When you hear the word stones in reference to a health issue, your mind probably goes straight to kidney stones. However, another type of stone that people have often never heard of until their dentist explains the condition is tonsil stones.

Tonsil stones are usually about gravel-sized, but they can also be quite small (sometimes even too tiny to be seen with the naked eye). They’re usually soft and light yellowish or white in color. Typically, these spots pose no serious risks to your health and oftentimes can be removed easily at home. These stones are not a sign of illness or disease and they generally do not cause other negative effects on your health. But they can cause unpleasant symptoms, such as bad breath and discomfort in the back of the throat.

Common Causes of Tonsil Stones

Your tonsils are filled with nooks and crannies, the perfect hiding place for bacteria. As a result, the bacteria and debris combine to create a white pus formation in the pockets, and tonsil stones form when the trapped debris hardens.

The most common causes of tonsil stones include:

• Viral or bacterial infections 
• Adenoviruses 
• Influenza virus
• Herpes simplex virus
• Parainfluenza virus
• Enteroviruses

Worried About Tonsil Stones?

Are tonsil stones causing you discomfort in your day-to-day activities? Schedule an appointment with us to discuss potential remedies and preventative measures.

Having trouble deciding on a mouthwash? Not sure which one is the best choice? Mouthwashes of all types and flavors fill store shelves and can make it difficult to understand which is actually the best for defeating bad breath.

What causes bad breath?

Bad breath can be caused by numerous reasons, including:

• Smelly gases released by bacteria coating the teeth, tongue, and gums.
• Food particles get trapped in between the teeth
• Strong tasting food and drink like garlic and coffee
• Medical problems such as dry mouth
• Smoking cigarettes
• Infections in the nose or lungs

To keep your mouth healthy, bad bacteria must be removed by regular brushing, flossing, and mouthwash. However, many rely on an overpowering mint flavor to mask bad breath. Others contain a high level of alcohol, which you should be cautious about. It’s clinically proven that alcohol dries out your mouth, which worsens bad breath.

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Dry mouth affects the salivary glands, keeping your body from producing enough saliva to keep your mouth properly wet. You may produce some saliva but not enough or you may struggle to produce any saliva at all. Dry mouth symptoms can vary from one person to the next. The most common symptoms of dry mouth at night include:

• Waking up frequently to drink water
• Dry or sore throat
• Dry and/or chapped lips
• Bad breath in the morning

During the day, common symptoms of dry mouth can also include:

• Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or speaking
• Unpleasant taste or changes in the way food tastes
• A bad taste in your mouth
• Hoarseness

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Did you know dentures aren’t just for senior citizens? In fact, a recent survey showed that about 20 million women above 40 years use partial or full dentures, and the number is expected to continue to rise. Is it time for you to get dentures? Here are a few telltale signs.

You have missing teeth

Dentures can improve the appearance of your smile. You may need either full or partial dentures, based on your circumstances. A partial denture is used when one or more teeth remain in the upper or lower jaw. Complete dentures, also called full dentures, are used when all the teeth are missing. If you’ve lost teeth due to injury, a partial denture can help prevent your remaining healthy teeth from shifting into the gap.

You have chewing difficulties

Missing teeth can keep you from enjoying your favorite foods (and all the new foods you haven’t tried yet). With dentures in place, you will be able to eat your favorite dishes in comfort once again.

You have speech problems

Our teeth play an important role in speech. Mumbled and slurred speech are big problems for people with missing teeth—an issue that can be solved with dentures.

You look older than you are

Missing teeth can make people look older than they really are. Dentures rejuvenate your smile with a youthful, natural appearance.

Schedule Your Appointment Today

Is it time you got your smile and confidence back with dentures? Not sure if you need them yet? Schedule an appointment today and we’ll be happy to answer any questions you have.

Is your tooth causing you discomfort? Not sure whether getting it extracted is the answer? Here are a few ways to tell if you need a tooth extraction.

Tooth Pain

A painful tooth could result from sensitive teeth or a cavity. However, in some cases, you may need your tooth removed if it’s too badly damaged, it’s still painful after a filling or other procedure, or if it’s becoming infected.

Overcrowding

Misaligned teeth can also be fixed with orthodontic treatments like Invisalign. However, if there’s not enough room in your mouth for all your teeth to properly fit, your teeth often end up quite crooked and displaced. For such treatments to work properly, you may need more room in your mouth for the teeth to move into position. Removing a tooth could be just what you need for a more natural and healthy mouth. 

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Our tongues are made up of tons of tiny bumps called papillae, which create peaks and valleys and give bacteria the perfect place to hide. If these bacteria aren’t removed, you may experience some unwanted side effects.

What happens if you don’t brush your tongue?

Bad Breath – One of the most common side effects of not brushing your tongue is bad breath. While bad breath can be caused by a lot of different things, an unclean tongue can be to blame.

Oral Thrush – This occurs when the range of bacteria in your mouth exceeds normal levels and naturally occurring yeast grows out of control.

Decreased Sense of Taste – When a tongue is not properly cared for, bacteria can coat your taste buds and decrease your sense of taste. Your favorite foods won’t have the same delicious flavor they used to.

Gum Disease – When tongue bacteria moves to the teeth, it can cause decay and, if left untreated, can progress into gum disease.

Periodontal Disease – Because bacteria buildup on your tongue can spread to your teeth and gums, it increases the likelihood of gingivitis. If left untreated, the inflammation can advance to periodontal disease, which occurs when the gums pull away from the teeth and the space in between becomes infected.

How Do You Clean Your Tongue?

First off, let’s talk about how often you should brush your tongue: every time you brush your teeth. A gentle brushing from the back of the tongue to the front and from side-to-side will do just fine—you don’t need to, and shouldn’t, brush hard. If you have a sensitive gag reflex, try using a tongue scraper instead of a toothbrush.

Schedule Your Appointment Today

Ready for a healthy, happy smile? Schedule an appointment today.

Visiting the dentist twice a year is a great way to maintain your oral health. But sometimes, additional visits are needed. If you’re experience any of these five signs, you should schedule a dentist visit soon.

Tooth or Gum Pain

Lingering pain isn’t normal, and you shouldn’t have to live with it. If your teeth ache consistently, it could be a sign of some form of contamination. Bacteria could be targeting the nerve in the center of your teeth, which in turn, fast-tracks the progress of tooth decay. Persistent pain or swelling in your teeth or gums could be a sign that one of many different things is wrong, and you should have your dentist check for infection or gum disease.

Did you know inflammation in the gums causes an estimated 70% of tooth loss?

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From apps that track your brushing habits to game-centric toothbrushes for kids, technology is shaping the way we take care of our oral hygiene. Here are three tech gadgets that can shine a fun light on oral care by embracing new dental technology.

Waterpik Sonic Fusion

This toothbrush’s three-year warranty and ADA seal of approval really make it an ideal choice for someone looking for an all-in-one quality toothbrush and floss combo. There are three different modes, including a brushing mode, flossing mode, and brushing + flossing mode. Now the only reason you can tell your dentist you skipped brushing and flossing is if you don’t have adequate counter space.

The Sonic Fusion has an easily refillable water reservoir, and the device offers 10 different water pressure settings. If you have a son or daughter with braces, this gadget is a must-have.

The Reusable Zero-Waste Dental Pick

Durapik floss picks are saving our oceans and helping us floss our teeth at the same time. With these floss picks, you don’t have to worry about getting your hands dirty. This biodegradable floss is great for the environment and is dishwasher safe.

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Flossing is important for your overall oral health. But if you’re like many other people, flossing causes your gums to bleed. Why is this happening? Let’s take a look at a few possible reasons.

You’re New to Flossing

If you’re new to flossing or haven’t done it in a while, your gums are likely to bleed a bit at first. If the bleeding is minimal and stops quickly, it’s probably a sign your gums are a bit sensitive and need to get used to flossing. Continue flossing daily and the bleeding will soon subside.

You’re Brushing Too Hard

Bleeding gums can be a sign that you’re brushing too hard, or that the bristles of your brush are too stiff. Switch your brush out for soft bristles and you’ll quickly see an improvement in both irritation to your gums and bleeding while flossing.

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Everyone wants a bright, white smile, right? A glowing smile can boost your confidence, but most people also want coffee, tea, wine, and soda—all things that stain our teeth and make the dream of a healthy white smile seem out of reach. But fear not, because we’ve got five quick tips for a brighter smile. 

Get a Better Toothbrush

Using soft bristles does a lot more for your teeth than a toothbrush with hard bristles. Take your hygiene a step further with an electric toothbrush. It can greatly increase the impact that brushing has on your dental health.

Eat Healthier Foods

Eating healthy doesn’t only benefit your body, it also contributes to better oral health. Foods rich in vitamins and minerals help strengthen teeth and prevent diseases.

Brush More Often

One of the most prominent sources of discolored teeth is the food you eat. Coffee, processed foods, and candy can all stain your teeth and damage your enamel, revealing the naturally yellowish dentin. Brushing after you eat can help scrub the stains away.

Treat Issues Immediately

As soon as you begin feeling a toothache, or any kind of pain in your mouth, request an appointment with us immediately.

Schedule Regular Dental Appointments

Consistent, twice-a-year cleanings not only leave your mouth feeling its best, they also offer long-term health benefits and can save you lots of money in the long run. Schedule an appointment today and our team will get you on your way to a happier, healthier smile.