Patient Education
At Southern Smiles, we believe that informed patients are healthier patients. Our commitment goes beyond providing exceptional dental care; it extends to educating and empowering you with the knowledge you need to make informed decisions about your oral health.
Our patient education resources are designed to provide you with a deeper understanding of these topics, allowing you to actively participate in your oral health journey. We are here to answer any questions and guide you toward making choices that lead to a healthier, more radiant smile. Your dental health is our priority, and your knowledge is your best asset.
Stay informed, stay healthy. At Southern Smiles, we're your partners in achieving a smile that you'll be proud to share. Contact us at (601) 261-5541 if you have any questions or would like to discuss any of these topics further.
Partners in Achieving a Smile That You'll be Proud to Share
Our main goal is to see you smile!
Partners in Achieving a Smile That You'll be Proud to Share
Our main goal is to see you smile!
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Why Choose Us
Bad Breath? We can Help
Information is key.
1. What Causes Bad Breath?
You might think that bad breath, or halitosis, comes mostly from eating foods like garlic and onions. You may be surprised to learn that bacteria in the mouth, especially on the tongue, is one of the biggest bad breath causes. Dentists refer to the sulfur byproducts excreted as waste by oral bacteria as “volatile sulfur compounds” (VSC’s) and it’s their presence in your mouth that causes bad breath. Besides food, bad breath can be caused by poor dental hygiene, tobacco use and some medical conditions.
2. Causes of Bad Breath
- Food – Food that collects on and between the teeth can collect bacteria that produce odors.
- Poor Dental Hygiene – Remove plaque, which contains bacteria, from your teeth, gums, and tongue every day. Cavities and gingivitis can also cause bad breath.
- Tobacco Use – Smoking can cause chronic bad breath from the build-up of tar and nicotine as well as reduced saliva flow.
- Medical Conditions – Respiratory tract infections, chronic sinusitis, postnasal drip, chronic bronchitis, diabetes, gastrointestinal disturbances, or liver and kidney ailments can contribute to bad breath problems.
3. How to Get Rid of Bad Breath
To help get rid of bad breath make sure to brush twice a day and floss daily to remove odor-causing bacteria from the teeth, gums, and tongue. Use an antibacterial toothpaste and mouthwash to help kill odor-causing bacteria. A clean, plaque-free mouth is critical to maintaining fresh breath.
To Help Keep Breath Fresh Between Brushings Try:
- Rinsing with mouthwash after eating
- Chewing sugarless gum to stimulate saliva flow
- Snacking on celery, carrots, and apples which can help loosen debris
- Eat a nutritious diet – vitamin deficiencies can contribute to bad breath
- Brushing your tongue
4. Get in Touch With Us
See your dental professional if bad breath persists to rule out chronic medical conditions. More often than not bad breath can be conquered by using mouthwash, toothpaste, and dental floss every day.
Children’s Dental Health FAQ
Information is key.
1. When should I start teaching my kids about oral care?
Proper at-home oral care begins at birth. Parents should care for their babies' gums even before teeth develop!
2. How often should children replace their toothbrushes?
A toothbrush should be replaced at least every three months, when bristles begin to show wear, or after an illness such as a cold or the flu.
3. Can children younger than 12 use mouth rinse?
Yes, children 6 years and older can use a mouth rinse. It kills the germs that cause plaque, gingivitis and bad breath. We suggest supervision for children 6 to 12 years old when using a mouth rinse. Children also can use a fluoride rinse to help strengthen teeth and prevent cavities. Remember to always read and follow the directions for any mouth rinse that you use.
4. How many teeth do I have?
Most people eventually have 32 adult (permanent) teeth, including wisdom teeth.
5. When will I lose my baby teeth?
Starting at 6 to 7 years, baby teeth loosen and fall out to make room for permanent teeth. Losing baby teeth is a natural part of growing up, and new, permanent teeth quickly will replace the lost teeth.
6. What are wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth usually appear when you’re between the ages of 18 and 20 at the very back of your mouth. They are called "wisdom teeth" because they appear relatively late in life (as far as teeth go!), when you are presumably wiser.
7. How can I keep my teeth strong?
Basic oral care requires brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing regularly, eating the right kinds of food, and visiting your dentist.
8. What food is good for my teeth?
Your teeth and gums need a balanced diet. That means fruits and vegetables; bread and non-sugary cereals; milk and dairy products; and meat, fish, and eggs.
9. What food is bad for my teeth?
Eating sugary snacks, such as candy bars, cookies, and ice cream, and drinking acidic beverages like sports drinks and soda, can lead to tooth decay. That doesn't mean you can't ever eat those kinds of treats; but too much drinking can cause all kinds of problems, including cavities.
10. Why shouldn't I swallow toothpaste?
This should be avoided because the fluoride in toothpaste is absorbed by the body and can contribute to a condition known as "dental fluorosis," in which fine white lines become visible on teeth.
11. What's plaque?
Plaque is a nearly colorless film on teeth that contains acid-producing bacteria that cause decay. Eating certain kinds of food — especially food with lots of sugar and starch — can contribute to plaque build-up. It is important to brush your teeth at least twice a day to remove plaque.
12. Why do I need to floss?
Brushing your teeth helps remove most dental plaque, but only flossing can remove plaque from between your teeth.
13. What's a cavity?
A cavity is a hole in your tooth that can grow bigger and deeper over time. Cavities are caused by plaque.
Dental Implants and Care
Information is key.
1. What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are used to replace missing teeth. An implant has 2 parts: a metal anchor and a false tooth, similar to a crown. A dental implant looks and feels like a natural tooth.
Dental implants are expensive and involve considerable work, but provide an incredibly stable and strong base for false teeth which means they won’t wobble or shift in the mouth, providing the most natural feel possible.
2. How Do You Look After Dental Implants?
Your dentist will explain your dental implant care plan, but fundamentally it is the same as looking after natural teeth. This includes brushing and flossing at least twice a day, using mouthwash and generally having a good oral care routine. Smoking and excessive consumption of sugary drinks can damage the teeth and gums especially.
People with dental implants may have to visit the dentist more often in order to keep them clean and healthy. Regular trips to the hygienist are recommended. Some people also have special toothbrushes specifically designed for dental implants.
Gum Disease (Periodontitis)
Information is key.
1. What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease, or periodontitis, is a periodontal disease that starts with bacterial growth within the mouth and can end up destroying the tissue, leading to loose teeth and eventually tooth loss if not correctly treated.
2. What are the causes of Gum Disease?
To begin, the bacteria contained within plaque build-up causes the gums to become inflamed and sensitive. It’s at this point where it’s common that the gums will bleed during tooth brushing. This is one of the earliest signs of gum disease. At this point, there is no permanent damage done but if left untreated, it can advance to periodontitis.
During this stage, the inner layer of the gums pulls back from the teeth and exposes gaps which can fill with debris and become infected. The body’s natural immune response battles these infections and causes the degradation of the bone and tissue that anchors the teeth in place. Eventually, this leads to loose teeth and tooth loss.
Causes of Gum Disease Include:
- Poor oral hygiene habits
- Illness (such as cancer, HIV, or diabetes)
- Smoking
- Genetics
- Medication
- Hormonal changes due to menstruation, pregnancy, or the menopause
Gum Disease Symptoms Include:
- Bleeding gums
- Tender, red, or swollen gums
- Ongoing bad breath or foul taste in the mouth
- Deep pockets between the teeth
- Loose teeth
As with all dental problems, it’s vital not to ignore the early signs of gum disease.
3. Gum Disease Treatment
The treatment of gum disease is focused on encouraging the teeth to reattach to the gums, to reduce the size of the gaps between teeth, the swelling, the risk of infection and to prevent the condition from spreading. Specific treatments for gum disease can range from cleaning by a hygienist to scaling and root planing to remove plaque and tartar from both above and below the gum line. This removes all the bacteria and provides a clean surface for the gums to reattach.
Advanced signs of gum disease may require surgical treatment that can include flap surgery (a more in-depth version of planing and scaling) to bone and soft tissue grafts to encourage bone and tissue regrowth.
4. How to prevent Gum Disease
The best way to prevent gum disease is to follow a good oral hygiene routine that includes brushing and flossing at least twice a day. Antimicrobial toothpaste alongside a suitable mouthwash will also help to remove any bacteria that may be present.
Regular visits to your hygienist as part of your dental check-up are also an important part of preventing gum disease.
Tartar on Teeth
Information is key.
1. What is Tartar on Teeth?
Teeth tartar, also called dental calculus, is a crusty deposit that can trap stains on the teeth and cause discoloration. It creates a strong bond that can only be removed by a dental professional. Tartar formation may also make it more difficult to remove new plaque and bacteria. Individuals vary greatly in their susceptibility to plaque and tartar on teeth. For many of us, these deposits build up faster as we age.
2. How does teeth tartar form?
If plaque is not removed regularly, and completely, minerals in your saliva combine with plaque to form crystals that harden into tartar.
3. How do I remove tartar from teeth?
While plaque can be removed by thorough brushing and flossing at home, dental calculus can only be removed by a professional in the dental office. Your dentist or hygienist will use sharp instruments to scrape (scale) the tartar above and below the gumline and smooth the tooth’s surface which helps prevent plaque from adhering and more tartar from forming.
4. Why is it important to prevent dental calculus buildup?
The surface of tartar is rough and makes it difficult to remove plaque with a toothbrush and floss. Tartar is unsightly - it can be yellow or even brown as stains accumulate. In addition, since it attracts plaque and makes cleaning at home difficult, it can contribute to tooth decay, bad breath, and serious forms of gum disease.
Bleeding Gums (Gingivitis)
Information is key.
1. Bleeding Gums
Noticing bleeding gums while brushing or flossing can cause alarm. Often the cause of bleeding gums is as simple as brushing too hard, but in some instances, it can be a symptom of something more serious.
2. Bleeding Gums Causes
One of the biggest bleeding gums causes is the buildup of plaque on the teeth. If left unaddressed this will lead to gingivitis, an early stage of gum disease. Alongside bleeding gums, symptoms of gingivitis include red and puffy gums.
Gingivitis occurs when plaque, which contains bacteria, builds up on teeth and produces toxins that irritate the gums. Signs of gingivitis include bleeding, puffy, sore, inflamed or red gums. Managing gingivitis is important so that it doesn't progress into a more serious form of gum disease.
Thorough daily plaque removal is your best weapon against gingivitis. Other factors that might increase your risk of gingivitis include smoking, stress, hormonal changes, poor nutrition, medications and chronic diseases.
3. Treatment and Prevention of Gingivitis
Here are some important ways to help manage gingivitis, and remember, it's all about keeping your teeth as free from plaque as possible:
- Brush thoroughly twice a day with an anti-gingivitis toothpaste.
- Rinse thoroughly with an anti-gingivitis mouthwash.
- Use a soft bristled manual or electric rechargeable toothbrush.
- Floss daily.
- Visit your dental professional regularly.
4. Causes and Treatment of Pregnancy Gingivitis
Pregnancy gingivitis is caused by a rise in the hormone progesterone which can contribute to an increase in the flow of blood to gum tissues making them sensitive, swollen, and more likely to bleed when you brush and floss. These hormonal changes can make it easier for certain gingivitis-causing bacteria to grow and can make gum tissue more tender. While pregnancy gingivitis can occur anytime between the second and eighth month, it's usually more severe during the second trimester.
Controlling plaque is the most important thing you can do to prevent problems with pregnancy gingivitis. A strict home care routine of proper and meticulous plaque removal should start even before you are pregnant. Not all oral care products are the same, so be sure to choose a toothpaste and mouthwash designed to treat plaque and gingivitis. Also, try a soft electric rechargeable brush to make plaque removal easier.
Blood thinning medications may also cause your gums to bleed. If you think your bleeding gums might be due to medication, get in touch with your dentist.
5. Bleeding Gums Treatment
The best way to find out the cause of your bleeding gums is to book an appointment with us at Southern Smiles. We will be able to advise you on the best bleeding gums treatment according to your symptoms.
Crowns
Information is key.
1. What is a Crown?
Restorative dentistry” is the term dental professionals use to explain how they replace missing or damaged teeth. Crowns (“caps”) are a common restorative option. A crown is a tooth-shaped cap that is cemented into place over the damaged tooth. It is used to strengthen and protect your tooth structure. A crown is ideal for people with broken teeth or cavities. Here at Southern Smiles, we offer same-day crowns!
The goal is to bring back your natural smile and prevent future oral health issues.
2. Why restorative dentistry procedures are important?
- Filling empty spaces in the mouth helps keep teeth properly aligned
- Replacing teeth makes it easier to maintain good oral care habits to help prevent plaque build-up and the problems plaque can lead to
- Missing teeth can affect your health, appearance and self-esteem
Diabetes and Oral Health
Information is key.
Diabetes affects your whole body including your teeth and gums. The effect is even greater when your blood sugar is not well controlled, making it harder to fight bacterial infections.
If your high blood sugar is not well controlled, you may have more plaque bacteria than most people. This can put you at a greater risk for oral health problems. Plaque is a clear, sticky layer of bacteria that forms on teeth. If it is not removed, it can lead to tooth decay and infections, such as the gum disease gingivitis.
Gingivitis is an early stage of gum disease. It is caused by a buildup of plaque and tartar (calcified plaque) on the teeth, along the gumline. If you have diabetes, it is harder for your body to control plaque bacteria. That is why people with diabetes are 3 to 4 times more likely to get gum disease.
Be sure to see your dental professional if you have any of these symptoms:
Red gums
Swollen or tender gums
Gums that bleed easily
Diabetes and Periodontal disease
If gingivitis is left untreated, it can progress into periodontitis. This is a more serious form of gum disease. Over time, it can cause your gums to pull away from your teeth, causing teeth to become loose.
Poor oral health can affect diabetes, too. If you have an infection like gingivitis or periodontitis, it can affect your blood sugar. That's why it's vital to practice good oral care habits at home and use a toothpaste and mouthwash designed to fight plaque and gingivitis – excellent care can help protect your oral health, as well as manage your diabetes.
Plaque
Information is key.
1. What is Plaque?
Dental plaque is a sticky, colorless or pale yellow film that is constantly forming on your teeth. When saliva, food and fluids combine, plaque - which contains bacteria - forms between your teeth and along the gum line.
Dental plaque begins forming on teeth 4-12 hours after brushing, which is why it is so important to brush thoroughly at least twice a day and floss daily.
2. How Can Plaque on Teeth Affect My Oral Health?
Plaque is the root cause of many oral health issues. The bacteria in plaque produce acids that attack tooth enamel causing cavities. The bacteria in plaque can also cause the early stage of gum disease called gingivitis. Plaque can also contribute to bad breath and can make your teeth look dingy and yellow.
3. Plaque on Teeth Causes Cavities and Gingivitis
If plaque is not regularly removed from your teeth by proper brushing and flossing, it mineralizes into tartar, a hard, yellow, or brown deposit that tightly adheres to the teeth and can only be removed by a dental professional. If tartar is not removed it can lead to more serious gum disease.
4. How to Remove Plaque from Teeth
Fighting plaque is the most critical factor in protecting and preserving your teeth, and gums, for a life-time.
Teeth Grinding
Information is key.
1. Symptoms of Teeth Grinding
Around 8-10% of the population is affected by teeth grinding, which is also associated with jaw clenching. Although anybody can be affected by the condition, it’s significantly more common between the mid-20s and mid-40s.
Symptoms Include:
- Jaw pain, discomfort & reduced movement
- Worn & damaged teeth
- Broken teeth
- Headaches
- Earaches
2. Why do people grind their teeth?
There are a number of reasons that are believed to be why people grind their teeth but one of the main causes is believed to be stress and anxiety. This may be the reason why it’s young adults and middle-aged people that are affected worst.
3. How to stop grinding teeth
There are no specific cures as to how to stop teeth grinding, however, there are ways of reducing or at least managing it with mouth guards or splints. While these don’t address the causes, they do manage the effects and reduce damage to the teeth.
Cavities
Information is key.
1. What are Cavities?
Cavities, also referred to as tooth decay, or dental caries, is the breakdown of the hard tissues of the tooth. This breakdown, or demineralization, is caused by acids produced by the bacteria found in plaque. This damage can lead to the formation of pits or holes (cavities) and will eventually require professional treatment. Your dentist can remove the decay and fill the cavity. Without treatment, tooth decay can destroy your tooth.
2. Stages of Tooth Decay
Stage 1: A white or brown spot on the tooth's surface may be a sign of early decay. Brushing with fluoride toothpaste and flossing may prevent it from becoming a cavity.
Stage 2: The decay has gone through the tooth's hard enamel surface layer.
Stage 3: Now that the cavity has gone through the enamel to the softer layer of the tooth, it will destroy the tooth structure more quickly as the layers of the tooth beneath the enamel are not as hard.
Stage 4: If the cavity is not filled, it can cause bigger problems deeper in the tooth. This is why it's important to see your dental team regularly.
If you do have tooth decay, your dental team may talk to you about fillings, fluoride, or other treatment choices.
3. Follow these tips to help prevent cavities:
- Avoid sugary foods and drinks that feed the bacteria in your mouth
Use toothpaste and mouthwash that contain fluoride – fluoride strengthens tooth enamel to help prevent cavities. - Brush thoroughly every day to remove plaque. Floss daily to remove plaque between teeth.
- Talk with your dentist about any medical conditions or medications you are taking – both can cause reduced saliva flow that can lead to tooth decay because the teeth are not being naturally cleansed.
- Other factors can contribute to problems with tooth decay; alcoholism, tobacco use, eating disorders – have a discussion with your dentist or physician if you have any concerns.
Dental Abscesses
Information is key.
1. What is a Dental Abscesses?
A dental abscess is a painful swelling filled with a thick fluid that is yellow in color (pus). There are two types of dental abscess, a gum abscess (also known as a periodontal abscess) and a tooth abscess (also known as a periapical abscess).
2. What causes a dental abscess?
Abscesses can form when the inside of your mouth is irritated and bacteria enter, causing an infection. The abscess forms around this infection as a barrier, stopping the infection from spreading.
A gum abscess is usually caused by an infection between the tooth and gum. This may occur as a result of food getting trapped or, in cases of severe periodontal disease, when bacteria build up under the gum and in the bone.
A tooth abscess appears at the tip of the tooth’s root and occurs when a tooth’s nerve is dead or dying.
Dental abscess symptoms include:
- a throbbing pain
- a swelling filled with pus
- inflammation of the gums
- teeth that are sensitive to pressure
- a foul taste in the mouth (caused when the pus drains)
It is important not to ignore tooth or gum abscess symptoms, as the infection can last months or years and will not go away without treatment. Left untreated, the infection can cause damage to the teeth and bone surrounding it, and can also progress to the bloodstream, causing more serious complications.
3. Dental abscess treatment
If you think you have a tooth or gum abscess you should make an appointment with a dental professional.
Your dentist will clean the area around the abscess, perform abscess drainage to release trapped pus, and treat the infection. Sometimes, a fistula develops in the mouth through bone and skin to allow pus to drain. If this hollow tunnel has developed as a result of your abscess, your dentist will clean this, allowing it to close up on its own.
When an infection has started inside the tooth, your dentist will need to make a small hole in the tooth. This allows the tooth abscess to drain. Root canal treatment and a filling or crown will be required following this procedure.
In cases where the abscess has caused damage to the tooth or is particularly large, you may need to have the tooth removed.
If your dental abscess is caused by periodontal disease, the disease will need to be treated to prevent further infection. However, your dentist can drain the abscess to alleviate pain.
4. How to prevent a dental abscess
Abscesses can be prevented by maintaining good dental health. This includes daily brushing and flossing as well as regular checkups with a dental professional.
Dry Mouth
Information is key.
1. Dry Mouth
Does your mouth feel dry and sticky when you first wake up in the morning? Do you feel the urge to drink lots of water? Dry mouth, or xerostomia, is a condition which slows or prevents saliva production. It can make it hard for you to swallow, chew your food or speak clearly. Dry mouth can contribute to tooth decay, causing it to progress very quickly. Untreated, dry mouth can also contribute to bad breath.
2. What Causes Dry Mouth?
Dry mouth (xerostomia) can be caused by the medicine you take, both prescription and over-the-counter. Don't stop taking your medication, but mention dry mouth to your physician or dentist. Dry mouth can also be a sign of diseases and other conditions like diabetes - so make sure you tell your medical or dental professional about dry mouth if it becomes a problem for you.
Dry Mouth Symptoms:
- Dry or sticky feeling in the mouth like your mouth is stuffed with cotton balls.
- Burning feeling in mouth or tongue and sometimes tongue feels like shoe leather.
- Difficulty or discomfort when chewing, swallowing or speaking.
- Dry lips and throat or mouth sores
3. Dry Mouth Treatment and Care Tips:
- Sip room-temperature water throughout the day and night and carry a water bottle with you at all times.
- Avoid drinking water at an extreme water temperature (very hot or very cold).
- Only drink sugarless drinks and avoid carbonated beverages.
- Avoid drinks with caffeine because caffeine can dry out the mouth. Drinking coffee, tea or a diet soda occasionally is OK but don't overdo it.
- While eating a meal, make sure you include a beverage like water. Drink water before, during and after the meal.
- Chew sugarless gum or suck on sugarless candy to stimulate salivary flow.
- Both alcoholic beverages and smoking dry out the mouth and make you more susceptible to gum diseases and oral cancer.
- Use an alcohol free mouthwash. Read the label and make sure alcohol is not listed as an ingredient.
- Try using a nighttime humidifier to moisten room air.
If you suffer from dry mouth or have more questions, schedule your appointment today at Southern Smiles so we can develop a comprehensive plan for your dry mouth treatment and management.
Restorative Dentistry (“Fillings”)
Information is key.
1. Restorative Dentistry
“Restorative dentistry” is the term dental professionals use to explain how they replace missing or damaged teeth. The goal is to bring back your natural smile and prevent future oral health issues.
2. Why restorative dentistry procedures are important?
- Filling empty spaces in the mouth helps keep teeth properly aligned
- Replacing teeth makes it easier to maintain good oral care habits to help prevent plaque build-up and the problems plaque can lead to
- Missing teeth can affect your health, appearance and self-esteem
3. Restorative Dentistry Treatment Options Fillings
The most common way to treat a cavity is for your dentist to remove the decay and fill the tooth with one of several different materials. Here, at Southern Smiles, we offer tooth-colored plastic or composite resin.
4. Tips for taking care of your restorative dentistry work
- Brush your teeth thoroughly twice a day.
- Electric toothbrushes can help remove plaque from your teeth and restorative work.
- Make sure to floss around your teeth and restorative work to prevent decay
- Try not to chew on hard or sticky foods. These can damage your restorative work
- Use an antibacterial mouthwash to help fight plaque bacteria around restorative work.
Whitening
Information is key.
1. Teeth Whitening
Millions of Americans have stained and discolored teeth and would like to whiten and brighten their smile. When dental professionals asked people what they’d most like to improve about their smile, the most common response was whiter teeth.
Understanding teeth whitening starts with understanding tooth staining. There are two basic types of stains that affect your teeth, and your smile!
Extrinsic stains are on the surface of the tooth. Their causes include:
- Tobacco products
- Foods and drinks such as berries, coffee, tea and red wine
- Tartar (which forms when plaque remains on the teeth)
Intrinsic stains are beneath the surface and are difficult to remove. These stains become part of the tooth and can be caused by:
- Aging
- Certain medications taken during tooth development
- Trauma
2. How to get Whiter Teeth using Teeth Whitening Products
Just as there are several causes of tooth staining and discoloration, there are several solutions.
Options for teeth whitening products include whitening toothpaste, mouthwashes, at-home bleaching kits, and in-office bleaching. Schedule your appointment today at Southern Smiles to find out which option is best for you!