The Connection Between Oral Health and Mental Health in Seniors

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As you get older, you have to think about every aspect of your health. Most seniors don’t realize their oral health could be affecting their mental health. That’s why it’s so important to make regular visits to yourdentist in Little Rock, AR.

What Stress, Anxiety and Depression Do to Your Oral Health

Stress, anxiety, and depression can not only affect your oral health, but they can also affect your mental health. Sometimes, stress leads to depression. Depression can lead to being less attentive to your daily care routine, and that includes your dental habits.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Stress

  • Panic attacks
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Blurry or sore eyes
  • Indigestion and heartburn
  • Fatigue
  • Headaches
  • Muscle aches
  • Chest pains
  • High blood pressure

Signs of Stress-Related Dental Issues

If you have symptoms of stress, then add stress-related dental issues to that, it could hinder your ability to eat comfortably. And that could impact your nutrition. It could also contribute to feelings of isolation and depression. Therefore, you should also pay attention to the signs of stress-related dental issues. Those could include the subconscious clenching of your teeth and worsening TMJ. Both can lead to more oral health issues. A dental office familiar withsenior dentistry in Little Rock, AR can help you get back on track.

How to Avoid Oral Health Issues That Result in Mental Health Decline

The best way to avoid oral health issues that could result in mental decline is to visit your dentist regularly. You should also take care of yourself by exercising, eating well, and practicing a good daily oral health routine.

Do You Need a Dentist in Little Rock, AR?

If you need a dentist in Little Rock, AR, pleaseContact Mounts Dental Care today. We cherish our seniors and will prioritize your dental care accordingly. Our team knows how to identify senior dental issues that could affect your mental health. Reach out today. We’d love to meet you!

How Can I Tell If I Have Tartar and Plaque Buildup?

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Most of us have heard our dentist talk about plaque and tartar buildup, and we know it’s bad to have this kind of problem. But not everyone knows what this kind of buildup is or how to identify it when they see it. Your dentist in North Little Rock, AR, can help you identify plaque and tartar buildup, and if you have it, your dentist can remove it.

What Is Plaque and Tartar Buildup?

Plaque is a sticky substance that clings to teeth following meals. Some plaque buildup can be prevented through good brushing and flossing. Plaque often builds up along the gumline and sometimes underneath the gumline.

Tartar buildup is what happens when plaque stays on the teeth for too long. Tartar mixes with the minerals in the saliva and turns into a yellow or brown crust that clings to the teeth. You can’t get rid of tartar on your own by brushing.

How Can I Tell If I Have Plaque or Tartar?

If you have plaque, you’ll probably see a fuzzy white or yellow substance clinging to your teeth. If you have tartar, that substance may turn yellow or brown. However, plaque and tartar can cling to your teeth in places you can’t easily see. The best way to find out if you have plaque or tartar on your teeth is to visit the dentist.

What Should I Do About Buildup On My Teeth?

Seeing your dentist on a regular basis can help you avoid the buildup of food and bacteria in your teeth. If you haven’t been to the dentist for a dental appointment in North Little Rock, AR, in the last six months, then it’s time. Call Mounts Dental Care today to make an appointment.

4 Ways to Care for Your Teeth At Halloween

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Halloween is approaching quickly! At this fun time of year, it can be hard to take care of your teeth. Visiting the dentist in North Little Rock, AR can help you avoid problems that can lead to dental decay and gum disease. Even if you’re planning to visit the dentist immediately after celebrating the Halloween holiday, there are other things that you can do to protect your dental health. See below.

1. Skip the Sticky Candies

Sticky candies can cling to the narrow cracks and crevices in your teeth. This makes your teeth harder to clean and can lead to buildup of plaque. One way to solve this problem is to avoid sticky candies like caramels. Let someone else have these treats.

2. Enjoy the Candy Over One Or Two Days, Then Get Rid Of It

One of the ways that you can limit your teeth’s exposure to candy is to eat a lot of it over one or two days, and then get rid of the rest. Eat the candy you want during that two day period, and then give away whatever is left. Eating a lot of sugar over one or two days can be less damaging to your teeth than eating sugar over and over again over many days.

3. Chew Sugar-Free Gum

Chewing sugar free gum stimulates saliva production, and that’s good for cleaning your teeth. Chew sugar-free gum for 20 minutes after eating candies to clean your teeth and get rid of the food particles.

4. Focus on Dark Chocolates

Dark chocolate doesn’t stick to your teeth nearly as much as some other types of candy. In addition, dark chocolate contains less sugar than regular chocolate, which also makes dark chocolate a little better for your teeth.

Take care of your teeth after Halloween is over! Make a dental appointment in North Little Rock, AR at Mounts Dental Care. We’re happy to help.

3 Reasons That Your Dentist Recommends Twice Yearly Checkups

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Your dentist probably requests that you come in for check-ups twice yearly. Do you know why? Seeing the dentist in North Little Rock, AR, on a regular basis can help you maintain healthy teeth and gums. Keeping up with regular dental appointments is important! Here’s why.

1. Your dentist can catch dental problems in their early stages.

When you visit the dentist, you’re examined for potential dental problems like cavities, cracks in your teeth, chips, and signs of a dental infection. If you visit your dentist twice yearly, your dentist will likely catch those problems in their earliest stages. Catching problems dental problems early makes treating them much easier. Early treatment can also help you avoid more serious problems down the road.

2. Your dentist will get rid of plaque buildup.

Plaque is a sticky layer of saliva and food that can build up on your teeth over time. If the plaque is left on your teeth for too long, it will harden into tartar. Visiting the dentist frequently can remove plaque before it becomes tartar. Tartar can contribute to problems like gum disease and gum recession, so getting rid of plaque is good for you in many ways.

3. Seeing the dentist helps your smile look bright and beautiful.

Your dentist will polish your teeth when you come to visit. This polishing action can remove stains and keep your teeth looking white, bright, and beautiful. If you want to feel confident in your smile, visiting the dentist twice yearly is one of the best things you can do.

Is it time to make an appointment for dental preventative care in North Little Rock, AR? Call Mounts Dental Care today to make an appointment.

3 Back to School Tips to Care for Your Child’s Teeth

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It’s back to school time! Keeping your little one’s teeth healthy during the school year is important. As your dentist in North Little Rock, AR, we’re happy to help you with this process. We’re sharing the tips below to make caring for your child’s teeth easier this coming school year. Here’s what you need to know.

1. Bring your child to the dentist before the school year starts.

Once your child starts school, getting your child to the dentist can become more complicated. Make an appointment to bring your child to the dentist before the school year begins. If it’s already too late to bring your child before the school year begins, make a note in your calendar to make a back-to-school dentist appointment next year.

2. Stock up on healthy lunches and snacks.

The right lunches and snacks can help your child maintain healthy teeth and gums. Stock up on healthy foods that are easy to pack in your child’s lunches. Apples, hummus on pita, nuts, and fresh water in a bottle are all relatively healthy snacks that will fill your child up without doing damage to your child’s teeth.

3. Continue to monitor your child’s tooth brushing habits.

School nights can be hectic between family dinners and homework. Don’t let your child forget to brush their teeth before bedtime. If you brush your child’s teeth for them, pay attention to the appearance of their teeth to watch for problems like cavities. Continuing to brush your child’s teeth twice daily and floss once daily can help your child avoid painful dental problems.

Need to make an appointment for preventative dental care in North Little Rock, AR? Call Mounts Dental Care to make an appointment today.

Why Is Fluoride Important?

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Fluoride is important for keeping your teeth healthy and strong. In fact, your dentist in North Little Rock, AR, may provide you with fluoride treatments when you come in for a cleaning. Many people have questions about fluoride, including what it is and why it’s effective. Below are just some of the common questions that people ask about fluoride.

What is fluoride?

Fluoride is a mineral that occurs in nature and is found in rocks, soil, water, and even in the air. Fluoride is naturally found in our water supply, but usually not enough to make a measurable difference in your dental hygiene.

What does fluoride do to your teeth?

Fluoride prevents tooth decay in adults and children. It also helps you suffer less pain from tooth decay and helps you get fewer cavities. Fluoride sticks to the teeth and reinforces the tooth enamel to prevent cavities from forming. To a certain extent, fluoride can even help reverse damage from tooth decay.

How can I get fluoride?

In many communities, fluoride is added to the drinking water. Around 200 million people in the United States get fluoride through their community water system. However, not all communities add fluoride to their water.

Even if you don’t get fluoride through your tap water at home, you may still get fluoride through food and beverages that you consume that have been made with fluoridated water. Fluoride can also be found in some toothpaste and in other dental cleaning products.

If you live in a community where fluoride has not been added to your water, you may be able to get a prescription for fluoride from your doctor. If you have more questions about fluoride, speak with your dentist next time you come in for a tooth cleaning in North Little Rock, AR. Call Mounts Dental Care today to make your appointment.

Sources

https://www.cdc.gov/fluoridation/faqs/about-fluoride.html#:~:text=Fluoride%20is%20an%20effective%20way,Fewer%20and%20less%20severe%20cavities

3 Reasons To Go To the Dentist Every Six Months

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Going to the dentist in North Little Rock, AR, is good for you. In fact, most dentists recommend that their patients come to see them for a check-up and teeth cleaning every six months. If your dentist is asking you to make appointments every six months, you have many good reasons to do so. Here’s what to know about why you should see the dentist twice yearly.

1. Your teeth will stay healthier.

Every time you visit the dentist, you’ll get a teeth cleaning that will help keep your teeth healthy and strong. During the cleaning, the dental hygienist will remove plaque and tartar buildup that may have accumulated on your tooth enamel since the last time you visited.

You’ll also get your teeth polished, and that will prevent more plaque and tartar from building up after the visit is over. The result will be a reduction in bacteria in your mouth, which will help your teeth stay healthy.

2. Your teeth will look better.

Your teeth look their best when they’re clean. If you’re coming to the dentist every six months, you’ll enjoy healthier-looking teeth and gums. Are you interested in getting your teeth whitened? Your dentist can also take care of that – ask about it the next time you come in for a cleaning.

3. You’ll avoid painful conditions.

Unhealthy teeth can develop painful conditions like cavities and infections. When you get your teeth cleaned regularly, you’ll avoid problems like this. Unless you’re excited about getting a root canal or a cavity filling, it’s better just to go to the dentist regularly.

Need to schedule a teeth cleaning in North Little Rock, AR? Call Mounts Dental Care to make an appointment.

How Cigarettes Affect Your Mouth

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Your dentist in Little Rock, AR has probably been telling you that smoking is bad for your mouth. But you probably aren’t aware of just how bad smoking is for your mouth and oral health.

How Cigarettes Affect Your Mouth

Here are the ways smoking could affect your mouth.

  • Smoking Hinders Your Body’s Healing Process

Smoking lowers your immune system. And since your mouth is full of bacteria, smoking gives all those bacteria a better chance of surviving and spreading. That means anytime you have an oral issue, it will take longer for it to heal, and you will have a higher chance of infection.

  • Smoking Increases Your Chances of Getting Oral Cancer

Smoking can lead to you getting oral cancer. This is because when you smoke, you are exposing the tissues in your mouth to high concentrations of dangerous carcinogens that lead to cancer—oral and otherwise.

  • Smoking Makes It Harder to Fight Off Gum Disease

Smoking not only makes it harder to fight off gum disease in Little Rock, AR, but it will actually cause gum disease. In fact, smoking is the leading cause of gum disease.

  • Smoking Can Lead to Tooth Loss

As we mentioned, smoking leads to gum disease, which is basically an infection of your gums caused by bacteria. And since smoking causes gum disease, that gum disease could lead to tooth loss, which happens faster when you expose your mouth to the carcinogens found in cigarettes. In fact, people who smoke generally lose 2-3 teeth for every ten years they continue smoking.

Do You Need a Dentist in Little Rock, AR?

If you need a dentist in Little Rock, AR, please Contact Mounts Dental Care today. We use advanced technology and techniques to provide you with the best dental care available. We also have a comfortable, relaxing environment and a team that truly cares.

Which Summer Foods Can Damage Your Teeth?

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Summer is here and it’s time for barbecues and vacations! Watch out, because these activities often come with delicious meals that can be damaging to your tooth enamel. As your dentist in North Little Rock, AR, we can help you protect your teeth by educating you about the foods that cause the most harm. We also provide preventative care to keep your teeth clean and healthy.

Foods With Sugar

Foods that contain a lot of sugar can be yummy, but sugar can cause tooth decay. There are a lot of summer foods that contain a lot of sugar, but some common examples include sweetened fruit salads, ice cream, popsicles sweet barbecue sauces, sodas, milk shakes, smoothies and sweet alcoholic beverages like sangria.

When eating these foods (or drinking these beverages) swish with water after taking your meal to help get some of the sugar off your tooth enamel. Brush your teeth after eating.

Foods That Stain

Foods that stain are also common in summer. Barbecue sauce, wine and summer berries are all common examples of the kinds of food that can stain your teeth. Maintaining good oral hygiene can help. Keep your teeth clean, so the staining foods will wash away easily without changing the color of the tooth enamel.

If you do eat a lot of staining foods, one way to maintain white teeth is to get your teeth whitened by your dentist. Professional tooth whitening can help restore the color of your teeth to their original beauty.

Are you eating a lot of potentially harmful foods this summer? Make an appointment for preventative dentistry in North Little Rock, AR. We can help you take care of your teeth! Call today.

What Is Digital Cavity Detection, and Why is It Important?

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Cavities are easily one of the most common oral health concerns. However, when they are detected early using digital cavity detection in North Little Rock, cavities can be stopped in their tracks. While a visual assessment may detect prominent cavities, sometimes, cavities exist under the surface where they can cause just as many problems. Take a closer look at digital cavity protection below.

What Is Digital Cavity Detection?

Digital cavity detection is a type of dental diagnostic method that involves using a laser-powered tool to detect decay under the surface of the tooth. The handheld tool uses laser technology that evaluates the tooth using reflective light. This light is more capable of pinpointing points of decay than the human eye and can capture signs of deterioration inside the tooth that are not visible outwardly. To make a diagnosis, the dentist will simply sweep the tool over each tooth to conduct an examination.

Why Is Digital Cavity Detection Important?

With any cavities, the quicker the issues are diagnosed and treated, the less likely the cavity will cause extensive damage to the tooth. Cavities that are left to grow inside or between teeth because they are not visible can put the entire structure of the tooth at risk. The more decay spreads, the more difficult it will be to fix the tooth without having to extract it. Further, smaller cavities are not as costly to repair because a simple filling is usually all that is required.

Talk to an Experienced Little Rock Dentist About Cavity Detection

When you visit Mount Dental Care, we take your oral health seriously. Therefore, we use the most innovative and effective dental technology to make accurate diagnoses and provide treatment as your Little Rock, AR dentist. If you are interested in digital cavity detection, reach out to schedule an appointment today.