What Does Saliva Do for Your Dental Health?

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Your saliva is made almost entirely of water—over 98% of it, to be more precise. Along with its other ingredients, the high water content makes your saliva an important defense mechanism against the harmful bacteria found in dental plaque. Besides preparing your food for digestion by making it easier to bite and chew, a healthy flow of saliva is also vital to maintaining your dental health.

Saliva vs. Oral Bacteria

Though experts have identified over 600 kinds of oral bacteria in a healthy human mouth, there are still hundreds that are more difficult to classify, for various reasons. One of those reasons is that oral bacteria are largely anaerobic, meaning they can grow weak and die when exposed to too much oxygen. Since oxygen is a building block of water, saliva acts as a natural rinse against oral bacteria, helping to stop dental plaque formation. As a neutral substance, saliva also helps protect your dental health from the acids produced oral bacteria, which can weaken teeth and lead to tooth decay.

Tips to Keep Saliva Flowing

  • Drink plenty of water. Keeping your body hydrated will promote a healthy flow of saliva, but sugary and carbonated drinks can inhibit saliva flow and strengthen oral bacteria.
  • Brush and floss often. Plaque and bacteria develop constantly, and removing them before they become too strong will boost your saliva’s effectiveness as a defense mechanism.
  • Visit your dentist regularly. Many different issues can lead to or increase your risks of dry mouth—a severe decrease or lack of saliva production.

ABOUT YOUR GRAND PRAIRIE DENTIST:

Dr. Quinn Smith is a well-respected and highly experienced general, restorative, and family dentist in Grand Prairie, TX. He takes a patient-first approach that starts from the moment patients enter our Pecan Tree Dental office, and he offers a three-year guarantee on all dental work that he performs. Whether you and your family are new or returning patients, you can schedule a consultation or your next appointment with Dr. Smith by contacting us at (972) 262-5111.

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The Do’s and Don’ts of Good Dental Hygiene

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Hopefully, you know by now that brushing and flossing your teeth, as well as visiting your dentist at least once every six months for an exam and cleaning, are the main tenets of what you should do to keep your mouth healthy. However, good dental health is as much about what you don’t do as it is what you do. To help make sure that you’re making the most of a good dental hygiene routine, we explain a few important do’s and don’ts in proper dental health management.

To Do, and Not To Do

DO—Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss at least once to help control plaque buildup, which contains bacteria that can damage your teeth and gums.
DON’T—Scrub too harshly, as you may be tempted to do if your teeth are especially grimy. Unlike a marble countertop, scrubbing harshly does not clean your teeth better. On the contrary, you may end up rubbing your teeth enamel clean off of your teeth, leaving them more vulnerable to bacteria and decay.
DO—Visit your dentist at least once every six months for a comprehensive dental checkup and cleaning. Your visits should occur sooner if you are at an increased risk of dental issues, or if you’ve recently undergone dental treatment.
DON’T—neglect to visit your dentist just because you feel like your hygiene is superb, or because your teeth appear squeaky clean and healthy. Tooth decay and gum disease do not always exhibit noticeable signs when they first develop. Detecting them early often depends on a strict adherence to your dental checkup schedule.
DO—refrain from snacking excessively on sugary products to help reduce your risk of cavities.
DON’T—fall into a false sense of security simply because you’ve cut candy from your diet. The germs that convert sugar into tooth-eroding acid convert other fermentable carbohydrates, as well.

ABOUT YOUR GRAND PRAIRIE DENTIST:

Dr. Quinn Smith is a well-respected and highly experienced general, restorative, and family dentist in Grand Prairie, TX. He takes a patient-first approach that starts from the moment patients enter our Pecan Tree Dental office, and he offers a three-year guarantee on all dental work that he performs. Whether you and your family are new or returning patients, you can schedule a consultation or your next appointment with Dr. Smith by contacting us at (972) 262-5111.

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What Is Tooth Decay?

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Tooth decay occurs when plaque is allowed to buildup and cling to the tooth enamel. If plaque is not removed, it can combine with bacteria found in your mouth, forming acids that erode the enamel. Over time, the enamel becomes weak and a hole, or cavity, develops. Once a cavity forms, the layer underneath the enamel (dentin) becomes exposed and is susceptible to the spread of further decay. When bacteria are allowed access to the interior of your tooth, professional treatment may be necessary.

What Causes Teeth to Decay?

A common cause of tooth decay is lack of proper dental hygiene. If you don’t brush or floss your teeth, plaque and bacteria are not removed and remain on your teeth until damage is prevalent. Foods or drinks that are high in sugar and carbohydrates can lead to decay, as these fuel bacteria within the mouth. If you suffer from dry mouth, you may experience a lack in saliva. This can be harmful as saliva cleans the teeth by washing away food particles and bacteria within the mouth.  

How to Stop Tooth Decay in its Tracks

Tooth decay is not something you have to live with forever. Minor cases can be prevented through regular dental hygiene, along with dental checkups and cleanings. A dental filling may be necessary if a cavity has formed and affects the dentin. If the center, or pulp, of your tooth becomes infected, then a root canal treatment will be needed to rid the tooth of any infected tissue. If a tooth is severely damaged, then it may need to be extracted and replaced with a dental bridge or implant. 

ABOUT YOUR GRAND PRAIRIE RESTORATIVE DENTIST:

Dr. Quinn Smith is a well-respected and highly experienced general, restorative, and family dentist in Grand Prairie, TX. He takes a patient-first approach that starts from the moment patients enter our Pecan Tree Dental office, and he offers a three-year guarantee on all dental work that he performs. Whether you and your family are new or returning patients, you can schedule a consultation or your next appointment with Dr. Smith by contacting us at (972) 262-5111.

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Is Gum Disease Present? Learn How to Treat It

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For a large majority of people, gum disease is, or someday will be, a significant threat to their oral health. However, with consistently good hygiene and professional care, it doesn’t have to be a destructive influence. Gum disease is a progressive issue that, while common, is also highly preventable, and highly treatable if it is allowed to develop. While prevention is typically the same (daily brushing and flossing, along with routine checkups and cleanings), the secret of how to treat gum disease depends on how severe your condition is allowed to become.

Understanding What Gum Disease Is

Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, can actually affect much more than just your gums when it’s allowed to have its way. Beginning as a bacterial infection (gingivitis) that results from an overabundance of plaque buildup, gum disease slowly progresses until it destroys your gum tissues and the ligaments around your teeth. Eventually, it can reach the jawbone underneath your gums, eroding the bone around your teeth roots and potentially leading to tooth loss.

Treating Gum Disease in Stages

Since the first stage of gum disease, gingivitis, is actually a bacterial infection, treating it can often be accomplished by simply cleaning away the bacteria from underneath your gum tissues. The procedure, which is referred to as a deep cleaning (root planing and scaling) involves carefully cleaning the surfaces of your teeth roots to allow the gums to recuperate. If your gum tissue is severely infected, it might need to be trimmed away, and possibly replaced with a gum graft.

ABOUT YOUR GRAND PRAIRIE DENTIST:

Dr. Quinn Smith is a well-respected and highly experienced general, restorative, and family dentist in Grand Prairie, TX. He takes a patient-first approach that starts from the moment patients enter our Pecan Tree Dental office, and he offers a three-year guarantee on all dental work that he performs. Whether you and your family are new or returning patients, you can schedule a consultation or your next appointment with Dr. Smith by contacting us at (972) 262-5111.

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How Teeth Whitening Can Improve Your Smile

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Throughout your life, you may notice that some things begin to fade; memories, hobbies, interests, and even the color of your teeth. When the outer layer of a tooth (enamel) changes in color, it is known as extrinsic staining, and can typically be resolved with a minimally invasive cosmetic treatment. If staining goes beyond the tooth enamel and affects the layer underneath (dentin), it is known as intrinsic discoloration. This eliminates the possibility of a simple teeth whitening procedure, and further examination will be necessary.

How Teeth Stain

From the foods you eat, to the environment you live in, your teeth are exposed every day to factors that can potentially lead to staining. Color molecules, or chromogens, are found in our food and drinks, and over time, they adhere to the tooth enamel and cause stains. Smoking or chewing tobacco also stains teeth, as well as certain medications. Intrinsic discoloration can be a sign of further dental issues, such as developing tooth decay, or internal bruising caused by trauma.

What Are My Treatment Options?

Treatment for teeth staining depends on the severity and nature of the stains. Regular brushing and flossing, along with periodically scheduled visits to the dentist, can keep minor stains minimal. It is also advisable to avoid smoking and chewing tobacco, and to be wary of intensely colored foods and drinks. Stains that can’t be removed with brushing and flossing may require a cosmetic dental treatment, like teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, dental bonding, and more.

ABOUT YOUR GRAND PRAIRIE COSMETIC DENTIST:

Dr. Quinn Smith is a well-respected and highly experienced general, restorative, and family dentist in Grand Prairie, TX. He takes a patient-first approach that starts from the moment patients enter our Pecan Tree Dental office, and he offers a three-year guarantee on all dental work that he performs. Whether you and your family are new or returning patients, you can schedule a consultation or your next appointment with Dr. Smith by contacting us at (972) 262-5111.

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Tooth Decay and How It Develops

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The causes of tooth decay are numerous, but can usually be narrowed down to a handful of factors. A lack of proper preventive dentistry, too much of the wrong kinds of foods, and too much time in-between dental checkups are just some of the reasons tooth decay happens.

What is Tooth Decay?

When a patient is asked this question the common answer is usually, “a cavity.” While this is a frequent response, the mystery surrounding tooth decay can easily be solved with a brief lesson on what it is and why it occurs. Tooth decay develops from acids constantly bombarding the outer enamel of the tooth, creating an opening in the tooth enamel. This opening allows bacteria to infect the tooth, causing a hole in its structure known as a cavity.

Preventive Measures and Tooth Decay

The prevention of tooth decay starts at home with brushing a couple of times a day and flossing at least once. This routine can be completed by rinsing your mouth with an anti-bacterial mouthwash, which aids in eliminating the bacteria that your toothbrush and floss miss. Also, visiting your dentist regularly is as important as caring for your teeth at home. Since cavities can be especially difficult to detect with the untrained eye professional examinations and cleanings are invaluable in the detection and treatment of tooth decay.

What Happens Over Time

If tooth decay is left untreated, it can lead to more serious dental conditions, such as tooth abscesses (pus from a cavity that accumulates in a gum pocket) and tooth loss. Not only are these conditions painful, but they can become dangerous to the rest of your oral health if not prevented.

ABOUT YOUR GRAND PRAIRIE DENTIST:

Dr. Quinn Smith is a well-respected and highly experienced general, restorative, and family dentist in Grand Prairie, TX. He takes a patient-first approach that starts from the moment patients enter our Pecan Tree Dental office, and he offers a three-year guarantee on all dental work that he performs. Whether you and your family are new or returning patients, you can schedule a consultation or your next appointment with Dr. Smith by contacting us at (972) 262-5111.

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Dental Plaque and How it Develops

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Anyone who has seen a mouthwash commercial has heard the term “plaque,” but how many really know what plaque is? Many people tend to think that brushing once or twice a day, along with some occasional flossing, will be enough to keep dental plaque away. However, is this enough to keep you from having to visit the dentist every six months? The answers may surprise you.

What is Dental Plaque?

Plaque forms as the result of bacteria in the mouth, and their biological processes when foods (like sugars and carbohydrates) are ingested. The bacteria consume the food particles and metabolize the carbs to form acids that eat away at the enamel protecting your teeth. Other bacteria can produce toxins, gases, and other harmful substances that can eventually lead to gum disease, bad breath, or worse if you don’t practice good hygiene.

Porphyromonas Gingivalis: The Gum Disease Germ

Porphyromonas gingivalis can be rather deceptive, since it is able to fool the immune system while it remains present in your oral tissues. The bacteria’s insidiousness makes them one of the more notable threats to your oral and overall health. By fooling the immune system, they incite unchecked inflammation in your gum tissues, and the destruction of progressive gum disease.

Preventing Dental Plaque

Frequent brushing and flossing are the main deterrents to dental plaque, but regular dental checkups are needed to thoroughly remove it and catch the onset of a dental disease. Neglecting plaque will allow it to calcify into tartar: the harder substance that no amount of brushing or flossing can eliminate from your teeth.  During your dental visit, we’ll also thoroughly clean away the tartar that stubbornly protects your oral bacteria, thereby reducing your risks of developing a dental health issue.

ABOUT YOUR GRAND PRAIRIE DENTIST:

Dr. Quinn Smith is a well-respected and highly experienced general, restorative, and family dentist in Grand Prairie, TX. He takes a patient-first approach that starts from the moment patients enter our Pecan Tree Dental office, and he offers a three-year guarantee on all dental work that he performs. Whether you and your family are new or returning patients, you can schedule a consultation or your next appointment with Dr. Smith by contacting us at (972) 262-5111.

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What's Causing My Toothache?

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Aching in or around a tooth is caused by a nerve becoming irritated. A hit to the face, tooth decay, gum disease, and excessive plaque buildup are only some ways that toothaches may occur. In some instances, pain outside of the dental area can travel to the mouth, simulating tooth pain. Such issues can include problems with the jaw joint (temporomandibular joint or TMJ) or ears. Not all toothaches require a dental visit, as there are some at-home remedies for toothaches.

What Are the Symptoms of a Toothache?

Symptoms of a toothache vary depending on the source of your pain, and the toothache itself could be a small part to a greater issue. Lack of proper dental hygiene can lead to a growth in bacteria, potentially leading to gum disease or tooth decay, both of which may cause pain. Other factors that could accompany the aching include:
Ø  Increased sensitivity to varying temperatures
Ø  Fever or headache
Ø  Sharp, throbbing, or constant pain, usually when pressure is applied to the tooth
Ø  Gum inflammation
Ø  Bleeding or discharge from an infected tooth

What Are My Treatment Options?

Most toothaches are avoidable by exercising proper oral hygiene, like brushing and flossing regularly, and regular dental check-ups. If aching is too severe for at-home treatment, an appointment may be necessary to determine the underlying cause and discuss suitable treatment options. If caused by a cavity, a dental filling may be recommended; however, if the cavity is severe enough, the tooth may need to be extracted.  Antibiotics may be prescribed to fight infection, or a root canal treatment may be necessary if the infection becomes too severe. Treatment generally occurs in stages with pain and infection treated first, then reconstructive dental treatment later.  

About Your Grand Prairie Dentist:

Dr. Quinn Smith is a well-respected and highly experienced general, restorative, and family dentist in Grand Prairie, TX. He takes a patient-first approach that starts from the moment patients enter our Pecan Tree Dental office, and he offers a three-year guarantee on all dental work that he performs. Whether you and your family are new or returning patients, you can schedule a consultation or your next appointment with Dr. Smith by contacting us at (972) 262-5111.

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How Confident is Your Smile?

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Smiling isn’t just a way to showcase your teeth. In addition to numerous studies, you may already instinctively know that smiling helps improve your interactions with others, and helps you appear more confident and approachable. When you aren’t happy with your smile, however, you might not show it often, and therefore won’t realize the benefits it can offer. The art of cosmetic dentistry can help improve the appearance of your teeth and gums so you can once again enjoy a confident smile, and all that it has to offer.

What Smiling Does for You

If you’re wondering whether or not smiling is contagious, you only have to smile for a while and watch how others respond. One of the most significant benefits of smiling is the good cheer that it can spread, which can uplift the moods of those around you and create a friendlier, less stressful environment. By appearing more confident and content, your smile can make you feel more confident and content, making you smile even more.

What You Can Do for Your Smile

The catch is that you may not feel confident in smiling if your teeth aren’t as bright and as beautiful as you wish. Fortunately, in most cases, we can help with a customized, non-invasive cosmetic dentistry treatment. Practicing regular preventive dental care can help prevent or inhibit most cosmetic issues, while our menu of cosmetic services can enhance issues that do appear, such as;
  • Teeth stains and discoloration (intrinsic and extrinsic)
  • Chipped and/or worn down teeth
  • Teeth that appear longer or short than those around it
  • Crooked and/or misshapen teeth
  • Receding or uneven gum lines
  • Dental issues, like tooth decay, that affect your teeth’s appearance

ABOUT YOUR GRAND PRAIRIE COSMETIC DENTIST:

Dr. Quinn Smith is a well-respected and highly experienced general, restorative, and family dentist in Grand Prairie, TX. He takes a patient-first approach that starts from the moment patients enter our Pecan Tree Dental office, and he offers a three-year guarantee on all dental work that he performs. Whether you and your family are new or returning patients, you can schedule a consultation or your next appointment with Dr. Smith by contacting us at (972) 262-5111.

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