Explained: The 7 Different Types of Dentist

Here at Four Bridges Family Dentistry we strive to take care of the entire family and to help you achieve the healthy smile you desire. In order to do so, we may need to refer or consult other dental specialist that we know and trust. When it comes to taking care of your teeth, here are some of the different kinds of oral health care professionals you may come across if you ever require specialized services.

General Dentists

General, or family dentists, as the primary dental provider, are vital to the continued health of your teeth. One of our key roles is preventative care, which involves scheduling regular appointments to allow for the monitoring of oral health, alongside guiding on the proper way to care for both teeth and gums.

As a general dentist we focus on diagnosing and comprehensive treatment. Restorative and protective procedures are the most common ones needed, for example, fillings, crowns, veneers, bridges, and root canals.

Orthodontists                                                                                                                       

A widely recognized process, orthodontics involves the use of braces to correct the position of the teeth. Often thought of for cosmetic reasons, but it can also be useful for helping with a bad bite or misaligned jaw, which may be causing discomfort during talking or eating.

Orthodontists, as facial growth and dental development experts can identify and correct any such issues by developing a treatment plan and making use of various types of hardware alongside braces to move and support the teeth.

Endodontist

Endodontists specialize in diagnosing and treating issues involving the inner tissue of the teeth – otherwise known as the pulp. Although this tissue is protected by the tooth’s hard enamel and an inner layer of calcified tissue known as dentin, it is still susceptible to injury, inflammation, or decay.

The most common type of treatment performed by an endodontist is a root canal. During this procedure, the nerve and pulp are removed, and the tooth is cleaned and sealed to avoid infection.

Pedodontist

Although all general dentists have a knowledge of pediatric dentistry, pedodontists, otherwise called pediatric dentists, have been specially trained to work with children from infancy to young adulthood. They are experts in some of the dental issues that are specific to children - being linked to teeth and mouth development.

Oral Pathologist

Oral pathologists differ from general dentists in that their focus is less on performing dental treatments and more on analyzing x-rays, tissues, and bone biopsies. The primary purpose of this is assessing and determining the cause of mouth and jaw diseases such as infections and cancer. Alongside diagnosis, a large part of what oral pathologists do is researching and learning more about oral diseases and their impact on the body as a whole.

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are regional specialists treating the mouth, jaws, face, and skull, as well as associated structures. Patients are referred to these types of dentists when more invasive treatments are required, such as complicated tooth extractions, surgical jaw corrections, or dental implants.

Periodontist

Periodontists are dentists focused on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of any issues to do with gums. This involves supporting those suffering from gum inflammation and pain or periodontal disease - more commonly known as gum disease.

8 Bad Habits That Can Damage Your Smile

Sometimes we engage in bad habits without realizing it. Take a look at some common bad habits that can damage your smile below.

1. Smoking not only has a detrimental impact to overall health, it is also particularly damaging to your teeth. Besides causing unsightly yellow staining, smoking can also encourage tooth decay, worsen gum disease, and cause an unpleasant smelling breath. Ideally, discontinuing smoking altogether should be the optimal goal, however, cutting down will also deliver a positive impact.

2. Grinding Your Teeth. When you grind your teeth, purposely or unconsciously during your sleep, you are eroding the precious enamel on your teeth’s surface. To prevent the clenching and grinding that occurs primarily at night, consult your dentist for a mouth guard. This will prevent your teeth from touching and will protect against enamel erosion, which leads to exposed dentin, causing excessive sensitivity to changes in temperature.

3. Chewing on Anything That Isn’t Food. Chewing on different items is often done without noticing, like chewing on pencils during exams or biting your nails when bored or anxious. Although these actions may initially seem harmless, they are actually quite damaging to the enamel of your teeth. Over time, your teeth will look worn and may become discolored, all while your enamel breaks down. Try to remain mindful of any chewing habits outside of foods to prevent unnecessary injuries to your teeth.

4. Brushing Your Teeth Too Hard. Brushing too hard may not only cause enamel erosion, it could also cause gum irritation, leading to a receding gum line. Talk to your dentist about proper brushing habits, including toothbrush type and massaging movements.

5. Sticky Chewy Candies. It almost goes without saying that sugary treats are well-known for causing extra dental visits throughout the year – a sweet tooth is a hurting tooth without proper oral hygiene. These sticky candies, especially, get stuck within the grooves of your teeth, making removal difficult. Without properly cleaned teeth, you are looking at the potential of wearing down your enamel and causing unsightly cavities, issues that can be prevented to protect your beautiful smile.

6. Thumb Sucking in Children. When working with children, this is one of the main risky factors that challenge the proper development of teeth. Thumb sucking will cause teeth to move around, creating an improper bite. The most common effect is the top front teeth protruding forward, creating a gap between the top and bottom row of teeth. This often leads to the requirement of braces to correct the bite; however, when the thumb sucking habit is addressed early on, further corrective dental work can be prevented.

7. Crushing Ice with Your Teeth. Chewing on ice can also damage your teeth by creating tiny fractures throughout. With these small cracks in your teeth, they weaken, making the possibility of a cracked or broken tooth much more possible. These detrimental effects are exacerbated for those who use braces and can create a vicious cycle of requiring corrective dental work that can be prevented with mindful chewing practices.

8. Using Your Teeth as A Tool . Although teeth are a helpful tool that allow us to chew through our food, they are not meant as a third hand to hold items in your mouth and especially not to test their strength with actions like opening bottles. When we use our teeth for actions they are not designed for, we expose them to the potential of damage, including chips and fractures.

   With some simple adjustments, you can prevent the need for costly corrective dental work and improve your smile (and confidence!).

Start the new year with a new smile.

Start 2020 with a resolution to improve your smile, and oral health in general. Everyone knows you should be brushing and flossing at least twice daily, but what other small, day to day changes can be made to improve your oral health? Here are 6 small, day to day adjustments that can make large improvements in your overall oral health in the upcoming new year:

1. Invest in an electric toothbrush- Electric toothbrushes have been shown to be more effective in plaque removal. Studies have also shown them to be more effective in the fight against gingivitis than manual toothbrushes. https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/electric-toothbrush-vs- manual#electric-pros. Also, as most electric toothbrushes are equipped with built-in timers, wondering if you have brushed for the recommended full two minutes is a thing of the past. An electric toothbrush can also be a fantastic solution to the problem of limited mobility.

2. Consistently see your dentist for a professional check-up every 6 months. - There is no substitute for a professional cleaning and an overall look at how your oral health is being maintained. Dental visits can detect potential problems early, reducing costs and further damage to the teeth, gum, and bone. In addition to being able to speak with your dentist about any oral health issues, regular visits to your dentist can also be key to early detection of cancers of the mouth and throat. https://www.dentalcare.com/en-us/patient-education/patient- materials/why-are-regular-dental-visits-important.

3. Opt for sugar-free alternatives when possible- Sugar is the natural enemy of tooth enamel. In order to help your teeth in the fight to stay healthy, go sugar free in your product choices whenever the opportunity presents itself. Some products with acceptable alternatives to sugar have the ADA (American Dental Association) seal of approval for easier identification of products deemed to be better for your teeth. https://www.ada.org/en/member-center/oral-health-topics/chewing-gum .

4. Avoid tobacco products- Avoid all tobacco products. Smokeless tobacco choices are not acceptable alternatives to smoking, especially where your oral health is concerned. Not only do tobacco products stain your teeth, they damage your oral health as a whole, and don’t do any favors for your breath. Tobacco products also age your teeth prematurely, dulling your naturally radiant smile to a yellowed version of itself.

5. Drink fluoridated water- Fluoridated water protects everyone, from 1 to 101, from cavities when you consume it. It also has been shown to prevent tooth decay. Fluoride is a naturally occurring trace element in groundwater and oceans. https://www.cdc.gov/fluoridation/index.html

6. What you consume for fuel is reflected in your overall oral health- Try to eat a whole food diet, including lots of lean protein, vegetables, fruits, and avoid most processed foods where you can. Also, try to increase your intake of the anti-periodontal vitamins, including calcium, phosphorus, zinc, iron, folate, and Vitamins A through Vitamin D. All of these are essential in maintaining strong, healthy teeth and discouraging the onset of diseases like periodontitis. Many micronutrients and macronutrients are important in your oral health, and being aware of their role in your diet can go a long way in protecting your smile. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5037517/

By making these minor, everyday adjustments, you can improve the health of your teeth and gums exponentially. A beautiful smile is the result of better everyday oral maintenance. Healthy teeth are an important part of a healthy smile, and what better reason for smiling than knowing your oral health is being given an overhaul in the new year?

Move Over Milk: 6 Calcium-Rich Alternatives for Strong Teeth and Bones

Calcium is an essential part of any diet. It plays a vital role in the development and subsequent maintenance of strong teeth and bones, among other things. Experts recommend that we consume 1,000 – 1,300 milligrams every day.

Dairy foods are commonly regarded as being the best source of calcium, but they aren’t the only ones. So, whether you’re making changes to your diet for health reasons, lifestyle choice or you are simply wanting to diversify what you eat, here is a list of calcium-rich milk alternatives to ensure this won’t impact the health of your teeth and bones.

Sardines

Sardines pack in more calcium than almost any other food out there due to the soft, edible bones. A single cup of these nutritious fish contains approximately half a person’s daily allowance of calcium – making these an excellent source. Alongside this, they are also rich in essential omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins B-12 and D, this makes them a fantastic addition to any diet.

Almonds

Almost as abundant in calcium as sardines, almonds are a useful alternative for vegans. 100 grams of these tasty nuts (about 75 almonds) provides a hefty quarter of the recommended amount. They also contain other useful minerals such as potassium, magnesium, which are crucial for bone and muscle health, and antioxidants, which protect against cell damage. As well as this, they are a good source of both fiber and healthy fat – a true superfood.

Green leafy vegetables

Possibly the most healthful calcium dense foods, green leafy vegetables such as bok choy, kale, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts should be a staple of every diet. While this varies depending on the type, a bunch of any of these will likely provide more than a third of the necessary daily intake. Other types of vegetables like spinach are also calcium-rich but should be approached with caution due to the presence of oxalates. These pesky acids bind to calcium and prevent it from being absorbed into the body.

Beans and Seeds

Certain types of beans, particularly winged beans (also known as Goa beans), white beans, and navy beans, can also offer up a healthy dose of the good stuff. Additionally, they tend to be rich in other nutrients such as iron, zinc, potassium, and magnesium. In that way, they are good all-rounders that can be used to boost the nutritional value of most types of dishes.

The nutritional powerhouses that are seeds can also be used to supplement a dairy-free diet. Poppy, sesame, celery, and chia seeds are particularly valuable additions that also offer up a good source of proteins and healthy fats such as omega-3 fatty acids. A single tablespoon of poppy seeds can contain as much as 126mg of calcium, approximately 13% of the recommended daily allowance.

Figs

Figs are another surprisingly calcium dense food. One cup can provide around a quarter of the daily allowance. Figs are also packed with fiber, which helps to keep you regular and antioxidants that protect you from free radicals. A word of caution, though, figs are also one of the sugariest fruits out there with about 8 grams of sugar to a medium-sized fig. So, enjoy in moderation.

Oranges

An often-overlooked source of calcium is oranges. This popular vitamin c boosting fruit can provide around 60mg of calcium from a single orange, getting you off to a good start with your recommended intake. Already renowned for its numerous health benefits including supporting the immune system and controlling blood sugar levels, it’s no wonder that oranges are highly touted as being one of the world’s healthiest foods.

Your Dentist Will Thank You For Following These 6 Thanksgiving Tooth Care Tips

Thanksgiving is a time where people allow themselves to indulge a little more than usual. While this may feel good at the time, it’s also important to be aware of the impact on your oral health.

It’s all about balance - there are ways you can enjoy yourself and take care of your teeth. Below are a few tips to bear in mind. If you follow these, your dentist will be happy, and a healthy mouth will be one more thing to be thankful for!

Eat your vegetables

Not only are vegetables a delicious Thanksgiving side, but they’re also likely to be the healthiest foods on the table! From a dental perspective, they are the best natural defense for your teeth. The amount of chewing they require leads to the production of saliva – this keeps your mouth clean and fights bacteria. On top of that, they are rich in fiber and key minerals, which keeps your teeth and gums strong.

Choose meals over snacks

With Thanksgiving, there is often a risk of dipping into foods at regular intervals. This all-day snacking habit can be harmful to your teeth as they are being regularly exposed to bacteria. This can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. It’s not good for your waistline either! Make a conscious effort to set a mealtime and stick to it. Around thirty minutes after you finish eating, be sure to brush your teeth – not only is this good dental practice, but you will find this stops you from further snacking.

Stay hydrated

This is good advice every day of the year, not just on Thanksgiving. However, it becomes especially relevant at this time, due to the large amount of food people are likely to consume. Drinking water after a big meal helps clean food out of your mouth and prevents bacteria from building up. While it may be tempting to have alcohol with your meal, or coffee after it, these can lead to staining, so try and stick to water.

It’s also a useful tool for people who don’t want to eat too much but think they’ll find it hard to resist. Having water during your meal prevents overeating, and also leads to a smoother digestion process. This will stop you from feeling bloated or constipated.

Go for cheese

Any cheese or dairy products are good for your teeth. You can tuck into dishes that contain cheese, or eat them as standalone blocks or slices. Either way, your teeth will be strengthened thanks to the presence of calcium. Cheese also helps balance the PH level of your mouth – leading to less harmful acid. However, be careful of melted cheese, as it can get stuck in between teeth and become difficult to clean.

Avoid starch

We all know that sugary foods, such as those found in Thanksgiving desserts, aren’t good for your mouth. But starchy foods can be just as dangerous, as they convert to sugar. This causes bacteria, which means your best bet is to stay away from starchy foods. Examples include mashed potatoes and chips.

Chew gum – but make it sugar-free!

Not everybody feels comfortable going to brush and floss their teeth immediately after a meal, especially if they are at someone else’s home. Therefore, it’s a good idea to carry sugar-free chewing gum with you. These can be used immediately after your meal, and help get rid of food particles stuck between your teeth and under the gum line. Much like vegetables, these also help with the production of saliva, which helps fight bacteria. However, make sure you opt for the sugar-free versions – anything which contains sugar will do you more harm than good.

These are some of the ways that you can ensure you have a fun yet healthy Thanksgiving. Along with these, you should continue to follow good oral hygiene – brushing and flossing twice a day – while also booking in regular visits to the dentist.

Trick Or Treat: Six Candy Alternatives (That Won't Scare Your Teeth)

Halloween is one of the most popular times of the year for people with a sweet tooth, but it can also be one of the unhealthiest from a dental perspective. The bags of candy that children (and adults) seek out often have many harmful effects. These include excessive sugar content or a sticky texture which means they get stuck in the teeth and become difficult to brush. There are also hard candy options that can cause breaks or chips.

There are, however, some alternatives which you can look at. These are healthier, yet still tasty, and could stop a bad report at the next dental visit!

Pretzels

Pretzels are a popular snack food all over the world and can make a tasty Halloween treat. They are made up of hand-held, baked bread that is shaped in a twisted knot. Unlike candy, pretzels don’t have added sugar and fats. Whole-wheat or unsalted pretzels are best, but you can still consider getting mildly chocolate covered ones, for those that can’t do without.

Generally, pretzels come in a hard and soft variety. Soft pretzels are larger and chewier in texture, which makes them easier on the teeth.

Apple bites

When it comes to eating things which are good for teeth, fruit is near the top of any list your dentist will give you. Eating apples can help keep them clean and fight bad breath. They contain fibers that scrub plaque away from your teeth, while the acidity can help kill off bad bacteria.

Apple bites can still have a Halloween twist – for example, you can cut them into quarters and then cut the middle out to create a mouth. You can then add things like strawberries and sunflower seeds to make up a scary-looking face – all while safe in the knowledge that your teeth won’t be harmed.

Pumpkin Seeds

It wouldn’t be Halloween without pumpkins, and pumpkin seeds are actually a good choice for your teeth. What’s more, the healthiest options are not the ones found in a packet at your supermarket, but the ones carved out from a pumpkin itself! These are lower in salt, and also have a host of benefits for your oral health. The magnesium in them helps create a hard tooth enamel which prevents decay, the iron keeps your tongue healthy, and Vitamin A promotes healing – helpful for both teeth and gums.

Cheese

This is a versatile snack that can be used in multiple ways, from standalone blocks of cheese, to creative appetizers and fillings. The benefits to your teeth include the high levels of phosphate and calcium. These naturally strengthen teeth and bones, as well as balancing the PH level of your mouth. This leads to less harmful acid. However, a word of warning – melted cheese, as nice as it may taste, can get stuck in between teeth. This makes it harder to reach when cleaning.

Peanut butter cups

A peanut butter cup is a molded chocolate candy with a peanut butter filling inside. Dark chocolate is the best option as it contains the least sugar. Many brands also have a fair amount of protein in their peanut butter cups, so there is an additional health benefit as well.

Nuts

Nuts are a natural source of calcium and Vitamin D, which are key to strengthening bones and teeth. There are a variety of types and many of them are good for your teeth. Cashew nuts are especially good at stimulating saliva and cleaning teeth, while walnuts probably have the most nutrients, containing fiber, folic acid and iron.

These are a handful of the alternatives available to you, ensuring you have a fun yet healthy Halloween. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with treating yourself to the occasional sugary snack, but it should be done in moderation, and always followed up with good oral hygiene – regular brushing, flossing and visits to the dentist. We are here to answer any questions and would enjoy being your dental home.

Finding your Smile - Dental Anxiety

Northshore, Chattanooga - Street Art

About a year ago my daughter hit the age where Disney became a part of her vocabulary. As a secret lover of all things animated I was excited for my daughter to experience the joy these movies had brought me over the years. As any overly eager parent does, I turned that next Friday into an event which included takeout, popcorn and the disney classic, “The Little Mermaid”. We made it approximately 10 seconds into the feature film before my daughter burst into tears and expressed her fear of both the castle and fireworks on the Disney logo.  Peppa the Pig it was that night.

My daughter has since overcome her fear of the castle and cannot get enough of Disney movies. At the same time this episode helped highlight how experiences viewed as mundane by one individual can be completely debilitating to another. I see it every day in the patients I treat. Some find their visits as routine as taking a shower while others are overcome with fear. For the latter we want to be my daughter's version of “Peppa the Pig”. A non-intimidating experience that brings joy, usually in the form of a healthy mouth rather than an animated film. Though our staff has been known to tell some entertaining stories.  

For those with moderate to severe dental anxiety we utilize a number of tools to assist in making your visit a positive one. Anything for basic, yet extremely effective, tools such as weighted blankets to more advanced sedation techniques involving nitrous oxide. Call or schedule an appointment today to get the mouth you always dreamed of having.