What Does Cavity Prevention Look Like After 50?

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Cavity prevention isn’t necessarily easy at any age. When you’re young, not only are your brushing habits likely suspect at best, but the acids you’re eating can easily penetrate the outer protection of your tooth. Of course, as you age, your teeth and bones will inevitably deteriorate, which can leave you with oral health issues no matter how well you brush.

Here, we’ll look at a few tips for cavity prevention after the age of 50, beyond simple brushing and flossing, and why it helps to see a dentist in St. Louis, MO who can deal with your issues head-on.

A Change in Lifestyle

Sometimes, it’s as simple as making a few simple life changes:

  • Hydration: The more saliva you have, the more you can neutralize the acids in your food, and water is the best way to maintain your saliva production day in and day out. Plus, water can help flush out any remaining food particles, offering further protection against cavities.
  • Calcium: Milk, cheese, sardines, kale, spinach: calcium may be in more foods than you realize. This mineral can not only strengthen your enamel, which is the first (and best) barrier against cavities, it’s also a great way to strengthen your jaw bones (which will help hold your teeth and gums in place).
  • No smoking: Tobacco doesn’t just up your risk of cavities, it can also give you gum disease or cancer. Cutting back after 50 can work wonders if you want to keep your teeth for the rest of your life.

See Your Dentist

A good general dentist in St. Louis, MO will give you personalized advice based on everything from your family history to your age-related concerns. If you’re looking for a staff that treats patients of all backgrounds, contact Smile Now STL today to schedule an appointment.

What Can My Dentist Do For a Cracked Tooth?

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A cracked tooth can be an uncomfortable problem. If you think you have a cracked tooth, see your dentist in St. Louis, MO. There are many things your dentist may do to help you restore your dental health. Below, we’ve listed the signs that you’ve cracked a tooth. Recognizing the symptoms is the first step to getting help.

Signs You Cracked a Tooth

Some people can tell they’ve cracked a tooth right away, while others may never notice symptoms. Signs that you cracked a tooth include:

  • Sensitivity to hot and cold
  • Pain that occurs at random
  • Pain that occurs when you bite into the tooth

You may also see the crack in your tooth, especially if it is in a tooth near the front of your mouth.

What Your Dentist Can Do for a Cracked Tooth

If you have a cracked tooth, your dentist may suggest a range of solutions to your problem.

  • Dental crown: A dental crown is a cap that fits over the tooth to protect the tooth enamel. A dental crown may be necessary if your dentist thinks that the crack is deep. A deep crack can put your tooth at risk of an infection.
  • Dental veneer: If the crack is not a danger to your tooth but is a cosmetic problem, the dentist may suggest a dental veneer to cover it.
  • Dental bonding: Dental bonding is a composite resin that can cover the crack in your tooth. Dental bonding is an alternative to a dental veneer.

What To Do If You Cracked A Tooth

If you cracked a tooth, you may need restorative dentistry in St. Louis, MO. Call today to make an appointment! We can help.

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Why Regular Dental Checkups Are Essential: Insights from Smile Now STL

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1. Preventive Care

Dental checkups are the first line of defense against oral health issues. During your visit, our team can identify and address problems like cavities, gum disease, and enamel erosion before they worsen. Preventive treatments, such as cleanings and fluoride applications, help maintain your smile and avoid costly procedures down the road.

2. Early Detection of Serious Issues

Regular dental exams allow us to detect serious conditions early, including oral cancer. At Smile Now STL, we conduct thorough screenings during your checkup to ensure your mouth is healthy. Early detection can significantly improve treatment outcomes and save lives.

3. Professional Teeth Cleaning

Even with the best oral hygiene habits, plaque and tartar can accumulate in hard-to-reach areas. Our professional cleaning services remove these deposits, reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease. Plus, your teeth will feel fresh and look polished after every visit.

4. Education on Oral Health

Your dental checkup is an excellent opportunity to learn about your oral health. Whether it’s advice on brushing techniques, recommendations for products, or dietary guidance, our team at Smile Now STL provides personalized tips to keep your teeth and gums in top shape.

5. Protect Your Overall Health

Your oral health is closely linked to your overall health. Poor dental hygiene has been associated with heart disease, diabetes, and other systemic conditions. Regular checkups help reduce these risks by ensuring your mouth is free of infection and inflammation.

Why Choose Smile Now STL?

At Smile Now STL, we’re committed to providing high-quality dental care in a welcoming environment. Our experienced team uses advanced technology to ensure every checkup is thorough, efficient, and tailored to your needs. From preventive care to restorative treatments, we’re here to support your journey to a healthier smile.

Schedule Your Checkup Today

Don’t wait until a small issue becomes a big problem. Schedule your dental checkup with Smile Now STL in St. Louis, MO, today. Together, we’ll help you achieve a smile that’s not only beautiful but also healthy and strong.

For more oral health tips and updates, follow our blog and connect with us on social media. Let Smile Now STL be your partner in maintaining a radiant smile!

3 Tips To Help You Maintain Healthy Teeth and Gums

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If you take good care of your teeth, your teeth will take good care of you. This is why it’s important to brush your teeth properly, see the dentist in St. Louis, MO regularly, and maintain good oral hygiene. Your teeth can last a lifetime, if you establish good oral hygiene habits and stick to them. In this article, we’ll discuss three things that can help you care for your teeth.

When you come for your next dental checkup, we can give you more personalized tips. Ask us about how you can take care of your teeth.

1. Brush the Right Way!

It’s not enough to brush your teeth. It’s important to brush your teeth properly and follow advice from experts. For example:

  • Brush for two minutes every time. Time yourself to ensure that you’re brushing long enough.
  • Change your toothbrush every three months. If you own an electric toothbrush, you can replace the bristles and keep the electric base.
  • Choose soft bristle toothbrushes to protect your gums and tooth enamel.
  • When you’re brushing, don’t push too hard. Brushing too hard can cause gum recession and tooth enamel wear.
  • Demonstrate how you brush your teeth to your dentist. Ask for tips to brush better!

Finally, if you’re using a manual toothbrush, consider switching to an electric toothbrush. Electric toothbrushes are better for eliminating plaque and preventing tartar buildup.

2. Visit The Dentist Every Six Months

See your dentist twice annually. Your dentist can help keep your teeth clean and healthy.

3. Stay Hydrated

Hydration helps produce saliva. Saliva helps keep your teeth clean!

Want more tips? Talk to your dentist during your dental checkup in St. Louis, MO. Call Smile Now STL to make your next dental appointment.

Foods to Avoid for Optimal Dental Health

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Foods can be great for our teeth! From providing nutrients to strengthening our enamel, several foods benefit our oral health. However, while some foods are beneficial, other foods can be harmful.

In this post, we’ll discuss some foods to avoid for optimal dental health.

Sticky Foods

While they may be tasty, sticky foods can be a nightmare for your teeth. This even includes healthy foods like dried fruit. Unfortunately, these foods easily stick to your teeth and can stay there for long periods, which isn’t healthy for your enamel.

Need a dental checkup? Have a toothache that won’t go away? Call Smile Now STL today! We’re happy to offer trusted general dental care in St. Louis, MO.

Starchy Foods

Starchy food items, like potato chips, are another common food that can harm your teeth and gums. That’s because starch tends to get trapped between your teeth, leading to a buildup of bacteria. If you choose to eat starchy foods, make sure you’re flossing regularly to remove any trapped food particles.

Ice

While not technically a food, it’s still something people chew on often. Unfortunately, this habit is unhealthy for our teeth. When you chew ice, it’s very possible to crack a tooth or wear down your enamel. Frequent ice chewing can lead to serious problems down the line.

Citrus

Other healthy foods you may want to limit include oranges, lemons, limes, and other citrus fruits. Although they’re tasty and nutritious, they’re also highly acidic, which isn’t good for our teeth. Consider cutting back if you consume these fruits on a daily basis.

Hard and Chewy Candies

Avoiding candy should be a no-brainer when it comes to your dental health. These foods are loaded with sugar, which can wear down your enamel and make your teeth more prone to problems. While you should avoid most candy, hard and chewy candies are even worse.

Avoiding the foods above can keep your teeth healthy for many years to come! To learn more about this topic, contact Smile Now STL today! We have the leading dentist in St. Louis, MO.

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Three Top Reasons to Choose a General Dentistry Practice

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While every dentist is dedicated to helping patients achieve a confident, happy smile, there is much more to competent dentistry than appearance. If you want your smile to be genuine and lasting, you will want to choose your dentist based on experience and expertise in all facets of dentistry, including basic tooth care and oral health, restorative procedures, and cosmetic dentistry.

We Focus on Basic Tooth Care

At Smiles for Sharing in St. Louis, Mo., Dr. Tom O’Connor and our team are “old school professionals” who concentrate on caring for your teeth and gums, addressing problems when necessary, and using modern techniques to restore or improve function and appearance when warranted. From regular tooth examinations, cleaning, and fillings to extractions, implants, and advanced restorative techniques, including whitening or gum and tooth contouring, our practice is dedicated to assessing your needs and listening to your desires.

We Have Experience Dealing with Complex Oral Health Issues

Boasting more than 45 years of experience, our team specializes in advanced dental care for complex needs. Our patients trust us to deal with the negative effects of tooth loss, decay, misaligned teeth, and the wide variety of other dental problems that cause both visual and functional issues.

We Focus on Cosmetic Improvement

Cosmetic dental enhancement is a major component of our service. We strive to provide quality aesthetic appeal, whether we fill cavities with white tooth-colored resin or install implants to replace missing teeth or crowns. If teeth are severely discolored but healthy, we offer effective cosmetic whitening services.

Our comprehensive, personalized services are grounded on in-house 3D imaging, Cone Beam CT, and patient-specific anatomical reconstruction and image fusion that map a patient’s dental implant surgery and achieve lasting results. Why settle for less than the best?

Schedule an Appointment

Our desire at Smiles for Sharing is to ensure that you can face the present and the future with confidence and the knowledge that you have the best possible smile that can be achieved through modern dentistry. Contact us now to arrange a consultation with a member of our team.

Adult Dental Implants

Top Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Smile

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1. Brush and Floss Regularly

Maintaining a consistent oral hygiene routine is essential. Brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes using fluoride toothpaste. Don’t forget to floss daily to remove plaque and food particles that your toothbrush can’t reach. This simple habit can significantly reduce the risk of cavities and gum disease.

2. Schedule Regular Dental Checkups

Routine dental visits are a cornerstone of preventive care. At Smile Now STL, we recommend scheduling checkups and cleanings every six months. During these appointments, our team will ensure your teeth are healthy, catch any potential issues early, and provide professional cleaning to remove stubborn tartar.

3. Watch Your Diet

What you eat can directly impact your oral health. Limit sugary and acidic foods, as they can lead to tooth decay. Instead, incorporate foods that strengthen your teeth, such as dairy products, leafy greens, nuts, and crunchy fruits and vegetables.

4. Stay Hydrated

Drinking water helps rinse away food particles and bacteria, reducing the risk of cavities. Opt for fluoridated water whenever possible to help strengthen your enamel.

5. Protect Your Teeth

If you participate in sports, wear a custom mouthguard to prevent dental injuries. Additionally, avoid using your teeth as tools to open packages or bottles, as this can cause chips or fractures.

6. Avoid Tobacco Products

Tobacco use not only stains your teeth but also increases your risk of gum disease, tooth loss, and oral cancer. Quitting tobacco is one of the best things you can do for your oral and overall health.

7. Consider Cosmetic Enhancements

If you’re unhappy with the appearance of your smile, Smile Now STL offers a range of cosmetic dentistry options, including teeth whitening, veneers, and Invisalign®. Enhancing your smile can give you the confidence to show it off more often.

Why Choose Smile Now STL?

At Smile Now STL, we’re dedicated to providing personalized dental care in a comfortable and welcoming environment. Whether you need preventive, restorative, or cosmetic services, our experienced team is here to help you achieve your smile goals.

Schedule Your Appointment Today

Don’t wait to prioritize your oral health. Contact Smile Now STL in St. Louis, MO, to schedule your next dental visit. Together, we’ll ensure your smile stays healthy and beautiful for years to come!

For more dental tips and updates, follow our blog and connect with us on social media. Your journey to a healthier smile starts here!