Monday 30 March 2015

What is Plaque?

Plaque is a sticky, colorless deposit of bacteria that is constantly forming on the tooth surface. Saliva, food and fluids combine to produce these deposits that collect where the teeth and gums meet. Plaque buildup is the primary factor in periodontal (gum) disease, including gingivitis.

How to Get Rid of Plaque
To help prevent plaque buildup, be sure to brush your teeth at least twice a day with an anti-plaque toothpaste such as Crest Pro-Health Toothpaste for around the clock protection against plaque buildup, and floss once a day.

Adding a mouth rinse such as Crest Pro-Health Multi-Protection Rinse to your routine can help against plaque buildup, without the burning sensation of alcohol. Eating well-balanced meals and brushing after snacks will reduce the formation of plaque. Visit your dental office regularly for oral exams and cleanings, during which your dental professional will scrape away any accumulated plaque with a special instrument.

Above article from: Crest.com

Moss Family Dentistry   
Whittaker Moss, DDS   
1916 East Lamar Alexander Parkway   
Maryville, TN 37804   
(865) 983-4642   
MossFamilyDentist.com

Saturday 28 March 2015

What are the Stages of Gum Disease?

What is Gum Disease?

Gum disease is an inflammation of the gums that can progress to affect the bone that surrounds and supports your teeth. It is caused by the bacteria in plaque, a sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth. If not removed through daily brushing and flossing, plaque can build up and the bacteria infect not only your gums and teeth, but eventually the gum tissue and bone that support the teeth. This can cause them to become loose, fall out or have to be removed by a dentist.
There are three stages of gum disease:

  • Gingivitis: this is the earliest stage of gum disease, an inflammation of the gums caused by plaque buildup at the gumline. If daily brushing and flossing do not remove the plaque, it produces toxins (poisons) that can irritate the gum tissue, causing gingivitis. You may notice some bleeding during brushing and flossing. At this early stage in gum disease, damage can be reversed, since the bone and connective tissue that hold the teeth in place are not yet affected.
  • Periodontitis: at this stage, the supporting bone and fibers that hold your teeth in place are irreversibly damaged. Your gums may begin to form a pocket below the gumline, which traps food and plaque. Proper dental treatment and improved home care can usually help prevent further damage.
  • Advanced Periodontitis: in this final stage of gum disease, the fibers and bone supporting your teeth are destroyed, which can cause your teeth to shift or loosen. This can affect your bite and, if aggressive treatment can't save them, teeth may need to be removed.

Read the rest of the article at Colgate.com to learn more about how to know if you have gum disease and how gum disease is treated. 

 


















The above article is from: Colgate.com

Moss Family Dentistry   
Whittaker Moss, DDS   
1916 East Lamar Alexander Parkway   
Maryville, TN 37804   
(865) 983-4642   
MossFamilyDentist.com

Thursday 26 March 2015

Causes and Treatment of Canker Sores

Cold Sores and Canker Sores Compared
It’s easy to confuse cold sores and canker sores.

Unlike a cold sore, a canker sore is not contagious, and it appears on the inside tissues of the mouth rather than the outer surface of the lip (which is where cold sores appear). A canker sore, also known as an apthous ulcer, looks like a small, round or oval lesion that has a white or yellowish center surrounded by red. They tend to be indented, like a crater, rather than raised, like a bump.

Canker sores most often appear on the inside of the cheeks and lips or at the base of the gum. Canker sores are not usually associated with bleeding gums, so if you are experiencing bleeding gums you should see your dentist to be evaluated for possible gum disease.

The majority of canker sores are mild. Mild canker sores are less than one-third of an inch long and usually heal on their own after a few weeks.

But major apthous ulcers, defined as larger than 10 mm in size, can take more than a month to heal and can cause scarring when they finally do heal. So it’s important to visit your doctor or dentist if you have a canker sore that has persisted for more than a few weeks. These large ulcers are most common in young adults after puberty, and they are more likely to recur than smaller sores. Older adults are more prone to herpetiform lesions, in which dozens of tiny lesions group together to form a large ulcer.

The exact cause of canker sores remains uncertain, but possible factors include an allergic reaction to bacteria in the mouth, a minor injury to the inside of the mouth due to dental work or poorly fitting dental appliances, food allergies or health problems, such as celiac disease and inflammatory bowel diseases.

Although most canker sores resolve on their own, if you have a large or stubborn lesion, your dentist may prescribe an antibiotic mouth rinse, topical paste to apply to the lesion, or a nutritional supplement if poor nutrition may be the cause of the canker sore.

The above article is from: OralB.com

Moss Family Dentistry   
Whittaker Moss, DDS   
1916 East Lamar Alexander Parkway   
Maryville, TN 37804   
(865) 983-4642   
MossFamilyDentist.com

Tuesday 24 March 2015

Tooth Abscess Symptoms And Treatment

Symptoms And Treatment Of Tooth Abscess
If you have a toothache that goes beyond mild to moderate tooth pain and reaches a level of severe, throbbing pain, it could be a sign of a tooth abscess. A tooth abscess is a pus-filled lesion at the roots of a tooth, and is caused by an infection. The first sign is a throbbing toothache that won’t go away.

At first, the tooth will likely be sensitive to chewing and biting, as well as to heat and cold. You also may develop a fever, swollen lymph nodes in your jaw or neck, or swelling on your face.

If the abscess ruptures, you’ll know because of the nasty-tasting discharge in your mouth. Although the pain may recede if the abscess ruptures, you still need to be treated by a dentist in order to get rid of the infection, save the tooth and avoid complications. If the abscess doesn’t rupture, the infection can spread to other parts of the body. This is not a problem to ignore.

Treatment will likely include draining the abscess if it hasn’t ruptured. Your dentist also may recommend that you take over-the-counter pain relievers, rinse your mouth with warm salt water, and take antibiotics. More severe abscesses may require a root canal to remove infected tissue, and the worst cases require extraction of the tooth.

A tooth abscess can get its start as an untreated tooth cavity, so the best way to prevent an abscess is to prevent the cavity in the first place by following a consistent oral health routine of twice daily tooth brushing and daily flossing. Regular visits to your dentist are important too, especially if you’ve been treated for an abscess. This allows your dentist to confirm that the infection has cleared.

The above article is from: OralB.com

Moss Family Dentistry   
Whittaker Moss, DDS   
1916 East Lamar Alexander Parkway   
Maryville, TN 37804   
(865) 983-4642   
MossFamilyDentist.com

Sunday 22 March 2015

Sports Safety: Avoiding Tooth and Mouth Injuries

A few years ago, a dental newsletter published what seemed like an unusual story. A boy snagged his teeth on a basketball net while doing a slam-dunk.
A freakish accident? Not quite. After the article appeared, nearly 40 dentists wrote in with their own stories. They all told of would-be Michael Jordans who sacrificed their front teeth in pursuit of the perfect dunk.
In older children and adults, sports injuries are common. Dentists estimate that between 13% and 39% of dental injuries occur while playing sports.
About 80% of all dental injuries affect at least one of the front teeth. Damage to the tongue or cheek is common, too.
Basic Protection
Even if a tooth has been knocked out, it often can be saved if you get to a dentist quickly enough. Minor chips and cracks can be repaired. Dentists use tooth-colored materials that are nearly as strong as the original tooth. However, even "minor" injuries can cause serious and costly damage. If you enjoy sports or other high-risk activities, protect yourself. The use of mouth guards among football players, for example, is believed to prevent about 200,000 mouth injuries a year.
Depending on the sport, two types of protection are available:
  • Helmets- A helmet is a must for activities that involve speed or impact. These include football, hockey, skating and bike riding. The helmet should fit correctly. It should also be appropriate for the sport you are playing.
  • Mouth guards - Wearing a mouth guard is one of the best ways to prevent injury to your teeth, tongue and lips. A custom-fit mouth guard from your dentist is recommended. This type of mouth guard usually fits better than a ready-made one (found in sporting-goods stores). That means it may protect your teeth better.
If a custom-fit mouth guard isn't an option, try a "boil-and-bite" mouth guard. You can buy one in a sporting-goods store. You place the mouth guard in boiling water. Once the plastic is soft (but not too hot), you bite down on the mouth guard and mold the softened plastic around your teeth. If the mouth guard doesn't fit comfortably the first time, you can reheat it and do it again.

©2002-2013 Aetna, Inc. All rights reserved.
09/25/2013

The above article is from: Colgate.com

Moss Family Dentistry   
Whittaker Moss, DDS   
1916 East Lamar Alexander Parkway   
Maryville, TN 37804   
(865) 983-4642   
MossFamilyDentist.com

Friday 20 March 2015

Recognizing and Treating Oral Thrush

Recognizing and Treating Oral Thrush
Oral thrush, also known oral candidiasis, is a condition that occurs when a fungus called Candida albicans builds up on the lining of your mouth.

Anyone can develop oral thrush, but babies, young children, older adults, or anyone with a compromised immune system due to an illness such as HIV are more susceptible. Conversely, candidiasis lesions can be an early sign of an HIV infection.

The main symptom of oral thrush is creamy white lesions in the mouth, usually on the tongue or inner cheeks. In some cases, the lesions may appear on the roof of the mouth or on the back of the throat.

Interestingly, oral thrush is not caused by poor oral hygiene. Thrush is caused when the naturally occurring fungi in the body get out of balance, which is why the very old, very young, and people with weak immune systems are at higher risk. Good oral hygiene, however, is an essential part of treating oral thrush. Healthy adults and children can recover fairly easily from the infection, especially if they follow a complete oral care routine of twice-daily tooth brushing and daily proper flossing.

To read the entire article please visit: OralB.com

Moss Family Dentistry   
Whittaker Moss, DDS   
1916 East Lamar Alexander Parkway   
Maryville, TN 37804   
(865) 983-4642   
MossFamilyDentist.com

Tuesday 17 March 2015

General Dentistry

Dental Exams - Teeth Cleaning Maryville TN
Keeping Your Teeth and Gums Clean
Daily brushing and flossing prevent most build up of plaque on tooth surfaces, but there are hard-to-reach contours in teeth that often go missed. As plaque accumulates and hardens into tartar, you take the risk of decay and gum infection developing. Medical research has shown that gum disease has far-reaching effects on your overall health. It contributes to serious conditions such as stroke, diabetes, and heart disease. Take our recommendation seriously and come in for six-month cleanings by our professional hygienist to keep your overall good health!


Moss Family Dentistry   
Whittaker Moss, DDS   
1916 East Lamar Alexander Parkway   
Maryville, TN 37804   
(865) 983-4642   
MossFamilyDentist.com

Saturday 14 March 2015

Tooth Anatomy

What Are the Different Parts of a Tooth?
  • Crown- the top part of the tooth, and the only part you can normally see. The shape of the crown determines the tooth's function. For example, front teeth are sharp and chisel-shaped for cutting, while molars have flat surfaces for grinding.
  • Gumline- where the tooth and the gums meet. Without proper brushing and flossing, plaque and tartar can build up at the gumline, leading to gingivitis and gum disease.
  • Root- the part of the tooth that is embedded in bone. The root makes up about two-thirds of the tooth and holds the tooth in place.
  • Enamel- the outermost layer of the tooth. Enamel is the hardest, most mineralized tissue in the body - yet it can be damaged by decay if teeth are not cared for properly.
  • Dentin- the layer of the tooth under the enamel. If decay is able to progress its way through the enamel, it next attacks the dentin - where millions of tiny tubes lead directly to the dental pulp.
  • Pulp- the soft tissue found in the center of all teeth, where the nerve tissue and blood vessels are. If tooth decay reaches the pulp, you usually feel pain.
What Are the Different Types of Teeth?
Every tooth has a specific job or function (use the dental arch in this section to locate and identify each type of tooth):
  • Incisors- the sharp, chisel-shaped front teeth (four upper, four lower) used for cutting food.
  • Canines- sometimes called cuspids, these teeth are shaped like points (cusps) and are used for tearing food.
  • Premolars- these teeth have two pointed cusps on their biting surface and are sometimes referred to as bicuspids. The premolars are for crushing and tearing.
  • Molars- used for grinding, these teeth have several cusps on the biting surface

 





















The above article is from: Colgate.com

Moss Family Dentistry   
Whittaker Moss, DDS   
1916 East Lamar Alexander Parkway   
Maryville, TN 37804   
(865) 983-4642   
MossFamilyDentist.com

Thursday 12 March 2015

Tooth Decay and Sensitivity

What Causes Tooth Enamel Damage?
What happens when tooth enamel is damaged? The exposed part underneath becomes vulnerable to decay. Cavities aren't the only problem.
Teeth with damaged enamel can become sensitive to extreme temperatures. Suddenly, eating ice cream or sipping hot coffee can be painful or unpleasant.
 
Above article from: WebMD.com/oral-health

Moss Family Dentistry   
Whittaker Moss, DDS   
1916 East Lamar Alexander Parkway   
Maryville, TN 37804   
(865) 983-4642   
MossFamilyDentist.com

Tuesday 10 March 2015

Implant Retained Dentures

Implant Secured Dentures Dentist Maryville TNOverdentures – A Solution to Slipping Dentures
It is almost unanimous among denture wearers that the main problem with dentures is the slipping and tilting. To relieve these problems with over-the-counter remedies, messy adhesives are used to keep dentures in place. At Moss Family Dentistry, we have an alternative solution that is easier for patients – overdentures.

With just a few dental implants, your dentures will be secured to eliminate all the problems of movement when eating or speaking. They snap off for cleaning and easily snap back into place. Come in so we can see if you are a candidate for overdentures and to have you smile more often.

Dentures That Fit Properly

Dentures custom-designed to fit you specifically means no more looseness, clicking, and irritation. A recent breakthrough allows us to anchor the denture plate to eliminate movement and keep your dentures as snug as they should be. We can make your life much easier, so please come in and let us tell you what we can do for you.


Moss Family Dentistry   
Whittaker Moss, DDS   
1916 East Lamar Alexander Parkway   
Maryville, TN 37804   
(865) 983-4642   
MossFamilyDentist.com

Tuesday 3 March 2015

Children's Dentistry

Children's Dentistry Maryville TNYour Children Will Enjoy Their Visits
Dr. Moss is friendly and makes your children feel at ease in his care. He administers treatments to them in a thoughtful and compassionate manner. At our practice, we use the latest advancements in children's dentistry that mean less time in the dental chair and an easier visit for the patient. Our team teaches good dental hygiene to help children keep their natural teeth for a lifetime. We enjoy all their visits starting at age three, and look forward to seeing them grow and change each year.

No More Fear of Dental Visits
We want every generation of children to grow up without any fear of visiting a dentist. We want them to feel good about our helping them keep their natural teeth healthy for a life-long beautiful smile. As parents have told us, we accomplish this goal at every visit. We can help your children enjoy their visits, no matter if they are afraid, very active, or disinterested.


Moss Family Dentistry   
Whittaker Moss, DDS   
1916 East Lamar Alexander Parkway   
Maryville, TN 37804   
(865) 983-4642   
MossFamilyDentist.com