Don't Put Up with Bad Breath!

Tired of smelling bad breath inside your mask?! Bad breath can come from more than just eating a strong smelling food like onions or garlic. In fact, bad breath can often signal a more serious underlying dental issue. Access Dental and Dentures can tell you - bad breath might mean you need to see your local dentist as soon as possible! Take a look at the rest of today's blog to learn what might be causing your bad breath and learn how to fix it.

Dry Mouth

Drinking water is not only helpful to your teeth because of the fluoride content, but it can also help flush out bacteria, food pieces, and bad smells. Saliva is also an important factor in keeping your breath fresh and bacteria away. If you are dehydrated, the dryness in your mouth could be allowing bacteria to flourish. Ew!

Stuck Food Particles

Brushing your teeth twice a day is one of the most important things you can do to keep your oral health and teeth in good condition. Bad breath could mean you aren't brushing your teeth enough or as well as you should be. If bad breath is a problem for you, it could be a good idea to start brushing every time you eat a meal. This can help remove any food particles and germs that would otherwise grow in your mouth and cause bad breath.

Flossing each day is very important also in order to clean the hard-to-reach spaces in your mouth. Stuck food pieces may not always come out with daily brushing, and many toothbrushes can't even reach the space between your teeth. If food particles sit in between your teeth all day or night, they can start to smell due to bacterial growth and buildup. To reduce the chance of this happening, floss at least once a day! It could even be beneficial to run floss through your teeth after every meal.

Plaque & Bacteria on Your Tongue

Every morning, scrape your tongue to remove any bacteria or other particles that may have accumulated on the surface. This can help decrease the bacteria, fungi, and dead cells that buildup and cause bad breath. Try to scrape the entire surface of your tongue to get the best results. There are several tools that you can use in order to do this. Or, you can even use a small spoon! Just be careful not to scrape your teeth.

Bad Toothbrush or Toothpaste

Your toothbrush may be the problem if you have consistently bad breath. As your toothbrush gets old and worn out, it can start to grow bacteria and become a source of bad odors itself. This is not something you want to be brushing all over your mouth. Gross! Your toothbrush should be replaced every three months. But, keep in mind, if you are a more aggressive brusher or if you buy brands that wear out more quickly, you may want to replace it more often. Check regularly to see if bristles have started thinning, losing color, or bending. That means it's time to replace.

You also want to use a good toothpaste that is actually cleaning your teeth and protecting them from cavities. You may like the look or "flavor" of a particular toothpaste, but it's important to make sure whatever kind you're using has the active ingredient "fluoride" in it. If not, then it may be brushing away stains, but it definitely isn't protecting your teeth from decay. 

Best Missouri Dentist

Don't suffer with bad breath. Let Access Dental and Dentures help! We can take a look at your teeth and find out if there are any serious issues causing your bad breath - or if it's just a case of an old toothbrush. Make sure you're using a good toothbrush and toothpaste, stay hydrated, clean your whole mouth, and visit your dentist regularly for a happy, healthy, great-smelling smile! 

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

1-877-DENTIST

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Do I Really Have to See a Dentist?

It is recommended that you see a dentist at least once every six months. But do you know why that is? You may think that you can simply be careful and vigilant in your oral health care at home without visits to the dentist, but there are several reasons why that could be a bad idea. Access Dental and Dentures has the best dental clinics in Southern Missouri, and we are here to help explain why it's important to schedule regular dental check-ups. Keep reading to learn more!

Cavity & Health Check

Even if you consistently brush your teeth twice a day, floss every day, and eat a balanced diet, issues could still arise with your oral health that you may not notice on your own. Your wisdom teeth may be coming in at an angle from the back of your mouth, which can cause jaw pain and shifting teeth. Your brushing technique could be missing between the backs of your molars where plaque and tartar have started to build up. You could be brushing too hard and causing wear and inflammation on your gums. There are a lot of things that could be going on in your mouth you may not realize without a visit to the dentist. 

When you come in for a check-up, your dentist will inspect your teeth and the rest of your mouth to make sure there aren't any issues that need to be addressed. They are skilled at identifying weak spots in teeth where cavities may be starting to form. With a quick examination using simple tools, a dentist can tell you if you have cavities, or if there are any major issues that need to be addressed. 

Thorough Cleaning

At home, you can certainly remove a lot of debris, bacteria, and surface stains that have accumulated on your teeth throughout the day. However, plaque can harden into tartar and then there is nothing you can safely do from home to remove it. Tartar is a hard substance that sticks to your teeth until it is scaled off by a professional. If you try scraping it off yourself, you could very easily scrape through your enamel which would make your teeth even weaker than before and more prone to cavities. 

You dental hygienist will carefully scale off any tartar build up on your teeth, polish them with professional grade polish that helps break up anything stuck to the surface, floss between your teeth to remove any stubborn particles, and leave your mouth feeling fresher and cleaner than any home cleaning ever could.

Visit Your Local Dentist

Going to the dentist might not seem like the top priority, but it is actually incredibly important. Visit a local Access Dental clinic near you so we can help check on your dental health and keep you feeling as healthy as possible. We are here for you to help educate you on proper oral hygiene and health care tips as well as providing the best dental services available in Southern Missouri. Give us a call to set up your next appointment - we can't wait to see you!

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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Why You Should Choose Access Dental & Dentures

Do you enjoy going to the dentist? Many people have a fear of visiting the dentist and we want to help eliminate that fear. We pride ourselves on offering a friendly and relaxing atmosphere for all of our patients. If you want to have a positive dental experience, contact our southern Missouri dentist for an appointment. In the meantime, take a look below to find out what sets us apart!

Our Staff

Our staff are professionals and their goal is to make your visit as easy as possible for you. Working with our doctors are highly trained expanded function dental assistants and basic dental assistants. Expanded function dental assistants receive additional training in the areas of restorative and prosthodontic procedures which, traditionally, had been performed by a dentist. They perform these duties under the direct supervision of a licensed dentist.

Family-Friendly Dentist

We love kids! We can make your child’s first dental experience a positive one. Pleasant visits to the dentist’s office promote the establishment of trust and confidence in your child that will last a lifetime. Our goal is to establish good dental care habits, help all children feel good about visiting the dentist, and to teach them how to care for their teeth.

New Technology

At Access Dental and Dentures, we believe our patients deserve to have the most information and newest technology available to make the right choices with their dental health. Our doctors and staff take the necessary time to explain all the treatment options available to our patients ensuring that they will receive the best possible outcome.

Accept Almost All Insurance

We accept almost all dental insurance plans including Envolve for Homestate Health, DentaQuest for MissouriCare, MO Healthnet, United Healthcare Community Dental, Care Improvement Plus, Met Life Dental, Delta Dental, Tricare, and others. We will handle your insurance claims for you. We will call to get your benefits, file your claims and keep track of what services for which you are eligible.

We CARE

Assisting in our patient’s ideal dental health is our passion and we will provide personalized, quality dental services in a gentle and caring atmosphere. To accomplish our mission, we will always strive to provide a professional staff, trained in the highest current standards and a genuine appreciation for our patient’s time, concerns, and decisions.

If you're looking for a dentist near Springfield, MO, contact our office today. We can prove to you why we are the best and help you have the best possible experience. Here at Access Dental & Dentures, we truly care about our patients and work hard each and every day to help them have happy beautiful smiles. Get the smile you deserve at Access Dental!

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

Tips to Protect Your Dentures

If you wear partial or a full set of dentures, it's important to care for them properly. As your trusted dentist in Springfield, MO, we know how vital it is to the longevity of your dentures to take good care of them. If you are new to wearing dentures or need a quick refresher on proper care, Access Dental and Dentures has provided some great information for you below. Check out these tips and start improving the way you care for your dentures today!

Brush, Brush, Brush

Dentures need to be cleaned, just like teeth. It's important to brush your dentures at least one time a day, preferably at the end of the day. This can help remove food particles and germs that may build up on or between your teeth. Regular brushing can help prevent stains from forming on your dentures, as well. Cleaning your dentures well helps to ensure you have cleaned off all the plaque and germs that may gather throughout the day.

Brush Your Gums

Even though you brush your dentures, it's still important to brush your gums. This can help to remove any plaque that may build up on your gum surface, as well help to rid your mouth of bad breath. Brushing also helps to stimulate your gums which helps to promote healthy circulation.

Place a Towel Below You

When handling your dentures, be sure to have a soft surface below you. If you do happen to drop your dentures, landing on a hard surface can crack, chip, or damage them. When placing your dentures in the morning, try to have a soft towel on the counter top to avoid damage, should they slip out of your hand.

Soak Your Dentures

When you are not wearing your dentures don't let them dry out. Place them in a denture cleanser solution or in plain water when they are not in use. Avoid using hot water because this can cause your dentures to warp and not fit well.

Schedule Regular Adjustments & Check Ups

Regular dentist visits are important, especially when you have dentures. While it's important to make regular check-up appointments with your dentist, don't hesitate to schedule an appointment if anything happens to your dentures. Whether it's a break or they start rubbing uncomfortably, it's important to make adjustments right away to avoid any further damage or discomfort!

Dentures can help your mouth appear and function like natural teeth. Dentures are also an investment and should be cared for properly to help keep them in proper working order. If you wear full or partial dentures, it's important to clean and care for them in the right way. Don't slack on denture care because they may break or wear improperly and need to be replaced sooner than normal. In order to save yourself money on your dentures, proper care can help them last as long as possible!

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

BACK TO BASICS: Oral Care Tips for a Healthy Smile

It can be easy to get distracted from proper oral care, especially with all the new tools and features available on the market. From water picks to tongue scrapers, there are many items that can pull your attention away from the basics of oral care. As the best dentist near Springfield, MO, we pride ourselves on keeping our patients informed and up-to-date on proper oral care. Take a look below to learn more about these oral care tips for a happy, healthy smile!

Brush, Brush, Brush

Brushing your teeth is vital to your oral care and overall health. Not brushing can lead to gum disease and cavities in your teeth. It's recommended to brush your teeth twice each day. Try to make this part of your morning and night-time routine that way you don't skip it. Start the day with a clean and fresh mouth and end the day the same way! It's a great way to get into a good habit of brushing twice each day!

Floss Between Teeth

While brushing your tooth surface cleans a big portion of your teeth, you still miss about 40% of your tooth's surface if you skip flossing. Between your teeth lingers food particles and other bacteria that builds up throughout the day. Flossing once a day can help keep your teeth clear of harmful bacteria that may cause damage to your tooth surface.

Drink Plenty of Water

Not only is water good for your entire body, it's important for proper oral care too. Keeping your gums and mouth hydrated is good for circulation and helps to keep all body functions working properly. Water also helps to wash food particles from your mouth after a meal. This can help to keep food from building up on your tooth surface, which attracts bacteria and can cause damage.

Eat a Healthy Diet

A well-balanced diet helps to keep your teeth and mouth in a healthy condition. Sugary filled foods can build up on your teeth and cause damage, when mixed with the bacteria naturally found in your mouth. Try to regulate your food intake and keep a happy balance between sweet treats and healthy foods.

Your family deserves a great smile and Access Dental and Dentures is here to help! Our southern Missouri dental practice is here for all of your oral care needs. From tips to tools to a routine check up, we pride ourselves on providing great dental care for all of our customers. To learn more, be sure to schedule your routine teeth cleaning and check up every six months! Contact us at 877-DENTIST to set up an appointment today!

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

Surprising Tooth Facts

It's important to establish good oral care habits, no matter what your age. It's easier to get kids started with taking care of their teeth, properly, but don't give up on yourself if you are still working on it. A few oral care habits to establish are brushing twice each day (for two minutes each time), flossing on a daily basis, and eating a balanced diet. While you're working to improve your oral care habits, the best dentist in southern MO has provided some fun facts about teeth below.

Fun Fact #1

Only about 31% of adults use mouthwash.

Fun Fact #2

A quarter of adults admitted they only visit the dentist when there is something wrong.

Fun Fact #3

Less than 25% of adults floss on a regular basis.

Fun Fact #4

2% of the world's population has never been to a dentist.

Fun Fact #5

1 out of 10 adults admit to forgetting to brush their teeth. Whether it's forgetfulness or laziness, most people rush through their oral care routine.

Fun Fact #6

12% of people suffer from dental-related anxieties.

Fun Fact #7

More people have a fear of the dentist than a fear of heights.

Fun Fact #8

When you miss flossing, you aren't cleaning 40% of  the tooth surfaces in your mouth.

Fun Fact #9

Brushing  only once a day increases your chances of tooth decay by 33%.

Fun Fact #10

Visible plaque can be found in about 66% of adults.

Fun Fact #11

Many children from other countries look forward to a visit from a mouse instead of the tooth fairy.

Fun Fact #12

Before toothbrushes were invented, many people used twigs or other objects to "brush" their teeth.

Fun Fact #13

Toothpaste used to be made from crushed bones, burnt eggshells, and ashes mixed together to form a concoction.

If these facts don't inspire you to take better care of your teeth, I'm not sure what will. If you or a family member needs a little motivation, when it comes to oral care, come see your local dentist. Once at the dental office, we can help analyze your current tooth situation and make recommendations on ways to improve your oral care habits.

Now that you know all of these fun facts about teeth, you're ready to take better care of yours! Remember to brush twice a day, floss every day, and eat a balanced diet to keep your mouth healthy and happy. In addition to your oral care habits, it's important to visit the dentist in southern MO on a regular basis. Your trusted dentist in Springfield, MO is here for all of your dental needs.

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

Access Dental & Dentures is Growing!

We are excited to announce that Access Dental & Dentures is on the grow! The best dentist in southern Missouri is expanding to a new location, Mountain Grove, Missouri. Offering the same professional and friendly oral care as our other locations, you can find a positive dental experience at our new location! For a trusted dentist near Mountain Grove, Missouri, our office will be opening soon! To learn more about our new location, check out our press release below:

Coming Soon to Mountain Grove

Quality Dentistry at Affordable Prices 

Mountain Grove MO, Access Dental & Dentures is proud to announce the opening of our newest office in Mountain Grove, MO.  The opening is scheduled tentatively for Monday February 27th, 2017. Our dental group stands out from most, as we accept MOHealthnet (Medicaid) for both Adults and Children, in addition to most group dental insurance plans.  We also offer In-office financing with no credit checks.  

Access Dental & Dentures provides many dental services including preventative and emergency services, fillings, extractions, root canals, crowns, dentures, relines and denture repairs.  Emergency patients will be seen within (usually) 1 business day. Our mission is to provide quality dental services in a gentle and caring atmosphere.  We will always strive to provide a professional staff, trained in the highest standards and have a genuine appreciation for our patients’ time, concerns and decisions.  We are proud to offer personalized care and high quality at prices you can afford.

 The new Mountain Grove office is located at 921 N. Main Street.  Access Dental & Dentures has four locations serving you throughout Missouri.  Call us today for an appointment at (417) 926-1160 or toll free at 877-DENTIST.  To ensure optimal oral health, we pledge always to give our best because we believe our patients deserve it.

If you would like more information about this topic, please contact Kari Hicks or Jami Stockard at 417-926-1160 or email at add.mtngrove@gmail.com

Schedule Your Appointment Today!

Now that you know a little more about the opening of our newest location, you can start receiving proper oral care in Mountain Grove, MO. If you are ready to schedule your appointment at any of our FOUR locations, contact us at 877-DENTIST. Trust your oral care to the professionals at Access Dental and Dentures! We want to be your family dentist in southern Missouri!

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

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





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