Why It’s Important To Brush Your Teeth At Night

After a long day, you may consider skipping your nightly brushing routine and heading straight to bed instead. However, brushing your teeth every morning and every night is crucial to maintaining good oral health and protecting your teeth against decay, cavities, and other oral health problems. No matter how tired you may be, trust your dentist in Douglasville and take two minutes to clean your pearly whites. 

The Problem With Acid

Our mouths naturally produce acid constantly throughout the day and night. But thankfully, we have a built-in defense against acid — saliva. Saliva neutralizes these acids and rinses them away before they have a chance to wear down the protective layer of tooth enamel. Saliva production is more active during the day and is working overtime to destroy acid. But at night, saliva production slows down and can’t protect teeth against acid as well. However, brushing your teeth at night with fluoride toothpaste can create a layer of protection against these acids. 

Food Debris

Ideally, we eat at least three meals a day, and sometimes we snack in between meals. That means there are a lot of chances for food debris to get left behind at the end of the day. If they’re left alone, bacteria will feed on the food, which increases the chance of decay. Brushing your teeth at night can help remove food particles, stave off bacteria, and protect your teeth as you sleep. 

Protection Against Plaque

Plaque is the yellowish sticky stuff that adheres to the teeth. Regularly brushing and flossing can remove plaque and limit its ability to build up over time. When plaque isn’t removed, it can lead to tooth decay, cavities, and even gum disease. In fact, plaque build up is often the main cause of dental problems. Removing it each night can keep you from needing to see your dentist in Douglasville for treatment. 

Morning or Night: Which is More Important? 

Even though your dentist in Douglasville will always recommend that you brush your teeth twice a day, once in the morning and once a night, if you absolutely need to choose between the two, brushing at night is actually slightly more beneficial. Sticking to a regular brushing habit at bedtime removes food, acid, and bacteria that have built up throughout the day, protecting your teeth from cavities.   

Before you lay your head down on your pillow to sleep, make sure you take some time to brush your teeth properly. Choose a soft-bristled toothbrush, angle it at 45-degrees, and gently scrub each section of your mouth in tiny circular motions. It’s also important that you floss in between each and every tooth to remove any plaque, bacteria, or food debris that may be hiding.  

Besides brushing your teeth every night (and ideally every morning!), make sure you maintain regular appointments with your dentist in Douglasville. These checkups can remove any plaque that may have hardened into tartar and protect your teeth from oral health problems. 

What Does It Feel Like When A Filling Falls Out? 

More than 91% of the American adult population has had at least one cavity, and the most common treatment for a cavity is a super-strong dental restoration called a filling. However, no matter how tough a filling is, it can still come loose and fall out. But how do you know if you lost a filling and need to see a dentist in Douglasville? 

Pain & Sensitivity

While numerous things can contribute to tooth pain and sensitivity, one of the most common explanations for this type of discomfort is a lost filling. Hot or cold foods and drinks that cause zings of pain through your tooth could indicate that the protection of a filling is no longer there. If you’re ever experiencing tooth pain or hot-cold sensitivity, it usually means something isn’t right and that you should see your dentist as soon as possible. 

Feeling a Hole

Sometimes fillings fall out and you don’t even know it. This usually happens while eating, and you may not experience any pain but your tongue feels a sharp hole or indentation in your tooth. This is a key indicator that your filling is no longer there and that you need a replacement. 

Biting a Hard Crunch

As we’ve mentioned, losing a filling while eating is pretty common. If a filling falls out while you’re chewing you can actually bite down on it and feel a hard crunch. Now, tiny crunches happen while eating all sorts of food, so don’t panic. See if you can feel around for any holes. If you do, call your dentist in Douglasville. 

Food Gets Stuck

Food particles will always get stuck in between teeth and in the tiny crevices. But if you’re noticing a large amount of food buildup in an area that had a filling, you may have lost a filling without knowing it. 

Reduce Your Risk

Dental fillings are constructed of tough materials, but they aren’t invincible. They can weaken over time naturally or because of a bad bite, clenching, or grinding. However, many fillings fail due to the foods we eat. Chewy, sticky foods as well as hard, crunchy snacks such as popcorn and pretzels are some of the most common causes of loose or lost fillings. To reduce your risk of losing a filling, enjoy these types of foods in moderation, take good care of your teeth by brushing and flossing regularly, and wear your night guard if you’re prone to clenching or grinding while you sleep. 

If you think one of your fillings fell out, it’s crucial to schedule an appointment with your dentist in Douglasville as soon as possible. Early treatment can help save your tooth and prevent other problems from occurring.  

Are Sports Drinks Bad For Teeth?  

Sports drinks are the beverage of choice for many after exercise or spending a long day in the hot weather. While these electrolyte-packed drinks can help replenish the body with minerals lost through sweat, they can also be bad for teeth. Join your dentist in Douglasville as we take a look at how these beverages can cause irreversible damage to your teeth. 

This Time, It’s Not The Sugar

Some people choose to drink sports beverages in place of soda because they don’t contain as much sugar. Now, while it’s still very true that sugar can contribute to oral health problems, this time, we’re more concerned with the acid found in many sports drinks.  

Acidic foods and drinks damage tooth enamel, and once enamel is gone… it’s gone. This is concerning for your dentist in Douglasville. Tooth enamel serves as a layer of protection against bacteria, and without it, bacteria have full reign over your teeth. These bacteria will work their way into tiny crevices and feed on leftover food particles and sugars. They will then release acid as part of their digestion process. And the cycle repeats. More acid means more risk for enamel loss and more risk for dental problems. 

Cavities & More

Acid and bacteria are a recipe for decay and cavities. When a cavity is new, it’s usually easy to treat with a dental filling. However, if the decay is not treated by your dentist in Douglasville, it will continue to eat away at the tooth. Deeper areas of decay may require a root canal and perhaps a dental crown to stop the progression and save your tooth. But if not treated, an infection can develop, or the tooth may need to be extracted. 

Signs of a Cavity

Early treatment is the best way to protect your tooth and stop decay. If you notice any signs of a cavity, see your dentist in Douglasville promptly. Signs include: 

• Sensitivity to heat, cold, or sweets
• Discoloration 
• Toothaches
• Pain when biting
• Holes or pits on the tooth surface

The next time you’re looking to quench your thirst, we always recommend choosing water. However, if you need that extra level of hydration and electrolytes, try drinking your sports drink with a straw. This will help limit the amount of acid that comes in contact with your teeth. 

As always, brushing and flossing your teeth every day and seeing your dentist twice a year will also help protect your teeth and overall oral health. 

Why Are My Teeth Discolored? 

Discolored teeth are incredibly common, and your dentist in Douglasville talks to patients every day who are looking to improve the appearance of their teeth. While a less than dazzling smile can certainly hurt your self-confidence, is there a chance that tooth discoloration could also mean something more serious is going on? 

Causes 

There are numerous things that can contribute to tooth discoloration. Some are outside of our control, but there are also things we can control. And when we limit or remove those things from our lives, it can work wonders in transforming the color of our teeth. Let’s take a look at some of the most common causes of discoloration. 

• Foods & Drinks

Some of our favorite foods and drinks may be delicious to eat but leave stains behind on our teeth. Coffee, tea, red wine, and even pasta sauce can cause teeth to darken over time. To limit the effects, enjoy these staining foods in moderation or rinse your mouth with water after eating them. 

• Tooth Decay

One of the main reasons we brush and floss our teeth regularly is to remove bacteria and plaque buildup. If we don’t, they’re left behind and can easily cause damage. Bacteria in the mouth naturally release acid, and this acid can weaken enamel and increase the risk of decay. When the tooth enamel decays, the yellow innards of the teeth become more visible and make teeth appear dark. If the decay progresses it will lead to a cavity that can also be dark in color and require treatment from your dentist in Douglasville.

• Aging

There are a lot of great things about getting older. Tooth discoloration isn’t one of them. As we age, that protective enamel can become thin and once again show more of the yellowish layers underneath. 

• Nicotine

Nicotine products, including cigarettes, cigars, and chewing tobacco, contain staining agents that, over time, will stick to the teeth and become very difficult (if not impossible) to remove. 

• Old Dental Work

Thanks to advancements in technology, many of the old ways of doing dentistry have progressed. This includes things like fillings, crowns, and bridges. A lot of time, dental restorations can be made with white materials instead of metal that can quickly darken a smile. Talk with your dentist in Douglasville about any old dental work and ask about any new work to see if tooth-colored restorations are appropriate for you. 

Treatment

The best way to whiten your teeth depends on the cause, and not all treatments will work for each situation. This is why it’s important to meet with your dentist in Douglasville before beginning any tooth-whitening treatment, including over-the-counter whitening products. Some forms of cosmetic dentistry that can improve the color of teeth, include: 

• In-office professional smile whitening 
• Dental bonding
• Crowns
• Veneers 

You don’t have to live with a dull or discolored smile. Your dentist can help. Call to schedule an appointment today. 

Can Allergies Make Your Teeth Hurt? 

The season of spring is officially upon us. But that’s not the only season affecting us nowadays. It’s also allergy season. For many people, allergy season can be brutally annoying. The stuffy nose, the itchy eyes and throat, and the sneezing can make it hard to breathe. But did you know that allergies may also contribute to tooth pain and other dental problems? Let’s take a look at what your dentist in Douglasville has to say about allergies and your oral health. 

Congestion & Tooth Pain

Saying that allergies cause tooth pain can seem like a stretch, but your dentist in Douglasville knows just how true it can be. When you’re congested, such as when your allergies are in full bloom, your maxillary sinuses are packed with pressure. This can make your head or face feel full like a balloon. Your back molars may also experience some pain. Why does that happen? Well, since the roots and nerves of those back teeth are so close to the maxillary sinuses, sinus inflammation can put pressure on the nerves and cause discomfort. Unfortunately, dental concerns with allergies don’t end there. 

Stuffy Nose & Oral Health

The traditional side effects of allergies are annoying enough, but some secondary symptoms concern your dentist in Douglasville. One of the hallmarks of an allergy flare is a stuffy, drippy nose. A stuffy nose happens when there’s too much mucus production. While mucus is normal, too much of it can block up the nasal airways and make it hard to breathe out of the nose. As a result, allergy sufferers will start to breathe out of their mouths. Now, while this doesn’t seem like a big deal, chronic mouth breathing can contribute to some serious dental problems. 

Mouth Breathing & Dental Problems

We understand that you need to breathe, so if your nose is stuffed up and you need to breathe out of your mouth, that’s ok. But long-term mouth breathing can cause long-term problems. Mouth breathing tends to dry out salivary glands and leave the mouth feeling as dry as a desert, also appropriately known as dry mouth. Dry mouth is uncomfortable, but it can also put someone at risk for cavities, bad breath, and gum disease. You see, saliva is responsible for rinsing away bad breath and cavity-causing bacteria. Without it, these bacteria are left behind to attack tooth enamel. Bacteria are the main contributors to bad breath, cavity development, and gum disease. 

Treat Your Allergies, Save Your Smile

During allergy season, it’s important to treat symptoms as best as you can to avoid discomfort and protect your teeth from pain and the effects of mouth breathing. Find a medication that works for you and stick to it. You should also talk with your dentist in Douglasville about seasonal allergies or other allergies. 

Can Acid Reflux Make Your Teeth Hurt? 

Almost all of us are familiar with the discomfort and pain associated with acid reflux, also known as GERD, or commonly described as indigestion or heartburn. But can something that originates in the stomach and affects digestion also make your teeth hurt? Your dentist in Douglasville is here to tell you that yes, acid reflux can make your teeth hurt and can even cause irreversible damage to your pearly whites. 

Acid Reflux & Dental Health

Acid reflux, GER, GERD, heartburn, and indigestion are all similar in symptoms and are often used interchangeably to describe the same thing. Let’s get on the same page and refer to it as one thing in this blog — acid reflux. Acid reflux occurs when the stomach acids responsible for breaking down foods work their way up into the esophagus. The result is a burning, often painful sensation in the chest. But it can also affect the teeth. 

Acid is one of the most concerning things for your dentist in Douglasville. It can easily wear away at that super-strong protective layer of tooth enamel and leave teeth at increased risk of decay and cavities. If not caught early, the damage caused by acid reflux may be irreversible or difficult to treat. However, when your dentist identifies the damage early, your teeth may be treated with fillings, a crown, or bonding. 

Signs of Acid Reflux 

Many people can experience acid reflux differently, but some of the most common signs include: 

• Heartburn
• Bad breath
• Acidic taste in the mouth
• Difficulty swallowing
• Tooth sensitivity

It’s important to note that dental damage caused by acid reflux may not be noticeable, especially in the early stages. This is yet another reason why it’s so important to see your dentist in Douglasville regularly. 

How to Protect Your Teeth

If you have acid reflux, you may be thinking that it’s only a matter of time before the acid gets the best of your teeth. But that’s not necessarily true. There are many medications available that can help reduce how often you experience symptoms of acid reflux. A gastroenterologist can help you find the best one for you. Outside of medication, your dentist may recommend some other things you can do to protect your teeth against stomach acid, such as: 

• Avoiding acidic foods and drinks
• Limiting spicy or sour foods
• Chewing sugar-free gum 
• Brushing and flossing every day
• Swishing your mouth with water after eating
• Drinking plenty of water throughout the day
• Waiting an hour to brush your teeth after you eat or drink something acidic

As with many dental problems, early detection is key. Make sure you visit your dentist twice a year for checkups and cleanings so any potential problems can be treated early, when success is more likely, and when long-term damage is minimized. 

4 Things You Can Do If You’re Feeling Self-Conscious About Your Smile

Whether you have an important event coming up or you’re just tired of seeing your tired smile every day on work video calls, there’s a cosmetic dentistry solution for you. Thanks to advancements in technology, cosmetic dentistry is more affordable than ever before and is no longer only for celebrities. In fact, these treatments are some of the most commonly completed by your dentist in Douglasville. Don’t wait to get the smile of your dreams, check out a few easy ways you can transform your smile. 

What is Cosmetic Dentistry? 

According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, cosmetic dentistry is “dentistry aimed at creating a positive change to your teeth and your smile.” But that can mean different things to different people, which is why there are several different types of cosmetic dentistry solutions available in Douglasville depending on your specific needs and wants. 

• Smile Whitening – The most common type of cosmetic dentistry completed by dentists (and even sometimes by patients at home) is smile whitening. This treatment can whiten the appearance of teeth and create a dazzling white smile. However, not all smile whitening is created equally. Professional, in-office smile whitening with your dentist in Douglasville can transform your smile’s color in just one visit, whereas other methods take several treatments. Either way, we always recommend talking with your dentist before starting any smile whitening treatment to make sure it’s the right solution for you and that your teeth are healthy enough. Sometimes tooth stains are too deep and won’t be fixed by smile whitening alone. So, before you spend money on over-the-counter strips, make sure your type of tooth discoloration can be improved with whitening.
• Veneers – If traditional smile whitening treatments aren’t for you, don’t fret, we have other options – one of which is dental veneers. These thin pieces of porcelain can whiten teeth, cover up chips or breaks, and fill in gaps. They’re custom-created to seamlessly flow with your teeth and can transform your smile.  
• Bonding – Outside of discoloration, other cosmetic concerns may include chips, breaks, or gaps. When appropriate, dental bonding can be used to fix all of these ailments. Your dentist in Douglasville can complete a dental procedure quickly and easily and can give you a smile you’re confident about.  
• Smile Makeovers – Sometimes your dentist will recommend a combination of cosmetic dentistry services (and often restorative dentistry treatments) to achieve the smile you’re looking for. This is known as a smile makeover and can be life-changing. Your dentist will carefully plan the stages of your transformation and make sure you’re involved every step of the way. 

We don’t want anyone to feel self-conscious about their smile, and we’re always happy to help. If you’ve been hiding your smile, have an area that bothers you, or simply wish that something looked different, call to schedule a cosmetic dentistry consultation with us today! 

How to Tell If You Have Gingivitis

Nearly 50% of Americans over the age of 30 have some form of gum disease, also known as periodontal disease. You may also hear your dentist in Douglasville refer to gum disease as gingivitis. So what’s the difference between gum disease and gingivitis, and how can you tell if you have one or the other? 

A Glance at Gum Disease

Gum disease is an infection that affects the gums, but it can also travel throughout your bloodstream and cause health problems in other areas of the body. In fact, gum disease has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. There are actually three stages of gum disease including: 

• Gingivitis
• Periodontitis
• Advanced Periodontitis 

Each stage of gum disease progresses in severity, and the longer gum disease goes undetected and untreated, the more likely it is to lead to other problems. 

Early Diagnosis Is Key

When gum disease is caught in its earliest stage, your dentist in Douglasville will probably diagnose it as gingivitis. During this first stage, gingivitis can be treated and any damage that may have occurred can often be reversed. If gingivitis isn’t treated early, it can progress into periodontitis, lead to tooth loss, and create complications in both oral and overall health. 

Warning Signs of Gingivitis

Everyone should visit their dentist in Douglasville at least twice a year for checkups and cleanings. These important dental visits can catch any problems, including gingivitis, early. But it’s also crucial to pay attention to any changes in your oral health in between these appointments. Some of the most common signs of gingivitis are: 

• Bleeding gums (even when flossing!)
• Bad breath that doesn’t go away
• Swollen, puffy, painful gums
• Receding gums
• Dark red gums

If you notice any of the early warning signs of gingivitis, call to schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. 

Who Can Get Gingivitis? 

While anyone can get gingivitis, there are some things that can put someone at increased risk, such as: 

• Tobacco use
• Crooked teeth that are difficult to clean 
• Poor oral hygiene habits
• Chronic dry mouth
• Hormonal changes
• Age — older people are more likely to develop gum disease than younger people

Prevent Gingivitis, Protect Your Health

The best way to protect yourself from developing gingivitis in the first place is to take excellent care of your teeth. This means brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing once a day. You can also reduce your risk of gingivitis by adopting certain lifestyle habits such as drinking plenty of water, avoiding tobacco products, and eating a well-balanced diet that contains limited sugars. 

Any form of gum disease can seem scary, but if you catch it early treatment can be very successful. So if it’s been longer than six months since your last dental appointment, call your dentist in Douglasville to schedule a checkup today. 

Nutrition & Oral Health

Even though your dentist in Douglasville is all about keeping your mouth healthy, the truth is, proper nutrition and good oral health go hand-in-hand. This is why, during this National Nutrition Month, we want to do our part to raise awareness of the importance of eating right. 

On A Nutrition Mission

When it comes to nutrition and eating healthy, it can seem simple from the surface — don’t eat too much sugar, eat your vegetables, limit fast foods. But when taking a deeper look into what the experts recommend, it can get pretty complicated. After all, even the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) changed their recommendations twice since the Food Guide Pyramid was created in 1992. But healthcare professionals across the country, from dietitians to your dentist in Douglasville, are on a mission to make nutrition easier to understand. 

The truth is, not all of us need the same things in the same quantities. Like many things, nutrition is individualized and is based on a number of factors such as age, gender, height, weight, activity level, and underlying health concerns. The best way to find out your nutritional needs is to go to MyPlate and customize the best mix of dietary recommendations for you.

Eat Well, Smile Happy

We all know that what we eat can affect our overall health and either increase or decrease our risk for certain diseases and health concerns. But your dentist in Douglasville wants you to know that what you eat also affects your oral health. In fact, many of the types of foods that can negatively affect our overall health can do the same for our teeth and include:

• Sugary Sweets
• Carbohydrates
• Fatty Foods 
• Acidic Drinks

Foods or drinks that contain a lot of sugar, are high in carbs or fats, and foods and drinks that are acidic can damage tooth enamel and leave teeth exposed and at risk for decay. 

The Hidden Sugar Effect

Many patients know that your dentist in Douglasville will caution people about the risks of sugary foods. However, a lot of us aren’t aware of why your dentist may also tell you to take it easy on the carbs. Even though high-carb foods don’t taste sweet, they have something called “the hidden sugar effect” which breaks carbs down into simple sugars and can affect your teeth in a similar way as sugar-packed sweets. 

Foods For Teeth

When you’re planning your meals and snacks based on your MyPlate results, don’t forget to choose some foods that can help keep your teeth strong and decay-free. Some foods for teeth include: 

• Dairy products such as cheese, milk, and yogurt
• Crunchy vegetables like carrots and celery
• Lean meats and fatty fish
• Water

During this National Nutrition Month, find your ideal balance of the major food groups and try to fit your individual recommendations in each and every day. Eating a well-balanced diet can go a long way in helping your body, and your mouth, stay healthy. 

How Do I Know If Tooth Pain Is Serious?

Any type of ongoing tooth pain usually means something isn’t quite right. But does that mean every toothache requires a visit to your dentist in Douglasville? The short answer — probably. However, if your pain lasts for 2 or more days, isn’t reduced with painkillers, and is paired with swelling or a bad taste in your mouth, you need to get to a dentist.   

Understanding Different Types of Tooth Pain

Different types of tooth pain could indicate different types of problems, and it’s important to know what various feelings could mean. Being able to explain your pain to your dentist in Douglasville can help find the underlying cause and get you treated and out of pain quickly. The following pain descriptors are to be used for informational purposes only and should not be used to diagnose any problem. Always see your dentist. 

Dull, Chronic Ache

A constant, dull ache is the most common type of toothache and could be a sign of anything from a piece of food lodged in your gums or between your teeth to an abscess. This type of pain can also be a sign of tooth grinding. If not treated, grinding your teeth can lead to broken or chipped teeth and TMJ disorder. You may be able to get relief by gently flossing your teeth to remove a leftover food particle, but if that doesn’t work you should see your dentist for a more thorough evaluation. 

Hot/Cold Sensitivity

A lot of people have sensitive teeth, and sometimes it’s managed well by using the right toothpaste and regular cleanings. But extreme sensitivity to hot or cold things may also be a sign of something more serious. Tooth sensitivity that doesn’t go away after about 30 seconds could indicate gum disease, tooth decay, worn enamel, or fractured teeth. 

Thumping, Throbbing

Constant throbbing tooth pain can be a major distraction and keep you from doing other things such as working productively and sleeping. If it doesn’t go away it may be a sign of a cracked tooth, dying nerve, abscess or other infection, or an oral lesion. Call your dentist to find out and get relief. 

Sharp Pain 

A sharp, stabbing pain always requires a visit to your dentist and will most likely require some sort of restorative dentistry treatment. Sharp pain could mean you have a cavity, a cracked or broken tooth, or you have an old dental restoration such as a crown or filling that needs attention. 

As we mentioned before, any type of tooth pain typically means something isn’t right and you should see your dentist in Douglasville for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment plan sooner rather than later.