How Stress Impacts Our Dental Health

The holidays can be stressful to say the least! But, did you know that stress can impact so much more than your mental well-being? Excessive stress can lead to some undesirable dental issues, which we are going to discuss in this week's blog! 

Thankfully, our team at Access Dental and Dentures is here to help with all of your dental care needs! Keep reading below to find out how stress can impact your dental health! 

Teeth Grinding

One of the most common consequences of excessive stress is teeth grinding! You may not even realize that you are grinding your teeth, as it can even happen at night when you are sleeping, but teeth grinding can have some dangerous impacts on your teeth!

Some of the impacts that you may experience are chipped teeth, increased teeth sensitivity, loss of your teeth, and even referred pain in your jaw, temples, and head. 

Lack of Dental Routine

When we are stressed, we can lose sight of the important aspects in our daily life. This includes our dental care routine. Stress can lead to a lack in maintaining our dental routine, and even increasing our poor dental habits, such as overeating sweets, drinking sodas, coffee, etc.

It is vital to ensure that even under stress you are trying to remain cognizant of what sugars, carbs, and acidic foods and drinks you are intaking. 

Cold Sores

Typically, cold sores will stay inactive unless triggered by stress, but when you are under immense stress, these cold sores can be a real pain in the mouth. Touching them can cause pain, meaning that when you go to brush, you may feel discomfort, but despite this, you still want to try and brush as consistently as possible, as not brushing can lead to a whole slew of issues, such as tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath! 

It may be easier said than done, but try to relax this holiday season! If not for your mental health, for your dental health! Our Missouri dental office is here to help you overcome any obstacle that stands in your way of a happy and healthy smile, so if you are in need of some dental care advice, please visit our website at www.accessdentalanddentures.com and schedule your next dentist appointment!

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

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Do Hot Beverages Damage Your Teeth?

As the weather begins to chill, it is safe to assume that you may grab yourself a hot drink to warm up! But, do you know how hot beverages impact your teeth? In this week's blog, our team at Access Dental and Dentures want to break down the impacts that hot beverages can have on your dental health! 

Keep reading to find out more! 

Tooth Sensitivity

Hot beverages can weaken our tooth enamel, which can lead to an increase in sensitivity when eating or drinking certain hot, and even cold foods or beverages! To protect your enamel from the damages of hot beverages, try and drink through a straw if at all possible! 

Tooth Decay

Unfortunately, most drinks tend to contain tons of sugars, that includes some of our favorite hot beverages like coffee, tea, hot chocolate, ciders, and more! You want to try and avoid enamel erosion that can occur when you make drinking these beverages a consistent part of your life. Just try to stay cognizant of how much you are intaking, and always try and wash out your mouth with water when you can! 

Tooth Staining

When we think of hot beverages, you may typically think of coffees, teas, even hot chocolate! But, these beverages can have some undesirable consequences if you drink too much of them! Tooth discoloration is common with beverages like these, but teeth staining can eventually happen if you continue to drink too much of these types of drinks! 

Hot beverages can have some long-lasting impacts on your teeth if you are not careful, but that isn't to say that you should completely get rid of hot drinks entirely! At Access Dental we want your dental care to be exceptional! Just be sure to keep track of how much you are drinking and stick to a consistent dental routine, that includes visits to your local Missouri dental office!

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

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The Best (& Worst) Thanksgiving Foods for Your Teeth!

Thanksgiving is right around the corner! With that, you are probably anticipating on chowing down on some delicious Thanksgiving goodies- and we can't say we blame you! But, we do want to warn you about some of the foods you may snack on that could potentially damage your teeth and gums! 

In this blog we want to go over some of our picks of the best and worst Thanksgiving foods that you may run across, so keep reading to find out our choices! 

Best: Turkey

A Thanksgiving staple is of course, Turkey! Turkey is a fantastic source of Vitamin D, which helps to strengthen the enamel of your teeth! Plus, where turkey doesn't contain any starches or sugars like most other options on our list, you can rest assured knowing that turkey shouldn't lead to any cavities or tooth decay!

Worst: Stuffing and Breads

You hate it. We hate it. But, it is an unfortunate truth that stuffing and breads are not great for your dental health! Starchy and full of sugars- this Thanksgiving treat can lead to some pretty nasty teeth issues down the line, especially if you aren't washing the excess foods left in your teeth with some water after eating. 

Granted, we aren't saying you can't indulge, but be sure to keep up your dental routine and try and stick to water to help clear out any leftover particles that can cause cavities down the line!

Best: Veggies

Vegetables are typically always good for your dental care! Some can provide a good crunch that keeps teeth strong, while others help to increase your saliva production, which helps to rid your mouth of the nasty bacteria that can linger post-eating a delicious meal! 

Some of our top picks for the veggie category this Thanksgiving would be carrots, celery, or tomatoes! (Technically a fruit, but you get our point!) You can't really go wrong with any of these picks!

Access Dental and Dentures wishes you and your family the absolute best Thanksgiving! We hope that our picks will help you to ensure your teeth remain healthy and strong throughout the holidays! But, if you are in need of some Missouri dental care, then we can help! All you need to do is visit our website at www.accessdentalanddentures.com and schedule your next appointment! We look forward to seeing you!

Do's and Don'ts Following Your Tooth Extraction

People get tooth extractions for various reasons, wisdom teeth removal being the most common, but regardless of why you have to get a tooth extracted, these do's and don'ts still apply! We provide the best dental care in Missouri, and we want to make sure you are fully aware of what to expect, what you should avoid, and what you absolutely should do following this procedure! 

Keep reading to find out what you should and shouldn't do after you have your tooth (or teeth) removed! 

Do: Let The Area Clot

This may come as a shock initially, but the extraction site does need to clot to properly heal! Plus, it will help to keep the area free of infection, and help to prevent dry socket, which can be incredibly painful and lead to longer-lasting pain! Immediately following your procedure you'll be given gauze to help with the bleeding, but once the clot forms, you can ditch the gauze, and start healing! 

Don't: Eat Hard/Chewy/Crunchy Foods

Your dentist should forewarn you, but make sure to stick to soft foods for the first few days following your procedure to not irritate or get food particles trapped within the extraction area! Try to stick with foods that are soft, like applesauce, mashed potatoes, soups, etc.! 

You'll also want to avoid sodas and alcohol, as they can cause more damage! 

Do: Rest & Stay Hydrated

Take some time to rest! Your health is important and you need to make sure you are doing what you can to let your body heal over the course of the next few days. Keep your head elevated as much as possible when you lay down in order to let the clot develop properly and prevent excessive bleeding. 

It's also incredibly important to stay hydrated during this time! Keeping the extraction area clean and free of bacteria and particles is a must, and drinking water can help to clean out that site! (Side note, be sure to avoid drinking water through a straw, as it can cause irritation and damage the clot that forms!)

Getting a tooth extracted may not be the most extreme procedure you may have, but it is still one that you need to keep a close eye on in the days that follow your extraction. By following the do's and don'ts on our list, you can be sure to keep yourself healthy and free of infection! Our Missouri dental office is here to provide you with the best tips regarding all things dental health! 

To explore our services and to schedule an appointment, be sure to check out our website at www.accessdentalanddentures.com!

Dental Tips for a Healthy and Happy Halloween!

With Halloween just around the corner, we wanted to take this blog to provide you with some of our best dental tips for a healthy and happy Halloween! 

We pride ourselves on providing our clients with the best dental care in Missouri, and we want to help you and your family stay as healthy as possible- even during the height of sugar season! 

Keep reading below to find out our tips!

Tip #1: Avoid Sticky Candy

We probably sound like a broken record when we say this, but make sure that you are avoiding sticky candy! Not all sweets are horrible for your teeth, but when we say sticky treats are one of the worst- we mean it! From excessive cavities to chipped teeth, and so much more, these sugary, sticky candies can have some real consequences on your teeth and severely impact your dental health!

If you are offered sticky treats this Halloween, try to find an alternate sweet and be sure to brush really well once you've enjoyed your candy! 

Tip #2: Drink More Water

Drinking water with candy may seem like an odd combination, but the more water you drink when eating all of that Halloween candy will pay off! If you are able, try and drink fluoridated water, as it will help to reduce cavities and keep your teeth strong and healthy! When you go to grab a beverage this Halloween, try and stick with bottled water- bonus points if it is fluoridated! 

Tip #3: Maintain Your Dental Routine

If you don't have a dental routine in place, then now is a solid time to begin building the habit! Around the holidays it can be fairly chaotic, and you may forget to brush here or there, but try to hold yourself accountable- especially on Halloween! With all the candy you will realistically be snacking on, it is in your best interest to make sure your dental routine is top notch! If you aren't sure how to develop a successful dental plan, then be sure to reach out to our Missouri dental office and let us help! 

This Halloween doesn't have to be unhealthy for your teeth! Follow our tips and you will see that you can have a great balance between sugary treats and solid dental health! 

For more tips or to ask us questions, please visit our website at www.accessdentalanddentures.com!

National Dessert Day: Worst Desserts for Your Teeth

Happy National Dessert Day! Now, it can be hard to pass up a tasty treat when the opportunity presents itself, but our team at Access Dental is here to let you know that you can keep eating your sweets, just as long as you maintain a healthy dental routine, schedule dental appointments at your Missouri dental office, and keep away from some of the really damaging desserts that we are going to talk about in our blog! 

Keep reading below to learn our picks of the absolute worst desserts for your teeth!

#1: Sticky Treats

Sticky desserts are one of the worst for your teeth! Think of sweet treats such as caramels, gummy anything, and taffy are all incredibly difficult on your teeth! One of the main reasons why these treats are so bad is how much sugar each has! The excess of these sugars linger on your teeth, which can lead to cavities galore! (Which none of us want!) 

In addition to this, the cavities that can form can lead to tooth decay. Plus, the nasty bacteria left behind can also cause a slew of issues such as bad breath, tooth aches, and an increase in plaque build-up! 

#2: Soda

Soda may not seem like the most obvious choice for a dessert, but with how much sugar is in one can, you'd be surprised! Think of soda as a liquid dessert. Soda contains all of those delicious sugars we love so much, but as mentioned prior, these sugars are a recipe for dental disaster! 

Given that you are more likely to drink this liquid sugar on a daily basis over some of our other sweet treat picks on this list, you are increasing your chances of developing cavities, staining your teeth, ruining your enamel, and so much more! 

Be sure to schedule a dentist appointment with the best dental care in Missouri if you start noticing damages caused from soda on your teeth! 

#3: Crunchy Candies

Hard or crunchy candies can pose a different risk to your teeth, in that not only do they contain lots of sugars that can lead to cavities, but they can also break away at your teeth when you bite down on them! 

Cracked, chipped, or even fully broken teeth are painful and can be incredibly uncomfortable until you are able to get them repaired, so be sure to limit how many of these hard candies you indulge in!

Despite what this list may say, we do think that if you want to enjoy some sweet treats in moderation, you absolutely should! We just want you to be aware and prepared for any of the damages that some of these sweets can cause, and what you need to do to ensure you maintain the best dental health! Be sure to schedule a dental appointment if you are having any teeth troubles! You can schedule with our team by visiting our website, www.accessdentalanddentures.com!

Find the Best Dental Care at Access Dental and Dentures!

Are you in need of a Missouri dental office for you and your family? Then you need Access Dental and Dentures! We offer the best services, care, and financing for our patients! If you won't take our word on it, then you need to read some of our amazing client reviews and we are sure you will be sold on the best dental care in Missouri!

“Best dentist in Springfield. The staff is so friendly to work with, they are very accommodating and make you feel comfortable. I did not have an appointment but was in a lot of pain. I was seen fast and they fixed me up right away. Thank you very much!!”
– Robert W.


“I am happy to report on the excellent staff, dental assistant and my dentist , Mr. Smith. I came in with an emergency situation and was promptly taken care of with kindness and courtesy! I will be going back for additional treatment and would encourage anyone searching for a kind and comforting dentist and assistant to see Access Dental and Dentures! You will be glad you did! Thank you.”
– Paula H.


“Good people, great staff. Excellent prices. Dr. Ahmadnia is a total professional. I recommend this place highly.”
– Doug C.


“Super fast. All staff extremely friendly and thorough. They’re great at making sure you understand everything and are comfortable. Been coming here for years and have given numerous referrals! Never had a bad experience, and never heard anyone else having one. They’ve had to do a lot of work on me, and I appreciate the whole staff. Thanks guys! You’re awesome, keep it up!”
– Jessica O.


“The dental assistants and dentist always go above and beyond to make sure you are comfortable and taken care of!!”
– Nikki T.


"I broke a tooth vertically up under the gum line at dinner after an already long day. I called the next morning, as a new patient, asking for help and they got me in the same morning. After the exam, the dentist presented me with my treatment options, their costs and potential outcomes. I truly appreciated the honesty and directness. The tooth ultimately had to be pulled. My care was excellent and I made my appointment for my check up as I left. The staff was also really wonderful in helping me be seen as soon as possible and in setting me up as a new patient. If you are looking for compassionate care this is the place."
-Mary B.

Our job is to provide you with the best dental care that we can! We want to make sure you feel comfortable, supported, and heard when you enter one of our locations spread across Missouri! If you are ready to have the best dentist in Missouri as you and your family's primary dentist, then you can visit our website at www.accessdentalanddentures.com and schedule your appointment today!

Top 3 Benefits of Flossing

Are you flossing your teeth? Do you find it hard to remember to floss when you are going through your daily dental routine? That's okay! Making time to brush and floss your teeth is incredibly important, but you may not know all of the reasons why flossing is so vital in maintaining proper dental health! 

In this week's blog, we will be discussing some of the main benefits of flossing your teeth! Keep reading below to learn more about our picks for the top 3 benefits of flossing your teeth on a regular basis! 

1. Prevents Tooth Decay

Everyone has probably experienced a cavity at some point in their life, and they are not fun. Cavities are painful, and can be difficult to rid yourself of them once they've popped up. 

When we floss, we are clearing out leftover food particles that have nestled their way in-between our teeth, which can help prevent the breakdown of your enamel. When our enamel begins to breakdown, our teeth become susceptible to decay, so be sure you are grabbing some floss and getting rid of any leftover food that may be hiding between your teeth! 

2. Prevents Halitosis 

Having bad breath can be an embarrassing experience, especially if it goes noticed by others. Flossing, although it may not seem like it would, prevents halitosis from occurring! As we mentioned earlier, food particles can become trapped between your teeth, and flossing helps remove any leftover pieces. 

When those pieces stay stuck, they decay, and when they decay that leads to the foul odor that can come from our mouth. Not to mention, the build-up of plaque, cavities, and tooth decay can be caused from lack of flossing which also leads to bad breath. If you are experiencing halitosis, you can grab some floss and begin the process of fixing it, and you can always visit your local Missouri dental office to get advice on how to properly floss to avoid getting bad breath. 

3. Prevents Gum Disease

If you have ever brushed or flossed your teeth and noticed bleeding from your gums, you may be suffering from gum disease! Flossing after you brush is a great way to help rid you of your gingivitis. When you develop your dental routine, make sure you are brushing twice a day, and flossing at least once a day to help clear up your gum disease. 

Of course, if you are having any continuing or lingering issues, it may be wise to consult with your preferred dentist and schedule a dental appointment. 

Brushing is always one of the first aspects that comes to mind when we think of dental hygiene; however, it is important to remember the importance of flossing, too. When we floss, we are getting rid of all of the leftover particles that brushing just cannot reach. 

At Access Dental, we care about your dental health and want to see you have the happiest and healthiest smile! To schedule an appointment at one of our dental offices in Missouri, please visit our website!