Fluoride Treatment: Enhancing Dental Health for a Brighter Smile

Maintaining good oral health is crucial for overall well-being, and regular visits to the dentist play a pivotal role in achieving this goal. One of the essential preventive measures recommended by dental professionals is fluoride treatment. This simple yet effective procedure can greatly contribute to stronger teeth and healthier smiles. If you're in the Edina area, finding a reliable dentist near you can provide access to top-notch fluoride treatments and comprehensive oral care.

Fluoride, a natural mineral found in varying concentrations in water sources, soil, and certain foods, has been hailed as a dental superhero due to its remarkable ability to prevent tooth decay. The enamel, which is the protective outer layer of our teeth, can sometimes be weakened by acid-producing bacteria and dietary sugars. Fluoride treatment acts as a shield, strengthening the enamel and making it more resistant to acid attacks, which are the primary culprits behind cavities.

For individuals residing in or around Edina, finding a reputable dentist nearby is a crucial step in maintaining optimal oral health. Regular dental check-ups not only help in early detection of dental issues but also offer access to preventive treatments such as fluoride application. Searching for phrases like "dentist near me" or "dentist Edina" can yield a list of local dental professionals who offer fluoride treatments as part of their comprehensive services.

Fluoride treatment is a straightforward procedure that can be performed during a routine dental visit. The treatment involves applying a fluoride-rich varnish, gel, foam, or rinse directly onto the teeth. The fluoride is absorbed into the enamel, fortifying it and creating a protective barrier against acid erosion. The application is quick and painless, making it suitable for individuals of all ages, including children and adults.

Children, in particular, can benefit significantly from fluoride treatments. Their developing teeth are more susceptible to decay, and fluoride helps to strengthen their enamel as it forms. Pediatric dentist in Edina often recommend fluoride treatments as a preventive measure to ensure a healthy oral foundation for children. Parents searching for "dentist near me" are likely to discover a range of dental practices offering specialized care for young patients, including fluoride treatments.

In addition to its cavity-fighting properties, fluoride has been found to reverse early tooth decay. This process, known as remineralization, involves the replenishment of essential minerals such as calcium and phosphate in the enamel. Fluoride aids in this process by attracting these minerals and helping to repair the weakened areas of the teeth. This means that fluoride treatments not only prevent cavities but can also reverse the early stages of decay, potentially sparing patients from more invasive dental procedures.

While fluoride is highly beneficial, it's important to strike a balance. Excessive fluoride consumption, known as fluorosis, can lead to tooth discoloration and other cosmetic issues. This is why professional guidance from a dentist is essential. Dentist in Edina, readily accessible to those searching for "dentist Edina," can provide expert advice on the appropriate fluoride treatment regimen based on individual needs and oral health conditions.

For individuals who are more prone to cavities or have specific dental concerns, dentist may recommend more frequent fluoride treatments. Patients with dry mouth, a condition that reduces saliva flow and increases the risk of cavities, can particularly benefit from regular fluoride applications. Dental professionals in the Edina area can tailor treatment plans to address these specific concerns, ensuring that patients receive the best possible care.

In conclusion, fluoride treatment stands as a powerful tool in the realm of preventive dentistry. Its ability to strengthen enamel, prevent cavities, and even reverse early tooth decay makes it a valuable asset for maintaining oral health. If you're in the Edina area, embarking on a search for a "dentist near me" or "dentist Edina" can lead you to skilled professionals who offer fluoride treatments as part of their comprehensive dental services. For incorporating fluoride treatments into your oral care routine, you can Contact us & taking a proactive step towards a brighter, healthier smile that lasts a lifetime.

The Stages of Periodontal Disease

When was the last time that you visited a dentist near you for teeth cleaning? Was it over a year ago? If you are feeling guilty right now, it is time to schedule that appointment!

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends a biannual visit to the dentist. It is essential to keep up with your checkups because, this way, our dentist in Edina may detect early signs of oral disease.

What is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease is the infection of the tissues that support your dentition. In its worst stages, your teeth may fall out due to the lack of support. 

Sadly, periodontal disease in Edina is increasing, which is why we want to explain it in detail. 

You may divide it into three stages:

1.Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the first stage of the disease. It occurs when your gums are inflamed. 

Why do they inflame? Because of dental plaque accumulation. Dental plaque is a sticky film that contains bacteria, food debris, and saliva. If it is present, the gingiva irritates, and you may bleed when brushing or flossing your teeth.

If you have experienced this bleeding, you must visit a dentist for teeth cleaning. A dental professional will remove plaque and tartar (hardened plaque) buildup with a scaler. At home, you must brush your dentition and floss daily to heal.

Gingivitis is reversible, so if you notice gum irritation, you don't need treatment for periodontal disease near you, but taking good care of your teeth at home.

2.Periodontitis

Now, if Gingivitis advances, your dentist will detect a pocket between your gums and the roots of your teeth. Healthy gums are firmly attached to your dental pieces. When you have periodontal disease, you may have a pocket deeper than 3mm. In these cases, teeth cleaning is not enough.

Besides bleeding when brushing and flossing, you will experience bad breath and apparent bigger size of your teeth (since the gums recede). 

Your dentist will remove the tartar from around and below the gum line with scrapers, and they will smooth the roots. The procedure is called root scaling and planing. 

After the first session, your gums will heal and attach to your teeth. Your dentist may suggest an anti micro bialagent.

3.Severe Periodontitis

In this stage, the recession is severe. Your bone recedes as well, and you may need gum and bone grafting to repair the damage.

Your dental professional will schedule several appointments, and they will remove the infection by quadrants. Depending on the damage, it may take two to four visits.

They will administer a local anesthetic to numb the area to make it as comfortable as possible.

Antibiotics may be necessary during this stage. 

If the recession is irreparable, your doctor will extract the dental pieces (some fall out on their own due to the shifting) and suggest restorative options, such as dental implants with dental crowns on top. 

The Bottom Line

Periodontal disease has three stages. The first one only affects the gingiva and is reversible. By keeping up with oral care habits, you may defeat it. 

When the infection affects the bone and ligaments, you must look for a periodontist near you as soon as possible. Not doing so leads to missing teeth.

We suggest visiting a dental professional every six months for teeth cleanings, fluoride applications, and preventative checkups. Your doctor will be able to monitor any signs of an issue before it harms your oral health.

For any questions or information, contact us at your best convenience. Our team will be happy to help you enhance your smile!

How To Keep Your Whitened Teeth White As Long As Possible

Now that you’ve undergone teeth whitening in Edina, we feel confident from our many years of experience that two questions will come to mind. First, how long will your teeth stay this white? Second, what can you do to keep them as white as possible for even longer than that?

The short answer to the first question is: it depends. The dramatic and exciting results of undergoing teeth whitening near you will last from between six months and two years. What does it depend on? That leads us to the answer to that second question. Just how long your teeth will stay as white as possible after undergoing teeth whitening depends on how dedicated you are to keeping them that way. Once your dentist in Edina finishes their job, the onus falls on you. Here’s what to do to keep your teeth as white as possible for as long as possible. Follow these steps to get up toward the upper end of that two to three year range for keeping your teeth as white as possible.

Avoid these sources of stains

Teeth are easily stained by highly pigmented foods and beverages such as the following things that you should avoid as much as possible:

• Beverages like coffee, tea, red wine, colored soda, and colored sports drinks
• Soy and tomato-based sauces
• Curries and other foods with highly pigmented spices like turmeric
• Fruits like blueberries and pomegranates

If you can’t resist these foods and drinks, be sure to brush your teeth and floss as quickly and thoroughly as possible after every time that you eat and drink any of them. Having your teeth cleaned at regular dental checkups and at annual teeth cleanings will also help, but you need to do your part every day. Is it worth it? That depends, too. Do you want your teeth to stay white?

If you don’t smoke, don’t start; if you do smoke, quit

Your teeth are covered in countless tiny pores. When you smoke, the nicotine and tar in the tobacco are easily absorbed into your pores where they’ll gradually turn your teeth yellow and brown. The nicotine itself has no color, but the combination of nicotine and oxygen produces that yellow staining substance. For that reason, the very same staining effect is produced by electronic cigarettes that use nicotine-infused e-juice. Chewing tobacco is no safer, either. The combination of brown tobacco juice combined with saliva is a powerful staining substance that will quickly ruin the appearance of whitened teeth.

Don’t skip your dental checkups

Every dental checkup includes a teeth cleaning to remove plaque and tartar that affect the color of your teeth and, after plaque and tartar have been removed, polishing as well. The polishing performed by your dental hygienist can’t penetrate your enamel like the bleaching substances used by a dentist performing teeth whitening, but those polishing materials can remove substances left behind by coffee, tea and other substances like that. Checkups aren’t a substitute for brushing after every time you consume staining substances, but can help preserve your whitening gains for as long as possible.

Consider touchups

If you’re up for some occasional and minor DIY work, ask your dentist to recommend a whitening pen. It’s literally a pen-like device that contains mild bleaching substances. It doesn’t duplicate the results your dentist obtained, but can help remove small and minor stains that threaten to undermine the gleaming appearance of your pearly whites. 

Don’t hesitate to ask your dentist and hygienist at your regular checkups whether you should schedule some chairside touchups as well. If stains are developing in specific areas or you’re preparing for a special event, a quick touchup in the office of a dentist near you might be enough to get your teeth into near-perfect condition right away. 

Are Dental X-Rays Safe?

Many people are scared of dental x-rays, not knowing the importance of them for a complete diagnostic. An optimal diagnose cannot be done without them because there are issues that a doctor cannot detect unless it is in radiography. 

We offer safe dental x-rays in Edina and will discuss everything you need to know about them.

What is a Dental X-Ray?

If you have gotten dental x-rays near you, you must know that they are like pictures of your teeth. Your dental professional may take intraoral radiography or an extraoral.

Intraoral Radiography

Intraoral radiography, as the name suggests, shows the inside of your mouth. 

Dental professionals can evaluate the condition of your teeth and detect early signs of a problem. 

For example, to the naked eye, you may not have tooth decay. But after your dentist takes intraoral x-rays of your molars, they notice that you are not flossing because you have cavities in between teeth.

Besides cavities, our dentist in Edina can diagnose an alteration with the position of your teeth, or the way they are erupting, or if you have sufficient jawbone.

Extraoral Radiography

On the contrary, this one is not inside the mouth. Your doctor will take these to focus on your skull or to see a general overview of your upper and lower teeth (panoramic x-ray).

With a panoramic, they can see if you have enough space, or you have your wisdom teeth coming, or any dental agenesis (the absence of one of many teeth), and more.

Traditional Vs. Digital X-Rays

Decades ago, there was only one way of taking x-rays. It was the traditional way, with dental films that your doctor needed to develop in a dark room, like an old photograph. You could not enhance the image, and you needed more time to see it.

Nowadays, with digital systems, you can see the image right away through imaging software (they are simple to use), and in them, you may fix the size or the contrast of the x-ray for better detail.

Are Dental X-Rays Safe?

They are. The amount of radiation is insignificant, and even though many people fear these x-rays, they are the ones that expose you less. Besides, your dental professional will take the necessary measures to improve the safety standards, such as placing a leaded shield over the patient.

However, the best radiation dose is the one you prevent. So, even if dental x-rays are not something you should worry about, your doctor will have to weigh if it’s necessary taking the radiography or not. 

In pregnant women, it is best to prevent taking them in the first trimester of the pregnancy. If urgent, placing two leaded shields on the mommy’s stomach instead of one is the correct measure to lessen the risks. 

Dental professionals should also take care of themselves, besides the patients. They must wear the shields if they have to stay inside the x-ray room (in cases where the doctor must ensure the patient does not move, like little kids), but trying to stay out if they can. They are taking x-rays every day, and, as we said before, the dose of radiation is minimum, but prevention is the key.

How Often Should I Get Dental X-Rays?

It depends on the type of x-ray. For example, bitewing x-rays should be taken every six months in your dental visits to control that you have no cavities between teeth. If you do, your doctor will determine the severity of them to plan treatment.

Panoramic x-rays are for patients six to eight years old and must be taken every three years after that until they complete their development. 

All About Tooth Extractions

Dentists have been pulling teeth for centuries. Thankfully, the techniques and technology involved in a tooth extraction in Edina have come a long way from those extractions of centuries ago. While pulling teeth is a routine procedure for dentists, it’s a naturally stressful procedure for patients. The goal of this article is to answer many of the most common questions about undergoing a tooth extraction near you. 

There are three general situations when a dentist near you may recommend that you have a tooth pulled: If your tooth is so badly damaged or infected that no other form of treatment can save it; if your jaw has become too crowded to contain all of your current or emerging teeth in proper and healthy position; and if your wisdom teeth are emerging and may threaten or distort the alignment of your other teeth, or if those wisdom teeth are becoming impacted (stuck) under other teeth in your jaw. 

Are all tooth extractions the same?

The precise process that your dentist in Edina will follow to pull a tooth depends on whether the tooth to be pulled is intact (or broken) and visible (or still beneath your gums). While each extraction procedure varies from one to the next, they do fall into two categories: Simple extractions and surgical extractions.

A simple extraction is the pulling of a tooth that is visible above your gums and in a single piece. They call it a “simple” extraction because it’s, well, simple (for your dentist). After completely numbing the area around your tooth, your dentist will lift the tooth from and out of its position in your jaw using instruments called elevators and forceps.

Surgical extractions are performed in more complex situations, such as when the tooth broke beneath your gums, has fractured into more than one piece, or were impacted beneath your gums (such as unerupted wisdom teeth). Surgical extractions involve many more steps than simple extractions, including: incisions into your gums to expose the roots of teeth and the bone of your jaw; removal of bone and/or gum tissue to enable access to the tooth; sectioning (reducing the tooth into smaller fragments) of the tooth; and extraction. If necessary, your dentist in Edina will close up your gums with self-dissolving stitches and will ensure that clot has developed in the extract site to ensure infection-free recovery. Your dentist will give you detailed instructions about how to maintain that clot throughout your recovery process to avoid the development of a painful potential complication called dry socket. 

How to manage post-extraction discomfort

While the extraction process itself will be pain-free — which is not to say you won’t sense pressure, movement, vibrations or sounds unless the procedure is performed under sedation — you should anticipate some discomfort during your recovery period. Here are several simple tips to follow to minimize discomfort as you recover while minimizing the risk of developing complications:

• Use cold compresses and ice to reduce swelling
• Use over the counter pain medications if necessary, but always follow directions
• Minimize your physical effort and exertion during the recovery period
• Don’t use straws or spit during recovery; both activities produce suction that can dislodge your clot
• Don’t smoke or drink alcohol during recovery; both activities delay your body’s normal healing processes. Smoking also produces suction that can dislodge your clot
• Eat only soft, bland and lukewarm foods until your dentist advises otherwise. It’ll be boring for a while, but it’s the best way to protect the sensitive tissues around your extraction site during recovery
• Don’t neglect your oral hygiene during your recovery. Keep brushing and flossing, but avoid your extraction site until your dentist tells you otherwise

If you ever experience any sensations or symptoms that you did not expect or were not prepared for during your recovery period, get in touch with a dentist near you right away. Getting a tooth pulled is a simple process. By following these instructions, you’ll be able to ease your own natural worries and avoid the development of complications that might make your recovery, well, more complicated. 

Choosing Dental Bridges for Missing Teeth

Recent studies show that missing one or many teeth can decrease your self-esteem and even lead to depression. Many patients visit our prosthetic dentist in Edina looking for a solution to replace their lost teeth.

Among the consequences of losing a tooth, you may find:

• Bone loss – since the bone lacks its stimulation, it recedes.
• Alignment issues – when you lose a tooth, the adjacent teeth shift, causing misalignments.
• More vulnerability to dental infection – tooth loss creates gaps in your mouth, where the food gets stuck, and you develop a higher risk of oral issues.
• Older appearance – as the bone shrinks, your face does it too, and you look older.

Prosthetic Treatments

You may replace a lost tooth with a prosthetic dentist near you that offers a wide range of treatments. Among them, you may find dental implants, porcelain dental crowns, dentures, or porcelain fixed bridges in Edina. We will discuss the last one.

Porcelain Dental Bridges

Dental bridges are dental devices that replace one or more missing dental pieces. They are perfect for compromised teeth that are next to each other.

Porcelain fixed bridges near you consist of a pontic (the fake tooth) and two caps on each side. The caps (dental crowns) will crown the adjacent teeth (anchoring teeth) for support.

Benefits of Dental Bridges

• Affordable

Dental implants are expensive and not affordable to everyone. Unlike them, dental bridges are cost-effective and an excellent option for replacing teeth if your Budget is limited. 

• No Need for Surgery

Your dental professional will administer a local anesthetic to numb the area and shave down the adjacent teeth to the gap. Then, they will take a mold and send it to a dental laboratory to create your bridge. 

Before placing dental implants, sometimes you need to undergo surgery for bone grafting if your jawbone is not strong enough.

• No Need for Osseointegration

Osseointegration is when the dental implant and the jawbone fuse and can take from three to six months. After this time, your dental professional may place the porcelain dental crown on top of the implant.

Porcelain bridges don't involve recovering time, and you can show your new smile much faster.

Drawbacks of Porcelain Bridges

• They Don't Last a Lifetime

Dental implants are expensive, but they are a long-term investment. They may last up to a lifetime, while porcelain bridges may last up to 15 years with proper care. This time is not exact, and they may last more or less time. It depends on the lifestyle of the patient and the materials used in the procedure.

• You Need Neighboring Teeth

As we mentioned before, the gap needs adjacent teeth to bridge gap. If you are missing too many teeth, your doctor might suggest installing dentures instead of a dental bridge. 

Dentures can be partial or complete. Complete or full dentures replace all your teeth, while partial dentures clasp on your remaining healthy teeth and replace some of them.

• Difficult to Floss

A dental bridge is a one-piece device; hence, it is hard to floss. You may use water flossers to make it easier or discuss with your dental professional about other options.

A dental implant is individual, and you keep the space between teeth; therefore, you can normally floss.

Choosing the treatment will depend on the wants and needs of the patient. Every option has its indications, and your dental professional will advise you on what could work best for you.

If you have any other questions, you may contact us. We have a team of caring professionals who look forward to helping you.

Warning Signs and Symptoms of Periodontal Disease

Adults most commonly lose their teeth to a progressive condition known as periodontal disease. It is also commonly known as gum disease and periodontitis. It occurs when the toxins contained in plaque start to infuriate and inflame the tissues in your gums (gingiva). The infection caused is known as gingivitis and can damage the gum tissue and bone beneath the gum line. Periodontal disease can lead to loss of teeth if left untreated. For information on periodontal diseases in Edina, contact your dentist, today.

Periodontal disease can be of various types:

•  Aggressive Periodontal Disease
•  Chronic Periodontal Disease
•  Necrotizing Periodontal Disease
•  Periodontal Disease related to systemic disease

Each type of periodontal disease comes with its symptoms and characteristics. Each type of periodontal disease requires to be treated by a dentist near you immediately to prevent any bone loss or loss of tissue. Read on to learn some of the most common symptoms of periodontal disease.

It is necessary to remember that periodontal disease can creep up on you without any warning. Hence, regular dental checkups are extremely important at a dentist near you. Here are some of the common symptoms of periodontal disease. In case you experience any of the below symptoms, seek the advice of a dentist in Edina at the earliest.

1.Unexpected and unexplained bleeding

If you experience bleeding when you brush your teeth or chew food, it is a symptom of periodontitis. The toxins contained in the plaque make the tissue bleed due to a bacterial infection.

2.Swelling, rain, and redness in the gums

These are symptoms of potential gum disease when your gums swell up, or you’re experiencing pain or redness in your gums for no reason. It is important to prevent the infection from progressing to the jawbone and the gum tissue. It is also essential that the infection is not carried by the bloodstream to other parts of the body.

3.Longer teeth

One of the effects of periodontal disease is gum recession. The toxins produced by the plaque can damage the bones and gum tissues, making your teeth look unnaturally longer makes your smile look “toothy.”

4.Bad odor

Bad breath in your mouth is also known as Halitosis. Bad breath can stem from the stomach, the back of the tongue, the lungs, the food one consumes, or even the use of tobacco. Bad breath can also be caused by food particles that remain between your teeth and under your gum line. The deeper the gum pockets, the more bacteria, and plaque that can be stored in the gums that cause bad breath.

5.Change in your bite pattern or loose teeth

When periodontal disease progresses rapidly, your teeth begin to shift or loosen in the area affected. The jawbone gets damaged due to gum disease, and hence the teeth begin to shift.

6.Pus in your teeth

When you notice pus oozing from in between your teeth, it is definite that you have periodontal disease. The pus is a result of your body trying to fight the infection caused by the bacteria.

Periodontal disease and its treatment

A dentist in Edina will first examine your entire mouth to assess the progression of the disease. After a diagnosis has been made, the dentist will prescribe antibiotics to treat the bacterial infection. The doctor may also combine the treatment with surgical or nonsurgical treatment or even suggest both. If the periodontal disease is mild, the dentist will clean the debris beneath your gum line. The procedure is called scaling and root planing.

For more information on periodontal diseases near you, speak to your dentist today.

 

Can Crowns and Fillings Be Whitened?

Teeth whitening is an incredibly popular cosmetic dentistry option. Teeth whitening compounds contain hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide that reacts to surface stains on the enamel layer of your teeth. The hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide begins to dissolve the bonds between those stains and the enamel of your teeth. As those bonds are broken, the stains are eliminated and your teeth are left whiter.

The bleaching compounds in teeth whitening materials used by a dental clinic in Edina do not interact with resin and ceramic materials in the same way that they do with enamel. Teeth whiteners will not have any effect on tooth coloured-fillings that are made out of resin composite materials. Neither will teeth whiteners have any bleaching effect on crowns made of resin, ceramic or porcelain materials. Tooth-coloured fillings and dental crowns can be cleaned similarly to natural teeth, but not bleached. 

Because tooth-coloured fillings and dental crowns can not be bleached later, it is extremely important when working with your dentist to prepare those fillings and crowns to choose a colour that will match your existing teeth. If those natural teeth are dirty, though, then the matching fillings and crown will always look dirty, too. Even after you have those dirty other teeth bleached and cleaned.

To ensure you’re pleased with the colour and cleanliness of your tooth coloured fillings and dental crowns in the long term, you should have your remaining natural teeth cleaned and whitened before you match your dental restorations to those natural teeth. By doing that, you can ensure that your fillings and crowns won’t stick out like a sore — or dirty and stained! — thumb when you have your teeth cleaned and bleached. As soon as you and your dentist begin developing a treatment plan that will include tooth coloured fillings or a dental crown, ask the dentist about getting teeth whitening in Edina first. Your dentist will probably be able to provide the teeth whitening in the very same office. Once your teeth are clean and whitened to your satisfaction, your dentist will match the resin and ceramic materials used to make your fillings and crown to your whitest and cleanest natural teeth. 

What if you’ve already got fillings and crowns?

If you already have several different dental restorations — tooth coloured fillings, crowns, bridges, etc. — getting teeth whitening near you may lead to disappointing results. Depending on whether those restorations were matched to clean and whitened teeth and to each other, it’s possible that whitening will lead to inconsistently coloured teeth around your mouth. What’s the solution?

To fix inconsistently coloured teeth around your mouth, a dentist near you will provide you with several options to consider. Existing crowns that don’t match your cleanest and whitest teeth can be replaced with cosmetic crowns. Teeth with stains that can’t be bleached — stains caused by trauma, infection or the side effects of medication, for example — can be covered with dental crowns made from material selected to match your whitest and cleanest teeth. Two alternatives to cosmetic or dental crowns that can perfect the colour of inconsistently coloured teeth (and their spacing, apparent size and even eliminate any chips or cracks) are veneers and dental bonding. Both veneers and dental bonding can be made from materials carefully selected and tinted to match your cleanest and whitest teeth. 

Take that process seriously and slowly! Remember, dental restorations can’t be bleached later, so planning ahead and matching to clean and white natural teeth is the best way to ensure you’re satisfied with the appearance of your teeth in the long term. 

5 Tips That Can Reduce Your Risk Of Oral Cancer

 

When it comes to cancer awareness and prevention, oral cancer doesn’t get a ton of press.

Which is really unfortunately - because not only is it easy to miss and often goes undetected, but they can also be extremely dangerous.  According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, approximately 53,000 Americans will be diagnosed this year, and over 9,750 of those patients will die from it.

Fortunately, while oral cancer may be quite deadly, it’s also highly preventable as well.  Here’s everything you need to know about these cancers and how to prevent them from happening to you and your family.

The Facts About Oral Cancer

Oral cancer refers to a group of cancers that affect the oral cavity, which include the lips, cheek and tongue.  Closely related are oropharynx cancers, which include the soft palette, tonsils and throat.

While the number of young patients developing oral cancer has been steadily increasing, those over 55 are most at risk.  

Men are approximately twice as likely as women to develop it, and patients who are successfully treated are at risk for developing other related cancers.  

Oral cancer can be screened for with a high degree of success, but a biopsy is the only way to officially make a diagnosis.

What Are The Symptoms?

While oral cancer often flies under the radar, there are a few key symptoms to watch out for.

You may notice white or red patches beginning to develop, or sores that don’t seem to be getting any better.  These can happen anywhere in the mouth, including your lips and your gums.  You may also notice lumps developing either in your mouth or around your neck.

Any major changes in how you’re feeling in these areas can also be a red flag.  This includes changes to your voice, persistent hoarseness and difficulty chewing your food and swallowing.  

If you notice any of these, be sure to contact your health care provider immediately.

5 Tips For Prevention

Now that you know a little more about how oral cancer works, here are some of the steps you can start implementing to prevent it from happening to you.

Tip #1 - Quit Using Tobacco

Tobacco use is one of the major risk factors.  And it’s not just cigarette smoking - smokeless products such as chewing tobacco also increase your risk by creating potentially cancerous ulcers in the mouth.

Tip #2 - Avoid Heavy Drinking

While alcohol in moderation may provide some heath benefits, heavy use (particularly in combination with tobacco) can increase your risk.  Alcohol consumption should be limited to one drink per day for women and up to two for men.

Tip #3 - Use Sun Protection

Sun protection isn’t just for preventing skin cancer.  Remember that oral cancer can also develop on the lips, and this is an area that you’ll want to protect - make sure that you limit your exposure to the sun during peak daytime hours and apply a lip balm with an SPF daily.

Tip #4 - Modify Your Diet

Like other forms of cancer, diet can really go a long way when it comes to prevention.  Focus on consuming enough fruits and vegetables, and limit your intake of processed foods.

Tip #5 - See A Dentist Near You Regularly

Your dentist should be one of your first lines of defense.  An oral cancer screening in Edina is something that they’re trained to do at your request as part of their job.

Even if you’re not highly at risk and you’re doing every right, requesting one of these screenings during your regularly scheduled checkup is a wise step in prevention and early detection that could potentially save your life.

Long Term Solution to Repair a Damaged Dental Bridge

A dental bridge is a restoration solution used to replace missing teeth. It acts like a false tooth that is anchored in place with the support of neighboring teeth or dental implants. Like dental fillings and dental crowns, dental bridges also wear out over time. Here are a few things to consider when you repair a damaged dental bridge. 

How to tell if your dental bridge is damaged and requires to be repaired or replaced? 

It’s not always easy to tell if your dental bridge is damaged and if it needs to be repaired or replaced. Some of the most common scenarios when your dental bridge needs repairing or replacing are listed below. 

Your dental bridge has fallen off

One of the most obvious situations is when your dental bridge falls off. It is the first sign to visit your dentist and have the dental bridge repaired or replaced. Do not try to use a store-bought adhesive or super glue to fix the crown back – this could lead to severe tissue damage or the dental crown becoming loose again (leading to concerns of accidentally swallowing or biting on it, which could break your teeth). 

When the porcelain has chipped off the bridge

It is a common occurrence for people who tend to suffer from a phenomenon known as bruxism (excessive teeth clenching or grinding). Using your teeth to tear open packages or things can also chip the porcelain off your dental bridge. For individuals with bruxism, using a protective mouthguard while sleeping is highly recommended. 

Unfortunately, when the porcelain chips off your dental bridge, the entire bridge will need replacing, and you cannot cement just the chipped portion. 

If cavities form on a tooth that supports your dental bridge

During your regular dental exams, your dentist will examine your mouth using X-rays or digital scans. If any of your supporting bridge teeth show signs of a dark area developing, there is a good chance that you may have a new cavity-forming under your dental bridge. 

If your bridge is loose

To determine if your bridge is loose, pay attention if it moves when you are eating. Perhaps, it may be rocking up and down or shifting when you chew on your food. It is easy for these movements to go unnoticed. But when it is inside the mouth, any movement that is as tiny as a fraction of a millimeter will be easy to pick up. 

If a tooth-supporting your dental bridge is loose 

In case of gum disease, there is a chance of the bone to shrink and the gum tissue to detach itself, resulting in the tooth becoming loose. It can cause damage to the supporting tooth on the opposite side of your dental bridge. 

What to do when your dental bridge is broken? 

If the dental bridge can be easily lifted from your tooth, go ahead and take it off completely, but do not force it off. Store the bridge in a zip lock bag, so you do not lose it. After this, examine your tooth for any signs of breakage or debris left behind from the bridge. If there is no damage to the supporting teeth, the repairing process for your dental bridge can be as simple as cementing it back onto your tooth by your dentist. If your dental bridge is complexly broken or removed, visit the nearest dental clinic to you. In case of sensitivity in your teeth, try to cover it with a piece of gum or temporary dental cement (it is available at stores) before your dental appointment.

For porcelain bridges in Edina, schedule an appointment today with a dentist near you. For more information on dental bridges, a dentist in Edina is happy to help you with any questions. Visit your nearest dental clinic today!