The Optimal Oral Health Routine | Dentist 98406 If it has been more than 6 months since your last dental visit, it may not be possible to regain optimal oral health care without the assistance of professional care. While creating your oral health plan, make sure to start by scheduling an examination and professional thorough cleaning with our team. Once you’ve received professional care, it’s imperative to adopt an at-home care plan to maintain your oral health between appointments. How often should you receive professional care? Your professional oral health care plan will vary based on your individual needs. For patients with mild to severe periodontal disease, a program involving 4 visits per year may be necessary to keep the disease from progressing. For others with a smile less susceptible to periodontal disease and tooth decay, 2 visits per year may suffice. Regardless of your individual needs, once set, do your best to keep to your regular schedule. This will prevent harmful bacteria from causing damage to your beautiful smile and affecting your overall health. Home Care Many don’t realize the regular dental appointments alone do not ensure optimal oral health. In fact, according to the research conducted by the American Dental Association, brushing should occur twice per day for 2 full minutes with a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Interdental cleaning should occur daily and can be done with floss or alternative methods, such as with the use of a Waterpik. Decay can occur in a few months or less of oral hygiene neglect. Decay can also occur due to an acidic oral environment, underlying health conditions or as a result of a poor dietary habit. Oral Health and Overall Health Your oral health is directly related to your overall health. The bacteria and infection found in your mouth can travel through your bloodstream to important organs. It’s imperative to care for your smile, just as you would your heart, lungs or brain. Whether it has been only a few months or several years since you’ve last received professional oral health care, we welcome you at our practice. You’ll receive compassionate care, free of judgement. It’s our goal to help you achieve a smile that you’re happy to display. Barrett Family Dental of Tacoma Phone: (253) 572-6670 Url: https://tacomawa.dental/ 2520 N. Alder Street Tacoma, WA 98406
What is a Cosmetic Dentist? | 98406 Dentist Despite popular belief, there is no official dental specialty for cosmetic dentistry. There are, however, countless courses, training programs and advanced training which can allow a general dentist to master the art of dentistry. When considering cosmetic dentistry, start with a consultation. What to Expect During Your Cosmetic Consultation Just as you wouldn’t paint a house that has yet to be built, you wouldn’t want to address the aesthetics of your smile, prior to ensuring the foundation is healthy and functional. For this reason, you may learn that you have a need for restorative or orthodontic care before receiving the cosmetic plan. This can be disappointing for some patients, however, most agree that having a strong and healthy smile is even more important than its appearance. During your cosmetic consultation, you’ll have the opportunity to explain to our team how you’d like your smile to appear. With modern technology and procedures, our team can address and solve a variety of concerns, including: Diastema (gaps between teeth) Whitening a dull smile Repairing chipped or cracked teeth Building up worn teeth Reshaping Crown lengthening (to correct a “gummy” smile) Misaligned or crooked teeth The services recommended during your consultation may include one or more of the following: Porcelain veneers Teeth whitening Inlays and onlays Dental Implants Dentures Tooth-colored fillings Orthodontics During your appointment, you’ll not only express what you envision for your smile, but our team will provide you with a detailed plan for how to achieve your goals. From there, you’ll be able to plan the appointments, financing and more. Often a few small changes can drastically improve the appearance of a smile. It’s very possible that in 1-2 short visits, you can be smiling with confidence. If you’ve considered cosmetic dentistry, but aren’t sure where to start, contact us. Our team of professionals will provide you with an individual plan. Barrett Family Dental of Tacoma Phone: (253) 572-6670 Url: https://tacomawa.dental/ 2520 N. Alder Street Tacoma, WA 98406
Gum Disease and Heart Disease: The Overlooked Link and How to Reduce Your Risk | Dentist in 98406 Heart disease is a major health concern in the United States, and there are many risk factors that can contribute to its development. One risk factor that is often overlooked is gum disease. In this blog, we will explore the relationship between heart health and gum disease, and what steps can be taken to maintain good oral health and reduce the risk of heart disease. The Link Between Gum Disease and Heart Disease Research has shown that there is a link between gum disease and heart disease. The bacteria that cause gum disease can enter the bloodstream and travel to other parts of the body, including the heart. Once there, the bacteria can cause inflammation, which can contribute to the development of heart disease. Gum Disease and Arterial Plaque Buildup Gum disease can also contribute to the buildup of plaque in the arteries, a condition known as atherosclerosis. Plaque buildup in the arteries can lead to restricted blood flow, which can cause a heart attack or stroke. Additionally, the inflammation caused by gum disease can contribute to the formation of blood clots, which can also lead to a heart attack or stroke. Prevention of Gum Disease Preventing gum disease is an important step in reducing the risk of heart disease. Good oral hygiene habits, such as brushing twice a day and flossing daily, can help remove plaque and bacteria from the teeth and gums. Regular dental checkups and cleanings can also help identify and treat gum disease in its early stages. Treatment of Gum Disease If gum disease is already present, it is important to seek treatment as soon as possible. Treatment for gum disease may include deep cleaning procedures, such as scaling and root planing, or even surgery in severe cases. Antibiotics may also be prescribed to help eliminate bacteria and reduce inflammation. Other Steps to Maintain Heart Health Maintaining good oral health is just one step in reducing the risk of heart disease. Other steps that can be taken include maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, managing stress, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. In conclusion, gum disease and heart disease are linked, and taking care of your oral health is an important step in maintaining overall heart health. By practicing good oral hygiene habits, seeking treatment for gum disease if necessary, and taking other steps to maintain heart health, such as a healthy diet and regular exercise, you can reduce your risk of heart disease and improve your overall health and well-being. For more information, please contact our dental office to schedule an appointment. Barrett Family Dental of Tacoma Phone: (253) 572-6670 Url: https://tacomawa.dental/ 2520 N. Alder Street Tacoma, WA 98406
Healthy Smile, Healthy Body | Dentist in 98406 Good oral hygiene habits are essential to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. What you might not know is that research has found the health of your mouth actually mirrors the overall condition of your body. According to the Academy of General Dentistry, there is a direct relationship between gum disease and many serious health conditions, including heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. The good news is, research also shows that good oral health may actually help prevent certain diseases from occurring. Understanding the mouth/body connection Poor oral habits can cause bacteria to build up on your teeth, making your gums more prone to disease and infection. When that happens, your immune system goes to work attacking the infection, leading to inflammation and gum disease, also known as periodontitis. Left untreated, periodontitis and chronic inflammation can wreak havoc on the rest of your body, leading to a host of health problems. Thankfully, this “worst-case-scenario” is easily preventable. Here’s what you can do to elevate your oral hygiene habits and keep unwanted health concerns at bay: Brush twice a day for at least two minutes using a soft-bristled brush. Be sure to choose a toothbrush that is the right size for your mouth so you can reach back teeth easily. If you have any questions about which toothbrush we recommend for you, you can ask our office during your appointment. Remember to replace your toothbrush every three or four months. Choose an American Dental Association-approved fluoride toothpaste to keep teeth free from decay. Floss daily to remove tooth decay-causing bacteria that tend to linger between teeth. Regular flossing also helps remove plaque under the gumline and minimize your risk of contracting gum disease. Eat a healthy diet that limits sugary beverages and snacks. Avoid cigarettes and other tobacco products, which are known to contribute to gum disease and oral cancer. In addition to maintaining good daily oral health habits, seeing your dentist regularly is one of the best ways to keep your mouth – and your body – healthy. These exams allow our team to monitor any changes to your teeth and gums and make recommendations that will help you avoid future health problems. Call our office today to schedule an exam. Barrett Family Dental of Tacoma Phone: (253) 572-6670 Url: https://tacomawa.dental/ 2520 N. Alder Street Tacoma, WA 98406
Easy Flossing Alternatives to Preserve Your Healthy Smile | Tacoma Dentist If there is one recommended dental habit that many people struggle to embrace, it’s flossing. Whether you find traditional thread flossing challenging to maneuver, messy, or just time consuming, you are not alone. However, The American Dental Association (ADA) and our office want you to be able to floss regularly and thoroughly. Consider these effective alternatives to remove unwanted plaque from the places your toothbrush simply can’t reach. 1.) Disposable Floss Pick These convenient little tools have plastic handles and Y-shaped prongs that come pre-threaded with floss. No measuring, snipping or finger threading required. Ideal for travel and on-the-go use, simply grab the handle, insert the floss between your teeth, and when done, toss the tool away. 2.) Non-Disposable Floss Picks Fashioned with a longer handle than their disposable counterparts, these picks may be an excellent option for patients with small mouths and/or crowded teeth. They also help to make reaching back teeth a breeze. 3.) Water Flossers Electronic flossers use streams of pressurized water to clean between your teeth. There are many different models to accommodate price preferences, and most offer adjustable pressure settings to ensure your comfort during use. 4.) Interdental Brushes Designed to look like tiny toothbrushes, interdental brushes are especially effective for those who wear braces. They are also a nice option for patients with mobility issues who struggle with traditional flossing. Another plus? Like toothbrushes they can be used repeatedly – simply ask our office when we recommend replacement. 5.) Air Flossers These high-tech tools use air pressure combined with a small amount of water to keep teeth and gums clean and healthy. Considered to be less messy than their water-based cousins, air flossers offer easy point and click instructions – just aim the flosser between your teeth and a blast of air does the rest.Keeping the spaces between your teeth and gums free from plaque and tartar is essential to your oral health. Finding tools and techniques that work for you is the first step towards establishing lifelong habits that lead to a lasting, healthy smile. Consider any of these flossing alternatives or call our office for a recommendation. Our team will be happy to evaluate your unique needs to help you find the solution that is right for you. Barrett Family Dental of Tacoma Phone: (253) 572-6670 Url: https://tacomawa.dental/ 2520 N. Alder Street Tacoma, WA 98406
Facts You May Not Have Known About Oral Cancer | Dentist in Tacoma WA According to The American Academy for Oral Systemic Health, oral cancer claims one American life every hour of every day. Unfortunately, most cases go undetected until it is too late, making the need for regular examinations of even greater importance. Those who are proactive and seek treatment early have the best chance of beating the disease and living a long, healthy life. Below are some facts you may not have known about oral cancer, including warning signs, trends, and more. 1.) Oral Cancer Affects More Men Than Women No matter your gender, you should be aware of the very real dangers of oral cancer. While studies conducted by the Oral Cancer Foundation have shown that oral cancer is one the rise among women too, a 2:1 incidence ratio between men and women still remains. This correlation may be due to the fact that, statistically speaking, men smoke and drink more than women. Regardless of your own habits, remain aware of the signs and symptoms and ask your doctor to perform a regular oral exam if they do not already. 2.) Each Year, 450,000 New Cases Are Discovered As such, it is likely that oral cancer has affected someone in your life. Whether you know someone who has had, or is currently dealing with their own struggle against oral cancer, you should know that they are not alone. 3.) Alcohol and Tobacco Increase Your Risk Among the many risk factors, your lifestyle choices can have a huge impact on the likelihood of you developing this cancer. It is estimated by the Cancer Treatment Centers of America that roughly 80% of people with oral cancer are heavy smokers, while 70% are heavy drinkers. Add this unfortunate statistic to the list of reasons why you should leave the cigarettes behind. 4.) When Detected Early Enough, Oral Cancer has a Cure Rate of 90% According to many experts, part of the reason why oral cancer can be so destructive is because it often goes undetected for long periods of time. Don’t overlook or ignore any suspicious new developments in your mouth and call your doctor or oral surgeon as soon as you notice anything amiss.The best way to overcome oral cancer is to stay informed and catch it early. As something that is important to all dental professionals, we hope you will take this disease just as seriously as we do. We look forward to helping you stay healthy and protecting your oral health throughout your life. If you have any questions call or contact our office today and we will assist you however we can. Barrett Family Dental of Tacoma Phone: (253) 572-6670 Url: https://tacomawa.dental/ 2520 N. Alder Street Tacoma, WA 98406
Craze Lines: Not as Crazy as You May Have Thought | Tacoma W Dentist If you’ve ever looked in the mirror and seen what appeared to be small cracks on the outside of your teeth, congratulations. You may have craze lines. First, it’s important to know that these lines are relatively harmless in most cases. Craze lines appear as a natural response to years of normal tooth function. Throughout your life, teeth can take a lot of pressure from normal chewing. If you suffer from bruxism (teeth grinding), or regularly use your teeth as a tool to cut things, these effects may be more severe. Craze lines can appear on the front or back of your teeth and are common in adult teeth. Usually, they don’t require treatment and are considered by many dental professionals to be simple cosmetic concerns. For instance, if you drink certain beverages or use tobacco, these lines can become stained. If you have concerns, your doctor can check on your craze lines to see if they are exasperbating any tooth injuries, or seemed to be caused by frequent grinding. The majority of cases have no negative effects. Some studies have explored the possibility that craze lines may increase sensitivity after bleaching treatments, but the results were inconclusive. If you don’t already have craze lines and want to limit your chances of getting them, it’s important to keep up with your regularly scheduled visits to a dental professional. While they may be unavoidable for some patients, it’s always a good idea to practice the best possible oral health care. We are experts in keeping your smile as healthy as possible for as long as you live. If you have any questions about your dental health, please do not hesitate to contact Barrett Family Dental of Tacoma. We look forward to hearing from you. Barrett Family Dental of Tacoma Phone: (253) 572-6670 Url: https://tacomawa.dental/ 2520 N. Alder Street Tacoma, WA 98406
What to Do in Case of Dental Emergency | Tacoma WA Dentist Accidents always happen. Be sure to know what to do when one arises – it can be the difference of saving a tooth or losing one. A dental emergency is an injury to your teeth or gums that can be potentially serious. Ignoring one can increase the risk of permanent damage. For all dental emergencies, it is important to contact our office as soon as the injury occurs. Provide detailed information about the injury to your mouth. We will be able to give you instructions on how to care for your mouth in the time before coming to our office. In some instances, we may recommend emergency care. Here are some common dental injuries and how to care for them. Knocked-out tooth Rinse the tooth with water if it’s dirty and try not to remove any attached tissue fragments. Keep the tooth moist at all times by carefully putting the tooth back in place without forcing it back into the socket. If this is not possible, place the tooth in a small container of milk or in a cup of water that contains a pinch of salt. Contact our dental office as quickly as possible. Chipped or cracked tooth Save any pieces if possible. Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the injured area as well as remove any small tooth fragments. Apply cold compresses to your mouth to keep down the swelling and relieve pain. Objects caught between teeth Carefully try to remove the object using floss. If you cannot get the object out, see your dentist. It is important to never use a pin or sharp instrument to remove the object since you may cause injury to your gums or the surfaces of your teeth. Soft-tissue injuries Injuries to your tongue, cheeks, gums and lips can result in bleeding. To control the bleeding, rinse your mouth with mild salt water. Apply a moistened piece of gauze or tea bag to the bleeding site for about 15 minutes. You may also use a cold compress to relieve pain. If the bleeding doesn’t stop, contact our Tacoma WA dentist. You can also take simple precautions to avoid dental emergencies: When participating in sports, always wear a mouth guard Avoid chewing ice, popcorn kernels and hard candy Never use your teeth to cut things – use scissors If you encounter a dental emergency, always contact Barrett Family Dental of Tacoma as soon as possible. We can provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to care for your mouth or may ask you to come into the office. If you have any additional dental emergency questions, be sure to contact us. Barrett Family Dental of Tacoma Phone: (253) 572-6670 Url: https://tacomawa.dental/ 2520 N. Alder Street Tacoma, WA 98406
Top 5 Best and Worst Foods for Your Teeth | TAcoma WA Dentist When it comes to your oral health, what you should eat is just as important as what you shouldn’t. By limiting certain types of foods and focusing on others, you can set yourself up for a lifetime with a healthy smile. Here is a list of foods you should strive to eat, and others to consume with moderation. Best Foods for Your Teeth Cheese and other dairy products. Dairy is high in calcium and protein, which strengthen tooth enamel. Cheese, milk, yogurt, and other dairy products are all great sources. High-fiber foods. Fiber keeps saliva flowing, which helps to get rid of bacteria and fight decay. Leafy greens, beans, and many fresh fruits contain high amounts of fiber. Water. Water should be your main drink of choice. It helps rinse food particles or sugars away and keeps saliva levels high. Sugar-free gum. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), sugar-free gum can protect your teeth by increasing saliva flow. Chewing a stick after a meal can also help clean any food particles that remain. Lean protein. Foods like eggs, fish, chicken, and various red meats contain phosphorus, which is necessary for your body to fully absorb calcium. Worst Foods for Your Teeth Acidic foods. The acids found in citrus fruits, wine, and candy can wear down the calcium buildup in your teeth and create opportunities for tooth erosion. Sodas. Soft drinks contain high levels of sugar and acidity which are both equally destructive to your teeth. Sports drinks. While sports drinks may help you rehydrate during physical activity, they also contain a lot of sugar. We recommend limiting sports drink consumption and switching to water. Alcohol. Alcohol is known to dry out your mouth, which prevents saliva from doing its job. Alcohol can also stain your teeth. Sticky or sugary candies. Sugar is one of the main causes of tooth decay and is commonly found in candy. Limit how much candy you eat and drink water afterwards to wash away any remaining sugars. By watching what you eat or drink, you can protect your oral health. Minimize your consumption of problematic foods and aim for those that will benefit your teeth. In addition, regular cleanings and exams will help keep your smile bright and healthy. Contact Barrett Family Dental of Tacoma today to schedule your next appointment. Barrett Family Dental of Tacoma Phone: (253) 572-6670 Url: https://tacomawa.dental/ 2520 N. Alder Street Tacoma, WA 98406
How to Maintain Your Oral Health While on Vacation | Tacoma WA Dentist Keeping up with your dental hygiene and oral health can be easy during your work-week, but being on vacation can complicate things. Follow our advice to ensure your smile stays bright while you enjoy your vacation. Plan Ahead Make sure you pack everything you will need, such as a toothbrush, floss, and travel-sized mouthwash. Your toothbrush should have a cover or a separate bag, so that it can dry and avoid contamination between uses. Buying supplies while on vacation can be a hassle, so hit the store before you skip town. If you are in need of dental care such as a root canal or a filling, it is better to have treatment done ahead of time to avoid any emergency care away from home. Set a Routine At home, routines for oral hygiene are easy to follow. On vacation, however, your time management might be hectic or sporadic. Set a routine to ensure you brush twice a day and floss at least once, and stick to it as best you can. Watch your Diet Enjoying delicious cuisine while on vacation can be a fantastic experience – just make sure to do so in moderation. Avoid too many sugary or acidic drinks and foods, which can cause damage to the enamel of your teeth. Cocktails are a great example of this. In addition, bring healthy snacks along with you. These can save money while on-the-go, and are easy on your teeth. Try to bring a water bottle or canteen to rinse your mouth when possible, which helps prevent decay and plaque growth. You can maintain your oral health on vacation without any stress if you plan for it. Bring the right tools, set a routine, watch what you eat, and your optimal oral health will remain. If you need treatment or a cleaning prior to your trip, contact Barrett Family Dental of Tacoma. Barrett Family Dental of Tacoma Phone: (253) 572-6670 Url: https://tacomawa.dental/ 2520 N. Alder Street Tacoma, WA 98406
