Tag Archives: Tooth Decay

Dakota Dental Announces Teeth Friendly Foods for Thanksgiving

Dakota Dental provides tips and teeth friendly food ideas for a perfect smile this Thanksgiving.

Apple Valley, MN, USA — Thanksgiving brings together families and favorite recipes and though Thanksgiving is known for its turkey, pumpkin pie, and stuffing, it’s important to still take care of your teeth. Dakota Dental provides some teeth friendly foods and helpful tips for taking care of your teeth while still being able to enjoy your favorite Thanksgiving dishes.

It’s well known that sugar isn’t great for teeth, but starches can be just as bad. Bacteria living in the mouth feeds off of starches and sugars sitting on teeth and the acidic byproduct from this bacteria is what causes the buildup of plaque and causes tooth decay. And research has shown that the combination of starch and sugar on teeth (like you would find in a piece of pumpkin pie) can compound the effects of decay.

There are some teeth friendly foods that you can add to your Thanksgiving menu that everyone can enjoy. For an appetizer, a tray of cheese cubes, raw veggies and mixed nuts are not only a healthy snack, but an option that helps with a healthy smile, too. Crunchy veggies and nuts can help scrub away plaque buildup; and the calcium and minerals found in nuts and cheese can help build up strong enamel, fortify the surface of teeth, and re-mineralize teeth.

Though it may be hard to fully deny having pie for dessert, offering an option of pears with a honey yogurt dip may help reduce serving sizes of pumpkin pie. Pears have been shown to neutralize acid on the surface of teeth, and a dip made of plain Greek yogurt, honey, and a dash of cinnamon provides calcium to strengthen teeth.

Research is also showing that cranberries and red wine might contain properties to help weaken the bacteria that is harmful for teeth; however, the sugary cranberries you eat on Thanksgiving might not be quite as beneficial.

Another important way to prevent cavities on teeth is by talking to the dentists at Dakota Dental about their preventative care program. Dakota Dental recommends that even if you indulge in plaque-building foods this Thanksgiving to make sure that you brush your teeth, or at least rinse your mouth with water, after the big meal to prevent bacteria from having their own feast. These simple preventative dental measures can make a big difference in your overall dental health.

Media Contact:
Dr. Shelley Wakefield
Dakota Dental
14682 Pennock Avenue
Apple Valley, MN 55124
952-431-5774
swakefield@dakotadental.com

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Dakota Dental Helps Children Go Back to School with the Basics of Dental Care

Dakota Dental encourages patients to establish a regular brushing and flossing routine as the school year gets underway.

Apple Valley, MN, USA — With students headed back to school, now is the perfect time to establish healthy habits into a family’s daily routine. If brushing and flossing habits have faded throughout the summer, the structure of a school routine may be just the thing to help build back the habit of taking care of your teeth.

While everyone knows the basics and the importance of dental health, some people may have trouble being consistent in their brushing and flossing. In addition to brushing teeth twice a day, patients should be sure to take their time to do a thorough job. Each brushing session should last about two minutes, but brushing harder does not mean brushing better. The ideal way to brush teeth is to hold the toothbrush at a slight angle and use short, light back-and-forth motions.

Changing out a toothbrush every three to four months is another key to having healthy teeth. If it’s been awhile since you’ve bought a toothbrush, the start of the school year is a good time to get everyone in the family new toothbrushes as well. Rinse out your toothbrush after each use and store it upright to allow it to air-dry to reduce germs.

Flossing every day is another important habit to embrace in order to have a healthy smile. Flossing reduces the likelihood of gingivitis by reducing plaque buildup and strengthening gums. It only takes a minute or two a day and is very inexpensive – making it a worthwhile habit to prevent tooth decay.

The Apple Valley dentists at Dakota Dental specialize in educating their patients about preventive dental care (http://www.dakotadental.com/general-dental-services/preventative-care-program/education) and giving practical advice about good oral health. As everyone gets back into the swing of the school routine, now is an ideal time to put these basics into practice and schedule your next dental appointment.

Dakota Dental offers children’s dental services and can help teach children the importance of regular brushing and flossing. The family dentists at Dakota Dental work with patients of all ages to ensure they have the best smile possible.

To make an appointment or for more information, contact Dakota Dental today.

Media Contact:
Dr. Shelley Wakefield
Dakota Dental
14682 Pennock Avenue
Apple Valley, MN 55124
952-431-5774
swakefield@dakotadental.com

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Dakota Dental Announces Timely Dental Services in a Relaxing Atmosphere

Dakota Dental provides information on what takes place during a typical exam to give patients peace of mind on what to expect at their visit.

Apple Valley, MN, USA — A patient’s first appointment at a new dental clinic can be filled with unknowns. To help alleviate those concerns, the family dentists at Dakota Dental communicate what happens in a typical appointment so patients know what to expect when they come for their dental visit.

The waiting room at Dakota Dental was designed specifically with their patients’ peace of mind as the priority. Comfortable leather furniture, an aviary with songbirds, and a fully stocked snack counter help to make patients feel comfortable from the moment they arrive. There is also a special play area for children with puzzles, books, and toys.

Following a short wait, a hygienist takes patients back to an exam room to go over any concerns patients may have with their teeth or overall dental health as well as review the patient’s medical history. They then check the patient’s vitals and begin the examination.

Hygienists examine teeth, checking for gum irritation or any signs of tooth decay. They remove any plaque or tartar buildup they find as well. After the examination portion of the appointment, the hygienist will polish and floss teeth. Depending on the patient’s history, they may also receive X-rays.

The dentist will come in and discuss with the hygienist anything found during the exam and cleaning, and will look over the patient’s teeth and X-rays. If any further steps are necessary for treatment, such as needing a cavity filling, a discussion will take place and a treatment plan will be made. At the conclusion of the appointment, the patient is led back out to the front office to set up their future or follow up appointments.

The dentists at Dakota Dental, Dr. Shelley Wakefield and Dr. Bennett Isabella, are both highly qualified dentists that are passionate about making preventative dental care and taking care of your teeth as easy and stress-free as possible. They believe that dental awareness and good oral health not only make their patients’ visits to the dental office less stressful, but also supports their dental health for the long-term.

Contact Dakota Dental to make an appointment or ask any questions on what to expect during an appointment.

Media Contact:
Dr. Shelley Wakefield
Dakota Dental
14682 Pennock Avenue
Apple Valley, MN 55124
952-431-5774
swakefield@dakotadental.com
http://www.dakotadental.com

Dakota Dental Announces Teeth-Friendly Foods for the Super Bowl

Dakota Dental offers practical tips on how to avoid sugary pitfalls at Super Bowl parties.

Apple Valley, MN, USA — The Apple Valley dentists at Dakota Dental know that maintaining good oral health can be a challenge, especially when surrounded by sweet treats during a big get-together, like at the Super Bowl. To make taking care of your teeth easier, it helps to go in to a gathering like the Super Bowl with a game plan in mind to help make healthy and teeth-friendly choices.

In moderation, these snacks will help maintain healthy teeth and keep football fans away from other, more damaging foods.

Sides like a jalapeño dip or hummus are not only low-sugar simple options, but eating them with vegetables is a smart tooth-friendly solution. Raw vegetables help to build strong teeth and can help prevent gingivitis. Raw veggies, as well as hummus, are also more filling snacks, reducing the temptation to go for those high-sugar snacks.

Meat and cheese trays are another good option. Again, they are filling choices; cheese also contains calcium, which can prevent tooth decay, and casein, a protein which helps protect the surface of your teeth.

However, be careful eating these with breads, crackers, and chips – these foods can stick to teeth, encouraging bacterial growth. Rinsing your mouth with water or brushing your teeth as soon as you can will decrease bacterial growth. If you do indulge in sugary snacks or sodas, even a simple rinse with water afterwards can rid the surface of your teeth of those damaging sugars and acids, diminishing the harm they do to your teeth.

Dakota Dental offers many general dental services to help prevent, or help repair, damage to your teeth. The dentists at Dakota Dental have extensive experience with fillings, sealants, and gum disease treatments. They also have a top-of-the-line dental preventative care program, which includes regular cleanings and checkups, and additional tips and recommendations for keeping your teeth healthy. The dentists at Dakota Dental can also help with teeth whitening or any other dental health issues you may have.

Contact Dakota Dental for more tips to have healthy teeth, or to make an appointment today.

Media Contact:
Dr. Shelley Wakefield
Dakota Dental
14682 Pennock Avenue
Apple Valley, MN 55124
952-431-5774
swakefield@dakotadental.com
http://www.dakotadental.com

Take Care of Tooth Caries, Tooth Decay or Cavities and Avoid Bigger Problems

San Diego, CA – (4/4/11): Dream Smile San Diego dentist office specializes in cosmetic dentistry, general dental services and emergency dental services in San Diego, Pacific Beach, La Jolla, Del Mar, Ocean Beach and Clairemont.

Dreamsmile San Diego dentist says: If your teeth are sensitive to sweet foods or hot and cold temperatures, don’t put off a visit to your dentist and don’t want wait till the cavity gets larger. Postponing a visit to a dental office will cause bigger problems.

Dental caries is the medical term for tooth decay or cavities. They are caused by acid erosion of tooth enamel.

Many different types of bacteria normally live in the mouth. They build up on the teeth (along with saliva, bits of food and other natural substances) in a sticky film called plaque.

Some of the plaque bacteria convert sugar and carbohydrates (starches) in the foods we eat into acids. These acids dissolve minerals in the surface of the tooth. This erodes the enamel or creates pits in it that are too small to see at first. But they get larger over time.

The damage can occur anywhere the tooth is exposed to plaque and acid. This includes the hard outer enamel on the tooth crown or parts of the root that have been exposed because of receding gums. Once decay penetrates the protective enamel, it can enter the softer, vulnerable dentin. This is the main body of the tooth. A cavity can even penetrate the soft tooth pulp and the sensitive nerve fibers within it.

No one really knows what causes the pain people get with cavities. Theories include inflammation caused by bacteria, exposure of the root surface and imbalance of fluid levels in tiny openings called tubules inside the dentin.

Dr. Zerafat, San Diego dentist says: “Early caries may not have any symptoms. Later, when the decay has eaten through the enamel, the teeth may be sensitive to sweet foods or to hot and cold temperatures.”

Your San Diego dentist will look for dental caries at each office visit. This will be part of the exam, whether it’s a routine visit or an appointment made because of pain. The dentist will look at your teeth and will probe them with a tool called an explorer to look for pits or areas of damage. X-rays will be taken on a set schedule, or if the dentist suspects hidden caries.

The standard treatment for a cavity is to fill the tooth. San Diego dentist, Dr. Zerafat will remove the decayed material in the cavity and fill the cavity with a filling. Dental fillings are usually made of dental amalgam or composite resin. Gold inlay may be used if greater strength is needed, but this is more expensive.

If a cavity is large, the remaining tooth may not be able to support the amount of filling material that would be needed to repair it. In this case, the dentist will remove the decay, fill the cavity, and cover the tooth with an artificial crown.

Sometimes the part of the tooth you can see remains relatively intact, but there is damage inside the tooth. In these cases, the dentist may refer you to a dental specialist called an endodontist for root canal treatment. The endodontist removes the tooth’s pulp and replaces it with an inert material. In most cases, after a root canal treatment, the tooth’s natural crown will need to be replaced with an artificial crown.

If you have tooth pain or are sensitive to sweet foods or to hot and cold temperatures, go see your San Diego dentist immediately and take care of tooth caries, tooth decay and tooth cavities before the problem gets worse.

SanDiegoDreamSmile.com provides information about San Diego dentists who are experts in general dentistry and emergency dental such as tooth caries, tooth decay, tooth cavities gum and tooth extraction to relieve your dental pain.

For more details visit: http://www.sandiegodreamsmile.com

Dream Smile Dentist San Diego
Dr. Fray Zerafat DDS
4501 Mission Bay Drive, Suite 2E
San Diego, CA 92109
California
http://www.sandiegodreamsmile.com
Phone: 858-270-6626
Email: fray@sandiegodreamsmile.com