Category: Oral Health

What’s An Impacted Tooth? 

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If your dentist in Holland tells you that you or your child has an impacted tooth, you may initially be a bit worried. But don’t fret. Impacted teeth are incredibly common. Even though impacted teeth are most often associated with wisdom teeth, the truth is any tooth can be impacted and can affect the development of the rest of your teeth and overall oral health. 

Impacted Teeth

An impacted tooth is essentially any tooth that doesn’t come in when and where it’s supposed to. Typically when someone loses a tooth, it’s because the adult tooth is pushing through the gums and is ready to make its appearance. However, this doesn’t always happen as planned. Sometimes a baby tooth falls out and other teeth crowd the area and block where the adult tooth is trying to erupt. Other times a baby tooth just doesn’t fall out when it should. This can cause an adult tooth to shift sideways and grow inside the gums instead of poking through the top. 

What Causes Impacted Teeth? 

As always, every case is different, but there are some top reasons why teeth may become impacted. One of the main causes of an impacted tooth is that a mouth is just too small for adult teeth to erupt as they’re supposed to. This is often the case with impacted wisdom teeth. When there’s not enough room in the mouth for new teeth to erupt, they can become impacted. Additionally, sometimes teeth simply do weird things and can grow sideways. There’s also a genetic factor at play. If a parent had an impacted tooth, the child is more likely to also have an impacted tooth. 

Problems With Impacted Teeth

Impacted teeth can affect overall oral health and overall health in a variety of ways, including: 

  • Speech Problems

  • Pain When Chewing

  • Gum Problems

  • Bone Loss 

Luckily, your dentist in Holland can often see it coming thanks to dental x-rays. X-rays allow your dentist to take a closer look at the way teeth are erupting or have already erupted so we can make a plan for any situation. 

How Do You Treat an Impacted Tooth? 

First, it’s important to remember that an impacted tooth may not be an immediate cause for concern. After all, your dentist in Holland sees this every day, and is well-equipped to treat you in a comfortable and relaxing environment. Treatment of an impacted tooth will vary depending on your specific needs, how severe the impaction is, and how many teeth are affected. Some treatment options include: 

  • Extracting a stubborn baby tooth that’s in the way
  • Orthodontic treatment to make room for adult teeth
  • Palatal expander to create more space in the mouth for teeth
  • Surgery to widen the jaw — this is the rarest treatment and only necessary for extreme situations

If the wisdom teeth are impacted, you may need to see a specialist to have them removed, but it’s incredibly important to extract impacted wisdom teeth. If they’re left untreated, they can cause pain as well as infection.

We understand that an impacted tooth may cause you to worry, but we’re here to help. Make sure to see your dentist at least twice a year for preventive checkups. The earlier an impacted tooth or potentially impacted tooth is caught, the treatment becomes easier. If it’s been longer than six months since your last dental appointment, we welcome you to schedule an appointment with us today.

What You Can Do If You Don’t Like Your Teeth

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There is any number of reasons why you may not like the way your teeth look. Perhaps your teeth appear too long or short, or maybe they aren’t as white or straight as you’d like. No matter what you dislike about your smile, rest assured knowing that your dentist in Holland has numerous cosmetic and restorative dentistry options available to transform any ailment. 

If You Want A Whiter Smile

Perhaps one of the most common complaints people have about their smile is how white their teeth are. That’s probably why smile whitening treatment is so popular. There are various types of teeth whitening products to choose from, but not all will necessarily give you the results you want or are even safe for your smile. If you want to get whiter teeth, talk with your dentist in Holland about a professional smile whitening treatment. These options are usually done in the dental office under the supervision of a dental professional, and they typically work faster than over-the-counter products. 

If You Want A Straighter Smile

Another common desire for patients is to have super-straight teeth. Sometimes straightening teeth begins as a teen, but if retainers aren’t worn as recommended, teeth can shift and once again become crooked or overlapped. Other times an adult is simply ready to get the smile they’ve always wanted. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to straighten teeth, and not all of them involve traditional braces or orthodontics. Your dentist in Holland can straighten some teeth with dental veneers, clear aligners, or even dental crowns. 

If You Want A More Even Smile

When someone feels that their teeth aren’t the correct size or shape to complement their smile, it can make them feel self-conscious. But again, there are several ways to change the size and shape of your teeth as well as ways to change how much gum tissue shows when you smile. Dental veneers that are custom-made can permanently change the size, shape, or color of an individual tooth or multiple teeth. Cosmetic bonding can also accomplish this. If your smile is too gummy, gum recontouring can change the shape of your gums and change your gum line. 

If You Want A Full Smile

Missing a tooth or two isn’t an uncommon occurrence, and you’re not alone. But you may feel incomplete without a complete smile. That’s where your dentist in Holland can help. Missing teeth, no matter what the cause or how many are missing, can be replaced through various restorative dentistry treatments. The best way to replace missing teeth is with dental implants as they’re permanent and help stimulate the jaw bone. Other options include either partial or full dentures, dental bridges, or a flipper. 

With so many different options available to transform the appearance of teeth, there’s no time like the present to finally get the smile you’ve always wanted. Start by scheduling a consultation with your dentist to review the areas that bother you and develop a treatment plan just for you. 

How Do You Fix a Food Trap Between Your Teeth?

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Noticing a piece of food stuck in your teeth can be embarrassing, but it can also be uncomfortable. Even though it’s normal for food to get wedged between teeth on occasion, it’s a whole other story when this happens time and time again in the same spot. These areas are known as food traps, and they can collect food each and every time you chew. It’s important to see your dentist in Holland if you recognize this happening as it could be a sign of a bigger problem. 

How Are Food Traps Formed? 

Food traps can develop due to any number of issues, but a lot of food traps are caused by some other type of dental problem. The most common causes of food traps are: 

  • Gaps Between Teeth 

There should be small gaps, also called loose contact, between teeth. This allows them to sit and function properly. However, when gaps become too large, they create the ideal space for food to get lodged. Gaps can occur naturally and even people with once super-straight teeth can start to notice gaps over time. Additionally, dental fillings can change the natural contact between teeth and may cause a food trap. 

  • Chipped Tooth

Our teeth naturally have crevices where food and bacteria can get stuck, but if there’s a broken or chipped tooth, you may notice food getting stuck in the same spot over and over again. You may also experience this if you lose a dental filling or older dental restoration. 

  • Gum Disease

One of the more serious causes of food traps is gum disease. Gum disease will cause pockets to form in the gum tissue and provide a great hiding spot for food particles. But what’s worse is that untreated gum disease can lead to a bunch of other health concerns such as tooth loss and an increased risk of heart disease. Treatment can be successful when gum disease is caught in the early stages, but later forms of the disease are irreversible. This is one reason why you should get seen by your dentist in Holland if you have a food trap. 

Problems Cause By Food Traps

Food traps that aren’t fixed can continue to cause long-term problems such as: 

  • Cavities
  • Bad Breath
  • Gum Disease

While food traps can certainly be annoying, they can also be dangerous. It’s important to tell your dentist in Holland if you’re experiencing repeated problems of food getting stuck in your teeth so they can take a closer look at what may be going on and recommend the best treatment for you. Additionally, it’s always important to brush and floss your teeth every day to remove any food particles that may have built up in the teeth throughout the day. 

Will it Hurt to Have My Root Canal?

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In honor of Root Canal Awareness Week, which occurs each May, your dentist in Holland thought it would be fun to talk about this treatment that patients often dread. Why? Because it has a bad reputation for being painful — when the total opposite is the actual truth. Root canals are probably one of the most recognized and misunderstood dental services used today, with over 41,000 completed treatments on patients every single day, according to the American Association of Endodontists (AAE). The AAE also says more than 15 million root canals are performed each year in the United States. 

If root canals are that bad, why are they so popular? 

The Tooth Truth About How Root Canals Work

As scary as you might think it’s going to be to have a root canal, there’s really nothing to worry about, thanks to your dentist in Holland, who has some of dentistry’s most innovative technology. Having a root canal today is not a lot different from having a deep filling. There’s little or no discomfort because a local anesthetic is used to numb your tooth and surrounding gums for complete comfort. During the actual procedure, the :

  • Inside of your damaged tooth is thoroughly cleaned
  • Infected pulp and nerve tissue are removed
  • Tooth is cleaned to avoid further damage

You won’t feel pain, maybe just some pressure. Sometimes patients experience tenderness in their gums following a root canal, but acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) will certainly help. 

Root Canals Actually Get Rid of Pain (Not Cause More)

Instead of causing you more dental discomfort, think of your root canal as the solution that can get rid of:

  • Pain when chewing or biting
  • Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold
  • Pimples on the gums
  • Swollen or tender gums
  • Discolored gums or teeth
  • Chipped or cracked teeth

A 2011 review of 72 studies of root canal patients looked at pre-treatment, treatment, and post-treatment pain. These results showed that while the pain was high in patients before their root canal, it dropped moderately within one day of treatment, before dropping even more substantially to minimal levels within a week. 

Prevention is Always Best

While we use root canals as tooth-savers, it’s best to avoid having to have the treatment altogether, right? To prevent the need for future root canals or other dental issues, always brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss once. Using a fluoride toothpaste or mouth rinse is also beneficial for protecting your teeth from harmful bacteria that can cause tooth decay that leads to needing a root canal. We know you’ve probably heard this before, but try to limit the amount of sugary food and refined carbohydrates you eat. Sometimes these foods stick to your teeth and cause cavities.

The last step is the most important, and that’s to make sure you see your dentist in Holland every six months for a checkup and a hygiene cleaning. Get scheduled for an appointment — today!

How Gum Infection is Linked to Cancer in Women

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Did you know there have been studies showing that older women with gum infections are more prone to developing common forms of cancer? Women with optimal oral health are less likely to get various forms of cancer. Your dentist in Holland wanted to take a moment to shed some important light on how critical it is to maintain good oral health, especially in your gums. 

What is Periodontal Disease?

When conducting their studies, researchers focused on what we call periodontal or gum disease. There are two forms of the disease:

  • Gingivitis – This is the mildest form of gum disease, and it causes the tissue around your teeth to become red, swollen, and bleed more easily. Gingivitis can be mildly uncomfortable, but it’s generally reversible with help from your dentist in Holland and good at-home dental care. 
  • Periodontitis – When you don’t treat gingivitis properly, it can worsen into a condition called periodontitis. Over time, plaque can spread and grow beneath your gum line and allow bacteria to irritate your gums. This can stimulate a chronic inflammatory response elsewhere in your body that can cause your body to break down its own bone and tissue that help support your teeth. 

It’s essential to treat your gums with care, ensuring they stay healthy enough to support your teeth for a lifetime of comfortable oral health. 

What Did the Study Find?

Researchers found that compared to women with no issues with their oral health, women who had trouble with their gums and teeth were 14 percent more likely to develop cancer. The most significant risk was developing cancer in your esophagus, which is three times higher in women with periodontal disease. The study also found that, “Women with periodontal disease were also 31 percent more likely to be diagnosed with lung tumors, 73 percent more likely to get gallbladder cancers, 13 percent more likely to have breast tumors, and 23 percent more likely to have melanoma.” If left untreated, periodontal disease can also lead to tooth loss, diabetes, and other chronic conditions. 

 

The Connection Isn’t All Clear

There are still questions about the exact causes of the connection between periodontal disease and cancer; it’s not 100 percent clear. Doctors think it’s due to the bacteria present in your mouth that travel to other parts of your body. The bacteria destroys your gum tissue, forming pockets where infection thrives. This is what ends up in your bloodstream. It can get stuck in other sites around your body, causing inflammation that could lead to cancer. 

 

As you can see, going to your dentist in Holland for regular checkups and cleanings is important, especially if you’re a woman who is aging gracefully. Call us today to schedule an appointment or hygiene cleaning. We can help answer any questions you might have about your gum health and taking care of your smile. Take the time to care for yourself and your oral health, and enjoy all of the benefits that come with it. 

How To Tell If You Have A Cavity 

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Cavities are one of the most common dental problems your dentist in Holland sees and treats every day. Now, while a teeny, tiny cavity may seem like no big deal, the truth is, it’s important to treat any area of decay quickly to keep other problems from popping up. If cavities aren’t treated quickly, they can lead to an abscess or even tooth loss. However, a cavity may not always be easy to recognize on your own, so it’s important to know what to look out for.

4 Signs of a Cavity

Symptoms of a cavity can differ from person to person and can be pretty subtle, so much so that you may never have feelings of discomfort and you may not know decay is present until your next appointment with your dentist in Holland. Here are some common tell-tale signs that a cavity may be lurking in your tooth. 

  • Toothache

The most common sign of a cavity is, of course, a toothache. Tooth pain can occur suddenly, and there are many times when a toothache does not have any clear sign as to what caused the pain in the first place. However, any pain in the mouth is typically a sign that something is wrong, and you should schedule an appointment with your dentist in Holland. Most often, lingering tooth pain that lasts for a few days is a sign of a cavity. 

  • Sensitivity

Similar to a toothache, tooth sensitivity may also be a sign of a cavity. Unlike a toothache, however, sensitivity usually causes shooting pain when eating or drinking something hot, cold, or sweet and may not be persistent. Sensitivity can occur when the protective layer of tooth enamel is worn away, leaving nerves and roots exposed to heat, cold, sugar, as well as the bacteria that cause cavities. 

  • Staining

There are also some key signs of a cavity that are visible such as tooth staining. While some types of discoloration are natural, such as staining due to coffee, tea, or red wine, other stains can indicate a problem. If you notice a new tiny white spot on your tooth or darker areas of brown or gray, it’s likely that decay is present and is progressing deeper into the tooth. Any new signs of discoloration should be discussed with your dentist. 

  • Pitting

Another visual cue that a cavity may be forming is a pit or hole in a tooth. These two symptoms may also start with a small white dot and progress into pitting. Now, keep in mind, some of the most common places for cavities to develop are between the teeth where you won’t necessarily be able to see the pitting. This is one of many reasons why it’s so important to see a dentist near you every six months. 

How to Prevent Cavities 

Besides seeing your dentist at least twice a year for cleanings, exams, and x-rays, it’s also important to make sure you’re taking great care of your smile at home. Some of the best ways you can help prevent cavities are to: 

  • Brush and floss every day
  • Drink water throughout the day
  • Limit sugary sweets and drinks 
  • Eat a well-balanced diet

We recommend that every patient visit the dentist at least every six months to check for any early signs of decay when a cavity is typically easy to fix with filling. More severe cavities may require additional treatment such as a root canal or extraction. 

How Do You Go To The Dentist After A Long Time? 

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Your dentist in Holland usually recommends that all patients visit us at least twice a year. However, we understand that any number of things can keep you from seeing your dentist as often as recommended. Perhaps you have a fear of the dentist or life simply got in the way of scheduling your next appointment, either way, you’re now ready to get back. Here’s what you need to know. 

Communicate With Your Dentist in Holland

One of the most important things you can do when you’re visiting your dentist after a long time is to be upfront and honest with your dentist and dental team. Explain your individual situation as well as any fears or worries you may have. We promise to welcome you with open arms and pride ourselves on our ability to care for patients in a gentle, caring, and non-judgmental way. 

Expect That You May Need Some Treatment

Dentists recommend visits every six months because our oral health can change quickly, and it’s important to catch any problems or potential problems early. However, if it’s been a few years since your last visit, that’s ok. We’re just glad you’re back. You should expect that some things in your mouth may have changed since your last checkup, and you may need some more initial treatment to get your smile back to optimal health. Entering your appointment with the mindset can help put you at ease. 

Stay Stress-Free

We understand that seeing your dentist can be stressful, especially if it’s been a while since your last checkup. Scheduling your appointment first thing in the morning or at the end of your day can help ease any additional stress. Also, if you can, consider giving yourself plenty of time to get to your appointment. That way you won’t be faced with additional stressors such as traffic or worry about being late. 

What To Expect

Knowing what to expect when you walk into the office can help you relax. First, you will be welcomed by our caring and friendly team. They may ask you to complete or confirm any paperwork, such as your health history form. Then, you’ll have a gentle exam, perhaps with new dental x-rays, so we can get a thorough understanding of your current oral health. The most important thing to remember throughout your appointment is to communicate with your team. Your dentist in Holland and the entire dental team is here to help you with anything you need. 

If it’s been a while since you’ve seen a dentist, we welcome you to schedule an appointment at our office. Our team is dedicated to caring for every member of our community and will work with you to get your smile back in the best shape possible, no matter how long it’s been since you’ve sat in the dental chair!

Gum Disease Linked to Colon Cancer: Know Your Risk

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An updated study conducted by the American Academy for Cancer Research of nearly 43,000 people over several years has shown a potential positive correlation between gum disease and an increased risk of colon cancer. While the whole-body complications associated with gum disease, such as heart disease, aren’t new, the link to colon cancer is a relatively recent topic of interest to researchers and your dentist in Holland.

The Link Between Gum Disease & Colon Cancer

The study that examined the potential link between gum disease and colon cancer took several things into consideration – health, lifestyle, and pathology reports from routine colonoscopies. Those pathology results showed something interesting about those participants who had serrated polyps and conventional adenomas, the two types of intestinal lesions that can cause colon cancer, and who also had a history of gum disease.

Patients with a history of gum disease had:

  • A 17% increased risk of having a serrated polyp
  • An 11% increased risk of having a conventional adenoma

But that’s not all. Patients who had lost four or more teeth, which is a very common side effect of gum disease, had a 20% increased risk of having a serrated polyp. 

While this research does suggest a correlation between gum disease and colon cancer, the scientists did state that more research is needed to fully understand how oral health can affect gut health.

Signs of Gum Disease

If caught early, gum disease can be reversed and the risk of other oral health and overall health complications decreases. However, untreated gum disease will eventually reach a point where it can no longer be cured. This greatly increases the likelihood that gum disease will lead to tooth loss and cause other problems throughout the body. This is why your dentist in Holland encourages all patients to know the early warning signs of gum disease so you can seek treatment sooner rather than later.

Some of the most common signs of gum disease include:

  • Chronic bad breath
  • Swollen, red gums
  • Bleeding gums
  • Loose teeth
  • Gum recession

4 Ways to Protect Against Gum Disease

Gum disease can be caused by any number of things, but there are some habits that can substantially increase someone’s chances of getting it. The best ways to protect yourself against gum disease are to:

Brush your teeth twice a day

Floss daily

Quit smoking or using tobacco products

See your dentist in Holland at least every six months

If you suspect that you may have gum disease, we recommend scheduling a dental appointment as soon as you can. After all, early treatment is key to protecting your teeth and your body.

Celebrate Spring With a “Spring Cleaning” for Your Teeth!

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Spring is always an exciting season, especially if winter seemed to go on forever. The days become longer, the weather becomes warmer, families start to play outside, and the world becomes a little more colorful thanks to flowers and trees in bloom. Spring is also a time when many families embark on annual spring cleaning in and around the house. After all, there’s just something relaxing about cleaning out unused clothes, expired food from the fridge, and opening up clean windows to let the breeze in. But did you know that this special season is also a great time to get a “spring cleaning” for your teeth with your dentist in Holland? 

Why Are Dental Cleanings Important?

A common piece of advice from dentists everywhere is that all patients should visit at least twice a year for checkups and dental cleanings. But why twice a year? Do you still need these cleanings if you brush and floss your teeth at home? Truthfully, yes, dental cleanings are necessary even if you take excellent care of your teeth. Checkups and cleanings with your dentist in Holland help:

  • Remove Plaque. Plaque is the super sticky stuff that can cover our teeth. If it’s not removed it can harden into tartar and increase the risk of decay as well as gum disease. The thing with plaque is that it can’t be removed at home through regular brushing, so basically everyone develops at least some plaque buildup, even if you brush and floss every day. Thankfully, dental hygienists are trained to remove plaque gently and effectively at your cleaning appointments so it doesn’t have the chance to cause problems. 
  • Check for Cavities. Besides giving your teeth a thorough cleaning, dental appointments with your dentist in Holland every six months help monitor any changes that may have occurred in your teeth or gums. One of the most common things to find at these checkups is a cavity or two. Cavities are easy to treat when they’re tiny, so it’s important to catch them early. If a cavity is left untreated for too long it can require additional treatment such as a root canal. 
  • Catch Gum Disease. Gum disease is a serious problem that affects nearly half of Americans over the age of 30, according to the CDC. While gum disease can be treated successfully in its early stages, it can quickly become untreatable and may lead to tooth loss, and can even affect overall health. 

Prevention Is The Best Medicine

Brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time and flossing in between each and every tooth once a day is the best way to take care of your teeth in between dental checkups. However, these habits alone aren’t enough to fully protect your teeth from cavities and other problems. You need to also see your dentist in Holland at least twice a year so we can prevent any problems from occurring or stop small problems from becoming big problems. 

If it’s been longer than six months since your last dental checkup and cleaning, we welcome you to call our office to schedule an appointment today. We’re always accepting new patients and would love to see you!  

How Does COVID-19 Affect Oral Health?

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By now, we’ve all heard of the term “COVID long-hauler,” which is used to describe patients who have recovered from COVID-19 but still experience some long-term side effects. However, did you know that your dentist in Holland is also seeing a slew of oral health complications in both adults and children who have contracted and recovered from COVID-19?

Taste & Smell

Perhaps the most well-known symptom of a COVID-19 infection is the loss of taste or smell. While this doesn’t happen to everyone, it is a fairly common side effect. There is still some debate about why this happens. One of the potential explanations is that since COVID is a respiratory virus, and the respiratory system includes the nose and the mouth, the cells included in these areas can be infected and cause inflammation. In turn, this inflammation can change a person’s ability to smell and taste. More research is needed to conclusively determine the cause, but this is a current working theory. 

Ulcers

Medical researchers who continue to study COVID-19 suggest that the infection damages blood vessels in the body, including in the mouth. According to The Angiogenesis Foundation, when blood vessels are damaged, it prevents oxygen from being delivered throughout the body and can basically starve the tissue. If this happens in the gums, the result can be ulcers. Additionally, a study published in the Journal of Dental Research found that over 80% of patients that were hospitalized with COVID-19 noticed lesions or ulcers in their mouths. While most ulcers should go away and heal on their own as you get better, if an ulcer lasts longer than two weeks (and you’re feeling better and testing negative), you should see your dentist in Holland.

Dry Mouth

Dry mouth is one of those things that doesn’t just affect COVID-19 patients. In fact, dry mouth can be caused by numerous things such as medication, smoking, dehydration, and some diseases. However, COVID-19 patients and “long-haulers” tend to experience new or worsening dry mouths. The virus that causes COVID-19 can affect the salivary glands and reduce their ability to produce enough saliva. Without saliva, we’re left with the feeling of a dry, desert-like mouth as well as an increased risk for developing cavities, gum disease, and other oral health problems. Your dentist in Holland can often help relieve the symptoms of dry mouth, so make sure to mention this at your next appointment. 

Gum Inflammation

We previously mentioned how infection can cause inflammation in the blood vessels but inflammation can also occur in other areas throughout the body. Brought on by a surge of white-blood-cell-rich blood to the infected areas, inflammation in the mouth, particularly the gums, can result in red, painful, swollen, and oftentimes bleeding gums. These symptoms may resolve on their own, but you should monitor recovery at home and schedule an appointment with your dentist in Holland if you notice changes or if it’s not getting better. Red, swollen gums that tend to bleed can also be a sign of gum disease, which can be serious. So it’s better to get checked out sooner rather than later. 

The prevalence of COVID-19 continues to be challenging. During these times, and all times, we encourage our patients to do everything they can to keep themselves and their teeth healthy, including brushing and flossing daily and maintaining routine dental checkups. 

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