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The Stages Of Tooth Decay

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The Stages Of Tooth Decay

The Stages Of Tooth Decay

Tooth decay doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time for the enamel and dentin to be worn down by bacteria, and with proper dental hygiene, tooth decay can be prevented altogether. Steps can be taken to cosmetically repair decayed teeth through the use of dental veneers and crowns, but an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

If you’re concerned about tooth decay and want to take preventative measures to maintain your healthy smile, Dr. Taylor has put together a guide to help you understand the five distinct stages of tooth decay.

Stage 1: Demineralization

If you’re experiencing tooth decay, the first stage to watch out for white or brown spots on the surface of the tooth. This discoloration is a result of demineralization in the tooth because of plaque buildup and weakened enamel. Luckily, if tooth decay is caught during stage one it can be reversed before it becomes more problematic tooth decay.

To improve the demineralization of the tooth, ensure you are regularly flossing and brushing your teeth with remineralization toothpaste. With proper attention from both you and your dentist, you can reduce the white or brown spots and reverse tooth decay.

Stage 2: Enamel Decay

If white and brown spots go untreated, the tooth’s enamel will continue to be eroded by bacteria infecting the mouth. Because your tooth’s enamel is weakening, those in stage two will often experience increased tooth sensitivity and need to rely on sensitivity toothpaste to relieve some of the pain.

At this stage, you must engage a dentist to provide the necessary treatment to prevent tooth decay from progressing. Depending on your specific scenario, a dentist may recommend a variety of dental procedures, including dental fillings or crowns.

Stage 3: Dentin Decay

Beneath the tooth’s layer of enamel is a substance called dentin. If the tooth decay isn’t halted, the bacteria will continue to eat through your enamel which will expose the dentin layer underneath. This layer decays at a much more rapid rate than enamel and will cause major sensitivity and pain.

At this stage, you need to schedule an appointment with a professional to stop the risk of further tooth decay. The decay will happen at an extremely rapid rate and if steps aren’t taken to repair some of the damage, you’re going to be left with pain, sensitivity, and the risk of infection.

Stage 4: Infection

Within your tooth is another soft layer at the center, known as dental pulp. If the bacteria eats through both your enamel and dentin, it will come into contact with the dental pulp — leading to severe pain and difficulty chewing. The dental pulp can become infected, and the only way to fix it will be to undergo a root canal to remove the infection. Once the infection has been removed from the tooth, they will install a crown in place of the tooth to prevent any more decay from occurring.

Stage 5: Abscess Formation

Without treatment to halt the tooth decay, the infection will move on from the tooth and into the jawbone, gums, tongue, and other teeth, often resulting in an abscess. This abscess, or pocket of pus, will remain in your mouth until a dentist performs a root canal or extracts the tooth. If tooth decay continues to be left untreated, the tooth will die.

Prevent Tooth Decay Before It Begins

Flossing, brushing, and performing fluoride treatment are the first steps to fighting tooth decay. Along with regularly cleaning your teeth, you can also minimize the amount of sugar and acidic foods in your diet, which is known to break down tooth enamel. Last but certainly not least, you need to schedule regular trips to the dentist at least twice a year for a professional cleaning and checkup.

For all dental concerns, Dr. Taylor offers preventative care, as well as porcelain veneers and crowns. To prevent or treat tooth decay, schedule an appointment with the leading cosmetic dentist in Billings, MT.

Mouth Breathing & Your Oral Health

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Mouth Breathing Your Oral Health

Mouth breathing might not seem like a big deal, but it can be detrimental to your oral health. To determine if you’re a mouth breather, keep an eye out for these common signs and symptoms:

  • Dry mouth
  • Bad breath
  • Chapped lips
  • Snoring
  • Sinus and ear infections

Do you suspect you’re a mouth breather but you’re still not sure? Scheduling an appointment with your local cosmetic dentist in Billings, MT can help you determine if you are a mouth breather and find ways to treat the symptoms and oral health risks. Keep reading to learn more about the oral health risks and treatment options.

Health Risks of Mouth Breathing

Breathing through your mouth instead of your nose might not seem to be an issue at first, but mouth breathing can lead to quite a few health problems. Some of the most common side effects of mouth breathing include:

  • Dry Mouth – If you breathe through your mouth instead of your sinuses, you’re limiting the amount of moisture in the air you inhale. As a result, most mouthbreathers experience excessive dry mouth. This dry mouth prevents saliva from washing bacteria out of your mouth, allowing bacteria to remain in your mouth and lead to problems like cavities, tooth decay, and gingivitis.
  • Gum Disease – When harmful bacteria remains in your mouth, it can result in worse than just gingivitis which is an infection of the gums. If oral health problems like gingivitis go untreated, mouthbreathers can find themselves dealing with gum disease which can lead to other health problems such as respiratory illness, stroke, and heart disease.
  • Skeletal Deformities – Because children are still growing, mouth breathing can lead to permanent skeletal deformities if untreated. Mouth breathing promotes the growth of the child’s upper jaw instead of the lower jaw.
  • Jaw Strain – When breathing through your mouth, your jaw remains in an open position for extended periods. This mouth positioning can lead to strain on your jaw joints and impact the fit of your bite. If the jaw strain continues to get worse, the only way to fix it is through oral surgery or orthodontic treatment.
  • Sleep Difficulties – Breathing through your mouth can make it difficult to get enough oxygen while sleeping, which can impact the quality of sleep you’re getting. When you don’t get enough sleep, you can find yourself feeling tired or struggling to concentrate during the day.

How to Treat the Effects of Mouth Breathing

If you’re a mouth breather, there are steps you can take to ensure you’re taking care of your oral health. Reduce the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and other related issues by:

  • Using a humidifier – As mentioned, one of the most common side effects of mouth breathing in dry mouth — which is the root of most oral health problems! It’s recommended that mouth breathers use a humidifier in their bedrooms while sleeping to help reduce mouth dryness and improve the moisture in the air.
  • Drinking plenty of water – Along with using a humidifier, make sure you are staying hydrated throughout the day to promote a moisturized mouth. Staying hydrated will provide moisture and help minimize other symptoms of mouth breathing like chapped lips and chronic bad breath.
  • Scheduling regular dentist visits – It can be hard to diagnose yourself as a mouth breather, and that’s where Dr. Taylor can help. Dentists are often the first to notice that someone is a mouth breather by recognizing the problems with a patient’s oral health, such as gum infections, tooth decay, and swollen tonsils. Dr. Taylor can provide solutions to relieve painful symptoms of mouth breathing and help you remedy your oral health.

Schedule an Appointment with Dr. Taylor

If you’re a mouth breather, proper oral hygiene is incredibly important to minimize the risk of problems like dry mouth, tooth decay, cavities, and gingivitis. Dr. Taylor and his exceptional staff can help you find a way to relieve symptoms and provide a solution to help your mouth breathing moving forward. Contact Taylor Dental, the leading cosmetic dentist in Billings, MT, to schedule an appointment for general and cosmetic dental care. We look forward to helping you improve your oral health!

Should I Get Braces or Invisalign For My Child

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Should I Get Braces or Invisalign For My Child
When looking to perfect your child’s smile, there are many options to consider, such as Invisalign or braces. Depending on your child’s treatment needs, one option might be preferred over the other. While in other cases, the decision is left up to you. But how do you decide between Invisalign or braces for your teen?

Taylor General & Cosmetic Dentistry is here to help guide you through the decision-making process by weighing the pros and cons or each option.

Pros and Cons of Invisalign

We’ve compiled a list of the advantages and disadvantages of Invisalign for kids to help you narrow down if it is the right option to transform their smile.

Pros

  • Discrete – In the world of teenagers, appearance often matters. While braces are working to create a beautiful smile, metal brackets can be jarring to look at. Invisalign is a discrete option that will straighten out your child’s teeth discreetly. The brackets and attaching aligners seamlessly blend into the smile, making it much more difficult for someone to notice they’re being worn. This is a great option for teenagers that might be feeling a bit self-conscious about wearing braces.
  • Removable – Worried about braces or Invisalign impacting your child’s dental hygiene? Invisalign can pop right out when needed — making it much easier for your teenager to eat and thoroughly clean their teeth. They don’t have to worry about their snack getting stuck in the brackets, irritating their teeth.
  • Comfort – Braces can hurt your gums, cheeks, and inner lips because of the metal brackets and wires. With Invisalign, the brackets on your child’s teeth will be covered by the aligner portion, leaving a smooth finish along their teeth. Invisalign for teens is a much more comfortable and safe option, especially for those that might play an active sport.
  • Less Maintenance – Don’t want to deal with countless appointments to tighten braces? When your teenager chooses Invisalign to straighten their teeth, you will have fewer appointments to attend — winning you back some time in your busy schedule!
  • No Dietary Restrictions – One of the biggest benefits for teenagers is that no foods are limited while they have Invisalign. Unlike their counterpart, you can eat foods like popcorn and candy. This is because when they are eating they can remove the aligner, enjoy the snack, clean their teeth, and pop the aligner portion back in place.

Cons

  • Slurred Speech or Lisp – Wearing the clear trays over your teeth can make it difficult to talk in the beginning while your teenager gets used to the Invisalign. Their speech might be slurred and some words or sounds might have a lisp. This tends to become less noticeable over time as they become accustomed to the aligners.
  • Limited Fix – Depending on your teenager’s specific teeth, Invisalign might not be an option. They can only be used to adjust certain types of teeth or bite problems.
  • Cost – While there are many benefits of Invisalign over regular braces, a major drawback is that they will likely cost a bit more. The cost will often be dependent on the extent of the issue and how long the Invisalign needs to be worn.
  • Responsibility – If your teenager isn’t the most responsible one in the bunch or would lose their head if it wasn’t attached, Invisalign might not be the best option. Because they can take the clear trays out, it is up to them to wear the aligners that are working to straighten their teeth. The last thing you want is for your child to accidentally throw them away at lunchtime!

Pros and Cons of Braces,

Metal braces are an effective and affordable option that many parents opt for — but are they the right choice for your child? Let’s take a look at some of the benefits and drawbacks of braces.

Pros

  • Fixed in Place – Straightening a smile can be uncomfortable as the teeth move into their desired placement. With Invisalign, the progress could come to a halt if your teenager takes out the trays because of discomfort. With braces, the metal brackets are fixed in place ensuring that their teeth are straightening.
  • Durable – From talking to eating, the mouth is constantly in motion. When straightening your child’s teeth, you need an option that is durable and will be able to withstand normal wear and tear. Braces are extremely durable and strong.
  • Affordable – Kids are expensive. From sports to school to rainy day activities, the costs begin to add up! Fixing your child’s smile is a must, but it shouldn’t cost an arm and a leg to do so. Metal braces are generally less expensive than Invisalign, but it depends on the severity of the correction.
  • Customizable – Even though metal braces are visible on the front side of your teenager’s teeth, they can customize the colors of the brackets to express their style! At each appointment to tighten their braces, they will be able to select from a large array of colored rubber bands to make their braces more attractive.

Cons

  • Oral Hygiene – When investing in metal braces, you need to ensure that your teenager is taking the time to adequately clean their teeth every morning and evening — and after every meal. It’s very easy for food and residue from sugary beverages to become trapped around the brackets, leading to cavities and discoloration of their teeth.
  • Food Restrictions – There are certain foods your child won’t be able to eat when they have braces or a bracket can become damaged or loose and pop off, resulting in an unexpected trip to the dentist. Your teenager will need to avoid hard foods like pretzels and chips, as well as popcorn, candy, gum, ice, and more.
  • Discomfort – The first few weeks your child is wearing braces they are going to feel some discomfort. The discomfort will become less and less over time, but they will likely still have some irritation on their inner cheeks and lips from the metal brackets scratching against them.
  • Less Discrete – If you have a teenager that is a bit self-conscious, metal braces likely aren’t going to help. Unlike Invisalign, they are very noticeable to anyone they are interacting with.

The Final Verdict

If you’re looking for the most effective way to straighten your child’s teeth, Invisalign is the clear answer. Rather than having your child deal with traditional braces that can be uncomfortable and unsightly, the clear aligners conform to the contours of your teenager’s teeth while working to adjust the alignment of their teeth. The removable trays will ensure your child is comfortable throughout the entire process — and are able to eat all their favorite foods!

Call Taylor Dental to for an Invisalign Consultation

Still not sure if Invisalign is the right fit for your teenager? Taylor General & Cosmetic Dentistry can answer all your questions about Invisalign for teens and provide peace of mind in your decision. Contact our team to schedule a consultation so we can help you achieve your child’s dream smile!

5 Reasons Why You Should Work with Your Dentist for Teeth Whitening

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5 Reasons Why You Should Work with Your Dentist for Teeth Whitening

Having whiter teeth is a goal that almost everyone hopes to achieve. While teeth are naturally white in color, your teeth will most likely begin to stain over time. This happens mainly because of age, food and drink consumption, tobacco use, trauma, and medications.
Because of this, many seek a solution to whiten their teeth back to their original color. While there are many at-home methods that may be effective, most professionals recommend that people have their teeth whitened at a local Billings MT, dental office. Here are some of the main reasons professionals give for choosing a dentist for teeth whitening.

Dentist Teeth Whitening Provides Immediate Results

While at-home whitening kits may take weeks to see results, your teeth will be noticeably whiter from just one visit to a professional teeth whitening service. Many in-office treatments offer same-day results customized to fit your individual needs.
Many times, teeth can be 5-8 shades whiter from just one professional visit. If you are in a hurry to have your teeth whitened for a date or special event, professional teeth whitening is the way to go.

More Options And Customizations

Because every person has a unique set of teeth, every person requires a different whitening treatment. Some individuals may seek to preserve the appearance of their teeth, while others may have to fix severe staining or even tooth decay.
It is important to tailor the teeth whitening procedure to each patient’s specific needs, something that can only be done in-office. Cookie-cutter methods that can be purchased over-the-counter may be effective, but they cannot tailor a teeth whitening treatment to an individual.
In addition, visiting a teeth whitening dentist will also get you a custom-made tray that is custom molded to your mouth. This tray will help customize the teeth whitening experience, tailoring it to your particular set of teeth.

Professional Teeth Whitening Lasts Longer

While at-home teeth whitening products may be simple to use, their benefits often just last a few weeks. If you want long-term results, you need to repeat the treatment often. The cost and time spent on this can begin to add up over the years, making it more difficult to maintain your desired shade.
In comparison, professional teeth whitening lasts much longer. Because dentists have access to products and chemicals that are regulated, the effects are typically better than anything that can be found in a store. While the cost is greater upfront, the results can sometimes last for years.

Dental Teeth Whitening Is Safer Than Store-bought Kits

To properly whiten teeth, you must use the potentially-harmful chemicals carbamide or hydrogen peroxide. While the at-home whitening kits tend to have less of a percentage of these chemicals than the treatments used in-office, they can still be harmful to your teeth or gums.
These chemicals, when properly applied, can significantly help your teeth. However, it often requires the oversight and expertise of a dentist to ensure safety and results.
Store-bought teeth whitening kits may cause unnecessary side effects, such as extreme teeth sensitivity, enamel damage, and gum damage. However, professional teeth whitening can remove these risks completely.

Consultation And Professional Advice

Having a dental professional on-hand during the teeth whitening process can be extremely helpful for the patient. In the process of whitening teeth, dentists may encounter enamel damage or other oral health issues that could lead to adverse whitening side effects.
Also, patients can ask questions about their specific needs and treatment. Having a dental professional do the whitening treatment can allow them to give advice to patients about oral hygiene or potential side effects during or after treatment.
If you have any questions about the teeth whitening process, it is important to contact your local dental professional. For teeth whitening in Billings, MT, contact Taylor Dental now.

A Microscopic Look At Flossing’s Benefits

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Oral hygiene plays an important role in your overall health. But simply brushing your teeth twice a day might not be able to keep all the bacteria in your mouth at bay.

The oral microbiome refers to all the bacteria that live within your mouth. Some of these healthy bacteria can prevent problems like tooth decay, while other harmful bacteria in your mouth can lead to more serious issues like cavities and disease. Maintaining the proper levels of good and bacteria in the oral microbiome is important. If the balance is thrown off, the excess harmful bacteria can lead to gingivitis, bad breath, cavities, and tooth loss.

A recent study compared the microbial diversity of flossers and non-flossers, discovering that by physically removing the bacteria the flossers had less harmful bacteria in their mouths. Follow along for oral hygiene tips from Taylor Dental to protect your oral biome, strengthening your overall health.

Why Flossing Is Important

Flossing plays a vital role in removing bacteria from your mouth, creating a happier and healthier you. While brushing your teeth cleans the surface of your teeth, your toothbrush can’t always reach the gaps between your teeth — causing a buildup of plaque. When this happens, you’re subjecting yourself to cavities, tooth decay, and gingivitis. If gum disease goes untreated, you’re putting yourself at a greater risk for health issues like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Along with impacting your overall health, flossing also improves the appearance of your teeth and helps minimize bad breath.

4 Tips for a Healthier Mouth

To keep your mouth healthy you should be flossing daily. If you’re looking for other ways to step up your oral hygiene game, you’re in luck. Our team has compiled a list of tips to prevent dental issues and promote good oral hygiene.

1) Brush Your Teeth Twice a Day (At a Minimum!)

This should be a no-brainer by now, but you need to brush your teeth twice a day (more depending on the types of food and drinks you’re consuming). When plaque builds up on your teeth and transforms into bacteria, it can impact the structural integrity of your teeth. Reduce plaque buildup with a consistent brushing schedule—and don’t forget to brush your tongue too!

Pro Tip: Use an electric toothbrush for an extra clean mouth. The oscillation and vibration of the electric toothbrush make removing plaque and bacteria a much easier process. Those who use an electric toothbrush regularly have much healthier teeth and gums.

2) Schedule Semi-Annual Cleanings

The easiest way to maintain a healthy smile is through preventative care, such as visiting the dentist twice a year for a checkup. Professional teeth cleanings are the most effective way of cleaning up buildup, tartar, and plaque bacteria. Regular dental cleanings allow for early detection of tooth decay, cavities, or other harmful oral diseases. While your dentist is well equipped to treat any dental issues that might arise, it’s a lot easier to prevent problems before they start.

3) Reduce the Amount of Sugar in Your Diet

A high sugar diet encourages the growth of bacteria in the mouth, which can lead to problems like periodontal disease. Whether you’re prone to cavities or simply looking for a way to improve your oral hygiene, reducing the amount of sugar you consume is a great first step. Limit sugars in food, especially condiments or sticky candy. These sticky ingredients can get caught between your teeth, and if not properly removed with dental floss, can lead to tooth decay.

4) Eat a Plant-Based Diet

A plant-based diet consists of foods derived from plants, including vegetables, grains, lentils, tofu, legumes, nuts, seeds, and fruits. Introducing these more heavily into your diet can help create a more balanced oral biome, leading to overall better wellness. Even if you can’t go all plant-based, reducing animal products and increasing plant-based food will make a difference.

Pro Tip: Incorporate vegetables like carrots or celery into your diet. Because of their texture, these vegetables will naturally brush the surface of your teeth (you’ll still need to brush though!).

Schedule Preventative Dental Care with Dr. Taylor

With proper oral hygiene, you’ll find yourself with a cleaner, healthier smile — reducing the amount of plaque buildup and bacteria that can lead to harmful oral diseases. Dr. Taylor and his exceptional staff can help you determine the steps to take to improve your oral hygiene. Contact Taylor Dental in Billings, MT, to schedule an appointment for preventative care. We look forward to helping you improve your oral health!

Dental Veneers: A History

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They say you’re never fully dressed without a smile. But aesthetic issues like cracks, discoloration, gaps, or misalignment can put a damper on flashing those pearly whites. To address this, dentists offer porcelain veneers that are bonded to the front of the teeth, creating a flawless smile with a more balanced, uniform appearance.

You might be surprised to learn that cosmetic dentistry isn’t a new fad—porcelain veneers have been around since the 1920s! Let’s dive in as Taylor Dental explores the history of porcelain veneers and see how they’ve continued to transform smiles over the years.

What Are Porcelain Dental Veneers?

If your teeth have aesthetic imperfections like discoloration, cracks or chips, gaps, and misalignment, you might be looking for a way to create a perfect white smile. Porcelain veneers are a standard solution in cosmetic dentistry because it’s a relatively quick, non-invasive procedure. During this procedure, thin shells of medical-grade ceramic are bonded to the fronts of teeth to create a uniform appearance. Dental veneers can be used to fix one tooth, a small section, or your entire smile.

History of Porcelain Dental Veneers

While dental veneers have become quite popular as of late, they’ve been used in cosmetic dentistry for a century! Let’s take a look at the major advancements over the years.

1920s

In early Hollywood, celebrities were often looking for ways to enhance their smile—looking for a cosmetic treatment that would allow them to look their best on-screen! With this in mind, Dr. Charles Pincus invented the perfect smile for his Hollywood celebrity clients. He created the first iteration of dental veneers using acrylic shells that were temporarily bonded to the fronts of teeth with adhesive.

1930-40s

By the 1930s and 1940s, more than just Hollywood actors were interested in dental veneers. Former cosmetic dentistry solutions for diseased teeth like fake teeth were noticeable. Dentists wanted to provide a solution for everyone, so dental veneers made of porcelain or composites became more accessible. However, while the veneers looked beautiful, dentists struggled to find a bonding agent that would permanently hold the veneers in place long term.

1950s

Instead of merely bonding the veneer to the front of the tooth, Dr. Michael Buonocore discovered that etching the teeth with a mild acidic solution helped create a stronger bonding surface for the veneers to adhere to.

1980s

Combining the techniques invented by Pincus and Buonocore, J.R. Calamia and R.J. Simonsen discovered a new method of making the bonding surface strong and adhering the dental veneers to the teeth permanently. Over the years, this process was refined and modernized, making dental veneers more accessible and affordable.

Today

You’d be surprised to learn how many people you know have veneers! When installed well, porcelain dental veneers seamlessly blend in with your smile to create a natural and uniform look. Veneers aren’t only used to create a beautiful smile but are used in emergency restoration procedures or to fill gaps of missing teeth. Through proper care and diligent oral hygiene, porcelain veneers can last an upwards of 30 years!

Call Dr. Taylor for Cosmetic Dentistry in Billings Montana

If you’re interested in cosmetic dentistry to enhance or correct your smile, Dr. Taylor and his staff can help you determine if porcelain veneers and crowns are the right solutions for you. Contact our team to schedule a free smile design consultation, during which you can sit down with Dr. Taylor and have him answer any questions you might have.

Smoking Is Bad For Your Teeth. What About Nicotine Gum?

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It’s no secret that smoking is bad for your teeth, let alone your overall oral health. In an effort toward harm reduction, some people choose to use nicotine gum to help stop smoking. However, it can be easy to switch from one form of nicotine intake to another. Also, the idea that nicotine gum is harmless is incorrect.

While nicotine gum isn’t as overtly damaging as smoking, you can still have adverse dental side effects from using nicotine gum. To illuminate the risks of nicotine gum, your local Billings dentist, Dr. Taylor, is here to help.

Nicotine Gum Can Lead To Oral Health Issues

Some individuals may not have visible issues with their oral health while using nicotine gum, particularly if they are maintaining regular dental hygiene. However, even those who regularly floss and brush their teeth can still struggle with the below oral health issues.

Trigger TMJ

Chewing gum can trigger temporomandibular joint disorder, which is a disorder that causes pain in the joint that connects your jawbone to your skull. This disorder can make eating and speaking painful, as well as leading to a locked jaw occasionally.

Dislodge Dental Work

Gum chewing of any kind can cause havoc on your dental work. With the regularity that nicotine gum users chew on gum, it raises the risk that you can loosen a dental crown, pull out a dental filling, gum up your dental bridge, and pop loose a partial denture.

Oral Sores

Regularly users of nicotine gum have found that they can develop oral sores, most commonly located on their tongues and cheeks. These sores can be irritated by continued nicotine gum use and can become worse if the user doesn’t stop chewing gum until they heal.

Dry Mouth

Oddly enough, while regular gum can help with dry mouth, sometimes, nicotine gum can be the cause of dry mouth. With a dry mouth, bacteria are able to build up and can lead to infection quickly, especially as nicotine acts as an immunosuppressant, which makes you more susceptible to illness.

Gum Issues

Nicotine is also a vasoconstrictor, which means it narrows your blood vessels. Having nicotine make direct contact with your gums due to nicotine gum means you are narrowing the blood vessels there and making it easier for gingivitis and the more serious stages of gum disease to set in.

So, while nicotine gum may be helpful in your initial journey to quit smoking, it is best that you reduce your usage as soon as you are able, both to protect your teeth and end the nicotine dependence entirely.

Ways To Repair Your Smile Post-Nicotine Use

There are a number of factors that can influence how your smile is impacted by both smoking and using nicotine gum. Some of the options available to repair the damage caused by nicotine use and smoking will depend on the level of impact.

  • Teeth whitening – In some cases, the staining caused by smoking can be corrected with professional teeth whitening services. We offer a couple of options when it comes to teeth whitening, and you can enjoy whiter, brighter teeth faster with the help of our dentist.
  • Veneers – If your teeth have further damage that can’t be fixed with whitening alone, porcelain veneers are a great option. Our dentist can apply thin layers of porcelain to your teeth to restore your smile.
  • Smile makeovers – For a full revitalization, a smile makeover can be needed to reach your ideal smile, especially if the smoking from damage was on top of existing issues. Each smile makeover involves you and our dentist working together to determine what you want and how you would like your smile to look like.

If you would like to consult with our dentist about your cosmetic dentistry options, feel free to contact us today to set up your appointment. We look forward to helping you achieve your best smile!

How Oral Health Is Key To Overall Health

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While maintaining your oral health will help keep your teeth looking and feeling great, did you know that it will also improve your overall health as well? A healthy mouth, protected by good brushing and flossing, can help ward off a number of diseases and infections that can plague not just your mouth, but your body. Alternatively, failure to properly maintain your oral health can increase your risk of suffering from heart attacks, strokes, Alzheimers, pneumonia, diabetes, and other common viral and bacterial infections. Due to how interconnected your overall health is to your oral health, our dental team in Billings, MT is here to help you be aware of the dangers you face, along with how to reduce and prevent such infections from occurring.

How Oral Conditions can Impact your Overall Health

Without proper care, improper flossing and brushing will commonly lead to cavities, tooth decay, dry mouth, plaque, and ultimately gum disease, also known as periodontitis. While periodontitis and other forms of oral inflation are very harmful on their own, they will also cause major health problems as well.
For pregnant women, periodontitis has been proven to have a direct link to premature births and below-average birth weights in children. Bacteria and other germs in the gums spread through the bloodstream to the rest of the body, leading to clogged arteries, heart problems, and strokes. Lastly, certain bacteria that aren’t properly brushed away or removed with mouthwash can be sucked into the lungs, which can result in respiratory diseases such as pneumonia.

Following proper oral care is very important than to protect your body as a whole, especially for those who have pre-existing conditions that can be exacerbated by diseases. Here are a few of our top suggestions to further protect and improve your oral health:

How to Protect/Improve your Oral Health

  • Proper teeth care – Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a fluoride-based toothpaste. Remember to replace your toothbrush head at least every three months. Replace sooner if bristles are worn out or frayed, or if you are recovering from a recent illness.
  • Flossing and mouthwash – Floss daily, and use mouthwash after flossing to further washout and remove food particles that have been dislodged from your teeth. Remember to also brush your tongue as well at least daily to remove plaque, bacteria, and lingering food particles.
  • Improving your diet – Drink more water, and try to cut back on sodas, juice, and other sugary drinks. Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet, and incorporate more crunchy fruits and vegetables. Incorporate more healthy fibers into your diet. Also, avoid nicotine, and cut back on alcohol consumption.

With these practices, you will significantly improve your ability to protect yourself against harmful diseases while also improving your overall oral hygiene and smile. However, those with more severe oral health complications or a history of improper oral care may struggle or already have oral health issues. If you have one of these conditions below, we recommend seeing your local dentist, including our team in Billings, MT, for treatment and additional help.

When Should I Get Oral Health Treatment

Consider seeking treatment if you have one or more of the following issues:

  • Red, swollen, or extremely tender gums.
  • Gums that have receded or otherwise pulled away from your teeth.
  • Gums that bleed during brushing and flossing.
  • Loose, separating, or teeth that have partially fallen out.
  • Put between your teeth, gums, and in other parts of your mouth.
  • A sudden or dramatic change in the way your teeth fit together, especially when you bite.
  • A sudden or dramatic change in the way your partial or full dentures fit in your mouth<.

Even if you do not suffer from one of these conditions, visiting your dentist at least twice a year can be very helpful in maintaining your oral hygiene. Professional teeth cleanings are the best, most efficient way of cleaning up calculus buildups, or tartar, which traps plaque bacteria and are a major source of harmful oral diseases.

With good oral hygiene, you’ll not only find yourself with cleaner, whiter teeth, but with other benefits that range from better breath to improved protection against a wide range of major health issues. So, be sure to get in the habit today of the things you need to do to improve your oral hygiene and visit Taylor Dental in Billings, MT, for additional dental aid. We look forward to helping you improve your oral health for a longer, and healthier life!

Why Do Dentists Suggest Tooth Extractions?

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Getting the news that your dentist is suggesting a tooth extraction can be jarring news. For those who are not a fan of medical procedures, a tooth extraction may be intimidating. However, there are many valid medical reasons that explain why a tooth extraction is indeed important to resolve underlying dental issues and prevent future concerns.

What medical concerns do tooth extractions resolve?

Having a trusted Billings, MO dentist is important, especially when you are told you need a tooth extraction. Be sure to keep the communication open with your dental team and ask the right questions. Do not be afraid to ask your dental team to explain to you why the extraction is necessary, and ask for clarity if you do not understand. Here are some examples of questions to ask:

  1. Why is this tooth extraction required?
  2. How will the tooth extraction benefit my health in the future and prevent other problems?
  3. How can I avoid getting another tooth extraction?
  4. Will I be receiving anesthesia?

Rest assured that a tooth extraction is a standard dental procedure that rarely causes problems. Tooth extractions are necessary for teeth that may be rotting or decaying, or teeth that are partially broken and may cause further issues. Extractions typically occur when there is too much damage for the tooth to be saved. Here are a few more common medical reasons for tooth extractions:

  1. Extra teeth are blocking other teeth from coming in
  2. Decay is too deep into the bone for the tooth to be saved
  3. Emerging teeth may interfere with orthodontic procedures (for example, wisdom teeth are removed before they emerge to avoid reversing the correction that braces/headgear has provided).

Once the tooth extraction has occurred, it is common that a dental implant is the necessary next step. This is dependent on the type of tooth extraction that is occurring. Implants are important not only for functional purposes (cutting/tearing food), but also for aesthetic purposes as well. The type of implant and its function depends on the location of the tooth extraction, as teeth located in various places in the mouth serve different roles. Dentists insert implants by making small incisions and drilling a small hole into the jawbone. This is painless for the patient not only because the area is anesthetized, but also because the jawbone does not contain any nerves.

Ask your dentist about the next steps after your surgery and be sure that you are clear about the plan.

Simple vs. Surgical Extractions

A simple extraction means that the tooth being extracted is visible in the mouth. The patient may receive a local anesthetic for this procedure. The dentist uses an elevator tool to loosen the tooth, then pulls it using a forceps.

A surgical extraction is a bit more involved. This typically occurs for teeth that are broken (below the gum line) or teeth that haven’t yet pushed through the gums. Wisdom tooth extraction is a common example of this procedure, and typically happens in late adolescence/early adulthood. This may involve the patient being “put under” using an anesthetic delivered through an IV. However, surgical extractions vary from person to person. To ease anxiety, be sure to ask your surgeon about the plan for the surgery so that expectations are clear.

There may also be pre-surgery care that is involved for a surgical extraction. For example, the surgeon may ask that you do not eat or drink anything for a few hours prior to the surgery. This is why communication with the surgeon is not only essential for your own comfort and stress levels, but also for the success of the surgery.

Post-tooth extraction care: Dos and Don’ts

Post-tooth Extraction Do’s:

  • Brush and floss with care around the surgical area
  • Closely follow your dentist’s instructions
  • Take pain medications (over the counter or as prescribed) as needed
  • Flush out your extraction site after eating. Food particles may get stuck in the site and cause infection. It is important to make sure your mouth is properly rinsed each time after eating until the wound starts to close up and heal.

Post-tooth Extraction Don’ts:

    • Engage in heavy exercise (such as weight lifting or intense workouts)
    • Remove gauze from the mouth immediately following the surgery, as it may disrupt the clotting process
    • Drink from a straw – again, this may disrupt the clotting process
    • Eat too soon after the procedure. Doing so may cause food particles to get stuck. It also may delay/disrupt the healing process. Soft foods, like apple sauce, smoothies, or mashed potatoes, may be suitable a few hours after the procedure.

Overall, tooth extractions are simple procedures that should not cause a patient any issues or distress. Most tooth extractions are a good thing, since they are able to prevent more serious medical concerns that may arise if the problem is not resolved. As always, speak with your dentists if you have any concerns or questions about these procedures.

Why Do My Teeth Feel Like They Tingle?

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Everyone loves that fresh, clean feeling after their dental cleanings. Yet, if other sensations are felt, such as tingling, it often causes people to worry.

While the source of the tingling may not be serious, it can be a sign that there is something that needs correction, like you are brushing your teeth too hard.

You Have Nerves And Blood Vessels In Your Teeth

The enamel of your teeth—the hard outermost layer of your teeth—is the hardest substance in your body. However, just because the enamel is hard doesn’t mean that everything inside the structure of your tooth is equally tough.

Under the dentin—tooth layer directly below the enamel—you have your dental pulp, which includes highly sensitive nerves and blood vessels to keep your teeth alive. These nerves help you determine how much pressure you need when biting food, assist with speech as you move your mouth and tongue around your teeth to shape words, and more.

So, temporary discomfort, tingling, and other responses to doing things like scraping your teeth on a fork are to be expected due to the nerves in your teeth. However, if your teeth tingle with no clear indicator or will sporadically start and stop tingling, it may be time to visit our dental clinic for a checkup.

Reasons Why Your Teeth May Tingle

There can be many reasons why your teeth may start tingling. Some of these issues can be resolved at home, but for others, you will need to access dental services to fix the source of your dental discomfort.

  • Hard teeth brushing – When you use a hard-bristled toothbrush or simply brush your teeth too hard, you can wear down the enamel of your teeth. The more worn-down your enamel, the more of your sensitive dentin is exposed, and the more likely that your teeth will tingle. There is no way to replace the enamel, but you can work on using a more gentle toothbrush and toothpaste that is formulated for sensitive teeth.
  • Teeth grinding or clenching – Often an unconscious action, bruxism—grinding your teeth in your sleep—or clenching your teeth can make your teeth tingle. Repeated clenching or grinding of your teeth can wear them down, exposing your sensitive dentin and potentially developing cracks in your teeth with the excess pressure. Using a custom nightguard can help protect your teeth in your sleep.
  • Cavity – Pain is a common response when a cavity develops; however, it is not the only response you may feel. For a small cavity, your tooth may just tingle initially. As the cavity progresses, the tingle can change to pain until the issue is addressed.
  • Acidic foods and drinks – Foods and drinks that are highly acidic can erode the enamel of your teeth, leaving them more sensitive and prone to tingling. Rinsing your mouth with water after consuming acidic foods and drinks can help reduce the impact.
  • An issue with a dental filling – A dental filling can become loose over time, especially as your tooth expands and contracts around it. Your tooth may start tingling when a filling becomes loose and starts to move, which can only be corrected by having the dental filling replaced.

Visit Your Dentist In Billings, MT To Care For Sensitive Teeth

To take care of your tingling teeth, a dental cleaning is the first place to start. So, if you live in Billings, MT, you can visit Taylor Dental for all your dental needs.

If you need to schedule an appointment to have a dental cleaning and to have your oral health checked, please contact us today to schedule your appointment. We look forward to helping you enjoy the best dental health possible!

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