All posts by AllSmiles

General Dentistry, Toothache

How do I stop a toothache without going to a dentist?

My tooth has been hurting for over a week. How do I stop it from aching without going to the dentist? Victor

Victor – Whether or not you can stop the toothache depends on the cause of the toothache. Sometimes food trapped between your tooth and gums can cause a toothache. Try thoroughly flossing around the tooth and between the tooth and your gums. If you find that food debris was trapped there, you may get relief from your toothache.

If you don’t get relief, you will need to see a dentist to have your tooth examined. You may have a cavity in your tooth that needs to be filled, or your tooth might be infected, in which case a root canal treatment will be needed to remove the infection. Don’t worry though. A root canal treatment can be a painless procedure.

You may get temporary relief with over-the-counter topical toothache pain reliever. Look for a brand that has an American Dental Association seal of approval, such as Benzodent®.  Keep in mind that an over-the-counter product is no substitute for a dental appointment. An examination and x-ray will determine the cause of your pain, and your dentist will let you know your treatment options.

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

Teeth whitening

Legitimate free teeth whitening offers

Hi. I am looking for legitimate free teeth whitening offers. I have seen enough of scams that have outrageous shipping fees or places that you go to for whitening and they are really trying to sell you something else. How can I find legitimate free teeth whitening offer? Thanks. Tricia

Tricia – Free teeth whitening that is available from a dentist’s office is one of your options. The whitening may be offered as an incentive to acquire new patients.

Ask what type of free whitening is being offered—whitening strips, in-office treatment, or take-home kits. If  take-home whitening is offered, you can ask if customized trays will be included in the offer. Inquire about the bleaching gel—what type is it, and what is the strength of the gel? Take-home whitening from a dentist will usually get your smile much whiter in about two weeks.

You may also ask if the service is available to current patients, and if so, how much it costs. There may be requirements for you to receive the free teeth whitening, such as a dental exam or cleaning. Be prepared for that also.

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

General Dentistry

Why is my tongue white?

My tongue is white. Maybe it’s been that way for years. I don’t know. I am noticing it more since I bought a tongue scraper. Is this a problem? Why causes a white tongue? Thanks. Beth from Frisco

Beth – When you use a tongue scraper, it removes bacteria, food debris, and dead cells from the surface. You will see white or cream-colored residue as the tongue scraper removes it.

If your tongue is  white after using the tongue scraper, or it’s best to bring it to the attention of your dentist or medical doctor for examination and to see if there is a need to be concerned, and to receive an accurate diagnosis for your case. There are several conditions that can cause your tongue to be white, even after the tongue scraper is used. Some of them are listed below.

  • Candidiasis (as oral thrust or moniliasis) – This if a fungal infection that causes red or white patches in your mouth, including your tongue. It can be painful and cause bad breath. The Candida alibcans yeast can flourish after antibiotic treatment, when your mouth is excessively and continuously dry (from medication or a medical condition), or if your immune system is compromised. Your dentist will review your medical condition to find the underlying cause and recommend treatment.
  • Inflamed papillae (finger-like projections on your tongue) – When bacteria, debris, and dead cells get lodged between the inflamed papillae, your tongue will be white and coated. Smoking, excessive alcohol use, dry mouth, fever, and dehydration can cause inflammation
  • Medication – Certain medication is associated with white patches or discoloration of your tongue.
  • Medical condition – Certain medical conditions, including some auto-immune disorders can cause discoloration of your tongue.
  • Leukoplakia, or thickened white patches on the gums, inside of cheeks, and tongue, is common with tobacco users. It is not dangerous in itself, but it can be a precursor to cancer.

An examination and review of your medical history, along with tests or blood work, is required to receive an accurate diagnosis.

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

Affordable Dentistry

Can’t afford a dentist so how often should I change my toothbrush to keep my mouth healthy?

What I really mean is that I can’t afford a dentist right now. I have some other health issues that are taking priority and my dental coverage is really, really limited. I need to do what I can to keep my mouth clean while I am not at the dentist. How often should I change my toothbrush? Thanks Dean

Dean – You should change your toothbrush every three to four months. Before and after you use it, you should thoroughly rinse it to remove debris and excess toothpaste.

Your toothbrush should not be stored in a covered container. The moisture can breed mold and bacteria on your toothbrush.

In addition to changing your toothbrush regularly, be certain to brush your teeth twice a day. Floss daily, too. Limit sugary foods and snacks, and if you eat them, rinse your mouth with water to reduce the amount of acid in your mouth. Acid weakens tooth enamel.

See a dentist as soon as you can. Keep in mind that there are many dentists who will work with your budget to make dental cleanings and exams affordable for you.

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

Cosmetic Dentistry

Teeth whitening or veneers for a celebrity smile?

I want to improve my smile. It doesn’t look horrible but I want it to look like a celebrity smile. I am slowly getting into modeling and local TV commercials. I think that the best smile possible will move things along a little faster so that I can get jobs in more places. The shape of my teeth is not the best and they are not the whitest. Will teeth whitening do what I want or will I have to get veneers? Thanks Kyle

Kyle – A cosmetic dentist needs to examine your teeth to answer your questions about which treatment will give you the best smile.

Teeth whitening from a dentist can give you the brilliantly white smile that you want. If the shape of your teeth is inconsistent, dental contouring, or shaping, may be all that is needed to give them a uniform appearance. Contouring is a painless procedure that can be completed in one or two visits, depending on how much shaping is needed.

If there is too much space between your teeth, porcelain veneers may be the answer, or dental bonding might be sufficient.

An examination by an experienced cosmetic dentist is needed to correctly assess your needs and give you the celebrity smile you want.

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

Cosmetic Dentistry, Porcelain Veneers

Only had porcelain veneers 9 months and 3 of them are loose

I got porcelain veneers in November 2013. Everything seemed to be going okay with them until last month. I thought my teeth were shifting but it’s my porcelain veneers that are loose. I can feel movement in 3 veneers when I eat, and I can wiggle them a bit with my finger. I haven’t touched them again for fear that they will fall off and expose my shaved down teeth. There is no way I am going back to the dentist who gave me the veneers. Can you tell me why the veneers might be loose and what needs to be done about it? – Aida

Aida – Loose porcelain veneers are most often a result of improper bonding techniques on the part of the dentist.

The bond between your natural tooth and the veneer is critical in giving the veneers a natural appearance, but also in their function and durability. Proper application and curing of the bonding material so that it will harden ensure a secure fit.

We suggest that you visit an experienced cosmetic dentist for an examination. The dentist will determine the cause of the loose veneers. Your veneers will need to be removed, cleaned, and properly rebonded. Your remaining veneers will also be checked to determine if they are secure or if they also need to be rebonded.

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

Dental Implant

Is it too late to get dental implants if my teeth are shifting again?

I wore braces for 3 years. After treatment, my orthodontist advised me to get 2 dental implants to fill in spaces and replace 2 teeth. That was almost 2 years ago and I never got the implants. I wear a retainer every night but I can tell that still my teeth are drifting into the empty space. Is it too late to get dental implants? – Mira

Mira – You received a good start for getting dental implants. Orthodontic treatment should be completed before dental implants are placed. Dental implants don’t move, so if they are placed first, the success of orthodontic treatment may be limited. Dental implants can prevent teeth from moving to the correct position during orthodontic treatment.

You should schedule an appointment with an implant dentist and have an examination. An examination and diagnostic studies will reveal whether or not there is enough space for dental implants or if orthodontic treatment is needed to make room for implants.

How long the orthodontic treatment will take and the type of treatment needed depends upon the amount of space that needs to be created.

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

Affordable Dentistry

Need affordable options to replace 2 teeth

I have 2 lower teeth missing. The spaces are embarrassing. I to have a dentist fix my teeth but I don’t want to go into debt trying to do it. I just want to get a feel for what my options are before a dentist tries to sell me something I don’t need or can’t afford. Thank you. Lynn

Lynn – The least expensive way to replace a missing tooth is with a partial denture. An acrylic tooth that is bonded to a gum colored base is used. You can receive metal clasps to wrap around the adjacent teeth to keep the partial denture in place. A partial denture is removable.

The next option is a dental bridge. Each tooth on either side of the missing one is shaved enough to so that a dental crown will fit over it. The replacement tooth is suspended between the two crowns.

The most effective option, and also the most expensive option, is a dental implant. A titanium stem is surgically implanted in your jawbone, and when your gum heals around the jawbone, a crown is secured to it.

Depending on how well you take care of it, a partial denture can last several years and a dental bridge can last five to ten years. Although a dental implant costs more, it will last a lifetime.

Discuss your options with a dentist who is trained in cosmetic dentistry. A cosmetic dentist will give you the most natural-looking results possible, based on which treatment you choose. He or she will let you know how replacing your teeth can be made affordable for you.

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

Invisalign

Do you really have to wear Invisalign while you are asleep?

I want Invisalign and I am trying to find out as much about them as possible. I know you have to wear them all day, but do I really have to wear them while I am asleep? I really don’t like sleeping with anything in my mouth. Madison

Madison – Yes, Invisalign is worn while you are asleep. The aligners are removed when you eat and when you brush and floss your teeth.

Invisalign should be worn about 22 hours a day, if you remove them at night while you sleep, your teeth will slowly begin to shift back to their original position. Removing the Invisalign at night is an interruption of your treatment.

It may be helpful to think of Invisalign as invisible braces. Braces are not removed from your teeth while you sleep. Although you have the convenience of removing Invisalign when necessary, they otherwise need to stay in place to ensure that your treatment is successful.

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

Teeth whitening

Can teenagers get teeth whitening?

Some kids at school get their teeth whitened. It is becoming really popular especially with the cheerleaders. I want to get my teeth whitened but I am in middle school and my mom says I need to wait. Is there anything wrong with teenagers getting teeth whitening? – Ciera

Ciera – Teeth whitening is not recommended for teenagers under 16 years of age. Even when you are 16 years old, you need to have your teeth examined by a dentist to determine if teeth whitening will help or hurt your teeth.

When you are under 16 years old, the nerve in each tooth is larger than an adult’s tooth nerve. Whitening your teeth can irritate the tooth nerve and make it sensitive. You can feel a sharp tingling sensation in your teeth or pain in your teeth if you whiten them too soon in your teenage years.

It is best to wait to have your teeth whitened, and then only by a dentist who can monitor the progress and make any needed adjustments to the treatment.

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