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December 2021

protect-your-teeth-while-having-holiday-treats

Protect Your Teeth While Having Holiday Treats

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The holiday season is upon us. The time of year when some people are more indulgent than they would be the rest of the year, so our teeth are more at risk for decay and bacteria overgrowth. This blog post will give you some tips on how to protect your teeth while you enjoy this season’s holiday treats.

Can Holiday Treats Cause Cavities?

Holiday treats, like any food, can cause cavities, but it’s not the sugar in the treats that causes cavities. Bacteria will release acids when eating sugars. These acids attack your teeth and eat away at the enamel until holes are formed (cavities). Holiday foods aren’t the culprit by themselves, but they can contribute to the cavity development process.

What are the Symptoms of Cavities?

If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, you may have a cavity:

  • Toothache, spontaneous pain or pain that occurs without any apparent cause
  • Tooth sensitivity
  • Mild to sharp pain when eating or drinking something sweet, hot or cold
  • Visible holes or pits in your teeth
  • Brown, black or white staining on any surface of a tooth
  • Pain when you bite down

It is also important to note that, sometimes, cavities don’t have any symptoms. This is why your regular checkups at the dentist every six months are an important factor in maintaining your dental health.

Cavity Treatments 

If you are diagnosed with having a cavity, your dentist will recommend the appropriate treatment based on how far it has progressed. This may include a filling, a crown, or even root canal therapy.

A filling is a type of restoration that is placed in a cavity to restore the tooth to its original shape and size. The dentist will remove all the decay from the cavity and then fill it with a material like composite resin or amalgam.

A crown is a type of restoration that covers the entire tooth. It is often used when there is extensive damage to the tooth or when the tooth is very large.

Root canal therapy is a procedure that eliminates any remaining infection or pulp tissue in the root canals of teeth with badly damaged roots or in teeth that are endodontically treated (treated with root canal therapy).

How to Protect Your Teeth During the Holidays

It’s important to take care of your teeth all year long, not just during the holidays. However, during the holidays we find ourselves enjoying more yummy treats that can really have a negative effect on our teeth and gums. To protect your teeth during the holidays, follow these tips from MouthHealthy and the American Dental Association (ADA):

Watch your timing

The ADA explains that timing matters. You should feel free to enjoy everything in moderation. However, a good tip is to enjoy sweets and other sugary foods with meals or shortly after having a meal. Why? This is because saliva production increases during meals and helps cancel out acids produced by bacteria in your mouth and helps rinse away food particles.

Watch for sticky foods and hard candy

When it comes to holiday snacks, it’s important to watch out for sticky foods that can stick to and stay on the teeth for long periods of time. If you do enjoy sticky foods, be sure to drink water right after enjoying them to rinse the mouth clean until you’re able to go brush your teeth.

Some candies are more problematic than others, the ADA explains. Hard candies can put your teeth at risk because in addition to being full of sugar, they’ve also been known to cause teeth injuries, such as broken or chipped teeth.

Limit your alcohol intake

Most people enjoy eggnog or other types of holiday cocktails this time of the year, however, alcohol can dry out the mouth and lead to dental health problems. If you are going to have holiday drinks, be sure to drink water alongside them to help avoid the dry mouth.

Watch for starchy foods

Starchy foods are sneaky because they often get trapped in your teeth. If you choose to indulge starchy holiday treats like cake, be sure to take the time to floss at the end of the day to remove all the food particles that can lead to plaque build-up between the teeth. 

What to Do if You Experience Dental Health Problems During the Holidays?

If you are experiencing any holiday related dental health issues, it’s important that you contact the Young Family Dental location nearest you today.  We will be happy to provide you with the necessary treatment to help get your holiday smile back on track.

Contact Young Family Dental Today

The holiday season can be both wonderful and stressful at times, but it’s important to remember to take care of your teeth while enjoying all those delicious holiday treats. For any issues you have this holiday season, contact Young Family Dental for fast, prompt treatment! Don’t suffer from a cavity this season, call us today.

the-best-candidates-for-dentures

The Best Candidates for Dentures

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Who are the best candidates for dentures? There are many factors to consider and there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Your dentist will help you determine if dentures can be a good fit for your mouth and lifestyle. Keep reading to learn more about who Young Family Dental believes are the best candidates to replace their missing teeth with dentures.

What are Dentures?

Dentures are a removable replacement for missing teeth. When it comes to dentures, there are two main types: full and partial. When it comes to what’s best for your mouth, you and your dentist will need to determine whether you’re needing to replace some or all of your teeth.

Colgate explains that, with full dentures, a flesh-colored acrylic base fits over your gums. The base of the upper denture covers the palate (the roof of your mouth), while that of the lower denture is shaped like a horseshoe to accommodate your tongue.

Benefits of Dentures 

There are many benefits of replacing your teeth with dentures. Some of the most notable include:

  • Improved Appearance: Dentures can give you a more youthful appearance by filling in the gaps in your smile.
  • Improved Confidence: Feeling self-conscious about your teeth can hold you back from participating in social activities or even smiling. Dentures can help restore your smile and improve your confidence.
  • Improved Health: Missing teeth can have a negative effect on your oral health, so being toothless or having ill fitting dentures can result in a more frequent risk of gum disease, cavities, and loss of bone tissue. A healthy smile is important for both your physical and mental well-being!
  • Maintained Oral Health: Without teeth, it is important to maintain your oral health by brushing and flossing daily. Dentures can be easier to clean and will not cause any damage that could affect the remaining natural teeth.

Candidates for Dentures 

There are many factors to consider when determining if dentures are right for you. We want to make sure that our Young Family Dental patients understand what these factors are, so they can be prepared to discuss the best option for their smile with us.

  • Individuals who desire removable replacements
  • People who have lost all of their natural teeth
  • Those with extensive dental decay or gum disease
  • People who have difficulty chewing food
  • Smokers or heavy drinkers, as they are more likely to experience tooth loss

Who Shouldn’t Get Dentures?

There are certain conditions that Young Family Dental may recommend alternative treatments to dentures. This is because some cases of tooth decay and gum disease cannot be fixed with a filling or a crown. In these situations, a dental implant or root canal therapy may be recommended.

In some cases, those who have severe arthritis or other health conditions that limit their ability to remove and clean dentures may not be ideal candidates.

Lastly, if you are only needing to replace one missing tooth there are alternative methods that could be better for your individual situation.

Caring for Dentures

Dentures, like your natural teeth, require proper care in order to last a long time. To best care for your new smile, you should follow these care tips from Mayo Clinic:

  • Remove and rinse dentures after eating. Run water over your dentures to remove food debris and other loose particles.
  • Handle your dentures carefully. Be sure you don’t bend or damage the plastic or the clasps when cleaning.
  • Clean your mouth after removing your dentures. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush on natural teeth and gauze or a soft toothbrush to clean your tongue, cheeks and roof of your mouth (palate). If used, remove any remaining denture adhesive from your gums.
  • Brush your dentures at least daily. Remove and gently clean your dentures daily. Soak and brush them with a soft-bristled brush and nonabrasive denture cleanser to remove food, plaque and other deposits.
  • Soak dentures overnight. Most types of dentures need to stay moist to keep their shape. Place the dentures in water or a mild denture-soaking solution overnight. Check with your dentist about properly storing your dentures overnight.
  • Rinse dentures thoroughly before putting them back in your mouth, especially if using a denture-soaking solution. These solutions can contain harmful chemicals that cause vomiting, pain or burns if swallowed.
  • Schedule regular dental checkups. Your dentist will recommend how often to visit to have your dentures examined and professionally cleaned.
  • See your dentist if you have a loose fit. See your dentist promptly if your dentures become loose. Loose dentures can cause irritation, sores and infection.

Restore Your Smile Today with Young Family Dental

If you are missing teeth and want to complete your smile, make an appointment at one of our convenient Young Family Dental locations today. We want to help give you a smile that you feel comfortable and confident with. Call us today!

healthy-holiday-teeth-tips

Healthy Holiday Teeth Tips 

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Is there anything better than enjoying sweet treats and celebrating the holidays with those you love? Many people celebrate the holidays with their favorite foods and drinks, but what does that do to your teeth? Here are our healthy holiday teeth tips to keep your smile happy and healthy through the new year. 

Do Holiday Treats Take a Toll on Our Teeth?

As the holiday season is in full swing, it’s time to start enjoying our favorite treats. However, can those sweet treats take a toll on our teeth? Here is what you need to know:

Many holiday foods are highly acidic, like oranges or cranberry sauce, and can cause some damage to your teeth. Further, acidic foods make it easier for plaque to stick to your teeth. Bacteria in plaque can produce acid that is harmful to tooth enamel. In addition to sweet treats, many of your favorite holiday cocktails are also highly acidic and can lead to decreased saliva production. Your saliva helps protect your teeth against oral bacteria that cause cavities. The sugars in foods and drinks can also coat your teeth and make it harder for saliva to do its job.

Healthy Holiday Teeth Tips

While holiday treats can put a damper on holiday festivities, you don’t have to forgo holiday foods and drinks entirely. Here are some healthy holiday teeth tips from Young Family Dental:

  • Drink water in between holiday foods and drinks. This will help flush out the harmful sugars and acids found in holiday treats and drinks. This is especially important if you are enjoying holiday drinks that are high in sugar, like eggnog or mulled wine.
  • If you are going to indulge in holiday treats, be sure to brush your teeth and floss 30 minutes after eating. This will help remove any harmful plaque bacteria and sugars from your teeth. However, be sure you wait 30 minutes. If you brush any sooner, your teeth are still in a vulnerable state and can do more harm for your smile than good.
  • Consider using a fluoride mouthwash. Using a fluoride mouthwash after brushing can help further protect your teeth against holiday treats.
  • Visit your dentist in December. With many dental insurance plans, this is your last month to use or lose dental benefits. If you are having any issues with your teeth and gum, make an appointment to see us at Young Family Dental this holiday season. We can help get your holiday season off to a great start with clean teeth for holiday gatherings.

Taking Care of Your Teeth Year Long

You shouldn’t have to worry about the toll that eating holiday treats can have on your smile, especially if you are diligent about caring for your smile all year long. All year, we encourage you to follow these best dental health practices from Mayo Clinic:

  • Brush your teeth twice a day. Each time you brush your teeth, take about two minutes to do a thorough job. Don’t brush right after eating, especially if you have something acidic. As we mentioned above, it’s best to wait about 30 minutes before cleaning your teeth. Additionally, don’t forget to clean your tongue, which can be a breeding ground for bacteria. You can do this gently by using your toothbrush or a tongue scraper.
  • Use the proper equipment. It’s best to use a fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush that fits your mouth comfortably. If you find that you don’t seem to be cleaning your mouth well with a manual toothbrush, consider using an electric or battery-operated toothbrush. These types of brushes can reduce plaque and a mild form of gum disease (gingivitis) more than does manual brushing. These devices are also helpful if you have arthritis or other problems that make it difficult to brush effectively.
  • Practice good technique. Hold your toothbrush at a slight angle — aiming the bristles toward the area where your tooth meets your gum. Gently brush with circular short back-and-forth motions. Brushing too hard or with hard bristles can hurt your gums.
  • Keep your equipment clean. Always rinse your toothbrush with water after brushing. Store your toothbrush in an upright position and allow it to air-dry until using it again. Try to keep it separate from other toothbrushes in the same holder to prevent cross-contamination. Don’t routinely cover toothbrushes or store them in closed containers, which can encourage the growth of bacteria, mold and yeast.
  • Know when to replace your toothbrush. Invest in a new toothbrush or a replacement head for your electric or battery-operated toothbrush every three months — or sooner if the bristles flay or become irregular.
  • Floss each day. You can’t reach the bacteria in the tight spaces between your teeth and under the gum line with a toothbrush. That’s why daily flossing is important.

Make an Appointment with Young Family Dental

No matter what time of the year it is, your dental health is important. If you are due for a cleaning or you are experiencing dental health problems, make an appointment with Young Family Dental today.

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