When You Need a Root Canal

Posted on February 14, 2014 by dentist

Among dental procedures, root canals have earned a bad reputation. Most people associate a root canal with pain and misery. Ironically, a root canal actually saves your tooth and restores your oral health. Understanding the basics of a root canal can make you feel more comfortable if you ever need this type of treatment.

Each tooth has three layers: the outer shell of enamel, the softer covering of dentin, and the center area called the pulp, which contains the blood vessels and connective tissues that nourish the tooth. Severe trauma, repeated dental work on a tooth, or extensive decay can damage the pulp, causing an infection to develop and pressure to build inside your tooth.

Signs that you may need a root canal include:

  • Continual sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
  • Darkening of a tooth
  • Intense tooth pain
  • Tenderness or swelling near the tooth

Although many individuals hate the idea of a root canal, most people feel better after treatment. During the procedure, your dentist will numb your tooth, clean out the debris, seal the tooth, and fill it with a manmade substance that will prevent more issues from developing. After a root canal, you will probably need a dental crown to cover the remaining tooth structure and protect the tooth long-term.

One benefit of root canal therapy is preserving your natural teeth. Even one missing tooth can throw off your bite, cause other teeth to loosen, and detract from your smile. A root canal can prevent the extraction of a tooth that might otherwise be lost.

Root canal dentist in Weymouth, MA

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Dentures Becoming More Popular

Posted on January 16, 2014 by dentist

The population of the United States is growing, with over 40 million adults over age 65. A common health problem that seniors face is receding gums, which can lead to tooth loss if not treated properly. That’s why many older adults wear dentures, in order to restore the function and appearance of their teeth.

What are dentures?
Dentures replace missing teeth and surrounding tissues. You may require complete dentures when all of your teeth are absent, or partial dentures when some of your natural teeth are still in place. Dentures are removable for cleaning purposes, and also at night to allow your gums to rest and to have normal cleaning and stimulation by your saliva and tongue.

Who needs dentures?
Your gum tissue recedes as you age, which exposes the roots of your teeth. This makes them more susceptible to decay and infection. On average, people receive their first set of dentures in their mid-50s, and almost 50 million Americans wear some type of dentures.

Do dentures hurt?
Dentures might feel unusual in the beginning, but you will adjust to them in a few weeks. Your facial muscles or oral tissues will adapt, and your tongue will learn to keep them in place. Then your dentures should feel very comfortable. It’s not unusual to experience minor mouth irritation or soreness at first, and an increased flow of saliva. These problems will go away as you adjust. You will get used to eating with your dentures in a relatively short time also.

What are the keys to success with dentures?
It is vital to practice good oral care and visit your dentist for regular checkups. If you have any problems or concerns, be sure to consult your dentist so that your experience wearing dentures can be pleasant and you can maintain the best smile possible.

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Facts about Teeth Whitening

Posted on December 16, 2013 by dentist

Many people desire to have gorgeous, white smiles. Often, the foods we eat, the beverages we drink, and the aging process cause our teeth to dull or yellow. Professional teeth whitening can remove surface stains and brighten your smile, giving you back a youthful glow. Understanding the basics about teeth whitening can help you make an informed decision.

How does teeth whitening work?
Through a bleaching agent or laser treatment, teeth whitening lifts the stains and restores vibrancy.

Who benefits from teeth whitening?
Anyone who has stains created by tobacco use, dark beverages, or age can see a noticeable change with teeth whitening. If you have stains caused by certain medications or internal discolorations, teeth whitening isn’t a good option, but porcelain veneers or crowns can help renew your smile.

What’s the difference between in-office and at-home whitening?
With in-office whitening, patients come in for an appointment and leave with fabulous results that same day; however, you can’t really control the level of brightness. Some people like to whiten on their own schedule and stop when they reach a certain shade of white, so at-home whitening is a better choice. The take-home kits include custom bleaching trays and professional-grade whitening gel.

Is teeth whitening safe?
Absolutely. Dentist-supervised teeth whitening is a simple, effective way to brighten teeth 8 to 10 shades.

How long does whitening last?
With proper care and maintenance, including brushing, flossing, and routine dental visits, you can reap the benefits of your stunning smile for years to come. Some patients like to touch up their appearance with their custom whitening trays, usually about once a year.


We create beautiful, healthy smiles at Weymouth Smiles, located in Weymouth, Massachusetts

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Excuses for Not Flossing

Posted on November 16, 2013 by dentist

Though many people make brushing their teeth a priority, they often balk at flossing. Common complaints include concerns about difficulty or the time it takes. An important part of your home care routine, flossing removes plaque and food particles from your mouth. As well, flossing helps stimulate your gums and keep them healthy.

The following list looks at some of the typical excuses people use not to floss and explains why they don’t hold weight:

My gums bleed
Usually a sign of gum disease, bleeding gums mean you definitely need to floss. Once your doctor addresses the problem, flossing will help restore your oral health.

I don’t have time
To brush and floss your teeth, you only need about 10 minutes. Not making the time to care for your teeth can cost you more time and money long-term.

My hands and fingers are too big
It can take some time to get the hang of flossing, but you can do it. If you have issues, tools like power flossers or plackers can make your task easier.

I get regular checkups, so I don’t need to floss
In less than two days, plaque can harden into tartar, which can only be removed by a dental professional. Daily flossing prevents plaque from staying on teeth and gums.

Flossing might damage my gums
Having a good technique is important for flossing to be successful, but you can actually cause more oral health issues by not flossing. Talk with your dentist and ask for tips about the best way to floss.

Relax – you’re in good hands at Weymouth Smiles, located in Weymouth, Massachusetts

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Choose Foods that Protect Your Smile

Posted on October 16, 2013 by dentist

People do many things to take care of their teeth and gums. Regular brushing, frequent flossing, and dental checkups help keep your smile at its best. Sometimes, we forget that the foods and beverages we consume also impact our dental health. The following choices can help by getting rid of plaque, strengthening enamel, and freshening breath.

Celery
Biting down on abrasive foods like celery stimulates gums and removes debris from your teeth. The extra chewing required to eat celery also keeps saliva flowing in your mouth, which neutralizes acids and washes away bacteria.

Cheese
Low in carbohydrates and high in calcium and phosphates, cheese has several benefits, including balancing the pH in your mouth, strengthening enamel, and encouraging saliva production.

Green tea
The catechins in green tea wipe out the bacteria in your mouth that convert sugar to plaque as well as eliminate the sources of bad breath.

Kiwi fruit
You need Vitamin C for your overall wellness and dental health. Most people don’t realize that a large kiwi contains over 100 percent of the recommended daily amount of Vitamin C.

Onions
The powerful antibacterial sulfur compounds in onions will kill many of the bacteria that wreak havoc in your mouth.

Parsley
To maintain sweet-smelling breath, chew on some sprigs of parsley after a meal.

Sesame seeds
By studying fossils, anthropologists have determined that our ancestors had strong teeth, possibly because they often consumed foods such as seeds, which remove plaque and build up tooth enamel. Sesame seeds are a good choice since they contain calcium, a mineral that preserves your teeth.

It’s time to schedule your next visit at Weymouth Smiles, Weymouth, MA dental practice.

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Dealing with Dry Mouth

Posted on September 16, 2013 by dentist

If you have the urge to drink lots of water or you wake up with a sticky feeling in your mouth, you may suffer from dry mouth. Saliva plays an important role in oral health by rinsing away plaque and cavity-causing bacteria; dry mouth occurs when saliva levels are low. Not only does dry mouth feel uncomfortable, individuals with dry mouth are more prone to tooth decay and gum disease. Also, this condition can make eating, swallowing, and talking more difficult.

Medication, certain conditions, nerve damage, and lifestyle choices can make increase the likelihood of dry mouth. During your checkup, let your dentist know if you have any signs of dry mouth because it can lead to other dental problems. Common symptoms include frequent thirst, a parched feeling in the mouth, burning or tingling sensations, and bad breath.

Patients who suffer from dry mouth should talk with their dentists to find effective ways of dealing with this problem. These helpful tips may ease your dry mouth:

•    Carry a water bottle with you all day and take frequent sips
•    Have water before, during, and after meals
•    Avoid very hot or very cold beverages
•    Choose sugar-free drinks and stay away from carbonated options
•    Suck on sugarless candy or chew sugarless gum because it promotes saliva production
•    If you use mouthwash, read the labels and choose an alcohol-free rinse
•    Limit alcohol consumption and tobacco use
•    Consider a humidifier at night to add moisture to the air

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Food and Beverages that Help Your Oral Health

Posted on August 15, 2013 by dentist

We often hear about how sugary treats and simple carbohydrates aren’t good for our waist lines or our teeth. Though it’s good to know what to avoid, knowing which foods promote oral health is even better. Take a look at this list of foods and beverages that will help keep your smile healthy and strong:

Celery
Not only does raw celery promote saliva production, which helps wash food and bacteria from your mouth, but it also has natural abrasive properties that massage gums.

Green tea
Regularly drinking green tea can kill oral bacteria that cause plaque because of potent antioxidants called catechins. As well, these catechins remove the bacteria that cause bad breath.

Kiwi fruit
Rich in vitamin C, kiwis provide this vital nutrient, which keep the collagen network in the gingival in good working order. When this network is compromised, bacteria can weaken the gums, resulting in inflammation and bleeding.

Wasabi
Often served with sushi, this Japanese horse-radish contains a substance called isothiocyanates that make it very hot. Isothiocyanates have been shown to inhibit the development of cavities.

Shitake mushrooms
Researchers have recently discovered that shitake mushrooms contain lentinan, a special sugar that prevents the formation of plaque.

Water
When you drink water, you can maintain good saliva production and keep your gums healthy, so try to consume eight glasses each day. If you can’t brush after eating, rinsing with water can help rinse debris and keep harmful bacteria in check.

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Protecting Your Teeth during Pregnancy

Posted on July 15, 2013 by dentist

When a woman is pregnant, her body experiences many changes. Feet swell, food cravings occur, and her stomach expands to make room for the growing baby. A woman’s health is also impacted by pregnancy, so it’s important to take care of your teeth.

While X-rays or cosmetic procedures should be avoided, you should schedule a routine check up. Most doctors recommend making this appointment during your second trimester. A professional cleaning and exam will help keep your mouth in top health.

With pregnancy, the excess hormone levels make your teeth and gums more susceptible to bacteria and plaque build up. Many women develop pregnancy gingivitis because of the extra bacteria in the mouth. Signs include swollen or bleeding gums, space between teeth, and bad breath. If you experience these symptoms, make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible.

Left untreated, pregnancy gingivitis can turn into periodontal disease (gum disease). Although gum disease is a concern for everyone, it can cause serious issues for pregnant women. Research has linked periodontal disease to pre-term labor and low-birth weight in women who don’t receive treatment for the condition. Additionally, gum disease can wreak havoc on your mouth, causing bone degeneration and tooth loss.

To keep your teeth and gums healthy during pregnancy, follow these tips:
•    Remember to brush twice a day and floss regularly
•    Eat a balanced diet
•    If you have morning sickness, rinse your mouth after vomiting
•    Contact your dentist if you experience any problems

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What is Cosmetic Dentistry?

Posted on June 15, 2013 by dentist

When you look your best, you exude confidence and grace. One of the features that people notice immediately is your smile. Because few people have a naturally perfect smile, they often seek help from their dentists. Cosmetic dentistry focuses on correcting stained, misshapen, or missing teeth and producing a sensational image.

A recent study found that individuals with bright, white smiles are seen as more intelligent, attractive, and successful. Even subtle changes, such as teeth whitening, can transform your appearance. Often, cosmetic dentistry includes:

•    Porcelain Veneers
Thin pieces of porcelain, veneers are permanently placed over front teeth to cover imperfections. Designed to mimic the translucency of tooth enamel, veneers generate beautiful, naturally-looking results.

•    Bonding
For small chips or gaps, your dentist may suggest bonding, a process that involves the use of tooth-colored materials to renew your smile’s appearance.

•    Teeth Whitening
The aging process, certain foods and beverages, and tobacco use can stain teeth and make you look older. Professional teeth whitening can remove discolorations and brighten teeth up to 10 shades. Both in-office and at-home professional bleaching are available, so check with your dentist to see what options they offer for patients.

•    Invisalign
Though many adults would love a straighter smile, most don’t want to tarnish their mature images. Invisalign clear braces, a series of custom aligners, will gently and discreetly shift teeth into the correct position, resulting in a gorgeous smile without the embarrassment of metal braces.

•    Dental implants
Just one missing tooth can cause oral health problems, such as shifting teeth, gaps in your smile, and alignment issues. Made from biocompatible titanium, a dental implant is a small post that acts as the foundation for a permanent crown. Implants can replace one or more missing teeth.

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If You Need a Root Canal

Posted on May 15, 2013 by dentist

Very few dental procedures receive as much negative attention as root canal therapy. If you ask most people, they would rather do anything else besides have a root canal. While the experience won’t ever make your Top Ten list, a root canal doesn’t have to be traumatic. In most cases, the procedure isn’t any worse than getting a dental crown.

Why would I need a root canal?
Your tooth contains three layers: a hard coating of enamel, a layer of dentin, and a soft inner core called pulp. The pulp nourishes the tooth and provides adequate blood flow. If your tooth sustains severe trauma or deep decay, the pulp may be compromised and die. When this happens, pressure and infection build up. Your dentist will perform a root canal to save the tooth and rejuvenate your smile.

What is a root canal?
During this procedure, your dentist will clean out the damaged tissue, sterilize the inside of the tooth, and seal the area to prevent future problems. After a root canal, you will probably need a crown to restore the tooth.

Is it painful?
With modern sedation options, your dentist can keep your comfortable throughout the procedure. Though you may feel a little soreness afterwards, any pain you feel is probably from the infection in the tooth. Usually, over-the-counter analgesics will relieve any mild discomfort.

Why doesn’t the dentist just pull my tooth?
For optimal oral health, you need all your teeth. Whenever possible, your dentist will try to preserve your natural teeth. Root canal therapy is one way to do this.

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