Moss Family Dentistry is pleased to provide professional and caring dental services to our patients in Maryville TN and the surrounding communities.
We offer children's, cosmetic, family, general, implant, preventive and restorative dentistry services.
Diabetes puts you at risk for dental problems. It impairs the ability to fight bacteria in your mouth. Having high blood sugar encourages bacteria to grow and contributes to gum disease. You may have gum disease if you have:
Gums that are red, sore, bleeding, or swollen, or that pull away from your teeth
Modern root canal therapy can save a tooth and keep it from being extracted, which can eventually cause other problems. Dr. Moss is experienced in the latest advancements for this procedure, making it easier for patients.
The pulp in the interior chamber of the tooth is removed and replaced with a special filling. Additionally, a crown may be necessary for strengthening the tooth. This treatment is successful in saving a tooth and returning it to full functionality.
A mouthguard is a flexible appliance that is worn in athletic and recreational activities to protect teeth from trauma. The dental profession unanimously supports the use of mouthguards in a variety of sports activities.
Why should I wear a mouthguard?
A mouthguard can prevent serious injuries such as broken teeth, jaw fractures, cerebral hemorrhage and neck injuries by helping to avoid situations where the lower jaw gets jammed into the upper jaw. Mouthguards are effective in moving soft tissue in the oral cavity away from the teeth, preventing laceration and bruising of the lips and cheeks, especially for those who wear orthodontic appliances. They may also reduce the severity and incidence of concussions.
In what sports should I wear a mouthguard?
Anytime there is a strong chance for contact with other participants or hard surfaces, it is advisable to wear a mouthguard. Players who participate in basketball, softball, football, wrestling, soccer, lacrosse, rugby, in-line skating and martial arts, as well as recreational sports such as skateboarding and bicycling, should wear mouthguards while competing.
Why don't kids wear mouthguards?
Parents are sometimes uninformed about the level of contact and potential for serious dental injuries involved with sports in which the child participates. Some, though not all, schools reinforce the health advantage of mouthguards for their contact sports. Cost may be another consideration, although mouthguards come in a variety of price ranges.
What are the different types of mouthguards?
Stock mouthguard: The lowest cost option is a ready-made, stock item, which offers the least protection because the fit adjustment is limited. It may interfere with speech and breathing because this mouthguard requires that the jaw be closed to hold it in place. A stock mouthguard is not considered acceptable as a facial protective device.
Mouth-formed mouthguard: There are two types of mouth-formed mouthguards. The first is a shell-liner mouthguard that is made with an acrylic material that is poured into an outer shell, where it forms a lining. When placed in an athlete's mouth, the protector's lining material molds to the teeth and is allowed to set. Another type is a thermoplastic, or "boil-and-bite," mouthguard. This mouthguard is softened in hot water and then placed in the mouth and shaped around the teeth by using finger, tongue and sometimes biting pressure.
Custom-made mouthguard: The best choice is a mouthguard custom-made by your dentist. It offers the best protection, fit and comfort level because it is made from a cast to fit your teeth.
How should I care for a mouthguard?
Clean your mouthguard by washing it with soap and cool (not hot) water.
Before storing, soak your mouthguard in mouthwash.
Keep your mouthguard in a well-ventilated, plastic storage box when not in use. Make sure the box has several holes so the mouthguard will dry.
Heat is bad for a mouthguard, so don't leave it in direct sunlight or in a closed automobile.
Professional whitening techniques will get your teeth their whitest. You may have seen power whitening ads on television or in magazines. In just one visit, you can have a beautiful, brilliantly white smile that can last for years!
We also offer custom whitening trays that produce results in 1 – 14 days. With the supplies we give you, you follow the instructions at home to obtain great results.
If your mouth or jaw hurt, it could be from a toothache. Toothaches usually indicate a cavity but they can also signal gum disease. In some cases, a toothache is a sign of an abscess or impacted tooth. A toothache should be evaluated by a dentist right away to determine the cause of the problem and prevent the tooth from dying. Above article from: MouthHealthy.org Moss Family Dentistry Whittaker Moss, DDS 1916 East Lamar Alexander Parkway Maryville, TN 37804 (865) 983-4642 MossFamilyDentist.com
Ways And Products To Maintain Oral Care On The Go These days, it seems like everybody is going non-stop. But just because you’re busy or traveling - whether for work or play - that’s no excuse for neglecting your daily dental care routine. One of the easiest ways to maintain oral care on the go is to carry a small container of floss with you. If you’re hiking or camping and want to travel light, floss takes up less space than your electric flosser. A variety of products make oral care easier when you are traveling or time-strapped. Soft flosses, such as Oral-B’s Satin Floss, can be used by anyone. They slide easily between the teeth to make flossing faster and easier. Also, interdental brush cleaners, made of nylon bristles and narrow enough to fit between teeth, combine brushing and flossing for surfaces between the teeth. If you are hiking, camping or traveling where space is at a premium, buy a small travel toothbrush that folds up. The brush will stay clean and it will take up less of your valuable space. Another point: If you’re going to be traveling for an extended period of time, and especially if you will be traveling overseas or in the wilderness, be sure to schedule a checkup with your dentist before you go. The last thing you want is a dental health problem to erupt when you are far from reliable dental care. Problems can still occur, but you can reduce the risk by being as prepared as you can before you travel. The above article is from: OralB.com
Many things can cause these symptoms, which can make it difficult to diagnose. Possible causes include sinus problems, toothache, arthritis, injury, teeth grinding, gingivitis or problems with your jaw like TMJ. Your dentist will conduct a thorough exam, which may include X-rays, to determine the source of the pain.
Nutrition Tips Following a proper and nutritious diet not only helps keep your body healthy, but your mouth as well. Nutrition plays an important role in the health and cleanliness of your teeth, gums and mouth. Limit Soda, Coffee and Alcohol Although these beverages contain a high level of phosphorous, which is a necessary mineral for a healthy mouth, too much phosphorous can deplete the body's level of calcium. This causes dental hygiene problems such as tooth decay and gum disease. Beverages containing additives such as corn syrup and food dye can make pearly white teeth appear dull and discolored. Therefore, it is best to choose beverages like milk, which helps strengthen teeth and build stronger enamel, giving you a healthy, beautiful smile. Drink Tap Water When Possible If bottled water is your main source of drinking water, you could be missing the decay-preventive benefits of fluoride. Monitor Your Low-Carb Lifestyle Despite their popularity, low-carb diets can cause bad breath. A balanced, dental-healthy diet can help reduce tooth decay. Increase Your Calcium Intake After age 20, both men and women lose more bone mass than they form so it is important to restore lost calcium with a daily supplement and by eating fruits and vegetables high in calcium, such as dark leafy greens. These foods will also help to lower the acid buildup in the saliva that can lead to breakdown of tooth enamel. Take a Daily Dose of Vitamins C and D These vitamins help support the absorption of healthy mouth minerals such as calcium and phosphorous, which support the bone and gum tissue, keeping it healthy. This is an easy way to maintain dental hygiene and fight gum disease. Put Out the Cigarette Smoking cigarettes is one of the greatest contributors to the aging mouth. According to the Center for Disease Control, more than 22 million women in the United States smoke cigarettes. In addition to staining teeth, smoking interrupts calcium absorption in the body and can also cause potentially life-threatening diseases such as oral cancer. So stop smoking and enjoy the health benefits as well as a healthy, beautiful smile. The above article is from: OralB.com
A Dentist Is Part of Your Child's Health Care Needs
Children need to be guided during their daily dental care at home until they learn proper care of their teeth. Their teeth are very susceptible to cavities during their formative years for various reasons.
They usually do not brush well without supervision. If they do not clean their teeth properly each day, plaque will build up and start decay. Kids tend to eat throughout the day, which means increased exposure to acid during and after chewing food. As exposure to these acids continue, decay will set in. Even the smallest amount of decay is permanent damage to a tooth that will need a restoration.
If teeth are not cleaned properly, the rate of cavity development will increase, as well as the number of cavities. With improved dietary choices, better brushing and flossing, and mineralizing teeth, the risk
Diabetes puts you at risk for dental problems. It impairs the ability to fight bacteria in your mouth. Having high blood sugar encourages bacteria to grow and contributes to gum disease. You may have gum disease if you have:
