Dentist Jefferson City Blog

Oct 02 2023

4 Helpful Tips For Tooth Sensitivity

A SIP OF COFFEE, A SPOONFUL OF ICE CREAM… you never thought that these simple pleasures could cause pain! But when you have sensitive teeth, your favorite foods and beverages can turn against you. Even sour foods and cold weather can drive you crazy!

Sensitive teeth are a common problem. Here are four great tips for easing the discomfort:

#1: Check Your Brushing Technique
Sometimes the problem is that you’re actually TOO enthusiastic with your routine care. If you’re brushing too much or too hard, it can contribute to receding gums. When gums recede, sensitive areas of your teeth are exposed. Always brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Brush gently in a circular motion without sawing back-and-forth.

#2: Minimize Acidic Foods & Drinks
One major culprit in an over-acidic diet is soft drinks—but sports/energy drinks, fruit juices, and sour candies can also contribute. Acid erodes your tooth enamel.

Detailed Info About The Causes Of Tooth Sensitivity

#3: Consider Changing Your Toothpaste
Do you use a whitening toothpaste? Check the usage instructions. Whitening toothpastes can be more abrasive which can contribute to sensitivity. If your teeth are hurting, try a toothpaste specially formulated for sensitive teeth instead.

#4: Come Visit With Us!
If you’re experiencing continued sensitivity, we should take a look. Receding gums can be a sign of gum disease. Sensitivity could also indicate a cavity, or be a warning that you’re grinding your teeth at night. To be sure it’s not a serious problem it may be necessary for us to take a look.

Thanks for your trust in Stadium Dental Center in Jefferson City, Missouri. We appreciate you!
If you have questions about tooth sensitivity, please message us directly on our Facebook page or on our homepage. We love to hear from you.

Oct 02 2023

Your Smile May Be Your Greatest Job-Hunting Asset

YES, REAL RELATIONSHIPS DEVELOP over time. We all know that. But there are certain situations where an incredible first impression goes a long, long way. One of those times is when you’re advancing your career and interviewing for jobs.

50% Of Interviewers Will Remember Your Smile… 9% Will Remember What You Wore

A recent study by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry suggests that half of adults absolutely remember other people’s smiles after having been introduced to them. That’s far more than the 9% who will remember a new acquaintance’s clothing. Cool, lime green shirt (above)… But your smile will impress even more!

Brighter Smile = Higher Starting Salary?

Your smile can have a direct impact on your career opportunities. A 2007 study simulating job interviews showed that people were more likely to be offered jobs—and offered higher starting salaries—after they had whitened their teeth. Subjects were also perceived to be more professional and more confident after teeth whitening.

What Will People Remember About YOUR Smile?

It may not always seem fair, but people make assumptions based on one’s smile. The beauty is that, armed with knowledge (and an awesome dentist), YOU can take charge of the way people perceive you in professional situations such as interviews.

Make A Good Impression So They’ll Get To Know You On The Inside

Sometimes getting past first impressions with flying colors gives you the chance to let the “real” you come through. After all, that’s the most important part. Here’s some additional job hunting advice:

It’s Not About Perfection. It’s About Confidence.

The most important aspect of a great smile isn’t whether or not you have perfectly straight teeth or a perfect smile. It’s all about the confidence your smile brings. If there’s anything causing you to be self-conscious about your smile, talk with us. We can walk you through some ideas, and create a plan to fix the situation if you’d like. Bringing out the best in our friends, one smile at a time, is what we do!

Thank you so much for trusting Stadium Dental Center in Jefferson City, Missouri with your dental health. Good luck in your pursuit of that new job opportunity!

Oct 02 2023

What Every Parent Should Know About Their Child’s First Dental Visit

There’s enormous lifelong value in getting your child off to a good start with his or her oral health. Their first dental visit will have a long lasting impact on the kind of life they enjoy because of their oral health habits. We love helping children get started on a life of great oral health at Stadium Dental Center in Jefferson City, Missouri!

When should my child first see a dentist, and why?

Seeing your child within six months after his or her first baby teeth erupt—no later than by their first birthday—is an ideal time for our first dental visit with you and your child. It’s a prime time for us to observe and document the development of your child’s mouth. Identifying potential problems early saves trouble, time, and expense. For example, early tooth decay, teething discomfort, gum disease, and prolonged thumb- or pacifier-sucking are issues that may affect your child’s health and their smile. We can provide preventive strategies and, if needed, effective remedies for these conditions.

How do I prepare my child and myself for this first visit?

We appreciate it greatly when you bring records of your child’s complete medical history for his or her record to the first dental visit. It helps us provide the best care we can.

Sometimes, parents who’ve had their own difficult dental experiences transfer their fears to their children by how they talk to them about going to the dentist. Make the upcoming dental visit something for your child to look forward to by helping him or her understand what will happen during the visit. There are a number of children’s books about going to the dentist. Reading these books with your child before his or her first dental visit is an excellent way to help prevent or minimize their apprehension about an unfamiliar place.

Very young children may be fussy and restless. We understand it’s normal for a child to feel frightened and cry, so you don’t need to worry about that. On the other hand, some children will happily cooperate during their visit. Either way, we’re happy they’re in our office to be seen before bigger problems develop!

What happens during their first visit?

Your child’s first dental visit is a time to acquaint your child with us. Short, regularly recurring visits can build the child’s comfort with us and with our office. The visit should be scheduled when your child is alert, fed, and refreshed. You may be asked to sit in the dental chair and hold your child during the first examination. The first visit usually lasts between 15 and 30 minutes and may include any of the following, depending on the child’s age and ability to cooperate:

A gentle but thorough exam of the teeth, jaw, bite, and oral soft tissues to monitor growth and development
A gentle cleaning, including polishing teeth to remove plaque, tartar build-up, and stains
X-rays (usually not before 4 years of age)
A demonstration of proper home care for your child’s mouth and teeth
Nutritional counseling
An application of fluoride to the teeth

We’re happy to answer any questions you have to make you and your child feel comfortable throughout the visit.

When should we schedule the next appointment?

We recommend regular checkups every six months for children and adults. If treatment needs warrant, a more frequent interval for simple, non-threatening visits can help build your child’s confidence in coming to our office to make it easier for them to have their treatment done. In time, coming to see their Jefferson City family dentist to stay healthy will become an easy, ordinary thing to your child!

Oct 02 2023

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!

Oct 02 2023

TMD: What Is It And What To Do About It

The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research says about 5 to 12 percent of people experience TemporoMandibular Disorders (TMD). This acronym covers a range of conditions affecting the joints, muscles, and nerves in the jaw. At Stadium Dental Center in Jefferson City, Missouri, we see these conditions frequently. We can help relieve the symptoms for folks with this painful problem.

What are the temporomandibular joints?

With one on each side of your face, the temporomandibular joints connect your lower jaw to your skull. These joints and the supporting muscles enable you to open and close your mouth, and to move your lower jaw from side to side. If you place your fingers in front of your ears and open your mouth, you can feel these joints.

What is TMD?

TMD occurs when parts of the temporomandibular joint become inflamed or break down or when the associated muscles become troublesome. The chronic muscle spasms and inflammation associated with this condition become painful and make normal use of the jaws difficult.

What causes TMD?

The cause of the disorder can’t always be pinpointed. However, TMD may be caused by trauma which affects the joints or chewing muscles. It’s often associated with sleep and airway disorders. Stress behaviors, like clenching the jaw or grinding the teeth, can aggravate the condition. TMD appears to be more common in women than men, though the reasons are still being investigated.

How do I know if I have TMD?

Those with TMD may experience one or more of these symptoms on either or both sides of the face:

Jaw pain or soreness that is more intense in the morning or late afternoon
Jaw pain connected with chewing, biting, or yawning
Clicking noises when opening and closing the mouth
Difficulty opening and closing the mouth
Locking or stiffness of the jaw when talking, yawning, or eating
Tooth sensitivity not associated with dental problems
Headaches or neck pain
An earache not associated with an ear infection

If you experience any of these symptoms, contact us for an evaluation. We can examine the joints and muscles in your jaw for tenderness, clicking, popping, or difficulty moving.

How is TMD treated?

Many TMD cases can be handled with simple lifestyle modifications, including:

Avoiding chewing gum and biting your nails
Taking non-aspirin pain relievers or using heat packs to manage pain
Eating soft foods
Practicing relaxation or stress relief techniques

In more severe cases, we may recommend:

Physical therapy (exercises to strengthen the jaw muscles)
Appliance therapy (a splint, mouthguard, or bite plate)
Medication (e.g., pain relievers, muscle relaxants, anti-inflammatory drugs, antidepressants, or anti-anxiety drugs)

Is TMD permanent?

TMD symptoms are often cyclical and can recur periodically. If you have this disorder, we can monitor your symptoms and manage your condition so you can enjoy a better quality of life. Learn more at the American Academy of Craniofacial Pain.

50% Of Interviewers Will Remember Your Smile… 9% Will Remember What You Wore

Brighter Smile = Higher Starting Salary?

What Will People Remember About YOUR Smile?

Make A Good Impression So They’ll Get To Know You On The Inside

It’s Not About Perfection. It’s About Confidence.

When should my child first see a dentist, and why?

How do I prepare my child and myself for this first visit?

What happens during their first visit?

When should we schedule the next appointment?

What are the temporomandibular joints?

What is TMD?

What causes TMD?

How do I know if I have TMD?

How is TMD treated?

Is TMD permanent?

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