Category: General and Preventive Dentistry

Do you feel like your breath isn’t what it used to be? Or maybe you notice that those around you have bad breath from time to time, and you don’t want to offend them. Either way, National Fresh Breath Day — August 6th — is the perfect day to learn how to freshen your breath and keep it healthy all year long! Here are 5-tips from your dentist in Holland on how to keep your breath smelling great.

1. Take Care of Your Teeth & Gums

The first step to getting and keeping fresh breath is to take care of your oral health by brushing and flossing your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes. And don’t forget to gently brush your tongue, too! Thoroughly cleaning your mouth each morning and every night helps remove bad breath bacteria and can even reduce the risk of gum disease. In fact, gum disease is the second most common source of bad breath.

2. Eat Healthier Foods

Eating a balanced diet is one of the best ways to improve your breath. Processed, sugary foods can leave you with bad breath because they feed bacteria in your mouth and produce acids that cause tooth decay and plaque buildup. Instead, choose raw fruits and veggies. 

3. Drink Water

Drinking water keeps your mouth and throat hydrated, so it helps wash away food particles and bacteria. Water is also essential for thinning your saliva. Saliva is a natural defense against germs, but it can get thick from dehydration, which leads to higher levels of bacteria in your mouth. Take long sips throughout the day or even drink water in between meals. Your dentist in Holland recommends drinking 6 to 8 eight-ounce glasses of water every day.

4. Stop Smoking

Smoking cigarettes can automatically make breath smell simply because of the way cigarettes smell. But that’s not the only reason. The smell of cigarettes can linger around long after you’re done smoking because it gets trapped in your mouth. Smoking also causes dry mouth and can increase the likelihood of developing gum disease, both of which are common causes of bad breath. 

5. See Your Dentist in Holland

Regular visits to your dentist help catch issues before they become serious and allow a chance for your hygienist to give you a deep, professional cleaning. These cleanings help remove bacteria or plaque buildup that you can’t tackle at home and may be contributing to bad breath. These same bacteria may also increase your risk of cavities or gum disease later on down the line if left unchecked and uncleaned by a hygienist.

You might think that vaping is a safe alternative to smoking — and you wouldn’t be alone. Many former smokers, and even never-smokers, are turning to electronic cigarettes as a safer smoking option. But just how much safer is vaping than cigarettes? As it turns out, not much safer at all. Vaping poses some of the same health concerns as traditional tobacco, and, as your dentist in Holland knows, some similar oral health problems, too. 

Health Concerns Associated With Vaping

Believe it or not, vape pens or e-cigarettes debuted in the United States all the way back in 2007, but they seemed to pick up in popularity in recent years. Many people choose vaping over smoking cigarettes for a variety of reasons, such as: 

• To help them quit smoking
• Recreation
• Bypass smoking rules
• Belief that vaping is safer

However, research shows that vaping can result in similar health problems as smoking including, but not limited to, an increased risk of pneumonia, rapid heart rate, congestive heart failure, and stroke. 

Oral Health Concerns Associated With Vaping

Similarly to the overall side effects of vaping, there are oral health dangers behind the use of e-cigarettes. 

• Dry Mouth

Dry mouth is one of the most common side effects of vaping. While this doesn’t seem like a very serious problem, it can actually cause more than simple discomfort. Vaping liquid contains an ingredient called propylene glycol, which is one of the most common ingredients found in vaping liquid. This ingredient can cause a mouth to dry out, resulting in bad breath. It can also damage tooth enamel which increases the likelihood of decay and gum disease, both of which will require early intervention from your dentist in Holland to treat successfully. 

• Cavities

The list of dangerous ingredients doesn’t end with propylene glycol. The sweet flavor of many e-liquids can be attributed to something called vegetable glycerin. If there’s one ‘good’ thing about this vape ingredient is that researchers believe that it doesn’t cause cavities. However, if it’s mixed with flavoring, as it is with many e-liquids, it can erode enamel and make it easier for bacteria to stick to teeth. Without enamel and with a surplus of bacteria, the result is often cavities. 

• Gum Disease

E-cigarettes contain nicotine, although usually not as much as cigarettes. This is one reason why many people try to use vaping as a way to quit smoking. But, nicotine has been well researched in the dental community and is known to negatively affect gum tissue and increase the risk of gum disease. If not treated quickly, gum disease can become irreversible and lead to tooth loss, as well as health problems such as heart disease. 

Kick The Habit

Even though one of the main reasons people pick up a vape pen in the first place is to help them stop smoking, there’s no conclusive evidence that this strategy works. In fact, some studies show that vaping has the opposite effect and makes people less likely to quit. Instead of turning to the vape pen, try some proven ways to kick the habit once and for all. The American Lung Association is a great resource for smokers who want to quit. Keep in mind, quitting can be difficult, and not one tactic works for everyone. Don’t give up. 

Your dentist in Holland is here to help keep you healthy, whether you smoke e-cigarettes, traditional cigarettes, or neither. The most important thing to remember is to get a dental checkup at least twice a year. These appointments allow your dental team to keep a close eye on your oral health and intervene quickly if problems arise. 

The American Dental Association, along with your dentist in Holland, recommends brushing your teeth for at least two minutes, twice a day, every day. However, many people don’t brush their teeth as often as they should. This can increase the risk of developing some serious oral problems. 

1. Cavities

The most common oral health problem that can happen when you don’t brush your teeth regularly is cavities. Cavities occur when the bacteria in your mouth feed on food debris and release acid. This acid can wear down tooth enamel and decay teeth. The result? A brand new cavity. If treated by your dentist in Holland quickly, a cavity is often an easy fix. However, if the cavity becomes too large and affects the inner workings of the tooth, you may need a root canal or additional treatment.  

2. Bad Breath

Another likely side effect of not brushing your teeth is bad breath. The same bacteria that cause cavities can also carry a pretty pungent smell, and the more bacteria there are, the worse the smell. One of the best ways to avoid bad breath is to brush your teeth twice a day. 

3. Gum Disease

Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is an infection of the gum tissues. It’s often caused by poor oral hygiene habits, such as not brushing your teeth or flossing as often as you should. When you don’t brush regularly, plaque builds up on teeth, can harden into tartar, and provide a nice environment for bacteria to thrive. These bacteria can work their way into your gums and cause an infection. Gum disease can be treated if caught early, but if it’s left alone too long it can contribute to other health problems such as heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. 

4. Tooth Loss

Untreated gum disease is scary enough since it can lead to other problems throughout the body. However, to make matters worse, gum disease can also lead to tooth loss. Losing natural, adult teeth can mean even more oral health and overall health problems. A jaw bone can deteriorate, chewing power becomes limited, and self-confidence lowers. Thankfully, there are ways to replace teeth such as dentures, dental implants, or even implant-retained dentures. 

We understand that it can be easy to skip brushing your teeth, especially if you’re running late in the morning or are extremely tired at night. However, we always recommend doing everything you can to get a thorough brush in both morning and night. Additionally, we encourage you to see your dentist in Holland every six months for regular checkups and cleanings. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 90% of American adults have had at least one cavity in their lifetime. Most of the time, these cavities will be fixed with a filling from your dentist in Holland. While dental fillings are tough restorations, there is a chance that they can fail or fall out. So what do you do if you lose a filling? 

Lose a Filling? Don’t Panic. 

If you lose a filling, don’t panic. Oftentimes it can be fixed quickly and easily by your dentist in Holland. There are also several steps you can take prior to your appointment to help ease any discomfort and protect your teeth. 

1. Loose Fillings

First, let’s talk about what to do if your filling is loose but hasn’t yet fallen out on its own. If your filling comes loose, we always recommend removing it as soon as possible as long as you can do without tools. Loose fillings can wiggle out on their own, putting you at risk of swallowing choking. 

2. Schedule An Appointment, Take Precautions

As soon as you realize that you’ve lost a filling or that one is about to come out, schedule an appointment with your dentist in Holland. Prior to your visit, there are few things you should do to protect your tooth from harmful bacteria settling into the crevice. 

• Brush your teeth gently
• Rinse your mouth with water
• Use over-the-counter pain medication to ease discomfort
• Be wary of temporary dental cement — it could make problems worse

3. Eat Wisely

We use our teeth every single day to help chew our foods, but if you lose a filling, this can be a bit difficult. Before you get your filling, make sure to steer clear of sticky, sugary foods that can get stuck in the old filling area. Also, be cautious with hot or cold foods as the area may be extra sensitive. 

Signs of a Lost Filling

Knowing the signs of a lost filling can help you seek treatment quickly. Some signs include: 

• Feeling a hole in your tooth
• Sensitivity
• Food buildup in a tooth with a restoration
• Crunching down on a hard particle while eating 

It’s always best to see your dentist as soon as you can if you lose a filling or think one is about to fall out. Early treatment is the best way to fix a filling before other problems have a chance to develop. Remember, these tips above are only suggestions for temporary relief and not a permanent solution. Schedule an appointment with your dentist in Holland to get your tooth fixed properly.

If you notice that your teeth aren’t quite as white as they used to be, or if there’s a sudden appearance of brown, yellowish, or black spots, you have every right to be concerned. After all, we all want to have bright, white smiles we’re proud to show off. But if your smile is less than its ideal shade of white, your dentist in Holland can help. 

What Causes Tooth Staining? 

Before we can dive into ways to fix a dull or discolored smile, we need to understand what caused it in the first place. There are several lifestyle factors, as well as health conditions, that can contribute to tooth discoloration. The root cause varies from person to person, and the treatment will differ as well. So let’s take a look at some of the most common things that can cause teeth to darken. 

• Lifestyle Factors

Perhaps the most common reasons behind a change in tooth color are things we do in our lives every day. The foods we eat, the medicines we take, and the habits we may have all play a role in tooth discoloration. For example, red wine drinkers may experience darkening of the teeth because of the staining properties in the wine itself. What’s more, is that everyday things such as a morning cup of tea or coffee and certain medications can also cause discoloration. Lastly, those who use tobacco products are more likely to not only have tooth staining but also additional dental concerns that will require treatment from your Holland dentist.  

• Dental Health Contributors

However, it’s not always a lifestyle factor that leads to tooth discoloration. Overall oral and overall health complications can also darken teeth. There are various health conditions that can cause this including:

• Poor dental hygiene
• Dental materials such as amalgam or metal fillings
• Sudden trauma to the face or teeth
• Genetics
• Aging
• Certain diseases and their treatments such as cancer radiation

Color Variations Can Be Normal 

It’s important to note that each person’s natural tooth color varies, so don’t base your smile on what you see in others. If your regular checkups with your dentist in Holland are always good and there are no signs of trouble, you may just have naturally darker teeth. However, if it bothers you, your dentist can recommend smile whitening treatments to help transform your look. Some forms of cosmetic dentistry that can whiten teeth include: 

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

Not all treatments are appropriate for each case, so talk with your dentist about the best way to whiten your smile.

If you’re concerned about the way your smile looks and are searching for ways to get whiter teeth, talk with your dentist in Holland. It’s especially important to have this discussion prior to starting treatment on your own such as over-the-counter whitening treatments. 

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 Holland 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 Holland 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 Holland. 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 Holland about seasonal allergies or other allergies. 

Acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD, is an incredibly common problem associated with the digestion process. So why in the world is your dentist in Holland writing about something that’s typically seen as a stomach problem? The truth is, acid reflux can wear down tooth enamel and increase the risk for decay.

What Is GERD? 

Acid reflux is that uncomfortable burning sensation that some people experience after eating. Usually, it’s described as chest pain or heartburn. But what’s really happening is stomach acid is moving up into the esophagus, creating that burning sensation. When this happens periodically, it’s known as gastroesophageal reflux (GER). If it occurs more than twice a week over the course of several weeks it may be a sign of GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease. 

How Does Acid Reflux Affect Teeth 

We’ve already noted that acid reflux can wear down tooth enamel and increase the risk of tooth decay, but there are other ways acid reflux can affect your teeth. As your dentist in Holland knows, acid is one of the worst things for teeth and can lead to a whole host of dental problems including bad breath and tooth sensitivity. In fact, the sensitivity can be so bad that it can keep people from brushing their teeth. However, it’s crucial that those with acid reflux brush twice a day. Using a soft toothbrush and toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth can help reduce discomfort.  

Tips to Protect Your Teeth

If you have GERD or even occasional acid reflux, there are things you can do to protect your teeth from the damaging effects of the acid. The best place to start is to talk to a gastroenterologist to help get your symptoms under control. They may recommend shifts in your diet or habits such as: 

• Avoiding acidic foods and drinks
• Limiting spicy foods
• Eating smaller meals
• Quitting smoking

Then, your dentist in Holland can recommend additional ways to keep your teeth healthy and protected. Some of these recommendations may include: 

• 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
• Brush and floss your teeth every day

Now, even though it’s important for everyone to see the dentist at least once every six months, it’s even more important for those who suffer from acid reflux. Oftentimes, patients are unaware of the damage happening to their teeth until it’s too late. Your dentist will be able to catch any problems early and recommend the best treatment option for you. 

If it’s been longer than six months since you’ve had a dental checkup or cleaning, we welcome you to call us to schedule an appointment today.

Gingivitis is a form of gum disease that affects nearly 75% of Americans at some point in their lives. Usually, when gum disease is caught in this stage it can be treated and any damage can be reversed. But if it’s left alone it can quickly progress into more severe stages of gum disease and actually affect your overall health. In fact, research shows that more serious forms of gum disease can lead to tooth loss, heart disease, and stroke. This is one reason why it’s so important to see your dentist in Holland at least every six months. 

Gum Disease, Gingivitis, and Periodontitis

Let’s start by quickly taking a look at the confusing world of gum disease. Gum disease is a term used to describe an infection in the gums. However, not all forms of gum disease are the same. There are three stages of gum disease: 

• Gingivitis — The first and mildest stage of gum disease.
• Periodontitis — The second stage of gum disease. Damage that occurs here can’t be reversed. 
• Advanced Periodontitis — The most severe stage of gum disease which can lead to tooth loss. 

What Causes Gingivitis?

Everything has to begin somewhere, and gum disease begins with gingivitis. This early stage of gum disease occurs with too much plaque builds up on teeth and up under the gums. Plaque, which occurs naturally in the mouth, is a sticky film that adheres to the teeth. Usually, it can be removed by brushing and flossing. However, when it’s not removed, the bacteria found in plaque can wiggle into the gum tissue and cause an infection. There are several things that increase someone’s risk of gingivitis including: 

• Poor dental hygiene
• Tobacco use
• Chronic dry mouth 
• Hormonal changes
• Crooked, hard-to-clean teeth

If you notice any signs of gingivitis, schedule an appointment with your dentist in Holland as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to successfully treating gingivitis before it can progress into more severe forms of gum disease. 

Signs of Gingivitis

What makes gum disease so hard to detect, especially in the early form of gingivitis, is that sometimes there are no symptoms. This is why it’s so important to see your dentist in Holland at least every six months for checkups. Your dental team can catch what you may not see and get you treatment early. However, when there are signs of gingivitis, you may notice: 

• Bleeding while brushing or flossing
• Bad breath
• Receding gums
• Red, swollen, painful gums

Treating Gingivitis 

As we’ve mentioned, treating gingivitis early is key to successfully reversing the disease and any damage it may have caused. This may include a deep cleaning from your dental hygienist and/or the use of prescription medications. It’s important to know that gingivitis can’t be treated at home and requires a dental professional. 

We welcome you to call us to schedule an appointment if you’re overdue for a dental checkup or suspect you may have gum disease. We’re here to help. 

It’s no secret that your dentist in Holland isn’t a big fan of sugar. After all, this sweet ingredient can feed mouth bacteria and increase the risk of decay. But what does it mean when your teeth hurt while enjoying the occasional sweet treat? This type of tooth discomfort is just one example of tooth pain that patients can experience. Knowing what different toothache sensations could mean can help you get the right treatment… at the right time. 

A Word of Caution

Keep in mind, the information in this blog is only a guide and is not an official diagnostic tool. You should always schedule an appointment with your dentist in Holland when you’re experiencing any pain or discomfort so you can be sure to get the best dental care for your specific needs.

If You’re Feeling… Sensitivity to Sugar

The tooth sensitivity to sugar we mentioned earlier is probably a good indicator of tooth decay. Your dentist can help diagnose this with a thorough exam and some x-rays. Depending on the size and severity of the decay, it may be treated with a filling, inlay or onlay, or perhaps a root canal and dental crown. 

If You’re Feeling… Tooth Pain that Radiates

Tooth pain that seems to move around or radiate to other parts of the mouth could be a sign of a few different things including an abscess, cracked tooth, or TMJ disorder. Treatment will depend on the findings of a dental exam and x-rays and may include TMJ treatment, a dental restoration, a root canal, or an extraction. 

If You’re Feeling… Zings of Pain

One of the most common types of tooth pain patients complain about is zinging pain. This quick burst of shooting pain is a potential sign of several dental problems. Painful zings can be a result of TMJ disorder, a cracked tooth, an infection, or something stuck in the gums. 

If You’re Feeling… Throbbing Pain

Throbbing pain is often described as a thumping or similar to a heartbeat, and like every other toothache, it could mean any number of things. Throbbing tooth pain can be a symptom of a cracked tooth, dying nerve, abscess or other infection, an oral lesion, or an object stuck in the gums.  

As you can see, there are multiple explanations for each type of tooth pain. This is why it’s so important to get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. 

If you’re experiencing a toothache, call your dentist in Holland to schedule an appointment. We’ll help uncover the underlying cause of your pain and work with you to get you back to smiling comfortably in no time.