Water: Your Teeth's Best Friend

We've been told over and over throughout our lives that drinking water is an important part of our health. You've probably heard the fact that up to 60% of our bodies are made up of water. Every body system needs water... your brain, heart, skin, lungs, muscles, kidneys. Water is important for our survival. But, did you also know that water helps you keep your teeth healthy and in great condition? Access Dental and Dentures works hard to make sure our patients can enjoy a healthy smile with strong teeth - and part of that is drinking enough water. Keep reading to learn how water helps your teeth.

Less Soda & Juice

If you drink enough water throughout the day, you will be less likely to grab drinks that have more sugar in them. If you get thirsty, you might also crave your favorite juice or want to grab a can of soda. The best way to prevent that is to not let yourself get thirsty! Otherwise, drinking a lot of sugary drinks can harm your teeth by breaking down the enamel and promoting the growth of bacteria and accumulation of plaque and tartar. Avoiding sugary drinks and replacing them with water can help reduce tooth decay and bacterial growth in your mouth.

Flush Away the Bad

As you go through the day, your teeth are exposed to things like coffee, office donuts, your lunch, and other substances that aren't teeth-friendly. These things can cause bacteria to start developing on and in between your teeth. If you drink water every time you eat or drink something else, then you could help flush away materials that cause stains and bacteria growth. The less time that those items are in contact with your teeth, the better!

You Need Spit!

Drinking enough water keeps you hydrated, which is important to your oral health because it helps maintain healthy saliva production. Saliva plays a vital role in keeping your teeth strong and healthy, as it naturally washes away bacteria and debris. It also deposits tooth-strengthening minerals like calcium to keep your teeth resistant to cavities.

Fluoride Content of Water

Tap water and certain kinds of bottled water contain fluoride. Fluoride is a substance that strengthens your teeth and thereby helps prevent cavities. Drinking your recommended daily allowance of water (about half your weight in ounces) will provide more exposure to fluoride in addition to brushing your teeth twice a day. While it may not seem like a lot compared to the fluoride in your toothpaste, the additional fluoride in your water could make a big difference in keeping your teeth strong and healthy.

Best Dentist in Southern Missouri! 

Drinking water is a simple way to benefit your teeth and give your oral health a boost. The simple act of drinking water can…

• Strengthen your teeth with fluoride
• Flush out bacteria-causing contaminants
• Replace unhealthy drinks and reduce sugar
• Keep you and your mouth hydrated

Your dental health is important to us, and we are here to help! Drink water to benefit your teeth and overall oral health. Getting enough water in your diet can strengthen your teeth, flush out bacteria, keep unhealthy drinks out of your diet, and keep you hydrated! Call Access Dental and Dentures to set up a dentist appointment and we can help keep your teeth in great condition. 

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

1-877-DENTIST

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Get a Brighter Smile in Time for Summer!

Even though there is snow covering the ground right now across a lot of Missouri, summer really isn't that far away. In fact, now is the perfect time to start working on getting the smile of your dreams. Access Dental And Dentures has the best dental clinics in Missouri and we are ready to help you get the bright smile you've always dreamed of having. Keep reading and learn how to get a beautiful white smile in time for summer. 

Teeth Whitening

A lot of people try to whiten their teeth on their own by using harsh whitening strips, mouth washes, and even a combination of painted-on chemicals and light trays. However, these methods can often strip the healthy enamel off of your teeth, weakening them and actually making them more prone to yellowing over time. A professional whitening service could be the perfect solution instead! Access Dental provides custom trays that you take home with you to use until you reach your ideal shade of white. That way you get to control the whiteness while being able to safely use professional-grade whitener that doesn't damage your enamel. Give us a call to learn all about it! 1-877-DENTIST

Staining Foods & Drinks

There are some foods and beverages that have a naturally higher ability to stain teeth. If it's going to stain the carpet when you spill, it will probably also stain your teeth. Red wine, coffee, some teas, dark fruit, soda, candy, and others can all cause discoloration on your teeth. As your teeth are exposed to these substances over and over again, they become more dull and yellow over time. That's why it's best to either avoid these foods and drinks or to be sure and rinse them off of your teeth with plenty of water after consuming them. It can also be a good idea to brush your teeth after eating or drinking them. But be careful! If you brush your teeth right after consuming something acidic, you could be harming your teeth even more. Instead, rinse with water and brush your teeth 30 minutes to an hour afterward. 

Good Dental Habits

You can't really expect to have healthy, white teeth if you don't properly take care of them. That's one of the reasons it is so important to brush your teeth twice a day, floss daily, drink plenty of water, and visit the dentist for your regular checkups. If you aren't following these key health habits, then your teeth could suffer. Food particles may sit on your teeth for too long causing bacteria to grow, plaque to build up, and tartar to form. This is all very damaging to the structure of your teeth and can cause decay, infection, and disease.

Best Dentist in Southern Missouri

Access Dental and Dentures offers the best dental care in southern Missouri! If you are looking to improve your smile for the summer, give us a call and we can help. Schedule a regular checkup with us or ask for a consultation about getting your teeth professionally whitened. We are here for you! 

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

1-877-DENTIST

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Straws: Good or Bad?

There is a lot of information out there about straws and whether or not they're good for the environment, your dental health, and even your looks. So, what is the official verdict? Are straws good or bad - friend or foe? Today in our blog, Access Dental and Dentures is diving into some of the facts about straws to help you decide! Keep reading to learn more and find out if you should incorporate straws or ditch them permanently...

The Environment

Plastic is known to be bad for the environment in general. It takes forever to decompose, which means it clutters up the landscape and can even end up getting tangled around animals feet and wings or stuck in their throats. There is a major effort in today's society to limit use of disposable (or single-use) plastics to help keep animals and our natural surroundings preserved and healthy. This includes straws! A great solution for the disposable straw issue is to use reusable straws instead. There are several great options - metal, reusable plastic, bamboo - that are easy to hand wash or even throw into the dishwasher. In fact, there are even some kinds of reusable straws that fold up and can be carried in a little case to use at restaurants. Just keep in mind that you should be careful when using metal straws so you don't chip your teeth on accident. 

Your Looks

Believe it or not, straws can actually affect your appearance. How? When you use a straw, you have to purse your lips to get enough suction to drink what's in your cup, glass, or bottle. The action of pursing your lips over and over again can cause wrinkles around your mouth to form prematurely. These are the same wrinkles that smokers get around their lips from performing the same action repeatedly. If you use a straw all the time, it might be a good idea to invest in an anti-wrinkle cream for around your mouth. When you drink water, try NOT using a straw and sip from the cup instead to reduce the amount of time you spend pursing your lips.  

Dental Health

Straws can actually be really helpful to your dental health. If you are drinking anything acidic, high in sugar, or that causes stains, then using a straw can help protect your teeth. Drinking these things through a straw makes the drink bypass your teeth so it's not in contact with your teeth for as long.

Your Best Health at Access Dental

When it comes to using straws, the best habit might be to use reusable straws when you're drinking something that can damage your teeth, and don't use a straw at all when you're drinking water or other drinks that aren't bad for your teeth. Whatever your straw preference, make sure you are taking care of your teeth and overall wellbeing with balanced, healthy habits! Access Dental and Dentures has the best dental clinics in southern Missouri, and we are here to help you. Give us a call to schedule a dental appointment and we can give you a thorough cleaning and check to make sure you aren't developing any issues that could cause bigger problems. 

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

1-877-DENTIST

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Health & Stress: Tips to Reduce Daily Stress for a Healthier Self

Chronic stress is really hard on your body and overall health. Occasional stress is normal and your body is designed to respond to help keep you healthier. Think about your "fight or flight" response. But, when stress is prolonged, it can make it harder for your body to fight off infection. This is bad news for your teeth too! (Not to mention, a lot of people tend to grind their teeth when they're stressed.) Let Access Dental and Dentures - the best dentists in southern Missouri - help you fight off stress with the stress-reducing techniques in today's blog.

Follow a Healthy Diet

 
Very few people truly enjoy dieting, but when it is done correctly it can vastly improve your life. While strict yo-yo dieting can be harmful, following a more balanced daily diet can help your body stay healthy and more relaxed.

A balanced diet should include your daily recommended amounts of necessary vitamins and minerals. If your body is seriously lacking in those important nutrients, then it can be easy for the imbalance to cause stress and anxiety.

Try to avoid processed foods and empty calories, opting instead for fruits, veggies, and lean proteins. Another ingredient that can increase stress is caffeine. Substitute caffeine-free alternatives to your favorite drinks for a less stress-inducing option.

Exercise

Multiple studies have shown over the years that regular exercise helps boost the immune system, improve your mood, and reduce stress. As you exercise, your body releases endorphins - a hormone that can help stabilize your mood and works like a natural painkiller.

Rest and Relax

Practicing rest and relaxation can help reduce stress and promote positive feelings. There are several ways you can incorporate more mindfulness into your daily life. Join a yoga class, practice guided meditations with your favorite YouTube channel or podcast, learn deep breathing exercises, or schedule a relaxation massage.

Another great way to relieve stress and ensure your body has enough rest to function at maximum capacity is to make sure you are getting enough sleep. Losing just a couple hours of sleep each night for a week can cause the same level of sleep deprivation as staying awake for 48 hours straight. Take care of your self and make sure you get an average of 7-8 hours of sleep each night.

Protect Your Time

 
Many people are familiar with the phrase "time is money", but it is actually a lot more than that. Time is one of your most valuable assets, so it is important to protect how you use your time. Know your limits and how much you are capable of before you take on more tasks, responsibilities, and events in addition to your normal routine. If your schedule is full, it's important to be able to harness the power of "no". By saying no to adding more to your plate, you are not being rude or failing as a friend or coworker. You are protecting your time, and in the end, your health.

If you become overwhelmed, don't be afraid to ask for help. Not only will this help you out, but it can also help you and your helper become closer and more connected.

Best Missouri Dentist

Access Dental and Dentures is the best dentist in the Springfield area, and we are here for you! If you are experiencing a lot of daily stress, try some of these tips to calm your mind and body. This can help improve your overall health and reduce jaw pain caused by teeth grinding and clenching. If you are still experiencing the grinding of teeth, Access Dental can help. We have options to help prevent damage and pain from tooth grinding that can be comfortably worn during the night. Call to set up an appointment with the best dentists in southern Missouri!

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

1-877-DENTIST

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What to Expect After You Get Dentures

Planning on getting custom-fit dentures from Access Dental and Dentures? We have all the information for exactly what you can expect after your denture procedure. As the dental practice with the best locations in southern Missouri (we have four!), we make sure you are happy with your smile, and that you enjoy great oral health. Check out this resource from our team about how to care for your dentures immediately after your procedure, and give us a call if you have any questions!

Pain and Swelling 

Please leave the immediate dentures in place for 24 hours after your teeth have been removed. The dentures will act as a bandage to protect the extraction sites and to prevent swelling. The dentures will limit the bleeding and swelling with their splinting. Ice packs placed on the face in the extraction areas for 10-15 minute intervals will help minimize the pain. Please follow pain medication instructions as prescribed by your doctor. 

Rinsing 

DO NOT RINSE YOUR MOUTH in the first 24 hours, as this may dislodge the clots in the tooth socket. The result is a dry socket, which can be very painful. This rarely happens but when it does, it is usually the result of smoking. If you feel the need to remove the dentures, remember to rinse them quickly with cold water and reinsert immediately. If you cannot insert the denture, wait for your dentist to help you. Place a towel on your pillow, because it is normal to have some oozing of blood. 

Diet 

In the first 24 hours, your diet should consist of non-carbonated, cold beverages (i.e. ice tea) and soft foods. Progress diet as healing allows. 

Denture and Mouth Care 

After initial the 24 hours, use a denture brush that is contoured to clean your denture and an ADA approved denture-cleaning solution. Clean dentures twice a day. For the 1st week please only remove the dentures to clean them and then place them back in your mouth. Leaving the dentures out for an extended period may result in increased swelling and inability reinsert the dentures. After 1 week: Please begin removing your denture at night. Exposure to oxygen is best for your gums. When the denture is out of your mouth, place in water to prevent the acrylic from drying out. 

Bite 

In the first 24 hours, the dentures may not feel right. You may also experience salivation and gagging for the first few days. Your dentist will adjust your denture over the next couple of appointments. Please be patient as you heal. The doctor and his staff will help you adjust to your new prosthesis.

Healing 

As you are healing, the swelling is reduced, and the extraction sites will begin to close. The dentures may begin to slip or feel big. You may purchase denture adhesive at your local drugstore. Please use as directed. During the initial stages of healing while the extraction sites re open, please do not place denture adhesive over the extraction sites or in the denture area that sits on the extraction sites. Denture adhesive can be irritating to open sockets and may cause infection. You will also need to clean the denture adhesive completely off the denture and your tissue before reapplying. Over the next 3-6 months, you will have many changes in your mouth. Remember the removal of teeth involves bones and bone requires 6 months to completely heal. 

Chewing 

You will learn to chew your food on both sides of your mouth with your dentures. You will learn to master this quickly if you like to eat. There are four major muscles and several minor muscles associated with chewing and they will adapt over time to your prosthesis. 

Speech 

You may notice a lisp or slurring of your speech in the first days of wearing your denture. This is normal and will disappear as you adjust to your denture. 

Remember 

The lower denture is held in place by your tongue and your cheeks. Some patients can master this technique quickly and for others it takes some time. You will never have complete seating of the lower denture because there is no possibility of “suction” like that obtained in the upper denture unless you have implants placed. Immediate Dentures require a reline after 6 months. For some patients with a large amount of bone loss, a small amount of adhesive will always be necessary.

Best Custom Dentures in Missouri

Access Dental and Dentures makes our dentures and removable partials right in our own on-site, professional dental lab. Because our technicians are on-site, you don't have to wait days or weeks for your new set of dentures. In fact, we typically can have your new teeth ready the next day, if not the day-of! We can also then make adjustments for the perfect fit while you wait. To get the best custom dentures in Missouri, call Access Dental and Dentures! 1-877-DENTIST

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

1-877-DENTIST

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Pucker Up WithOUT Stinky Breath!

With Valentine's Day just around the corner, are you confident that your breath is kiss-ready? If not, Access Dental and Dentures has the tips for you to help freshen your breath and keep it smelling fresh long-term. We have the best dental clinics in southern Missouri and we're here to help! 

Get Rid of Stuck-On Food

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.

Replace Your Toothbrush and/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 it.

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. 

Clean the Rest of Your Mouth Too!

Your teeth are just a fraction of the surface area inside of your mouth. You might be regularly flossing and brushing your teeth, but if you aren't doing anything for your gums, cheeks, tongue, the roof of your mouth, and more... then you could be missing a lot of germs. 

Add these habits to your daily dental hygiene routine for a cleaner, fresher mouth: 

• Use a tongue-scraper to remove bacteria and dead cells from your tongue.
• Gently brush the roof of your mouth and your cheeks for the same purpose.
• Use a mouth wash to destroy any bacteria that could be hiding other places in your mouth and causing bad breath. 
• Carry breath fresheners with you for on-the-go fresh breath in case of a kissing emergency. 😉

Stay Hydrated!

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. If you mouth is dry, it could be prone to bad breath. Saliva is 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!

Don't Skip the Dentist

You might be tempted to skip your dentist appointments. Maybe you think that appointments are inconvenient or that you take care of your teeth enough on your own. But you can't tell on your own if your enamel has become weak in some areas, making you more prone to cavities. You also can't tell if there is a more serious issue causing your bad breath without a check-up from a dentist. If you still suffer from bad breath even when you follow all the good habits we talked about, then there could be something else going on. 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. Call today to schedule your next appointment: 1-877-DENTIST

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

1-877-DENTIST

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Top Reasons People DON'T Go to the Dentist

Some people have a hard time scheduling dentist appointments because something is holding them back. Access Dental and Dentures understands these holdups and we're here to help address them so you can feel confident getting your teeth taken care of and stay healthy. Keep reading to see if one of these top hold-ups apply to you and how you can beat them!

Anxiety

If you have anxiety, we understand. This isn't something you can just "get over" to be able to relax during your appointment. It can be especially hard to have an unfamiliar person close to your face like dentists and dental hygienists need to be. The good news is that there are a lot of coping mechanisms that can help! Talk therapy, meditation, yoga, personal mantras, regular exercise, drinking plenty of water, identifying your internal "peace place", and breathing exercises can all be ways to help cope with anxiety in high-stress situations and our daily life. If you have anxiety that holds you back, it could be beneficial to see a psychiatrist that could help you identify your triggers and give you a formal diagnosis and/or prescription to help. 

Bad experiences

Every profession has some bad apples in the bunch, even dentists. If you've had a bad experience with a dentist, it could be hard to want to schedule your next appointment. Whether they were a little rude, or recommended a treatment you didn't need, you're having a hard time trusting again. Next time you visit the dentist, don't be afraid to ask questions and ask for a second opinion if you are unsure about a recommendation you've received.    

Embarrassment

Another reason people might not want to visit the dentist is because they feel embarrassed by how far they let their teeth go. If it's been several years since you've been to the dentist, you might be concerned about the amount of tartar buildup and stains on your teeth. Or, you may even have gum disease and teeth that you think are beyond help. But, that's not true. At Access Dental and Dentures, we have seen just about everything - and helped! We can use advanced cleaning, professional whitening, dental implants, bridges, dentures, and more to get you the smile you've always wanted.

Best Dentist Southern Missouri

With Access Dental and Dentures, you can trust that our hygienists and dentists have your best interests at heart. We care about you and your dental health, and we're here to help! Give us a call to ask whatever questions you have and schedule your next appointment. Access Dental is here for you. 

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

1-877-DENTIST

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