Helpful Articles.

Smoking has plenty of negative side effects, not the least of which includes lung cancer. When it comes to your dental health, frequent smoking can not only damage the look of your teeth, but it can lead to long-lasting damage to your gums too. Here’s how smoking directly impacts your oral health:

Smoking & Cosmetic Issues

Smoking leads to yellow teeth because cigarettes contain chemicals that erode the enamel, or the top layer of your teeth that protects them from staining and damage. Once the enamel is worn down, your teeth are more susceptible to decay, damage, and even tooth loss. Yellowed or missing teeth can be embarrassing and make it difficult to talk, eat, and smile. If smoking has affected the appearance of your teeth, you may want to consider professional teeth whitening or different tooth replacement options.

Smoking & Gum Disease

Your immune system is easily compromised when you’re a smoker. This means that your body cannot fight off bacteria and viruses as easily as it should, and normally controllable plaque and bacteria on your teeth can become more harmful to your health. If too much plaque builds up under your gum line, you can develop gingivitis. When that is left untreated, it can develop into advanced gum disease known as periodontitis, which can lead to tooth loss.

Gum Disease Treatment

Quitting smoking, although difficult, can be monumental when it comes to your oral health, and it can help you regain immunity strength. Early stage gum disease may just require a deep cleaning to remove all of the plaque and bacteria that is stuck under the gum line. If your gum disease has progressed, see your dentist right away so that they can assess the state of your oral health and suggest the right treatments for you.

Besides giving up the habit, brushing and flossing twice a day is the best way to prevent gum disease and keep your teeth healthy. If you have any questions about how to best maintain your oral health, our team at Springs Village Dentistry is happy to see you and develop a personal oral plan to best suit your needs. Contact us to schedule an appointment today!

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Your parents may have told you to stop eating candy because it will “rot your teeth.” They weren’t just trying to scare you! Sugar actually does have a major impact on your oral health, but it’s important to understand why that is.

How Sugar Affects Your Teeth

Sugar itself isn’t necessarily bad for your teeth, but when bacteria in your mouth feed off of the sugar, they create acids that can damage your tooth enamel. Enamel is the outermost layer of your teeth and protects your teeth from cavities, decay, and staining. Eating too much sugar without properly protecting your teeth can also result in bad breath.

Foods to Avoid

Candy (especially sticky, long-lasting candies like lollipops and caramels), dessert, and soda are the obvious foods and drinks to avoid, but remember even seemingly healthy snacks like dried fruit can contribute to cavities! Acidic foods like citrus, coffee, and alcohol can also contribute to enamel erosion, so be sure to limit your intake of them as well.

Healthy Alternatives to Sugar

Crunchy vegetables, dairy products like yogurt and cheese, and fresh fruit are great alternatives to sugary snacks. Best of all, these snacks are actually good for your teeth and can help keep them healthy and strong!

Keeping Your Teeth Safe From Sugar

The best way to get rid of plaque is to brush and floss your teeth at least twice per day, and use a toothpaste with fluoride for extra protection against cavities. Visit your dentist twice a year to make sure that your teeth are in good shape.

Avoiding sugar isn’t just good for your waistline, it’s good for your teeth too! If you’re experiencing any tooth pain, sensitivity, or see holes in your teeth, it’s time to see a dentist right away—you may have a cavity! Whether you need preventative or restorative care for your teeth, the team at Springs Village Dentistry is here to help you have your healthiest smile. Contact us to schedule an appointment today!

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Did you know that having a smile that you’re confident in can actually improve your mental health? Studies show that just making yourself smile can actually boost your mood and make you feel happier. Here are some facts about smiling that you may not have known about before.

1. Smiling Makes Your Brain Happy

There has been an influx of studies that prove that the muscles you use when you smile actually trigger your brain to send endorphins, or hormones that make you feel happier, through your body.

2. Your Smile Makes Others Happy

Smiling isn’t just for pictures—it’s a way to show others that we are happy to see them, that we agree with what they’re saying, or that we love them. It even breaks down language barriers between people! A smile not only makes you more confident, but it makes others feel good about themselves as well.

3. Smiling When You Talk Makes a Difference

Smiling doesn’t just make you look happy, but it can make you sound happy too. Try smiling while you talk the next time that you’re on the phone. You’ll hear the difference instantly!

4. Smiling May Even Help You Live Longer

Those who smile more tend to lead healthier, more stress-free lives. One study found a possible connection between the larger someone’s smile (or their smile intensity) and the longer they lived.

With so many benefits to smiling, why wouldn’t anyone want to smile more? It’s hard to help yourself or others feel instantly better with a smile if you’re not confident in your smile in the first place. Having missing, crooked, or discolored teeth, for example, could make someone want to hide their smile. At Springs Village Dentistry, we don’t just provide routine dental care services. From braces that can straighten your teeth in just six months to natural-looking implants and veneers to teeth whitening options, we are excited to help you find a solution to improve your smile. Contact us to schedule a consultation today!

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You wouldn’t just chew gum as a way to maintain your oral health, right? That’s what it’s like when you just give your pet bones or dental chews to chew on without brushing their teeth. While it may seem strange to brush your pet’s teeth, it’s a necessary way to keep them clean and keep your pet in good health.

How to Brush Your Dog or Cat’s Teeth

Human toothpaste is toxic for your pet, but there are plenty of safe toothpastes for dogs and cats available, as well as toothbrushes specially made for your pet’s mouth. You don’t have to start brushing your pet’s teeth with a toothbrush and toothpaste right away. Start by massaging their gums and rewarding them for letting you before you introduce the toothpaste.

Once your pet seems okay with letting you touch their teeth and gums, use small amounts of toothpaste and rub your pet’s teeth with your finger to get them used to the flavor. If your pet isn’t a fan of mint, there are meat-flavored toothpastes that your pet will surely enjoy!

Finally, when your pet is used to toothpaste, you can introduce the toothbrush. Brush your pet’s teeth using small circles as you would your own teeth.

How Often Should You Brush Your Pet’s Teeth?

It’s ideal to brush your pet’s teeth once per day; however, a few times a week works just as well. Pets don’t eat sugar and carbohydrate-rich foods like humans do, so they don’t experience as much plaque and tartar buildup daily.

How to Keep Your Pet’s Teeth Healthy

Like with humans, diet plays a huge role in your pet’s oral health. A grain-free diet without any preservatives or processed ingredients will keep your pet’s teeth healthy. Giving them plenty of water and chew toys will also keep plaque buildup at bay. Make sure to ask your vet to check your pet’s teeth during their checkups as well.

Don’t forget to schedule your own cleanings twice a year to maintain your own healthy smile. At Springs Village Dentistry, we offer a range of dental services and use the latest technologies to keep you comfortable and happy during your appointment. Contact us today!

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For children all over, Halloween is an exciting time. There are costumes, parties, and a seemingly endless supply of candy. However, for parents and dentists alike, Halloween can be a frightening holiday. We often see a rise in cavities, along with other dental emergencies, caused by Halloween activity.

Dr. Molta and Dr. Moore often get questions from concerned parents asking how they can keep their family’s dental health safe while still enjoying the holiday. With that in mind, we’ve compiled a list of Halloween FAQs our team often receives, with tips on how to keep you, your family, and your teeth in good condition this Halloween season.

Q: Do I need to completely avoid Halloween candy?

A: No! We would never ask you to give up candy completely. However, it is important to consume you Halloween candy in moderation. For parents with kids, we recommend that you limit their candy consumption to one piece per day.

Q: Are there any types of candy I should avoid?

A: Yes! Sticky candies and hard candy are especially bad. Unsurprisingly, sticky candy can get stuck on your teeth, causing a whole host of issues. Hard candy can cause you to break or crack a tooth! Chocolate lovers can rejoice, because chocolate is one of the better choices – it easily washes off the surface of your teeth.

Q: What are some candy alternatives we can provide?

A: We love it when parents think outside the box. You don’t need to go as far as handing out travel-size toothbrushes, but there are plenty of fun options that won’t harm your teeth. To switch things up while still providing a treat, we recommend handing out small toys like bouncy balls, model airplanes, or even glow sticks. These are entertaining to young children without compromising their health.

What are other questions you have about caring for your family during the Halloween season? Our team is always happy to answer questions from patients and to share tips on caring for your smile, no matter the time of year. Schedule your next dental appointment at Springs Village Family Dentistry!

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These days, everyone is talking about dental implants. It’s estimated that three million people have tooth implants, and that number is growing every year. With recent advances in dental technology, dental implants have swelled in popularity.

What Are Dental Implants?

A dental implant is the newest and most advanced way to replace a missing tooth. It’s quickly taking the place of its older cousin, a dental bridge, which was until recently one of the best ways to replace a mission tooth. Dental implants are a completely permanent method for replacing a missing tooth, which has made them the preferred choice.

How Does It Work?

During the procedure, your dentist will insert a titanium post, which acts as an artificial tooth root, into the jawbone. This post will fuse into the jawbone and become “anchored” in about 3-6 months. The post supports a dental crown, which your dentist will then cement onto it to complete the natural-looking tooth replacement that is indistinguishable from your natural tooth.

A dental implant requires little to no maintenance (no more than what you do for your other teeth). You can brush and floss the implant just like you would a regular tooth; it becomes a part of your regular routine! It also doesn’t put any strain on surrounding teeth like a dental bridge does. It’s incredibly durable and remains resistant to decay.

The Fine Print

While a dental implant is an effective choice for replacing your missing tooth, it’s important to understand that it does require minor surgery. Unlike a bridge, which is completed in a couple of weeks, an implant procedure takes a few months to complete because the bone needs to heal before the crown can be placed. Dental implants are generally more expensive than dental bridges, although it’s a good investment in your future dental health because they do not need to be replaced every ten years like a bridge does. It is a permanent solution that you will not have to worry about fixing later on.

If you’re in need of a tooth replacement and think a dental implant might be right for you, contact our team today to make an appointment.

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