Bad Habits to Break That Are Harming Your Teeth

Bad habits are hard to break, but when they are affecting your health, it's well worth the effort to put a stop to them. Today Access Dental & Dentures is focusing on the bad habits that can be harmful to your teeth. If you find yourself doing any of the following, you may want to schedule an appointment at one of our dentist offices in Southern Missouri to see if any damage has already been done. 

Using Teeth as a Tool
Teeth are made for eating, not to be used as a tool for opening things. Whether you're ripping open a package or bending something, your teeth should never 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.

Chewing Ice

Extremely hard edible items can cause damage to your teeth, ice included. It can put excessive pressure on the surface and end up chipping the tooth or fillings you may have. To break this habit, consider drinking chilled drinks without ice or use a straw when drinking from a glass with ice in it.

Teeth Grinding

Many people will grind their teeth as a nervous habit or while they sleep. If you do this. it can cause surface damage to your teeth. Chipping or cracking of the tooth's surface is another side effect of teeth grinding. Try to pinpoint the reasons you may be tensing your jaw like this. You might consider having the experts at Access Dental & Dentures create a custom-made mouthguard to keep your teeth safe until you can figure out how to stop grinding them. 

Drinking Sugary Drinks

Soda and other sugar-filled drinks can cause unnecessary damage to a 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 it has been damaged and this can cause tooth decay and other oral issues. Limit your intake of sugar-filled drinks and look for a refreshing alternative to replace them with. Water is an excellent choice. 

Biting Your Nails
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 teeth. Chipping teeth and negative impacts on your jaw muscles and bones are caused by this bad habit and it's not very good for your fingers and nails either. To avoid further tooth damage, work to find a way to relieve the urge to bite your nails. Wearing gloves might help and some people choose to put something that tastes bad on the ends of their fingertips to discourage this bad habit. 

If you happen to have any of these bad habits and would like some help breaking them to improve your oral health, let our trusted dentists in Southern Missouri help you out. Stopping this behavior is good for more than just your teeth and once you tackle the problem, it will do wonders for your smile! 

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

1-877-DENTIST

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The Many Ways Access Dental Can Improve Your Smile

First impressions have a lasting impact. When you greet someone with a bright, happy, healthy smile, that's a memorable first impression to be proud of. If you are even slightly self-conscious about the way your smile looks, our knowledgable dentists in Southern Missouri can help you get over that. There are quite a few ways that Access Dental & Dentures can make that happen. Here are some of the options we have available to get you on the road to that winning smile.

Routine Cleaning
A cleaning should be scheduled every six months with your dentist. During this appointment, our hygienists will perform a deep clean to polish your teeth for a healthy smile. We will also give you tips for better oral care if we see a way for improvements to be made. During your routine cleaning, your teeth will also be evaluated for any further treatments to avoid bigger problems in the future.

Veneers
Porcelain veneers are dental prosthetics that are placed on the surface of discolored, chipped, cracked, or misaligned teeth. This may be the most esthetic means of creating a more pleasing smile. Veneers require a minimal amount of tooth reduction (approximately .5 mm) and are, therefore, a more conservative restoration than a crown. 

Though veneers are simple to place and delicate in appearance, the role a thin ceramic shell can have in producing a beautiful smile is quite remarkable. Dental veneers allow us to alter tooth position, shape, size, and color. They are not the only alternative for all esthetic abnormalities but are truly a remarkable restoration when they are the treatment of choice.

Teeth Whitening
We will provide you a custom whitening tray, made from your own dental impressions. Once at home, you can choose how often and long to use the supplied whitening agent to customize the brightness of your smile.

Tooth Extraction

In cases in which decay or an abscess (infection) is so severe that a root canal or other treatment cannot save the tooth, your dentist may recommend that the tooth is removed. A tooth extraction should be done as soon as possible to avoid the spread of infection to other areas of your mouth or other more serious problems. We can extract a single tooth, full mouth, and most wisdom teeth.

Denture / Partial
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.

If any of the options described above sounds like what you need, give one of our dentist offices in Southern Missouri a call to set up an appointment. A great smile just may be the extra boost of confidence you need. With proper care, routine checkups, and a good oral health routine, Access Dental & Dentures can help you keep that healthy smile for a lifetime! 

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

1-877-DENTIST

Visit our Website
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

Tips For a Successful Back-To-School Routine

School is back in session in most areas or will be soon, so it's time to shake off the laid-back summer days and get back into a productive routine. An established routine not only helps kids to "get back into the swing of things" but it can also help everyone in the home avoid feeling stressed and rushed each morning. Access Dental & Dentures has a few tips to get everyone through the day, from the time you wake up until bedtime.

BEFORE SCHOOL

Don't Hit Snooze
Kids need enough time in the morning to leisurely get ready for a long school day. School items should already be packed and ready to grab on the way out the door. (We'll talk about that below.) Set the alarm for the same time each morning and vow to not hit the snooze button. (At least not more than once!) Giving kids an alarm of their own takes the pressure off you and teaches them responsibility. 

Get Dressed
Laying clothes out before going to bed makes getting ready in the morning a lot faster and easier. The outfit decision has already been made and all matching pieces are already there waiting to be put on. Older kids may choose to shower in the morning after waking up (which will cause the alarm time to be set earlier) but it's best to let younger children bathe the night before when you're not in a hurry.

Eat a Nutritious Breakfast
They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day because it gives you the energy needed to get the day started right. Avoid sugary cereals and opt for fresh fruits, oatmeal, eggs, and other foods that will fuel their bodies without a sugar rush to come off of in a couple of hours. Eating breakfast as a family lets everyone talk about upcoming plans for the day.

Brush Those Teeth
Before heading out the door for school, always brush your teeth for at least 2 minutes. Schools generally don't ask kids to bring a toothbrush to school to clean their teeth after lunch and you don't want two meals stuck on their teeth all day long.

AFTER SCHOOL

Stock Up on Healthy Snacks
After a long day of learning, kids usually come home hungry for something to eat. Stock the cabinets with healthy snacks so bad food choices aren't even an option. There are plenty of healthy foods available that are delicious. For example, apples, carrots, vegetables, yogurt, fruit smoothies, and cheese all make excellent snack foods and they're not only good for your oral health but also the rest of your body. Presentation makes a big difference and if these foods are already cut up and ready to eat, kids are more likely to go ahead and enjoy them.

Finish Homework Early
Each person is different, so this part of the routine may vary from child to child. Some kids like to hit the books the second they arrive home to get homework out of the way while others prefer to give their brain a break first before tackling homework. Figure out which way works best for your child and encourage them to stick to that routine each day. The key is to not put it off so long that they end up staying up past bedtime or getting up extra early in the morning to complete it.

Also, parents need to check with their child to see if any papers need to be signed or anything else needs to be done. Do this early in the evening so it's not a "surprise" you hear about on the way to school the next day! This is kind of like homework for Mom and Dad. 

Prep for the Next Day
Before going to bed, it's a good idea to pack everything needed for the next school day (books, finished homework, permission slips, lunch money, etc...) into the backpack and set it by the door you leave through in the morning. Shoes, jackets, and anything else that needs to go with your child can all be left here too for a quick "grab & go" before school.

Have a Set Bedtime Routine
A great day begins with a good night's sleep. Choose a bedtime that allows at least 8 hours of sleep with plenty of time to wake up and get ready in the morning without being rushed. It is suggested that children stop having "screen time," meaning mobile devices, computers, and TVs,  1-2 hours before bedtime for a restful sleep. This is a perfect time to read a story together or for older children to catch up on reading for school. They can also use these screen-free time to pick out the clothes they will wear tomorrow. 

Last, but certainly not least, your dentists in Southern Missouri have to remind you that an important part of that bedtime routine is brushing and flossing your teeth! If you haven't already done it after dinner, make sure to not skip your dental health routine before going to sleep. Skipping this allows food particles to do their dirty work all night long, causing all kinds of problems for your teeth that can be avoided with just 2 minutes of brushing and a good job flossing.

We hope that these tips inspire you and your family to come up with a routine that works best for your schedules. After a while, the routine will become a habit and help to keep everyone on track for a successful school year.

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

1-877-DENTIST

Visit our Website
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

Chewing Gum Can Be Good For Your Teeth

A common misconception is that chewing gum is bad for you but on the contrary, there are quite a few positive benefits, as long as you stick with the sugar-free kind. Your trusted dentists in Southern Missouri have a few of those perks to share with you in today's blog. Take a look below for some of the reasons why chewing gum can actually be good for your oral care. 

Cleans Your Teeth
While gum does not replace brushing and flossing your teeth, it does offer the benefit of cleaning them in between those activities. Especially after eating a meal, any food particles that remain in the mouth or on teeth can be removed by chewing gum. If those particles are left on your teeth for an extended period of time, they can eventually start to decay the enamel that protects your teeth.

Helps Harden Enamel
Xylitol is oftentimes found in chewing gum and offers the benefit of reducing the amount of cavity-causing bacteria found in your mouth. Some types of gum help to harden the enamel, which is the protective exterior of your teeth. Extra minerals that can help to strengthen tooth enamel are also a benefit of increased saliva, which is discussed in the next section. 

Increases Saliva Production
Chewing gum can help increase the flow of saliva in your mouth. This has a number of benefits including washing away acid that can potentially harm your teeth. It is recommended to chew gum for 20 minutes after eating a meal to help your saliva build up to rinse off the teeth and cleanse your entire mouth.

Curbs Cravings
Healthy eating is important for your overall health, which includes your oral health. To help kick those junk food cravings, chew a piece of gum instead. Chewing gum instead of eating unhealthy food is helpful in a number of ways. Sugar-free gum is the best option for your teeth since it has as less sticky quality.

So the next time you are at the grocery store waiting to check out, eyeing all of that candy, pick up a pack of sugar-free gum instead. As we stated earlier, do not expect to replace your regular oral care routine with chewing gum, but it is a bonus way to clean off those teeth and a good alternative when you can't get to a toothbrush right away. Our dental clinics in Southern Missouri are always on the lookout for more ways to help you keep those teeth shiny and clean. After all, Access Dental & Dentures knows that you deserve a great smile!

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

1-877-DENTIST

Visit our Website
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

DID YOU KNOW... 9 Fun Facts About Your Teeth

Our dental clinics in Southern Missouri find teeth fascinating because that's our specialty. Anyone not in the field of dentistry may know a little about teeth but most likely don't have a strong desire to learn more than simple general knowledge. Teeth are a part of your life so Access Dental & Dentures has gathered a few very interesting facts that we think anyone will find fascinating. Learn something new today by taking a look at this list.

Teeth Are Not Bones
Just by looking at them, you might assume teeth are bones but guess what... they're not. The hard shell of enamel is mostly made up of calcium and phosphate, like your bones, yet not exactly the same. That enamel surrounds the rest of the tooth to keep it safe.

Teeth Never Stop Growing
The enamel itself on the outside of your teeth remains the same but inside, your teeth continue to change throughout your entire life. Just below the layer of enamel is dentin, of which there are 3 types: primary, secondary, and reparative. The dentin inside always continues to grow and change.

The Hardest Part of Your Body
Enamel is actually the hardest part of your body and even the dentin inside is harder than your bones. This does not mean teeth are invincible though. Sugars and acids interacting with bacteria in your mouth attack the enamel and break it down. Brushing regularly and avoiding sugary foods and drinks can help to keep this from happening.

If you're not careful, teeth can still be chipped or cracked. Ways to avoid this include wearing a mouthguard while playing sports, not chewing on hard items like ice, and not using your teeth to "bite" open things that are not food.

Yours Are Unique To You
Your teeth are like a fingerprint, unique to your body. This is why dental records can be used to identify a person. As a matter of fact, your tongue also has a unique "tongue print."

You are born with teeth.
Teeth begin forming while a person is still in the womb. Even though it appears as if a baby is born with no teeth, all 20 baby teeth are right there under the gum surface, waiting to break out. 

You can only see 2/3 of them.
One-third of your teeth are hidden inside the gums. That's why it's very important to take care of your gums too for good oral health. If they are damaged they cannot hold and protect the lower portion of your teeth.

Hundreds of Bacteria
Plaque may sound like a singular thing, but is made up of millions of bacteria! Beyond that, there are as many as 300 different species of bacteria.

Wait to Brush
You need to brush at least twice a day and after meals when possible, but not immediately after you eat. Brushing within half an hour of eating or drinking certain foods can actually damage the enamel. It's best to wait at least an hour.

Don't Miss a Spot
Flossing once a day is important for good oral health too. When you don't floss you could be missing up to a stunning 40% of your tooth surfaces!

The more you know about your teeth the easier it will be to take proper care of them for a lifetime of good oral health. Visiting our skilled dentists in Southern Missouri for regular checkups is an important part of that too. Working together we can keep those teeth shiny, clean, and healthy for many, many years.

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

1-877-DENTIST

Visit our Website
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