Everyone knows you need to brush and floss your teeth if you want a white smile and fresh breath. It’s easy, as well, to see the link between a vibrant smile and self-esteem. Often, though, people don’t realize that your oral health affects your overall wellbeing. Developing good oral care habits not only keeps your mouth in tip-top shape, but it also protects your total body health.
On a daily basis, we are constantly exposed to bacteria. These microscopic organisms can be found on common surfaces and in the air. Usually, our skin serves as a good barrier, and our bodies fight off bacterial infections. However, our mouths are a different story.
The inside of our mouths contain millions of bacteria, which contribute to the development of plaque, a sticky, colorless substance that forms on teeth. If you don’t take good care of your teeth and gums, excessive plaque can develop, which can lead to gum inflammation and even periodontal disease. Another term for gum disease, periodontal disease can not only cause serious damage to your dental wellness, but also your overall health.
When your gums are healthy, the bacteria in your mouth stay put. Gum disease can give bacteria an entry way into your blood stream, allowing these germs to wreak havoc on your whole system. Current research has linked periodontal disease to serious health concerns such as osteoporosis, heart disease, risk of stroke, and diabetes complications. In addition, women who develop gum disease during pregnancy have an increased risk for premature birth or low-birth weight babies.
We look forward to seeing you in our Central Falls dental office
If you look in the mirror and wish you had a more attractive smile, porcelain veneers may provide the answer you are looking for to update your image. Made from fine dental porcelain, veneers can cover imperfections and transform your appearance. With veneers, you can cover stains, close gaps, and produce uniformity. Depending on your case, you may choose from custom veneers or minimal preparation options.
Before beginning any treatment, schedule a consultation with a skilled cosmetic dentist. At this visit, explain your desires in detail to your doctor. Some people even bring examples of smiles that they like. Your dentist will combine this information with a complete examination to develop a customized plan for your new smile.
Traditional Veneers
Handcrafted to fit your specific smile, traditional porcelain veneers can be created to complement your facial features, neighboring teeth, and personality. For traditional veneers, your doctor will prepare the teeth by removing a thin layer of enamel and then take impressions of your teeth. Your dentist will send this information to a trained ceramist, who will generate your restorations. While you wait, some dentist will place temporary veneers, giving you a chance to try out your new look. Once the permanent veneers arrive from the lab, you will return for final placement.
Minimal-Prep Veneers
Marketed through brands like Durathin or Lumineers, minimal-prep veneers are ultra-thin shells of porcelain that are bonded to your front teeth. With minimal-prep options, little enamel removal is necessary and usually local anesthetic is unnecessary. Reversing minimal prep veneers is also possible if you change your mind at a later time. Because they can look unnatural or bulky in certain cases, not all individuals make good candidates for minimal-prep veneers.
We look forward to seeing you in our Central Falls dental office
Everyone knows that what you eat matters for your health. Your diet impacts your heart, weight, and other areas, including your oral health. Eating a balanced diet will keep your teeth and gums strong, which protects your smile.
These tips will help you make your diet count:
• Choose foods high in calcium. Low-fat milk, yogurt, and cheese offer you great sources of calcium, a mineral that helps your teeth and bones in good shape. Green, leafy vegetables such as broccoli and spinach also provide calcium.
• Limit sugar intake. Though a cookie or the occasional piece of chocolate won’t hurt your smile, eating too many sweets can contribute to cavities. It also important to watch your carbohydrates, like breads, pastas, and potatoes, because these foods may also increase the chance of tooth decay.
• Say no to sodas. Carbonated beverages contain phosphorous and carbonation, acidic substances that can cause enamel erosion. Because sports drinks have a high sugar content, you should limit those as well.
• Go for fruits and vegetables. Apples, carrots, and celery are good options because they are high in nutrients and won’t stick to your teeth.
• Cut back on snacks. When you eat between meals, the food stays on your teeth and can boost your risk for cavities.
• Drink plenty of water. Not only does water have fluoride to strengthen your teeth, but it also helps wash away food and plaque from your teeth.
• Chew sugarless gum. Studies have proven that chewing sugarless gum increases saliva production. Saliva naturally reduces plaque build up and rinses away food particles that encourage the development of tooth decay.
Everyone knows that what you eat matters for your health. Your diet impacts your heart, weight, and other areas, including your oral health. Eating a balanced diet will keep your teeth and gums strong, which protects your smile.
These tips will help you make your diet count:
• Choose foods high in calcium. Low-fat milk, yogurt, and cheese offer you great sources of calcium, a mineral that helps your teeth and bones in good shape. Green, leafy vegetables such as broccoli and spinach also provide calcium.
• Limit sugar intake. Though a cookie or the occasional piece of chocolate won’t hurt your smile, eating too many sweets can contribute to cavities. It also important to watch your carbohydrates, like breads, pastas, and potatoes, because these foods may also increase the chance of tooth decay.
• Say no to sodas. Carbonated beverages contain phosphorous and carbonation, acidic substances that can cause enamel erosion. Because sports drinks have a high sugar content, you should limit those as well.
• Go for fruits and vegetables. Apples, carrots, and celery are good options because they are high in nutrients and won’t stick to your teeth.
• Cut back on snacks. When you eat between meals, the food stays on your teeth and can boost your risk for cavities.
• Drink plenty of water. Not only does water have fluoride to strengthen your teeth, but it also helps wash away food and plaque from your teeth.
• Chew sugarless gum. Studies have proven that chewing sugarless gum increases saliva production. Saliva naturally reduces plaque build up and rinses away food particles that encourage the development of tooth decay.
At Brown, Reynolds & Snow Dentistry we care about your smile and your oral health. Richmond, VA Cosmetic Dentist
Everyone wants to attain a brilliant, white smile. Modern dentistry can help you achieve this goal with Invisalign teeth whitening or cosmetic enhancements such as veneers or porcelain crowns. Brushing and flossing will help you keep your smile in prime condition. Your diet can impact your teeth as well. Certain foods and beverages can darken your teeth, including:
• Tea Time
Considered a healthy beverage, tea may not keep your teeth white. In fact, black tea can leave more stains than coffee.
• Saucy Saucy
Yummy extras like soy sauce, tomato sauce, and curry sauce may taste delicious, but they have significant potential in the stain department. Choose lighter cream sauces or brush right away to limit issues.
• Sports Power
Highly acidic beverages, like sports or energy drinks, erode tooth enamel and make teeth more susceptible to stains. Try water when you exercise as a safer choice for your smile.
• A Little Wine
If a drink will stain your linens, it can also alter the appearance of your pearly whites, so limiting your intake of wine can protect your smile.
• Berry Good
Though blackberries, cherries, and blueberries are great for your body, the deeply pigmented molecules in these fruits can stick to enamel and cause discoloration. Pies and juices containing these foods can also stain teeth.
• Bubbling Over
Frequently a cause of stains, sodas and other carbonated drinks have acid and chromogens, which can lead to serious stains. Even lighter colored drinks have enough acid to allow staining from other foods and beverages.
If you live in the Central Falls area contact us today
You don’t have to grace the movie screens or magazine covers to have a magnificent smile. With the modern cosmetic dental procedures offered at Brown, Reynolds & Snow Dentistry, you can achieve a gorgeous appearance through simple options like teeth whitening, cosmetic bonding, or Invisalign clear aligners. The following tips will help you put your best smile forward, no matter what else you decide to do:
• Make dental visits a priority. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends checkups twice a year. These appointments allow your dentist to monitor your oral health and address any problems that arise. Plus, the cleanings leave your smile in tip-top shape.
• Follow a good oral care routine. To keep your smile looking and feeling great, you need to brush at least twice a day and floss regularly. If you don’t keep up with these tasks, you may increase the chances of developing issues like tooth decay and gum disease.
• Create a natural look. The most attractive smiles are the ones that don’t look artificial. Your mouth and lips help create the whole effect. Keep your facial muscles relaxed, and moisturize your lips to complete the entire look.
• Try to relax. Overall happiness contributes to the impression you give others, including in your smile. Try to remain stress-free so that your inner peace and joy will be reflected in your smile’s glow.
• Practice makes perfect. If you feel nervous, there’s no harm in trying out your smile. Use pictures of yourself that you like as examples; then, make an effort to smile at random strangers to boost your confidence.
Schedule your appointment at our Central Falls dental office
If you have a true dental emergency, make sure to consult your dentist right away. Some situations may arise, however, that after hours, so it’s important to know how to proceed. These tips will help you take good care of yourself or someone you love:
• Bitten lips, cheeks or gums
First, gently rinse the area with cool water. Apply light pressure with gauze or a wash cloth. Control swelling with crushed ice in a Ziploc bag.
• Bleeding gums
Usually caused by gum disease or brushing too hard, treat bleeding gums by rinsing with warm water and creating a regular home care routine that includes brushing twice a day and flossing regularly. See your dentist for a complete exam.
• Canker sores
Rinse the area with warm salt water. Avoid spicy, acidic, or very hot foods when you have an open sore. If the area doesn’t heal in two weeks, contact your dentist.
• Broken or cracked tooth
Carefully rinse the area with water, salt water if possible. Don’t remove any pieces and bring all fragments with you to the dentist’s office.
• Loose baby tooth
Don’t pressure your child to pull the tooth. Encourage your son or daughter to wiggle the tooth side to side as well as back and forth to help free the tooth.
• Teething pains
Place a wash cloth in the freezer and allow your baby to suck on it to relieve pain. Mild over-the-counter analgesics may also help.
• Toothaches
Avoid irritating the tooth. Don’t bite down on the area, and avoid hot or cold substances. Schedule an appointment with the dentist as soon as possible.
If you live in the Central Falls area contact us today
