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.
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.
Can Your Oral Health Be Improved with Dental Veneers?
Can Your Oral Health Be Improved with dental veneers? With modern advances in technology, the progress that has been seen in our dentist community is tremendous. A service called dental veneers is considered one of the premier tooth restoration treatments available in modern cosmetic dentistry. Not only do you get to keep your natural teeth, but nearly all manner of ailments and abnormalities can be covered, allowing your smile to be converted into a modern-day marvel. Dental veneers can be crafted and modified based on shape, size, color, comfort, and position you desire. Dental veneers can be used for a wide assortment of spacing issues and malocclusions that may not require orthodontic treatment thanks to dental veneers. Damaged and broken teeth can benefit from veneers, however, they still need to be repaired and cared for, even after veneers are applied. Dental veneers are customizable tooth restorations that are designed to vastly enhance the look of each individual tooth. Veneers can be adjusted for use with one ailing tooth, or you can have multiple veneers crafted for a complete smile makeover. A single dental veneer can last over a decade of normal use before any replacements will be necessary. No matter the number of dental veneers you desire, Dr. [doctor_name] and our team at [practice_name] are here to give you the smile you want. If you would like to schedule an appointment to come see us at our dentist office in [city], [state], please contact us at [phone] to speak with a member of our team. We will get you the smile you’ve always wanted!
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.
Keep Your Smile Shining So It Can Always Be There to Serve You Well
Keep your smile shining so it can always be there to serve you well. Even though your teeth and gums can weaken or deteriorate over time, most damaging effects are caused by the foods you eat and the beverages you consume. Avoid dangerous products like sugary substances and your teeth will have a much greater chance to survive the oral hazards of a lifetime of wear. Here are some things you can do to protect your teeth: Always take the time to speak with and visit your licensed professionals at your dentist office. We will strive to always be there if you should suffer an oral accident or even if you simply need a professional cleaning. Try to have your teeth professionally cleaned at least twice every year. On a day to day basis, you should do your best to do your part to help your teeth survive the rigors of dental erosion and oral injuries waiting to happen. With the foods you consume, always assume your teeth could crack from a tough piece of food. Exercise caution with products like candy apples, hard candy, corn on the cob, corn kernels, and beef jerky. In addition, it doesn’t take much brute force to knock loose teeth, so if you feel any activity you may be involved in, puts your teeth at risk, be sure to change your habits or wear appropriate safety equipment. Our team at [practice_name] specializes in a variety of dentistry procedures to suit all your needs. If you would like an oral exam from Dr. [doctor_name], please book an appointment to come see us at our dentist office in [city], [state]. We can be reached at [phone]. We are here to help you get the healthy smile of your dreams!
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.
Fixing Discolored Teeth
So many people have discolored teeth, yet so few know that getting those teeth to shine white and bright again is a very simple, easy procedure. It’s a procedure we’re proud to offer to our patients here at [practice_name] in [state], and one we encourage you to consider if you’re in need of fixing some discolored teeth. Let’s look at what Dr. [doctor_name] can do for you. Why use professional whitening? Taking time from your busy schedule to come into our office for a whitening can seem a bit redundant with all the over-the-counter whitening solutions you can buy straight from the grocery store. However, there are some big advantages to using professional whitening services. Professional whitening is far more effective than over-the-counter solutions. Dr. [doctor_name] has access to whitening products far more powerful than anything you can buy at the store, which means your teeth will become whiter much quicker. It’s also less of a hassle to have someone else whiten your teeth. Filling the trays at home and trying not to get the whitening gel on your gums isn’t always the easiest thing to do. During professional whitening, however, you don’t have to worry about that as our professional team will ensure your whitening experience is easy and pain-free. If you’re ready for those discolored teeth to go from gray to great, then call us today at [phone] and get started on your teeth whitening journey!
