Tuesday 28 April 2015

Teeth Whitening Dentist

KöR Whitening Deep Bleaching™ System – For the Toughest Stains!

Occasionally, teeth are severely stained and professional power whitening does not do the trick. An example of this type of staining would come from taking the antibiotic tetracycline. Dr. Moss is among the region's first dentists to offer KöR Whitening Deep Bleaching for more difficult staining. If you have been disappointed in the past, you will be smiling with a brilliantly white smile after this technique.

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

Friday 24 April 2015

Mouth Healthy Moments: How to Brush Your Teeth

Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to say about brushing your teeth.


The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

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

Tuesday 21 April 2015

White Dental Fillings

Fillings That Match the Shade of Your Tooth Color

For years, silver-mercury amalgams have been the standard materials used in cavity restoration. They provide only a reasonable restoration, as metal does not bond well to tooth structure. This could result in a loose filling that allows decay to set in. They also are not aesthetically pleasing, as a dark restoration in a light-colored tooth that is very noticeable.

We offer composite resin fillings that actually match the shade of the tooth, rendering the filling invisible. They bond very tightly to tooth structure, greatly reducing the chance of cavities beginning in or around the filling.

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

Sunday 19 April 2015

Treatment Options for Tooth Sensitivity

The best way to find out why a tooth is sensitive is to have dental professional examine you. They can look for the signs of dentin exposure, and run tests to determine what the true cause of the sensitivity is. Sometimes, the sensitivity is due to a cavity or gum disease - these can be treated to address the sensitivity. Other times, the cause of the sensitivity is because the enamel has been lost through abrasion or erosion, or the gums have receded, causing the roots to be exposed.

What Can Be Done?
If the sensitivity is due to a cavity, a restoration can be placed. If gum disease is the cause, the dental professional can perform a thorough cleaning of the area.

However, if the cause is from dentin being exposed, then there are a number of professional and at home treatments that can be used to reduce the sensitivity.

In Office Procedures:
  • Fluoride varnish can be applied to exposed areas, strengthening the enamel and dentin
  • Fluoride foam or gel can be placed into a mouth tray; you then sit with this in your mouth for 3-5 minutes, providing the teeth with a high concentration of fluoride to strengthen the areas
  • Bonding agent, the material used to stick tooth colored restorations to teeth, can be used to seal the dentin surface and provide a barrier to the stimuli that cause sensitivity
At Home:
  • Use a very soft bristle tooth brush, with low abrasive tooth paste
  • Brush correctly and do not over brush
  • Use a tooth paste specially formulated to soothe the nerve endings in the tooth
  • Use a high concentration fluoride toothpaste (given to you by the dental professional) to strengthen the tooth surface
There are a number of treatments available, and your dental professional can help you find those that will work best, depending on your situation. Always seek a dental professional's help - do not try to diagnose this problem yourself. It may be the sign of something more serious, and only a dental professional can tell you what it really is.

To read the entire article visit Colgate.com


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

Friday 17 April 2015

Good Food for Dental Health: Water

Water Rules
Water, especially fluoridated water, is the best beverage for maintaining your oral health. That's because fluoride helps to make teeth more resistant to the acid attacks that can cause cavities. As of 2012, nearly 75 percent of the U.S. population had access to fluoridated water, so drinking water from your own kitchen sink can help prevent dental problems. 

Above article from: MouthHealthy.org

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

Wednesday 15 April 2015

Dental Health Tips

Back To Basics
Believe it or not, brushing your teeth is one of the simplest ways to help maintain your overall health.

How Dental Health Connects To Your Overall Health
This is because dental health is more connected to overall health than most people realize. In fact, doctors and scientists continue to find associations between oral disease and other diseases. Some researchers think that bacteria in the mouth - when they build up and cause inflammation and infection - can contribute to an increased risk of illness or disease elsewhere in the body.

Oral Health and Overall Health
When you have clean teeth and healthy gums, there are fewer bad bacteria to enter your bloodstream and travel to other parts of your body. But an invasive oral surgery, certain medications, or untreated gum disease due to poor oral hygiene could allow these bacteria to spread. Researchers continue to study the links between oral health and overall health.

Health
The bottom line: You can help protect and promote your overall health by maintaining good dental health. Brush your teeth twice daily and floss at least once a day.

Available For You
These days, so many products are available to help you maintain clean teeth that there is no excuse to avoid good dental care. For example, if your gums are sensitive, in general or due to a recent illness or other medical condition, don't neglect your oral health. Try using an interdental cleaner or an electric flosser (such as the Oral-B Hummingbird) to make dental care more comfortable. And you may want to use a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid gum irritation. If you have questions about what products are right for you, ask your dentist or dental hygienist.

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


Monday 13 April 2015

Good Food for Dental Health: Fruits & Veggies

Fruits and Veggies Pack an Extra Punch
Fruits and veggies are an important part of any balanced diet, and they are also good for your teeth. Since they are high in water and fiber, they help to balance the sugars they contain and help to clean your teeth. Chewing also helps to stimulate saliva production, which washes harmful acids and food particles away from your teeth. 

Above article from: MouthHealthy.org

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

Friday 10 April 2015

Good Food for Dental Health: Nuts

Nourishing Nuts
Nuts contain protein which help strengthen and protect your teeth. Also, chewing helps to stimulate saliva production, which naturally cleans your mouth. Remember: Not only is a balanced, nutritious diet essential to healthy living, your eating patterns and food choices play an important role in preventing tooth decay and gum disease. You may eat with your eyes first, but your mouth, teeth, and gums are more than just tools for eating.

Above article from: MouthHealthy.org

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

Wednesday 8 April 2015

Promote Oral Health With Good Nutrition

Calcium And Vitamin C Promote Oral Health
Eating a variety of nutritious food is good for your overall health, including your oral health. Some vitamins in particular have demonstrated benefits to building healthy teeth, namely calcium and vitamin C, so be sure to include foods rich in these nutrients in your diet. Calcium has been shown to help build strong teeth, and vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that also plays an important role in collagen synthesis, by which it helps you develop and maintain healthy gums.

  • Calcium: Dairy products, including milk, yogurt and cheese are good sources of calcium. Many physicians recommend 1,200 to 1,500 milligrams of calcium daily for most adults, so you may want to consider a calcium supplement, especially if dairy products aren’t a regular part of your diet. Also, try switching to low-sugar or sugar-free varieties of yogurt, since sugar (and bacteria) can promote tooth decay.
  • Vitamin C: Many fruits and vegetables including berries, oranges and cantaloupe, as well as green vegetables including broccoli and spinach are excellent sources of vitamin C.

Of course, in addition to eating right, it’s important to follow a consistent dental care routine of twice-daily tooth brushing and daily flossing to promote oral health. And be sure to see your dental professional regularly and talk to them if you have questions about how your diet might affect your oral health.

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

Monday 6 April 2015

Tooth Cavities

Tooth cavities aren't uncommon - but with the right dental health know-how, you can help prevent them. It all starts with proper brushing, daily flossing, and fluoride. Get the details right here.

What Causes Tooth Cavities?
Cavities are holes in the teeth resulting from acid attack. They generally start in the enamel, but can spread to the softer inner layer of the tooth. Tooth cavities are caused by decay that can occur when foods containing carbohydrates become trapped between teeth, and are not completely removed with brushing and flossing. Bacteria living in the mouth digest these foods, generating acidic byproducts that can eat away at tooth enamel.

Help Prevent Tooth Cavities
Fluoride, which is found in most public drinking supplies, some mouth rinses, and Crest toothpastes, helps prevent tooth cavities by slowing the breakdown of enamel and speeding up the remineralization process. Check with your dental professional to see if your drinking water is fluoridated. If it isn't, he or she may recommend that you use high concentration fluoride treatments.

To help strengthen weak spots in tooth enamel, and help prevent the early stages of tooth decay, brush regularly with a fluoridated toothpaste, floss daily, and visit your dental office regularly for professional cleanings.

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 4 April 2015

Tartar

Tartar is a deposit that forms when plaque hardens on the tooth. Individuals vary greatly in their susceptibility to tartar buildup. For many, these deposits build up faster with age. Tartar is easily noticeable because of its yellow or brown color on teeth.

What Causes Tartar Buildup
When plaque accumulates and is not removed from teeth, it can harden and turn into tartar. Because tartar buildup bonds strongly to enamel, it can only be removed by a dental professional.

Help Prevent Tartar Buildup
While tartar can only be removed by a dental professional, you can avoid tartar buildup by removing plaque. To help prevent tartar, be sure to brush your teeth at least twice daily, preferably with a tartar-control fluoride toothpaste like many from Crest, and floss once a day with a product like GlideÆ. And visit your dental office regularly for oral exams and cleanings.

Above article from: Crest.com

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

Wednesday 1 April 2015

The Benefits of Good Oral Hygiene

The Cost Of Dental Treatments
If you develop complications from tooth decay and gum disease, you may be dealing with bills for anything from fillings or crowns to more costly and complicated procedures such as root canals or oral surgery to extract damaged teeth and place dental implants.

The Costs Vary 
The costs of dental treatments vary. For example, the cost of a root canal will depend on the location of the tooth and how many canals are in the tooth that needs the root canal treatment. 

The Cost of Oral Hygiene
By comparison, the cost of basic oral hygiene and preventive teeth cleaning is low. A toothbrush should be replaced every three months or when it appears worn, but that’s just a few dollars. The same goes for dental floss, whether you prefer specialized floss, such as Oral-B’s Ultra Floss, or standard floss. 

Points To Remember
Also, don’t forget that most dental plans cover at least one, and sometimes two, checkups and cleanings per year at little or no cost to you. It’s better to make and keep those appointments, even if you don’t think you have problems with your teeth or oral hygiene, in order to identify and manage potential problems before costly care is required. Remember that your dentist is your partner in oral health, and be sure to keep him or her informed about medications you take and changes in your overall health so your oral hygiene can be tailored accordingly to maximize your health benefits. Some types of medications (including anti-depressants and some heart medications) increase your risk for gingivitis, so be sure to let your dentist know if you start taking any new medication, even if you don’t think it will affect your oral health. 


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