.
Practice 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 in between the teeth and under the gumline. Brush or use a tongue scraper to clean the tongue and reach the back areas. Replace your toothbrush every 2 to 3 months. If you wear dentures or removable bridges, clean them thoroughly and place them back in your mouth in the morning.
See your dentist regularly – Get a check-up and cleaning at least twice a year. If you have or have had periodontal disease, your dentist will recommend more frequent visits.
Stop smoking/chewing tobacco – Ask your dentist what they recommend to help break the habit.
Drink water frequently – Water will help keep your mouth moist and wash away bacteria.
Use mouthwash/rinses – Some over-the-counter products only provide a temporary solution to mask unpleasant mouth odor. Ask your dentist about antiseptic rinses that not only alleviate bad breath, but also kill the germs that cause the problem.
In most cases, your dentist can treat the cause of bad breath. If it is determined that your mouth is healthy, but bad breath is persistent, your dentist may refer you to your physician to determine the cause of the odor and an appropriate treatment plan.
Brushing our teeth removes food particles, plaque, and bacteria from all tooth surfaces, except in between the teeth. Unfortunately, our toothbrush can’t reach these areas that are highly susceptible to decay and periodontal (gum) disease.
Daily flossing is the best way to clean between the teeth and under the gumline. Flossing not only helps clean these spaces, it disrupts plaque colonies from building up, preventing damage to the gums, teeth, and bone.
Plaque is a sticky, almost invisible film that forms on the teeth. It is a growing colony of living bacteria, food debris, and saliva. The bacteria produce toxins (acids) that cause cavities and irritate and inflame the gums. Also, when plaque is not removed above and below the gumline, it hardens and turns into calculus (tartar). This will further irritate and inflame the gums and also slowly destroy the bone. This is the beginning of periodontal disease.
How to floss properly:
- Take 12-16 inches (30-40cm) of dental floss and wrap it around your middle fingers, leaving about 2 inches (5cm) of floss between the hands.
- Using your thumbs and forefingers to guide the floss, gently insert the floss between teeth using a sawing motion.
- Curve the floss into a “C” shape around each tooth and under the gumline. Gently move the floss up and down, cleaning the side of each tooth.
Floss holders are recommended if you have difficulty using conventional floss.
Daily flossing will help you keep a healthy, 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!
