Healthy Smiles Family Dental

  Sugar negatively impacts your teeth in a big way. We at Healthy Smiles Family Dental in Salem, OR, take pride in educating our patients about the importance of restricting sugary foods and drinks. It would be ideal to cut these out of your diet completely, but we understand that sometimes there’s nothing better than a crisp soda on a hot day. More attention should be paid to, say, how many sugary beverages you drink in a day or week. Is it really adding up? If so, consider restricting your intake for the sake of your teeth.   Sugar easily coats the surface of your teeth and attracts the “bad bacteria,” such as Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus . These destructive bacteria feed on the sugar and disturb the natural pH of your mouth, to the point where the acidity is too much for your teeth. Over time, the enamel on your teeth is broken down little by little. This isn’t ideal since tooth enamel cannot be replaced. Once that natural barrier is gone, it’s gone for good. Ha...

  If you’ve ever had an issue inside your mouth, you’re probably aware of the varying degrees of pain that come with it. Sometimes it can feel like your whole head is exploding just from a toothache and tenderness. Healthy Smiles Family Dental is committed to helping you correct your problem and manage any pain associated as well. Your Salem, OR, dentist also takes pride in educating patients about how to prevent future oral problems.    Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS) commonly occurs in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). The pain is caused by tension, fatigue, or spasms in the jaw muscles. MPS is usually triggered by bruxism, a condition where a person clenches or grinds their teeth during sleep. Nightguards are a great way to prevent bruxism and ultimately the jaw soreness that is felt in the morning. MPS is not limited to just the jaw muscles, it can occur anywhere in the body including the back and neck muscles.    Other treatments/preventions of MPS include:   - Splint guard, mout...

Tooth decay is a common problem, especially among children and older people. Regular brushing and flossing is essential to preventing it, but their are supplementary measures people can take, too. At Healthy Smiles Family Dental in Salem, we offer our patients dental sealants for added protection. Our back teeth, the premolars and molars, are especially vulnerable to decay. Food debris can accumulate in the indentations between their pointy bits, which are called cusps. There, oral bacteria will feed and produce acid, causing demineralization of the enamel. This could lead to the formation of cavities, and if the decay gets bad enough, an infection could spread to the dental pulp. Sealants are invisible plastic shields on the teeth. After a dental cleaning, the patient is given a local anesthetic and the premolars and molars are etched with a mild acid to increase their surface area. The sealant is then painted on in liquid form and hardened with a blue light. By the next day, the pat...

Gum disease isn’t just a matter of a little swelling. It’s an infection that could spread elsewhere in the body and cause a lot of pain. But it is treatable, and the earlier people seek intervention, the better. At Healthy Smiles Family Dental in Salem, we help patients recover from gum abscesses, but we need people to know when to come see us. The early stage of gum disease is gingivitis. If allowed to progress, it becomes periodontitis, in which the walls of the gum pocket recede from around the root of a tooth. Abscesses are pockets filled with pus, a fluid made up of infectious bacteria, dead tissue, and acid. When an abscess forms near the gum line in a person with gingivitis, it is called a gingival abscess, and when it forms in the gum pocket of someone with periodontitis, it is a periodontal abscess. An abscess will cause persistent pain, a bad taste, and may prevent the patient from fully opening their mouth. It may also induce fever, as bacteria enters the bloodstream. We ca...

If you’ve suffered from missing or damaged teeth, you may have considered implant-supported crowns to replace them. But if you also have diabetes, you may wonder whether implants are safe for you. People with diabetes are especially vulnerable to tooth loss, so we at Healthy Smiles Family Dental in Salem want them to be able to make informed decisions about their treatment. We thought it would be a good idea to pass along a review of the research into diabetes and implant survival . People with diabetes may suffer blood vessel damage. This not only makes them more vulnerable to gum inflammation, it also means they take longer to recover from injuries. Doctors historically feared that people with diabetes would have higher rates of short-term implant failure because they would not be able to recover from the incisions made to place the implant posts. But although the research found that it takes longer in diabetic patients for their implants to integrate with their jaw bones, as long a...

Tooth extractions are ideally rare, but when they are necessary, we at Healthy Smiles Family Dental see our patients through safely. Many adolescents need to have their wisdom teeth removed to prevent alignment problems, and extractions are sometimes done on teeth with pulp infections after root canal treatment has proven unsuccessful. But in emergency situations, tooth extractions may not be preplanned, which is why we want our patients to be familiar with how to prevent a dry socket. A simple extraction is one in which the tooth is wiggled loose until it can be pulled out with pliers. A complex extraction is one requiring an incision to be made into the gum tissue. Dry sockets are likelier to result from complex extractions. When a tooth is removed, a blood clot ordinarily forms to seal off the socket, protecting it from pathogens and keeping moisture locked inside. A clot may have more difficulty forming over a surgical incision, or it may come loose more easily. Prior to the extrac...

No matter what kind of dental history a patient has, modern dentists have more ways of restoring their teeth than ever before. We at Healthy Smiles Family Dental in Salem proudly provide our patients with crowns, bridges, and implants that help to maintain the integrity of their faces and allow them to chew and speak normally. But because dental prosthetics have advanced so much in recent years, some patients may be unclear about their options, which is why we wanted to describe some types of bridges. The classic bridge is one in which a Pontic crown is suspended between two crowns that slide over reshaped natural teeth. This type of bridge is favored when the supporting teeth have been damaged and need new crowns regardless. The fixed bridge is not prone to moving out of place as the teeth migrate naturally, and it can be cleaned by threading floss under it. But we try to avoid removing or reshaping teeth that are healthy, which is why a denture might be recommended. Partial dentures ...

Shining teeth can do wonders for your self-confidence. But if your teeth are discolored due to internal factors, getting them examined may also be crucial to your health. We provide a wide range of dental services at Healthy Smiles Family Dental in Salem, so no matter what is causing your tooth discoloration, we can help. Extrinsic stains are those caused by something such as smoke or dark liquid affecting the outer layer of your teeth. Intrinsic stains are those affecting the pulp or dentin. Some intrinsic stains are benign. Teeth may look brown if a person was exposed to large amounts of fluoride in their youth, or they may look black if they were exposed to certain antibiotics. But if an intrinsic stain develops later in life, it almost certainly means the patient has a pulp infection. Inflammation in the pulp chamber will cause a tooth to look black, purple, or red. It will often be accompanied by sensitivity and a bad taste. If a pulp infection is not treated, it may develop into ...

We at Healthy Smiles Family Dental in Salem work closely with orthodontists to ensure that our patients have properly aligned teeth. Not only does orthodontic therapy improve the teeth’s appearance, it also makes them easier to clean and prevents bite problems. You’re probably aware that patients finish orthodontic therapy by wearing retainers. These oral appliances need to be cleaned regularly, so patients naturally wonder how long they can expect to wear them. The fact is that in order to ensure orthodontic therapy works permanently the retainer will have to be worn throughout life. Teeth naturally migrate, and one of the reasons minor orthodontic therapy is becoming more popular among adults is so they can restore their teeth to the position they were in when they got their braces off. People usually have to wear their retainers in the day for an amount of time equal to the time they were undergoing orthodontic treatment, and will have to wear their retainer at night for as long as ...

No matter what kind of dental history a patient has, modern dentists have more ways of restoring their teeth than ever before. We at Healthy Smiles Family Dental in Salem proudly provide our patients with crowns, bridges, and implants that help to maintain the integrity of their faces and allow them to chew and speak normally. But because dental prosthetics have advanced so much in recent years, some patients may be unclear about their options, which is why we wanted to describe some types of bridges. The classic bridge is one in which a Pontic crown is suspended between two crowns that slide over reshaped natural teeth. This type of bridge is favored when the supporting teeth have been damaged and need new crowns regardless. The fixed bridge is not prone to moving out of place as the teeth migrate naturally, and it can be cleaned by threading floss under it. But we try to avoid removing or reshaping teeth that are healthy, which is why a denture might be recommended. Partial dentures ...

Tooth extractions are ideally rare, but when they are necessary, we at Healthy Smiles Family Dental see our patients through safely. Many adolescents need to have their wisdom teeth removed to prevent alignment problems, and extractions are sometimes done on teeth with pulp infections after root canal treatment has proven unsuccessful. But in emergency situations, tooth extractions may not be preplanned, which is why we want our patients to be familiar with how to prevent a dry socket. A simple extraction is one in which the tooth is wiggled loose until it can be pulled out with pliers. A complex extraction is one requiring an incision to be made into the gum tissue. Dry sockets are likelier to result from complex extractions. When a tooth is removed, a blood clot ordinarily forms to seal off the socket, protecting it from pathogens and keeping moisture locked inside. A clot may have more difficulty forming over a surgical incision, or it may come loose more easily. Prior to the extrac...

Braces make everything a million times harder. It doesn’t have to with flossing. There are a variety of dental products that help you floss. Drs. Xu and Thomas recommend flossing daily, especially when you have braces. It’s the only way to clean your teeth and avoid cavities. That’s why Healthy Smiles Family Dental has put together this brief guide for flossing with braces. Learn more by contacting our office in Salem, OR.   Flossing and brushing are always a necessity. You’re supposed to floss every day. Braces shouldn’t hinder your dental routine. Invest in a Floss Threader. This is a handheld dental device that directs the floss under the wire. You can then grab the floss and use it normally. Do this for each of your teeth. Floss picks are another viable option. This is a small two-pronged device with floss between it. They are thin enough to fit under your wire. Place the prong between the two teeth to apply the floss.   The other important aspect of flossing with braces is the tec...

It’s normal to have a dry mouth before standing up to report during a big meeting, or when you’re about to get down on one knee to propose. It becomes an issue when it’s happening all the time. If your mouth constantly feels dry, you’re always thirsty, or you can’t even eat or speak, contact Healthy Smiles Family Dental. Drs. Na Xu and Mark Thomas can help. You may be suffering from a condition known as Dry Mouth or Xerostomia.   It may seem strange, but your mouth needs saliva. It’s crucial for eating and speaking. Your saliva also keeps your mouth clean and free of bacteria. When left untreated, dry mouth lowers your quality of life while heightening your risk of dental problems. Your first appointment is meant to detect the cause of your dryness. Let the staff know of any medications that you take. There are over 500 medications known to cause dryness. Even allergy medication can be responsible. Certain autoimmune disorders, like Sjögren's syndrome, also put you at risk. This di...

Taking care of your teeth is always important! It’s not something that goes away with age. As you age, your dental needs shift. There are oral health concerns that weren’t present before. Many of these issues stem from aging. Your teeth are bones, and all bones weaken with age. Past the age of sixty, your risk for periodontal (gum) disease, teeth extraction, and tooth decay increase. That’s why it’s important to schedule an appointment with Healthy Smiles Family Dental. Drs. Na Xu and Mark Thomas provide professional and friendly dental care. Learn more at our office in Salem, OR.   You should never take your dental health for granted. Your teeth are a necessary and important part of your life. Keeping them healthy keeps your whole body healthy. Many older patients struggle with brushing. Your Salem dentists have a few pieces of advice. First, purchase an electric toothbrush. These are easier to use while providing thorough brushing. Electric toothbrushes are great for patients who str...

If you’re an adult and you discover a loose tooth, make an appointment with Drs. Na Xu and Mark Thomas immediately. They can save you a visit from the Tooth Fairy with a simple procedure called Periodontal Splinting. Your Salem, OR, dentist attaches your weaker teeth to your stronger ones. This creates stability and evens them out. A visit to Healthy Smiles Family Dental can determine whether this looseness is caused by periodontal disease, misalignment, or injury.   Having a tooth extracted is an unpleasant situation for any patient. It is avoided with periodontal splinting. It saves you time and money, without any sort of recovery process. Temporary and permanent splinting are the available types. The cause of the looseness plays a part in which works best for you. For facial injuries or short-term solutions, invest in a temporary splint. These are available in intra-coronal and extra-coronal. They differ in how they attach to the teeth. An intra-coronal splint requires a channel on ...

Baby teeth, by nature, aren’t as strong as their adult teeth counterparts. This means they’re much more susceptible to dental decay. Hence why children often get more cavities than adults. This doesn’t mean that parents shouldn’t take care of their children's baby teeth. Learning good dental habits now will follow them into adulthood. So when your infant experiences a phenomenon called Baby Bottle Tooth Decay, schedule an appointment with Drs. Na Xu and Mark Thomas right away. Healthy Smiles Family Dental in Salem, OR, offers pediatric dentistry services.   Like all cavities, they are formed by an accumulation of bacteria within the mouth. Sugary substances left on the teeth attract hordes of bacteria. This right here is the biggest cause of baby bottle tooth decay. The culprit is found right in your child's bottle. The American Dental Association recommends parents only fill bottles with breast milk, milk, or formula. Avoid giving beverages that are high in sugar. This include...

No one enjoys getting a tooth removed. It is often painful and requires a longer recovery time. At Healthy Smiles Family Dental, Drs. Na Xu and Mark Thomas provide patients with a type of extraction known as Sectioning. The tooth is broken into multiple pieces and then removed. It’s easier for everyone! To learn more, contact our office in Salem, OR.   Sectioning is used in these three situations: wisdom teeth, pediatric extraction, and multi-faceted or unique teeth. Each one requires this procedure for similar yet different reasons; they all require the extra care that only your Salem, OR, dentists can provide. The most common sectioning procedure is wisdom teeth removal. Your wisdom teeth are the last set of molars to come in. They are naturally very large. This makes them difficult to remove. Breaking them up is the only way to get them out. Uniquely shaped or multi-rooted teeth are much sturdier than normal. They also can’t be removed without sectioning. Lastly, one of the biggest ...

Healthy Smiles Family Dental in Salem, OR, offers Bone Grafting consultations and procedures to our patients. Drs. Na Xu and Mark Thomas recommend bone grafting for patients interested in receiving dental implants. If your jawbone isn't strong enough to support the implants, a bone graft is necessary. It strengthens your jaw by replacing weakened areas with other tissue matter. To learn more, contact our office.   Teeth are meant to be in a complete set. Like a puzzle, when one piece is missing the whole thing falls apart. When a tooth is missing, the bone underneath deteriorates. Your Salem dentists will take an x-ray of your jaw. This provides insight into the weakened areas. Drs. Xu or Thomas acquire the bone material either from a tissue bank or another area of your mouth. The procedure is then scheduled.   At the procedure, general anesthesia is administered. Your Salem dentist cuts along the jawbone in the selected area. The bone graft is inserted and held in place using eith...

Do you always seem to have tartar and bleeding gums despite your best effort at brushing? It may be time for you to look into getting an electric toothbrush. Healthy Smiles Family Dental treats patients with all kinds of needs. We’re happy to guide our struggling patients toward hygiene products that might improve their oral health. The old model manual toothbrushes are highly effective at preventing tooth decay when they are used correctly. They need to be used twice a day for two minutes at a time, and the patient needs to pay enough attention to cover every tooth surface. Electric toothbrushes are particularly useful for people with physical disabilities or difficulty focusing. They make tens of thousands of brushstrokes per minute, contrasting with the dozens made by manual toothbrushes, and can be used more quickly and with fewer hand motions. Electric toothbrushes could create a risk of overbrushing, but many of them now come with smartphone apps to prevent that. A user would not...

Usually losing a baby tooth is an exciting developmental milestone. But what happens when one just never falls out? Healthy Smiles Family Dental is a trusted provider of tooth extractions to the Salem community. We can help when an adult still retains some of their baby, or deciduous, teeth. Normally, the roots of baby teeth dissolve as the adult tooth makes its way toward the gum line. This is why the deciduous tooth's crown pops out shortly before the adult tooth emerges. But sometimes, the teeth are extremely misaligned, and the adult tooth doesn’t come in at the right angle to push the baby tooth out. This tends to happen more often to the central lower incisors. There are also a few cases in which an adult tooth never develops or pushes through, which is likelier to happen to the upper lateral incisors and canines. Having both baby teeth and adult teeth often leads to overcrowding. The jumbled teeth are also difficult to keep clean. If the baby tooth root isn’t attached to the...