Dental Myth Busters- The Truth About Common Dental Misconceptions

The health of your teeth and gums plays an important role in your overall health and well- being.  Additionally, we all know that a beautiful white smile is attractive.  Dentistry is a popular topic online because we all want to look and feel our best, but not everything you read is the truth.  Buying in to common dental myths and misconceptions can actually hurt your teeth.  Forest Lane Dental debunks some of the most common dental myths.

If I Don’t See a Problem With My Teeth, I Don’t Need to See A Dentist

Probably the most common dental myth, and the one that costs patients more time and money than anything else is avoiding the dentist in the absence of visible problems.  The truth is, most dental problems like tooth decay and gum disease start off without any symptoms.  Cavities in the early stages do not cause pain, but will continue to grow and require more extensive treatment to repair them if they are not detected early.  

Problems such as gum disease start off as gingivitis- reddening of the gums and gums that bleed easily.  Left unchecked and untreated, gingivitis becomes a destructive infection that destroys gum tissue and breaks down the bone that holds your teeth in!  Only through a combination of good personal dental hygiene and regular dental check-ups can these problems be detected early and corrected with the least amount of dental work and expense.

Brushing Twice a Day Can Damage Tooth Enamel

Nothing could be further from the truth.  The American Dental Association recommends brushing for two minutes, twice per day, the right way.  When we eat, sugars and carbohydrates remain on the tooth surface, providing food for destructive bacteria that lead to cavities.  It is important to remove this residue and any resulting plaque to prevent breakdown of enamel and tooth decay.   

When using the proper brushing technique with a soft bristled toothbrush, destructive processes are stopped in their tracks, preserving the strength of tooth enamel.  For best results, use a pea sized amount of fluoride toothpaste on a soft bristled brush.  Brush the teeth and gums using small circles on each tooth surface to remove plaque from tooth surfaces.  Floss daily to clean between teeth, because your toothbrush cannot reach the plaque between teeth as well.

 Placing an Aspirin Next to an Aching Tooth Will Provide Relief

Don’t try this home remedy.  Aspirin is an acid.  Placing an acid directly on the gum tissue around an aching tooth can cause a chemical burn, damaging tissue and actually cause more pain.  Aspirin is intended to be taken internally.  For toothache pain relief, take an oral medication such as Tylenol or Advil according to the package instructions.  See a dentist right away- the only way to provide relief from a toothache is to treat the source of the problem. 

Taking Care of Baby Teeth Is Not Important Because They Will Fall Out Anyway

Teaching kids good dental habits from a young age helps set them up for a lifetime of good dental hygiene and a healthy smile for life.  Although baby teeth fall out eventually, if they become decayed, damaged or fall out too soon, it can cause problems with your child’s bite, teeth alignment and other dental problems in the future. 

For answers to your dental health questions and to get on track with good dental health, contact the office of Dr. Jack E. Burroughs at Dallas’ Forest Lane Dental.

4 Scary Dental Terms and What They Really Mean

Does Dental Fear Keep You
 From Seeing Your Dentist?

Dental fear and anxiety are common challenges for many dental patients.  In fact, some people are so afraid of the dentist that they avoid important treatment often until their dental problems become so severe that treatment is extensive and more stressful.  At the Dallas dental office of Dr. Jack E. Burroughs, patients appreciate being treated with kindness and compassion.  The availability of options such as nitrous oxide sedation help make dental care easy and comfortable.  Some things about going to the dentist are just scary for people, and some of the terminology can incite feelings of stress and anxiety.  Some of the scariest words in dentistry are described here, along with their true meanings in order to help shed some light on what they mean.  Sometimes, the fear of the unknown is worse than anything else- knowing more about the things you fear can help make them less scary.

Injection- Everybody's least favorite dental term.  An injection of local anesthetic is necessary to provide pain control for invasive dental procedures such as fillings and crowns.  Just because an injection is a "shot", doesn't mean that getting one has to be very painful.  Most often, a topical anesthetic gel is first applied to the injection site, helping numb the area beforehand.  You will feel a mild pinch at first, which becomes numb and painless almost immediately.  After a few minutes, the anesthetic medication does it's job, temporarily preventing the transmission of pain impulses to your brain, making treatment comfortable and painless.

Drill-  The scariest part of a dental drill is the noise.  In reality, a dental drill is an extremely specialized precision instrument capable of removing even the tiniest areas of tooth decay without damaging the surrounding tooth.  If it were not for the noise made by the motor, a dental drill would not be scary at all.  One of the best ways to take your mind off the noise is to wear headphones playing your favorite music.  The loud noise can make you nervous, so if you struggle with anxiety about the dental drill, tell your dentist.  He can help by offering nitrous oxide sedation, medication or at the very least keeping the drill use to a minimum by providing frequent breaks.

Scaling-  The word 'scaling' just has an unpleasant sound symbolism when you say it.  Scaling is actually a specialized dental cleaning procedure that helps treat and reverse gum disease.  Using a special instrument or an ultrasonic scaler, your dentist can remove hardened plaque and bacteria which has taken hold on or near the tooth roots.  The work is performed on the outside of the tooth and root surface, so there is typically little discomfort following treatment.  The word 'scaling' might sound terrible, but the actual treatment can prevent painful problems with the teeth and gums in the future. 

Root Canal-  The fearsome root canal has cause dread in the hearts of dental patients for decades.  The truth is, every tooth has at least one root canal.  The root canal is the passageway in the center of the tooth pulp through which the nerve and blood vessel travel.  When the tooth develops an abscess from chronic infection, it is sometimes necessary to remove the vital structures within the tooth in order to prevent recurrence and eventual tooth loss.  While you are numb and comfortable, your dentist will use precision instruments to remove these vital structures and place a filling within the root canal.  This procedure helps prevent the tooth from becoming infected again in the future, as well as prevents the tooth from aching. 

No matter the cause of your dental fear, sometimes just knowing more about the treatment you need can help make it easier to tolerate. Have we missed any important fearsome dental terms in this post?  Share your most hated dental word in the comments!  If you suffer with anxiety about going to the dentist, contact our compassionate team for guidance on how Dr. Burroughs and Forest Lane Dental can help you relax about your next dental appointment.

Dental Concerns For Patients With Dry Mouth

At Forest Lane Dental, we encourage our patients to ask questions about their dental health and concerns.  One question that we receive from time to time has to do with dry mouth.  This annoying condition can be uncomfortable, but can also increase your risk for certain dental problems.  Patients with dry mouth experience a reduction in the flow of saliva in the oral cavity, or even a thickening of saliva, leading to uncomfortable symptoms. There are options for managing dry mouth which we will explore today.

What Causes Dry Mouth?

Dry mouth can be caused by numerous factors or sometimes just increased age.  The most common causes of dry mouth are certain medical conditions such as diabetes, mouth breathing, sleep apnea and even rheumatoid arthritis. Autoimmune disorders such as Sjogren's Syndrome and lupus can cause dry mouth. Treatments such as radiation therapy can cause a reduction in saliva in the oral cavity.  Certain medications can inhibit saliva production leading to dry mouth as well.

Complications From Dry Mouth

Dry mouth is more than an annoying condition for people who suffer with it.  Your saliva acts as a natural cleanser for your mouth.  Saliva helps wash away food particles and bacteria, inhibiting tooth decay.  When saliva production is decreased, the risk of developing cavities and gum disease increases.  In addition, reduced saliva can increase the risk of developing an oral candida infection (yeast infection).  Patients with dry mouth should see their dentist regularly to examine the teeth and gums for signs of tooth decay or gum disease, since the risk of both is increased for them.

Treatment of Dry Mouth

There are many ways to help reduce the symptoms of dry mouth.  Chewing sugarless gum can help stimulate saliva production.  Avoiding chemicals such as caffeine, tobacco and mouthwash containing alcohol can help alleviate symptoms.  Keeping well-hydrated can also help alleviate symptoms of dry mouth.  Sip water throughout the day and use a humidifier at night to keep your air passages moist.  Avoid mouth-breathing.  Over the counter products, such as Biotene, can also help.  Look for a product that is designed to help alleviate dry mouth symptoms.  These products are available in many preparations including mouth rinse, oral spray, gum and toothpaste.

For more information about the causes and treatment of dry mouth, contact the Dallas dental office of Dr. Jack E. Burroughs.

Affordable Dental Care Special Offers at Forest Lane Dental

April showers bring May flowers, but at Forest Lane Dental, May also means special offers for dental savings!  We know that the cost of dental work can be burdensome on your budget.  If you have been putting off needed dental work, now is a great time to schedule an appointment at Forest Lane Dental, the Dallas dental practice of Dr. Jack E. Burroughs.  Whether you need dental crowns or just an exam, we have all the bases covered to help you get the treatment you need to keep your teeth and gums healthy for life.

New Dental Patient Special Offer

New dental patients at Forest Lane Dental can receive their dental examination and consultation with Dr. Burroughs along with the necessary x-ray films for just $49.  This represents a savings of over $100, and is available to all new patients.  To take advantage of this special offer, just call to schedule your appointment and mention this special.  Be aware that this reduced fee is not available with any other offer, discount or insurance coverage and represents a courtesy discount for payments made by cash or credit card.

A Royal Deal:  Affordable Dental Crowns

A tooth that has been damaged by decay or fracture can often be restored in structure and strength with a dental crown.  Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns are strong, durable and long-lasting. For simple, uncomplicated treatment with a dental crown, a special discount is being offered for cash or credit payments.  A dental crown is now just $599 for a limited time when you mention this special offer.  Dental crowns can cost anywhere from $899-$1500, depending on the type of crown being made.  Please be advised that a porcelain to metal crown is not ideal in every case, and some teeth require special treatment such as build-up or root canal treatment before a crown can be made.  If this is the case for you, Dr. Burroughs will explain what is needed and describe any additional cost which may be involved before proceeding with treatment.

FREE Invisalign Consultation

You have heard of straightening your teeth without braces using Invisalign Clear Aligners, but how do you know if the treatment is right for you?  Come in and experience a complimentary consultation for Invisalign treatment to find out if you are a candidate for this exceptional treatment.  Crooked, crowded teeth place you at increased risk for tooth decay and gum disease- it's not just about appearances!  Dr. Burroughs can help you understand the problems associated with misaligned teeth, and explain whether straightening your teeth with Invisalign can help you. 

Save On Dental Expenses

Whatever your dental condition or level of dental health, we are here to help you achieve a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.  As a service to our patients, we are a provider for most PPO dental insurance plans, and can help you make the most of your dental insurance coverage.  For patients without insurance, you can save on the cost of treatment by using one of our special offers, and even choose an affordable payment plan using Care Credit to help you budget for needed dental work.  Give us a call today to schedule an appointment, or send us an email to request more information.

The Secret To Keeping Your Teeth Healthy For Life

 Do you want to know the magic formula that will help you keep your teeth strong and healthy for life?  The secret is not too expensive.  The secret will not cost you a lot of time.  The secret will not cause you pain.  Is all this sounding a little too good to be true?  The secret to keeping your teeth healthy for life is to follow three simple steps.

The First Step To Healthy Teeth

Practice and maintain good personal dental hygiene habits.  Invest in a good toothbrush, such as the Sonicare Diamond Clean (available from your dentist) and use it at least twice a day, and after sugary snacks. Floss daily- don’t just think about flossing daily, actually do it.  Keeping your teeth and gums clean and plaque free will help maintain good dental health. 

The Second Step To Healthy Teeth

See your dentist religiously at least every six months, or more frequently if recommended.  Do not skip your professional dental cleanings and check-ups.  Cleanings and check-ups are inexpensive dental maintenance treatments which are usually covered in full by most PPO dental insurance plans.  Even without dental insurance, two or three regular dental check-ups and professional dental cleanings per year are typically extremely affordable. 

The Third Step To Healthy Teeth

Choose Your Foods Wisely, and Kick Bad Habits. The foods you eat can impact your dental health.  Acidic foods such as citrus can erode protective tooth enamel.  Avoid excess consumption of citrus juices and do not suck on lemons or limes.  .  Avoid excessive use of sodas, even diet sodas.  Sodas are acidic in addition to containing large amounts of sugar.  The combination of acids and sugars promote tooth decay.  Avoid crunching on ice or using your teeth to open packages.   Avoid foods which are known to cause dental staining.  Red wine, black coffee, tea, and berries can stain teeth and leave them discolored.  If you can’t let go of foods that are known to stain your teeth, consider professional teeth whitening at your next dental appointment.  Avoid smoking or tobacco use.  Not only do these substances increase your chances of developing cancer, but they can damage your gums as well.

Now You Have It!  The Secret to Maintaining Good Dental Health For Life in three simple steps.  If you are needing a little help with step two, feel free to give us a call!  214-350-1425

Is Snoring Keeping You Up Nights?

We tell jokes about snoring often, but snoring is definitely no laughing matter.  Most commonly caused by a condition called Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), snoring can destroy your sleep, prevent a restful night and make it difficult to stay awake during the day.  In addition to disrupting your sleep patterns (and the sleep patterns of your partner), OSA can contribute to a number of serious health concerns including high blood pressure, stroke or heart attack and even depression.  

What Is OSA?

Obstructive Sleep Apnea is a medical condition in which the airway collapses and closes off during sleep.  As the muscles relax, they collapse upon each other making it difficult to breathe.  We often hear this as loud snoring.  In patients with OSA, the collapsed airway will often cause lengthy periods of not breathing at all (apnea).  When this occurs, it can be dangerous.  

How Can My Dentist Help Me Stop Snoring?

There are many treatment options available to help reduce the symptoms of OSA.  If you snore, you may have tried nose strips, special pillows, or any number of products intended to help curb snoring.  Medical treatments for OSA range from surgical procedure to the prescription of a special breathing mask to be worn during sleep called a C-PAP machine.  Patients report mixed results with all treatment options for OSA, but seem to find the C-PAP machine especially difficult to comply with due to it’s bulky design and noisy operation.  

Advancements in dental sleep medicine have provided other options for the treatment of OSA.  Using a small, custom designed oral appliance, many patients with mild to moderate OSA and snoring have found that their symptoms are far reduced or eliminated.  The oral device is designed specifically for your anatomy, and precisely repositions your jaw in order to maintain an open airway during sleep.  Patients who use the dental sleep apnea appliance report that they notice a significant reduction in sleep apnea symptoms, snoring and frequent waking. 

Is A Dental Sleep Apnea Device Right For Me?

If you are tired of being tired all the time, suffer with snoring or mild to moderate sleep apnea, then a dental sleep apnea device may be right for you.  Schedule a consultation with your Dallas dentist and discuss your options.  A sleep study will be conducted, results interpreted and a plan for treatment devised by Dr. Jack E. Burroughs.  If you can benefit from a dental snoring appliance, you will have custom impressions and models made to ensure a perfectly fitted, comfortable and precise appliance.  For more information about scheduling a snoring and sleep apnea consultation, contact Forest Lane Dental