These Foods Can Knock Your Teeth Out Unexpectedly

Have you ever heard of someone losing a tooth to an apple? We’re guessing you have. It’s not just apples that deal damage; other foods have the same potential to knock out your teeth, including dental work that may have been performed. The worst part is this phenomenon typically occurs when you least expect it to, calling for an emergency dentistry visit to repair or save your teeth. Here’s a small list of common culprits that would unexpectedly knock your teeth or dental work out.

Apples – biting into an apple could result in a broken, chipped, or fallen out tooth. We don’t want to scare you away from eating apples, as they possess health benefits: “an apple a day keeps the doctor away”. Our only recommendation is to take slow, small bites.

Caramel – caramel is notoriously known for pulling your dental fillings out. Some caramel is softer than others, but the ones that are noticeably chewy you should stay away from. If you have multiple dental fillings in your mouth, then it would be best to stay away from caramel.

Taffy – Taffy is another candy product that has resulted in many lost dental fillings. We admit, it does taste great, but if you have multiple dental fillings then the negatives probably outweigh the positives.

Ice – believe it or not, people have lost their teeth to something as simple as ice. It can be habitual for people to chew on, but we recommend sucking it down instead of chewing – similar to a popsicle or hard candies.

Hard Candies – speaking of candies, hard candies have the potential to knock your teeth out unexpectedly. We won’t shame any brands, but specific hard candies should be sucked on before biting down.

Popcorn Kernels – when popcorn is actually popped, it doesn’t pose a risk to your teeth, but sometimes we blindly grab and chew popcorn without realizing we’re chewing on a solid kernel until a tooth becomes dislodged or chipped. Make sure what you grab out of the popcorn bag is actually popped corn.

The good news is that it’s rare to knock out teeth at all with these foods, especially if you’re paying close attention to what you put into your mouth. On the off chance that you do lose a tooth, chip a tooth, or damage any dental work, then don’t panic. 

Modern dentistry services offer a fix for any tooth-related problem. Just be sure to salvage any teeth or teeth fragments and store them safely in a container to take to your dentist. Schedule an emergency dentistry appointment as soon as you can – the earlier you make it, the better your chances of reversing the damage done.

Refreshing Summer Snack and Drink Ideas That Happen to Be Healthy

Fruits are Yummy!

Not all summer snacks have to be unhealthy, as long you put just a little effort in making sure they are not. We can help you kick start the search process by offering you a few refreshing summer snack ideas that also happen to be healthy – it’s truly a win-win situation. Lay the macaroni and cheese, grilled steaks, sugar-laced BBQ sauces, and ice cream down as you get your hands dirty with these fresh and fruity ideas.

Refreshing Summer Snacks

Simple Fruit Skewers - First on our list is the fruit skewer. It seems basic because that’s exactly what it is – basic. But it’s also visually appealing in case you’re traveling to a party and need something to show for. Buy a pack of wooden skewers and some of your favorite fresh fruits – strawberries, oranges, mango, whatever your heart desires. Cut the fruit into nice pieces that can easily slide onto the skewer and there you have it.

Frozen Fruit Snacks - Staying on the topic of fruits, we suggest making your own frozen fruits. Take your favorite fruits, slice them up into bite-sized pieces that a toothpick can handle, and place into freezer overnight. Take them out and enjoy. We recommend using cherries or grapes because they work the best.

Grilled Peaches – Peaches are amazing, but guess what? You can grill them too for a different experience. Slice one in half, place onto your grill for about 2-5 minutes on each side, and then top it off with cinnamon powder. A tasty treat.

Refreshing Summer Drinks

Sparkling Orange Water - Do you like water? You probably do, but sometimes we seek more than just water – we need some type of flavor. No problem. Grab a pitcher, fill it up with water, slice some oranges and cucumbers (add more oranges than cucumbers), place them into your pitcher of water, and let it refrigerate for a few days. Take it out and try it. It may not taste as sweet as store bought orange juice, but that’s because this recipe isn’t loaded with artificial flavors or sugars.

Fruit Juice Cubes - Here’s another hidden gem that you may have already tried at some point: fruit juice cubes. If you have an ice tray, fill it up with your favorite 100% juice and let it freeze over night. Grab your favorite sparkling water brand, throw a few juice cubes into it for a truly refreshing experience.

See, it doesn’t take much to make a refreshing snack – basically a freezer and some fruits. Fruits generally work the best because everyone loves fruit. We like to think of fruit as nature’s candy – none of that man-made processed stuff that causes havoc on your teeth.

As your Las Vegas family dentist, we’d like to remind you to always brush and floss your teeth on a daily basis. Typically brush at least twice a day and if you can you should floss after every meal. Even though these foods and drinks are considered “healthy”, it’s still important to make sure your teeth are healthy as well!

What You Should Know About Root Canal

When the pulp is damaged or inflamed, there’s a possibility of losing that tooth. A root canal is a solution for treating teeth that have been decayed all the way to the tooth’s pulp.

Causes of pulp inflammation or infection:

• Faulty dental procedures (i.e. dental fillings or crowns)
• Cracks or chips in your teeth, which allow bacteria to grow and flourish.
• Trauma to a tooth.

Root Canal Signs:

• Pain from applied pressure to your tooth (i.e. chewing).
• Tooth sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures.
• Swollen gums near the infected tooth.
• Any sign of pus.
• Dark discoloration.

Does a Root Canal procedure hurt?
Many people believe root canals are painful procedures. Root canals are no more painful than a dental filling. Once the anesthesia kicks in, pain should not be felt for the duration of the procedure. It’s much better to experience the minimal pain with a root canal than endure severe pain from a badly infected tooth.

Root Canal Benefits:

• Restores and maintains your bite for efficient chewing
• Protects your other teeth from strain
• Saves your natural tooth
• Maintains your natural smile

For more detailed information on root canals, please visit our website or give us a call @ 702-997-770.

Adult Braces

Braces aren’t just for teens these days; adults wear them, even famous adults.

First, there are traditional steel braces, which are attached to each tooth. Singer Gwen Stefani wore them in 1999. The No Doubt singer says that she always wanted braces as a child, but finally got them as an adult: "I could afford them at that point, and that's when I went and got them."

If the idea of wearing metal braces doesn’t appeal to you, then another option is ceramic braces. These braces are similar to the stainless steel kind as they are attached to each tooth and hold a wire, which applies the pressure.

But unlike the stainless steel kind, ceramic braces are "tooth-colored" and appear much less noticeable in the mouth. Some ceramic braces also hide the metal color of the metal wire.

Tom Cruise reportedly wore ceramic braces to premieres of the 2002 film "Minority Report" and country singer Faith Hill wore them earlier this year to the Grammy awards. Due to their camouflage qualities and affordable price, ceramic braces are the most popular choice among adults and some celebrities. 

Another option is clear aligners, which are custom-made trays that people wear to help their teeth get aligned. A person uses several clear aligners over a period of time. Each aligner slowly pushes the teeth into the right position. Minor aligners may need three to four trays, where more crooked teeth will need 20 to 30.

Reports say that singer Justin Bieber and TV star Katherine Heigl chose clear aligners to straighten their teeth. Aligners can be taken out as needed because they do not attach to the surface of the teeth.

Everyone’s teeth are different, so there is no one style fits all. To find out what type of braces would be the best for you visit our website or give us a call at 702-997-7707 to make an appointment with an experienced orthodontist who can examine your teeth and give you the best plan of action. 

The Proper Way to Brush & Floss

Plaque (bacteria) is constantly forming on your teeth. If plaque is not removed, it will harden into tartar. If tartar is not removed, it can lead to cavities, gum disease, and even damage to bone in severe cases.

Plaque needs to be removed through daily oral care, which includes brushing and flossing. Are you using the right techniques when it comes to brushing and flossing? While that may sound like an obvious question, there are some specific steps to properly brush and floss your teeth.

You should brush your teeth at least twice a day, once in the morning and at night (brushing after lunch can also be a good habit). When you brush, be sure to use fluoride toothpaste approved by the American Dental Association (AMA). Some fluoride toothpastes also offer tartar control.

When brushing, hold a soft-bristled toothbrush at an angle and aim the bristles where the tooth meets the gum. Press firmly and gently rock the brush back-and-forth using small circular movements. Do not scrub. You should always brush the outside, inside, and chewing surfaces of your teeth. Also, brush your tongue to prevent bad breath.

You should buy a new toothbrush every three to four months, or sooner if the bristles become frayed or worn down. Also, if you catch a cold, flu, or any other infection, then you should buy a new toothbrush, as there may be bacteria on the brush.

Brushing cannot reach every small nook and cranny between your teeth, or under your gum line. That is why you also need to floss once a day. Flossing is all about removing food debris and plaque.

Bacteria do not take any time off when it comes to your teeth and neither should you. Visit our website to learn more about brushing and flossing, call 702-997-7707 to make an appointment for a professional dental cleaning and exam with an experienced dentist.

Choosing the Right Family Dentist

Some reports say that thirty two percent of Americans haven’t visited a dentist in a year and a half. The reasons for not going may be because people are scared to go, have not found a dentist or do not know how to find a dentist.

Start your search by asking for recommendations from friends and co-workers. If someone you know has a great smile, that’s even better. Most people don’t mind sharing the name of their dentist. Contact your local or state dental society. The American Dental Association (ADA) provides a list of local and state dental societies on its web site, ada.org.

Once you get a list of some dentists, call their offices and ask some questions. Ask how long the dentist has been in practice and their specialty. Find out where they received their training and education. Ask for referrals of current patients you can contact. Also, ask if the dentist does teeth cleanings or if there is a hygienist who does. You want a dentist office where the hygienist does the cleanings.

You can learn more about choosing the right family dentist on our website and set up a consultation by calling our office at 702-997-7707. 

TMJ Disorders

The temporomandibular joints are located in front of the ears and are used when you chew. Sometimes these joints are strained from stress induced grinding, commonly referred to as TMJ. TMJ disorders can cause headaches, and you may not even be aware that you have the disorder. People who suffer fro TMJ usually grind their teeth in their sleep, waking up in the morning with soreness in the jaw and migraines, sometimes not knowing what caused the discomfort. Some medications are available to help alleviate symptoms of TMJ, but the best solution is to get a mouth guard. Mouth guards create a barrier between the teeth, protecting them from being worn down by grinding in the night, and preventing the user from biting down with too much pressure. Visit our site for more useful information about an exam to diagnose TMJ, mouth guards, and other treatment options. 

The Good and the Bad Behind Bad Breath

Bad breath can be embarrassing (and unpleasant if you are on the receiving end), but taking breath mints (or offering them) won't solve the problem in the long run. Bad breath, technically known as Halitosis, is caused by bacteria in the mouth releasing foul smelling sulfur.

The good news is that the best way to get rid of bad breath is through good oral hygiene. In most cases, halitosis is present only because bacteria is left behind in the mouth or because certain foods leave behind a funky smell. This can be resolved with brushing after each meal and remembering to brush in the morning, at night, and taking the time to floss once every day.

However, sometimes the smells aren't caused by bad hygiene. If you have bad breath and practice a thorough hygiene routine, it might be signs of something more serious. Visit our site for more information on Halitosis and its causes.

Dental Bonding

Have you ever had minor problems like small chips in your teeth or gaps in between them that you left untreated because they felt to "small" to be worth the trouble or price of treatment? Many people avoid going to the dentist because they are afraid of cost and only go in when things start to hurt. What some may not realize is that treatment is necessary for small problems to prevent them from getting bigger.

A great solution for small chips or gaps that need to be filled is dental bonding. Bonding is a fast procedure good for filling in tight spaces that will not be put under high pressure. It is also a much more affordable treatment than you might think. It requires very little prep and results last a long time. Visit our website for more information about the treatment process and when dental bonding is the best option for minor dental issues.

No matter how "small" you problem is, you shouldn't wait to have dental treatment. If you are the type of person who waits until they cannot avoid treatment, you may end up spending much more later than if you focus first on preventative measures. Many times there are affordable options out there, and all you need is the information to make a better decisions for your health and your wallet. 

Orthodontic Checkups for Kids

If you ever had braces, you will probably hope that your children will not need them, either to avoid the inconvenience or the high cost. While straight teeth have a lot to do with genetics, you can keep an eye on your child's dental development to help prevent the need for braces, or even to help make their treatment shorter. Even as children, you will see signs that a child may need to wear braces in the future, and if you take your child for a checkup early, you can catch this and be better prepared.

Learn more about the importance of early orthodontic checkups for children at our website.

Wisdom Teeth

When people hear "wisdom teeth" they might associate the term with painful extractions and swollen "chipmunk" cheeks. While wisdom teeth extractions are not painless, they are often necessary to prevent serious health problems. The development of these molars happen around age 17 to 21, and most adults do not have enough room for them, causing impaction.

Impacted wisdom teeth can cause movement in your teeth alignment, decay, and even cysts and tumors. Because of these complications, and the fact that nine out of ten adults will have at least one impacted wisdom tooth, wisdom teeth removal is a common practice.

If you have your wisdom teeth removed, the recovery time will vary depending on how many are removed and how quickly your gums heal. It usually doesn't take longer than about one week. Try to avoid foods with jagged edges that can puncture the affected area. Eat soft foods whenever possible, and don't forget to take any prescribed antibiotics and painkillers.

Visit our site to learn more about wisdom teeth and why, in some cases, they need to be removed.

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Welcome to Our Blog. Floss Dental & Orthodontics is a practice dedicated to serving families in the Las Vegas community.