Nitrous Oxide and Your Dental Visit
There are some people who are fine with visiting the dentist. There are others who look forward to their appointment every six months. And then there are those people who may experience anything from mild anxiety to a phobia when it comes to seeing the dentist. Many people are nervous or or even frightened at the prospect of a dental visit. While such feelings are not uncommon, if they keep you from your dental appointments, you run the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral problems. Instead of avoiding your dentist, why not talk to [himher] about your dental anxiety? Fear should not keep you out of the dentist chair, and your dentist will be happy to work with you to find a solution. One way to address your dental anxiety is through the use of nitrous oxide. Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas has been used in many dental practices for years, and many dentist prefer to use it for the sedation of children. It is mixed with oxygen, and administered to the patient through a mask placed over the nose. The patient will be relaxed, but will not be unconscious and can still communicate with the dental staff if necessary. The effects of the gas wear off within minutes after it has been removed, and there are no lingering effects. In fact, you will be able to drive yourself home after your appointment If visiting the dentist sends a chill up your spine, talk to our dentist, Dr. [doctor_name] about using nitrous oxide. If you live in the [city], [state], area and would like to schedule an appointment at [practice_name], call [phone] today.
Protecting Teeth With Dental Sealants
Each of your teeth has an important job to do, and they are constructed specifically to do a particular job. In the case of your back teeth, which are called your molars and premolars, their job is crush and grind your food so that it is easier to swallow and digest. To make that job easier, those teeth have ridges on them which are called cusps. Those cusps are very good at helping us chew our food, but they also create places for food debris and acids to accumulate and for plaque to breed. When those three combine, you can be faced with cavities, lost teeth and gum disease. Protecting your teeth and molars with dental sealants can help. Brushing twice a day and flossing once a day will help, since your toothbrush may not be able to reach those areas created by the cusps. To protect your back teeth, your dentist may apply dental sealants. Sealants are thin layers of plastic applied directly to the chewing surfaces of your molars and premolars, that act as an extra layer of protection for your tooth enamel. First, the tooth is washed, and thoroughly dried. An acid solution is applied to the surface to roughen it up. This will allow the sealants to better adhere to your tooth. After the sealant is applied, the dentist will cure it with a special light, or allow it to harden on its own. Dental sealants work best if they are applied early, and for that reason they are applied as soon as a person’s molars and premolars erupt. This is also the time when children are most vulnerable to cavities. However, if your back teeth are in good shape, or if you are at heightened risk for cavities, your dentist may suggest using dental sealants. You will still need to brush twice a day, floss once a day, and see your dentist for your cleanings and exams. Keep in mind that the sealants only cover the chewing surfaces of your back teeth. Dental sealants are an effective preventative measure. If it is time for dental sealants for your child, or if you are considering getting dental sealants for yourself, you should speak with our dentist, Dr. Latino. If you live in the Waco, Texas, area, call 254-615-3084 to make an appointment at Chad Latino DDS.
What You Need to Know About Gum Disease
One of the most common disorders you’ll come across when reading about dentistry is “gum disease.” Have you ever really stopped to ponder exactly what gum disease is? Knowing the basics of periodontal disease will help you in wrapping your head around a lot of what dentists do, and it should also help you know better how to keep your oral cavity fresh. Here’s a quick breakdown on everything you need to know about gum disease: -Gum disease is a bacterial infection of the gums where acids have overstayed their welcome in the mouth and grown under the gum line, forming sacks of decay between your pearly whites and gums. -Though it’s still harmful, the damage from the first phase of gum disease (gingivitis) is typically reversible by treatment from your dentist. -The second stage of gum disease normally causes permanent harm to the teeth, bones and gums, and when left unchecked, it can advance to progressive periodontitis or chronic periodontitis. -The early phases of periodontal disease show signs in the form of red, bloody, painful and/or swollen gums. -The people most at risk for forming periodontal disease are those older than 70, men and those with dry mouth. -You can greatly diminish your risk of contracting gum disease by following good dental hygiene habits. Brush your teeth twice per day, floss once daily and visit our office for cleanings every six months. We hope this post has been enlightening for you. To schedule your next cleaning with Dr. Latino, contact our Chad Latino DDS office in Waco, Texas. We’ll help you understand everything you need to know about gum disease, through our preventive dentistry and gum care services.
Should You Choose an Implant or a Bridge?
There are good reasons for replacing missing teeth. Not only will tooth-restoration improve your appearance and help you to look younger, it can also improve your ability to eat and speak. Additionally, empty spaces in your smile give plaque and bacteria extra places to accumulate, which can lead to gum disease and tooth loss. If you’ve ever wondered if you should replace a tooth with an implant or a bridge, the following information might help. Implants are very popular, since they sit directly in your jawbone, and do not need to be removed to be cleaned. They are also very sturdy, long-lasting and natural-looking. Be that as it may, not everyone is a good candidate for implants. If your gums are not healthy, or if you do not have enough bone in your jaw to support the implant, your dentist may suggest another restoration option. Certain medications and medical conditions, including pregnancy, may mean that implants are not for you. In that case, the dentist may suggest a dental bridge. A bridge is an effective way to replace missing teeth. It also does not require the surgery needed for implants. To place a bridge, the dentist will remove the enamel from the tooth on each end of the gap. These teeth will receive crowns and will serve as the anchors for the bridge. The dentist will take an impression of the teeth and the gap, fit you with temporary crowns and a bridge, and send the impression to a dental lab. There, a technician will create your permanent bridge. When it is ready, the dentist will remove the temporary bridgework and cement the new crowns and bridge in place. If you are missing one or more teeth, you should talk to Dr. Latino about your restoration options, including an implant or a bridge. If you need implants or a crown, Dr. Latino and the staff at Chad Latino DDS can help you find the right solution for you. Contact us to schedule an appointment.
Could You Use a Deep Cleaning?
Even if you carefully brush and floss every day, you will still have plaque. It is a fact of life, and just a part of having teeth. However, if you do not keep up with your brushing and flossing, plaque can build up on your teeth and eventually harden into a tougher substance known as tartar. Plaque can cause your gums to recede, which then gives the plaque a chance to form below the gumline. If that happens, you could lose teeth and even parts of your jawbone. That sounds very serious, and it is. However, your dentist can treat the problem with a deep cleaning, which is also known as scaling and root planing. In scaling, the dentist uses an instrument to remove the plaque and tartar above and below the gumline. With root planing, the dentist will smooth out the roots of your tooth so that they can re-attach themselves to your gums. After your procedure, you may have some pain the next day, and your teeth may be somewhat sensitive for a week afterwards. If this pain continues longer than a day, let your dentist know during your follow-up appointment. During that appointment, the dentist will also measure the depths of the pockets of your gums to see how the healing is progressing, or if further treatment is necessary. If you have noticed that you have tender, red, swollen or bleeding gums, our dentist, Dr. Latino may be able to help you with a deep cleaning. If you would like to schedule an appointment for a deep cleaning, or it is just time for your regular dental exam, give us a call. If you live in the Waco, Texas, area, you can reach Chad Latino DDS at 254-615-3084. We look forward to hearing from you soon.
Principles Concerning Mouthwash
Have you heard that mouthwash is a very safe and reliable option for treating your smile? Even though there are many brands and products available in the mouthwash collection, as long as you follow a few simple guidelines, the products you select can be safe to use and can aid you in a variety of ways. For a better understanding of the basics of mouthwash, listed below are principles concerning mouthwash: – If you are frequently suffering from bad breath, mouthwash can help to freshen breath and temporarily relieve you of the symptoms. – Enhance the look of your smile by using mouthwash products that contain teeth whitening treatments. – Making the decision about which mouthwash to add to your oral health care routine does not have to be done alone, as you can ask your dentist for product suggestions. – For extra safety and security, only choose mouthwash products that have been given the ADA’s Seal of Acceptance. – Mouthwash can be used to keep your smile healthy by eradicating plaque buildup and harmful acids which cause dental erosion, which thereby lowers your risk for tooth decay and gum disease. Our team at Chad Latino DDS focuses on a variety of oral health care treatments to suit all your needs. If you would like an oral exam from Dr. Latino, please book an appointment to come see us at our dentist office in Waco, Texas. We can be reached at 254-615-3084. The perfect smile of your dreams is only a visit away!
Are You Using the Right Mouthwash?
As an ideal supplementary oral health care cleaning product, mouthwash can be the perfect addition to any oral health care cleaning regimen. If you are already using the products, it is important to ask yourself if you are using the right mouthwash? Listed below are important facts regarding mouthwash and its many uses: – Improve the guise of your teeth by using mouthwash products that contain teeth whitening treatments. – Mouthwash can be used to keep your smile healthy by getting rid of plaque buildup and harmful acids which cause dental erosion. – Various mouthwash products can produce a wide array of services including enamel protection, teeth whitening, fresh breath, and bacteria removal. – If you are frequently suffering from bad breath, mouthwash can help to freshen breath and temporarily relieve you of the symptoms. – Ask your dentist for product recommendations when making the decision about which mouthwash to use. – For added safety and security, only choose mouthwash products that have been given the ADA’s Seal of Acceptance. Come in and see for yourself the magic of our oral health care treatments. To schedule an appointment with Dr. [doctor_name] and our team at our dentist office in [city], [state], call [practice_name] at [phone] and a member of our team will gladly assist you. Come in today and improve your smile with our help.
Gum Disease Can Hurt Your Oral Health
Gum disease is not something to take lightly. Did you know gum disease is a large reason for adult tooth loss? Well, it’s true! Gum disease can cause damage to your smile and leave you with embarrassing symptoms in its wake. That is why our team at [practice_name] in [city], [state], is here to talk about gum disease and how it can hurt your smile. There are many symptoms of gum disease. Some of these symptoms include bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, permanent wobbly teeth that are loose and separating from the gum line, tenderness, tooth loss, swollen gums, and even bone loss, which is why it is vital to keep your smile safe from gum disease. There are ways to prevent gum disease or reverse it from growing. Some of these ways include brushing regularly, using a mouthwash to help rid your smile of bacteria, and flossing each day to keep food particles from developing plaque between your teeth. The most important thing you can do to fight gum disease is by making an appointment with Dr. [doctor_name]. Your semi-annual checkup is vital to keeping your smile healthy and gum disease far away. To learn more about gum disease, or if you feel you are in need of a dental tune-up, please call us today at [phone] to set up an appointment. Our friendly team is always happy to assist you in any way we can when it comes to your oral health.
The Bad Habits that Can Harm Your Smile
Did you know there are things you can do on a regular basis that can severely harm your smile and alter your oral health? Well, it’s true. In fact, there are many things that you might not even think about that can cause major issues down the road. Some common habits that can hurt your teeth and gums include: –Avoiding dental cleanings: Dental cleanings are vital for your smile and for your oral health. In fact, they can be beneficial for your entire body as well. The treatment involved in dental cleanings is the only treatment that can completely clean plaque from your smile. This prevents gum disease. Gum disease is a serious and dangerous dental issue that can result in loose and lost teeth and can also be linked to other health issues, like diabetes and heart disease. So, it’s best to visit your dentist every six months for a cleaning and exam. –Having an inconsistent oral hygiene routine: Oral hygiene is also very important for your smile. If you brush your teeth twice a day, floss your smile once a day, and rinse your mouth daily, there is a high chance you’ll avoid dental issues, like tooth decay and gum disease, and maintain a strong and healthy smile. So, as you can tell, having an inconsistent oral hygiene routine can harm your smile in a myriad of ways. –Refusing to wear a mouthguard: If you participate in contact sports without wearing a mouthguard, there is a high chance a hard and forceful object, like a ball, foot, elbow, or knee, can hit your mouth and injure or knock out a tooth. This should be avoided at all costs by wearing a mouthguard. –Using your teeth as tools: This might seem crazy, but using your teeth as tools can crack, fracture, or break your teeth. This can include using your teeth to open a package, pull off a tag, or tear open an object. It’s best to avoid this habit altogether. So, if you want to maintain a strong and healthy smile in [city], [state], please refrain from participating in these destructive habits. If you would like to learn more or if you need additional tips on how to care for your teeth and gums, please remember that you can always call our team at [phone]. You can also schedule an appointment with Dr. [doctor_name] if you have concerns about your oral health. We are happy to help you!
Your Long-Term Oral Health Can Be Threatened by Periodontal Disease
Every year, periodontal disease threatens the oral health and quality of life of millions of Americans. The Centers for Disease Control also report that 64 percent of people 65 and over have been diagnosed with moderate-to-severe periodontal disease. At the same time, the American Dental Association estimates approximately 47 percent of people age 30 and older have some form of periodontal disease afflicting the health of their gum tissues. Periodontal disease is primarily caused when poor oral hygiene allows tartar to harden at the gumline. The constant bacterial presence leads to the inflammation and infection of the gum tissues known as gingivitis. Common symptoms often include red or inflamed gums. This usually includes increased bleeding during regular brushing and flossing. Many people experiencing gingivitis symptoms also complain of issues with chronic bad breath. Without timely treatment, gingivitis can develop into the more dangerous form of periodontal disease known as periodontitis. This level of infection can make your gums slowly recede from the base of your teeth, forming small pockets of bacterial infection near the roots of your teeth. In time, this can also result in the loss of bone structure, which can result in the loss of an otherwise healthy tooth. At the same time, continuing research has also found that the systemic inflammation of periodontal disease can also have an impact on other medical conditions. This can increase complications with diabetes, heart disease and stroke. While periodontal disease doesn’t cause these issues, it does seem to limit treatment options and can lead to further complications. If you are concerned that you might be developing periodontal disease in [city], [state], you should call [phone] to schedule an appointment at [practice_name].
