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5 Surprising Things You Should Know About Cavities

Posted on January 31, 2017 by Roz Walker.

You may not know all the facts about tooth decay and cavities, but you do know it’s something you don’t want to have. Yet cavities (dental caries, tooth decay) are the most frequent chronic disease it both children and adults. In fact the National Health and Nutrition Exam Survey revealed that 92% of adults ages 20 to 64 have had a least one cavity and 26% have untreated cavities.

close up of tooth about to have a hole cut in it by a dental drill

Cavities are the most frequent chronic disease it both children and adults.

While these stats are somewhat shocking, what’s even more surprising is that many don’t really know what causes dental caries and the impact they have on their overall health.

Want to prevent tooth decay, stay healthy and save money? Here are five surprising facts about cavities you need to know:

Cavities are actually bacterial infections

In simple terms, a cavity is just a hole in your tooth. There’s just a lot that happens in your mouth to create it. Dental caries are formed through a combination of bacteria and acid. As sugar enters the mouth, it’s broken down by bacteria and secretes an acid as a by-product. This acid begins to dissolve and softens the outer layer of the tooth. These soft spots are the places where bacteria enters the tooth and hides out.

Once this happens, it becomes harder to remove the bacteria with just brushing, flossing and rinsing. And as long as the bacteria stays on the tooth, it continues to dissolve the tooth leading to a cavity.

You may not know you have one

It would be nice if your mouth let you know the instant you started forming a cavity. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. Mild tooth decay doesn’t come with any symptoms. In fact, those who have pain they associate with cavities are usually experiencing a more advanced type of tooth decay that has damaged the nerve.

The best way to catch tooth decay before it gets advanced is to have routine screenings by your dentist. Not only will this help you in discovering cavities, it can help in preventing them.

Choose healthy snacks like fruit, vegetables, nuts and cheese.

Sugar isn’t the only culprit

Eating too much sugar isn’t the only cause of cavities. Many so-called healthy foods (granola bars, bagels, dried fruit) aren’t good for your teeth either. Carbs and other sticky foods also contribute to tooth decay. Food that sticks to the teeth feed the bacteria which causes cavities.

Your best bet is to snack on healthy food options like fruits, vegetables, nuts and cheese. If you choose to indulge in a less than healthy snack, be sure to brush about 30 minutes after eating or at least rinse your mouth with water if you can’t brush.

Keeping tooth decay at bay can improve your overall health

The health of your mouth affects the health of your body. Poor oral health has been linked to diabetes, stroke and heart disease. By practicing good oral hygiene you not only keep your pearly whites looking good, you keep your body feeling good.

By taking care of your mouth, you keep your teeth–and body– healthy for a lifetime. Reduce your risk of serious health issues by proper brushing, flossing and regular visits to the dentist.

Preventing tooth decay can save you more than $2,000 over your lifetime.

Cavities can cost more than $2,000 over your lifetime

Prevention saves money and cavities are preventable. Practicing good oral hygiene, eating healthy meals and snacks, and getting regular dental check-ups can help you steer clear of tooth decay. And if it’s caught early enough, dental decay can even be reversed.

It’s estimated that each cavity you prevent saves you more that $2,000 over your lifetime. And if you have more than 32 teeth in your mouth, you have quite an investment to protect.

Dr. Mike Malone and his team practice expert cosmetic dentistry in Lafayette, LA. Dr. Malone is the former president and accredited member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. He is also the official Cosmetic Dentist of the Miss Louisiana USA and Miss Louisiana Teen USA pageants.

Surprising Health Benefits of Cosmetic Dentistry

Posted on December 20, 2016 by Roz Walker.

When we hear the words “cosmetic” the first thoughts that usually come to mind are of doing something for looks. However, cosmetic dentistry isn’t always about appearance. It’s also about improving the health of your teeth, gums—and even your overall health.

We all know that a healthy, beautiful smile can make a great and lasting impression. This is one of the reasons why we specialize in transforming smiles. What you may not realize is that some dental issues that appear to be purely cosmetic in nature can actually have a lasting impact on your overall oral health.

If you’re wondering just how correcting your smile can improve your health, here are some surprising benefits of cosmetic dentistry.

Woman in dental chair for cosmetic dentistry

Correcting your smile can result in some surprising health benefits.

Decrease the risk of periodontal disease

Chipped, cracked or damaged teeth lead to tooth decay if left untreated. This exposes your teeth to more serious problems such as periodontal disease. Fixing problem teeth improves your oral health and reduces the risk of gum disease and other oral health concerns.

Relieve nagging headaches

Headaches are often caused by stress situations, dehydration and other underlying medical conditions. However, there are other sources of headaches that can be just as debilitating. Teeth that are not aligned properly prevent your jaw joints, muscles and teeth from working together in harmony. This results in jaw and muscle tension which cause facial pain and headaches.

Depending on the underlying cause, cosmetic dentistry or a dental appliance can correct the problem and relieve you of those nagging headaches.

Restoring teeth to a healthy condition increases the variety of healthy foods you’re able to enjoy.

Restore a healthy appetite

Teeth that are in poor condition are often painful. As a result, you may find it necessary to choose softer, less nutritious foods to eat. By fixing teeth that are cracked, decayed or missing, eating becomes easier and more pleasurable. And it increases the variety of healthy foods you’re able to enjoy.

Lower stress

A recent survey found that 55 percent of Americans feel a nice smile is “very important” in being attractive to others. So when your smile is less than ideal, it can make you self-conscious about your appearance. You may shy away from interactions with others, causing stress when faced with social situations.

By improving your smile, you increase your confidence and reduce your overall stress. Just remember, if you need help in transforming your smile, we specialize in smile design.

This short video from the American Dental Association further shares the health benefits of having a healthy smile.

Anti-Aging Tips for a Younger Smile

Posted on November 18, 2016 by Roz Walker.

Your smile is often the first thing people notice when meeting you. It makes a lasting impression, so you want to be sure it’s your best one.

Studies have determined that smiling faces are more attractive and youthful looking, with some people looking three years younger as a result of their smile.

What do you do if you don’t have that magazine-ready smile?

You’ve had years of chewing, grinding, snacking and coffee drinking. And now your grin reflects stains, receding gum lines, and yellowing teeth – the ingredients of an aging smile.

No need to fear. There are plenty of steps you can take to achieve the younger smile you desire.

Healthy teen mouth with beautiful white teeth

Get rid of stains for a younger smile.

Banish stains

Stained, discolored teeth instantly age you. Coffee, dark teas, some carbonated drinks and red wine can cause stains to the surface of our teeth.

To gain back your youthful look, try switching to green or herbal teas which are less likely to stain. Also, resist the urge to brush your teeth immediately after consuming these drinks. It’s best to simply rinse with water and then wait at least 30 minutes before brushing to protect your tooth’s enamel.

Limit snacking to healthy choices that won’t harm your tooth’s enamel.

Limit snacking

Snacking can not only threaten your waistline, it’s not so great for your oral health either. Frequently munching on chips, sweets and other processed foods can increase acid levels in your mouth and keep them elevated for an extended time as you snack throughout the day.

These acids contribute to the breakdown of your tooth’s enamel. Not a good move for maintaining a youthful smile.

If you feel the need to snack, switch to healthy alternatives like carrots, celery or cucumber slices which won’t stick around on your teeth.

Whiten and brighten

Over time, our teeth get darker. The internal part of our teeth begin to shrink, while the amount of the yellowish dentin in our teeth increases. As our tooth’s enamel wears thin over time, this yellow tint shines through more and more.

Thankfully, there are several teeth whitening products which can get your teeth shades lighter. While there are over-the-counter solutions, a trip to the dentist is the safest route.

We can fit you with custom-made whitening trays which usually have more potent whitening power. If you’d rather not do it yourself, we also offer in-office Zoom whitening services.

Replace metal fillings

Nothing ages your smile more than silver fillings and metal crowns. Talk with your dentist about replacing these out-dated materials with newer, tooth-colored options.

Veneers are another option for turning back the clock. These thin pieces of porcelain are bonded to your original tooth, correcting problems with shape, size, crowding, color and position.

The right lip color can frame your smile perfectly.

Frame your smile perfectly

Sometimes achieving a younger smile is as simple as choosing the right lip color. Selecting a lip color that offsets stains or yellowing can give you a more youthful grin.

Avoid colors that are dark or have yellow undertones. These can actually make stains stand out more. Opt instead for lipsticks with cool undertones that blend well with your skin tone to enhance the brightness of your smile.

Checklist for Protecting Your Teeth This Winter

Posted on October 31, 2016 by Roz Walker.

Cold weather can be harsh. One visit to the windy city of Chicago in the middle of winter will convince you of that fact.

As the air turns colder, even in warmer climates, we put on more layers. We know the effect of cold on our skin. What we may not realize is cold weather also affects our teeth.

Young woman in pain is having toothache.

Cold weather can cause tooth sensitivity. You can protect your teeth with these tips.

Extreme changes in weather cause various parts of our bodies to expand and contract, our teeth included. These changes can cause tiny fissures and cracks to form in our teeth. Though not often visible—or a major health threat—they can cause sensitivity in our teeth.

Fortunately, there are things you can do to protect your teeth this winter. Here is a checklist of the best habits for defending your teeth from cold.

Inhale through your nose

Inhaling through your mouth in the cold allows freezing air to flow past your teeth. This can be a painful experience for many. Breathing through your nose whenever possible reduces the pain sensitive teeth can feel.

Drinking six to eight glasses of water a day can keep you hydrated and your teeth healthy.

Stay hydrated

It’s just as important to stay hydrated in the winter as it is in the summer. It’s recommended to drink six to eight glasses of water daily to give your body the proper amount of fluids. This will keep your body and brain healthy, as well as your teeth.

Keep your mouth covered while outside

Covering your mouth with a scarf or jacket protects your teeth from the frigid temperatures. These coverings act as insulation, warming the air as it passes through the layers of clothing. However, continue to breathe through your nose even while covering up to give you extra protection.

Using a toothpaste formulated to desensitize teeth can protect your teeth from cold.

Protect your teeth with proper oral hygiene

Sensitivity to cold can often be helped at home. Start with using a toothpaste formulated to desensitize teeth. Be sure to use it regularly. Its effects diminish with time.

And go easy on the brushing. Though it doesn’t seem possible, you can brush your teeth too much. Over-brushing can wear down the tooth enamel that protects the teeth. Aim to brush two to three times a day with a soft bristled brush for the best results.

Visit your dentist

If you haven’t had a checkup in a while, you might consider visiting your dentist before cold weather moves in. Your teeth may be sensitive to cold due to cracks or weakened enamel on your teeth. We can give you a thorough exam and recommend the best steps for keeping your teeth protected this winter.

What Your Tongue Can Tell Your Dentist About Your Sleeping Habits

Posted on September 14, 2016 by Roz Walker.

While giving you a routine dental exam, we might be able to tell you about your sleeping habits.

A recent study found the size of your tonsils may indicate your risk for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a condition in which breathing is briefly and repeatedly interrupted during sleep due to block upper airways.

And the presence of teeth imprints on your tongue suggests it’s too big for your mouth, also a sign of possible OSA.

Couple in bed, man snoring and woman can not sleep, covering ears with pillow for snore noise.

Your sleeping habits may indicate a risk for Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

Who is affected by sleep apnea?

More than 18 million adults report having trouble sleeping due to sleep apnea. This condition causes snoring, fragmented sleep, and low blood oxygen levels, leading to drowsiness, poor memory, irritability, and mood problems.

For those with more severe cases, OSA can lead to depression, hypertension, congestive heart failure, heart disease or stroke.

female patient with open mouth getting dental exam

The most common factors for OSA were obesity, tongue indentations, and large tonsils.

The link between your tonsils and your sleeping habits

In conducting their study, researchers examined 200 patients in clinics at the University of Dammam College of Dentistry in Saudi Arabia. Patients completed a special screening assessment for OSA.

Researchers also screened patients for known and potential OSA factors, including blood pressure, body weight, neck circumference and the size of their uvula, tonsils and tongue.

The study concluded that 23 percent of the 200 participants were at risk for OSA. The most common factors found among this high risk group were obesity, tongue indentations, and large tonsils.

Smiling dentist leaning against dentists chair in dental clinic

Dentists play an important role in identifying sleep apnea.

How your dentist can help

If you thought your sleeping habits were of no concern to your dentist, think again. We can play an important role in identifying sleep apnea.

We see into your mouth more often than physicians do and the signs of sleep apnea are easy to identify. While we aren’t able to formally diagnose OSA in our patients, we can screen for it and potentially keep many cases from going undiagnosed.

If you are having trouble sleeping, be sure to mention it to your physician. We can also support your physician by checking your oral health during your next routine dental exam.

Best Foods for Your Oral Health

Posted on August 25, 2016 by Roz Walker.

What you eat reflects on your teeth. Foods packed with sugar, such as candies and soda, contribute to tooth decay.

When your diet is less than ideal, your oral health is one of the first areas to decline. Want to keep your mouth healthy and happy? Try these tasty foods your mouth (and teeth) will love.

Dairy products like milk, cheese and yogurt can help strengthen your teeth.

Cheese and yogurt

You guessed it. Dairy products like milk, cheese and yogurt can help strengthen your teeth. They are low in sugar which is good for your oral health. Plus dairy contains protein and calcium which strengthen your teeth.

For cheese lovers, here’s one more reason to enjoy this tasty treat. One study has found that eating cheese raised the pH level in participants’ mouths and lowered their risk of tooth decay.

Juicy fruits

Fruits are high in fiber and water which help clean your teeth. Chewing alone helps stimulate the production of saliva, washing food particles and harmful acids away from your teeth.

Apples are especially good for your teeth. Its fibrous texture stimulates the gums. Though eating an apple isn’t the same as brushing your teeth with a toothbrush and toothpaste, it can tide you over until you have a chance to brush.

Leafy greens, such as spinach and kale, also promote good oral health.

Carrots and leafy greens

Like apples, carrots are full of fiber and pack a big crunch. By eating a handful of raw carrots at the end of your meal, you stimulate saliva production, reducing your risk of cavities.

Full of vitamins and minerals, leafy greens, such as spinach and kale, also promote good oral health. They are loaded with calcium which builds your teeth’s enamel. They also contain folic acid which has many health benefits.

Almonds

Nuts contain minerals and proteins which are important to your overall health. Almonds are especially great for your teeth because they’re a good source of calcium.

Add a quarter cup of almonds as a snack or add them to a salad as part of your meal. And as an added benefit, as you chew, you stimulate saliva which can reduce your risk for tooth decay.

Water is an ideal beverage having no calories or sugar.

Along with adding these foods to your diet, pay attention to what you drink. Water is always the best pick since it has no calories or sugar. What you eat makes a big difference when it comes to your oral health.

5 Ways Good Oral Hygiene Improves Your Health

Posted on July 20, 2016 by Roz Walker.

You already know good oral hygiene keeps you free of gum disease, tooth decay and bad breath.

What you may not know is that brushing regularly, flossing and visiting your dentist lowers your risk of serious health problems.

What’s happening in your mouth tells you a lot about what’s happening in the other areas of your body. Over and over again, research has proven the link between oral health and your overall general health, making taking care of your teeth more than just a mindless ritual–a necessary step to staying healthy.

Want to improve your overall health?

Here are five ways to improve your overall health:

1. Reduce your risk of heart attack or stroke

Gum disease is often linked with heart disease, though all of the reasons why are not clear. Research shows people with severe gum infections have a greater risk of heart attack or stroke. In fact, up to 91 percent of patients with heart disease also have gum disease.

Reduce your risk of heart disease by flossing daily and brushing regularly—after each meal is best.

2. Soothe your aching joints

Oral bacteria finds its way to joint fluid and causes pain and discomfort. Treating gum disease has been shown to reduce joint pain caused by arthritis.

Good diet, proper care of your teeth and regular trips to your dentist help you to avoid gum disease and keep your joints pain-free.

3. Breathe easier

By now you may see the connection between oral bacteria and poor health.

Here’s another point to consider. Patients with tooth plaque breathe in microparticals of the plaque which host bacteria that eventually finds its way to your lungs. This causes severe problems including pneumonia. And worsens chronic lung conditions.

If you want to breathe easier, choose a healthy diet that’s low in simple sugars and rich in essential nutrients and maintain your regular brushing and flossing routine.

4. Brush to get pregnant

There are interesting links between gum health and pregnancy. In fact, one study linked gum disease with difficulty in getting pregnant. Women in the study with gum disease took two months longer to get pregnant than others without the condition.

Want to increase your odds of getting pregnant? Keeping those teeth and gums healthy is one good method to try.

5. Identify diabetes early

There are millions of people who have diabetes and don’t know it.

Did you know that dentists can play a role in identifying the disease? By examining your mouth regularly, looking for anything abnormal, we gain clues about risk factors for diabetes.

In one study,dentists correctly identified patients with diabetes 73 percent of the time through an oral examination. Practicing good oral hygiene and keeping your regular dental appointments can do more than just save your teeth—it can save your life.

Ready to improve your overall health? Keep up with your regular routine of brushing and flossing, choose a healthy diet, and be sure to schedule regular dental cleanings and exams.

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How To Deal With Your Child’s Dental Fear

Posted on October 9, 2014 by Infinity Dental Web.

Sometimes, kids and the dentist just don’t mix. Kids either get antsy and impatient from the prolonged sitting time, or they get scared of one of the many tools the hygienists must use to clean.

While some dental anxiety is deeply rooted and cannot be solved so easily, most children should not have to go into a tooth cleaning appointment in fear of the dentist. Here are a few tips suggested by Philly.com for parents struggling with this very issue!

~ If your child has never been to the dentist before, anxiety is going to be normal. We all fear the unknown, children or adults alike. What can make a child’s anxiety worse is if their parent is acting equally scared or anxious. So stay positive and upbeat, and you can spread the calmness to your child!

~ Maintain a positive opinion of dentists — at least around your children. Contributing to the negative stereotype around dentists brought on by television (ahem, Seinfeld) and film (Steve Martin’s frightening portrayal of a dentist in Little Shop of Horrors) won’t make your child feel any better about going to visit the dentist. Remember, your kids are always listening!

~ Instead, highlight the positives of going to a dentist from your point of view in front of your children. It isn’t rocket science — you know you use this same psychology in front of your kids when you want them to eat their broccoli and brussels sprouts! Emphasize why you like going to the dentist to your kids — My teeth feel clean, My dentist is very nice, I really enjoy going to see my dentist, etc. Soon, your child might even ask you to go!

~ Set some guidelines as to proper behavior when in the dentist’s office. Plan a reward in advance so that your child is motivated to follow the guidelines. It isn’t bribery, it’s motivation! Make it someone small and easy that you can do right after the appointment.

~ Over-reassuring your child that the visit ‘won’t be bad’ will only scare them. This builds the visit up into something horrendous in their brains, and you’l only make it worse.

~ Comment when your child is doing well in the dentist’s chair. If your child acts up by doing something like refusing to sit in the chair, it’s better to not give this behavior as much attention.

~ If this does happen (your child escaping from the dental chair and attempting to run away) make sure to reverse it! If you leave the dentist without finishing the appointment (and on such a negative note) chances are your child will remember how the appointment ended next time they need to go in. You want to make this a positive experience so your child isn’t afraid, or even looks forward to seeing the dentist!

~ Of courses, there are more serious cases. If your child still suffers from extreme dental anxiety, you might think about seeing a cognitive-behavioral therapy expert.

Dr. Mike Malone and his team practice expert cosmetic dentistry in Lafayette, LA. Dr. Malone is the former president and current accredited member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. He is also the official Cosmetic Dentist of the Miss Louisiana USA and Miss Louisiana Teen USA pageants. Check out his website for more information.

Why You Should Never Fall Asleep Without Brushing

Posted on September 19, 2014 by Infinity Dental Web.

I mean, you probably already knew this. It’s common sense you’d want to brush away all of the food particles and bacteria produced from the day out of your mouth before you go to bed.

But at the same time, we’ve all done it. We’ve had those late nights out when you get home and you’re too darn tired to brush those teeth. Now, we’re going to explain to you why you really can’t be too tired to brush your teeth before bed. Because there are repercussions, and they’re pretty nasty.

First off, not brushing your teeth leads to bad halitosis. In other words: terrible, horrible breath. Usually you can tell your breath is bad by the mere taste in your mouth. And if you can’t stand your own breath, how will others?

But worse than bad breath, if you decide to skip a night here and there, you will pay. According to the Huffington Post: “ Skip a session, and you’re on your way to encouraging the growth of bacterial buildup in the form of plaque, which can lead to cavities and gum disease.”

During any given day, if you run your tongue along your teeth, you may find a sticky, fuzzy substance. This is the formation of plaque as it builds up in your mouth during the day. When you brush your teeth at night, the fluoride in your toothpaste fights the bacteria sitting on your teeth and prevents it from attacking your teeth.

When you leave plaque lingering by not brushing, it can become tartar, “‘that hard, yellow, rough material you sometimes feel in between your teeth’” according to Dr. Ruchi Sonata, a dentist and representative for the American Dental Association.

There is no timeline of when plaque starts to turn into a cavity, but Dr. Ruchi says that skipping one tooth brushing session can already start the process of a cavity formation. So don’t skip people! But at the same time, doing a sloppy, quick brushing job can be just as bad as not brushing altogether.

As you can see, there is no replacement for brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing once a day. Also, the ADA recommends visiting a dentist twice a year to get rid of the tartar in between your teeth — a dentist is the only one who can truly get at that hardened gunk in between your teeth.

Tip: Assuming that breath mints and mouthwash are cleaning your teeth is false; while these make your mouth feel fresh, they aren’t truly cleaning your teeth and fighting bacteria from growing in your mouth.

British Fight Back the ‘Bad Teeth’ Stereotype

Posted on August 30, 2014 by Infinity Dental Web.

You might never guess that some of the most famous smiles that have come out of Britain — Emma Watson’s, Daniel Radcliffe’s, Colin Firth’s, and last but not least, the Duchess of Cambridge’s — are without one crown, veneer, or even braces in some cases.

In fact, Princess Kate’s smile has been considered one of the most famous in the world! But she’s British, so how does that work? They’re supposed to have bad teeth!

Well, unfortunately one of the reasons so many British people have crooked, unsightly teeth is because of the price of dental and orthodontic work in the UK. It simply remains too high, and with the “increasing gap in wealth” in the UK, this will remain a problem for many people.

So what does a British person do to avoid spending £30,000 in London to have your “teeth safely replaced”? There is a compromise. A growing trend in Britain, instead of getting braces and veneers and crowns is to get a ‘micro-rotation.’

What is a micro-rotation, you ask? Cosmetic dentists describe it as a hassle-free way to straighten your teeth. Also called Micro-Contouring, the teeth are “rotated and tilted in small micro-maneuvers to ultimately create the smile of your choice” according to The Perfect Smile. This procedure is fairly new, and can be carried out over a period of a few months. Within this time frame, adults can have straighter teeth without having to pay for and endure metal braces.

The result of getting micro-rotations versus braces is a “very natural appearance because it is a type of mini-cosmetic smile makeover” according to The Perfect Smile. “It still uses the tooth’s natural colours but it simply enhances the way the light reflects the teeth. So all the teeth look harmonious to the lips and face.”

Apparently, getting micro-rotations has become the latest craze in Britain. It gets you the ‘desired smile’ meaning, one most similar to Princess Kate’s. In Britain, perfectly straight white teeth are viewed as unnatural, plus they “must be renewed and maintained at some expense and risk”, according to Newsweek.

To be fair, we’ve had the ability to do micro-rotation on teeth for roundabout 40 years. Back then, one Beverly Hills dentist Craven Kurz developed the technique to conduct the procedure. The technology wasn’t completely there however. Now, it’s facing a resurgence in Britain.

In the end, what makes a smile beautiful is subjective. This shift in preference for a ‘natural’ smile versus an ‘artificial’ smile might not last forever. What type of smile do you prefer?

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