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Tooth Jewelry: What is it, and is it Safe?

Putting decorations on one’s teeth is a trend that might not be such a good idea. Piercing a tooth or cementing jewels onto your teeth can cause some unexpected damage. This was a popular thing in the ‘90s and removable mouthpieces called “Grills” were trendy in the early 2000s. “Grills” are a little more practical because the person wearing it could remove it at any time. It was more comfortable to wear because professional dentists and orthodontists custom fitted it to the client’s mouth. This is not the case with most tooth jewelry.

What is Tooth Jewelry?

Tooth jewelry and decorations are jewels placed in or on the tooth, or multiple teeth. Tooth tattoos are also treding, which are only placed on dental crowns. Having a crown placed requires permanent alterations to your natural tooth.  The piercing and cement and process is similar to installing braces or fillings, and while professional dentists and orthodontists should be the only ones using these tools, this is not often the case. These implants and decorations can cause severe and permanent damage to teeth and gums if applied incorrectly. Tooth jewelry is not as easily changed or switched out like earrings or piercings. A piercing in the tooth is permanent, and with orthodontic-grade cement, these jewels can last for a long time.

 

Why Your North Royalton Family Dentist Says No to Tooth Jewelry

North Royalton Family Dentists want your families to have the happiest and healthiest teeth and smiles. We dedicate ourselves to having the highest standards for cosmetic and standard dental care. Tooth jewelry is not beneficial to your teeth and can cause short term and long term problems. Everyday routines such as brushing and flossing could become more difficult and increase your likelihood of cavities. The inside of your mouth is an extremely sensitive part of your body and be easily damaged.

Having jewelry and gemstones permanently placed on your teeth can be extremely uncomfortable during daily activities like speaking and eating. Food can get stuck on the jewels, and they may even scratch the inside of your lips or mouth.

Your North Royalton cosmetic dentist can provide you with many cosmetic procedures like teeth whitening, veneers, and Invisalign. When it comes to improving your smile, we recommend seeking out a qualified dentist to help you make your cosmetic decisions.

The Mouth-Body Connection

Dentists and doctors over the last decade believe there is a connection between our body health and dental health. There are now dozens of peer-reviewed articles by medical professionals linking gum disease with chronic illnesses in our bodies.

Learn about the Mouth-Body connection

The Mouth-Body Connection

When we think about improving our overall health, most of us don’t think about oral health first.  The truth is that a lot of us think of our teeth the same way we think about other cosmetic features like our nails and hair. Grocery store aisles and mall kiosks are full of whitening products. We just don’t place the critical attention on our oral health that we do on the rest of our body.

Just how much of a difference can it make? Some doctors say that having a healthy mouth can add as many as six years to your lifespan! Taking care of your teeth and gums can significantly improve the quality of those years as well.

Don’t Think This is Relevant to You?

According to the Center for Disease Control, “One out of every two American adults aged 30 and over has periodontal disease. In adults 65 and older, prevalence rates increase to 70.1 percent.” We can all do a better job taking care of ourselves.

Mouth-Body Bacterial Transfer

What happens in your mouth does not actually stay in your mouth! The mouth is one of the most significant pathways for bacteria to enter into our body. There are actually several ways that harmful oral bacteria can spread into the rest of our body. Let’s take a look at some of them.

  1. Harmful oral bacteria can be ingested or swallowed. While we sleep, our bodies go into a cleaning and renewing cycle. During that cycle, our mouths are generally stagnant. Saliva does not circulate which leads to waking up to high levels of bacteria.  When we swallow, even from a clean glass of water, the bacteria enters our body.
  2. Passive absorption is a significant factor in the transfer of harmful bacteria into our bloodstream. Our mouths were intended to absorb a great deal of nutrients and foods, it is coated in mucous membranes and has a high concentration of capillaries near the surface. The mouth is actually one of the body’s most absorbent organs.
  3. According to the Journal of Periodontology, “The mouth can be a major source of chronic or permanent release of toxic bacterial components in the bloodstream during normal oral functions.” The infection can get worse when oral plaque solidifies into tartar and makes contact with our gums. Our impaired gum line, due to the tartar, can allow harmful oral bacteria to enter into our blood. Having oral bacteria in our blood might not seem like a significant part of our bodies overall function. But, its presence can directly add inflammation to the body. The swelling caused by inflammation restricts our cardiovascular flow and promotes and magnifies aging and disease.

These are just a few of the many ways that harmful oral bacteria is being shown to affect our bodies with a variety of health issues including; heart disease, strokes, diabetes, respiratory problems, pregnancy complications, rheumatoid arthritis, Alzheimer’s, cancer, and even memory loss.

Prevention is the Best Medicine

Fortunately for all of us, Periodontic medicine is proving to us that we have far more control over our overall health than we previously realized. Given that those with severe Periodontal disease are 40% more likely to suffer from chronic diseases, preventing oral disease can make a lasting and significant impact on our lives. Here are a few simple steps you can take between now and your next appointment;

  1. Rinse, swish and spit in the morning to get rid of excess bacteria before eating, drinking or swallowing.
  2. Brush at least twice a day.
  3. Floss every day.
  4. Avoid eating sugar or carb-heavy foods.
  5. Add lots of vegetables to your diet.

What Should You Do Now?

At North Royalton Family Dentistry, we care about your dental and overall health. We fully believe that a healthy mouth is directly related to a healthy body. To help you achieve a beautiful smile, and a healthier life, we offer services for general dentistry, like fillings, cleanings, and other tooth restorations. If you feel like you might be suffering due to gum disease or aren’t sure how to tell, please contact us immediately to schedule an appointment.

Why Should I Go to a Dentist for Teeth Whitening?

Do you want a smile you are proud to share with others? A whiter smile is a simple way to restore your confidence. In-office teeth whitening is one of the most popular treatments at our North Royalton family dentistry. We can whiten your smile several shades in just one or two appointments! Visiting with a North Royalton cosmetic dentist is the best way to find out how white your smile can become.

Professional Teeth Whitening

Some people try to whiten their teeth at home, only to find out they are not able to get their desired shade. Others end up bleaching their teeth too much that it causes tooth and gum sensitivity. Professional teeth whitening is one of the cosmetic dentistry procedures to leave to your dentist. Why? Here are some reasons why a professional teeth whitening treatment is better than an at-home teeth whitening kit:

  • Cosmetic dentists use a higher grade peroxide to whiten the teeth faster and safely.
  • They can also use laser lights to enhance the shade of your teeth
  • We safely treat the teeth and gums to prevent painful sensitivity and gum recession

Professional Dental Cleaning

When you visit a dentist for teeth whitening in North Royalton, you will also receive a dental cleaning. Dental cleanings remove plaque, allowing our team to whiten all surface areas of the tooth. At-home cleanings will not be able to get to the same surface areas of the teeth, which can lead to multiple color shades on a single tooth. If there are concerns related to your teeth, we can make repairs to the teeth prior to starting the tooth whitening procedure.

What to Expect

We will use rubber shields to shield the gums when we start applying the bleaching agents. We apply the bleaching agent and wipe it off after 10-45 minutes to apply another layer, whitening your teeth at least one to two shades in a single visit. Our teeth whitening treatment includes a higher dosage of carbamide and peroxide to ensure the teeth are several shades whiter. Over-the-counter teeth whitening strips normally include only six percent of peroxide, which makes it harder to achieve the white shade you want.

If you are tired of stained teeth, it is time to call in the professionals at North Royalton Family Dental for all your teeth whitening needs! Schedule a consultation today and be on your way to a brighter, whiter smile!

Cosmetic Dentistry Isn’t Just About Your Health

Some people think that cosmetic dentistry only improves your appearance. But, it can actually do wonders for your mental and overall dental health. If you are looking for one of the best North Royalton cosmetic dentists, look no further than North Royalton Family Dental.Cosmetic dentistry in North Royalton has social and medical benefits.

What is Cosmetic Dentistry?

Cosmetic Dentistry is a general dentistry term that covers dental implants, porcelain veneers, teeth whitening, and full mouth restorations. Some people think cosmetic dentistry only improves the look of the smile, but it benefits a lot more! Here are a few reasons why a cosmetic dentist in North Royalton could change your life:

Social Benefits

Discolored or yellowing teeth can affect the way you feel about yourself. It can become difficult to socialize, smile, or even talk if you are self-conscious about your teeth. A cosmetic dentistry procedure like teeth whitening, crown lengthening or reshaping, veneers, or dental implants could help you feel more confident.

Not only can a cosmetic dentistry procedure change the way you feel about yourself, but it can help you further your career! Studies show that individuals with bright, happy smiles in a job interview have a better chance of landing the job and furthering social connections. Dr. Nathaniel M. Taylor and our staff at North Royalton Family Dental are the some of the best in North Royalton and we’d love to help you get the smile you’ve always dreamed of!

Health Benefits

Did you know that cosmetic dentistry is also used to maintain healthy teeth and gum tissue? Most patients found it easier to stay on top of dental appointments and maintain daily dental hygiene when their smile was repaired and looking beautiful.

Additionally, patients with a misaligned bite and crooked teeth often report having severe headaches. A solution to those awful headaches is simple with a cosmetic dental procedure. Let North Royalton Family Dental help you in getting a smile you love and getting rid of chronic headaches.

Cosmetic dentistry can improve your appearance and quality of life! Are you ready to change your life and smile? Schedule an appointment with us today; we are taking new patients and would love to meet you!

Top 10 Things Your Dentist Wants You To Know

North Royalton Family Dental is here to help you keep your teeth beautiful and healthy!

Have you ever heard the saying “Life is short. Smile while you still have teeth.”? Well life is also wonderful and it’s even more wonderful when you have a beautiful smile. Here’s some advice to help keep those pearly whites healthy and strong and stay in your mouth for a long time to come.

  1. Oral Hygiene is #1

    The state of your oral health is a good indicator of your overall health. Healthy teeth and gums are directly related to having a healthy cardiovascular system.

  2. Floss Daily

    Flossing is so important! We know it can be easy to forget to do it and it’s easy to think that it won’t matter. But it matters so much. Do it every day. It will take out food particles and plaque that can cause cavities and other dental issues.

  3. We Understand Your Worries

    The dentist office can be a nerve racking experience for some. It’s important to be confident in the dentist office you are choosing and there are many choices out there. Let the friendly faces at North Royalton Family Dental help you to have a calm and enjoyable experience.

  4. Teach Them Young

    Children learn by example. Show your kids how important and fun it can be to take care of their teeth. It is a life-long skill, that if done correctly, will benefit them for the rest of their lives.

  5. X-Rays are Safe

    Dental x-rays use an incredibly low amount of radiation. The risk of skipping x-rays is greater than having them taken at regular checkups. They should be an important part of maintaining your dental health.

  6. Chew Gum!

    Well, gum that contains xylitol that is. Chewing gum which contains xylitol has been proven to actually help prevent cavities.

  7. Go to the Dentist Often

    Stay current with your dental checkups and procedures. Remember, your dental health is a good indicator of your overall health. Your mouth will thank you.

  8. Don’t Ignore Bleeding Gums

    Bleeding gums can be a sign of something worse going on and can be the first sign of gum disease. Give us a call and we can determine if it is a sign of something more serious.

  9. Say No to Soft Drinks

    Unfortunately, soda is not very good for the health of your teeth. The ingredients can erode and weaken your teeth. If you must drink it, remember to rinse and brush afterward.

  10. Eat a Healthy Diet

    What doesn’t a healthy diet help with, right? Eating foods generally considered to be healthy will minimize the chance of getting cavities and can help promote healthy gums.

We want to see your beautiful smile. Call North Royalton Family Dental today and we will make sure you have an amazing experience.

The Dangers of Over-Whitening

If you whiten your teeth too much with drugstore kits, there are some risks of over-whitening.

Over the past decade or so teeth whitening kits have become very popular. It seems like everyone wants to whiten their teeth at least a few shades. Everywhere you look drugstores have teeth whitening kits that are very accessible and cheap. These kits that you can find at the store too often contain harsh and harmful chemicals that can hurt your dental health. There are many concerns and side effects that come from this kind of teeth whitening, which can include:

  • tooth sensitivity
  • gum irritation
  • too soft or rough tooth surface
  • demineralization
  • risk of tooth fracture
  • color change of dental restorations

Why is it not safe?

It seems that the #1 complaint from this type of teeth whitening is tooth sensitivity. That means that your teeth are not just sensitive while using these whitening strips but also while you are out in the environment and are made more sensitive by the food and drinks that you consume. It can make for some very unpleasant days and without proper care that sensitivity can just get worse.

The whitening trays found at drugstores are meant for teeth, not our gums. When these harsh chemicals get on gums they will cause stress and irritation on that tissue. Also if you are more likely to get canker sores the whitening solution can make them much worse.

Here at North Royalton Family Dental we believe that your smile should not only look great but feel good as well. By continuing to whiten your teeth without the proper supervision and tools you are asking for continued tooth pain and problems.

A Safer Alternative

In-office teeth whitening treatments are much safer and much more pleasant. You can also see the results in less time. Our North Royalton cosmetic dentist can help with your teeth whitening needs. Certain foods, drinks and habits can cause the discoloration of your teeth and we will work together to make a plan to avoid staining in the future. We will keep a record of your teeth so you will be able to see your progress over time. The procedure will be done in our comfortable office and can take up to an hour. We are confident that you will be very pleased and surprised with how fast your results will come. Ditch the harmful, drugstore teeth whitening trays and come in to our office today to find the safe, simple way to whiten your teeth.

Welcome to Our Blog!

Welcome to our blog!Welcome to our new blog! You can check here regularly for news about our office, tips and tricks to keep your mouth and teeth happy, as well as descriptions about our dental services.

We Care About Your Health

At North Royalton Family Dentistry, we care about your dental and overall health. We believe that a healthy mouth is related to a healthy body. To help you achieve a beautiful smile, we offer services for general dentistry, like fillings, cleanings, and other tooth restorations.

We are also happy to offer cosmetic dentistry services to our friends in North Royalton. You can brighten your smile with our teeth whitening services, which you can get in office or use at home. We also offer Invisalign and porcelain veneers to create a beautiful smile that will last.

Contact Us Today

To get a head start on 2018, schedule an appointment with us today! We love new patients, and want to help you get the smile you’ve always dreamed of.