Most people realize by now that smoking is not only bad for your heart and lung but also can cause issues with your teeth and mouth. Bit did you know that smokeless tobacco, also called spit tobacco, chewing tobacco, chew and few other names, can also lead to oral cancer?

What is Tobacco?
Whether its snuff or chewing tobacco, the normal way to use it is to let it sit in your mouth and suck on the tobacco juices, spitting often to get rid of the saliva that builds up. This sucking and chewing allows nicotine, to be absorbed into the bloodstream through the tissues in your mouth.

Smokeless tobacco has been around for centuries. In fact, Native people of North and South America chewed tobacco. This bad habit was a trademark of American baseball players and viewed as safe to use.
By the 1950s, chewing tobacco had fallen out of favor in most of America, so by that time not too many baseball players were spitting big brown gobs all over the infield. Instead of chewing their tobacco, most people were smoking it. Today, professional athletes do not use tobacco and instead chew gum.

How Tobacco Harms You

Most people who stop smoking will turn to using tobacco thinking it will do them no harm. The truth is using tobacco can harm your mouth, including your teeth and gums, in many ways. There is no safe form of tobacco—using it produces many problems and risk factors, from tooth discoloration and gum disease to throat, lung, and oral cancer, and even death. Any form of tobacco, whether you smoke it or chew it will have negative effects on your overall health.

Every year, 35,000 Americans are diagnosed with oral cancer, which accounts for roughly 7,500 deaths each year. Wayzata Dental & Smile Spa, a Minnetonka family dentistry, offers an oral cancer screening. Make an appointment with us today.

Tags: dental problems, gum diseases, Oral cancer, oral hygiene

You hear about it all the time – how Green Tea can help your health in many ways. Green Tea has become an increasingly popular beverage being touted found to have benefits for heart disease, arthritis, warts and obesity. There is more good news about this ancient Chinese tea. Green Tea’s antioxidant properties are believed to produce anti-inflammatory and wound-healing effects known to promote healthy teeth and gums.

An antioxidant known as Catechins was identified as responsible for resolving symptoms of periodontal or gum disease. Gum disease is an infection of the gums and bone supporting the teeth and has been known to become a precursor of cardiovascular disease, lung disorders as well as diabetes.

So how does Green Tea help?

The way it works is it prevents the growth and sticking of disease-causing bacteria or virus to teeth and gums. Antioxidants are substances that protect our cells against the effects of free radicals which are molecules produced when our body breaks down food or by being be exposed to tobacco smoke and radiation.

Not a lot of tea is required for general oral health. Just about 1 cup of tea per day gives indication of healthier gums and teeth.

Aside from watching what you eat and increasing the foods that maybe good for your teeth, such as Green Tea, visiting your dentist for regular cleanings and dental checkups are important steps to maintaining good oral health. If you are looking for a dentist in the Minnetonka area, why not consider our office, Wayzata Dental & SmileSpa. We are innovative – just take a look at our office – and will lead you to dental success!

Tags: Dental Health, food for dental health, gum disease, gum diseases, Periodontitis

Cavities are common but dentists are seeing more problems occurring with the gums. Gum disease or periodontal disease is an infection of the gums. Bacteria is the main culprit with periodontal disease.

Brushing and flossing will help eliminate plaque but if plaque is not caught early, plaque will form tartar — a harder substance to clean. Tartar harbors bacteria that make it easier to invade your gums, causing gum disease.

In the beginning, bacteria from tartar will cause inflammation of the gums or gingivitis, swelling and reddening of the gums. If you have gingivitis, your gums bleed easily even during toothbrushing.

Visiting your dentist for a general cleaning will help eliminate this and improve your teeth, but if left untreated, gingivitis will develop into periodontitis, which is more serious. Gum disease has also been linked to other health problems such as heart disease.

To protect yourself from gum disease it is important to practice good oral hygiene. This includes brushing your teeth diligently twice daily, flossing your teeth, avoiding cigarettes and tobacco products, eating a balanced diet and making regular visits to your family dentist. These as well as being aware of how your teeth look and feel will help you have healthier teeth and gums.

If you are searching for a family dentist, one that you as well as your children can visit to get regular checkups and cleanings, consider our office at Wayzata Dental & SmileSpa. We are a Plymouth dental office that also offers cosmetic dentistry such as professional teeth whitening. You can make an appointment online on our website.

Tags: dental problems, Gingivitis, gum disease, gum diseases

There are certain foods you should eat for your dental health. Yes, there are foods that will help you get that perfect smile.

What are they?

Here’s a list of the top foods to eat for white, healthy teeth.

• 1. Green Tea has a well-deserved reputation for providing many benefits. With teeth, green tea offers up natural antioxidant compounds that prevent plaque from accumulating, therefore reducing the risk of cavities and bad breath.
• 2. Anything dairy is low in acidity and sugar making them great choices to quench your thirst or have as a healthy snack. This is good news for both tooth erosion and tooth decay.
• 3. Fruit is great for your teeth especially when eaten in whole, raw form. It keeps down plaque and massages your gums.
• 4.All kinds of vegetables are another good idea if you are trying to build a good foundation for your teeth. Broccoli, carrots, sweet potato and pumpkin are rich in Vitamin A – great for your teeth.
• 5.Oh, the stinky onion – yes onions — are rich in powerful anti-bacterial sulphur compounds, which kill the bacteria that harm your teeth and gums.
• 6. Celery is another great friend of the dentist. Eat it raw and it will not only massage your gums, but clean your teeth. This is a natural toothbrush.
• 7. Sesame seeds, which are best combined with bread and rolls, dissolve plaque and help build tooth enamel. The tasty seeds are also rich in calcium, which will keep your teeth and jawbone healthy.
• 8. Water is great for your health and teeth! Drink more of it.

Visit us at Wayzata Dental & SmileSpa for the best dental care. You can even make appointments online.

Tags: Dental Care, dental habits, Dental Health, dental hygiene, food for dental health

Ever wake up and have a headache? Or feel tense in your jaw? Maybe your bed partner is giving you the dirty looks? You may have problems with teeth grinding or bruxism, as a habitual behavior and a sleep disorder.

Teeth grinding is something to laugh about. It can get become serious and cause damage to your teeth, chewing muscles, and jaw joint. It can even change your everyday facial expressions, so knowing whether or not you grind at night is a crucial step in preventing disfigurement of your teeth and chronic pain.

The dangerous part is that grinding teeth is that we have no idea that we’re doing it. Most grinders and clenchers do not know what they are doing since they have been doing it so since they were kids and really have become used to it. In fact, most people are quite surprised when they find out they do this at night. Most family dentists can spot people with this problem from across a room! They notice people with teeth that are flat. Some people will even compliment bruxers on how nice and straight their teeth are because a teeth grinder’s teeth appear to be the same length, after being worn down by constant grinding every night.

Teeth grinding can cause many problems. Most grinders will complain about neckaches and pain in their face. When they chew something like gum, their face will feel tired. Another sign is when bruxers visit the dentist and their cheeks start hurting when open as the chewing muscles tire quickly. A clear sign is that the jaw joint may make clicking or make an odd popping noise.

A simple diagnosis, aside from how you generally feel in your jaw, is to take a look in the mirror at your canine teeth, upper or lower. You can easily determine if they are pointy or are they flat. Flat teeth at any age may mean you are a bruxer.

An interesting fact is that teeth grinding also has a genetic component. Do your parents or siblings brux? This is a habit that runs deep in the family. In fact, fetuses exhibit bruxing behavior in the utereo.

If you discover that you are grinding your teeth at night, visit us at Wayzata Dental & SmileSpa. We are a Plymouth family dentistry that can diagnose your problem and help you find a solution to your teeth grinding.

Tags: dental habits, Dental Health, dental problems, teeth

Want to look like a celebrity? One of the fast developments that are getting the attention of big Hollywood stars is cosmetic teeth whitening. There are many options to get your teeth whitened but Hollywood celebrities are turning to dental cosmetics to achieve that desired whiter teeth which is essential and a hallmark to their profession.

Good looks, especially white teeth, for events and interviews are important for the stars of film and music . . . and even professional athletes. With white, shiny teeth, they can intermingle well with others and show them that they have grace, sociability and beauty. In fact, if they had yellow teeth, they would be on the gossip magazines as a celebrity who doesn’t know anything about dental hygiene.

With all the movie starts getting their teeth whitened, this treatment is not a trend that will go away. Celebrities are making sure to get their teeth whitened products to look good, but this procedure actually helps them become more confident about the way they look – something they need in the competitive culture they live in.

What is teeth whitening? Also referred to as teeth bleaching, it refers to different cosmetic dentistry procedures for individuals, such as Hollywood celebrities, who simply want to have whiter teeth and look good. Tooth whitening also sends the message, even in Hollywood, that looking great does not mean trying to just be a beauty to everybody with fashion and makeup. It can start with the way we take care of our teeth. With celebrities getting teeth whitening, it helps their fans understand that this is something they can do because the treatment is available from a dentist near them.

Of course, teeth whitening products are widely offered online and in local stores. Just be careful when you purchase teeth whitening products. You cannot compromise your safety, right? Thus, consulting with your cosmetic dentist would be the best thing to do prior to purchasing over-the-counter teeth whiteners which can cause sensitivity and other issues.

So want to look like a million bucks plus promote healthy teeth? Make that smile bigger through cosmetic teeth whitening. You don’t have to be a star to feel and look like one.

Visit us at Wayzata Dental & SmileSpa. We offer many types of cosmetic dental treatments including professional teeth whitening from our SmileSpa! You can even make an appointment online.

Tags: Dental Care, Smile Spa, Tooth whitening, Whitening

So you just got your cavity filled, and your tooth should feel perfect, right? Not exactly. Several situations can cause tooth pain after filling a cavity, some are normal but others can be more serious.

The most common includes tooth sensitivity, which typically doesn’t require a dentist’s attention unless it gets worse. Other problems include an easy fix such as a filling that doesn’t fit properly, exposed to another kind of filling material or produced from a material the patient is allergic to. With these problems, your family dentist can easily repair or replace the filling. But, if the tooth pain occurs because of continuing decay, then it’s more serious. The dentist might try to remove the remaining decay or perform a root canal.

The normal pain after a filling a cavity is more similar to tooth sensitivity than to severe dental pain. The tooth might become sensitive to temperatures – hot or cold. The patient might experience tenderness when speaking or biting down. Normally, this sensitivity will decrease with time but if it doesn’t decrease or even becomes more of a problem, the patient should see the dentist right away.

If the problem is because the patient is allergic to the material used as the filling, the dentist will have to refill the teeth. The most common dental filling materials used are porcelain, gold, a silver mix consisting of silver, mercury, zinc, tin, and copper, and composite resin, which are tooth-colored plastic and glass materials. A family dentist that also works in cosmetic dentistry will also be able to help you create a natural smile with the correct type of fillings.

However, the most urgent causes of tooth pain after filling a cavity is leftover tooth decay or an infection. A dentist removes the decay before filling a tooth, but sometimes some decay is left behind. Also, there are times when the decay is too close to the tooth pulp. When either of these situations happens, the decay can continue to spread under the filling and cause the tooth to hurt or even cause an infection. The dentist might be able to correct the problem or he might need to perform a root canal and remove the tooth nerve.

Getting a cavity filled is normally an easy process for both the dentist and the patient but you still need to be aware of how the tooth feels in case there is an underlying problem. If you need a cavity filled or other dental treatments such as teeth whitening, crowns or veneers, contact Wayzata Dental & SmileSpa. We are a Plymouth family dentistry that offers dental treatments from restorative care to cosmetic dentistry. Check us out online!

Tags: Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Health, Fillings, tooth decay

Natural is in. We all want a healthier lifestyle, and this includes the choices we make in our family dentistry. Natural dentistry, also commonly referred to as holistic dentistry or biological dentistry is a form of professional tooth care aimed at preventing and treating dental problems without using methods or substances believed to be potentially harmful or toxic.

One of the goals is to treat cavities without the use of fillings that contain mercury. Many dentists are changing their viewpoints on mercury and practice alternatives to traditional root canals. There are also cases where in natural dentistry, the dentist treats secondary concerns, such as nutrition and other physical problems, which may be linked to dental problems.

The goal of many family dentists is to help patients become and stay healthy. As for cavity fillings, most dentists would agree that the amalgam fillings, commonly used to treat cavities in standard dentistry, can pose a health risk by exposing the body to mercury. To avoid any problems with mercury, these dentists fill cavities with composites made from resin.

Also a part of this type of dentistry is making the patient feel less like he or she is in a dental office. Keeping the patient comfortable and happy, with music or even video, soothes them and prepares them before/after treatment.

If you are looking for a Minnetonka dentistry, consider coming to our office, Wayzata Dental & SmileSpa. Our office is comfortable and our staff is knowledgeable about modern dentistry. We treat patients of all ages too!

Tags: dental care routine, Dental Health, Dentist, tooth decay

Everyone wants to become a better person. Don’t you? Teeth whitening can actually help you become a better person – inside and out!

Here are the ways a simple teeth whitening treatment can change you:

Physically:
White sparkly teeth are associated with sex appeal and beauty. In fact, professional teeth whitening will transform your appearance and make you look more attractive. Teeth whitening can dramatically improve the appearance of discolored teeth and it will give you a youthful smile. According to research, the effects of in-office teeth whitening can last up to five years!

Mentally:
Teeth can have a big effect on your mental health. If you have nice teeth, you will feel more confident in professional and social situations. You will feel beautiful and people will view you in a different way. You will feel truly happier and more comfortable when you have conversations with people. You, of course, will smile more often too!

About the Procedure

• Fast and Simple

Dentists, such as Wayzata Dental & SmileSpa, offer powerful teeth whitening treatments that have changed the lives of many people. Professional laser whitening produces dramatic results in just one session. It is amazing to think that a dentist can whiten your teeth by 8 to 12 shades in only one hour time.

• A Pain-free and worry-free way

When it comes to visiting a dentist for a teeth whitening treatment, there is nothing to fear. You can get a dazzling smile the pain-free way. Professional teeth whitening is a painless procedure that does not require anesthesia. However, make sure you get your teeth whitened by a qualified dental specialist, like our Minnetonka teeth whitening dentistry.

Tags: Cosmetic Dentistry, stained teeth, teeth, teeth whitening, Tooth whitening

There seems to be different views on whether there is a need to extract wisdom teeth. Numerous scientific publications say there are several ways to determine whether wisdom teeth need to be pulled. Although there are many opinions on this subject, most dentists will agree that age can make a difference when it comes to wisdom teeth extraction.

Facts On Wisdom Teeth

First, several factors need to be considered when evaluating wisdom teeth: The condition of the second molar, the presence of gum disease, the age of the patient and the risk of dental crowding are all things to consider. . .

Adults have 32 teeth in their mouth, which includes the second molars, located immediately in front of the wisdom teeth. When evaluating wisdom teeth, it is important to evaluate the health of the second molars to make sure they are not compromised by the position of the wisdom teeth.

Many people don’t realize that wisdom teeth can grow in a variety of positions: Sometimes they grow straight up like the rest of the teeth, but other times they will grow sideways or toward the second molars, causing some major space issues. All this needs to be looked at closely before the consideration of removal takes place.

Growing Older and Wisdom Teeth

More and more studies have shown that older adults have a higher risk of having a periodontal defect on the second molar when wisdom teeth are present. Also, the incidence of cavities on wisdom teeth also increases with age. As far as complications after surgery, the risks of post-op complications and recovery time both increase with age, especially in patients 25 years of age and older.

On the other hand, early removal of wisdom teeth, basically when the roots are hardly there, has been shown to result in very predictable and successful outcomes, with hardly any gum pockets, dry sockets, nerve injury or infections developing post-operations. It seems to the case that early removal of wisdom teeth is much better for the patient.

Talk with the dentist and staff at Wayzata Dental & SmileSpa if you think your wisdom teeth are erupting. We can give you an idea what to expect. Visit us online!

Tags: Dental Care, Dental Health, dental problems, Dentist