Protecting Your Molars
Welcome to our protecting your molars blog post! If you have lived in Waco, Texas for any length of time, chances are you have visited the Waco Mammoth National Monument to see the remains of ancient mammoths. And you have probably been to the Cameron Park Zoo to see their modern day cousins, the elephants. African elephants are an endangered species, and of course mammoths are extinct. However, pachyderms have one distinct advantage over people, aside from their size. They don’t stop growing teeth. Throughout an elephant’s life, if a molar falls out, one will grow in to replace it, and this can happen up to 26 times! However, unlike the mighty elephant, when an adult person loses a molar, it is gone and another is not on the way. With that in mind, you might want to give some thought about taking care of the molars you have. For starters, take a cue from the elephant. Elephants live on vegetation, and while you need protein along with your greens, it’s not a bad idea to eat a balanced diet. In fact, it’s a great idea and it is good for your body and your teeth. You can talk to Dr. Latino about the best diet for your teeth. Elephants also drink plenty of water, and may have 40 gallons at a time. 40 gallons would not do you much good all at once, even if you could drink that much. However, water does keep your mouth hydrated and clean, and fluoridated water can strengthen your tooth enamel. Your molars are designed for grinding and crushing your food so it is easier for you to swallow and digest it. To do that, they come equipped with a set of ridges known as cusps, which are very effective for chewing. However, those cusps are also great hiding places for plaque and food particles, and your toothbrush can’t reach into those spaces very well. And since you only get one set of molars to last your adult life, you should talk to us about dental sealants. Sealants are thin layers of plastic applied to the chewing surfaces of your molars which act as barriers between your tooth enamel and the harmful substances in your mouth and diet. The dentist will wash and dry your tooth, and then apply a very mild acidic solution to “rough up” the surface of your tooth. When the solution is ready, he will paint the sealant on to your tooth. When it has cured, the sealant will protect your tooth from decay, and can last up to ten years. A dental sealant is one advantage you have over an elephant. However, you will still need to brush your teeth no less than twice a day for two minutes at a time and floss at least once a day, since sealants only protect the chewing surfaces of your molars, and not the sides. The sides will still be vulnerable to decay. It is said that elephants have excellent memories. Even if your memory is not as good as an elephant’s, make sure that you remember to contact Chad Latino DDS for a cleaning and exam and a maybe even dental sealants in Waco, Texas.
A Severely Damaged Tooth Might Be Replaced With a Dental Bridge
An incidental blow to the mouth during sports or from an accident in the home can sometimes impact a tooth with significant force. In some of these cases the patient suffers such severe dental trauma that then only effective course of treatment is to fully extract the root from the socket and suture the gums. Once all the affected oral tissues in the area have healed our dentist can help you understand your dental restoration options. In many of these cases a dental bridge in Waco, Texas may be the preferred option for fully replacing a knocked out tooth. In other cases you might choose between an implant and a bridge. A dental bridge is type of dental restoration that starts with Dr. Latino examining the two teeth closest to the void to make sure they are healthy. He will then carefully remove the enamel layer from each tooth, which leaves behind a pair of dentin abutments that will eventually support your dental bridge. When it is ready you will need to visit Chad Latino DDS to have Dr. Latino cement it in place with a strong dental adhesive. With consistent dental care, oral hygiene habits, and attendance of your dental checkups your new dental bridge should restore the natural function of the missing tooth for many years to come. Dr. Latino is your Dentist in Waco, Texas for all your dental needs. If you live in the Waco, Texas, area and you have recently lost a tooth, you should call 254-615-3084 to explore the dental restorations offered at Chad Latino DDS.
All About Professional In-Office Teeth Whitening
Do you have an unattractive smile that suffers from tooth stains? If so, it’s time to consider professional in-office teeth whitening for your smile! Fortunately, there are many different types of treatments that can fix discolored teeth and whiten your teeth to give you brighter results. However, there are only a few treatments that can help you reach your specific smile goals. Our dentist, Dr. Latino, is thrilled to offer one of those treatments at Chad Latino DDS, which is our whitening treatment! Our in-office professional whitening treatment is a beneficial and top-of-the-line way of achieving a whiter and brighter smile. When you come into our office, our dentist will cover your gum tissues with a rubber dam. Then, he will paint whitening solution onto your teeth. When you’re ready, he will activate the solution with a special light. The solution will then break down the tooth stains and whiten the teeth. Our dentist will repeat these steps as necessary. As you can see, this treatment is an easy and convenient way of whitening your smile. In fact, it only requires one quick appointment at our office! It is even customized to your smile and specific goals and can remove minor and stubborn tooth stains. With the help of this treatment, you can come into our office with stained teeth and leave our office with a white smile! Your professionally whitened smile needs to be maintained, but touch-ups are easy. You may be wondering if you should whiten your teeth. If you have any questions or if you would like to know more about our in-office professional teeth whitening treatment in Waco, Texas, please contact us today. Our dental team is here to help you in any way we can, so please don’t hesitate to dial 254-615-3084 now! We look forward to hearing from you soon!
Educate Yourself About Oral Health Care
A healthy lifestyle includes minimizing risks associated with poor oral health care. Not only will you need to make sure that you’re taking care of your smile with effective cleaning routines, but also to limit unhealthy habits and products in your diet. Furthermore, set forth effective prevention, treatment plans and protective measures for any issues that may arise with aspects of your daily life. If you are putting your smile in jeopardy of several oral health risks, you are doing more damage than good. To combat this, make sure that you are practicing effective oral hygiene routines such as brushing twice daily and flossing once a day. With an effective oral hygiene routine that includes mouthwash and sugarless chewing gum after meals, your mouth will be much better protected against oral health risks that can arise, as they spur on the production of saliva, which is important for neutralizing harmful acids in your mouth. It is important to maintain a healthy diet in order to ensure dental damage cannot occur. Poor aspects of your diet can easily cause dental erosion, including those that produce harmful acids that can chew through your tooth enamel. Thus, avoid sugars and starches that cause dental erosion as well as any hard products that can chip and crack teeth. For additional help with your diet, make sure you’re drinking plenty of water to wash away any potential debris and for slowing down plaque formation. If you need any additional help or restorations with your teeth and gums, visit your dentist for routine exams. Furthermore, your dentist can provide a professional cleaning every 6 months to keep your smile safe, white, and free of debris and bacteria. Your smile and your oral health care can receive a boost with oral health care treatments. It is even possible that our various cosmetic treatments such as dental veneers in Waco, Texas, can improve your oral health. If you wish to visit the dental office of Chad Latino DDS in Waco, Texas, you can book an exam by calling us at 254-615-3084. Dr. Latino is your Waco dentist, and our entire team looks forward to providing you with the optimum oral health care you need.
The Helpfulness of Dental Crowns
The helpfulness of dental crowns cannot be overstated. Dental crowns can be helpful if your teeth are suffering from large cavities or severe dental damage. In fact, dental crowns have many uses and can aid our oral health in many different ways. To help you understand more about dental crowns, our dentist, Dr. Latino with Chad Latino DDS in Waco, Texas, has provided you with some helpful information: – Dental crowns are part of our superior cosmetic dentistry in Waco, Texas, providing visual upgrades to your smile and can be shaped and crafted to your specific needs. – Dental crowns can last from two decades up to the rest of your life, which is because they are very durable and very safe. – Dental crowns cover the entirety of a tooth for added support. – Dental crowns can be used for the following treatments: dental fillings, dental implants, dental bridges, and root canals. – Dental crowns are very effective and safe for use in children. Because children are at a high risk for tooth decay, dental crowns add an additional layer of support. – Dental crowns can stave off extractions by protecting teeth that are severely damaged. – If a tooth is discolored, it can be concealed with a dental crown. If you need help with your oral health, or if you have questions about if a dental crown can help you, please call us today at 254-615-3084 to set up an appointment. Our dental team is thoroughly trained and capable of assisting you with any of your oral health care questions and concerns.
Halitosis: Causes and Solutions
Halitosis, or bad breath, can be embarrassing. But what causes halitosis? In this blog post, we’ve collected a few probable causes and solutions for halitosis. Is bad breath embarrassing you? First, assess your dental hygiene routines with complete honesty. Do you brush twice a day, for a full two minutes each time? Are you flossing once daily, taking about two to three minutes per session? If the answer to both of these questions is a total “yes,” and yet you still deal with consistent halitosis, it’s time to look at some other options for why your breath stinks. Perhaps your halitosis was caused by the foods you eat. Strong-smelling food, such as garlic or onions can cause bad breath. If you have eaten strong-smelling food, try chewing on sugar-free gum for 20 minutes after eating. This will promote saliva flow, which will wash away food particles and bacteria. The scent of the gum will also freshen your breath as your mouth works to clean itself. Alcohol or tobacco products can also give you bad breath. They not only have their own odor, but they also dehydrate the mouth. Dry mouth makes it harder for your mouth to clean itself, allowing bacteria to thrive; this also leads to bad breath. It is best to limit or eliminate the use of these substances. It is good to note that dry mouth can also be caused by a plethora of medications, cancer therapy, stress, or autoimmune disorders. If you suspect dry mouth, speak with your [dr_type]. If you haven’t eaten any strong smelling food and don’t use tobacco or alcohol, chronic halitosis could indicate other medical problems, such as gum disease or other conditions. Talk with your [dr_type] if your bad breath continues. There are many causes and solutions to halitosis. For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact Chad Latino DDS at 254-615-3084. Dr. Latino and our team are happy to help! We are your one-stop shop for all your dental needs, including cosmetic dentistry in Waco, Texas.
What To Do About Flossing
We know we are supposed to brush our teeth two times a day. Many of us even do this, for 2 minutes each session, on a consistent basis. We know that brushing removes plaque from teeth, keeping them healthy and strong. But when it comes to flossing, some of us struggle. Let’s review the hows and whys of flossing, as well as introduce some alternatives for those for whom it is difficult. The fact of the matter is, if you want a healthy mouth preventive dentistry and gum care are key. It’s important to clean between your teeth. Unfortunately, toothbrushes have a hard time cleaning in between teeth. Dental floss, however, can reach places your toothbrush can’t get to–between teeth and behind back molars, for example. Interdental cleaning prevents plaque build-up between your teeth and along the gum line. If plaque builds up, it can lead to cavities, inflamed gums or even gum disease. The more you know about gum disease the better, because gum disease can hurt your oral health. Advanced gum disease (also called periodontitis) can involve major oral problems, such as tooth loss, persistent bad breath, and bone loss. If you struggle with traditional flossing, there are alternatives available to you. Your solution may be as simple as using a pre-strung flosser, or floss specially designed for sensitive gums. Or, there are other solutions, such as a specially designed dental pick (NOT a standard wooden toothpick), or a water flosser. These alternative are great for those with shaky hands, arthritis, a sensitive gag reflex or other problem that makes it difficult to floss. Only use interdental cleaners that are especially designed for that purpose. Brushing and flossing are the dynamic duo. For more information, contact Chad Latino DDS. Dr. Latino and our team look forward to making your smile shine!
Reducing Your Dental Anxiety Through Natural Methods
Imagine a trip to Hawaii. Now think about a dental cleaning. Given the choice between those two scenarios, most people would take the trip–especially if they have feel anxious about a dental visit. The great news is that you can use natural methods to reduce anxiety, including dental anxiety. Many people feel a certain degree of nervousness when thinking about a trip to the dentist. That anxiety can increase if the treatment involves a procedure such as root canal, a filling, or extraction. While medication can provide relief for anxiety, some people prefer to avoid chemical sedation. Here are some alternative suggestions for those who want to relax during their appointment without the drugs. Mental images: Imagine you are someplace else is a good way to relax. Pretend you are on that tropical island, or another favorite place. Breathing: Deep breathing can be used in conjunction with other relaxation techniques. Although some people have found that concentrating on taking slow deep breaths is all that is needed to become calm. Hypnosis: A focused form of relaxation training that can help anxiety. it’s not just for laughs at a Las Vegas stage show. Preparation: Plain old common sense is an excellent way to reduce stress. Simply plan ahead and prep both your mind for the appointment. Book a time when you won’t feel rushed or stressed-out. Avoid caffeinated drinks and sugar before the visit. You should talk to your dentist about your anxiety. If you are feeling anxious about your visit with our Waco dentist, Dr. Latino, we would be happy to talk with you! We can help you reduce your dental anxiety through natural methods and through our sedation dentistry in Waco, Texas. Please contact Chad Latino DDS at 254-615-3084 to schedule your appointment.
Add a Mouthwash to Your Dental Health Arsenal
Besides getting a professional dental cleaning, you can’t beat the combo of toothbrush and toothpaste when it comes to oral hygiene. Although, consider that there are other dental aids that can help you in your quest for mouth cleanliness. Adding an antibacterial mouthwash to your daily hygiene routine can be excellent for your dental health. In the war against tooth decay, cracks and crevices are the enemies camp. Brushes can’t always get to all of those tiny spaces where bacteria hide. Doing a daily rinse with a dentist recommended mouthwash will help keep your teeth in gums in great shape. There a several helpful principles concerning mouthwash. Good mouthwashes can eliminate bad breath (aka halitosis), tackle tooth decay, remove plaque, battle gingivitis, and kill tartar from forming. Even those persistent individuals with great dental health who loyally floss daily will see improvement when using a mouthwash that contains antibacterial attributes. Are you using the right mouthwash? If you are searching for an over-the-counter mouthwash, closely examine the label to confirm that you are getting fluoride inside, which works to eradicate plaque, gingivitis, and cavities as well as bad breath. Look for the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance to be sure that you are getting a mouthwash that is more than just a breath freshener. Dental note: Swallowing large amounts of mouthwash can cause nausea, vomiting and in some products, intoxication due to the alcohol content. For this reason, we do not suggest mouthwash for children any younger than 6-years-old. Check the label for specific precautions. Dr. Latino, your dentist in Waco, would be delighted to advise you on the various types of mouthwashes he recommends. If we can answer your questions or help you in any way, please contact Chad Latino DDS, or come by our office. You’ll find us at 6701 Sanger Ave #101, Waco, TX 76710. We can’t wait to help you achieve a bright and healthy smile! And don’t forget, we also offer Invisalign in Waco, Texas.
A Dental Bridge Might Be Able to Replace a Knocked Out Tooth
A severe blow to the mouth can cause significant oral trauma, which could potentially apply enough force to deeply shatter or knock out a tooth. In a situation like this, emergency dental care is often needed to treat soft tissue damage and assess the treatment options for the traumatized tooth. At Chad Latino DDS, we can provide several restorative dentistry solutions, including a dental bridge to replace a knocked out tooth. In an extreme case where the tooth is not viable for treatment via a root canal, Dr. Latino and his associates might advocate a total dental extraction. This will remove whatever remains of the tooth’s root. Then your gums will be sutured and you will be provided with a prescription for some form of pain medication. After all the affected tissues have fully healed Dr. Latino can help you understand the dental restoration options offered at Chad Latino DDS. This might include a dental implant in Waco, Texas. This might also include a dental bridge restoration to fully replace the missing tooth. A bridge is one way to replace a knocked out tooth. This mode of treatment starts with Dr. Latino examining the two teeth adjacent to the void to make sure they are healthy and strong. Then he will carefully remove the enamel layer from each tooth. This leaves behind a pair of abutments that will eventually anchor the dental bridge in your mouth. The dental bridge will be created at an off-site dental lab. You will need to return for a second appointment to have it cemented in place with a strong dental adhesive. If you live in the Waco, Texas, area and you have suffered a severe dental trauma, you should call 254-615-3084 to seek emergency dental care at Chad Latino DDS. We might recommend a dental bridge to replace your knocked out tooth, or another of our quality dental services.
