Breaking The Myth About Dark Chocolate And Dental Health

Have you ever thought about how to prevent your teeth from decaying? Have you been searching for an emergency dentist McKinney to understand the reason for tooth decay? This might be the hardest thing to say to all chocolate lovers. Frequently drinking chocolate milk can lead to tooth decay in kids. The chocolate might not be all that bad, but the things that go with it, such as sugar, might affect your dental health.

How Tooth Decay Crops Up And How To Keep It Away

When bacteria convert sugar into acids in the mouth, it results in tooth decay. The surface of teeth is eaten up by these acids, leading to decay and cavities. Tooth deterioration happens gradually due to this. 

However, it can be avoided mainly by 

• consuming less sugar

• monitoring your intake of sweet and savory foods

• ensuring you clean and floss your teeth twice a day. 

Additionally, seeing your dentist twice a year is beneficial to detect oral issues early and eliminate plaque and tartar accumulation.

Avoid Negative Effects of Chocolate on Your Teeth

Would you like to consume chocolate without endangering your oral health? Use these suggestions!

• Wash the treat with water because milk chocolate sticks to our teeth and gums. This is especially true if your preferred chocolate contains caramel or nougat. Sugars cause tooth decay if they are not cleared out of your mouth.

• Most of the chocolate particles in your mouth can be removed by simply gargling with water (or even by drinking a glass), which will lessen the harmful impact chocolate has on oral health.

• After eating chocolate, you might want to chew some gum. Gum containing xylitol can help you eliminate any chocolate bits that may have gotten trapped in your teeth. Additionally, xylitol gum can neutralize acidity and bring your teeth's pH level back to normal.

• Continue to clean and floss your teeth — you should be doing so at least twice daily. And if you can, think about brushing your teeth after consuming chocolate. All remaining sugars and chocolate crumbs that promote tooth decay will be destroyed by brushing your teeth.

• Tooth decay is not explicitly caused by chocolate. Children frequently eat chocolate between meals without brushing or rinsing. This causes plaque to build at a higher rate and kickstarts the degradation process.

• Any sticky food, not only chocolates, can cause tooth decay. You must reinforce the practice of brushing or, at the very least, properly rinsing your mouth after eating a chocolate bar. This could serve as a reward and aid in removing food deposits from other foods. The child enjoys chocolate while having excellent dental hygiene emphasized!

• You can indulge by eating a bar of chocolate before dinner. If consumed in this manner, the teeth have no sticky buildup. The child may enjoy chocolate while protecting their teeth against tooth decay.

• Another practice is ensuring the child consumes all chocolate at once rather than nibbling continuously for hours.

• Giving the child their share of chocolate at night is best, as most youngsters brush their teeth before bed. That way, you may manage the chocolate with one round of brushing or rinsing.

Does Chocolate Discolor Teeth?

Although eating chocolate may make teeth ache, the following are some of the leading causes of discoloration:

• Tea and Coffee

• Red wine and soft drinks

• robust seasonings and sauces

Dark chocolate, also called "genuine chocolate" contains only around 30% powdered milk and sugar and about 70% cocoa. This significantly lessens the potential harm to dental enamel compared to milk chocolate.

Every day, it's crucial to practice good oral hygiene, especially after consuming sugary foods like chocolate, which can cause your enamel to erode. According to research, milk chocolate products' high sugar content contributes to tooth decay and cavities. This is a result of the interactions between sugar and some oral microorganisms.

Maintaining Oral Hygiene With Chocolate.

When it comes to keeping your teeth healthy and cavity-free, dark chocolate is the best option. According to certain research, dark chocolate may even help prevent cavities. A substance with approximately 300 constituents, chocolate is highly complex.

• Polyphenols: These are present in dark chocolate. Using these drugs, you can fight the overgrowth of bacteria and other organisms in the mouth. They have the power to destroy bacteria that produce bad breath and stop some sugars from becoming acidic. These acids can erode the enamel of your teeth and lead to tooth decay and cavities.

• Flavonoids found in dark chocolate have been demonstrated to decrease tooth decay.

• Antioxidants: These have many positive effects on overall health. Still, regarding oral health, increased levels of antioxidants in saliva have been demonstrated to aid in preventing gum disease.

Conclusion

Tell them it's not so horrible to have your chocolate and eat it too if someone complains that chocolate causes tooth decay. Chocolate can be your best friend when discussing oral health and hygiene. Genuine dark chocolates can be your saviors if you have a sweet tooth. But do get timely dental check-ups to keep up good dental hygiene. Next time you search for a "dental check-up or dental implants near me," reach the professionals at Valley Creek.

Dental Care For Older People

Older adults usually need more dental care than younger people. The most common age-related dental disease is tooth loss. As the supporting bone thins, teeth can experience gum recession and sensitivity to temperature changes. 

Plaque and tartar buildup can lead to decay, health problems, and other tooth damage. Preventive care is essential for older adults with dentures, bridges, or crowns because they often don't realize that a problem has developed below the gumline until it is too late.

Advancing age brings many seniors at risk for a range of oral health concerns, such as:

Darkened teeth: With age, our teeth can become more sensitive to temperature, which leads to discoloration. With age, our teeth can become more sensitive to temperature, which leads to discoloration. 

Sensitivity: Our gums and dentures cause sensitivity as they shrink, pulling away from the tooth's root surfaces. This is called recession and can cause pain when eating or drinking hot and cold foods.

Dry mouth: When the salivary flow slows down with age, it may result in dry mouth (xerostomia).

Difficulty chewing and swallowing: Difficulty swallowing can result from dental trauma, arthritis or other joint conditions, or changes in muscle tone.

Problems with chronic disease: Mouth sores, bacteria sensitivity, and inflammation related to periodontal disease caused poor oral health status.

Nervous system issues: Damage to the peripheral nerves may cause sensitivity to cold or heat.

A diminished sense of taste: Older persons may have diminished taste perception, which could affect their eating habits.

Root decay: When teeth are missing, the roots can decay, leading to infection in the jawbone and sometimes tooth loss.

Tooth loss: With time, teeth can loosen, crack and fall out.

Calluses: "Calluses" form when bacteria on the tooth root surface interact with the shrinking gums. They may cause pain, sensitivity, and irritation.

Oral Hygiene Tips for Seniors

Older adults usually need more dental care than younger people. The most common age-related dental disease is tooth loss. 

As the supporting bone thins, teeth can experience gum recession and sensitivity to temperature changes. Plaque and tartar buildup can lead to decay, health problems, and other tooth damage.

Some of the most important things you can do to take care of your gums include:

• Brushing vigorously with a soft-bristled brush for about two minutes, twice a day. 

• Six times a day, scrape your tongue with a dental scraper. 

• Floss daily if you have any teeth left in the front. 

• It is important to floss between teeth below the gum line, where food particles can hide and lead to infection. 

• Cleaning between the teeth that are no longer there but were previously supported by adjacent teeth. This is done with a special long-handled tool or soft interdental brushes. You may need to use such equipment for the rest of your life.

• Visit dentists Mckinney TX, regularly. 

• Brushing, flossing, scraping your tongue, and seeing your dentist yearly is the best way to prevent gum disease.

How To Prevent Gum Disease And Tooth Decay?

Gum disease can become a severe problem if not detected and treated in time. Usually, the first symptoms of gum disease are bleeding and painful or swollen gums. 

Many people are unaware of them because they tend to take care of their teeth less frequently as they get older. However, this is the best time to start taking care of your teeth, especially if you want to prevent further damage.

Dental hygiene is essential for everyone, especially seniors whose risk factors include aging or health problems that interfere with good oral hygiene techniques. Seniors who wear dentures face an increased risk for tooth decay and gum disease.

If you have any questions about the care of your teeth regarding your age, your doctor should be able to help. Your doctor may also refer you to a dental hygienist with the training and special skills needed to handle gum disease, periodontal disease, and other oral conditions.

Dental Implants for Older People

Dental implants are dental replacement that mimics the appearance of natural teeth and function similarly to those lost by disease or trauma. They are placed in your jawbone using a surgical procedure called bone grafting. Implants replace the missing tooth root and can last for the rest of your life.

Older people with moderately complex needs are often treated with implants before tooth loss and with dentures or bridges after the loss of natural teeth. Implants allow the person to control their oral health in a way that best suits their lifestyle and individual needs.

A dental implant is a titanium post placed into the jawbone using a surgical procedure called bone grafting, which involves surgically removing bone from another area of your body and placing it under your skin. 

The bone serves as the attachment site for the implant, which replaces the missing tooth root and can last for life. Implants support remaining teeth, prevent further tooth loss, and enable you to eat virtually anything most people do without difficulty.

Older people can go for All on 4 implants as they are permanently fixed into the mouth. This is a good option for those who wish to replace one or more missing teeth with their natural look. The dental implants are set inside the mouth and connected to the artificial teeth.

Wrap Up!

Tooth loss can be harrowing and is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in older people. It is essential for older people to know the symptoms of these conditions, so they take precautions and take care of their teeth and gums as much as possible.

Regular dental checkups and cleaning will help you keep your teeth healthy and strong.

Dental Implants: Health Benefits And Why It is So Popular?

Dental implants are amazing! Not only do they look genuine, but they also provide several health benefits that make them an object of desire in most people's eyes. 

This post will highlight the benefits and explore what you should know about dental implants before going ahead with one.

A dental implant is a titanium rod surgically implanted into the jawbone under general anesthesia. The titanium is then shaped to create an artificial root that houses a crown, bridge, or denture. You must find an emergency dentist Mckinney TX for reliable dental implant services!

Health Benefits of Dental Implants

Prevent Further Tooth Loss: Dental implants are known for their incredible strength. They prevent further tooth and bone loss, leading to better oral health. Dental implants help prevent other tooth loss by stabilizing the gums and jawbone. This means that no decay or infection in the teeth leads to a total loss.

Chewing Ability: People despise dentures and false teeth because they don't allow them to properly chew foods they love, such as nuts and tougher meats such as steak. However, dental implants do not have this problem since they attach firmly to the jawbone and the surrounding tissue allows you to chew harder things in life with complete comfortability.

Prevent Cavities: Dentures and implants both help prevent the recurrence of cavities. This is because they help create a healthy tooth root that prevents further decay and infection in the teeth. The time to visit a dentist for dental implants is much shorter than when you have dentures or false teeth.

Better Oral Health: Dental implants and dentures improve oral health by creating support for retainers, bridges, crowns, and other dental appliances. In addition, they prevent loose dentures, which means they will not fall out in the middle of your favorite food. Both help improve oral health and allow you to live healthier lives.

Improved Speech Quality: Dentures are known for impacting speech negatively. For example, some people who use prosthetic teeth tend to slur their words since they need time to move the false teeth into position. Dental implants can help eliminate this problem by removing the need for removable dentures, which can change speech patterns.

Improve Nutrition: Improving nutrition is one of the greatest benefits associated with dental implants. Since they are permanently fixed onto the gums, there is no risk of food particles, bacteria, and other matter building up in the mouth. This helps improve your ability to enjoy healthier foods and reduces the risk of food-related infections.

Improved Self-Confidence: One of the biggest benefits of dental implants is that they help increase your self-confidence by replacing teeth that are missing due to tooth loss or an accident. Having natural-looking teeth with excellent aesthetics can help boost your self-esteem and allow you to fully enjoy foods you love without worrying about what people think about your smile.

High success rate: Dental implants have a very high success rate since they are closest to natural teeth. According to dental professionals, about 90% of patients who receive dental implants do not experience any issues or complications post surgery and continue using the implants.

Improved facial and bone features: Dental implants help improve your facial and bone features by filling in the gaps where teeth were once present. This helps to even out your gums, cheeks, and other facial features, which can improve the overall look of your face.

Long-lasting and reliable: Dental implants are known for their ability to stay in place for decades as opposed to traditional dentures, which have a shorter lifespan and a high chance of falling out. Dental implants, however, can last for a lifetime as you won't have to worry about replacing or losing them during regular oral hygiene procedures.

Reasons Why Dental Implants Are So Popular

Dental implants are getting popular for many reasons. They provide excellent aesthetic results which help people feel confident about their appearance. They also offer significant health benefits that cover much more than improving oral health.

• What is fantastic is that if you are a patient who wants to have dental implants, you have the opportunity to save big bucks on your dental insurance fees. 

• Dental implants are one of the best ways to improve oral health, self-confidence, and appearance without having to endure a painful procedure or face a lifetime of dentures. 

• Dental implants look natural and fit ideally like real teeth. Unlike dentures, dental implants are not visible through your clothes. You will feel more self-confident when you have beautiful, healthy-looking teeth that no one else can tell apart from your actual teeth.

I am a Mckinney, TX resident looking for dental implants near me! Well! You can count on Valley Creek. 

Conclusion

Dental implants are known for their excellent benefits to oral health and self-confidence. They help improve your overall health by creating a nice natural-looking smile that is comfortable and healthy. Dental implants are an object of desire that you will be happy you invested in.

If you want dental implants, it is best to consult a trusted dentist like Valley Creek.

How Much Does Invisalign Cost, and Is Invisalign Treatment for You?

Invisalign Treatment is a popular choice for many people looking for a way to straighten their teeth. Many people who have completed Invisalign treatment have been happy, but it's not to say there are not some common questions or potential side effects. But is it for you, and what do you need to know before consulting with dentists in McKinney, tx? This blog will look at whether it is for you, the pros, cons, and how much it costs.

You need to understand what to glance for when selecting the best Invisalign treatment for you. That's why we created a list of considerations for you to look at. We call it "what to look for in Invisalign treatment."

How Much Does Invisalign Treatment Cost in McKinney?

The average cost of Invisalign treatment in McKinney is $5,000. This is a bit higher than the national average, but it is still a very reasonable price for the quality of care you will receive. There are a few financing options available to help make treatment more affordable. Invisalign is an excellent treatment option for anyone looking to straighten their teeth without traditional braces. Treatment time is typically shorter than braces, and no food restrictions exist. If you are considering Invisalign treatment in McKinney, be sure to consult with a qualified orthodontist to see if it is right for you.

Why May Invisalign Treatment Be Accurate For You?

If you're considering Invisalign treatment, you're in good company. For a good reason, Invisalign is one of the most popular orthodontic procedures. Here are seven reasons why Invisalign treatment may be proper for you:

1. Invisalign is Practically Invisible.

If you're concerned about forming traditional metal braces, Invisalign is a great alternative. The clear aligners are invisible, so no one will even know you're straightening your teeth unless you tell them.

2. You Can Eat Whatever You Want.

With Invisalign, there are no food restrictions. You can eat whatever you want without fear of hurting your braces.

3. You Can Brush And Floss Normally.

Brushing and flossing are simple with Invisalign. There are no wires or brackets in the way, and you can brush and floss normally.

4. Invisalign Is Comfy.

The clear aligners are created of a soft, comfortable material that won't irritate your gums or lips.

5. Invisalign Treatment Is Fast.

On average, treatment with Invisalign takes about 12 months. That's much shorter than treatment with traditional braces, which can take two years or more.

6. Invisalign Is Convenient.

The aligners are simple to remove and can be used for special events or whenever necessary. That means you won't miss out on anything during treatment.

7. Invisalign Is Affordable.

Invisalign treatment is often more affordable than traditional braces. And many dental insurance plans cover Invisalign just as they would traditional braces.

Invisalign may be suitable for you if you want an orthodontic treatment that is almost invisible, comfortable, quick, and convenient. Consult your orthodontist to see if Invisalign is right for you.

What to look for in Invisalign treatment?

Invisalign treatment is an excellent option for those seeking a more discreet way to achieve straighter teeth. Invisalign uses clear, virtually invisible, removable aligners, making them a much more aesthetically pleasing option than traditional metal braces. Invisalign is also a more comfortable option, as the aligners do not cause the same irritation to the gums and cheeks as metal braces.

Those considering Invisalign treatment should consult with an orthodontist to see if they are a good candidate for the treatment. Invisalign is not suitable for everyone, and an orthodontist will be able to provide a personalized treatment plan.

Invisalign Treatment Process

A consultation with an orthodontist or dentist is the first step in the Invisalign treatment process.

The orthodontist or dentist will take x-rays, photographs, and impressions of the patient's teeth during the consultation. The Invisalign specials in McKinney, tx, will use these records to create a customized treatment plan.

Next, the patient will be fitted with clear, removable aligners. The aligners need to be worn for at least 20 hours per day, and aligners should only be removed for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing. The teeth will gradually shift into the proper position when the patient wears the aligners.

The Invisalign treatment process typically takes 9-18 months, and the number of aligners required will depend on the individual case. Patients must visit the orthodontist or dentist for periodic check-ups to ensure the treatment is progressing as planned.

The Invisalign treatment is attractive for those looking to improve their smile without traditional metal braces. However, it's essential to consult with an orthodontist to see if Invisalign is the right option for you. The most fitting way to find out if Invisalign is right for you is to talk to your dentist in McKinney, tx. They will give you the best advice on which treatment option is right for you.

We are Invisalign specials in McKinney, TX. Valley Creek Dental Care believes that your smile deserves the best. Call us today to plan your FREE consultation and discuss any Invisalign concerns you may have!

Is Skipping Full Mouth Reconstruction Treatment Out Of Fear A Good Idea?

"I can endure my toothache, but going to a dentist and sitting on that chair, gives me goosebumps. Ugh!"

How often have you heard people say this? Probably many times. But are dentists really that scary? Or, is there something wrong with the dentist's chair? Let's find out!

Why Does Visiting A Dentist Feel Scary?

People can have a fear of heights, water, or even a visit to the dentist's office. Though it sounds like an exaggeration, some even skip their full mouth reconstruction, fearful of the treatment. Some even shiver at the thought of teeth cleaning. They prefer to endure the pain rather than step into the dentist's office. But is avoiding dental treatment a good idea? Absolutely not! It's time to overcome your fears of dental treatment and stop jeopardizing your oral health.

But how? 

Medical science has solutions for ample things. To perform oral treatment on patients who are extremely phobic of dental treatments, 'Sedation Dentistry' is used. It helps reduce anxiety in patients who avoid their dentists like the plague. Sedation can be effective in mostly all dental procedures, from tooth extraction to simple cleaning. 

What is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry is a method used to calm patients during a dental procedure. Dentists use medications for this purpose. Using techniques and administering medications depends on the patient's severity of the fear. However, patients awake after sedation except those under general anesthesia. The level of sedation varies as per the following:

• Minimal Sedation– The patient is awake but relaxed.

• Moderate Sedation– The patient is conscious but does not remember the procedure.

• Deep Sedation– The patient is almost unconscious but can be awakened.

• General Anaesthesia– The patient is completely unconscious.

What Kinds Of Sedation Do Dentists Use?

Sedation dentistry involves the use of different types of sedation, such as:

Minimal Sedation through Inhalation

Here, you(Patient) inhale nitrous oxide(commonly known as laughing gas) with an oxygen mask. The combination of this gas helps you relax. Dentists control the amount of gas you receive, and the effect usually wears off quickly. It is the only procedure after which your dentist may allow you to drive home yourself.

Oral Sedation

Oral sedation varies from minimal to moderate as per the total dose. You may have to take Halcion(pill) an hour before your dental procedure for minimal sedation. It can make you a little drowsy or sleepy, but a gentle shake can awaken you. It's commonly used anesthesia for sedation purposes.

IV Sedation

The drug is administered into your vein for quick action in this sedation method. Here, the dentist adjusts the level of sedation continually as per requirements.

Deep Sedation

Under general anesthesia, you may fall completely or partially asleep. The effects are strong and require either a medication to reverse its impact or let the anesthesia wear off itself. 

*** Patients receive local anesthesia to numb the site where the dentist will work. It relieves the pain or discomfort that a dental procedure may cause.

Can All Patients Receive Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation is mainly used for patients who are phobic of dental procedures. However, sedation dentistry may also be appropriate if–

• You've got a low pain threshold.

• You continuously move while in the dentist's chair.

• You have sensitive teeth.

• You require a lengthy dental procedure or treatment.

*** In addition to the above cases, sedation is also used for children afraid of going to the dentist's office. Nitrous oxide is primarily used in such cases as it is safe and can be administered quickly.

Can all Dentists Perform Sedation?

The answer will vary on the type of sedation in question. While most dentists can easily administer minimal sedation(like nitrous oxide or pills), very few can safely administer general anesthesia. The case with moderate sedation fairs better in comparison to deep sedation. The number of dentists who can administer moderate sedation has increased, whereas deep sedation requires special training and certification from the regulatory bodies.

Is Sedation Dentistry Safe?

Anesthesia is safe when given by an experienced dentist to a medically fit patient. In other words, your dentist will check if your body can handle the dose of anesthesia or not. For example, patients who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea or obesity tend to develop complications after anesthesia which should be avoided. Plus, your dentist should be experienced enough to administer the anesthesia he prefers for you. 

To avoid any foul play, you can do the following things:

• Check if your dentist goes through your medical history and see if anesthesia is appropriate for you

• Check if the dose of anesthesia fits under the recommended dose by medical bodies like FDA.

• Always go to an experienced dentist, as they know better about the procedures.

• Ask your dentist about the details of the procedure and clear your doubts if you have any.

Finally!

Sedation dentistry is appropriate in most cases and as your dentist recommends. If you or someone you know finds dental procedures scary and keeps skipping dental implants, google dental implants near me now! And click on Valley Creek's website. We will take complete care of your dental needs.