Do You Really Need to See a Dentist Every 6 Months?

So, do you really need to see a dentist every 6 months? The short answer... doesn't exist! The general recommendation about how often you should visit Access Dental & Dentures for a regular checkup is every 6 months. In reality, some people can go an entire year between visits while others may need to visit our dental clinics in Southern Missouri as often as every 3 months.

The length of time between visits to your dentist depends on your own personal health. Every 6 months is a very reasonable time frame and is even covered by many dental insurances, but everyone is different. Talking over a personalized plan that is best for you with our skilled dentists in Southern Missouri is the way to get the answer you need. 

Prevention is Key
The main reason that 2 visits to the dentist a year is most often recommended is that preventing possible dental problems before they have a chance to happen is best for you, both medically and financially. Regular checkups alert you of small problems before they can become big problems, meaning less pain and fewer bills down the road.

Even the best brusher and flosser is bound to build up plaque and tartar between visits and professional cleanings keep your teeth healthy and safe from cavities and other oral problems. If you happen to have an insurance plan that allows for no-charge checkups twice a year, you might as well take advantage of this perk to keep your smile it's brightest and healthiest.

Who Needs More Frequent Visits?
In some cases, 6 months may be too long to wait between visits. If you are a person that has current health issues, you may need to come in as often as every 3 months or possibly sooner. Your dentist will be able to alert you if this is the case. Some reasons for more frequent visits could be:

• current gum disease
• weak immune system
• diabetes
• pregnancy
• a smoking habit

Ask For a Personalized Plan

On the other hand, if you happen to have strong, healthy teeth and no chronic issues, you may be able to get away with only 1 checkup and cleaning per year. The experts in our Southern Missouri dentist offices can evaluate this when you come in for a regular checkup and discuss what the best plan of action is for your personal situation. 

In conclusion, the amount of dental visits needed for a person every year is however many your Access Dental & Dentures dentist deems necessary. Every person is different so every course of action will be slightly different. As long as we work together to keep your teeth clean and healthy on a regular basis, you can look forward to a great smile for many years to come!    

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

1-877-DENTIST

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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 Pkwy

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

Mountain Grove Office              Aurora Office

(417) 926-1160                             (417) 308-3534

921-A N. Main                             1402 S. Elliott

Mountain Grove, MO 65711       Aurora, MO 65605

Frequently Asked Questions (& the Answers) About Our Denture Service

A person can find great confidence in a great smile. Our dentists in Southern Missouri are here to help you achieve a healthy smile that you can be proud of. If you are embarrassed about your teeth, on the other hand, that can cause self-esteem issues. Access Dental & Dentures can provide you with custom-fit dentures or removable partials that can help to get you back on the road to feeling good about yourself.

Many people are filled with questions about what exactly wearing new dentures entails. Here are some of the questions that our dental clinics in Southern Missouri hear often along with answers that will put your mind at ease about this new step in your life.

Are Dentures "One-Size-Fits-All?"
No. For missing teeth, Access Dental & Dentures can make dentures or removable partials to fit your mouth in our on-site professional dental lab. They will be customized to fit you and only you. Since our technicians are on-site, you will not have to wait days or weeks for your new teeth. Normally, they 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.

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 with 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 Eating?

Properly fitted dentures enhance your chewing ability, helping your body properly digest food and obtain the nutrition it needs. You can still 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 is if you notice sagging facial muscles, excessive wrinkling, or a protruding lower jaw.

Do I Need Dental Checkups If I Don't Have Real Teeth?

We recommend annual visits to check the fit of your dentures and overall health of your mouth. Ill-fitting dentures can cause a variety of problems such as irritation, rubbing, and speech and digestion problems. We also need to check for signs of oral cancer and other diseases by examining your gum ridges, tongue, and jaw joints.

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 the 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 dentures may not fit your mouth as well as they should. When a denture is not fitting properly, health problems often result.

So you see, getting dentures isn't a scary problem but rather an easy solution. The knowledgable dental professionals of Access Dental & Dentures at all of our Missouri locations are always happy to answer any additional questions you may have as well. Simply give us a call at 1-877-DENTIST. Soon after that, we will have you on your way to a new, confident smile. 

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

1-877-DENTIST

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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 Pkwy

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

Mountain Grove Office              Aurora Office

(417) 926-1160                             (417) 308-3534

921-A N. Main                             1402 S. Elliott

Mountain Grove, MO 65711       Aurora, MO 65605

Easy Ways to Improve Your Smile

Your smile is one of the first things that people notice about you.  What impression are you giving with your smile?  If you are self-conscious about your grin, it may be time to make changes to your smile, and this means making changes in your oral care routine. As your trusted dentist in Southern Missouri, we believe that oral care is important and shouldn’t be hard.  Our southern Missouri dentist wants to share some tips to EASILY improve your oral care regimen. Here at Access Dental & Dentures we truly care about our patients AND their smiles. Below you can find some helpful tips on how to improve your smile through oral care.

1. Brush Twice a Day

It is recommended that you brush your teeth at least two times a day, once in the morning and again before bed at night.  This can help remove any food particles and bacteria that remain in your mouth throughout the day and overnight.  Getting into the simple habit of brushing twice a day can prevent many of the smaller issues that lead to bigger problems, such as tooth decay, plaque and tartar buildup, or even gum disease.

2. Floss Daily

Flossing removes plaque between teeth and out from under the gumlines, where a toothbrush can’t reach. Daily flossing helps prevent tooth decay and gingivitis.  Floss at least one time a day to remove debris from between your teeth and help keep your tooth surface clear of plaque that builds up throughout the day.

3. Incorporate Mouthwash

Using mouthwash can help clean your entire mouth, even cleansing hard to reach spaces that may have been missed by brushing and flossing alone.  Mouthwash easily cleans between the teeth and all over your mouth for a fresh, clean feel.

4. Scrub Entire Mouth 

Try to brush not only your teeth, but the entire inside of your mouth.  This is one of the best ways to achieve optimum oral hygiene and reduce bacteria build-up in your mouth.

5. Set a Timer

Brushing your teeth twice a day is a good step toward a healthy smile, but do not forget to brush for the correct amount of time.  Two minutes is the recommended length of time to brush your teeth. Until you are used to brushing for this long, consider setting a timer. This can help keep you on track and spend adequate time cleaning your teeth each time you brush.

6. Use a Quality Toothbrush & Replace Your Toothbrush Regularly 

It is recommended that you replace your toothbrush, or electric toothbrush head, every three months at maximum.  Over time, the bristles on your toothbrush will wear down and fray. These used bristles can be less effective at scrubbing the surface of your teeth as you brush. Using a quality toothbrush to begin with, will help maintain the life of your toothbrush, but replacing your toothbrush every three months is important to keep your smile healthy and bright.

7. Be Careful with Staining or Acidic Foods 

You can avoid the cost of getting your teeth professionally whitened by avoiding staining foods like coffee, red wine, and cola as much as possible.  You do not have to stop eating your favorite tomato sauce altogether but be smart about when you consume staining foods and try to brush your teeth following.  The same care should be taken when consuming acidic foods or drinks.  Citrus fruits, soda, and juices can deliver acid to your teeth that over time can be damaging to your smile.  Again, moderation and smart oral hygiene can lessen these damaging effects.

8. Quit Smoking

Smoking not only causes staining to your teeth, but it also damages your gums, causing them to recede and develop large pockets around the teeth.  This creates long dark spaces between the teeth and gums.  Smoking makes it very hard to reverse gum disease and puts you at a greater risk for many different types of cancer.

9. Visit Your Dentist Twice a Year

It's important to visit a dental professional on a regular basis. It is recommended to visit your dentist twice a year for regular cleanings.  Even if you don't notice an issue, a dentist can inspect your mouth to make sure there are no un-noticed issues. They can also do an x-ray to get a visual of what's happening behind the scenes. This is important information to monitor and make sure there are no drastic changes happening that shouldn't be.

You gain many amazing benefits to both your mental and physical health simply by smiling. These go way beyond just making you more attractive (although a good smile does automatically make everyone look better).  Now that you know these EASY ways to improve your smile, you're ready to start making changes to your oral care routine.  You don't always have to get costly surgery to get a great smile. Taking good care of your teeth on a daily basis, eating healthy foods, brushing at least twice a day, and flossing go a long way to make that happen. Scheduling regular checkups at one of our dental clinics in Southern Missouri is a wonderful way to ward off possible problems and fix any that may have started. We believe that everyone deserves a great smile and it's our goal to help as many people as possible have one.

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

1-877-DENTIST

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How to Deal With Sensitive Teeth

Having to live with sensitive teeth is an uncomfortable condition that can impact your life on a daily basis. Whether you're eating cold food or drinking a hot drink, it can cause pain or discomfort in your teeth. If you experience a sensitive sensation on a regular basis, it's important to mention this to our experienced dentists in Southern Missouri. The next time you visit Access Dental & Dentures, we can help navigate your tooth sensitivity to help you find relief.

One in five adults suffers from sensitive teeth, which is about 45 million Americans! If eating ice cream or sipping a hot tea gives you a zing, it's important to address this issue right away. Do you feel discomfort when brushing or flossing your teeth? Feel tingles after a whitening treatment? There are a number of reasons that could be happening.

Causes of Tooth Sensitivity

Wrong Toothbrush

A hard-bristled toothbrush can cause damage to your enamel. To avoid long-term damage to your teeth, consider using a softer option for brushing.

Whitening Agent 

The agent used to whiten teeth a can easily penetrate the protective enamel coating your teeth. This can cause damage to the nerves if your teeth are sensitive.

Missed Flossing 

Flossing is a vital part of your oral care routine. Plaque can build up on your tooth surface and cause damage. This can lead to decay and sensitivity issues.

Tooth Decay

The decay of your tooth enamel can invite painful sensations to penetrate your tooth. Try to keep up a good oral care routine to avoid this.

Gum Disease

Sensitive teeth can be caused by inflamed tissue surrounding your tooth.

Acidic Food

Acid can wear down the protective enamel on your teeth. This allows the acidic foods to get into your tooth and potentially cause pain.

Grinding Teeth
If you grind your teeth, the outer layer of your tooth is often worn down. This allows your inner tooth to be exposed and more susceptible to sensitivity, as well as decay.

Home Remedies to Try
Consider buying a toothpaste that is formulated for sensitive teeth. This can help to protect your teeth from feeling the "zing" sensation. There is also floss specifically made for sensitive teeth. A soft-bristled toothbrush may also help to relieve some of the pain you are feeling, especially if you experience it while brushing.

Now that you know a little more about tooth sensitivity and how to improve the discomfort you may experience, you're on the right track. Make the necessary changes to your oral care routine to help ease the sensitive sensation you experience. In addition to trying these at-home remedies, be sure to mention your discomfort to the best dentists in mid-Missouri. We want to help you be comfortable because you deserve a great (pain-free) smile!

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

1-877-DENTIST

Like us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Connect with us on LinkedIn

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 Pkwy

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

Mountain Grove Office              Aurora Office

(417) 926-1160                             (417) 308-3534

921-A N. Main                             1402 S. Elliott

Mountain Grove, MO 65711       Aurora, MO 65605

Keep Your Smile Safe During Spring & Summer Activities

As the weather gets warmer and this lovely spring season beckons us to get outdoors, you'll very likely be taking part in all kinds of fun activities now through the hot summer months. Many of those more active outdoor activities come with a high possibility for oral injury. Access Dental & Dentures wants to make sure you're as prepared as possible to avoid such incidents. 

As your experienced dentists in Southern Missouri, we know how easily accidents can happen. Today we've got a few Do's & Don'ts to keep in mind to more easily avoid anything that could damage your teeth.  

DO Wear Your Helmet When Biking
A helmet can help protect your head while biking. This can also offer protection for your mouth. For little ones, try to avoid taking off training wheels too early and teach them to look ahead for hazards on the road or sidewalk. Even terrain is best for those who are inexperienced bikers but even a stray rock on the pavement can cause a tumble.

DO Use a Mouthpiece
When playing contact sports, don't forget to wear a protective mouthpiece. This will give your mouth extra padding which can protect those pearly whites. Wearing a mouthpiece may seem inconvenient but it will provide an important layer of protection for your teeth! It's especially important for anyone with braces. Our dental clinics in Southern Missouri offer custom-made mouth guards in both soft and hard materials. 

DO Eat a Balanced Diet
Eating the right foods has a major impact on your entire body. Plenty of fruits and vegetables help improve your overall health - oral health included. This time of year you may be planning vacations. During those, it can be easy to "grab something on the go" but that's not always the healthiest option. 

Summer is a great time to re-focus your diet. With a number of fresh fruits and vegetables available, it's an easy time to stay on track with your eating. Don't forget to drink plenty of water and stay hydrated as well. 

DON'T Run at the Pool
Running on a concrete pool deck can be a big hazard for everyone, and definitely an excellent way to fall and crack your teeth. There are a number of tripping hazards around a pool - a teenager sunbathing, a stray diving stick, or a beach bag. Be sure to walk when moving around the local swimming hole. Better to get where you're going a little slower but with all your teeth intact!

DON'T Dive in the Shallow End
The pool is a hot spot for summer fun. That's why 2 of our tips pertain to this popular destination. Always obey the rules of the pool and listen to lifeguards - they are looking out for your best interest. Diving in shallow water can lead to a number of issues, from neck injuries to oral injuries. The same goes for swimming in natural bodies of water. If you don't know how deep the water is or exactly what is underneath the surface, don't dive there! 

DON'T Forget to Brush & Floss Daily

While physically protecting your teeth is important, don't forget to instill the importance of proper oral care. Remember to brush your teeth twice each day, once in the morning and again at night before bed. This can help to remove any food particles that may build up throughout the day and rid your mouth of germs that collect. Flossing should be done once a day as well. This helps to clean those hard to reach spaces between your teeth. 

We want you to get out and enjoy your spring and summer, but we want to keep you and that gorgeous smile safe too. If you or someone in your family does end up damaging a tooth, it's important to give Access Dental & Dentures a call right away at 1-877-DENTIST. We will work hard to get you into our office ASAP to get that smile back in shape for more summertime fun! 

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

1-877-DENTIST

Like us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Connect with us on LinkedIn

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 Pkwy

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

Mountain Grove Office              Aurora Office

(417) 926-1160                             (417) 308-3534

921-A N. Main                             1402 S. Elliott

Mountain Grove, MO 65711       Aurora, MO 65605