10 IMPORTANT THINGS YOUR SUN CITY DENTIST WANTS YOU TO KNOW, PART 2

This four-part article series presents 10 things every dentist would like their patients to know, from avoiding garlic before an appointment to the truth behind several myths and misconceptions about dental health.

Welcome to the second installment of this four-part article series on all the information tidbits every Sun City dentist wants their patients to know and appreciate. Previously, in Part 1 of the series, we covered the following two items:

# 1: Dental X-rays aren’t dangerous; they’re necessary.

 
# 2: Your smile (and therefore dental health) is one of the first things people notice about you.

Now, let’s move on to the next two items…

Item # 3: Your dentist won’t necessarily tell you that you have bad breath; you have to ask.

Many Sun City residents believe their dentist would tell them if their breath was bad and therefore, if they’ve come out of a dental appointment without being told, they’re in the clear. This isn’t always true…

“We won’t pointedly tell a patient that they have bad breath,” says one Sun City dentistry professional. “What we will do is highlight the presence of any tooth decay and/or gum problems and we may encourage you to brush and floss more frequently and thoroughly. If we find your oral hygiene to leave much to be desired, then you can probably assume you suffer from halitosis.

“If, however, a patient asks us about the quality of his or her breath, we will be honest. We just don’t want anyone to assume that we would tell him or her that their breath smells bad, because we try to keep things professional in the office. Plus, you’d be surprised how much offense some people can take. The last thing we want to do is embarrass our patients, because it could deter them from future dental appointments. This would prove to be a major problem for their dental health, because routine preventative care is necessary.”

Item # 4: What might look good on your favorite celebrity smile might not suit you.

“We get a lot of patients coming in with a picture of their favorite celebrity, asking to get their teeth done to look just like them,” says a Sun City dentist. “First of all, what these patients fail to take into account is that their face shape and proportions might not necessarily suit the set of teeth belonging to that particular celebrity. There are a great number of considerations that need to be made before we can simply design a patient a new set of teeth: either through porcelain veneers, crowns or even dental implants.

“Secondly, the dentist’s office doesn’t work like a hair salon and while your hair will grow back and color will fade, the work we do on your teeth is permanent. A lot of careful planning and work goes into designing a patient a beautiful new smile, so please manage your expectations. You may walk out of our office with gorgeous teeth, but don’t expect to walk out looking just like Angelina Jolie or Brad Pitt.”

Stay Tuned for Part 3

Stay tuned for the third installment of this four-part article series to find out more important facts our Sun City dentistry professionals wish we all knew.

All about Dentures

This article seeks to inform people of important aspects of dentures and the positive and negative side effects that come along with them.

As a kid some people remember their grandparents playing with their teeth or watched them take them out completely. With age, those kids learned that these are called dentures, a removable replacement for missing teeth.

A lot of people in the local area can avoid needing dentures in Arizona, but for those who do it is important to know how they function.

How they are made

The first thing a dentist will do is take impressions of the jaw to get the spacing right for the dentures to fit properly. Once they have an impression a mold will be made, such as the one in the picture above.

This mold will need to be tried on a few times to check for fit, shape, and possibly color. Once you and the dentist agree the final cast will be made allowing for adjustments just as needed.

Types of Dentures

There are different kinds of dentures available in Sun City dentistry. You will either need a partial or complete set.  Based on how many teeth are lost or need to be removed will clarify this decision for you.

People lose teeth from gum disease which affects the roots of the teeth and causes decay. If all of the teeth have been removed a complete denture can be worn 12 weeks after. A partial set can be placed almost immediately.

Partial Dentures

Partial dentures are more similar to a style of an implant in that it prevents the other teeth from shifting. These partial dentures have to be cemented in place in order to be effective. It is usually still removable and has internal adjustments instead of clasps.

Complete Dentures

There are two styles of complete dentures, immediate and conventional.  Conventional are the better option. This style isn’t placed until the 12 weeks after mark to accommodate the shifting of the gums as it heals from tooth removal.

Immediate dentures allow the patient to not go without teeth, but these will need to be adjusted and refitted throughout the healing process. It is recommended to use these as temporary dentures.

Problems

Most dentures rub against to gums and cause irritation and excessive discomfort. They are removable and don’t always stay in place especially when eating. This limits the foods available for denture patients to eat.

If the denture isn’t fixed in place it allows the jaw bone to shift and deforms the natural shape of the face over time. They also need to be replaced every few years at the patient’s expense because durability is an issue.

Price

They start at around $300 for a partial set and can get as expensive as $4,000 for a premium full set (approx.). Most insurances cover most to all of the cost so it’s a good idea to look into your options.

If money isn’t an issue dental implants might be an even better option to consider. This option just allows for less hassle and a one-time cost verses needing adjustments every few years.

Dentures can cause different problems but it is a relatively cheap solution to missing teeth. Talking to the dentist about your options is a great place to start.

Sun City Dentistry: 12 Extraordinary Things You Never Knew About Dental Health, PART 1

This four-part article series explains 12 interesting and enlightening facts you may not have known about oral health and hygiene.

There’s so much more to teeth than smiling and toothbrushes. Learning a little about the statistics of tooth loss, the health of your teeth and how problems such as tooth decay affect your body goes a long way in promoting greater awareness and therefore better standards of health and hygiene. In this four-part article series on Sun City dentistry, we learn 12 extraordinary things about dental health!

Fascinating Fact # 1

If asked what the most common disease in America is what would you guess? Well, THE most common ailment comes as no surprise... it’s the common cold and unless you have an infallible immune system, chances are you’ve experienced it personally. The second most common disease is actually tooth decay! According to dental implants specialists in AZ, millions of teeth are lost annually to tooth decay and gum disease. What this means is that people just aren’t taking proper care of their teeth, nor are they seeking the preventative treatment necessary to keep their mouths in excellent health.

Fascinating Fact # 2

How long do you spend brushing your teeth every day? Two minutes in total perhaps? Well, Sun City dentistry professionals recommend that you spend two minutes brushing your teeth at a time. “Everyone should spend about 10 minutes on oral health everyday,” says an experienced Sun City dentist. “Two minutes brushing in the morning, after lunch and again at nighttime and the remainder of that time flossing and rinsing.”

Here’s the shocker... on average, Americans only spend 38 seconds per day brushing their teeth! How clean do you think you could get in a 38-second shower? Not very clean at all, so it stands to reason that you’re not doing a proper job on your pearly whites if you don’t spend a decent amount of time brushing and flossing!

Fascinating Fact # 3

Too lazy to pick up that floss? Do you even own any floss? According to dental implants specialists in AZ, one of the leading causes of gum disease is poor oral hygiene and without flossing, you simply aren’t maintaining a decent enough standard of oral hygiene. So much so, you could be putting yourself at a risk of developing gum disease, if you don’t already suffer from it.

“The teeth are three-dimensional structures,” explains a Sun City dentistry expert. “Brushing takes care of the front, back and biting surfaces of the teeth. The sides, which are pressed tightly together and so are inaccessible by your toothbrush, are essentially neglected. So, it’s no wonder that the contact points between the teeth are the first place tooth decay typically attacks! Flossing is what you should be doing to clean the sides of your teeth your toothbrush cannot. Without flossing, you are neglecting a substantial 35% of your dentition’s surfaces!”

This is why Sun City dentistry professionals always emphasize the importance of flossing. You may not like it; you may find yourself bored doing it, but it is an essential component of any sound home oral hygiene routine.

Stay Tuned for Part 2

To read more fascinating and educational facts about dental health and statistics, stay tuned for the second installment of this four-part article series.

Dentistry in Sun City is Filling the World With Smiles One Titanium Implant at a Time

This article talks about dental implants, focusing on aspects such as the ideal candidate for the implant procedure and the possible expenses involved.

Smiles make the world a better place. This is of course until you have your teeth knocked out in an unfortunate accident, and your gappy grin now leaves much to be desired. Missing teeth can be a very traumatic experience considering the impact your teeth have on your overall appearance. It can be equally embarrassing when the replacement teeth are removable dentures that might fall out at inappropriate times, diminishing your confidence in social settings and changing your quality of life.

Severe tooth injury immediately makes one think that the road to recovery is going to be long and painful. But Sun City dentistry specialists know differently. Through the brilliant development of dental implants, no one will even know your smile was once spoiled.

You Mean I Can Replace My Tooth in One Day?

Well, kind of. The overall process actually takes four visits to your dentist. But, in most cases, after your initial consultation and the placement of the implant, a temporary abutment is attached to the titanium implant allowing you to have a full smile while you wait for the implant to heal and integrate with the jawbone. Once the healing is complete, a permanent crown is attached to the implant and is virtually indistinguishable from your natural teeth.

Can Anyone Get Dental Implants?

Dental implants in Arizona are dependent on the state of the patient’s mouth. To be the best possible candidate for the dental implant procedure, it is preferable that you have good oral hygiene, healthy gums and a healthy jawbone. As such, it is best to seek out treatment sooner rather than later to ensure that your jawbone has not atrophied due to lack of stimulation; the healthier the jaw, the more likely the success of the procedure will be.

That having been said, a dentistry specialist in Sun City is able to work with patients to devise the best possible solution for tooth replacement, regardless of the state of the patient’s oral health. Thanks to modern technology, there is a range of implant procedures to choose from ensuring that almost anyone’s needs can be met.

Is This Procedure Expensive?

Although there are cheaper options for tooth replacement (such as removable dentures), the advantages of dental implants override other options. The fact that dental implants in Arizona mimic the natural tooth down to its roots means that there is room for fewer complications and challenges than with alternative tooth replacement procedures, thus allowing for your jaw to continue functioning at its optimum performance.

Whilst dental implants are still seen as selective surgery, they are generally not covered by medical insurances. However, most dentistry specialists in Sun City work closely with medical financing companies that are able to work with you and establish a payment plan that suits your budget.

When one weighs the advantages of implants against the advantages of alternative tooth replacement methods, it is clear that implants are by far the best choice, making the world a better place one titanium implant at a time.

The Sun City Dentistry Professionals Talks About Tongue Health, PART 4

This four-part article series talks about the various ailments and conditions that can cause tongue problems, from unsightly discoloration to uncomfortable bumps and ridges.

Welcome to the final installment of our four-part article series in which we have spoken to Sun City dentistry professionals about all the different conditions and ailments that can affect the tongue. This essential muscle, or group of muscles rather, not only makes it possible for you to swallow and eat properly, but it also makes speech possible. We use our tongues almost constantly, so when it gets sore or uncomfortable, there’s no escaping it!

In our previous three article posts, we looked at the following three categories of tongue problems: (1) red “strawberry tongue, (2) white tongue and (3) black hairy tongue. In this, the final installment of the series, Sun City dental experts will be talking to us about the various problems that could lead to a sore and/or bumpy tongue.

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What Can Cause my Tongue to be Bumpy or Sore?

• Physical Trauma: The first point is perhaps the most obvious. If you accidentally burn your tongue on hot food, or bite down on it, you’ll experience pain and discomfort until the wound heals. Teeth grinding (bruxism) can also irritate the peripheries of the tongue, so get a mouth guard fitted and wear it at night when you’re most likely to clench your jaw without thinking about it.

• Enlarged Papillae: “Sometimes a single papillae or taste bud on your tongue can get irritated and become swollen and inflamed,” say Sun City dentistry professionals. “For something so small, an irritated taste bud can be very uncomfortable! You’ll just have to wait it out until it heals.”

• Canker Sores: A canker sore or mouth ulcer can seemingly develop for no reason, although they are linked with periods of heightened stress. They usually heal up on their own, but if you have a sore that persists for more than two weeks, seek professional Sun City dental attention for a diagnosis.

• Smoking: Smoking cigarettes, cigars and pipes can irritate the soft tissues in the mouth, causing them to become inflamed and sore. Small bumps can also develop on the soft palate in response to this irritant or any other irritant for that matter, such as alcohol.

• Burning Tongue Syndrome: “Burning tongue is a condition marked by, as the name would suggest, an uncomfortable burning sensation in the tongue,” explain Sun City dentistry experts. “It presents most commonly in post-menopausal women and the cause is as yet unclear, although treatment is available.”

• Certain Medical Conditions: Anemia and diabetes, for example, can cause your tongue to feel sore.

• Oral Cancer: “The majority of the oral sores you develop aren’t dangerous,” explain Sun City dental professionals. “Ulcers, canker sores and enlarged papillae develop just as frequently as they disappear quickly. It’s when an oral sore persists that we urge patients to come in for a closer inspection.”

An Important Note on Oral Cancer

Any lump, sore, raised patch or discoloration that doesn’t go away within a week or two could possibly be cancer or a precursor to cancer. These anomalies don’t necessarily have to be painful, either. In fact, cancerous sores or growths rarely hurt in the initial stages, so an absence of pain will tell you nothing. When you seek professional attention, a quick biopsy will be performed so that the tissue comprising the anomaly can be inspected closely for signs of malignant cell growth.

Oral cancer treated in the early stages significantly increases your chance of complete recovery so never delay or ignore an oral problem!

Sun City Dentistry: A Comprehensive Look at Dental Implants, PART 2

In this three part article series, we will be explaining everything you need to know about dental implants. We will clarify what they are, how they work, when and why they are necessary. Furthermore we will compare the advantages and benefits that come with dental implants vs. traditional dentures or bridges.

Welcome back to the second article of this three-part series about dental implants. In our first post, we explained what dental implants are as well as what the procedure entails, from your first consultation to your recovery period. In this article, Sun City dentistry professionals will be explaining all the benefits that come with opting for dental implants as your solution to missing teeth.

The Benefits of Dental Implants: Success Rate

If placed correctly by an experienced specialist, dental implants have a fantastic 98% success rate. The 2% of cases where dental implants have been noted as unsuccessful are almost always due to poor post-operative care, or factors such as negative lifestyle choices (drug abuse, alcohol abuse or smoking), advanced gum disease or chronic illness. It is always advisable that you seek the services of Sun City dentistry professionals who have complete knowledge and expertise in the field of dental implantology.

What Are The Benefits of Dental Implants?

Dental implants come with an incredible range of benefits and advantages:

• Aesthetics: Virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth! Dental implants are used to support a synthetic crown that looks, functions and feels like the real thing.


• Functionality: You will be able to enjoy a strong and natural bite. Dental implants allow patients to enjoy all the food they love to eat, without worrying about hurting themselves or damaging their teeth.


• Permanent Solution: Dental implants are non-removable (permanent), which allows them to function and feel like natural teeth. The fact that they do not rely on neighboring teeth for support, like dental bridges or removable dentures do, is a huge benefit as this is the source of much pain, discomfort and further damage.


• Short and Long Term Oral Health: Dental Implants, being rooted in the jaw, supply the necessary support for the neighboring teeth to remain stable, preventing the entire row of teeth from destabilizing and shifting. On top of this, the implants restore the significant source of motorized stimulus that the missing root used to provide the underlying jawbone. This restores healthy blood flow to the bone tissue, which in turn keeps the bone tissue alive, thus preventing further tooth loss. With dental implants, the risk of infection due to an exposed tooth socket is also minimized.


• Lasting a lifetime: On average, dental implants can have a lifetime of between 20 and 30 years. By following a good standard of oral hygiene accompanied by regular visits to your Sun City dentist, however, they could indeed last a lifetime!

Dental Implants Can Work For Almost Anyone!

For all the reasons mentioned above, dental implants are clearly the best possible solution for patients presenting with missing teeth. No matter how old you are, speak to a dental implants expert in Arizona about your options. Literally thousands of dental implant procedures have been successfully performed on people in their late adulthood, and the incredible and life-changing results have shown that age is not a factor!

Having said this, since the placement of dental implants requires surgery and anesthesia, a detailed medical history will be necessary before proceeding.

Stay Tuned for Part 3

Stay tuned for the final installment of this three part article series, in which we will be answering some final questions relating to dental implants.

Sun City Dentistry: A Comprehensive Look at Dental Implants, PART 1

In this three-part article series, we will be explaining everything you need to know about dental implants. We will clarify what they are, how they work, when and why they are necessary. Furthermore we will compare the advantages and benefits that come with dental implants vs. traditional dentures or bridges.

Welcome to the first installment of this three-part article series about dental implants.

In the United States, there are literally millions of people suffering from tooth loss. Tooth loss can occur due to any number of reasons, be it a general lack of good oral hygiene, periodontal (gum) disease, dental caries, failed tooth roots or even accidental tooth loss. The fact remains: leaving missing teeth without treatment can cause a world of problems. Thankfully, modern Sun City dentistry offers a comprehensive and long lasting solution to missing teeth in the form of dental implants. In this article series, we will be answering a wide-ranging list of questions related to this fantastic teeth replacement technology.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are in effect artificial, freestanding tooth roots and they are constructed from the incredibly strong and lightweight metal titanium. The use of titanium metal came as a result of the breakthrough findings in the 1950’s by Swedish professor Per-Ingvar Brånemark and his clinical research team. It was discovered that titanium was able to support biological bonds with bone tissue in a process termed “osseointegration”. In addition to this quality, the fact that titanium metal is so tough, lightweight and does not rust or corrode, makes it the ideal candidate for assuming the function of a tooth root.

What Does Getting Dental Implants Involve?

First things first, you will need to go visit your friendly Sun City dentist! Many people are wary of the dentist, but they are there to help you. Afterwards, you will most likely wonder why you delayed that visit in the first place! During your initial consultation, you will receive a careful clinical evaluation of your oral health in order to establish the cause and extent of the damage or decay related to your missing tooth/teeth. If your dentist finds that your tooth loss is a consequence of decay, dental caries or gum disease then the priority will be to treat the infection before continuing with teeth replacement.

Sun City Dentistry: The Surgery

Once your assessment and preparation has been complete, the implant site will be professionally cleaned and prepared to receive the implant. This is typically done on a different day, during a different appointment. The dentist will place a small titanium screw into the jawbone at the established missing tooth/teeth sites. While it takes several weeks and even months for osseointegration to take place, your dentist can supply you with a temporary ceramic tooth crown, so that you can carry on with your life as normal while you heal.

Sun City Dentistry: Recovery

While the bone tissue bonds with the titanium dental implant, it is imperative for you to rest your jaw as much as possible and keep from eating hard, crunchy or tough foods. The exact time it will take for the healing to successfully take place can vary from case to case. If you follow your surgeon’s instructions carefully, while staying healthy and enjoying a balanced diet, the process should take between one and three months.

Sun City Dentistry: Finishing Touch

During your follow-up appointments, your Sun City dentist will establish whether you’re healing nicely. When the jawbone is ready and your implants properly healed, you will be fitted with your new, permanent tooth crown, which has been made to function, look and feel like a natural tooth. You will immediately be able to return to your normal lifestyle and enjoy all your favorite foods with a beautiful new set of pearly whites!

Stay Tuned for Part 2!

Dental implants are by far the most effective, comprehensive and long-lasting solution to missing teeth. Join us for the second installment of this three-part article series, in which the Sun City dentist will be explaining their wonderful benefits.

All About Dental Implants Offered by Sun City Dentistry

Dental Implants: What are they?

Dental implants are devices that are inserted into your jaw to sustain a substitute tooth or bridge. They are also considered as an option over fixed bridges or removable dentures. If you’re having missing teeth then dental implants can be the perfect option for replacement teeth, thereby, improving your smile as well as letting you live quality life.

How do Implants Work?

The titanium alternative - dental implants are options for your missing tooth root. During this procedure, the titanium metal implant, resembling a screw, is inserted directly into the lower or upper jaw bone. As the time passes, normally a few months, the implant amalgamates into the adjacent bone, in order to make it adequately stable for supporting a crown. All through the healing process, your dentist will provide you with an impermanent teeth substitution option that can be easily worn over the implant sites. As the titanium implant completely integrates into your bone, the dentist will take an impression to form a permanent crown to place on the top of the implant.

What to Expect After You Get Your Successful Dental Implants?

Dental implants serve as your natural teeth, thus indicating that they will also be requiring the same routine oral hygiene care and regime as your natural ones. Simply brush and floss like you did earlier. Visit the dentist regularly so that the dentist can monitor your teeth, implants, and gums to ascertain their healthy condition.

Are You a Potential Candidate for This Treatment?

Idyllically, if you want to go for dental implants, then you are expected to have general good oral health. As the implant will be directly put in into the jaw, you must also have sufficient jaw bone density for supporting the implant. In addition, you must also have healthy gums generally free of periodontal disease, as the dental implants will be associated with the gum tissues as well as the underlying bone in the mouth.

The Many Benefits of Dental Implants

• Dental implants replace your missing teeth without impacting the adjacent teeth.
• Moreover, this can also provide support for a bridge or denture.
• Offer a sturdy and stable groundwork for the replacement teeth that will look, feel and function much like your natural teeth.
• You will be able to eat and speak properly, also boosting your confidence.
• You can reinstate an attractive and a well-functioning smile.
• Dental implants are an ideal option for your overall dental health as compared to bridges owing to the fact that your natural teeth are unaffected by implants.
• Since dental implants get combined into the structure of your bone, thus, averting bone loss and gum recession.
• Helpful in maintaining the condition of healthy adjacent teeth by abolishing the use of clasps and the requirement to grind down your adjacent teeth.
• Initiates bone and gum tissue stimulation that further results in an attractive and aesthetic result over the course of time.

How Can You Know More About Dental Implants?

The experienced dentists engaged in Sun City dentistry will be very happy to discuss the details related to dental implants with you.

9 Tips from Professionals in Sun City Dentistry: Treating and Managing Bad Breath, PART 2

This three-part article series provides 9 tips for getting rid of halitosis (bad breath) and treating the root cause of it altogether.

There are people who are conscious about the quality of their breath and those who aren’t, say professionals in Sun City dentistry. Those who are tend to be better about looking after their teeth and gums and therefore, suffer less from chronic problems. So, what is bad breath? What causes it and more importantly, what can you do if you suspect you have it? In our previous article installment, Sun City dentistry experts discussed the two first important tips of keeping bad breath at bay: (1) regular and thorough brushing and flossing and (2) getting into the habit of using a tongue scraper. These will prevent the proliferation of bacteria in the oral cavity, which would otherwise cause a greater production of stinky sulfurous gasses.

In this article post, Sun City dentistry experts will discuss another three important tips one should follow in order to prevent bad breath.

Top Tips from Sun City Dentistry Experts on Combating Bad Breath, Continued

Sun City Dentistry Tip # 3: Avoid Pungent Foods that Cling to Your Breath

Bad breath isn’t always necessarily caused by poor oral hygiene, say Sun City dentistry professionals. There are a whole bunch of foods that can cause your breath to pong. This is because of one of four reasons (or a combination):

• Certain foods’ pungent-smelling juices stain your mouth, for example, onions and garlic.

• The volatile substances within certain foods, such as onions and alcohol, get into your bloodstream and are exhaled out through your lungs.

• Certain foods, especially alcohol, contain drying agents that cause ‘xerostomia’ or ‘dry mouth.’ Without saliva, bacteria are left to multiply unchecked, explain professionals in Sun City dentistry.

• Other foods are full of sugar that leads to a spike in bacterial activity in your mouth, for example, sweets and soft drinks.

You can successfully eliminate bad breath caused by bacteria simply by brushing and flossing your teeth, say Sun City dentistry experts. In the case of pungent-smelling foods that stain your mouth and get into your bloodstream, however, there are no instant solutions and you’ll just have to wait it out. So, if you plan on meeting up with a date and want to prevent bad breath caused by food, make sure you hold the onions and garlic!

Sun City Dentistry Tip # 4: Quit Smoking

Smoking cigars, cigarettes and pipes not only stains your teeth and damages the soft tissues in your mouth; it also causes ‘dry mouth.’ Your saliva is full of bacteria-busting enzymes that help to protect your teeth and gums, explain Sun City dentistry experts. Without it, your mouth is left far more vulnerable to bacterial decay and gum disease. If you’re a smoker, then it’s likely you have bad breath. If you want to beat bad breath (and all the diseases and cancers associated with smoking) then quit the habit, urge Sun City dentistry professionals.

Sun City Dentistry Tip # 5: Use an Anti-Bacterial Mouthwash

In addition to brushing, flossing and tongue-scraping, using an anti-bacterial mouthwash approved by the American Dental Association will really keep your mouth clean and smelling fresh. Use it after meals, snacks or a sugary beverage when you don’t have access to your toothbrush. Two things though, warn Sun City dentistry professionals:

1. Avoid mouthwashes that contain alcohol; they dry out your mouth and you’ll find yourself with bad breath only 30 minutes after using them.

2. Never use mouthwash as an alternative to brushing, stress Sun City dentistry experts. It’s not meant to replace brushing, but rather as a compliment.

Stay Tuned for More Sun City Dentistry Advice

For more bad breath busting advice from Sun City dentist, stay tuned for the third and final installment of this three-part article series.

9 Tips from the Sun City Dentist for Treating and Managing Bad Breath, PART 1

This three-part article series provides 9 tips for getting rid of halitosis (bad breath) and treating the root cause of it altogether.

There are few things worse than speaking to someone and being bombarded with blasts of fetid breath. What do you do? Do you try to discretely distance yourself so that the surrounding fresh air dilutes their breath? Do you desperately try to keep a straight face or, worse, keep down your lunch? Likewise, there can be nothing more embarrassing than speaking to someone and having them visibly recoil from the smell of your breath. We all get bad breath, explains the Sun City dentist. No one wakes up after 8 hours of sleep with clean-smelling breath and no one escapes a garlicky dinner guilt-free either. What is important, explains the Sun City dentist is that, as a rule, your breath isn’t strong and unpleasant-smelling. There is only one thing that can prevent bad breath and that’s good oral hygiene.

In this three-part article series, Sun City dentistry experts will take you through some important tips for battling bad breath.

Top Tips from the Sun City Dentist on Combating Bad Breath

According to the American Dental Hygienists’ Association, a staggering 40 million Americans suffer from halitosis (chronic bad breath). This condition is very socially debilitating, so what can you do if you suspect your breath would be more appealing to a vulture than to the members of your own species?

Sun City Dentistry Tip # 1: Brush and Floss More Regularly

The first thing you all need to understand is what causes bad breath. What it actually is. Bad breath is caused by bacteria, explains the Sun City dentist. More specifically, bad breath is caused by the wastes produced by bacteria. These micro-organisms feast on the food and sugary residues left behind in your mouth after every meal, snack, treat or sugar-rich beverage, explains the Sun City dentist. Of course, everything that eats must poop and the wastes excreted by bacteria are high in sulfurous compounds that smell yucky.

Understanding that bacteria cause bad breath is the first fundamental step towards battling this horrible affliction, explains the Sun City dentist. And this is because it helps patients make the connection between oral hygiene and the quality of your breath. The math is elegantly simple. If you take proper care of your teeth, gums and tongue, then you are unlikely to suffer from halitosis. A proper home oral hygiene routine includes:

• Brushing those pearly whites at least twice a day for two minutes at a time, says the Sun City dentist.
• Flossing every day, especially before you go to bed at night.
• Gargling with an alcohol-free anti-bacterial mouthwash after meals when you can’t brush.

By maintaining a high standard of oral hygiene you will prevent the proliferation of bacteria in your mouth. Ceasing the build-up of plaque (soft masses of bacteria) and the subsequent high production of smelly waste gasses will keep your breath nice and neutral, explain Sun City dentistry experts.

Sun City Dentistry Tip # 2: Use a Tongue Scraper

Loads of patients don’t include their tongue in their home oral hygiene routine, when in fact its rough and pitted surface offers bacteria an excellent environment in which to gain a foothold and multiply, explains the Sun City dentist. Next time you’re standing in front of a mirror, stick your tongue out and take a close look at it. That white coating is bacteria. When you brush your teeth, make sure you brush your tongue as well until it’s nice and pink and healthy-looking. If you struggle with your gag reflex then get yourself a tongue scraper. These, explain Sun City dentistry professionals, are an essential tool for home oral hygiene care. Use them to reach to the very back of the tongue to scrape away that coating of bacteria, bacterial wastes, dead cells and food debris.

Stay Tuned for More Sun City Dentistry Advice

For more bad breath busting advice from Sun City dentistry experts, stay tuned for the second installment of this three-part article series.

Sun City Dentistry: FAQ on IV Sedation, PART 2

This article, part 2 of 2, addresses some of the fears and concerns patients have about intravenous (IV) sedation, an anti-anxiety drug administered into the bloodstream during a dental procedure.

In our previous article post, Sun City dentistry professional, Dr. Kevin Gasser began answering some of your frequently asked questions about IV or intravenous conscious sedation. A great number of patients struggle with some form or severity of anxiety or fear when the time comes for their bi-annual Sun City dentistry appointment. This anxiety obviously compounds at the prospect of having to undergo a dental procedure or surgery, such as a root canal, tooth extraction or dental implant placement. Thankfully, IV sedation renders the entire experience completely anxiety and fear-free. This not only makes it infinitely easier for the patient to receive the treatment they need to maintain a high standard of oral health, it also makes it far easier for the dentist to perform the procedure. In the first installment of this two-part series, Dr. Gasser answered questions ranging from “what is IV sedation” and “what does it feel like” to “will I remember anything from the procedure?” In this article, the final installment, he shall continue to address more of your FAQs.

FAQ # 4: Will my gums need to be numbed if I’m under IV sedation?

Sun City Dentistry Answer: The medications used for IV sedation are not analgesics (pain killing), they’re anti-anxiety. While Sun City dentistry professionals use IV sedation to relax you and make you forget what happens, you will still need to receive a local anesthetic for any procedure that is invasive in nature.

FAQ # 5: I have a fear of needles; will I be numbed after IV sedation or before?

Sun City Dentistry Answer: Fear not! The dentist will first administer IV sedation and wait for the effects to fully kick in before he brings out the needles to numb the region of your mouth requiring work. By this stage you will be far too relaxed and detached to care. Sun City dentistry professionals will then only begin the procedure once the anesthetic has taken effect, so the entire experience will be completely pain and anxiety-free.

FAQ # 6: What drugs are used for IV sedation?

Sun City Dentistry Answer: The most commonly used anti-anxiety sedative medication belongs to the benzodiazepine family (usually Midazolam or Diazepam). These, says Dr. Gasser, are short-acting drugs, which have the following effects:

- They make a patient sleepy and relaxed
- They reduce, if not eliminate, anxiety
- They induce partial or total amnesia

FAQ # 7: Does IV sedation have any contraindications? Is it safe?

Sun City Dentistry Answer: When carried out by a qualified and experienced dentist, IV sedation is extremely safe and the effects are totally predictable. It’s even safer than local anesthetic! Having said this, IV sedation has a few contraindications, which include alcohol intoxication, a known allergy to benzodiazepines, and some instances of glaucoma, pregnancy and Central Nervous System (CNS) depression. Heart disease is not generally a contraindication, but being overweight and having a habit of snoring should be mentioned to your treating Sun City dentistry professional. Advanced age, sleep apnea and impaired kidney or lung function are also contraindicated.

Sun City Dentistry: the Benefits of IV Sedation

The greatest benefit of IV sedation is that it enables patients to receive the professional attention they need and the Sun City dentistry procedures necessary to keep their oral health in tip-top shape. Dental anxiety and fear are very real afflictions that frequently deter patients from keeping their bi-annual appointments. With a far less stressful experience in the examination chair, Sun City dentistry professionals are able to perform all dental procedures from start to finish without breaking them down into smaller and more manageable sessions. This not only benefits the patient in comfort and convenience, but financially too.

Your Fears Assuaged by the Sun City Dentist: FAQs on IV Sedation, PART 1

This article, part 1 of 2, addresses some of the fears and concerns patients have about intravenous (IV) sedation, an anti-anxiety drug administered into the bloodstream during a dental procedure.

If you thought you were alone in your irrational and even unmanageable fear of the Sun City dentist, think again! A fear of the dentist, the dentist’s chair and/or dental treatment is one of the most common phobias there are. It even has a name, ‘odontophobia.’ Thankfully, the accepted approach to treating patients that struggle with sweaty palms, an elevated heart rate, the tremors and even low blood pressure – physical symptoms associated with extreme anxiety and fear - has changed over the years. “In addition to anti-anxiety medications and pain-killers,” says experienced Sun City dentist, Dr. Kevin Gasser, “modern dental practices make it a priority to take patient psychology into account. They approach treatment with a very gentle hand.”

The availability of IV sedation in Sun City dentistry has also helped an incredible number of people receive the treatment they need to keep their oral health and hygiene on track without having to deal with all the terrible side effects of extreme anxiety and fear. So, if you traditionally struggle with odontophobia and want to find out more about IV sedation, read on! In this two part article series, the Sun City dentist endeavors to answer your Frequently Asked Questions.

FAQ # 1: What exactly is IV Sedation?

Answer: In the context of Sun City dentistry, IV sedation, or Intravenous Conscious Sedation, refers to the administering of an anti-anxiety drug directly into the bloodstream just before a dental procedure. “These medications,” explains Dr. Gasser, “are designed to affect the Central Nervous System safely, predictably and without negative side effects.”

FAQ # 2: What does IV sedation feel like?

Answer: Floating, drifting, happy, in a bathtub filled with warm and fuzzy cotton wool… every patient’s account of IV sedation differs slightly. And while it is sometimes referred to as “twilight sleep” or “sleep dentistry,” Intravenous sedation doesn’t actually put you to sleep as general anesthesia does, explains Sun City dentist Dr. Gasser. Rather, patients describe drifting off in a dream-like state that feels completely detached from reality, from what is happening to them in the dentist’s chair. Because of this detachment, triggers that might previously have caused severe anxiety or fear, such as the whine of the drill or the sight of a needle, is no longer upsetting. And this is, of course, beneficial to both the patient and the dentist.

FAQ # 3: Will I remember anything about the procedure while under IV sedation?

Answer: “While you remain conscious during IV sedation and can respond coherently to the dentist’s questions, you probably won’t remember much or anything at all about the procedure afterwards,” explains Sun City dentistry professional Dr. Gasser. “And this is because the medications used cause partial or complete amnesia (memory loss) for the period during which they are administered.” Patients that have undergone IV sedation frequently report the time having gone by extremely fast. One patient said to the Sun City dentist: “one minute you are fully aware of what’s going on and then the drugs kick in. The next minute it’s all over and you’re on your way home!”

Sun City Dentistry and IV Sedation: Stay Tuned

To read the answers to more questions on Sun City dentistry IV sedation, stay tuned for the final installment of this two-part article series.