How Wine Stains Teeth

Whether wine red or white, it can stain teeth. That is because the drink is highly acidic. Therefore, it can erode the enamel and stain the teeth. The following information details how wine stains the teeth and how you can minimize the effects.

Both Red Wine and White Wine Can Stain Teeth

Although some people believe red wine stains teeth more easily than white wine, they are wrong. Both drinks can stain teeth because they are acidic. When you drink any drink with a high acid contact, it can lead to enamel erosion. So, if you like wine, beware. You need to make sure you limit your consumption and drink water after you consume wine. Doing so will lessen the impact of stains on the teeth. It also helps to consume foods with wine that neutralize the acid content that erodes the dental enamel. Therefore, eating pasta, which neutralizes acids, is an excellent food choice when consuming wine. Drink water after you are done drinking wine to swish away and dilute the acid.

Wait to Brush Your Teeth

If you brush your teeth after you drink any type of wine, you may brush away more than the wine residue. That is because the acid in wine softens the teeth. Therefore, we advise that you wait an hour before brushing your teeth after consuming wine. Before you brush too, you should drink water to rinse away the acidic residue. Water will also rehydrate your system so you’ll feel refreshed.

Do you remember the last time you had a dental check-up and cleaning? If not, you need to schedule an appointment with our offices in Milwaukie or Oregon City today. Take a new path with respect to dental care. Schedule exams and cleanings twice annually. We will guide you in your home care as well. The more you know about dental care, the less anxious you will feel about any dental procedures we may need to recommend.

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Milwaukie: (503) 855-0465
Oregon City: (503) 765-7185
Mobile Dental Clinic: (503) 653-9334

Is the Cause of Most Toothaches Easy to Figure Out?

If you have a toothache, you may conclude that it is due to a cavity or abscess. It may not occur to you that your sinuses may be inflamed and causing you the toothache pain. While many people think the reason for a toothache is due to a cavity, that is not always the case. We need to carefully review your medical and dental history, and review x-rays before we determine a cause. The information below will provide you with further details about diagnosing toothache pain.

Why Do Toothaches Occur?

Some people with deep decay do not experience toothache pain, while others, with more sensitive teeth, may complain about how their tooth hurts. Tooth pain is not always a clear-cut or easy to diagnose. It may result from another underlying health issue, from decay, or from an infection. We need to take x-rays and carefully evaluate the condition before we recommend a treatment.

How Sinusitis Can Lead to a Toothache

The sinuses are large spaces that are located next to the nerves in the gums of the teeth. Therefore, a tooth may hurt because of a sinus infection, which has nothing to do with decay. Therefore, we must determine the real cause of the discomfort to treat the pain properly. Not only do we have to examine a site visually, we also need x-ray imaging to support our findings.

If you are suffering from any type of dental pain, we have the equipment and knowledge to help you get the problem corrected so you can get pain relief. Why not call us today for a consultation? Any type of dental pain should be considered an emergency. Therefore, make it a point to call us to treat your pain today. When you are suffering from any type of dental pain, it is important to contact us immediately. A delay can lead to an infection or a health-threatening medical condition. Now—not later—is always the time to call us to schedule an appointment.

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Milwaukie: (503) 855-0465
Oregon City: (503) 765-7185
Mobile Dental Clinic: (503) 653-9334

Simple Lifestyle Changes That Can Keep Your Teeth White

The way your teeth look can be influenced by how you eat, what you drink, and the habits you practice. By following a schedule of good oral hygiene, you will be able to maintain a healthier and whiter smile. The following information can give you more details about how to keep your teeth whiter and more attractive.

Why Do Teeth Get Yellow or Discolored?

To understand how to keep teeth white, you need to know what discolors them. Many of the foods we eat can be blamed for darker, discolored, or yellow teeth. Some of these foods or beverages may include tomato sauce, coffee, red wine, or foods that cause erosion, such as caramels or hard candies. Teeth also lose their luster if you don't follow a program of brushing and flossing each day. You should brush with a soft bristle brush in the morning and at night, or before you go to bed. You should also floss at least once a day. Use a string floss or a water irrigator. We can show you how to floss properly. When you follow a routine of oral care, you get rid of the plaque that erodes and discolors teeth. In addition, it helps to visit our offices every six months for a professional cleaning and check-up. Teeth also get discolored by using tobacco or smoking.

How to Whiten Teeth

To keep teeth white or to whiten them, you need to brush and floss regularly and check about in-office whitening. After you have your teeth whitened, you will need to follow a regular program of dental care. 

Therefore, you should always brush and floss each day, regardless. You can also improve the look of your pearly whites by eating foods that tend to whiten them, such as pineapples, milk, or leafy greens. To ensure a better smile, you need to assume a healthier lifestyle.

We can help you with your goals of whitening your smile. Give our offices a call for a professional cleaning, exam, and consultation. We can discuss ways to improve the whiteness of your teeth. You can choose to have them whitened in the office, or check about prosthetics, such as veneers. Visit our office and find out how you can improve the whiteness of your smile.

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Milwaukie: (503) 855-0465
Oregon City: (503) 765-7185
Mobile Dental Clinic: (503) 653-9334

One Cup of Tea a Day Could Boost Your Oral Health

Although many people start their day with the ritual of drinking coffee, drinking hot tea in the morning is also a common ritual for many. This latter group may be on to something good when it comes to their oral health. It turns out that both black tea and green tea when drunk in moderation can contribute in positive ways to your oral health.

How Can a Daily Cup of Tea Improve My Oral Health?

Both black tea (the type of tea commonly used for iced tea) and green tea are rich in antioxidants, which offer a host of health benefits. One of the most important functions of antioxidants is their ability to counteract the damage from free radicals in the body. Free radicals are dangerous little atoms or groups of atoms that latch onto healthy atoms and causes what is known as oxidative stress in your body’s cells. Antioxidants fight free radicals by promoting healthy cellular growth in your entire body, including your mouth. This helps keep the soft tissues in your mouth healthy and promotes healthy bone tissue in your jawbone.

In addition, antioxidants are important for fighting oral infections and preventing certain oral cancers. Drinking a cup of black or green tea each day also gives you a healthy dose of specific vitamins and minerals that are important in keeping your teeth strong and your mouth healthy overall. These include iron, calcium, phosphorous, B vitamins, and vitamins A, C, D, E, and K.

Although drinking a cup of green or black tea daily can provide numerous benefits for your oral health, it’s also important to note that drinking too much black tea on a daily basis can stain your teeth. However, one cup daily of either of these teas certainly offers more pros than cons for both your oral health and your overall health. If you would like to learn more about how different foods and beverages impact your oral health, give our offices in Milwaukie or Oregon City a call to schedule your next appointment.

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Milwaukie: (503) 855-0465
Oregon City: (503) 765-7185
Mobile Dental Clinic: (503) 653-9334

Dental Dangers You May Not Realize With Getting Oral Piercings

Piercings, just like tattoos, are a form of self-expression. Although piercings in the ears are the most common, oral piercings have been on the rise. Oral piercings include the tongue, lips, cheeks, and uvula. The mouth, containing millions of bacteria, makes the location of the piercings dangerous. Teeth sensitivity, gum recession, and tooth decay are aggravated by these piercings. With improper home care, infections and swellings are quite common. These side effects can be quite dangerous as the swelling can cause the throat to close and the possible infections may include hepatitis or endocarditis. That does not even touch on the damage of accidentally biting on a piercing. Getting an oral piercing is serious and should be done with the precaution that everything is done safely and as cleanly as possible. Any symptoms you may experience needs to be checked out by a health care provider. Concerning dental work, coming to see us allows you to have the best care possible if you choose to get an oral piercing.

Dangerous Side Effects

Even if the piercer is a professional and is as clean as possible, there can still be problems with the piercing. It is possible that you may have a hypersensitivity to the metal used and have an allergic reaction to it. Swelling can become life threatening quickly as it affects the ability to breathe. The immense number of bacteria living in the mouth helps cultivate infections. Oral piercings increase infections and provide opportunities for bacteria to enter the bloodstream. Endocarditis is an inflammation of the heart valves or tissues, which is caused by oral bacteria when it enters and travels to the heart. Often the piercer tells you to not mess with the piercing in your mouth with your tongue or fingers. It is also very common to have dental issues such as a cracked or chipped tooth. Also, the piercing can damage dental fillings.

Oral piercings are a part of our culture and education on the risks and dangers need to be made more available. At the first sign of a complication like swelling or a sudden sharp tooth, contact our offices. We are here, ready to help!

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Milwaukie: (503) 855-0465
Oregon City: (503) 765-7185
Mobile Dental Clinic: (503) 653-9334

6 Dental Health Pitfalls You Need To Avoid

Although most of us try to maintain good oral hygiene, sometimes we can get pretty lax when it comes to our oral care routine. However, there are some dental health pitfalls that you absolutely must avoid.

Not Brushing Enough

About 30% of Americans do not brush their teeth twice a day. Some of them don’t even brush their teeth once a day. However, regularly brushing your teeth can stop bacteria and plaque from accumulating. Hence, it is essential to brush your teeth for at least two minutes twice a day.

Incorrect Brushing

Even if you brush twice a day, if you are doing it wrong, it can be detrimental to your oral health. When brushing, you need to ensure you clean 100% of your tooth surface. Brushing in a hurry can leave plaque sticking to your teeth. Brushing aggressively can also damage your gums.

Not Using the Correct Toothbrush

Toothbrushes come with a range of bristles and thickness. Small headed brushes with soft bristles are considered the best as they can access all the areas in your mouth and can prevent aggravation of the soft tissue.

Not Replacing Your Toothbrush

Once the bristles lose their shape and strength that means you are already past the time you should have replaced your toothbrush. A general rule is to replace your toothbrush every three months. It is also recommended that you should replace once you have recovered from a sickness.

Not Flossing

Regular flossing helps remove food debris, bacteria, and plaque from in between your teeth and beneath the gum line, preventing tooth decay and gum disease. So make sure you take out a time in your day to floss at least once.

Consuming Too Much Sugar

Our diet is filled with too much processed sugars. Sugary and acidic drinks, like sodas, are the worst enemies of your teeth. Reduce consumption of fizzy drinks to maintain a good oral health.

Even if you have great oral health, you should visit our ComfortCare Dental offices at least twice a year. Regular dental checkups can ensure you don’t have any red flags in your mouth and allow us to give you the best dental advice. To schedule an appointment, call us today!

Contact Our Offices

Milwaukie: (503) 855-0465
Oregon City: (503) 765-7185
Mobile Dental Clinic: (503) 653-9334

Benefits of Having a Water Flosser for Getting Between Your Teeth

Although daily flossing has been proven effective for fighting tooth decay and gum disease, the vast majority of the population doesn’t floss on a regular basis. Let’s face it. It is not the most exciting task in the world. However, water flossers might be just the devices necessary to motivate even the most resistant flosser.

What Do Water Flossers Do?

If you’re unfamiliar with this technology, a water flosser (aka an oral irrigator) consists of a plastic tube that sprays water around your teeth and along your gum line to blast away food particles that can cause decay. You simply plug it in, turn it on and allow a continuous spray to remove the grime and gunk that accumulates in your mouth.

Do Water Flossers Really Work?

There are detractors in the dental world who claim that water irrigation just cannot compare to the effectiveness of good old-fashioned flossing. However, decades of compiled research show differently. It turns out that water flossers are just as effective as string floss, if not more. In addition, they are a simple alternative that’s quicker and more comfortable than traditional flossing. And you don’t have to stick your fingers in your mouth to boot.

Who Can Benefit from Water Flossing?

Although anyone can benefit from using a water flosser, they are especially effective for certain groups. These include those with fixed orthodontics who find string flossing long and arduous. In addition, water flossing is extra useful for people with certain medical conditions like Parkinson’s or arthritis who find it difficult to handle string floss. Finally, using a water flosser can benefit those who find string flossing too unappealing to keep up a daily flossing habit.

If you’re concerned that you’re not flossing well enough or often enough, maybe it’s time to make the switch to a water flosser. Please contact our offices in Milwaukie or Oregon City for recommendations. We would be happy to answer any of your questions.

Contact Our Offices

Milwaukie: (503) 855-0465
Oregon City: (503) 765-7185
Mobile Dental Clinic: (503) 653-9334

Does the Sun Damage Your Teeth Directly?

We all know that UV rays from the sun can be harmful to our body, but how harmful can they be to our dentition? You’ve probably heard some advice flying around the poolside that it’s bad to keep your mouth open while sunbathing, but what’s the science behind such claims? You need to be aware of the effects of sun rays on your dentition to ensure that your teeth are protected as much as your sunscreen-coated skin during a time out by the poolside or patio.

UV rays from the sun can damage cells around your teeth, from your gums to the roof of your mouth. It gets worse when we go cross-country, skiing, or snowboarding for long periods. Studies show that UV exposure can get as high as 80% during such times because we get exposed to direct rays as well as those reflected by the snow and sand. It’s common for people who don’t have proper protective gear on them during such activities to experience a burning sensation in their nose and mouth. Similar symptoms are experienced during sub-par UV-teeth whitening procedures. High-altitude mountaineers suffer the biggest exposure because the concentration of UV increases the higher the elevation.

How Best to Protect Your Teeth from UV Rays

When you’re going on long-winding outings outdoors, shield your face with sunscreen and your lips with anti-UV lip balms that have at least an SPF 15 protection. Make sure you reapply the sunscreen frequently from time to time. Hats can also block out much of the UV rays.

Drinking water helps reduce dehydration, which could exacerbate the burning sensation in your mouth from the UV exposure. Good oral hygiene also helps us always keep our mouths in good condition to assuage the effects of UV exposure.

It’s also imperative to visit our offices in Oregon City or Milwaukie regularly for checkups so our dentists can forestall any oral problems related to UV exposure before they deteriorate to more serious conditions.

Contact Our Offices

Milwaukie: (503) 855-0465
Oregon City: (503) 765-7185
Mobile Dental Clinic: (503) 653-9334

Perspective May Help You Understand the Benefits of a Root Canal

When some people find out they need a root canal, they go through a bunch of emotions. The emotions run from fear to uncertainty to wondering if they really have to go through this procedure.

The reason for this is often because they do not understand what the root canal is all about Instead of looking at it from the perspective of the unknown, it is better to look at it through the benefits of a root canal.

What is a Root Canal?

A root canal is an oral surgery procedure, but it is a minor procedure that many people go through. Your tooth consists of an enamel on the outer layer, a hard part called dentin and a softer tissue called pulp. Tooth decay that extends deep into the tooth and that affects the pulp needs removal. That is where a root canal comes into play.

The Benefits of a Root Canal

There are several benefits to getting a root canal. The first is it offers the best way to save a tooth suffering from decay. It can stop the pain you have from a tooth that is failing and can prevent more problems from occurring.

Once you get the root canal, you will notice a few good things. You will be able to chew properly again without any tooth sensitivity. Because of the root canal, you will be able to bite down normally. A healthy tooth that has undergone a root canal can prevent damage to other teeth.

The most important benefit is that it restores a happy smile to your face. You do not have to worry about any pain and you can restore the smiles to your face. Root canals typically take one or two visits and with anesthesia are not painful or uncomfortable. It all depends on how you look at them.

For more information about this contact our offices to schedule an appointment.

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Milwaukie: (503) 855-0465
Oregon City: (503) 765-7185
Mobile Dental Clinic: (503) 653-9334

Pumpkin Offers Many Dental Benefits

Many people enjoy pumpkin, particularly during the months of October through December. However, did you know that in addition to tasting good, pumpkin actually has oral health benefits? It’s true! If you are looking for reasons to eat pumpkin, read on.

Pumpkin Contains Many Nutrients Your Teeth Need

Pumpkin is a great source of many of the vitamins you need for healthy teeth and gums. Here are a few of the things you’ll find in pumpkin:

• Vitamin A. This vitamin is used by your body to help ensure that your gum tissue is healthy. What’s more, pumpkin is full of the stuff: ½ cup of pumpkin will give you all of the vitamin A you need for the day.

Ways to Eat Pumpkin

There are a number of ways for you to get the pumpkin you need. In addition to the old standby of roasted pumpkin seeds, you can put it in smoothies or curry. You can even eat it as part of a dessert, such as pumpkin bread, pumpkin muffins, and of course pumpkin pie. So, next time you have the opportunity to eat some pumpkin, go ahead and do it. Your mouth will thank you for it! If you have any questions about ways that pumpkin can help your dental health, please feel free to reach out to us. We are happy to help you!

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Milwaukie: (503) 855-0465
Oregon City: (503) 765-7185
Mobile Dental Clinic: (503) 653-9334

Options When You Have Gaps Between Your Teeth

While it may seem like having gaps in between your teeth is not an oral health issue, it actually can be troublesome, not only to your oral health, but also to your self-esteem. Many people are bothered by a gap riddled smile and would like to have nice, straight, touching teeth, but think that braces are the only answer. Let us look at some of the options you may have available to you for closing the gaps in your teeth.

Closing The Gap

There are a couple of recurring problems that we see with patients who have gaps between their teeth; the first is that often times, people who have large gaps between their teeth do not floss as well as they should. Perhaps they assume that since the teeth do not touch, there is less of a need for flossing. This is untrue. While it is true that you may not get food stuck in between your teeth if they are gapped, you still have plaque and tartar build up that needs to be removed regularly by flossing. The second problem that patients report is that they are unhappy with the appearance of their smile. Gaps in the teeth can be closed by using invisible braces, or even traditional braces, but these are not the only options. In our office, we can use dental bonding to build up your tooth on the sides, effectively closing the gaps in between your teeth. Another option is dental veneers which are applied directly to the front surface of the tooth. Both options improve the overall appearance of your teeth by closing the gaps and restoring your smile.

If you have gaps in your teeth that you are unhappy about, give our offices a call and schedule an appointment. At your exam, we will be happy to go over the options you have available to you.

Contact Our Offices

Milwaukie: (503) 855-0465
Oregon City: (503) 765-7185
Mobile Dental Clinic: (503) 653-9334

How to Manage Bruxism When You Sleep Through Doing It

If you clench and grind your teeth while you’re asleep at night, you might think there is nothing that you can do about it. After all, you aren’t aware that it is happening until the next day when you wake up with tooth or jaw pain. However, there are a few things that you can try in order to manage your bruxism.

Use a Night Guard

The most common treatment plan for nighttime grinding is the use of a night guard. We can custom fit a mouth guard to match the exact shape and placement of your teeth. It will fit over the top teeth, and while it won’t stop you from grinding while you sleep, it will protect your teeth from damage.

Work Out

Another tip that might help to reduce your nighttime grinding is to get regular exercise. Many people grind their teeth while asleep due to stress and anxiety, even if you aren’t completely conscious of what you are doing. You can take a walk in the evening or work out at the gym; anything that helps you to feel more relaxed and less stressed.

Find a Way to Unwind before Bed

In addition to exercise, there are other things that you can do to unwind before you go to bed. Some people like to read to take their minds off of their troubles. A warm bath or shower before bed can also help, as warm water can relax the jaw muscles. A heating pad might also help.

Bruxism can be extremely damaging to the teeth, so it is important to find a way to manage the issue. If you grind your teeth at night, please call our offices to set up an appointment. We will help you to create a bruxism management plan and can inspect your teeth for any possible damage.

Contact Our Offices

Milwaukie: (503) 855-0465
Oregon City: (503) 765-7185
Mobile Dental Clinic: (503) 653-9334

Dangers of Being an Open-Mouth Breather

People breathe in different ways. There are open mouth breathers and there are people who breathe through their nose. The important part is that you get oxygen in your body, but the way you breathe can impact you in different ways. An open-mouth breather could cause oral health problems that are better avoided. These are the dangers of breathing through an open mouth.

Mouth Breathing and a Dry Mouth

The biggest problem with mouth breathing is that it can lead to a dry mouth. The saliva glands in your mouth help in many ways. The saliva helps wash away debris and bacteria left on the teeth and gums. It keeps the skin tissue moist and healthy. When you breathe through the mouth, the amount of saliva present will go down. You will lose the benefits of having a moist mouth. When your mouth starts to dry out, more bacteria can grow. You can also develop dry skin and cracked lips that provide more space for bacteria to grow. This puts your entire oral health at risk. You are more prone to tooth decay, gingivitis and cracked or broken teeth when you are a mouth breather.

How to Know and What to Do

The problem is that many people do not realize they are a mouth breather. The most common cause of mouth breathing is clogged sinuses. You are not sable to breathe through your nose, so you breath through your mouth. Some of the signs of mouth breathing include snoring, bad breath, and chronic fatigue.

If you do suffer from mouth breathing, you need to do something about it. Medications that help with nasal congestion can make it easier to breathe through the nose. Strops attached to the nose while you sleep may open the airways. For someone suffering from sleep apnea, appliances that help with this can stop the mouth breathing.

If you notice the signs of mouth breathing, take the time to find out how you can change it before you cause any damage. Call us and schedule an appointment for us to take a look around your mouth.

Contact Our Offices

Milwaukie: (503) 855-0465
Oregon City: (503) 765-7185
Mobile Dental Clinic: (503) 653-9334

Common Questions from Our Dental Patients

Our office assists in many different procedures to help ensure your mouth is healthy and happy. We get some common questions throughout the year. Here are the two most common questions that are asked by patients. The answers can give you a bit of leverage when it comes to caring for your teeth and improving the overall quality of oral health you have.

How Often Are Dental Visits Really Necessary?

We often get asked if it is important that you come in and see us at regular intervals. The answer is an overwhelming and resounding yes. We need you to come in two times per year, approximately six months apart. This allows us to keep your teeth clean, spot signs of ill health at their earliest stages, and correct any problems we do find before they turn into bigger problems. It also allows us to compare x-rays regularly, so we can spot early signs of jaw malformations or oral cancer symptoms.

Is There a Preferred Way to Whiten My Teeth Safely?

Another question we get regularly is how to safely whiten their teeth. There isn’t one answer that will work for everyone, but we do have some general rules of thumb we provide. First, if you want your teeth whiter, come see us. Second, if you want to prevent dental stains, avoid foods and beverages that cause staining. Third, we highly advise you to steer clear of drug store whitening products. They do not have as strict of standards, and can lead to issues with your teeth if used improperly. If you have other questions or would like more information, contact us today. We are happy to assist in your oral health care. It is our goal to ensure that you have as healthy of a smile as possible, and are always willing to answer your questions to help you become proactive about your oral health.

Contact Our Offices

Milwaukie: (503) 855-0465
Oregon City: (503) 765-7185
Mobile Dental Clinic: (503) 653-9334