Blog

Tips for a White Smile After Labor Day and All Year Around

We’re all familiar with the thought that it’s a fashion faux pas to wear white after Labor Day. While we’re not fashion experts, at my dental office in Douglasville, we tend to disagree with this rule. Here, white smiles are always in style and we’ve got some tips on how you can get yours brighter and keep it that way.

Whether it’s because of what you drink, habits you have, or time itself, there are plenty of things that can make your white smile fade and become dull. The good news is that it’s easily fixed by whitening. There are many options available to help you get a whiter smile, but your best choice is by going to your Douglasville dentist for a professional whitening. Not only are the trays that are used custom-fit to you, which means no solution gets on your gums and causes damage, the solution itself is stronger than the kind you can find in the drugstore. Additionally, your dentist can help you get your ideal shade of white without over-bleaching.

Once your professional whitening is completed, there are several things you can do to help keep your smile in just-whitened condition.

Eat a Healthy Diet

We all know that sugar is bad for your teeth as it increases your risk of tooth decay. But what some may not know is that decay can discolor your teeth and make them appear dull and dingy. In order to keep your smile white, eat less of the sticky, sweet foods and more of the crunchy vegetables. It’s also important to know which foods can contribute to staining and to avoid those as much as you can. Berries, coffee, tea, wine, and tomato sauce can all cause your smile to fade, so eat them in moderation. If you have to enjoy a soda or coffee, try drinking it with a straw as it helps keep the staining agents away from the surfaces of your teeth.

Don’t Use Tobacco

Tobacco not only causes some scary health problems, it can also cause yellowing of teeth, not to mention serious oral health problems like gum disease and oral cancer. Whether it’s chewed or smoked, tobacco is just not good for any part of your body. It’s better for your smile, and your overall health, if you just don’t do it.

Brush & Floss

You should already be brushing twice a day and flossing once, but if you’re striving to keep your smile white, it’s really important that you continue to do so. Brushing and flossing helps remove plaque which can actually cause stains to linger around and get stuck on the teeth.

See Us Often

By keeping up with your appointments to my Douglasville dental office, you can make sure your smile is healthy overall… and a healthy smile often means a white smile. At these appointments, we can also check in on how your whitening is holding up and see if you may need a little touch up. If you follow the tips above, touch ups should be minimal and your smile can keep on shining.

Serving patients in Douglasville, Lithia Springs, and Villa Ricca.

Top Reasons People Aren’t Seeing the Dentist

If you’ve been avoiding us, we won’t take it personally. In fact, a large percentage of Americans avoid seeing the dentist. There are many reasons people skip out on visits to my dental office in Douglasville. We’d like to cover some of the main reasons and let you know that we’re not only here to get you healthy, we’re here to comfort and relieve any inhibitions you may have too.

Fear and Anxiety

At the top of our list are fear and anxiety. Just as there are individuals who are afraid of heights or spiders, there are also those who have a cold-blooded fear of the dentist. In actuality, fear of the dentist, also known as dentophobia, is pretty common. Whether it’s mild or severe, a fear of the dentist can result not only in anxiety, but also in refusal to visit a dentist in Douglasville. This is especially concerning since those with an extreme fear who don’t get regular cleanings and checkups are at increased risk for scary dental problems like heart disease, strokes, and much more.

Dread of a Repeat Experience

There are many people whose fear of the dentist has stemmed from a prior bad experience. If you’ve had a dental treatment that hurt once, you’ll probably think it will always hurt. However, most of these bad experiences occurred when a patient was younger and dental technologies weren’t what they are today. It’s important to tell us if you fall into this category we’ll work with you to relieve your fear and reassure you that our comforting techniques will not only get you healthy, but do so in a pain-free way.

Avoiding the Lecture

People who have neglected their dental care for a while are often concerned that once they get back into the dental chair, they’ll get lectured on their brushing and flossing habits. Lecturing you on your dental hygiene routine isn’t a productive way to get you excited about your dental health and to keep you coming back for regular checkups. Instead of lectures, the team at  my Douglasville dental office will talk with you about your mouth and teeth, educate you on the importance of regular checkups, and help get you back into a healthy routine. No lectures needed, just encouragement, understanding, and compassion.

If you’ve been avoiding the dentist because of any of the reasons above, or even for a different reason, give my dental office in Douglasville a call. We’ll work with you and talk to you about your fears and make sure that your treatment is comfortable, easy, and relaxing.

Serving patients in Douglasville, Lithia Springs, and Villa Ricca.

Top 3 Things Your Douglasville Dentist Wants You to Know

We talk a lot during your visits to my Douglasville dental office – about your kids, your job, your spouse, and your teeth – but sometimes we have even more to say and not enough time to say it! So I’ve decided to put the most important things we want our patients to know right here.

Your Mouth is the Window to Your Body

While your eyes may be the window to your soul, your mouth is the window to your whole body. There is a very strong connection between your oral health and your systemic health, or whole body health. In fact, disease in your mouth puts you at greater risk for heart disease, stroke, and disease of your brain, liver, pancreas and so much more. On the other hand, a healthy mouth is linked to a longer, healthier life. This is why keeping up with your appointments at my dental office in Douglasville is so important.

Stop Blaming Your Bad Breath on the Garlic

Bad breath can result from an especially garlicky bowl of pasta or pizza, but bad breath that’s consistent could be the result of a dental problem like gum disease, dry mouth, or a poor hygiene routine. If any of those are the reason for your bad breath, mouthwash, mints, gum, and other breath freshening techniques only temporarily mask the problem while the true issue is still lingering in your mouth, potentially causing damage and serious concerns. Proper brushing and flossing can help beat bad breath but if it doesn’t go away, it’s important to call us as soon as you can.

Ignoring a Dental Problem Will Not Cause it to Go Away

Issues in your mouth will not go away if they’re not taken care of. Cavities will get bigger, your bite will not correct itself, and your gum disease surely won’t go away on its own. All of these problems, plus plenty of others, will only get worse if not treated. That cavity could get so big that it needs a root canal; your bite could result in problems with your temporomandibular (jaw) joint; and gum disease can lead to some really scary problems like tooth loss, heart attacks, and even dementia. It’s also important to remember that just because nothing hurts, doesn’t mean that nothing is wrong. That’s where we come in and check your mouth for any potential problems at each and every visit.

We’ve only covered three really important facts in this blog, but that doesn’t mean there still isn’t more to know. If you have any questions, or need to schedule your regular checkup or more in depth treatment, give my Douglasville dental office today.

Serving patients in Douglasville, Lithia Springs, Villa Ricca, and surrounding areas.

Beware: Common Summer Snacks Are Bad for Your Smile

It’s warm out. And when it’s warm, we tend to switch the type of food and drinks we consume. But have you ever thought that what may be good tasting may not be making your smile happy? There are many common summer treats that, while tasting fantastic, are causing damage to your smile. Everyone at my dental office in Douglasville wants to educate you on what some smart summer snacks are and which ones to avoid.

What to Eat

Some good choices for summer snacking can include proteins, veggies, and cheese. Proteins, like nuts and turkey, are great at fighting acid and tooth decay while cheese is packed with calcium that not only protects bones, but teeth as well. Veggies are a great alternative to some sugar-dense fruits and many, like celery, contain a lot of water which helps to rinse bacteria from the mouth. When it comes to drink choices, we can’t stress enough the importance of water.

What to Avoid

• Soda, sweet tea, and sports drinks – These beverages are full of acid and sugar and can eat away at your tooth enamel and lead to decay. Choose a smarter option like water and if you have to drink a sports drink or soda, drink it with a straw to limit exposure to the teeth and drink sparingly.

• Iced coffee – When the weather is warmer, coffee drinkers tend to shift to a more climate-friendly morning picker upper. The problem is that this caffeine favorite is rarely just enjoyed in the morning, but rather sipped throughout the day. This increases the amount of time your teeth are exposed to the sugar and acid, causing more damage and even staining your should-be pearly whites.

• Pickles and pickled foods – Like sugar, acid is also dangerous for your smile and these foods are packed with both smile-damaging ingredients. Take it easy on these and opt for a raw veggie instead.

• Starch-loaded snacks – Snacks like potato chips and white bread are high in starch, and starchy foods like these can often get stuck in the grooves of teeth. Once they’re stuck, they can then feed the bacteria and plaque in the mouth, making it a great place for cavities to form.

While you’re enjoying the summer sun, make sure that you’re choosing snacks that not only hit the spot, but are healthy for both your body and your smile. At my Douglasville dental office, we encourage you to make healthy decisions about the treats you buy next time you’re at the grocery store. Your teeth, and your dentist, will thank you for it.

Serving patients in Douglasville, Lithia Spring and Villa Ricca.

Tired of Sleeping with a Snorer?

Snoring can be annoying, especially if you share a bed or room with a snorer. Your sleep gets interrupted, you become tired of using earplugs, and you may even go sleep in a different room. But snoring can not only put a dent in your relationship, it can also be a sign of something serious. At my dental office in Douglasville, we like to educate our patients on the dangers of snoring.

Snoring is one of the most common symptoms of sleep apnea, a dangerous breathing disorder that attacks sufferers while they’re asleep, causing them to stop breathing several times during the night, sometimes for a minute or longer. Sleep apnea is a dangerous problem that can lead or contribute to serious health problems.

Sleep apnea has been linked to:

• Strokes
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Depression
• Erectile dysfunction
• And much more

In sufferers of sleep apnea, when breathing stops for extended periods of time during sleep, their bodies aren’t able to get an adequate supply of oxygen to vital organs. What this means is that the body isn’t getting what it needs to stay healthy and functioning at its best. It’s also very common for people with sleep apnea to be chronically tired, which can lead to accidents on the job, at home, and in the car. In fact, according to the American Academy of Dental sleep Medicine, drowsy driving is as dangerous as drunk driving and can cause at least 100,000 accidents each year; many fatal.

At my Douglasville dental office, we strongly encourage anyone who snores, sleeps with a snorer, or who has signs of sleep apnea to get checked as soon as possible. Some of the other common symptoms associated with sleep apnea include feeling as if you never get enough sleep, waking up choking or gasping for breath, unintentionally falling asleep during the day, and chronic fatigue.

Once you’re able to get an official diagnosis, there are a few treatment options to explore. Treatment for sleep apnea can include a CPAP, a mask that’s worn during the night and forces air into your mouth, a mouthpiece that’s designed to keep your airway open; or a combination of both. Whatever treatment is appropriate, it’s important to start it right away. It can not only save your relationship, it can also save your life.

Serving patients in Douglasville, Lithia Spring and Villa Ricca.

Common Dental Misconceptions Explained

Nothing bugs us more than when people make up stories to try and scare others. We’ve all heard of urban legends, and some of us may have even fallen victim to believing them. What concerns all of us at my Douglasville dental office are the legends that cause misconceptions about dentistry and the fact that, if believed, could cause people to avoid dental care.

One of the most common dental urban legends out there is one that says root canals are super painful when, in fact, they’re really not a big deal. Those who have had a root canal often say that there was little or no pain involved in the procedure. Where the misconception of pain comes into play is before the procedure even happens. Root canals are needed when there is an infection or deep decay and, as a result, a lot of pain. What your Douglasville dentist wants you to know is that a root canal is a way to relieve the pain, not cause it.

Another tale that’s well-know is that baby teeth aren’t important. Many people think that if a baby tooth falls out prematurely, or gets a cavity, that it’s not a big deal. In fact, baby teeth are important, as they hold the place for your permanent teeth. If they fall out too soon, or if they become infected or decayed, the natural eruption and placement of your permanent teeth could be altered, leading to greater dental problems down the road.

Lastly – and this one is really important – is the belief that if gums bleed, it’s not a big deal. At my dental office in Douglasville, we try to educate our patients on the fact that bleeding gums are a sign that something is not right. Healthy gums don’t bleed unless you’re brushing or flossing too roughly. Bleeding gums often mean that you have developed gum disease or even gingivitis. If left untreated, gingivitis could lead to periodontitis and eventually loss of teeth.

Don’t let common dental urban legends keep you from a strong and healthy smile. If you hear of a dental story that you think may not be true, just call my Douglasville dental office. We’ll be sure to set the story straight, relieve any fear you may have, and get your smile strong and healthy.

Serving patients in Douglasville, Lithia Springs and Villa Ricca.

How to Handle a Dental Problem While on Vacation

You’ve finally made it to your destination. You’re ready to relax, and your vacation has officially started. All of a sudden, it happens. An unexpected dental problem pops up from nowhere and threatens to ruin your hard-earned time off. But don’t worry, tips from my dental office in Douglasville can help get you back to smiling – and back to that hammock.

A dental emergency can mean anything from a chipped tooth to a lost filling, a knocked out tooth to a toothache. But just because a problem in your mouth occurs when you’re not at home doesn’t mean that you can’t fully enjoy your vacation. There are several ways you can resolve or ease a variety of dental problems even when you’re away from your Douglasville dentist.

Dental Problem: Broken/Chipped Tooth

How to Help It: Rinse your mouth and any tooth pieces with warm water. If you’re bleeding, use a piece of gauze and apply pressure to the area until the bleeding stops. A cold compress can help reduce pain a swelling. Simply hold it to the outside of the mouth.

Dental Problem: Lost Filling

How to Help It: Using either a piece of sugarless gum (one with sugar will cause pain!) or a dental cement that you can find at a drugstore, fill the cavity until you can get to a dentist.

Dental Problem: Knocked Out Tooth

How to Help It: If you can find the tooth, do not touch the roots! Hold it by the part that’s usually exposed in your mouth to keep damage minimal. Rinse the tooth with warm water and try to put the tooth back in place. If you can’t get it back in, put the tooth in some milk (it’s best for preserving the tooth) and find a local dentist. It’s important to get the tooth back into the socket within an hour in order to save it.

While these tips can help you get back to your vacation, perhaps the best way to avoid a dental problem while out of town is to get a checkup before you leave. At my Douglasville dental office, we will make sure your mouth is in its best shape and that there aren’t any potential dangers just waiting pop up as soon as you lay down your beach towel. You can also help protect your teeth by avoiding dangerous snacks like popcorn, sticky candy, and chewing ice.

If you’re planning a vacation, schedule a pre-trip appointment at my dental office in Douglasville.

Serving patients in Douglasville, Lithia Springs and Villa Ricca.

Beat Your Toothache Pain

Almost all of us have experienced a toothache. The pain and inconvenience often associated with a toothache is enough to really put a kink in your plans and your life. And while we’re always happy to help relieve toothache pain at my Douglasville dental office, a toothache can also strike on a weekend or at night when we aren’t open. If this happens, here are some tips you can try to help ease the pain of a toothache.

Before we launch into what is alright to use for a toothache, all of us at my Douglasville dental office feel strongly that we need to urge you to not try one common remedy. People often place Aspirin directly to the painful area. Don’t do this! Since Aspirin is an acid, it can burn your gums and cause greater harm to your mouth. If you’d like to use a pain reliever like Aspirin, just swallow it.

Some at-home remedies you can try include:

• Onion: Some people believe that a piece of raw onion placed on the affected area can ease the pain of a toothache. However, this remedy will probably cause you to have onion breath.
• Salt Water: Mix a cup of warm water with a tablespoon of salt and swish it around in your mouth. The mixture can actually pull the fluid away from the affected area and reduce pressure on the nerve endings. Do not swallow the mixture. Repeat as needed.
• Cloves: Oil of Cloves is actually a common ingredient in a lot of dental products. It has antimicrobial properties as well as pain-relieving properties that can help reduce a toothache. All you need to do is mix 2-3 drops of clove oil with olive oil or another cooking oil and soak a piece of cotton with the liquid. Then place the cotton on the bothersome area and bite down.

Although these few tricks may help with your pain, it’s important to know that a toothache is your mouth’s way of telling you that something is not right. Please don’t ignore it! It’s never wise to assume that easing the pain is enough. In its early stages, a toothache could be the result of a minor dental problem that’s easily fixed by your Douglasville dentist. If let go, a simple problem can turn into something major and can even begin to affect the rest of your body.

If you’re experiencing a toothache, don’t assume that it’s not a big deal and don’t let it go! Call my Douglasville dental office as soon as you can. We can help you determine what’s causing the pain and get it fixed for a healthy, pain-free smile.

The Truth Behind Teeth Grinding

Are you a chronic teeth grinder? Not really sure if you are or not? It’s not surprising: of the roughly 30 million people teeth grinders out there, very few realize that they grind. A common reason could be that teeth grinding or clenching is often done either while sleeping or subconsciously throughout the day. And while it may not seem like a big problem, at my dental office in Douglasville, we consider tooth grinding a huge issue. Here’s why.

Tooth grinding, or bruxism, can cause severe damage to your teeth and your mouth. Broken restorations and fillings, damaged teeth, lost enamel, and tooth sensitivity are only some of the problems associated with severe bruxism. Chronic tooth grinding or clenching can also lead to more serious problems like jaw dysfunction or temporomandibular disorder (TMD). This is what makes visiting your Douglasville dentist so important if you’re experiencing symptoms of being a bruxer.

Symptoms of chronic tooth grinding or clenching include:

• Contractions of the jaw muscles
• Pain in the jaw joint
• A grinding sound at night as described by your bedmate
• Pain in the face
• Morning headaches
• Damaged or broken teeth

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, please call my Douglasville dental office as soon as you can. It’s important that you seek proper dental care if you are suffering from the pain associated with bruxism so we can diagnose your problem and determine how to properly treat you.

At our dental office in Douglasville, we’ll examine your mouth, talk about what you’re experiencing, check your bite, and take x-rays of your jaw and mouth. An in-depth exam will allow us to see exactly what’s going on, determine how severe your bruxism is, and decide on the best way to treat it.

There are several treatment options available for bruxism. Depending on your needs they can include onlays or crowns to reshape the bite surfaces of your teeth, and a mouth guard that fits over your smile and prevents further damage.

Whatever your unique needs may be, my Douglasville dental office can help diagnose your bruxism and determine the best treatment for you. The pain associated with tooth grinding doesn’t need to be chronic. Give us a call today. It’s the first step to a better, pain-free smile.

Diet Soda Can Cause as Much Tooth Damage as Meth

We all know that sugary drinks like soda aren’t the best for your smile. And in an attempt to avoid the sugar, calories, and caffeine in regular sodas, we often turn to diet soda to quench our thirst. However, at my Douglasville dental office, we want you to understand that even these sugar-free drinks can be just as bad, if not worse, for your teeth.

In fact, a study conducted in 2013 and published in the Academy of General Dentistry journal, General Dentistry, showed that excessive consumption of diet soda can have the same effect on your teeth as using illegal drugs like methamphetamine and crack cocaine.

In the study, the damage in the mouths of three individuals – a current methamphetamine user, a former cocaine addict, and an excessive diet soda drinker – was compared. The results showed that each of the mouths experienced similar damage, including tooth erosion, caused by high acid levels.

Soda, regular or diet, is highly acidic. And so are the ingredients in illegal drugs like methamphetamine and cocaine. The more food, drinks, or anything else with high amounts of acid that we put into our bodies, the more damage will be caused. Without tooth enamel, we’re more susceptible to cavities, sensitivity, discoloration, and damage. For this reason, I not only encourage everyone at my dental office in Douglasvilleto put the soda down and drink more water, but also to keep up with regular dental appointments.
If you’re addicted to soda, already have damage caused by excessive intake of soda, or even have damage caused by past drug use, it’s time you see your dentist in Douglasville. We can monitor your habits and make recommendations on how you can get your smile healthy and looking the way you want it to.