Access Dental: October 2016

Tuesday, October 25, 2016

How Does Candy Damage Your Teeth?

Your kids may be looking forward to all of the Halloween festivities that are quickly approaching, but your dentist is not excited about all the sugar intake many people around the country are about to experience. While avoiding candy all together can be a difficult feat for many, your trusted dentist in Springfield, Missouri wants you to be aware of the damaging effects candy can have on your teeth. More details on how candy damages your teeth is provided below by Access Dental and Dentures.

How Sugar Reacts Inside Mouth-

As you eat food with a high level of sugar, like candy, the bacteria in your mouth feeds on the sugar that you intake. Once this bacteria feeds of sugar, it breaks down into acids that eat away at the enamel protecting your tooth. The longer sugar is in the mouth, the more the bacteria breaks down and can eat away at the tooth enamel. Crevices in the tooth that hold sticky, sugary candy are usually the most prone to having an issue caused by the bacteria eroding the protective layer on the teeth.

How to Deal with a Cavity-

If you do have an issue arise from the bacteria breaking down your tooth enamel, a cavity, or hole in the tooth may occur. If you do experience a cavity, visit a dental professional as soon as possible. At this point, a professional will be able to fill in the cavity, helping to prevent further damage to the tooth.

How To Prevent Tooth Damage-

There are a number of ways to help prevent damage to the tooth. First off, regulate the amount of sugary foods you intake, especially around the Halloween holiday. Along with watching your sugar intake, consider substituting candy for a sugar-free option. Drinking plenty of water can help wash away some of the sugar, and therefore bacteria build up, which causes damage to teeth. Ensure you brush your teeth twice a day and floss at least once, to keep your teeth clear of damaging bacteria that can eat away at the protective enamel covering your teeth. A regular dental visit should be scheduled every six months to ensure no new tooth damage has occurred, and if there is an issue, it can quickly be addressed.

Now that you know more about how the sugar in candy effects the teeth, you can better prepare for the sugar overload that you may experience this Halloween. To help protect your teeth, practice a good oral hygiene habits on a regular basis. The best dentist in Osage Beach, MO is here to help you and your kids regulate your sugar intake, as Halloween approaches. Give Access Dental and Dentures a call at 877-DENTIST to schedule an appointment, if you do experience an issue with your teeth this holiday season.

We want to be your dentist because your family deserves a great smile!

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Springfield Office Rolla Office Osage Beach Office
(417) 501-1048 (573) 426-5447 (573) 348-1466
1701 West Sunshine 416 S. Bishop Ave. 4320 Osage Beach Parkway

Springfield, MO 65807 Rolla, MO 65401 Osage Beach, MO. 65065

Friday, October 21, 2016

All About Little Grinz

Located in Florissant, Missouri, Little Grinz specializes in making your child’s dental experience positive. Many children are scared of the dentist, here at Little Grinz, we strive to ease that worry to create a comfortable environment for them. A child who is comfortable at the dentist can feel open discuss techniques for proper oral care and how it can impact them. Melissa Olvera, DDS and her staff work diligently to help make your child’s regular dental visit a fun experience.

What Sets Little Grinz Apart-

The friendly staff at Little Grinz is a major point that sets them apart from other dentists. Everyone is welcoming and help your child feel comfortable with their entire dental experience. Penny, the office dog, is often available to play with the kids in the waiting room and sit on the laps of patients to easy worry as their teeth are being looked over. The goal is to create a friendly environment in which your child can relax during their oral check-up.

Hear From Little Grinz Clients-

“I took my 3 year old daughter there yesterday for her first ever dentist appointment and she was completely at ease the entire time thanks to the friendly staff. She got right up in her big girl chair, without mom in the room, and totally loved it. Everything about our appointment was great. There wasn't a long wait, I loved the setup of the waiting room, and the office dog kept my 2 year old busy during the visit. We will definitely be returning! She was so excited to tell everyone about the place!” –

Kayla E.

“I took all 3 of my kids here for the very first time on Tuesday Wednesday and Thursday....They absolutely loved it...Very clean...Professional atmosphere and most of all friendly.” – Erika K.

“Dr Olvera is awesome! The whole office is great with the kids. All of the staff was great putting my scared of the dentist son at ease.” — Kasey H.

“Dr. Olvera is absolutely awesome with children!” — Eugene C.

Tips for Proper Oral Care-

Encouraging your children to care for their teeth is an important step in a healthy, happy smile. Provided below are some tips to help your child strive toward proper oral care.

-Brush teeth twice a day, once in the morning and again before bed, to help remove bacteria and plaque that builds up throughout the day.

-Floss between teeth daily to help remove plaque and food particles that accumulate between the teeth.

-Strive for a healthy, well-balanced diet that limits foods that contain a large amount of sugar.

-Drink plenty of water throughout the day, this can help wash food particles and bacteria off the teeth.

-Visit the dentist every six months for a regular check-up

Call Little Grinz Today!

Instilling oral care in the lives of your young children is important for a healthy mouth for their entire life; habits that are established as children, carry into adulthood. Helping kids understand the importance of taking care of their teeth can motivate them to keep up with a proper oral care regimen. At Little Grinz, new patients are gladly accepted! If your child has not had a dental check-up in the past six months, give us a call at (314) 731-6150 to schedule an appointment.

We want to be your dentist because your family deserves a great smile!

Springfield, MO 65807 Rolla, MO 65401 Osage Beach, MO. 65065

Tuesday, October 11, 2016

All Things Dentures

The ability to have confidence in your smile can boost your overall self-esteem and help you enjoy life. If you are embarrassed about your teeth, you may tend to hid them, which can send vibes that you are unhappy to your brain. The best dentist in Southern-Missouri is here to help our patients gain confidence in their smiles through dentures or partials. Provided below, by Access Dental and Dentures, is some information about our denture services and some frequently asked questions we get when our patients consider dentures in Southern-MO.

Dentures / Partials-

For missing teeth we can make dentures or removable partials for you right in our own on-site, professional dental lab. Since our technicians are on-site, you will not have to wait days or weeks for your new set of dentures or new partial. Normally, your new teeth will be ready the very next day and in some cases, the same day. We can then make any necessary adjustments, for a perfect fit, while you wait.

Denture FAQ-

What's the difference between replacement dentures and immediate dentures?
Replacement dentures are new dentures for patients who already have an existing full or partial denture that needs to be replaced.

What is a partial denture?
Partial dentures are removable dental appliances for patients who need to replace just a few missing teeth. (Full dentures replace all of your teeth, either upper, lower or both.) Arches are made consisting of replacement teeth and are attached with clasps to the remaining natural teeth for support and retention. Partial dentures can be used on the upper or lower arches.

Will people know I wear dentures?
Our dentures are custom-crafted by hand to ensure a natural, life-like appearance. The acrylic has fibers throughout so it looks like real gum tissue. Plus, we provide our patients the choice of teeth in different shapes and sizes with shading and blending that mimics natural tooth enamel. We also work hard to provide you with the best possible fit to avoid slipping, clicking and slurred speech. The only thing people will notice is your beautiful, natural looking smile.

How quickly will I adjust to dentures?
Your tongue, lips and cheeks will quickly and naturally adapt to the new shape of your mouth. Most people adjust to their new dentures in about a week.

How will dentures affect my speech?
The ability to speak clearly depends on subtle interactions involving your tongue, teeth, lips, cheeks and the roof of your mouth. A denture that's properly fitted allows all five components to work together naturally. With a new denture, you may initially notice some minor differences in speech. Most patients find they adapt and speech becomes natural very quickly. Ill-fitting dentures may slip which can cause clicking and whistling sounds and/or slightly slurred speech. Your dentist may be able to adjust the fit by relining or repairing the denture.

How will dentures affect my eating?
Properly fitted dentures enhance your chewing ability, helping your body properly digest food and obtain the nutrition it needs. You can enjoy the foods you love.

How will dentures affect my appearance?
A new, properly fitted denture will help you look better by providing the support your lips need, and by giving your face and smile a more natural appearance. Having good-looking teeth also gives you the confidence and freedom to smile and live life to the fullest. A tell-tale sign that it's time to replace your dentures- when you notice sagging facial muscles, excessive wrinkling and protruding lower jaw.

Should I remove my dentures at night?
Your dentist will provide instructions about how long dentures should be kept in place. If you are an immediate denture patient, you may be advised to wear them most of the time, including while you sleep to help promote healing. After the initial adjustment period, you may be instructed to remove the dentures before going to bed. This allows gum tissues to rest and promotes oral health. According to the American Dental Association, as a general rule, it is not a good idea for tissues to be constantly covered by denture material.

Should I use adhesives?
Some dentists suggest a light coating of adhesive, especially for lower dentures to improve suction. Excessive use of adhesive however, probably means your denture no longer fits properly and either needs adjusting or replacing. Talk with your dentist to find out what's best for you and your dentures.

Do I need any special care for my mouth if I wear full dentures?
Even with full dentures, you still need to take good care of your mouth. Every morning, brush your gums, tongue and palate with a standard soft-bristled toothbrush before you put in your dentures. This removes plaque and stimulates circulation in the mouth.

Is it natural to have sore spots on my gums?
No. Sore spots are an indication that your denture does not fit properly and is rubbing on your tissue. Your dentist needs to assess what is causing the irritation.

How long will dentures last?
With normal wear and care most dentures should last 5 to 7 years. The American Dental Association recommends replacement after that time due to the wearing down of the acrylic and tooth materials. Plus, the bone and tissue in your mouth change as you age, so your denture won't fit your mouth as well as it should. When a denture is not fitting properly, health problems often result.

Schedule Your Denture Appointment Today!

It can be easy to gain your confidence back through a beautiful, natural smile when wearing dentures. Your trusted dentist in Springfield, MO is here for all of your denture and partial needs. If you or a loved one are lacking self-esteem and hiding your smile from the world, contact Access Dental and Dentures today for a new start with a beautiful set of teeth. We have three locations to better serve our patients, Springfield, Rolla, and Osage Beach, Missouri. Give us a call to schedule a consultation for new dentures in Missouri.

We want to be your dentist because your family deserves a great smile!

Springfield, MO 65807 Rolla, MO 65401 Osage Beach, MO. 65065

Tuesday, October 4, 2016

9 Popular Myths About Oral Hygiene

Proper oral hygiene is imperative when it comes to taking care of your mouth and your entire body, for that matter. There is a TON of information out there about the best way to care for your teeth. Along with that information also comes some myths about oral care. The best dentist in Southern Missouri is here to point out some of these popular myths. Below, Access Dental and Denture has debunked a number of myths for our clients and friends.

MYTH #1- Brushing Bleeding Gums is Bad

Brushing is part of the twice daily routine for proper oral care. The gums and tongue should be brushed along with the teeth. If gums are inflamed, they may bleed when brushing. Help to release the infection that is causing the inflammation, continue to lightly brush your gums if they are bleeding.

MYTH #2- Sugar Damages Teeth

Sugar does play a role in tooth decay, but it is not the root of the problem. Consuming high amounts of sugar can add to the bacteria level in your mouth, which is what causes damage to the teeth.

MYTH #3- Bleaching Teeth is Dangerous

Whitening agents that are currently on the market are not dangerous for use. When bleaching teeth, you are simply oxidizing your tooth surface so light refracts more favorably off of the enamel. Some whitening agent can cause sensitivity issues with a tooth, if used too frequently.

MYTH #4- Flossing is Not Important

Flossing your teeth is actually very important. A person will miss cleaning 40% of their teeth if they fail to floss between the teeth daily. As well as keep the teeth free of damaging particles, flossing can also help prevent gum disease.

MYTH #5- Whiter Teeth Means Healthier Teeth

The exterior of the teeth can appear to be white, while many issues are found inside the teeth. White teeth does not necessarily mean they are healthy.

MYTH #6- Cavities in Baby Teeth are Fine

Many parents are not concerned if their child has a cavity in their baby tooth. First of all, this means proper oral care is not being practiced, which will likely carry over once the child’s permanent teeth grow in. The roots of the baby teeth help guide permanent teeth into place, which can cause damage to them if cavities are not properly addressed.

MYTH # 7- The Harder the Toothbrush, the Better

A harder brush does not necessarily clean better than a soft bristled brush. It is actually recommended to brush with softer bristles for a longer period of time, for optimum cleansing of the teeth and entire mouth.

MYTH #8- Too Old For Braces

Braces are typically used to correct the teeth of a teen or young adult, but there is no age limit when it comes to braces. Bite function and appearance of the teeth can be adjusted at any point in a patient’s life.

MYTH # 9- Gum Disease is Not Very Common

Gum disease is actually a very common issue to affects a number of people. 47% of adults age 30 and older have some form of gum disease. If it goes unaddressed, it can cause lasting decay and damage to your entire mouth.

Now that some of these common myths have been debunked, you are ready to take care of your oral health properly. Be sure to brush your teeth twice a day, once in the morning and again in the evening. Flossing at least once a day is recommended to clean those hard to reach surfaces between the teeth as well. Your teeth is an important part of your digestion system, be sure to take care of them. To set up an appointment, contact your trusted dentist in Springfield, MO.

We want to be your dentist because your family deserves a great smile!

Springfield, MO 65807 Rolla, MO 65401 Osage Beach, MO. 65065