Fun Facts About Baby Teeth

Good oral care needs to begin at a very young age. As a matter of fact, teeth begin forming long before they actually break through a baby's gums. Whether you are expecting your first child or are simply interested in the fascinating way that teeth grow, Access Dental & Dentures is your resource for all things dental! Helping you to better understand your family's oral care will make your visits to our dentist offices in Southern Missouri a much more positive experience.

Teeth Begin Forming Before Birth
The first stages of tooth formation begin in a fetus at about 6 months. This is when the basic substance forms, followed by the hard tissue that surrounds the teeth around 3-4 months of gestation. Even though it appears as if your child is born with no teeth, all 20 baby teeth are right there under the gum surface. For some (about 1 out of 3,000 babies) one or more teeth may already have broken through when they are born.

Time to Show Up
For most children, the first teeth begin breaking through the gums around 6 months of age. Most often the two bottom, central teeth emerge first (central incisors.) The next to come in should be the top four front teeth. From there on, the rest will slowly begin appearing, often showing up in pairs. At some point between the ages of 2-3, all 20 baby teeth will have appeared. (10 in the upper jaw and 10 in the lower jaw.)

Out With The Old
Around the age of 4, you may notice spaces showing up between a child's teeth. This is due to the fact that their jaw and facial bones are growing to allow the necessary space needed for adult teeth. Near the age of 6, baby teeth will begin to fall out so that permanent teeth may emerge. The first to go are usually the central incisors. This will keep happening until around the age of 12 until all 32 grown-up teeth are present.

Baby Teeth Are Important
Even though baby teeth will only be in a child's mouth for a few years, it's important to take good care of them because they play a vital role. You should start a brushing routine as soon as the first tooth shows up. This will help to teach your child healthy brushing habits for the future. Also, decay and infection in baby teeth can affect the permanent teeth growing beneath them.

Without baby teeth, everyday things can be a lot more difficult. It's harder to chew the healthy foods needed for growth. They give the face a normal appearance, making it easier to fit in with peers. Healthy baby teeth also make it easier for children to speak properly. 

Set a positive example by promoting good brushing habits in your children at an early age. Brushing twice a day will just come naturally to them when that has been their routine for as long as they can remember. Also, make sure that regular dental checkups at one of our trusted dentists in Southern Missouri are a natural occurrence for the entire family too. These things together will keep those teeth healthy and strong for a lifetime of beautiful smiles.

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

1-877-DENTIST

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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

Taking the Fear Out of Root Canals

Simply uttering the term "root canal" makes most people shudder. In reality, the procedure itself generally does not involve a lot of pain. Not having it treated, however, can cause a whole lot of pain.

Root canal treatment has an extremely high success rate and allows Access Dental & Dentures to save the natural tooth. We have gathered some facts in today's blog that should make the procedure seem a lot less scary. When it is performed by the dentists at one of our dental clinics in Southern Missouri, you know you are in good hands.

What is a Root Canal
A root canal, also known as endodontic treatment, treats the inside of the tooth when the pulp becomes inflamed or infected. If left untreated, it can cause pain and sometimes lead to an abscess. This procedure removes the pulp that is causing the problem. The nerve endings inside the tooth are there for sensitivity, allowing you to feel hot and cold, but are not necessary for the tooth to work properly.

The type of damage we are talking about can be caused by a number of different factors. These include:

• deep decay
• a chip or crack in a tooth
• trauma to the face or a tooth (even with no visible chips or cracks)
• repeated dental procedures on a tooth 

Saving the natural tooth with root canal treatment has many advantages. 

• efficient chewing
• normal biting force and sensation
• natural appearance
• protects other teeth from excessive wear or strain

Warning Signs

There are signs to be aware of that may indicate the need for a root canal. If you experience any of the following, you should make an appointment to see your trusted dentist in Southern Missouri as soon as possible.

• excessive tooth pain
• swelling of the gums that could spread to the face, neck, or head
• increased sensitivity in a tooth that lingers longer than normal
• pain with applied pressure to the tooth

Treatment
The modern root canal treatment is similar to having a routine filling and usually can be completed in one or two appointments, depending on the condition of your tooth and personal circumstances. You can expect a comfortable experience during and after your procedure.

After the infected pulp has successfully been removed, the tooth will be sealed. This could happen on the same visit or it may need to wait until a follow-up visit. If that is the case, a temporary filling will be placed to keep the area clean and dry until your next appointment.

Recovery
The area may be sensitive for a few days after your root canal due to natural tissue inflammation. In most cases, over-the-counter pain relievers are enough to handle the discomfort.

A root canal treatment helps you maintain your natural smile, to continue eating the foods you love, and limits the need for ongoing dental work. With proper care, most teeth that have had a root canal can last as long as other natural teeth and often for a lifetime. As always, a good oral hygiene routine and routine checkups with your Southern Missouri dentist are the best way to keep your teeth healthy and strong and to catch possible problems before they have a chance to cause trouble.

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

1-877-DENTIST

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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

7 Easy Tips to Improve Bad Breath

At Access Dental & Dentures we are often asked if there are any solutions for bad breath. If you happen to be someone that frequently has bad breath, even after brushing, the tips below from our Southern Missouri dentists may help you fix that problem. A little extra TLC may be all that is needed.

Brush or Scrape Your Tongue
It's important for your overall oral health to brush your teeth at least twice a day, but you should also be using the toothbrush on your tongue. Bacteria and other particles can attach to your tongue and need more than just a drink of water to remove them. You can also find tongue scrapers at the drugstore that are made specifically for this task. If this tip doesn't help, you may need to increase your brushing routine to after every meal. 

Floss Daily
Flossing each day is vital to cleaning hard to reach spaces in your mouth. This will help to remove food particles and bacteria that hide in there. When that stuff sits in your mouth too long it can react with saliva and create a foul odor.

Add Mouthwash to Your Routine
Mouthwash is a quick and effective way to freshen your breath. While brushing and flossing can clean the surfaces of your teeth and in between, mouthwash can help to clean your entire mouth, reaching places those other tools cannot.

Replace Your Toothbrush
It could help to replace your toothbrush every few months. After a period of time, and especially if it does not have the chance to dry properly, a toothbrush may begin to fill up with germs and bacteria. Then the act of brushing isn't helping the way it should.

Drink Plenty of Water
Water is good for every part of your body. Keeping your mouth hydrated can help oral functions work the way they should. Even though swishing with water won't get rid of the bacteria and food particles in your mouth as well as brushing, it will aid the process and help to keep your breath fresh. 

Pay Attention to Foods You Eat
If the bad breath isn't present all of the time, it could be caused by specific foods you eat. Make note of what you've most recently eaten when you have bad breath and see if there is a pattern. Eating crispy, fresh fruits and vegetables can help to scrape other food particles off of your teeth and gums when you chew them. Chewing on sugarless gum or sucking on sugarless candy can stimulate saliva flow and help to wash away bacteria that cause bad breath.

Stop Smoking
Smoking or using other tobacco products could be causing your bad breath. Tobacco dries out your mouth and can leave an unpleasant odor behind, even after you have brushed your teeth. If you have been looking for another excuse to quit, this could be it.


Chronic bad breath could be a sign that there is a bigger problem, such as a cavity or other infection. If the tips above do not help, you should schedule an appointment at one of our dentist offices in Southern Missouri. The skilled and trustworthy team at Access Dental & Dentures will help you to freshen that breath and get your life back to normal.

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

1-877-DENTIST

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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

7 Signs That Tell You It's Time to See a Dentist

It is recommended for good dental health that you schedule an appointment at your dentist office in Southern Missouri every six months for a routine checkup and cleaning. This also gives your dentist a chance to check for any problems that may be forming inside your mouth. In between regular appointments at Access Dental & Dentures, you're the one that has to keep an eye on how your teeth are doing.

There are signs you can watch for that will tell you if an additional visit to the dentist is needed before your next checkup. If you experience any of the following symptoms, don't ignore them. Visiting your trusted dentist in Missouri sooner rather than later could save you a lot of trouble, pain, and extra costs.

Tooth Pain
Any time that you experience pain in your teeth, it's time to visit the dentist. Oral pain can be very troublesome for your daily life, causing discomfort and making it hard to eat. As soon as you realize the pain is sticking around and not just a one-time occurrence, see your dentist as soon as possible.

Loose or Shifting Teeth
If you notice your adult teeth suddenly moving slightly, shifting in any way, or there are gaps where there used to be none, take it seriously. Also, take notice if the way your teeth fit together when you bite down has changed. This could be a sign of bone loss or infection.

Swelling Gums
Unusual swelling in your gums may be the sign of an underlying issue. Puffy or sore gums can happen from an infection in your gum line and may need to be treated by a dental professional to be properly cleaned up. If your gums bleed every time you brush or floss your teeth, this is also a sign that there may be a problem that needs professional attention. 

Mouth Sores
Sores may happen from time to time, but if one sticks around for more than a few days, you may want to have it looked at. It could be an infection, a virus, or a fungus. If not treated, these types of mouth sores could worsen and even spread to other places in your body. Take care of it before that has a chance to happen.

Jaw Pain
Pain in your jaw that has been around for a while could be a sign that something inside is in trouble. A popping jaw that is causing you discomfort is another thing to look out for. The pain is a good sign on its own, but when that pain makes it difficult to talk, chew, or even drink, it's definitely time to call your dentist and make an appointment.

Dry Mouth
If you are constantly thirsty and it seems like your mouth just won't stay moist, this lack of saliva could be a sign of an infection or tooth decay. Medications you are taking could also be the culprit, but if that isn't the case and the dry mouth does not go away, visit your dentist to find out why this is happening.

Bad Breath
When your breath has an unpleasant odor even after brushing and using mouthwash, that could mean that something other than what you recently ate is causing the odor. This could be a sign of a cavity, gum disease, or some other type of medical condition. Your dentist can help you figure it out. 

If you notice any of these warning signs or anything else unusual with your teeth and gums, give Access Dental a call. We will be able to get you in to see your trusted dentist in Southern Missouri so that the problems can be addressed now rather than waiting for your next routine checkup. At that point, too much damage may have already been done. When we catch it early, there's a good chance that it will be a lot easier to treat. 

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

1-877-DENTIST

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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

Caring for Dentures Can be Easy

Our calendar tells us that March 9 is False Teeth Day. One of our main goals at Access Dental & Dentures is for you to keep your original teeth healthy and strong for as long as possible. If a time comes when you need dentures or partials for one reason or another, we are here to not only provide you with top quality false teeth in Southern Missouri but also help you learn how to take care of them and keep that smile as beautiful as ever. 

Dentures & Partials
Sometimes, no matter how careful you are, a need may come for false teeth, either one, a few, or possibly an entire mouthful. For missing teeth, your trusted dental clinic in mid-Missouri 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 teeth. Normally we will have them ready the very next day and in some cases, the same day! Another benefit is that any necessary adjustments for a perfect fit can happen in the office while you wait. 

Caring For Your New Teeth
With new teeth come a few new responsibilities, but learning how to take care of dentures or partials is fairly easy. After eating, it's a good idea to run water over them to remove food particles. Be very careful when removing your false teeth to not drop and damage them. You might want to place a towel on the counter and lean over that so that there is a soft surface to land on if they do drop.

Dentures should be brushed daily to remove food and plaque and to keep them from becoming permanently stained. A soft-bristled brush that has been specifically designed for false teeth should be used. Hard-bristled brushes can wear them down and do more harm than good. You need to gently brush every surface of the teeth, taking care not to damage any of the bend attachments. Many commercial types of toothpaste are too abrasive and can cause microscopic scratches on false teeth where plaque can hide. Look for a nonabrasive denture cleanser for best results.

When you remove your dentures, be sure to brush your gums with a soft-bristled brush or gauze, as well as the rest of the inside of your mouth. Overnight, your dentures can be placed in a mild denture-soaking solution. Ultrasonic cleaners might be a good choice for you too. Ask your dentist for suggestions about the best type for your particular situation.   

In the morning, be sure to rinse your false teeth thoroughly before putting them back in your mouth. Regular dental checkups will still be needed at least every 6 months.

The tips we have shared today are the basics. When you come into Access Dental & Dentures, the dentist will be able to explain everything in more detail and answer any questions you may have. Taking care of false teeth might be slightly different from caring for your original permanent teeth, but after getting used to a new routine, it will be easy.   

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

1-877-DENTIST

Like us on Facebook
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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

What to Expect at a Routine Dental Checkup

You should visit your trusted dentist in Southern Missouri every 6 months for a routine dental checkup. Along with regular brushing and flossing, this is the best way to keep your teeth healthy, clean, and strong. 

A dental exam is a good way to find the possibility of oral health problems early and have a better chance of avoiding them altogether. When you come in for your regular dental checkup at Access Dental, here is what you can expect to happen. 

Teeth Cleaning
There are two parts to every dental checkup - cleaning and examination. Even with regular daily brushing and flossing, it is always possible to miss something. We can spot and get rid of the stuff you have missed.

Plaque is a clear, sticky layer of bacteria that you may be able to brush off, but when it is not removed right away, it can harden and become tartar. Tartar will not come off with just a toothbrush. Our office has special tools that can remove that tartar. Once it's all gone, your teeth will be polished to remove surface stains that have formed since your last visit. Lastly, we will floss the teeth to make sure your mouth is completely clean.

Examination
If needed, x-rays may be taken. This allows the dentist to see any underlying problems inside or between teeth. Next, your teeth will be closely examined for any visible problems. Your gums will also be checked. The spaces between healthy gums and teeth are shallow. If they are deepening, that could be a sign of gum disease.

Expect the dentist to also look at the rest of your head, including the face, throat, and tongue, for signs of trouble. If there is any swelling or redness, this could be a clue that there is a problem somewhere in your mouth that needs to be treated.

Before & Between Checkups
During your visit to our dental clinic in Springfield, Missouri or one of our other offices closer to you, suggestions will be made for any improvements to your dental health routine between regular checkups. It's a very good idea to prepare for your checkup by making a list of questions that you would like to ask the dentist. That way you won't forget while you are here. You may also want to make a list of any changes you've noticed since your last visit, new health problems you have been diagnosed with, and medications you are taking regularly. All of these things will aid the dentist in diagnosing possible problems in your teeth and gums. 

You can make your regular checkups go a lot faster and much smoother if you adopt a good dental hygiene routine. Brush your teeth at least twice a day and be sure to floss daily. Using mouthwash also helps to control plaque bacteria.

If you did not schedule your next routine checkup after your last visit to Access Dental & Dentures, give us a call at 1-877-DENTIST and we'll help you get it on the calendar. Together, we will make sure that you have a healthy, beautiful smile for years and years to come!

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

1-877-DENTIST

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

The Truth About Wisdom Teeth

The majority of your permanent teeth will be in by the teenage years, but there is a very good chance that your third molars, aka wisdom teeth, will come in during your late teens or early 20s. They really aren't necessary for this day and age and could cause problems for you later in life. Access Dental & Dentures has compiled a few facts about wisdom teeth that will help you better understand just what they are and why you should get rid of them. 

What Are Wisdom Teeth?
The third row of molars in your mouth is commonly called "wisdom teeth" because they generally show up between the ages of 17-25 when you are older and a bit wiser. Nearly everyone has to deal with them at some point, but there are a few people that won't ever have them come in. This is mostly due to genetic reasons.

Originally, wisdom teeth were needed for early humans to chew and eat. Their diets were a lot tougher than the foods we eat today. Teeth were worn down a lot faster back then and the third set of molars came in handy. Once your wisdom teeth come in, it is extremely likely that they will cause problems for you, if not right away then at some point down the road. Since they really aren't needed, it's best to have them removed before they become troublesome. 

Signs They NEED To Come Out
Evolution has caused people to develop smaller jaws than our ancestors had, so a third set of molars often will not fit. When they come in, the other teeth can be crowded and pushed out of place enough to appear crooked. Once wisdom teeth break through the gums, it can be difficult to keep them clean that far back in your mouth. That leaves bacteria free to gather and grow which can lead to pain, swelling, and infection.

When wisdom teeth don't break through the gums, these are considered impacted. This can happen when there is not enough room for the wisdom teeth to come in. Getting an x-ray at our dental offices in Southern Missouri is the easiest way to catch this early. Signs that you may have an impacted tooth include throbbing pain, swollen glands, tender gums, jaw swelling, and a painful headache. Any time that wisdom teeth cause pain, discomfort, or damage to your other teeth, that's a sure sign that you should have them removed. Your dentist will be able to talk over your options and the next steps if this is the case.   

The best way to stay on top of your wisdom teeth before they have a chance to cause trouble is to maintain regular checkups with one of our trusted dentists in Southern Missouri. We will be able to advise you on the best practice for your particular situation. Our goal at Access Dental & Dentures is to make sure that you have the best chance possible at a happy, healthy smile. No matter what that entails, we are always here to help in any way that we can.

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

1-877-DENTIST

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