Dental Blog Portland, OR

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Latest Posts:

Understanding the Importance of Biofilm

Posted on 7/20/2019 by Lemond Hunter

When you hear the term biofilm, you may think it is the name of the next great Hollywood hit movie. If you think it is something we talk about in our office, you may think it is a new method for us to look at your teeth and gums. It is neither. Despite the fact that many people do not know what biofilm is, that does not mean it is not important. Learning about biofilm can help you manage your oral health. What is BiofilmEven though most people have never heard of biofilm, that does not mean they do not have any. Biofilm is a term used to describe the collection of one or more types of microorganisms that grow on a surface. In the case of your mouth, the most common form of biofilm is plaque. Biofilms occur in stages. In the first stage the organisms or bacteria of the biofilm begin to grow. As they grow, they look for a place to attach to. The second stage is when the groups of organisms find a surface on the teeth and gums to attach to. In the third stage of growth, the biofilms start to grow vertically. They attract more of the bacteria for growth. At some point they also start seeding more biofilms in other parts of the mouth. What the Biofilms DoPlaque is a biofilm that impacts your oral health. If you don't do anything to disrupt the growth of the plaque, it will continue to spread to other teeth and the gums and lead to problems with both. Cavities, tooth decay and gum disease are all a result of the biofilms that go unchecked. The solution to biofilms is to disrupt them at the earliest stages. If you prevent them from attaching to the teeth or if you remove them before they continue to grow after they attach, you can prevent the plaque from building up and prevent problems. The way this is done is through good oral hygiene habits. For more information about this or any other oral health issue, contact our office to schedule an appointment....
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Uncommon Causes of Bad Breath

Posted on 7/10/2019 by Lemond Hunter

Do you believe that bad breath is the result of chowing down on a smelly meal or snack? This is only part of the story, as the food you eat is actually an uncommon cause of bad breath long-term. Read on to find out more. Myth: Stinky Foods Are the Reason You Have Bad BreathMany people believe that stinky foods like onions, fish, and garlic are the cause of bad breath. This is false, at least in part. It is true that these odorous foods can leave you with bad breath temporarily, but they aren't the cause of chronic bad breath or halitosis. In fact, chronic bad breath is a result of excessive Volatile Sulfur Compounds (VSCs) within the mouth. These molecules result from a buildup of oral bacteria, which is often the result of oral hygiene. What Can You Do About Bad Breath?The best thing that you can do about bad breath is to improve your oral hygiene routine. Make sure you are brushing twice per day, and if you already do, but still suffer from chronic bad breath, you may need to re-evaluate your technique. Floss a minimum of once per day and add a mouthwash to your schedule. Dry mouth could also contribute to bad breath, so if you suffer from this condition, you'll want to take steps to prevent it. It could be due to a health condition or medication that you take but sipping on water continuously throughout the day can help. This will work to rinse the VSCs out of the mouth before they have a chance to produce a foul odor. Regular dental visits are also important when it comes to managing and preventing bad breath. We can evaluate your symptoms and treat any underlying conditions, and we will also offer dental hygiene tips that can further improve your oral health....
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Did You Know We Can Help When You Decide to Quit Smoking?

Posted on 6/20/2019 by Lemond Hunter

Smoking can have many negative consequences on your oral health. That's why we always encourage you to quit, and if you are ready to take that step, we are here to help. Learn How Smoking Affects Oral HealthWhen you smoke a cigarette, your teeth are the first part of your body that are affected. Your teeth touch the cigarette and also come into contact with the toxins within the smoke. These toxins are extremely damaging to the teeth, and with time, they will break down the strength of the tooth. Symptoms can include dry mouth, tooth decay, brown or yellow stains, hardening of plaque, and bleeding gums. Unfortunately, these symptoms can progress to bigger problems. If you experience these issues and continue to smoke, you could be at risk for cavities, tooth loss, root canals, and the loss of tooth enamel. Gum disease is another major problem when it comes to smoking. Gum disease is so common among smokers because bacteria builds up in the mouth, and when the gums become inflamed, they become an easy target for bacteria to cause periodontal disease. Nicotine constricts the blood vessels, which means the gums will bleed less, and it will be harder to diagnose gum disease in its early stages. Eventually, the gums could recede, and your teeth may loosen or even fall out. Resources for Smoking CessationIf you are interested in smoking cessation, we have the resources that can help. We can recommend pharmacological options, gums, patches, support groups, and a wealth of other avenues that can help you be successful. Plus, we will examine your teeth regularly to ensure that your mouth is healthy every step of the way. Are you ready to quit smoking? Let us help! Call us today to learn more and to set up your next evaluation....
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All Posts:

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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