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The Night Fight – Getting Rid of the Grind

You wake up with a headache most mornings. Your tongue looks weirdly scalloped. Your teeth have hairline fractures and look shorter than they used to. What is happening while you sleep? It could be bruxism, otherwise known as unconscious clenching and grinding. If it is, you really need a nightguard.

What Exactly is a Nightguard?

A nightguard works almost exactly like a sports mouthguard – it protects your teeth and prevents painful damage. It is small and portable and most patients find them very easy and comfortable to wear. In fact, most of our patients love them because of the relief and peace of mind they offer.

The Symptoms of Tooth Grinding and Clenching

While all of these do not necessarily indicate that you are bruxing or grinding at night, they are a pretty good clue! If you experience any of the following symptoms, please give my Douglasville dental office a call:

• Worn, chipped, broken teeth
• Flattened tooth surfaces
• Exposure of tooth layers and loss of enamel
• Tooth sensitivity
• Jaw pain
• Headache and facial pain
• Earache from jaw muscle tension and contraction
• A scalloped tongue or irregular tongue edges
• Damaged mouth tissue

Bruxism can also cause micro fracturing and sensitivity at the gum line, and it can even lead to chronic headaches and TMJ disorder. Not something we want our patients to deal with – ever!

Why am I Grinding my Teeth?

It can be hard to pinpoint the cause: It might be a result of a car accident or other injury. Sometimes chronic stress or medical conditions, such as sleep apnea, can trigger bruxism. Other times it is caused by poorly balanced dental work or missing teeth. Whatever the cause, if you clench or grind your teeth, you could be facing a long list of dental problems, including the painful effects of TMJ disorder or arthritis of the temporomandibular joints.

Let Us Help

I’d love to help you protect your teeth and let you get a truly relaxing night’s sleep. At my Douglasville dental office, my team and I can fit you with a custom-made nightguard appliance that will reduce the damage to your teeth and protect your dental investments! If you think you might grind your teeth at night, call us today!

We welcome patients from Douglasville, Lithia Springs, and Villa Rica.

The Importance of Proper Denture Care

If you’re missing some or all of your teeth, you may have selected to replace them with a denture. While dentures may seem like a simple solution to replace missing teeth, there’s actually a detailed maintenance routine necessary to keep your dentures fitting well and to keep your mouth healthy.

Dentures Deserve Care, Too!

At my Douglasville dental office, we’re here to educate our patients on oral health and provide tips on how to keep mouths healthy. When it comes to our denture wearers, it’s no different. Even though dentures are not natural teeth, is doesn’t mean they don’t require just as much care. Proper denture care is crucial to maintaining the life of the appliance and to sustain oral health.

Often times if dentures aren’t cared for properly, plaque builds up and creates some serious concerns. When left alone, the plaque can cause additional tooth loss, bad breath, and even gum disease.

How to Properly Care for Dentures

• Handle with Care. Dentures are an investment in your oral health. They’re also pretty fragile, so handle them as carefully as possible to reduce risk of damage or needing repairs.

• Rinse Well. After every meal, rinse your dentures with water to remove any loose food particles. If left there, the particles can lead to bad breath or gum disease.

• Brush ‘Em. Brush your dentures daily for the best care possible. Select a soft-bristled brush or a denture-specific brush to decrease the chance of damage. Also, make sure to use a denture-safe cleanser.

• Let Them Soak. Dentures need to remain moist and hydrated. Whenever your dentures aren’t in your mouth they should be soaking in water or a solution recommended by your doctor.

• Visit Often. Maintain regular visits with your dentist in Douglasville to ensure there are no potential problems and your dentures are fitting and functioning properly.

If you already have dentures and want to make sure they’re in the best shape possible, or if you think dentures may be a good fit for you, give my dental office in Douglasville a call. We’re here to provide you the best solution for your missing teeth and will develop a personalized treatment just for you.

Serving patients from Douglasville, Lithia Springs, and Villa Rica.

Healthier Mouth, Healthier You

We’re always talking to our patients about the importance of a proper oral hygiene routine of brushing twice a day, flossing once a day, and visiting my dental office in Douglasville regularly.  But did you know these guidelines can do more than just ensure a healthy mouth? They can also provide insight to other whole-body problems.

The Mouth/Body Connection

Many systemic diseases (whole-body diseases) have oral manifestations and often first show signs in the mouth. Some of these overall health problems are incredibly serious, such as:

• Heart disease
• Pancreatic cancer
• Leukemia
• Diabetes

Notice Any of These Signs?

If you see any of these symptoms, it’s important to call your Douglasville dentist as soon as possible. Early detection is key for the most successful treatment, so don’t wait. Serious signs include:

• Swollen, red, or bleeding gums
• Gums that have pulled away from teeth
• Chronic bad breath
• Ulcers

Steps to Better Health

In addition to a proper, at-home hygiene routine and regular dental visits, there are several ways you can help protect your smile against dangerous bacteria, and your body against serious disease.

• Water, water, water. When it comes to choosing your beverage of choice, select water whenever possible. It helps rinse away bacteria and acid in the mouth and hydrates your body.

• Say no to tobacco. Besides the effects smoking or chewing tobacco can have on your smile, using any form of tobacco can lead to overall health complications.

• Practice proper nutrition. Eating well-balanced meals is important for proper body function as well as optimal oral health. Avoid snacking throughout the day, especially sticky, sugary foods.

Your dentist could be the first line of defense against many serious diseases. If you’re experiencing any of the signs above, or if you haven’t seen a dentist in awhile, give my Douglasville dental office a call. We’ll perform a thorough exam, talk with you about any potential problems we find, and stand with you through your individualized treatment plan. Your health is the most important thing to us, and we’ll help any way we can.
Welcoming patients from Douglasville, Lithia Springs, and Villa Rica.

Sleeping and Your Oral Health

Your teeth are at risk all the time–even while you sleep! Here at my Douglasville dental office, we help our patients protect their teeth day and night with treatment and care tips. We believe a little education can go a long way toward keeping your teeth strong and healthy day or night.

Here are two-night time habits, or issues, and the solutions that may save your teeth:

Snoring and Sleep Apnea

Not only is snoring a possible sign of sleep apnea, a potentially deadly disorder that disrupts your sleep, it’s also a common cause of dry mouth.  Everyone needs saliva to keep their mouths healthy. Saliva works to:

• Lubricate the tissues of your mouth
• Cleanse and rinse the oral cavity and teeth, minimizing plaque build-up, washing away trapped food particles, and removing dead cells that can lead to bad breath, infections, and sores.
• Neutralize the acids plaque produces to stop enamel erosion.

If you snore or wonder if you have sleep apnea, please call us or talk to your physician or dentist right away. Sleep apnea won’t just dry your mouth out, it can lead to all kinds of health problems from extreme fatigue to an increased risk for strokes and heart attacks.

Grinding or Bruxism

Stress, certain medications, and dental problems can all cause people to grind and clench their teeth during sleep, a disorder called bruxism. Bruxism seems pretty self explanatory in the fact that it can cause your teeth to break, chip, crack, and even decay because of enamel erosion, but did you know it can also lead to a variety of other problems?

Problems caused by bruxism may include:

• Headaches, especially in the morning
• Toothaches
• Facial pain
• Jaw pain and dysfunction sometimes known as TMJ disorder
• Gum disease
• Facial aging due to shortening of teeth
• Tooth damage

If you or someone you know grinds or clenches their teeth at night, please call my dental office in Douglasville. We’ll work with you to diagnose what’s going on in your mouth and recommend the best solution for you so you can get back to oral health and back to a good night’s sleep.

Welcoming patients from Douglasville, Lithia Springs, and Villa Rica.

Dentistry Through The Ages

Just as with all medicine, dentistry is an ever-evolving field. At my dental office in Douglasville, we’re constantly updating technology and improving our knowledge to better serve patients just like you.

But imagine if you lived 200 hundred years ago. What was dentistry like then? How about during the middle ages? Would the dentists of those times have been able to replace your lost tooth? Would they have been able to fill a cavity? What would they have recommended you do for a toothache?

Let’s take a look.

Dentistry in the middle ages

For the common folk, dentistry consisted mostly of self-care and occasional visits to practitioners or barber surgeons who treated a toothache by pulling the offending tooth and  suggested things like kissing a donkey to cure the toothache. It also wasn’t unheard of to recommend concocting a mixture of newts, lizards, and beetles into a powder and applying it to the painful tooth throughout the day.  

The truth is, in spite of inconsistent professional care, most medieval commoners had clean, white teeth. Why? Their diets were similar to what a modern dentist would recommend for a healthy mouth: One very low in sugar and refined flours and high in calcium.  They also used all kinds of fairly effective tooth cleaners and mouth rinses, including a paste made from crushed peppermint and rock salt.

Dentistry in the 19th Century

Dentistry didn’t begin to resemble what we think of as dentistry today until the early 18th century, and by the 19th century, dentistry began to seem quite modern. European surgeons had begun experimenting with implanting teeth; dentures were being created out of both human teeth, the teeth of animals, and porcelain; and nitrous oxide, the same laughing gas we sometimes use today, was introduced by Humphry Davy around 1800. In 1840, the Baltimore College of Dentistry, the first dental college, was founded by Chapin Harris and Horace Hayden. It was the first step into dentistry as we know it today.

Our Dentistry

At my Douglasville dental office, we’ve continued to adapt and improve our services as the advancements in dental care improve. We always ensure the utmost in comfort, technology, and service. To schedule an appointment and experience the difference, give us a call today!

Welcoming patients from Douglasville, Lithia Springs and Villa Rica.

What’s Your Excuse? Top Reasons People Aren’t Flossing

Flossing is one of the main ways to keep your gums, mouth, teeth, and whole body healthy. Yet more than half of all Americans fail to floss daily, and another 20% don’t floss at all. This is of particular concern for all of us at my dental office in Douglasville. So we wanted to shed  a bit of light on why so many people aren’t flossing.

So, What’s the Deal?

There are several reasons people aren’t flossing on a regular basis. Check out a few of the more common ones below.

They Don’t See The Point.

Flossing reaches places in your mouth that a toothbrush can’t. While brushing your teeth is still absolutely important in maintaining proper oral health, if you skip flossing, all of the spaces in between teeth are left uncleaned. With so many people forgoing the floss on a regular basis, it’s no surprise that most cavities are found in these exact spots. What’s more, flossing your teeth helps remove bacteria from below the gum line which can help reduce the risk of gum disease. Gum disease is an incredibly serious problem that can actually affect the whole body by increasing the risk of stroke and heart attack.

They Aren’t Sure How to Floss Correctly.

Although it seems pretty straightforward, there is a right way and wrong way to floss. Flossing will be uncomfortable if you’re not sure how to do it right. But we promise, it’s easy. Just follow the American Dental Association’s steps to successful flossing:

• Use about 18 inches of floss. Wrap the ends around each middle finger.
• Tighten the floss and wiggle it in between the space between teeth using a back and forth motion.
• When it reaches the gum line, form the floss into a “U” around the shape of the tooth.
• Press gently and glide the floss in an up and down motion.
• Repeat between each tooth, unwrapping a new, clean section of floss.

They Have Pain or Bleeding.

There’s a common misconception that if flossing hurts, you should stop. The truth is quite the opposite. If flossing is a bit painful, it’s actually a sign of not flossing enough. Additionally, if gums bleed, it could be a sign of gum disease. Even if flossing isn’t so comfortable, it’s important to get into the habit of doing it regularly. Like exercising, it hurts less the more you do it.  

If you’re having trouble flossing, or are experiencing pain or bleeding when you do, give my Douglasville dental office a call as soon as possible. We’ll work with you to find a flossing solution that works well for you and your health. And if we happen to find signs of a more serious problem, we’ll create an individualized plan to treat it.

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

Combat Bad Breath with These 4 Tips

Bad breath, also known as halitosis, can affect people of all ages. It can be embarrassing, and if it doesn’t go away, it might also be a sign of a serious problem. But what exactly causes bad breath, and how can you get rid of it?

What Causes Bad Breath?

At my dental practice in Douglasville, we know bad breath can be caused by a lot of things, including some types of food and drink. That type of bad breath usually dissipates fairly quickly and isn’t something to worry about. However, when bad breath tends to linger day in and day out, you should give us a call.

Chronic bad breath (halitosis), meaning bad breath that does not go away after brushing, flossing, and rinsing, is typically an indicator of a bigger problem. Halitosis means there is a buildup of bacteria in the mouth. Those bacteria live and feed off tooth plaque, and when they feed, hydrogen sulfide is produced and gives off a malodorous stench. Bad breath is also a top sign of gum disease – a serious concern for your mouth and your body.

Gum disease may also affect your overall health. Untreated gum disease has been shown to cause loose teeth, receding gums, and sensitivity, as well as increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, and diabetic complications.

How to Get Rid of Bad Breath

If you suffer from bad breath, there are few tips you can try.

1. Proper Oral Hygiene. Maintaining a proper oral hygiene routine of brushing twice a day and flossing at least once a day can work wonders to keep your mouth fresh and bacteria free. Make sure each time you brush it’s for about two minutes (hum “Happy Birthday” twice!) and that you reach each surface of each tooth. When flossing, it’s important to clean in between each tooth and under the gum line where bacteria love to hide.
2. Tongue Scraping. Your tongue can hold a lot of bacteria in each of its tiny bumps and grooves, which is why it’s important to gently scrub it each time you brush. Some patients have difficulty cleaning their tongues with a traditional toothbrush because it makes them gag. If this is a problem for you, try using a tongue scraper instead.
3. Water, Water, Water. Drinking plenty of water every day can also help keep your mouth stink free. Water keeps your mouth hydrated and rinses away bacteria. If you slack on your H₂O intake, your mouth could become dehydrated. When this happens, less saliva is produced and bacteria isn’t cleared away.
4. Your Dentist. Bad breath shouldn’t be treated lightly. If you notice a lingering odor, call my Douglasville dental office as soon as possible. We’ll work with you to determine the cause and talk about the best treatment for you. We also won’t lecture you or make you feel embarrassed. We’re here to help keep your smile and your body healthy.

Accepting patients from Douglasville, Lithia Springs, and Villa Rica.

Osteoporosis Diagnosis from Your Dentist?

We know it sounds weird, but your dentist may be the first person in your medical team to suspect and diagnose osteoporosis. At my dental office in Douglasville, we take your health seriously, and not just your oral health. Which is why we not only want to educate patients on the risks and signs of osteoporosis, but also how we can help diagnose it.

What is Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a bone disorder that reduces bone density and causes them to weaken. While it typically affects women who are 50 or older, osteoporosis can happen to anyone. Currently, 10 million Americans suffer from osteoporosis and another 34 million are at risk for developing it. When your bone density weakens, your body becomes much more susceptible to serious, life-threatening bone breaks.

Signs

Some of the signs of osteoporosis may go unnoticed for a while, and many individuals don’t realize they have a problem until the osteoporosis causes a serious break or fracture. However, many signs of osteoporosis show up first in the mouth, since it’s the only part of your body that is x-rayed so regularly!

Some of the signs your dentist look for include:

• Bone loss around teeth and in the jaw
• Tooth loss — without the strong bone, teeth are more likely to fall out
• Gum disease
• Low bone density in x-rays

The earlier osteoporosis is caught, the earlier treatment can begin and the risk for serious injury decreases.

Prevention

• Get enough calcium and vitamin D through your diet or supplements
• Move it, move it! Exercise, particularly muscle-building exercises, can help
• Put down the cigarettes
• Limit alcohol
• Decrease caffeine intake
• Maintain regular dental appointments

Keeping up with regularly scheduled appointments at my Douglasville dental office is important not only for your oral health, but for your whole body’s health too. At every visit, we’ll monitor your mouth for any signs of osteoporosis. If we suspect osteoporosis, we’ll work with you to find the best treatment.

Serving patients from Douglasville, Lithia Springs, and Villa Rica.

Top 4 Dental Questions Answered

At my dental office in Douglasville, we get asked a lot of questions. And that’s ok. We know we sometimes use dentist speak, but we’re always happy to clarify and help make dentistry easier to understand. In this blog, we wanted to take some of the most frequent dental questions and answer them once and for all.

“Do I really need to see a dentist twice a year?”

The short answer is yes. Biannual visits are essential. However, we may encourage some patients to come in more often. If you’re at increased risk for gum disease or oral cancer, or if you have several treatments planned, visiting a dentist more than twice a year is normal. If your checkups are problem free, we’ll ask you to come back in about six months. Regular appointments are important for thorough cleaning and early detection. With early detection, you may avoid larger, more invasive, costly procedures in the future.

“Is flossing really necessary?”

Both brushing and flossing are crucial to a healthy mouth, yet about half of all Americans fail to floss on a regular basis. Without flossing, 35% of your tooth surfaces are not being cleaned. This allows bacteria to linger, food particles to fester, and decay to develop. Our best recommendation is to brush twice a day and floss once a day, at the minimum.

“I brush and floss, yet I still get cavities. What’s up?”

Brushing and flossing are only part of keeping decay and cavities away. If you have a diet that’s high in acidic foods or beverages, if you use tobacco, or if you are hard on your teeth, either by clenching, grinding, or crunching hard things, you’re automatically at increased risk for cavities. Acid eats away at enamel, and without enamel, teeth are left exposed to dangerous bacteria. Grinding and crunching alike may lead to tiny chips and cracks which are perfect places for bacteria to hide and create a cavity.

“What’s the purpose of dental x-rays?”

Dental x-rays allow us to see below the naturally visible surfaces of teeth. This helps identify potential problems early, before they become big problems. We can look at decay, bone infections, gum disease, and baby teeth patterns all by using x-rays.

If it’s been a while since you’ve seen a dentist, or if you ever have a question, just ask! We’ll be happy to help. Everyone at my Douglasville dental office isn’t only here to give you the care you need, we’re here to work with you to make sure all your questions are answered and you’re always comfortable.

Serving patients from Douglasville, Lithia Springs, and Villa Rica.

Is It Time to Say Goodbye to Your Toothbrush?

Next time you’re about to brush your teeth, take a good look at your toothbrush. Does it look right? Is it time for a new one? How do you know? At my dental office in Douglasville, we’re here to help you determine when it’s time to replace your old toothbrush and why it’s important.

How Long Does a Toothbrush Last?

According to American Dental Association, a toothbrush is typically in good working order for about three-to-four months. Around this time, it’s common to notice signs that it’s time for your toothbrush to go.

Trash it or Keep it?

There are telltale signs it’s time to trash your toothbrush. If you’re coming up on that three-to-four month checkpoint, take some time to exam the bristles. Are they frayed? Discolored? Smushed? Jagged and pointing every which way? If your toothbrush is starting to resemble modern art, it has seen better days. It’s time to get a new one.

Sometimes your brush may appear to be in good working order, but you just battled a vicious cold. Again, toss it. Bacteria may linger around on the bristles. It’s best to start fresh following any sickness. But if you start to see the signs of a worn out toothbrush before the three or four month mark,you’re probably brushing too hard. Ease up a bit.

Why is This Important?

Toothbrushes are specifically designed to reach the nooks and crannies of your teeth gently and effectively. When the bristles get all cockeyed and frayed, the toothbrush isn’t doing it’s best job and leaves you at increased risk for dental problems.

How to Care for Your New One.

Once you’ve got a shiny new toothbrush, it’s important to care for it properly. Follow the tips below to keep your toothbrush in tip-top shape:

• Don’t share your toothbrush. Ever.
• Thoroughly rinse it after each use.
• Don’t store it in a container. Air drying is best.

In addition to taking proper care of your toothbrush, using it twice a day, and replacing it when necessary, it’s also crucial to maintain regular appointments at my Douglasville dental office. Professional cleanings help to remove debris and bacteria your regular toothbrush can’t reach. If you’re in need of a new dentist, or it’s been awhile since we saw you last, give us a call!

Accepting patients from Douglasville, Lithia Springs, and Villa Rica.