Good & Bad Habits for Dental Health

Taking care of you and your dental health is our top priority at Access Dental and Dentures. That is also one of the reasons we have the best dental clinics in Southern Missouri. Today we are talking about some common habits that people may have as a part of their daily routine. Some are bad habits that can damage teeth and should be avoided, while others are great habits to help keep you and your mouth as healthy as possible. Keep reading to learn more and see how many good or bad habits you may have!

DON'T Use Teeth as a Tool

Sometimes it can feel like we don't have enough hand to get a task done. Or maybe our grip isn't strong enough to open a container. Whatever the situation, it is never a good idea to use your teeth as a tool. Ripping open a package, biting down on a soda bottle cap, holding something in your mouth while you get your keys... These are all common bad habits that could ruin your teeth or make you sick. Not only can these actions put unnecessary strain on your teeth and gums, but it could cause your teeth to get chipped or cracked. Additionally, foreign objects don't belong in your mouth where they could be spreading germs to the rest of your body. For those reasons, it's important to use your mouth and your teeth for their intended purposes rather than as a multi-tool.

DON'T Chew Ice

Some people have the bad habit of chewing ice when they enjoy a cold beverage. However, this can be very bad for your teeth. Even crushed ice is very hard on your teeth as they try to pulverize the frozen pieces. This can quickly wear down your enamel and even cause chips in your teeth. If you are craving the habit of chewing without calories that come with crackers or chips, try chewing on gum during the day to get it out of your system. It may also be a good idea to avoid using crushed ice in your drinks for a time so it's not as tempting.

DON'T Drink Sugary Beverages

While they might taste great, sugary drinks wreak havoc on your teeth. The sugar sticks to the surface of your teeth and feeds any bacteria present in your mouth. This allows bacteria to thrive and grow, particularly between your teeth where it's harder to remove. Prolonged sugar exposure and bacteria buildup can lead to tooth decay and cavities. It's better to enjoy drinks like water, perhaps with fresh fruit and herbs infused into it for flavor. If you can't stay away and do consume sugary beverages, make sure to rinse your mouth with water afterward to wash away as much of the sugar as possible.

DO Brush & Floss Daily

Access Dental and Dentures recommends that you brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss at least once per day. Brushing and flossing before bed is very important for your dental health, as it removes any food particles or bacteria buildup from the day. Brushing in the morning is also important as it helps break up and remove plaque that started building up on your teeth overnight due to a reduced amount of saliva washing harmful materials away.

DO Use Mouthwash

While it can't replace daily brushing and flossing, using mouthwash can help boost your dental health by destroying bacteria in hard-to-reach places. A good mouthwash can help give you a more all-encompassing clean that leaves you feeling fresh for longer.

DO Replace Your Toothbrush

Toothbrushes are not meant to be something that you use for very long. Over time, the bristles will start to wear down and bacteria may even build up at the base of bristles from what it has captured while cleaning your teeth. Keep your toothbrush clean while using it - keep it as far away from the toilet (airborne particles) as possible, don't keep it in a cover with no air flow, and regularly clean it with scalding water. This can help keep your toothbrush clean and healthy for the duration of its life. Once your toothbrush is three months old or starts to fade and wear (whichever comes first), then it is time to replace it.

Visit the Best Missouri Dentist

Following these important do's and do not's will help keep your teeth and mouth clean and healthy. However, there are some things that you can't check on yourself. That's where Access Dental comes in! Regular dentist visits are important to make sure no cavities have developed, your teeth are coming in normally, your gums are in good condition, and so much more. Contact the best dentist in the Springfield area to schedule your regular checkups and get on the path to a healthier, happier mouth.

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

1-877-DENTIST

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Don't Ignore Tongue Health!

As the best dental clinics in southern Missouri, Access Dental and Dentures knows that oral health is about more than just your teeth. Your tongue also needs attention to make sure your mouth stays healthy and happy. Today's blog is all about why cleaning your tongue is an important dental hygiene habit, and how you can make it part of your regular routine. Keep reading to learn more!

How to Clean Your Tongue

Keeping your tongue clean has a lot of important health benefits that include stronger teeth, better breath, less plaque buildup, and more! It's a good idea to make cleaning your tongue a part of your daily routine. Every time you use your toothbrush (which should be at least twice a day), gently brush your tongue with a small amount of toothpaste also. This will help break up stuck-on bacteria, food debris, and anything else that shouldn't be there.

It is also a good idea to take the extra step of using a tongue scraper at the end of your routine. A scraper can help thoroughly remove harmful materials, rather than just loosening them in your mouth. Tongue scrapers are relatively easy to find in most oral hygiene aisles at the drug store. Some are even built-in on the back of toothbrushes!

Healthy Tongues are Pink!

When you're brushing your teeth twice a day, it's a good idea to pay attention to the color of your tongue to look for signs of an unhealthy mouth. Your tongue should be a natural, consistent pink color. If there are patches of red, yellow, or white discoloration, then you could have a serious issue that requires medical attention.

If your tongue is a uniform color but has a white film over the top of it, then you may simply need to improve your daily oral hygiene routine. This film is typically a combination of dead cells, food debris, bacteria, and mucus. Cleaning your tongue regularly should help reduce the appearance of this white film and keep your mouth cleaner and healthier.

Growing Bacteria?

We all have a certain amount of bacteria in our mouths, some of it good and some of it bad. Good bacteria are there to help protect you from pathogens and illnesses. Bad bacteria are what can cause plaque buildup and tooth decay.

Both kinds of bacteria can grow and build up on your tongue, producing bad smells that are inconvenient and embarrassing. They produce substances that cause bad breath, including sulfur. Gross! This bad smell can be even worse if there are food particles stuck between teeth for the bacteria to feed on. Keep your tongue clean to help limit stinky breath and bad bacterial growth in your mouth.

Your Local Missouri Dentist

Your tongue is an important part of your oral health. It's important to pay attention to how it's doing in addition to how your teeth and gums are doing. If you have chronically bad breath or if you notice strange coloring on your tongue, then it could be time to visit your local dentist office. Access Dental and Dentures is here for you! If you are concerned about your dental health, or if you just need your check-up, we can help keep you and your mouth healthy. Give us a call! 1-877-DENTIST

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

1-877-DENTIST

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Fun, Little-Known Facts About Teeth

Teeth are absolutely fascinating! There may be a lot of things that you don't know about your own teeth. At Access Dental and Dentures, we are experts on dental health and how to help take care of yourself. We love helping people feel more confident about their health, and part of that is learning more about your teeth. In today's blog, we are talking about 9 different fun facts about teeth that you may not already know. Keep reading to learn more!

You're 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.

They're 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."

Only 2/3 of Them Are Visible
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.

They Grow Throughout Your Life
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.

They're Actually 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 are the Hardest Body Part
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.

Plaque & 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.

Don't Brush Right Away
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.

Floss for Every 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!

Dental Care in Missouri

Being knowledgeable about your dental health is important to help stay healthy overall. If you need help getting your smile up to your dream standards, we are here for you and would love to help set up an appointment. As the best dentists in Southern Missouri, Access Dental and Dentures can help improve your smile to help boost your confidence and health. Give us a call!

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

1-877-DENTIST

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Dental Myths Debunked!

It seems pretty simple, you brush, you floss, and then you show off those pearly whites! But there really is a lot more to what is happening inside your mouth than just the basics. There’s also a lot that is NOT happening, and we’re here to debunk those dental myths and set your mouth straight. If you’ve ever wondered if “that” is really true when it comes to dental health and mouth health, your Lake of the Ozarks dentist is going to help you take a look.

Myth: Sugar Will Cause Cavities

Sugar will definitely contribute to cavities, but it’s not actually the cause of cavities. The cause is from bacteria that eats the sugar, thus causing decay on your teeth. The bacteria especially love sticky foods and starches, and when they consume that on your teeth they produce an acid compound that promotes tooth decay.

Myth: The Harder That you Brush, the Better it Cleans

Brushing your teeth harder is actually more damaging than it is helpful. The tooth enamel and gum tissue can experience severe trauma from over brushing, and this can actually lead to other issues like gum recession. Brush gently for two minutes twice daily with a soft-bristled brush.

Myth: It Doesn’t Matter What Time of Day I Brush My Teeth

It is recommended that you brush your teeth twice a day, but some times are better than others. Most importantly, brushing your teeth before bed is extremely important. During the day, your saliva works to help clean your teeth, and at night, your saliva glands will produce less saliva. This means that it’s actually much more important to brush your teeth before bed so that you can get all of the food particles washed away - providing less for bacteria to feed on.

Myth: It’s Only a Baby Tooth

Those tiny little baby teeth are so important! They are what will lead to the permanent teeth, and cavities in baby teeth can cause tooth loss much earlier than necessary. It’s important to make sure that your child’s teeth are as healthy as possible, and this includes brushing and flossing. Start those habits now so that they can avoid more permanent and severe dental issues when they get older.

Myth: You Only Need to Go to the Dentist if Your Teeth Hurt

Prevention is better than a cure, and if you are addressing whole health in your mouth, it would be better to make sure that upkeep is happening regularly. Even if you aren’t experiencing pain, it is beneficial to make regular cleanings and exams a priority so that you can catch something early on instead of waiting until it’s too late. We invite you to make an appointment with our dentists in Springfield, MO, or our dental office in Osage Beach, MO to get started!

We Care About Your Smile!

At Access Dental, your smile is our top priority! It makes first impressions and builds your confidence, so it’s worth investing in. We have locations in Springfield, Mountain Grove/Rolla, and Osage Beach, Missouri, and we want to invite you to make an appointment. Visit our website to learn more about our services and how we can help your smile.

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

1-877-DENTIST

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Get Professional Teeth Whitening for Best Results!

Yellow or stained teeth can really affect your self-confidence. Do you find yourself trying to hide your smile or wasting money on over-the-counter teeth whiteners that don't work or cause your teeth a lot of pain? Access Dental and Dentures is here to help. Not only are we the best dentists in Southern Missouri, but we also have a lot of experience in safely and effectively whitening teeth. Keep reading to learn why having your teeth professionally whitened could be just the thing for you!

Boost Confidence

When you are more comfortable with a bright white smile, you can feel more confident! Whitening your teeth professionally is a great way to increase your self-esteem. You can also feel more confident in a professional whitening because we know teeth better than anyone. We can make sure they stay healthy and strong throughout the whitening process.

You Control the Shade

Access Dental has at-home treatment options so that you can perform the whitening session as often as you'd like until you achieve the results you are looking for. Our dentist will advise you on the proper use and frequency of the treatment. This allows you to safely whiten to the shade you're looking for, whereas drugstore brands could bleach your teeth too white in just one sitting.

Custom Whitening Tray

This is perhaps one of the best perks of a professional teeth whitening! Drug store whiteners have to be painted on or stuck on as a slippery strip of plastic that never seems to stay put. At Access Dental and Dentures, we fit the whitening tray to your teeth. You can come into our office and get a custom impression made of your teeth and we'll design a whitening tray to perfectly fit your unique smile! This can help ensure all of your teeth are getting the proper coverage of the whitening agent when you do a whitening session.

Complete Coverage

Our whitening treatments create a brighter white on all your teeth. The complete coverage of our whitening trays offers the ideal shade of lightener for your entire smile. With drug store brands, you can usually only get your front teeth, which can look strange anytime your other teeth are visible. Smile big and laugh freely with a professional whitening from Access Dental!

Professional Strength

Our whitening agent is professional strength so that you can achieve fast results. It can help you gain and maintain the shade of white you want. Over-the-counter products can cause damage to your teeth due to the cheaply made ingredients. Or, they can not get your teeth white enough because the whitening agent is too weak. Easily whiten your teeth and save time with a professional whitening.

Convenience!

Access Dental and Dentures has several locations throughout Southern Missouri where you can create your own unique whitening tray impressions. Once you have your personal tray, you can perform the whitening treatments in the convenience of your own home. It's the ultimate way to conveniently get your teeth whitened with a professional treatment!

Your Missouri Dentist

With all of the benefits of having a professional teeth whitening, how can you do it any other way? Contact Access Dental and Dentures - the best dentists in Southern Missouri - to set up a consultation appointment to get started on the journey to your dream smile. Give us a call at 1-877-DENTIST!

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

1-877-DENTIST

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