It is important to consume adequate amounts of fruits and vegetables. These food groups provide vital nutrients that allow your body to function at its best. Multiple studies have shown that orange juice, lemon juice and grapefruit juice all can be acidic and harmful to your teeth. It is possible for these acids to harm not only your teeth but dental restorations as well. These fruits are important parts of your overall diet but limiting the amount of citric juice intake to once or twice a day is recommended. Dr. Ted Haines recommends you avoid sipping on acidic liquids all day long. Using a straw to avoid contact with teeth and gently rinsing your mouth with water after drinking acidic juices is a way to reduce your risk.

Sports Drinks vs. Teeth

Sports drinks and energy drinks might seem like healthy alternatives to soda, but they are not healthier for your teeth. Dr. Ted Haines, often sees the damage caused to the teeth and smile due to sports drinks. A new study from New York University College of Dentistry shows that sports drinks contain high levels of acids that may be linked to a condition called “erosive tooth wear”. In just 90 minutes of exposure to sports drinks over the course of a day the enamel coating on the teeth can be damaged and the teeth weakened. Sports drinks also contain a lot of sugar. In only a 12oz bottle of Gatorade, there are 10 and a half teaspoon of sugar. Most people do not drink only 12oz, they go for the 24 or 36 oz bottles. That can really add up on the amount of sugar we should be consuming daily. And can really add up on the amount of cavities that can occur!

Soda vs. Teeth

Dr. Ted Haines often sees the damage to teeth caused by soft drinks. Most people seem to be aware of the damaging effect of soft drinks on their teeth but are not concerned by it. According to the American Dental Association, Americans drink more than 53 gallons of soft drinks per person per year. Some soft drinks contain more than 11 spoonfuls of sugar (like Sunkist) which is used by the bacteria in your mouth to cause decay. Of greater concern is dental erosion, which is caused by acids in soda such as carbonic acid, citric acid, and phosphoric acid. You have seen what happens to a penny when you soak it in soda for a few hours. Over time these acids can damage the enamel of your teeth and lead to decay and need to restore those cavities. If a beautiful, healthy smile is your goal than avoiding soda is a good idea. If you are concerned about your smile, feel free to call Dr. Ted Haines at (360)568-8577 to schedule an appointment and keep your teeth healthy and radiant.

Once your periodontal treatment has been completed, Dr. Ted Haines will recommend that you have regular maintenance cleanings (periodontal cleanings), usually four times a year. At these cleaning appointments, the pocket depths will be carefully checked to ensure that they are healthy. Plaque and calculus that are difficult for you to remove on a daily basis will be removed from above and below the gum line.

Some steps to prevent periodontal disease that Dr. Ted Haines will discuss with you are:

~ Examination of diagnostic X-rays (radiographs): Essential for detection of decay, tumors, cysts, and bone loss. X-rays also help determine tooth and root positions.

~ Examination of existing restorations: Check current fillings, crowns, etc.

~ Examination of tooth decay: Check all tooth surfaces for decay.

~ Oral cancer screening: Check the face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, cheek tissues, and gums for any signs of oral cancer.

~ Oral hygiene recommendations: Review and recommend oral hygiene aids as needed. (Electric toothbrushes, special periodontal brushes, fluorides, rinses, etc.)

~ Teeth polishing: Remove stain and plaque that is not otherwise removed during tooth brushing and scaling.

Good oral hygiene practices and periodontal cleanings are essential in maintaining dental health and keeping periodontal disease under control! Remember that prevention is the best treatment, however if you feel you need help preventing periodontal disease, do not hesitate to give Dr. Ted Haines at (360)568-8577 and schedule an appointment that can save your smile.

Content Received from KnowYourTeeth.com

Because both are fabricated in a dental laboratory, it usually takes two or more appointments to restore a tooth with a porcelain inlay or onlay.

Upon an initial examination, Dr. Haines will decide if Invisalign is right for you. He will then write a treatment plan and take an impression of your teeth. Thanks to the latest advances in 3-D computer technology, Invisalign carefully translates Dr. Haines’ instructions into a series of precisely customized aligners. The aligners will move your teeth gradually week by week until you achieve the smile you have always desired.

Not only is bonding useful for chipped and broken teeth, but it is great for stained teeth that are resistant to professional whitening treatment.

Although bonding does not last as long as veneers or crowns; with proper care, bonding composites can last for years.

For more information, please contact our offices.

Dental implants enable dentists to create healthy, attractive smiles in an innovative way. Implants are used to replace one or more missing teeth, and are another alternative to conventional bridges and dentures. In essence, dental implants act and look like natural teeth. Because they maintain bone mass, dental implants can also help prevent additional tooth loss as well as the sunken facial appearance associated with missing teeth.

A dental implant restoration consists of a bio-compatible titanium screw and post topped by a crown, bridge, or denture. The implant is surgically placed into the jawbone where it replaces the natural tooth root. In a few months, the implant securely attaches to the bone (called “osseointegration”), allowing it to withstand biting and chewing forces just like a healthy, natural tooth

One of the great advantages of veneers is that the procedure usually takes only two visits. Veneers can last indefinitely, depending on how well they are taken care of. They are also more resistant to stains and chipping than regular bonding.