Flossing is an essential part of any effective oral hygiene routine. Despite being often overlooked, flossing is key to maintaining healthy teeth and gums. At Anderson General Dentistry & Implants, we want to remind you why daily flossing should be a non-negotiable habit for your oral care. Here are four important reasons to make flossing a regular part of your routine:
1. Prevention is Key
Food particles and bacteria naturally accumulate between your teeth, and even the best brushing routine can’t reach these tight spaces. Over time, this buildup can lead to tooth decay, cavities, and other oral health issues. Flossing helps remove food debris and bacteria that brushing alone can’t reach, acting as a powerful preventative measure against plaque formation and tooth decay. By flossing every day, you are significantly reducing your chances of developing these problems.
2. Helps Prevent Gum Disease
Your gums deserve just as much attention as your teeth. Ignoring the areas between your teeth can lead to gum inflammation and, eventually, gum disease. Regular flossing helps prevent gingivitis (early-stage gum disease) by reducing plaque and bacteria buildup along the gumline. Research from the New York University College of Dentistry shows that individuals who floss consistently have fewer instances of gum bleeding, periodontal pathogens, and bacteria that cause gum disease. Taking care of your gums today ensures healthier, more resilient gums tomorrow.
3. Protects Your Smile
Flossing doesn’t just help prevent cavities; it also plays a role in preserving the bones that support your teeth. Regular flossing reduces the risk of gum disease, which can cause tooth and bone loss if left untreated. By keeping your gums healthy, you’re also safeguarding your smile’s appearance. Healthy gums maintain the natural contours of your teeth and the bone structure beneath them, helping you keep your youthful and vibrant smile for years to come.
4. Supports Your Overall Health
Did you know that gum disease has been linked to serious health conditions like heart disease, stroke, and diabetes? Flossing helps keep your gums free from harmful bacteria that can enter your bloodstream and contribute to these health risks. By taking care of your oral health through daily flossing, you’re also supporting your overall well-being and potentially lowering your risk of developing other health issues.
At Anderson General Dentistry & Implants, we are committed to providing you with the best care to keep your smile bright and your health in top shape. If you need personalized advice on flossing techniques or other ways to improve your oral care routine, our team of experienced dentists in West Allis is here to help. Contact us today to schedule your next appointment and start taking better care of your oral health.
6 Harmful Habits That Affect Your Teeth | West Allis Dentist
At Anderson General Dentistry & Implants, we understand that many people have habits they wish they could break. However, some of these habits can significantly impact your dental health. Here are six common habits to be aware of, along with tips on how to overcome them.
1. Nail Biting
Why it’s harmful: Nail biting can lead to chipped teeth and can put undue pressure on your jaw, particularly if you maintain a protruding jaw position for extended periods. This habit may also result in torn or damaged gums, increasing your risk of infection.
The solution: Consider using a mouthguard to deter nail biting. Additionally, therapy techniques, stress reduction strategies, or applying bitter-tasting nail polish can be effective in breaking this habit.
2. Brushing Too Hard
Why it’s harmful: While it’s crucial to brush your teeth for at least two minutes twice a day, brushing too hard can damage your teeth and irritate your gums. Over time, excessive pressure can lead to gum recession and may prevent you from effectively cleaning your teeth.
The solution: Switch to a soft-bristled toothbrush and be mindful of your pressure. Angle the bristles at 45 degrees to your gums, and focus on gentle, circular motions rather than applying force.
3. Grinding and Clenching
Why it’s harmful: Teeth grinding, or bruxism, can chip or crack your teeth, cause muscle tenderness, and lead to joint pain. You may also experience discomfort while chewing or difficulty fully opening your mouth.
The solution: Stay conscious of any grinding or clenching, and practice relaxation techniques to ease tension. A mouthguard can be particularly helpful, especially during sleep, to protect your teeth and reduce muscle soreness. Consult our dentist in West Allis for personalized recommendations.
4. Chewing Ice Cubes
Why it’s harmful: Both tooth enamel and ice are crystalline structures. Chewing ice can cause chips or fractures in your teeth, leading to potential pain and sensitivity.
The solution: Opt for beverages without ice or use a straw to enjoy your drinks without the temptation to chew on ice.
5. Constant Snacking
Why it’s harmful: Frequent snacking, especially on sugary foods and beverages, increases your risk of cavities. Bacteria thrive on leftover food, producing acids that attack your tooth enamel.
The solution: Focus on eating balanced meals to keep you satisfied longer, which can help reduce the urge to snack. If you do indulge in a sugary treat, be sure to drink water afterward to rinse away any residue.
6. Using Your Teeth as Tools
Why it’s harmful: Using your teeth to open packages, bottles, or to cut threads can lead to chipping or breaking your teeth, as well as potential jaw injuries.
The solution: Avoid using your teeth for anything other than eating. Always seek out scissors or tools for these tasks. Your teeth will thank you for it, and you’ll avoid costly dental repairs.
If you recognize any of these habits in yourself or your family, it’s time to take action! Contact Anderson General Dentistry & Implants to schedule your next dental appointment. We’re here to help you maintain a healthy smile.
Plaque: Your Teeth’s Number One Enemy | Best West Allis Family Dentist
When buying a toothbrush, toothpaste, or coming into our office, you often hear the word “plaque” associated with the health of your teeth. Plaque is one of the main reasons why it is so important to keep up with a daily oral hygiene routine that includes brushing two times each day for at least two minutes, and flossing regularly as well. Here’s what you need to know about plaque and what it can do to your smile.
What is Plaque?
If you haven’t brushed your teeth in a while, you might feel a film-like, sticky buildup on your teeth. This is plaque, a bacteria layer that grips onto your teeth. There isn’t anything you can do to stop plaque from forming, but brushing and flossing as well as keeping up with regular dental visits are your best defenses for cleaning plaque off your teeth.
What Plaque Does to Your Teeth & Mouth
Without regular brushing and cleaning, plaque builds up and multiplies. As plaque is left untreated, it hardens to form tartar (also known as calculus). Plaque also leads to decay, as it produces an acid that damages your teeth. When you come into our office for a dental examination, we thoroughly clean your teeth to ensure that any buildup is taken care of. Tartar can cause staining on your teeth if left untreated. Plaque is the leading cause of gingivitis, causing your gums to swell and become red or bloody.
What You Can Do
The most important steps of keeping plaque in check is to stick to a daily brushing routine. This means brushing twice each day, for two minutes each time, and flossing at least once daily. Plaque occurs naturally, and when you come into our office for a complete examination, we work with you to clean off any buildup. Maintaining regular visits to our office is one way to ensure tartar buildup is minimized and managed. It is particularly important that you are brushing your teeth all the way to the gum, because the gum line is an area that is prone to plaque buildup. Brush gently, as vigorous brushing will only do more damage than good, especially to your gums.
Sticking to your daily brushing and flossing routine will help keep your teeth free of plaque buildup. Make sure you are brushing in the morning and before bed. If you don’t brush before bed, bacteria and plaque will build up throughout the night. Schedule a visit to our office so our experienced, professional dental team can clean your teeth, giving you a smile you can be proud of.
For more tips on keeping your teeth healthy or to schedule your next visit, please contact our office.
Tooth Decay – Something You Need to Know About | Family Dentist West Allis
Painful, infected teeth are not a pleasant experience, but they are common symptoms of tooth decay. The good news however is that tooth decay is preventable. Your best defense against decay is a daily oral hygiene routine, as well as regular visits to our office. It can be helpful to know more about tooth decay and what causes it so that you are better equipped with the knowledge to prevent it.
More Than Just Sugar
Sugar is a leading cause of tooth decay. Sugar build-up and deposits on your teeth lead to the erosion of the tooth. While it is important to be mindful of the sugary products you are consuming, sugar is not the only culprit in causing tooth decay. Acids can also damage your teeth. Foods that are high in acidic content can speed up the process of decay. Our dentist suggests you avoid drinks and candies with high sugar or acid content. If you find yourself consuming such things, make sure to keep up with your daily oral hygiene routine.
The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research recommends avoiding snacks between meals, limiting sugary drinks and fruit juices, and not eating or drinking before bedtime after brushing.
You Can’t Always Tell
Decay doesn’t always have noticeable signs. When discomfort is felt, it could be a sign the decay has spread beyond one tooth. In other words, by the time you do feel it decay is far along. This can be prevented by regular visits to our office. Our doctor can help identify potential issues early and you will receive the best possible treatments for your teeth.
Teeth with Fillings Still Need to Be Cared for Properly
Previous fillings do not mean that your teeth are free of decay forever. It is essential you maintain proper daily care of your teeth. It is possible to develop decay around existing fillings, so be sure you are taking extra care especially around fillings. If you feel your existing fillings are giving you trouble, schedule an appointment to see us.
Tooth Decay Not Just a Kids Thing
All age groups are equally at risk of developing tooth decay. Parents should keep an eye on their children’s sugary snacks and treats, but this advice holds true for everyone. Senior citizens are particularly vulnerable because of certain medications can damage their teeth. It is essential that all age groups are receiving twice-yearly dental examinations.
Tooth decay is a common dental issue. However, with the right knowledge you can prevent damage to your teeth. Watch your diet and make sure you limit sugary candies and snacks. Remember, you won’t always be able to see or feel decay, so contact our office to schedule a regular visit.
For more helpful tips on preventing decay, or to schedule an appointment, contact our office.
The One Piece of Gear Every Athlete Needs | West Allis Family Dentist
An injury to your mouth can be a painful, expensive experience. For athletes, mouth and tooth injuries are a very real risk. Mouthguards are an excellent tool for protecting your mouth from injury and harm. Our team can help you find a solution that protects your teeth while you play.
Why Wear a Mouthguard?
Mouthguards protect your teeth. For athletes, injuries to the mouth can cause cracked teeth, or even worse, missing teeth. Additionally, your mouth is mostly made up of soft tissues, such as your tongue, inside cheeks, and lips. These areas can become injured or pierced when playing sports. Mouthguards help defend your mouth and teeth against such injuries.
Do All Athletes Need a Mouthguard?
Yes. High-contact sports such as hockey, wrestling, football, and boxing pose the greatest risk for mouth injuries. However, all athletes can benefit from being cautious. Gymnasts should consider wearing one to protect their mouth in the event of a fall. Baseball and basketball players should protect themselves from being injured by a ball or collision with another player. Mouthguards should be treated as a necessary piece of your athletic gear, no matter which sport you play.
Which Mouthguard Is the Most Effective?
Our team can help you during your next visit to our office. There are many options available, ranging from store-bought to custom-fitted mouthguards. We will work with you to determine which type of mouthguard is best for you. It is important that any guard fits properly.
If you are currently receiving orthodontic treatment, we may recommend a special type of mouthguard. Braces can puncture your mouth if impacted, particularly during sports. Our team will help you find a solution that works.
Prevention is the best solution to oral sports injuries. Contact our office and ask about finding a mouthguard that is right for you. For questions or to schedule an appointment, please click here to contact us.
7 Ways to Combat Bad Breath | Dentist West Allis WI
Halitosis, commonly known as bad breath, is commonly associated with certain foods. Garlic, onion, and cabbage can all cause a foul odor and taste for several hours after you’ve eaten them. This type of temporary halitosis is easily solved by avoiding the foods that cause it. However, in some cases bad breath is a chronic problem that simply changing your diet won’t solve.
Long-term bad breath is caused by the presence of bacteria in your mouth. These bacteria are most often found on the back of the tongue and thrive when your mouth is dry. There are a variety of ways you can help reduce or eliminate chronic bad breath. Some of these include:
Practice good oral hygiene.
Brush your teeth after you eat as often as possible and at least twice daily. Clean between your teeth using dental floss or another interdental (between teeth) cleaner at least once each day. Food particles between teeth will break down slowly and cause unpleasant odors and tastes.
Brush your tongue.
Even if you brush and floss your teeth as recommended, the bacteria causing your bad breath may remain on your tongue. Use a tongue scraper or toothbrush to gently scrape away any particles of food or bacteria every time you brush. For best results, place the scraper or brush as far back as you can manage without gagging. This will generally become easier over time.
Keep well-hydrated.
Dry mouths allow bacteria to thrive. By drinking plenty of water, you can help prevent the bacteria growth and reduce or stop bad breath.
Avoid bad breath triggers.
Onions, garlic, cabbage, coffee, and tobacco products are all known to cause bad breath.
Chew sugarless gum.
By chewing sugarless gum, you increase saliva production and keep your mouth moist. This helps slow or prevent bacteria growth, minimizing chances of bad breath.
Improve your diet.
Crunchy fruits and vegetables, yogurt, and foods rich in vitamins C and D all work to prevent the growth of bacteria, keep your mouth cleaner, and increase saliva flow.
See your dentist.
Follow your regular schedule of dental hygiene appointments and exams. If you have tried the tips above without improvement, make an appointment for an exam to see if there may be an underlying condition that requires treatment. Treat any oral illnesses, such as decayed teeth, periodontal (gum) disease, or infection.
For more information about the potential causes and treatments for halitosis, contact our office.
Are Your Drinks Attacking Your Teeth? | Dentist West Allis WI
If carbonated soft drinks are part of your normal daily routine, you may be causing serious damage to your teeth. Recent studies have found soft drinks to be among the most potent dietary causes of tooth decay. Soft drinks have also been implicated in increases of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and other serious health conditions. Before you shop for beverages this week, consider a few things you should know about soft drinks.
Most soft drinks contain substantial amounts of sugars, which interact with the bacteria in your mouth. This interaction produces a form of acid that can damage your teeth for about 20 minutes. Each time you take a drink, you reset that time window. If you consume throughout the day, you are essentially bathing your teeth in that beverage for hours.
Most soft drinks contain acids, as well. Even sugar-free varieties contain acids that can weaken the enamel on your teeth. Colas and citrus-flavored soft drinks tend to have the highest levels of acid. Over time, this weakening of tooth enamel has a cumulative effect. This can lead to decay and even tooth loss if not addressed in early stages.
Obviously, the best solution is to stop consuming carbonated soft drinks. However, it can be a difficult habit to break. Here are some tips to help reduce your risks of tooth damage from these beverages:
- Drink in moderation. Too much sugar and acid will eventually cause damage.
- Try sparkling water. This provides the fizzy sensation without all the sugar and acid.
- Drink more water. You will crave soft drinks less when you are fully hydrated.
- Don’t sip. The longer you spend drinking, the more time sugars and acids are reacting with your teeth.
- Use a straw. This can help keep the sugars and acids away from your teeth.
- Rinse with water after drinking to dilute acids and sugars.
- Don’t brush immediately. Wait at least 30 minutes for acids to be neutralized by saliva before brushing.
- Practice good dental hygiene, including brushing, flossing, and regular professional cleanings and exams.
Carbonated soft drinks can be harmful to your oral and overall health. Be mindful of how often you consume them and consider reducing or stopping your use of these dangerous beverages.
For more oral health tips or to schedule an appointment, contact our office.
The Truth Behind “Natural Whitening” Fads | Dentist in 53227
It seems like there is a new headline nearly every week featuring someone who swears their teeth are whiter and brighter due to their natural home remedy for stain removal. These articles showcase the idea that whitening can be cheap and easy, if in some cases unpleasant. It can be tempting to consider trying for brighter, whiter teeth without investing time and money on in-office or at-home whitening under a dentist’s care. However, before you pin your hopes on one of these “natural whitening” methods, take a look at the truth behind some of the recent fads.
Fad 1: Oil Pulling
Oil pulling has been cropping up in headlines for months with claims of a wide variety of potential health benefits. It is a very old folk remedy in which a person swishes a tablespoon of edible oil, such as coconut, sunflower, olive, etc., in their mouth and between teeth for up to 20 minutes daily.
Despite the number of years this practice has existed and the number of health issues it purports to treat, there is no evidence that oil pulling whitens teeth or improves health.
Fad 2: Fruits
Due to celebrity endorsement, some people have begun to try rubbing mashed strawberries on their teeth to try to achieve a whiter smile. Others are using lemon or orange peels, and still others tout the virtues of eating pineapple or swishing apple cider vinegar.
However, there is no science to support any of these claims. In fact, one recent study found that brushing with a mixture of baking soda (which is known to have whitening effects on teeth) and strawberries did not whiten teeth. Even worse, the citric acids found in all of these fruits and vinegars can actually be harmful to the enamel on your teeth.
Fad 3: Hydrogen Peroxide
While it is true that many forms of in-office and over-the-counter teeth whitening make use of hydrogen peroxide, there is more to consider before opening a bottle. The hydrogen peroxide used in professional teeth whitening, whether in-office or at-home, is mixed with other substances and provided in a form designed for use in teeth whitening.
Simply swishing from a bottle of hydrogen peroxide will have little or no effect on the whiteness of your teeth, but may cause irritation to your gums and mouth and can be dangerous if accidentally ingested.
If you want whiter, brighter teeth, there are safe and effective ways to achieve your goal. Talk with our 53227 dentist for a recommendation for what kind of whitening will be best for your needs. For more information about whitening, contact our West Allis, WI dental office.
Stained Teeth | Dentist in West Allis
Many people want a smile they can be proud of and one way to achieve a dazzling smile is to have pearly white teeth. However, in order to maintain a bright smile, the dentist says you should be mindful of the types of things you consume. Because of certain factors, some foods or beverages can create harsh stains on your teeth that over time can be difficult to remove.
When considering foods that can stain teeth, be sure to look out for dark pigments. Some foods or beverages stain teeth because they have an intense amount of pigment molecules that the dentist will call chromogens. These chromogens latch on to dental enamel and cause your teeth to become discolored.
Another thing to look out for is foods or beverages that are very acidic. Acidic foods and beverages can cause staining by eroding the dental enamel which temporarily softens teeth and makes it easier for chromogens to latch on.
One rule of thumb for determining whether or not what you’re eating will stain your teeth is to determine if it will stain your white table cloth or carpet. Some of the main foods or beverages to consider would include, wine, coffee, cola, berries, sauces (such as soy sauce, curry sauce, or tomato sauce), and sweets. Also another main culprit for staining teeth is smoking or chewing tobacco. Contact our dental office to learn more about our teeth whitening services.
Even if you consume dark pigmented or acidic foods, just know that there are a variety of options to help you achieve a pearly white smile. One option that can help prevent stains on your teeth would be to brush and floss twice-a-day. To brush more effectively, be sure to ask your dentist in 53227 about electric toothbrushes. The electric toothbrush gives you the ability to clean your teeth and to help remove any stains or residue more thoroughly. Also be sure to ask your dentist about teeth whitening treatments that can be provided in the office or at home.
Contact our dental office in West Allis, WI today for questions or to schedule an appointment.
Oral Cancer Risk Factors | West Allis WI Dentist
During a comprehensive dental examination, our team will look for signs of oral cancer. Early detection is key with oral cancer. If caught early, most forms of oral cancer are treatable. Our dentist in 53227 is trained and educated to identify oral cancer.
Everyone is susceptible to the disease, but some groups of people are at a higher risk level than others. Here are the top seven risk factors for oral cancer.
Age
Are you in your mid 40s? Your risk of developing oral cancer increases with age. A noticeable increase is evident in people in their 40s and older. According to the Cancer Treatment Centers of America, the majority of diagnosed cases occur around the age of 62, but the average age is declining. The recent increase in Human Papillomavirus (HPV) related cases is causing more people to be diagnosed for oral cancers between the ages of 52 and 56. As the average age for oral cancer cases decreases, it is vital that you receive regular oral cancer screenings at any age.
Gender
Men are twice as likely to develop oral cancer compared to women. Part of this difference may be related to regular intake of alcohol and tobacco. According to the American Cancer Society, the gender difference is decreasing since more women are drinking and using tobacco today than in previous generations. There has also been a trend in recent years of younger men being diagnosed with HPV-related oral cancer. Both men and women should schedule regular oral health examinations to detect oral cancer early.
Tobacco
Smoking or chewing tobacco can greatly increase your risk of developing oral cancer. Tobacco can lead to cancer of the mouth or throat. Additionally, oral tobacco products cause cancers associated with the cheeks, gums, and inner surface of the lips. Development of these cancers depend on the duration and frequency of tobacco use. Non-smokers are not immune to oral cancer, so be sure to schedule an appointment with our team for an examination.
Alcohol
Among those that are diagnosed with oral cancer, about 70% of people are characterized as heavy drinkers. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heavy drinking is defined as having an average of two or more drinks per day for men, and one or more drinks per day for women. People who drink heavily can be more than twice as likely to develop oral cancers than people who do not drink. Oral cancer can still occur in people who have never had an alcoholic drink. Contact our team to schedule an examination.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
This sexually transmitted disease is associated with at least 10,000 cases of oral cancer diagnosed each year in the United States. People who have HPV-related oral cancers tend to be younger and are unlikely to smoke or drink. Typically, those diagnosed with HPV-related oral cancers are at a much lower risk of death or reoccurrence. We suggest a proactive approach by maintaining regular visits to our dental office.
Sunlight
People who work outside or with prolonged exposure to sunlight have a higher risk of developing lip cancer. It is vital to use UV protection when under the sun. Many lip balms offer UV protection. If you work outdoors frequently, schedule an additional examination with our team.
Diet
Poor nutrition can increase your risk for developing oral cancer. According to the American Dental Association, reports have shown that a link exists between diets low in fruits and vegetables and a higher risk for oral cancers. However, oral cancer can develop in healthy individuals. No matter your diet, schedule a visit with our team for a comprehensive oral examination.
Oral cancer does not discriminate. While these seven factors have been tied to an increased risk of oral cancer, that does not diminish the importance of regular oral examinations for everyone regardless of their age, gender, or other factors. Regular dental examinations make it possible for our team to detect oral cancer early. Contact our West Allis, WI dental office to schedule a comprehensive oral examination.
Be a Part of Our Family
Dentist in West Allis, WI
Thanks for choosing Anderson General Dentistry & Implants for your dental services. We’re excited to welcome you to our family!
We look forward to learning more about you and
what we can do for your family’s healthy smiles.
Visit Our West Allis Dental Office
Dentist in West Allis
Our Convenient Office Hours
Monday: 8:30am – 5:00pm
Tuesday: 8:30am – 5:30pm
Wednesday: 8:30am – 1:30pm
Thursday: 9am - 12pm
Friday: 8:30am – 4:30pm
We Are Located At
Read Our West Allis Dental News
West Allis Dentist
Promoting Healthy Dental Habits in Children: A Foundation for Lifelong Oral Health
The Importance of Replacing Missing Teeth: Why Choose Anderson General Dentistry & Implants
Managing Dental Anxiety: Tips for a Stress-Free Visit
