Oral Piercings. You may think it's cool, but your teeth don't.

Oral Piercings are very common among teens and adults due to the current trend in self expression. What many don't know is how they can negatively affect your oral health. Damage to the teeth and gums, nerve damage and infection are just a few problems that can be associated with oral piercings.

The mouth has a moist environment and is home to large amounts of bacteria which is an ideal location for infection to start. Touching your piercings with your hands can transfer germs and lead to infection, also food particles can collect around the piercing site which can be a breeding ground for bacteria.

Damage to your teeth and gums is also a risk. Oral jewelry can cause excessive saliva production which can lead to an interruption in the way you speak. Having a barbell shaped ring or a hoop ring can cause you to accidentally bite on it and chip a tooth. Also, some people develop a habit of playing with their piercing jewelry which can injure the gums and lead to scratched and sensitive teeth, and  eventually later on lead to future crowns and fillings.

Here are a few precautionary tips to take if you do already have an oral piercing.

• Keep the piercing site clean and free of any debris or food that can collect around it. By using a mouth wash after you eat can really help to keep your mouth clean.
• Minimize playing with oral jewelry and avoid putting stress onto the piercing.
• See your dentist regularly and remember to brush and floss.

For more information on Oral piercings and the harmful effects that are correlated with them, visit our office at Verde Pointe Dental.

Suzanna Aguilera DMD, Kirk Kimmerling DDS and Garrick Mcgrath are happy to welcome new patients to the office. They are cosmetic dentists and emergency dentists available for dental care by offering an emergency dentist coupon for $100.00

Fillings Aren't Forever! Why Your Fillings Need To Be Replaced.

There are many reasons as to why old fillings need to be replaced. It is best to replace old fillings before new decay forms underneath them and with modern technology dentists can now detect beginning decay. A dental filling may last many years before it needs to be replaced. Chewing, grinding and other movements that can cause stress on your tooth will eventually cause your filling to wear away and fall out. When fillings are worn they start to pull away from the tooth which leaves gaps at the filling edges, which provides an entry point for bacteria. If the seal is broken between the tooth and the filling, the bacteria works their way into the opening and that can cause decay. If the decay is left untreated, that can lead to the pulp becoming infected which then leads to a possible root canal.

There are several factors that play a part in the longevity and performance of dental fillings. These factors are:

·         Where and how fillings are placed.

·         The components of the filling material

·         How much pressure the tooth has to endure during chewing.

A dental filling may last many years before it needs to be replaced. Chewing, grinding and other movements that can cause stress on your tooth will eventually cause your filling to wear away and fall out. Advances in modern dental materials can create a more natural looking smile. Amalgam or “silver fillings” are now making their way out of the dental field where as ceramic and plastic compound fillings are making more a profound entrance, due to the fact that they resemble more of a natural tooth.

Regular dental examinations are important because early decay can be detected. Although you may not know that your fillings are worn your dentist can identify any issues with your old fillings.

Have your old fillings examined and replaced at Verde Pointe Dental Associates!

Suzanna Aguilera DMD, Kirk Kimmerling DDS and Garrick Mcgrath are happy to welcome new patients to the office. They are cosmetic dentists and emergency dentists available for dental care by offering an emergency dentist coupon for $100.00.

Wisdom Teeth, Not So Wise To Keep Them!

Wisdom teeth are a set of third molars that usually erupt within the ages of 17 and 21.They can be a valuable asset to your mouth if they come in properly, but that usually is not the case. Wisdom teeth can be impacted or grow in at a different angle, and this can become a serious and painful issue.  Many patients are unaware as to why they should remove their wisdom teeth since they don’t bother them. Here are some reasons as to why it’s imperative to your health to get them removed:

·         When wisdom teeth partially erupt it leaves a space for bacteria to form, which then leads to an infection. Pain, swelling, and jaw stiffness can be a result.

·         Wisdom Teeth that are impacted may continue to grow without enough room to support it, this also can cause crowding and damage to your other teeth.

·         A fluid- filled sac (cyst) or tumor can form which can destroy surrounding structures around the tooth, such as bone or tooth roots.

It will benefit you to remove your wisdom teeth early, typically between the ages of 16 and 19. It’s better to remove them early to avoid complications. At a younger age, tooth roots are partially developed and the surrounding bone is softer, this leaves less of a chance of the nerves being damaged when the teeth are removed.

General Dentists can extract wisdom teeth to a certain extent. When the doctor feels as if the removal of the wisdom teeth becomes too difficult, they will refer the patient to an oral surgeon. The oral surgeon has the ability to sedate the patient, and also has tools and magnification that the general dentist might not have.

There are important things to expect when going in for the removal of your wisdom teeth. You will receive personal instructions and an overview of the procedure, they will also review your medical history and you will also sign a consent form. Wear loose, comfortable clothing and make sure that you have someone to transfer you home since you will be unable to drive. Following surgery, you may experience some discomfort while you’re healing.  

You can learn more about wisdom teeth and why its imperative to remove them by making an appointment and visiting our office at Verde Pointe Dental Associates!

Suzanna Aguilera DMD, Kirk Kimmerling DDS and Garrick McGrath are happy to welcome new patients to the office.  They are cosmetic dentists and emergency dentists available for dental care by offering a emergency dentist coupon for $100.00.

Love to Snack and Sip? Your Teeth Don't!!

A basic diet today consists of sugary snacks and sodas, not only is that bad for your health but what many don't know is that it negatively affects your teeth as well.

Snacking and Sipping all day leads to decay.

We skip meals and fill that empty space with sugary energy drinks and snacks, now while that temporarily boosts our energy levels it leaves behind a sugary film on our teeth, which leads to decay. When bacteria mixes with the sugar in your mouth it produces acid, which then breaks down your enamel and is very harmful to your teeth. The more sugar you expose to your teeth the more you increase your chances of tooth decay.

Here are some ways to reduce your risk of tooth decay:

• Limit the amount of sugary snacks and beverages you're consuming. No need to cut yourself off from it cold turkey, but by replacing your sugary cravings with a more nutritious food choice, you are reducing your sugar intake. Try chewing sugarless gum! It increases saliva flow and helps wash out food of your mouth.
• Drink more water, less soda!
• Brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily. Also, make sure to visit your local dentist regularly!

You can learn more about reducing your sugar intake and improving your oral health by making an appointment and visiting our office at Verde Pointe Dental Associates.

Suzanna Aguilera DMD, Kirk Kimmerling DDS and Garrick McGrath are happy to welcome new patients to the office.  They are cosmetic dentists and emergency dentists available for dental care by offering a emergency dentist coupon for $100.00.