Preventative Dentistry Archives

Why You Should Avoid Sugar Before Bed to Keep Teeth Healthy

Posted on May 30, 2023 | by mel | Leave a Comment

Eating Before Sleeping Without Brushing Your Teeth Is Bad

When it comes to your teeth, there is no doubt that sugar is one of the worst substances for your dental health. Although everyone loves its sweet taste and often find it difficult to get enough of it in candy, sodas, and desserts, it can easily damage your teeth and gums. If you want healthy teeth, you will want to avoid eating sugar if you are going to bed and not brushing your teeth.

Sweets and Your Teeth

Many people enjoy eating comfort foods before going to bed. Besides the effects of sugar giving you an extra burst of energy when you are trying to go to sleep, leaving it on your teeth overnight will lead to tooth decay and faster cavities.

When you eat a snack before going to bed and do not brush your teeth, it will lead to damaged enamel on your teeth. This will lead to problems because you cannot regrow tooth enamel. You will need to go to a dentist to repair it.

The Problem with Sugar

There are more than 500 types of bacteria that are naturally found in your mouth. When your mouth is healthy, the bacteria – good and bad – are normally kept in balance.

When the bad bacteria consume sugar, it will produce acid as a result. It is this acid that causes cavities and gum disease. It erodes the enamel from your teeth, causing the enamel to grow thinner, leading first to sensitive teeth, then to cavities.

Brushing your teeth at least twice a day helps to reduce the amount of acid that stays on your teeth, protecting them for a while. Of course, the layer of bacteria that is always forming on your teeth – called plaque – will slowly rebuild through the day and night.

Your saliva naturally helps to control the bacteria and acid, too, and it helps to wash it away from your teeth. It does not wash it all away. If you have dry mouth, which can be caused by medications, alcohol, and some diseases, you need to ensure that you stay hydrated. When you have insufficient amounts of saliva and do not stay hydrated, you will develop cavities much faster as the bacteria multiply more than usual and produce more acid. You will also be very likely to develop gum disease and it will also progress faster than usual. You naturally produce less saliva at night.

Not Brushing Your Teeth

If you eat something with sugar in it, or carbs, before going to bed and do not brush your teeth, you already have a considerable amount of plaque on your teeth from the day. Now that you have given the bacteria and acid a head start, they will now continue to produce even more – causing even more dental erosion.

The same bacteria can also cause gum disease. This is because the acid irritates the gums. The more bacteria and acid there is, the more irritation there will be. Soon, an autoimmune reaction will start, and you have gum disease. Maintaining good oral hygiene can help keep these bacteria under control and it will reduce its effects on your teeth.

Tips for Keeping Sugar Off Your Teeth

Sugar comes in many forms and you may not even be aware of some of them. Even the smallest amounts of sugar can give some bacteria enough to produce acid on your teeth. Another thing you must know is that every time that this bacterium consumes sugar it will produce acid for the next 20 minutes.

This is also true for every sip of a sugary drink, such as soda, specialty coffees or tea, or fruit juice. If you are going to be sipping on a sweet drink all day long, you are exposing your teeth to acid all day long. Besides the acid that the bacteria produce, there is going to be additional acid in some of these drinks. Coffee, tea, wine, fruit juice, and others have their own acid your teeth will have to contend with. Diet sodas, even though they may not have sugar in them, they have acid – as do most sodas.

Limit Sugary Drinks to Meals – Because of the acid and sugar in many drinks, it is a good idea to limit yourself to drinking it at a meal. Once the meal is complete, be sure to rinse your mouth out with water, and brush your teeth later. During the day, when you need a drink, drink water.
Avoid Sticky Foods – Foods that will stick between your teeth, such as potato chips, soft candy, breads, etc., will get stuck between your teeth. This enables the bacteria to multiply and produce acid longer – on your teeth.
Brush Twice a Day and Floss – While you want to brush after meals, you should wait about 20 minutes or more before brushing. The enamel on your teeth is softened from your meal, which can cause you to lose some microscopic pieces of your enamel if you brush too soon.

You can enjoy your smile longer if you reduce sugar to help maintain healthy teeth. Eating right will also strengthen your teeth and gums. If you suffer from tooth decay or gum disease, give a call to 214-747-0763, Champion Dental Clinic, Farmers Branch, Texas for the best affordable treatment

How to Handle Self-Destructive Dental Habits?

Posted on May 12, 2023 | by mel | Leave a Comment

Various Damaging Oral Habits

Keeping your teeth looking great will only happen if you develop some good habits to keep them that way. While most people know this or have at least heard it, there are some habits you may be guilty of that are damaging your teeth. In fact, some of those bad habits may actually help to destroy your beautiful white teeth.

Habits That Are Hurting Your Teeth

Some harmful habits that you may be doing without thinking about them are hurting your teeth. In some cases, the damage being done to your teeth may be irreversible – unless you have expensive cosmetic dentistry. Some habits you want to avoid include:

Consuming Too Much Sugar

Sugar is the natural enemy of your teeth. Yes, sweet foods and drinks taste really great, but most likely they are harming your teeth. The bacterium that is responsible for cavities feeds on sugar and every time it does it produces acid. The acid is what erodes the enamel on your teeth. In fact, every bite or swig you take of a sugary drink enables the bacteria to produce acid for the next 20 minutes.

If you drink sugary drinks – specialty coffees, fruit juices, or sodas – all day long, you will definitely see many cavities as a result. Rinsing the sugar out afterward with water will help. Sodas also have their own acid in them, which will help to erode the enamel faster.

Grinding and Clenching Teeth

Grinding your teeth or clenching them is going to damage them. This is often an unconscious habit and some people do it in their sleep. It can lead to shorter teeth and cracked or chipped teeth. Even worse, teeth grinding may result in problems with your jaw joint that can be very painful. This bad habit is often aggravated by increased stress. Learning to relax more can help reduce it. Getting into a regular exercise program can also help to reduce stress.

When adults or children grind or clench their teeth, it may be a symptom of sleep apnea. The dentist can provide you with special mouth guards to help protect your teeth – and they can help with sleep apnea, too.

Eating Hard Foods

Chewing on hard candy and ice are hard foods that many people enjoy. Unfortunately, these hard items can also damage the enamel on your teeth. It can chip them, or crack them. When chewing on ice, it lowers the temperature of the tooth, making it easier to crack. If the crack is deep enough, the tooth may need to be replaced.

Biting Your Nails

This habit is bad for your jaw because you must extend it to bite your nails. Keeping your jaw in an extended position for long periods can lead to jaw pain in the joints of your jaw. The habit can also lead to a wearing down of your front teeth, and it may crack or chip them, too. You can start breaking the habit by reducing your stress, or by using a nail polish that tastes bitter.

Brushing Too Hard

In order to remove plaque from your teeth, it is not necessary to be heavy-handed. Plaque is rather easily removed. By putting a lot of pressure on your toothbrush, you are wearing away your gums. This can lead to cavities on the roots of your teeth as your gums recede. You also should use a toothbrush with soft bristles rather than hard ones.

You also want to wait after eating for about 30 minutes before brushing. The enamel on your teeth is softer after eating for about 20 minutes. Brushing your teeth right after eating will remove some of the enamel from your teeth – which does not grow back.

Not Drinking Enough Water

Drinking plain water is a great way to help your teeth last longer. Water aids in the production of saliva, which naturally helps to wash away the bacteria, acid, and sugar from your teeth. Dry mouth can be caused by alcohol, coffee, medications, and more. When your mouth is dry, the bacteria that produce acid multiplies, and it also stays on your teeth longer. Staying hydrated with water through the day helps protect your teeth and your saliva helps to supply the minerals your teeth need to stay strong.

Smoking

Smoking, or using tobacco of any kind, is one of the worst things you can do if you want to keep your teeth looking good. Besides staining your teeth quickly, it also leads to a reduced immune system in your gums. This enables the bacteria to multiply fast and cause gum disease. Periodontitis is responsible for most adult tooth loss today. You can work to quit smoking by reducing stress, exercising regularly, and chewing gum. Your dentist can also recommend quit smoking programs.

Even if you have been practicing some common bad habits for some time, breaking bad habits and adopting habits of good oral hygiene can help spare your teeth and gums. In addition to good habits, keeping regular dental appointments will help keep your teeth in top shape and last a long time.

What Can a Dentist Learn About Your Non-Dental Health?

Posted on April 10, 2023 | by mel | Leave a Comment

Your Mouth Is Telling on You

It is common to think that your mouth and body are two separate entities. In reality, they are two parts of the same body. This means that what affects the body will, in some way, affect the mouth, too. Your oral health and overall health are connected. The opposite is also true. This is why a dentist can look in your mouth and detect signs of some diseases that you may not even know that you have.

Non-dental Problems the Dentist May Find

As the dentist looks into your mouth, they may discover several health problems. These problems may include:

Diabetes

One of the most common non-dental problems that will be evident in your mouth is diabetes. This health problem is widespread and as many as 7.2 million people have it but do not yet know it. When diabetes is present there could be several symptoms that can affect your dental health. They include:

Gum disease
Dry mouth
Oral thrush.

Gum disease needs to be controlled at the same time as diabetes. They interact with each other, but controlling gum disease will reduce the symptoms of diabetes. Uncontrolled diabetes may also cause frequent gum abscesses, a lot of bone loss, and swelling rather quickly.

GERD

If your teeth are eroded and pitted, it means that you have GERD or acid reflux. When you sleep, the acid enters your mouth and can sit behind your lower front teeth for long periods. This erodes the enamel on those teeth and the dentist will easily notice it.

Osteoporosis

This health condition makes the bones get thinner and typically affects women after menopause. The usual symptoms are a stooped posture and back pain because of a collapsed vertebra. This medical problem can be detected by dentists because of loose teeth that are not caused by periodontal disease and if the individual maintains good oral health.

Oral Cancer

Oral cancer is a serious problem that may be detected in your mouth by the dentist during an oral exam. Oral cancer cases are increasing due to the spread of the human papillomavirus – HPV. It can lie dormant for decades. When oral cancer does appear, treatment is needed quickly because it can spread fast. More than 53,000 people will be diagnosed with it this year and about 10,000 will die from it.

Kidney Disease

When your kidneys are working correctly, they will help your body remove waste products. If not, there will be a buildup of toxins in your body and in your mouth. The buildup may also affect your breath, which could give it a sweet smell or make it smell like urine. It can also cause you to have dry mouth – which could lead to gum disease.

How Poor Oral Health Affects the Rest of Your Body

When you do not take good care of your teeth, there will be a buildup of bacteria on your teeth called plaque. The plaque will soon form tartar if it is not removed often. As tartar is formed, the bacteria that can cause gum disease hides in it. Since tartar forms above and below the gum line, the bacteria will easily get access to your gums; and once there, it has access to your bloodstream. The bacteria produce acid and toxins that will irritate the gums, which will lead to gum disease.

In recent years it has been discovered that there is a strong connection between having gum disease and other severe health problems. Once in the bloodstream, it will result in buildups of bacteria and inflammation throughout your body and organs.

This can lead to many serious health conditions. It includes such problems as cardiovascular disease, heart attacks, stroke, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, dementia, early births, and many more. It is known that many patients (91 percent) that have heart disease also have periodontitis.

If you are wondering what a difference it makes to keep your teeth clean and free of gum disease, there are some statistics you should consider. People with periodontitis have a:

65 percent higher risk of developing dementia
53 percent greater risk of having a heart attack.

Periodontal Treatment

If you already have periodontal disease, it is best to see a dentist right away. It is not going to go away by itself. The CDC says that about 50 percent of adults over 30 have it. The dentist, or periodontist, will need to provide you with some treatments to remove it. In addition to medications, you will likely be given a non-surgical treatment called scaling and root planing. With the right treatment, periodontal disease can be eliminated, but some repair work may also need to be done.

If you have been avoiding the dentist for some time, it may be a good idea for a visit. This will enable you to get your teeth cleaned, checked for gum disease, and get a check on your overall health. You can get a dental checkup to ensure you have good dental health and non-dental health from Champion Dental Clinic, Dallas Fort Worth, Texas. We provide a wide variety of dental services and most dental insurance plans are accepted. To set up a consultation or to get more information about maintaining good oral hygiene for better health, you can contact us at (214) 747-0763.

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Does Oil Pulling for Oral Health Actually Work?

Posted on April 1, 2023 | by mel | Leave a Comment

It May Not Be as Beneficial as You Might Think

Everyone loves nice-looking teeth and no one wants gum disease that knows anything about it. Shortcuts are always being sought, and people will quickly flock to products or methods that sound like it will work to obtain these goals. Of course, new methods such as oil pulling are sought because you can do it at home and – let’s face it – dentists are not cheap!

The Coconut Oil Pulling Procedure

Coconut oil for teeth has been on the scene for a while now and using it for oil pulling is a continuing craze. People have been using this technique for centuries. It comes from an old Indian (Ayurvedic) folk remedy and it is claimed that it will pull out some of the toxins in your body, as well as destroy some of the bacteria in your mouth.

Oil pulling is a technique that involves putting a tablespoon of coconut oil (or sesame oil) in your mouth and then swishing it around for about 20 minutes. Because 20 minutes is usually too long to start with, go for just five minutes and then add a couple of minutes each time after that. After swishing it around, spit it out in the trash can because it will solidify in your pipes and can clog them. It has a melting point of 75 degrees F, which is about room temperature. Afterwards, you will want to rinse your mouth out two or three times with water, then brush your teeth.

The Claims of Oil Pulling

As you read over the claimed coconut oil pulling benefits, you will discover that there are many. They will vary from site to site, but you may find the following claims:

It helps with teeth whitening
It will reduce inflammation
It is good for treating gum disease
It helps prevent tooth decay
It strengthens your gums and jaw.

The Reality of Oil Pulling

In spite of the many claims of oil pulling, often given by famous people, there really is not any proof that it works. The primary reason is that very little research has actually been done on it. This means that there is no proof that it will actually help prevent cavities, whiten your teeth, or detoxify your mouth or body.

Because there is no official proof of its ability to improve your oral health, the American Dental Association does not recommend it for this purpose. Of course, if you wish to try it for yourself, you are free to do so, but it is advised that you do not try and use it as a substitute for brushing and flossing.

The bacterium that is in your mouth is there to stay. There are more than 500 different types of bacteria, and there are some that are considered harmful. In most people – except for those who have a weak immune system, or those who smoke or drink a lot – the bacteria is normally kept in balance in a healthy mouth. It is also unlikely that you will exterminate the potentially harmful bacteria without also destroying some of the good ones.

The Best Way to Improve Oral Health

When you want to improve your dental health, you do not want to leave out the traditional methods of brushing and flossing. Since plaque is constantly forming on your teeth, you want to be sure to brush your teeth at least twice a day. The best practice is to spend a full two minutes each time you brush to ensure a good job. You also want to floss each day, too.

Brushing and flossing are necessary because it enables you to remove the food particles, bacteria, and the acid they produce from the surfaces of your teeth. Without flossing, these three ingredients are left between your teeth, and together they make a good recipe for sensitive teeth and cavities.

Visit the Dentist Regularly

There really is no substitute for going to a dentist on a regular basis. The main reason is to ensure that your teeth and smile continue to look as good as possible. When a dental problem gets started, that is the best time to let the dentist fix it. If you wait, it is only going to cost more.

Dentists spot problems early, and this is important particularly in the areas of gum disease and oral cancer. Both can be treated from the start, and this also enables the potential damage to be minimized.

While you may want to try oil pulling for your own purposes to see if it will help you in any way, remember to take care of your teeth the traditional way to ensure that they last a long time. Your dentist can also provide you with many tips to help your oral health that are proven.

If you want proven methods for better oral health, Champion Dental Clinic, Farmers Branch , Texas can provide it. We provide a wide range of dental care services for all ages and accepts most dental health plans. For a consultation or dental checkup, you can contact our office today at 214-747-0763

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When Your Doctor Won’t Listen – What Should You Do?

Posted on March 29, 2023 | by mel | Leave a Comment

Best Way to Communicate with Your Dentist

Doctor’s visits can often leave you confused and frustrated. Sometimes you may feel like the visit was rushed and you did not get a chance to tell the doctor everything you wanted to say or ask about. You felt like the doctor or dentist was in a hurry and did not have time to talk.

The Communication Gap

Studies have revealed that there is often a big communication gap between doctors or dentists and their patients. As many as 75 percent of doctors asked about it felt that they believed they had good communication with their patients. Patients, however, felt completely different about it, with only 21 percent feeling that they had good communication with their doctor.

Good communication is crucial to getting the treatment you need, feeling better, and getting better health. In order for this to happen, your doctor needs to know what your complaints are. They cannot treat it if they do not know it is a problem. This makes good communication mandatory, but you will need to express yourself more clearly to the doctor.

Determine Why Communication Is a Problem

You need to ask yourself what is the reason behind the communication problem. Is it because you forgot to ask the doctor about the problem? Is it because the doctor is not giving you a chance to talk about your problems? Is it because the doctor is so focused on one health problem that there is not time to talk about other issues?

Write Down the Topics to Discuss

If you have more than one concern, it is important to write down a list of topics. This way you are less likely to forget them when you need to talk about them. Write down the various things you want to discuss in advance. This will help you think about all of them.

If you are having particular symptoms that you wonder about, be sure to write them down. Write down when they started, and if you can, write down what you were doing when those symptoms started. Also be sure to record the frequency and severity of the symptoms, and how long they lasted. If there is a pattern or an activity that triggers the symptoms, this will help the doctor to determine the problem better.

Cover the Most Important Problems First

When you talk to the doctor, be sure to mention the most pressing problem first. This way, if you are not able to discuss anything else, the biggest problem will get covered. Think about how you need to say it in a very concise but accurate way.

Bring a List of Medications

Carry a list of the medications you are taking, as well as any natural supplements. You also should have a list of various illnesses or allergies that you have or have had – such as diabetes, or a heart attack. It is also a good idea to include a list of your family’s history of illnesses.

Use a Spokesperson

If you have trouble speaking clearly for yourself, bring someone else with you who understand the problem. This can be especially valuable for older people, or for someone who has is getting dementia.

Listen to the Doctor

While you certainly want the doctor to hear your problems, it is just as important that you hear and understand what the doctor is telling you. If you do not understand terms, be sure to ask for an explanation. Or, if you feel you will not remember the details, ask the doctor if you can record the conversation.

Understand the Results You Should Expect

Although the doctor may prescribe some medication or recommend treatment or therapy, some of them take time to make an impact on the symptoms involved. Ask the doctor how long it will take to get recovered, and what you need to do to prevent a relapse. Are other treatments going to be necessary or ongoing?

Find Out about Lifestyle Habits

Many times patient recovery and a better quality of life can be gained by changing some lifestyle habits and continuing to practice them. Ask the doctor for a recommendation of habits that you may be able to change or add to your daily routine.

The bottom line is that your doctor or dentist may feel that he or she is communicating well with you. Since you do not believe that to be the case, it really is up to you to let the doctor know about the gap in communication skills that you feel exist. If there is no response in the direction you feel should be made – find another one who will listen and that you can trust more.

Although the dentist can see some of the problems your gums and teeth may have, good communication is necessary for good oral health. Champion Dental clinic understands the importance of communication between dentist and patients. We seek to develop effective communication with each visit. If you need quality dental care with a dentist who listens patiently to your needs, you can contact our office today at 214-747-0763

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Which 5 Dental Symptoms You Should Never Ignore?

Posted on March 28, 2023 | by mel | Leave a Comment

It could cost you more than you think

When you have dental symptoms that are not normal, it indicates that there is a potential problem. The problem may not be something to get concerned about, but, on the other hand, it could indicate a major threat to your health. It is not unusual for sores and other problems to occur in the mouth, but some indicate the need to see a dentist soon.

Oral Cancer

Every year, oral cancer continues to rise. This year, more than 51,000 people will be diagnosed with it. This cancer typically spreads fast, making the need for early detection very important.

Oral cancer is often without any pain in the early stages. This makes it hard for someone to know that they have it unless they are watching for symptoms, but a dentist can better detect them. The symptoms may also occur in the throat and may be very difficult to see.

Oral cancer symptoms may include red or white patches in the mouth or lumps in the neck or throat area. Other sores may also become cancerous. Any sore that has not healed within two weeks should be seen by a dentist. A dentist is trained to recognize cancer and other diseases, and can also take initial biopsies.

Pain in a Tooth

When you have strong pain in a tooth, it is time to see a dentist. Most likely, you already have made an appointment because the pain is almost unbearable and you want relief. If the tooth really hurts, you may also have inflamed gums and pus at the gum line. This could be an abscessed tooth.

An abscessed tooth is a serious problem. The inflammation can easily spread, especially if it is in your upper jaw, into your face and even your brain. If this happens, it could be fatal. Most likely, it will mean that a root canal is needed.

Loose Teeth

If one or more of your teeth have become loose lately, you need to see a dentist quickly. This is a symptom of advanced periodontitis, but other things can cause it as well. Gum disease is often nearly painless until it reaches the advanced stages, and you will most likely experience pain when you try to bite down on those loose teeth.

Bleeding gums are another symptom of gum disease. You will also likely have inflamed gums and pus along the gum line. Your gums will also have started receding, and you will likely have chronic bad breath.

Periodontitis is caused by an immune reaction to bacteria invading your gums. The immune reaction becomes an autoimmune reaction and it starts attacking your gums, the ligaments that support your teeth, and your jawbone.

Once your teeth become loose, it is certainly time to visit your dentist. Special gum disease treatment is needed to remove the bacteria. The longer you wait, the greater the damage. In order to remove the bacteria and inflammation, the dentist will need to give you antibiotics and may need to perform a non-surgical procedure called scaling and root planing – which removes the bacteria from the pockets that have formed on your gums.

Surgical procedures may also be needed to replace missing gum tissue. In order to replace missing teeth, bone and gum grafts may be necessary.

Dry Mouth

Having a dry mouth may not seem much like one of the dental problems you should watch for, but it really is. This problem can be serious if you are concerned about keeping your teeth looking good.

Your saliva helps keep the bacteria and acid in your mouth under control. Whenever some of the bacteria come in contact with sugar, it produces acid. The acid is what causes cavities. Without enough saliva, there is more bacteria and acid in your mouth, which leads to developing sensitive teeth and cavities sooner. It will also help to promote gum disease.

Staying hydrated will help you produce more saliva, and so will chewing sugarless gum. Stay away from drinks that are considered diuretics, which include coffee, tea, alcohol, and more. Since some medications can also cause it, you may need to talk to your doctor about changing medicines.

Tooth Sensitivity

When a tooth becomes sensitive, it is because the enamel has become thin. Because of the thin enamel, the food particles, spices, and hot or cold temperatures can penetrate it and get to the nerve inside the tooth. This causes pain.

The pain is an indication that a cavity is on the way. It already needs to be repaired. In some cases, tooth sensitivity may result from some dental treatments, but it will usually go away after a few days.

If you have any of the above dental symptoms, you can get dental treatment for all of them from Champion Dental Clinic, Farmers Branch, TX. We regularly treats dental problems ranging from oral cancer to periodontitis – and much more.

What Are the Ways to Cut Your Oral Cancer Risk?

Posted on March 21, 2023 | by mel | Leave a Comment

Simple Steps Can Reduce Your Risk of Mouth Cancer

Most of the cases of oral cancer can be prevented. Once you get oral cancer, it is often only discovered once it has already reached the advanced stages. This makes it all the more worthwhile to try and prevent it from occurring in the first place. The prevention of oral cancer is especially important if you already have a number of risk factors.

The Statistics

The Oral Cancer Foundation states that almost 50,000 new cases of oral cancer will be discovered this year. In five years, only about half that many will still be alive. This is a higher death rate than for other types of cancer. This type of cancer was also usually only found in people who were 40 or older, but now more young people are developing it.

The way that oral cancers are most frequently discovered is through a doctor or dentist feeling the lymph nodes in the neck and discovering that they are swollen. This means that cancer has already metastasized and is spreading.

The Causes of Oral Cancer

The primary cause of many types of cancer, including oral cancer, is tobacco. This includes smoking and smokeless varieties. E-cig devices are also included, not for the tobacco, but because of the nicotine, which is a tobacco product.

Smokeless tobacco is often sold as being healthier than cigarettes, cigars, or pipes. This may be true in the case of lung cancer, but the rise in mouth cancer cases, and other types of cancer, and periodontal disease, still declares plainly that it is not safe. There is also a possibility that it is linked to heart disease.

Another cause of mouth cancer that is occurring more frequently is HPV. This STD in the mouth and throat is picked up by engaging in oral sex. Although HPV is not the actual cause, it does help to trigger the process that develops the mouth cancer.

Oral Cancer Symptoms

It is possible that some of the oral cancer symptoms may be perceived to be something else. Some of them may even seem unrelated, but the things you want to look for include:

Tongue pain
A sore throat
Difficulty chewing or swallowing
Pain the jaw or stiffness
A sore that bleeds or does not heal
Loose teeth or dentures that no longer fit right.

Mouth Cancer Prevention

Your risk of getting oral cancer can be reduced, although not totally eliminated. There is no absolute guarantee, but you can minimize it. You can work toward the prevention of oral cancer by doing several things:

Quit smoking – This is the greatest risk. Those who smoke are most likely to get many types of cancer, including head and neck cancer, lung cancer, bladder cancer, and more. It also promotes periodontal disease. One in five deaths in the U.S. is caused by smoking.
Reduce the alcohol – Alcohol is classified as a carcinogen. When drinking heavily, it is related to several types of cancer. Moderate drinking will reduce the risk, which is considered to be two drinks average per day for men, and one drink a day average for women.
Eat healthy – Eating more fruits and vegetables, and fiber, along with less red meat, will strengthen your immune system to be able to help fight against cancer.
Lose weight – Being overweight, or obese, helps promote cancer. Establish a regular exercise program, with at least 150 minutes per week, and you can reduce this risk factor.
Spend less time in the sun – The sun’s rays can lead to lip cancer if they are exposed to them for long periods. Wear a hat, and reduce your time in the sun.
Genetics – Some families have a gene that may make them more prone to developing oral cancer. While you cannot change the gene, you can be more watchful to try and catch it early.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) – There are many forms of HPV, but one form in particular – HPV16 – is known to lead to the development of cancer. Your risk of an HPV caused oral cancer can be reduced by obtaining an HPV vaccination, and by limiting having oral sex with one person who is not having sex with other people.

When to See a Dentist

Regular dental checkups can often lead to the discovery of oral cancer. The thing to look for is when one or more of the mouth cancer symptoms last more than two weeks. If you see these symptoms, make an appointment with your dentist for an oral cancer screening. During the checkup, the dentist will look for other possible causes. If a problem is discovered, a biopsy may need to be taken.

In addition to working on your own program for the prevention of oral cancer, you can get oral cancer screening from Champion Dental clinic, Farmers Branch, Texas by calling our office today at (214) 747-0763.

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Got Date-Ready Teeth?

Posted on March 9, 2023 | by mel | Leave a Comment

Are Your Teeth Ready to Impress?

After you have landed that date that you have been waiting for, you want to be sure to make a good impression. You want to have a real smile instead of a fake one caused by self-consciously trying to hide your yellow teeth. You know that yellow teeth might be a deal breaker, and you are hoping that you will be able to get a second date. You decide that you still have time for teeth whitening.

Teeth Whitening Options

For your upcoming date, you have carefully thought of everything you need. Everything is ready – except for your teeth.

These days there really is more than one option when you want teeth whitening. You know your teeth have been stained for a while and that it is about time to do something about it. Now you wonder how to get the best teeth stain remover to get your teeth the whitest possible.

You know that drug stores and even large stores sell teeth whitening kits. The kits make it easy to get teeth whitening at home. As you look at your teeth, though, you know that you do not have enough days left for the kit to whiten your teeth enough. Since they normally take about two weeks or more, this is a problem.

You have also heard that a kit will only whiten your teeth one or two shades lighter. Unfortunately, you look at your teeth and decide that you need them whiter than that if you are going to impress your date.

Best Way to Whiten Teeth

Although teeth whitening kits are readily available, they cannot come close to what professional teeth whitening can do for you. Because the procedure is conducted under supervision, the dentist is able to use much stronger chemicals than you can get at the store.

This means that you can expect much better results from a dentist in a much shorter time. In fact, the dentist is able to whiten your teeth up to six shades whiter in just one appointment. Depending on the condition of your teeth, the results may vary somewhat, but you can expect much better results from an experienced teeth whitening dentist.

An Alternate Way to Whiter Teeth

Talking to the dentist may reveal a third way you can get good results. The dentist can also provide you with special teeth whitening trays to take home. This enables you to do it yourself with stronger and better chemicals than you would get from the store. The one setback is that you still will not get chemicals of the same strength as you would get in the dentist’s office – simply because it is not supervised.

Impressing Your Date

When you go on your date, one of the best ways to impress someone is to have a natural and beautiful smile. It speaks wonders for you and makes you look great. And when you know that you look great, you can relax and enjoy being with your date more.

Surveys conducted by various groups have found that your smile will tell other people a lot about you. In fact, they will judge you by your smile and condition of your teeth more than by your grammar, your hairstyle, or by your clothes. The survey discovered that 71 percent of women judge others by their smile, and 58 percent of men do it, too.

Causes of Yellow Teeth

Although your teeth look smooth, they really are not. The truth is that they have many niches and crannies where microscopic fragments of food or dyes can cling to your teeth. Some other things that can stain your teeth include:

Antibiotics
Thinning enamel
Aging
Poor oral health
Smoking
Foods – wine, juices, etc.
Coffee and tea
Trauma
Genetics
Radiation and chemotherapy

Keep Your Teeth White

After you get teeth whitening from a dentist, realize that your teeth will become stained again unless you take steps to prevent it. To help keep your teeth white, you need to brush your teeth twice daily and floss. You also want to avoid foods that will stain your teeth. Quit smoking. You can also protect your teeth from cavities and gum disease by consuming less sugar.

Other dental problems can be corrected at the dentist office, too. If you have chipped teeth, cavities, short teeth, or other issues, the dentist can correct them, as well. A tooth-colored compound can match your teeth’s color and no one will notice the difference.

When you are ready to get your fresh white teeth, you can visit Champion Dental clinic, Farmers Branch Texas. Our Board licensed Specialists provide many dental services and professional teeth whitening for the beautiful white teeth you need for your date.

Why Are My Teeth Sensitive When Water Touches Them?

Posted on March 7, 2023 | by mel | Leave a Comment

What Causes Sensitive Teeth?

Teeth can become sensitive to hot or cold water rather quickly. You may not have noticed any problems previously, but now you cannot ignore the tooth pain when you get a drink. Sensitive teeth signal that there is a problem.

Sensitive Teeth Causes

Your teeth can become sensitive to hot or cold for a number of reasons. All of them, however, point to one basic problem – your teeth (or tooth) have lost their protective enamel covering.

The outer layer of enamel on all of your teeth is very hard. Over time, various substances and bacteria can cause the outer layer of enamel to erode, which can expose the nerve underneath. There is actually another layer under the enamel called cementum that must also become eroded before the nerve becomes sensitive.

The cementum is on top of a layer called dentin and dentin is not as dense as the other two. It is made up of hollow tubes that will enable hot or cold liquids, and some food through them to touch the nerve. When it does, you will feel pain.

Several problems can cause the underlying nerve to become exposed to produce the tooth sensitivity that you feel. These problems include:

Cavities
Teeth that are fractured
Gum disease
Worn tooth enamel
Worn fillings
An exposed tooth root.

Causes of Tooth Decay

Many people have heard for most of their lives that sweets can cause cavities – but most people do not know how. The truth is that the culprit is microscopic – bad bacteria. There are over 700 different types of bacteria in your mouth.

When the bad bacteria come in contact with sugar, it turns it into an acid. This acid slowly erodes the enamel on your teeth, causing it to have pits in it. These pits, sooner or later, will reach into the cementum, then to the dentin, where liquids finally come into direct contact with your tooth’s nerve.

The sensitive teeth pain is not the end of your problem. The same bacteria that eroded your teeth are also capable of eroding your gums and more. The destruction of your teeth with an acid can be compounded if you drink a lot of sodas and fruit drinks. Both of these drinks contain acids that add to the damage done by the bacteria. Sooner or later you will develop gum disease.

Having gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can also cause dental sensitivity. The acid from your stomach can help erode your tooth’s enamel, leading to teeth that are sensitive to hot and cold.

It is possible to have multiple teeth, or a single tooth, that is sensitive to hot and cold. This may also be the result of getting new fillings or crowns, bleaching your teeth, or gum disease causing your gums to recede, and your tooth roots being exposed.

Risk Factors

While anyone can get sensitive teeth at any age, people between the ages of 20 and 40 are the ones most likely to have that problem. Women have an increased likelihood of developing sensitive teeth.

Sensitive Teeth Treatment

Sensitive teeth can be treated in a way that will reduce the pain when you drink or eat hot or cold foods or liquids. On your own, you could try over-the-counter desensitizing toothpaste.

The dentist may also try some other options for a sensitive teeth remedy:

Fluoride gel – this is a fluoride varnish that is used to seal the sensitive teeth. It will help to strengthen your tooth’s enamel and the dentin.
Tooth repair – this process uses the same bonding material that is used to repair chips and some other dental problems. It is tooth colored and it is used to seal the dentin surface and protect it from hot and cold substances.
Gum grafts – when your gums have receded from gum disease and exposed the tooth roots, a dentist may suggest gum grafts. This surgical method replaces the lost gums to recover the roots of your teeth.
Root canal – when other methods have been tried and failed, a dentist can give you a root canal. This method removes the cap of the sensitive tooth, deadens the nerve inside that is causing the pain and puts a new crown on it. A root canal is the best method to stop sensitive teeth symptoms.

If you tend to grind your teeth at night, you are at risk of having other teeth become sensitive. A dentist can help you get a quality mouth guard to protect your teeth while you sleep.

If you live in the Farmers Branch, TX your sensitive teeth can be treated by Champion Dental expert dentists team. Call us at 214-747-0763 to fix an appointment. We are available on Saturdays also.

How-To Guide To Healthy Teeth

Posted on February 24, 2023 | by mel | Leave a Comment

Steps You Need to Take to Keep a Beautiful Smile

When thinking about health, most people do not think much about caring for the health of your teeth. The truth is there is a definite connection between having a healthy mouth and having a healthy body. This how to guide will present an overview of what you need to keep your healthy teeth.

Brush Your Teeth

Brushing your teeth and flossing form the basic two things that serve as a starting place for healthy teeth. You need to brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes each time and floss them once a day – preferably before you go to bed.

Gum Disease

The bacteria in your mouth will form a film (plaque) on your teeth every so many hours. This is constantly occurring and brushing your teeth will remove it from the surface of your teeth, and flossing removes it from in between your teeth.

When you eat sweets and sugar-laden drinks, it causes the bad bacteria in your mouth to multiply. When it does, it produces an acid that starts attacking the enamel on your teeth. Without the proper care, the bacteria will continue to create dental problems. Your healthy gums will start to show signs of gum disease, which in the early stages are revealed by bleeding gums when you brush your teeth, they may possibly be inflamed, and your gums may be noticeably receding.

In more advanced stages, gum disease becomes periodontitis, which causes more adults to lose their teeth than any other cause. The same bacteria involved in the more mild form of gum disease (gingivitis) continues producing acid that destroys your gums, the structures that hold your teeth in place, and your jawbone. Only a periodontist can help restore your gums and teeth at this point – and it will be very costly.

Why Healthy Teeth and Gums Are Important

Recent research has discovered that the bacteria that cause gum disease and inflammation are also a major factor in as many as 50 different diseases and health problems. Among them are diabetes, cardiovascular disease, heart attack, and stroke. Several types of cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, Alzheimer’s, COPD, pregnancy complications, and many more are caused by these same bacteria.

Eat Healthy Foods

The acids and sugars in many foods attack the enamel on your teeth, which leads to a process called demineralization. This means it is actually removing important minerals from your teeth, weakening the enamel and even making holes in it. By eating balanced healthy foods, your teeth can be remineralized and strengthened. Both processes are constantly occurring, but healthy eating helps ensure that the right vitamins and minerals are available.

The right kind of nutrition is also necessary to help your immune system. When healthy, your immune system can help fight off both gum disease and some oral cancers. Both of them are apt to grow faster when you do not get enough of the right kind of nutrition.

Smoking, or using chewing tobacco or even e-cigs, weakens the immune system in your mouth. This is why dental work on smokers takes longer to heal, and it is also why many smokers develop oral cancer.

Teeth Cleaning

Making regular visits to the dentist is also important to keep healthy teeth. The dentist can spot dental problems in their early stages and treat them, which could easily prevent the need for more costly treatments later on. As the dentist provides regular teeth cleaning, they can also tell you about spots you may be missing in your own dental care.

In between teeth cleanings, there may be other times when you should contact your dentist. These include occasions when you notice:

Red or tender gums that may also bleed when you brush.
Your gums are pulling away from your teeth.
Your teeth become sensitive to hot and cold.
Bad breath that you cannot prevent.
Some teeth are becoming loose.
Sores in your mouth are not healing.
Your teeth do not align the same way.
Your dentures or partials do not fit the same way.
You have difficulty when swallowing.

Be Careful of Drugs

The illegal kind of drugs can contain many harmful types of chemicals that will help destroy your teeth fast. They contain acids that will weaken your teeth’s enamel quickly, leading to serious cavities, gum disease, and tooth loss.

Even prescription drugs can harm your teeth. Some drugs, such as some antibiotics, can lead to discoloring them. If you are taking a drug that seems to be discoloring your teeth, see if your doctor can prescribe an alternative medication.

In order to maintain your healthy teeth and gums, you need the regular assistance of a dentist. If you live in Farmers Branch, TX all you need to do is call 214-747-0763 , Champion dental clinic for your regular dental check ups and affordable oral care. Make Champion Dental as your preferred dentistry for all your family dental needs.

Category: Preventative Dentistry