Dental Blog Portland, OR

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Latest Posts:

Top Reasons We Use Suction Tools When Cleaning Your Teeth

Posted on 9/20/2019 by Lemond Hunter

Many that come into our office, sit in the chair and accept everything we do without questions. Others wonder what the purpose of some of the tools we have are. One of the things that is most asked about is the use of suction tools. People wonder why they need to have this device stuck in their mouth, making an irritating sound as we work. They don't realize all the benefits of the suction tools in our offices. Two Types of SuctionWhat many do not know is that we use two different types of suction. The first type is the saliva ejector. Like the name implies, this suction takes the saliva out of the mouth. A constant dry mouth is not something you want and can lead to a myriad of problems, but while we are working on your teeth, getting rid of the saliva helps make the work easier. The second type of suction is the high-volume suction. This one is held by a dental assistant in the area where work is done. It works to remove the debris created from the dental work. The suction can remove the debris without actually touching it. What Suction DoesUsing either type of suction accomplishes a few things. It helps keep you more comfortable while we work. The suction can remove the bitter taste of the anesthetic and remove any excess anesthetic that try to spread to other areas of the mouth. The suction removes any debris or dental materials in the mouth. Suction keeps the mouth dry, which is important when putting in fillings or other work where a dry surface is necessary. In addition to these things, suction helps us see what is going on in your mouth without the excess debris and saliva in our way. The sound of the suction may not be something people want to think about it, but if you learn the benefits it is something you can live with. Reach out to us today and we can schedule your next cleaning for you....
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Times Where You Need to Get Panoramic X-rays

Posted on 9/10/2019 by Lemond Hunter

As a regular part of your dental hygiene routine, you will get x-rays of your teeth and jaw. Sometimes, you will need to get a specific type of x-ray known as a “panoramic x-ray.” Although all types of x-rays let you see inside the tissue, there are specific times when a panoramic x-ray is what is called for. What is a Panoramic X-Ray?A panoramic x-ray is a special type of x-ray that takes a single picture of your entire mouth. Unlike other x-rays that may only show a specific region, a panoramic x-ray is just that: a panoramic view of the entire mouth. This type of x-ray requires the use of a highly specialized piece of equipment. You will place your chin on a rest while the machine uses an arm to rotate the x-ray device around your head. This allows it to capture the entire mouth in a single shot. What is a Panoramic X-Ray Used for?A panoramic x-ray is useful in situations where you need to see large swathes of the mouth at once. Many dentists use them to diagnose gum disease in its more advanced stages, as a traditional x-ray may not unveil the full extent of the gingivitis. Other uses include identifying temporomandibular joint disorders, locating and identifying cancer tumors in the jawbone, and revealing impacted teeth. Finally, if you have a condition known as sinusitis (which is essentially an inflammation in the sinus cavity), using a panoramic x-ray will be the best way to identify it. If you are not sure whether you need a panoramic x-ray, feel free to ask us about it. We are happy to explain the procedure to you and answer any questions you may have about it. So pick up the phone and give us a call, or send us an email today....
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Oral Health Changes You Can Start Making Today

Posted on 8/20/2019 by Lemond Hunter

It's important to maintain good oral hygiene if you don't want to maintain a healthy smile. There are many things that are involved here – things you can start doing today. Brush Your Teeth Properly Before Going to BedWe recommend that you brush your teeth twice a day. One of these times should be before you go to bed at night so that you make sure there aren't any germs or plaque left behind to rest on your teeth and cause damage while you sleep. Don't rush through this because you're tired because this can be just as bad as not brushing at all. Remember to Brush Your TongueAlthough you probably brush your teeth, you may not brush your tongue. However, it's important that you do so because this is where bad breath starts. Not brushing your teeth can also cause other oral health problems too. Use a Toothpaste Containing FluorideYou should look beyond a toothpaste's whitening power and flavor to make sure it also contains fluoride. While you may have heard some negativity about it, you shouldn't forego it because it provides great defense against tooth decay. Fluoride fights the germs that lead to decay, then leaves a protective barrier behind on your teeth. Treat Flossing Just as Importantly as You Treat BrushingDon't neglect flossing. If you find it challenging, talk to us about tools that can help you here but don't give up. You need to get food particles out from between your teeth. However, flossing will also stimulate your gums, reduce any plaque in your mouth, and help lower any inflammation too. Maintain Bi-Yearly Appointments with Our OfficeIt's important for you to visit our office at least twice a year regardless of how well you take care of your teeth at home. We still need to clean and check your teeth for you to make sure that there aren't any cavities or other issues present. If you don't already have an appointment scheduled with us, make sure you call and schedule one today....
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All Posts:

Top Reasons We Use Suction Tools When Cleaning Your Teeth
9/20/2019
Times Where You Need to Get Panoramic X-rays
9/10/2019
Oral Health Changes You Can Start Making Today
8/20/2019
How to Eat When You Have a Toothache Until We Can See You
8/10/2019
Understanding the Importance of Biofilm
7/20/2019
Uncommon Causes of Bad Breath
7/10/2019
Did You Know We Can Help When You Decide to Quit Smoking?
6/20/2019
Dental Implants Can Greatly Boost Confidence
6/10/2019
Should You Brush Your Teeth in Circles or Lines?
5/20/2019
How to Keep Your Lips from Cracking?
5/10/2019
Can Crowns Become Loose?
4/20/2019
Best Ways to Learn How to Be Proactive About Your Oral Health
4/10/2019
Loose Teeth as an Adult Signifies a Problem with Your Oral Health
3/20/2019
Let Us Help You When You Have Dental Questions Instead of Looking Them Up Online
3/10/2019
Signs Your Fillings Are Coming Loose
2/20/2019
How Sinus Pressure Can Impact Your Teeth
2/10/2019
Foods That Can Freshen Your Breath
1/20/2019
Eating a Rainbow Diet Can Help Your Oral Health Improve
1/10/2019
What Enamel Does for Your Teeth Aside from Protecting Them
12/20/2018
What Dry Mouth Can Do to Your Teeth
12/10/2018
Can You Make it To Where Your Teeth Are Less Sensitive to Heat?
11/20/2018
There Are Several Benefits that Come with Conscious Sedation
11/10/2018
How to Keep Your Mouth Healthy with Partials
10/20/2018
How to Keep Your Mouth Clean Following Pocket Reduction
10/10/2018
Mouth Guards Can Improve Your Sleep
9/20/2018
Medications That Cause Discolored Teeth
9/10/2018
What We Look for During Oral Cancer Screenings
8/20/2018
What We Look At During Dental Exams
8/10/2018
How to Ease Jaw Aches When Your TMJ Gets Inflamed
7/20/2018
Brushing Before Going to Sleep Is Necessary for Good Oral Health
7/10/2018
What People Notice When They First Meet You
6/20/2018
What is It about Sports Drinks that Harm Your Teeth?
6/10/2018
"Types of Problems That Fall Under the Category of Dental Emergencies"
5/20/2018
Types of Dental Bridges You Can Get
5/10/2018
Making Brushing Easier When You Struggle with Arthritis
4/20/2018
How Much of Your Teeth Are Situated Below the Gums?
4/10/2018
What Options Do You Have for a Gap in Your Front Teeth?
3/25/2018
What is the Difference between Power Flossers and Water Flossers?
3/15/2018
What Type of Oral Health Goals Do You Have?
2/23/2018
What to Do When a Tooth Comes in Crooked
2/13/2018
Why You Need to Replace Your Toothbrush When a Cold Sore Erupts
1/25/2018
Why You Need to Limit Drinking Acidic Beverages
1/15/2018
Types of Cracks Best Covered by Veneers
12/23/2017
Tooth Pain and Fevers Usually Signify a Dental Abscess
12/13/2017
Is There Any Benefit to Making Homemade Toothpaste?
11/27/2017
How Your Gag Reflex Impacts Your Dental Visits
11/17/2017
The Importance of Not Using a Hard Bristled Toothbrush
10/25/2017
The Damage That Can Come from Sucking on Candies and Cough Drops
10/15/2017
How Stress Affects Gum Disease
9/27/2017
How Long After a Cleaning Should You Wait to Eat?
9/17/2017
Why Your Toothbrush and Dishwasher Should be Best Friends
8/25/2017
Why You Should Go to the Dentist if Your Gum is Sore to the Touch
8/15/2017
Why Are People Afraid of Root Canals?
7/30/2017
Do You Brush Your Tongue Often Enough?
7/23/2017
Why Eating a Sweet Treat Could Cause Your Teeth to Hurt
6/25/2017
Why Do You Wait to Brush After Anything Acidic?
6/15/2017
There's More to Cosmetic Dentistry Than Whitening
5/30/2017
The Weather Can Affect the Way Your Teeth Feel
5/20/2017
The Beating Your Teeth Take When You Have an Oral Piercing
4/27/2017
Talking to Your Dentist About Having a Filling Replaced
4/17/2017
Why You Want to Indulge in Strawberries As A Spring Time Snack
3/30/2017
Why Chewing Vegetables is So Good for Your Oral Health
3/20/2017

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