Thanksgiving Dinner and your Teeth

Thanksgiving is a time of the year where we begin to indulge in your favorites such as desserts, savory entrees, and of course alcoholic drinks. Hidden inside those delicious treats are tons of sugar and not so good for your oral health ingredients — SUGAR!

Is it possible to still enjoy the holiday festivities and be oral health conscious too? YES!

We’ve found some healthy Thanksgiving tips that we think you will enjoy and can incorporate into your menu next week.

Appetizers: Cheese, Raw Veggies and Nuts

Put out plates of crudités, cheese cubes, and mixed nuts for guests to snack on while dinner is being prepared. Cheese is great for teeth because it contains strength-building calcium. Casein, a protein found in milk products, fortifies the surfaces of teeth, helping to prevent cavities. Nuts contain calcium and minerals that strengthen and remineralize teeth. The chewing of hard, crunchy nuts also produces extra saliva, which fights germs and prevents decay. Chewing raw vegetables produces lots of salivae to wash away bacteria. The fibrous strands of celery are particularly good for dental health because they help clean between teeth.

Main Course: Green Beans Sautéed in Sesame Oil

Rinsing with sesame oil in place of mouthwash has been shown to reduce the effects of plaque and even, in some cases, to reverse the effects of gingivitis. Sauté your favorite vegetables in sesame oil for a tasty side dish. Top with sesame seeds for added crunch.

Dessert: Fresh Pear Slices with Honey Yogurt Dip

Serve this simple yet sophisticated seasonal dessert. Thinly slice your favorite variety of pear. Arrange on a platter. Serve with a dip made by combining a cup of plain Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons of honey, and a sprinkling of freshly ground cinnamon.

Fresh pears have been shown to neutralize acid on the surface of teeth. Calcium and phosphates in yogurt strengthen and remineralize teeth. Honey is a natural antiseptic.

Beverages: Tap Water and Tea

Tap water contains fluoride which reverses damage to enamel caused by acids. Green and black tea kill bacteria, thus fighting cavities. Make the tea with tap water and you reap a double benefit.

As a bonus, these tooth-healthy foods are also good for your heart and waistline. With these healthy Thanksgiving tips, it is possible to enjoy a delicious holiday dinner without gaining weight or jeopardizing your sparkling smile.

Bad Breath: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

It’s the little things that tell you that you must be suffering from bad breath. People turn their heads when they speak to you or move back a little when you speak. It can actually take a toll on your self-esteem and confidence.

Although everyone experiences having bad breath at some point in time, for some people it may be a constant struggle. Sometimes people may not even be aware they have bad breath or halitosis.

So what exactly is bad breath? Halitosis or bad breath is caused by bacteria that live on the tongue’s surface. When these sulfur-producing bacteria break down proteins rapidly and release noxious-smelling volatile sulfur compounds in your mouth and throat.

What are some signs and symptoms of bad breath?

The signs of halitosis include the following:

• Dry mouth

• White coating on the tongue, particularly at the back of the tongue

• Post-nasal drip or mucus

• Morning bad breath and burning tongue

• Needing to clear one’s throat constantly

• Thick Saliva

• Sour and bitter metallic taste

If you suspect that you have bad breath, you may feel self-conscious. You can ask someone close to you or that you trust to take a peek inside your mouth and check for a white coating on the back of the tongue. This is often a sign of bacteria causing bad breath.

It’s always best to consult your dental professional, they can assist you in checking for the cause of the bad breath and talk with you about creating a more consistent oral health hygiene routine.

Cracked or Damaged Tooth? Here's What you Need to Know!

Accidents happen. It can come without warning, perhaps its a sudden freak fall that might lead to a cracked tooth. The result: Excruciating dental pain and discomfort.

Most times for whatever reason it always seems to happen at the wrong time of the day or night when getting an appointment with your dentist is almost an impossibility. With that said, it’s helpful to know some home remedies that can help provide a little comfort until you can reach your dentist.

1. If the crack is causing insurmountable pain, a dosage of aspirin or an over the counter pain killer can be of help.

2. Contrary to belief, avoid placing a warm wet tea bag on your teeth as that would not help eliminate the pain, rather it can irritate it even more.

3. Instead of something warm that could increase the discomfort you want o put a small bag of ice or a cold bag of frozen vegetables near the cheek to help numb the pain. Keep doing this in intervals until the pain reduces.

4. In the event that the cracked tooth is not causing you pain, but the tooth is sharp you can take a soft emery board and file the sharp edges slowly. You can make it a tad bit smoother so that it does not cut your gums.

5. If you don’t have any pain medications handy, you can take a couple of cloves from your kitchen pantry which will help. Break them from the center and hold it close to the damaged tooth/teeth. The oil from the clove will naturally help reduce the pain and has no side effects.

Dental pain can be intolerable, hopefully these dental tips can help you manage the pain until you can get to a dentist. It is important to see a dental professional to assist with the cracked tooth and to prevent the possibility of infection.

How Often Should I Replace My Toothbrush?

When was the last time you replaced your toothbrush? We throw out expired foods, restock vitamins and supplements, and replace our beauty products often, but when it comes to health and beauty, it’s our dental hygiene that doesn’t get as much attention or thought as other areas of our regimen. However, there are important rules and tips you should follow for maintaining optimal dental health.

When To Change Your Toothbrush

Most dentists, and the American Dental Association (ADA), recommend changing your toothbrush every 3 months. Over time, toothbrushes go through normal wear and tear and become less effective with removing plaque from teeth and gums. Studies have found that around 3 months is when the bristles break down and lose effectiveness.

One other consideration we don’t typically think about (and probably don’t like to think about) is that germs can hide and build up in toothbrush bristles. This makes it important to replace your toothbrush after you’ve had a cold, or risk possible reinfection.

Fungus and bacteria can also develop in the bristles if not taken care of properly. After use, make sure you rinse off and dry your toothbrush thoroughly, storing uncovered in an upright position and keeping it away from other used toothbrushes. When traveling, be sure to cover your toothbrush head to protect it and reduce the spread of germs.

If you can’t remember exactly how long it’s been, pay particular attention to the condition your toothbrush head is in – whether the bristles are worn out, fan-out, or frayed, or especially if you see dark color changes, which is a sign of mold.

What Happens If I Don’t Change My Toothbrush Often Enough?

If knowing that bacteria and fungus accumulate on your toothbrush bristles over time isn’t enough reason to replace your toothbrush more often, there are also a number of other risks and uninviting issues involved with not replacing your toothbrush. One risk includes damaging your gums, as old toothbrushes become ineffective with removing plaque from your teeth, which leads to gingivitis. Left untreated, gingivitis leads to infection, which can cause teeth to fall out.

Even more unappealing, you can get sick from overused toothbrushes (see: bacteria and fungus build-up), your toothbrush can grow mold, or possibly the least appealing, you can ingest unwanted particles if stored near a toilet.

I don’t know about you, but I’m going to go change my toothbrush right now and schedule a deep cleaning with my dentist.

What To Consider When Shopping for Dental Products

Ask your dentist during your next dental checkup and cleaning for recommendations about what you should be buying based on your individual needs, your particular dental health state, etc.

Some common suggestions among dental professionals are to look for toothbrushes with soft bristles, as hard bristles damage your teeth and gums, choose a toothbrush head size that touches one or two teeth at a time, use a toothpaste containing fluoride approved by the ADA, consider using mouthwash to further fight plaque and gingivitis, and don’t forget floss!

Consider investing in an electric toothbrush, as these have been proven to improve oral health beyond what a manual toothbrush can do by removing plaque, reducing gingivitis and eliminating teeth staining. They’ve also been shown to minimize the amount of plaque on the teeth of people with periodontal disease.

Do your research on what products fit your needs best, and don’t forget to ask your dentist for recommendations.

In need of a dentist? We’d love to see you. Request an appointment that is convenient for you.

Are Dental X-Rays Safe?

The safety of dental x-rays is one of the most debated subjects in the field of dentistry. As far as the safety of x-rays is concerned, it’s usually the amount of radiation that our bodies are exposed to, but dental X-rays have very low doses of radiation. If you’re worried about whether you need dental x-rays, let us shed light into what dental x-rays involve, how they’re best handled and why they’re performed.

Given below are the different types of dental X-Rays:

• Bitewing Radiograph, which shows several lower and upper teeth from one side of the mouth on one small image.

• Periapical Radiograph, which shows several teeth and their roots and the jawbone.

• Complete Series is a combination of bitewing and periapical radiographs that shows all the roots, teeth and related areas of the jaws.

• Panoramic Radiograph shows all the upper and lower teeth, large portions of the jaws and other structures on one large image.

• Digital Radiograph, in which all of these types of images can be obtained digitally.

Who Needs Dental X-Rays

Dental x-rays are used diagnostically to help dentists see issues such as:

• Areas of decay

• Bone loss and gum disease

• Abscesses, which are infections between the tooth and gum

• Tumors

• Changes in the root canal

Dental X-Rays During Pregnancy

Pregnant women are mostly advised to avoid X-Rays because it might affect the health of the developing fetus. This is why it’s important to inform your dentist if you are or may be pregnant when you arrive for your appointment. However, if you have a dental emergency or are in the middle of a dental treatment plan, you can discuss the issue with your dentist and determine the best way to proceed.

Determining Whether X-Rays are Necessary

Factors that your dentist will consider include:

• Age

• Stage of dental development

• History of oral health

• Risk factors for various conditions

• Presenting symptoms

If you are looking for one of the most reputed and recommended dentists near you, then visit the professional team of AP Dental Arts in North Palm Beach.

Dental Bonding Services in North Palm Beach

Teeth Bonding Near You

Do you have a broken or decayed tooth that needs a restoration? Our team at AP Dental Arts offers dental bonding services to patients in the North Palm Beach area. Dental bonding is a simple procedure that takes just one visit to your local dentist. If you are interested in learning more about dental bonding services in North Palm Beach, then please continue on.

Dental Bonding North Palm Beach: What is Dental Bonding?

Patients who have decayed or broken teeth often benefit from dental bonding services. Our Dentist will use a special resin or plastic material which is the same color as the natural tooth’s enamel. It is typically an ideal treatment for patients due to the short length of the treatment and preparation.

What is Involved in the Procedure?

Unlike tooth extractions and dentures, dental bonding does not require any prior preparation on the part of the patient or dentist. Anesthesia is not required in the procedure, unless there is a highly-decayed tooth that requires cleaning out. Your dentist will consult with you to ensure the correct shade of material is being used so as to better blend it with your smile. The affected tooth’s surface may be roughened up a bit to better bond the new material to it. Your dentist will apply a conditioning solution to prepare for the bonding material. They will then apply the paste on the tooth, mold it to fit the desired shape, and smooth it to fit comfortably. After the process is complete, your dentist will use the help of ultraviolet rays to harden the material firmly to the tooth. They will polish up the complete look to make it blend with the natural enamel. The whole process can take as little as 30-45 minutes to complete.

Teeth Bonding Dentist in North Palm Beach

Dental bonding is typically a less expensive route to take, compared to other dental services. If you choose to have a dental bonding procedure, then our dental team can provide with more information regarding the proper care of dental bonds and your smile. Call to schedule your appointment today!

Dental Veneers

What are Dental Veneers?

Dental Veneers can best be described as shells, made of either composite resin or porcelain, that are customized to fit perfectly over your teeth. Veneers improve the appearance of your teeth and can be extremely helpful if you have teeth that are permanently stained, chipped, or misshaped. Most veneers are done for cosmetic reasons, but some veneers can be used by your dentist as part of a complete dental plan to treat gum disease and other dental problems.

The different type of Dental Veneers and their cost:

Composite veneers - Composite veneers are also known as direct veneers. Composite resin is a tooth colored coating that is applied directly to your tooth. This type of veneer is sculpted and shaped to your existing teeth and then hardened using a special high-intensity light. Additional coatings can be done in order to achieve the desired look. Once the desired look is achieved, the resin is polished to give it a more tooth like appearance. Composite veneers also require less prep work and do not significantly alter your original teeth. Because composite veneers can be done in house, this is a much quicker and less invasive procedure. This type of veneer typically last from 5-7 years.

Porcelain Veneers- Also known as indirect veneers, porcelain veneers are a much stronger and durable veneer, generally lasting between 10-15 years. Porcelain veneers are made to custom fit your teeth, so this requires a minimum of two office visits, one to fit and measure your teeth and one to place the veneers. Most porcelain veneers are sent away to be formed in a lab. Unlike composite veneers, porcelain veneers require reshaping of your teeth in order to fit the veneers. Most dentist agree that porcelain veneers are more realistic looking and stand up better against staining and chipping.

How do I know which type of veneer is right for me?

In order to figure out which veneer is right for you, it is important to speak with your dentist and thoroughly discuss your cosmetic goals. It is also important to take your financial situation into consideration when investing in your teeth. Although porcelain veneers do cost about twice as much as composite veneers, they also last abut twice as long. It may also be important for you to take into consideration the prep work and permanent impact on your teeth. If you are looking for a more cost effective and less invasive option, composite veneers may be for you. If durability and a more realistic look is your goal, and cost is not as much of a consideration, porcelain veneers may be your best option. 

If you have any questions or would like to learn more about our dental veneer options please call our office at 561-855-4703 or use our contact us page to schedule an appointment.

A Guide On Improving Your Breath

When it comes to bad breath, it might be a sign of something more serious than just a bad odor! Bad breath can be caused by a variety of factors, however almost all of them are completely avoidable. Dr. Joy Eakins will discuss various factors that increase the risk of bad breath along with various tips on improving your overall breath.

Quit using tobacco.

Not only can using tobacco leave your breath smelling bad immediately after use, but the overall effect on your teeth, gums and overall oral health can actually increase your risk for chronic bad breath.

Practice better at home dental care.

We hear about how important at home dental care is all the time, yet so many Americans still neglect to properly care for their smiles. You should brush your teeth a minimum of twice a day and floss a minimum of once a day.

Rinse your mouth.

We recommend cleaning your teeth after every meal (including snacks) but if this is not possible, then rinsing with water can help. Swishing water in the mouth can help loosen debris, bacteria and plaque, washing it from the mouth.

Scrape your tongue.

Did you know that bacteria that cause bad breath can also live on your tongue? We recommend scraping your tongue at least once a day. Certain toothbrushes are made with a tongue scraper or you can invest in one specifically for that purpose. If you aren’t sure which product is right for you, our office is happy to guide you when ready to purchase.

Chew sugar free gum.

It may seem that mints after a meal would help with breath, but the sugar mostly found in mints can actually contribute to bad breath. We recommend chewing sugar free gum after your meals to freshen breath (or carry a travel size mouthwash with you).

Drink more water.

Water is an extremely important part of not only your oral health but also your overall health. Patients with dry mouth or that experience dehydration often have increased risks of bad breath, tooth decay and even gum disease. Yikes!

Get Bad Breath Treatment in North Palm Beach

If you have you tried the above tips and are still experiencing chronic bad breath, please call and schedule an appointment with AP Dental Arts today!! We’d be happy to see you and get our oral health experts to determine the cause of your bad breath.

Five Signs You May Have Receding Gums

Five Signs You May Have Receding Gums

Gum Recession is the exposure of the roots of teeth caused by a loss of gum tissue and/or retraction of the gingival margin from the crown of the teeth. Gum recession is a common problem in adults over the age of 40, but signs may begin to develop as early as the teenage years.

Sensitive Teeth

A build-up of plaque or tartar can cause the gum to recede down the tooth and can even destroy the bony support of the tooth. Pockets can form in the gum around the tooth, making the area difficult to keep clean and the problem worse. If you notice your teeth becoming more sensitive, it may be time for a check-up.

Tender Gums

Early stage periodontal disease is not often painful and the signs are relatively minor. However, left untreated, the early symptoms can progress and develop into periodontitis. Early stages of gum disease can be seen with minor symptoms like tender gums that include:

• Red, swollen, or purple gums

• Gums that feel tender when touched

• Bleeding gums

• Persistent breath odor or a foul taste

Long Teeth

When gums recede because of periodontal disease, the teeth have the appearance of being much longer than normal. Not only is this condition a cosmetic concern but it can also affect the good health of your teeth and gums. The end results of this condition can be gum irritation, sensitivity to the surface of the root, bone loss, root caries or even loss of one or more teeth.

Exposed Roots

Exposed roots can be extremely sensitive and uncomfortable. They can be a sign of periodontal disease or can be attributed to brushing too aggressively with hard toothbrushes. Only soft or extra-soft bristles should be used when brushing your gums and it’s important to be gentle while doing so.

Loose teeth

Loose teeth are caused by the presence of bacteria and periodontal disease under the gums around the teeth. As the disease worsens, the gum pockets deepen due to loss of attachment structure. The bacteria from gingivitis and gum disease cause the body to destroy bone and gum tissue around the teeth, which are meant to hold the teeth in place.

Gum disease can be very serious. As plaque and bacteria invade the area around the teeth, it destroys the attachment between the teeth and the surrounding support structures. Once gum disease becomes active and remains untreated, teeth become mobile. If mobility is severe enough it ultimately results in loss of teeth.

HOW CAN I PROTECT MY CHILD'S TEETH DURING SPORTS?

Sports are great for children for a variety of reasons. Children can develop their motor skills, learn how to solve conflicts and work together, and develop their work ethics. As a parent, you may recognize the benefits of sports, but also naturally worry about your child’s health and safety. Your job goes beyond providing a water bottle and making sure your child follows the rules of the game.

Although you may not think of your child’s teeth first when you think about sports, accidents can happen that affect your children’s teeth. A stray hockey stick, an errant basketball, or a misguided dive after a volleyball are examples of ways a child could lose a tooth. In fact, studies show that young athletes lose more than three million teeth each year.

Becoming a Better Athlete to Protect Teeth

Becoming a better athlete involves refining skills, learning the rules of the game, and being a good sport. These components are not just about winning. They are also about safety. Young athletes who are better ball-handlers and who are careful to avoid fouls and penalties are less likely to have harmful contact with the ball, teammates, or opponents. Children who are better roller-bladers are less likely to take a face plant into the blacktop, and more likely to save their teeth. Being a good sport and avoiding unnecessary contact is one way to protect teeth.

Proper Protective Equipment for Teeth

If your child is in a sport that poses a high threat to teeth, it is essential for your child to wear a mouthguard. Mouthguards fit your child’s mouth and consist of soft plastic. Dr. Joy Eakin can custom fit a mouthguard if generic ones are uncomfortable. While children may resist wearing a mouthguard initially, your persistence in insisting that they wear it should be enough to convince them. A helmet or face mask provides additional protection.

While prevention is best, rapid treatment can improve the situation if your child does happen to lose a tooth during sports. Rapid implantation can work in about ten percent of cases. To learn about ways to save a lost tooth, contact our North Palm Beach office.