How Seasonal Changes Impact Your Dental Health

When the seasons change, you probably have a few anticipated happenings, such as temperature, scenery, allergies, etc. However, what you may not know is how the seasons can actually impact your dental health! Our team at Access Dental is here to provide all the information you need in order to be ready for how the seasonal changes can impact your dental health!

Cold Pains

No one likes being cold. This includes your jaw. As the temperatures decrease, the muscles and joints that are in your jaw can begin to tighten up more so than normal. This in turn can cause jaw pain and sensitive teeth! Granted, although this can happen in the spring and summer seasons, too, once the temperature begins to drop, you will probably notice an increase in sensitivity in comparison to other seasons. Be sure to mindful of your teeth sensitivity, and switch to sensitive toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush during the colder months! 

Humidity

A commonly expected change in the season- humidity can be quite the problem as it can cause dehydration, which in turn reduces your saliva production, which can lead to a build-up in plaque. Plaque can then cause tooth decay and cavities, which no one wants. Plus, with your lack of saliva production, you may find yourself having bad breath. Once more, though, there are options to help with humidity related dental issues! Staying hydrated and regular dental visits should keep you and your teeth healthy as the season changes.

Allergies

With season changes, most of us expect the occasional seasonal allergy flare-up; however, allergies can pose another issue besides general annoyance. When your allergies begin to flare-up, the inside of your sinuses can swell, which can put a lot of pressure on the roots of your teeth! With pressure comes pain, and unfortunately, the pain tends to be centralized in your top, back teeth. Luckily, not all is lost, as standard over-the-counter allergy medication should help in relieving the pressure. If medication does not seem to help, it is probably best to schedule an appointment with your local Missouri dentist office! 

Seasonal changes bring many new happenings. Some of which are favorable- temperature changes, beautiful scenery, plus different activities to enjoy! It is important however to ensure that you are being cognizant of your dental health, as the seasons can also cause some adverse effects on your teeth and jaw! If you are ready to prioritize your dental health and get ready for the upcoming season, feel free to contact one of our dental offices located in Missouri! Or check out our website to check our all of the dental services in Missouri we offer. 

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

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What You Need to Know When Using Teeth Whitening Strips

Having glistening, white teeth is probably something that most of us strive for. There is nothing like having a smile that gets frequent compliments. There are a variety of methods used to achieve the “perfect” smile, one of which is using teeth whitening strips. You may or may not have used them, or maybe you are just thinking about it, but what really happens when you use teeth whitening strips? Are they even effective? The team at Access Dental has decided to compile a list of all the information you need to know when using teeth whitening strips, that way you can keep yourself informed, and your teeth healthy.

What Are Teeth Whitening Strips?

Teeth whitening strips are a thin layer of elastic plastic called, polyethylene. This plastic piece is then coated with peroxide- how much varies depending on the brand that is used.

How Do They Work?

It really depends on the brand that you are using, but you need to ensure that you carefully read over all of the directional information on the packaging, and it may be in your best interest to consult with one of our professionals before using.

Typically speaking, you apply the strip over your teeth and leave them on for the suggested timeframe given on the packing instructions. Keep in mind that most companies will recommend avoiding brushing roughly 30 minutes prior to using the strip.

Once you have begun applying the strips, you will more than likely need to apply them multiple times a day over the span of a two-to-three-week period.

Risks Associated with Teeth Whitening Strips

Although teeth whitening strips can be a cost-efficient solution to a whiter smile, it is important to note that there are some risks involved when using teeth whitening strips. Probably the most well-known would be the chance of uneven whitening.

To avoid having spots and yellowed edges, you have to be incredibly careful when applying, as a strip is not going to cover every single area, but you need to try to apply to all spaces when you can. You could end up with little to no spots, but in other cases, you may have very noticeable areas of discoloring in relation to the other areas on your teeth.

Another common risk is the sensitivity that can develop when using teeth whitening strips. Given the whitening agent that is used, when used excessively, you can tear away the protective enamel, leading to your teeth being susceptible to decay, aches, and even tooth loss if severe. That is why it is so important to follow the directions to their exact wording, as prolonged use can have devastating effects. If you feel unsure about how to properly use them, you can always seek out advice from one of our dentists in Osage Beach, MO or our reach out to one of our dentists in Rolla, MO.

There are plenty of pros and cons associated with teeth whitening strips. There are some risks, but teeth whitening strips can be effective when used correctly, plus it can be a cheaper alternative. It is important to keep in mind that although there are pros and cons, keeping your dental health is a number one priority. If you want to explore other options extending beyond over-the-counter methods, you can always check out our dental services we offer on our website at www.accessdentalanddentures.com or feel free to contact us at (877) 336-8478.

Tea - Friend or Foe? We Have Answers!

Are you a tea drinker? If so, you might be wondering if tea is great for your teeth, or if it can cause issues in the long-run. Access Dental and Dentures is the best dentist in southern Missouri and we have the answers for you and we're excited to share the results! Keep reading to learn all about it. 

Fluoride

Yes! Believe it or not, black and green tea contains fluoride - The mineral that is known for helping strengthen your teeth and protecting/repairing your enamel. Fluoride is also found in most tap water and other kinds of common foods. Additionally, it is a common (and important!) ingredient in toothpaste.

Reducing Acid & Bacteria

Tea can actually help control the level of acid in your mouth. This helps reduce the amount of bacteria able to grow in your mouth which protects your teeth from decay. 

Gum Inflammation

Tea contains some micronutrients called polyphenols. These help kill bacteria in your mouth and reduce inflammation naturally. They also help give you better breath... Win-win! 

Cancer

There is some research out there that shows green tea could have properties that help slow the growth of certain kinds of cancer, like cancer of the mouth!

Stains

One negative to tea is that it can stain the surface of your teeth. The tannins inside tea give it the brownish hue you're used to seeing. That brownish color can transfer to your teeth and make them look yellow. This is pretty easy to prevent, though, by rinsing your mouth out with water after drinking tea.

Not Plain

A lot of people don't drink tea plain. Instead, they add sugar, honey, lemon, or even cream. These additions are what really make tea not so healthy for your mouth. The acid and sugar content promotes bacteria growth, causes inflammation, and can make your teeth decay quickly. 

Keep Your Teeth Healthy! 

Overall, tea seems like it has a lot of great benefits for your dental health! The important tips to remember when you drink tea is to drink it plain if possible, and rinse your mouth with water after drinking it if stains are becoming an issue for your teeth. Access Dental and Dentures is here to help you keep your mouth healthy and happy - Contact us to set up your next appointment! 

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

1-877-DENTIST

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Healthy, Achievable New Year's Resolutions for 2020!

Setting New Year's Resolutions can be difficult. You want to choose something that is possible and achievable but that will also challenge you and improve your life or habits in some way. Access Dental and Dentures is the best dentist in the Springfield area and we have the tips to help you choose the resolutions that are right for you! Read on to learn more and choose your favorites.

Stay on Top of Oral Health

Keep your oral health in tip top shape for 2020 and remember your dental care. Make sure you are brushing at least twice a day. This helps remove bad breath in the morning and clean your teeth of bacteria and food particles accumulated throughout the day every night.

It is also a good idea to rinse your mouth after each meal to help free pieces of food from in between your teeth so they aren't sitting there all day and causing damage. Carrying a travel-sized mouthwash could also be very helpful in keeping your teeth clean and fresh all day.

Another really important health habit for your teeth is flossing every day to make sure the hard-to-reach areas between your teeth are clean and stay healthy.

Drink More Water

Water is incredibly important to your health for many reasons. Staying hydrated, maintaining a healthy diet, and keeping your mouth cleaner from bacteria and debris are all health benefits of drinking more water.

Drinking water is fortified by fluoride and other minerals that are helpful to your oral health. Fluoride helps strengthen your enamel. So drink up for a healthier and happier smile!

Choose Healthy Foods

You don't necessarily need to go on a strict cleanse to be a healthy individual. Having a healthy diet is more about balance and making more right choices than wrong choices. Sometimes starting the New Year off with a strict diet can be demoralizing if it doesn't work out. Start out by making healthier choices. Trade the breakfast doughnut for a bowl of fruit and yogurt. The vitamins and protein could help improve your health, and removing that added sugar from your diet makes a big difference for the health of your teeth.

Your Dentist in Southern Missouri

Stay on top of your oral health with simple, achievable New Year's Resolutions and regular checkups at your local dentist's office. Access Dental is the best dentist in southern Missouri and we would love to help you achieve your goals!

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

1-877-DENTIST

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4 Common Dental Hygiene Concerns

Keeping your teeth and mouth clean and healthy is an important habit. In addition to helping increase your confidence with a beautiful smile, proper oral hygiene is good for your overall health. If the health of your teeth is neglected, they can develop issues and even start to decay. Our expert team at Access Dental can help improve your oral health with regular cleanings. Read on to learn about the common issues that could develop without proper care, and call us today to schedule your cleaning appointment to help prevent them!

Plaque

This is one of the first issues that can arise when your teeth aren't properly and regularly cleaned. Plaque is a colorless, sticky bacterial substance that grows on nearly every surface of the teeth. If plaque is allowed to build up, then the acidic biofilm can start to cause tooth decay and gum sensitivity. Thankfully, plaque is fairly manageable with flossing and twice-a-day brushing.

Tartar

Tartar occurs in the mouth when plaque is not regularly removed and it starts to calcify. It becomes a hardened, yellow substance on the teeth and can be damaging to oral health. Additional plaque can build up on the tartar, making the calcifications grow larger over time. Tartar buildup can cause bad breath, receding gums, and inflammation. It's important to regularly brush your teeth to remove plaque and prevent tartar buildup. If tartar does start to accumulate on your teeth, schedule an appointment with your local dentist to have it professionally removed.

Weak Spots

As bacteria and other harmful substances sit on the surface of your teeth, the protective layer of enamel on your teeth starts to erode. This creates a weak spot on the tooth that can quickly become a cavity without proper care. Using toothpaste that contains fluoride can help strengthen these areas and help prevent further issues from developing. The best way to avoid weak spots is by practicing active prevention. Try to avoid sugary drinks, overly acidic foods, and sweets. If you do indulge, make sure to brush your teeth thoroughly to prevent the sugar and acid from sitting on your teeth and causing damage.

Cavities

Cavities occur when tooth decay becomes so advanced that it has eaten through multiple layers of the tooth's structure. Once the enamel layer has eroded and bacteria reach the inner areas of the tooth, a deep cleaning and dental filling is likely. In more advanced cases, a root canal or tooth extraction may be necessary.

Preventative Tooth Care

Healthy teeth can help increase confidence and improve your wellbeing. To help promote your oral health and prevent these common issues, develop regular hygiene habits. Brush your teeth twice a day, floss, and schedule regular visits to the dentist. Access Dental and Dentures has an incredible team. We are the best dentists in the Springfield area, and we care about you and your health.

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

1-877-DENTIST

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Common Foods that Can Damage Your Teeth

You are what you eat. While your doctor may tell you this, you normally wouldn’t expect to hear it from your dentist. While we may prefer not to believe it, it’s most certainly true. Especially when it comes down to the food particles that are left on your teeth once you are finished eating. At Access Dental and Dentures, your dental expert in Central Missouri, we believe our patients deserve to have the most information and newest technology available to make the right choices with their dental health. Here are some common foods that cause damage to your teeth and could increase visits to your dentist:

1. Acidic Foods 

While avoiding acidic foods may seem like common sense, there are many foods that we eat daily that are high in acid. Here are a few foods that you should avoid eating or highly limit:

- Citrus foods – including but not limited to: lemons, limes, oranges, and cranberries.

- Pickles

- Tomatoes and tomato products (ketchup, tomato pasta sauces, salsa, etc.)

- Coffee
Eating high acidic foods daily erodes the tooth enamel which causes your teeth to decay faster. Acidic foods also irritate mouth sores. Avoiding high acidic foods helps the overall health of your mouth.

2. Sugar 

I know, I know. Sugar is in so many food and drink items we consume daily and it’s delicious. Sugary foods and drinks can even become quite addictive. However, sugar causes plaque bacteria to attack the tooth’s enamel which weakens the enamel. These are some of the top sugary foods and beverages to avoid:

- Soda – while it’s easy to reach for your favorite soda when you need to get through that afternoon lull, water would be the preferred choice for the health of your teeth.

- Sports drinks (Gatorade, Powerade, etc.) – these drinks are mainly made up of sugar. While they may seem like a healthy option, sugar is one of their main ingredients. They are great for athletes who need to replenish their electrolytes, but they should be consumed sparingly.

- Energy drinks and fruit juices – while both are highly acidic, both are also full of sugar. While energy drinks may give you energy, they may also give you plenty of dental problems including cavities.

- Candy – this includes both hard candies and soft candies. Hard candies are something to avoid, not only because of the sugar content but also because they can cause chipped or even broken teeth.

3. Sticky Foods

While you might think that dried fruit is a great healthy snack to reach for, your teeth and dentist think otherwise. Sticky foods stay on your teeth longer and get trapped into small areas in your gums and surrounding areas. Daily brushing and flossing might not be enough to save your teeth from the harmful effect of sticky foods.

Helpful hint: Sour gummy candy is the worst of the worst. While they are a type of sticky food, they are also packed full of sugar and are highly acidic. You might think that brushing your teeth right after eating sour gummy candy negates any of the harmful side effects. That, unfortunately, isn’t true and it has the reverse effect on your teeth. Brushing right after eating sour gummy candy causes more harm than good.

4. Alcohol and Wine 

For some people, this could be the hardest to limit. Social drinking and happy hour are enjoyed by many. But drinking too much alcohol leads to dry mouth which decreases the production of saliva. While this may not seem like such a big issue, decreased amounts of saliva can lead to gum disease and tooth decay. You don’t have to completely cut out alcohol and wine, but it is best to limit your intake.

Knowing what foods to limit and avoid leads to overall better dental health. With knowledge and prevention with regular visits to your Lake of the Ozarks, Rolla, and Springfield dentist, you don’t have to completely give up the foods that can cause damage to your teeth. Contact the best dentist in southern Missouri if you’re ready to get your oral health on track.

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

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