Healthy Smiles Family Dental

Were you aware of the harm acid reflux does to teeth? At Healthy Smiles Family Dental in Salem, we treat a variety of dental problems, but we want patients suffering from acidic corrosion to understand how to take preventive measures. Acid reflux is commonly called “heartburn,” but that’s not an accurate description of what’s happening. When people swallow, a sphincter between the stomach and esophagus is supposed to open and shut, but when it gets stuck open, acid escapes.  A person who suffers from acid reflux more than twice a week is said to have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). People with GERD have increased tooth sensitivity due to the acid wearing away on the enamel that protects teeth’s nerves. The upper back teeth are the first to be affected. Acid reflux causes them to take on a distinctive glazed appearance before pits begin to develop in the enamel. GERD can often be traced back to smoking or dietary factors. People can reduce their risk of getting it by avoiding la...

Dr. Na Xu is experienced in providing her patients with high-quality fillings for decayed and cracked teeth. But in order for patients to get the most out of these treatments, they need to understand how they work so they can recognize when it is time for a return visit. That’s why this week we’re discussing the lifespan of fillings. Ordinarily, fillings will last for about ten years. At that point, their bonding will begin to break down and bacteria will be able to enter the cracks. From there, the process of decay starts over again. By maintaining regular check-ups, patients help to ensure old fillings can be replaced before they lose any more tooth enamel. We are confident in the services we provide, but patients should be aware that there are times when a filling needs to be reworked sooner. This is true if the filling is “high,” meaning it is preventing the patient from comfortably closing their teeth together. A filling that is “leaking” is also one that has been compromised and ...