Dangers of Dental Plaque

Plaque develops when foods containing carbohydrates (sugars and starches), are frequently left on the teeth. Bacteria that live in the mouth thrive on these foods, producing acids as a result. Over a period of time, these acids destroy tooth enamel, resulting in tooth decay. This is why it’s important to schedule regular dental checkups twice a year with Dr. Christopher Emuedue at Greenville Family Dentistry, to keep your teeth and gums healthy.

When left untreated, plaque buildup leads to gum disease. The first sign of gum disease is gingivitis and you’ll know you have it when you spot blood in the sink after brushing your teeth. Gum disease has been linked to conditions such as diabetes, dementia, as well as cardiovascular disease. We want you to stay as healthy as possible, so to keep plaque under control, brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and floss daily. In addition, use an antimicrobial mouthwash to reduce the amount of bacteria in your mouth.

If you are due for a dental checkup, please give us a call. For more information about oral health as well as the services we provide at the practice, visit www.greenvillefamilydentistrytx.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Christopher Emuedue at Greenville Family Dentistry in Greenville, TX, call 903-455-6701.

Vitamin D Can Protect Your Teeth

At Greenville Family Dentistry, we want you to hang on to your permanent teeth for a lifetime and if you’ve been supplementing your diet with foods that contain Vitamin D, then you’re more likely to do just that. You are more likely to get your source of vitamin D from drinking milk and exposing yourself to the sun, but how does the vitamin itself protect your teeth?

Studies have shown that vitamin D decreases bone loss and improves tooth retention and that dental cavities or decay can actually increase if vitamin D levels drop. There are three vitamin D super foods: salmon, mackerel, and mushrooms. Other food sources of vitamin D include cod liver oil, tuna canned in water and sardines. For those who don’t like fish, you can get your vitamin D supplement from milk, yogurt, beef, egg yolks and cheese.

For more information about oral health as well as the services we provide at the office, visit www.greenvillefamilydentistrytx.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Christopher Emuedue at Greenville Family Dentistry in Greenville, TX, call 903-455-6701.

Causes and Treatment for Sensitive Teeth

 

The good news is that sensitive teeth can be prevented by scheduling regular dental checkups at Greenville Family Dentistry, the bad news is that your teeth are likely unhealthy if they are already sensitive. You get sensitive teeth when your gums pull back and expose the surface beneath, called the dentin. This can happen if you brush too hard, develop gingivitis, grind your teeth or use tooth whitening products. 

In healthy teeth, a layer of enamel protects the crowns of your teeth – the part above the gum line. Under the gum line a layer called cementum protects the tooth root. Under both of these layers is the dentin which is less dense than enamel and cementum and contains microscopic tubules. When dentin loses its protective covering, these tubules allow heat and cold or acidic and sticky foods to reach the nerves inside the tooth, resulting in hypersensitivity. The type of treatment will depend on what is causing the sensitivity, but practicing a good oral hygiene routine and brushing with a desensitizing American Dental Association (ADA) approved toothpaste should help reduce pain in the nerve. 

If you are experiencing tooth sensitivity, give us a call. For more information about oral health as well as the services we provide at the office, visit www.greenvillefamilydentistrytx.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Christopher Emuedue at Greenville Family Dentistry in Greenville, TX, call 903-455-6701.

The good news is that sensitive teeth can be prevented by scheduling regular dental checkups at Greenville Family Dentistry, the bad news is that your teeth are likely unhealthy if they are already sensitive. You get sensitive teeth when your gums pull back and expose the surface beneath, called the dentin. This can happen if you brush too hard, develop gingivitis, grind your teeth or use tooth whitening products.

In healthy teeth, a layer of enamel protects the crowns of your teeth – the part above the gum line. Under the gum line, a layer called cementum protects the tooth root. Under both of these layers is the dentin which is less dense than enamel and cementum and contains microscopic tubules. When dentin loses its protective covering, these tubules allow heat and cold or acidic and sticky foods to reach the nerves inside the tooth, resulting in hypersensitivity. The type of treatment will depend on what is causing the sensitivity, but practicing a good oral hygiene routine and brushing with a desensitizing American Dental Association (ADA) approved toothpaste should help reduce pain in the nerve.

 

If you are experiencing tooth sensitivity, give us a call. For more information about oral health as well as the services we provide at the office, visit www.greenvillefamilydentistrytx.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Christopher Emuedue at Greenville Family Dentistry in Greenville, TX, call 903-455-6701.

 

What is a Tooth Abscess?

At Greenville Family Dentistry, if you don’t schedule regular dental checkups or follow a proper oral hygiene routine, you risk developing a tooth abscess. An abscessed tooth is an infection within a tooth that has spread to the root tip or around the root. This infection originates from the tooth’s inner pulp chamber. Prior to the formation of an abscess, the tooth has essentially lost its ability to fight off infection, and bacteria are able to invade the pulp and multiply. As a result, the abscess appears as a collection of pus that is made up of dead white blood cells, tissue debris, and bacteria.

There are many causes for a tooth abscess. A very common cause is when a dental cavity becomes so large and deep that if it reaches the pulp chamber where an inflammatory process develops in the tooth. The initial symptoms begin with localized swelling and pain that gets progressively worse over time. A tender and sore mass (abscess) may then be felt with a finger and your gums may bleed.

If you experience swelling and pain in your gums or teeth, give us a call. For more information about oral health as well as the services we provide at the office, visit www.greenvillefamilydentistrytx.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Christopher Emuedue at Greenville Family Dentistry in Greenville, TX, call 903-455-6701.

The Proper Flossing Technique

Every time you visit Greenville Family Dentistry for a checkup, there’s one question we will ask you, “Have you been flossing regularly?” The answer might be yes, or no, but what many of these “non-flossers” don’t realize is that this step plays an important role in dental health. Flossing does more than pick the food out of your teeth and keeping your smile clean and healthy. It prevents against gum disease and tooth decay. If you want to keep your permanent teeth for a lifetime, utilize this proper flossing technique the next time you carry out your oral hygiene routine.

• Break off about 18 inches of floss and wind most of it around one of your middle fingers. Wind the remaining floss around the same finger of the opposite hand. This finger will take up the floss as it becomes dirty.


• Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers.


• Guide the floss between your teeth using a gentle rubbing motion. Never snap the floss into the gums.


• When the floss reaches the gum line, curve it into a “C” shape against one tooth. Gently slide it into the space between the gum and the tooth.


• Hold the floss tightly against the tooth. Gently rub the side of the tooth, moving the floss away from the gum with up-and-down motions. Repeat this method on the rest of your teeth and don’t forget the back ones!

If you have further questions about flossing or oral hygiene, give us a call. For more information about oral health as well as the services we provide at the office, visit www.greenvillefamilydentistrytx.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Christopher Emuedue at Greenville Family Dentistry in Greenville, TX, call 903-455-6701.

Pregnancy Gingivitis

Swollen gums, which may be sore and more susceptible to bleeding, are common during pregnancy. This is due to the hormone changes – particularly an increase in estrogen and progesterone – which can exaggerate the way in which gum tissues react to plaque. At Greenville Family Dentistry, we can provide expectant mothers with routine exams and cleanings during pregnancy, however, non-emergency procedures should only be performed during the second trimester.

When plaque isn’t removed, it can cause gingivitis. So-called “pregnancy gingivitis” affects most pregnant women to some degree and generally begins to surface during the second month of pregnancy. It is very important for expecting mothers to take treatment steps quickly if they have gum disease because they have a six times greater risk of having preterm and low-birth weight babies. Since the bacteria that cause gingivitis can enter the bloodstream, the bacteria can travel all the way down to the uterus.

If you are pregnant, please notify us when making your next appointment. For more information about dental hygiene or how to schedule an appointment with Greenville Family Dentistry of Greenville, TX, call us at 903-455-6701 or visit our website, www.greenvillefamilydentistrytx.com. 

What is a Cavity?

 

We all know that when we hear the word “cavity” that it isn’t necessarily a good thing, but what is it? Dental cavities, also referred to as caries, are holes in the teeth caused by the destruction of your tooth enamel. Two main factors contribute to cavities – bacteria in the mouth and a diet high in sugar. Here at Greenville Family Dentistry have a variety of options to fill cavities when they arise, however, we’d prefer that they didn’t. Here is how you can prevent your teeth from decay.

The most important thing you can do for cavity prevention is schedule checkups with your dentist regularly. Getting professional teeth cleanings and regular oral exams can spot them early and help prevent problems. You should also avoid foods and beverages that are high in sugar. If you don’t you should at least brush soon after eating them. Good oral and dental hygiene can help you avoid cavities. Brush your teeth at least twice a day and ideally after every meal, using fluoride containing toothpaste. To clean between your teeth, floss or use an interdental cleaner to reach where your toothbrush can’t. 

For more information about dental hygiene or how to schedule an appointment with Greenville Family Dentistry of Greenville, TX, call us at 903-455-6701 or visit our website, www.greenvillefamilydentistrytx.com. 

We all know that when we hear the word “cavity” that it isn’t necessarily a good thing, but what is it? Dental cavities, also referred to as caries, are holes in the teeth caused by the destruction of your tooth enamel. Two main factors contribute to cavities – bacteria in the mouth and a diet high in sugar. Here at Greenville Family Dentistry have a variety of options to fill cavities when they arise, however, we’d prefer that they didn’t. Here is how you can prevent your teeth from decay.

The most important thing you can do for cavity prevention is schedule checkups with your dentist regularly. Getting professional teeth cleanings and regular oral exams can spot them early and help prevent problems. You should also avoid foods and beverages that are high in sugar. If you don’t you should at least brush soon after eating them. Good oral and dental hygiene can help you avoid cavities. Brush your teeth at least twice a day and ideally after every meal, using fluoride containing toothpaste. To clean between your teeth, floss or use an interdental cleaner to reach where your toothbrush can’t.

For more information about dental hygiene or how to schedule an appointment with Greenville Family Dentistry of Greenville, TX, call us at 903-455-6701 or visit our website, www.greenvillefamilydentistrytx.com.