What is Oral Health?

What is Oral Health?

The basic definition of oral health is the wellbeing of your teeth, gums, mouth, and supporting tissues. As well, the idea of oral health also has to do with having no pain or problems that interfere with your mouth or its functions. Without a toothache or bleeding gums, you may give your oral health little thought. Often, people take their oral health for granted, but it can actually impact your whole body.

Common Oral Health Problems:

Tooth Decay
Generally thought of a kid’s concern, cavities can strike at any age. Once you have tooth decay, it puts you at greater risk of developing more cavities in the future. Brushing at least twice a day, flossing often, and seeing your dentist on a regular basis will help reduce your risk for tooth decay and keep your oral health in top shape.

Gum Disease
Also referred to as periodontal disease, gum disease affects three out of four American adults. Because the early symptoms, swollen or bleeding gums, are mild, gum disease can go undetected. Without treatment, it can lead to gum recession, bone degeneration, and tooth loss. Studies have also linked periodontal disease to overall health issues such as heart disease and osteoporosis.

Lost Teeth
Approximately 69 percent of adults in the U.S. are missing at least one tooth. When you lose teeth, the remaining teeth are in jeopardy of coming out if you don’t close the gap in your smile. Not only do missing teeth make you self-conscious about your appearance, but they can also cause oral health problems such as alignment issues and bone loss.

Oral Cancer
With a higher mortality rate than cervical, liver, or ovarian cancer, oral cancer strikes more than 30,000 Americans each year. If caught in the early stages, the survival rate increases significantly. During your routine exams, your dentist will look for signs of suspicious tissue or other indications of trouble.

If you live in the Conyers area contact us today

Make the Most of Your Dental Visits

Make the Most of Your Dental Visits

Seeing your dentist twice a year is an important part of keeping your oral health in good condition. While this activity may not top the list of fun things to do, a dental visit doesn’t have to make you miserable either. With a little planning, you can ensure that your dental visit is a positive experience.

• Find the right dentist.

Selecting a dentist that you feel comfortable with will go a long way towards creating a good dental visit. At Brown, Reynolds & Snow, we understand that finding doctors with broad knowledge and expertise in all areas of dentistry will provide you with that extra incentive and confidence in seeking the smile you have always desired.

• Provide all the facts

Your dentist can do a better job meeting your needs if you are up front about any concerns you have or any problems you have been experiencing.

• Take care of your mouth

If you don’t brush and floss regularly, you are setting yourself up to fail. Good home care can prevent problems like gum disease and tooth decay from developing, which will save you extra time in the dental chair.

• Schedule routine exams

When you don’t see a dentist for years, your mouth won’t be in the best condition. Visiting the dentist twice a year ensures that you get professional cleanings and it allows the doctor to watch for signs of trouble.

• Try to relax

Deep breathing exercises or mediation may calm your nerves. If you feel especially anxious about your dental visits, talk with the dentist about your fears, and see what options the practice has available to make you more comfortable.

If you live in the Conyers area contact us today

Foods that Stain Teeth

Foods that Stain Teeth

Everyone wants to attain a brilliant, white smile. Modern dentistry can help you achieve this goal with Invisalign teeth whitening or cosmetic enhancements such as veneers or porcelain crowns. Brushing and flossing will help you keep your smile in prime condition. Your diet can impact your teeth as well. Certain foods and beverages can darken your teeth, including:

• Tea Time
Considered a healthy beverage, tea may not keep your teeth white. In fact, black tea can leave more stains than coffee.

• Saucy Saucy
Yummy extras like soy sauce, tomato sauce, and curry sauce may taste delicious, but they have significant potential in the stain department. Choose lighter cream sauces or brush right away to limit issues.

• Sports Power
Highly acidic beverages, like sports or energy drinks, erode tooth enamel and make teeth more susceptible to stains. Try water when you exercise as a safer choice for your smile.

• A Little Wine
If a drink will stain your linens, it can also alter the appearance of your pearly whites, so limiting your intake of wine can protect your smile.

• Berry Good
Though blackberries, cherries, and blueberries are great for your body, the deeply pigmented molecules in these fruits can stick to enamel and cause discoloration. Pies and juices containing these foods can also stain teeth.

• Bubbling Over
Frequently a cause of stains, sodas and other carbonated drinks have acid and chromogens, which can lead to serious stains. Even lighter colored drinks have enough acid to allow staining from other foods and beverages.

If you live in the Conyers area contact us today

The Right Diet for a Healthy Smile

The Right Diet for a Healthy Smile

Everyone knows that what you eat matters for your health. Your diet impacts your heart, weight, and other areas, including your oral health. Eating a balanced diet will keep your teeth and gums strong, which protects your smile.

These tips will help you make your diet count:

• Choose foods high in calcium. Low-fat milk, yogurt, and cheese offer you great sources of calcium, a mineral that helps your teeth and bones in good shape. Green, leafy vegetables such as broccoli and spinach also provide calcium.

• Limit sugar intake. Though a cookie or the occasional piece of chocolate won’t hurt your smile, eating too many sweets can contribute to cavities. It also important to watch your carbohydrates, like breads, pastas, and potatoes, because these foods may also increase the chance of tooth decay.

• Say no to sodas. Carbonated beverages contain phosphorous and carbonation, acidic substances that can cause enamel erosion. Because sports drinks have a high sugar content, you should limit those as well.

• Go for fruits and vegetables. Apples, carrots, and celery are good options because they are high in nutrients and won’t stick to your teeth.

• Cut back on snacks. When you eat between meals, the food stays on your teeth and can boost your risk for cavities.

• Drink plenty of water. Not only does water have fluoride to strengthen your teeth, but it also helps wash away food and plaque from your teeth.

• Chew sugarless gum. Studies have proven that chewing sugarless gum increases saliva production. Saliva naturally reduces plaque build up and rinses away food particles that encourage the development of tooth decay.

Everyone knows that what you eat matters for your health. Your diet impacts your heart, weight, and other areas, including your oral health. Eating a balanced diet will keep your teeth and gums strong, which protects your smile.

These tips will help you make your diet count:

• Choose foods high in calcium. Low-fat milk, yogurt, and cheese offer you great sources of calcium, a mineral that helps your teeth and bones in good shape. Green, leafy vegetables such as broccoli and spinach also provide calcium.

• Limit sugar intake. Though a cookie or the occasional piece of chocolate won’t hurt your smile, eating too many sweets can contribute to cavities. It also important to watch your carbohydrates, like breads, pastas, and potatoes, because these foods may also increase the chance of tooth decay.

• Say no to sodas. Carbonated beverages contain phosphorous and carbonation, acidic substances that can cause enamel erosion. Because sports drinks have a high sugar content, you should limit those as well.

• Go for fruits and vegetables. Apples, carrots, and celery are good options because they are high in nutrients and won’t stick to your teeth.

• Cut back on snacks. When you eat between meals, the food stays on your teeth and can boost your risk for cavities.

• Drink plenty of water. Not only does water have fluoride to strengthen your teeth, but it also helps wash away food and plaque from your teeth.

• Chew sugarless gum. Studies have proven that chewing sugarless gum increases saliva production. Saliva naturally reduces plaque build up and rinses away food particles that encourage the development of tooth decay.

At Brown, Reynolds & Snow Dentistry we care about your smile and your oral health. Richmond, VA Cosmetic Dentist

We treat patients from Conyers and the surrounding area

Instant Orthodontics (aka Porcelain Veneers)

Instant Orthodontics (aka Porcelain Veneers)

In today’s world, having a fantastic smile can impact your personal and professional successes. People notice right away the warmth and vitality your smile can convey. Unfortunately, most individuals don’t naturally have a perfect set of teeth. With orthodontic treatment such as Invisalign, you can attain a uniform, attractive appearance.

Often, patients inquire about “instant orthodontics,” a term that describes the cosmetic application of porcelain veneers to create the illusion of a straight smile. Designed to mimic the translucency of enamel, porcelain veneers can transform a worn-out smile into a sensational, new image. Because veneers are a cosmetic procedure, the term “instant orthodontics” is actually misleading.

Porcelain veneers can correct the appearance of front teeth and make your smile look amazing. If you have alignment issues, crowding, or bite problems, porcelain veneers will only cover the imperfections without addressing the root problem.

It’s important to consider the long-term goals and implications of choosing a cosmetic procedure. Veneers are a great way to deal with slight flaws in your smile, including chips, small gaps, and discolorations. However, you need orthodontic treatment such as Invisalign clear aligners to correct the position of your teeth.

Invisalign can not only enhance your appearance, but also improve your oral health since straighter teeth are easier to clean and floss. You should schedule a consultation with the dental team at Brown, Reynolds & Snow, who can evaluate your teeth and bite before making recommendations about the most effective treatment for your desired results.

Our dental office is located in Conyers

Teeth Whitening 101

Teeth Whitening 101

A gorgeous, white smile conveys confidence and vitality. Age, certain foods, dark beverages, and even medication can dull your teeth. In recent years, teeth whitening has become one of the most popular cosmetic dental procedures. Safe and effective, professional teeth whitening can revitalize your smile. If you are considering brightening your pearly whites, several options are available, including:

In-Office Whitening – Imagine visiting the dentist at lunch time and leaving with a sensational smile. With in-office whitening, you can erase stains and lighten teeth up to 10 shades in about an hour. The down sides to the in-office method are the cost, more than other options, and the lack of control over results. Because the dentist will combine bleaching gel with a special light, you can’t really select a desired shade and get that exact color. However, your bright, white smile will dazzle family and friends.

Take-Home Kits – Some people want to whiten their teeth at home and on their own time tables. Take-home kits allow you to do just that. First, your dentist will take impressions of your teeth and send them to a dental lab to create custom trays. Simply place a thin layer of the professional bleaching solution to the trays and wear them as directed until you achieve the desired level of brightness. Often, patients notice a difference right away, but the full impact will appear after whitening ends, usually in two to three weeks.

Over-the-Counter Whitening Options – Available in the form of strips and trays, over-the-counter whitening kits cost about $20 to $50. Although these options will save you money, many of the drug store whitening products won’t produce noticeable results. As well, these kits may irritate your gums and soft tissue because they are not specially designed to fit your mouth.  For a safe, effective white smile, you should schedule a visit to your dentist for professional whitening.

Are you looking for a new dentist in Conyers? Contact us today to schedule an appointment.