Dental Grills — The New Trend Affecting Dentistry And The Health Of Your Teeth

It’s the latest trend in dental wear, but there’s nothing cool about the damage it could do to your smile. Dental Grills are a cosmetic, metal and sometimes jeweled tooth covering developed in the early 1980s by hip hop artists. Grills, also called fronts, are removable and fit over the front teeth. Dental grills are made of gold, silver or jewel encrusted metals that run as little as $20 and well into the thousands for more elaborate designs.

Can Wearing a Dental Grill create Oral Health Problems? 

Yes, they can. It’s important to conduct thorough oral hygiene procedures including flossing and brushing with an anti-microbial toothpaste as food and plaque can easily develop on the grill and can cause irritation to the gingival margin and gingivitis may develop and the possibility of tooth decay. Dental grills can also cause abrasion to adjoining teeth, gum recession, tooth discoloration or chipped teeth. A grill should always be removed before eating or rinsing to clean the mouth, and may cause an allergic reaction to the metal.

School districts in Alabama, Georgia, and Texas have banned grills from their use due to disciplinary and health related reasons1. It is important to consult with a dentist regarding the steps for dental grill placement and the implications on your oral health.

Who Makes the Dental Grill? 

A dentist should make a dental grill by taking a proper impression of the teeth versus a jeweler or a grill vendor. A non-licensed dental professional could cause worse dental and oral health problems.

To read the entire article visit colgate.com

Lakeland Family Dentistry

2475 Lakeland Drive, Suite G

Flowood, MS 39232

(601) 981-4746

Lakeland-Family-Dentistry.com

Yellow Teeth: Causes and How to Whiten Yellow Teeth

 What Causes Yellow Teeth?

Do you have yellow teeth? Are you looking for a smile makeover? It’s best to start by
evaluating your whitening needs and goals by looking at the color of your teeth and
your habits or other factors that may have caused discoloration:

• Diet: Certain foods that are high in tannins, such as red wine, are potential causes of yellow teeth. Some of the most common causes of tooth discoloration include drinking beverages such as coffee, soda, and wine. These substances get into the enamel of your teeth and can cause long-term discoloration.
• Smoking: Smoking is one of the top causes of yellow teeth, and stains from smoking can be stubborn. But smokers can improve their yellow teeth by quitting smoking, following a complete oral care routine of twice-daily toothbrushing and daily flossing, and using the right teeth-whitening products.
• Illness: Certain medical conditions or medications are also causes of yellow teeth. Patients who are undergoing chemotherapy for head or neck cancers may develop yellow or stained teeth. Also, certain types of prescription medications including medications for asthma and high blood pressure are causes of yellow teeth.
• Poor Oral Hygiene: Poor oral hygiene is one of the causes of yellow teeth, but even the most diligent brushers and flossers can develop the discolored teeth that occur simply with age.
• Fluoride: Excessive fluoride exposure is also among the causes of yellow teeth, especially in children.

If any of the causes of yellow teeth have left you unsatisfied with your smile,
you have many choices of whitening products.
Consider the causes of yellow teeth in your
expectations for teeth whitening, but be sure to check with your dentist first
and follow instructions carefully.

How to Whiten Yellow Teeth

Once you’ve made the decision to invest in a whiter, brighter smile,
there are a number of treatment options to consider. From in-office treatments
to at-home whitening strips, gels, toothpastes, and rinses, there are a variety of ways to say
goodbye to yellow teeth and achieve the perfect white smile. Here are some
general details about both options to help you make an educated decision
on how to whiten your yellow teeth.

• Professional Teeth Whitening: Professional teeth whitening is done at your dentist’s office and includes the application of a bleaching agent directly to your teeth. Special lights or lasers may also be used to enhance the performance of the bleach. Depending on the condition of your yellow teeth, you may have one or several treatments that range from approximately 30 minutes to an hour.
• At-home Whitening: At-home teeth-whitening options include over the-counter whitening strips and gels, both of which use peroxide-based whitening gel. Initial results are typically seen in just a few days and last for up to twelve months for products. These options are more economical.

If you want to whiten yellow teeth, it’s hard to know where to start. There are so many
options available to whiten yellow teeth that it can get overwhelming.
No matter what you decide, it's always a good idea to consult
with your dentist about your yellow teeth before starting a whitening program.

To read the entire article visit crest.com.

Lakeland Family Dentistry

2475 Lakeland Drive, Suite G

Flowood, MS 39232

(601) 981-4746

Lakeland-Family-Dentistry.com

How Safe Is Tooth Whitening?

Below is an excerpt from an article found on Colgate.com 

Over a decade of research has proven bleaching and other whitening methods to be both safe and effective. Several products in the market today have shown no adverse effects on teeth or gums in substantial clinical and laboratory testing. Be sure to look for clinically proven products, follow directions and consult with your dental professional.

In the past, the higher bleach concentrations used in-office treatment resulted in more sensitivity. Today, however, bleaching gels are well buffered, making sensitivity less of an issue. Sensitivity may occur in people after whitening procedures, particularly when they eat hot or cold foods, but usually disappears after 48 hours and stops completely when treatment is stopped.

If you do experience sensitivity, there are several ways you can help eliminate it:

• If using a tray applicator, wear the tray for a shorter period
• Brush with a toothpaste made for sensitive teeth that contains potassium nitrate to help soothe tooth nerve ending
• Ask your dentist or pharmacist for a product with fluoride, which helps re-mineralize your teeth. Brush-on or wear in your trays four minutes prior to and after whitening your teeth
• Stop whitening your teeth for several days to allow you teeth to adapt to the whitening process. Within 24 hours, the sensitivity will cease. The longer you whiten your teeth, the less sensitivity you will experience

In a few cases, your dentist may discourage dental bleaching:

• If you have gum disease, teeth with worn enamel, cavities or particularly sensitive teeth
• If you're pregnant or breast-feeding
• If you have tooth-colored crowns, caps or other dental work in your front teeth, which can't be bleached

To read the entire article visit Colgate.com.

Lakeland Family Dentistry
2475 Lakeland Drive, Suite G
Flowood, MS 39232
(601) 981-4746
Lakeland-Family-Dentistry.com

Smile Makeovers

Maybe you remember that TV show, Extreme Makeovers?

They took people who were unhappy with their appearance and let surgeons and dentists perform cosmetic miracles on their bodies and teeth.

Well, a complete smile makeover like that can be done by many dentists, And often it only takes two visits!

Lakeland Family Dentistry
2475 Lakeland Drive, Suite G
Flowood, MS 39232
(601) 981-4746
Lakeland-Family-Dentistry.com

Natural Teeth Whitening: Fact vs. Fiction

Below is an excerpt from an article found on MouthHealthy.org

When it comes to teeth whitening, you may see many different methods featured online and in magazines-from oil pulling to charcoal, and even turmeric. It's no surprise that DIY whitening is top of mind, either. When the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry asked people what they’d most like to improve their smile, the most common response was whiter teeth. 
Healthy smiles come in many shades, though it's tempting to think ingredients in our own kitchens could hold the key to a brighter smile. Still, just because a method is natural doesn’t mean it’s healthy. In fact, DIY whitening can do more harm than good to your teeth. Here’s how:  

Fruits

Fiction:
The approach maintains you can make your teeth whiter and brighter household staples that are naturally acidic (like lemons, oranges, apple cider vinegar), contain digestive enzymes (such as pineapple or mango) and something that is abrasive (like baking soda).
Fact: 
When eaten as usual, fruit is a great choice. However, fruit and vinegar contain acid, and you put your pearly whites at risk when you prolong their contact with your teeth or use them to scrub your teeth because acid can wear away your enamel. Enamel is the thin outer coating of your teeth that protects you from tooth sensitivity and cavities. 

To read the entire article visit MouthHealthy.org.

The remainder of the article reveals fact vs. fiction for the following:

• Scrubs
• Spices and Oils
• Still Interested in Whitening?

Lakeland Family Dentistry
2475 Lakeland Drive, Suite G
Flowood, MS 39232
(601) 981-4746
Lakeland-Family-Dentistry.com

How Tooth Whitening Works

Learn what the American Dental Association has to say about teeth whitening in their video on 'How Tooth Whitening Works.'

The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Lakeland Family Dentistry
2475 Lakeland Drive, Suite G
Flowood, MS 39232
(601) 981-4746
Lakeland-Family-Dentistry.com

Crowns

Learn more dental crowns.

The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Lakeland Family Dentistry
2475 Lakeland Drive, Suite G
Flowood, MS 39232
(601) 981-4746
Lakeland-Family-Dentistry.com

In-Office Tooth Whitening

Learn more about in-office teeth whitening.

The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Lakeland Family Dentistry
2475 Lakeland Drive, Suite G
Flowood, MS 39232
(601) 981-4746
Lakeland-Family-Dentistry.com

Dental Veneers: Pros and Cons

Dental veneers are thin pieces of tooth-colored porcelain cemented to the front surfaces of your natural teeth, and are an easy way to address a variety of physical and aesthetic problems. Because they're also permanent, however, you'll need to carefully weigh the pros and cons of the procedure before you decide to get them. Here are six things to think about and discuss with your dentist.

Pro #1: Easily Whiten Your Smile
Years of drinking coffee, smoking cigarettes or eating highly pigmented foods eventually take their toll on your teeth, turning them an unattractive shade of yellow or brown. Stained enamel can be bleached at home or by your dentist, but it can become stained again. If you're looking for an easier way to whiten your smile for good, dental veneers may be a good fit for you. Veneers are largely stain-resistant, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), so you won't have to worry about discoloration or needing to have your veneers whitened.

To read the entire article written by Jennifer Mitchell , please visit Colgate.com

Lakeland Family Dentistry
2475 Lakeland Drive, Suite G
Flowood, MS 39232
(601) 981-4746
Lakeland-Family-Dentistry.com

Dental Crowns

Crowns Save a Broken or Worn Tooth

A crown may be necessary if a tooth is broken or if it is simply worn down from use. Fillings will not repair a tooth in this state. Placing a crown over the remaining tooth structure will save and strengthen it. We make our crowns out of the highest quality materials so they are very durable and look very natural.

Lakeland Family Dentistry
2475 Lakeland Drive, Suite G
Flowood, MS 39232
(601) 981-4746
Lakeland-Family-Dentistry.com

Crowns

Learn more dental crowns.

The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Lakeland Family Dentistry
2475 Lakeland Drive, Suite G
Flowood, MS 39232
(601) 981-4746
Lakeland-Family-Dentistry.com

In-Office Tooth Whitening

Learn more about in-office teeth whitening.

The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Lakeland Family Dentistry
2475 Lakeland Drive, Suite G
Flowood, MS 39232
(601) 981-4746
Lakeland-Family-Dentistry.com

Great Ways to Improve Your Smile # 2

Crowns
A crown is a good way to cover teeth that are discolored or badly shaped. A crown can make your tooth stronger and improve its appearance. Crowns can also be used to attach bridges, protect a weak tooth from breaking or restore one that’s already broken.

The above article is from: MouthHealthy.org

Lakeland Family Dentistry
2475 Lakeland Drive, Suite G
Flowood, MS 39232
(601) 981-4746
Lakeland-Family-Dentistry.com

White Dental Fillings

Filling Choices to Fit Every Need

For years, the silver-colored amalgam has been the standard filling material used in dental practices. They are effective, affordable, and covered by insurance in most situations. Our practice also offers modern, state-of-the-art restorations that are a natural-looking white, contain no metals, and can actually strengthen your teeth. The biggest reason many of our patients are choosing the white bonded fillings has to do with the way they look—nearly invisible, compared to the metal filling. They also bond very tightly with the healthy part of the tooth to decrease the chance of future decay. We are proud to offer both amalgam and composite fillings, and will be happy to discuss which option is best for you.

Lakeland Family Dentistry
2475 Lakeland Drive, Suite G
Flowood, MS 39232
(601) 981-4746
Lakeland-Family-Dentistry.com

Teeth Whitening Dentist

Whiten Your Teeth with Dazzling Results
Everyone likes the look of bright, white teeth! With our professional bleaching process, it is easy to achieve. We make custom whitening trays that you use with the instructions and products we provide. You finish the procedure in one month or less.

Lakeland Family Dentistry
2475 Lakeland Drive, Suite G
Flowood, MS 39232
(601) 981-4746
Lakeland-Family-Dentistry.com

Smile Makeovers in Flowood MS

We want your smile to be its very best, because when your smile looks good, you smile more often and feel great! With our advanced preventive care and restoration techniques, you can easily obtain the smile of your dreams. Our modern services are very affordable and less time consuming than you may expect. Come in and let us explain how crowns, bonding, veneers, and whitening can turn your smile into a dazzling one!

Lakeland Family Dentistry
2475 Lakeland Drive, Suite G
Flowood, MS 39232
(601) 981-4746
Lakeland-Family-Dentistry.com