Why Are My Teeth Shifting?

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As you age, you may begin to notice a change in your bite. Often, this is due to subtle shifting of the teeth. While it is quite common, this doesn’t mean that it isn’t something to worry about. Any time you notice your teeth shifting, you should book an appointment with your dentist in Little Rock, AR. Although some mild shifting is to be expected with age, it often signifies something more serious that should be addressed. Apart from age, the following are some possible reasons your teeth shift.

Bruxism

Bruxism is a formal word for what is more commonly known as teeth grinding. You may or may not be aware that you’re grinding your teeth. Many people do it at night when they’re asleep. This practice puts much additional and unnatural stress on the teeth and jaw. It can also lead to the development of TMJ. In fact, teeth shifting is one symptom of TMJ.

Inadequate Oral Hygiene

Teeth shifting will almost always happen if a person doesn’t make a lifetime habit of properly caring for their teeth. If you don’t brush, floss, and rinse, you’re bound to develop oral health problems, including tooth loosening and shifting. A visit to a dentist as soon as possible is essential if the natural teeth are to be saved.

Inadequate Orthodontic Treatment or Follow-Up

If retainers are not worn as prescribed, teeth sometimes shift after braces are removed. The period immediately following orthodontic treatment is crucial for maintaining alignment, and failure to follow through with retainer use can lead to teeth moving back to their original positions or shifting.

For help getting treatment for teeth that are shifting or just to schedule your six-month dental exam in Little Rock, AR, please contact us today.

 

3 Reasons You Should See the Dentist Twice in 2024

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2024 is here, and it’s time to make your first dental appointment of the year! Seeing the dentist twice each calendar year is important. If you’re not in the habit of seeing yourdentist in North Little Rock, AR, on a regular basis, then now is a good time to get in the habit. You should see the dentist at least twice per year for many reasons. Here’s what to know.

1. Your Dentist Recommends Twice-Yearly Treatments

Most dentists recommend that their patients come in twice yearly for cleanings. Unless your dentist has recommended a different schedule for dental care, you should follow this twice-yearly schedule to stay on top of your dental needs and to maintain clean, healthy teeth.

2. Frequent Visits Can Help You Avoid Dental Problems

Getting preventative care from the dentist is important for avoiding dental problems. When you go to the dentist for preventative care, your dentist will eliminate plaque and tartar that can lead to gum disease and gum recession. These regular cleanings can help you avoid problems like cavities, infections, and gingivitis. If you are at high risk for any of these conditions, seeing your dentist for regular care is especially important.

3. You’ll Get Early Diagnosis of Dental Issues

When you visit the dentist, your dental professional will look for signs of a problem like cracks in the tooth enamel or cavities. Your dentist will also take regular X-rays of your teeth to find out if there are any problems developing inside your teeth and gums out of sight. This will help you get an early diagnosis so your dentist can help you get treatment before the problem is out of control.

Have you made an appointment for adental cleaning in North Little Rock, AR? If not, call Mounts Dental Care today to schedule your first 2024 appointment.

What to Expect During Your Cavity Filling

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Does your tooth hurt? If so, you may have a cavity. While getting a filling is a standard procedure, some people get nervous before the filling is installed. Knowing what to expect when you visit the dentist in North Little Rock, AR, can help you manage your nerves. If you’re experiencing the symptoms of a cavity, here’s what you should know about getting a filling.

How to Tell If You Have a Cavity

First, do you need a filling? If you have a cavity, you may notice problems like pain in the tooth, sensitivity to heat and cold, and pain when you eat sweet things. You may even notice a hole developing in your tooth.

Even if you notice no symptoms at all, you may still have a cavity. Your dentist can catch a problem like this before symptoms begin, and that’s why it’s important to see the dentist every six months. Catching the problem early can help make the dental filling process easier and faster.

What to Expect When Getting a Filling

When you have a cavity, the first thing that will happen is your dentist will diagnose your cavity during an exam. During the filling, the dentist will numb the area so you won’t feel discomfort during the procedure. The dentist may also use laughing gas to make you feel more comfortable if you have dental anxiety.

Next, the dentist will clean out the decay and sanitize the area. The filling will be installed after the area has been prepared. Your dentist may use a composite or amalgam filling. Composite fillings are tooth-colored and are quickly becoming the preferred filling type for many people.

Have a Cavity? Call Today for An Appointment

Do you think you may have a cavity? Sounds like you need to make a dental appointment in North Little Rock, AR. Call Mounts Dental Care today to get started.

3 Back to School Tips to Care for Your Child’s Teeth

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It’s back to school time! Keeping your little one’s teeth healthy during the school year is important. As your dentist in North Little Rock, AR, we’re happy to help you with this process. We’re sharing the tips below to make caring for your child’s teeth easier this coming school year. Here’s what you need to know.

1. Bring your child to the dentist before the school year starts.

Once your child starts school, getting your child to the dentist can become more complicated. Make an appointment to bring your child to the dentist before the school year begins. If it’s already too late to bring your child before the school year begins, make a note in your calendar to make a back-to-school dentist appointment next year.

2. Stock up on healthy lunches and snacks.

The right lunches and snacks can help your child maintain healthy teeth and gums. Stock up on healthy foods that are easy to pack in your child’s lunches. Apples, hummus on pita, nuts, and fresh water in a bottle are all relatively healthy snacks that will fill your child up without doing damage to your child’s teeth.

3. Continue to monitor your child’s tooth brushing habits.

School nights can be hectic between family dinners and homework. Don’t let your child forget to brush their teeth before bedtime. If you brush your child’s teeth for them, pay attention to the appearance of their teeth to watch for problems like cavities. Continuing to brush your child’s teeth twice daily and floss once daily can help your child avoid painful dental problems.

Need to make an appointment for preventative dental care in North Little Rock, AR? Call Mounts Dental Care to make an appointment today.

3 Reasons To Go To the Dentist Every Six Months

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Going to the dentist in North Little Rock, AR, is good for you. In fact, most dentists recommend that their patients come to see them for a check-up and teeth cleaning every six months. If your dentist is asking you to make appointments every six months, you have many good reasons to do so. Here’s what to know about why you should see the dentist twice yearly.

1. Your teeth will stay healthier.

Every time you visit the dentist, you’ll get a teeth cleaning that will help keep your teeth healthy and strong. During the cleaning, the dental hygienist will remove plaque and tartar buildup that may have accumulated on your tooth enamel since the last time you visited.

You’ll also get your teeth polished, and that will prevent more plaque and tartar from building up after the visit is over. The result will be a reduction in bacteria in your mouth, which will help your teeth stay healthy.

2. Your teeth will look better.

Your teeth look their best when they’re clean. If you’re coming to the dentist every six months, you’ll enjoy healthier-looking teeth and gums. Are you interested in getting your teeth whitened? Your dentist can also take care of that – ask about it the next time you come in for a cleaning.

3. You’ll avoid painful conditions.

Unhealthy teeth can develop painful conditions like cavities and infections. When you get your teeth cleaned regularly, you’ll avoid problems like this. Unless you’re excited about getting a root canal or a cavity filling, it’s better just to go to the dentist regularly.

Need to schedule a teeth cleaning in North Little Rock, AR? Call Mounts Dental Care to make an appointment.

Why Are My Teeth Yellow? What Can I Do?

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Teeth are supposed to be white, but over many years, they can turn yellow or even brown. This can be frustrating for many people. Fortunately, there are things you can do to make your teeth white and keep them white. Working with a dentist in North Little Rock, AR can help. Here’s what you need to know about achieving white teeth and keeping them white.

What causes teeth to turn yellow?

There are many things that can cause your teeth to turn yellow. For most people, teeth turn yellow because of food and beverage consumption. Foods like dark sauces, berries, tea, coffee, wine and grape juice can all turn teeth a darker color. Habits like smoking can also affect your teeth, turning the color gradually yellow. Poor oral hygiene can also turn your teeth yellow over time.

What can I do about it if my teeth are yellow?

There are many things you can do to restore your teeth to a whiter color. For some people, this starts with making lifestyle changes, like smoking cessation or improving your oral hygiene. Getting professional teeth whitening in North Little Rock, AR can turn your teeth several shades whiter, and can keep your teeth this shade of white for a long period.

How can I prevent my teeth from becoming yellow?

There are many things you can do to keep your teeth beautiful and white.

  • Brush your teeth twice per day and floss once daily.
  • See the dentist twice per year for a dental exam and professional cleaning.
  • Avoid forming habits like smoking or tobacco use.
  • Remain well hydrated and swish with water after eating staining foods.

Want to know more about how you can keep your teeth white and beautiful? Talk to one of the dental professionals at Mounts Dental Care. Call today to make an appointment.

What’s Causing My Tooth Sensitivity?

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Tooth sensitivity can be upsetting and painful. Sometimes tooth sensitivity sets in naturally as teeth age, other times, sensitivity is a symptom of a larger problem. If your teeth are unusually sensitive, knowing the cause of your tooth sensitivity can help you decide how to treat the problem. Your dentist in North Little Rock, AR can help you decide what to do.

What Are the Causes of Tooth Sensitivity?

There are many things that can cause tooth sensitivity. Below are some of the most common causes.

Gum recession. Gum recession can occur due to periodontal disease and when the teeth are brushed too hard. When the gums pull away from the teeth, this can cause tooth sensitivity.

Bruxism. If you grind your teeth at night, this is a condition known as bruxism. Bruxism can cause your tooth enamel to erode, which can cause tooth sensitivity.

Brushing too hard. Like bruxism, brushing too hard can cause the tooth enamel to erode, thus leading to sensitivity.

Mouthwash. Some mouthwashes can be acidic, which can cause the teeth to become sensitive. If you have sensitive teeth, ask your dentist to recommend a neutral mouthwash.

Cracks in tooth enamel. Cracks in the tooth enamel can cause pain and sensitivity, depending on the where the crack is and how deep it goes.

Teeth whitening products. Teeth whitening products can, over time, cause tooth sensitivity. Your dentist can help you get your teeth whitened without causing this sensitivity. Talk to your dentist for more information.

What Can I Do About Tooth Sensitivity?

If you’re concerned about your tooth sensitivity, start by contacting a dentist for a dental exam in North Little Rock, AR. Your dentist can help you determine the cause of your sensitivity. Call Mounts Dental Care to schedule an appointment.

Why Do My Gums Bleed When I Brush My Teeth?

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Bleeding gums can be a frustrating problem to have. If your gums bleed when you’re brushing your teeth, this could be a symptom of a larger problem that needs treatment. Your dentist in North Little Rock, AR can help you determine the cause and what can be done about it. Here’s what you need to know.

What Causes Gums to Bleed When Brushing Teeth?

Gums typically bleed when plaque builds up at the gumline, causing inflammation and irritation due to a condition called gingivitis. Your gums may also bleed if your gingivitis progresses to a more serious condition called periodontitis. Periodontitis is a condition that can cause bad breath, inflammation of the gums and deterioration of the bone that holds the teeth in place.

There are other causes of bleeding when you’re brushing your teeth:

  • Pregnancy. Pregnancy causes an increase in blood volume, so bleeding after brushing is a common problem that pregnant women experience.
  • Brushing too hard. If you’re brushing too hard, or if you’re brushing with a toothbrush that has stiff bristles, your gums may become injured. This can cause them to bleed.
  • Blood thinning medication. Blood thinning medications like ibuprofen can cause bleeding when you brush your teeth.

How Can I Tell if I Have Gingivitis or Periodontal Disease?

If you’re concerned you have gingivitis or periodontal disease, it’s important to see a dentist as soon as possible. Your dentist can diagnose your condition and help you get treatment. If you don’t get treatment for your condition quickly, your condition could become more advanced, which can lead to problems like loss of a permanent tooth.

If you have periodontal disease, it’s important to get dental treatment in North Little Rock, AR as soon as possible. Your dentist at Mounts Dental Care can diagnose your condition and provide treatment. Here’s what you need to know.

 

What do Bleeding Gums Mean?

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Taking care of your teeth is important to your overall health. It can help prevent gum disease and other dental problems. When your teeth and gums are healthy, they do not bleed. If you do have bleeding gums, you should see your dentist in North Little Rock, AR. Common reasons for bleeding gums include:

Brushing Too Hard

The simplest explanation for bleeding gums is either using too much force while brushing or using a toothbrush with too-hard bristles. When brushing your teeth, make sure to use a soft or medium-bristled toothbrush. Brushing with a stiff bristle can irritate your gums and damage the soft tissue. Don’t apply excessive force. If gums are bleeding, try being more gentle while brushing.

Vitamin Deficiency

Some people also have vitamin deficiencies, including vitamin C. Vitamin C is important for strong and healthy gums. Taking multivitamins and eating foods rich in vitamin C may help.

Side Effect of Medication

Certain medications may also cause bleeding gums. They include blood thinning medications, over-the-counter pain relievers, and ibuprofen, and certain other prescription medications.

Plaque Build-Up

One of the more common reasons for bleeding gums is plaque build-up at the gum line, or under the gum line. If your gums continue to bleed after addressing the possibilities mentioned above, chances are that you have plaque build-up. This is a precursor to some severe gum issues, and a visit to the dentist is needed to remove the plaque. Otherwise, you run the risk of developing tartar accumulation, gum disease and worse.

Contact your dentist in North Little Rock, AR for help diagnosing and treating your bleeding gums. The sooner you get help, the more likely it is that you and your dentist will be able to prevent a more serious oral health situation from occurring.

Implants FAQ: What You Need to Know

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If you’re missing a tooth, then a prosthetic tooth can help restore your smile. For many dental patients, implants are the top choice for tooth replacement. Below is an FAQ to provide you more information about implants and how they can help you. If you have more questions, your dentist in North Little Rock, AR can tell you more. Call Mounts Dental Care today.

What is an Implant?

An implant is a prosthetic tooth that can be used to fill a single gap or multiple gaps in your mouth. Implants are installed in the jaw and fused with the bone before a crown is placed on top.

Who Needs an Implant?

You can benefit from an implant if you’re missing one or more teeth. It’s important to fill the gap in your mouth because teeth shift in the jaw over time. If you leave an empty gap between two teeth, they will eventually move to fill in the empty space, causing tooth misalignment.

Do Implants Look Natural?

Implants are designed to look natural. In fact, the crown that your dentist orders for your teeth will be custom-made to fill the space in your mouth. Most crowns are tooth-colored. Your dentist will order a crown that is made to match your other teeth in color. This way, no one will be able to tell that the implant isn’t a natural tooth, just like your other teeth.

How Are Implants Maintained?

Implants are brushed and flossed, just like regular teeth. Use a non-abrasive implant-safe toothpaste to keep your implant clean. When you come in for dental examinations, your dentist will check on your implant, just like your other teeth.

Have more questions about implants in North Little Rock, AR? Call today to make an appointment.