Richview Family Dentistry explains the dangers of DIY dental work.
We’ve seen the ads on TV and social media about quick and easy, at-home dental work, but the ADA (American Dental Association) suggests that you take a closer look at why DIY dental work is not a good idea.
At-Home Braces and Aligners
These at-home appliances can move teeth too fast.
They can damage your bone and gums.
They increase the chances of teeth moving back into their original position.
Tooth Extraction
Patients who fear the dentist often wait until they’re in pain and consider pulling the tooth out themselves. DON’T DO IT!
Tooth extraction is a form of oral surgery. Let a professional dentist analyze and make that decision, regardless of what the internet “professionals” say.
A dentist has the skills and education to determine if the tooth might be able to be saved.
If extraction is necessary, a professional dentist will have the right instruments, including numbing agents and dissolving stitches that make the process as simple and painless as possible.
The ADA discourages the use of direct to consumer dental products, including mouth guards, snoring appliances, teeth whitening trays, and bleaching products, partial dentures, veneers, and aligners.
According to ADA Dentist, Dr. Ruchi Sahota, “Visiting a dentist can also catch issues beforehand and ensure treatment doesn’t cause more problems than it cures.”
People considering DIY are usually looking for answers but don’t have a dentist they can speak with. Please give Richview Family Dentistry a call before trying any of these DIY products.
She has been a Registered Dental Hygienist for 19 years, with 10 of those years with Richview Family Dentistry! She and her husband, Matt, have two children, Connor and Victoria. When Michele is not working as a dental hygienist or busy with being a mom, fitness and running are her favorite pastimes. She is an active member of the 8TH District Dental Hygiene Association and the Clarksville Running Club.
Richview Family Dentistry wants to give you the skinny on how having cheese with your wine can protect your teeth
While it’s true that wine can be harmful to your teeth, the good news is that having a little cheese with your wine can actually protect your teeth.
The Bad News:
Red wine – Red wine is likely to leave dark stains or film on your teeth that will stain them quickly.
White wine – white wine has a higher acid content which slowly dissolves the enamel which is a more permanent stain caused by the slow erosion of the enamel.
Sparkling wine – It’s the bubbly that we really need to watch out for. Sparkling wines tend to have the highest acid content.
The Good News:
Eating cheese with your wine helps neutralize the acidity in the wine, protecting the enamel from erosion.
Eating cheese will cause calcium to build up on your teeth, as well as close the tiny micro-pores on the surface. Stick to hard cheese, since they have more calcium and are usually healthier.
BUT! – Don’t brush your teeth right after finishing a glass of wine. Brushing causes the enamel that has softened from the acid to be brushed away quicker.
INSTEAD – brush your teeth an hour or so BEFORE drinking.
Another solution is to drink Sparkling Water in between glasses of wine. Swish it around in your mouth and allow the bubbles to loosen up and scrub away the stain.
And one last tip is to eat Fiber. Foods with high fiber content, like broccoli, brussel sprouts, and potatoes help produce more saliva and the chewing will scrub away stains as you chew.
You protect your skin from the sun, but what about your teeth? Richview Family Dentistry has some tips about caring for your teeth in hot weather.
The Pool
Brush your teeth after swimming in a chlorinated pool. High chlorine levels can weaken your teeth.
Drink water!
Your saliva helps protect your teeth from decay and bad breath. Stay hydrated!
Mouthguard
Lots of outdoor sports are going on during the summer, so make sure you’re protecting your teeth from being damaged by a wayward ball or someone’s elbow.
Bottle caps
Do we really need to warn you against opening a bottle with your teeth? Sure, it’s fun to show off to your friends, but chipping a tooth could slow down your summer fun.
Smile!
Summer is the time to smile! Smiling reduces stress and helps your heart, so show those pearly whites. And if you don’t have “pearly whites”, come see us at #RichviewFamily.
Avoid sugary drinks and snacks. With the rising temperatures, it’s natural to want to quench your thirst. Just try to drink more water instead of sugary juices and sodas. Let your kids tell you when they’re hungry. Don’t offer sugary snacks. They’ll let you know when they want something to eat, but keep it healthy, like carrot sticks and fruit.
Stay On a Routine
No matter how busy your kids get over the summer months, make sure they stay in the routine of brushing for 2 minutes twice a day and flossing daily. Be sure your kids know the importance of flossing. Any child over 10 years old should know how to floss between any two teeth that touch. If your child needs help, try putting your hands over theirs to guide them and get the job done.
If it’s time for a check-up or cleaning, make an appointment now with Richview Family Dentistry. Call to make an appointment (931) 647-2243.
Richview Family Dentistry recommends brushing twice a day for 2 minutes for great oral health
The American Dental Association says you should be brushing for two minutes twice a day to boost your oral health. Science shows that if really can boost your oral health
Why brushing twice a day matters
Brushing your teeth is an important part of your dental care routine. Brushing helps remove plaque, which is a sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on your teeth. The bacteria in plaque produce acids that attack tooth enamel. When the enamel breaks down, that’s when cavities can form.
The ADA recommends:
Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled brush.
Replace your toothbrush every three or four months.
Make sure to use ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste.
They also recommend the proper brushing technique:
Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gums
Gently move the brush back and forth in short strokes
Brush the outer surfaces, the inner surfaces and the chewing surfaces of the teeth
To clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth, tilt the brush vertically and make several up-and-down strokes
Brushing is not the only way to have good oral health. Regular check-ups with your dentist and hygienist are also recommended.
Richview Family Dentistry offers cheers with your bubbly but tips for keeping your smile bright white.
Champagne and tooth discoloration
Although champagne is light in color, drinking champagne regularly can lead to tooth discoloration and stains. To avoid staining your teeth, consider drinking champagne with a straw. This will help the champagne bypass your front teeth and thus avoiding the potential for severe stains.
Champagne and tooth decay
Since there is sugar in champagne, it can contribute to tooth decay. As oral bacteria feed on sugars caught on the surface of the teeth, this can lead to the formation of cavities and the weakening of your teeth. Brushing and flossing is always a great way to prevent tooth decay, so after having champagne, brush and floss your teeth to avoid doing damage to the tooth enamel.
Champagne and dental erosion
The bubbles in champagne can also lead to problems with tooth structure. The carbonation creates a higher level of acidity in your mouth. When your oral pH is more acidic in nature, it can cause weakening and softening of the tooth enamel. This is known as acidic erosion or tooth erosion. To help reduce the acidity of your mouth, rinse your mouth out with water after having champagne.
If your teeth become stained or discolored, teeth whitening treatments can help. For severe stains that don’t respond to teeth whitening, porcelain veneers may be best. For tooth decay or damage done to the structure of teeth, it is always best to see your dentist as soon as possible to determine the best dental restoration.
If you need any of these services, make an appointment with Richview Family Dentistry. And don’t worry, we know how busy you’re going to be during the holiday, so we’ll send you a reminder. Call to make an appointment (931) 647-2243.
With the holiday season comes festive parties and sweet treats. Here are some tips for keeping your teeth clean and your breath fresh from Richview Family Dentistry.
Don’t deny your cravings but keep it in moderation. It’s time to splurge! But instead of the sticky, gooey, sugary treats, go for the cheese tray or the veggies tray.
Crunchy fruits and vegetables, especially carrots are a great choice, as are whole grain crackers.
Adult beverages are highly acidic which in time will wear away at your protective tooth enamel. To cut down on the acid, eat some cheese. That’s right.. The alkaline in the cheese neutralizes the acid in the beverage.
Drink clear liquids. Red wine and cranberry juice are both full of cancer-fighting antioxidants but both are potent tooth stainers. So opt for light colored or clear beverages.
Chew cinnamon gum. Cinnamon gum contains an ingredient called “cinnamon aldehyde,” which is the essential oil that hunts down and destroys cavity-forming bacteria. Cinnamon can also keep your breath fresher, longer especially after those garlic-laden dips.
Drink plenty of water. Water has so many benefits, especially during the holidays when you are out and about. Water keeps your skin fresh and hydrated but most importantly, water can clean away freshly formed bacteria from your teeth. It will also loosen that spinach left over from that delicious dip.
Stick to your daily oral health routine. Twice a day flossing, brushing and gargling. You may want to skip this daily routine during the holidays, but don’t!
Even if you’ve lost track of your brushing and flossing routine, you can make up for it with and after holiday cleaning from Richview Family Dentistry. But do it now because you know how busy you’re going to be during the holiday. Call to make an appointment (931) 647-2243
Richview Family Dentistry Wants To Help Your Child Maintain Healthy Hygiene Habits During The Halloween Season
Halloween is just around the corner, which means your kiddos will soon be busy building their stockpile with the bags full of free candy they’ll get from their hard work trick-or-treating. Although your kids might fall victim to those sweet treats, adults are at risk too! Dr. Wall and Dr. Sherrill want to help you keep your kid’s mouth and your mouth healthy during Halloween. Don’t get spooked at your next appointment, use these tips to help keep you smiling.
Timing is everything
Candy is hard to resist, especially during the Halloween season, so it’s best to eat candy and other sugary foods with meals. According to the ADA, saliva production increases during meals and will help cancel out acids produced by bacteria in your mouth, and it will help rinse away food particles.
Things to avoid
Snacking on candy throughout the day
Sticky treats
Sugary beverages
Hard candies
What can help
Drinking lots of water, brushing and flossing regularly and maintaining a healthy diet are all great ways to combat the effects of overindulgence in the Halloween candy bag. Another great way for parents to keep an eye on their children’s intake is to monitor their candy. Keep it hidden in a safe place and reward them with pieces after good behavior!
It’s important to monitor your child’s dental hygiene habits to help them establish a foundation of healthy practices. Brushing, flossing and regular check-ups are all part of a healthy smile! If you are unsure of kid-friendly and age-appropriate dental hygiene practices, Dr. Wall and Dr. Sherrill can help!
Contact Richview Family Dentistry at 931.647.2243 and schedule your appointment and your child’s next appointment today! Regular visits to your dentist can help prevent problems from occurring and catch those that do occur early when they are easy to “treat.”
Richview Family Dentistry Wants To Help Your Child Maintain Healthy Hygiene Habits
Summer is still in full swing, but fall is just around the corner! Don’t let the back-to-school season sneak up on you and your family. While back-to-school for most is a busy time full of school shopping and parent-teacher meet and greets, you should also include dental visits for your children on your to-do list! Keeping their mouths healthy and happy is essential for a productive school year. Here are some hygiene tips to keep your kids smiling all school year long!
Plan for appointments throughout the school year
Keep your child’s diet on track with healthy snacks
Practice good oral health at home
Plan for dental emergencies
Back-to-school dental appointments can fill up faster than usual for dentist offices, so be sure to make it a priority to get your child in for a check-up. Once you’ve got the back-to-school visit taken care of, go ahead and plan the rest of your child’s appointments in advance. That way, you are able to plan around them once their extracurricular activities begin, giving you one less thing to worry about!
One thing that will help your child’s visit go smoothly is keeping them on a healthy diet. Not many kids are a fan of the dentist, but having regular cleanings doesn’t have to be a scary thing! A healthy diet can help prevent cavities and plaque buildup. When packing your child’s lunch, remember to include things like fruits low in citrus, cheeses or almonds, and avoid juices/sports drinks that are high in sugar as well as sodas. When it comes to staying hydrated, water is always the best option!
Don’t forget: Good hygiene starts at home! Encourage your child to brush with you in the mornings until they are able to get on a schedule of their own. Some dental habits vary depending on the age of your child, so be sure to check and make sure they are getting age-appropriate oral care.
Lastly, be prepared for a dental emergency. While you’re at your child’s dental appointment, pick up your dentist’s business cards. Give these cards to your child’s teacher, or put in their backpack and carry one in a purse or wallet as well. Having the contact details for your preferred dentist on you at all times can give you some peace of mind if an oral emergency occurs.
Going back-to-school can be a hectic time for both children and parents, but with the help of these oral health tips, it should help make the process a little easier on everyone! Your child will be able to go back-to-school with confidence in their healthy smile!
Contact Richview Family Dentistry at 931.647.2243 and schedule your child’s back-to-school appointment today!
Richview Family Dentistry can give you more options when it comes to tooth replacements
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are metal posts or frames that are surgically positioned into the jawbone beneath your gums. Once in place, they allow your dentist to mount replacement teeth onto them.
How do Dental Implants Work?
Because implants fuse to your jawbone, they provide stable support for artificial teeth. Dentures and bridges mounted to implants won’t slip or shift in your mouth — an especially important benefit when eating and speaking. This secure fit helps the dentures and bridges — as well as individual crowns placed over implants — feel more natural than conventional bridges or dentures.
For some people, ordinary bridges and dentures are simply not comfortable or even possible, due to sore spots, poor ridges or gagging. In addition, ordinary bridges must be attached to teeth on either side of the space left by the missing tooth. An advantage of implants is that no adjacent teeth need to be prepared or ground down to hold your new replacement tooth/teeth in place.
To receive implants, you need to have healthy gums and adequate bone to support the implant. You must also commit to keeping these structures healthy. Meticulous oral hygiene and regular dental visits are critical to the long-term success of dental implants.
Endosteal implants — these are surgically implanted directly into the jawbone. Once the surrounding gum tissue has healed, a second surgery is needed to connect a post to the original implant. Finally, an artificial tooth (or teeth) is attached to the post-individually or grouped on a bridge or denture.
Subperiosteal implants — these consist of a metal frame that is fitted onto the jawbone just below the gum tissue. As the gums heal, the frame becomes fixed to the jawbone. Posts, which are attached to the frame, protrude through the gums. As with endosteal implants, artificial teeth are then mounted to the posts.
Top Oral Care Tips for implants
Most dental implants are successful, and there are a few steps you can take to help ensure success and make your implant last.
Practice good oral hygiene – brush twice a day and floss once daily. Using interdental brushes, brushes that slide between teeth can help clean the hard to reach areas around your implant.
Quit smoking – smoking can weaken the bone structure and can contribute to implant failure.
Visit your dentist – cleanings and exams every six months can help ensure your implant is in good condition, and that it stays that way.
Avoid chewing on hard foods – don’t chew on hard items such as ice and hard candy because they can break the crown and your natural teeth.
Experienced staff at Richview Family Dentistry
Both Dr. Nina Sherrill and Dr. Bill Wall are experienced in dental implants and can help you decide if implants are a good fit for your oral care.
Dr. Wall has 20 years of experience with dental implants, from single-tooth replacement to full-mouth restoration. In August of 2006, Dr. Wall was awarded a fellowship in the International Congress of Oral Implantologists.
If you want to find out if you’re a candidate for dental implants and want more information, make an appointment today at Richview Family Dentistry. We’re located at 2289 Rudolphtown Rd. Clarksville, TN 37040. Phone (931) 647-2243.
