Category: Holland Dentist

We’re all familiar with the thought that it’s a fashion faux pas to wear white after Labor Day. While we’re not fashion experts, at my dental office in Holland, we tend to disagree with this rule. Here, white smiles are always in style and we’ve got some tips on how you can get yours brighter and keep it that way.

Whether it’s because of what you drink, habits you have, or time itself, there are plenty of things that can make your white smile fade and become dull. The good news is that it’s easily fixed by whitening. There are many options available to help you get a whiter smile, but your best choice is by going to your Holland dentist for a professional whitening. Not only are the trays that are used custom-fit to you, which means no solution gets on your gums and causes damage, the solution itself is stronger than the kind you can find in the drugstore. Additionally, your dentist can help you get your ideal shade of white without over-bleaching.

Once your professional whitening is completed, there are several things you can do to help keep your smile in just-whitened condition.

Eat a Healthy Diet

We all know that sugar is bad for your teeth as it increases your risk of tooth decay. But what some may not know is that decay can discolor your teeth and make them appear dull and dingy. In order to keep your smile white, eat less of the sticky, sweet foods and more of the crunchy vegetables. It’s also important to know which foods can contribute to staining and to avoid those as much as you can. Berries, coffee, tea, wine, and tomato sauce can all cause your smile to fade, so eat them in moderation. If you have to enjoy a soda or coffee, try drinking it with a straw as it helps keep the staining agents away from the surfaces of your teeth.

Don’t Use Tobacco

Tobacco not only causes some scary health problems, it can also cause yellowing of teeth, not to mention serious oral health problems like gum disease and oral cancer. Whether it’s chewed or smoked, tobacco is just not good for any part of your body. It’s better for your smile, and your overall health, if you just don’t do it.

Brush & Floss

You should already be brushing twice a day and flossing once, but if you’re striving to keep your smile white, it’s really important that you continue to do so. Brushing and flossing helps remove plaque which can actually cause stains to linger around and get stuck on the teeth.

See Us Often

By keeping up with your appointments to my Holland dental office, you can make sure your smile is healthy overall… and a healthy smile often means a white smile. At these appointments, we can also check in on how your whitening is holding up and see if you may need a little touch up. If you follow the tips above, touch ups should be minimal and your smile can keep on shining.

Serving patients in Holland, Saugatuck, and Zeeland.

Visiting the dentist is never at the top of anyone’s fun list; and we’ll be honest, sometimes it hurts our feelings. There are some top reasons people avoid going to the dentist, but no matter what your reason for not keeping your appointments at my dental office in Holland, we’ll be happy to reassure you that you’re coming to the right place and that we’re here to help you.

Dental Phobia

Some people are scared of spiders, others of clowns or snakes. There are even people with an incredibly real fear of the dentist. Dentophobia, or fear of dentists, plagues an estimated 75% of the population and ranges from mild to severe. This fear can result in some scary health concerns too. Since those with a high level of fear completely avoid the dentist, they’re never checked for oral cancer, gum disease, or potential problems that can lead to whole-body issues like heart disease, strokes, and many other dangerous and scary complications.

Worry About Pain

When we talk about treatment options at my Holland dental office, we’re always asked, “Is it going to hurt?” The short answer is that modern dentistry and advancements in technology have made it easier to manage pain. Of course, the more detailed answer is found in the way we treat our patients. All of our care is designed to make you comfortable and relaxed, and our technology makes your treatments easy and virtually pain free. If you are still worried that your treatment will hurt, just talk to us about it. We’ll discuss the procedure in detail and get you completely comfortable before we begin.

The Sounds

Some of the most up-to-date technology allows for easier, pain-free treatments. But they can still sound scary. Whether we’re filling a cavity or preparing you for a crown, the noise of the drill and other tools can be loud and instill fear. The fear is often escalated when an instrument is in your mouth as it sounds even louder than if you hear it outside of your mouth. While the tools may sound like they’re surely going to hurt, we can promise you that they won’t.

There are many reasons people avoid the dentist, and we’ve only touched on a few. But even if your reason for avoiding a visit to my dental office in Holland isn’t listed, please know that we’re hear to listen and we definitely won’t judge. Our goal is to make seeing us comfortable so we can work together to get and keep your smile healthy.

Serving patients in Holland, Saugatuck, and Zeeland.

We talk a lot during your visits to my Holland dental office – about your kids, your job, your spouse, and your teeth – but sometimes we have even more to say and not enough time to say it! So I’ve decided to put the most important things we want our patients to know right here.

Your Mouth is the Window to Your Body

While your eyes may be the window to your soul, your mouth is the window to your whole body. There is a very strong connection between your oral health and your systemic health, or whole body health. In fact, disease in your mouth puts you at greater risk for heart disease, stroke, and disease of your brain, liver, pancreas and so much more. On the other hand, a healthy mouth is linked to a longer, healthier life. This is why keeping up with your appointments at my dental office in Holland is so important.

Stop Blaming Your Bad Breath on the Garlic

Bad breath can result from an especially garlicky bowl of pasta or pizza, but bad breath that’s consistent could be the result of a dental problem like gum disease, dry mouth, or a poor hygiene routine. If any of those are the reason for your bad breath, mouthwash, mints, gum, and other breath freshening techniques only temporarily mask the problem while the true issue is still lingering in your mouth, potentially causing damage and serious concerns. Proper brushing and flossing can help beat bad breath but if it doesn’t go away, it’s important to call us as soon as you can.

Ignoring a Dental Problem Will Not Cause it to Go Away

Issues in your mouth will not go away if they’re not taken care of. Cavities will get bigger, your bite will not correct itself, and your gum disease surely won’t go away on its own. All of these problems, plus plenty of others, will only get worse if not treated. That cavity could get so big that it needs a root canal; your bite could result in problems with your temporomandibular (jaw) joint; and gum disease can lead to some really scary problems like tooth loss, heart attacks, and even dementia. It’s also important to remember that just because nothing hurts, doesn’t mean that nothing is wrong. That’s where we come in and check your mouth for any potential problems at each and every visit.

We’ve only covered three really important facts in this blog, but that doesn’t mean there still isn’t more to know. If you have any questions, or need to schedule your regular checkup or more in depth treatment, give my Holland dental office today.

Serving patients in Holland, Saugatuck, Zeeland, and surrounding areas.

Summer is a time for soaking up the rays and getting a healthy dose of vitamin D (don’t forget the sunscreen!). But while you’re relaxing poolside in the summer sun, be careful of some heat-busting snacks that can cause smile-damaging results. At my dental office in Holland, we’re all about enjoying your time in the sun, but we want to make sure that you’re aware of some dangerous summer snacks and suggest some healthier alternatives.

As we’ve talked about in previous blogs, foods that are sticky or chewy are never a good choice for your teeth. Some more commonly eaten sticky foods are dried fruit or fruit snacks. These chewy snacks are not only high in sugar, their sticky nature also causes the sugar to linger around in the mouth longer, potentially causing some unwanted tooth damage. Sticky foods in general are also guilty of damaging tooth restorations or fillings. When you can, it’s best to stay away.

Another common summer treat that your Holland dentist suggests avoiding, or at least enjoying in moderation, is barbeque. Barbecue sauces often contain a lot of sugar, vinegar, and sometimes even dye. The dye that’s typically used in barbeque sauce can contribute to staining or discoloration of your smile, and while we already know that sugar is bad for your smile, acids, like vinegar, are also dangerous for your grin.

Citrus fruits including oranges, lemons, and grapefruits are also highly acidic and can lead to damage of the enamel and can promote tooth decay. Since these fruits are high in vitamin C and so thirst quenching, we don’t expect you to avoid them. Just remember that after you enjoy some orange slices, you should rinse your mouth with water to neutralize the acid.

When it comes to quenching your thirst, always choose water over any sugary beverage like soda, sweet tea, or sports drinks. Since people are often more active in the summer, they’re more likely to turn to a sports drink like Gatorade. If you need an extra boost of electrolytes, drink these types of beverages sparingly and avoid swishing them around in your mouth.

So what snacks are all right to eat? Veggies like celery or carrots are excellent foods for your body and your smile;, try some proteins like nuts and turkey; and don’t forget to swing by the dairy aisle to pick up some calcium rich cheese or yogurt that are not only good for your bones, they’re also good for your teeth.

This summer, while you’re enjoying the sun, make sure you’re also enjoying some smile-friendly foods. Next time you’re shopping for food, all of us at my Holland dental office urge you to make sure to add some smile-friendly items to your list. They’ll not only be delicious to eat, they’ll also keep your mouth healthy all summer (and year) long.

Serving patients in Holland, Zeeland and Saugatuck.

Sleep apnea is a dangerous disorder that affects individuals during the night, causing the sufferer to stop breathing numerous times during sleep. Breathing can stop for as long as several minutes before the brain triggers the body to wake up and resume breathing. Often considered a disorder that plagues the overweight, sleep apnea can affect even the most fit individual and can cause serious health concerns, and sometimes, even death. At my dental office in Holland, we’d like to educate you on a few signs and symptoms of sleep apnea, explain its dangers, and talk about the importance of getting treated.

One of the most common symptoms of sleep apnea is chronic snoring. While snoring has been long labeled as simply a nuisance, it can actual indicate that something is seriously wrong. Snoring typically occurs when the soft tissues in the back of the throat collapse, making it difficult for air to pass through and reducing the amount of oxygen delivered to your organs. Individuals who have sleep apnea may snore loudly, and then actually stop breathing for periods of time. The body will then wake the person and breathing resumes. This can happen hundreds of times a night.

People with untreated sleep apnea often report:

• Excessive daytime sleepiness and even unintentionally falling asleep during the day
• Waking up feeling unrefreshed
• Insomnia
• Waking up choking or gasping for breath
• Chronic fatigue

If you or a snorer you know have experienced any of these signs, it’s important to get checked for sleep apnea to stay healthy.

Sleep apnea has been linked to several serious health conditions including high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, increased risk for car accidents caused by drowsy driving, diabetes, depression, and several other concerning problems.

At my dental office in Holland, we strongly encourage anyone who may be experiencing sleep apnea to get checked as soon as possible. Once an official diagnosis is complete, suggestions for your treatment may include a CPAP, a mask that’s worn during the night and forces air into your nose or mouth; a mouthpiece that’s designed to keep your airway open; or a combination of the two. Whatever treatment is right for you, it’s important to follow through on getting treated appropriately. It just might save your life.

Serving patients in Holland, Saugatuck and Zeeland.

Nothing bugs us more than when people make up stories to try and scare others. We’ve all heard of urban legends, and some of us may have even fallen victim to believing them. What concerns all of us at my Holland dental office are the legends that cause misconceptions about dentistry and the fact that, if believed, could cause people to avoid dental care.

One of the most common dental urban legends out there is one that says root canals are super painful when, in fact, they’re really not a big deal. Those who have had a root canal often say that there was little or no pain involved in the procedure. Where the misconception of pain comes into play is before the procedure even happens. Root canals are needed when there is an infection or deep decay and, as a result, a lot of pain. What your Holland dentist wants you to know is that a root canal is a way to relieve the pain, not cause it.

Another tale that’s well-know is that baby teeth aren’t important. Many people think that if a baby tooth falls out prematurely, or gets a cavity, that it’s not a big deal. In fact, baby teeth are important, as they hold the place for your permanent teeth. If they fall out too soon, or if they become infected or decayed, the natural eruption and placement of your permanent teeth could be altered, leading to greater dental problems down the road.

Lastly – and this one is really important – is the belief that if gums bleed, it’s not a big deal. At my dental office in Holland, we try to educate our patients on the fact that bleeding gums are a sign that something is not right. Healthy gums don’t bleed unless you’re brushing or flossing too roughly. Bleeding gums often mean that you have developed gum disease or even gingivitis. If left untreated, gingivitis could lead to periodontitis and eventually loss of teeth.

Don’t let common dental urban legends keep you from a strong and healthy smile. If you hear of a dental story that you think may not be true, just call my Holland dental office. We’ll be sure to set the story straight, relieve any fear you may have, and get your smile strong and healthy.

Serving patients in Holland, Saugatuck and Zeeland.

 

Dental problems can happen anytime, anywhere. Even when you’re on vacation. Whether it’s a broken tooth, a lost filling or crown, or even a knocked out tooth, there are things you can do to keep your dental problem from ruining your vacation. At my Holland dental office, we’re full of tips and tricks that can help.

If you’re planning a vacation out of town, the first step you can take to help avoid dental problems is to schedule a visit with your Holland dentist before you leave. A pre-vacation checkup will make sure your mouth is healthy and no potential problems are lingering, just waiting to explode when you embark on your relaxation getaway. Even if you do schedule a checkup before your trip, there is still a chance a dental problem will occur.

One of the best ways to deter a dental emergency while on vacation is to be careful what you eat. Popcorn, sticky sweets, and ice cubes are all dangerous for your smile and can cause some unwanted problems. You should also avoid using your teeth to rip open packaging or to hold objects when your hands are full.

If a dental emergency does happen, following the tips below can help keep your vacation intact.

Dental Emergency Tips:

• Chipped or Broken Tooth – First rinse the mouth and any broken pieces with warm water. Relieve any bleeding by applying gauze and a little bit of pressure to the area. Swelling and pain can be reduced with a cold compress.

• Knocked Out Tooth – Act fast. If you can find the tooth, only handle it by the tooth crown, not the roots. Try to replace the tooth into the socket. If you can’t, place the tooth in milk and get to a dentist. Your tooth has the best chance of survival if it’s returned to the socket within an hour.

• Object Stuck Between Teeth – Whatever you do, don’t use anything sharp when attempting to remove the pesky piece. Simply use some floss to gently wiggle between your teeth and dislodge the particle.

• Lost Filling – Dental cement found over-the-counter, or sugarless gum (it has to be sugarless or it can cause pain!), can temporarily fill a cavity.

• Soft-Tissue Injury – These types of injuries tend to bleed easily and for awhile. Try rinsing your mouth with warm salt water to clean the wound, then hold a damp piece of gauze to the site of injury while applying some pressure. Pair that with a cold compress on the side of the mouth.

Planning your summer vacation? Give my Holland dental office call to schedule a visit before you leave! We’ll make sure your smile is vacation ready, healthy, and ready for the getaway. We can also talk about more dental emergency tips at your appointment.

Serving patients in Holland, Saugatuck and Zeeland.

Almost all of us have experienced a toothache. The pain and inconvenience often associated with a toothache is enough to really put a kink in your plans and your life. And while we’re always happy to help relieve toothache pain at my Holland dental office, a toothache can also strike on a weekend or at night when we aren’t open. If this happens, here are some tips you can try to help ease the pain of a toothache.

Before we launch into what is alright to use for a toothache, all of us at my Holland dental office feel strongly that we need to urge you to not try one common remedy. People often place Aspirin directly to the painful area. Don’t do this! Since Aspirin is an acid, it can burn your gums and cause greater harm to your mouth. If you’d like to use a pain reliever like Aspirin, just swallow it.

Some at-home remedies you can try include

• Onion: Some people believe that a p:iece of raw onion placed on the affected area can ease the pain of a toothache. However, this remedy will probably cause you to have onion breath.
• Salt Water: Mix a cup of warm water with a tablespoon of salt and swish it around in your mouth. The mixture can actually pull the fluid away from the affected area and reduce pressure on the nerve endings. Do not swallow the mixture. Repeat as needed.
• Cloves: Oil of Cloves is actually a common ingredient in a lot of dental products. It has antimicrobial properties as well as pain-relieving properties that can help reduce a toothache. All you need to do is mix 2-3 drops of clove oil with olive oil or another cooking oil and soak a piece of cotton with the liquid. Then place the cotton on the bothersome area and bite down.

Although these few tricks may help with your pain, it’s important to know that a toothache is your mouth’s way of telling you that something is not right. Please don’t ignore it! It’s never wise to assume that easing the pain is enough. In its early stages, a toothache could be the result of a minor dental problem that’s easily fixed by your Holland dentist. If let go, a simple problem can turn into something major and can even begin to affect the rest of your body.

If you’re experiencing a toothache, don’t assume that it’s not a big deal and don’t let it go! Call my Holland dental office as soon as you can. We can help you determine what’s causing the pain and get it fixed for a healthy, pain-free smile.

Are you a chronic teeth grinder? Not really sure if you are or not? It’s not surprising: of the roughly 30 million people teeth grinders out there, very few realize that they grind. A common reason could be that teeth grinding or clenching is often done either while sleeping or subconsciously throughout the day. And while it may not seem like a big problem, at my dental office in Holland, we consider tooth grinding a huge issue. Here’s why.

Tooth grinding, or bruxism, can cause severe damage to your teeth and your mouth. Broken restorations and fillings, damaged teeth, lost enamel, and tooth sensitivity are only some of the problems associated with severe bruxism. Chronic tooth grinding or clenching can also lead to more serious problems like jaw dysfunction or temporomandibular disorder (TMD). This is what makes visiting your Holland dentist so important if you’re experiencing symptoms of being a bruxer.

Symptoms of chronic tooth grinding or clenching include:

• Contractions of the jaw muscles
• Pain in the jaw joint
• A grinding sound at night as described by your bedmate
• Pain in the face
• Morning headaches
• Damaged or broken teeth

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, please call my Holland dental office as soon as you can. It’s important that you seek proper dental care if you are suffering from the pain associated with bruxism so we can diagnose your problem and determine how to properly treat you.

At our dental office in Holland, we’ll examine your mouth, talk about what you’re experiencing, check your bite, and take x-rays of your jaw and mouth. An in-depth exam will allow us to see exactly what’s going on, determine how severe your bruxism is, and decide on the best way to treat it.

There are several treatment options available for bruxism. Depending on your needs they can include onlays or crowns to reshape the bite surfaces of your teeth, and a mouth guard that fits over your smile and prevents further damage.

Whatever your unique needs may be, my Holland dental office can help diagnose your bruxism and determine the best treatment for you. The pain associated with tooth grinding doesn’t need to be chronic. Give us a call today. It’s the first step to a better, pain-free smile.

 

We all know that sugary drinks like soda aren’t the best for your smile. And in an attempt to avoid the sugar, calories, and caffeine in regular sodas, we often turn to diet soda to quench our thirst. However, at my Holland dental office, we want you to understand that even these sugar-free drinks can be just as bad, if not worse, for your teeth.

In fact, a study conducted in 2013 and published in the Academy of General Dentistry journal, General Dentistry, showed that excessive consumption of diet soda can have the same effect on your teeth as using illegal drugs like methamphetamine and crack cocaine.

In the study, the damage in the mouths of three individuals – a current methamphetamine user, a former cocaine addict, and an excessive diet soda drinker – was compared. The results showed that each of the mouths experienced similar damage, including tooth erosion, caused by high acid levels.

Soda, regular or diet, is highly acidic. And so are the ingredients in illegal drugs like methamphetamine and cocaine. The more food, drinks, or anything else with high amounts of acid that we put into our bodies, the more damage will be caused. Without tooth enamel, we’re more susceptible to cavities, sensitivity, discoloration, and damage. For this reason, I not only encourage everyone at my dental office in Hollandto put the soda down and drink more water, but also to keep up with regular dental appointments.

If you’re addicted to soda, already have damage caused by excessive intake of soda, or even have damage caused by past drug use, it’s time you see your dentist in Holland. We can monitor your habits and make recommendations on how you can get your smile healthy and looking the way you want it to.