Know your Enemies: Dental Plaque

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CoupleBrushingRun your tongue over your teeth as  you read this. You may feel some lumps and bumps which are likely tartar buildup. Tartar is a hardened version of dental plaque. These biofilms cling to your teeth and gums. Identifying this unpleasant feeling is one thing. Taking action is another. Few people truly understand the formation and reason for plaque, or why the substance is as sticky as it is. Since plaque weakens tooth enamel and opens the door for tooth decay and gum disease, Sheridan dentist, Dr. Coon, would like to teach you more.

Dental Plaque Explained

One of the most important aspects to understanding dental plaque is knowing how it forms. Your mouth is host to over 600 different kinds of oral bacteria. Most of these germs are harmless, and some are even essential to the eco-system in your mouth. However, some bacteria are extremely detrimental to your oral health. These various germs gather together, multiplying and breeding and gaining strength from what you feed them. The accumulation of these germs leads to their fast consumption of sucrose (sugar) which is not only in the sweets you eat, but in breads, pastas, and fruits. Bacteria create acid as a by-product of a sugar binge, this mixes with more debris and the germs themselves, and the next thing you know, you have plaque. (more…)

filed under: Family Dentistry, Patient Education

Mouthwash for Better Oral Health

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Mouthwash GirlMany people view mouthwash as a personal choice or a now and then thing. Dental professionals tend to have varying opinions about whether or not mouthwash will actually improve dental health. The truth is, just as with any products in American, there are good mouthwashes and bad ones. How do you know which one is right for you?

Mouthwash for Killing Oral Germs (more…)

filed under: Family Dentistry, Preventive Dentistry

Dental Implants Over Time

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History TeacherAre you missing any teeth? Or do you already have dental implants in your mouth? As the leading tooth replacement option of modern times, it may seem to you that dental implants are a somewhat recent technological advancement. Believe it or not, the first dental implants actually date back more than 1,300 years. Of course, the technology has evolved greatly over time.

The Earliest Implants

The earliest recorded dental implants date back to the Ancient Mayans and Egyptians. These (more…)

filed under: Dental Implants

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A Diet for Healthier Teeth

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HealthyFoodSugar may not technically cause cavities, but it sure doesn’t help you to maintain healthy teeth. The bacteria – Streptococcus mutans – which actually do cause tooth decay love sugar. Any food which contains large amounts of sucrose will increase acid production, creating larger amounts of sticky plaque. Plaque is a biofilm which clings to your teeth. If you don’t clean your teeth, after about 48 hours, plaque will turn into tartar. Tartar is the consistency of cement and collects at your gumline, creating inflammation and gum disease. You probably already have a pretty firm grasp on which foods to avoid. On the other hand Sheridan, WY dentist, Dr. Donald Coon would like to suggest some dietary additions which can help you attain good dental health.

A Side of Veggies, Hold the Steam

The nutritional reputation of vegetables is well earned. Raw vegetables require plenty of chewing which increases your salivary production. Excess saliva aids in the elimination of bacteria and food particles in your mouth. Ample salivary production also neutralizes acid. Plaque is a mixture of acid, food debris, and bacteria. Before it hardens into tartar, it can be relatively easy to clean off of your teeth. Beyond brushing and flossing, munching on raw vegetables provides a fibrous, sugar-free way of cleaning your mouth. Some of the best raw veggies for a natural teeth cleaning are:

  • Celery
  • Cauliflower
  • Carrots
  • Broccoli

Dairy Good for your Teeth

Large quantities of cheese or ice cream are delicious, but full of saturated fat. If you can resist a binge on the most calorically dense of the dairy products and instead stick to reasonable portions, small amounts of dairy will strengthen teeth. Cheese helps maintain a healthy pH level ensuring that acid is neutralized before it can damage your smile. Cheddar, Swiss, brie, Gouda, and even processed American cheese are high in calcium which protects and coats your bone-like teeth.

Visit your Sheridan, WY Dentist

Are you concerned with your dental health?  Visit Dr. Coon to consult about any troubled areas in your smile. Contact Grinnell Street Dental in Sheridan, WY at (307) 672-7567 to schedule your appointment.
 
 

filed under: Family Dentistry, Healthy Living

Give your Teeth Less Space

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DiastemaWhat do Sir Elton John, Arnold Schwarzenegger, David Letterman, and Madonna have in common? They are all proud wearers of diastemas. Diastema is the clinical term for a space between two or more teeth. Diastemas are most obvious when they occur prominently between the top two front teeth. While the aforementioned public figures may flaunt their tooth gaps in pride, many people are uncomfortable that they have significant spaces in their smile. Sheridan dentist, Dr. Donald Coon will tell you what you can do if you want to bridge your gaps. (more…)

filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry, Family Dentistry

Don’t Throw Away your Used Toothbrush

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Toothbrush Cleaning KeyboardThe ADA (American Dental Association) recommends that you replace your used toothbrush (or electric toothbrush head) every three to four months, or sooner. Over the years, that adds up to quite a few toothbrushes tossed away. Is there any way to stretch out the life of your used toothbrushes so they don’t go completely to waste? Just because the brush is no longer effective for cleaning your teeth, doesn’t mean you have to throw it away. Sheridan dentist, Dr. Donald Coon offers you some suggestions for using a toothbrush to clean things other than your smile. (more…)

filed under: Just for Fun, Preventive Dentistry

Clear Braces Straighten Teeth with Peace of Mind

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InvisalignEven someone who you see as having perfect teeth may harbor personal issues with their smile. None of us is entirely without flaws. However, severely crooked teeth may require orthodontic treatment to avoid complications such as jaw issues or impossible dental hygiene. Some patients are fortunate enough to qualify for a type of innovative orthodontics which allow your efforts to remain a secret. Traditional bracket and wire metal braces are a thing of the past for some, thanks to Invisalign clear braces. Sheridan dentist, Dr. Coon can help (more…)

filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry, Invisalign

Nutritional Choices that Benefit Dental Health

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VegetablesDuring this time of year as the sun beams brightly and swimsuit season is mere months away, many people are concerned about their weight. Did you know that brushing your teeth can actually dull your appetite? Talk about a double positive! However, no matter how great your oral hygiene is, if you’re snacking on junk food all day long, your dental health will suffer. Sheridan dentist, Dr. Donald Coon urges you to eat mindfully for optimal oral and overall health.

Snacking Wisely (more…)

filed under: Oral Health, Patient Education

Frequently Asked Questions about Nitrous Oxide

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Smiling and RelaxedWould you believe that roughly 40 million people in America avoid going to the dentist because of severe anxiety over the prospect? If you are one of the many folks who battle extreme fears regarding dental appointments, a good solution is finding a dental team who understands your needs. Once you find a dentist you can trust, you are likely to completely turn around your relationship with maintaining your oral health. However, stepping your foot in Sheridan dentist, Dr. Donald Coon’s office may seem easier said than done if you are truly phobic about dental visits. Something which might help a great deal is a little bit of light sedation in the form of nitrous oxide. (more…)

filed under: Family Dentistry, Patient Education

Are you a Cosmetic Dentistry Candidate?

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thoughtful smileLook in the mirror. What do you see? Without being too hard on yourself, there are probably some things about your appearance that you wish you could change. Some are unrealistic. It’s important to recognize that not a single one of us is perfect. That said, your smile has obvious importance when it comes to making good impressions on others and succeeding in life. If someone grins at you, and you respond with a closed mouth look, they’re sure to think you’re unpleasant, snobby, or angry. The truth is, if someone avoids smiling, it’s very possible that they’re mortified over the way their teeth appear when they smile. If your hand covers your mouth when cameras come out, you should think about coming in to see Sheridan cosmetic dentist, Dr. Donald Coon for a cosmetic consultation.

Common Cosmetic Dental Treatments (more…)

filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry, Patient Education