Do I Need to Have My Wisdom Teeth Removed?

Wisdom Tooth Extraction

It’s a common misconception that everyone needs to have a wisdom tooth extraction. Our Bellevue dental clinic frequently removes wisdom teeth for many reasons, but these reasons don’t apply to everyone.

First of all, not everyone will even get their full set of wisdom teeth. Some people will only get a couple of the possible four wisdom teeth, and some lucky individuals will get none at all. These teeth generally erupt around the age of seventeen or eighteen, so if you’ve reached adulthood without seeing any additional molars in the back of your mouth, you’re probably in the clear.

Ask our Dentist at Overlake Dental

Of the people who do get wisdom teeth, not everyone will need to have them removed. It’s true that the average human mouth cannot accommodate a full set of thirty-two teeth, but there are exceptions.

You should always have your dentist evaluate your mouth to determine whether or not your wisdom teeth are coming in wrong, crowding your other teeth, or otherwise throwing off your bite. Only then will you know if you need to have your wisdom teeth extracted.

A Cleaner Tongue, Stronger Taste Buds!

Daily Dental Routine

Cleaning your tongue is an important part of your daily dental routine, just like flossing your teeth. Failing to clear away the plaque and detritus on your tongue is a good way to invite tooth decay and gum disease.

In case this is not enough to motivate you to get a proper tongue scraper, also consider the additional benefits that tongue scraping has for your dining experience. Just make sure you use proper tongue scraping and cleaning techniques. If you have trouble brushing your tongue, ask our Bellevue dentist about a tongue scraper.

Plaque and Bacteria on your Tongue

When you neglect to scrape your tongue, your taste buds aren’t able to do their job. You’re tasting your food through a thick layer of plaque and bacteria. Blocked taste buds also bring about false cravings and a reduced ability to enjoy your food. It is only by regularly cleaning your tongue that you can properly enjoy all of your favorite dishes and its flavors.

Overlake Dental in Bellevue

Make an appointment with us to learn more about proper tongue scraping and making it a part of your daily oral care routine.

How Do I Stop my Teeth from Staining?

What Stains Your Teeth?

When you need to get rid of the stains on your teeth, you can come into our Bellevue dental clinic for a whitening. But how can you keep your teeth from staining more in the future?

Unfortunately, tooth-staining substances abound in your daily diet, so much so that you can’t reasonably expect to avoid them all. Common food and drinks that stain your teeth include the following:

  • Tea. This is particularly true of dark colored teas, but even herbal white tea has the potential to erode your enamel and leave a stain upon your teeth.
  • Colorful sauces. These include tomato sauces, soy sauce, and curry.
  • Sodas and sports drinks.
  • Coffee.
  • Berries. The strong pigmentation present in the more colorful berries are also present in jellies, jams, juices, and the dark wines that are made from them.
  • Tobacco and other smokables.
  • Many colorful candies and sweets.

Try Changing Daily Habits

Obviously, this list represents not only a lot of common indulgences for many people, but also a lot of the healthiest substances you can put into your body. Therefore, instead of simply cutting them all out of your diet, consider some easy stain-fighting habits that can allow you to enjoy your favorites without dulling your smile.

Drink your more colorful drinks through a straw, and don’t let them linger among your teeth. Keep water handy as you partake of staining foods to help you rinse away pigments before they settle. And when all else fails, make a whitening appointment with Overlake Family Dental!

How Can I Stop Grinding My Teeth?

Is teeth-grinding causing pain or discomfort?

Try following these simple tips to reduce your grinding and spare yourself the grief of cracked or broken teeth and TMJ disorders:

  • A lot of grinding is caused by stress. Figure out the cause of your stress, and find a way to help yourself relax.
  • Pain in the teeth or jaw area can cause you to grind. Don’t wait to go to the dentist if you’re feeling pain.
  • Limit your intake of caffeine.
  • Avoid drinking alcohol.
  • If you’re in the habit of chewing items that are not food, like pens, bottle caps, or even gum, you’re training your jaw muscles to clench. This can contribute to grinding.
  • If you grind during the day, you can force your jaw muscles to relax by placing the tip of your tongue between your teeth.
  • If you grind while you sleep, try relaxing your jaw muscles before going to bed. You can do this by pressing a warm washcloth against your cheek for a few minutes.

Contact Bellevue Overlake Dental

If these tips don’t help or you’re more concerns with grinding your teeth, please contact Overlake Dental.

Why Do I Have Bad Breath?

Some people come to Overlake Dental with complaints of bad breath. Why do they have it? What can they do to stop it? Why does it persist, even though they brush and floss twice a day? It’s not an easy problem to get to the bottom of, as the source of your halitosis might not even be related to your teeth.

Poor Oral Hygiene

It’s true that poor oral hygiene is a big cause of bad breath, but if your teeth are clean and your breath refuses to follow suit, the problem likely goes deeper. Consider foods like garlic and onions, for example. You’re probably aware that these can stink up your mouth, but did you know that it takes more than brushing to get rid of the smell? This is because the odorous agents in garlic and onions travel through your bloodstream and end up in your lungs, where they’re able to foul up your breath at the source. If this is your problem, your only recourse may be to cut back on certain favorite foods.

Alternatively, bad breath may be indicative of an infection somewhere else in your body. If you’ve eliminated bad oral hygiene, garlic, and onions as the culprit, it may be time to see a doctor.