Junk Food and Your Teeth

Junk Food by a Marietta Dentist

Junk foods and high sugar content drinks have long been a weakness for many Americans, especially those in their teen years.  A recent study revealed teenage boys and girls drink a combined 140 gallons of soft drinks in an average year.  Such excessive intake of sugar and at such high frequencies can have serious damaging effects on teeth.  The high levels of sugar in conjunction with the bacteria in the mouth result in the formation of acid, which will immediately start to attack the enamel on teeth and can eventually lead to decay. 

It is important to note that not all sugar content is considered bad as some of the healthiest foods such as fruits and milk contain sugar.  A key to a healthy lifestyle is a healthy and balanced diet accompanied with high intakes of water.  Drinking optimally fluoridated water throughout the day can help rinse food particles from the mouth as well help build saliva, which will reduce acid build up.

Regularly scheduled visits to your Marietta Dentists along with proper oral hygiene can minimize damage caused by regular snacking.  Marietta cosmetic dentists have been trained to detect signs of damage early caused by high sugar diet and can treat the problem areas quickly and effe

ctively.

Can a Sugar Be Good For Your Teeth?

Can sugar really be good for teeth? The answer to sugar good for teeth is Xylitol.  It is a sugar that is tooth friendly and beneficial to oral health.  It helps teeth remineralize before cavities form.

Turku University in Finland demonstrated the dental significance of Xylitol in the 1970's with their Turku sugar studies. The studies found that cavity causing bacteria prefers a six-carbon chained sugar as an energy source, not Xylitol, as it interferes with bacteria's cavity causing growth and reproduction.  The bacteria is starved, as it can not use Xylitol as an energy source.

Xylitol has no known toxicity in human beings, although it;'s a life-threatening toxin to dogs, it's safe for humans.

Xylitol is used by companies such as Trident(R) in sugar free chewing gum.  The gum does not allow harmful micro-organisms that damage teeth to flourish, as it creates an unsuitable environment.  Six grams of Xylitol is the recommended amount for efficacy in dental health.

+Kirk Kimmerling DDS would be happy to discuss Xylitol and questions on its use.

Cracked Teeth by Your Local Marietta Dentist

If you have ever had difficulty chewing certain foods or experienced short lasting sudden spikes of pain in your teeth, you may be suffering from a cracked tooth. Characterized by a hairline vertical fracture along the tooth, cracked teeth are extremely difficult to diagnose due to their microscopic nature. In some cases, even dental X-rays fail to uncover the problem and can lead to more complicated problems in the future.

The sharp pain experienced in cracked teeth is usually due to the widening of the crack upon application of pressure. The pressure applied as a result of chewing or biting down widens the gap and exposes the root of the teeth, which is extremely sensitive to temperature changes and pressure. Failure to attend to the cracked tooth can eventually lead to deterioration of the root and require root canal therapy.

Causes for cracked teeth vary from chewing on hard objects or foods and clenching your teeth to trauma or even exposure to temperature extremes. Whatever the case, cracked teeth can be repaired by the application of bonding material to seal the crack. In more extreme cases, a crown may be necessary to stabilize the integrity of the tooth. Regularly scheduled dental check ups are the best method of ensuring cracked teeth are immediately identified and addressed.

Marietta dentist and emergency dentist, +Kirk Kimmerling DDS +Kirk Kimmerling DDS can help with cracked teeth in our Marietta dental office.

What's Up with Stained Teeth

Do you ever wonder about the stains on your teeth? Pesky stains can be embarrassing and sometimes hard to remove. Different food and drinks can have a huge impact on staining teeth. Teeth have little pores and it can absorb to make a stain. Here is a list of the beloved foods or drinks that can leave dreaded stains...

Tomato Sauce, Deep Colored Marinades, Soy Sauce, Basalmic Vinergarette, Light tea, Dark tea, Coffee, Sport Drinks, Dark Sodas, Red Wine, White Wine, Grape Juice, Cranberry Juice, Pomegranate Juice, Blueberries, Raspberries, Cherries, Red Grapes, Beets, Pickles, Ketchup, Bright colored candy, Curry spice, Popsicles

Smoking cigarettes is a huge factor in staining teeth. Its important to quit smoking to for overall general health.

Rinsing the mouth after enjoying any of the above is important to try to remove some of the staining additives. Don't feel its necessary to avoid these food or drinks, just be proactive in rinsing or brushing after enjoying these.

There are actually some common fruit and vegetable to eat that actually help clean teeth while chewing. Here is a list of food that doesn’t stain teeth...

Apples, Pears, Pineapple, Guavas, Cauliflower, Cucumbers, Celery, Carrots, Onions, Hard Cheeses, Sesame Seeds, Salmon, Shiitake mushrooms, broccoli, spinach, lettuce, ginger, basil

Of course, Marietta teeth whitening is always an option for whiter teeth.

These above actually help scrub teeth clean while eating. Try to drink through a straw to keep liquids from staining the visible front surface of teeth. Brushing, flossing and rinsing after eating or drinking will help reduce chances of stains. Dental professionals recommend getting professional cleanings every six months. Hygienist can help remove any unwanted stains to make smile brighter and give tips how to avoid them. Stains can be embarrassing and ruin some smiles. Some studies show that people have lower self esteem due to problem smiles. Be proactive and keep a bright smile.

Visit the Dentist People!

In the past ten years, adults visits to the dentist has declined.  Just like working out at the gym or taking vitamins, properly maintaining teeth is vital to the mouth and overall health.  At home hygiene and professional cleanings are crucial in keeping oral health on track.  Marietta cosmetic dentist, +Kirk Kimmerling DDS believe oral health should be at the top of the list.

Dentist visits and proper home-care help maintain oral health by reducing plaque and bacteria in the mouth.  

Let's take a look at home-care.

Most dentists these days recommend the Sonicare toothbrush for better home-care because of it's significant cleaning advancements.  Brushing twice daily with the Sonicare reduces not only reduces cavities but helps maintain healthy gums.  It has advanced brushing technology and a timer that ensures proper amount of brushing time. 

Flossing is a must. Once daily helps remove unwanted food and bacteria between teeth that a toothbrush cant always reach.  Flossing removes bacteria from between teeth to promote better gum health.  

Let's look at visits to the dentist.

Professional dental cleanings are recommended every six months.  A dentist or hygienist can remove plaque and tartar missed at home. It gives the dentist an opportunity to make sure there are no present conditions that need address.  They may recommend taking x-rays to further examine and diagnose.  The dentist or hygienist may also tips on how to improve daily home care.  It's an opportunity to inform your dentist of any problems occurring. Fluoride may be offered and applied to help shield and strengthen teeth.  If there are any problem areas found, its important to get them treated as soon as possible.  

Time and money can be an issue when it comes to taking the first step and getting on a proper oral hygiene regimen. Avoid dental work such as dental fillings, root canals, crowns, tooth extractions, dental implants, and more with proper care.  If anyway possible, do not be a part of the decline in people seeing the dentist. Your oral health is up to you.

Meet Staff at the Marietta Cosmetic Dentist Office

Welcome to a sneak peek of the Marietta Dentist office of  Kirk Kimmerling DDS and Suzanna Aguilera DMD.  The staff  and dentists welcome new patients to the facility by servicing a full range of dental needs from cosmetic dentistry to emergency dentistry.  Interested in learning more about the dental office? Here's a video to watch.

How Healthy Are Your Gums and Teeth?

Gum disease also called periodontal disease can go undetected until it is diagnosed by a dentist.  Getting your mouth healthy is not only good for your teeth and gums, but important to overall health.  Periodontal disease eventually leads to tooth loss, and can wreak havoc on the body.  Heart disease, strokes, pulmonary disease, all have been linked to the mouth.  Regular check-ups at the dentist give opportunity to get a mouth back on a healthy track.

Keep Your Mouth Healthy

Let's take a look at periodontal disease.

Periodontal disease is  plaque induced inflammatory response affecting the supporting structure of teeth. Plaque, a sticky film that forms on teeth and gums is full of bacteria  that irritates the gums.  As the plaque formation grows, it causes gums to pull away from the teeth and form spaces and pockets around the teeth. Plaque can harden into tartar, a more difficult substance that only a dentist can remove.  If left untreated, periodontal disease progresses until permanent damage and tooth loss has occurred.  Removing plaque daily by brushing and flossing can avoid the disease entirely.

Let's take a look at some of the warning signs for periodontal disease.

Bleeding gums present during brushing or flossing
Bad breath, even after brushing
Tender gums that have become engorged with blood
Pus between or around teeth
Teeth have shifted from their normal position
Partial denture does not fit any more
Bite has changed when teeth are put together

Let's talk about the stages of periodontal disease.

Gingivititis is the first stage of periodontal disease.  At this stage the gums have become irritated by bacteria infested plaque.  With proper treatment and home-care, the disease can be reversed.  Periodontitis is the loss of tissue and bone structure around a tooth.  It is a more serious stage, where some irreversible damage has occurred.  At the advanced periodontitis stage, the damage is severe to the supporting ligaments of teeth, and tooth loss has usually occurred.

The Marietta dentist, Kirk Kimmerling DDS is happy to welcome new patients concerned with gum issues to the dental practice.  It would be his pleasure to consult with you concerning options available for a healthy mouth and a professional teeth cleaning.