The post Is a Dental Appointment Safe During Coronavirus? appeared first on Boyett Family Dentistry.
]]>Let’s take a look at what experts say.
Dentist offices – like other medical centers – follow extremely strict safety and sanitation guidelines. To prevent the spread of germs, dentists are cleaning and sanitizing rooms and tools after every patient, covering tools when not in use, washing hands frequently and wearing protective gear like masks and gloves. Many dental practices are also requiring wearing masks in the office, taking patient temperatures before an appointment, and spacing out appointments to leave time for cleaning between patients.
The American Dental Association (ADA) reports that no cases of COVID-19 in the U.S. have been attributed to dentist offices. And a study by the ADA Science & Research Institute and the Health Policy Institute found that less than 1% of dentists nationwide tested positive for COVID-19, as of June.
The ADA has also stated that going to the dentist regularly is essential, even now. Oral health plays a large role in helping doctors identify and diagnose other serious medical conditions like diabetes and heart disease. Additionally, oral infections that are left untreated can negatively affect a person’s overall health.
In choosing to return to the dentist right now, weigh the risks and benefits based on your individual health, the health of people you have close contact with, and your personal risk factors. You can navigate the experience safely.
When going in for a check-up, here are some tips on how to navigate the experience safely.
At Boyett Family Dentistry, Dr. Boyett, our staff and our hygienists are taking every possible precaution to keep patients safe and help them feel comfortable coming in for an appointment. Please call us at 863-294-9200 to learn about our safety precautions and bring up any questions or concerns you have. We look forward to continuing to serve you in a safe and secure way.
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]]>The post What Is the Importance of Dental X-Rays? appeared first on Boyett Family Dentistry.
]]>X-rays (also called radiographs) play an essential role in good oral health because not all problems can be seen on a surface level. Imaging studies help your dentist get a deep look into all the nooks and crannies in your oral cavity. Keep reading to learn more.
Dental X-rays are an important diagnostic tool that allow your dentist to take proactive steps to identify and treat oral problems before they cause significant or permanent damage. X-rays provide a complete picture of the oral cavity that includes all 32 teeth down to the roots, gums, soft tissues and supporting bone. They help your dentist detect abnormalities, structural irregularities and places of decay that aren’t visible to the naked eye.
X-rays aid in identifying:
Using X-rays, your dentist can catch oral problems in the early stages and start treatment as soon as possible. Early detection and treatment prevent problems from worsening and causing permanent damage or tooth loss. For example, while mild gum disease (gingivitis) is incredibly treatable in the early stages, severe gum disease (periodontitis) is a serious infection that can lead to abscess development, bone loss and tooth loss.
There are several types of dental X-rays that provide your dentist with different views of the oral cavity. Here are the 4 most common:
1.) Bitewing X-rays. Bitewing X-rays provide a view of the crowns and the spaces between teeth. They’re used to detect cavities and the amount of decay present.
2.) Periapical X-rays. Periapical X-rays provide a full view of teeth from crown to root. Your dentist may use this view to study an isolated problem in more detail.
3.) Occlusal X-rays. Occlusal X-rays provide a view of an entire section of teeth in the upper or lower jaw. They’re used to study the bone structure in the jaw and detect impacted or emerging teeth. Occlusal X-rays are also used to check the health of the floor and roof of the mouth.
4.) Panoramic X-rays. Unlike bitewing and periapical X-rays, panoramic X-rays are taken from outside the mouth. They provide a view of the full oral cavity: teeth, upper and lower jaw and sinuses. This view is used to identify jaw disorders, bone irregularities, impacted teeth, wisdom teeth, cysts, abscesses and tumors.
If you have consistently healthy dental checkups, you may only need new X-rays taken annually. If you have a history of gum disease or other oral disease, you may need X-rays taken more frequently for monitoring purposes.
If you’re a new patient at a practice, your dentist will take a full set of X-rays at your first visit to establish a baseline for your oral health. You’ll likely need more frequent X-rays taken early on while the dentist gets familiar with your mouth. Once a baseline is established, you’ll only need to have X-rays taken yearly or every 6 months.
Children also need more frequent X-rays taken, because their teeth and oral structures grow and change very quickly during adolescence.
While dental X-rays do contain a small amount of radiation, there is little risk involved. Exposure levels are very low, and the procedure is considered safe for adults and children. As a safety precaution, your dentist will have you wear a leaded cover over vital organs to protect them from potential damage.
However, inform your doctor if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant. You should not have any X-rays taken during pregnancy, because no amount of radiation exposure is safe for developing fetuses.
Visiting the dentist for routine cleanings and exams is one of the best steps you can take to protect your oral health. To make your next appointment, call us at 863-294-9200 or fill out a message form online.
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]]>The post How Often Should You Brush Your Teeth? appeared first on Boyett Family Dentistry.
]]>While you may already know that brushing your teeth is essential for good oral health, you may have questions on how many times a day you should be brushing, and how long for each time. First and foremost, how you brush is more important than how often you brush. You should use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste to gently clean all sides of your teeth, gum line, tongue, cheeks, and roof of the mouth. You don’t need to use a lot of force – aggressive, hard brushing can erode tooth enamel and irritate the gums.
The American Dental Association (ADA) has guidelines for proper brushing technique. Additionally, you should ask your dentist to demonstrate correct brushing the next time you have a dental appointment.
Although technique is the most important aspect of toothbrushing, how often and how long you brush your teeth affect your oral health too. Here, we’ve answered the most important questions surrounding toothbrushing frequency.
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends brushing your teeth twice a day. Many people choose to brush their teeth once in the morning and once before bed. Brushing your teeth before bed is a good idea, because if you go to sleep with leftover food particles, sugars, and acids in your mouth, there is nothing to disrupt plaque from forming on your teeth throughout the night.
According to the ADA, you should be brushing your teeth for two minutes each time you brush – a length of time many people don’t reach in their morning rush to get out the door, or in the last tired moments before bed. In 2009, a study published in The Journal of Dental Hygiene revealed that average brushing time was forty-five seconds, well below the two-minute recommendation. The study set out to determine if brushing time had an impact on plaque removal and found that brushing for two minutes removed 26% more plaque than brushing for forty-five seconds.
If you need help reaching the two-minute goal, spend a few days setting a timer while you brush your teeth, until you know how long two minutes feels like.
While some dentists recommend brushing after every meal or snack, many dental professionals agree that brushing your teeth more than twice a day is not necessary for good oral health. You should consider brushing more often if you have a condition that needs extra care – such as a history of gum disease, braces or other dental hardware that makes proper cleaning difficult, or a tendency to eat numerous sugary or acidic snacks during the day.
If you consume an acidic meal or drink, don’t brush your teeth directly afterward. Acids weaken tooth enamel and brushing while your mouth is still acidic could cause pieces of enamel to flake off. Wait a half hour to an hour before cleaning your teeth.
In addition to home care, regular professional cleanings and exams are an important part of good oral health care. A professional cleaning will remove hardened plaque (tartar) that your toothbrush can’t scrape off. Additionally, your dentist will examine your mouth and teeth for signs of tooth decay and gum disease.
You should schedule professional cleanings twice a year. If you have a history of gum disease or other oral condition, your dentist may want to see you more regularly. Your twice-yearly appointments are also a good opportunity to make sure you’re brushing your teeth correctly, for the right length of time.
If it’s time for your next cleaning or exam, contact Boyett Family Dentistry today to schedule your appointment.
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]]>The post The Effects of Tobacco on Oral Health appeared first on Boyett Family Dentistry.
]]>In addition to traditional cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, cigars, pipes, and e-cigarettes also contain tobacco and other toxic chemicals that could damage your mouth, teeth, and gums.
Keep reading to learn ten harmful effects tobacco use can have on your oral health, and ask yourself – how many of these did you know?
If you smoke or use other tobacco products, your risk for adverse oral affects is measurable by exponential growth. That is, the more you smoke and use tobacco, and the longer you use it, the greater your risk is of damaging your mouth, teeth, and gums.
If you do smoke or use other tobacco products, regular dental checkups are critical to ensure that your teeth and gums are healthy. Contact Boyett Family Dentistry today to schedule your next appointment.
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]]>The post How Diet Affects Oral Health appeared first on Boyett Family Dentistry.
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Maintaining a healthy diet for good oral health isn’t all about what you’re putting on your plate – it’s also about what you’re taking off. Eating a diet that’s high in simple sugars and starches – from processed and refined foods – leads to dental cavities and tooth decay. The bad bacteria in your mouth feed on the sugars in food and produce acid that eats away at protective tooth enamel over time.
Limit your intake of the following:
Your mouth needs a variety of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients for good oral health. Eating a well-balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, lean protein, dairy, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats will ensure that you receive these nutrients without having to use supplements.
While this is not an all-inclusive list, here are a few key nutrients you need to keep your teeth and gums healthy. All of these nutrients can be incorporated into a fresh, whole-food diet.
Apples – apples are high in fiber, which means they require a lot of chewing to break down. Chewing increases saliva flow to your mouth. Saliva contains enzymes that help break down food particles, neutralize acids in your mouth, and strengthen enamel. Saliva also washes away food particles and prevents them from getting trapped in your teeth. As a bonus, the rough texture of an apple gives your teeth a good scrub while you eat it.
Carrots are another good crunchy, tooth-scrubbing food.
Aged cheeses – aged cheeses like cheddar and swiss help balance the pH level in your mouth by neutralizing acids. It’s a good idea to pair cheese with a sweet snack, because the cheese will counterbalance that acids released when you eat sugar. Cheese is also high in calcium, which keeps your teeth strong.
Yogurt and milk are other good sources of calcium.
Leafy greens – leafy greens like kale, collards, and Swiss chard are chock full of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and calcium. They’re a great source of Vitamin C, an antioxidative vitamin that increases production of red blood cells. Vitamin C also has anti-inflammatory properties, which helps keep your gums healthy.
Bell peppers, citrus fruits, strawberries, and kiwi are also full of Vitamin C.
Eggs – Eggs are a good source of protein, folic acid, and phosphorus. Phosphorus is a mineral that helps strengthen tooth enamel.
Phosphorus can also be found in pumpkin seeds, red meats, tofu, fish, and broth.
Berries – berries are a superfood rich in antioxidants, fiber, and polyphenols. Polyphenols are protective phytochemicals found in plant-based foods. Polyphenols have anti-inflammatory and anticarcinogenic effects, and they may slow bacteria growth and reduce your risk for oral cancer.
Cocoa, tea, plums, cherries, and eggplant are excellent sources of polyphenols.
Cucumbers – cucumbers have a high water volume, which makes them low in sugars and acidity. They also contain vitamins and minerals.
Celery, pears, and melon are more good choices for high water volume foods.
Salmon – salmon is high in omega-3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties to protect your gums from gum disease.
Walnuts and chia seeds are foods rich in inflammation-fighting omega-3 fatty acids.
Finally, here are some tips on how you can structure your diet to keep your teeth and gums strong and healthy.
Along with a healthy diet, regular dental exams are a necessary part of maintaining good oral health. If it’s time for your next check-up, contact Boyett Family Dentistry today to schedule an appointment.
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]]>The post The Importance of an Athletic Mouthguard appeared first on Boyett Family Dentistry.
]]>Mouthguards are thin, flexible plastic structures that protect the teeth and jaw. Most mouthguards are fitted only over the upper teeth. For the best protection, a mouthguard should be tear-resistant, durable, and properly fitted so that it does not restrict breathing or speaking.
All athletes need to wear a mouthguard to protect their mouth and teeth. This includes children who play organized sports and adults who play in community sport leagues. The NYSSF states that youth athletes who don’t wear a mouthguard are sixty times more likely to sustain damage to their teeth.
A mouthguard needs to be worn during practices and games for collision or contact sports like football, boxing, wrestling, field or ice hockey, basketball, baseball, softball, soccer, volleyball, lacrosse, and rugby. Today, experts recommend that even athletes in sports like gymnastics have a mouthguard, to protect their teeth in the case of an unexpected fall. Some sports – like boxing, wrestling, and football – require athletes to wear mouthguards, due to the high likelihood of sustaining contact injuries.
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), more than 200,000 oral injuries are prevented every year by wearing a mouthguard. If you play any contact sport, dental injuries are common after sustaining direct trauma to the face. Here’s how a mouthguard can help reduce the risk of injury from getting hit in the face while playing sports:
There are three types of mouthguards:
For information on how to care for a mouthguard, read more here.
Compared to the costs of repairing a fractured tooth or jaw, mouthguards are an inexpensive preventative measure to protect youth or adult athletes from dental injuries during sports. Before fall sports kick off, contact Boyett Family Dentistry for more information on custom-made athletic mouthguards.
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]]>The post The History of the Tooth Fairy appeared first on Boyett Family Dentistry.
]]>Unlike Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny, the tooth fairy does not have a specific look, age, or gender. Nor does this popular folklore figure have a clear origin story. Keep reading to explore the history and stories that led us to imagine the benevolent tooth fairy we know today.
Globally, all cultures have a ceremonial method for disposing of baby teeth, each with its own meaning. Nine of the most common documented rituals include:
Historically, baby teeth have held various levels of significance across different cultures and areas of the world.
The modern-day tooth fairy is both a largely American and a largely new phenomenon. This folklore figure did not become a household name until the turn of the twentieth century. Other parts of the world share the idea of a deity who exchanges baby teeth for money or a small gift, but the idea of this deity as a sprite or fairy is unique to western culture.
The American tooth fairy came into being from two major inspirations:
Regardless of how this nimble-fingered sprite slipped into American culture, the tooth fairy is a source of comfort for kids who are losing their baby teeth. Tooth loss is one of the first rites of passage children experience, which can be scary.
As baby teeth begin to fall out and adult teeth begin to grow in, having a regular dental check-up is an important part of maintaining good oral health. Contact Boyett Family Dentistry today to schedule an appointment.
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]]>The post Common Tongue Problems appeared first on Boyett Family Dentistry.
]]>Any change in size, shape, color, texture or appearance of the tongue should be reported to your dentist to determine the severity and best course of treatment. At home, work proper tongue care into your oral hygiene routine – brush your tongue every day along with your teeth, to prevent the buildup of bacteria. Make sure your dental hardware fits correctly, to avoid rubbing or irritating the sides and surface of the tongue. And if you have an unusual lump, bump, sore, or lesion that’s been present on the tongue for more than two weeks, contact Boyett Family Dentistry to schedule an appointment for a mouth exam and oral cancer screening.
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]]>The post Cracked Tooth Syndrome (CTS) appeared first on Boyett Family Dentistry.
]]>Like the hairline fracture itself, the cause behind CTS is difficult to pinpoint. Unlike visible chips or large fractures triggered by trauma, a fracture line within a tooth may develop over time from long-term factors. Common causes of cracked tooth syndrome include:
Another obstacle in diagnosing CTS is symptoms that may mimic other conditions, such as temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ), sinusitis, or even a cavity. Typically, the signs of CTS are pain and sensitivity when eating hot, cold, or sweet foods, or biting down in a certain way that puts pressure on the fracture line. One way to tell the difference between cracked tooth syndrome and a cavity is to take note of the pain: cavities cause a constant ache in the decayed tooth, while CTS causes pain only during the act of eating or biting down. Symptoms may persist for months while your dentist rules out all possible diagnoses of tooth pain – a diagnosis of CTS is primarily made on the basis of symptoms, through process of elimination.
There are several steps your dentist will take to determine if you are suffering from cracked tooth syndrome. A mouth x-ray will be taken, although hairline cracks are often not visible on x-ray imaging. Your dentist can also use a thin, sharp tool called an explorer to run along your aching tooth and check for cracks. A dye test may be performed to illuminate fracture lines. One of the most effective tests for diagnosing CTS is the bite test – you will be asked to bite down on a tool that fits over one part of your tooth at a time. This way, your dentist can narrow down the exact location of tooth pain.
Although cracked tooth syndrome is difficult to both see and diagnose, treatment needs to be put into effect as soon as possible to prevent further complications. The biggest danger of an untreated hairline fracture is that the crack will worsen and cause a piece of the tooth to fall off. Fractured teeth also increase the risk of infection or abscess developing in the gum surrounding the damaged tooth. And a crack that advances in a tooth with previous repairs could even displace fillings or crowns.
The best course of treatment depends on the severity and location of the crack:
People with CTS are more likely to suffer other cracked teeth, either at the same time or in the future. Because cracked tooth syndrome is difficult to diagnose and the pain is unpredictable, it is crucial that you inform your dentist anytime you are experiencing persistent tooth pain. If your dentist suspects you have cracked tooth syndrome, you’ll be referred to an endodontist, who specializes in tooth pain and root canals.
If you are experiencing tooth pain, do not wait any longer to see a dentist; call Boyett Family Dentistry at 863-294-9200 and schedule an appointment with Dr. Boyett today.
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]]>The post Dental Hardware Care appeared first on Boyett Family Dentistry.
]]>Like teeth, braces need to be brushed twice a day and flossed daily. Before brushing, remove all the elastics out of your mouth, and then brush along the top, bottom, and front of each wire and bracket. You may also find it worthwhile to invest in an oral irrigation system, to flush out leftover debris and food pieces around your orthodontic hardware. Complete your cleaning with a fluoride rinse for an extra swish of tooth strengthening – click here to learn more about what to look for in a mouthwash. When braces are placed, you may also receive a proxabrush; this “Christmas tree” brush is specially shaped to fit in between brackets and wires to remove plaque and build-up. While you have braces, be mindful of the foods you eat: stay away from foods that are chewy, hard to bite (such as apples or corn on the cob), popcorn, hard candies, and chewing gum. Do not bite your nails or chew on other objects. Foods that are hard or sticky may crack or break expensive braces.
You should be cleaning your retainer at least once a day with toothpaste and warm water. Deep clean your retainer if you see calcium or tartar deposits forming on the hardware. A simple deep-cleaning solution is to soak your retainer in vinegar and warm water for a few minutes to loosen build-ups, and then scrub the remaining residue off with toothpaste. Make sure you have a case for your retainer – a loose one is easily wrapped up in a napkin and thrown away, put in a pocket and sat on, or found by dogs and chewed on. Once broken or lost, retainers are expensive to replace. Most importantly, wear your retainer as often as prescribed by your orthodontist. While you may not feel like a retainer is doing anything day to day, over the long run it is working every day to keep your teeth straight.
Your dentist or orthodontist may have made you a soft, fitted mouthguard for use during sports, or for use at night to protect teeth against teeth grinding damage. This durable piece of hardware with numerous ridges and dips is the ideal breeding ground for bacteria, fungi, and yeast. Infestations of unhealthy bacteria, fungi, and yeast can lead to painful mouth infections if left untreated. To protect against bacterial build-ups, clean your mouthguard after every use. A toothpaste and water scrub will be sufficient. Dry your mouthguard thoroughly afterwards and store it in a dry, vented case when not in use. A vented case is necessary to let the hardware breathe, and prevent bacteria from festering in damp, enclosed places.
Dentures should be removed and rinsed after you finish eating, for every meal. Stand over a towel or basin of water while you rinse and handle dentures, to avoid breakage if the hardware falls. You should be washing out your mouth and tongue with a toothbrush and toothpaste after you eat as well, before you replace the newly-rinsed dentures. Do not use toothpaste or products with bleach to clean your dentures – toothpaste is too abrasive and could scratch the material, and bleach can weaken dentures and change the color. Never place dentures under hot water – high temperatures will warp the material. Most dentures need to remain moist to retain their shape; soak dentures overnight in a mild denture cleaner or water. Rinse the hardware again before morning use – denture cleaner contains harmful chemicals you do not want to ingest.
If your dental hardware is broken, cracked, chipped, or causing pain in your mouth, see your dentist or orthodontist right away. Any piece of dental equipment can accumulate bacteria, fungi, plaque, yeast, and acid, and thus increase your risk of tooth decay, gum disease, or mouth infection. Regular check-ups with your dentist are important to detect early cavities and ensure the health of your teeth. If you are due for your next dental examination, contact Boyett Family Dentistry today at 863-294-9200 to schedule an appointment.
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