Dentist Jefferson City Blog

Apr 07 2020

What Might A Toothache Have To Do With A Stuffy Nose?

IF YOU’RE PRONE TO SINUS INFECTIONS you may not think to visit Stadium Dental Center in Jefferson City, Missouri. Well, maybe you should! Tooth infections, also known as dental abscesses, can cause sinus infections. And, conversely, a sinus infection can make you feel like you have a toothache! Telling these similar-feeling conditions apart takes some expertise, but a correct diagnosis makes all the difference in getting relief.

What Are Sinuses And How Can They Become Infected?
Your sinuses are a connected system of hollow chambers in your skull. Air passes through them to get warm and moist before moving to your lungs. Usually your body is able to keep your sinuses clean but sometimes bacteria can grow out of control and cause a sinus infection.

Only The Maxillary Sinuses Can Be Infected By A Tooth
While you have several sinuses, only one set is affected by tooth-related issues. The maxillary sinuses are on either side of your nose and come in close contact with the roots of your upper teeth. Because the two are so close, dental abscesses from the upper back teeth can make their way into your maxillary sinus and cause an infection.

Contact Us At The First Sign Of Pain
Generally, dental abscesses are painful. However, once in a while there’s no discomfort at all—it depends on the location of the infection. If you’re experiencing pain let us know, even if the pain goes away. We can help catch problems—and infections—before they spread.

Stay Connected To Our Blog And Stay Healthier!
The connection between your overall health and oral health is amazing. Continue reading our blog posts to stay informed about the best ways to maintain your health!

We appreciate the trust you place in Stadium Dental Center in Jefferson City, Missouri!

Apr 07 2020

The Connection Between Gum Disease And Rheumatoid Arthritis

A growing body of research linking periodontal disease and rheumatoid arthritis suggests that taking care of our teeth may also be a really good way to take care of our joints. Researchers found that porphyromonas gingivalis, the same bacteria primarily responsible for gum disease, can also be found in the knee joints of patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Oral Health Problems Don’t Remain Isolated In Our Mouths

There are significant links between our oral health and our whole body health. The connection between gum disease and RA isn’t the only evidence studies have found of oral bacteria migrating to other parts of the body. Gum health has also been linked by some researchers to many other systemic conditions including diabetes, heart health, Alzheimer’s, and more.

The Common Thread

RA is an inflammatory immune disorder. Porphyromonas gingivalis bacteria in your mouth may release an enzyme which makes the residue of certain proteins in your body appear to be foreign intruders. If you have RA, this can cause your immune system to attack your own body.

What Can You Do?

When monitoring the health of our bodies, a great place to start is with our mouths. The simplest of things can help prevent harmful bacteria from colonizing and spreading throughout the body.

· Brush once or twice each day.

· Floss daily.

· Use an Oral Rinse every day

· Clean your tongue with a tongue scraper

· Schedule regular cleanings and exams (remembering that you may need more frequent appointments if you have signs of gum disease).

Rheumatoid Arthritis Can Make Dental Hygiene More Difficult

Do you have RA? Or, does someone you care for (an aging parent, for example) have RA? Don’t forget that it may be harder for people who suffer from RA to do simple things like properly and thoroughly brush teeth. And, flossing can be even harder because of limited hand flexibility.

If you’re in a position where you need to assist someone with RA (or yourself), please let us know! We can help you brainstorm alternate methods for oral health care that will help.

Thanks for your trust in Stadium Dental Center in Jefferson City, Missouri!

Apr 07 2020

4 Ways To Avoid Having A Cracked Tooth

THE HEALTHY ENAMEL THAT COVERS YOUR TEETH is the hardest substance in your body… It’s even harder than your bones! That’s great news when you consider the amount of pressure our jaw muscles exert on our teeth.

However, your teeth can still be cracked and chipped. Here are four “don’ts” for avoiding a cracked tooth.

#1: Don’t Chew On Ice
High powered blenders have special blades and settings for crushing ice. So imagine what chewing on ice can do to your teeth! Some people do it out of habit—and others do it when they’re nervous or bored. Just stop! It can chip or crack teeth.

#2: Don’t Chew Hard Sweets
Hard candy isn’t good for your oral health anyway. Besides the high sugar content, and the long periods of time the sugar sits on your teeth, hard candy can also crack your teeth. Jawbreakers, suckers, and frozen candy bars are common culprits. If you enjoy these occasionally, consider licking them instead to avoid damage.

#3: Don’t Bite Down On Unpopped Popcorn Kernels
We know that they’re difficult to avoid! When you’re enthralled in a movie, the last thing on your mind is the popcorn you’re enjoying. Just try to be aware of those pesky unpopped kernels!

#4: Don’t Use Teeth As Tools
They’re not bottle openers. They’re not scissors. They’re not pliers. You get the idea.

Thanks for the trust you place in Stadium Dental Center in Jefferson City, Missouri. We appreciate having you as our valued patient!

Apr 07 2020

Saliva – Essential To Your Oral Health

YOU PROBABLY DON’T OFTEN THINK ABOUT YOUR SPIT (and frankly, we’d be a little worried about you if you did). And yes, drooling babies are a nuisance. But did you know that saliva is a critical component for healthy teeth and great oral health—regardless of your age? Here at Stadium Dental Center in Jefferson City, Missouri, we’re concerned about BOTH your teeth and your complete oral health. We thought you may find it interesting to learn how saliva helps keep your mouth protected and healthy, even when we’re not around.

Four Reasons Your Saliva Is Awesome

Your saliva slowly and continually builds your teeth into tiny fortresses. It carries minerals like calcium and phosphate ions which reinforce your enamel.
Saliva is an important part of your immune system. It contains immunoproteins that police your mouth, fighting bacteria and coating teeth in a protective layer.
It’s a lubricant. Thanks to saliva, your mouth and tongue are flexible. Talking and eating would be seriously difficult without it.
Saliva keeps your mouth clean. It washes away food particles and rebalances the pH level in your mouth every time you eat.

Xerostomia (a.k.a. Dry Mouth) Can Be A Problem

Now that you understand how much your saliva does for you, you probably see what a problem it could be if it weren’t there. When your body isn’t producing enough saliva, it’s called dry mouth, or xerostomia (pronounced “zeer-uh-stoh-mee-uh”). It’s often caused by common medications like antihistamines or antidepressants. It can also be a side effect of dehydration or diseases like Parkinson’s and cystic fibrosis. Sometimes it’s simply a result of aging.

Here Are A Few Suggestions That May Help You

If you’re having trouble with xerostomia, ask us about it! We’ll be sure it’s not part of a bigger problem. In addition to the simple suggestions below, there may be other things our team can suggest that will help:

Rinse your mouth regularly with water.
Chew sugarless gum or suck on a sugarless candy to help stimulate saliva flow.
Avoid alcohol and tobacco, which can both be dry mouth contributing factors.

Remember that if you ever have questions, you can call us, or send us a direct message on our Facebook page.

Thanks for the continued trust you place in Stadium Dental Center! We appreciate you.

Apr 07 2020

Wisdom Teeth: What You Should Know About Yours

We get lots of questions about wisdom teeth and what to do about them at Stadium Dental Center in Jefferson City, Missouri. Dr. Cardon has helped people with wisdom tooth problems for over 30 years.

If they’re properly oriented, wisdom teeth can work like the other teeth in your mouth. Problems can result if they become impacted so they can’t align normally in the mouth. Since this happens more often with wisdom teeth, they’re often removed. Learn more about your wisdom teeth and wisdom tooth extractions.

What are wisdom teeth?

Wisdom teeth are another name for the third set of permanent molars. Most people have three per- manent molars in each side of each jaw. First molars typically erupt around age 6, then the second set of molars erupt around age 12.

The third set of molars are the last to erupt. The term “wisdom teeth” arose because they develop after the other permanent teeth, sometime from age 17 to age 21 years.

Why do wisdom teeth sometimes need to be removed?

Some wisdom teeth become impacted as they’re unable to erupt properly. We may recommend the extraction of impacted wisdom teeth because of the problems they can cause. Common issues include infection, decay of neighboring teeth, gum disease, cysts, and tumors.

Wisdom teeth that have already erupted may also be recommended for removal. This can be due to an unusable or difficult-to-brush location, decay, or the disruption of your bite. Other reasons are the presence of gum disease or the third molar’s presence compromising the condition of adjacent teeth. In some cases, we may recommend removing wisdom teeth early to prevent such problems from arising.

How do I know if I need my wisdom teeth removed?

Someone whose wisdom teeth should be removed may feel a range of symptoms, such as pain, infection, and swelling of the face or gums. We can find out whether your wisdom teeth should be removed by taking X-rays and examining your mouth. Wisdom teeth that are not removed should still be monitored, since they can cause problems later on. Extraction is usually an outpatient procedure, whether performed under a local anesthetic, sedation, or general anesthetic.

Are there any complications associated with wisdom tooth extractions?

The most common complication after wisdom tooth extractions is dry socket. This painful delay in healing results from the absence of a blood clot in the site. Because this blood clot invites new soft tissue and bone to develop, healing takes longer.

To prevent dry socket, avoid any smoking and treat the wound site carefully after a wisdom tooth extraction. Rinsing gently with salt water can help keep your mouth clean after the procedure. Excessive rinsing or spitting is best avoided while your mouth heals.

For women, studies show that high levels of estrogen may increase a woman’s chances of having a dry socket. To decrease this risk, if possible, women should schedule extractions during the last week of their menstrual cycle.

Before any tooth extraction, be sure to tell us about any medications or supplements that you are taking. To avoid complications after the procedure, follow our written instructions regarding eating and drinking, pain management, and keeping the extraction site clean.

Everyone’s mouth is different, and determining whether your wisdom teeth should be removed is your choice. We’re glad to help you learn about yours and what options may be worth considering. If you have concerns about your wisdom teeth or wisdom tooth extraction, give us a call.

What Might A Toothache Have To Do With A Stuffy Nose?

The Connection Between Gum Disease And Rheumatoid Arthritis

4 Ways To Avoid Having A Cracked Tooth

Saliva – Essential To Your Oral Health

Four Reasons Your Saliva Is Awesome

Xerostomia (a.k.a. Dry Mouth) Can Be A Problem

Wisdom Teeth: What You Should Know About Yours

What are wisdom teeth?

Why do wisdom teeth sometimes need to be removed?

How do I know if I need my wisdom teeth removed?

Are there any complications associated with wisdom tooth extractions?

Affordable Family Dentistry Serving Jefferson City, Cedar City & Apache Flats

Schedule an Appointment

Four Reasons Your Saliva Is Awesome

Xerostomia (a.k.a. Dry Mouth) Can Be A Problem

What are wisdom teeth?

Why do wisdom teeth sometimes need to be removed?

How do I know if I need my wisdom teeth removed?

Are there any complications associated with wisdom tooth extractions?

Affordable Family Dentistry Serving Jefferson City, Cedar City & Apache Flats

Connect With Us

Schedule an Appointment