Headaches and Teeth

December 23, 2023  |  by admin  |  Blog
Headaches and Teeth | Birmigham Alabama Dentist

Headaches and Teeth! Did you know that many headaches are actually linked to your teeth? Bruxism is a term to describe the clenching and grinding of teeth. When a person clenches or grinds their teeth together, muscles that control the movement of the jaws become sore and painful.

The muscles (in particular the temporalis and masseter muscles) become very sore and cause painful tension-type headaches. Facial pain is also frequent symptom with bruxism.

Bruxism is sparked by stress, anxiety and bite abnormalities.

Headaches can be linked to your Teeth

Treatment can significantly reduce the frequency or severity of the headaches and/or facial pain. The most common form of treatment is a dental appliance that can control your bite and jaw position. This will help protect the teeth and distribute the forces of bruxism. Furthermore, it will ease the tension off of the muscles, and in some cases stop the bruxism habit all together.

Dental devices can really help the symptoms. Moreover, stress management and/or therapy can be very beneficial to get to the source of the problem. Also, check if the source is a bite abnormality.

Make dental visits a part of your lifestyle. We recommend to Maintain normal dental visits early on in life. Continuing dental visits throughout the early part of your life is a great way to start a good oral hygiene.

Hoover Alabama Parent’s Want To Know If Fluoride Is Bad For Toddlers

December 18, 2023  |  by admin  |  Blog
Hoover Alabama Dental Clinic

Hoover Alabama parent’s want to Know if Fluoride is bad for toddlers? The question whether fluoride toothpaste is safe for young children continues to circulate among parents and dentists.

The organization said parents can begin using a “smear” of fluoride toothpaste as soon as teeth begin to show. Why would the ADA change its mind after decades of a standard policy?

What does it mean for your children?

Hoover Alabama parent’s want to Know if Fluoride is bad for toddlers?

A Little Background on Fluoride

Fluoride is an effective way to prevent and even reverse the early signs of tooth decay. It makes the tooth structure stronger, so teeth are more resistant to acid attacks.

Many of us take in fluoride naturally through the water we drink.  However, not all parts of the country require that fluoride be part of the drinking water.  In addition, more families are choosing bottled water.  Bootle water in most cases does not contain fluoride like tap water does.

Groups like ADA have long recommended brushing teeth and seeing a dentist as early as age 1.  But parents tend to be undereducated in this area or they give in to toddlers who do not like brushing their teeth.

New Research on Fluoride

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, has long suggested the use of fluoride toothpaste as soon as teeth begin to show.

The change came after research showed an increase in cavities among preschool age children.  This was noted by the Centers for Disease Control. In some cases, the problem was so bad that children needed to be placed under general anesthesia.  These children had to have cavities filled in half of their baby teeth or more.

The hope is that introducing fluoride toothpaste into the equation earlier will help reduce the number of cavities in young children. The ADA recommends that children spit out the toothpaste after it’s applied to avoid developing fluorosis. This is a condition that results in a tooth’s enamel changing color due to too much fluoride exposure. Of course, this is easier said than done with a small child. Starting early and reinforcing good habits will help put them on a path toward success.

In some cases fluoride exposure has also been linked to ADHD and other neurological conditions when too much of it is ingested. Swallowing toothpaste here and there is not a big deal, but over time it could lead to more serious problems if the habit is not corrected.

What’s Best for Your Child

As far as fluoride, the key is finding the right balance between getting your child enough of it to prevent tooth decay and using so much that it puts him or her at risk for other issues.

Hoover Alabama Parent's Want To Know If Fluoride Is Bad For ToddlersBefore deciding on whether to start using fluoride toothpaste, you should understand how much fluoride your child is already getting. Do you have it in your drinking water? If you don’t know the answer to that question, a water test or call to your local water authority can help you find it.

Diet is another factor to consider. If your child enjoys soda or other sugary snacks, a little extra fluoride may be necessary to combat the effects sugar can have on young teeth.

If you are still in doubt, be sure to ask your dentist at your next checkup. Your dentist will examine your child’s teeth and take into consideration environmental factors before making an informed decision about whether you should begin using fluoride toothpaste with your toddler.

 

When Should You Take Your Wisdom Teeth Out

December 13, 2023  |  by admin  |  Blog
When Should You Take Your Wisdom Teeth Out

Wisdom teeth usually come in during your late teens to early twenties. Besides pain, when should you take your wisdom teeth out?

Signs You Need Your Wisdom Teeth Taken Out:

Not every patient experiences pain associated with the removal of their teeth. Sometimes a dentist will recommend pulling them based on your x-rays if the wisdom teeth will cause overcrowding or put excess pressure on the other teeth as they move.

How to know when to get your wisdom teeth pulled?

When overcrowding occurs, teeth that were once straight begin to shift. Shifted teeth can cause problems such as one tooth moving in front of another, gum issues, and even result in infections caused by trapped food.

  1. Pain is usually the first sign that your teeth are causing problems and will need to be pulled (extracted).
  2. Hot/cold sensitivity can be another indicator.
  3. Impacted teeth is another common issue from wisdom teeth coming in crooked. When there isn’t enough room in the mouth the teeth will commonly grow in on an angle and sometimes not in the same direction as the rest of your teeth. This usually results in tenderness, swelling, gum infections, and damage to surrounding teeth. When wisdom teeth are impacted, it is highly recommended to remove them as soon as possible. Impacted teeth are more likely to cause jaw issues and can cause other serious problems.

What Can I Expect With Wisdom Teeth Removal Surgery?

Wisdom tooth removal is a pretty common routine procedure at this point. If the teeth are impacted or require any cutting into the gums then an oral surgeon will usually perform the procedure.

After removal, the dentist will use surgical dental sutures to close the wound to allow for proper healing. You will also be given something to assist with pain and swelling, a mouth rinse, as well as special post-care instructions to help keep the wound clean and avoid infection.

Does Recovering From Surgery Take Long?

healing from any tooth removal can take some time. A diet consisting of soft foods or even liquids will be required for a couple days to avoid chewing on the area and to help with pain. You will need to ice the area for the first 48 hours or as needed for pain.

Should I whitening My Teeth?

December 8, 2023  |  by admin  |  Blog
Should I whitening My Teeth?

Should I whitening My Teeth? For a lot of us, we wish that our smiles were a little whiter. However, should i risk my health for a brighter smile?

Teeth whitening has come a long way over the decades and is for the most part, is considered safe. However, there are still some important factors to consider as you decide whether to start teeth whitening treatment.

Schedule Your Appointment Online!

Should I whitening My Teeth?

There are several factors of our modern lifestyles that actively work against our ability to maintain white teeth.

Here are a few of the common daily habits that can stain teeth:

  • Drinking coffee, tea, or other dark liquids that can leave stains
  • Smoking cigarettes or using other tobacco products that contain tar
  • Not brushing your teeth often enough, or not brushing thoroughly enough when you do
  • Tooth trauma or injury

Regardless of why your teeth are stained, at some point you will likely wonder whether to look into teeth whitening treatment in order to brighten up your smile. So, the decision really rests on your personal preference and the how you feel about your smile. We can assure you that professional teeth whitening methods are safe should you choose to do it.

Treatment Options

Once you’ve decided to move forward with whitening treatment, the next step is to decide whether to visit the dentist’s office or try an at-home solution. The main difference between these options is the amount of bleaching agent used.

As you might imagine, professionally trained dentists are able to use higher concentrations of peroxide for whitening treatments versus what is available for at-home use. However, with the higher dose comes the expertise of a trained professional so you can rest easy knowing that the treatment is being administered properly.

If you decide to have your local dentist administer the whitening treatment, rest assure that your dentist has the knowledge and expertise to administered properly.  If you are looking for a local dentist close by in Hoover Alabama to perform your teeth whitening, give Sampson Dentistry a call.  We would love to earn your business and keep you as a dental patient.

 

Are All Toothpastes Good

December 5, 2023  |  by admin  |  Blog
Are All Toothpaste Good?

You want to take care of your teeth, just like anyone. So, are all toothpaste good? One of the basic decisions you’ll face in safeguarding your teeth is which toothpaste to use.

Each day, the toothpaste you pick will clean your teeth and will have ramifications for years to come. Here’s a guide on which one you should use.

The Importance of Fluoride

Any good toothpaste will include other components to make it more effective. Fluoride is the most important one. In fact, it’s the primary reason tooth decay and cavities have declined dramatically over the past 50 years.

Fluoride counters this problem in two ways. It strengthens tooth enamel, the protective layer on the outside of your teeth, and that added strength makes your teeth less susceptible to chipping and cracking.

Schedule Your Appointment Online!

Other Toothpaste Components

Many toothpastes will also include artificial sweeteners. The minty taste that you associate with toothpaste isn’t a natural flavor. Manufacturers add saccharin and other ingredients to make the taste of toothpaste better.

Without it, the process of brushing your teeth wouldn’t feel as pleasant. If brushing your teeth left you with a bad taste in your mouth, it might reduce your desire to brush regularly. Toothpaste now comes in flavors as diverse as lemon, grape, and bubblegum to make them more appealing – not just for adults, but for children too.

 

Are All Toothpaste Good

Are All Toothpaste Good?

Now that you know the key components of toothpaste, you can pick the brand that’s right for you. If you’re a smoker or coffee drinker, you should choose a product with the highest amount of fluoride. Without a prescription, you’re looking for a brand that’s at least 1,000 parts per million (PPM). A product with the CDA Seal has received independent review and validation of its product claims.

If you’re someone with yellow teeth, you’ll want a brand with a higher number of silicates. A product that includes whitening will gradually alter the shade from yellow back to white. If cavities are a big issue, you want a product with special cavity-fighting power.

If you have a plaque problem, you can prevent tartar buildup with toothpastes that are specifically formulated to fight tartar. Finally, if you have sensitive gums and/or teeth, the best product is one that treats the underlying problem of sensitivity.

No matter the problem, simply consider your needs and choose the correct toothpaste.

When Do You Take Out Wisdom Teeth

December 1, 2023  |  by admin  |  Blog
Hoover Alabama Dental Clinic

Wisdom teeth are our third set of molars that usually come in during your late teens to early twenties. Over time our jaws have shrunk, leaving little room for the extra row of teeth, which is why they can cause pain and need to be extracted. So, when do you take out wisdom teeth?

Signs You Need Your Wisdom Teeth Taken Out:

Not every patient experiences pain associated with their wisdom teeth. Sometimes a dentist will recommend pulling them based on your x-rays if the wisdom teeth will cause overcrowding or put excess pressure on the other teeth as they move.

When overcrowding occurs, teeth that were once straight begin to shift. Shifted teeth can cause problems such as one tooth moving in front of another, gum issues, and even result in infections caused by trapped food.

Pain is usually the first sign that your wisdom teeth are causing problems and will need to be pulled (extracted). The pain is typically a dull, aching pain in the jaw. Certain foods that require more chewing like meats and root vegetables can make the pain worse when chewing.

Hot/cold sensitivity can be another indicator.

Impacted teeth is another common issue from wisdom teeth coming in crooked. When there isn’t enough room in the mouth the teeth will commonly grow in on an angle and sometimes not in the same direction as the rest of your teeth. This usually results in tenderness, swelling, gum infections, and damage to surrounding teeth. When wisdom teeth are impacted, it is highly recommended to remove them as soon as possible. Impacted teeth are more likely to cause jaw issues and can cause other serious problems.

Sedation Dentistry Hoover AL

November 30, 2023  |  by admin  |  Blog
Sedation Dentistry Hoover Alabama

Nervous or highly fearful patients can receive the treatment they need in a low-stress. relaxed state thorough the use of sedation dentistry Hoover AL.

Sedation Dentistry Hoover AL

Many Americans avoid seeing a dentist because of anxiety and fear.  This can have serious consequences for their dental health and overall quality of life.  The practice offers  oral conscious sedation as an option for patients who are very anxious during dental treatment or who need to undergo long procedures.

Sedation Dentistry Hoover AL

How Oral Conscious Sedation Works

With oral conscious sedation, the patient takes a pill that induces a highly relaxed state.  The patient is awake and aware of their surroundings and can follow instructions from the dentist.  Because the pill is taken several hours before the appointment and takes a little while  to wear off, the patient will need someone to drive them to the dentist’s office and back again after the appointment.  Using oral conscious sedation, Dr. Sampson has helped many patients comfortably get the treatment they need.

Most commonly the result of very bad past experience(s), dental phobia ranks in the top 3 phobias in adults. Other contributing factors to dental anxieties are feelings of loss of control, embarrassment, needles, the drill and dental smells.

When you walk through our doors, you will not even feel like you’re at the dentist. Dental anxiety is an all-too real problem for many and our aim is to make your visit as comfortable and stress-free as possible.

Schedule Your Appointment Online!

Hoover Dental Implants And Local Dentists Nearby

November 28, 2023  |  by admin  |  Blog
Dental Implants And Skilled Dentists Hoover Alabama

In the past, not all patients were able to take advantage of Hoover dental implants and local dentists nearby. With recent advances in implant and bone grating technologies, dental implants can be used for most cases of missing teeth.

Also, dental implants are the modern solution for replacing missing teeth.  With implants, patients can have the beauty and function of natural teeth.

Dental Implants And Skilled Dentists Nearby

Dr. Sampson utilizes latest technology to make the procedure minimal invasive.  In addition, he has extensive training in every step of treatment and has successfully completed many implant treatments.

Hoover dental implants and local dentists nearby

Full Implant Services

Dr. Sampson and his staff have the experience and technology necessary to provide all phases of implant treatment.  This means that Dr. Sampson’s patients can receive their implants and quality new teeth right in the office.

Experienced Dentists

While Dr. Sampson is highly trained in dental implant treatment, he continues to stay current with the latest developments in dental technology in order to provide the best possible treatment to his clients.

Affordable Dental Treatment

Providing the entire treatment in one office visit makes it more economical for patients.  The Doctors keep implant pricing simple and affordable.

What Is A Dental Implant?

  • Artificial Tooth
  • Gum
  • Jawbone
  • Implant

Benefits Of Dental Implants

Moreover, implants look, act and feel like natural teeth.  In addition, people usually do not notice any difference.  Implants are the strongest and longest-lasting replacements for missing teeth.  As we know already, implants let you talk and chew just like with natural teeth.  Implants don’t require alteration to the structure of adjacent teeth, as with dental bridges.

Furthermore, implants preserve bone in the jaw and prevent the unattractive facial sagging and loss of structure that occurs, over time, with dentures.

Schedule Your Appointment Online!

Choosing The Right Dentist In Hoover Alabama

November 25, 2023  |  by admin  |  Blog
Choosing The Right Dentist in Hoover Alabama

It is vital that the patient and family members feel comfortable with choosing the right dentist in Hoover Alabama.  This will greatly help in following the oral care advice from a dentist you respect.  It doesn’t hurt to help you keep appointments from a dentist who you prefer and respect.

A Thing to Remember

When looking for the right dentist, bear in mind that dental care is quite personal.  It is not advisable to choose a dentist just because he/she is recommended by a friend, or neighbor.  It is important to do some careful research and choose the right dentist from the beginning.

Factors to Consider when Choosing the Right Dentist

  • Observe if the office is welcoming and friendly. Consider if the dentist clearly discusses the treatments and procedures in a manner that the patient can fully understand.
  • It is better if the dentist’s clinic or office is located nearby the patient’s place or work office. It is also essential for a patient to take into consideration if the dentist’s office hours can accommodate his/her schedule.
  • Choose a dentist who is a certified member of the ADA (American Dental Association).
  • Consider if the dentist takes dental insurance. Obtain information with regards to costs and payment plans prior dental procedures and treatments being scheduled and performed.

What a Patient Must Know

Choosing The Right Dentist In Hoover AlabamaMake a careful assessment after a dentist appointment.  At the time of initial visit, observe the dentist office to ensure it’s orderly, neat and clean. Observe if the dental staff members are friendly and helpful. Consider if these people handle the patient’s dental and medical history with much care and if the office is child-friendly.

Schedule Your Appointment Online!

Are Dental X-Rays Ok For Children Living In Birmingham Alabama

November 24, 2023  |  by admin  |  Blog
Are Dental X-Rays Ok For Children

Dental x-rays are a common diagnostic procedure for children going to the dentist. X-rays are extremely safe.  So, are dental x-rays ok for children living in Birmingham Alabama?

Hence, if you’re concerned about whether your child needs dental x-rays, it might be helpful to dive a little deeper into what dental x-rays involve.  Moreover, if your wondering if your child should forego this procedure its always best to consult with your personal dentist.

When x-rays are taking correctly with the necessary safety precautions in place, there’s very little cause for concern with children.

Are Dental X-Rays Ok For Children?

are dental x-rays ok for children living in Birmingham Alabama

Many parents are concerned about the impact of dental x-rays on children. Children are more sensitive to radiation. Dental research shows that the amount of radiation in a dental x-ray is considered safe for a child. As children’s jaws and teeth are continuously changing, it’s important to keep an eye on their development. These x-rays perform many important purposes for young patients. They help dentists to:

  • Make sure the mouth is large enough to accommodate incoming teeth
  • Monitor the development of wisdom teeth
  • Determine whether primary teeth are loosening properly to accommodate new permanent teeth
  • Identify decay and gum disease early

It’s important for children to visit the dentist regularly, and to get x-rays as recommended by the dentist. The exact schedule for these x-rays will vary depending on the child’s individual needs.

Schedule Your Appointment Online!