All posts by AllSmiles

Teeth whitening

Looking for free teeth whitening with low or free shipping

Can you tell me where I can get free teeth whitening with low or free shipping costs? I have found several places to get it but the shipping is $15 and up. I figure that I am paying for the whitening with the shipping costs. Do you know of any good kits with low shipping that really work?

Kasey – Based on the feedback we have received, free teeth whitening kits don’t yield good results—unless you receive them from a dentist. After paying high shipping costs, many people are disappointed because the “bleaching gel” they received just doesn’t work. Some even discover that they didn’t receive bleaching gel at all.

There are dentists who offer free whitening to patients who maintain their regularly scheduled cleaning appointments. Some offer free bleaching gel for life after your initial whitening treatment. Still others offer discounted whitening.

If you want to safely and effectively whiten your teeth, check with a few dentists and ask about special offers for whitening. You can also inquire about how brightening your smile can be made affordable for you.

This post is sponsored by Plano dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy.

Affordable Dentistry

How to stop gums from bleeding when I can’t afford a dentist

My gums bleed every time I brush my teeth. I haven’t been to a dentist since I lost my dental insurance in 2012. If there something natural I can use to stop my gums from bleeding. Thanks KE

KE – Unfortunately, there isn’t anything you can do to stop your gums from bleeding. Your gums are inflamed from infection that will only get worse if a dentist doesn’t intervene.

Gingivitis, or inflammation of your gums, leads to periodontal (gum) disease. Progressive gum disease causes tooth roots to weaken, and teeth become loose.

Although you don’t have dental insurance, schedule an appointment with a dentist. Explain your financial situation and ask about payment plans or other arrangements that will make treatment affordable for you.

Treatment involves several deep cleanings to remove the bacteria between your teeth and gums. Your gums and teeth can be restored back to health. From that point, regularly flossing and brushing your teeth will prevent the buildup of plaque and tartar on your teeth that lead to gum disease. Schedule an appointment right away.

This post is sponsored by Plano, TX dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy.

Sedation Dentistry

Why can’t I get nitrous oxide for dental cleanings?

No one in my dentist’s office has actually laughed at me, but they really make me feel like I am exaggerating when I say that I need nitrous oxide for my dental cleanings. I have tried to get the cleanings without it and it is way too traumatic. Is it unreasonable for me to ask for nitrous for my cleanings? – Luca

Luca – If you are very nervous about dental cleanings, it is more important for you to have nitrous oxide during your cleanings than to avoid the dentist.

One option is to schedule an appointment with your dentist just to explain the level of your fear. If he or she listens and cooperates, fine. Otherwise, you can schedule consultations with other dentists. You can get recommendations from acquaintances or family members.

Dental phobia is real. Millions of Americans have it. You will be able to find a dentist who is both gentle and willing to give you nitrous oxide before your cleanings. The goal is to help you maintain good oral health.

Consider whether or not the emotional stress is worth remaining with a dentist who doesn’t respect your wishes.

This post is sponsored by Plano dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy.

Teeth whitening

Free teeth whitening turned my teeth greenish gray

I got free teeth whitening as a complimentary gift for an unrelated purchase on an internet site. I should have known better but I always wanted my teeth whitened. I am not sure what was in the stuff but my teeth are a greenish gray. They are not dark greenish gray, but the change in color is noticeable. I am terrified about what will happen to my teeth, but also embarrassed to tell my dentist what I did because we spoke about teeth whitening several times in the past. Can this be reversed? W.L.

W.L. – Your teeth need to be examined by a dentist to determine if the color can be removed from them. It is possible that professional-strength bleaching gel from a dentist can restore your teeth. But be certain to only receive the whitening from a dentist.

When you receive online free teeth whitening products, you can’t be certain of the contents of the “whitening gel.” Not only can it discolor your teeth, depending on the contents, it may damage your tooth enamel. We can’t say what you received, though. If you still have the gel, you can take it or send it to a lab to be tested.

Only free whitening gel from a dentist should be trusted. Your dentist will recommend the appropriate treatment for your teeth—whether it’s whitening them or some other cosmetic treatment.

This post is sponsored by Plano, TX dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy.

Affordable Dentistry

Looking for free or very low cost dental treatment

This is not for me. I have dental insurance. I recently met a woman at a place where I volunteer who is in desperate need of dental care. She only has part-time work and she has no dental insurance. I am wondering where to look to help her find free dental treatment in Plano. Justyce

Justyce – Your sincere concern for someone else’s oral health is commendable. There are dental clinics in the area who offer discounted, and in some cases, free services.  A dental school is another option.

And you may be surprised at how many local dentists may be willing to help. Make a few calls, explain the situation, and you may find a good response. Verification from the organization for which you volunteer may be required. If you cannot find any free care, you will be able to find a dentist who can make treatment affordable for your acquaintance.

This post is sponsored by Plano, TX dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy.

General Dentistry, Oral Health

Rheumatoid arthritis and your teeth

A German study published in the Journal of Periodontology shows that there is a link between rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and your oral health. People with RA are eight times more likely to develop periodontal (gum) disease.

Rheumatoid arthritis is the result of an overactive immune system. Oral inflammation and infection can travel through the body and promote inflammation in the joints, making RA worse. Good oral hygiene can lessen the severity of RA.

A separate study published in the Journal of Periodontology shows that severe RA symptoms improve when people get oral and gum infections treated, and consistently maintain good oral hygiene at home. This starts with regular, deep cleanings at your dentist’s office.

Good oral hygiene at home must include daily flossing to keep gums free from the plaque buildup, which promotes gum disease. If you have difficulty using regular floss, experiment with different flossing methods including floss holders, floss threaders, or floss picks.

As it advances, gum disease loosens your teeth. If it is left untreated, teeth can fall out. Other studies also link gum disease to heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.

If you need assistance with maintaining good oral hygiene, your dental hygienist and dentist will offer suggestions and show you how to brush and floss for maximum benefits.

This post is sponsored by Plano, TX dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy.

General Dentistry, TMJ

TMJ self help

I think I have TMJ and I want to try to treat it myself before going to a dentist. I don’t want to have to purchase a mouth guard or splint if I don’t need one. What can I do at home to treat it? – Tabitha

Tabitha – There are some things you can do at home that may alleviate your TMJ symptoms:

  • Avoid hard, chewy, or stick foods that put more pressure on the jaw muscles.
  • Alternately apply heat and ice packs on the outside of your face.
  • Avoid chewing gum.
  • Locate your TMJ (temporomandibular joint) and gently massage it. Put your finger on the triangular structure in front of your ear, just below your temple. Slide your finger forward and press while you open and close your mouth. As you press, you will likely feel soreness in the TMJ area.
  • Find and do exercises for your jaw muscles. You can find suggestions on official TMJ association websites. Gently work through the exercises, and don’t overdo it.
  • Find ways to relax. TMJ often results from teeth grinding, which is often stress related.

After several weeks, if your pain, jaw popping, headaches, or earaches, do not decrease,  or if the symptoms increase, contact your dentist. You will likely need an oral appliance to relax your jaw muscles and prevent teeth grinding.

If you have dental insurance, contact your insurance provider to find out if any benefits are provided for a night guard. Otherwise, ask your dentist how a night guard can be made affordable for you.

This post is sponsored by Plano dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy.

 

Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Bonding, Porcelain Crowns, Porcelain Veneers

Patchwork quilt tooth enamel – how can I get rid of it?

My tooth enamel looks like a patchwork quilt. So many different colors and shapes on one tooth. I try not to smile and show my teeth. This is really noticeable. When I meet people for the first time if they manage to see my teeth when I talk (I try to hide my teeth), I am very sensitive to their stares. What can I do or use to get rid of the patches? Thanks Maxine

Maxine – The patches on your teeth can be successfully and beautifully hidden, but you need the help of a cosmetic dentist.

There is no at-home treatment or product you can buy that will conceal the patches. A cosmetic dentist will examine your teeth to determine the cause of the discoloration. In some cases, teeth whitening may help, but in most cases, cosmetic bonding, porcelain veneers, or porcelain crowns are needed.

The treatment options recommended to you will depend on the condition of your teeth. If your teeth are healthy, cosmetic bonding can be mixed and manipulated to conceal the patches and leave your teeth a naturally white color and translucence. Bonding stains with time, and needs to be polished by your dentist, and periodically replaced.

A porcelain crown covers an entire tooth. When teeth are badly worn or have significant decay, porcelain crowns may be used. This requires permanently reducing the size of each tooth to accommodate a crown. Crowns generally last five to fifteen years.

Another option is porcelain veneers. They cover the front of your teeth only. Veneers have a lifelike appearance and can last 15 to 20 years or more. This is a more expensive option than dental bonding or porcelain crowns, but the results last longer.

This post is sponsored by Plano, TX cosmetic dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy.

General Dentistry, Sensitive Teeth

Is it normal to have tooth pain and sensitivity after a filling?

I got 3 cavities filled yesterday. Whenever I drink cold water or anything cold my teeth are really sensitive. It kind of hurts. The cavities were causing sensitivity but I wasn’t expecting to feel this. Will the fillings need to be redone? Kourtnee

Kourtnee – It’s normal to experience sensitivity after you have cavities filled. For the first 24 to 40 hours after getting the filling, you should avoid stick or hard foods that can irritate the teeth that were filled or that can cause the fillings to come out.

Nerves in your teeth are sensitive—particularly after having decay removed and replaced with filling. Deep decay close to a nerve can cause you to feel more sensitivity than normal. The sensitivity should gradually go away. It can take up to four weeks for you to feel no sensitivity at all. Amalgam (silver) fillings contain metal and more readily transfer heat and cold to your teeth than composite fillings.

If you feel pain when chewing food, it’s possible that there is a problem with the filling. It may be too high and interfering with your bite (the way your teeth fit together). In the next two or three days, if it feels as if your teeth aren’t closing together correctly in the areas of the fillings, contact your dentist.

Tooth Sensitivity Without a Recent Filling

People who haven’t recently received fillings can also experience sensitivity in their teeth. This can be due to:

  • decay
  • damaged tooth pulp, which contains tooth nerves
  • a tooth infection
  • receding gums due to age, hormonal changes, or periodontal disease
  • aggressive tooth brushing
  • trauma to a tooth
  • teeth bleaching gel

If you are experiencing sensitivity and haven’t had a cavity filled recently, contact your dentist. The cause of the sensitivity will be identified, and the appropriate treatment will be recommended.

Damaged tooth pulp will require a root canal treatment. Exposed tooth roots may benefit from toothpaste for sensitive teeth, fluoride treatment, or a gum graft. Sensitivity from bleaching gel may require using a gel that is not as strong.

This post is sponsored by Plano dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy.

General Dentistry, Oral Health

Bruxism – Teeth Grinding

Bruxism is the act of clenching or grinding your teeth. The problem occurs mostly at night, when most people are unaware that they have the habit. An estimated 8% of adults are teeth grinders, and 1/3 of parents report that their children have the habit.

What are the causes?

Exactly why bruxism occurs is not clear. But there are circumstances that make people more susceptible to it.

  • Anxiety and stress – People with nervous tension, anger, pain, or frustration can put forceful tension on their teeth. It is estimated that 70% of bruxism is related to anxiety and stress.
  • Sleep disorders – Snoring, obstructive sleep apnea, sleep talking, or aggression while asleep increase the likelihood that a person also grinds his or her teeth while asleep.
  • Lifestyle – Bruxism is much more common in people who use psychoactive substances (antidepressants, anti-anxiety medication, sleep aids, tobacco, caffeine, and alcohol).

What are the symptoms of teeth grinding?

  • Gum recession, abnormal wearing of the teeth, tooth pain
  • Neck pain, jaw pain, earaches, headaches
  • Jaw clicking or popping
  • Sensitivity in the teeth

Why seek treatment?

If teeth grinding is left untreated, the results can be damaging to your oral health and overall health. In addition to toothaches, headaches, and facial pain, your sleep can be affected. If the problem progresses, it can lead to tempormandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. Teeth can wear and break and require restoration.

Bruxism treatment

An occlusal split, or mouthguard, can be custom fit by your dentist for maximum effectiveness. The mouthguard moves your lower jaw forward to limit teeth grinding. It also relaxes the jaw, which in turn relieves jaw pain and soreness.

If it is suspected that teeth grinding is related to sleep apnea, a sleep study may be recommended. A sleep apnea machine (CPAP) or an oral appliance can be used to alleviate sleep apnea.

Behavioral approaches, including relaxation techniques, medication, or reducing stress factors in life may be recommended.

This post is sponsored by Plano, TX dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy.