dentistcorinthtx.mydentistsblog.comSwisher Dental – Dr. Suzanne Thai | Corinth Texas Dentist

Swisher Dental Dr. Suzanne Thai | Corinth Texas Dentist Scroll down to content Posts Posted on May 13, 2024 Solving the problem of bad breath Bad breath – which is also known as halitosis – is a worrying problem that can also be embarrassing. But there’s no need to put up with it. If you suffer from bad breath, your dentist will be able to suggest a range of solutions. Your dentist will be able to spot problems such as gum disease, dry mouth or other disorders. That’s why it’s important to maintain good oral hygiene, schedule regular visits to the dentist and have professional cleaning. Make sure you brush your teeth twice a day and clean between your teeth each day using floss or interdental cleaners. Don’t forget to brush your tongue, too! If your dental check up shows that your mouth is healthy, your dentist may refer you to your family physician as sometimes bad breath can be a sign of other health problems. If the odor is due to periodontal (gum) disease, sometimes professional periodontal cleaning is needed to remove the bacteria and plaque that accumulate. And your dentist may recommend a special antimicrobial mouth rinse. Keeping your mouth healthy and stopping periodontal disease are essential to reducing bad breath. So make sure you schedule regular dental visits for a professional cleaning and checkup. Posted on May 6, 2024 How scaling and planing can help clean your teeth properly Dental plaque is a film that builds up on your teeth and, if it is not removed through good oral hygiene, it can lead to tooth decay and gum problems. Over time it can ultimately form a hard, rough sediment known as dental tartar or calculus, which attracts further plaque buildup. Calculus has to be removed by a trained professional such as a hygienist or dentist. They may do this by manual tooth scaling or using an ultrasonic device. If the buildup is light or moderate, the dentist or hygienist may use manual scaling instruments of various shapes and sizes. If the buildup of tartar and stains is heavy, an ultrasonic cleaner may be used. This may be followed by hand scaling. Build up of plaque can cause inflammation of the gums leading to breakdown of the connection between the teeth and the supporting structures. Root planing is a procedure to treat gum disease by thoroughly scaling the roots of teeth to establish a smooth, calculus-free surface. This treatment may require local anesthesia to prevent pain. Thorough periodontal scaling customarily involves several dental visits If conditions are more advanced, surgery may be needed for complete debridement of the roots to arrest the disease process. Some people tend to have more buildup of calculus than others and some may be more prone to periodontal inflammation or the development of tooth decay. It’s therefore important to follow your hygienist’s advivce on how often to return for regular cleanings – even if your insurance only covers two a year. Posted on April 29, 2024 Tips on choosing the best dentist for you Choosing the right dentist for your needs is one way to give you the best chance of maximizing your oral health. If you don’t already have a dentist – or want to find one better suited to your needs – here are a few points to consider. – Get recommendations from family, friends, neighbors or co-workers – Ask your physician or a local pharmacist – If you are moving to a different area, ask your current dentist for recommendations in your new location – Contact the local or state dental society You can also use Yellow Pages or the American Dental Association directory at www.ADA.org. Effective dental care depends on a great relationship between the dentist and the patient so you may want to visit more than one before making your decision. To help decide if a dentist is right for you, consider: Is the office easy to get to from your home or job? Are the staff helpful and friendly? Does the office appear to be clean, tidy and well organized? Is the appointment schedule convenient for you? What arrangements are made for handling emergencies outside of office hours? Does it cater for any special needs you have? As you’ll need to work closely with your dentist in caring for your oral health, it’s worth taking time to ask questions and take notes to make sure you choose the right one for your needs. Posted on April 22, 2024 The facts about oral cancer Oral cancer is not as well known as other types of cancer but it can represent a life-threatening risk if not identified early. – It strikes an estimated 35,000 Americans each year – More than 7,500 people (5,200 men and 2,307 women) die of these cancers each year – More than 25% of Americans who get oral cancer will die of the disease – On average, only half of those diagnosed with the disease will survive more than five years – African-Americans are especially vulnerable; the incidence rate is 1/3 higher than whites and the mortality rate is almost twice as high Although the use of tobacco and alcohol are risk factors in developing oral cancer, approximately 25% of oral cancer patients have no known risk factors. There has been a nearly five-fold increase in incidence in oral cancer patients under age 40, many with no known risk factors. The incidence of oral cancer in women has increased significantly, largely due to an increase in women smoking. In 1950 the male to female ratio was 6:1; by 2002, it was 2:1. The best way to prevent oral cancer is to avoid tobacco and alcohol use. Unusual red or white spots can form in and around the mouth. These are often harmless but they can be cancerous or pre-cancerous. Identifying and removing these early enough is a major factor in reducing the incidence of cancer. So knowing the risk factors and seeing your dentist for regular examinations can help prevent this deadly disease. Posted on April 15, 2024 Treating facial pain and jaw problems Chronic facial pain is a problem faced by millions of Americans. Common symptoms can include pain in or around the ear, tenderness of the jaw, clicking or popping noises when opening the mouth or even head and neck aches. If you are suffering from this type of pain, your dentist can help identify its source with a thorough exam and appropriate x-rays. Sometimes, the problem is a sinus or toothache or it could be an early stage of periodontal disease. But for some pain, the cause is not so easily diagnosed. There are two joints and several jaw muscles which make it possible to open and close the mouth. They work together when you chew, speak, and swallow. These structures include muscles and ligaments, as well as the jaw bone, the mandible (lower jaw) with two joints, the TMJ’s. Any problem that prevents this complex system of muscles, ligaments, discs and bones from working together properly may result in a painful TMJ disorder. There are several ways the TMJ disorders may be treated. Diagnosis is an important step before treatment. Part of your clinical examination includes checking the joints and muscles for tenderness, clicking, popping or difficulty moving. Your dentist may take x-rays and may make a cast” of your teeth to see how your bite fits together. To help you deal with this pain, your dentist will recommend what type of treatment you need and may refer you to a specialist. Posted on April 8, 2024 Why your routine dental cleaning is not routine For many patients, the dental cleaning appointment may seem little more than a more complicated version of brushing your teeth. However, this appoinment plays a crucial role in patient education and prevention of dental disease. The appointment is called a dental prophylaxis,” or prophy” and it’s one of the most important steps in your dental care program. Here are some of the elements that it may include, depending on your needs: – Oral hygiene evaluation – Tooth brushing and flossing instructions – Scaling above the gum to remove plaque and tartar – Debridement of tartar beneath the gum – Polishing the teeth – Periodontal...