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The Effects of Tobacco and Nicotine on Your Dental Health
Many people understand that tobacco and nicotine present general health concerns but tend to be unaware of the impact tobacco and nicotine use has on dental health. It’s important for nicotine users to keep routine checkups with their dentist so that potential issues can be caught as early as possible.
Following is helpful information on the impact of nicotine use and your oral health.
Gum Disease
Tobacco use irritates the gingiva and affects the gums on a cellular level. When the gums are irritated, they are more susceptible to infection and periodontal disease. The smoke from cigars and tobacco can also separate soft oral tissue from your teeth.
Smokeless tobacco is harmful to your gums, too. Using smokeless varieties irritates the gingiva and causes gum recession, which leaves the roots of teeth vulnerable to surface debris and bacteria.
Gum disease is a serious threat to your oral health because it destroys bone and teeth. It is imperative to receive treatment for gum disease in its earliest stages as it becomes incurable in its more advanced forms.
Tooth Decay
Using nicotine and tobacco increases your risk for cavities. Smoking contributes to increased levels of tartar and plaque buildup, which weakens the protective coating of teeth. Gum recession associated with tobacco use will also expose the roots of teeth to cavity-causing bacteria. A tooth’s root is far more vulnerable than its crown because it does not have an enamel coating.
Bone Loss
Our jawbones are the foundation of our oral health system. When tobacco/nicotine use result in bone loss, it can affect the stability of our teeth. Bone loss can lead to reduced oral function as well as an aged appearance.
Slower Healing
Using any kind of nicotine could affect your ability to heal from an infection and slow down your recovery after a dental procedure such as tooth extractions, gum surgery, and dental implant placement.
Oral Cancer
Tobacco use greatly increases your risk for developing oral cancer. This form of cancer can develop anywhere inside the mouth. Oral cancer can be curable when it’s caught and treated in its earliest stages.
For more information or to schedule a checkup with our dentist, call Bliss Dental today.
5 Reasons Your Teeth May Be Stained
Are you tired of the dull and discolored appearance of your teeth? Perhaps you’re wondering if there’s something that you’re doing that causes tooth stains. Sometimes our teeth can stain for reasons beyond our control, but for the most part, tooth stains are preventable and treatable. Our practice offers professional teeth whitening treatments and white restorations to help you improve your smile.
Following are five common causes of dental stains.
Inadequate Oral Hygiene
Maintaining a proper oral hygiene routine is one way to keep your pearly whites bright and vibrant. Foregoing recommended daily oral hygiene, however, leads to the development of stains. Controlling surface debris like plaque and tartar will help prevent your teeth from looking yellowed and dull.
Tobacco Use
Chewing tobacco and smoking cigars or cigarettes can cause deep, permanent staining. Since tobacco use contributes to a number of health issues along with a dulled smile, it’s best to kick your habit to the curb.
Professional teeth whitening is a great way to reverse stains caused by tobacco products.
Dark Beverages and Foods
Are you a wine or coffee drinker? Perhaps, you’re a fan of beets and berries. All of these items cause permanent dental stains, particularly if you consume them on a frequent basis. If you do enjoy dark-colored foods and beverages, we encourage you to do so in moderation. Consider using a straw to keep dark liquids like wine from the surfaces of your teeth.
Medications
Antibiotics and too much fluoride can discolor teeth – particularly among children. These types of stains cause discoloration inside teeth and, therefore, are typically treated with tooth-colored restorations and cosmetic enhancements like bonding treatments or porcelain veneers.
Age and Tooth Wear
Time does a number on our teeth. As we age, teeth will begin to look dull and even yellow. Teeth can also take on a grayish appearance. Tooth wear associated with getting older exposes the dentin to teeth-staining particles and surface debris.
Age-related stains can be improved with professional teeth whitening treatments and tooth-colored restorations or veneers.
If you have questions about our cosmetic services, call Bliss Dental to schedule a smile makeover consultation with our dentist.
Restorative Dentistry: Advantages of Tooth Colored Fillings
Have you been told that you have a cavity? If so, you’re not alone: about 99% of people will need at least one restoration in their lifetime. Fortunately, today’s dental work won’t affect the appearance of your smile. Tooth-colored fillings are a beautiful, minimally invasive, and fast way to protect your teeth from decay.
Following are four advantages to tooth-colored fillings that you should know about.
Inconspicuous Dental Work
Dental work doesn’t have to be unsightly. The days of conspicuous metal restorations are over. Today’s restorations can blend in seamlessly with your natural tooth structure. We apply composite resin fillings, which can be customized to match the exact shade of your teeth.
Minimally Invasive & Fast Treatment Times
A filling is a small restoration used to treat minimal tooth decay. Placing a filling is not an invasive procedure and only requires local anesthetics. Receiving a filling is a quick process, too. Composite resin in applied to teeth in liquid form and then hardened with a curing light.
Less Tooth Preparation Required
Tooth colored fillings do not require as much tooth removal as amalgam restorations. Natural tooth structure bonds quite well to the compound used for white fillings, too. Preserving as much tooth structure as possible is always beneficial.
Metal- and Mercury-Free
Many folks have concerns about metal restorations. Before tooth-colored fillings were widely available, amalgam was used to treat minor tooth decay. Amalgam is a mixture of metals that does contain mercury. Some people worry that these types of fillings could expose patients to trace amounts of mercury.
Tooth decay requires professional treatment. Tooth colored fillings, fortunately, are metal- and mercury-free. In addition to looking very natural, these fillings are biocompatible and free of potential toxins.
Dental restorations make it possible to prolong the lifespan of damaged teeth. If you need a tooth-colored filling, call Bliss Dental to book an appointment with our dentist.
Oral Piercings: The Hidden Risks to Your Health
Has your dentist discussed the health risks of oral piercings? If not, you might be surprised to learn how this form of self-expression can have a negative impact on your health. While oral piercings are becoming increasingly popular, it is important to weigh their risks to make informed decisions.
Following is helpful information about how oral piercings may present unwanted health concerns.
Piercings and Damage to Teeth
Many people with oral piercings, particularly tongue piercings, tend to develop a habit of tapping their piercings against their teeth. Over time, tapping metal against teeth will wear down their enamel layer and ultimately lead to developing chipped, cracked, and even broken teeth.
When teeth are damaged in this way, dental restorations like fillings and crowns are necessary to prevent additional degradation of dental structures. Any risks one can reduce to preserve their teeth is a wise idea.
Increased Risk for Infections
Oral piercings are notorious for developing infections, especially in the beginning. Since the mouth is home to millions of bacteria, including a number of harmful varieties, these bacteria could easily infect piercing sites. Oral infections require professional intervention to treat and can be very dangerous to your health.
Reactions to Metal
Some people develop allergies to metals including silver, gold, nickel, and more. Allergic reactions can include severe symptoms such as swelling of the tongue and throat along with difficulty breathing.
Nerve Damage
It is possible to develop permanent nerve damage from oral piercings – especially tongue rings. The tongue is home to many nerves and damaging them could affect one’s sense of taste as well as impair one’s ability to move their tongue.
It is important to understand the many risks associated with oral piercings so that you can make wise decisions about your health. If you are considering an oral piercing, we encourage you to discuss this with our dentist at your next appointment.
Call Bliss Dental today to schedule a checkup or cleaning.
The Benefits of Wisdom Teeth Removal
Undergoing wisdom teeth removal can improve your quality of life and your oral health. Retaining wisdom teeth can present a number of concerns. For instance, those who have their wisdom teeth develop higher risks for common conditions like dental caries and periodontal disease.
The benefits of this procedure might surprise you. Here we explain why removing your wisdom teeth is a great investment in your health.
Reduced Orofacial Discomfort
Keeping your wisdom teeth can make your daily life painful. Wisdom tooth retention is associated with recurring orofacial discomfort. From tenderness near the jaw to frequent headaches, keeping wisdom teeth can make your life far less enjoyable.
More Comfortable Oral Function
Wisdom teeth may also cause discomfort when you’re eating and speaking. This is often because wisdom teeth have shifted other teeth out of place so that when you eat, your teeth make contact in places they shouldn’t. Keeping these teeth may also lead to TMJ disorder, a condition that impairs oral function.
Protect the Results of Orthodontic Treatment
If you have had braces in the past, it’s a good idea to have your wisdom teeth removed as soon as possible. When wisdom teeth emerge, they tend to shift other teeth out of alignment because there is not enough room for their arrival. This means patients may see their teeth become crowded, overlapped, and crooked. Orthodontic treatment is expensive and time consuming so it’s wise to protect one’s investment in their smile.
Improve Oral Hygiene Efficacy
Since wisdom teeth tend to cause crowding, it can become more difficult to clean them with brushing and flossing. Leftover food and surface debris can easily become trapped between improperly spaced teeth.
Reduce Oral Health Risks
Patients who keep their wisdom teeth have higher risks for gum disease and tooth decay. Wisdom teeth typically become impacted – or, partially erupted. Food and debris tend to get stuck in partially erupted teeth. Moreover, dental caries is a concern since the presence of wisdom teeth impairs thorough oral hygiene.
We provide comfortable wisdom teeth extractions. Call Bliss Dental to schedule a consultation with our dentist.
How durable are porcelain veneers?
Are you considering getting porcelain veneers to improve your appearance? These smile-improving cosmetic enhancements are very durable and can last for 15 years or more. Veneers are permanently bonded to the surface of teeth for long-lasting results.
A veneer is razor-thin and tooth-shaped. Veneers can be used to conceal permanent tooth stains along with other imperfections like cracked, chipped, worn, and crooked teeth. When a series of veneers are placed over the most visible teeth, it can produce the illusion of a perfectly proportioned and straight smile free of dental wear and stains. Since veneers have such a transformative effect on appearance, these cosmetic enhancements are commonly used among entertainers and public figures.
What do porcelain veneers look like?
Porcelain veneers look like teeth. This because they are hand crafted from fine porcelain, which provides a tooth-like aesthetic and feel. Each veneer is custom-made to ensure that it perfectly complements a person’s anatomy and desired aesthetic. Since veneers very natural looking, they produce inconspicuous dental work. When others notice your smile, it will be because it looks flaw-free and natural.
Who benefits from porcelain veneers?
Porcelain veneers can benefit many people with common dental imperfections. This service is especially beneficial to those who have healthy teeth with flaws like chips, cracks, and wear. They’re especially great for concealing intrinsic tooth stains that cannot be improved by professional teeth whitening. Veneers are also useful for those with minor orthodontic concerns. They can be used to conceal gapped, crooked, and overlapped teeth.
Is receiving veneers painful?
Receiving porcelain veneers is not painful because it is a minimally invasive procedure. In fact, many patients do not require local anesthetics during the process. Getting veneers requires a few visits to our practice, which will include a consultation, impressions being taken, and finally, the bonding process.
If you have questions about cosmetic dentistry, give our team at Bliss Dental a call to schedule a smile makeover consultation with our dentist.
Will I be able to feel the difference once a dental crown is placed?
Dental crowns are used to treat a myriad of dental conditions. When fitted and placed correctly, the patient should never feel any different than before treatment was rendered. Your dentist is somewhat of an artist when it comes to this type of cosmetic dentistry, so once completed, your new custom crown should look and feel totally natural.
Why Might I Require a Crown?
Repair a tooth fracture: When a tooth breaks, there are two options … repair with a crown or extract the tooth. Whenever possible, your dentist will almost always recommend saving your tooth.
Correct deep dental decay: When a tooth is deeply impacted by decay, your dentist may recommend repairing the tooth with a dental crown. A partial crown such as an inlay or onlay may be all that is needed for this application.
Seal a tooth following root canal therapy: Also known as endodontic therapy, this treatment is required when the nerve of a tooth has been damaged. An access point is needed to remove the contents of the tooth’s root canals; following treatment that access point must be sealed. Very often a dental crown is used.
Support a fixed prosthesis: A permanent bridge can be placed by crowning the teeth on both sides where teeth are missing.
Cover a dental implant: A dental implant provides a permanent option when a tooth is lost. The crown is the cosmetic restoration used to cover the implant as the final step for this treatment option.
Preparation, Placement and Care for Dental Crowns
Your dentist will prepare your tooth by removing much of it leaving a base for the replacement crown to be affixed.
A dental impression will be sent to the dental lab; a temporary crown will be applied to be worn until your permanent crown is ready.
On seat day, your dentist will try in and make sure your crown fits correctly and looks great before cementing into place.
Finally, there is nothing special needed for their care. You will just brush twice daily and floss once a day to remove what your toothbrush couldn’t reach. And visit our team at Bliss Dental every six months for cleaning and exams.
Do tooth colored fillings last as long as metal fillings?
There are multiple advantages to treating dental decay using tooth colored fillings. Metal fillings, typically made by blending different alloys with mercury to form dental amalgam, provide a long-lasting restoration but with drawbacks that might encourage some patients to opt for treatment using composite resin.
Pro’s and Con’s of Tooth Colored Fillings
The advantages for treatment using tooth colored composite include:
Aesthetics: Treating a tooth with silver amalgam is never going to look as good as a blend of materials that will so closely match your tooth shade, the repair will be virtually impossible to detect.
Maintaining Tooth Integrity: In general, when filling a tooth with composite, much less of the structure of the tooth is removed than when repairing decay with a metal filling.
Sensitivity: When exposed to hot and cold, it is believed that a composite filling expands and retracts more ideally than the tooth containing a metal filling might, which means less sensitivity.
Your dentist may be inclined to recommend a metal filling for the following reasons:
Durability: Depending on the location of the decay, back teeth may benefit from a metal filling as they are forced to absorb a lot of pressure daily from chewing.
Should Silver Fillings Be Removed and Replaced?
This is certainly something to be discussed with your dentist. If an older silver filling is leaking, is cracked, or makes you self-conscious about your smile, our team at Bliss Dental can safely remove it and replace it with a tooth colored composite filling that will be aesthetically pleasing and last for many years.
To learn more about your tooth restoration options, contact our office today to schedule your consultation.
The First Signs of Gingivitis
Gingivitis is an oral condition that is treatable when diagnosed and corrective action is taken quickly. Knowing and recognizing the first signs of gum disease can allow you and your dentist to pursue the steps necessary to prevent its advancement into a much more serious condition, periodontitis.
Early Signs of Gingivitis
Bleeding Gums: While gum tissue can bleed for several reasons, if it accompanies any of the other symptoms, see your dentist right away. If you are using a toothbrush with hard bristles, this can result in making gums bleed. A soft bristle toothbrush and moderate pressure are sufficient to keep your teeth clean.
Bad Breath: Many foods and beverages can result in bad breath. But when it becomes a chronic issue, it could be due to the onset of gum disease. Occasional halitosis can be treated by using a mouthwash, sucking on a breath mint, or brushing your teeth. Foods most likely to cause bad breath include garlic or any strong seasoning; onions, radishes, and spicy foods; canned tuna; and many dairy products. Coffee and alcoholic beverages can cause bad breath, too.
Change in Gum Tissue: If your gums appear red and puffy, this is not normal. Healthy gum tissue is pink and firm. Irritation and swelling are signs of a looming problem. If gums seem to be pulling away from one or more teeth, this is serious. Those teeth can become loose as the disease has already impacted the bones that hold teeth in place.
Tooth Pain: Again, this could mean you’re dealing with something else; however, any time you have persistent tooth discomfort, see your dentist.
Causes and Treatment
While some patients may try to blame their ancestors for a poor oral condition, there are more common reasons that you may be dealing with gum disease:
Poor or absent daily oral hygiene: Twice daily brushing with a fluoridated toothpaste and flossing every day are important for good oral health.
Tobacco Use: Whether smoked, chewed, or dipped, tobacco in any form is dangerous for oral and overall health.
Poor nutrition, illness, and certain medications can impact your dental condition.
Even people who follow all the rules to maintain good oral health can be stricken with gingivitis. Know the symptoms and see your dentist right away for needed treatment. Caught in its early stages, you can prevent advancement that could result in tooth loss.
For more information or to schedule a visit, contact Bliss Dental today.
Professional Teeth Whitening For the Toughest Stains
Teeth whitening has become a very popular cosmetic dental enhancement that can transform a drab grin into a bright, gleaming smile. When teeth are stained or discolored, you may feel self-conscious and discouraged from smiling broadly or laughing. Professional teeth whitening can make an overwhelming, positive change to your appearance; however, don’t be fooled into believing that all teeth whitening products are the same.
Why Should I See My Dentist for Teeth Whitening?
As a licensed professional, your dentist has access to the most powerful whitening products available to help eliminate stain and teeth discoloration attributed to: diet, lifestyle habits, medications or medical treatments that may have discolored dentition, and/or a poor daily dental hygiene regimen.
Over the counter teeth whitening products; trays or “whitening” lights bought online; or any generic teeth whitening product is never going to be designed with you in mind. However, your dentist can guide you to the best treatment option available that will keep you safe while providing optimum results.
Maximizing Your Teeth Whitening Experience
It is important to remember that while teeth whitening may provide a boost to your smile, it is up to you to perhaps modify some of your daily habits to keep them looking great.
Of course, we all know the importance of brushing and flossing daily. But once you have invested in teeth whitening, make sure you follow this daily routine.
There are certain foods and beverages that have dental staining capability. A good rule of thumb is if what you are eating or drinking would stain a white cloth, it can likely do the same to your teeth. Beverages like red wine, coffee, tea, and colas are known to stain; as well as tomato based sauces, dark sauces like soy; many berries and fruits all have that one thing in common … they can mar your pretty smile.
Helpful suggestions include using a straw whenever possible to limit exposure to your teeth. Also, don’t nurse drinks throughout the day (except water). Consume them with meals; rinse with water following consumption.
Abstain from using all types of tobacco, brush and floss daily, and visit our team at Bliss Dental every six months for a cleaning and dental exam.
