As patients age they often find that their dental healths begins to change, but they can’t quite pinpoint how or why.  Maintaining dental health is about more than just brushing, flossing, and avoiding cavities—adult patients need to stay diligent about keeping gum tissue healthy as well. Gum disease is one of the leading causes of tooth loss among adult patients, so our Saint Louis dentists urge you to keep your eyes open for the signs and symptoms of gum disease.

How can you recognize gum disease in your own life?

The truth is that gum disease often progresses asymptomatically for months or years. Over time, a slight infection of the gum tissue can progress and spread to connective tissues, teeth, and bone.

When evaluating your dental health, keep in mind that gum disease is usually divided into two categories, based on the severity and level of progression of the disease.

The first stage of gum disease is gingivitis, in which the gum tissue is infected with harmful oral bacteria. Many patients are asymptomatic at this point, but you may have symptoms, in which case look out for…

·      Red/irritated gums

·      Swollen/tender gums

·      Gums that bleed, especially after brushing

·      Bad breath/bad taste in the mouth

If left untreated gingivitis will progress into periodontitis—a condition in which not only the gum tissue, but also the connective tissues, teeth, or bone matters are infected with bacteria. If you’re experiencing periodontitis you may notice these symptoms along with common gingivitis symptoms…

·      Loose teeth that may shift along the gum line

·      Tooth loss

·      Bone deterioration

The sooner you seek treatment for gum disease the better your prognosis will be. If you notice any of these signs or symptoms, don’t wait to speak to your dentist. Our Saint Louis dental office is here to answer your questions and help you get on the road to wellness.

Taking care of your teeth—brushing and flossing at least twice daily, and maintaining regular professional cleanings—is necessary in order to keep your teeth looking beautiful for years. However, for many patients, even this diligent care isn’t enough to totally counteract the natural effects of aging on teeth. Teeth, like the rest of the body, change with age, and in many cases, these changes can leave your smile looking duller and older than you’d like.

The good news is that our Saint Louis cosmetic dentists have cosmetic options that can help you reclaim the bright, luminous smile of your youth! As teeth age, you may notice any of these common signs and symptoms of weakening dental enamel:

Dark or dull teeth—as white enamel thins, the dark dentin beneath begins to show through, darkening the appearance of teeth.

Small chips or cracks in teeth—as dental enamel thins, it can become weaker, leading to small cracks and chips in teeth—this can lead to increased instances of infection and discoloration.

Spaces between teeth—small gaps between teeth may widen with age, because teeth shift and continue to spread due to the continual pressure exerted on teeth.

If you find that these symptoms represent your teeth, you may want to consider porcelain veneers as way to transform your smile! Dental veneers cover existing teeth—they can change the shape and shade of your smile. Some level of dental change is natural as patients age, but that doesn’t mean you need to live with a smile that isn’t luminous and representative of the inner you!

Give us a call if you’d like more information about porcelain veneers or dental aging. Our Saint Louis veneers dentists are here to help you find a cosmetic solution that works for your individual smile.

When Tricia came in to talk to our Saint Louis cosmetic dentists, she was clearly dissatisfied with the appearance of her smile. Tricia was suffering from a very specific cosmetic problem, tetracycline staining. Her teeth were stained with deep dark streaks, and because these were tetracycline stains, they were not responsive to conventional teeth whitening treatments.

Tricia was preparing for her wedding, and she was determined to improve the appearance of her smile before she walked down the aisle. Luckily for her, our Saint Louis dental office proudly offers cosmetic options for patients with tough-to-treat tetracycline stains. We walked Tricia through her options, and helped her transform her smile before her big day.

As the name suggests, tetracycline stains are caused by the antibiotic tetracycline. When children with developing adult use this antibiotic, their teeth can form dark stains that are actually calcified in the tooth. Because the discoloration is interior rather than external, conventional bleaching treatments are not effective.

Over the years Tricia had tried a number of over the counter whitening treatments to enhance her smile, with no success. We explained that due to the nature of her discoloration, dental veneers might be the cosmetic solution for her.

Dental veneers are made of thin layers of porcelain. They are affixed to existing teeth to change the shape, size, or color of the tooth. Dental veneers are invaluable for tetracycline stained teeth, because they cover the entire visible surface area of the tooth. Dental veneers look white and natural, so your smile can appear stain-free and stunning.

Tricia was thrilled with her dental veneers; her smile looked clean, fresh, and luminous. And most importantly, she had a smile she really wanted to show off on her wedding day! If you, like Tricia, are living with dental stains that you can’t stand, give our Saint Louis dental office a call—we’re here to help you!

Our Saint Louis dentists believe that in order to maintain healthy smiles, our patients need to really understand the dental difficulties they will face every day at home. We already know that junk food, like sugary snacks can hurt your teeth, however, there is another equally common threat to teeth—acid erosion.

Acid erosion occurs when dental enamel weakens and softens due to exposure to acidic substances. Acid erosion can progress undetected for a long-time, slowly degrading dental enamel and leaving your teeth prone to cavities. So how can you tell if you’re suffering from acid erosion? Patients battling acid erosion will often notice that their teeth are more sensitive than they used to be. Additionally, you may find that your teeth are more prone to cavities than they were before. However, in order to monitor the progression of your acid erosion, and perhaps in order to identify it in the first place, you’ll need to discuss your concerns with your dentist during your semi-annul professional dental cleanings.

Although acid erosion is sometimes unavoidable, there are certain simple steps that you can take to minimize the likelihood of dental erosion.

This first thing to remember is that acid erosion occurs when acidic substances are allowed to sit on the teeth and penetrate the dental enamel. To help avoid this try:

-drinking acidic substances with a straw

-rinsing your teeth with water after consuming acidic foods or drinks

-refraining from brushing your teeth vigorously after drinking or eating acid, as your teeth may still be in a weakened state.

Working with your dentist, you can manage the effects of dental erosion and maintain healthy teeth for years to come. Give our Saint Louis dental office a call if you have questions or you’d like to schedule an appointment. As always we’re here to help!

When patients experience dental disease, they often notice dental discoloration as a first sign of infection. Previously white dental enamel can become dark brown or black as bacteria breach the dental enamel and proceed to infect the layers of dentin and dental pulp below. Our Saint Louis cosmetic dentists educate our patients about the progression of dental decay, so that they can do their best to avoid dental discoloration and long-term cosmetic problems.

Dental enamel is the hard, white outer covering of the tooth. For the most part, the enamel is what many patients care about for aesthetic reasons. Bright, white dental enamel can make you appear younger, vibrant, and healthy. When a tooth is first infected with a cavity, you may notice a dark spot or streak on the tooth. As the infection moves through the enamel to the dentin and then finally the dental pulp, more and more of the tooth can appear dark and less vibrant.

Unfortunately, these cosmetic problems wont just disappear on their own. Once your tooth is compromised and infected, a professional dentist must treat the cavity. The good news is that modern dentists can use natural-looking tooth-colored fillings to treat teeth, so that fillings are practically invisible to the naked eye after treatment.

Additionally, once the infection is eliminated, your natural enamel may be receptive to professional teeth whitening treatments, which can lighten discolored areas. Patients with persistent, stubborn stains may choose to use cosmetic veneers to resurface the appearance of teeth.

No matter what your cosmetic decision, the first step to reclaiming your stunningly white smile is adequate dental care that effectively treats your dental decay and infection. Once your teeth are healthy and structurally sound, our Saint Louis cosmetic dental office can help you enjoy a brilliant, stain-free smile again!

Obstructive sleep apnea is a condition in which a patient experiences disturbed or obstructed breathing during sleep. Oral tissues fall into the airway during sleep, preventing optimal airflow. Many obstructive sleep apnea patients experience fitful sleep, disruptive snoring, and chocking episodes at night. Some sleep apnea patients suffer from more than 100 sleep apnea episodes per night.

If you or someone you know is suffering with common symptoms of sleep apnea it’s important that you address these concerns with your dentist right away. Over time obstructive sleep apnea may increase your likelihood for developing diabetes, heart disease, and having a stroke.

Certain people have a higher risk of developing sleep apnea. Patients with the following risk factors should stay alert for signs or symptoms of sleep apnea including:

Being male

Being overweight

A family history of sleep apnea

Previous nose injuries, including a deviated septum

Chronic allergies

Regular sinus infections

It’s important to realize that patients of any gender and age can experience sleep apnea. However, patients over the age of forty are statistically more likely to battle sleep apnea.

Without adequate treatment, sleep apnea can disturb the quality of your sleep. Sleep apnea patients often experience extreme fatigue during the day and trouble staying asleep at night. Don’t take these symptoms lightly; there are effective treatments available for you and your loved ones.

If you’d like to learn more about sleep apnea treatments, or if you’d like to schedule your appointment, give our Saint Louis sleep apnea dental office a call. We’re here to help you and your family enjoy a healthy night’s sleep!

Patients today have more options than ever when considering replacing a missing tooth.  Whether you’ve lost a tooth due to infection or accident, it’s imperative that you replace the tooth in a timely manner—both for the appearance and the health of your smile. Dental implants are the premier tooth replacement option on the market today, because they are structurally sound and mimic the composition of natural teeth.

Dental implants are actually small titanium rods that are surgically implanted in the jawbone, filling the space where the tooth root used to be. Dental implants, therefore, permanently replace teeth. Unlike dentures and bridges, they are not removed for cleaning or maintenance.

In order to care for a dental implant, it’s important that you brush and floss at least twice daily—for the most part dental implants simply require the same care as your natural teeth. Of course, this also includes semi-annual professional dental cleanings. During these appointments our Saint Louis dental implant dentists will clean your teeth, remove plaque and tartar, and monitor the stability of your dental implant.

Along with diligent dental hygiene, patients with dental implants should take care to:

Avoid chewing ice or hard candies. If you regularly chew on abrasive, hard substances like ice or hard candies, you could cause small cracks in restorations. Over time these cracks can cause discoloration and cracked dental restorations.

Seek treatment for bruxism. Bruxism is a common condition in which patients clench or grind their teeth. Many patients suffer from bruxism without even realizing it, because they habitually grind their teeth in their sleep. If you notice that your jaw joints or teeth are sore upon waking, seek treatment from you dentist, as this behavior can weak dental implants.

As you can see, with dental implants patients can enjoy strong, beautiful dental implants for years. Give our Saint Louis dental implant dentists a call for more information or to schedule an appointment—(314) 332-1307.

Our Saint Louis cosmetic dentistry office offers a variety of dental services to help patients refresh and rejuvenate their smiles. Without a doubt, one of the most popular treatment options is professional teeth bleaching. In just one or two appointments many patients can enjoy a whiter, brighter smile—taking years off of their appearance.

Many patients wonder how professional teeth whitening compares to at-home whitening kits. Both professional and self-administered whiteners utilize hydrogen or carbamide peroxide to bleach dental enamel. Consequently, these treatments have the potential to brighten teeth beyond their natural shade of whiteness.

Professional formulations—which are administered by a dentist during a dental appointment—are more potent than over the counter products. Professional whitening, therefore, delivers results quickly. Many patients notice that their teeth are whitened significantly after just one or two sessions.

Non-professional products, on the other hand, may take weeks or months to noticeably whiten teeth. These formulations are often less predictable than doctor-administered treatments, because a dentist is not able to customize and monitor the treatment process.

A certain amount of dental staining is inevitable as patients eat, drink, and age. Professional teeth whitening is the surest way to refresh the appearance of dental enamel. The primary benefits of teeth whitening, when compared to other cosmetic treatments, are that this treatment is fast, effective, and painless.

To learn more about how teeth whitening works, feel free to give our Saint Louis cosmetic dentists a call at (314) 332-1307. If you do decide that teeth bleaching is right for you, make sure to discuss your plans with a dentist, to ensure that whitening doesn’t cause any unnecessary side effects or discomfort.

Many patients know that they should brush and floss at least twice daily. They do their best to adhere to these rules, and yet they find that their teeth still appear dark and yellow with age. This can be frustrating experience for a patient who wants to maintain a bright, white smile, which is why our Saint Louis cosmetic dental office offers in-office teeth whitening treatments along with patient education so that patients can reclaim their bright white smiles.

So how does dental staining develop?

There is no one cause of dental discoloration. Rather your dental stains are probably the result of several factors working together. Here are common causes of dental discoloration:

Food and Drink

Some common staining substances include coffee, tea, and cola. Additionally red wine and deep berries can darken dental enamel. Many rich, deeply colored foods and sauces will cause surface stains over time.

Bruxism

Have you ever woken up in the morning with a sore jaw or aching row of teeth? If so you may be grinding or clenching your teeth in your sleep. Dental grinding and clenching is known as bruxism. Over time this habit wears down dental enamel and allows stains to accumulate in micro-cracks on the tooth’s surface.

Tobacco Use

Tobacco products—both chewing and smoking products—are responsible for some of the most extreme dental discoloration. One of the best ways to maintain the brilliant smile of your youth is to avoid tobacco.

Poor Dental Hygiene

Plaque and tartar can make your teeth appear brown or yellow. Proper at-home maintenance and semi-annual professional cleanings combat this discoloration.

As you can see there are many causes of dental discoloration. Even if you follow a diligent dental hygiene routine and avoid tobacco, it’s likely that you’ll find your smile dulls over time. The good news is that our Saint Louis cosmetic dentists can restore your white smile with professional in-office bleaching. Give us a call at (314) 332-1307 for more information.

It used to be that in order to treat sleep apnea, patients had to struggle with obstructive and cumbersome CPAP machine. Unfortunately, this meant that many patients ended up avoiding treatment for their conditions because they didn’t’ want to live with a CPAP.

The good news is that our Saint Louis sleep apnea dentists now offer an easy to use, effective alternative to traditional CPAP therapy. If you or someone you love has been struggling with a CPAP machine, or avoiding sleep apnea treatment all together, this could be the solution you’ve been waiting for.

How do these dental appliances work?

Sleep apnea breathing obstructions and snoring are caused when soft tissue blocks a patient’s airway. Sleep apnea dental appliances fit easily into the mouth, just like retainers or mouth guards, and support the soft tissue. Consequently, sleep apnea dental appliances maintain an open airway, so the patient can enjoy a restful, uninterrupted night’s sleep.

Do these appliances work?

Sleep apnea oral appliances are FDA-approved and highly effective. When you meet with out sleep apnea team, we will evaluate your current sleep apnea symptoms and determine if you are a candidate for a sleep apnea oral appliance. If you qualify we’ll create your dental appliance to custom-fit your mouth, and treat your specific sleep apnea dysfunction.

Many patients are thrilled with how quickly they see results. In just a matter of nights many sufferers find that they are sleeping better, and waking up in the morning with more energy.

We understand that the CPAP machine may not be the ideal sleep apnea solution for every patient. That’s why our Saint Louis sleep apnea dentists are committed to helping patients find sleep apnea solutions that work for them. Give us a call for more information or to schedule an appointment at (314) 332-1307.