Tag: Dentist Biloxi MS

Determining Which Type of Denture is Best for You  

Dentures can either be a replacement of all of one’s teeth known as complete dentures or a section of  teeth, known as partial dentures. When arriving for your scheduled appointment here is what you can  expect. X-rays to look for any issues that might affect fit. In some cases, the addition of crowns, may be  

needed to accommodate the new partials. Once fitted, your dentist will recommend keeping them in for  one week to make any necessary adjustments. Next, how you should care for them, why it is important  to note any misconceptions, and any future questions you might have will go down here in this handy  guide. Always consult your dental professional should you have any questions or concerns.  

Fitting of Partial Dentures 

Having been fitted with your partials, you will be ready to schedule a follow up appointment you’re your  dental professional to make any adjustments and address any concerns you are having during this first  week period. There will be different types of products available to you the consumer for taking care of  your new partials, and that it is important to know what to expect when wearing and caring for them.  Some of the commonly held misconceptions are listed below and are summarized from the ADA’s  recommendations.  

Misconceptions and how to Care for Them Below, is a look at some differences, and what you can  expect when caring for your new partials. The many different types of products available to you over the  counter and caring for them will change. Below, we can see how and what will be done different.  

1. Never brush your dentures with a regular toothbrush. Always use an approved denture  brush designed specifically for dentures themselves, otherwise you can damage them.  2. Avoid any non-approved denture toothpaste not designed for dentures. They are far too  abrasive and again you risk damaging them.  

3. Instead, using a mild household soap and water is perfectly acceptable and will not damage  them.  

4. Your dentist will probably recommend a cleanser. Look for denture cleaners sold over the  counter that are ADA acceptable and the label clearly indicates this.  

1. Finally, if at any time your dentures become damaged, either they have been chipped or are  missing one or more teeth, consult your dentist immediately.  

Whether you are deciding which type of dentures, either partial and full replacements, you should now  have a basic understanding of what to expect with full or partial ones. Avoiding cleansers and brushes  that will cause harm or damage and following the recommendation of your Biloxi Cosmetic Dentist are  crucial in making your new partials last a long time. For helpful tips, or to schedule your appointment, please contact Pure Smiles Dental of Biloxi. 

Do you have white spots on your teeth? Are your teeth quite sensitive? Do your teeth have  cracks, chips, or indentations? If yes, then you may be experiencing enamel erosion. 

Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the human body. It is the clear coating that protects  your teeth. However, being the strongest substance in the body does not mean it should be  neglected. Enamel can erode. Without the protection of enamel, you not only risk developing  decay, but also abscesses, tooth pain, and even tooth loss. 

What Causes Tooth Enamel Erosion? 

There are several factors that cause tooth enamel to erode, some of which are the result of  everyday actions. Sugars and acids can wear down enamel. If you regularly drink soft drinks or sugary fruit drinks, you may be damaging your teeth. To protect your teeth, limit your consumption of such drinks. Alcohol can also erode enamel, as well as a diet that is high in  sugary or starchy foods. The bacteria in the mouth can transform starches and sugars in foods  such as bread into damaging acid.  

Other factors include acid reflux, recurrent vomiting, gastrointestinal problems, genetically inherited conditions, grinding your teeth, even brushing too hard or not flossing properly. All of these impact the health of your enamel, and, ultimately, your teeth. Once the enamel is worn or chipped away, it cannot be replaced. 

Keep the sweets from becoming everyday treats, replace white breads with whole grains, and  try eating more cheese and yogurt to bolster the calcium in your saliva to keep the acids in  check. 

How Can Enamel Erosion Be Prevented? 

In addition to exercising moderation with soft drinks, alcohol, sugars and starches, and, of  course, taking extra care with regard to medical conditions and your tooth care regimen, there  are a few extra things you can do to protect your smile. Saliva can neutralize harmful acids in  your mouth. By drinking water and chewing sugar-free gum, you can boost saliva production.  

Keep the sweets from becoming everyday treats and replace white breads with whole grains.  Add more cheese and yogurt to your diet. Not only are both foods high in calcium, but they also  help neutralize harmful acids in your mouth. 

Tooth enamel is essential for maintaining a healthy smile. Be mindful of what you eat and drink.  Enamel erosion may also be the consequence of other complications such as excessive teeth  grinding or acid reflux. Regular visits to our office allow our team to provide a full examination. If  we detect that your enamel is eroding, we will discuss potential causes and solutions.  

To schedule your next visit to our office, please contact our team today.

Did you know that chocolate might not be as bad for your teeth as people may have thought? You can now  eat your favorite treat without feeling guilty. Studies have shown that there are benefits to eating chocolate, however, not all chocolate is created equal. It is important to note that these benefits apply to dark chocolate, not milk chocolate or white chocolate. Dark chocolate is rich in Fiber, Iron, Magnesium, Copper, Manganese and a few other minerals.  A 100-gram bar of dark chocolate with 70-85% cocoa contains: 

? 11 grams of fiber 

? 67% Iron 

? 58% Magnesium 

? 89% Copper 

? 98% Manganese 

? It also has plenty of potassium, phosphorus, zinc and selenium 

Here are more advantages to eating dark chocolate and how to maintain good oral health while  doing so. 

Chocolate and Your Teeth 

Chocolate is a candy that dissolves quickly in your mouth, resulting in less time on your teeth. It  does less damage than a chewy or sticky candy because the sugar doesn’t cling to your teeth  as long. 

Chocolate and Your Health  

Cocoa and dark chocolate are also a powerful source of antioxidants. Antioxidants protect the  body from damage caused by harmful molecules called free radicals. Many experts believe this  damage is a factor in the development of blood vessel disease, cancer, and other conditions.  The bioactive compounds in cocoa can improve blood flow in the arteries and cause a small but  statistically significant decrease in blood pressure. 

Chocolate Benefits  

Eating chocolate can lower your risk for cardiovascular disease. A study also showed that the  flavanols from cocoa can improve blood flow to the skin and protect it against sun-induced  damage. 

Remember to eat responsibly as too much sugary food can be harmful, regardless of the  benefits. Eating dark chocolate and brushing your teeth after will reduce the negative effects of  chocolate.

Probiotics are typically advertised as being helpful for  digestion. However, studies have shown that they can also improve oral health. Probiotics are beneficial for  fighting infections that lead to oral disease. 

Reducing Gingivitis 

A study published in Contemporary Clinical Dentistry  has found that probiotics can reduce gum bleeding in patients with moderate to severe gingivitis. In the  trial, children were given either a placebo or two  different combinations of probiotics. At the three-week mark, it was discovered that children who took  probiotics had significant improvements in their gingival status. 

Combating Periodontitis 

Periodontitis is another oral disease that probiotics have been shown to fight. Periodontitis is caused by  harmful bacteria that separate teeth from the gums creating pockets that can become infected.  Probiotics can fight harmful bacteria and lessen the inflammation to help heal the mouth. 

Fighting Cavities 

Another finding from the trial of the Contemporary Clinical Dentistry showed that children who took probiotics also saw a significant decrease in plaque. The reduction of plaque leads to less decay. Probiotics fight the plaque and occupy the spaces on the teeth where bad bacteria thrive.  

Minimizing Bad Breath

Another benefit of probiotics is the effect they have on bad breath. Bad breath is usually caused by  volatile sulfur compound bacteria releasing odor-causing gases. Because probiotics are healthy bacteria,  it is believed that they can eliminate the bad bacteria and maintain a healthy bacteria balance in your  mouth.  

The benefits of probiotics are not just limited to the digestive health. Researchers continue to conduct  studies to discover new ways probiotics contribute to a healthy mouth and body.  

Contact our team for more information on oral health or to schedule a visit today.

Osteoporosis is a disease that affects roughly 10 million  Americans, according to  statistics from the National  Osteoporosis Foundation.  Additionally, another 44 million  people are at an increased risk  of developing the disease due  to of low bone density.  Symptoms appear in more  than one-third of women over the age of 65. Fractures, pain, and mobility limitations can occur from osteoporosis. Understanding the signs and symptoms, as well as prevention  methods, can decrease your chance of developing osteoporosis.  

What is Osteoporosis? 

Osteoporosis is a disease that decreases bone density and weakens bones. Many  people are unaware that they have this disease, and only catch it after an injury. Bone  fractures can greatly diminish your quality of life through persistent discomfort and  limited mobility. 

Oral Health Linked to Osteoporosis 

If you suffer from osteoporosis, your oral health is also at risk. Your jawbone may begin  to weaken, leading to significant oral health complications. A routine visit to our dental  office can allow us to detect early signs of osteoporosis. Tooth loss and gum disease are  potential indicators of an underlying health issue. Our team will take X-rays of your  jawbone and surrounding teeth. If we detect diminished bone density, or signs of bone  loss, we will discuss the best course of action with you. 

What You Can Do 

The risk factors associated with osteoporosis include genetics, calcium deficiency,  smoking, menopause, excessive caffeine or alcohol, and an inactive lifestyle. Simple  changes such as increasing your daily calcium and vitamin D intake, exercising, quitting  smoking, decreasing consumption of caffeine and alcohol, and visiting our team regularly can help lower your risk. 

Osteoporosis affects the lives of millions of people. It can significantly diminish your quality of life. Through regular oral health examinations, our team may be able to identify early signs of bone loss. 

Schedule your visit to our office today.

Even a healthy mouth is lined with bacteria. Normally, your daily oral hygiene routine helps  prevent oral health complications. However, it is possible to develop an excess of bacteria and  fungi, which can lead to additional problems. Here’s what you should know about oral thrush  and what you can do to prevent it. 

What is it? 

Oral thrush is caused by a collection of the fungus Candida in your mouth. Bacteria and fungi  occur naturally in your mouth, but it is important that they are not permitted to build up.  Thrush can appear as white, thick scrapes on your tongue or inner cheek. It may also look like  patchy, white sores.  

Who does it affect? 

Young children, infants, and the elderly are at a higher risk of developing oral thrush. If you  have a weakened immune system or diabetes, it is even more important that you stay active to  keep your mouth healthy and prevent issues like oral thrush. Smokers also tend to develop oral  thrush more than other patients.  

What can it do? 

Oral thrush can lead to trouble swallowing and tasting. As it develops, it can become painful.  Oral thrush can make affected areas feel like they are burning, and slight bleeding can occur if  you are scraping your tongue or cheeks. Some describe the feeling as having cotton in their  mouth. 

Thrush can spread. If you have a weakened immune system, it is possible that thrush moves  into your lungs, digestive tract, and even your heart. 

How can I prevent It? 

Our best recommendation for preventing oral thrush is a vigilant daily oral hygiene routine that  includes a thorough brushing and flossing of your teeth, and includes your tongue. We  sometimes recommend a patient use a tongue scraper to clean your tongue. Just like brushing 

your teeth, your tongue depends on daily cleaning to stay healthy and free of germs and  bacteria.  

The American Dental Association recommends that for some patients it might be helpful to  consider an antimicrobial toothpaste or mouthwash. Check with our doctor to see which  solutions might be best for you. 

We cannot overstate the importance of regularly scheduled dental exams. If you are a diabetic,  it is even more important that you schedule regular visits to our office. By having your mouth  checked by our staff, we can work with you to prevent oral health issues like thrush.  

For more tips on keeping your mouth healthy or to schedule your next visit, please contact our office. 

Resources: The American Dental Association 

http://www.ada.org/~/media/ADA/Science%20and%20Research/Files/patient_18.pdf?la=en

The hazards surrounding vaping are not entirely clear. More research is needed in this area, but  a recent study indicates that e-cigarette vapors could be damaging to your mouth. Here’s what  you need to know. 

The Vapor Ingredients 

Electronic cigarettes are not regulated in the same way tobacco cigarettes are, meaning that  their contents can be inaccurately labeled without any oversight. Contents that e-juice usually  contains include nicotine, glycerin, chemical flavoring, and propylene glycol. Some of these  substances are safe in food, such as chemical flavors, but the effects of inhaling them is not well  researched. Heating these chemicals can form dangerous carcinogens such as formaldehyde. E cigarettes might also include tiny metals and particles that you inhale while smoking. 

What This Means for Your Oral Health 

A recent study from UCLA found that vapors from an e-cigarette can kill the cells in your oral  cavity, or the area of your mouth beyond your teeth and gums. The study placed oral cells in an  environment where electronic cigarette smoke was produced for 24 hours, in a machine  simulating how a person would smoke. During the test, 85% of the cells died. According to the  lead author of the study, they plan to move forward to test the impacts in humans. 

These cells are your mouth’s defense by helping to release antioxidants. As the cells die off or  become less effective, your mouth becomes more vulnerable to oral diseases. 

Another study by the University of Rochester Medical Center concluded e-cigarettes are just as  bad for your gums as tobacco cigarettes are. Nicotine, which both types of cigarettes contain, is  a known factor in contributing to gum disease.  

Steps You Can Take 

Since the e-juice industry is largely unregulated, it is best to avoid smoking electronic cigarettes.  The carcinogenic contents pose serious risks to your health, especially to your mouth. Your  mouth relies on the functions of these important cells to defend itself against dangerous  bacteria and other substances. Without your mouth’s natural defense system, you open  yourself up to oral disease. 

Make sure you are regularly visiting our office, especially if you are a smoker of either tobacco  cigarettes, or electronic cigarettes. Our experienced dental team will perform a complete oral  examination during your visit to check for signs of oral disease. Being proactive is your best  defense against combating oral disease. 

For more tips on keeping your mouth healthy or to schedule your next visit, please contact us. 

Resources: UCLA Health 

https://www.uclahealth.org/e-cigarette-vapors-could-be-toxic-to-oral-cavity-ucla-study-finds

University of Rochester Medical Center Study 

https://www.mdlinx.com/dentistry/medical-news-article/2016/11/22/electronic-cigarettes gums/6945270/

When buying a toothbrush, toothpaste, or coming into our office, you often hear the word  “plaque” associated with the health of your teeth. Plaque is one of the main reasons why it is so important to keep up with a daily oral hygiene routine that includes brushing two times each day for at least two minutes, and flossing regularly as well. Here’s what you need to know about plaque and what it can do to your smile. 

What is Plaque? 

If you haven’t brushed your teeth in a while, you might feel a film-like, sticky buildup on your teeth. This is plaque, a bacteria layer that grips onto your teeth. There isn’t anything you can do to stop plaque from forming, but brushing and flossing as well as keeping up with regular dental visits are your best defenses for cleaning plaque off your teeth. 

What Plaque Does to Your Teeth & Mouth 

Without regular brushing and cleaning, plaque builds up and multiplies. As plaque is left untreated, it hardens to form tartar (also known as calculus). Plaque also leads to decay, as it produces an acid that damages your teeth. When you come into our office for a dental examination, we thoroughly clean your teeth to ensure that any buildup is taken care of. Tartar can cause staining on your teeth if left untreated. Plaque is the leading cause of gingivitis,  causing your gums to swell and become red or bloody. 

What You Can Do 

The most important steps of keeping plaque in check is to stick to a daily brushing routine. This means brushing twice each day, for two minutes each time, and flossing at least once daily.  Plaque occurs naturally, and when you come into our office for a complete examination, we work with you to clean off any buildup. Maintaining regular visits to our office is one way to ensure tartar buildup is minimized and managed. It is particularly important that you are brushing your teeth all the way to the gum, because the gum line is an area that is prone to plaque buildup. Brush gently, as vigorous brushing will only do more damage than good,  especially to your gums. 

Sticking to your daily brushing and flossing routine will help keep your teeth free of plaque buildup. Make sure you are brushing in the morning and before bed. If you don’t brush before bed, bacteria and plaque will build up throughout the night. Schedule a visit to our office so our experienced, professional dental team can clean your teeth, giving you a smile you can be proud of. 

For more tips on keeping your teeth healthy or to schedule your next visit, please contact our office.

Painful, infected teeth are not a pleasant experience, but they are common symptoms of tooth decay. The good news however is that tooth decay is preventable. Your best defense against decay is a daily oral hygiene routine, as well as regular visits to our office. It can be helpful to know more about tooth decay and what causes it so that you are better equipped with the knowledge to prevent it. 

More Than Just Sugar 

Sugar is a leading cause of tooth decay. Sugar build-up and deposits on your teeth lead to the erosion of the tooth. While it is important to be mindful of the sugary products you are consuming, sugar is not the only culprit in causing tooth decay. Acids can also damage your teeth. Foods that are high in acidic content can speed up the process of decay. Our dentist suggests you avoid drinks and candies with high sugar or acid content. If you find yourself consuming such things, make sure to keep up with your daily oral hygiene routine. 

The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research recommends avoiding snacks between meals, limiting sugary drinks and fruit juices, and not eating or drinking before bedtime after brushing.  

You Can’t Always Tell

Decay doesn’t always have noticeable signs. When discomfort is felt, it could be a sign the decay has spread beyond one tooth. In other words, by the time you do feel it decay is far along. This can be prevented by regular visits to our office. Our doctor can help identify potential issues early and you will receive the best possible treatments for your teeth. 

Teeth with Fillings Still Need to Be Cared for Properly 

Previous fillings do not mean that your teeth are free of decay forever. It is essential you maintain proper daily care of your teeth. It is possible to develop decay around existing fillings, so be sure you are taking extra care especially around fillings. If you feel your existing fillings are giving you trouble, schedule an appointment to see us. 

Tooth Decay Not Just a Kids Thing 

All age groups are equally at risk of developing tooth decay.  Parents should keep an eye on their children’s sugary snacks and treats, but this advice holds true for everyone. Senior citizens are particularly vulnerable because of certain medications can damage their teeth. It is essential that all age groups are receiving twice-yearly dental examinations. 

Tooth decay is a common dental issue. However, with the right knowledge you can prevent damage to your teeth. Watch your diet and make sure you limit sugary candies and snacks. Remember, you won’t always be able to see or feel decay, so contact our office to schedule a regular visit. 

For more helpful tips on preventing decay, or to schedule an appointment, contact our office.

An injury to your mouth can be a painful, expensive experience. For athletes, mouth and tooth injuries are a very real risk. Mouthguards are an excellent tool for protecting your mouth from injury and harm. Our team can help you find a solution that protects your teeth while you play. 

Why Wear a Mouthguard? 

Mouthguards protect your teeth. For athletes, injuries to the mouth can cause cracked teeth, or even worse, missing teeth. Additionally, your mouth is mostly made up of soft tissues, such as your tongue, inside cheeks, and lips. These areas can become injured or pierced when playing sports. Mouthguards help defend your mouth and teeth against such injuries.  

Do All Athletes Need a Mouthguard? 

Yes. High-contact sports such as hockey, wrestling, football, and boxing pose the greatest risk for mouth injuries. However, all athletes can benefit from being cautious. Gymnasts should consider wearing one to protect their mouth in the event of a fall. Baseball and basketball players should protect themselves from being injured by a ball or collision with another player. Mouthguards should be treated as a necessary piece of your athletic gear, no matter which sport you play. 

Which Mouthguard Is the Most Effective? 

Our team can help you during your next visit to our office. There are many options available, ranging from store-bought to custom-fitted mouthguards. We will work with you to determine which type of mouthguard is best for you. It is important that any guard fits properly.  

If you are currently receiving orthodontic treatment, we may recommend a special type of  mouthguard. Braces can puncture your mouth if impacted, particularly during sports. Our team will help you find a solution that works. 

Prevention is the best solution to oral sports injuries. Contact our office and ask about finding a mouthguard that is right for you.