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.

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. 

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.

Dental Implants: How to Keep Your New-and-Improved Tooth Healthy and Strong

Did you know a dental implant can last a lifetime? Well, it’s true, but only if you take good care of it. This is why it’s important to do all you can to keep your new-and-improved tooth in tip-top shape. To help you do so, our [practice_name] dental team has some helpful tips for you. We encourage you to do the following things: –Keep up on oral hygiene: Oral hygiene can help keep your implant in top-notch condition. It can also help kill bacteria that can attack and harm your implant. So, be sure to brush your teeth every morning and every night, floss your smile right before bed, and rinse your mouth daily. As you do these things, use a soft-bristled toothbrush, fluoride toothpaste, your favorite dental floss, and antibacterial mouthwash. No matter which tool and product you use, make sure it has been approved by the American Dental Association. –Attend your maintenance appointments: It’s important to make sure your implant is in top-notch condition regularly. So, please make sure to attend your maintenance appointments. This can help you maintain a strong, reliable, and attractive implant for many years. –Visit your dentist: Your implant isn’t vulnerable to tooth decay, but it is vulnerable to gum disease. This is why it’s important to visit your dentist every six months. These dental cleanings can remove the plaque and tartar from your teeth and implant and reduce your chances of falling victim to gum disease. Doing these things can help you have a strong, reliable and beautiful dental implant for a lifetime. That way you can have the complete and functional smile you deserve. If you have any questions about dental implants in [city], [state], or how to care for them, please feel free to call our office at [phone]. Dr. [doctor_name] and our dental team will be more than happy to help you in any way we can!

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!

Tips for Stopping Tooth Decay in Infants and Toddlers

Infants often show signs of tooth exposure around 6 months of age. When this occurs, the newly exposed teeth are susceptible to all the forms of tooth decay as any normal teeth are. To protect the teeth, we must then care for them as we would any other teeth. Additionally, we can monitor what items enter an infant’s mouth that could be potentially dangerous. Here are some tips for stopping tooth decay in infants and toddlers: – Do not leave a bottle in the baby’s mouth during nap time. – Avoid contaminating anything the baby uses for his/her mouth. Do not share food utensils or pacifiers. – Do not dip the child’s pacifier in sweet substances such as honey or sugar. – If the baby has any teeth that have broken through the gumline, use toothpaste with the ADA Seal of Acceptance. Slowly brush their teeth with a child-sized toothbrush and an amount of toothpaste roughly the size of a grain of rice. – Be careful what you put into drinking bottles for babies. Focus on using only formula, milk, or breast milk in the bottles. Do not use liquids such as sugar water, juice, soft drinks, or energy drinks. Baby bottle tooth decay is preventable if you take the necessary steps to protect your little ones. If you have not made time for your dentist at [practice_name], and would like to make an appointment with Dr. [doctor_name], please contact us today. We can be reached at [phone] or by stopping by our office in [city], [state]. Let us help you take charge of you and your child’s future with a healthy smile.

Is Bad Breath Embarrassing You?

Are you self-conscious about your breath because it isn’t appealing? If so, you are not alone. Less than stellar breath is quite common but it can be unnerving during the socializing brought on by the holiday season. The good news is, bad breath, or halitosis, can be easily remedied depending on the cause of your condition. Fortunately, Dr. [doctor_name] and our team in [city], [state] is skilled at helping our patients resolve oral issues. To find out the cause of your bad breath, our dentist will begin by thoroughly examining your mouth. The first line of defense is reducing the bacteria in your mouth. Some factors we will look for include plaque and tartar (which is hardened plaque), any fillings in your mouth that may be leaking, whether or not you have dry mouth, or an infection, an abscess, or gum disease. Depending on the cause of your bad breath, we may recommend deep cleanings, a root canal or artificial saliva (in the case of dry mouth). In addition to your vigilant brushing and flossing, you may be prescribed an antimicrobial mouthwash. You can also boost healthy saliva production by increasing your water intake and chewing sugar-free gum. This holiday season, refresh your breath by getting the help you need to have a confident smile once again. Our dedicated team in [city], [state], is happy to help with the right treatment options for your needs. Please call [phone] today and let Dr. [doctor_name] restore your healthy smile!  

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