Access Dental: September 2018

Thursday, September 27, 2018

Habits to Break to Protect Your Teeth

How many of these bad habits do you do? Some bad habits can damage your teeth. As your experienced dentist in southern Missouri, we know how dangerous it can be to perform these bad habits on a regular basis. If you're worried about how your habits are affecting your teeth, stop by Access Dental & Dentures today. We can look over your teeth to let you know how your habits may be impacting your oral health. Take a look below to learn how these bad habits can take a toll on your teeth.

Nail Biting

Biting nails is an easy way to invite bacteria into your mouth. Aside from unnecessary amounts of bacteria, biting your nails can also damage your tooth. Chipping teeth and negative impacts on your jaw muscles and bones are caused by this bad habit. To avoid further tooth damage, work to find a way to relieve the urge to bite your nails.

Chewing Ice

Any hard substance chewed between your teeth can cause damage, ice included. It can put pressure and end up chipping the tooth surface or fillings you may have. To avoid this habit, consider drinking chilled drinks without ice or use a straw when drinking a glass filled with ice.

Consuming Sugary Drinks

Soda and other sugar-filled drinks can cause unnecessary damage to your tooth's surface. Bacteria thrives when sugar is found in the mouth. This can lead to the decay of your tooth's protective layer, enamel. Cavities come along after the enamel covering has been damaged and this can cause tooth decay and other oral issues. Swap out your sugar-filled drinks for a refreshing glass of water.

Grinding Teeth

Many people will grind their teeth as a nervous habit or while they sleep. If you do this. it's can cause surface damage to your teeth. Chipping or cracking of your tooth surface is another side effect of teeth grinding. Try to relax in other ways to avoid tooth grinding.

Use Teeth as a Tool

Teeth are made for eating, not a tool. Avoid opening items with your teeth. Whether you're ripping open a package or bending something, your teeth are not to be used. A tooth breaking or chipping is often a side effect of using your teeth for an unintended purpose. To avoid this bad habit, make it a point to not use your teeth as a tool and take the time to find the proper item to accomplish your task.

After reading through this list, have you realized you have a few of these bad habits? Now is the time to try to break any bad habits before they cause even more damage to your teeth. If you're worried about the condition of your teeth, contact our Springfield, Missouri dentist to schedule an appointment. We look forward to checking over your teeth and helping you work toward a healthy, beautiful smile.

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

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Springfield Office Rolla Office Osage Beach Office Mountain Grove Office
(417) 501-1048 (573) 426-5447 (573) 348-1466 (417) 926-1160
1701 West Sunshine 416 S. Bishop Ave. 4320 Osage Beach Pkwy 921 N. Main St.

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

Tuesday, September 18, 2018

Tips to Reduce Your Chance of Gingivitis

Gingivitis is a common gum disease that many people have. If your gums are inflamed and painful to the touch, you may have gingivitis. As your experienced dentist in Southern Missouri, we know how important it is to keep your entire mouth healthy - gums included. Take a look below to learn how you can help treat gingivitis if you are suffering AND ways to help reduce your chance of getting this gum disease.

Use Antibacterial Toothpaste

The bacteria found in your mouth can cause infection in your gums. An antibacterial toothpaste can help reduce the amount of germs and bacteria in your mouth. This can help reduce your chance of developing gingivitis AND can help reduce gum inflammation if you already have it.

Effectively Brush Teeth

It's recommended to brush your teeth for at least two minutes, twice a day. Consider setting a timer to ensure you reach this time recommendation. With a manual toothbrush, ensure you are making small circles and back and forth motions as you brush across your teeth. An electric toothbrush is a great way to make the most of your brushing time since it performs the back and forth motions for you.

Swish with Mouthwash

Mouthwash can help clean those hard to reach places in your mouth. While brushing and flossing are important, especially if you suffer from gingivitis, using mouthwash can help better protect your mouth. Mouthwash can help eliminate and reduce the amount of bacteria found in your mouth.

Floss on a Regular Basis

Flossing between your teeth can help remove food particles and bacteria that builds up throughout the day. It's recommended to floss at least once a day. This can help keep your teeth and gums clean and healthy.

Now that you know these oral health tips to reduce your chance of gingivitis, you're ready to start taking better care of your mouth. Brushing, flossing, and eating healthy are all great ways to care for your teeth and mouth. Visiting the dentist in Springfield, MO can help ensure your teeth and gums are healthy and properly cleaned. Here at Access Dental & Dentures, we can help advise you on how to properly care for your teeth and if you need to focus in on a certain area of your oral health routine.

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

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

Thursday, September 13, 2018

Common Oral Health Changes to Expect When Pregnant

Pregnancy brings about a number of changes in your body. Some beautiful and others not so glamorous. Your mouth may be the farthest thing from your concerns when you are pregnant but it shouldn't be. There are a number of changes in your mouth and you should pay attention to anything out of the ordinary. Take a look below to learn what you can expect (pertaining to oral health) when expecting!

Common Oral Changes when Pregnant:

-Gum inflammation is a common symptom of pregnancy. More likely during the second trimester, you may notice your gums being swollen, tender, or bleed more than normal.

-Tooth decay and/or gingivitis is more common in pregnant women. Your body may not be able to fight off plaque like it once did.

-Growths under the skin in the mouth, known as pregnancy tumors, are caused by excess plaque in the mouth.

-Oral infection is more common when pregnant due to your body being more susceptible to bacteria and plaque buildup.

Prenatal Care for Your Mouth:

Focus on Oral Care

Make sure taking care of your teeth and gums is a top priority, especially when you are pregnant. It's important to brush your teeth twice each day (once in the morning and again at night) AND floss between your teeth at least once a day. This can help clean your teeth and reduce your chance of plaque and germs building up. This can also help to keep oral infections away - which can be dangerous for your baby.

Schedule a Regular Check Up
Don't forget to visit the dentist on a regular basis. It's recommended to have an oral check-up every six months. Since a pregnancy is nine months, your next dentist visit should fall within the six months range. When you do visit your Springfield, MO dentist, it's important to let everyone know about your pregnancy so they are aware before performing any procedures that may be potentially hazardous to you or your baby.

Address any Issues
Any oral issues should be addressed right away. It's best to have a concern looked over as soon as possible to help reduce the chance of your condition worsening. If you are worried about your teeth, gums, tongue, or other concern, contact your dental professional in southern Missouri right away!

Now that you've learned a little more about the changes that can take place with your oral health when pregnant, and what to do if you experience these changes, you're ready to be on the lookout. As you and your body go through this beautiful process, it's important to focus on health - oral health included. Don't forget to visit the dentist when you are pregnant to monitor any changes that may be taking place within our mouth. Give Access Dental & Dentures a call at 877-DENTIST to schedule an appointment today. Let our dentist in Southern Missouri know that you are pregnant before performing any checkup or procedures.

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

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

Thursday, September 6, 2018

Signs it's Time to Schedule a Dental Appointment

It's recommended to visit the dentist for a routine check-up every six months. It's also important to keep an eye on things between your regular appointments. As your experienced dentist in southern, MO, we know that your mouth can change at any time. Our dentist office can help with any of your unexpected oral issues. Access Dental And Dentures is here for all of your oral care needs.

Tooth Pain

If you experience any pain in your teeth, it's time to visit a dentist. Oral pain can be very troublesome for your daily life. From eating to constant tooth discomfort, it's important to have any oral issues addressed in a timely manner. It will likely continue to get worse, causing even more pain.

Swelling Gums

Anytime there is unusual swelling in your gums, there could be an underlying issue. If your gums are puffy or sore, it may be time to visit a dentist. There could be an infection in your gum line and may need treatment to properly clean it up.

Medical Issues

Are you experiencing an ongoing medical issue or preparing to get medical treatment? Don't forget to let your dentist know of any recent procedures and/or if you are experiencing issues. You never know, they may be related to your oral health!

Mouth Sores

Sores come up from time to time but if one sticks around for more than a few days, it may be time to get it checked out. A sore can be caused by an infection, virus, or fungus. The problem could worsen or even spread to further places in your body if you don't get it addressed in a timely manner.

Jaw Pain

Does your jaw make a popping sound when you move it? Does it cause pain as you chew? Jaw pain can quickly worsen if you continue to use it - which many people do on a daily basis. Talking, chewing, and drinking can all be difficult tasks if you have jaw pain.

Now that you know a few of the warning signs that you need to visit a dentist near Springfield, MO, you know who to call if you experience anything unusual. Our southern Missouri dentist is here for all of your oral care needs. Contact us at 877-DENTIST to schedule your routine checkup or if you experience anything out of the ordinary when it comes to your oral health.

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

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