Avoiding dental care has long-term consequences.  Beyond the obvious tooth decay and gum disease, neglecting your oral health has been linked to heart disease, certain cancers and pregnancy problems.  If you are diabetic it is vitally important to maintain good oral health in order to help maintain your blood sugar levels – the link between oral bacteria and gum disease has been proven in study after study.

Getting the treatment you need and reversing years of neglect is easier than you might think.  Depending upon your level of anxiety you have several choices that allow you to establish a relaxed, calm state.

For some patients “laughing gas” or nitrous oxide can provide enough relaxation.  For patients with higher degrees of fear, oral sedation dentistry may be the correct choice.  Oral sedation relies on medication to create a comfortable experience – no needles.  Most patients who use oral sedation do not remember their visit and much neglected dental treatment can be performed during one visit.  For the small number of patients who have extreme dental phobia IV sedation may be needed.  This type of treatment is safe and highly effective.

Please contact my Toccoa, Georgia office today at 706-886-9439 to find out more about sedation dentistry and how my team and I can help you achieve the healthy smile you have always dreamed of.

Most dentists agree that for the majority of  patients using  a manual brush is just fine – providing they are brushing correctly.  For patients with mobility issues or with a history of gum disease an electric toothbrush can make it easier to remove more plaque than a manual brush.

Consumer Reports tested 10 electric toothbrushes with prices ranging from $15 to $140.  The panelists doing the testing found some of the top-rated toothbrushes a little uncomfortable to use.  The Philips Sonicare Flexcare was highly rated but some panelists felt it was “too much vibration”.  Most of the panelists preferred the Oral-B toothbrush.  Consumer Reports suggests the Oral-B Professional Care 1000 for around $70.

One of the advantages of using an electric toothbrush is the built-in timer.  Most patients using a manual brush do not spend the full two minutes required for a good cleaning.   If you are unsure about your tooth brushing technique just ask for a demonstration at your next visit.

Please contact my Toccoa, Georgia office today at 706-886-9439  to schedule your dental hygiene visit and learn more about proper tooth brushing techniques.  Your healthy smile is our highest priority at Wilbanks Smile Center!

This case study involved a young lady who complained that a large gap had opened up between her two front teeth.  She had a tongue piercing and admitted that she liked to “play” with the tongue stud by pressing it against her teeth.  Well, just like having braces – when you put constant pressure against a tooth it will move and that is just what this young lady had done.  Over a period of time she had pushed her front teeth apart using the tongue stud.  Treatment involved braces to move the teeth back into position.

Tongue piercing can result in serious injury not just to teeth but has also been associated with hemorrhage, infection, chipped and fractured teeth, trauma to the gums and, in the worst cases, brain abscess.  According to Dr. Sawsan Tabba of the University of Buffalo who reported this case study, “The best way to protect your health, your teeth and your money is to avoid tongue piercing.”

No matter the reason for the gap between your teeth you may not need to resort to old fashioned metal braces.  Closing that gap can be accomplished by using the Invisalign system.  Invisalign is a series of clear trays that are worn over your teeth.  The trays are removed for eating and brushing.  As the teeth move, new trays are utilized until your smile is perfect once more!  Since the trays are perfectly clear no one can tell that you are straightening your teeth.

If you would like to learn more about orthodontics or Invisalign please contact my office at 706-886-9439.

Children who grow up drinking water that has added fluoride have healthier mouths as adults.

According to Mathew Neidell,  a health policy professor at Columbia University, “Your fluoridation exposure at birth is affecting your tooth loss in your 40’s and 50’s, regardless of what your fluoridation exposure was like when you were 20 and 30 years old.”

Fluoride improves the enamel on teeth, helps strengthen teeth damaged by decay and breaks down bacteria on teeth.  Approximately 75% of  public water systems add fluoride.   No amount of fluoride will protect teeth without proper home care.  Regular brushing, flossing and dental checkups are needed to keep teeth in optimal health.

Remember that preventative care is much less expensive than restoring teeth that have been damaged by decay.  If you have not scheduled your dental checkup please call my Toccoa, Georgia office today at 706-886-9439.  If fear or anxiety is the reason you have been avoiding treatment please let us know – you have several options that allow you to get the dental care you need without fear or discomfort.  Ask about Sedation Dentistry options when you call.

One of the oldest elementary school trivia questions can be answered at the National Museum of Dentistry located in Baltimore, Maryland.  The museum hardly considers the question trivial – the dentures worn by our first President are the star exhibit.  They are not carved of wood as many visitors guess but are made from a much more durable material – hippopotamus ivory.

The National Museum of Dentistry is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution and hosts about 10,000 visitors annually.   In addition to the famous false teeth, the museum includes exhibits such as Queen Victoria’s personal dental instruments, toothbrushes throughout the ages and an Arctic whale known as a narwhal.  The narwhal is best known for the six foot tooth growing out of its head.

Children visiting the museum get to put on lab coats and play dentist.  They learn to floss and brush correctly using a giant mouth for practice.  Parents will remember the old toothpaste jingles played at the museum.

The most popular exhibit are those dentures which were made by President Washington’s favorite dentist in Philadelphia.  Washington only had one tooth in his mouth by the time he became President in 1789.  According to the museum’s director of communications Washington lost his teeth due to illnesses.  “We think he had many illnesses throughout his life, it was tough living back then” according to Amy Pelinsky.  “And the medicine was tough too… the medicine actually made your teeth fall out”.  So even though we know he brushed, George Washington still lost his teeth.

Today’s dental care is a far cry from George Washington’s time.  If you have lost one tooth or several you have choices about what type of replacement to use.  The best option for most people is a dental implant. Dental implants are placed into the jaw bone and serve as an artificial tooth root – a dental crown is placed over the implant and you have a restoration that looks and feels completely natural.  Implants can also be used to anchor dentures for those patients who have lost most or all of their teeth.

Please contact my Toccoa, Georgia office today at 706-886-9439.  Ask one of my team members at Wilbanks Smile Center how implants can help restore your smile.

It is estimated that 3 of every 4 American adults have gum disease and over 20 percent have moderate to severe cases that can lead to tooth loss.

The reason that most of the patients suffering from gum disease do not seek prompt treatment is anxiety and fear of dental care.  Whether this fear is due to a bad experience earlier in life or is the result of hearing horror stories told by friends and relatives – the effect is the same.  A very real feeling of anxiety about going to the dentist.

It is possible for you to get the dental care that you need without feeling the anxiety and fear.  Sedation dentistry allows the dentist to correct years of dental neglect – and you remain relaxed and unaware.  Depending upon your level of anxiety we offer several choices in sedation to meet your individual needs.

For some patients, breathing a combination of nitrous oxide and oxygen through a mask allows a sense of relaxation and is all they need.  Other patients may decide upon oral conscious sedation which uses oral medication to place the patient in a state of deep relaxation, losing track of time and any anxiety.  For patients with extremely severe dental phobia IV sedation may be a good choice.  While sedated in this manner patients are completely asleep and unaware.

Your oral health is important.  More and more research is proving the links between diseased gums and the health of the entire body.  Don’t delay getting the care you need any longer.  Please contact my Toccoa, Georgia office at 706-886-9439 to discuss your sedation dentistry options.

Don’t forget to schedule the dental check-up as well.  For college age kids this is the last chance to spot problems before they crop up when your son or daughter is far from home.  For younger children this is a good opportunity to arrange their dental visit before school and extracurricular activities overflow the family schedule.

Children who are participating in sports should be fitted for a mouthguard to protect their teeth during play.  If you have a child that is participating in sports at a very advanced level you may want to discuss a performance mouthguard like the Under Armour performance mouthguard.  The ArmourBite technology  mouthguards are used by elite athletes in many sports and are scientifically proven to improve performance.

The school year can also be a stressful time.  Many young people, particularly high school and college age students, react to stress by grinding their teeth during sleep.  This condition is called bruxism and can cause chronic headaches and jaw problems, as well as wearing down or breaking teeth.  Treatment using a custom made dental orthotic can help eliminate the jaw pain and headaches and prevent further damage.

Please contact my Toccoa, Georgia office today at 706-886-9439  to schedule examinations for your family.  My office is mercury-free and utilizes digital x-rays to reduce radiation exposure  – your family’s overall health and their healthy smiles are important  – please call today.

• Losing baby teeth to tooth decay is OK. Myth – Some people believe this since baby teeth fall out anyway but decay in baby teeth can damage the developing adult teeth under the gums.  If baby teeth are lost too early the permanent teeth may not be positioned correctly and need orthodontics later on.
• Tooth decay only affects children and young people. Not true!  In adults and seniors common drugs such as sedatives, antihistamines,  diuretics (used to treat high blood pressure), and antidepressants can cause saliva production to slow down.   Since saliva bathes and cleans the teeth this means that oral problems will increase.  Our gums naturally recede with age and these receding gums can result in decay along the roots of the teeth.
• Osteoporosis only affects the hips and spine. People don’t think about it but teeth are held in place by the bone of your jaw.  Lose the jaw bone and you lose your teeth.  Of course, if you lose your teeth (due to gum disease or decay) you will also begin to lose jaw bone even if you don’t suffer from osteoporosis.  A good diet that includes calcium and vitamins D and K can help protect you.

Whether you are a toddler, teenager or an adult of any age, tooth decay is not something that can be ignored.  Dental cavities that are not treated will eventually cause pain – usually at the most inconvenient times (holidays, weekends or just before you leave on vacation).

During your examination at Wilbanks Smile Center we will use digital x-rays to screen for cavities in hard to see areas. If cavities are discovered they will be treated using modern dental materials – not old fashioned mercury based amalgams.  The tooth colored dental resins match the color of your teeth and provide a safe, attractive restoration  for your cavity.  Please contact my office today at 706-886-9439 to schedule your appointment.

The first noticeable symptom of periodontal disease is usually bad breath.  This is not your typical “I had garlic for lunch” bad breath.  This is a chronic, foul odor that won’t go away even after brushing and flossing.  If you have chronic bad breath you should also visit your physician to rule out diseases such as diabetes but since the majority of our population suffers from undiagnosed gum disease it is the most likely cause of the problem.

Healthy gums are a nice shade of pink.  If your gums are red or purple and they appear to be swollen around your teeth you probably have periodontal disease.

Gums that are tender or sore and bleed easily are another sign.  It is not normal for gums to bleed when brushing or flossing.  Bleeding, sore gums are a sure sign of infection and you should seek treatment as soon as possible.

Pain when chewing can be another sign that periodontal disease is advancing.  Pain that is felt only in one tooth can signal a cracked tooth or the need or a root canal.  Pain that is spread throughout your mouth is more likely a sign of serious gum disease.

What happens if gum disease is not treated?  Several things – first your teeth will become loose, this causes the bone in the jaw to begin to deteriorate leading to eventual tooth and bone loss.  Beyond your mouth, the chronic inflammation and infection spreads bacteria to other organs including the heart.  If you are a woman of child-bearing age you should be aware that bacteria from infected gums have been found in amniotic fluid and linked to premature births.

Now that you know the signs of periodontal disease and how important healthy gums are for your smile and for the rest of your body it is time to contact my Toccoa, Georgia office at 706-886-9439 to schedule your appointment.  If the reason that you have been putting off treatment is due to fear or anxiety – don’t worry.  My team and I specialize in helping patients with dental anxiety – sedation dentistry may be the answer for you.  Ask about your options when you call.

Full and partial dentures have been used for many, many years but there are drawbacks.  Regular sets of dentures are notorious for slipping, sliding and causing problems eating and talking.  Gum irritation and mouth sores can develop.  The biggest problem with replacing lost teeth in this manner is usually the change in appearance caused by bone loss in the jaw.  Without teeth anchored in the bone, the bone begins to recede.  This is the change that causes that “sunken” look in the faces of long-term denture wearers.

Dental implants are small, usually titanium, replacements for the missing tooth roots.  When “implanted” into the jaw the bone grows and anchors the implant in place – no more problems with bone loss and no changes in the shape of your face.  Implants can be used to replace one tooth or many.  Implants can also be used to anchor a special denture in place putting an end to annoying denture movement and slipping.

If you have lost one tooth or several please contact my Toccoa, Georgia office at 706-886-9439 today.  One of my team members at Wilbanks Smile Center will be happy to answer your questions about dental implants and your options for a healthy smile.