Tip #1: Clean and Replace Your Toothbrush Regularly

After brushing your teeth, it’s important to make sure you clean your toothbrush. A toothbrush can easily become the home base for loads of different bacteria, yeast, and mold, all of which can cause poor oral hygiene. After brushing your teeth, be sure to rinse your toothbrush thoroughly each time AND always store your toothbrush uncovered. This will allow the bristles to effectively dry. Along with cleaning your toothbrush, you should also replace it every two to three months. We are all guilty of keeping a toothbrush longer than we should but it’s important to make an effort to change it out regularly so that harmful bacteria doesn’t accumulate.

Tip #2: Say Yes To Flossing

We’ve heard it all when it comes to flossing. The “yes, every day!”, the “no, not daily”, the “I do but not as much as I should” — but did you know that brushing your teeth only reaches approximately 25% of the bacteria in your mouth? Flossing helps you get to hard-to-reach places that are not accessible with only a toothbrush. This is why it’s important to floss your teeth every day. Bonus tip: make sure you floss behind the last molar in your mouth to guarantee a thorough cleaning.

Tip #3: Limit Sugary and Acidic Foods

We know the temptation for sugary treats and drinks all too well. Ultimately, sugar converts into acid in the mouth, which can then erode the enamel of your teeth. Enamel plays an important role in the health of your teeth as it serves as a protective coating. These acids are what lead to cavities that are easily formed by removing that protective layer off of your teeth. Acidic fruits, teas, and coffee can also wear down tooth enamel. While you don’t necessarily have to avoid such foods altogether, it doesn’t hurt to be mindful, drink water to flush your mouth, and brush, brush, brush!

Tip #4: Use Firm Food To Clean Teeth

While we know sugary foods and acidic drinks are bad for your overall oral health, did you know that there are certain foods that can actually help clean your teeth? Firm foods like apples and carrots can improve your oral hygiene. Ending your meal with harder foods can assist in cleaning your teeth when you can’t brush them. While these foods are not a replacement for brushing, they’re certainly an excellent substitute in between brushing sessions. No matter what, you should always brush your teeth for two minutes, twice a day!

Tip #5: Avoid Staining With Straws

For most, it can be challenging to start the day without a cup of coffee. The problem is that dark liquids like coffee, tea, and sodas can easily stain your pearly whites. The good thing is that you don’t have to forego your favorite beverage to keep your teeth stain-free. Instead, opt for grabbing a straw and be sure you’re consuming water daily to rinse your mouth (along with staying hydrated, of course!).

Keeping your teeth clean doesn’t have to be a chore. Follow these 5 tips to prioritize your dental hygiene and stay on top of your oral health. In honor of National Oral Hygiene Month, be sure to contact Agnini Family Dental to schedule your next appointment!

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Invisalign

Invisalign is a form of clear aligners that are fitted specifically for your mouth. They are devices used by orthodontists as a plastic form of braces used to adjust teeth. One of the appeals is that they are considered to be more attractive than traditional braces. Since Invisalign is clear, it’s easier to hide for those that are self-conscious. It is also extremely convenient because you are able to remove them. This means no food getting caught in your braces while you eat and you are able to thoroughly brush your teeth! They are also more comfortable than traditional braces.

Along with many great advantages, it’s important to note that not everyone is a candidate for Invisalign. While Invisalign might seem like the sought-after option, especially for adults, there are certain conditions that Invisalign can’t properly treat.

Invisalign doesn’t have the same force and capabilities to move teeth as Damon braces. Therefore, complex orthodontic treatment or cases that require significant movement of teeth need Damon braces, not Invisalign to achieve the desired outcome.

What Invisalign can fix:

• Small gaps between teeth
• Crooked teeth
• Normal overbites and underbites
• Open bite, where the top and bottom teeth do not meet
• Crowded teeth, allowing for better spacing between teeth

What Invisalign can’t fix:

• Large gaps between teeth as there is a 6mm limit of spacing that Invisalign can address
• Facial structure issues such as TMJ
• Intrusion and Extrusion: Sometimes a tooth needs to be moved up higher or lower in the mouth
• Previous dental work such as bridges, crowns, or veneers
• Severe overbite

Damon Braces

Over the years, the transformation of braces has come a long way! The Damon system is a form of braces that uses self-ligation. This means that the brackets have a component that keeps them attached to the wire. A benefit similar to Invisalign is that the brackets can be clear. This can be a big confidence booster while wearing braces. Another advantage of Damon braces is that they are more hygienic. They require fewer components in your mouth making it easier to brush and floss. This will help decrease the buildup of bacteria in the mouth.

Besides perfecting your smile and instilling a renewed sense of self-confidence, another benefit of Damon braces is that they are used to correct other oral health issues. For example, many people who suffer from structural issues such as TMJ will need Damon braces. In most cases of TMJ, this is the most effective form of treatment as the jaw needs to be manipulated to move forward slightly. They also help many adults with dental issues that strain the jaw and muscles and in turn suffer from migraines and severe headaches.

To completely evaluate all of your options for orthodontic treatment, please contact Agnini Family Dental. Our team can recommend the best treatment plan specifically designed for you!

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Surprisingly, gum disease is a common oral health issue that is easy to overlook which would explain why this pesky disease is so common. Society and the media tend to focus more on tooth health than gum health between commercials and ads for teeth whitening, but gum disease is often painless, making it even more likely to go unnoticed until it’s too late.

What is Gum Disease and What is the Root Cause?

Many patients know that awkward moment when their dentists ask how often they floss. There are several reasons we ask, especially when it comes to early prevention in regards to potential gum disease.

Gingivitis and periodontitis are two common forms of gum disease, both of which are caused by bacterial infections in your gums from the plaque in between and on your teeth. Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease that causes gum bleeding and pain. If left untreated, it can advance to its more dangerous form, periodontitis, which is the number one most common cause of tooth loss.

Gingivitis causes irritation, redness, and swelling of your gingiva (the part of your gum around the base of your teeth). If not caught and treated in a timely manner, you are doing a disservice to your overall health.

Warning Signs for Early Prevention

Gum disease is easy to avoid especially since the common cause of gingivitis is poor oral hygiene. Good oral health habits, such as brushing at least twice a day, flossing daily, and scheduling routine visits to the dentist can help prevent and even reverse the damage of gingivitis.

Gingivitis Symptoms:

• Swollen or puffy gums
• Dusky red or dark red gums
• Gums that bleed easily when you brush or floss
• Bad breath
• Receding gums
• Tender gums

Did you know that there are 4 stages to periodontal disease? Gingivitis, slight periodontal disease, moderate periodontal disease, and advanced periodontal disease. Gingivitis, however, is the only stage of periodontal disease that is reversible as it has not yet had time to attack the bones.

An ongoing issue, periodontitis affects not just the gums, but the jawbone as well and can lead to tooth loss. With tooth loss and disease also comes overall systemic health issues that can run rampant through your body.

Periodontitis Symptoms:

• Swollen or puffy gums
• Bright red, dusky red, or purplish gums
• Gums that feel tender when touched
• Gums that bleed easily
• Pink-tinged toothbrush after brushing
• Spitting out blood when brushing or flossing your teeth
• Bad breath
• Pus between your teeth and gums
• Loose teeth or loss of teeth
• Painful chewing
• New spaces developing between your teeth
• Gums that pull away from your teeth (recede), making your teeth look longer than normal
• A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite

Gum Healthy Solutions

Preventing gum disease is truly as simple as practicing proper oral hygiene habits daily. If you are removing bacteria such as plaque and tartar twice daily (yes, that also includes routine flossing) you are already on the right track to healthy, pink gums and a mouthful of teeth for life!

If you have experienced any gum bleeding, schedule a consultation with the Agnini team! Routine dental treatment can keep gingivitis from progressing into periodontitis and its associated problems down the road. 863-682-1500.

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Electric toothbrushes are toothbrushes that have vibrating or rotating features to help remove plaque from teeth and gums. The vibration allows more micro-movements that clean your teeth every time you move your toothbrush. These can be useful, but are they necessary?

EFFECTIVE AT REMOVING PLAQUE

Many studies provide statistics that support the idea that electric toothbrushes do decrease the amount of plaque and gingivitis more than manual toothbrushes do. Consistency with brushing is key, and it may take a few months to really be able to tell your own results if you make the switch.

EASIER TO USE

Electric toothbrushes may be easier to use for some people, especially those who have mobility issues that impact their hands. If you are someone or you know someone who has mobility issues (including carpal tunnel, arthritis, developmental disabilities, or even multiple sclerosis) an electric toothbrush could be completely worth the price tag for you.

TIMERS

An electric toothbrush with a built-in timer can help you time your brushing and get the most out of your nighttime routine. If you brush your teeth long enough you can sufficiently remove plaque from your teeth and gums. If you rush through it, you may risk missing spots and leave plaque to gather.

Give us a call today at (863) 682-1500 to learn more about how to keep your teeth healthy and beautiful. We can give you more information about toothbrushes, and help you make a good decision for your oral health.

The post Are Fancy Toothbrushes Worth The Money? appeared first on Agnini Family Dental.

WHAT ARE DENTAL EXTRACTIONS?

Dental extraction is an oral surgery procedure performed if a tooth needs to be removed from the dental alveolus or socket. Most dentists will provide simple extractions, while specialized oral surgeons will often perform the surgical extractions. Simple extractions are the removal of a tooth that has erupted through the gum line and is accessible, while surgical extractions pull teeth that may be underneath the gum line.

WHEN MIGHT I NEED A DENTAL EXTRACTION?

Dental extractions may be required in a variety of situations. Below are four common reasons why a permanent, adult tooth may be removed by the team at Agnini Family Dental:

• Irreparable damage to the tooth from severe caries – dental caries, or “cavities,” may form when patients do not maintain the health of their smile. These holes in the teeth may reach the dental pulp in the center of the tooth and infect a tooth. If root canal procedures are unable to fix the problem, patients may be faced with the need for extraction to keep the infection from spreading.
• Loose teeth due to late-stage periodontal disease – periodontal disease is an infection that can cause the shrinking of tissues and bone, causing adult teeth to become loose. If these teeth cannot be reattached to the alveolar bone, they may need to be permanently extracted.
• Impaction – teeth such as the wisdom teeth have a tendency to become impacted, which means they are “stuck” underneath the gum line. Impacted teeth will need to be removed during surgical extractions.
• Prepare for orthodontic treatment – when patients experience overcrowding of the teeth in the mouth, an orthodontist may send the patient to a dentist for preparations. By removing extra teeth, the orthodontist can ensure that the smile can be realigned using the remaining teeth for a beautiful smile.
• Learn more about dental extractions

At Agnini Family Dental, our professionals believe in providing top-notch, quality care, especially when it comes to providing comfortable extractions. If you may need to have one or more teeth pulled from the smile, we encourage you to book an appointment at our office. Call (863) 682-1500 and visit us at one of our two convenient locations in Lakeland, FL.

The post Four Reasons Why a Patient May Require Tooth Extraction appeared first on Agnini Family Dental.

BEFORE THE CLEANING

Before the cleaning begins, the hygienist will ask you about any issues or sensitivity you may be currently experiencing. This ensures that we deliver the best, most comfortable experience possible for you and your teeth. If we know about issues beforehand, we can make sure to avoid causing pain that can come with a cavity, for example.

You may also be asked to have X-rays taken of your teeth. Seeing inside the teeth allows your dentist to determine the overall health of your mouth, and allows us to see changes  of your health as time goes on. Taking x-rays is a painless, easy procedure.

THE CLEANING

Depending on how your dentist office works, your hygienist may use handheld tools or electronic tools to gently remove tartar and plaque buildup from your teeth. Though it may sound louder in your head, our hygienists are very gentle to avoid causing any harm or discomfort.

EXAMINATION

Your dentist will come in to examine your teeth. This is usually fairly quick, but if you have an issue they will discuss options to treat it with you. Cavities can be filled with minimal discomfort (if any) if they are caught early enough. If you need a root canal or other work, then we will discuss your next steps at that point.

If it’s been a while since you’ve had a cleaning (or you don’t remember when you had one last), then call us today to schedule a consultation at 863-682-1500. We can help you assess the health of your teeth and encourage the best dental health possible.

The post What Should I Expect at a Dental Cleaning? appeared first on Agnini Family Dental.

WHO IS AT RISK FOR ORAL CANCER?

Though some people have more risk factors of developing oral cancer, anyone can be at risk. It’s important to receive regular cancer screenings whether you regularly use tobacco or not.

Granted, if you are a male the chances of you developing oral cancer are much higher than if you are female. Also, like other cancers, the chances of getting oral cancer increase as you get older. For instance, if you are above the age of 55, then you are also at an increased risk of developing oral cancer. If you smoke cigarettes, use chewing tobacco, or even drink alcoholic beverages a lot, your chances of you getting oral cancer go up dramatically.

SIGNS OF ORAL CANCER

Cancer can look very different in the mouth, so don’t expect it to look like skin cancer. Make sure to keep track of any physiological changes in your mouth, such as:

• A lump in your cheek
• Increased difficulty eating, swallowing, or chewing
• Loose teeth
• Difficulty moving your jaw or tongue
• Changes in your voice
• Weight loss
• Consistent bad breath
• Sores in your mouth that do not heal
• Pain in the mouth
• Difficulty eating

If you are especially at risk for oral cancer, we recommend performing monthly checks to stay on top of any changes in your mouth. If you do notice changes, please call us right away at (863) 682-1500 to schedule a consultation.

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We offer local anesthetics to block your pain-receptors or medication that can help you relax while you’re seeing us. If you’re still not sure, understand that we may offer some people both, to help them relax and better enjoy their experience, especially if injections can cause anxiety.
Strangely, fear heightens your awareness, leading you to experience every little movement more strongly than if you were relaxed. Your pain threshold goes down when you’re nervous. If you find yourself so nervous that you avoid seeing the dentist, sedatives can help bring much-needed comfort.

Understand that we will need to ask some questions before we can recommend any particular sedative. You will be asked to provide your complete health history, including all the medications you are taking. We will also ask if you smoke or drink.

How can we help?
 Oral sedation (given by mouth) is a popular option for many people precisely because it does not require the use of needles. Oral sedatives are either swallowed whole in pill form or can be dissolved under the tongue. Both methods work in a matter of minutes. A variety of oral sedative medications have been developed through extensive research and testing to make your experience of dental treatment as comfortable and relaxing as possible. All have long safety records after decades of use, and several even have “amnesia” properties, meaning you will remember little to nothing, even though you are conscious throughout the treatment.

• Inhalation Conscious Sedation
Nitrous oxide has been used in dental offices for almost 100 years, and it is great for helping calm anxiety. This is a very safe option to help calm your nerves.
• IV Conscious Sedation
Sedatives delivered directly into the bloodstream intravenously (into the vein) are more potent than when taken orally. You must be monitored throughout your IV sedation treatment to maintain your safety.

If you want to learn more, give us a call at (863) 682-1500 today.

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KNOW YOUR DENTAL NEEDS

Depending on your overall health and any temporary health conditions you may be dealing with, your dental needs will be different. For instance, cancer treatments, pregnancy, diabetes, or wearing a dental appliance can alter the health of your teeth and gums. Make sure you inform your dentist if you have experienced a significant change in your general health, as this may change the type of dental care you receive.

CREATE A REGULAR ORAL HYGIENE ROUTINE

Spend time to develop an oral health regimen that you can stick to. Your daily dental regimen should include brushing in the morning and evening, flossing, and rinsing. If you have a particular health issue, you may require additional tasks to ensure you maintain healthy teeth and gums.

USE FLUORIDE

Fluoride use is valuable for both adults and children. Fluoride not only strengthens developing teeth but can also stop tooth decay. Some tap water includes fluoride, but the level of the substance in your area may not be high enough to provide adequate dental protection. To learn how much fluoride is in your local water, contact your water utility.

EAT RIGHT

A balanced diet combined with limited snacking can help stave off cavities and gum disease. Foods that produce a lot of acids (which contribute to cavity development) include pies, cakes, dried fruits, soda, and potato chips and should be eaten sparingly.

STOP SMOKING

Using tobacco products exponentially increases your chance of getting oral cancers of the esophagus, pharynx, or larynx. This habit also contributes to tooth discoloration and bad breath.

ARRANGE A CONSULTATION

For optimal dental health, make sure that your personal dental plan includes all of the aforementioned elements. Also, regular dental office visits will allow your dentist to apprehend any potential problems. To arrange your next dental cleaning, call Agnini Family dental today. You can reach our office at (863) 682-1500. We look forward to hearing from you!

The post What Your Oral Health Plan Should Include appeared first on Agnini Family Dental.

WHAT IS CAUSING MY JAW PAIN?

Clenching and/or grinding the teeth. This grinding motion can place an intense amount of pressure on the jaw. TMJ could also be due to stress. When we experience stress the facial muscles and jaw can tighten or clench up, creating additional pressure on the jaw. Joint arthritis or movement of the soft cushion disc between the ball and socket of the joint can also lend to jaw pain.

Some of the symptoms connected to TMJ include tenderness or pain in the neck, shoulders, jaw joint, or face. In some cases you could feel pain around the ears or when you talk or eat food. Some individuals even experience pain when they try to open their mouth wide.

Other symptoms include the jaw getting “locked” into an open position, clicking or popping sounds when you eat, a tired feeling around the face, problems chewing, not feeling like your bite is correct, or swelling on the side of the face. Dizziness, earaches, hearing issues, shoulder pain, tinnitus, and headaches can also be indications of TMJ.

HOW TO FEEL BETTER

After your TMJ has been diagnosed, the dentist may discuss some of the following at home treatments for you to use: apply a moist heat or cold pack to the area of the jaw where you feel pain. Do this a few times a day for the full effect. Eat softer foods like fish, cooked produce, beans, and yogurt.

ARRANGE A CONSULTATION

For more information on how to address your TMJ pain, call Agnini Family Dental today. You can reach our front desk to schedule your appointment by calling (863) 682-1500.

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