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Enamel-friendly Foods For Your Teeth

When it comes to protecting your teeth, your first line of defense against tooth decay and cavities is tooth enamel, as it is the outermost covering that protects the more vulnerable dentin and tooth pulp below. Your enamel comes equipped for the job as the hardest substance in your body. However, because it doesn’t have living cells it can’t grow back once it is lost.

The number one enemy of tooth enamel is acid. It eats away at the enamel leaving it vulnerable to decay as it weakens. Because tooth enamel protects the lower layers from acids and plaque, protecting it is vital to your oral health. Be sure to limit these harmful items as much as possible, and be sure to clean your teeth at least twice a day. Here are some items to avoid:

– Soda
– Fruit juice
– Flavored water (has citric acid and other additives)
– Sugary snacks like cakes, cookies and candies
– Starchy snacks like chips, crackers, pretzels and bread
– Citrus fruit

Of course, it’s not just about what you leave out of your diet that protects tooth enamel. There are foods that can help strengthen tooth enamel, so let’s take a look at them.

– Probably the number one food choice for healthy teeth is rich in calcium which helps form strong teeth and bones. Cheese, which is high in calcium, also helps balance your oral pH which lowers the acids that attack the enamel. Besides cheese and other low-fat dairy items like yogurt, you can find calcium in fortified rice and soy milk, sardines and salmon in the can, almonds, and dark leafy greens like kale, broccoli and spinach.

– Foods rich in vitamin D help your body absorb calcium. Vitamin D is abundant in milk, salmon, margarine, as well as soy and rice beverages which are fortified.

– Your teeth also need phosphorus which you can find in eggs, meat and fish.

– Vitamin A, found in sweet potatoes, red peppers, mangoes and kale.

– Beta-carotene in fruits and vegetables which are orange.

– Magnesium rich foods like bananas, whole grains, and spinach.

For healthy tooth enamel, you also want to make sure are hydrated throughout the day. Water helps support saliva flow and keeps your mouth debris-free while helping all the bodily tissues.

Healthy eating habits, combined with daily tooth brushing and flossing and regular dental checkups and cleanings can help your teeth and gums stay strong for a lifetime of healthy smiles.

If you would like to have our team provide you with a thorough dental cleaning and exam, we invite you to call and schedule an appointment today. We look forward to providing you with the quality care you deserve.

How Routine Dental Checkups Help Your Smile In The Long Run

When you come in for dental exams and we have cleaned your teeth and gum line and removed any hardened plaque, our dentist can look at them for any signs of trouble, such as cavities, loose or broken teeth, damaged fillings, and evaluate your risk rate of certain diseases which might also take into account your family history. We will look for swelling in the gums or redness and bleeding and even measure the depth of gingival pockets signaling gum disease. We will evaluate your bite, determine if you have bruxism (a sign of teeth grinding), check the contact between teeth and examine the lower jaw joints for problems. We will also examine the soft tissues in your head, mouth and neck, including the lymph nodes, for any indications of cancer or infection. If problems are detected, you may require further diagnostics followed up with recommended treatment options.

As you can see, this is one of the biggest reasons why dental checkups are so important, because spotting problems early on is crucial for providing effective, minimally invasive, and economical treatment. Using x-rays and other diagnostic tools, we can detect problems early when you may not even be aware of them, especially since tooth decay isn’t usually obvious or painful in the early stages. By the time you do notice problems, the condition has often already advanced.

While most of the time you may need to see your dentist twice a year, there are circumstances that might require coming in more often, particularly since your oral health is directly related to your overall health and vice versa. For example, if you have a disease such as diabetes or heart disease you may be at greater risk of gum disease. If you have a weakened immune system, you will likely have a diminished ability to ward off infections and diseases. If you regularly use tobacco or are a heavy drinker, you are at greater risk of oral problems. Taking medications that result in dry mouth – a reduction in saliva production – puts you at higher risk of developing cavities. So be sure to let our dentist know what medications and supplements you are currently taking when you come in for your routine checkups. You can also let us know if you are noticing signs of tooth sensitivity, pain or an unusual lump. Again, the earlier a problem is addressed, the better the treatment success rate.

If you would like to have our dentist and team provide you with a thorough dental cleaning and exam, we invite you to call our office to schedule an appointment. Our goal is to help you create the healthiest oral environment for your teeth and gums and we look forward to providing you with the quality care you deserve.

Picking Out A Toothbrush

All toothbrushes no matter how good they may be will wear out. It’s a good idea to replace your toothbrush every three months, or as soon as the bristles start to wear out.

The most important thing to consider when buying a new toothbrush is the bristles. As our dentists, Drs. Birch and Jones will tell you, a toothbrush with soft bristles will not damage the enamel on your teeth or your gums. This is especially important when selecting a toothbrush for small children since their gums can be damaged more easily than those of an adult. Beyond that, the toothbrush should be the appropriate size for the user’s age and have a head small enough that it can reach every part of the mouth.

Older people or those with mobility or range of motion problems may find it easier to use an electric toothbrush.  Children may find a powered toothbrush more fun to use, and for that matter so may you. A powered toothbrush may also make it easier for you to brush for the full two minutes necessary for good dental health.

Still stumped as to which toothbrush to buy? If you have questions, Birch Family Dental has the answers. If you are looking for a dentist in Green River, Wyoming, call 307-875-3658 today and we will be happy to schedule you for an appointment.

Does Diet Matter To Dental Health?

Diet plays a major role in your child’s oral health, and the foods they eat can reduce the health of their teeth and gums or provide more support for their smile. We are pleased to provide insight into how food affects dental health and influences the quality of your child’s teeth.

As you already know, sugary foods and drinks can be bad for teeth, and this is because sugar mingles with bacteria to become a harmful oral acid that eats at the teeth and increases the risk of cavities and infection. Similarly, foods with starch cling to the teeth and remain for a long time, leading to the development of tooth decay. A diet full of acidic food can weaken and break down the tooth enamel, leaving the teeth vulnerable.

Because children are frequently exposed to sweets and unhealthy snacks, keeping their diet completely healthy can be very hard to do. You can counteract sugar and starch by encouraging your child to develop daily dental habits such as brushing and flossing their teeth and seeing the dentist regularly for dental checkups.

Our team at Birch Family Dental recommends that your child’s meals consist of food good for teeth, such as water, vegetables, fruit, lean protein and whole grains. Fruits that have fluoride can improve tooth enamel, while protein sources are full of phosphate to nourish teeth. Dairy products contain calcium to naturally strengthen the teeth against damage.

To schedule an appointment with either Dr. Birch or Dr. Jones to discuss your child’s oral health in Green River, Wyoming, please feel free to call our office today at 307-875-3658.

The Basics Of Tooth Restorations

The options for improving your smile are far and wide. Several restoration treatments are designed to improve the healthy of your smile and even approve the visual appearance of it. Treatments can be customized and crafted to your exact dental profile to ensure that you receive a treatment that not only effectively minimizes damage but also drastically lowers your risk for damage in the future. Setting forth an effective treatment plan involves visiting our dentist for restorations, repairs and fixes as needed.

If you’re looking to enhance your smile through a tooth restoration, it is important to understand what type of damage has been done and which treatments will work best for you. If you have a situation in which a tooth is continually vulnerable to outside forces and requires an additional layer of protection, a dental crown can prove to be highly effective. Dental crowns cap teeth on all sides and act as a sort of barrier for the tooth.

If you wish to enhance the look of a tooth, a dental veneer can be crafted and designed to match the look, size, shape and color you desire. Your veneer can then be placed on the front surface of your tooth, giving your teeth a better look than even nature can provide.

In situations where a tooth has developed a cavity, our dentist can provide you with a highly reliable dental filling after the damaged areas of your tooth have been cleaned. If you have teeth that are healthy but are not the color or shade you want, a tooth whitening treatment can help.

Are you attracted to the idea of improving your smile with tooth restorations in Green River, Wyoming? If so, we welcome you to schedule an appointment with Dr. Bryant Birch by calling us at 307-875-3658. Birch Family Dental looks forward to enhancing your smile today!

Repairing A Lost Tooth With A Dental Bridge

If you have suffered a case of tooth decay or need to receive cosmetic dentistry to improve the appearance of your smile, then you may benefit from receiving a dental bridge. We offer an overview of the nature of dental bridges and how they work to meet your cosmetic dentistry needs.

What are dental bridges?
Bridges are very simple and straightforward, serving to bridge the empty space left behind by a missing tooth. The bridge acts to support tooth replacement for the tooth by attaching dental crowns on either side to the teeth that surround the gap. The crowns perform the service of anchoring the replacement tooth or teeth so that we can fill the gap and provide your smile with stability and strength. The natural teeth that attach to the bridge prevent the replacement tooth from slipping or falling out.

What do the dental bridges fix?
Dental bridges are an excellent way to solve issues created by missing teeth. Additionally, their placement can help enhance the appearance of your teeth and improve your bite force, preventing a misaligned bite from resulting in significant oral health problems.

If have lost teeth and are interested in pursuing cosmetic and restorative dentistry to restore your smile, then we invite you to call Birch Family Dental today at 307-875-3658 to schedule a consultation with our dentists, Drs. Birch and Jones, about receiving a dental bridge in Green River, Wyoming.

Bad Breath Facts

Bad breath is something many people suffer from. It is quite the inconvenience that can put a damper on people’s lives, especially their social lives. If you’re one of these people, our dentists, Drs. Birch and Jones, would like to give you some facts about bad breath. The more you know about bad breath, the more you know about how to treat it. Those bad breath facts are:

-Bad breath can be caused by many different things, like the things you eat, poor oral hygiene, periodontal disease, tobacco use, dry mouth and improperly cleaned oral appliances, like retainers, braces and dentures.

-Typically, improving your oral hygiene routine can help improve your breath. However, it won’t help if you have periodontal disease or if you use tobacco products. You will need to see your dentist for treatment and you will need to quit using tobacco.

-Sipping on water throughout the day can help improve your bad breath. This is because it can wash odorous food particles and bacteria away. It can also help you prevent dry mouth.

-Cleaning your tongue can help improve your bad breath because it removes the bacteria from the surface. So, brush your tongue after you brush your teeth or use a tongue scraper.

If you have any questions or if you would like to know more about bad breath in Green River, Wyoming, please contact Birch Family Dental today at 307-875-3658. Our dental team will be more than happy to help you, so please call our office now!

Tooth Enamel Erosion Can Increase The Risk Of Cavities

Your tooth enamel is made up of a dense matrix of microscopic mineral crystals. This is what gives your teeth the strength to break down food to make it easier to swallow and digest. It also helps your teeth resist the damage caused by tooth decay.

Inconsistencies in your daily oral hygiene habits or failing to attend your dental checkups at Birch Family Dental can lead to the chronic buildup of food debris, plaque and bacteria in your mouth. Left unaddressed, this situation could lead to cavities on multiple teeth as well as tooth sensitivity problems. If you have a dental health concern, it’s best to schedule with Dr. Bryant Birch. If your cavity is small enough, he might be able to treat the area of tooth decay with a dental filling. If the dentist has further concerns about the strength of your tooth enamel, he might recommend administering a fluoride treatment and using prescription fluoride supplements. Our dentist might also advise you on minor improvements you can make in your daily routine which can help reduce your chances of suffering new cavities between your visits.

If you live in the Green River, Wyoming, area and you have concerns about the strength and health of your teeth, you should call 307-875-3658 to schedule a checkup at Birch Family Dental.

Sleep Apnea: A Common But Serious Problem

Though it is a common experience, obstructive sleep apnea is also a serious medical condition that must be treated as quickly as possible. Sleep apnea is a condition in which your breathing is frequently interrupted during sleep. Obstructive sleep apnea is one of two varieties of sleep apnea, central sleep apnea and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). In central sleep apnea, the brain fails to signal the body to breathe during sleep. In OSA, something is physically obstructing the airflow. This is the much more common of the two. Untreated sleep apnea of any kind can set you up for serious health problems such as depression, heart attack, high blood pressure, stroke or even heart failure.

A number of factors contribute to OSA, including both genetic and environmental factors. Those who are more at risk of developing OSA are those who:

-Have large tonsils or tongue
-Have a family history of sleep apnea
-Have a deviated septum
-Deal with allergies or sinus problems
-Are over 40 years old
-Are overweight
-Are male

There are many treatment options, including something as simple as not sleeping on your back, in very mild cases. Other treatment options may include oral appliance therapy, Continuous Positive Air Pressure (CPAP) therapy treatments, or surgery. If you have or suspect you have sleep apnea, consult with your doctor and construct a personalized treatment plan.

If you suspect that you may have sleep apnea and you are in the Green River, Wyoming, area, call Birch Family Dental at 307-875-3658 to schedule an appointment! Our dentists, Drs. Birch and Jones, and our team will be happy to help!

X-rays Help Diagnose Dental Disease

Having an X-ray taken at the dentist should not be a cause for alarm. Dentists order X-rays when they cannot verify suspected dental disease with a traditional oral examination. The X-ray is a modern miracle and a valuable tool for confirmation and diagnosis.

How often an X-ray is taken is dependent upon various factors relating to the patient. These variables include age, patient health risks, and the emergence of signs or symptoms of tooth decay or gum disease. Kids will normally receive more frequent X-rays due to their constant growth and development. The determination as to whether or not you will need an X-ray taken will be made after your dentist has thoroughly examined your teeth and gums, and studied your dental history.

Safety is always a concern when working with radiation. In the case of dental X-rays, such a low level of radiation is utilized that you shouldn’t worry about detrimental exposure. Also, every precaution is taken to minimize any potential risk factors. Lead vests, aprons and/or collars shield the abdomen and thyroid glands from unnecessary exposure. If pregnant, you should alert your dentist so that these items are in place to protect the fetus.

Are you moving or changing dentists? Once settled, be sure to ask your previous dentist to forward copies of your X-rays. This will save you and your new dentist time, money, and potentially avoid having to take new radiographs. Without any dental history, new patients must undergo a completely new round of X-rays in order to determine their current oral health state.

If you have questions or concerns about radiation from a dental X-ray, call Dr. Bryant Birch for more information. Please contact Birch Family Dental to make an appointment at: 307-875-3658, or come by our office in Green River, Wyoming.

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