Studio B Smiles

Common Problems Caused by Plaque

Plaque is a colorless film of bacteria that forms on teeth and gums. Foods that contain carbohydrates (starches and sugars) feed the bacteria, causing the bacteria to produce acids that can harm the enamel of your teeth. Over time, plaque can cause gingivitis, tooth decay, and cavities. But plaque can affect more than your dental health.  Why should you brush, floss, and schedule regular appointments with your cosmetic dentist? 

• Ruin Your Smile: Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you.  Your smile expresses happiness and joy, but when plaque hardens on your teeth, it turns into tartar.  Tartar is extremely difficult to remove—brushing is not enough—and quickly turns yellow and brown from the food you eat.  Teeth whitening can help, but plaque and tartar buildup will make it increasingly difficult to enjoy white teeth.
• Cause Bad Breath: Plaque buildup will also cause bad breath.  Chewing gum and mouth wash will only temporarily cover up the smell of the bacteria and decay. 
• Cost Money: Plaque leads to other, more serious dental problems, which means more involved dental treatments, costing you more money.  Taking the time to clean your teeth and visit the cosmetic dentist regularly will prevent plaque buildup, decreasing your chances of more serious dental problems later on.
• Cause Pain: The effects of plaque buildup can be painful.  The bacteria can irritate the gum and lead to gingivitis and gum disease—painful dental problems that you’d be wise to try and avoid.

How can you prevent plaque?

The most important step to preventing plaque buildup is brushing and flossing every day.  You should also limit sugary foods like candy and soft drinks. Getting a regular dental cleaning with your cosmetic dentists is also essential to controlling plaque.

If you are in need of a cosmetic dentist, then visit Studio B Smiles in Scottsdale. We provide laser cavity detection, teeth whitening, Invisalign, veneers, and more. Fill out our online form or call 480-860-0092 to make an appointment. 

Facts About Dental Veneers

A veneer is a cap that is adhered to the front of the teeth to repair or enhance the smile’s appearance. To learn more about veneers and how they can improve your look, check out this informative video.

You’ll hear from a dental assistant who describes in detail how veneers differ from crowns, how to determine whether you’re a candidate for this procedure, and how the procedure is performed. If you’re already considering a veneer treatment, then check out this video to learn about what you can expect.

If you want to know whether you are a candidate for veneers, then call or visit the dentist at Studio B Smiles in Scottsdale. We can schedule you for a complimentary consultation which will help us determine a cosmetic dental solution that is truly right for your smile. To get started, call us at (480) 619-5102 today.

3 Steps to Take if You Lose or Chip a Tooth

Trauma from sports can cause tooth fractures, which breaks off a portion of the tooth’s enamel. In most cases, this isn’t painful, but if a large portion of the enamel breaks off, exposing the inner nerve or blood vessels, then you may experience severe pain. It is important to contact your dentist if this ever happens. Below are tips on what to do:

1. Contact Your Dentist
The first thing you should do after chipping a tooth is contact your local dentist as soon as you can. During your appointment, your dentist will X-ray your tooth to make sure no damage was done to the oral bone and surrounding tissues. Then, he or she will consult with you to determine the best treatment plan. Porcelain veneers, crowns, and composite resin fillings are among the most popular solutions for tooth fracture.

2. Preserve Your Tooth
If a tooth comes out completely, quickly collect the tooth and place it into a cup of milk or saliva. This will help preserve the tooth and keep it from drying out during the time between your accident and your dental appointment. Get to your dentist or oral surgeon ASAP! It is ideal to have the tooth replanted within 15 minutes to one hour after the accident.

3. Avoid Further Damage
In the days following your accident, avoid eating solid foods, as this could cause more damage. A chip can significantly jeopardize the integrity of your tooth. By eating hard foods, you could put excess pressure on surrounding teeth, putting them at risk for chips as well. If bleeding occurs, place a moist tea bag over the tooth. The caffeine in the tea will cause the blood to clot quickly. If pain persists, then take a mild painkiller. 

If you’re in need of dental repair after a tooth fracture, then call Studio B Smiles  in Scottsdale, Arizona today! Our general and cosmetic dental professionals can help strengthen your enamel and repair your chipped tooth. To schedule your appointment, call (480) 619-5102 today.

The Health Risks of Gum Disease

Gum disease can lead to a myriad of serious health conditions and shorter life expectancy. Nearly everyone develops gingivitis, a mild form of gum disease, at some point during his or her lifetime. Without treatment from a dentist however, you could be at risk for a long list of health problems. For a closer look at some of the more serious risks of gum disease, read below.

Systemic Inflammation 

Gum disease begins as an infection of the gums, but at the infection worsens, bacteria spread throughout the body. If the bacteria and toxins enter the bloodstream, then the body could suffer a systemic inflammatory response. This inflammatory response involves sending an increased amount of nutrient-rich blood and white blood cells to the affected area to defeat the bacteria, causing swelling. If the systemic response continues for a prolonged period of time, then the body will start harming itself, which can lead to organ dysfunction, hypotension, and respiratory disease.

Immune Malfunction

When the body has to spend all of its resources to fight a single, severe infection, the immune system becomes drained and weak. This puts you at risk of contracting other illnesses and bacterial infections that your body would otherwise be capable of fighting off.

Tooth Loss

As the bacteria in plaque and tartar eat away at your gums, the gums recede, causing teeth to fit loosely in the oral bone. Advanced gum disease can also cause oral bones to deteriorate. Once your teeth have fallen out or become too loose to repair, you’ll be left with unsightly holes and will need to undergo expensive and invasive cosmetic dental procedures in order to restore your smile.

If you’ve noticed swollen gums or bleeding after brushing and flossing, then you might have gum disease. To begin treatment right away, call Studio B Smiles in Scottsdale at (480) 619-5102. Our preventative dental professionals will work quickly to restore your dental health.

Helpful Products for At Home Dental Care!

Using the right dental care products at home will ensure that you receive positive reviews each time you visit your dentist. For a look at the top products to use, keep reading.

A Soft-Bristled Toothbrush
Some people think that the best way to thoroughly clean your teeth is to use a medium-to-hard bristled toothbrush. In reality, these toothbrushes can scratch the surface of the teeth, increasing your risk for cavities. Hard brushing can also cause the gums to pull away from the base of the teeth, allowing bacteria and food particles to settle in between the gums and teeth, thus making it harder to properly clean the mouth and protect against gum disease. Instead, use a soft-bristled tooth brush and gentle massage the base of each tooth using a circular motion.

The Right Floss
Floss is essential, but there is no single type of floss that works better than all of the rest. Non-wax floss is great for pulling out hard-to-reach food particles from in between the teeth, but it can damage gums when used too roughly. Wax floss can fail to pick up some particles, but when used diligently, it is just as effective as non-wax floss.

Non-Alcohol Mouthwash
People have come to associate the burning or tingling feeling from popular mouthwash brands as the feeling of a clean mouth. However, the alcohol in those popular mouthwash brands can lead to both dry mouth and bad breath. Use a non-alcohol mouthwash; you won’t have to suffer through the burning and you’ll enjoy fresher breath for longer.

Fluoride Toothpaste
Fluoride is the key ingredient you should look for when shopping for toothpaste. The fluoride helps strengthen tooth enamel! The stronger the enamel the less chance you’ll have of developing cavities. Fluoride is often found in drinking water, but you could be missing out if you drink filtered water. Try alternating between filtered and tap water for added fluoride protection!

If you’re unsatisfied with your smile, then call Studio B Smiles at (480) 619-5102. We strive to improve overall dental health and enhance the smile’s natural beauty by offering technologically advanced dental solutions. Learn more by visiting our website or calling us today.