What Causes Teeth to Become Stained?

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Teeth become stained for many reasons. Some examples of reasons why teeth turn brown:

  • Consumption of staining foods and beverages like coffee, tea, brown sauces, beets, berries and wine
  • Smoking and tobacco use
  • Poor oral hygiene habits
  • Tartar buildup

If you’re not sure why your teeth are turning brown, your dentist can evaluate your teeth and diagnose any conditions that could be impacting the health and wellness of your teeth.

How Can I Whiten My Teeth?

You can whiten your teeth with help from the dentist. Professional teeth whitening services are safe, effective, and long-lasting.

What’s the Difference Between Professional and DIY Teeth Whitening?

Professional teeth whitening services are efficient and fast-acting. Often, your dentist can turn your teeth several shades whiter with just one trip to the dentist.

DIY teeth whitening can be done using a variety of methods. DIY teeth whitening kits can turn teeth whiter but often do so slowly. Some kits can over whiten teeth, so it’s important to follow instructions. Many DIY teeth whitening methods, like use of whitening toothpaste, are very subtle and very slow acting.

If you want whiter, brighter teeth without waiting, talk to your dentist.

How Can I Prevent My Teeth from Becoming Stained In the Future?

Take good care of your teeth. Brush your teeth twice daily and visit the dentist twice yearly. Floss your teeth once daily, and if possible, use an electric toothbrush to remove plaque and tartar from your teeth.

Interested in Teeth Whitening? We Can Help

At Evanko Dental Group of Medina, we offer teeth whitening in Medina, OH. Call today to make an an appointment.

How Root Canals Save Your Natural Teeth

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People sometimes feel anxious when they learn that they need a root canal in Medina OH. They do not know what to expect and fear that the procedure may be painful. Thanks to advances in dental technology, root canals are no more uncomfortable than any other type of dental procedure. Best of all, root canals save your natural teeth from extraction and the need for replacement teeth, both of which can be expensive procedures.

Why We Perform Root Canals

Each one of your teeth contains pulp and nerves that normally keep the tooth alive. When bacteria invade the tooth through a small crack or due to severe decay, the pulp becomes inflamed and infected. If left untreated, the bacteria can spread through the blood to other parts of your body. Our goal is to restore your oral health and allow you to keep your natural teeth for as long as possible.

Signs You May Need a Root Canal

We encourage you to schedule an exam at Evanko Dental Group of Medina if you are struggling with one more of the symptoms listed below.

  • Affected tooth contains a crack or a chip
  • Chewing food with the affected tooth is difficult or impossible
  • Discolored tooth that looks gray or black due to breakdown of the roots
  • Persistent pain that does not respond to over-the-counter medication, hot or cold packs, or other common home remedies
  • Sensitivity to hot or cold foods and beverages
  • Swelling of the gums.
  • Tooth is painful to the touch
  • Tooth feels loose

Keep in mind that these symptoms may indicate another oral health issue, such as the need for a filling. Prompt evaluation and treatment is necessary to save your tooth, regardless of the cause of your symptoms.

What to Expect During Your Root Canal

Dr. Jeff Evanko, Dr. Rhea Nicklow, or Dr. Douglas Means start the procedure by numbing the tooth and gums surrounding it. Next, your dentist drills a tiny hole into the tooth to remove the diseased pulp. The last step is to place a crown on top of your tooth to prevent additional infections.

Do you need a root canal in Medina OH? Please reach out to request an exam today.

Why Do My Teeth Still Feel Filmy After I Brush?

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Filmy, fuzzy, coated: there are a few words that you might use to describe your teeth after you brush other than ‘smooth’ or ‘clean.’ If you’re wondering why this is, we’ll look at the most common causes and what you can do to avoid texture when you run your tongue across your teeth.

What Makes My Teeth Feel Filmy?

Usually, the film is associated with bad eating or brushing habits, though there’s more to the story than just infusing more salads into your diet and buying a more expensive toothbrush.

For instance, the acid in foods like spinach and kale can actually mix with your saliva to create that filmy feeling. This doesn’t mean you should cut out these foods, only that you might need to take some extra steps when brushing your teeth.

Other causes might include dry mouth, because it saps your saliva, or a steady buildup of plaque from your diet. Even the most conscientious of brushes and flossers will have some degree of plaque on their teeth, but it will eventually multiply if you’re not sticking to a regular hygiene routine.

How to Eliminate that Filmy Feeling 

Here are a few tips for cleaner teeth:

  • You should brush with a quality toothbrush for at least two minutes twice a day and drink water to help flush out food particles. Water can also help you avoid dry mouth, which also contributes to fuzzy-feeling teeth.
  • Floss every day to catch the plaque and food debris that gets wedged between your teeth. You can also use a water flosser to supplement your flossing efforts. Try a mouthwash afterward to kill off any bacteria and potentially wash away any straggler particles.
  • Ensure you’re getting enough nutrients during the day, and limit your junk food. Ideally, you’ll avoid going overboard on acidic foods, because the acid can damage your enamel.
  • Talk to yourdentist in Medina, OH, to get an official diagnosis of the problem.

Teeth Cleanings in Medina, OH 

If your film is caused by tartar (sometimes known as calculus), only an experienced dental team can remove it. If you’re looking for teeth cleaning in Medina, OH, contact Evanko Dental Group of Medina to schedule an appointment!

Can I Have Sedation Dentistry if I Have a Heart Condition?

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The availability of sedation dentistry in Medina is wonderful news for anyone who has anxiety about visiting the dentist. Lots of people feel a little bit uncomfortable about visiting the dentist, especially if there are cavities to fill or certain other dental procedures. But with sedation dentistry, all those fears can be set aside. However, if you have a heart condition, you may worry that sedation dentistry in Medina might not be an option.

Sedation Dentistry is Not the Same as Anesthesia

If you have ever had surgery, you may have had anesthesia. Anesthesia involves a specific kind of inhalant or injection formula that makes the patient fall asleep. This allows the doctor to perform the operation without worrying that the patient will move around, and it allows the patient to undergo the operation without being aware of what’s happening. Full anesthesia has several risk factors and side effects, including potential problems with the heart. But don’t worry, because sedation dentistry is not anesthesia.

What is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry is another term for what is commonly called laughing gas. It’s essentially nitrous oxide mixed with oxygen. It’s most commonly inhaled, but some dentists offer an injectable form as well. Sedation dentistry in Medina is simply a way to relax you during your dentist visit. When you are sedated, you don’t necessarily fall asleep, unless you just happen to be very tired. But sedation dentistry will not put you to sleep. You’ll be completely aware of everything that’s going on. You can see, hear, smell, and talk. Since your dentist will numb the site of treatment, you won’t be able to feel pain, although you might feel some sensation that work is being done.

Heart Conditions and Sedation Dentistry

If you have a heart condition, sedation dentistry is actually better for you than no sedation. With sedation, you will be more relaxed and less excitable. But you should always let your dentist know of any health conditions before you undergo any treatment.

If you have anxiety about visiting the dentist, sedation dentistry might be right for you. Talk to your dentist in Medina about your concerns, as well as your heart condition situation.

 

How Cigarettes Affect Your Oral Health

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Your dentist in Medina does everything possible to ensure your good oral health. However, sometimes bad habits can make it more challenging to maintain that good health. For instance, smoking cigarettes is not only bad for you overall; it actually negatively impacts your oral health. Here’s how.

Smoking Causes Gum Disease

Did you know that cigarette smoking is a leading cause of gum disease? Most people equate gum disease and tooth decay with sugar, but smoking can lead to the same outcome. Gum disease is an infection of the gums and can be caused by the ingredients in cigarettes. In fact, smokers are two times more at risk for gum disease than non-smokers. The more and longer you smoke, the higher that risk becomes. Even worse, continuing to smoke makes it more likely that common treatments for gum disease won’t work for you.

Smoking Causes Yellow Teeth

Have you ever looked at the teeth of someone who has been smoking for a long time? You’ll notice that smokers’ teeth are discolored. That’s due to some of the ingredients in cigarettes, such as tar and nicotine. Those ingredients stain teeth and cause them to look yellow and in poor health. Teeth whitening may remove the discoloration temporarily but it will soon return with more smoking.

Smoking Impedes the Healing Process

Smoking lowers your immune system and impedes the healing process. Anytime you have a mouth sore, tooth extraction, oral surgery, or another treatment that requires a time of healing, it will take much longer due to smoking. And a longer healing time means a higher risk of infection.

Smoking Causes Bad Breath

Everyone appreciates fresh breath. It’s a sign of good oral health. But if you smoke, your breath will never smell fresh. In fact, smoking causes bad breath, which will likely keep other people from wanting to be too near to you.

Smoking Increases Risk of Oral Cancer

Oral cancer is a terrible disease that can lead to all kinds of negative outcomes. When you smoke, you expose the tender tissues inside your mouth to deadly carcinogens that can lead to oral cancer.

If you currently smoke, talk to your Medina dentist about ways to quit the habit. The sooner you stop, the sooner you can start enjoying optimal oral health.

 

Is Dental Care Safe During Pregnancy? Get the Facts

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You are well on your way to being a mother, and you will already do anything to protect the life that grows inside of you. It is only natural to be concerned about seeking dental care while expecting a child. A few things can bring about concern during pregnancy, but many treatments are perfectly safe for you and your growing child. Here are a few things to keep in mind.

Inform Your Dentist of Your Pregnancy

When you find out you are pregnant and have appointments scheduled with your dentist, make sure you give them a call and let them know you are expecting before the appointments. The dentist is knowledgeable about what changes will have to be made to your care plan due to your pregnancy, so they can adjust treatment plans accordingly and go over anything that must change with you as their patient.

Dental Care During Pregnancy Is Important

Even though you may be tempted to avoid dental care during your pregnancy, it is best that you continue the levels of care that may be necessary. Pregnancy can change things like your blood pressure and hormone levels, both of which can have an effect on your oral health. For example, you may be more vulnerable to gum inflammation and gum disease during pregnancy, so this is something the dentist should monitor you for throughout the pregnancy.

Some Procedures May Need to Be Postponed

While a lot of types of care during pregnancy are perfectly safe and some are necessary, there may be some things that are best postponed. For example, if you need to have dental x-rays done, this will normally be postponed until you have delivered just to prevent unnecessary risks of exposing the baby to radiation. Likewise, procedures that involve anesthesia may also need to be postponed.

Talk to Your Medina Dentist About Pregnancy Concerns

Even though there are general rules to follow when it comes to dental care during pregnancy, every situation can be unique. If you have specific concerns about dental treatment plans while expecting, reach out to us at the Evanko Dental Group of Medina for more information.

Why Do My Teeth Have Ridges?

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The ridges are also known as mamelons. They are rounded bumps on the edge of a tooth. Like the other parts of the tooth’s outer covering, they are made of enamel. In French, the word mamelon means “nipple.” It refers to the way each bump protrudes from a tooth.

 

Ridges are Most Common on Kids

You may notice ridges on the permanent teeth of a child. However, adults can have them, as well. The ridges appear on a child’s teeth when their permanent teeth start growing. The mamelons vary from one person to another. Some of them are prominent, while others are subtle. If the edges are rough, ridges may make your child’s teeth look uneven. They are commonly found on the upper and lower permanent lateral and central incisors. Mamelons are only found on newly erupted incisor teeth. Usually, they are found on permanent incisors. In some cases, they can be seen on primary incisors too.

 

They Appear as Adult Teeth Start Growing

The ridges appear when permanent teeth start growing at a young age. Mamelons are formed from the enamel, which fuses together when a child’s teeth are developing underneath their gums. A child’s front teeth are formed as lobes that are fused before they break through the gum tissue. When adult teeth from underneath the gum tissue, three types of cells line the edge of the teeth, making it easier for the teeth to break through the gum tissue.

 

They are Not an Oral Health Problems Symptom

When the teeth erupt, some parents think that the teeth have been damaged. However, there’s no need to worry as this is just the teeth ridges helping the tooth to grow through the gums. Mamelons are rare in adults as they wear slowly. They are not considered major oral health issues as wear away early on in a person’s life. Finally, although the ridges are not threats to your oral health, they have no benefit either. However, you can talk to a professional dentist to offer a solution, depending on whether you want to fix mamelons only or you intend to take care of other issues as well.

A dentist will examine a patient’s ridges and determine the best way to respond. There are several ways of getting rid of teeth ridges if they are problematic. After examination, your dentist will recommend the best course of action.