Legacy Dental Care

The Risk Factors for Oral Cancer Oral cancer kills nearly 10,000 Americans yearly. The survival rate is five years after diagnosis is only a fifty percent chance. Oral cancer occurs when the infected cells begin to mutate and multiple to live longer than healthy cells. The cancerous cells can multiply faster and eventually replace the healthy cell and threaten your body. The spread of cancerous tumors in the mouth is deadly as it can travel to other parts of the body, making ...it difficult for treatments or chemotherapy to succeed. There is no way to determine how the cancer forms, but there are risk factors that will help you understand. Smoking or tobacco usage is one of the leading causes that contribute to the spread of cancerous tumors. By chewing tobacco or smoking, it will decrease the likelihood of your health, causing your immune system to weaken to provide your body the defense it needs against deadly threats. Heavy alcohol consumption is as deadly as smoking or tobacco usage. It can significantly impact your health, making it impossible for the body to have a robust defense system. Sun exposure to UV lights is something most people are unaware of. Your lips require protection from direct sunlight as much as any other parts of your body. Staying outdoors under the sun without the proper protection will most likely damage your lips. For the best defense against mouth cancer, use chapsticks with higher SPF grade to layer a coat over your lips. The compromised immune system, or anyone with weaker immune systems, is at a high-risk factor in life-threatening diseases. It is best for those to obtain regular oral cancer screening so any abnormalities will be detected immediately. HPV (also known as Human Papilloma Virus) is a sexually transmitted disease that is infectious and often goes unnoticed with symptoms. Even with medical advancement, there are currently no regular oral screenings for HPV. Dentist and doctors are the ones that usually is the first to diagnose findings of oral cancer. It is crucial that the earlier you notice the detections, the better. Contact us today. We care for your oral health and overall-- You! We will provide you thorough dental screenings to detect oral cancer.

How to Handle Dental Phobias There is research demography that estimates at least thirty to forty million people in the United States struggle with the fear of going to the dentist. If you are afraid of going to the dentist, you are not alone. There is a sense of nervousness when it comes to thinking about sitting on the dentist’s chair and opening your mouth for an extended time. Here at Legacy Dental Care, we understand that we want to help put the fears aside. We strive to...Continue reading

Fluoride Toothpaste Benefits Every dentist will advise you to maintain a healthy oral regime to brush your teeth at least twice a day to ensure a beautiful smile. There are various brands and specific toothpaste products on the market designed to target the prevention of cavities, plaque build ups, gum inflammation, and gum disease. A perfect smile begins by you taking care of your gums and teeth as well as your overall general oral health. When you go to your local store an...d look at the different kinds of toothpaste, you will notice that almost all brands contain Fluoride. What is Fluoride, and how does it help you maintain healthy teeth and gums, you may ask. Fluoride is a natural mineral that is shown on the Periodic Table of Elements. Fluoride is not made safe for humans to ingest into the body in large amounts; however, it can strengthen the element in smaller amounts in toothpaste. Fluoride can remineralize the teeth. The bacteria in your mouth can slowly eat away your teeth' enamel stripping the essential minerals and causing deterioration. Fluoride can fill in these areas and attract important minerals such as calcium, which help repair damage and strengthen the enamel. Fluoride can prevent bacteria from build-ups. Fluoride contains antibacterial elements that can prevent bacteria from forming and spreading. It can disable the microbes that allow bacteria to stick to our teeth enamel, minimizing the presence of plaques and tartar. Fluoride reinforces the enamel in children. The fluoride toothpaste is certified as safe usage for children. Experts recommend that parents use a minimal amount of toothpaste for toddlers under three years of age. The best advantage of this is when the Fluoride is bonded so it can harden the enamel. It is best to start young to ensure that the teeth will be healthy enough to resist cavities and gum infections. It will coat the enamel against the acidity in sugary foods. Any dentist will tell you to use Fluoride based toothpaste over non-fluoridated ones. It helps deter any oral disease or bacteria that can form and grow in your mouth. Suppose you have further questions or concerns with the usage of Fluoride and recommendation of toothpaste brands. In that case, Legacy Dental Care is more than happy to assist you with your oral problems. We strive to be your dentist for excellent oral health and maintenance for a lifetime.

How Sugar Affects Our Teeth People consume high amounts of sugar-filled snacks and drinks that are harmful to their health and deteriorate their teeth every day. The high sugar level in food and beverage typically has little to zero nutritional value and overall causes health problems. The damages and severity of sugar are shown to be very impactful for your teeth since it leads to tooth decay, gum disease, cavities, etc. Harmful bacterias generally latch on the sugar consume...d in the mouth to create acid that attacks the teeth. Sugar comes in all forms, and whether it be solid or liquid form, the sugar can get into hard to reach areas that regular brushing is difficult. Therefore, it creates an environment for harmful bacterias. If left untreated, tooth decay and cavities will take a massive toll on oral health. When sugar consumption and poor oral hygiene are combined, your oral health is in danger. The severe issues that outcomes from large amounts of sugar intakes include: Extreme changes to your bite occlusions. Drastic reduction in the size of your molars. Permanent tooth loss. Extraction of tooth decay. Dental implants. Gum graft, dental surgery. According to the American Heart Association, sugar is only recommended in small amounts. No more than half of your daily calorie intake should be more than 100 calories per day (six teaspoons of sugar) for women and 150 calories per day (nine teaspoons of sugar) for men.

Diastema Diastema can be genetically inherited by birth or medical reasons. This can run in the family or certain medical conditions that can most likely cause the gap. Diastema is the correct term for the gap between two teeth, which often appears with your front upper teeth. Often there is no need for treatment as long as you don’t mind the gap. Though this is an issue in your confidence and appearance, there are available treatments that can help eliminate or modify. Ther...e are various causes of diastema, and some of them are: 1. The shape and size of your jaws determine if your teeth are too small to fill up the space available completely. This is more likely an inherited condition from either parent, so if they have the gap, so will you. 2. The gum is more extensive than average. The gum lines can press into and between two teeth to create a gap-tooth smile. 3. Gum inflammation, also known as gingivitis, can cause the gum to become swollen and loose. When this is left untreated, the gums could lead to a more complex gum disease that can primarily cause tooth loss. Your teeth will shift since there is no structure to keep them aligned. You would need dental treatment if gum disease caused your diastema. It is essential to maintain your gums and teeth for good oral health. Therefore, you must see your dentist annually, twice a year, for a dental examination. Many people do not mind the gap due to the traditional definition of beauty and uniqueness. Many Hollywood stars embrace their diastema, such as Madonna, Samuel L. Jackson, David Letterman, etc. However, not everyone welcomes the tooth gap, especially when it comes to aesthetically pleasing appearances. Some treatment options are braces to straighten and reposition the teeth, bonding and veneers to fill in space, gum reductions to keep the gum tissues from pushing the teeth apart. To learn more information, contact us at Legacy Dental Care. We will help answer all your questions and find the best solution treatment for your diastema.

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Tooth Loss In Adults As a child, losing your teeth is always something you expect and look forward to knowing that once you lose your tooth and place it under your pillow that night, the tooth fairy will leave you money. Now that we are older as an adult losing a tooth is more distressing for your confidence, creates a financial burden, and inflicts your overall health. Numerous causes can lead up to tooth loss in adult age. It can range from low dieting, harmful habits, or c...arelessness in oral hygiene. Remember to choose what you eat carefully. The most common cause is poor eating habits that lead to tooth decay/deterioration. Any food with high levels of sugar contributes to tooth decay. Harmful bacteria significantly feed on sugar to create acids that damage the tooth enamel. Once the enamel is weakened, the cavities progressively penetrate deeper into the layer of your teeth to cause a substantial amount of pain and, finally, tooth loss. No matter how much you try to avoid any injury, traumatic dental injuries and accidents are unavoidable. The leading contributor to dental injuries can range from car accidents to rollerblading (or biking) accidents and falling. Countless accidents may happen. It can result in your teeth being partially damaged in most injuries, but depending on its severity, it may turn out to be tooth loss. It would be best if you took the initiative to practice good oral hygienes, regardless of your busy schedule. Poor oral hygienes come from the lack of thorough brushing, flossing, and mouth rinse. When you do not practice dental hygiene, you are at risk of periodontal disease (gum disease). Not only that, it will affect your gums if left untreated, but your teeth will also lose the supporting structures and weakens the bones. This is one of the most leading causes of tooth loss. There are good habits that you should keep practicing, and there are bad habits that turn into destructive behaviors that you need to be aware of. It is not always about the food you eat, the oral hygiene you maintain, or the unforeseen accidents that result in tooth loss. Habits that turn into behaviors over time is something that can significantly contribute to tooth loss. Smoking is one of the bad habits that you must eliminate as soon as you can. It is not suitable for your oral health, and it is not good for your general health overall. Please take into consideration the food you eat and the habits that you develop. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate and give our office a call. Here at Legacy Dental Care, we value your smile and care for your oral health. Let us know what we can do to help.

Accidental Tooth Loss Accidental tooth loss is widespread in children and young adults. Research shows that 1 out of 3 boys and 1 out of 4 girls suffer traumatic dental injuries before eighteen. It is imperative to know how to handle and promptly save the tooth with professional dental care. Children and young adults participate in sports activities that result in dental accidents such as a cracked or chipped tooth, falling from the jungle gym on the playground, or being hit ...in the mouth while playing baseball or basketball. A tooth that is knocked out due to accidental trauma is known as an avulsed tooth. When this situation occurs, you must seek urgent professional care to see if it is possible to re-implant the tooth and if the tooth will fuse back into the gums. It is not a guarantee that the re-implant will work. The success depends on keeping the ligament cells on the surface as moist as possible. If the special ligament cells dry out, there is a high chance that it will not be inserted back into the gums. In case you do happen to assist with dental trauma, please keep in mind that all information is essential. Try to find out exactly what had happened and how long ago did it all happened. Locate the tooth and makes sure to keep it alive. Cold milk is one of the best options to store the avulsed tooth temporarily. Helpful Things to Remember: 1. Immediately locate the lost tooth after the accident and help the injured person to slow down the bleeding. 2. Rinse and keep the tooth moist with sterile water, saline, milk, or plastic wrap. 3. Reimplant, if possible, into the socket before seeking urgent attention to the dental office or hospital. If the injured person is unconscious, please do not attempt due to the danger of choking. 4. Make a quick call to your nearest dental office or hospital when you are en route to ensure that a doctor will be ready for your arrival.

Drinks That Will Stain Your Teeth There are many varieties of beverages that you enjoy drinking, such as coffee, tea, juice, or wine, that will stain your teeth. It is essential to know the specific information about your drinks to avoid discoloration and further damage to your teeth' enamel. To understand how teeth stain happens, you must know that the natural tooth color is your dentin, which is the second layer of your tooth. The enamel is the outer layer of the visible to...oth, and it can be stain by the beverages you drink. Coffee Coffee is the #1 leading cause of teeth stains. Statistics show that around 85% of American adults drink coffee in the morning and a minimum of one cup per day. Chromogens is a compound found in coffee that induces high levels of pigmentations that can easily adhere to your teeth' surface. The pigments can permanently stain your teeth. Tea Tea is another commonly consumed beverage. Just like coffee, tea contains an abrasive substance called tannins. Tannin is an organic compound that enhances flavor and coloration. The yellowish and brownish color is the culprit that causes the stain. Tea is an excellent source of antioxidants, but it can affect your enamel. If you were to drink tea, try avoiding black tea and using herbal, white, or green instead. Wine Wine contains both substances found in coffee (chromogens) and tea (tannin) in red wine. The combination of both substances creates tooth discoloration. Whether it is white or red, the acidic components in wine can break down the enamel to create ways for other foods and beverages to penetrate and discolor your teeth. Juice Juice also poses a risk to your teeth. Dark juice such as cranberry or grape juice contributes to teeth stains. Juices are consist of tarnish liquids that can linger onto the teeth enamel causing it to lose its natural color. There are many ways to help fight and prevent teeth from staining, such as: Limit these beverages or avoid them overall Chew on sugar-free gum to increase the saliva production Do not brush your teeth right after you consume any acidic beverages Rinse your mouth with water once you drink coffee, tea, wine, or juice Avoid sipping your drink throughout the day

Suppose you are experiencing unusual jaw pains, random tension headaches, or aching facial muscles pains. In that case, you should consider that you may be suffering from bruxism (also known as teeth grinding). Teeth grinding occurs during your sleep when you subconsciously grind and clench your teeth. This condition occurs when you are asleep that most people are not aware until they visit their dentist to see a significant loss in their enamel. What can cause teeth grindin...g? During your waking hours’ tension and stress within your day, you may experience that can contribute to teeth grinding unknowingly. There is a solution for teeth grinding that is non-invasive and effectively proven. Another condition that can lead to clenching and grinding is sleep apnea. However, regardless of the situation, teeth grinding is something that you need to pay attention to because it can wear down your teeth enamels, reducing the point where it can result in need of a crown or a filling. Nightguard is the best solution for teeth grinding. You will need to consult your dentist to fabricate the perfect fit to protect your teeth. Your dentist will customize the nightguard for you through a non-invasive process to take the impression of your upper and lower jaws. Benefits of Nightguards: The non-invasive process to customize. Flexible, comfortable, and durable to protect your teeth. Helpful to reduce and eliminate further damages. Reduce discomfort relating to headaches, sore jaws, tooth pain, ear pain, and facial pain. In severe cases, one may develop hearing loss, jaw misalignment, and TMJ. Other remedies to lessen teeth grinding and clenching include reducing stress and tension in your daily activities. You can do therapeutic exercises or soothing meditations to reduce anxiety. It is essential to avoid alcohol and caffeinated beverages since it may increase grinding tendencies. Also, try to keep your jaws as relaxed as possible. If you think you may be grinding your teeth, let us know. We will be providing you with an evaluation at our office.

Having Dry Mouth? Often times, when you feel that your mouth is dry, it is caused by the lack of saliva production. Saliva helps moisten the oral tissues and break down the food as you chew in your mouth. There is not enough saliva, clusters of harmful bacteria habitats causing gum diseases, tooth deterioration, bad breath, and affect the overall teeth structure. Without the regular saliva flow, simple things such as tasting, chewing, swallowing, and speaking can be challengi...ng. You may not realize it, but medication is the prime cause of dry mouth. Over more than all known prescription medication or over-the-counter medications can cause dry mouth since it is a common symptom. You can also be born with Sjogren Syndrome, which is also known as a salivary gland disease. Chemotherapy patients (head and neck cancer) going through radiation treatments are prone to lesser saliva production. Stress can create various problems for your health. However, it is hard to eliminate stress overall. Emotional stress is linked to dry mouth syndrome. You can prevent dry mouth by drinking more water to keep yourself hydrated and boost the salivation process and avoid beverages such as caffeine, carbonated drinks, and alcohol because they harm more than they do good to your overall health. It is known that chewing sugar-free gums or eating sugar-free hard candies can also increase the flow. It would help if you considered keeping the air in your room moist with a humidifier. There are over-the-counter medication tablets that can aid in saliva production. It is vital to keep your regular dental checkups and notify your dentist about the medications you are taking.

Five Helpful Tips To Relieve Pain Before Your Appointment Having tooth pain is already tormenting enough. With the insufferable pain and sleepless discomfort it negatively affects daily life functioning and nightly sleep. Although it may take up to 24 hours or a few days to schedule an appointment with your dentist, there are ways to alleviate the pain. Here are are some helpful home remedies to relieve tooth pain until you can see your dentist. Painkillers... You can take an over-the-counter medication such as Tylenol (acetaminophen), Ibuprofen, or aspirin to help relieve minor pain. Painkillers will not eliminate the problem, but it can allow for some hours until the medicine wears off. Oral Anesthetic Medication You can try numbing the area that creates the most pain for you with an oral anesthetic medication. A variety of brands help numb pain over-the-counter that comes in liquids, sprays, and gels form. These medications can ease the throbbing pain for a few hours. Cold Compression It is highly suggested to ease the pain by cold compression. You can use an ice pack or a ziplock bag filled with ice. Please remember to cover it with a thin paper towel or cloth before placing it over your skin to avoid any cold burns. Do not apply cold temperature directly on the pain site to prevent pain from increasing. Keep it at a minimum of at least 20 minutes of cold compression to soothe the ache. Clean, Brush, Floss You may think that it is not safe to irritate the pain more by avoiding brushing, flossing, and rinsing, but it is vital to keep the area as clean and disinfected as possible. You will need to brush, floss, and rinse the area as thoroughly as possible to prevent bacterial infection. Warm Salt Water Rinse To help disinfect and relieve the discomfort, you should try rinsing your mouth with saltwater. You should take a glass and fill it up with lukewarm water. Add a fair amount of salt and stir it for a good ten seconds before rinsing your mouth with it. The saltwater will help remove any food debris that may lodge between your teeth and calms the inflammation.

Visiting Your Dentist Every 6 Months You may wonder why keeping a regular appointment to see your dentist every six months is so important. Why is it necessary? Visiting your dentist twice a year will help you screen your oral health to prevent any serious issues. Maintaining dental health screening is essential. The dentist is able to assess and detect the early stages of any oral health issues. The dentist can provide you with visual exams to screen oral cancer or underlyin...g oral diseases. It is important to get your annual teeth cleaning. Often time, brushing and flossing are not enough to prevent bacteria buildup and tartar from forming. You will be given a deep cleaning to remove the hidden debris from your teeth. Your dentist will inform you in ways to help take care of your teeth and improve your daily oral hygienes. Seeing your dentist can also catch early detection to avoid any painful, unnecessary procedures in the future. See more

Things You Need To Know About Cracked Tooth Invisible to the naked eye, a cracked tooth remains undetected on x-rays and will be hard to teeth which tooth it is. This is when you will need to visit your dentist to examine your teeth during a thorough examination. A cracked tooth is very painful since the tooth is exposed, creating a pressuring sensation. How to know when you have a cracked tooth? Sharp, stinging pain that quickly disappears... Constant on and off discomfort Prolonged ache due to jaw movements Soreness with eating or drinking High sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures Irritability sensation of substance lodge between your teeth How can a tooth crack? Loss of tooth enamel (layer of protection) Loss of crown fillings or other restorative procedures Exposures to extreme hot or cold temperatures Chewing (ice cubes, hard candies, etc.) Trauma to the tooth Accidental mishaps (sports, car accident, etc.) Teeth grinding, teeth clenching. The reason why a cracked tooth can create endless distress to oneself if left untreated for some time is that the crack exposes the nerve pulp. The pulp (soft tissues that contain the nerves and blood vessels) inside may be irritated, leading to the high extremity of pain when you try to bite down or stopping a bite. Treatment varies and can be treated depending on the severity of the size and location. It is essential to get the treatment as soon as possible when you show possible symptoms. It is better to start treatment when it is noticed than to extend it. Treatments include composite resin fillings, crown cap placements to protect the tooth from further damage, root canal procedure/treatment, and tooth extraction.