The Tooth Fairy in the Age of Inflation

Posted on Jan 09, 2024

While the origins of the Tooth Fairy can be traced back to early European folklore, the modern Tooth Fairy’s rise to stardom can largely be credited to a 1949 Colgate ad campaign that featured a pint-sized, winged dental sprite.

The Tooth Fairy continues to be a source of delight for children and parents alike. Lost teeth are carefully placed under pillows, often in a special Tooth Fairy pillow or envelope, with the anticipation of a nighttime visit and a small reward in the morning.

Traditionally, the Tooth Fairy leaves small amounts of money, a shiny coin, or a special treat under a child’s pillow in exchange for a lost tooth. The amount can vary widely, with some households following regional or family customs.  But today, even the Tooth Fairy can’t escape inflation. According to a 2023 poll, the average value of a single lost tooth during the past year increased 16% from $5.36 to $6.23.  Multiply that by the 20 teeth a child loses, and you may want to start your very own Tooth Fairy Fund!

Would a sealer help prevent cavities in my teeth?

Posted on Nov 01, 2023

Fluoride toothpaste and brushing is the best way to strengthen the enamel on your teeth, but it’s still difficult to reach all the pits and narrow grooves found in your chewing teeth (molars and premolars). This makes them especially prone to decay. A sealer is a thin resin-plastic coating that can be painted on these back teeth to prevent decay.

It should be noted that as a preventive measure, sealers are not used on teeth which already have fillings. For this reason, sealers are generally recommended for children or teens with undecayed teeth. But this doesn’t exclude adults from having a sealer applied if the teeth are still in good shape.

The process of sealing is fairly simple. The teeth are cleaned and then dried. Next, a mild etching solution is applied. This slightly “roughens” the surface so the sealer can make a better bond with the tooth. The solution is then rinsed out and your teeth dried again. Next, the sealer is painted onto each tooth and allowed to dry (“cure”). An ultraviolet light may be used to speed the curing process.

Some patients may notice their “bite” has changed after a sealant procedure since it puts an extra layer (but a thin one) on the tooth surface. This sensation generally lessens with time.

Sealers can last for years but they do wear as time goes by and sometimes they can chip or fall off. It’s important to continue with your regular dental checkups so a tooth can be resealed if necessary.

Ready to book your next dental appointment at Discovery Smiles? Call us at 520-721-2000.

I’m confused by the many flossing products available. Any advice?

Posted on Oct 01, 2023

Many people don’t like to spend time flossing, but when you consider the lifetime cost of restoring decayed teeth – – – filling, crowns, implants, etc. – – – suddenly, flossing seems like a pretty good idea!

After all, your toothbrush reaches only about 60% of the surfaces that need cleaning. You can boost that number by flossing. Here are some products to consider. (Of course, it’s OK to use more than one type to get the job done!)

Traditional nylon thread floss comes in waxed and unwaxed versions (and flavors). Unwaxed floss shreds or breaks more easily although it’s better at picking up loose food particles. If your teeth are close together, try the waxed version. Nowadays, you can even find plant-based, biodegradable thread floss.

Dental tape is a wider, flatter version of thread floss. Try it on teeth with bigger gaps between them. It also comes in waxed and unwaxed versions.

Floss picks have a handle and two “arms” with a piece of floss stretched tightly in between. They make it easier to position the floss where you need it to go.

Floss threaders and super-flosses are good choices for bridges and braces. The threader has a stiff end that makes it easier to guide the floss, and fuzzy or spongy sections of the floss make it easier to clean in hard-to-reach areas.

Electric water flossers send pulsing streams of water in between your teeth to remove plaque and loosen food particles. This type of flosser may be easier to use if you have trouble holding and manipulating thread flosses.

ANY flossing you do is always going to be more effective than brushing alone.

But technique is the key. Take time to learn the proper technique for whatever product(s) you choose. And remember that your dental hygienist at Discovery Smiles is an excellent, professional resource for flossing advice.

Ready to book your next dental appointment at Discovery Smiles? Call us at 520-721-2000.

I want to have straighter teeth. 

Posted on Sep 01, 2023

What are the pros and cons of Invisalign aligners versus braces?

One of the main differences between Invisalign and traditional braces is that during the period of treatment, Invisalign aligners are removable; traditional braces are not.

As the name suggests, Invisalign aligners are clear trays which fit over your teeth and are nearly invisible to the casual observer. Often though, small “buttons” are attached to your teeth to help the tray do its work. These buttons are visible. Traditional braces include metal and ceramic types that are also visible. Lingual braces are metal but placed unobtrusively on the the back side of teeth.

Traditional braces use anchors and wire giving them more power to pull teeth into perfect position. These results are not always achievable with Invisalign alone and you may need a period with traditional braces to achieve the same results.

Invisalign aligners must be removed before eating and your teeth must be brushed before putting them back in. Since it’s recommended to wear them 22-24 hours a day, it’s important to remember to put them back in sooner rather than later. Less than optimal results with Invisalign are often attributed to the patient not wearing them the required hours every day. On the plus side, you have no food restrictions with Invisalign and after the meal, it’s easier to brush and floss. With traditional braces, certain foods can damage wires and brackets, and it takes more care to brush around them.

Both Invisalign and traditional braces can cause temporary discomfort to the teeth as treatment proceeds. Traditional metal braces can also irritate or cut the inside of your mouth. Invisalign’s plastic is less likely to cause irritation.

Some things that are similar for Invisalign and traditional braces are cost, time between dental visits, and the need to wear a retainer when treatment is done.

Ready to book your next dental appointment at Discovery Smiles? Call us at 520-721-2000.

Your teeth and tongue are integral parts of speech. A missing tooth can create a speech impediment.

Missing teeth have also been shown to have implications for mental health and social interactions. People report depression and low self esteem as consequences of missing teeth. Others may be quick to judge based on appearances, particularly in the job market.

Modern dentistry provides excellent options for replacing teeth. Bridges, dentures and implants can all give you something both durable and natural looking. Now THAT’S something to smile about!

Ready to book your next dental appointment at Discovery Smiles?

Call us at 520-721-2000.

How can I protect my tooth enamel? 

Posted on Aug 01, 2023

Enamel, the outer layer of each tooth, is made up almost entirely of minerals. It’s the hardest substance in your body! In fact, on the hardness scale, it’s somewhere between steel and titanium! But enamel is surprisingly vulnerable to attack, especially from acids. So where do the acids come from?

One source of acid is your diet. Some foods and drinks contain more acid than others. But there’s another source. Your mouth is full of bacteria which form a sticky film over your teeth called plaque. When you eat starchy and sugary foods, you’re actually feeding these bacteria and acid is a by-product. Yes, you have a mini acid factory right in your mouth. Over time, acid wears down your enamel leading to decay and all sorts of other problems.

Small amounts of minerals (primarily calcium, phosphate and fluoride) can be deposited on your teeth through the foods you eat, but your body can’t repair serious enamel loss. Only a dentist can restore a tooth when that happens.

Here are some foods that can be beneficial to your tooth enamel:

Milk, cheese and yogurt contain Vitamin D, calcium and phosphates which are all good for reducing acid.

Green tea contains antioxidants which control the level of bacteria in your mouth, thus reducing acid production. Garlic and shiitake mushrooms are said to have similar properties.

Sunflower seeds and Brazil nuts contain high levels of phosphorous.

Beans, broccoli and avocados contain fiber which increases saliva production to help wash away acids. Sugar-free chewing gum also increases saliva.

And as always, brush, floss and see your dentist regularly!

Ready to book your next dental appointment at Discovery Smiles? Call us at 520-721-2000.

 Should I use a manual or electric toothbrush?

Posted on Jul 01, 2023

When it comes to brushing your teeth, is a manual or an electric toothbrush better at removing plaque? The short answer is that both methods will get the done if used properly. It’s a matter of personal preference.

When choosing a manual brush, may people opt for the biggest brush, but a smaller brush head is actually better at reaching the crevices of the back teeth. Opt for soft bristles to avoid damaging your gum tissue (which can lead to tooth sensitivity). Many people don’t brush long enough and don’t replace their manual toothbrush often enough. It’s crucial to brush for at least 2 minutes with a fluoride toothpaste. Don’t forget to use dental floss to reach the spaces between your teeth! After 3 months of use, toss your old brush and replace it with a new one.

Electric toothbrushes are just as effective at removing plaque but they cost more. You still need to replace the brush head every three months and you will also have the added cost of batteries (unless you choose a rechargeable model). Electric brushes have features you may appreciate. First is the 2-minute timer. Some brushes may even give you four 30-second timers so you spend enough time on each section of your mouth. A pressure sensor makes sure you are getting just the right amount. And how about a reminder to replace the brush head? They thought of everything! Some newer models even use blue-tooth technology to provide more tracking via an app.

An electric toothbrush may also be a better choice for people with disabilities, the elderly, children and others who have difficulty holding or using a manual brush.

Whichever you choose, manual or electric, be sure to brush twice a day, floss at least once a day and continue to get regular dental checkups.

Ready to book your next dental appointment at Discovery Smiles? Call us at 520-721-2000.

 I chipped a tooth. What should I do?

Posted on Jun 15, 2023

If you’ve chipped a tooth, it’s important to have it evaluated by a dentist as soon as possible, especially if your chip has exposed the underlying nerve resulting in sharp pain. Luckily, many chips result in no pain at all, but it’s still a good idea to see a dentist to rule out any underlying causes and to repair the tooth.

If you can’t get in to see a dentist immediately, keep your mouth clean by rinsing with warm water. For pain, you can use over-the-counter pain relievers or numbing gels. There are also over-the-counter kits containing dental wax to help protect your mouth and tongue if your chip has sharp edges.

A chipped tooth doesn’t grow back. It needs to be restored. Treatment depends on the cause and the size of the chip. Small chips may only need smoothing and polishing. Larger chips may need a filling or crown to restore the original appearance. If the chip has exposed the nerve, a root canal may be needed before the filling or crown is put on.

Cavities, grinding your teeth, and thinning tooth enamel are some examples of underlying causes for chips. Addressing these problems early is a smart way to head off future problems. Solutions could be as simple as better dental hygiene practices or, in the case of grinding, a tooth guard you wear while sleeping. For sports, consider a mouth guard. And of course, be careful when chewing or crushing hard items like ice or certain candies. If your teeth are already compromised, be doubly careful or avoid these items altogether.

Anyone can have a chipped tooth. But with a little care and good hygiene, you may never have one!

Ready to book your next dental appointment at Discovery Smiles? Call us at 520-721-2000.

Silver amalgam or composite?

Posted on Dec 01, 2022

When it comes to fillings, silver amalgam and composite are the two most commonly used materials.

Silver amalgam is made from silver, tin, mercury and copper. It’s silver in color. This type of filling has been in use for a long time. The use of mercury when mixed with the other metals has been deemed safe by the American Dental Association and many other medical organizations. Silver amalgam is the least expensive filling option and also one of the most durable.

Composite fillings are composed of plastic and resin material. When the composite material is placed into the cavity, it’s soft. The dentist uses a special, bright light to cure (harden) the filling. Composite filling is a bit more expensive than silver amalgam, and doesn’t last quite as long, on average, but it can be matched to your tooth color. That’s a definite cosmetic advantage for filling areas that are visible when you’re talking, smiling or laughing.

There are other options for fillings including gold and ceramic, but they are generally more expensive and not used as often.

Happy Holidays from all of us at Discovery Smiles! Enjoy the sweet treats and remember to brush and floss!

Ready to book your next dental appointment at Discovery Smiles? Call us at 520-721-2000.

What is Bruxism?

Posted on Nov 01, 2022

Bruxism is a condition where you grind or clench your teeth in your sleep. Over time, it can lead to jaw muscle pain, chipping of teeth, wearing down of tooth enamel (leading to tooth sensitivity), and damage to crowns and fillings.

It’s possible you don’t know that you have bruxism, but dentists can usually detect the signs during a dental examination. Sometimes, a partner will hear the sound of your teeth grinding at night.

Other people do notice that they wake with clenched teeth, a headache, sore jaw muscles, or other signs of bruxism.

The causes of bruxism aren’t completely understood. It could be due to a combination of physical and psychological factors like stress and anxiety. Genetic factors may also play a role as it often occurs within families. Certain disorders like sleep apnea can also be related to this condition. Consult with your doctor if you think you might have bruxism.

A dentist can determine whether a custom-made mouth guard is appropriate for protecting your teeth at night.

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Discovery Smiles!

Ready to book your next dental appointment at Discovery Smiles?
Call us at 520-721-2000.

What to do about Tooth Sensitivity

Posted on Oct 01, 2022

Tooth sensitivity is tooth pain you experience when you consume hot or cold foods or drinks, or breathe through your mouth.

One reason for sensitivity is loss of tooth enamel. This can be caused by brushing too hard or too long over time. Acidic foods also damage tooth enamel.

Another reason for sensitivity is gum recession which is caused by gum disease, a toothbrush with hard bristles, smoking, or simply the genes you inherited.

Whitening treatments can also cause temporary sensitivity.

To counteract sensitivity, try a toothbrush with softer bristles and use it gently. Swish your teeth with water after consuming acidic foods and drinks. For more immediate relief, try using a toothpaste specifically formulated to cut down on sensitivity.

As always, continue to brush, floss and get regular dental cleanings and checkups.

Ready to book your next dental appointment at Discovery Smiles?

Call us at 520-721-2000. Call us at 520-721-2000.