Monthly Archives: June 2016

If you’re unhappy with your smile because of tooth discoloration why not brighten it with one of the many choices of tooth whitening systems available today? But before you assume that whitening is the answer you should find out what’s causing the discoloration. It may be due to some medications you are taking or a physical condition that you are not aware of. So before things go any further let your dentist do a thorough exam. Once you have determined that there is no underlying cause and that a bleaching solution will work to whiten your teeth ask your dentist to recommend a particular method. Discoloration varies so that one whitening system may work well on yellow or brown stains but do nothing to eliminate a greyish tinge. If you opt to have the whitening done in your dentist’s office he will apply a highly concentrated gel that will take effect much faster than any over the counter product you may purchase. He may also use a laser beam to further speed up the process, which will take about an hour in all. If you prefer, your dentist will give you a whitening kit to take home and use there. It will contain custom made plastic trays, whitening gel and instructions. Talk to Dr. Sigmon of Compass Dental about the professional tooth whitening process that he offers his patients. Call the office today @ 828-385-5155 in Hickory, NJ.

There are many reasons to be mindful of the medicines that you take whether they be prescribed by your doctor or over the counter. You never want to take the chance that something you take on your own may not be appropriate for someone with your specific medical condition. Also, you have to be concerned about the way one medicine may react to another. Some medications can have a detrimental effect on your oral health. That’s why your dentist takes such a thorough history of your prescriptions and asks you to list any other drugs you may be taking. Even a seeming harmless aspirin can affect the blood clotting process so that there may be excessive bleeding during an otherwise non invasive dental procedure. Your dentist needs to be aware of this possibility if it exists. There are some prescription medications that can produce painful sores on the soft tissues that are found in the mouth. Your dentist can recommend steps you can take to decrease the chances of inflammation, but only if he knows about the risk. Dry mouth is typically recognized as a side effect of various medications. Anything that decreases its flow reduces the natural way saliva has of washing away the bacteria that can unite with food particles to cause tooth decay. Liquid cough syrups or chew-able vitamins are often laced with sugar and if taken on a regular basis could present a problem, especially for children who are more susceptible to cavities. Introduce your family to the Compass Dental practice of Hickory, NC. Call our office today @ 828-358-2555.

Digital dentistry is part of the innovative technology that has provided the field with advanced improvements over the last several years. The ability to use a computer to design and manufacture a dental crown for instance, has made the process easier and more effective than ever before. Before the introduction of digital dentistry the typical procedure for getting a crown was for the dentist to take a preliminary impression of the tooth in order to fit the patient with a temporary device to wear until an independent laboratory could make the permanent crown. This involved at least two dental appointments and living with the inconvenience in the meantime. The digital process allows the dentist to use a computer scan to make an image of the patient’s tooth and design and build a crown from it. The dentist can then install the crown on the spot. Not only does this cut down on the time the patient must spend in the dentist’s chair and the discomfort of having to wear a temporary crown, but results have shown that a computer made restoration is superior to the man-made. Digital dentistry has enhanced procedures in many areas of the industry including the installation of implants, intra-oral imagery and laser therapy, among others. Meet with Dr. Sigmon of Compass Dental to discuss your oral health concerns. Call the office in Hickory @ 828-358-2555.

Our normal bodily functions cause us to lose water in one way or another all throughout the day. It’s even harder to stay hydrated in hot weather or or if you are physically exerting yourself. Illness can bring on a fever or cause vomiting which can increase the danger of dehydration. Water is very important to good oral health. We need it to support the natural flow of the saliva in our mouths. Besides keeping our mouths moist and healthy saliva is beneficial to our digestive system by making it easier to chew and swallow our food. It also fights to kill off the germs that cause bad breath. Dry mouth is the condition that comes from a lack of adequate saliva and can result in gum disease and tooth decay. If there isn’t enough saliva to wash away the tiny food particles that can remain in our mouths after eating bacteria can fester there. While drinking fluoridated water is essential for maintaining strong and healthy teeth, salt water can be beneficial as well. Dentists often recommend rinsing with salt water to facilitate the healing process after a tooth extraction or other surgical procedure. Because the mineral content is similar a salt water rinse can be more compatible with our body than a stronger medicinal. Get to know more about the services and associates of Compass Dental in Hickory, NC on the website, www.compassdentalhickory.com.

Some of your favorite foods and drinks aren’t so friendly to your teeth. We know that coffee can cause staining but there is a secondary repercussion that you may not have been aware of. The stains that are produced from drinking a lot of coffee roughen the surfaces of our teeth and make them more susceptible to plaque buildup – and we all know what that means. Don’t take the chance of that plaque turning into the tartar that can lead to serious gum disease and eventual tooth loss. If you must give in to your craving for caffeine drink it in the form of sugar free iced coffee and use a straw. Peanut butter is a popular snack food often spread on toast or a cracker and of course is a major ingredient in everyone’s favorite pb&j sandwich. The problem is that peanut butter sticks to your teeth and the longer it remains there the higher the risk of a cavity forming. The good news is that the sugarless brands are less likely to stay on your teeth so be sure to check the labels on the jar. “Trail mix” is the go-to snack for family outings and hiking trips. A lot of the brands contain dried fruit however, which is rich in sugar content and can easily get stuck between your teeth. It might be better to enjoy these treats at home where it’s easier to brush soon after. Ask your hygienist at Compass Dental for more suggestions about snacks that are better for your teeth. Call 828-358-2555 to confirm your next appointment.