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What Turns Teeth Yellow?

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While it’s true that there are countless over-the-counter teeth whiteners available, not to mention the more effective professional whiteners provided by your dentist, sometimes the best solution to a problem is to avoid developing it to begin with. When it comes to stained teeth, there are many culprits, including the following.

 

• Age: Unfortunately, it’s quite natural for our teeth to become stained as we get older. The dentin in our teeth is normally yellowish in color. As we age, the outer enamel layer of our teeth wears away, exposing more of the dentin.

• Foods and beverages: Certain foods and drinks can contribute to staining your teeth, including coffee, tea, red wine, berries, etc.

• Genetics: You may be more prone to have yellow teeth simply because it runs in your family.

• Tobacco: Chewing or smoking tobacco is not only unhealthy, it’s also a major contributor to teeth staining.

• Medications and medical procedures: Some medicines — such as high blood pressure medication, antidepressants or antihistamines — can stain your teeth. Some medical procedures can contribute to yellowed teeth as well, such as chemotherapy treatments.

• Excessive exposure to fluoride: High levels of fluoride in drinking water – or excessive use of fluoride rinses, for example – can stain your teeth.

The good news is that if your teeth have extrinsic stains (in other words, if the enamel is yellow), many over-the-counter products and professional whitening agents provided by your dentist should be effective ways to brighten your smile. On the other hand, if you have intrinsic staining (i.e., if the dentin layer is exposed), other options such as dental veneers would be the best choice to whiten your teeth. Ask your dentist what kind of stains you have and what alternatives are available to brighten your smile.

 

Make an appointment today with Austin TX dentist, Dr. John Glennon — Call  (512) 454-0414

 

 

Source: http://www.yourdentistryguide.com/tooth-discoloration/

How Your Gums Are Measured for Gum Disease

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Gum disease is an all-too-common problem in the U.S. and around the world. In fact, about 90% of tooth loss can be attributed to gum disease and tooth decay. And gum disease has also been linked to a host of other medical conditions – from heart disease to diabetes.

So it’s important that your Austin dentist and/or dental hygienist measure your gums periodically to check for signs of gum disease.

Although some signs are quite obvious – such as red, swollen, tender or bleeding gums – your dental professionals will use calibrated dental instruments to measure your gums and determine whether you are at risk of developing gum disease.

The pocket between each tooth and the gum is measured with the special instrument and recorded. These measurements are quite small, ranging between 1 and 9 mm, but the difference between those numbers can indicate whether or not your gums are healthy.

Generally speaking, if the pocket is between 1 and 3 mm, your gums are considered to be healthy. A 4 mm pocket might be an early indicator that you could be developing gum disease. If you have 5 mm or 6 mm pockets, your dentist may recommend a deep cleaning. And if you have pockets that measure higher than that, gum surgery may be necessary.

Fortunately, good oral hygiene habits can often be effective means of combatting gum disease. Brushing at least twice a day and flossing at least once a day can do the trick. And, of course, regular cleanings are always an important part of any oral hygiene regimen.

 

Make an appointment today with Austin Dental Center — Call  (512) 454-0414

 

Source: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/01/150126124443.htm

Tips for a Picture Perfect Wedding Day Smile

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If you’re a bride preparing for your wedding day, you’ll probably want everything to be as perfect as possible – including your smile! Fortunately, there are a few steps you can take now to help ensure that your smile is as bright and beautiful as possible for those wedding day photos:

• Whiten your teeth. Nothing will make your teeth more instantly attractive that whitening your smile. It’s always a good idea to start with a professional cleaning by a dental professional. After that, you may consider using an over-the-counter whitening product. For the best and fastest results, ask your Austin dentist what professional whitening treatments are available.

• Correct small imperfections. If you have a few small chips or dark spots on your teeth, consider having these repaired by your dentist. You might be surprised how easy and relatively inexpensive it is to make minor repairs to your teeth.

• Avoid beverages that can stain teeth. You might also consider avoiding some staining beverages for several days before your big day. Drinks like coffee, tea, cola and red wine can negatively impact your wedding day smile.

• Wear a bright color lipstick. Choose a lipstick color that provides a good contrast to show off your white smile. Any bright color that compliments your skin tone would be a good choice – red, rose or pink, for example. A muted or “nude” tone will make your teeth look less white.

Every bride wants a perfect wedding day. Start planning now for a smile that is every bit as perfect as your big day will be!

Make an appointment today with Austin TX dentist, Dr. John Glennon — Call (512) 454-0414

Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/02/14/wedding-teeth-dr-david-ke_n_1277212.html

Practice Good Dental Hygiene to Avoid These Major Illnesses

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We all know that we need to brush and floss regularly in order to have healthy teeth and gums. But if having a terrific smile and keeping your natural teeth aren’t good enough motivators to practice good oral hygiene habits, we have some other information that might provide even more motivation. Research has shown that poor oral hygiene can lead to some other much more serious physical maladies.

Heart Disease:

There appears to be a direct link between gum disease and heart ailments. One of the most obvious occurs in people who have bleeding gums, which is one of the major signs of gum disease. When your gums bleed, bacteria is able to enter the body through the bloodstream. That bacteria can attach itself to platelets which, in turn, can lead to blood clot formation, and those clots can interrupt the flow of blood to the heart.

Alzheimer’s Disease:

Researchers have discovered a link between gum inflammation and Alzheimer’s Disease. In fact, some studies suggest that people with gum disease are nine times more likely to have lower cognitive functioning that people with healthy gums.

Pancreatic Cancer:

Gum disease has also been linked to this devastating form of cancer. Studies show that the carcinogenic compounds associated with gum disease can form an environment that is more conducive to the disease.

Remember, brushing and flossing each day, in addition to visiting your dentist on a regular basis, can result in good overall health. It’s about so much more than just a pretty smile!

To schedule an appointment with Austin dentist, Dr. John Glennon, call today – (512) 454-0414

Source: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/283649.php

Is There a Better Material for Cavity Fillings on the Horizon?

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For many years, dentists primarily used silver amalgam for fillings. Although this material was quite strong, it contained mercury, which was not healthy for the environment. As a result, dental technology moved away from silver amalgam, and many dentists began using a composite material to fill teeth. Although the composite material doesn’t contain mercury, it has other disadvantages: namely, that it has to be replaced more often in people who have a tendency to have more cavities, and the bonding agent used to attach the composite material to the tooth means that the filling process itself is more vulnerable.

Recently, developers in search of a better tooth filling material have focused their research efforts on glass ionomer. This material contains no mercury and also does not require adhesive to adhere it to the tooth surface. Yet another advantage of glass ionomer is that it actually releases fluoride, which can help prevent cavities. This material also does not require a heat lamp to harden like composite does. This makes glass ionomer much easier to use in more remote locations that may not have electricity, such as some third-world countries.

Although developers still have some work left to do before they come to any solid conclusions about glass ionomer, that research is well underway. It may not be too long before an even better cavity filling material is available to Austin dentists. One thing is certain – dental technology has come a long way since the days of silver amalgam fillings!

Austin Dental Center offers mercury-free, tooth colored fillings – Call for your appointment today! (512) 454-0414

Source: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/290685.php

Dental Health Concerns for People Aged 40-60

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“With age comes wisdom.” Hopefully, that old adage is true. Unfortunately, one fact that is definitely the case as we age is that we become more prone to some dental maladies. Although it’s certainly not a foregone conclusion that we’ll end up with any of these conditions, getting older does increase your risk.

• Missing teeth
You may be surprised to learn that many adults in the US are missing one or more teeth. As we age, our teeth can shift to fill in the existing gap caused by missing teeth. This can lead to a host of problems. To avoid these issues, your dentist may recommend any of the following: implants, dentures, or a dental bridge.

• Gum disease
Unfortunately, gum disease becomes increasingly common as we age. This problem is very treatable in the early stages, which is why it’s so important to visit your dentist regularly and catch it early on if possible. Left untreated, gum disease can lead to tooth loss and potentially other much worse health problems.

• Sensitive teeth
As we get older, it’s normal that more and more of the enamel on our teeth is worn away by brushing. This loss of enamel can, and often does, lead to sensitive teeth. Fortunately, there are plenty of easy solutions to this problem, including using a toothpaste especially formulated for people with sensitive teeth.

• Dry mouth
One common side effect of several different medications is dry mouth, which makes it a common condition for older adults. Over-the-counter mouthwashes are available to help alleviate these symptoms, but there are other treatments as well. Talk to your dentist for more information.

• Oral cancer
As is the case with virtually any cancer, the chances of a person contracting this condition normally increase as we get older. Most dentists will check for oral cancer during your regular dental visit, which is another reason to not postpone your regular dental checkups. The earlier it’s detected, the easier it is to treat.

To schedule an appointment with Austin dentist, Dr. John Glennon, call today – (512) 454-0414

Source: http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/adults-40-60/concerns

Can Red Wine Help Prevent Cavities?

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Recently, there has been a lot of discussion in the media with regard to red wine and the effects if may have on oral health. If you’re a red wine fan, you may have been encouraged by many of these reports, several of which touted the benefits of the beverage and how it might actually have properties that help to prevent cavities.

 

Unfortunately for you red wine lovers, that is not the case. For whatever reason, these media reports are incorrect. Most of them site a laboratory study first published by the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. However, contrary to what many journalists have reported, this study actually found that red wine, both the alcoholic and non-alcoholic varieties, had no effect whatsoever on the bacteria associated with formation of cavities.

 

This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t enjoy an occasional glass of red wine if you choose to, of course. It just means that it won’t help to prevent cavities. As it turns out, the practices that are most effective in good oral health are just those that you would expect: brushing at least twice a day; flossing at least once a day; and visiting your dentist on a regular basis for professional cleanings and oral exams. There are a few other practices that might help as well – such as eating a healthy, balanced diet and avoiding too many sugary foods or snacks.

 

So enjoy your next glass of red wine, but don’t consider it a part of your oral health care routine!

 

Make an appointment today with Austin TX dentist, Dr. John Glennon — Call (512) 454-0414

 

Source: http://www.ada.org/en/science-research/science-in-the-news/is-red-wine-good-for-your-teeth

4 Tips to Avoid Staining Your White Teeth

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Some of the biggest culprits when it comes to staining your teeth are, believe it or not, beverages! Coffee drinks, iced tea, fruit juice and many of the other delicious drinks that are popular during the warmer months can have a downside – many of them can badly stain your teeth. Whether you just paid for a professional whitening or simply want to keep your teeth from getting stained in the first place, there are a few effective ways to minimize teeth staining and still enjoy your favorite warm-weather beverages.

  • Don’t sip your drinks. Leisurely spending an afternoon sipping on a refreshing iced tea may sound appealing, but the truth is that the longer you sip on that tea, the more chance it has to stain your teeth. It’s better to drink quickly and reduce the amount of time the liquid is in contact with your teeth.

  • Enjoy a water chaser. Drinking water immediately after drinking a colored beverage will help reduce the stains caused by the other drink.

  • Use a straw. Most of us liked using straws when we were kids. As it turns out, that’s a great habit to adopt. When you use a straw, the beverage you’re drinking doesn’t come into contact with your front teeth, thus reducing the chances for stains to develop.

  • Brush – but not right away. Believe it or not, it’s actually more effective to wait 30 minutes or so after drinking a colored beverage before brushing your teeth.

Follow these few simple tips, and you can enjoy all your favorite drinks without worrying about how they’re affecting your pearly whites!
Interested in laser teeth whitening? Call Austin Dental Center to schedule your Zoom Teeth Whitening treatment today! (512) 454-0414

Source: http://www.fashiontimes.com/articles/19260/20150316/how-straws-can-save-your-smile-4-ways-to-get-your-teeth-perfected-spring-how-to-whiten-teeth-bleach-at-home-diy-dentist-nyc-kate-middleton-beauty-secret-water-for-skin-how-to-avoid-staining-wine.htm

Ways to Treat Gum Disease

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It’s unfortunate but true – one of the most common dental problems in the US and around the world is gum disease. When bacteria accumulates inside the mouth, plaque forms on the surface of teeth. Fortunately, you can remove plaque by brushing and flossing.

But if plaque is left behind, it can form tartar, which can only be removed through professional cleaning. Gum disease – usually indicated by red, swollen and/or bleeding gums – can result if tartar is left on teeth.

If you suffer from gum disease – depending on how advanced the condition is – your Austin dentist may recommend either of two non-surgical procedures to address the issue:

• Scaling and root planing: This procedure removes plaque and tartar from the deep gum pockets that form as a result of gum disease
• Tray delivery systems: This procedure involves sending the patient home with custom-made dental trays and prescribed medicine from the dentist, so that the patient can apply the medication to the gums in the comfort of his or her home.

If your gum disease has progressed beyond the point where either of the above procedures can help, your dentist will probably recommend one of the following surgical procedures:

• Laser treatment
• Dental implants
• Dental crown lengthening
• Gum graft surgery
• Regenerative procedures
• Pocket reduction procedures

If your gums show signs of gum disease, talk to your dentist today about treatment options. When it comes to periodontal problems, the sooner you visit your dentist, the better!

Discuss your gum disease treatment options with Austin dentist, Dr. John Glennon – Call today (512) 454-0414

Source: http://www.perio.org/consumer/non-surgical

Oral Health Trends of Older Adults

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As the Baby Boomer generation continues to age, the percentage of elderly adults in the US continues to be on the rise. In fact, some estimates suggest that by the year 2030, our nation will be home to over 72 million older adults. It may be alarming to discover some statistics surrounding the dental health of this ever-growing segment of our population:

• The vast majority of older American don’t have access to dental care
• Approximately 70% of elderly people don’t have dental insurance
• An estimated 33 million older adults live in an area where access to dental professionals is limited
• Approximately 23% of elderly people haven’t visited a dentist in 5 years
• It is believed that 8 out of 10 uninsured older people would not be able to afford a major dental procedure
• An estimated 30% of the elderly lose their teeth
• About half of older Americans have tooth decay that is untreated

Another statistic that is particularly alarming is the estimated 23% of older adults that currently have severe gum disease, which can lead to other much more frightening conditions – such as heart disease or diabetes.

Fortunately, there is a website that patients and dental professionals can visit, which provides valuable information. Toothwisdom.org provides dental health information, a dentist locator, news about oral health, and financial options for patients, in addition to caregiver support. Although some of the statistics are alarming, it’s good to know that a Web site like Toothwisdom.org is out there for this valued segment of our population.

To schedule an appointment with Austin dentist, Dr. John Glennon, call (512) 454-0414

Source: http://b.3cdn.net/teeth/83b738de97bca9baec_jdm6bj8py.pdf