With dentistry, there is a fair share of many myths and misconceptions. These myths are often spread by word of mouth; these myths tend to run rampant, often ruining people’s experiences with dentistry and even sometimes causing dental phobias to occur. Here, we have decided to present some of a few most common dental myths we come across while working at our practice, and hope to share them here.

Visiting Your Dentist Isn’t Always Required

The caveat to this myth is the belief that if your teeth are relatively healthy, then visiting the dentist isn’t necessary. We’re here to say that’s false! That’s because the majority of our dental care is primarily about preventative care, which includes the annual checkups, the x-rays, and treatments such as dental sealants and fluoride treatments. Preventative treatments are also the most covered by dental insurance, as preventative dentistry focuses highly on staying healthy through proper dental care.

Root Canals Are Violent and Painful

Root canals are often performed under local anesthesia, which removes the painful aspect of removing the root from the tooth. Root canals are also often performed with precise equipment that focuses on drilling in small areas and using extraction tools to remove the tooth’s pulp. There should only be some discomfort at most, but not extreme pain, nor any violent drilling motions.

If your Gums Bleed, Stop Flossing

If you experience some bleeding while flossing your teeth, then that means you should keep doing it, not stop! Healthy teeth often require daily maintenance, and when you don’t floss, plaque and food particles will build up in between the teeth, causing gum disease and cavities to form. So, if you’ve been lackadaisical about flossing, then keep doing it until your teeth and gums get used to the routine.

Baby Teeth Don’t Affect Adult Teeth

The idea that baby teeth don’t affect adult teeth’ growth and development isn’t true at all! Baby teeth have a primary role in determining how your permanent teeth come in, and if any loose or misaligned teeth come in, it means more than ever that they should see a dentist or orthodontist about their teeth!

Sugar-Free Gum Replaces Brushing Your Teeth

No, it doesn’t. While sugar-free gum can remove bacteria, food particles, and plaque from the mouth, it does not remove everything. It can only work so far, and even if you chew gum every day, it’s quite limited in its ability to clean your teeth. Brushing and flossing are the only real ways to take care of your teeth at home. Use sugar-free gum as a recreational activity, not as part of your oral care routine.

These five common myths often circulate, and we’ve heard plenty more than mentioned here. To learn about effective oral care and get your annual checkup, contact Dr. Maureen Karl at St. Claire Dental in Granbury, TX, for an appointment, because we believe that through proper preventative care, people can have happier, healthier smiles and fulfilling lives.

When you’re thinking about getting birth control, your oral health is likely one of the last things on your mind. There are a significant number of things that may affect your decision of which style of birth control to use, and one of them just may be the effect of birth control on your oral health. If you’re trying to decide which kind of birth control is right for you, and are concerned about potential ramifications for your oral health, keep reading. We’re going to explore the facts surrounding birth control and your oral health, and how you can protect your teeth while managing your family planning.

The Effect Of Hormonal Changes On Oral Health

It’s long been known that hormonal changes can have a profound effect on your oral health. Women have routinely been advised to pay closer attention during stages of their lives, including PMS, menopause, pregnancy, even puberty. The fluctuating levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone in your system can promote the appearance of symptoms of gum disease, including gums that swell and bleed. Within this existing body of knowledge lies our first tie between birth control and oral health.

The Hormone Connection Between Oral Health and Birth Control

One of the most common elements in birth control options for women is the presence of hormones. These types of birth control take advantage of the effect hormone levels have on the body to take control of your cycle and prevent pregnancy. The hormones present in these options also make your body mimic other elements of hormonal fluctuation, including causing symptoms typically associated with gum disease. While newer pills are available with reduced levels of estrogen and progesterone that helps limit these side effects, they are still present and must be taken into account.

Other Factors To Consider With Birth Control and Oral Health

It likely comes as little surprise to discover that smoking and birth control have been shown to increase the problems women experience when taken together. These include an elevated risk of blood clots and dry socket when a tooth has been extracted. Some dental medications also interact poorly with birth control, so it’s essential that you communicate clearly with your dentist on these topics. One more thing to consider, the more time that you spend taking birth control, the higher your likelihood of developing gum disease. While family planning requires consistent use of birth control, it pays to pay extra attention to your oral health while doing so.

These are just a small number of the things women taking birth control have to worry about when it comes to oral health. If you’d like to get more tips and tricks on taking care of your oral health while engaging in family planning, reach out to St Claire Dental in Granbury, TX today. Dr. Maureen Karl will walk you through the effects of birth control on your oral health and help you take steps to protect your teeth against the ravages of dental decay. We can’t wait to hear from you and welcome you to our patient family.

Did you know that 7 out of 10 Americans are self conscious about their teeth? A recent poll conducted by Snow Teeth Whitening and published in a  New York Post article found that people were insecure about crooked teeth, stained teeth, receding gums, and spaces between the teeth. In fact, these imperfections weigh so heavily on some people that 57% admitted to covering their teeth when they laugh. 

Out of all the cosmetic concerns people noted, dentists note that their patients frequently express displeasure over having gaps between their teeth. In fact, fixing gaps between the teeth is one common request many cosmetic dentists hear from their patients. Luckily, eliminating gaps between the teeth can be accomplished in several different ways, including: 

Veneers

Dental veneers are thin shells that are most commonly made from porcelain, but can also be made by composite resin. They are adhered to the front side of existing visible teeth and are used to enhance the look of one or more teeth. In some cases, veneers are only used to restore a single imperfect tooth, however they can also be used for an entire smile makeover. In addition to eliminating gaps between the teeth, veneers can also improve the alignment, size, shape, and color of the teeth. For this reason, veneers are extremely popular among those looking for a dramatic change. However, veneers do require the removal of a thin layer of enamel and are a permanent treatment. 

Cosmetic Bonding

Cosmetic bonding is an affordable and minimally-invasive way to eliminate gaps between the teeth. This method uses composite resin bonded to the surface of the teeth in order to fill a gap between two teeth. The tooth-colored composite resin is applied as a soft putty that will be shaped to match the surrounding tooth structure and then hardened into place. The final layer will be polished to resemble natural tooth enamel. In most cases, cosmetic bonding does not require the removal of any enamel, however it may need to be repeated every 5-7 years to maintain the results. 

Crowns

Dental crows are tooth-shaped caps that are placed over the entire visible portion of the tooth. They are generally used to restore teeth that have been significantly affected by damage or decay, but they can also be used to improve the shape, size, and color of a tooth. To eliminate a gap between the teeth, one or more dental crowns may be used to make the natural tooth structure slightly larger in order to fill the gap. In order to place a dental crown, your natural tooth structure will need to be significantly reduced, making this a permanent treatment. 

Orthodontic Treatment

Orthodontic treatment, such as Invisalign and metal braces, can also be used to eliminate the gaps between teeth. Unlike the aforementioned options that simply cover up the gaps between the teeth, orthodontic treatment will actually change the alignment of your teeth. This may be an ideal treatment for you if you are also self conscious about crooked teeth. While orthodontic treatment does take significantly longer than the other treatments, but the results last a lifetime. 

Did you know that the CDC estimates as many as 47.2% of American adults over the age of 30 are affected by some form of gum disease? There are two different forms of gum disease: gingivitis and periodontitis. The mild form, gingivitis, is not always noticed since its symptoms are generally mild and can easily be missed. Unfortunately, this can mean that gingivitis may progress into periodontitis, which is a more severe form of gum disease. 

Periodontitis is characterized by red, inflamed gums that are tender to the touch and bleed easily. As it continues to progress, periodontitis can cause the gums to pull away from the teeth and can even cause the jawbone to deteriorate. The combination of these two things can lead to both loose and missing teeth. In this way, gum disease not only affects the gums, but the teeth as well. 

Luckily, gum disease is preventable by keeping your gums healthy. To keep your gums healthy, here are a few things you can do: 

Brush Twice a Day

Brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes at a time is not only important to protect yourself from tooth decay, but it also helps to reduce the risk of developing gum disease. When you brush your teeth, you remove excess plaque from the surface of your teeth. Plaque contains thousands of the bacteria responsible for tooth decay and gum disease, so removing it helps to regulate the amount of bacteria in your mouth. Brushing with a fluoridated toothpaste will also prevent future plaque accumualtion and will strengthen your enamel. However, be sure to switch out your toothbrush every 3-4 months when the bristles wear down. 

Floss Once a Day

Flossing also removes excess plaque and bacteria from your mouth, however flossing focuses on the areas missed by your toothbrush. Specifically, these areas include in between your teeth and along the gum line. Both these locations are prime sources of plaque accumulation that can eventually lead to gum disease. As long as you floss once a day, you can decrease your risk for developing gum disease, however flossing before you brush in preparation for bedtime is the best time of day to floss. 

Schedule Dental Cleanings

Even with the best brushing and flossing habits, you will still need to schedule a teeth cleaning with your dentist every six months. Although you may think this is only important for your teeth, it is also important for your gum health as well. This is because professional teeth cleanings remove plaque and tartar (hardened plaque) from places you have missed. Unfortunately, along the gum line is a common place for tartar to form, which can result in gum pockets filled with bacteria. Since tartar can only be removed during a dental cleaning, these regular cleanings are important for your gum health. 

Use Mouthrinse

While you should never use mouthrinse to replace normal brushing and flossing, it can be a good supplemental practice. Using over the counter mouthrinses decrease the amount of plaque and tartar formation, which directly reduces the risk of gum disease. It can be especially beneficial to use mouthrinse after meals. 

Did you know that there is a right way and a wrong way to floss? Like most actions, flossing is a technique that must be performed a certain way to obtain certain results. The benefits of flossing correctly include a decreased risk of tooth decay and gum disease, as well as a beautiful, healthy smile. However, making certain mistakes while flossing can decrease its effectiveness and minimize some of these benefits. Therefore, it is important to be aware of these mistakes so that you can improve your flossing routine. Here are some of the most common mistakes people make while flossing: 

Not Flossing

Unfortunately, one of the most common flossing mistakes is simply not flossing. Studies indicate that only one-third of Americans floss daily, while the rest only floss occasionally or not at all. Since brushing your teeth only cleans about 60% of your tooth’s surface, not flossing means that the remaining 40% still has bacteria and plaque buildup. This is one reason why cavities are so common along the gum line and in between teeth since these areas are often neglected due to not flossing. 

Missing Places

Even if you floss everyday, you will still need to be sure that you are flossing in all the right places. Skipping certain areas, even by accident, can allow bacteria and plaque to accumulate and increase the risk of both tooth decay and gum disease. Some of the most common places that people forget while flossing are the sides of their teeth, along the inner gum line, and behind the last molars. Next time you floss, make sure you are flossing in all these areas. 

Irritating the Gums

As you floss, it is also important to avoid irritating your gums. Snapping the floss against your gums, pressing the floss strand into your gums, and flossing too many times a day are all behaviors that can cause gum irritation while flossing. When the gums become irritated, they are more likely to recede and develop gum disease. To prevent this from happening, you will need to be gentle with your floss and avoid contact with your gums as much as possible. One way to accomplish this is to start at the gum line and move your floss away from the gums. Additionally, you will only want to floss once a day because excess flossing can also cause irritation. 

Flossing at the Wrong Time

Did you know that there actually is an ideal time to floss? The best time to floss your teeth is before you brush and go to bed. This is because flossing before you brush removes excess debris and allows the fluoride in toothpaste to coat more of your tooth’s surface, while flossing before bed ensures you go to bed with a clean mouth. This is important because saliva production decreases as you sleep, which means bacteria can cause more damage to your teeth. Therefore, decreasing the amount of bacteria in your mouth helps to minimize the damage and protect your teeth. 

Not Using the Right Floss

Not many people realize that there are different types of dental floss that can be used to address multiple flossing concerns. For example, some types of floss work are specifically made for teeth with gaps between them, while others are better suited for teeth that are really close together. There are even different tools available to use with floss for those that may struggle to reach in the back of their mouth. Ultimately, finding the best type of floss for your dental needs is an important step in maximizing your flossing routine. If you are not sure what type of floss to use, try asking your dentist at your next appointment. 

Brushing your teeth is the foundation of good oral health and the American Dental Association advises that you brush your teeth twice a day to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. However, not only is it important to brush twice a day, but it is also necessary to brush your teeth correctly in order to make the most of your routine. While many people know the importance of brushing their teeth, many are unaware of the various mistakes one can make while brushing. Here are some of the most common tooth brushing mistakes that you should avoid: 

Brushing Too Hard

Many people believe that the best way to get their teeth clean is to brush hard. Unfortunately, however, not only does this not make your teeth more clean, but it also damages your enamel and irritates the gums. Overtime, brushing too hard can lead to prematurely worn enamel, as well as receding gums. 

Using the Wrong Motion

Another common mistake people often make while brushing their teeth is that they move their toothbrush in a back and forth motion parallel to the gum line. Instead, the correct way to brush your teeth is by starting at the gum line and moving your toothbrush up and down in tiny circles. This cleans the surface of your teeth without damaging the enamel or irritating your gums. 

Choosing the Wrong Toothbrush

It is also important to make sure that you are using the correct toothbrush for the job. While there are many different types of brushes available, the American Dental Association recommends choosing a toothbrush with soft bristles and a handle long enough to reach the back of your mouth. If you are unsure, look for the ADA seal of approval. 

Never Replacing Your Toothbrush

Even the most perfect toothbrush must be replaced at some point when it inevitably begins to wear out. Not replacing your toothbrush regularly means that it is less effective at removing plaque and likely contains excess bacteria. Therefore, to get the most benefits from your toothbrush, you should replace it every 3-4 months when the bristles get frayed, discolored, or bent, as well as after being sick. 

Brushing Too Soon After Meals

Although it can be beneficial to brush your teeth after meals, brushing your teeth too soon after meals may cause more harm than good. This is because eating causes your mouth to become slightly more acidic. One its own acid is damaging to enamel, however this damage is amplified when combined with the friction of brushing. To prevent damaging your enamel, it is advised to wait at least 15-20 minutes after meals before you brush your teeth. This allows your saliva to neutralize the acids. 

Brushing Too Quickly

The ADA believes it takes at least two minutes to thoroughly brush your teeth, therefore you should always brush your teeth for two minutes. Unfortunately, many people tend to rush while brushing their teeth and may not always brush the full two minutes. In most cases, this usually means that there are certain places being missed, which can increase the risk of tooth decay in these areas. Setting a timer is a good way to make sure that you are brushing for the correct amount of time to thoroughly clean your teeth. 

When many people think of going to the dentist, they envision having their teeth cleaned or being instructed on the correct way to floss. While both of these things can definitely happen during a dental visit, oral hygiene is no longer the only reason to visit the dentist. In fact, many people are now opting to see their dentist as a way of improving the appearance of their smile with cosmetic dentistry. Cosmetic dental treatments offer various options to correct cosmetic imperfections, however there are some treatments that stand out above the rest. These are the top five cosmetic dental treatments: 

Teeth Whitening

One highly common cosmetic dental treatment is teeth whitening. Its popularity is due to the fact that it is very effective, affordable, and easy on the patient. During a whitening procedure, a whitening gel is applied to the surface of the teeth for 30-60 minutes. The whitening gel works by first being absorbed into the enamel and dentin, and then breaking apart discolored molecules. In as little as a single dental appointment, whitening procedures can lighten teeth by 5-10 shades. 

Veneers

Another highly common cosmetic dental treatment is veneers, due to their versatility. Veneers is one of the few cosmetic treatments that can address multiple cosmetic concerns with a single treatment. By having one or more veneers placed, you can easily improve the size, shape, color, alignment, and spacing of your teeth. To place veneers, a thin layer of enamel is usually removed. Once a dental lab has custom fabricated the veneers, they are then cemented to the front side of visible teeth. 

Crowns or Bridges

Dental crowns can address many of the same cosmetic concerns as veneers, however they require more modification of the natural tooth structure. This is because crows are tooth-shaped caps that fit over the top of a single tooth and require that tooth to be reduced in size. However, this also makes dental crowns a better choice for teeth with significant damage or decay, since crowns are stronger than veneers. Additionally, dental bridges are multiple crowns and fake teeth that are fused together. They are used to replace one or more missing teeth and are supported by the remaining teeth. 

Dental Implants

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are surgically placed into the jawbone. They are made from titanium and are extremely strong once they fuse with the surrounding bone. Dental implants are used to replace one or more missing teeth, and can even be used to reconstruct an entire smile. The number of teeth dental implants can restore is dependent on the type of prosthetic attached. Dental implants can support a crown, bridge, or denture. 

Composite Fillings

Composite fillings are a type of dental filling that is made using composite resin. Unlike traditional metal fillings, composite fillings are considered to be highly aesthetic due to the fact that they can be matched to the exact color of one’s teeth. This allows dentists to restore small areas of decay while also improving the look of the teeth. 

It is an unfortunate fact that America has a major problem with tooth decay. In fact, the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) found that 92% of adults aged 20-64 have had at least one cavity. They also found that Americans have an average of three decayed teeth per person. With such high numbers associated with tooth decay, we must ask ourselves how do cavities form in the first place?

For starters, cavities can form anywhere on the teeth. However, they commonly form in areas like molars that have textured pits and fissures, as well as on the tooth roots that are lacking the protective enamel. Once a cavity has started to form, it will continue to progress unless treated. If a cavity becomes deep enough to reach the innermost layer of the tooth, then it can cause a pulp infection requiring a root canal. 

However, cavities don’t simply arise out of nowhere. In fact, there are a few key elements that must be present to allow a cavity to form. Here are the top 3 things that can contribute to the formation of a cavity: 

Bacteria

Your mouth contains naturally occurring bacteria called streptococcus mutans. This bacteria feeds off the same foods you eat and then produces an acidic waste product that can damage tooth enamel. In a healthy mouth, saliva is used to neutralize the acids produced by bacteria in order to minimize the damage. However, if bacterial populations increase, then they produce more acid than your saliva can neutralize. In these cases, the acid begins to eat away at your tooth enamel, which can eventually lead to a cavity. 

Sugar

As mentioned above, bacteria feed off the foods you eat in order to produce waste. The primary food source of this particular bacteria is sugar. The more sugar consumed, the more bacteria it feeds, and the larger the bacteria population will get. There are different types of sugars bacteria can feed on. Glucose, fructose, and lactose are converted into lactic acid, while sucrose is converted into a sticky film that forms plaque. Simply stated, more sugar means more bacteria, which means more harmful waste. When your teeth are constantly exposed to high levels of acid, this will weaken the enamel and make it easier for a cavity to form. 

Plaque

Dental plaque is a clear, sticky film found throughout the mouth that sits on the surface of the teeth. Because it is sticky, it holds bacteria in place and can also accumulate food particles for the bacteria to feed on. For these two reasons, plaque is considered to be an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive. In most cases, cavities tend to form in areas where plaque has continued to accumulate without being disturbed. This is because plaque provides a safe environment with an abundance of food for bacteria. Over time, if plaque is not removed, then it will harden into tartar, or calculus. Tartar can only be removed by your dentist using special tools.