Is a Water Flosser Better Than String Floss?

Have you thought about buying a water flosser, but wonder if it's actually worth it? Access Dental and Dentures is here to help answer that question for you! In the rest of today's blog, we're comparing regular flossing and "flossing" with a water flosser. What are the pros and cons of each? Keep reading to find out if buying one is right for you.

What is a Water Flosser Anyway? 

If this is the first time you're hearing the term "water flosser", you might be confused. How do you floss your teeth with water?? A water flosser is a device that pressurizes water and sprays it in a concentrated stream that lets you blast away food particles between your teeth. An over-simplified way of explaining it would be that it's like a tiny pressure washer for your teeth. 

Water Flosser Pros

• The ADA (American Dental Association) says water flossers CAN remove plaque from your teeth (the sticky stuff that eventually turns into hard tartar).
• It's easier to use than string dental floss.
• You can use it on the full surface of your tooth for better cleaning than string floss.
• Works great for people with braces, dental bridges, dental implants, and crowns.

Water Flosser Cons

• It may have a hard time removing really stuck pieces of food between teeth. 
• It is messy (spraying water can be hard to contain).
• They can be expensive. 
• They require maintenance and cleaning to prevent mold and mildew growth. 

String Floss Pros

• Easy to control.
• Removes all food particles stuck between teeth. 
• More reliable at removing all plaque in between each tooth.
• Disposable - no maintenance.

String Floss Cons

• It can be hard to reach your back teeth. 
• String floss is more likely to cause your gums to bleed. 
• String floss can't be used to clean every surface of your teeth.
• Wrapping floss around your fingers can be uncomfortable and awkward. 

"Which Should I Use?"

As long as you are flossing daily, it is ultimately up to you and your dentist whether you use string floss or a water flosser. One of the most important things to consider is which method you enjoy more. If you enjoy the process of flossing, then you'll be more likely to do it every day! The reason flossing is so important in the first place is because toothbrush bristles are not good enough to reach between your teeth and remove stuck food particles and plaque. 

Settle a Debate: Floss or Brush First? 

You may be wondering - or you may have even argued with others - are you supposed to floss first or brush first? Technically, as long as you are flossing, the order is not extremely important. However, if you are looking for THE most efficient and effective way to care for your teeth, we have the answer. The Journal of Periodontology has shown that flossing first removes more plaque from your teeth than starting with brushing. 

Whatever method or order you use, Access Dental and Dentures is here to help you with the best dental care in southern Missouri. Give us a call to schedule an appointment at one of our four convenient locations!

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

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Can Pregnancy Change My Teeth Too?!

If you're expecting a little bundle of joy, then you know that a lot of things are about to change! But, did you know that things are already changing... about your teeth?! Yes, it's true! Your dental health can change a lot during pregnancy and Access Dental and Dentures is here to help you understand and navigate those changes. Keep reading to learn more! 

Gums

During pregnancy, it is common for mothers to suffer from gum inflammation. This is most common during the second trimester. Your gums could experience tenderness, swelling, and even bleeding. It is important to take special care when choosing a tooth brush that is soft bristled to prevent further aggravation of your sensitive gums. If it lasts for an extended period of time or hinders your daily life, it might be time to make an appointment with your local dentist to see if something more serious is happening.

Greater Risk of Infection

When you are pregnant, your body can have a harder time fighting off infection. This is true across the board. While you may be focused on not contracting a cold or stomach bug, it is important to also remember your mouth and teeth. Your body could be struggling with fighting off bacteria and plaque buildup while pregnant. This additional buildup is bad news for your teeth and can cause cavities to occur more quickly. Pay close attention to your oral health during pregnancy to help ensure no serious infections or decay occurs.

Pregnancy Tumors

There is a strange phenomenon that can occur with pregnancy called pregnancy tumors. These growths occur under the skin of your mouth and are cause by excess plaque. Help prevent these inconvenient tumors by keeping your mouth clean with diligent dental habits.

Your Baby's Dental Health

Infant oral care is very important. Even though your little one won’t have teeth when they first arrive, it is important to keep their mouth clean and help them start getting used to a good oral health routine early. At first, simply use a clean washcloth or baby toothbrush to wipe their gums. This will help remove milk residue that could be lingering in their mouths.

As soon as teeth appear, start using a toothbrush during their daily routine. Start by simply brushing away food particles with the toothbrush and water. When your child is a little more advanced, you can add toothpaste to the routine. (Start with a child-friendly toothpaste until they get used to not swallowing it.)

The age of two is about the time your child should start visiting the dentist to make sure all their teeth are coming in well and there are no concerning issues.

Your Missouri Dentist

When you're expecting a little one, a lot of things change. You have to focus more diligently on your health to make sure your developing baby is also healthy. As the best dentist in Southern Missouri, Access Dental and Dentures would love to be your dental health resource. Give us a call and set up an appointment to make sure everything is good with your oral health. We would love to help and be there for you! 

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

1-877-DENTIST

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Get to Know Access Dental!

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.

Our Great Staff

Our staff are professionals and their goal is to make your visit as easy as possible for you. Working with are 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.

Dr. Arrash Ahmadnia, D.D.S.

Arrash Ahmadnia, D.D.S., General Dentistry, received his college education from California State University, Fullerton, 1996-2001. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology. He went to the University of Southern California School of Dentistry from 2001 to 2005 and earned his DDS, General Dentistry. He has three children, and his hobbies are fishing, outdoors, basketball, football, and baseball.

Our Services

Your initial oral examination includes a visual examination, charting, periodontal probing, diagnosis and treatment recommendations. We will also take x-rays, which includes the full mouth x-rays for proper diagnosis of the anterior (front) and posterior (back) teeth as well as the bite-wing x-ray series for proper diagnosis of interproximal decay of posterior teeth. 

Here are some of the other services we provide at our several convenient locations: 

• DENTURES / PARTIALS
• CHILDREN’S DENTISTRY
• DENTAL IMPLANTS
• COMPOSITE FILLINGS
• TOOTH EXTRACTIONS
• CROWNS
• BRIDGES
• VENEERS
• ROOT CANALS
• PERIODONTAL DISEASE
• TEETH WHITENING
• SPORTS DENTISTRY
• SNORING APPLIANCES

Insurance Plans We Accept

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.

Best Dentist in Southern Missouri

As you follow our blogs, keep up with social media, and navigate through our website, you will find a wealth of information about dentistry. You'll also learn about our currently available procedures, the practice, and our staff. If you are looking to schedule your next dental appointment and want a dentist you can trust, call Access Dental and Dentures! 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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Your Dental New Year's Resolutions!

You set all your New Year's resolutions for your nutrition and fitness goals, but... Did you remember to set any resolutions for your dental health? Access Dental and Dentures is here to help you achieve your optimal dental health so you can feel more confident, healthy, and happy! Keep reading for the resolutions you should definitely add to your list this year. 

1. Brush for 2 full minutes every morning and night

You know you're supposed to brush your teeth every morning and every night. But, did you know that you're supposed to brush them for 2 minutes every time? This is important so your teeth get clean enough every day - 30 seconds just won't remove enough plaque to keep your teeth as healthy as they should be. 

2. Floss daily

Daily flossing is important for your teeth. It keeps food particles from festering against your gums and in between each tooth. If those particles sit there without being cleaned away, they can cause inflammation and tooth decay. Floss every night so food particles don't stay there overnight. It's also a good idea to floss after a meal if you can. 

3. Quit smoking! 

Smoking is a bad habit that is detrimental to your health in many ways. One of those ways is gum inflammation, being more prone to infection, and causing stains on your teeth. Make the commitment to quit this year for a healthier 2022! 

4. Reduce foods and drinks that cause stains

There are a lot of foods and drinks that can cause stains on your teeth. Reducing these in your diet can help keep your bright white smile protected. Common culprits are coffee, dark alcohol, and dark berries. If you do consume these items, just make sure to flush your mouth out with water to rinse away the stain-causing materials. Otherwise, they'll continue to stain throughout the day.

5. Make the switch to electric

No, we're not talking electric cars; we're talking toothbrushes! Switching to an electric toothbrush could greatly improve your dental health game. The ultrasonic vibrations from the toothbrush can give you more effective brushing with less effort! 

6. Reduce sugar intake

Sugar sticks to your teeth and feeds bacteria, allowing them to grow and cause damage to your teeth and inflammation to your gums. Reducing sugar can help make you feel better and keep your teeth healthy!

7. Stay hydrated throughout the day

Drinking plenty of water is very important to your overall health. Plus, it's good for your teeth as well. Water can flush away food particles that would otherwise stay stuck on the surface of your teeth. Most water that comes from the city also contains fluoride, which strengthens your tooth enamel. 

8. Schedule your next dentist appointment

If you don't put your next dentist appointment on the calendar, then it could be really easy to forget and let the time slip away. Relying on the dentist office to call you in six months isn't always a reliable way to reschedule. What if you miss the call? Instead, schedule your next dentist appointment now, put a note on your calendar, and make every following appointment at your next dentist appointment so you never get behind. 

Best Dentist in Missouri

Access Dental and Dentures is the best dentist in southern Missouri and we are here to help you achieve your goals and feel healthier and happier in 2022. Stay in touch with us on social media, and be sure to call us to schedule your next dentist appointment soon. We have several locations, so it will be easy to find one near you! 

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

1-877-DENTIST

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Ditching Sugar in the New Year? Check Out These Tips!

Reducing or completely eliminating added sugar from your diet is a great New Year's Resolution! It can also be really challenging, especially if you currently have a lot of added sugar in your diet. Many people don't realize how many food items have added sugar until they try to eliminate it... Like high fructose corn syrup in crackers!! If you're determined to get healthier in 2022 and want to reduce sugar, Access Dental and Dentures has the tips to help you be successful. Keep reading to learn more! 

Drink Water

Sometimes the body can get confused and cross its signals. If you are craving something sweet, your body could actually just be dehydrated and in need of water. Drink a large glass of water when you experience unhealthy cravings or hunger outside of mealtime. This could help satiate your body enough to curb cravings so you can say “no” to the office candy dish.

Avoid Stress & Triggers

While avoiding stress is sometimes easier said than done, there are other ways to help your body cope other than eating sweets. A few things you can try to help cope with stress are… meditation, yoga, exercise, etc.

Avoid triggers or tempting situations like grocery shopping while hungry, or attending a party on an empty stomach. If you know you will be attending a party where you will be surrounded by a lot of sweets, eat a meal that is high in protein before leaving and make sure you are well hydrated. Chew on a piece of gum during the party to help prevent absent-minded snacking as well.

Eat More Protein

Protein is a necessary nutrient to our diets, and it also helps you feel full for longer. If you feel full throughout the day, you are less likely to feel like snacking on unhealthy treats and sweets. Protein can help diminish your cravings as well, because your body doesn’t feel like it is in need of more nutrients.

Eat Fruit

Fruit contains natural sugars that are significantly better for you than table sugar. Eating a handful of berries or an apple could help satisfy your sweet tooth while also providing good vitamins, minerals, and fiber to your diet.

Avoid Artificial Sweeteners

Artificial sweeteners are typically not actually better for you than traditional sugar. While both are bad for your health, artificial sweeteners can cause the signals that control appetite in your brain to get mixed up or ignored. Some sweeteners that are considered “healthy”, like Stevia, actually taste ten times sweeter than the average sweetener. If your taste buds develop an appetite for this sweeter flavor, it is likely that you will crave more of it in higher quantities.

Best Dentist in Missouri

Get ready for a healthier year with these tips to help you reduce or eliminate sugar! Reducing sugar in your daily life can make a big difference in your overall health and your dental health. Access Dental and Dentures is the best dentist in southern Missouri, and we are here to help you stay healthy and happy in the new year and for years to come. Give us a call to set up an appointment! 

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

1-877-DENTIST

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Teeth & Smoking - What's Happening Inside Your Mouth?

Thinking about quitting smoking in the New Year? That's a great idea! As the best dentist office in southern Missouri, Access Dental and Dentures knows just how damaging smoking can be to not only your overall health, but also the health of your teeth. Today we're covering the incredible benefits of quitting smoking for your dental health. Keep reading to learn all about it!

Isn't the Damage Already Done? 

While your teeth and gums may have already experienced a lot of damage from years of smoking, it's never too late to quit! In fact, many habitual smokers that quit then have the same lower risk of gum disease as a non-smoker. Your gum and tooth health will also improve greatly if you even reduce the amount you smoke. Again, it's never too late to quite and enjoy a healthier lifestyle, and - as a result - as healthier mouth!

Why Does Smoking Do So Much Harm?

When you smoke, your body's immune system is weakened and has a hard time fighting off infection. That means that all the bacteria in your mouth has a better chance of causing problems for your teeth and gums. Plaque and tartar in between your teeth can grow more quickly, causing inflammation and infection. In fact, a smoker's chance of getting gum disease is twice as much as a non-smoker. 

What Problems Can Smoking Cause? 

Smoking can lead to serious dental problems. Some are just annoying and inconvenient like bad breath and tooth discoloration. But it can also cause very serious issues including inflammation of the salivary glands, increased buildup of plaque and tartar, lose of bone in the jaw, risk of leukoplakia, risk of gum disease, tooth loss, delayed healing, and increased risk of developing oral cancer. 

Are Any Tobacco Products Better for Me? 

In short, no! Cigarettes, pipes, and chewing tobacco are all detrimental to your dental health and increase your risk of gum disease and all the other dental health issues we've talked about. 

What are the Warning Signs of Gum Disease? 

If you're wondering what the signs and symptoms are of gum disease, check out this list: 

• Sensitive teeth
• Gums are red or swollen
• Gums are tender or bleeding
• Pain with chewing
• Loose teeth
• Gums pulling away from the teeth

How Is Gum Disease Treated?

Gum disease is very detrimental to your overall health, so it's important to seek treatment if you think you have an issue. The best way to treat early gum disease is with regular tooth brushing, flossing, and visits to the dentist's office. If you do end up with severe gum disease, there are still ways to treat it. Your dentist may have to clean below the gum line, perform surgery to remove tartar and heal bone or gum loss, or prescribe a prescription mouth rinse. Keep in mind, though, it may be harder for your gums to heal if you are a smoker. 

Dental Health in Missouri

If you are looking for help addressing your dental health issues, Access Dental and Dentures is here for you! Our expert team of dentists and dental hygienists can help find out what is going on and how to fix it. You deserve a healthy, confident smile, and we can help you!

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

1-877-DENTIST

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Caution: Not All Diets are Equal!

With the New Year coming up, you might be thinking about starting a new diet. Before you choose, it's important to know how some of the popular diets can affect your dental health. As the best dentist in southern Missouri, Access Dental and Dentures cares about your teeth and your overall health. Keep reading to learn how these diets might affect your teeth before you get started next year.

Liquid Cleanses

Some people like to start the new year off with a power punch to their health journey. Liquid and juice diets can be very effective for rapid weight loss, but their merits are often debated in the medical community. It can be difficult to get the nutrients you need from fluids alone, and the loss of fiber and roughage in your diet could cause stomach issues.

A liquid diet could also be harmful to your dental health. Crunchy health foods like carrots and apples can help reduce the buildup of plaque by literally pushing it off your teeth. Liquid diets can also be acidic and high in sugar because juices and smoothies tend to be what people on this diet grab first.

Low Carb Diets

One of the most popular diets in recent years has been the Low-Carb Diet. You may have heard of "Keto", which at its core is a low or no-carb diet. The idea of these diets is to optimize your body to burn fat by reducing or eliminating carbs. This diet could also reduce your folic acid and fiber intake, though, if you are not careful to replace grains with a high volume of leafy greens and beans.

These diets can be detrimental to your oral health because of the elimination of fruits. Fruits are considered carbs on these diets because of their natural sugar content, so they are either not allowed or limited on almost all Low-Carb Diets. But fruits can be helpful to your oral health! Particularly fruits like apples, pears, and watermelon. These fruits have higher water content and cause you to salivate more when eating them. Saliva production is incredibly important to keep your mouth hydrated and free of bacteria. If your choice is between a piece of low-carb pie and an apple, the higher-carb apple may be a healthier choice for your teeth.

Dairy-Free Diets

A few good examples of popular dairy-free diets are Paleo and Whole30. The Paleo diet encourages participants to eat meat, fish, eggs, vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, herbs, spices, healthy fats, and oils. People on this diet are also supposed to avoid processed foods, sugar, soft drinks, grains, dairy products, legumes, artificial sweeteners, vegetable oils, margarine, and trans fats. Whole 30 abides by five major rules: No added sugar, no alcohol, no grains, no legumes, and no dairy. Most of these items can be good to avoid, but not always.

Dairy is often considered beneficial for bones and teeth due to its calcium content. Until recently, all dairy was thought to have the same effect on teeth. The Academy of General Dentistry published a study that indicates cheese could actually have anti-cavity properties. It does this by reducing the level of acidity in your mouth and increasing saliva production! Check out the research in Science Daily here: (https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/06/130605130118.htm).

Ask Your Dentist

Always remember, you should consult with your doctor before making a drastic change in your daily diet. As the best dentist in the Springfield area, Access Dental and Dentures is here to help your dental health be as good as possible. Whether you are looking to start a new diet or just want to boost your oral health in 2021, we are here for you. Give us a call to set up an appointment and learn more about how to lead a healthier life. 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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